Part 1: Overview

16.1.1    Purpose
16.1.2    Definitions
16.1.3    Member this Chapter applies to
16.1.4    Hardship package
16.1.5    Hardship package limits
16.1.6    Hardship package does not apply to service on deployments
16.1.7    Basis for hardship package

16.1.1    Purpose

1.

The purpose of the overseas hardship package is to provide assistance for members and their dependants beyond that covered by normal overseas conditions of service. It is provided for difficulties or hardships experienced on either of these kinds of overseas service.

 

a.

Long-term posting at certain posting locations overseas.

 

b.

Short-term duty at certain overseas locations (for hardship allowance and additional recreation leave only).

2.

The overseas hardship package is additional to the other benefits provided to members serving overseas. It compensates for difficulties, not for perceived danger. The hardship package is not danger money.

16.1.2    Definitions

Term

Definition in this Chapter

Hardship

The significant adverse effect on the lifestyle or welfare of members and their dependants, as a result of living conditions at the posting location, as compared with those in Australia.

16.1.3    Member this Chapter applies to

1.

This Chapter applies to eligible members serving at a location shown in Annex 16.A.

2.

For specific information about the eligibility for each of the components of the hardship package, refer to the appropriate Part in this Chapter.

16.1.4    Hardship package

 

The hardship package consists of:

 

Item

Allowance

See:

1.

Hardship allowance.

Chapter 16 Part 2

2.

Additional recreation leave.

Chapter 16 Part 3

3.

Assisted leave travel.

Chapter 16 Part 4

4.

Accommodation on unavoidable stopovers.

Chapter 16 Part 5

5.

Excess baggage during assisted leave travel.

Chapter 16 Part 6

6.

Assistance in extraordinary circumstances.

Chapter 16 Part 7

7.

Location allowances for Iraq and Papua New Guinea.

Chapter 16 Part 8

16.1.5    Hardship package limits

1.

Limits apply to the extent of assistance provided in the hardship package.

2.

For specific information about the limits that apply to each of the components of the hardship package, refer to the appropriate Part in this Chapter.

16.1.6    Hardship package does not apply to service on deployments

1.

The hardship package set out in this Chapter does not apply to service on warlike and
non-warlike deployments.

2.

All conditions of service for such deployments are set out in Chapter 17.

16.1.7    Basis for hardship package

1.

Locations are graded on factors that indicate if a location is harder to live in than Australia. Each factor earns points that determine the hardship grade for that location. The total score determines what rate of hardship allowance is paid. Not all grades attract payment of the allowance.

2.

This table lists the factors that are assessed and what they include.

 

Item

Item

Description

1.

Climate

The climate comparison between Australia and the post. Also considers natural disasters and air pollution at the post.

2.

Health

The quality and availability of health care at the post.

3.

Language and culture

A comparison of the first and second languages spoken at the post and in Australia.

4.

Goods and services

The quality and availability of goods and services at the post.

5.

Isolation

The distance between the post and Australia, frequency and reliability of external air travel and the standard of internal transport and communication.

6.

Social network and leisure

The ability to enjoy free time, news, media, an expatriate community and recreation facilities.

7.

Housing, utilities and education

The quality and availability of suitable housing and utilities as well as the availability of international schools, the curriculum taught, the language of the school and the age range of suitable education.

8.

Personal security

The level of criminal activity and social tensions at the post, and their effect on personal safety.

 

3.

The items listed are ranked for each overseas posting location according to seven categories. The categories range from A (the least difficult) to G (the most difficult). They are reviewed annually by the data service provider.

4.

Members should be aware that the hardship package for their posting location could change considerably during their posting as a result of the annual review.

 

PACMAN                                                             AL6 (December 2005)                                                Chapter 16 – Part 1 – 1