MEAL ALLOWANCES

The Public Service Association (PSA) receives from time to time queries regarding the proper application of the travelling allowance provisions.

To avoid misinterpretations of the provisions, the source of the policy, which is the Award, should be consulted (Clause 8, South Australian Public Sector Salaried Employees Interim Award). The higher rate of Allowance ($30.25 evening meal, $14.70 lunch, $14.70 breakfast, $6.10 incidentals = $71.85) is triggered in the event of an overnight absence. A lower rate applies for travel which does not necessitate an overnight absence. If on the first day of overnight absence, an employee leaves home after 7:00am, the breakfast allowance may not apply. Similarly, on the day of return, depending on the time the employee arrives home, the evening meal allowance may not apply.

These allowances are Award conditions and as such the employer is required to pay them and they should be paid in advance. They are not reimbursements, therefore receipts are not required.

Some agencies interpretation of the provision and policy can lead to a situation in which the overnight allowance is not paid, or paid at the lower rate. There is no reference in the Award to being absent on the previous night, nor does the provision apply from the second or subsequent days.

In areas were problems are identified, the PSA will contact the agency to ensure that the Award provision is followed. Where appropriate, the PSA will also be seeking an audit of where the allowance has been claimed, to ensure that members receive the correct entitlement (including incidentals of $6.10) when they have been away overnight on Departmental business. Higher rates apply for trips interstate.

For any queries please contact Industrial Officer Steve Acton
sja@cpsu.asn.au or 8205 3264

 
3 September 2007