Arrangements for payment of travel allowances to Chief Executive Officers and members of the Senior Executive Service, in relation to travel within Australia, have been reviewed with the objective of achieving economies in the cost of public administration. Consideration has also been given to the ICAC report 'Trips and Traps - Travel in the NSW Public Sector'.

The review has highlighted the need for travel allowances for this group to be based on actual expenses incurred, not on daily rates. This will avoid the possibility of claims for travel allowances in excess of necessary travel costs, and remove a source of community concern about questionable accommodation practices involving claims for travel allowances where no costs, or costs lover than the daily rates, have been incurred.

With effect from the date of this Circular, travel allowances for Chief Executive Officers and members of the Senior Executive Service are to be based on actual expenses incurred, not on daily rates. Current daily rates set out in Premier's Department Circular No 1994-28, issued on 19 December 1994, are to be treated as an indicative upper limit for travel expenses.

To assist contain travel costs, agencies may wish to arrange and pay for appropriate accommodation. In these circumstances, accommodation standards should be set on the basis that all reasonable expenses for accommodation, meals and other necessary expenses will be covered by the relevant indicative daily rates. Claims for reimbursement of expenses are to be fully justified by credit card records or receipts.

This change in arrangements should assist agencies to achieve an appropriate balance between the objectives of facilitating necessary business travel, and minimising the costs of such travel. These arrangements apply to the Chief Executive Officers, and members of the Senior Executive Service, of all public agencies (public service Departments and Administrative Offices, statutory bodies outside the public service and State Owned Corporations).

All agencies are requested to advise the Public Employment Office by 29 September 1995, in writing, that these new arrangements have been implemented.

Any cases where public agencies cannot implement these arrangements should be brought to the attention of the Public Employment Office, with advice on the action necessary to conform with the arrangements in this Circular.

(K.P. Baxter)
Director-General

Issued by: Public Employment Office
Contact: Gary McGrath
Telephone: 228 4381
Date: 6 September 1995