Long Service Leave is a uniquely Australian benefit that rewards employees for lengthy service with a single employer. After reaching a threshold period of continuous service, employees become entitled to an extended period of paid leave.
State and Territory Differences
Long Service Leave is governed by state and territory legislation, not federal law. This means entitlements vary depending on where the employee works. Generally, employees become entitled to long service leave after 7 to 10 years of continuous service, depending on the jurisdiction.
Typical Entitlements
Most jurisdictions provide around 8.67 weeks of leave after 10 years of service, with additional leave accruing for each subsequent year. Some jurisdictions allow pro-rata access after shorter periods in certain circumstances, such as redundancy or resignation after a minimum period.
Portable Long Service Leave
Some industries have portable long service leave schemes where service with multiple employers in the same industry counts toward entitlement. These schemes are common in construction, cleaning, and community services sectors.