A step-by-step guide for employers, explaining how to submit quarterly returns via the online portal.
The Authority has introduced employer multi-factor authentication to better protect your information.
Registered employers have been sent an email outlining the authentication steps when logging into the portal.
As part of these security measures, it is also important to make sure your workers’ email address and mobile number are correct in your quarterly returns.
The Portable Long Service Benefits Scheme allows workers in community services, contract cleaning and security to take their long service entitlement with them if they change jobs but stay in the industry.
From 1 July 2019, businesses with workers in community services, contract cleaning and security must register with the Portable Long Service Authority, which administers the Scheme. Community services providing children's services or activities funded by the NDIS are required to register from 1 January 2020.
New businesses must register within 3 months of establishment.
Registered employers submit quarterly returns through the employer portal.
When a quarterly return is lodged, an invoice will be issued to the business to pay the employer levy. The levy must be paid within 14 days.
To check if you are a covered employer, please use your industry-specific screening tool:
Community services employers are non-profit entities employing workers to perform community service work, or for-profit entities that employ workers to perform community service work for people with a disability.
Contract cleaning employers engage one or more workers to perform cleaning work for other people.
Security employers engage one or more workers to perform security activities for which they are licensed or registered under the Private Security Act 2004.
Employers do not need to register if they are:
For more information about who and what is covered by the scheme, you can visit the relevant industry page for:
If you are an interstate employer providing community services, contract cleaning or security work in Victoria, you must register with the Portable Long Service Authority [PLSA]. You must also register any of your workers who are working in Victoria.
Workers living interstate and working from home for a registered Victorian employer may be covered by the Scheme.
A major benefit for employers registered with the Portable Long Service Benefits Scheme is attracting and retaining staff in an ever-tightening labour market.
Workers are drawn to employers who exhibit care for staff well-being and their financial future.
Being registered with the Authority is seen by workers as an act of good will.
Registered employers develop a reputation among casual and contract workers as an employer of choice.
The cost of losing staff is an issue for all employers, considering the amount of time and money invested in training.
As the Scheme is compulsory across the three sectors there are no free riders and whether you are a long term or short-term employer you contribute equivalently and share the dividends of a highly productive workforce.
Discuss portable long service leave openly with your staff. Encourage them to plan for their future lump sum portable benefits payment after seven years in one of the three industries.
You can both share in the benefits it will bring.
If you’re an employer in the community services, contract cleaning or security industries in Victoria, with workers engaged to perform work in these industries, you’re required to register with the Portable Long Service Authority. Registration is completed online. Please note: Registration is compulsory, and penalties may be imposed for any employer failing to register. Employers must register within 3 months becoming an employer in the industry. Register your business
Employers are required to register their eligible workers for the scheme through their quarterly return. Each quarter, you must ensure that you have included any new workers on your quarterly return.
Make sure you notify the Portable Long Service Authority if you change your address or other contact details. This can be done through the employer portal or by calling us on 1800 517 158.
A step-by-step guide for employers, explaining how to submit quarterly returns through the employer portal.
The definition of 'ordinary pay' for the purposes of portable long service.
Instructions for employers to claim back long service payments made to workers
Updated 30 August 2024
Portable long service enquiries
Keep up to date on the scheme. Sign up to the Portable Long Service Authority email newsletter.
Please view our collection notice under the Portable Long Service Authority heading on our privacy page
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