Machinery of Government Update Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is changing from 1 July 2026?

From 1 July 2026, the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority’s (IPEA) role will expand to include the administration of selected parliamentary work expenses, currently administered by the Department of Finance’s Ministerial and Parliamentary Services (MaPS) Division.

2. Why is this change happening?

This is a Machinery of Government change. The types of expenses available under the Parliamentary Business Resources framework are not changing, simply a redistribution of responsibility between delivery agencies. 

This change is set out in the Parliamentary Business Resources Legislation Amendment (Review Implementation and Other Measures) Act 2024.

3. How will these expenses be administered from 1 July 2026?

From 1 July 2026, you should contact IPEA for the following non-travel work expenses:

4. What does this mean for parliamentarians and your staff?

You should experience minimal to nil disruption. The main change is that a different agency will manage some expense types and provide related advice (see Question 5).

IPEA and MaPS are working closely to make the transition period smooth. If you need help, please contact the relevant helpdesk listed below first.

Support materials will be shared before 1 July 2026 to help offices know where to go for advice and how to manage reimbursements and other requests during the transition.

5. Will anything else change after 1 July 2026?

This change is about which entity manages certain office expense services. If there are any future changes to how you access services or make claims, they will be communicated separately.

IPEA will expand its provision of personal advice to parliamentarians to include the transferring functions.

IPEA’s personal advice is not subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982. It may also provide safe harbor to a parliamentarian where incorrect personal advice is given, and the parliamentarian relies on that advice. Please speak with IPEA to learn more. 

Please reach out to IPEA for further detailed information on personal advice.

6. Will ordering from Complete Office Supplies change?

From 1 July 2026, COS ordering will be split between MaPS and IPEA.

All access will remain the same, however when logging into COSnet, you will now see two accounts. You must select the appropriate account depending on the items you wish to purchase.

6a. How do I select the correct COS account

Please note, if you need to order products from both accounts, you will need to complete two separate orders. 

6b. How do I get access COSnet?

Access to COSnet is managed by IPEA, who should be contacted for access and account queries, including user settings (for example, delivery address details).

For questions relating to specific orders, please contact the relevant agency based on the type of order.

7. Do I need to do anything?

In most cases, no. You can keep using the current processes and systems (PEMS) unless you are told otherwise. 

8. How will parliamentarians and staff be kept informed?

Updates will be shared through the usual client communication channels, including direct emails to offices and updated guidance materials located on both the MaPS and IPEA websites.

9. Who can I contact if I have questions?

If you have questions, contact the relevant team below: IPEA for advice and support on expenses managed by IPEA, or the MaPS helpdesks for MaPS services.

• IPEA — Phone: 02 6215 3000 | Email: enquiries@ipea.gov.au
• MaPS helpdesk — Phone: 02 6215 3333 | Email: mpshelp@finance.gov.au