The expansion of the Portable Long Service Leave Schemes for new industries has been paused to support the hospitality industry, which is experiencing uniquely challenging economic pressures.
The pause
New industries entering the portable scheme will now start from 1 July 2026.
Who it impacts
New industries entering the Services Industry Scheme from 1 July 2026 cover business owners and workers in:
- accommodation and food services, including hospitality
- hairdressing and beauty services.
Business owners in these new industries will need to register with ACT Leave by 30 June 2026.
What it means
Portable Long Service Leave Schemes allow eligible workers, including apprentices, to build long service leave, even if they move employers. People who are self-employed can also choose to build up long service leave.
Businesses will need to pay a levy at the end of each quarter to ACT Leave to cover their workers for Portable Long Service Leave.
Find out more here: https://actleave.act.gov.au/services/