Division 4: Vehicle allowances

15.3.18   Purpose
15.3.19   Member this Division applies to
15.3.20   Member this Division does not apply to
15.3.21   Vehicle allowance
15.3.22   Personal property tax on vehicle – USA

15.3.18   Purpose

 

The purpose of vehicle allowance is to help the member pay for vehicle costs in certain cases.

15.3.19   Member this Division applies to

 

This Division applies to a member who is authorised to travel by private vehicle.

15.3.20   Member this Division does not apply to

 

This Division does not apply to any of these members.

 

a.

A member on short-term duty, authorised to travel by motor vehicle instead of the entitled type of transport.

Note: These costs may be authorised on the Overseas visit authority form. This is explained in Defence Instruction (General) Administrative 23-5, Overseas visits. (This note is policy guidance)

 

b.

A member wanting to transport their private vehicle to or from a posting location.

 

See also:
Chapter 12 Part 1 clause 12.1.2, Member Chapters 12 to 16 do not apply to
Part 1 Clause 15.1.3, Member this Chapter does not apply to

15.3.21   Vehicle allowance

 

TAX ALERT: PACMATE Annex 3.B, item 95.

 

1.

The member is entitled to vehicle allowance, if the CDF approves their use of a private vehicle for official purposes. The vehicle may be owned, hired or borrowed by the member.

 

2.

Travel between the member's home and normal place of duty is not to be included in any journey authorised under this clause.

 

3.

When considering whether to authorise use of a private vehicle, the CDF must consider all these criteria.

 

a.

The purpose of the travel.

 

b.

If the use of the vehicle will result in greater efficiency than use of public transport.

Examples: Public transport unreasonably extends the member's time away from home, or is difficult for a member with a disability.

 

c.

If Commonwealth transport is available for the journey.

 

d.

If there is any requirement for a Commonwealth driver to remain on duty outside normal hours.

 

e.

If the member has provided evidence of adequate insurance cover.

 

f.

Any cost saving to the Commonwealth.

 

g.

The personal interests of the member.

4.

The member is entitled to an amount for each kilometre of the journey. The amount is worked out using this formula.

A x B x    

C

 

100

 

A

is the relevant rate of vehicle allowance effective on 1 March in any year as mentioned in Chapter 9 Part 6 Division 5 clause 9.6.24.

 

B

is the exchange rate used to pay salary to members at the posting location on the payday immediately before 1 March in that year.

 

C

is the post index in force on the payday immediately before 1 March in that year. If a post index does not exist for the location on this date, C is the post index for the location at the date the member begins duty there.

 

Note: Information on items B and C is available from the Overseas Administration Team (see Chapter 12 Part 2 clause 12.2.2).

5.

The kilometres travelled are taken to be the distance of the journey, using the shortest direct route on suitable roads.

6.

The combined upper limit of the vehicle allowance and travel costs for the road trip is the total of these amounts.

 

a.

The cost of the member's fares by the means of transport normally authorised by the CDF for the journey.

 

b.

The amount of travel costs payable if the journey was by that means of transport.

7.

A member entitled to vehicle allowance may also be reimbursed these costs.

 

a.

Ferries.

 

b.

Tolls.

 

c.

Garage accommodation.

 

Persons who can make the decision under subclause 15.3.21.1 on behalf of the Secretary/CDF:

A person not below WO2 (E)/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

15.3.22   Personal property tax on vehicle – USA

 

TAX ALERT: PACMATE Annex 3.B, item 96.

1.

This clause applies to a member who meets all these conditions.

 

a.

The member is on long-term posting in the USA.

 

b.

The member owns a motor vehicle.

 

c.

The member has paid personal property tax on the vehicle to the Government of the State in which the member lives.

2.

The member is entitled to be reimbursed an amount equal to the tax on one motor vehicle only.

 

 

PACMAN                                                    AL12 (October 2011)                             Chapter 15 – Part 3 Division 4 – 1