Long service leave in Australia: find the right rules first

By SESAY · Updated 3 October 2026 · Australian context

Start with coverage, not a single national formula

Long service leave can come from state or territory law, an industrial instrument or a portable scheme. A pre-modern federal award entitlement may affect which rules apply. The employee’s current address alone is not a reliable coverage decision.

Build the service record

Collect start dates, transfers, breaks, unpaid absences, changes in hours, leave already taken and any recognised prior service. Keep the termination reason and date with the workpaper. If employment spans jurisdictions, resolve coverage before choosing a formula.

Check portable schemes separately

Some industries use portable long service leave arrangements. Examples include construction schemes administered by MyLeave in WA and QLeave in Queensland, and Coal LSL for eligible black coal mining workers. Scheme coverage and reporting are separate questions from a generic payroll leave balance.

• MyLeave — WA construction
• QLeave
• Coal LSL

A practical review sequence

1. Document the governing entitlement and source.
2. Check which service counts and any termination eligibility conditions.
3. Determine the balance after prior leave.
4. Apply the correct ordinary pay and hours basis.
5. Check tax treatment and reporting separately, then obtain approval.

Follow a WA worked example →

Official sources

• Fair Work Ombudsman — Long service leave
• WorkSafe ACT
• NSW Industrial Relations
• NT Government
• Business Queensland
• SafeWork SA
• WorkSafe Tasmania
• Victorian Government
• WA Private Sector Labour Relations

General educational information, not individual legal or tax advice. Examples are fictional and gross amounts only. Confirm the instrument, facts and current regulator guidance before processing. Read our editorial policy.