Ministerial Travel

In reply to the Hon. R.I. LUCAS (9 September 2015).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Employment, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for Science and Information Economy): The Premier has provided the following advice:

While travelling overseas, ministers consider whether the purpose of their travel is related to their parliamentary or ministerial portfolio responsibilities and fund from the related budget; noting there would be instances where overseas travel would meet both purposes. As a result of the Remuneration Tribunal Determination 7 of 15 December 2015, members of parliament have no travel allowance as such, and any travel is funded from the member’s common allowance.

The approval process for spouses and partners to travel overseas with ministers is regulated through the Premier’s Guideline: Air Travel by Ministers and Their Staff, which provides that the names of spouses and domestic partners must be provided when seeking overseas travel approval from the Premier.

The funding arrangement for spouses and partners travelling overseas with ministers is regulated through Cabinet Guideline No. 4 (Cabinet Business).