At the 2022 State Election, the Government committed to consult with workers, unions, and businesses to expand access to portable long service leave in South Australia – modelled on the existing Construction Industry Long Service Leave Act 1987.

The Government identified the community services sector as a priority area for portable long service leave, noting the sector employs a high proportion of women, involves work that is emotionally and physically challenging, and which is subject to high staff turnover and short-term employment arrangements.

Following a period of initial stakeholder engagement, a consultation draft of the Portable Long Service Leave Bill 2024 (the Bill) is now open for feedback, an accompanying discussion paper has also been prepared outlining key features of how the community services scheme will operate.

This Bill has been developed following extensive research into the portable leave schemes operating in the community services sector in other jurisdictions such as Queensland and Victoria, to identify the best model for South Australia.

The Bill establishes a legislative framework for portable long service leave, as well as the establishment of the community services scheme. The Bill provides the potential that the legislation could be expanded by Parliament to include other industry sectors in future.

The Government’s preliminary intention is that the Bill will be introduced to Parliament early in 2024, with the Community Services Board to commence operation from July 2024 and for employers to commence registration with the scheme from January 2025.

The draft Bill and discussion paper will be available for a period of public consultation for around 2 months. Should you wish to provide comment on the draft Bill, please do so in writing and email to SWSAPolicy@sa.gov.au or send to:

Portable Long Service Leave Discussion

SafeWork SA

GPO Box 465

Adelaide, SA 5001

Please ensure your comments are provided before Friday 9 February 2024.  

Consideration of all feedback provided on the draft Bill prior to settling a version for introduction to Parliament.

Further links:

• Portable Long Service Leave Bill 2024
• Discussion paper