Understanding Portable Long Service Leave in NSW’s Community Services Sector

In the community services sector, it's common for workers to move between employers while continuing to serve the same mission - supporting vulnerable individuals, families, and communities. Traditionally, this movement could mean missing out on long service leave entitlements. But in New South Wales, Portable Long Service Leave (PLSL) is changing that.

What is Portable Long Service Leave?
Portable Long Service Leave allows eligible workers in the community services sector to accrue long service leave based on their time in the sector, rather than with a single employer. This is a recognition of the vital and often transient nature of the work many professionals do across multiple organisations.

Who is Eligible?
The scheme applies to a wide range of roles in the community services sector, including:

• Aged care
• Disability services
• Child, youth and family support
• Domestic and family violence support
• Homelessness services
• Counselling, case management and community development roles

If your work supports people in need and is funded by government or not-for-profit bodies, there’s a good chance you’re covered.

How Does it Work?
Employers must register with the NSW Long Service Leave Corporation and submit quarterly returns on their workers' ordinary wages.

Workers accrue leave entitlements while employed in eligible roles, even if they move between registered employers.

The leave can be accessed once a worker reaches 7 years of recorded service in the scheme.

Why it Matters
This scheme helps ensure that workers in community services are rewarded for their long-term contribution to the sector -not just their time with a single employer. It’s a small but important recognition of the dedication, flexibility, and resilience this workforce demonstrates every day.

Need Support?
If you're an employer unsure of your obligations, or a worker wanting to understand your entitlements, you can visit the NSW Long Service Corporation website or get in touch with our team - we're happy to help guide you through it.