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
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