Until now Ministers have had access to a daily allowance for incidentals when travelling overseas. Guidelines for the allowance are given in Memorandum 97-29.

In order to improve accountability and transparency in Ministerial travel entitlements this daily allowance will no longer be automatically paid. Instead, reimbursement of actual costs for reasonable out of pocket expenses, as is currently the case for accommodation and meals when Ministers travel overseas, will be made.

Reimbursements will be paid, provided receipts are presented, for reasonable out of pocket expenses such as those outlined in the previous memorandum on overseas travel by Ministers, Memorandum 97-29.

An amendment to the Ministerial Handbook will be forwarded to you in the near future. If you have any further enquiries please contact Lucy Brotherton on 9228 3624 or email at [email protected]

C. Gellatly
Director-General