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After a decade of service at Speller, I recently took the opportunity to enjoy my well-earned Long Service Leave (LSL). This article is not primarily to gloat about my 10 weeks off (there is some of that) but to explore the reasons it exists, the entitlements and some of my tips if you have the milestone upcoming!

The Origins

LSL in Australia has a fascinating history dating back to the 1860s. Originally, it was designed to allow colonial employees to return to their home countries once a decade. Over time, it evolved into a reward system aimed at refreshing the workforce and retaining valuable skills and expertise within companies. I myself am originally from England and whilst the travel arrangements are slightly easier than they were in 1860 I guess the main premise of our trip which was to catch up with friends and family is still the same reason people were using it over 150 years ago!

Entitlements

One of the most important aspects of LSL is understanding how it is calculated, as it varies by state and territory. Here’s a brief overview:

1. New South Wales (NSW): 8.67 weeks after 10 years, with pro-rata available after 5 years under certain conditions.

2. Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia 8.67 weeks after 10 years, with pro-rata available after 7 years in specific cases.

3. South Australia 13 weeks after 10 years, with pro-rata available after 7 years in specific cases.

4. Australian Capital Territory (ACT): 8.67 weeks after 7 years, with pro-rata available after 5 years in specific cases.

5. Northern Territory (NT): 13 weeks after 10 years, with pro-rata available after 7 years under certain conditions.

My Long Service Leave Experience

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I was very fortunate that my LSL lined up with the birth of my 1st child. Conveniently my partner was still on maternity leave, so it was perfect timing for us to do the trip and visit friends and family. This trip highlighted to me what a great benefit LSL is, not just as a reward but as an opportunity to refresh and reconnect with life outside of work. It gave us as a family the chance to spend meaningful time with family that would have been very difficult to do without it. It’s also a chance to step back, reflect on your career, and return to work with renewed energy and perspective.

Final Thoughts

Whether you use it for travel, spending time with family, or simply relaxing, it’s an opportunity to step away from the daily grind and come back to work with a fresh outlook. For anyone approaching their LSL milestone, I highly recommend planning something meaningful. It’s a reward you’ve earned, and the benefits extend far beyond the time away from work.​