An operator of a contract cleaning business in NSW must apply for portable long service leave registration if it employs workers to perform cleaning work on wages or salary. The Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) lists companies, partnerships, sole traders, trusts and other employing entities for this registration. It classifies the service as a licence and identifies the Contract Cleaning Industry (Portable Long Service Leave Scheme) Act 2010 New South Wales and the Contract Cleaning Industry (Portable Long Service Leave Scheme) Regulation 2022 New South Wales.
Figures checked 1 October 2026.
What does the employer test involve?
The ABLIS test focuses on the operation and its workforce:
- The operator runs a contract cleaning business.
- It employs workers to perform cleaning work.
- Those workers are engaged on wages or salary.
When these elements apply, the operator must apply for the registration. The business structure does not replace the employment test: a company, partnership, sole trader or trust must still employ workers to perform cleaning work on wages or salary.
What if the person only supervises workers?
A person engaged solely to supervise workers is not eligible for this registration. That is different from an employing entity that operates a contract cleaning business and employs workers to perform the cleaning work.
Which business structures are covered?
ABLIS includes the following structures:
| Business structure | When registration applies |
|---|---|
| Company | When it employs workers to perform cleaning work on wages or salary |
| Partnership | When it employs workers to perform cleaning work on wages or salary |
| Sole trader | When the business employs workers to perform cleaning work on wages or salary |
| Trust | When it employs workers to perform cleaning work on wages or salary |
| Other employing entity | When it employs workers to perform cleaning work on wages or salary |
The registration requirement is therefore tied to the type of work and the employment arrangement, not merely to the entity’s legal structure.
What does registration provide for employees?
Registration provides employees in the contract cleaning industry with long service leave entitlements. ABLIS describes those entitlements as portable between employers.
How do I apply and comply?
ABLIS provides the following resources:
- Employer Registration Application - PDF: the application resource for all listed business structures.
- Employer Guide - PDF: the compliance resource for all listed business structures.
- Quarterly return: a levy must be paid as part of this return.
Check the current regulator page for the latest application, levy amount and payment requirements before acting.
Who administers the registration?
ABLIS lists The Treasury and Long Service Corporation as the administering agencies. The listed contact details are:
- Phone: 13 14 41
- Email: info@longservice.nsw.gov.au
What should I check before acting?
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check the current regulator page for registration eligibility, forms, levy and compliance requirements. Also read your policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for the applicable insurance terms.
Sources
FAQ
Does a sole trader have to register?
A sole trader must apply if it operates a contract cleaning business and employs workers to perform cleaning work on wages or salary. Sole trader status alone does not determine the requirement.
Can a person who only supervises workers register?
No. A person engaged solely to supervise workers is not eligible for this registration.
Are the long service leave entitlements portable?
Yes. ABLIS states that registration provides long service leave entitlements and that those entitlements are portable between employers.
What levy must a registered employer pay?
A levy must be paid as part of the quarterly return. Check the current regulator page for the applicable amount and payment details.
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