Worker starting in 2026
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 5: Ryan – youth support worker starting in 2026
Background:
Ryan is 24 and begins his first job in community services in March 2026, working casually for a non-government youth support provider. He changes employers a few times but stays in the eligible sector.
How the schemes apply:
- Because Ryan starts after 31 December 2025, he does not receive the foundation bonus.
- He must build 7 full years of service to be eligible for a claim for leave.
- However, all service across eligible employers is counted, as long as he is captured in service records.
Outcome:
- Ryan will be eligible for a portable leave payment in March 2033.
- Ryan’s claim is calculated on the highest period of gross ordinary wages over an average of 6 months, 1, 5 or 7 years. Even though he missed the bonus, he still benefits from the portability of the new scheme, which the 1955 Act wouldn’t allow.
- This suits workers who move between employers, work part-time, casual, or have multiple jobs in the sector.
This scenario is not representative of any individual and does not consider your own circumstances. It is designed for demonstrative purposes only.
