Division 4: Vehicle allowances

The purpose of vehicle allowance is to help the member pay for vehicle costs in certain cases.

This Division applies to a member who is authorised to travel by private vehicle.

This Division does not apply to any of these members.

1. A member on short-term duty, authorised to travel by motor vehicle instead of the eligible type of transport.

2. A member wanting to transport their private vehicle to or from a posting location.

1. The member is eligible for vehicle allowance, if the CDF approves their use of a private vehicle for official purposes. The vehicle may be owned, hired or borrowed by the member.
2. Travel between the member's home and normal place of duty is not to be included in any journey authorised under this section.
3. When considering whether to authorise use of a private vehicle, the CDF must consider all of the following.
   
   1. The purpose of the travel.
   2. If the use of the vehicle will result in greater efficiency than use of public transport.

3. If Commonwealth transport is available for the journey.
4. If there is any requirement for a Commonwealth driver to remain on duty outside normal hours.
5. If the member has provided evidence of adequate insurance cover.
6. Any cost saving to the Commonwealth.
7. The personal interests of the member.

4. The member is eligible for an amount for each kilometre of the journey. This amount is calculated using the following formula with the rates that apply to the posting location.

    Vehicle allowance per kilometre (in local currency) = A x B x (C ÷ 100)

   Where:

   A is the relevant rate of vehicle allowance under section 9.6.25, effective at the time of travel.

   B is the exchange rate used to pay salary to members for the pay period in which the travel is approved.

   C is the post index under section 12.3.14A used to calculate overseas allowances for the pay period in which the travel is approved.

5. The kilometres travelled are taken to be the distance of the journey, using the shortest direct route on suitable roads.
6. The combined upper limit of the vehicle allowance and travel costs for the road trip is the total of the following amounts.
   
   1. The cost of the member's fares by the means of transport normally authorised by the CDF for the journey.
   2. The amount of travel costs payable if the journey was by that means of transport.
7. A member eligible for vehicle allowance may also be reimbursed any of the following costs.
   
   1. Ferries.
   2. Tolls.
   3. Garage accommodation.

1. This section applies to a member who meets all of the following.
   
   1. The member is on long-term posting in the USA.
   2. The member owns a motor vehicle.
   3. The member has paid personal property tax on the vehicle to the Government of the State in which the member lives.
2. The member may be reimbursed an amount equal to the tax on one motor vehicle only.