Today, the ACT Government passed my Bill to expand the Portable Long Service Leave Schemes to include more workers than ever before. 

We have expanded the covered industries to include hairdressing, beauty services, accommodation and food services. 

Every worker has the right to have fair working conditions and entitlements as they move jobs.

In recent decades there has been a trend towards increasing casualisation, particularly in these industries. It is becoming more and more rare that employees stay with the same employer for more than 7 years. That has made it harder for people to access entitlements such as long service leave. 

These changes will allow employees to access long service leave even if they move between employers within a covered industry - because their entitlement will move with them.

ACT Labor will always ensure that Canberrans have safe and secure employment. This includes access to fair workplace entitlements. 

The ACT has previously legislated access to portable long service leave for workers in covered industries under the Long Service Leave (Portable Schemes) Act 2009.

We heard those who called for the expansion, and we have delivered. 

I also want to acknowledge the advocacy and work of ACT Labor members in championing these amendments. In particular the work of Michael Pettersson MLA, and Bec Cody, as well as the United Workers Union and Black Mountain sub-branch in advocating for these changes.