Worker approaching retirement
A fictional scenario developed to give an example for how the new Community Services Industry portable long service leave scheme will apply to different individuals across the industry.
Case study 1: Maria - community advocate approaching retirement
Background:
Maria is a 61-year-old community advocate who has worked in the sector for more than 15 years. She joined her current employer, a small multicultural support organisation, in 2024, and plans to retire around 2029 at age 65 or 66.
How the schemes apply:
- Maria was working when the portable scheme launched on 1 July 2025 with service recorded for the first 6 months, so she receives the foundation bonus of 365 days (1 year).
- This means Maria only needs four more years of service to access a pro-rata payment from the portable scheme. This is because Maria is leaving the industry due to retirement with five or more years of recognised service in the scheme.
- Maria won’t reach the 10-year mark with her current employer to qualify under the 1955 Act before retiring.
Outcome:
- Maria will not qualify for long service leave under the 1955 Act, but she will become eligible in 2029 for a pro-rata payment from the portable scheme as she will have 5 years of recognised service in the scheme.
- She must remain employed in an eligible role within the community services sector through to 2029.
- Her payment will come entirely from the portable scheme, as Maria has not accrued entitlement under the 1955 Act.
This scenario is not representative of any individual and does not consider your own circumstances. It is designed for demonstrative purposes only.
