Flexible Rights for community service workers in the NT

The Northern Territory Government has announced the passing of the Portable Long Service Bill 2024 through the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly.

The Bill will see Territorians who work in the community services sector, including early childhood education and care (ECEC) have access to a portable long service leave scheme, which will recognise continuity of service for employees who move between employers in the sector.

The NT is not the first State or Territory to introduce portability of long service leave in the community services sector, as Queensland, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory have already introduced this, with South Australia and New South Wales closely following behind.

“We are proud to deliver more rights to hardworking Territorians who care for our children, people with disabilities and provide community care,” Minister for Public Employment Selena Uibo said.

“There is an increasing demand for community services in the Territory, and the Lawler Labor Government is making sure the Territory is a competitive place to live and work.”

Ms Uibo specifically mentioned “frontline workers in childcare services, crisis assistance and accommodation services, disability services, health and wellbeing services, residential and community aged care, community legal services, and other community, social and welfare work” as being eligible to benefit from the new scheme.

Engagement and consultation will continue in the coming 18 to 24 months for the drafting of regulations and other details, with more details to be shared as they come to hand.