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

 

9.9 Travelling allowance

 

Travelling allowance is paid to meet the costs of meals, accommodation and incidentals, if you travel in Australia on duty.

 

Accommodation

How much accommodation allowance you get depends on where you go, and your rank. The rates are set by market survey. For example, rates for Sydney are higher than rates for Wagga Wagga.

 

The purpose of the allowance is to allow you to pay for commercial accommodation for the night.

 

Meals

The meal part of travelling allowance is paid to allow you to buy breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Meal rates are also set following a market survey, and vary by location. 

 

If living-in accommodation is provided you are not entitled to meal allowance, but you may claim for mess meal charges. You are also not entitled to meal allowance if meals are given to you free, except for meals provided on commercial airlines.

 

Incidentals

Incidental allowance is paid for each 24-hour period you are away. It is designed to cover other expenses you have while away.

 

Other issues

If you can prove that you spent more than the allowance you can apply to get additional travelling allowance.

 

If you are away for more than 21 days, you stop getting a daily rate of travelling allowance. Instead you are paid an allowance that is based on what you actually spend.

 

What happens when you get back?

You should confirm that the trip went as planned. If you came back early you may have to pay back some travelling allowance. If the trip was extended you may be entitled to more.

 

Application to Reservists:  Yes.

 

References:  ADF Pay and Conditions Manual, Chapter 9 Part 5 Division 3

ADF Pay and Conditions Manual, Chapter 7 Part 3