Long service leave for Northern Territory teachers

Unlike most of the NT teacher deal, long service leave isn't spelled out in the NT Public Sector Educators' 2024-2027 Enterprise Agreement. Clause 71 refers you to By-law 8 of the Public Sector Employment and Management (PSEM) Act, which covers the whole NT Public Sector. So the rules are the same as for other NT public servants.

We're upfront about the gap: the figure widely quoted is 13 weeks after 10 years, but our research couldn't verify the amount, the qualifying period or the pro rata rules in the by-law itself. Check with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment (OCPE) or your payroll officer before you plan around it.

What NT long service leave is worth

Governed by By-law 8 of the Public Sector Employment and Management Act (cl. 71). Commonly cited as 13 weeks after 10 years; not verified against the by-law.

What 13 weeks would be worth

NT teachers are paid fortnightly at annual salary x 12/313, so a week's pay is annual salary x 6/313. If the commonly cited 13 weeks is right, at today's rates:

Other NT leave that's more generous than LSL

NT teachers have other leave that is unusually generous, and that is often more useful than long service leave:

• 6 weeks' recreation leave a year: 4 weeks plus 2 extra weeks for NT-based employees (cl. 65.2). It can be taken at half pay.
• 17.5% leave loading: paid on 1 January each year, capped at NT male AWOTE.
• Special remote study leave: remote teachers earn points (2, 3 or 5 a year by category). 20 points gives a semester on full pay or two on half pay. See rural and remote teaching in the NT.
• Up to 4 business days a year for remote staff to access services in town.

Bringing service from another state

There is no national portability scheme for teacher long service leave. If you're moving to the NT from another state's education department, ask in writing whether your previous service will be recognised before you resign. If it isn't, you may be better off taking or cashing out leave under your old employer's rules first. Read teacher long service leave in Australia for how other states compare.