Long service leave, by state
Each state and territory has its own Act. Choose yours.
What it is
Long service leave is paid leave for employees who have worked for the same employer for a long time. For most employees, the law of the state or territory they work in sets it. A federal pre-modern award with long service leave terms, or an enterprise agreement made from 1 January 2010, can apply instead.
Where the states differ
- Qualifying years
- 10 years in most states and territories, 7 in Victoria and the ACT.
- Leaving early
- Pro rata pay from 5 years in NSW and the ACT, and 7 elsewhere. Before the full entitlement, NSW, Queensland, Tasmania, the ACT and the NT pay it only for some reasons for leaving.
- Casual service
- Casuals are covered everywhere, but the test for continuous service differs. In Tasmania, you need to regularly work 32 hours or more in each 4-week period. In Queensland, a gap of more than 3 months between engagements can end it.
Sources
Compare the states
Compare the full entitlement and when it’s paid out on leaving, then open your state’s calculator. Each one estimates your leave from your dates and pay.
| State or territory | Full entitlement | Paid out on leaving | |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSWNew South Wales | 8.67 weeks at 10 years | From 5 years, for some reasons | |
| VICVictoria | 1 week per 60 weeks worked | From 7 years | |
| QLDQueensland | 8.67 weeks at 10 years | From 7 years, for some reasons | |
| WAWestern Australia | 8.67 weeks at 10 years | From 7 years | |
| SASouth Australia | 13 weeks at 10 years | From 7 years | |
| TASTasmania | 8.67 weeks at 10 years | From 7 years, for some reasons | |
| ACTAustralian Capital Territory | 6.07 weeks at 7 years | From 5 years, for some reasons | |
| NTNorthern Territory | 13 weeks at 10 years | From 7 years, for some reasons |