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Long Service Leave in Australian Capital Territory (ACT) 2026 — Your Rights & Entitlements

Last updated: March 2026

Long service leave in Australian Capital Territory is governed by the Long Service Leave Act 1976 (ACT). Unlike most other workplace entitlements, long service leave varies significantly between states and territories.

In ACT, employees are entitled to 6.07 weeks (after 7 years) of long service leave after 7 years of continuous service with the same employer.

The ACT has one of the shortest qualifying periods in Australia at 7 years, with 6.07 weeks of leave. After the initial 7 years, leave accrues at approximately 0.8667 weeks per year. Pro-rata access from 5 years on termination makes the ACT particularly employee-friendly.

Pro-rata access: Pro-rata from 5 years if terminated by the employer (not for serious misconduct) or due to incapacity.

Key Facts: Long Service Leave in ACT

  • ✓Qualifying period: 7 years of continuous service
  • ✓Entitlement: 6.07 weeks (after 7 years) of paid leave
  • ✓Governed by: Long Service Leave Act 1976 (ACT)
  • ✓Pro-rata: Pro-rata from 5 years if terminated by the employer (not for serious misconduct) or due to incapacity
  • ✓Long service leave is paid at the employee's ordinary pay rate
  • ✓Service with related entities may count towards continuous service
  • ✓Unpaid leave and parental leave may or may not break continuity depending on circumstances

Calculate Your Entitlements

Use our free long service leave calculator to calculate your specific entitlements based on your circumstances.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much long service leave do I get in Australian Capital Territory?▼
In Australian Capital Territory, you're entitled to 6.07 weeks (after 7 years) of long service leave after 7 years of continuous service with the same employer, under the Long Service Leave Act 1976 (ACT).
Can I get pro-rata long service leave in ACT?▼
Pro-rata from 5 years if terminated by the employer (not for serious misconduct) or due to incapacity. This means you may be able to access a proportional amount of leave before reaching the full qualifying period.
What happens to my long service leave if I resign in ACT?▼
If you resign after completing the full qualifying period (7 years), you are entitled to be paid out your accrued long service leave. If you resign before this, you generally won't receive pro-rata payment unless specific circumstances apply under the Long Service Leave Act 1976 (ACT).
Does long service leave in Australian Capital Territory differ from other states?▼
Yes. Long service leave varies significantly across Australia. Australian Capital Territory provides 6.07 weeks (after 7 years) after 7 years. By comparison, SA and NT offer 13 weeks after 10 years, while the ACT requires only 7 years for 6.07 weeks. Victoria allows pro-rata access from 7 years.

Long Service Leave in Other States

NSWNew South WalesVICVictoriaQLDQueenslandWAWestern AustraliaSASouth AustraliaTASTasmaniaNTNorthern Territory

More Workplace Rights in ACT

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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.