Coal Mining Industry (Long Service Leave) Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Wednesday 26 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations moved the second reading of the bill, which aims to resolve legacy disputes regarding long service leave entitlements in the black coal mining industry. The legislation establishes a pathway for employers to settle historical levy debts through instalments over six years, with a waiver of the remaining 20 per cent of the debt upon reaching 80 per cent payment. The measure seeks to ensure eligible workers receive their full entitlements while providing financial sustainability for employers facing significant liabilities. The debate was adjourned without further speeches recorded in the provided transcript.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Tuesday 10 March 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned amendments to the coal long service leave scheme to resolve historical levy debts arising from legal uncertainty regarding employer coverage. Speakers from both the government and opposition supported the bill, which established a voluntary pathway for eligible employers to repay 80 per cent of outstanding levies over six years while waiving the remaining 20 per cent. The legislation also updated penalty rates for late payments to align with Reserve Bank of Australia benchmarks and allowed for reasonable assumptions regarding missing historical records. All participants emphasized the need to protect worker entitlements and ensure the financial integrity of the scheme.

   Outcome: Debate adjourned.

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3. Monday 23 March 2026 · Senate

   Report from Committee
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4. Thursday 28 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Consideration in Detail

   The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations moved 21 amendments to the bill to refine its operation based on inquiry feedback. The changes aimed to provide flexibility for employers regarding opt-in timeframes, allow reasonable assumptions for missing historical records, and prevent double payment for long service leave already covered by other instruments. The amendments were designed to remove barriers to employer participation while ensuring workers received their entitlements. The House agreed to the amendments and passed the bill.

   Outcome: The amendments were agreed to and the bill, as amended, was passed.

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5. Thursday 28 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned amendments to the Coal Long Service Leave Scheme to address historical unpaid levies in the black coal mining industry. The Liberal member supported the bill as a practical measure to prevent business insolvency and protect jobs by allowing staged repayments and partial waivers. The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations endorsed the legislation, highlighting its role in ensuring fairness for workers and certainty for employers. The Minister also announced that the government would move amendments to address committee recommendations regarding opt-in timeframes, historical records, and double payments.

   Outcome: The Minister announced that amendments would be moved to address committee recommendations before the bill proceeded.

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6. Thursday 28 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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