FairWorkMate

Long Service Leave in Queensland (QLD) 2026 — Your Rights & Entitlements

Last updated: March 2026

Long service leave in Queensland is governed by the Industrial Relations Act 2016 (Qld), Chapter 2 Part 3. Unlike most other workplace entitlements, long service leave varies significantly between states and territories.

In QLD, employees are entitled to 8.67 weeks of long service leave after 10 years of continuous service with the same employer.

After 10 years of continuous service, Queensland employees receive 8.67 weeks of long service leave. Additional leave accrues at 8.67 weeks per 10 years of subsequent service.

Pro-rata access: Pro-rata after 7 years if employment is terminated by the employer (other than for serious misconduct), or by the employee due to illness, incapacity, or domestic pressing necessity.

Key Facts: Long Service Leave in QLD

  • ✓Qualifying period: 10 years of continuous service
  • ✓Entitlement: 8.67 weeks of paid leave
  • ✓Governed by: Industrial Relations Act 2016 (Qld), Chapter 2 Part 3
  • ✓Pro-rata: Pro-rata after 7 years if employment is terminated by the employer (other than for serious misconduct), or by the employee due to illness, incapacity, or domestic pressing necessity
  • ✓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.

Open Long Service Leave Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much long service leave do I get in Queensland?▼
In Queensland, you're entitled to 8.67 weeks of long service leave after 10 years of continuous service with the same employer, under the Industrial Relations Act 2016 (Qld), Chapter 2 Part 3.
Can I get pro-rata long service leave in QLD?▼
Pro-rata after 7 years if employment is terminated by the employer (other than for serious misconduct), or by the employee due to illness, incapacity, or domestic pressing necessity. 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 QLD?▼
If you resign after completing the full qualifying period (10 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 Industrial Relations Act 2016 (Qld), Chapter 2 Part 3.
Does long service leave in Queensland differ from other states?▼
Yes. Long service leave varies significantly across Australia. Queensland provides 8.67 weeks after 10 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 WalesVICVictoriaWAWestern AustraliaSASouth AustraliaTASTasmaniaACTAustralian Capital TerritoryNTNorthern Territory

More Workplace Rights in QLD

Redundancy PayRedundancy Pay rights in QueenslandNotice PeriodNotice Period rights in QueenslandUnfair DismissalUnfair Dismissal rights in QueenslandWorkers CompensationWorkers Compensation rights in QueenslandPublic HolidaysPublic Holidays rights in Queensland

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.