Former parliamentarian travel
The Remuneration Tribunal (Members of Parliament) Determination 2024 provides resources to former parliamentarians (who were not a Prime Minister) to travel under certain conditions - this is known as post-retirement travel.
A former parliamentarian may access a limited number of return trips to be undertaken within three months from the day they cease being a member of parliament. Travel must be between the former parliamentarian’s home base and:
- Canberra, or
- a Commonwealth funded office provided to them.
If the parliamentarian had less than three Commonwealth funded offices, they may access up to three return trips. If the parliamentarian was a former member of the House of Representatives and had three or more Commonwealth funded offices, they may access up to four return trips.
Scheduled commercial flights may be accessed to travel however, all flights are limited to economy class only.
Travel can be organised through the contracted travel service provider using the former parliamentarian’s Travel Profile Number (from when they were a parliamentarian). This profile will be closed following the conclusion of the three-month post-retirement travel period.
Alternatively, flights may be exchanged for private vehicle allowance (PVA) if the same trip is made in a privately owned vehicle. Where a private vehicle is used, the amount of PVA paid is limited to the amount of the airfare being exchanged, whichever is lower. The rate of private vehicle allowance can be found on the Travel rates page.
Other costs including transport to and from the airport as well as accommodation, meals and incidentals are a personal expense to be met by the former parliamentarian.
Post-retirement travel is only prescribed for former parliamentarians. Anyone else accompanying them would need to meet all costs (including flights) personally.
For further advice on post-retirement travel, please contact IPEA on (02) 6215 3000 or by email to enquiries@ipea.gov.au.
