The Andrews Labor Government is doing more to ensure Victorians working in the community service, cleaning and security sectors are aware of new portable long service benefits that will soon apply to them.
A major advertising campaign and ‘pop-up’ info sessions will run in all major regional centres over September –ensuring staff and their employers know how the scheme will affect them.
Metropolitan and suburban Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Colac, Warrnambool, Portland Hamilton, Horsham, Moe, Bairnsdale, Sale, Frankston, Broadford, Benalla, Shepparton, Mildura, Swan Hill, Echuca and Wodonga will host sessions.
The session will include information and guidance for New South Wales and South Australian businesses on how the scheme applies to businesses operating across the border.
Employers will get the chance to meet Portable Long Service Authority staff to ask questions and receive detailed information about the new portable long service laws and their obligations.
The Portable Long Service Scheme began on 1 July, allowing cleaners, security staff and community services workers to accrue and take long service entitlements with them from job-to-job within the same industry.
This is a benefit that has previously not been available to them – as uncovered by a Parliamentary Inquiry, which found many workers in these areas were being denied long service, despite working for years in the same place, doing the same job.
More than 400 employers have registered with the Authority so far, with a radio, newspaper and social media ad campaign to run over September to encourage more registrations.
Training sessions are also available to employers on how to lodge quarterly returns in September and October, providing step by step guidance for employers.
Employers needing assistance with understanding their obligation can call the Authority on 1800 517 158, e-mail enquiries@plsa.vic.gov.au or visit .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations Tim Pallas
“We’re changing the system to give hard-working Victorians in these sectors a fair go – cleaning, security and community service workers shouldn’t lose out on long service benefits when their employers sign new contracts.”
“These info sessions and the advertising campaign will help us reach as many people as possible so they know the benefits that are available to them, or that they should be providing their staff.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020