The Andrews Labor Government is making long service leave fairer and more flexible for women, parents and carers.

The new Long Service Leave Act, which will be debated in Victorian Parliament this week, will stop women and parents being discriminated against and losing hard earned long service leave.

Currently, the Long Service Leave Act treats parental leave less favourably than all other forms of leave. If an employee takes more than 12 months unpaid parental leave they lose continuity of service, and any accrued long service leave entitlements.

This undervalues the vital contributions parents make to their workplaces – particularly women, who are disproportionately affected by this unfair and outdated arrangement.

Under the Labor Government’s changes, 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 new laws also provide greater flexibility in how long service leave can be taken, reducing the minimum period for long service leave to one day, giving employees greater flexibility – particularly when transitioning to retirement.

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.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations Natalie Hutchins

“The new Long Service Leave laws are a huge win for women across Victoria, and what a week to be debating it, with International Women’s day on Thursday.”

“We’re making long service leave fairer and more accessible for all Victorians, especially women, parents and carers.”

“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.”