Worker building portability
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 2: Sione – family support worker building portability
Background:
Sione is a 29-year-old family support worker who started in work in March 2023 with a non-government organisation. Sione has therefore been with his current employer for just over 2 years by the time the portable scheme launches.
How the schemes apply:
- Sione was working in community services when the scheme started on 1 July 2025 and was included in the first 2 service records of the scheme, so he receives the foundation bonus of 365 days.
- Under the 1955 Act, Sione must stay with the same employer for 10 years to take leave — meaning he would only become eligible under the 1955 Act in March 2033.
- With the foundation bonus, he will be eligible for up to 6 weeks of leave under the portable scheme after 6 years of service from July 2031.
- This is because Sione will have 7 years of recognised service in the scheme: July 2025 to July 2031 of active service plus the foundation bonus of 365 days = 7 years.
- After claiming the entitled 7 years of recognised service under the portable long service scheme, if Sione decided to stay with his employer until March 2033, he will be able to make a claim for 4 years of service under the 1955 Act.
- This is because Sione can claim the 2 years of service before the portable long service scheme started and 2 years for the period of service after claiming from the portable long service scheme.
Outcome:
- Sione is better off under the portable scheme.
- Sione may choose to change eligible employers during this time without losing his long service benefit.
- His payment from July 2031 will come entirely from the portable scheme, using the foundation bonus to reduce the waiting period from 7 to 6 years.
- Sione must take leave for the service claimed.
This scenario is not representative of any individual and does not consider your own circumstances. It is designed for demonstrative purposes only.
