Legislation

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IPEA legislation

IPEA was established under the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority Act 2017 as an independent statutory authority with advisory, reporting and auditing responsibilities for the work expenses of parliamentarians and their staff.

The Parliamentary Business Resources Act

The Parliamentary Business Resources Act 2017 (PBR Act) established the parliamentary work expenses framework. It is a principles-based framework covering parliamentarians' work expenses, requiring that for any expense claimed, the dominant purpose be parliamentary business and that it represents value-for-money for the Commonwealth.

Determinations

The following information provides clarification on parliamentary business, parliamentarians who are office holders and resources for former Prime Ministers:

The following information provides clarification on staff travel and relief staff arrangements:

The Parliamentary Business Resources Regulations

The Parliamentary Business Resources Regulations 2017 introduced a principles-based work expenses framework that covers all travel and office expenses for parliamentarians and their staff. These regulations were made under the PBR Act.

Rulings

The PBR Act provides that IPEA may give a ruling, in writing, determining whether a parliamentarian has acted in accordance with section 26 (Dominant purpose test), section 27 (Obligation to ensure value for money), or section 28 (Obligation not to make claims or incur expenses in breach of conditions) of the PBR Act. A ruling can only relate to travel expenses and travel allowances. IPEA rulings are agreed by the Members of IPEA.

Further information on rulings is available in the Rulings fact sheet.

To apply for a ruling, complete the form, scan and email it to forms@ipea.gov.au

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Acknowledgement of Country

The Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority 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.