Longserviceleave.com

Half pay and double pay long service leave in Australian Capital Territory

Half pay: not under the act. Double pay: no. Here is what the Long Service Leave Act 1976 (ACT) and the regulator say, and a calculator for the weeks and pay.

By Sri Murugan Systems ยท Rules last reviewed

Work out half pay or double pay

Long Service Leave Act 1976 (ACT)

The result starts with what the Act allows in Australian Capital Territory.

From your payslip or our calculator.

$

Before tax.

To show the last day of leave.

Half pay in Australian Capital Territory: not under the act

The Act has no half-pay option, and WorkSafe ACT guidance does not mention it. Section 14 bars contracting out unless an award or agreement is more advantageous to the employee. (Long Service Leave Act 1976 s 7 pays ordinary remuneration; s 8(1)(c) lets the parties agree how payment is made)

Double pay in Australian Capital Territory: no

The Act has no double-pay rule, and nothing lets long service leave be cashed out during employment.

An award, enterprise agreement or public-sector rule can allow more than the Act. See the Australian Capital Territory long service leave calculator for how many weeks you have.

Common questions

Is half-pay long service leave worth less?

No. The total is the same: 13 weeks at full pay or 26 weeks at half pay are both worth 13 weeks of ordinary pay. The leave lasts longer and each pay is smaller.

Can my employer refuse half-pay leave?

In Victoria, only on reasonable business grounds (s 22). In WA the employer does not have to agree (s 9(1C)). In SA the regulator says the employer does not have to allow it. Elsewhere the Act does not provide for it at all.

Can I take long service leave at double pay in Victoria?

No. Workforce Inspectorate Victoria says taking half the leave at double pay is not permitted, because it breaches the Act's ban on cashing out long service leave.

Official sources

Rules last reviewed 3 November 2026. Every figure comes from the Acts, the regulators, the ATO and the AASB; see sources and method.