Certain residential internet and telephone expenses are payable by the Commonwealth as part of your remuneration. The Remuneration Tribunal has determined the provision of such expenses under paragraph 14(4)(c) of the Parliamentary Business Resources Act 2017.
Eligible expenses include installation, maintenance, rental, transfer and call and data costs. They do not include subscription services, such as Foxtel and Netflix, or any streaming or similar services.
Each service described below may be a telephone service (including VOIP), an internet service, or a combined telephone and internet service provided under a single contract.
|
Parliamentarians |
You can claim the cost of up to 2 residential services. |
|
Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, Presiding Officers, senior office holders who are members of the Opposition, and the leader of a minority party |
You may claim an additional service for your Canberra private residence. |
|
Chief Government and Opposition Whips |
You may also claim an additional service in your private residence in Canberra and an additional service in a private residence not in Canberra. |
Payment of accounts
It is recommended that residential telephone numbers are unlisted (silent).
You will be reimbursed the cost of your paid residential telephone and internet service accounts. Claims should be sent via PEMS or by completing Form 146 (see related resources). Costs can only be claimed for the period you are a parliamentarian.