Factsheets / Leave / Long Service Leave QLD

Long Service Leave QLD

11 min read

: Your Entitlement, 7-Year Pro-Rata and Payout 

Last updated August 2026
Reviewed by the Australian Unions policy team, August 2026

Based on our affiliated unions’ experience helping Queensland members, the pro-rata rule at seven years is the thing workers most often do not realise they are owed. 

Long service leave in Queensland at a glance 

Employees are entitled to long service leave after an extended period of service with an employer. Your specific entitlements to long service leave will be determined by state or territory long service leave legislation, or (if you are covered by a pre-reform award) by the National Employment Standards under the Fair Work Act.  

This page specifically covers the rules for Queensland workers under the Industrial Relations Act 2016 (Qld). These rules will apply unless you are covered by a federal pre-modern award. An enterprise agreement can also provide more generous long service leave entitlements. 

How much long service leave do you get in Queensland? 

In Queensland, long service leave entitlements are generally based on your continuous service with an employer. 

After 10 years 

After 10 years of continuous service with the same employer, you are entitled to 8.6667 weeks of paid long service leave. This is roughly equivalent to two months of leave. Long service leave accrues at a rate of 0.86667 weeks for each year of service. 

Beyond 10 years 

After a further 5 years of continuous service, you will be entitled to an additional 4.3333 weeks (total of 13 weeks) of paid long service leave.  

Pro-rata long service leave in Queensland 

Pro-rata on any exit after 7 years 

In Queensland, if your employment ends after you have completed at least 7 years of continuous service, pro-rata long service leave is only paid out in certain circumstances. You will be entitled to be paid pro-rata long service leave, if your employment ends for one of the following reasons:  

  • You resigned because of illness or because of domestic or other pressing necessity  
  • Your employer ended your employment because of illness  
  • Your employer ended your employment, for a reason other than conduct, capacity or performance 
  • Your employer unfairly dismissed you; or 
  • Your employment ended because of your death.   

Before 7 years 

Generally, no pro-rata long service leave is payable for periods of continuous service less than 7 years. For example, if you leave your job after 6 years and 11 months, you would typically not be entitled to any long service leave payout unless specific award or agreement provisions apply. 

We recently helped a Queensland union member, Sarah, who had worked for 6 years and 9 months before resigning. Her employer initially told her she wasn’t due any long service leave. After her union reviewed her case, they found that while she didn’t meet the 7-year mark, her specific enterprise agreement had a clause entitling her to a pro-rata payment after 5 years for a voluntary resignation. This shows why it’s really important to be a union member and get expert advice.

How long service leave is calculated in Queensland 

Your long service leave is calculated based on your ordinary rate of pay at the time your leave is taken (or paid out).. 

Worked Queensland example 

Let’s say a worker, Alex, earns a base rate of $1,000 per week. 

Scenario 1: Alex resigns after 7 years of continuous service because of serious illness.

In Queensland, workers are entitled to pro-rata long service leave in certain circumstances. If Alex resigned because of illness, this is one of reasons they can access pro-rata long service leave when they end employment. The calculation for 7 years of service is 7/10ths of the full 8.6667 weeks’ entitlement.

Pro-rata entitlement = (7 years ÷ 10 years) × 8.6667 weeks = 6.0667 weeks

Payout = 6.0667 weeks × $1,000 per week = $6,066.70

Scenario 2: Alex’s employment ends after 10 years of continuous service.

Alex is entitled to the full 8.6667 weeks of paid long service leave.

Payout = 8.6667 weeks × $1,000 per week = $8,666.70Last updated August 2026
Reviewed by the Australian Unions policy team, August 2026

Queensland long service leave calculator 

Want to estimate your own long service leave payout? Use the worked Queensland example above to get a rough idea. For a precise calculation tailored to your specific circumstances, look out for the dedicated Australian Unions Queensland long service leave calculator – coming soon! 

What counts as continuous service 

Continuous service refers to the uninterrupted period you have worked for an employer. Certain absences and changes generally do not break this continuity. 

Leave, absences and business sales 

Your continuous employment for long service leave purposes is generally not broken by periods such as parental leave, other approved paid absences (e.g., sick leave) or approved unpaid leave in some circumstances. These periods will normally count towards your continuous service. 

Casual work 

In Queensland, casual workers are entitled to long service leave. When you take long service leave, you are entitled to be paid your casual loading.  

However, it is important to be aware that if you take a break in your service for 3 months or more, you will no longer be entitled to long service leave. 

Seasonal work  

In Queensland, workers in the seasonal sugar industry and the seasonal meat works industry, are also entitled to long service leave after 10 years of service. If you are a seasonal worker in these industries, your service will be recognised if you: 

  • Work up until the end of the season (or your employer ends the contract early); and  
  • You work for the same employer from the opening of the next season (or you start on a later date when the employer requires).   

Seasonal workers are entitled to be paid long service leave for the number of weeks worked at full pay. For example: a seasonal employee who worked half of each year, over a 10-year period, is entitled to half the long service leave entitlement.  

QLeave portable long service leave in Queensland 

Queensland operates portable long service leave schemes through QLeave for specific industries including building and construction, contract cleaning, and community services. These schemes allow workers to accrue long service leave entitlements based on their service within the industry, even if they change employers. This ensures that leave follows the worker rather than being tied to a single employer. If you work in one of these industries, you should check the QLeave website to see if your employer is registered and if you are accruing entitlements. 

When long service leave is paid out 

Untaken long service leave is generally paid out on termination of employment once you are entitled to it (i.e., after 10 years of continuous service). This payment will be included in your final pay. 

In Queensland, if you resign after completing at least 7 years of continuous service, you are also entitled to be paid out pro-rata long service leave if your employment ends for one of the following reasons:  

  • You resign because of illness or because of domestic or other pressing necessity  
  • The employer ends your employment because of illness  
  • The employer ends your employment, for a reason other than conduct, capacity or performance 
  • The employer unfairly dismisses you; or  
  • Your employment ends because of your death.   

What to do if your Queensland long service leave is wrong 

If you suspect your long service leave calculation or entitlement is incorrect, follow these steps to address the issue. 

Step 1: Confirm your continuous service dates 

Accurately determine your exact start date with your employer and note any significant breaks in service. This is crucial for calculating your total continuous service period. 

Step 2: Calculate what you are owed 

Use the formula and examples provided in this factsheet to calculate the long service leave you believe you are entitled to, whether it’s a full entitlement or a pro-rata payment. 

Step 3: Raise it with your employer in writing 

Politely and clearly communicate your concerns to your employer in writing, outlining your service dates and your calculation.[Text Wrapping Break]Example email template: “Dear [Manager’s Name], I am writing to inquire about my long service leave entitlements. My records show my continuous service from [Start Date] to [End Date], and based on Queensland legislation, I believe I am owed [Calculated Amount/Weeks]. Could you please review this?” 

Step 4: Get your union involved 

If your employer disputes your entitlement or calculation, or if you feel uncomfortable addressing it alone, contact your union immediately. Your union can provide expert advice, help you interpret the specific laws and any applicable awards or agreements, and represent you in discussions with your employer to chase unpaid LSL and resolve disputes over continuous service, often at no cost to you. 

Step 5: The Queensland government avenue 

If the issue cannot be resolved, you may need to escalate the matter to the Queensland Office of Industrial Relations (for general employment) or QLeave (for portable scheme disputes). These bodies can investigate and mediate to ensure your entitlements are met. 

Frequently asked questions

How much long service leave do you get in Queensland?

In Queensland, you get 8.6667 weeks of paid long service leave after 10 years of continuous service.  

 

Do you get pro-rata long service leave in Queensland if you resign?

It depends. In Queensland, if you resign after completing at least 7 years of continuous service,  you are entitled to be paid out pro-rata long service leave if your employment ends for one of the following reasons:  

  • You resign because of illness or because of domestic or other pressing necessity  
  • The employer ends your employment because of illness  
  • The employer ends your employment, for a reason other than conduct, capacity or performance 
  • The employer unfairly dismisses you; or 
  • Your employment ends because of your death.   

When are you entitled to long service leave in Queensland?

You are entitled to 8.6667 weeks of paid long service leave in Queensland after 10 years of continuous service.  

What is QLeave and am I covered?

QLeave is Queensland’s portable long service leave scheme for the building and construction, contract cleaning, and community services industries. It allows workers in these sectors to accrue LSL entitlements even if they change employers. You can check the QLeave website to see if you are registered and covered. 

Can long service leave be cashed out in Queensland?

Long service leave can be cashed out in Queensland in certain circumstances. There are two options.   

Option 1: You are entitled to cash out long service leave if you are employed under an enterprise agreement or an award that provides for leave to be paid out. You will need to: 

  • Have completed 10 .years of continuous service 
  • Your employer will need to agree 
  •  This agreement needs to be recorded and signed by you and your employer; and  
  • Keep a copy of the agreement for your records. 

There can sometimes be tax implications being paid out leave in a lump sum. Consider getting financial advice for your individual circumstances. 

 

Option 2: You can apply to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission for an order to cash out your long service leave. It costs nothing to make an application to the Commission. However, the Commission can only order that long service leave is paid out in the following circumstances:  

  • Financial hardship; or  
  • Compassionate grounds.  

If you have questions or need support, reach out to your union for help.  

Is long service leave taxed in Queensland?

Long service leave payments, whether taken as leave or paid out on termination, are considered taxable income. The amount of tax withheld will depend on your individual tax circumstances and the amount of the payment. 

Do casual employees get long service leave in Queensland?

Yes, casual employees in Queensland are entitled to long service leave.When you take long service leave, you are entitled to be paid your casual loading.  

However, it is important to be aware, that if there is a break in your service of 3 months or more, you will not be entitled to long service leave.  

Think your long service leave is wrong? Your union can help

Don’t let your hard-earned long service leave go unpaid. Just like the member in Geelong who narrowly missed out, many Victorian workers are unaware of their full entitlements. If you suspect your long service leave calculation is incorrect, or you’re owed a payout, your union can provide expert advice and representation. We’ll help you understand your rights, deal with your employer, and chase what you’re owed. Join your union today for support. 

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