Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
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Released 20/03/2025
Accommodation, food, hairdressing and beauty businesses due to enter the ‘services industry’ expansion of the Portable Long Service Leave Scheme will be given another 15 months to register.
A decision has been made to pause the commencement of the expansion of the Scheme until 1 July 2026 to support the hospitality industry which is experiencing uniquely challenging economic pressures.
Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industries Michael Pettersson said it was important that hospitality and other businesses were supported during this time.
“We know that the hospitality sector is under pressure. A new report has showed that nationally, 9.3% hospitality businesses closed in the 12 months to February 2025. Sadly, we have recently seen much-loved Canberra hospitality businesses close their doors,” Minister Pettersson said.
“An extended transition period will support the thousands of businesses in the ACT’s hospitality industry with the continuation of their current processes in this challenging time. Businesses will be able to obtain further support over the next 15 months from the ACT Long Service Leave Authority to register and transition to the Portable Long Service Leave Scheme.”
“In making this decision, I have also listened to feedback from local businesses that a beginning of financial year commencement would make it easier to transition to a business ready position.”
“Portable Long Service Leave is an important initiative for employers and employees. Business processes are simplified and liability for long service leave will no longer be held by individual businesses. The Scheme also ensures that workers aren’t unfairly impacted by the casual and insecure nature of their employment by guaranteeing access to the benefits of long service leave across their industry.”
“Long service leave should be an entitlement for every worker.”
The ACT Long Service Leave Authority will continue to engage proactively with industry and support businesses in registering for the Scheme.
New employers entering the services industry scheme will need to be registered by 30 June 2026 to be ready for full commencement of the new services scheme by 1 July 2026.
– Statement ends –
Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases