Each month, we update you on the latest changes to ADF pay, benefits and conditions of service to help you stay informed about things that may affect you and your family. These updates outline what has changed in the most recent Defence Determination and are reflected in PACMAN.  

A Determination is the formal legal instrument made under the Defence Act 1903 that sets out your pay and conditions of service. You can read all the Determinations on the Federal Register of Legislation.

Latest updates

This month’s Determination introduced changes to:

  • support members on short-term duty overseas
  • expand exemptions for casual meal charges
  • specify the storage benefits for members posted to RAAF Base Tindal
  • clarify housing entitlements for members who lease their suitable own home to DHA.  

These changes took effect on 12 February 2026.

New support for members on short-term duty overseas

Defence has expanded the benefits available for members on short-term duty overseas. A close relative may now travel to the overseas location to make necessary arrangements and attend the funeral of a member who dies while on duty overseas.  

Learn more about the benefits for members on short-term duty overseas.

Expanded exemptions from casual meal charges

Members do not have to pay the casual meal charge to eat in a mess if they:

  • have no resident family or recognised other persons, and  
  • are posted to a seagoing submarine and can't use the submarine's galley because it's unavailable.

Learn more about the casual meal charges and the current rates. 

Specified moving benefits for postings to RAAF Base Tindal

Members being posted to RAAF Base Tindal will now be eligible for a removal of their furniture and effects to an approved store when these items cannot be housed in their living-in accommodation (LIA) at the base.

Learn more about moving and storing your belongings, as well as the benefits for members who are posted to remote locations. 

Clarification of the impact of leasing a home to DHA  

We have clarified the benefits available to members who are leasing their suitable own home to DHA.

Learn more about the housing options and assistance available to members.

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