Chapter 7: Allowances

• Government Sector Employment Act 2013 (GSE Act)
• Government Sector Employment Regulation 2014 (GSE Reg)
• Government Sector Employment (General) Rules 2014 (GSE Rule)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (WHS Reg)
• Crown Employees (Public Service Conditions of Employment) Reviewed Award 2009 - (Conditions Award)
• Treasury Circular TC 18-15 Meal, Travelling and other Allowances for 2018-19.

Clause 34, the Conditions Award. Camping Allowance

Clause 38, the Conditions Award. Camping Equipment Allowance.

Rates are set out in the current Treasury Circular for meal, travelling and other allowances (see 7.1).

7.2.1.1 General

When camping areas are necessary for employees, such areas are to be provided by the agency free of charge to the employees. If necessary, the areas must be enclosed with a stock-proof fence.

7.2.1.2 Accommodation and facilities

1. The agency must provide each employee required to camp with accommodation in single cubicles. 

Each cubicle is to be fitted with the following:

• ceiling and lining
• a bedstead, mattress and pillow
• a timber floor and floor covering
• a door and movable window of reasonable dimensions, both fitted with a gauze screen
• a table or a suitable substitute
• a seat and a wardrobe
• artificial lighting, and
• a suitable heater if required.

2. Each cubicle must be lockable.

3. The agency must provide a lined bathhouse fitted with one shower for every 10 employees and one wash basin for every five employees. Both hot and cold water must be available for showers and wash basins.

7.2.1.3 Washhouses

In all established camps the agency must provide an adequate wash house equipped with a gas copper and wash tubs or washing machine and clothes drier if electricity is available. Clothes drying lines and pegs are to be provided.

7.2.1.4 Sanitary requirements

The agency must install fly-proof sanitary conveniences in all camps and on the job and must keep these conveniences clean. There must be sufficient covering to ensure privacy. Sanitary conveniences should be within a reasonable distance of the living quarters and situated so as to preclude the possibility of contamination of the water supply or food of the employees. There must be provision for the effluent from the kitchen, laundry and showers to be carried away and dispersed in such a way to avoid any risk to health. The agency must also supply sufficient and proper material to keep the sanitary accommodation safe and inoffensive. The agency must arrange for the disposal of any nightsoil.

7.2.1.5 Drainage

The agency must ensure adequate drainage for all camps.

7.2.1.6 Garbage and foliage

The agency must arrange for the disposal of garbage and keep the camping area free from undergrowth, long grass and dangerous trees.

7.2.1.7 Kitchen

Every camp must have a separate Kitchen area which includes:

• fly-proofed windows and doors
• lined ceiling and covered floors
• suitable cooking facilities including a stove and oven
• storage for food and utensils
• a sink and drainage tray connected to running hot and cold water
• a refrigerator for food
• bench space for food preparation
• artificial lighting
• a heater, cooling equipment, and adequate ventilation
• adequate cleaning equipment and materials, and
• tables and seats.

7.2.1.8 Utensils

Employees who are required to camp in the course of their duties, whether they are accommodated in established camps or not, must be provided with the following items in a quantity reasonable for their needs:

• frying pans
• saucepans
• baking dishes
• enamel plates and bowls
• cutlery
• drinking mugs and cup
• chopping boards
• cutting knives and food preparation utensils
• dishwashing and drying materials
• kettles, and
• fire extinguishers.

7.2.1.9 Caravans

The agency may, if it is appropriate, provide a caravan or caravans to accommodate employees as an alternative to camp sites. They must be of sufficient size and number to accommodate the number of people occupying them in reasonable comfort, and must, as far as practicable, contain amenities at least equal to those specified in this chapter for camping.

There must, as a minimum, be:

• separate beds
• mattresses and pillows
• stove and oven
• refrigerator
• wardrobe and cupboard space
• food preparation bench
• sink with hot and cold running water
• table and seats
• shower recess with hot and cold running water
• adequate ventilation with heater and cooling equipment
• artificial lighting. and
• floor covering and gauze on all windows and doors.

7.2.2.1 Items to be provided by the agency

Employees required to camp in other than an established camp or caravan must be provided by the agency, without charge, with a tent for sleeping and personal use.

It must be of reasonable dimensions to accommodate the number of people occupying the tent. It must have a floor, gauze covering on windows or openings, and, for each employee:

• a camping bed, mattress and pillow
• a mosquito net, and
• a heavy-duty torch and gas lantern.

If one or more employees are required to camp, they must be provided with the following items in sufficient number for their reasonable needs:

• a tent of adequate dimensions as required by the employee for equipment storage, work, recreation and food preparation
• folding chairs and table
• utensils box
• food box
• portable refrigerator and gas cylinder
• portable stove with wind guard and gas cylinder
• camping oven
• adequate water containers
• washing up basin
• clothes line and pegs
• tarpaulins
• spade
• axe
• portable heater with gas cylinder
• portable shower, and
• first aid kit (medium industrial kit).

7.2.2.2 Hire of equipment

If the agency is unable to provide the equipment specified in “7-2.3.8 Utensils” and “7-2.4.1 Items to be provided by the agency” then (subject to the employee having obtained necessary agency approval) an employee required to camp is to be:

• reimbursed for the necessary and reasonable cost of hiring such equipment, subject to the production of receipts; or
• paid the daily allowance for providing their own camping equipment.

7.2.2.3 Bedding and sleeping bags

Employees who provide their own bedding or sleeping bag while camping on official business are to be paid the bedding and sleeping bag allowance.

Otherwise the agency must provide necessary sheets, blankets or sleeping bag.

• The agency must provide the employee with transport to and from the camp site and home or the usual place of work.
• An employee required to use a private motor vehicle to travel to and from the camp site and home or the usual place of work is to be paid the appropriate rates under - Clause 36 - Allowance payable for use of Private Motor Vehicle (the Conditions Award) or; under the provisions contained in any other industrial instrument applying to the employee.
• If necessary, the agency must provide a vehicle to transport employees from the camp site to the temporary work location, and transport for provisions, water, and other essentials.
• If a vehicle available to the employees is not equipped with a two-way radio, the agency must provide equipment that will allow communication between the vehicle and the camp site.

7.2.4.1 Special leave entitlement

See - Clause 84.7, Special Leave - the Conditions Award

7.2.4.2 Allowances for home visits

An employee granted leave as provided in subclause 84.7 (the Conditions Award) is to be reimbursed for the actual and necessary travel expenses incurred.

The employee is entitled to:

• first class return rail fare for the journey; or
• reimbursement for the use of their private vehicle either by a motor vehicle allowance at the Casual Rate under Clause 36 – Allowance payable for Use of Private Motor Vehicle, (the Conditions Award), or an allowance under any industrial instrument covering the subject matter when approval is given to use a private vehicle; or
• an economy class air fare.

Nothing in this Section deprives an employee of compensation for time spent in travelling as provided in Clause 27. See - Clause 27, Excess Travelling Time - the Conditions Award.

Clause 50, the Conditions Award - Community Language Allowance Scheme

Community Language Allowance Scheme

Community Language Allowance Scheme, Resources Multicultural NSW.

The Community Language Allowance Scheme (CLAS) provides an allowance that is paid to employees selected by their agency to communicate with clients of the agency in a language other than English as an addition to their normal duties.

Rates are set out in the current Treasury Circular for meal, travelling and other allowances (see 7.1).

The Community Language Allowance is to be paid as an allowance in the nature of salary for all purposes.

Part time employees receive a pro rata allowance.

The Community Language Allowance is not portable between agencies and is payable only to employees working in a location approved by their agency.

See – Qualifying to receive the allowance under the CLAS – Community Language Allowance Scheme 

7.3.4.1 The CLAS examination

Employees selected by their agency to provide assistance under the CLAS must pass a language examination administered by Multicultural NSW which assesses the staff member’s ability to speak and read a community language at a satisfactory level.

Employees who have gained NAATI accreditation at the Interpreter level or a NAATI language Recognition award are not required to undertake a Multicultural NSW language examination.

Multicultural NSW administers the CLAS Examination and publishes the relevant policy and guidelines on its website.

7.3.4.2 Base level of assistance

The base level of the CLA is paid to those members of staff who are required to meet occasional demands for language assistance (there is no regular pattern of demand for their skill); and who have passed an examination administered by Multicultural NSW, or who are NAATI accredited.

7.3.4.3 Higher level of assistance

The higher level is one and a half times the base level. It is paid to employees who, in addition to the requirements for Base Level Assistance, also meet any of the following criteria:

• regularly meet high levels of customer demand involving a regular pattern of usage of the staff member’s language skills

OR

• have achieved qualifications of NAATI interpreter level or above. This recognises that employees with higher levels of language skill will communicate with an enhanced degree of efficiency and effectiveness.

Agencies determine which types of work attract the higher level of the allowance.

7.3.4.4 Interpreters not eligible

Members of staff who are employed as interpreters and translators or whose particular language skills are an essential requirement of their role are not eligible for the CLAS.

The CLAS is designed to help agencies meet the need to provide on-the-spot assistance for simple, uncomplicated matters such as answering counter enquiries, giving directions to another office, or making an appointment for a further visit.

See – When to use CLAS and when to use interpreters – Community Language Allowance Scheme.

See – Monitoring and reviewing CLAS – Community Language Allowance Scheme.

The outcomes of monitoring should lead to a report reviewing the scheme that includes recommendations for the program in the following year.

An employee must bear the cost of travel to and from work, unless the Agency Head otherwise determines or the provisions of “7-6.2 Exceptions” below, apply.

• If the employee is directed to report for duty at a locality other than the locality at which the employee reported for duty at the beginning of the day; or
• if the employee is directed to report for duty on any day or days at a locality other than the locality at which the employee is normally required to report for duty; and
• if the employee has already incurred expenditure in relation to travel on that day or those days to the locality at which the employee is normally required to report for duty, then
• the cost of travel on that day or those days – up to five days – to the locality at which the employee is directed to report for duty is to be borne by the department.

7.6.2.1 Five-day limit

If the Agency Head is satisfied that special circumstances exist, they may approve a period of assistance longer than the 5 days specified in “7-6.2 Exceptions”.

Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (see Clause 42, Duty to provide first aid)

Clause 51, the Conditions Award - First Aid Allowance

Rates are set out in the current Treasury Circular for meal, travelling and other allowances (see 7.1).

See - Subclause 51.2 and 51.3, the Conditions Award - First Aid Allowance

Details of accredited trainers for the Occupational First Aid Certificate may be obtained by contacting SafeWork NSW.

Clause 49, the Conditions Award - Forage for Horses

Please refer to Part 2, Division 2, Clause 20 of the Government Sector Employment Regulation 2014

Please refer to Part 6, Clause 33 of the Government Sector Employment Rules 2014

A Public Service non-executive employee who is temporarily assigned or seconded to another non-executive role is entitled to be paid an allowance if the other role is at a higher classification of work than the employee’s current classification of work.

The temporary assignment allowance to be paid to the employee is the difference between the salary of the employee’s usual role and the minimum salary or remuneration for the temporarily assigned or seconded role. However, the rate of allowance may be paid at a higher salary or remuneration for the role if determined appropriate by the agency head, having regard to the employee’s capabilities, knowledge and experience, including previous periods of temporary assignment or secondment at the higher level.

The temporary assignment allowance is not payable for above-level temporary assignments or secondments of less than 5 days duration unless determined otherwise by the agency head (clause 20(4) (a) and 21(6) (a) of the GSE Regulation). For above-level temporary assignments or secondments 5 days or greater in duration, an allowance can be paid at the full rate or a pre-determined proportional rate if the employee is performing part of the role’s usual duties (clause 20(3) and 21 (5) of the GSE Regulation). 

For above-level temporary assignments or secondments from 5 days to 3 months duration, the temporary assignment allowance is not payable for any unbroken period of leave exceeding 5 ordinary working days. That is, the allowance is payable for any periods of leave that is less than 5 ordinary working days. For above-level temporary assignments or secondments of more than 3 months duration, the temporary assignment allowance is payable for all periods of leave (clause 20(4) (b) and 21(6) (b) of the GSE Regulation).

The temporary assignment allowance is to be included in salary for the purposes of calculating overtime only if the duties carried out during the overtime are those of the above-level role. Please also refer to “Clause 95 – Rate of payment of overtime” in the Crown Employees (Public Service Conditions of Employment) Reviewed Award 2009.

The temporary assignment allowance should be calculated and paid as per the normal pay cycle during the period of the temporary assignment or secondment. If the temporary assignment or secondment is for a short duration, the allowance may be paid at the completion of the period.

If the temporary assignment allowance has been paid at the full rate for a continuous period of more than 12 months and the employee is still temporarily assigned or seconded to the higher level role, the higher rate of pay applies to any accrued recreation or extended leave and to final payments associated with retirement, resignation or redundancy.

If the employee has been temporarily assigned or seconded to the higher level role for more than 12 months at the full rate (i.e. not at a proportional rate) and the temporary assignment or secondment continues up to the day before the start of parental leave, the pay for parental leave should include the temporary assignment allowance.

• Clause 36, the Conditions Award - Allowance payable for Use of Private Motor Vehicle
• Clause 37, the Conditions Award - Damage to Private Motor Vehicle used for Work, and
• Clause 48, the Conditions Award - Garage and Car Port Allowance.

See Clause 36 - the Conditions Award.

Rates are set out in the current Treasury Circular for meal, travelling and other allowances (see 7.1).

7.11.4.1 Official business rate

See ‒ subclause 36.3.2, the Conditions Award.

7.11.4.2 Casual rate

See ‒ subclause 36.3.1, the Conditions Award

7.11.4.3 Motor cycles and motor scooters

The allowance for motor cycles and motor scooters is paid regardless of the total number of kilometres travelled per annum, the engine capacity and whether the journey is official business or casual.

See ‒ subclause 36.4, the Conditions Award for full details of deductions and limitations on the payment of motor vehicle allowances.

See ‒ subclause 36.5, the Conditions Award

See ‒ subclause 37.1, the Conditions Award.

7.11.7.1 Reimbursement of insurance policy excess

See ‒ subclause 37.1, the Conditions Award.

7.11.7.2 Broken windscreens

See ‒ subclause 37.2, the Conditions Award.

7.11.7.3 Claims for reimbursement

Claims for reimbursement under Clause 37, the Conditions Award should be accompanied by sufficient detail for the agency to assess the claim.

Agency human resource/corporate services should have pro-forma claim forms for reimbursement purposes available.

See ‒ subclause 36.6, the Conditions Award.

See ‒ subclause 36.7, the Conditions Award.

Rates are set out in the current Treasury Circular for meal, travelling and other allowances (see 7.1).

See ‒  Clause 48, the Conditions Award-Garage and Carport Allowance

Rates are set out in the current Treasury Circular for meal, travelling and other allowances (see 7.1).

If an employee uses their private motor vehicle to travel to and from an airport for approved travel, the Agency Head may approve an allowance being paid for the journey to and from the airport at the casual rate.

If approval is given by the Agency Head for an employee to proceed to a temporary work location (TWL) for 2 or more days, approval may also be given for the employee to take their private car to the temporary work location.

If approval is given, motor vehicle allowances are to be paid in accordance with this table:

Vehicle allowances

Motor vehicle licence fees and expenses associated with obtaining the license (that is, charges paid to the Roads and Maritime Authority) should only be refunded when an employee is not employed as a driver and is directed by the employer to obtain or hold a licence for agency purposes.

If the employee has a licence for private purposes and this is made use of occasionally, no refund is to be made.

• Clause 41, the Conditions Award - Overseas Travel
• OFS-2014-07- Official Travel in Australia and Overseas
• DFSI-2015-05-Australian and Overseas Travelling Allowances for Official Travel by Senior Officials
• C2003-05, Travelling Overseas on Official Business Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Travel Advice

Employees who in the course of their duty are required to travel overseas may be eligible for overseas travelling allowances.

See - OFS-2014-07-Official Travel in Australia and Overseas

7.13.2.1 Approval of Minister

The appropriate Minister must approve all official overseas travel by employees.

See 2.4.1, Approval for official travel overseas - OFS-2014-07-Official Travel in Australia and Overseas

7.13.2.2 What constitutes official overseas travel

Official overseas travel is travel out of Australia by a statutory appointee or by an employee of an agency, board, commission or other authority coming within a Minister’s administration when:

• the employee is on duty;
• the employee undertakes some official duty during the course of a private overseas visit;
• the employee is on special leave for any purpose;
• the employee undertakes official duty during absence overseas on leave granted for study purposes; or
• the employee proceeds overseas for a tour of duty (on exchange or otherwise) with another government or a body such as the United Nations or one of its agencies.

7.13.2.3 Strictest economy to be exercised in overseas visits

See 2.4.1, Approval for official travel overseas – OFS-2014-07-Official Travel in Australia and Overseas

7.13.2.4 Period of visit extended for private purposes

See 2.4.6, Private leave - OFS-2014-07-Official Travel in Australia and Overseas

7.13.2.5 Undertaking private visits and seeking to be on duty

See 6-18.14.6 Visits to other countries.

7.13.2.6 Requirements for applications to attend international conferences

The presentation of a paper should normally be regarded as the minimum requirement when considering applications for employees to attend international conferences.

7.13.2.7 Representation at overseas conferences

Official representation at overseas conferences should be kept to a minimum.

7.13.2.8 Study scholarships and study leave

Study overseas on scholarship is not considered official overseas travel even though the employee concerned may be on part or full salary for the period of the scholarship or study leave, or may receive financial support from the employing agency during that time.

See 6-20 Study, employee development and training activities.

The critical question in study leave cases is whether or not the employee is to be regarded as being on duty, conducting official business, or performing an official function during the absence overseas. If so, the procedures for official travel should be followed.

7.13.2.9 Protocol

Correct protocol should be observed in connection with official visits overseas and relations with foreign governments. See 2.4.8, Protocol - OFS-2014-07-Official Travel in Australia and Overseas

7.13.2.10 Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade warnings about visits to other countries

If DFAT has issued a warning not to travel to another country, this direction overrides any approval given by a Minister.

See - C2003-05 Travelling Overseas on Official Business Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Travel Advice

All travellers are advised to visit the DFAT Smart Traveller website for travel advice about the countries they are planning to visit: www.smartraveller.gov.au

7.13.2.11 Foreign governments not to be approached

Foreign governments should not be approached directly by a State Minister or employee seeking any form of assistance with overseas visits. This applies even if an established liaison already exists with a representative of a foreign government or one of its departments. Such requests should be directed through the diplomatic or consular missions.

7.13.2.12 Health

See 2.4.9, Health - OFS-2014-07-Official Travel in Australia and Overseas

Public officials should familiarise themselves with the content of the Travel Health Section of the DFAT website Smart Traveller: www.smartraveller.gov.au

7.13.2.13 Other Matters

See 2.4.10, Security - OFS-2014-07-Official Travel in Australia and Overseas - officers travelling overseas should keep themselves aware of updated travel advice on the DFAT website and register their travel itinerary online at DFAT Registration.

7.13.2.14 Records

Agencies are to keep centralised records of all official travel overseas.

See 2.4.7 Records - OFS-2014-07-Official Travel in Australia and Overseas

The Department of Finance, Services and Innovation is responsible for administering the Policy on Official Travel within Australia and Overseas.

See - DFSI-2015-05-Australian and Overseas Travelling Allowances for Official Travel by Senior Officials

During an official visit, salary continues to be paid in Australian currency, and allowances and expenses as follows.

The daily travelling allowances specified for each location as described in - DFSI-2015-05-Australian and Overseas Travelling Allowances for Official Travel by Senior Officials are payable to employees while on duty in that country from the time of their arrival at the centre where the duties are to be performed until the time of departure from that centre on the return journey to Australia, or the journey to the next centre where duties are to be performed.

If the Agency Head is satisfied that an employee has incurred an expense during the time spent in flight, the employee may be reimbursed for the amount of the expense.

As a general rule, the travelling allowance covers the cost of meals and incidental expenses but not accommodation.

The cost of accommodation is paid on the basis of actual reasonable expenses incurred.

Incidental expenses would include, for example, laundry and dry cleaning, taxi fares (other than for official business), newspapers and magazines, private telephone calls and gratuities.

The following payments will be met separately by the agency:

• cost of conveyance to and from the overseas locality, and cost of conveyance on official business to that locality;
• insurance premium not exceeding $1,173.00(AUD) on essential personal effects carried by the employee;
• charges for overseas business telephone calls made at the overseas locality;
• charges for necessary health examinations, inoculations and vaccinations;
• fees for necessary passports and visas;
• compulsory entry or exit fees, or imposts of overseas authorities or governments; and
• necessary payments incurred for the handling of official material and documents or a Minister’s luggage.

If an employee’s itinerary in Australia or overseas involves accommodation or activities such as conferences and seminars at which meals are included in the price, the agency should consider whether it is appropriate that the employee’s daily allowance be discounted for the included meals.

If it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Agency Head that the travelling allowance payable to an employee is insufficient to cover actual expenses incurred, the Agency Head may approve payment necessary to meet those expenses. Justification for the expense must be in respect of the entire period of travel overseas and not only in respect of particular segments of the journey.

7.13.6.1 Employees accompanying Ministers and senior staff

If an employee is travelling with a Minister of the NSW Government or a very senior employee and has been directed by the Minister or senior person to travel by the same class of travel and to reside in the same accommodation, the Agency Head must approve a travelling allowance at a higher than normal rate that would adequately cover expenses properly and reasonably incurred.

7.13.6.2 Employees accompanying Agency Heads and delegations

If a delegation or party consists of employees in more than one of the categories of travelling allowances, the rate to be applied to each employee is to be the rate appropriate to the classification of the position occupied by the employee.

However, cases in which special circumstances apply should be referred to the Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

7.13.7.1 Travel by other than the approved route

If an employee elects to travel by other than the approved method or route, travelling allowances are on the basis of travel by the direct approved method and route.

7.13.7.2 Calculation of daily portion of allowance

In the calculation of the daily portion of the allowance:

• the time of day used for that purpose will be the time and date at the places of departure and destination respectively; only whole hours are counted:
• the period is rounded down to the nearest hour; and when the allowance is payable for less than a day the allowance is paid at an hourly rate of 1/24th part of the daily rate.

7.13.7.3 Approval of special rates

An Agency Head may ask the Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet to approve special rates to meet unusual circumstances.

7.13.7.4 Travel bookings

All domestic and international official travel bookings must be made through the NSW Government’s approved supplier under Contract 1008 Travel Management Services.

See 2.2, Air Travel Bookings - OFS-2014-08- Australian and Overseas Travelling Allowances for Official Travel for Senior Officials

• Clause 39 - Allowance for Living in a Remote Area the Conditions Award
• Clause 40 - Assistance to staff members stationed in a remote area when travelling on recreation leave the Conditions Award

7.14.2.1 Definition

See - subclause 39.2 - the Conditions Award

7.14.2.2 Dependant

See - subclauses 39.3 and 39.4 - the Conditions Award

7.14.2.3 Eligibility

See - subclause 39.1 - the Award agency temporary employees, such as relief staff, who are employed for short periods are not eligible to receive a remote areas allowance.

See - subclause 39.5 - the Conditions Award

An employee working continuously in a remote area but for reduced hours is eligible to receive the allowance pro rata. The allowance payable is calculated by multiplying the appropriate rate of allowance by the number of hours worked per week by the employee and dividing by the standard weekly hours for a full time employee in the same classification:

𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = (𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑎𝑠 𝑖𝑛 7 − 14.3 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒∗𝑊ee𝑘𝑙𝑦 ℎ𝑟𝑠 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑒𝑑) / (𝑊𝑒𝑒𝑘𝑙𝑦 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑓𝑢𝑙𝑙-𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑦𝑒𝑒)

Employees who reside within the defined area and whose dependants reside east of the line will be paid the allowance at the non-dependant rate.

7.14.2.4 Criteria for dependant allowance rate

See - subclause 39.3 - the Conditions Award.

Rates are set out in the current Treasury Circular for meal, travelling and other allowances (see 7.1).

See subclauses 39.6 and 39.7 - the Conditions Award

7.14.5.1 Definition

See - subclause 40.1 - the Award

7.14.5.2 Use of private vehicle – rates

Employees who travel on recreation leave by their own vehicles receive the casual rate for a maximum number of kilometres. See the current Treasury Circular for meal, travelling and other allowances (see 7.1)

7.14.5.3 Other transport – rates

7-14.5.3a General

Rates are set out in the current Treasury Circular for meal, travelling and other allowances (see 7.1).

These expenses may include the cost of overnight accommodation for the employee and their dependants but is not to include payments for taxi fares or meals.

7-14.5.3b Rail travel

Rates are set out in the current Treasury Circular for meal, travelling and other allowances (see 7.1).

7.14.5.4 Accommodation costs

If an employee is obliged to obtain overnight accommodation when travelling to and from the recreation destination, an additional allowance is payable at the rate of $2.50 for the employee, spouse and each dependent child with the following conditions;

• When the employee is travelling by their own vehicle, with agency approval, the allowance is payable for only two nights on each of the forward and return journeys.
• When the employee is travelling by other means than their own vehicle the allowance is payable on one night only on each of the forward and return journeys.
• No payment is to be made for accommodation costs unless the employee travels at least 480 kilometres by the nearest practicable route from the place where the employee is indefinitely stationed.

The allowance for accommodation costs is payable as appropriate whether or not the employee actually expends any money on overnight accommodation. It is also payable if the employee camps or uses a caravan.

7.14.5.5 Limitations

See - subclauses 40.1 and 40.3 - the Conditions Award

See - Clause 43, Room at Home Used as Office the Conditions Award.

Rates are set out in the current Treasury Circular for meal, travelling and other allowances (see 7.1).

7.15.3.1 If no agency office is provided in a particular location

See - subclause 43.1 - the Conditions Award

7.15.3.2 If an office exists in a particular location

See - subclause 43.2 - the Conditions Award

7.15.3.3 Requirements

See - subclause 43.3 - the Conditions Award

Clause 44, the Conditions Award. - Semi-official Telephones.

Clauses 26 through 33 of the Conditions Award outline provisions for travel arrangements.

See clause 26, Travelling Compensation of the Conditions Award.

7.17.3.1 Excess travelling time

See clause 27, Excess travelling time of the Conditions Award.

7.17.3.2 Waiting time

See clause 28, Waiting Time of the Conditions Award.

See clause 29, Meal expenses on one-day journeys of the Conditions Award.

Rates are set out in the current Treasury Circular for meal, travelling and other allowances (see 7.1).

An employee who performs official duty at or from a temporary work location and, as a result, is required to obtain temporary accommodation is to be compensated in accordance with clauses 26 and 32 of the Conditions Award for the expenses properly and reasonably incurred during the time spent away from their residence.

7.17.6.1 Rates of allowances

Rates are set out in the current Treasury Circular for meal, travelling and other allowances (see 7.1).

Where a staff member is required to work in the same temporary work location for more than 35 days but less than 6 months, the above allowances are reduced by 50% for all locations.

See subclause 26.8 of the Conditions Award.

Different rates and conditions apply when staying in Government Accommodation.

See clause 26, Travelling Compensation of the Conditions Award.

7.17.6.2 Claiming the allowance or actuals

See subclause 26.8.2 of the Conditions Award.

An agency head may adjust the amount of the allowance in the circumstances set out in clause 31, Increase or Reduction in Payment of Travelling Allowance of the Conditions Award.

If the Agency Head is satisfied that owing to exceptional circumstances an employee is required to continue in temporary accommodation for longer than 6 months, the Agency Head may extend the allowances payable beyond the 6-month period.

7.17.7.1 Production of receipts

See clause 32, Production of Receipts of the Conditions Award.

7.17.7.2 Travelling distance

The Agency Head determines the need for overnight accommodation, in accordance with clause 33, Travelling Distance of the Conditions Award.

7.17.7.3 Composite allowance

See also “7-5 Composite allowance”.

Department of Premier and Cabinet Determination, Travel/Meal Allowance – Examinations.

When an employee is required to attend an examination (under the GSE Act 2013, GSE Reg 2014, GSE Rules 2014, or by an award, agreement or determination) and has to travel to another centre to do so, the agency assists with expenses in the following manner:

• payment of the first-class rail fare; or
• if the employee uses a private motor vehicle, a vehicle allowance is to be paid at the casual rate under clause 36 – Allowances Payable for use of a Private Motor Vehicle of the Conditions Award, up to the value of the rail fare.

The employee is also to be reimbursed for the actual costs incurred in obtaining any necessary and reasonable meals, and reasonable overnight accommodation if required, less $16.00 provided that the accommodation and meals were actually bought and paid for.

7.18.2.1 Nature of examinations

This provision includes both medical examinations and tests of knowledge, skills and ability.

Agency Heads granting such leave may, if appropriate, approve payment of assistance under “7-18.2 Eligibility”.