How Annual Leave Works in the ACT
Standard NES formula: 4 weeks/year, 2.923 hours/week accrual on 38 hours.
Long Service Leave in the ACT
Under the Long Service Leave Act 1976 (ACT), the ACT (alongside Victoria) has the shortest qualifying period in Australia:
- 6.0667 weeks of paid LSL after just 7 years of continuous service
- A further 1/5 of a month (~0.867 weeks) for each additional year of service after that
- Pro-rata available from 5 years in specific circumstances (employer-initiated termination not for misconduct, or incapacity)
- Full-time, part-time, and casual employees are covered
Curious how this compares? See VIC’s matching 7-year rule, TAS’s entitlement, or NT’s 13-week LSL.
Public Holidays in the ACT
The ACT observes the national holidays plus Canberra Day (March) and Reconciliation Day (June) — both unique to the Territory. Check legislation.act.gov.au for the current-year list, as the ACT has recently adjusted some holiday dates.
FAQs
How soon can I access long service leave in the ACT?
After 7 years — tied with Victoria for the earliest access nationally.
What’s unique about ACT public holidays?
Canberra Day and Reconciliation Day are ACT-only additions to the national calendar.
Is pro-rata LSL available before 7 years in the ACT?
Yes, from 5 years, but only in specific termination circumstances.