Division 1: Removal, storage or sale of items

14.3.5    Removal at beginning of posting
14.3.6    Pet relocation
14.3.7    Storage of items not removed
14.3.8    Loss on sale or disposal of items
14.3.9    Storage of excess items
14.3.10   Removal during posting
14.3.11   Removal at end of posting
14.3.12   Unacceptable items for removal
14.3.13   Entitlements if enlisted overseas

14.3.5    Removal at beginning of posting

 

TAX ALERT: PACMATE Annex 3.B, item 40.

1.

At the beginning of a posting, a member is entitled to a removal of items to the posting location at Commonwealth cost.

2.

When the member has made an inventory of items to be removed, the CDF will approve what items may be removed, and how they are to be removed. The CDF must consider all these criteria.

 

Criteria about the posting

 

a.

The location from which the member departs.

 

b.

The location to which the member is posted and the circumstances at the posting location.

 

c.

The intended duration of the posting.

 

d.

Any prospective postings and the member's expected career path.

 

Criteria about the dependants

 

e.

The number, age and health of any dependants of the member.

 

f.

Any other factor relevant to the residential arrangements of the member and dependants at the posting location.

 

Criteria about the removal

 

g.

The quantity and nature of the goods to be removed.

 

h.

The most efficient and effective means of transport available to remove the goods.

 

i.

The cost of removal by available means of transport.

 

j.

The need for the goods to arrive as close as possible to the date of the member’s arrival at the posting location.

 

k.

Any other factor relevant to the removal.

 

Persons who can make the decision under subclause 14.3.5.2 on behalf of the Secretary/CDF:

A person not below MAJ(E)/APS 6 who is authorised to manage Defence personnel administration at the overseas post

Senior ADF Representative at the overseas post

A person working in the Personnel Administration Centre in Southern Victoria who is:

-      Overseas Administration Team Leader

-      Personnel Administration Manager Specialist

-      Civilian and Overseas Personnel Administration Centre Manager

-      Manager Personnel Administration Centre

14.3.6    Pet relocation

 

TAX ALERT: PACMATE Annex 3.B, item 41.

1.

The member is entitled to be reimbursed up to AUD 652 for pet transportation, both to and from the overseas posting location.

Example: Two pets are removed to the posting location and the member is reimbursed AUD 652. At the end of the posting, three pets are returned to Australia and the member is again reimbursed AUD 652. The total reimbursement is a maximum of AUD 1,304 for all pets.

2.

The entitlement includes reimbursement for these costs.

 

a.

Commercial transportation and associated boarding.

 

b.

Any veterinary fees for the sedation of a pet during transport.

 

c.

Any fees and charges in relation to quarantine, if imposed by the Commonwealth or not.

3.

The entitlement does not include reimbursement for these costs.

 

a.

Items bought for the transportation or boarding of pets.

 

b.

The transportation and boarding of any animal that the member or dependant owns primarily for economic or business purposes.

4.

To be reimbursed, the member must apply in writing to the Overseas Administration Team, attaching receipts.

5.

This clause does not apply to pets relocated within Australia, in connection with the
long-term posting. These cases are dealt with under Chapter 6 Part 1 Division 4 for pet relocation within Australia.

14.3.7    Storage of items not removed

 

TAX ALERT: PACMATE Annex 3.B, item 42.

1.

A member entitled to a removal may choose to store some items not removed to the posting location. 

Exception: This entitlement is not available to an unaccompanied member whose dependants remain in Australia.

 

See: For removal conditions see Chapter 6 Part 6 Division 2 clause 6.6.15 (Privately arranged removals – eligibility and conditions for assistance) and clause 6.6.16 (Privately arranged removals – entitlement)

2.

A member may arrive at the posting location with no suitable permanent accommodation. In this situation, the removed items can be placed into temporary storage at Commonwealth cost. This can be in Australia or in the overseas location.

3.

When permanent accommodation becomes available, the items may be removed from temporary storage to the residence, at Commonwealth cost.

14.3.8    Loss on sale or disposal of items

 

TAX ALERT: PACMATE Annex 3.B, item 43.

1.

A member may choose to dispose of items, instead of removing them to the posting location or storing them in Australia. The member is entitled to be reimbursed an amount equal to any loss as a result of the disposal.

2.

For subclause 1, the maximum amount payable is what the Commonwealth would have paid to remove and store the possessions.

3.

To claim this entitlement, the member must apply in writing to the Overseas Administration Team.

 

Exception: If a member sells an item that was obtained through a grant the member is not entitled to a reimbursement under this Part.

14.3.9    Storage of excess items

 

TAX ALERT: PACMATE Annex 3.B, item 44.

1.

In certain situations, a member may discover removed items cannot be accommodated at the new overseas posting location. This excludes necessary items bought while overseas.

Example: A member finds permanent accommodation. Certain items are too large for the new residence.

2.

In these situations, a member may do any of these things.

 

a.

Have the item removed back to Australia and stored at Commonwealth cost for the remainder of the overseas posting.

 

b.

Sell the item and claim any loss on the disposal of the item as in clause 14.3.8, Loss on sale or disposal of items.

 

c.

Store the item overseas, before removal back to Australia.

14.3.10   Removal during posting

 

For removals during a posting, see Chapter 15 Part 4 Division 1 clause 15.4.10, Changing housing during posting.

14.3.11   Removal at end of posting

 

TAX ALERT: PACMATE Annex 3.B, item 45.

1.

A member is entitled to a removal of items at Commonwealth cost, either to the next posting location or Australia, in these situations.

 

a.

At the end of the posting period.

 

b.

On termination of the posting by the CDF.

 

c.

On leaving the ADF.

2.

When the member has made an inventory of desired items to be removed, the CDF will approve what items may be removed and how they are to be removed. The CDF must consider all these criteria.

 

Criteria about the return from overseas posting

 

a.

The location from which the member is returning.

 

b.

The period since the member last lived in Australia.

 

c.

The next location to which the member is posted and the circumstances at the posting location.

 

d.

The intended duration of the next posting.

 

e.

Any prospective postings and the member's expected career path.

 

Criteria about the dependants

 

f.

The number, age and health of any dependants of the member. 

 

g.

Any other factor relevant to the residential arrangements of the member and dependants at the next posting location.

 

Criteria about the removal

 

h.

The quantity and nature of the goods to be removed.

 

i.

The most efficient and effective means of transport available to remove the goods.

 

j.

The cost of removal by available means of transport.

 

k.

The need for the goods to arrive as close as possible to the date of the member’s next posting.

 

l.

Any other factor relevant to the removal.

3.

The member is also entitled to an additional 2.25 cubic metres of space to place certain items for removal from the posting location. This is for furniture and whitegoods only. The additional space is provided over and above the volume of goods removed to the post.

4.

The CDF will approve the most efficient and effective transport for the removal.

 

Persons who can make the decisions under subclauses 14.3.11.2 and 14.3.11.4 on behalf of the Secretary/CDF:

A person not below WO2/APS 5 who is authorised to manage Defence personnel administration at the overseas post

Senior ADF Representative at the overseas post

A person working in the Personnel Administration Centre in Southern Victoria who is:

-       Overseas Administration Team Leader

-       Personnel Administration Manager Specialist

-       Civilian and Overseas Personnel Administration Centre Manager

-       Director Personnel Administration Centre

14.3.12   Unacceptable items for removal

1.

These items are not acceptable for any overseas removal at Commonwealth cost.

2.

The Commonwealth will not knowingly remove any of the items covered by this subclause. The member must take personal responsibility for any charges or penalties arising from including any of these items in a removal.

 

a.

Dangerous goods.

Examples: Explosive, flammable, combustible or corrosive items.

 

b.

Items that contravene Customs or quarantine regulations, in Australia or the host country.

Examples: Plants, wooden items not allowed through Customs.  

3.

The Commonwealth will not remove any of these items, except under any special conditions that are stated.

 

a.

Furniture, except in special circumstances subject to CDF approval under clause 14.3.5 or 14.3.11.

Examples: Beds, whitegoods, wardrobes, lounge suites, bookcases.

 

b.

Non-portable items that cannot be carried by one person.

Examples: Televisions, stereos, piano.

 

c.

Private vehicles or towable items of any kind.

Examples: Caravans, hobby vehicles, cars, trucks, motorcycles, scooters, go‑carts.

 

d.

Water recreational equipment.

Examples: Boats, yachts, jet skis, outboard motors.

 

e.

Aircraft of any sort.

Examples: Hang gliders, gyrocopters.

 

f.

Household furnishings and appliances.

Examples: Carpets, mats, rugs, blinds, awnings, bean bags, mops, brooms or linen baskets.

 

g.

Air conditioners.

Exception: In Papua New Guinea outside Port Moresby, approval may be granted for personal air conditioners to be moved at Commonwealth cost.

 

h.

Large or heavy gardening equipment.

Examples: Ride-on lawn mowers, garbage bins, wheelbarrows, stepladders, garden furniture, sheds, greenhouses, cubby houses, large or heavy barbecue equipment including gas bottles.

 

i.

Perishable foods of any kind, including packaged or frozen food.

14.3.13   Entitlements if enlisted overseas

1.

A member might be appointed or enlisted outside Australia for service in Australia. In this case, the member is entitled to help with travel and removal to Australia, as follows.

 

a.

Air travel (including rest periods) at Commonwealth expense for the member and any dependants.

TAX ALERT: PACMATE Annex 3.B, item 46.

 

b.

Rest periods for the member and dependants.

TAX ALERT: PACMATE Annex 3.B, item 47.

 

c.

Removal of a reasonable amount of personal effects and household items (including furniture) to the location where the member will serve in Australia.

TAX ALERT: PACMATE Annex 3.B, item 48.

 

 

Exception: This exception applies a limit to the benefit for a member with dependants (unaccompanied), whose dependants elect to make their first Australian home in a personal location. A reasonable amount of the dependants' personal effects may be removed to the personal location at Commonwealth expense.

 

d.

Travel costs, including accommodation costs for authorised rest periods, for the period of travel en route to Australia.

TAX ALERT: PACMATE Annex 3.B, item 49.

 

e.

Accommodation costs if it is necessary to spend a night in temporary accommodation. This can be before departure and on arrival in Australia.

TAX ALERT: PACMATE Annex 3.B, item 50.

 

f.

Temporary accommodation allowance and rent allowance at the initial posting location in Australia.

TAX ALERT: PACMATE Annex 3.B, item 51.

 

 

Exception: This exception applies a limit to the benefit for a member with dependants (unaccompanied) whose dependants elect to make their first Australian home in a personal location. The member may also be entitled to the following conditions.

 

a.

Temporary accommodation allowance for the dependants in the personal location.

 

b.

Rent allowance or a service residence for the dependants in the personal location.

 

 

See: Chapter 7, ADF housing and meals

 

g.

Reimbursement of any medical or migration processing fees.

TAX ALERT: PACMATE Annex 3.B, item 52.

2.

The baggage entitlements and method of transport are as specified in Chapter 14 Part 4.

See: Chapter 14 Part 4, Travel to and from the posting location

 

PACMAN                                                   AL12 (October 2011)                             Chapter 14 – Part 3 Division 1 – 1