ASU MEMBER WIN: Portable Long Service Leave is finally a reality!
1 October 2025
Today is an historic day.
After a decade of tireless campaigning by ASU members, Portable Long Service Leave is now a reality in South Australia.
Why we campaigned for this reform:
It’s common for people to work in the disability, social and community sector for decades without ever being eligible to take long service leave.
Insecure government funding and short term contracts means ASU members are regularly forced to move employers.
In the past this has meant workers have lost their accrued long service leave entitlements when they moved onto the next job.
That ends today.
Thanks to ASU members who stood together, organised in their workplaces, lobbied Members of Parliament, shared their stories and refused to give up, the new Portable Long Service Leave Scheme begins today - 1 October 2025.
What this means for you:
- Your long service leave entitlements now move with you across employers
- You keep every day of leave you’ve earned
- You can take a proper paid break and avoid burnout
- Your entitlements are protected
- If you take time away from the sector (for family or caring responsibilities), you won’t lose what you’ve already built up
How does it work?
Employers will register you with the new scheme.
They’ll pay a levy into the fund, which protects your entitlements.
When you become eligible to take Long Service Leave you’ll apply to the Community Sector Board, who will pay you directly.
You don’t need to do anything right now; you are automatically captured by this new scheme.
This is your win.
It belongs to every ASU member who campaigned, joined their union, spoke out, and stood united to deliver this historic reform. This is the biggest workforce reform in our sector since Equal Pay.
Let’s celebrate this milestone and keep building for what’s next!
Learn more about how the scheme works:
https://saplsl-community.org.au/