Frequently asked questions

To change previous nominations or nominate new family members, please contact IPEA at enquiries@ipea.gov.au and request the Family Reunion Travel Nomination table.

A parliamentarian’s dependent child means:

1. The person is less than 16, and the parliamentarian is legally responsible (whether alone or jointly) for the day-to-day care, welfare and development of the person
2. The person is at least 16 years of age and less than 18 years of age, and financially dependent on the parliamentarian
3. The person is 18 years of age or older, is financially dependent on the parliamentarian, and is undertaking, and has been undertaking continuously, secondary (high school) education.

There are two types of family reunion travel for nominated family members:

1. Canberra and Local Area—when a parliamentarian is travelling for the dominant purpose of parliamentary business, their nominated travellers may travel to Canberra or within the parliamentarian’s electorate to be with the parliamentarian to facilitate their family life. This is a limited monetary budget calculated by IPEA and can only be used for Family Reunion Travel at the parliamentarian’s discretion.
2. Australia Wide— when a parliamentarian is travelling for the dominant purpose of parliamentary business, their nominated travellers may travel anywhere in Australia to be with the parliamentarian to facilitate their family life. Travel is limited to three return trips in total (not per family member) per financial year for nominated family members.

Yes, subject to certain limits, family members may travel at business class.

Only a spouse/nominee may travel independently in a COMCAR. Other nominated family members cannot access COMCAR without the parliamentarian’s or the spouse/nominee’s presence.