General Synod - Long Service Leave Canon Amendment Canon 1995 Adopting Ordinance 1996

Explanatory Statement

Introduction 

1. The General Synod Long Service Leave Fund is constituted by the Long Service Leave Canon 1995 and provides long service leave entitlements for members of the clergy.

2. The Long Service Leave Canon Amendment Canon 1995 was made by the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia seeks to -

(a) allows lay workers to join the General Synod Long Service Leave Fund; and

(b) allows portability of benefits for members who transfer between dioceses, church organisations or other denominations.

3. The General Synod Long Service Leave Fund has advised that a lay worker who is an employee for the purposes of the State long service leave legislation does not render "qualifying service" for the purposes of the Canon. Since a lay person employed in Sydney would generally be covered by the Long Service Leave Act 1955, the provisions of the Canon allowing a lay worker to join the long service leave fund will not have much practical effect in this Diocese. The position may be different elsewhere.

4. The provisions of the Canon allowing for the portability of benefits will be of assistance.

5. The Canon does not come into effect until adopted by the Synods of each participating diocese. Sydney is a participating diocese.

Recommendation

6. The Standing Committee recommends that the Synod assent to the canon by passing the bill.

For and on behalf of the Standing Committee

MARK PAYNE
Legal Officer

5 February 1997