Background
In late July 2026, TasCOSS was briefed by Robbie Moore, State Secretary of the Health and Community Services Union (HACSU), and Sam Bachelor, Tasmanian Coordinator of the Australian Services Union (ASU), about a union proposal to introduce a Portable Long Service Leave (PLSL) scheme in Tasmania.
HACSU, ASU and the United Workers Union (UWU) are campaigning for the introduction of PLSL for workers across a number of industry sectors, including the community services industry.
TasCOSS was advised that draft legislation was being developed, drawing on the NSW PLSL model, with the intention of introducing it into the Tasmanian Parliament as a Private Member’s Bill before the end of 2026.
TasCOSS did not have an established position on the proposed scheme, and there had been limited consultation with community services industry representatives on the proposed legislation. TasCOSS therefore committed to consulting members to understand their views and identify issues that should be addressed as the proposal progresses.
TasCOSS held two member consultation meetings during August and September 2026, with a total of approximately 80 attendees. Members heard from union representatives about the proposed scheme and from a representative of the South Australian Council of Social Service (SACOSS), who shared experiences and learnings from the introduction of PLSL in South Australia.
What Members Told Us?
TasCOSS received feedback through the member consultation meetings, direct correspondence and an online poll.
The poll found 53% of respondents supported, in principle, the introduction of a PLSL scheme for Tasmania’s community services industry. 21% of respondents were undecided, while 26% opposed a PLSL scheme.
Members also expressed a strong interest in further scrutiny of the proposal before legislation progresses. When asked what further engagement should occur, 63% of respondents supported consultation between the unions and the community services industry on an exposure draft of the Bill, followed by referral of the legislation to a Parliamentary Committee once introduced.
This would provide an opportunity for more detailed consideration of the costs and impacts of the proposed scheme, as well as other implementation issues.
TasCOSS Position
TasCOSS recognises the potential benefits of PLSL for workers in the community services industry. However, any scheme needs to be developed with a clear understanding of its implications for the organisations that employ those workers and deliver essential services to Tasmanians.
Reflecting the feedback received from members, TasCOSS’s current position is that:
The unions should undertake comprehensive consultation with Tasmania’s community services industry on an exposure draft of the proposed Portable Long Service Leave legislation before it is introduced into Parliament.
Following introduction, the Bill should be referred to a Parliamentary Committee to enable detailed examination of the proposed scheme, including its financial and operational impacts on community services organisations and the arrangements required for effective implementation.
TasCOSS will continue to engage with members as the proposal develops and represent the industry’s views through the legislative process. For more information, please contact Stephen Durney, Senior Policy Officer, via email.