ASU celebrates the passing of Portable Long Service Leave in SA & NT

After years of campaigning, ASU members can celebrate the passing of Portable Long Service Leave (PLSL) in the Community and Disability Sector. 

Workers in the sector have experienced insecure work and funding contracts that mean moving between employers. Due to these conditions, workers historically have been unable to access their long service leave due to lack of accrual before being moved on to another employer. 

From 1 July 2025, community and disability workers will carry their long service leave entitlements between employers under the scheme. 

Rebecca Stanway, ASU member and youth worker has worked in the sector for 20 years, supporting young people in the community and has never had long service leave, “Today, it feels great to finally be recognised and win Portable Long Service Leave thanks to the effort of our Union and the South Australian Government.” 

South Australia is the last state, with the Northern Territory coming a close second to pass Portable Long Service Leave legislation for community and disability workers. A feat after a decade of campaigning for this change. 

“This legislation is a game-changer for community and disability workers.” Abbie Spencer, Secretary of Australian Services Union SA+NT Branch has deemed the legislation. “ASU members working in frontline community and disability services deserve a proper break from work. Burn out is a real problem in the sector, and it’s not uncommon to have worked in this sector for 20 years and have never taken long service leave.” 

Peter Dutton and the coalition have announced they will look to dismantle Portable Long Service Leave and other IR (Industrial Relations) Reforms if elected in the next federal election in 2025, some of which include: 

  • The Right To Disconnect – a law giving workers the right to not be contacted after hours, unless the request is deemed “unreasonable” 

  • Same Job, Same Pay – Labour Hire workers receive the same pay as permanent employees doing the same work 

Learn more about this groundbreaking reform and what it means for ASU members at the PLSL campaign page. 

If you are not already a member, now is the time to stand with fellow workers in South Australia and the Northern Territory: www.asusant/join 

Follow to keep up to date: 

Instagram - www.instagram.com/asu_proud_sant/ 

Facebook - www.facebook.com/ASU.SANTBranch/ 

LinkedIn - au.linkedin.com/company/asu-sa-nt

Zoe StangoulisASU SA & NT BranchPLSL, Portable Long Service Leave, ASU, Australian Services Union, SACS, NDIS, NT, SA, South Australia, Northern Territory, IR Reforms