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Redundancy Pay in Australian Capital Territory (ACT) 2026 — Your Rights & Entitlements

Last updated: March 2026

Redundancy pay in Australian Capital Territory is primarily governed by the National Employment Standards (NES) under the Fair Work Act 2009, which applies to all national system employees across Australia. Under the NES, employees made redundant are entitled to between 4 and 16 weeks' pay based on their length of continuous service.

However, ACT has specific considerations. ACT public sector employees have redundancy provisions under the ACT Public Sector Management Act 1994 and relevant enterprise agreements.

If you believe your redundancy entitlements have not been met, you can lodge a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman or apply to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) for resolution.

Key Facts: Redundancy Pay in ACT

  • NES redundancy pay ranges from 4 weeks (1-2 years service) to 16 weeks (9-10 years service)
  • Small businesses (fewer than 15 employees) are exempt from NES redundancy pay
  • The ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) handles state-level industrial disputes in ACT
  • ACT public sector employees may have different (often more generous) redundancy provisions
  • Redundancy pay is calculated on your base rate of pay for ordinary hours
  • Genuine redundancy payments receive concessional tax treatment from the ATO

Calculate Your Entitlements

Use our free redundancy pay calculator to calculate your specific entitlements based on your circumstances.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much redundancy pay am I entitled to in Australian Capital Territory?
Redundancy pay in Australian Capital Territory follows the National Employment Standards. You're entitled to 4 weeks' pay for 1-2 years of service, scaling up to 16 weeks for 9-10 years. After 10 years, the entitlement reduces. Small businesses (fewer than 15 employees) are exempt.
Where do I make a redundancy complaint in ACT?
You can lodge a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) for national system employers. For state system matters, contact the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT). If you're a ACT government employee, your enterprise agreement may have its own dispute process.
Do ACT government employees get different redundancy pay?
Yes. ACT public sector employees have redundancy provisions under the ACT Public Sector Management Act 1994 and relevant enterprise agreements. Check your enterprise agreement or contact your HR department for specific details.
Is redundancy pay taxed in Australian Capital Territory?
Genuine redundancy payments in all Australian states, including Australian Capital Territory, receive special tax treatment. A portion is tax-free based on your years of service, with the remainder taxed at concessional rates. This is a federal ATO rule that applies equally across all states.

Redundancy Pay in Other States

NSWNew South WalesVICVictoriaQLDQueenslandWAWestern AustraliaSASouth AustraliaTASTasmaniaNTNorthern Territory

More Workplace Rights in ACT

Notice PeriodNotice Period rights in Australian Capital TerritoryLong Service LeaveLong Service Leave rights in Australian Capital TerritoryUnfair DismissalUnfair Dismissal rights in Australian Capital TerritoryWorkers CompensationWorkers Compensation rights in Australian Capital TerritoryPublic HolidaysPublic Holidays rights in Australian Capital Territory
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.