LSL by State (AU)
Updated November 2026 · Free · No sign-up
Compare long service leave by state — the 8 jurisdictions’ different deals: from Victoria’s 7-year access to the standard 8.67 weeks at 10 years, the ACT’s richer accrual, and pro-rata exit rights from year 5-7.
Quick answer: The map: VIC: 8.67 wks at 7 yrs (access + pro-rata exit); NSW/QLD/WA/SA/TAS: ~8.67-13 weeks at 10 yrs with pro-rata exits at 5-7; ACT: 6.07 wks at 7 yrs (1/5 month per year); NT: 13 wks at 10. Construction/cleaning/security: portable industry schemes instead.
The State Grid
| Jurisdiction | Entitlement | Access | Pro-rata on exit from |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIC | 1 week per 60 weeks (~8.67 wks/10 yrs) | 7 years | 7 years (any exit reason) |
| NSW | 8.67 weeks at 10 years (2 months) | 10 | 5 years (resignation for illness/incapacity/domestic necessity; employer termination) |
| QLD | 8.67 weeks at 10 | 10 | 7 years (qualifying exits) |
| WA | 8.67 weeks at 10 | 10 | 7 years |
| SA | 13 weeks at 10 (1.3 wks/yr after) | 10 | 7 years |
| TAS | 8.67 weeks at 10 | 10 | 7 years (qualifying) |
| ACT | 6.07 weeks at 7 (0.2 months/yr) | 7 | 5-7 (reason-dependent) |
| NT | 13 weeks at 10 | 10 | 7 (qualifying) |
Continuous service survives parental leave and (in most states) business sales; casuals/seasonal workers accrue in every state (the misconception that casuals don’t is wrong — regular casuals qualify).
Worked Example
8 years in Victoria at $1,600/week: 8/60 × 52 weeks ≈ 6.9 weeks = $11,040 — takeable now (7-year access) or payable on exit. The same 8 years in NSW: nothing until 10 (or a qualifying exit) — the interstate gap in one example.
Portable Schemes and Transfers
Construction, contract cleaning, security, and community services run PORTABLE LSL funds in several states (service follows the worker across employers — register!). Interstate careers: each state’s Act decides which service counts; continuous-service transfers between related entities usually carry. Payouts tax per the leave-tax rules. Verify your state’s Act — amendments happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has the best long service leave?
SA and NT pay 13 weeks at 10 years; Victoria and the ACT unlock access earliest (7 years) with Victoria’s any-reason pro-rata exit from 7 — "best" depends on tenure plans.
Can I get LSL if I leave before 10 years?
Most states pay pro-rata from 5-7 years for qualifying exits (illness, domestic necessity, employer termination); Victoria pays from 7 years on ANY exit.
Do casuals accrue long service leave?
Yes — regular and systematic casual service counts in every jurisdiction; the no-LSL-for-casuals belief is a myth.
What are portable LSL schemes?
Industry funds (construction, cleaning, security, community services in several states) where LSL follows you between employers — register with the scheme to bank service.
Does a business sale reset my LSL?
Generally no — transmission-of-business rules carry continuous service to the new owner in every state.
✓ Formula verified • Last updated: November 3, 2026