Wage Inspectorate Victoria (WIV) helped Victorian workers reclaim more than $1.1 million in long service leave entitlements in the 2024–25 financial year, marking a nearly 40% increase from the previous year.
These repayments were the result of 133 investigations into long service leave underpayments, benefiting workers across industries and employment types.
WIV also plays a key role in educating the community and enforcing laws around child employment, long service leave, and obligations for owner drivers, forestry contractors, hirers and freight brokers.
WIV reached over 6.7 million people through strategic communications and its front-line services responded to more than 10,000 enquiries– providing practical advice, information and support to workers and businesses alike.
Driving compliance
In matters before the court, WIV led key prosecutions against major companies like CommSec, BankWest, and Donut King.
WIV remains firmly committed to ensuring fairer conditions for workers and a level playing field for businesses.
In the 2024–25 financial year, WIV's compliance monitoring activities included:
- 280 child employment compliance activities
- 556 child employment licences issued
- Monitoring of 1,300 licences covering the employment of nearly 5,000 children under 15
- 434 audits of engagements involving owner drivers and forestry contractors
Quotes attributable to Robert Hortle PSM, Commissioner of Wage Inspectorate Victoria
"Recovering over $1.1 million in long service leave entitlements is more than a financial milestone—it's a powerful reminder that every worker in Victoria deserves to be treated fairly and paid what they're owed."
"Most employers out there are already doing the right thing – and we have a range of free tools, resources and information to help".
"Whether you're a full-time worker in finance, a casual employee in retail, or driving freight, your entitlements matter. We're here to ensure the laws are understood and followed."
"Education is just as critical as enforcement. By reaching millions of Victorians, we're helping build a culture of compliance—where businesses understand their obligations and workers know their rights."
Background on Victoria's Long Service Leave Act
The Long Service Leave Act 2018 is a Victorian law that provides long service leave for employees who have worked continuously with one employer for at least 7 years. It applies to work that is:
- full time
- part time
- casual
- seasonal
- fixed term.
After at least 7 years' continuous employment with one employer, an employee is entitled to take their long service leave and be paid any unused long service leave entitlement when their employment ends.
Most Victorian employees will be covered by and entitled to long service leave in accordance with the Act, unless they have a long service leave entitlement from another source, such as under other legislation, a registered agreement, award or another law.
