The Victorian Government is doing more to ensure Victorians working in the community service, cleaning and security sectors are aware of new portable long service benefits that will soon apply to them.
A major advertising campaign and ‘pop-up’ info sessions will run in all major regional centres over September 2019 –ensuring staff and their employers know how the scheme will affect them.
Metropolitan and suburban Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Colac, Warrnambool, Portland Hamilton, Horsham, Moe, Bairnsdale, Sale, Frankston, Broadford, Benalla, Shepparton, Mildura, Swan Hill, Echuca and Wodonga will host sessions.
The session will include information and guidance for New South Wales and South Australian businesses on how the scheme applies to businesses operating across the border.
Employers will get the chance to meet Portable Long Service Authority staff to ask questions and receive detailed information about the new portable long service laws and their obligations.
The Portable Long Service Scheme began on 1 July 2019, allowing cleaners, security staff and community services workers to accrue and take long service entitlements with them from job-to-job within the same industry.
This is a benefit that has previously not been available to them – as uncovered by a Parliamentary Inquiry, which found many workers in these areas were being denied long service, despite working for years in the same place, doing the same job.
More than 400 employers have registered with the Authority so far, with a radio, newspaper and social media ad campaign to run over September 2019 to encourage more registrations.
Training sessions are also available to employers on how to lodge quarterly returns in September 2019 and October 2019, providing step by step guidance for employers.
Employers needing assistance with understanding their obligation can call the Authority on 1800 517 158, e-mail enquiries@plsa.vic.gov.au
Source: Vic Government