Worker returning after a break
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 6: Priya – community legal worker returning after a break
Background:
Priya is a 38-year-old community legal worker who worked full-time for a NSW community legal centre from 2019 to 2026. She took a 3 year career break from mid-2026 to mid-2029 to care for family. In 2029, she returned to community services, this time with a different eligible employer in the domestic violence sector.
How the schemes apply:
- Priya was working on 1 July 2025 and was reported on service returns as working within the first 6 months, so she receives the foundation bonus of 365 days.
- Her service from 2025 to 2026 is included in her portable record before the break.
- The 3 year gap from 2026 to 2029 does not count towards her service credits.
- Workers can take a break from the industry for up to 4 years and maintain their recorded service in the scheme (This may be extended if circumstances meet the required reasons outlined in the regulations).
- From 2029 onward, she resumes accruing service in the scheme.
Outcome:
- Priya will receive the foundation bonus of 365 days of service for being in the scheme from 1 July 2025. Priya will have 2 years of recorded service before taking a break from the industry.
- Priya will need 5 more credited years, meaning she won’t be eligible until 2034.
- Her ability to move to a new employer and still retain past credits demonstrates the value of portability, even with service interruptions.
This scenario is not representative of any individual and does not consider your own circumstances. It is designed for demonstrative purposes only.
