The passage of portable long service leave for 240,000 community and disability sector workers in NSW is a major victory that will help keep them in the sector for longer and recognise their service and dedication to NSW communities.
The new law, passed by the NSW Parliament today, allows workers to accrue long service leave entitlements that carry with them between employers, providing greater security and incentive to remain in this critical field.
“This is a momentous day for the dedicated community and disability sector workforce in NSW,” said Angus McFarland, Secretary, Australian Services Union NSW & ACT.
“For too long, these essential workers have been denied fair long service benefits simply because the way governments fund their work requires them to change employers frequently. That injustice ends today.
“Community sector workers have immense skill, compassion and commitment. Many workers love what they do but burn out due to the stress of dealing with crisis and trauma.
“By tying long service leave to service in the sector rather than for one employer, we can properly value workers and give them a well deserved break to help reduce burnout.”
Portable entitlements are particularly important for workers in the NDIS where 1 in 4 disability support workers change jobs each year, and many work for multiple employers.
“This common-sense change will also benefit providers and the wider community by improving the quality and consistency of disability support services and providing continuity of care for clients,” said Mr McFarland.
The ASU thanks the NSW Government for implementing today an election commitment made to the 240,000 frontline community and disability sector workers in our state.
