Services Handbook - Incolink · Ralph Edwards Ralph has been a board member since January 2016. He is the President of the Construction and General Division of the Construction, Forestry,

ServicesHandbook

Services HandbookExclusive Services. Great Benefits.

Updated March 2018

IMPORTANT

Please note that while every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in the guide at the time of publishing, it does not purport to contain all the information that may be relevant to the matters contained in it, and the information provided is provided as a matter of interest only.

No liability attaches to Incolink in relation to any statement made, expressly or implied in this brochure. All statutory or implied conditions and warranties are excluded to the extent permitted by law. A reader of this brochure should not rely on its contents but should obtain further information in relation to any product or services provided.

COPYRIGHT

This work is copyright and apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior permission from Incolink.

Incolink was established in 1988 as the industry redundancy scheme to support workers between jobs.

As well as managing funds for workers, Incolink supports the industry with a range of benefits and services.

Phone: (03) 9639 3000 Website: incolink.org.au Address: 1 Pelham Street, Carlton VIC 3053

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Welcome to Incolink 4

Incolink Board of Directors & Management

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Redundancy Benefits 8

Building & Construction Industry Accident & Illness Benefits Program

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Member Services 27

Employer Association and Industry Union Representation

32-35

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Welcome to Incolink. It is a great pleasure to bring you this Services Handbook, as its content is a reflection of the progressive, productive and vibrant industry we work in.

We are committed to helping workers through the tough times as this dynamic industry can be challenging. Everything from irregular work patterns to health and safety issues can mean workers need a range of supports throughout their career.

Established in 1988, Incolink protects redundancy benefits and provides a range of benefits and services for workers in the building and construction industry.

Welcome to Incolink

4 Services Handbook

You can depend on IncolinkIncolink provides a range of valuable benefits and services for worker members.

4 Redundancy funds for when workers are between jobs

4 Employment assistance

4 Incolink provides a range of insurance covers to workers should they suffer an accident or illness outside working hours, which prevents them from working

4 Ambulance, dental and leisure time insurance

4 Health and Skin Checks on site

4 24/7 Counselling and support services for workers with gambling, financial, workplace and personal problems

4 Industry specific drug and alcohol programs

4 Career counselling and training

4 Support for apprentices and young workers

Understanding your industryIncolink is managed by people who understand the commercial building and construction industry.

Our eleven-member Board comprises an Independent Chairman and employer and union representatives, plus an Independent non-voting Director. A number of Advisory Committees are drawn from key industry groups who also provide specialist advice and assistance to the Board.

The Incolink Board of Directors works hard to protect the interests of members. As an organisation, Incolink is constantly looking for ways to improve our service, so you get the very best from the Fund. Building security into redundancy is our commitment to members.

Dan O’Brien Chief Executive, Incolink

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Robert WhitwellRobert has been a Director since 2002. He is Managing Director of the Whitwell Group, trading as Project Development Consultants and is a Past President of the Master Builders Association of Victoria (MBAV).

Brian BoydBrian has been a Director since 1992. He is the immediate past Secretary of the Victorian Trades Hall Council and Convenor of the Building Industry Group of Unions (BIG).

Earl SetchesEarl is the State and Federal Secretary of the PTEU. Earl is also Chair of the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre and Indigenous Plumbing and Sanitation Foundation.

Ralph EdwardsRalph has been a board member since January 2016. He is the President of the Construction and General Division of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) Victoria/Tasmania branch.

Brian Welch Independent ChairmanBrian was a Director from 1998-2016. He became Chairman in 2017. He is a past Executive Director of the Master Builders Association Victoria (MBAV).

Hedley DavisHedley has been a Director since 2012. Hedley is an experienced executive with over 25 years of senior management experience in the Building, Civil Infrastructure, and Mining Services sectors. He is immediate Past President of the Master Builders Association of Victoria (MBAV) and also sits on the National Board of the Master Builders Association (MBA).

Incolink Board of Directors

6 Services Handbook

Michael O’Neill Independent DirectorMichael is an Incolink Independent non-voting Director. Michael has senior finance executive experience with NAB and KPMG and is an experienced non-executive director.

Noel Washington Non Executive DirectorNoel worked in the metal and construction industry for 10 years before he became a Union Official for 25 years with FEDFA and CFMEU where he held the Senior Vice-President position. Noel has been a Director since 2017.

Dan O’Brien, Chief ExecutiveDan has been Incolink Chief Executive since 2014. Dan has a wealth of experience from past senior roles in both the private and public sectors.

Chief Executive – Dan O’BrienChief Financial Officer – Niall KeaneGeneral Manager, Member Experience - Claire HayesGeneral Manager, Member Wellbeing & Support - Patricia McCourt General Counsel - Tri Duc Nguyen General Manager, Marketing & Business Development - Kevin Lillie

Radley de Silva Non Executive DirectorRadley became CEO of the Master Builders Association of Victoria (MBAV) in August 2013. Prior to this Radley held the position of Deputy Executive Director of the Master Builders Association of Victoria since 2001. Radley became a Director of Incolink in July 2016.

Ken Gardner Ken Gardner has held the position of CEO at Master Plumbers since 2009 and is a Director of Master Plumbers Australia Ltd, the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre and the World Plumbing Council.

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“It’s a worry not knowing where your next pay cheque is coming from; but thanks to Incolink, I know I’ve got financial support when I need it most.”Matt, Glazier

In this section:Worker Accounts 10

Claims 11

- Severance Account 11

- Initial Claim 11

- Balance of Funds Claim 13

- Apprentice Claims 14

- Genuine Redundancy Claims 15

- Cooling off period 16

RedundancyBenefits

8 Services Handbook 8 Services Handbook

Incolink administers two approved worker redundancy funds:Fund Number 1

For Building Construction/Contracting Industry workers.

Fund Number 2

For Metal Construction/Contracting, Engineering Construction/Contracting and Labour Hire Industries.

How Incolink works

Employers make monthly redundancy contribution payments to Incolink on behalf of their workers. The payments are made monthly in arrears and are dependant upon the number of weeks worked on a commercial construction site, during the monthly invoice period.

The funds created by these contributions provide redundancy payments and a range of other benefits and services to construction industry workers.

The amount employers contribute for workers is set down in an Industrial Instrument and the Fund Trust Deed.

Employers will continue contributing to a worker’s account if they are on:

• Annual leave

• Sick leave

• Long service leave

• WorkCover (Redundancy and portable sick leave contributions are paid for the first 12 months only)

Employers will NOT contribute to a worker’s account if they are:

• On unpaid leave for five (5) consecutive days in one week (Mon-Fri); or

• Stood down because of an industrial dispute.

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Worker AccountsWorkers are now able to select how their redundancy funds are treated. Funds can be held in either;

• An Incolink Severance Account is the default account for Incolink worker members and provides access to funds for workers if their employment is terminated for any reason. Severance termination payments are taxed at the relevant ETP tax rate. For more information go to ato.gov.au.

• An Incolink Genuine Redundancy Account (GRA) enables workers to claim a genuine redundancy payment if their employment is terminated because their position is made genuinely redundant. Your GRA payments will be taxed at the relevant GRA tax rates. For more information go to ato.gov.au.

Other situations where payments from an Incolink GRA may be claimed include permanent disability and death.

To select an Incolink GRA, workers will need to complete the Incolink Genuine Redundancy Account Application Form. To obtain a copy of this form please contact Incolink or download it from incolink.org.au. Once a GRA application has been received and processed Incolink will confirm the GRA start date.

Incolink recommend you seek independent advice before selecting a Genuine Redundancy Account.

Casual employees are ineligible to apply for an Incolink Genuine Redundancy Account due to the nature of the terms of their employment.

Access your account using WorkerLink. Go to incolink.org.au to check your balance and make a claim.

10 Services Handbook

Claims

Severance Account

When a worker commences employment on a commercial construction site within Victoria, their severance payments will be automatically placed into an Incolink Severance Account.

Upon termination workers are eligible to make an Initial Claim to Incolink.

The Initial Claim, less tax, will be paid into the worker’s bank account or a cheque posted to the workers postal address.

The amount will not exceed the maximum initial benefit as prescribed in the Trust Deeds, as adjusted on 1 October each year, or the balance of the account if the amount held is less than the maximum initial benefit.

When can I make a claim?

Initial ClaimA worker can claim their initial benefit when they become unemployed.

A claim is made by:

a) logging into WorkerLink, select ‘My Claims’ and complete the steps to lodge a claim. Access WorkerLink at incolink.org.au,or;

b) completing the Initial Claim Form and forwarding it to Incolink via fax, mail, email or in person to the Incolink office.

An employer must confirm termination by one of the following methods:

a) Logging into EmployerLink and terminate the worker for Incolink to process the claim.

b) Completing the Confirmation of Termination section of the claim form by an authorised officer of the company and bearing the company stamp/seal.

InitialClaim FormConfirmation of TerminationThis section should be completed by the Employer

The following people are only authorised to sign this claim form

on behalf of the employer.• A current director of the company• A partner of the business• An authorised contact for the business registered with Incolink.

Confirmation of termination will only be accepted in the form of

one of the following:• Termination details provided to Incolink through Incolink web based

portal, EmployerLink• A Separation Certificate signed by an authorised officer as listed

above and bearing the company seal or stamp

• A letter from the employer on company letterhead signed by an

authorised officer as listed above, confirming the employee’s date of

termination• Completion of the section below which is to be signed by an

authorised officer of the company as listed above. The company seal

or stamp also needs to be affixed in the section provided at the

bottom of the form. If you have any questions or require any assistance, please

contact our office and have your Incolink Member Number ready.

Workers Request for Initial PaymentTo be completed by the Worker

Incolink Member No.

Name of WorkerWorker’s Address

Postcode

Mobile Number

Date of birth / /

Your Tax File No / /

(please supply your personal 9-digit Tax File Number)

It is not against the law for you to not give Incolink your tax file

number. However, tax will be deducted at the withholding tax rate if you

do not give your tax file number. I understand that the initial redundancy benefit to be paid by

incolink will be the amount in my account at today’s date, but not

exceeding the maximum initial benefit amount as adjusted on 1

October each year (less tax at the rate determined by the

Australian Taxation Office)Preferred Payment OptionI wish to receive my payment by: Paid directly into my Bank Account via EFT

(Complete Electronic Funds Transfer section overleaf) Cheque posted following dayI,

(Worker’s name in full)hereby request Incolink to pay my initial redundancy benefit which l am

entitled to claim upon termination from my employer.Signed

Date / /

Full Name

Position

Date / /

Company Seal or Stamp to be affixed below

Signed on behalf of the Employer by

Name of Employer Company

Employer No. Termination Date / / Reason Employment terminated

Shorter of work or redundancy Employee ceased work voluntarily Other (please give reason)

Checklist I have Completed the Employee Request for

Initial Payment section Signed and dated the

form in the section above

Completed the Preferred Payment Option section Had my employer fill in the

Confirmation of Termination section or provide an acceptable form of confirmation as outlined

in this form

Portable Sick Leave Scheme (PSL)If you contribute to the PSL scheme for this worker please advise the

actual number of sick days taken (not hours) during the employment or

if you paid out the workers sick leave under the terms of an industrial

agreement (EBA):

Sick days taken

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c) Providing a Separation Certificate completed and signed by an authorised officer of the worker’s employer and bearing the company seal/stamp.

d) Providing a letter on company letterhead, signed by an authorised officer, confirming the date of the worker’s termination.

If a worker is still unemployed after 4 weeks, they are then eligible to make a claim for the Balance of Funds.

Authorised OfficersThe following people are authorised to sign documents related to claims on behalf of the employer:

• A current director of the company

• A partner in the business

• An authorised contact for the company as previously advised in writing to Incolink


Balance of Funds Claim

A worker can apply to withdraw the balance of money left in their account after their Initial Claim has been paid, provided the worker meets one of the following criteria:

• They have been unemployed for four weeks and registered with either Incolink Job Support or Centrelink. If registered with Centrelink please provide an official document as proof of registration.

• Have not worked in the industry for 39 weeks; a statutory declaration must be completed and executed.

• Is retiring from active employment and is over 55 years of age; a statutory declaration must be completed and executed.

• Is unemployed and leaving Australia for more than two years (a certified copy of a current passport and copy of itinerary showing non-return flight must be provided as proof); a statutory declaration must be completed and executed.

To make a claim on any remaining Balance of Funds a worker will need to submit the Balance of Funds Claim Form. To obtain a copy of this form please contact Incolink or download it from incolink.org.au.

Balance of Funds Redundancy BenefitsClaim FormTo make a claim, please read this first:1. Fill in Part 1: Personal Details2. Tick ONE of the options in Part 3: Type of Claim,

and supply all required documentation, including if

necessary, the Statutory Declaration in Part 4.

3. Sign the Declaration in Part 6 overleaf.If you have any questions or require any assistance,

please contact our office and have your Incolink

Member Number ready.Part 1. Personal DetailsIncolink Member No.

Date of Birth / /Name

Address

Suburb

Post Code

Email

Home Telephone ( )Mobile

Your Tax File No

/ / Please Note: It is not against the law for you to not give Incolink your tax

file number. However, if you do not provide your tax file number, tax will

be deducted at the withholding tax rate.Part 2. Proof of IdentityPlease provide a cerfified copy of at least one (1) of

the below documents as Proof of Identity. A certified

copy can be a photocopy of these documents verified

and signed by a Justice of the Peace.• Valid drivers’s license• Passport • Birth Certificate• Medicare CardPart 3. Type of ClaimWhich of the following best describes your

current situation?A. Unemployed 4 weeks (tick one) I have been unemployed for 4 weeks and I am registered as

looking for work with Incolink’s Member Services Department

Employment Service. Please go to Part 5 overleaf.

I have been unemployed for 4 weeks and I am registered with

Centrelink. I attach an official document from Centrelink

as proof of registration. Please go to Part 5 overleaf.

I have been unemployed for 4 weeks, but I am not registered

with Incolink Member Services Department or Centrelink.

Please complete the Statutory Declaration in Part 4.

B. 39 weeks out of industry 39 weeks have passed since BOTH of the following occurred:

1. My last employer contributed to Incolink on my behalf; and

2. I last worked in the commercial/industrial building industry.


C. Retired I am over 55 years of age and retired from active employment.


D. Leaving Australia for 2 years or moreI am leaving Australia for at least 2 years.Date I am leaving Australia

/ / I attach certified copies of my:• One-way Air Ticket; and• Current Passport (expired passports are not acceptable).


Please go to Part 5 overleaf.Part 4. Statutory DeclarationWhen completing the statutory declaration you must state exactly what you are declaring

e.g. I have been unemployed for 4 or more weeks or I have been unemployed since 1 June

2007. If the declaration is not completed, signed and witnessed correctly your claim will

not be able to be processed and a new claim form will be sent to you to complete.

I do solemnly and sincerely declare that:

and that the information contained in this claim is true, and I make

this solemn declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true

and by virtue of the provisions of an Act of Parliament of Victoria

rendering making false declaration guilty of wilful and corrupt perjury.

Declared at

Signed

Date

/ / Before me (please sign)Official witness’s title (must be from list below) or their stamp.

Please Note:(i) Under s314 (3) of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), making a false declaration under

a Statutory Declaration is deemed to be perjury, punishable by imprisonment

for up to 15 years. (ii) Your statutory declaration must be witnessed and signed by one of the

following people:1. Barrister or Solicitor of the Supreme Court.

2. Clerk to a Barrister or Solicitor of the Supreme Court.3. Registrar or Deputy Registrar of the

County Court.

4. Principal Registrar of any Magistrates Court.

5. Member of the Parliament of the Commonwealth or Parliament of Victoria.6. Legally qualified Medical Practitioner.

Please go to Part 5 overleaf.

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Apprentice Claims

For apprentices working on a commercial/industrial construction site within Victoria, their employer/s will either provide Incolink with the number of days apprentices work on site or redundancy contribution payments, if required under an industrial instrument. Days on site includes days on leave, days on workers compensation, days at school, rostered days off and public holidays.

During an apprenticeship, if an apprentice becomes unemployed due to lack of work and they have worked on a commercial/industrial construction site, they may be entitled to make a redundancy claim.

If an apprentice becomes unemployed, they can claim their apprenticeship days as redundancy in the following situations:

A. An apprentice completes their apprenticeship, then completes 52 weeks within the commerical/industrial building industry, and their employer/s have paid 52 weeks of employer redundancy contributions into Incolink during the period.

B. An apprentice who has not yet finished their apprenticeship is laid off due to a lack of work and there is no arrangement with their employer to re-employ them, and where the apprentice training agreement is cancelled or suspended.

C. An apprentice completes their apprenticeship, and is then laid off due to a lack of work within the next 52 weeks. There must be no arrangement with the employer to re-employ them.

To be eligible to have the days paid out as redundancy under situation A, the apprentice and the employer must complete and lodge an Initial Claim Form. To obtain a copy of this form please contact Incolink or download it from incolink.org.au.

Under situations B and C, the Apprentice and the employer are required to complete and lodge an Apprentice Credits Application Form, Initial Claim Form and provide the supporting documentation confirming the cancellation of the apprenticeship and training contract.


What is Genuine Redundancy?

The Australian Tax Office (ATO) defines genuine redundancy as when the job the worker was doing is no longer required and the employment is terminated for this reason. This means the worker will not be replaced by another person and there is no agreement with the employer to be re-hired. However, if the employer can demonstrate an increase in work and the position is again available, they can rehire you for that position.

A genuine redundancy means the worker will qualify for a special tax concession on part or all of the funds received if they have a Genuine Redundancy Account (GRA).

Applying for a Genuine Redundancy Account (GRA)

Workers must elect to have their Incolink account transferred into an Incolink GRA and should seek independent advice when deciding if an Incolink GRA is right for their situation.

To apply, workers need to complete the Incolink GRA Application Form and submit it to Incolink.

A GRA is only valid after the 14 day cooling off period has finished. Should a worker be made genuinely redundant in the cooling off period then the Severance Account conditions will be applied.

Incolink will send workers confirmation that their Incolink account has been changed into an Incolink GRA.

1 Pelham Street Carlton Victoria 3053Telephone: (03) 9639 3000Fax: (03) 9639 1366

Freecall: 1800 337 789Email: [email protected] ACN 007 133 833 ABN 22 862 951 309

The Redundancy Payment Central Fund Ltd (trading as Incolink)

Incolink Genuine Redundancy AccountApplication Form

GENUINE REDUNDANCY ACCOUNTAPPLICATION FORM Office use onlyDate received: / /

THIS FORM SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY WORKERS APPLYING TO MOVE THEIR

SEVERANCE ACCOUNT TO A GENUINE REDUNDANCY ACCOUNT.

The Incolink Genuine Redundancy Account (GRA) provides workers the ability to maximise their redundancy benefits payable when

they are made genuinely redundant. However there are a number of Australian Taxation Office (ATO) terms and conditions that

apply, please ensure that you are familiar with these PRIOR to applying for an Incolink Genuine Redundancy Account.

Information provided by Incolink is of a general nature, we recommend you seek independent advice before selecting a Genuine

Redundancy Account. For further information about the Incolink Genuine Redundancy Account, including possible payment

triggers, please refer to the Genuine Redundancy Account brochure or the Incolink website: www.incolink.org.au/gra.

Please see over page for full list of terms and conditions.

I hereby request Incolink to administer my Incolink Redundancy Account into an Incolink Genuine Redundancy Account. I have read

and agree to terms and conditions on the reverse of this form and understand my application for an Incolink Genuine Redundancy

Account is irrevocable after the completion of the 14 day cooling off period.

Once your application has been received and processed a confirmation letter will be sent to you advising your GRA start date.

First Name:

Surname:

Address:

Postcode:

Home Telephone: ( )

Mobile Number:

E-mail Address: Date of Birth: / / Incolink Member No:

Employer Company Name:

Employment Start Date: / /

Signed: Date: / /

(signature of worker)PLEASE NOTE: Casual employees by the nature of the terms of their employment are ineligible to claim a genuine redundancy

and are therefore not offered the option to apply for a Genuine Redundancy Account.

WARNING: Only sign this form if you want your funds to be held in an Incolink Genuine Redundancy Account.

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Cooling-Off PeriodThere is a 14 day cooling-off period from when Incolink receives a workers request to administer their account into an Incolink GRA. Once the 14 day cooling-off period has finished this selection cannot be changed.

During the 14 day cooling-off period workers are able to withdraw their application to have their account transferred by completing the Incolink Genuine Redundancy Account Cancellation Form. In this case the workers’ account will remain as an Incolink Severance Account (default account).

Casual workersDue to the nature of their employment conditions casual workers are not eligible for an Incolink Genuine Redundancy Account (GRA).

Invalidity ClaimsTo claim the invalidity payment the claimant must have retired from the workforce due to invalidity prior to the claimant’s retirement age. The tax free component will be calculated as required by tax legislation and, in accordance with the legislation, all or part of the claim may be taxed.

In accordance with Australian Tax Office requirements two registered medical practitioners must verify in writing the likelihood of the claimant never being able to return to their normal duties due to disability.

To claim you need to complete an Invalidity Claim Form and attach the supporting documentation.

14 DAYS


In this section:Your insurance cover – what cover applies to me? 18

Personal Leisure Time Accident Insurance 21

Journey Cover 21

Discretionary Covers 22

A) Funeral Cover 22

B) Emergency Transport 22

C) Dental Accident Benefits 22

IPT: Leisure Time Illness/Workcover Top-Up/ TAC Top-Up & Workplace Death & Capital Benefits 23

Work Cover Top-Up and Workplace Death & Capital Benefits for workers aged 70 up to 75th Birthday 23

Portable Sick Leave Insurance (PSLI) 25

Building & Construction Industry Accident & Illness Benefits Program

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Your insurance cover –

what cover applies to me?

If your employer is paying and is up to date with Incolink redundancy contributions:

Personal Accident Leisure Time Insurance

• Leisure Time Injury – Weekly Benefits

• Broken Bones

• Capital Benefits

• Journey Cover – Weekly Benefits

• Journey Cover – Capital Benefits

Discretionary Cover

• Emergency Transport

• Dental, Accident only

• Funeral

If your employer is paying Incolink Income Protection and Trauma (IPT) premiums: • Leisure Time Illness – Weekly Benefits

• TAC Top-Up

• Workers Compensation Top-Up

• Workplace Death & Capital Benefits

• WorkCover Top Up and Workplace Death and Capital Benefits for Workers aged 70 up to 75th birthday inclusive, where IPT premiums are paid to age 70*.

If your employer is paying Portable Sick Leave Insurance (PSLI) • Portable Sick Leave Insurance (PSLI)

* Redundancy payments must continue up to the worker’s 75th birthday


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What cover applies if I am an apprentice and my employer is registered with Incolink?Personal Accident Leisure Time Insurance and Discretionary Covers (Ambulance, Dental and Funeral) apply if your employer is registered with Incolink and apprentice days are recorded on your behalf and they are current.

Income Protection and Trauma (IPT) may apply as long as your employer is registered with Incolink and is paying the IPT insurance premiums on your behalf and they are current.

Portable Sick Leave Insurance (PSLI) may apply as long as your employer is registered with Incolink and is paying the agreed Sick Leave Pay Scheme contributions on your behalf and they are current.

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Building & Construction Industry Accident & Illness Benefits ProgramIncolink provides building and construction workersredundancy benefits along with an extensive list of insurancebenefits where the employer continues to pay redundancy contributions and IPT contribution payments.

PLEASE NOTE: Incolink is only the administrator of the Building and Construction Industry Accident and Illness Benefits program. The Insurance Policy is arranged by Windsor Management Insurance Brokers ACN 083 775 795 AFS Licence Number 230747 and distributed by Incolink. Incolink does not manage or process claims (except funeral claims). Incolink is not a holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence and does not give any advice in relation to those insurance policies.

The Personal Accident & Illness Leisure Time policies (being Personal Accident Leisure Time and Leisure Time Illness/WorkCover Top-Up & Workplace Death and Capital Benefits and Portable Sick Leave Insurance) are underwritten by QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited ABN 78 003 191 035 AFS Licence number 239545. All claims under these policies are managed by Total Claims Solutions ABN 42 389 515 023, who have been appointed as Claims Manager on behalf of QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited.

The Discretionary Covers (Ambulance, Dental and Funeral) are provided via Incolink’s Discretionary Fund and are governed by the Discretionary Guidelines. Ambulance and Dental claims are managed by Total Claims Solutions. Funeral claims are managed by Incolink.

COPYRIGHTThis work is copyright and apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from Incolink.

*Conditions and exclusions apply. Please refer to Incolink Accidentand Illness Benefits Program brochure or visit incolink.org.au


Personal Leisure Time Accident InsuranceCover is only available for those workers where the employer continues to pay the redundancy contributions. If a period exists where no redundancy contributions payments have been paid on your behalf whilst employed then no cover will apply for such period. Gaps in redundancy contributions payments will mean no cover. Redundancy contribution payments must be current at the time of injury.

Benefits* include:

• Leisure Time Injury - Weekly Benefit - Provides cover to workers only, for accidents, where a worker suffers an injury in their leisure time which prevents a worker from working.

• Leisure Time Injury - Broken Bones Benefit Provides cover to workers only where a worker suffers injury during their leisure time, resulting in a break or hairline fracture of a bone.

• Leisure Time Capital Benefits – Injury resulting in a payable condition, where a worker suffers an injury outside working hours. Note: Where a capital death benefit has been paid under this section for a worker with dependants, as defined, there is a reimbursement for child care expenses.

• Journey Cover Weekly Benefits – Cover provided for a worker only who suffers an injury while in direct travel to and from work, which prevents a worker from working. The injury must not give rise to any entitlement to compensation under any statutory workers compensation scheme or statutory transport accident scheme.

• Journey Cover Capital Benefits – Cover provided for a worker only who suffers an injury while in direct travel to and from work, which prevents a worker from working. The injury must not give rise to any entitlement to compensation under any statutory workers compensation scheme or statutory transport accident scheme. Note: Where a capital death benefit has been paid under this section for a worker with dependants, there is a reimbursement for child care expenses.


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PLEASE NOTE: Insurance and discretionary covers will only be provided whilst an employer pays the agreed redundancy contribution payments on a worker’s behalf. Where there are gaps in redundancy contributions or if payments are not current, no cover will apply for those periods.

• Discretionary Covers

• Funeral Cover – At the Incolink Board’s absolute discretion, provides a lump sum benefit payable to the beneficiary or funeral parlour when a worker dies. Cover is provided 24 hours, 7 days a week.

• Emergency Transport Provides cover to the worker and extends to the workers

dependants for ambulance usage anywhere in Australia which is not work related and not covered under any statutory transport accident scheme and any statutory workers compensations scheme.

• Dental, Accident only Provides cover to the worker and extends to the workers

dependants for accidental damage to sound and healthy teeth which occurs outside working hours.

To obtain more information about the Accident and Illness Benefits Program please contact Incolink on (03) 9639 3000 or download the brochure from incolink.org.au



IPT: Leisure Time Illness/WorkCover Top UP/TAC Top-Up & Workplace Death & Capital Benefits*This insurance has been established to provide benefits for those workers who have IPT Insurance premiums contributions paid on their behalf. Cover is only available for those workers where the employer has agreed and continues to pay the weekly premium contributions. If a period exists where no premium contribution payments have been paid on a workers behalf, then no cover will apply for such period. Gaps in premium contributions payments will mean no cover.

Benefits include:

• Cover for workers only where the worker suffers an illness in their leisure time which prevents the worker from working.

• TAC top-up benefits for workers suffering an injury while travelling to and from work, which is covered by any statutory transport scheme from the 53rd week.

• Workers Compensation Top-Up for workers who are accepted by an Australian jurisdiction statutory workers compensation scheme from the 53rd week.

• Workplace death or permanent total disability capital benefits for workplace accidents only which are covered by a statutory workers compensation scheme. Where a lump sum death benefit has been paid for a worker with dependants there is a reimbursement for child care expenses.

IMPORTANT: Benefits are not payable for an illness/injury that occurs to a worker after the worker’s 70th birthday.


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PLEASE NOTE: Benefits are not payable to a worker when the worker attains the age of 75 and above, at the time of injury.

Work Cover Top-Up and Workplace Death & Capital Benefits for workers aged 70 up to 75th Birthday

For workers who are gainfully employed by a registered employer member who has continued to pay their redundancy and IPT premiums up to age 70 cover is extended to their 75th birthday. Redundancy payments must continue up to the worker’s 75th birthday.



Portable Sick Leave Insurance(PSLI)

The Construction Industry Portable Sick Leave Insurance (PSLI) was developed through the parties to the Victorian Building Industry Agreement (VBIA). Incolink, at the request of the parties, manages the insurance program.

The PSLI has been set up to take over the sick days workers would normally lose when they leave or are terminated by their current employer.

PLEASE NOTE: Cover is only available for those workers where the employer has agreed to pay and continues to pay the Portable Sick Leave contributions.


How does the PSLI work?

Incolink has purchased an Insurance Policy to cover any unused sick leave a worker has remaining at the time of termination of employment and where the employer member is paying the PSLI contribution to Incolink.

All employers are responsible for their employees’ statutory sick leave. See fairwork.gov.au for more information. On termination of employment, an employer is required to send to Incolink the number of sick leave days a worker has taken. It is important that the employer completes the Construction Industry Portable Sick Leave Insurance Form or updates EmployerLink at the time of a workers termination.

Incolink cannot take over any unused sick leave for any period where an employer has not paid and is not paying the PSLI contributions on behalf of a worker.

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The PSLI provides cover to workers only, where the worker suffers an injury/illness in their leisure time and prevents a worker from working which;

• occurs during the period of insurance, and

• occurs outside working hours and when the worker is not engaged in any work whatsoever for remuneration, and

• does not give rise to any entitlement to compensation under any statutory workers compensation scheme.

Sick leave benefits are payable whilst the worker continues to suffer disablement for the number of days accrued and recorded with Incolink.

Sick leave benefits are calculated based on the worker’s pre-disability earnings. This calculation is made using the worker’s normal weekly award rate of pay at the date of injury or the date on which the illness first manifested itself (as the case may be), and not greater than the worker’s normal gross salary excluding bonuses and overtime payments.

The maximum days payable is 100 days.

Unused days will lapse when the worker has not been employed and no PSLI contributions have been paid for a continuous period of two (2) years or when the worker has permanently left the building and construction industry.

A worker cannot exhaust any sick leave days accumulated when the worker is on annual leave, bereavement leave, jury leave, maternity leave, paternity leave, parental leave or any other special leave.

A claim will only be considered once the worker has taken all available accrued sick leave entitlements with their current employer.



Member Wellbeing & Support

Member Wellbeing & Support Incolink Member Wellbeing & Support offers a range of exclusive services to workers in the construction industry as part of their membership. These services are there for members in good times and bad and include:

• Incolink Health Checks program

• Incolink 24/7 Counselling & Mental Health team

• Preventative Education

• Incolink Job Support

• Incolink Industry Liaison

Contact:

Member Wellbeing & Support team: (03) 9668 3061 or [email protected].

24/7 Incolink Counselling: 1300 000 129

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Incolink Health Checks and Skin Checks programA stable and healthy workforce = A safe and productive workplace.

Incolink has recognised the importance of workers health and wellbeing. Incolink Health Checks and Skin Checks programs consist of a suite of integrated member services provided to workers.

The Incolink Health Checks and Skin Checks programs can come to your site and are designed to educate workers on site about their health. Talk to Incolink about booking in for a Health Checks or Skin Checks event on your site soon.

Incolink Health Checks Team: (03) 9668 3061

[email protected]

24/7 Counselling & Mental Health Incolink offers free and confidential counselling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to all members and their families.

Incolink is committed to assisting workers who have personal issues that are affecting their ability to work safely and efficiently on site. Incolink provides workers and their family’s access to a range of personal counselling and support services.

Incolink counsellors can assist with issues including:

• Relationship difficulties

• Stress from work or home

• Mental health issues

• Feelings of suicide

• Grief and loss

All members, including regionally based members, can access Incolink counselling service across Victoria and Tasmania.

24/7 Counselling team: 1300 000 129


Critical Incident SupportIncolink’s counselling and support team provide prompt, informed and effective response to any critical incident on a construction site.

Incolink has established a set of Critical Incident Response Guidelines working with site managers and union officials to provide debriefing and/or counselling sessions to groups or individual workers after an incident.

An experienced Counsellor will attend a critical incident upon request. Call: 1300 000 129

Alcohol and other drugs The Alcohol and Drug Program is designed for workers in the building and construction industry. The Alcohol and Drug Workers offer assistance with drug and alcohol related issues.

Incolink Alcohol & Drug Support Team: 1300 000 129

Incolink Financial Rights The Incolink Financial Rights worker provides free and confidential debt crisis support and can assist members in understanding and dealing with their rights in all financial transactions. The worker can assist with advice about:

• Rules and laws relating to bills and debts,

• Mortgage or rental payments,

• Personal advocacy,

• Information on bankruptcy and

• Government assistance available.

Incolink Financial Rights worker: 1300 000 129

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Preventative EducationIncolink support workers deliver preventative education mental health and wellbeing awareness sessions on site, at employer offices, union training centres or TAFE colleges. These sessions are designed to provide early intervention and general awareness in relation to the issues of alcohol and drug abuse, mental health and wellbeing, suicide awareness and prevention and problem gambling. The sessions can be tailored to your needs.

Apprentice Support Workers Being an apprentice in the building and construction industry can be hard at the beginning. The move from school to work can be a challenge. If a worker needs help please call:

Incolink Apprentice Support team: (03) 9668 3061

Incolink Life Care Suicide Prevention Program The Life Care program aims to prevent suicide; raising awareness of risk factors and promoting positive life skills amongst young people in the building and construction industry. Delivered by Education & Support Officers, who offer follow up support and counselling, the program is available in TAFE colleges throughout Victoria. The Life Care program is supported by Cbus and the Australian Government.

Problem Gambling Prevention

The Problem Gambling Prevention program delivered in TAFE colleges across Victoria by our Education & Support Officers increases apprentices’ understanding of the causes and signs of problem gambling; how to avoid problem gambling and have the confidence to seek help if needed.


Incolink Job Support Incolink provide a range of services to develop members’ careers. They also assistance to employer members looking for workers. The team offers:• A free JobSearch service –

employers can list a job for free and are matched with a list of potential workers

• Information and advice on training for individuals• Careers counselling and free resume service for

workers

• Assistance for out-of-trade apprentices

Incolink JobSearch is now online via WorkerLink. Incolink’s JobSearch matches workers qualifications and skills with roles within the industry.

Help for Out-of-Trade Apprentices

Incolink assists out-of-trade apprentices find employment, by registering their availability on an Apprentice Register. Referrals are then made to interested employers as work opportunities arise, enabling the apprentices to gain the experience they need to complete their certificates.

Incolink Job Support: (03) 9668 3061

Industry Liaison OfficersThe Industry Liaison Officers promote the benefits and services directly with construction workers, employers, employer organisations, trade unions and other industry parties.

Russell Wilson Phone: 0408 607 737Email: [email protected]

Tony Cordier Phone: 0448 870 225Email: [email protected]

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The following Employer Associations are represented on one or

Employer Association

Employer Association Address

Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association of Victoria (AMCA)

30 Cromwell Street BURWOOD VIC 3125

Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries of Victoria (AWCIV)

451 Warrigal RoadMOORABBIN VIC 3189

Civil Contractors Federation (CCF)

9 Business Park DriveNOTTING HILL VIC 3168

Master Builders Association of Victoria (MBAV)

332 Albert Street EAST MELBOURNE VIC 3002

Master Plumbers’ and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MP&MSAA)

15 / 306 Albert Street WEST MELBOURNE VIC 3056

Master Painters Association (MPA)

399 Camberwell Road CAMBERWELL VIC 3124

Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI)

150 Collins Street MELBOURNE VIC 3000

National Fire Industry Association

PO Box 46 BRUNSWICK SOUTH VIC 3055

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Telephone Website

(03) 8831 2800 amca.com.au

(03) 9553 6363 vic.awci.org.au

(03) 9588 7600 ccfvic.com.au

(03) 9411 4555 mbav.com.au

(03) 9329 9622 or Freecall 1800 133 871

plumber.com.au

(03) 9813 5922 mpav.com.au

Head Office: (03) 8662 5462

Training Centre: (03) 8662 5333

vecci.org.au

(03) 9013 5595 nfia.com.au


The following Industry Unions are represented on one or

Industry Union Representation

Industry Unions Office Location

Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU)

1st Floor, 251 Queensberry Street CARLTON SOUTH VIC 3053

Australian Workers Union (AWU)

685 Spencer Street WEST MELBOURNE VIC 3003

Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) Construction & General Division Vic/Tas Branch

500 Swanston StreetCARLTON SOUTH VIC 3053

CFMEU Forestry and Furnishing Products & Manufacturing Division (FFPD)

148-152 Miller Street WEST MELBOURNE VIC 3003

Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union (PPTEU)

52 Victoria Street CARLTON SOUTH VIC 3053

Victorian Trades Hall Council (VTHC)

54 Victoria Street CARLTON VIC 3053

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(03) 9230 5700 amwu.org.au

(03) 8327 0888 or 1300 362 298 awu.net.au

(03) 9341 3444 cfmeuvic.com.au

(03) 9274 9200 cfmeuffpd.org.au

(03) 9662 3388 pteu.asn.au

(03) 9659 3511 vthc.org.au

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Incolink1 Pelham Street, Carlton VIC 3053

Telephone: (03) 9639 3000 Facsimile: (03) 9639 1366

Freecall: 1800 337 789

Email Operations: [email protected] Email Member Wellbeing & Support: [email protected]

Documents

Services Handbook - Incolink · Ralph Edwards Ralph has been a board member since January 2016. He is the President of the Construction and General Division of the Construction, Forestry,