The Andrews Labor Government today announced a review of Victoria’s long service leave arrangements under the Long Service Leave Act 1992, to determine whether they meet the needs of our modern workplaces.

The review will examine whether the existing arrangements meet the expectations of the community, or can be made fairer for women and people with parental responsibilities, part-time and casual employees, as well as simpler for employers to administer.

In announcing the review, Minister for Industrial Relations Natalie Hutchins also released a discussion paper on the current long service leave arrangements to seek public views on possible areas of improvement.

Our long service leave laws were based on the need for people to return to the United Kingdom, and some existing arrangements have not been used since the 1960’s.

The nature of work has fundamentally changed, and our laws need to keep pace.

While the Federal Liberal Government refuses to rule out changes to penalty rates, the Labor Government will ensure entitlements such as long service leave aren’t eroded as a result of the shifting way in which we work.

The review will be conducted by the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources. Members of the public, unions, employers and peak bodies are encouraged to participate.

The discussion paper can be found at http://economicdevelopment.vic.gov.au/corporate-governance/legislation-and-regulation/long-service-leave-act-1992

Members of the public can send their comments and questions to lsl.yoursay@ecodev.vic.gov.au by 1 April 2016.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations Natalie Hutchins

“Long service leave arrangements, like other workplace rights and responsibilities, should meet the needs of our modern workplaces.”

“While our long service leave arrangements have worked well, they can be made fairer, easier to understand, and easier to apply.”

“During the 2014 election Labor committed to undertake a review of Victoria’s long service leave laws and today the Andrews Labor Government is delivering on that election commitment.”

“I invite all Victorians to have a say in how our long service leave laws should meet the needs of the modern workplace .”