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Long Service Leave in Western Australia (WA) 2026 — Your Rights & Entitlements

Last updated: March 2026

Long service leave in Western Australia is governed by the Long Service Leave Act 1958 (WA). Unlike most other workplace entitlements, long service leave varies significantly between states and territories.

In WA, employees are entitled to 8.67 weeks of long service leave after 10 years (7 years pro-rata for some) of continuous service with the same employer.

WA state system employees and national system employees both have long service leave entitlements, though they may come from different sources (state legislation or awards/agreements). The standard entitlement is 8.67 weeks after 10 years.

Pro-rata access: Pro-rata after 7 years if employment ends due to the employer's action (other than serious misconduct), or the employee's illness or incapacity.

Key Facts: Long Service Leave in WA

  • ✓Qualifying period: 10 years (7 years pro-rata for some) of continuous service
  • ✓Entitlement: 8.67 weeks of paid leave
  • ✓Governed by: Long Service Leave Act 1958 (WA)
  • ✓Pro-rata: Pro-rata after 7 years if employment ends due to the employer's action (other than serious misconduct), or the employee's illness or 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 Western Australia?▼
In Western Australia, you're entitled to 8.67 weeks of long service leave after 10 years (7 years pro-rata for some) of continuous service with the same employer, under the Long Service Leave Act 1958 (WA).
Can I get pro-rata long service leave in WA?▼
Pro-rata after 7 years if employment ends due to the employer's action (other than serious misconduct), or the employee's illness or 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 WA?▼
If you resign after completing the full qualifying period (10 years (7 years pro-rata for some)), 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 1958 (WA).
Does long service leave in Western Australia differ from other states?▼
Yes. Long service leave varies significantly across Australia. Western Australia provides 8.67 weeks after 10 years (7 years pro-rata for some). 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 WalesVICVictoriaQLDQueenslandSASouth AustraliaTASTasmaniaACTAustralian Capital TerritoryNTNorthern Territory

More Workplace Rights in WA

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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.