15.4.6 Purpose
15.4.7 Housing entitlements
15.4.8 Costs incurred under
terms of occupancy
15.4.9 Dispute about damage to
property
15.4.10 Changing housing during
posting
15.4.11 Housing becomes unavailable
or unfit
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This Division sets out the aim of housing assistance and general housing entitlements for a member on a long-term posting overseas. The aim is to ensure the member and their dependants are provided with housing that meets all these conditions. |
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a. |
Adequately furnished, based on the needs of the member's dependants. |
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b. |
Located within a reasonable distance of the place of duty. |
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c. |
Appropriate for the status and duties of the member. |
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d. |
Suitable in size based on the composition of the member's family. |
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e. |
Suitable for the conditions at the member's posting location. |
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TAX ALERT: PACMATE Annex 3.B, item 101. |
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1. |
A member may live in accommodation provided or arranged by the member or the Commonwealth. |
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2. |
There are exceptions to this, explained in table below. |
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Item |
Category |
Applies to... |
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1. |
Tied housing – rank and role |
a senior member whose posting comes with a house provided by the Commonwealth. Examples: A member posted as Head Australian Defence Staff in Washington DC, London or Jakarta. |
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2. |
Housing – safety and security |
a member appointed to a hardship posting. The member will be provided with housing that ensures the safety of the member and any dependants. Example: A member posted to Port Moresby. |
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3. |
Housing – exchange programs |
exchange personnel who are required to occupy housing provided by the host Service. Example: A member posted overseas to undertake language training with the Royal Air Force. |
3. |
If a member does not fall into one of the categories mentioned in subclause 2, the member may be authorised to seek privately leased housing that the CDF considers suitable. The CDF must consider all these criteria. |
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a. |
The member's posting location. |
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b. |
The standard of housing at the posting location. |
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c. |
The location of the housing. |
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d. |
If the standard and the location of the house are appropriate to the member's rank and family needs. |
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4. |
The member is entitled to be paid for the rent of the privately leased house. The amount paid is to a maximum of the amount of rent, less a rent and utilities contribution. See: Chapter 15 Division 4, Rent and utilities contribution |
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Persons who can make the decision under subclause 15.4.7.3 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 - Overseas Administration Team Leader - Personnel Administration Manager Specialist - Civilian and Overseas Personnel Administration Centre Manager - Director Personnel Administration Centre |
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TAX ALERT: PACMATE Annex 3.B, item 102. |
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1. |
The Commonwealth is not a party to a private lease that the member enters into. Exception: The Commonwealth may become a party to the lease by agreement in writing. |
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2. |
A member may be required under their lease to pay property taxes or make other council payments. |
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3. |
The member is entitled to be paid an amount equal to these costs. |
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1. |
Property leased by a member to live in at the post may be alleged to have been damaged. If this happens, a dispute may arise between the member and their landlord over the terms of the lease or return of the rental bond. |
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2. |
The CDF may pay the member an amount equal to the amount the member can show they had to pay for damage alleged to have been done to the property by them. The member must meet these conditions. |
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a. |
The member did not breach the terms of the lease. |
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b. |
The member did not cause damage to the property by their wrongful or negligent act. Example: The member reported a faulty water heater but the landlord took no steps to fix it. The water heater flooded the home and damaged the carpet. The member had taken steps to prevent the damage and did not cause it. Non-example: If the member failed to take steps to prevent their child from kicking holes in walls, then the member's negligence could be seen to have caused the damage. |
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c. |
The member cannot get their bond or rent returned, or has been forced to pay an extra amount to fix the alleged damage. |
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A member may have to move from one residence to another at the posting location for organisational requirements. In this situation, the member is entitled to have items removed to the other residence at Commonwealth expense. |
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1. |
During an overseas posting, a member's accommodation may become unavailable or unfit for occupation. The member and dependants may need to live in temporary accommodation, such as a motel or serviced apartments. |
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2. |
In this case, the member is entitled to the settling-in allowances listed in Chapter 14 Part 5, Settling in and out. They apply as if the member began a posting period at the location, on the day the accommodation becomes unavailable or unfit. |