July 2, 2026
Passage of long service leave reforms through the Senate today will deliver long-overdue certainty for coal workers and their families, the Mining and Energy Union said.
The reforms mean more coal industry workers will receive the long service leave provisions they are entitled to and don’t miss out because of the corporate structure or primary business of their employer.
The new legislation follows Federal Court clarification that eligibility for the portable industry scheme depends on the work performed at a coal mine and that workers who spend a majority of their working time on coal mines should be covered.
MEU General President Grahame Kelly thanked parliamentarians for backing the changes.
“For too long, some workers have missed out on the full recognition of their service because of loopholes and uncertainty around how the Coal Long Service Leave Scheme operated.
“There are many workers on mine sites who have missed out on long service leave entitlements because of the company logo on their shirt; or have been forced to defend service they had already earned because of uncertainty in the scheme.
“These reforms provide clarity, close loopholes and ensure workers can access their entitlements without unnecessary disputes.
“Long service leave recognises years of hard work and commitment in one of Australia’s toughest industries. It provides valuable time for workers to spend with their families, recover from the demands of the job and enjoy the benefits they have earned.”
Mr Kelly said the reforms demonstrated what could be achieved when government, unions and industry worked together to address a longstanding problem.
“We welcome the Albanese Government’s commitment to ensuring coal workers receive what they are owed and the Parliament’s support for these reforms.
“Union coal miners fought for this scheme more than seventy years ago and we will always right to defend and strengthen it.”