19 March
NTCOSS supports fair and sustainable Portable Long Service Leave for the Northern Territory community sector
The Northern Territory Council of Social Service (NTCOSS) acknowledges the NT Government’s plan to repeal the existing portable long service leave (PLSL) legislation, originally introduced by the previous government. While NTCOSS has consistently supported the introduction of a portable long service leave scheme in the NT, the model implemented was fundamentally flawed and would not have adequately served the community service sector’s employees.
The scheme, as legislated, failed to provide sustainable benefits to workers in the sector. In some cases, the benefits payable under the scheme would have been less than those currently available to employees, undermining the intended purpose of ensuring fair entitlements for long-term workers.
NTCOSS maintains that a well-designed, sustainable portable long service leave model is necessary to support the sector’s workforce and retain skilled workers in community services. Such a scheme must provide real benefits for employees and be developed in genuine consultation with sector representatives to ensure it is both equitable and workable.
For any future portable long service leave model to succeed, it must be carefully considered, taking into account the needs and concerns of the community service sector. This requires adequate integration of sector considerations, something that has not been undertaken by previous or current governments.
NTCOSS remains committed to supporting a fair and sustainable portable long service leave scheme, that ensures long-term workers in the NT’s community services receive the recognition and entitlements they deserve in a sustainably resourced sector.
“The community service sector is built on the dedication of workers who often remain in the industry for decades. Any portable long service leave scheme must genuinely support them and not leave them worse off.”
“The model introduced by the previous government simply didn’t meet the needs of the community service workforce. It is critical that we develop a scheme that is fair, sustainable, and workable.”
“We urge the NT Government to engage meaningfully with the sector to co-design a scheme that truly benefits workers and ensures the long-term viability of community service organisations in the Territory.”
Sally Sievers, NTCOSS CEO
Contact: Morgan Rickard 0491 811 233 media-sectorsupport@ntcoss.org.au