New Portable Long Service Leave Scheme | Beam Bookkeeping

New Portable Long Service Leave Scheme for NSW Community Services


Why It Matters

This scheme marks a major change for NSW community services employers. It gives workers long service leave based on industry tenure, not just time with one employer — meaning new admin processes and levy payments will be required.

What the Scheme Involves

Start Date: 1 July 2025

Applies To:

  • Employers: Community services sector in NSW with 1+ employees
  • Employees: Workers providing eligible services
  • Contractors: Can opt in voluntarily

Entitlements:

  • 6 weeks leave after 7 years' industry service
  • Service does not need to be with the same employer
  • Bonus 365-day credit for workers in Sep and Dec 2025 returns

Employer Obligations:

  • Register by 31 July 2025 via Service NSW
  • Report service data quarterly (starting 30 Sep 2025)
  • Pay 1.7% levy on gross ordinary wages

Worker Registration and Rights

  • Employers must register eligible workers
  • Contractors lodge their own returns
  • Records visible via a portal from April 2026
  • Appeals for service/reporting issues can be made

What Work is Covered?

31 types of community service work are covered, such as:

  • Disability and support services
  • Domestic and family violence work
  • Homelessness, foster care, multicultural support
  • Youth justice, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services

See full list of covered work

What Employers Should Do

Before 1 July 2025:

  • Confirm eligibility under community services
  • Register with Long Service Corporation by 31 July
  • Prepare systems for payroll and record-keeping
  • Train payroll/HR on new levy rules
  • Engage Beam Bookkeeping for setup support

After the Scheme Starts:

  • Lodge quarterly returns
  • Pay levies based on gross ordinary wages
  • Use templates to record and maintain data
  • Partner with Beam for ongoing compliance

FAQs

Who is covered?
NSW community service workers, including full-time, part-time and casual staff. Contractors may opt in.

What are gross ordinary wages?
Wages before tax/super, including allowances like on-call and casual loading.

How is the 1.7% levy calculated?
Based on gross ordinary wages of eligible staff each quarter.

How long do I keep records?
Seven years after employment ends.

Can decisions be appealed?
Yes, from 1 July 2025 via the Long Service Corporation Committee.

Let Beam Help You Stay Ahead

This scheme is a big change — and Beam Bookkeeping is here to support you with setup, compliance, and payroll processes that meet the new standards.

📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.beambk.com.au
📞 (02) 4957 3174
👉 Get in touch today