Frequently asked questions
Parliamentarians receive either a private plated vehicle or an allowance in lieu of a private plated vehicle. Where reasonable to do so, the parliamentarian uses one of these options to transport themselves in and around their home base.
Where a parliamentarian considers it unreasonable to use their private plated vehicle or allowance, they may access COMCAR or taxis in accordance with the PBR Principles. For example, a parliamentarian may access a COMCAR or taxi to travel between their home and the airport where:
- car parking expense exceeds the cost of COMCAR trips
- the parliamentarian would like to have the vehicle available to electorate staff while they are travelling.
All travel is subject to the PBR framework’s obligations. There are only two types of travel allowance subject to a financial year cap: when a parliamentarian travels for the dominant purpose of electorate duties outside of their electorate or party political duties outside of Canberra. Claiming travel allowance for these purposes is restricted to a combined total of 10 nights per financial year.
Parliamentary Business is defined as four separate duties:
- Parliamentary Duties
- Electorate Duties
- Party Political Duties
- Official Duties.
No, parliamentarians are not able to claim travel allowance in advance. Travel allowance may only be claimed after travel is completed and is usually processed by IPEA within seven working days of receipt.
Yes you can. AirBnB falls within the definition of commercial accommodation, provided the invoice meets IPEA’s commercial accommodation invoice requirements, including the accommodation provider’s ABN, disclosure of GST, dates of stay and the claimant’s name.
When submitting your travel claim, please provide the tax invoice provided by AirBnB for your stay.
Parliamentarians may claim Private Vehicle Allowance when using their privately owned vehicle to travel between their home base and Canberra or part way. Private Vehicle Allowance cannot be claimed for travel between any other locations or for the use of a private plated vehicle.
