Deployments overseas - frequently
asked questions
If I have to purchase my own meals, can I claim Travelling Costs?
Yes. While generally
deployed members are supplied with meals and accommodation at Commonwealth
expense there may be occasions when you are required to purchase your own
meals. On these occasions, Overseas Travelling Costs can be paid.
Can I move my family to get them some support when I deploy?
Yes, this provision is
available to members with dependants who deploy on warlike or non-warlike
operations for six months or more and where there is a compelling need for
support from extended family.
The extended family support
must be for all, or at least a significant portion of the member’s deployment.
Can my partner use my Relief Out of Country Travel Fare Assistance
(ROCTFA) entitlement?
No.
However, for deployment of
12 months or more, special provisions apply.
For deployments of less than
12 months the ROCTFA provision is only available to the ADF member. Its intent
is to provide the member with the ability to spend time away from the arduous
nature of their deployment.
While deployments can have
different designated locations for their ROCTFA destination, all deployments
provide the option for members to return to
For full details of the ROCTFA
provision for each deployment refer to the relevant Conditions of Service
package published by the Directorate of Service Conditions.
Can the daily amount of Deployment Allowance or International
Campaign Allowance I’m paid when I deploy overseas be changed during my
deployment?
Yes. The rate of allowance
is linked to the assessed level of threat for each operation. DIO routinely
review (at least every 12 months) the threat assessment for each operation.
If the level of threat has
increased since the last assessment, it will be recommended to the Minister to
increase the rate of allowance. If the level of threat has decreased since the
last assessment, it will be recommended to the Minister to reduce the rate of
allowance.
Increases are normally back
dated to the effective date of the DIO assessment. Decreases are, where
possible, introduced at the next planned rotation. This is not always possible
and decreases can be introduced at anytime during a deployment.
If I’m ordered to perform duty outside the specified area, ie attend a Board of Inquiry or escort a casualty, will I
still be paid Deployment Allowance or International Campaign Allowance?
No. Deployment Allowance and
International Campaign Allowance are only paid for service inside the specified
area or for leave accrued inside the specified area. Any duty performed outside
the specified area attracts normal short-term overseas duty peacetime
conditions of service.
If I get injured and I’m returned to
No. Deployment
Allowance and International Campaign Allowance are only paid for service
inside the specified area or for leave accrued inside the specified area.
However, there is scope to
claim, through the normal compensation process, the allowances that would have
been earned if not for the injury. This claim does not cover the need to
pay tax on return to
If I’m injured while on warlike service and return to
The tax exemption applicable
for warlike service would continue only for periods you are an inpatient in a
hospital or medical facility. You would commence paying tax from the time you
are no longer an inpatient; which includes periods of convalescence leave.
Is Field Allowance paid for all deployments?
No. The payment of Field
Allowance is assessed against the same criteria while deployed overseas as it is
on exercise in
Please remember however,
that Field Allowance is only paid while actually living and working in the
field. If you are not living in the field, then don’t expect to be paid
Field Allowance.
Do I need to pay tax if deploy on a non-warlike operation?
The application of the
section 23AG exemption depends on the taxation agreement between
It is possible for ADF
operations to be conducted in countries where this exemption would not apply.
In this case, a section 79B
Overseas Defence Force Rebate would still normally apply.
As a MWOD, am I able to retain my Live in/Rent Assistance
accommodation while deployed and do I have to keep paying my contribution?
Live-in members who deploy
for six months or more may elect to have their belongings stay in their
living-in-accommodation and not pay a contribution. Or, they can elect to
move out of their living-in-accommodation and be provided with a range of
removal options; including storage costs for furniture and effect as well as a
vehicle and one towable item.
Living-out member who deploy
for six months or more may also elect to either keep or move out of their
living-out-accommodation. If living-out-accommodation is kept the member
does not pay a rental contribution, however, if the member allows a
house-sitter to stay and rent is charged, the member will be treated as someone
who has sublet the home.
If the member moves out of
their living-out-accommodation a range of removal options become
available.
When keeping accommodation,
either living-in or living-out, members are encouraged to check with their
insurance company to ensure they are covered during the period of their absence
on deployment.
If I am categorised as a MWD-U and sent on deployment, am I
entitled to continue to receive separation allowance?
Yes, you are still entitled
to receive separation allowance at the daily rate whilst you are on
deployment.
If during your deployment
you are in receipt of seagoing allowance, submarine allowance, or certain
components of Special Forces Disability Allowance your separation allowance is
based on the annual amount.
However if during your
deployment, you are in receipt of meal and incidental allowances (Travelling
Allowances), then you would no longer be entitled to receive separation
allowance.
Related Information
· ADF & APS Pay and conditions homepage
Last updated: 24 April 2012