Part 5: Accommodation on unavoidable stopovers

16.5.1 Purpose

In using assisted leave travel, members may incur accommodation costs on an unavoidable stopover.  This can result from the limited choice of direct flights at the hardship location.  This Part allows members to be reimbursed the accommodation costs. 

16.5.2 ...

16.5.3 Member this Part applies to

This Part applies to a member who meets both these conditions. 

They are on a long-term posting to a hardship location. 

They are granted a reasonable period of leave. 

16.5.4 Member this Part does not apply to

This Part does not apply to a member who meets either of these conditions. 

They are on short-term duty at a location for less than 28 days. 

They travel under Part 4 section 16.4.11 to a location other than a leave centre ('offset travel'). 

16.5.5 Accommodation

Members are responsible for the costs involved with accommodation during assisted leave travel, unless they have an unavoidable stopover. 

16.5.6 Accommodation – conditions for payment of costs

If the CDF is satisfied that a stopover is unavoidable during assisted leave travel, the member and dependants are to be reimbursed for one night's accommodation, meals and incidentals at the stopover location. 

When making the decision under subsection 1, the CDF must consider any advice from these sources. 

For travel from Australia – Defence Travel. 

For travel to Australia – the travel agent contracted by the post, or Defence Travel. 

The limit of reimbursement is what would have been paid, if the member and dependants had been eligible for travel costs during the stopover under Chapter 13, Short-term duty overseas. 

Persons who can make the decision under subsection 16.5.6.1 on behalf of the Secretary/CDF:
A person working in the Pay and Administration Centre – Victoria who is authorised to manage Defence pay administration at overseas posts and is not below WO2(E)/APS 5. 
Director Defence Travel

16.5.7 Accommodation – Papua New Guinea stopover in Port Moresby

Members who on a long-term posting to the hardship location of Papua New Guinea, at a location other than Port Moresby, are eligible for one night's accommodation in Port Moresby, when returning from a leave centre.