Queensland Public Service Redundancy Calculator
Estimate a Queensland public service redundancy, early retirement or retrenchment package under Directive 04/18, with the incentive, notice and tax-free amount.
Queensland public service severance is 2 weeks' full-time pay per full-time-equivalent year of service, minimum 4 weeks and maximum 52 weeks (Directive 04/18). An incentive of $6,500 or 12 weeks' pay, whichever is greater, may be offered and includes pay in lieu of notice.
Your details
The Directive 04/18 formula
Directive 04/18 (Early Retirement, Redundancy and Retrenchment) took effect on 11 May 2018 and is still listed as current. It continues under the Public Sector Act 2022 for the entities it covered before 1 March 2023. It does not apply to temporary, casual or contract employees.
| Item | Rule | Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Severance | 2 weeks' full-time pay per FTE year + proportionate part year | 15(c), 16 |
| Minimum / maximum | 4 weeks / 52 weeks | 15(c) |
| Incentive | Greater of $6,500 or 12 weeks' pay; includes notice; not on retrenchment | 17 |
| Week's pay | Ordinary time rate — no overtime, penalties or shift allowances | 8 |
| Leave | Accrued recreation leave and long service leave paid as well | 15(a)–(b) |
Example: 10 years full time at $94,900 a year ($1,820 a week). Severance is 20 weeks = $36,400. With an incentive, add the greater of $6,500 or 12 weeks ($21,840) = $21,840, which already covers notice: total $58,240. The tax-free limit for 10 completed years is $81,608, so none of it is taxed.
Sources: Directive 04/18 Early Retirement, Redundancy and Retrenchment (forgov.qld.gov.au, status current); Industrial Relations Act 2016 (Qld) s123 and s126 (legislation.qld.gov.au, current version); ATO "Genuine redundancy payments" (updated 5 June 2026). Read 26 September 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How is a Queensland public service redundancy calculated?
Under Directive 04/18 the severance payment is 2 weeks' full-time pay per full-time-equivalent year of service, plus a proportionate amount for an incomplete year, at your substantive level. The minimum is 4 weeks and the maximum is 52 weeks. The same formula applies to redundancy, early retirement and retrenchment packages (Schedule B clause 15).
What is the Queensland public service redundancy incentive payment?
If you are offered an incentive to leave by a set date, it is the greater of $6,500 or 12 weeks' pay at your substantive level, pro-rated for part-time hours. It drops by one week's pay for each week you delay, it includes your pay in lieu of notice, and it is not paid on retrenchment (Directive 04/18 clause 17).
What is the maximum Queensland public service redundancy?
52 weeks' severance, reached at 26 full-time-equivalent years. An incentive of up to 12 weeks' pay (or $6,500 if greater) can be added, and accrued recreation and long service leave are paid on top.
How does part-time work affect a Queensland redundancy?
Severance is based on full-time-equivalent years. For example, 4 years full time and 1 year at 0.5 FTE is 4.5 FTE years, giving 9 weeks at the full-time rate. The incentive is pro-rated to your current part-time hours (Directive 04/18 clause 16–17).
Does the NES apply to Queensland public servants?
No. Queensland public servants are in the state industrial relations system, so the Queensland Employment Standards apply instead. Their redundancy minimum (Industrial Relations Act 2016 (Qld) s126) runs from 4 weeks at 1–2 years to 16 weeks after more than 12 years, and minimum notice (s123) is 1 to 4 weeks plus 1 week if 45 or older with 2+ years' service.
Can I work for the Queensland Government again after taking a package?
Yes, but if you are engaged by any Queensland Government entity for more than 20 working days within your severance period (the number of weeks your severance covers), you must refund the part of the severance for the time you were re-engaged (Directive 04/18 clause 13).
Check the salary you enter
Redundancy pay is worked out from your salary. Current rates, with their effective dates and sources:
Other public service redundancy calculators
FairWork Mate AI
Is the figure right for you?
The advisor reads your payslip, contract or letter against the Fair Work Commission case library and cites the decision behind every answer.
Renews monthly at A$29.99 until you cancel. By continuing you agree to our Terms.
Get pay and rights updates for your job
Free email updates when award rates, the minimum wage or workplace laws change.