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

Conroy argued that the bill ensured coal miners could access lawful long service leave entitlements regardless of employer changes. Conroy highlighted that the legislation incentivised compliance by allowing debt repayment over six years and waiving 20 per cent of liabilities to encourage participation. Conroy noted that the bill allowed reasonable assumptions for missing records older than seven years, preventing workers from being excluded due to incomplete documentation. Conroy referenced the Hitachi and Orica court cases as catalysts for the reform and praised the government's commitment to worker rights.

McCormack supported the bill as essential for protecting the rights of coal miners, who contribute significantly to Australia's electricity supply and exports. McCormack argued that the legislation offered a voluntary route for employers to settle past debts, balancing worker interests with business viability. McCormack noted that the Australian Industry Group warned of potential insolvencies without such reforms. McCormack emphasised the economic importance of the coal industry and urged bipartisan support to ensure the bill passed the Senate.

Swanson argued that the bill addressed fairness issues where workers were denied entitlements due to disputes over employer coverage. Swanson cited an example of a worker whose leave entitlements increased significantly after legal recognition of his service. Swanson highlighted that the bill allowed reasonable assumptions for missing records and introduced a streamlined onboarding pathway to reduce processing times. Swanson also noted the correction of a technical defect in the additional levy rate by linking it to the Reserve Bank of Australia's cash rate.

French explained that the bill addressed historical levy liabilities arising from litigation regarding the scope of the long service leave scheme. French argued that the amendments provided a structured pathway for employers to resolve debts while ensuring workers' service was properly recognised. French noted that the legislation allowed for reasonable assumptions where historical records were incomplete, preventing workers from losing entitlements. French emphasised that the bill strengthened the compliance framework by updating the additional levy rate to reflect current interest rates.

Repacholi argued that the bill fixed legacy issues in the long service leave scheme, ensuring workers received entitlements they had lawfully earned. Repacholi stated that the 20 per cent debt waiver did not reduce worker entitlements but was funded by the scheme to incentivise employer compliance. Repacholi highlighted that the bill allowed reasonable assumptions for missing records, preventing workers from being penalised for lost paperwork. Repacholi shared an anecdote of a tradie who faced significant hurdles in proving his service, illustrating the need for the reforms.

Garland argued that the bill ensured workers received full entitlements despite historical disputes over employer coverage. Garland noted that the legislation established a time-limited pathway for employers to resolve debts over six years, with a 20 per cent waiver to encourage participation. Garland emphasised that the waiver did not affect worker entitlements and that the bill allowed for simplified calculations where records were incomplete. Garland highlighted that the reforms were developed in consultation with industry and unions to maintain confidence in the scheme.

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Holzberger supported the bill, citing personal connections to mining communities and the economic significance of coal in Queensland. Holzberger argued that portable long service leave is essential for workers who move between employers and that such protections require parliamentary action rather than just workplace negotiations. Holzberger noted that while coal demand is declining, the industry remains vital to the economy and communities like Logan. Holzberger emphasised that the bill reflects Labor's commitment to a just transition and protecting workers' rights.

Claydon argued that long service leave is a recognition of loyalty and hard work, not a perk, and is crucial for the wellbeing of coalminers. Claydon stated the bill strengthens the scheme's financial stability and governance, ensuring entitlements are protected for workers in the Hunter region. Claydon contrasted Labor's legislative support for workers with the opposition's record, which she described as undermining workers' rights. Claydon commended the bill for delivering fairness and security to mining communities.

Burnell explained that the bill addresses disputes over employer coverage and missing historical records that prevented workers from accessing leave. Burnell detailed provisions allowing reasonable assumptions to reconstruct service histories where records are incomplete or lost. Burnell noted the bill offers employers a voluntary pathway to repay historical levy debts over six years, with a 20 per cent waiver for those who participate. Burnell also highlighted the update to the additional levy rate, linking it to the Reserve Bank of Australia's cash rate to improve compliance.

Georganas emphasised the dangerous and demanding nature of mining work, arguing that workers deserve security for their years of service. Georganas supported the bill's measures to resolve historical levy debts and simplify compliance for employers, including the option to pay instalments with partial waivers. Georganas stated that the legislation ensures workers are not penalised for missing paperwork or past employer disputes. Georganas concluded that the reforms restore faith in the system and honour the contributions of miners.