Portable long service scheme
Victoria’s new Portable Long Service Scheme
Portable long service leave makes it fairer and easier for Victorians working in community services, contract cleaning and security to access long service benefits.
From 1 July 2019, Victorians working in contract cleaning, security and community services can start accruing long service benefits as part of the Long Service Benefits Portability Act 2018.
From 1 January 2020, additional community services roles such as NDIS services providers and Early Childhood services have been include included in the Scheme.
From 1 October 2020, the new Long Service Benefits Portability Regulations 2020 replace the Interim Regulations introduced in 2019, and provide clarity about:
- what is community services work
- who is an employer for community services
- who are workers for the community services and security industries.
Employer registration
Businesses who employ workers in roles covered by the Portable Long Service Scheme must Register as an Employer with the Portable Long Service Authority.
This can be done online completing the Employer Registration form at the Portable Long Service Leave Authority website.
Worker registration
Workers will be registered by their employers through the quarterly returns. Registered workers will receive a Welcome Letter from the Authority with their Worker ID by post.
Quarterly returns
Employers must submit a Quarterly Return to the Authority, in October, January, April and July each year.
The quarterly return will include information about:
- all workers who have worked for the business during that quarter
- the days they have worked during the quarter
- the pay they received during the quarter.
The Quarterly Return calculates the contribution to be made by the employer and is based on each worker’s ordinary pay multiplied by the levy for their industry.
The Governing Board of the Portable Long Service Benefits Authority has determined the Employer Levy as follows:
- 1.65% for community services
- 1.80% for contract cleaning
- 1.80% for security.
The employer contributions paid to the Authority for their workers are then invested by the Authority and will be used to pay workers when they make a claim for long service.
Assistance for employers and workers
Employers seeking general assistance can contact the Authority and organise an online or in person training session where the Authority will provide a short explanation about the Scheme and will be open for questions from your organisation.
At the end of each quarter, the Authority is hosting a number of online trainings in completing quarterly returns.
Employers can also subscribe to the Authority’s newsletter and get more information about the Scheme.
For more information, please visit the Authority’s website, email enquiries@plsa.vic.gov.au with your enquiry or call 1800 517 158.