Who we are
The Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA) was established following the Prime Minister’s announcement of changes to parliamentarians’ work expenses on 13 January 2017.
On 1 July 2017, IPEA was established as a Commonwealth statutory authority under the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority Act 2017 (IPEA Act). This represented Australian Government progress towards the most significant reforms to parliamentarians' work expenses in 25 years.
IPEA is an independent statutory authority with advisory, reporting and auditing responsibilities for the work expenses of parliamentarians, and the staff they employ under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 (MOP(S) Act).
IPEA functions
IPEA has the following functions:
- Giving advice to parliamentarians and MOP(S) Act staff about travel expenses and travel allowances.
- Monitoring the travel expenses and travel allowances of parliamentarians and MOP(S) Act staff.
- Preparing regular reports relating to:
- all work expenses, travel expenses and travel allowances claimed by parliamentarians
- travel expenses and travel allowances claimed by MOP(S) Act staff.
- Conducting audits relating to:
- all work expenses, travel expenses and travel allowances claimed by parliamentarians
- travel expenses and travel allowances claimed by MOP(S) Act staff.
- Processing claims relating to travel expenses and travel allowances of parliamentarians and their staff.
Organisational structure
IPEA's organisational structure helps it deliver its functions. IPEA is also guided by independent Members of the Authority appointed by the Governor-General, with each member having a range of relevant skills and experience. For further information visit the IPEA Leadership webpage.
- Members of the Authority
- Chief Executive Officer Annwyn Godwin
- Travel, Education and Advice, Michael Frost
- Travel Advice
- Travel Allowances
- Travel Expenses
- International Travel
- Education & Systems
- Corporate, Governance & Strategy, Marco Spaccavento
- Secretariat
- Communications & Media
- Human Resources
- ICT
- Finance & Risk
- Transparency, Assurance & Legal, Nicole Pearson
- Data & Reporting
- Assurance & Audit
- Legal
- Travel, Education and Advice, Michael Frost
IPEA's commitment to reconciliation
IPEA acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.
IPEA launched its first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in 2021.
Endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, our Reflect RAP is the formal launch of IPEA’s reconciliation journey.
Through our RAP, IPEA commits to recognising and understanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and contribution. By enhancing IPEA’s understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we are better able to reflect the Australian community whom parliamentarians are elected to represent.
Any questions about our RAP can be sent to ipea@ipea.gov.au.
Corporate Plan
The Corporate Plan 2024–25 for IPEA, in accordance with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
All previous year Corporate Plans can be found on the Publications page.
Curious conversations
Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA) staff participate in regular Curious Conversations to bring risk management to life in their daily work.
Each conversation features an ethical scenario and questions for staff to ponder as teams or individuals.
Curious conversations scenarios (PDF, 987.69 KB)
