On 3 May 2026, the Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations announced that the entry of the hair and beauty and accommodation and food services industries into the Services Industry Scheme will be delayed until 1 January 2027, in response to the challenging conditions many businesses are currently experiencing.
The Minister also announced additional relief for food and beverage businesses, with phased levy discounts over the first three years of the scheme. These discounts will not affect workers’ entitlements.
What this means for employers
- Employers in these industries will have additional time to prepare for entry into the Services Industry Scheme, now entering the scheme on 1 January 2027.
- Employers must register with ACT Leave ahead of 1 January 2027.
- Employers who have already registered do not need to take any action at this time. Your registration will be activated on 1 January 2027, and ACT Leave will contact you in December with more information about next steps.
- The first quarterly return will be due on 30 April 2027.
What this means for workers
- Workers will gain access to the full benefits of portable long service leave from 1 January 2027.
- Workers will be registered by their employer through the first return due on 30 April 2027. You will receive confirmation of your registration from ACT Leave during May 2027.
We’re here to help
ACT Leave will continue to provide information, guidance and support ahead of the entry of these industries into the scheme to ensure a smooth transition for employers and workers.
To learn more about the scheme, visit the Services Industry Scheme pages.
If you need help with registering, or would like to know more about the scheme, you can book an appointment with a member of our team, or call 02 6247 3900 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, to speak to a client service representative.
You can also stay up to date by following us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
