Write your letter
When to use this letter
- You are an employer and want an employee to take long service leave they are entitled to.
- You need to give the notice the state Act requires before the leave starts.
What to include
- The start date, at least the required notice after the letter is given.
- The number of weeks the employee must take.
- How the leave will be paid and who to talk to about the dates.
Sample letter (New South Wales)
This is what the tool writes for New South Wales with 13 weeks of leave and the names left blank. The sample uses a start date of 19 April 2027 and a letter dated 11 January 2027. Choose your state above and the wording, sections and notice periods change to match.
11 January 2027
Notice to take long service leave
Dear [Employee name],
I am writing to give you notice that you are required to take 13 weeks of long service leave, starting on 19 April 2027.
The Long Service Leave Act 1955 (NSW) requires at least 1 month's notice of the date the leave starts (s 4(10)). This letter gives you that notice.
Your leave will be paid at your ordinary rate. If you would like to discuss different dates, please speak with me before 5 April 2027.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
[Employer name]
Notice an employer must give in each state
The letter quotes your state's rule. Here it is for every state and territory.
| State | Notice an employer must give |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | At least 1 month (s 4(10)) |
| Victoria | At least 12 weeks (s 19(1)) |
| Queensland | At least 3 months (s 97(3)); the leave must be at least 4 weeks |
| Western Australia | In WA an employer cannot direct an employee to take long service leave at a particular time. Leave is taken by agreement (s 9). |
| South Australia | At least 60 days (s 7(3)) |
| Tasmania | The Tasmanian Act has no notice period for directing leave. Leave is granted as soon as practicable having regard to the employer's needs, or postponed by agreement (s 12). |
| Australian Capital Territory | At least 60 days (s 6(2)) |
| Northern Territory | At least 2 months (s 8(7)) |
See all long service leave letters.
Common questions
How much notice must an employer give to direct long service leave?
It depends on the state: NSW 1 month (s 4(10)), Victoria 12 weeks (s 19(1)), Queensland 3 months for at least 4 weeks (s 97(3)), SA 60 days (s 7(3)), the ACT 60 days (s 6(2)) and the NT 2 months (s 8(7)). In WA an employer cannot direct the leave, and the Tasmanian Act sets no notice period.
Official sources
- Long Service Leave Act 1955 No 38
- Long Service Leave Act 2018 (No. 12 of 2018)
- Industrial Relations Act 2016 - Chapter 2, Part 3, Division 9 (Long service leave), ss 93-114
Rules last reviewed 3 November 2026. Every figure comes from the Acts, the regulators, the ATO and the AASB; see sources and method.