The use of corporate credit cards by Government Ministers and their staff is perceived by the Premier as inappropriate for his administration.

Ministers and Ministerial Staff are not to provide themselves with Departmental credit cards except in the case of overseas travel where short term cards will be issued and returned at the completion of official travel together with a travel diary for fringe benefit tax purposes. If any cards have been issued since April 4 they are to be returned immediately. For normal official interstate travel, Ministers are provided with a travelling allowance in advance by cheque or can seek re-imbursement by producing receipts or personal credit card accounts.

It is intended that a conservative view also be taken with respect to the use of corporate credit cards by CES and SES officers. Credit cards are a useful means of expenditure control but their use should not be abused. They must not be used for personal purposes.

It would be expected that internal audits for each department would regularly review expenditure control systems and report any problems to the Minister and the Commissioner for Public Employment.

The Public Employment Office should be provided with monthly expenditure statements for all Ministerial offices.

Ken Cripps
Acting Commissioner