As of July 1, any Victorian in these industries has been able to accrue long service entitlements and transfer them from job to job within the same industry.
The scheme endeavours to return fairness and security to workers in these sectors, who often perform the same work, in the same place, for many years, without being able to accrue long service.
“Thousands of Victorians have been missing out on long service entitlements through no fault of their own – we’re changing the system to give them a fair go,’’ Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp said.
“We believe that if you work in the same place for seven years, doing the same work, you should get long service benefits – it’s just that simple.”
Victorian businesses have until September 30 to register for the scheme and from October will be required to submit quarterly returns detailing days worked and pay received for their employees.
They will then pay a levy to the Portable Long Service Authority which will invest the funds and use them to pay workers when they claim long service.
Any new businesses in these industries have three months from establishment to register.
The authority, headquartered in Bendigo and employing more than 30 people, is responsible for administering the scheme and ensuring compliance.
For more information or to learn about the other industries – including early childhood and disability services – that will be eligible for the scheme from January 1, 2020, visit plsa.vic.gov.au