The Federal Government has introduced the Coal Mining Industry (Long Service Leave) Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 (Bill) into Parliament to vary the legislation that regulates the operation of the coal mining industry long service leave scheme (CLSL Scheme).  Employers covered by the CLSL Scheme are required to pay a levy of 2.7% on the eligible wages of employees covered by the scheme.

When passed by Parliament, the Bill will provide a voluntary mechanism for employers with historical levy liabilities to obtain some relief from historical levy debts. The relief includes a timeframe of up to 6 years over which historical levy debts can be paid, the waiving of additional levy (which operates like penalty interest), and the remission of 20% of the levy debt once 80% of the debt has been paid.

Many employers that provide services to coal mining companies have historical levy debts, due to the uncertainty that has existed regarding the coverage of the CLSL Scheme, particularly businesses that provide maintenance services on coal mining sites.

Australian Industry Group was heavily involved in the Government’s lengthy consultation process which resulted in the development of the Bill. We worked hard to achieve the best possible outcome for members. It is likely that the Bill will be passed by Parliament in early 2026.

There is a limited window of time for employers who wish to access the relief provided for in the legislation. Therefore, it is essential for these employers to start preparing the necessary information to access the relief, without delay. Members should not wait until the Bill has been passed by Parliament. Members are urged to contact Australian Industry Group for assistance from our national team of workplace relations lawyers.

An online Member Briefing on the Bill and related issues concerning the CLSL Scheme will be in early December. An invitation to the briefing will be distributed shortly.