Community Service Leave (CSL) is a vital provision that empowers employees to make a positive difference in their communities. In Australia, CSL is recognized as crucial support for those passionate about contributing to social causes beyond their regular work.
In this blog, we’ll explore CSL, its definition, reasons for taking this leave, entitlements, and more.
What is community service leave (CSL)?
In Australia, community service leave is an entitlement provided under the National Employment Standards (NES). It allows employees, including casual employees, to take time off from work for certain community service activities without losing their pay or other entitlements. The purpose of community service leave is to enable employees to contribute to the broader community and fulfil their civic responsibilities.
When an employee can take community service leave (CSL)?
Employees can take community service leave (CSL) under the National Employment Standards (NES) for activities such as:
- Voluntary Emergency Management Activities: Employees can take CSL to participate in voluntary emergency management activities. This includes activities related to the prevention, planning, response, or recovery from emergencies or natural disasters.
- Jury Duty: Employees are entitled to CSL when they are required to serve on a jury. This allows them to fulfil their civic duty without any loss of income or benefits.
It is important to note that CSL can only be taken while the employee is engaged in the activity itself.
Additionally, employees are entitled to reasonable travel and rest time associated with their community service activities.
How much community service leave (CSL) can an employee take?
There is no specific limit on the amount of community service leave (CSL) that an employee can take.
However, the leave should be for a reasonable duration and should not unreasonably disrupt the employer’s operations.
*For more information:Community service leave
Is community service (CSL) leave paid?
With the exception of jury duty, community service leave is unpaid.
Jury duty
Jury duty, also known as jury service, is a type of community service leave. Employees, including casual employees, can take leave to attend jury selection and jury duty.
How does payment for Jury duty work?
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to make-up pay for the first 10 days of jury selection and jury duty.
Make-up pay is the difference between the court’s jury duty payment (excluding expenses) and the employee’s base pay rate for their regular working hours.
Employers may request evidence of the employee’s efforts to obtain jury duty pay and the total amount received or expected, relative to their base pay rate. Without evidence, make-up pay may not be granted.
Example: Payment for jury duty
|
Employee Name |
Jury Service Duration | Court Payment per Day | Base Pay Rate per Day | Compensation Pay per Day | Unpaid Days |
| Emily | 12 days | AU$60 | AU$140 | AU$80 |
2 days |
Emily was required to attend jury selection and was chosen for the jury. The jury service lasted for 12 days. She provided her employer with evidence that she received $60 per day as payment from the court.
Her base pay rate is AU$140 per day, but her employer compensated her with AU$80 per day for 10 days.
Unfortunately, there were 2 remaining days for which Emily did not receive any payment from her employer.
Do casuals get paid for jury duty?
Casuals don’t get paid for jury duty under the National Employment Standards but they may be entitled to payment under state or territory laws.
*To find out more visit Jury duty.
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