Long Service Leave in Australia: How It Works in Each State

What Is Long Service Leave?

Long service leave (LSL) is a uniquely Australian entitlement — a reward for loyalty to a single employer. After you have worked continuously for the same employer for a qualifying period (typically 7–10 years), you are entitled to an extended period of paid leave. The exact rules depend heavily on which state or territory you work in.

Use our Long Service Leave Calculator to instantly calculate your entitlement based on your state, years of service, and ordinary pay rate.

Why Do the Rules Vary by State?

Unlike annual leave and personal/carer's leave — which are governed nationally by the Fair Work Act's National Employment Standards — long service leave is regulated by state and territory legislation. This means the qualifying period, the amount of leave, the payout rules on termination, and the rules around portability all differ depending on where you work.

Long Service Leave by State and Territory

New South Wales

Governed by the Long Service Leave Act 1955 (NSW). Employees who complete 10 years of continuous service are entitled to 2 months' leave (approximately 8.667 weeks). After 15 years, an additional month accrues for each 5 years served. Employees with 5+ years may take pro-rata LSL on termination if dismissed, made redundant, or leaving due to illness or domestic pressing necessity.

Victoria

Governed by the Long Service Leave Act 2018 (Vic). One of the most employee-friendly regimes in the country. Employees accrue LSL from day one at a rate of 1/60th of their period of continuous employment. The right to take leave activates after 7 years. On termination after 7+ years, employees receive a pro-rata payout.

Queensland

Governed by the Industrial Relations Act 2016 (Qld). Employees receive 8.6667 weeks of leave after 10 years. On termination after 7 years, a pro-rata payout applies. The QLD regime also has specific rules for seasonal and domestic workers.

South Australia

Governed by the Long Service Leave Act 1987 (SA). Employees receive 13 weeks after 10 years. After an additional 10 years, a further 13 weeks accrues. On termination after 7 years, pro-rata entitlement applies.

Western Australia

Governed by the Long Service Leave Act 1958 (WA). Employees accrue 8.667 weeks after 10 years and an additional 4.333 weeks for each subsequent 5 years. On resignation after 7 years, pro-rata payout applies.

Tasmania

Governed by the Long Service Leave Act 1976 (Tas). Employees receive 13 weeks after 10 years. On termination after 7 years, pro-rata entitlement applies.

Australian Capital Territory

Governed by the Long Service Leave Act 1976 (ACT). Employees receive 6.067 weeks after 7 years. This is one of the shorter qualifying periods in the country.

Northern Territory

Governed by the Long Service Leave Act 1981 (NT). Employees receive 13 weeks after 10 years. No pro-rata entitlement on resignation before 10 years, but it applies on dismissal or redundancy after 7 years.

What Counts as Continuous Service?

Most states treat the following as not breaking continuous service: approved leave (including unpaid parental leave), sick leave, temporary stand-downs, and transfers within the same corporate group. What can break continuity: resignation followed by rehire (even to the same employer), extended unauthorised absences, or certain contract variations.

What Happens at Termination or Redundancy?

If you are made redundant or dismissed without cause, most states allow you to receive a pro-rata payout after a reduced qualifying period (often 7 years). If you resign voluntarily before reaching the threshold, most states do not require a payout — though Victoria is a notable exception for employees who have served 7+ years.

Check your Redundancy Pay Calculator and your LSL entitlement together when you're being made redundant — both can add up to a significant amount. Keeping good records is important, too. A solid office filing system — something like the document organisers available on Amazon AU — helps you keep employment contracts, payslips, and service records accessible if you ever need to make a claim.

Portable Long Service Leave Schemes

Some industries have portable LSL schemes, where entitlements follow the worker rather than the employer. This is common in the construction, cleaning, and community services sectors. Schemes include CoINVEST (Victoria construction), QLeave (Queensland construction), and ACT Long Service Leave Authority. Check your industry's registered body to see if portability applies to you.