Long service leave policy template
Navigate Australia's complex state-based long service leave requirements with confidence. This template covers eligibility, accrual, taking leave and payment obligations across all jurisdictions.
Long service leave policy
PDF format • Ready to download
By downloading, you agree to our template disclaimer
Why you need a long service leave policy
Long service leave is governed by state and territory legislation, not the Fair Work Act. Each jurisdiction has different qualifying periods, accrual rates and pro-rata entitlements — making compliance complex for multi-state employers.
A comprehensive policy ensures consistency, prevents confusion and protects your business from inadvertent underpayment. It also helps employees understand their entitlements based on their location and length of service.
With long service leave obligations varying significantly across Australia, having a clear policy is essential for both compliance and workplace transparency.
Key elements of a long service leave policy
What your long service leave policy should include
State-based entitlements
Clear reference to state and territory variations in long service leave requirements.
Eligibility periods
When employees become eligible for long service leave in each jurisdiction.
Accrual calculations
How long service leave accrues over time and what counts as service.
Taking leave provisions
Rules for requesting, scheduling and taking long service leave.
Payment on termination
Entitlements payable when employment ends in different circumstances.
Pro-rata entitlements
When employees are entitled to pro-rata long service leave.
What's included in this template
Comprehensive coverage of long service leave requirements
Purpose & scope
Why the policy exists and who it applies to.
Policy statement
The organisation's commitment to meeting long service leave obligations.
State and territory legislation
Reference to applicable state-based long service leave laws.
Eligibility requirements
When employees qualify for long service leave in each state.
Accrual of entitlements
How long service leave accrues and what counts as continuous service.
Taking long service leave
Process for requesting, approving and scheduling leave.
Payment calculations
How long service leave pay is calculated.
Pro-rata entitlements
When pro-rata leave applies and how it is calculated.
Payment on termination
What is payable when employment ends.
Record keeping
How long service leave is tracked and documented.
Who should use this template?
Essential for employers with long-term employees
Legal disclaimer
This template is designed to reflect Australian long service leave requirements at the time of publication. It is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice.
Long service leave laws vary by state and territory and are regularly updated. You should verify current requirements in your jurisdiction and tailor this template to suit your business and workforce. Seek independent legal or HR advice for complex situations.
Regulatory sources
This template is aligned with the National Employment Standards under the Fair Work Act.
Automate leave management with RosterElf. Our leave management software tracks balances, handles requests, and integrates with rostering automatically. Track long service leave entitlements with RosterElf's HR software.
Ready to establish your long service leave policy?
Download our comprehensive long service leave policy template and support compliance with state-based requirements.
Looking for more templates? Browse all leave & attendance templates
Long service leave policy FAQ
- Entitlement periods vary by state. In most states, employees qualify after 10 years of continuous service. Some states allow pro-rata access from 7 years. Check your state legislation — NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, NT, and ACT all have different rules. See our guide on calculating long service leave for details.
- In most states, if an employee leaves after a certain period (often 5-7 years), they receive a pro-rata payment. The qualifying period and circumstances (resignation vs termination) vary by state. Check your state legislation for specific rules. Our guide on calculating pro-rata leave explains the process.
- Most state legislation allows long service leave to be taken as one continuous period or in separate periods by agreement. Some states have minimum period requirements. The employer and employee should agree on timing that suits both parties.
- Yes. This template provides a solid foundation aligned with the National Employment Standards, but you should tailor it to reflect your specific workplace, any applicable modern award or enterprise agreement, and state-based requirements such as long service leave provisions.
- Distribute the policy during onboarding for new employees and via email or team meetings for existing staff. Have employees sign an acknowledgement form confirming they have read and understood the policy. Using HR software with policy management can automate tracking of acknowledgements.
Related guides
Learn more about implementing this policy
Related templates
Build a complete leave management system
Disclaimer
This document is a general HR template provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the latest changes in legislation or apply to every workplace situation. RosterElf Pty Ltd and the template provider accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document. Users should seek independent legal advice and customise the template to ensure it complies with all relevant laws, awards and workplace requirements.