Long service leave is now fairer and more flexible for women, parents and carers thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Last night the Long Service Act Bill passed the Legislative Council, ensuring it will become law in Victoria.

The changes to the Long Service Leave Act now mean that any period of paid parental leave and up to 12 months of unpaid parental leave will count as service, and no amount of parental leave will break continuity of service

The laws will also allow workers to apply for leave after seven years’ service – as soon as long service leave entitlements begin accruing – rather than after 10 years.

Previously the Long Service Leave Act treated parental leave less favourably than all other forms of leave. If an employee took more than 12 months unpaid parental leave they lost continuity of service, and any accrued long service leave entitlements.

These unfair and outdated laws disproportionately affected women who often take on caring responsibilities and penalised parents for spending more time at home when their kids were born.

The new laws will come into effect before early November this year.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations Natalie Hutchins

“The new Long Service Leave laws are a huge win for women, parents and carers across Victoria.”

“No one should be penalised for spending more time at home when their kids are born, or for changing their working hours to look after a loved one.”