Member's Guide to ADF Pay and Conditions in Australia – see Disclaimer – check PACMAN for full details

 

7.2 House-hunting trips

 

When a member moves to a new place on a posting, they often have to live in a motel or serviced apartment for a short time, until they find somewhere to live.

 

A house-hunting trip helps you to find a new home before you leave the old one. This reduces the time you have to spend in a motel or serviced apartment at your new location. A door-to-door removal is easier for you and cheaper for Defence.

 

Who is eligible?

House-hunting trips are not a right. Your trip can only be approved if it appears likely that you will get a home as a result of the trip.

 

These trips are available to members with dependants who are entitled to a full removal, and to other members who will be entitled to rent allowance in the new location (see 7.7).

 

You can go alone, or with an adult dependant, or your dependant may go without you.

 

You cannot have a house-hunting trip to help with a discharge removal.

 

What can you get?

If a trip is approved, you can have up to three days and nights in the new location. You can be reimbursed for meals and accommodation.

 

If you use commercial accommodation this will be at travelling allowance rates (see 9.9). You may also get vehicle costs or other travel costs. Telephone costs can also be paid if you are a member with dependants and travelling alone. There is a limit to how much you can spend on a trip.

 

If you are returning from overseas, you may be allowed to hire a car for up to three days, in some circumstances. You cannot have any other house-hunting trip payments.

 

Application to Reservists:  No, except for Reservists on continuous full-time service.

 

Reference:  ADF Pay and Conditions Manual, Chapter 7 Part 1 Division 4