On 2 July 2026 the Australian Parliament passed the Coal Mining Industry (Long Service Leave) Legislation Amendment Bill 2025. The Bill varies the legislation that regulates the operation of the coal mining industry long service leave scheme (CLSL Scheme). Employers are required to pay a levy of 2.7% on the eligible wages of employees covered by the scheme.

The Bill provides 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 six 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.

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 without delay. Members are urged to contact Australian Industry Group for assistance from our national team of workplace relations lawyers.