From the first pay period on or after 1 July 2005, the maximum amount of Recreation Leave Loading payable for one full  entitlement of annual leave will increase from $573.20 to $594.50 for the majority of members.

The Public Service (Recreation Leave Loading) Award states that employees other than a shift worker or a 7 day a week worker receive either a loading of 17.5% up to the maximum ($594.50) or the allowances and penalties payable, had the employee not been on leave, whichever is the greater.  This maximum applies to employees on an annual salary of $44,304 and above.

Shift workers or 7 day week workers (ie an employee who is working rotating shifts on 7 days a week, or who is rostered to work regularly on active duties on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays) receive either a loading of 20% to the maximum of $594.50 for any one full entitlement of annual leave or the allowances and penalties payable had the employee not been on leave during the relevant period, whichever is the greater.

That is, an employee will receive more than $594.50 recreational leave loading if the penalties and allowances which they would have been paid are greater.

The PSA had become aware that for some members, especially in Health, the maximum was being incorrectly applied.  The Department of Health wrote to all Health Units on the 30 June 2004 advising them of the correct methodology and that they were required to rectify any underpayments.  Members are entitled to see their pay records to ensure they are being paid correctly. 

The PSA applies to increase this maximum annually through an Award variation in the South Australian Industrial Relations Commission.

Among the changes that the Howard Government has announced that it is intending to make are the end of State IR systems/Awards and the reducing of Federal Awards to only 4 matters and removing Award provision for Recreational Leave Loading. The PSA will fight to retain your conditions and benefits.



16 June 2005