Objectives and achievements

Our objectives

The Authority’s primary objectives are to:

Fulfil our legislative obligations by effectively administering and supporting compliance with the Long Service Portability Act 2018 (Vic).
Implement effective responsible budget and investment strategies which grow levy funds and deliver long-term sustainability.
Be clear, consistent, transparent and responsive in our stakeholder communications which encourages registration, levy payments and ensures that eligible workers and employers are aware of their rights and obligations.
Maintain a healthy and safe workplace with a culture that encourages engaged, resilient and solution-focused staff.
Implement an innovative, secure, resilient and integrated information technology environment that supports effective operations now and in the future.
Protect the long-term interests of the Authority through effective regulation using governance, strategic risk management and clear policies and procedures.

The Authority has developed a set of initiatives and activities to support these objectives that will enable it to monitor the progress of key activities within the Authority. Performance measures are published within the Authority’s Corporate Plan 2019–20.

Achievements

Key achievements of the Authority since commencement of operations include:

The appointment of the Governing Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Authority.
Staff employed by Industrial Relations Victoria and the completion of extensive training in the legislation and Regulations of the Scheme.
The setting of the employer levy by the Governing Board for each of the community services, contract cleaning and security industries.
Putting into place effective systems and processes to support core operations of the Authority including key policies and procedures to enable good governance and strong controls.
Communicating effectively with stakeholders to ensure that information is available for those affected by the new Scheme.
Publishing the Authority’s first Corporate Plan for 2019–20 which has set a range of operational performance measures that will allow success to be measured.
Establishment of the Authority’s head office in Bendigo and the fit-out of the space.

The Authority has supported the initiative to grow jobs in the region by recruiting from the talented pool of staff, and using suppliers that are available from the local area where possible. From 1 July 2019, the Authority had a dedicated workforce comprising well-trained customer service operators based in our Bendigo offices, each of whom are eager to play their part in supporting this important initiative.

Spotlight on information sessions

Early in the new financial year, the Authority hosted over 55 information sessions across Victoria to help inform eligible employers of the new Portable Long Service Benefits Scheme in Victoria. At these sessions, members of the public met the Authority’s Education Officers who provided guidance on the Scheme, the registration process and submission of quarterly returns.

Portland

Where was the event held?	The newly refurbished Portland Library on 28 August 2019.
What was the event designed to achieve?	To inform employers of the new Portable Long Service Benefits Scheme in Victoria and assist eligible employers to register their business with the Authority, as well as guide them through how to submit a quarterly return. It also provided the opportunity to educate employers on determining eligibility of their workers.
Who attended the event?	Attendees were from the community services industry who were keen to provide portability of long service leave to their workers.
What were the main things people attending the event were interested in?	Topics included usability of the employer portal, the type of information required, when first quarterly returns would be due and what happens to money paid into the fund when a worker leaves the industry for more than 4 years. There was also discussion around eligible workers and staff providing corporate services.
What feedback did people give you about the session?	The groups were happy with the information provided and were encouraged to reach out to the Authority for further support moving forward.

Echuca

Where was the event held?	A function centre in Echuca’s famous Port precinct, on 5 September 2019.
What was the event designed to achieve?	To educate employers about the new Portable Long Service Benefits Scheme and ensure that they have a strong understanding of their responsibilities under it, as well as the benefits applicable to their workers.
Who attended the event?	Attendees were from the community services and contract cleaning industries.
What were the main things people attending the event were interested in?	Attendees were keen to get a better understanding of the impacts of the Scheme on their organisations.
What feedback did people give you about the session?	Feedback from attendees was generally positive.
What was the highlight of the session?	Seeing the ‘aha’ moment in the eyes of the community services workers when they realised how the provisions worked.
As a Customer Service Officer with the PLSA, how do you feel about being out in the community speaking to people about the new Portable Long Service Benefits Scheme?	It was great to get out in to the community, meet people in the regions who will be part of the Scheme, and share our knowledge with them.

Updated 28 October 2019