New scheme to strengthen community sector workforce

The ACT Government has today delivered on its commitment to implement a Portable Long Service Leave scheme to assist child care and community sector workers, Minister for Industrial Relations, Katy Gallagher MLA, announced.

The Minister said the Territory had become the first Australian jurisdiction to implement a Portable Long Service Leave Scheme to assist child care and community sector organisations improve workforce retention, after the Greens supported the Government’s bill.

“The new scheme will support these sectors by protecting the basic entitlement of each worker to take long service leave, even though they may have worked for more than one organisation, just like public sector workers’ entitlements accrue by working across several government agencies,” Ms Gallagher said.

“I’m pleased to see the Assembly supporting this important legislation. Workers in the child care and community sectors provide vital services to Canberrans and this is one way we can support those workers by enhancing their employment conditions,” she said.

“It will assist in developing more career options for these workers, helping to facilitate movement between organisations and providing more variety in work with greater prospects for promotion.
 
“This is also about helping to strengthen the capacity and sustainability of the sector which provides assistance and support to our most vulnerable community members.”

Following further consultation, a minor and technical amendment has been made to the bill to clarify the arrangements for the payment of entitlements.

The Portable Long Service Leave Scheme will be operational from 1 July 2010.

12 November 2009