{"id":"F2021L00945","name":"Defence Determination, Conditions of service Amendment Determination 2021 (No. 11)","slug":"defence-determination-conditions-of-service-amendment-determination-2021-no-11","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":440915,"registerId":"F2021L00945-fast-fetch-1775956368533","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-12","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Defence Determination, Conditions of service Amendment Determination 2021 (No. 11)","content":"---\nmeta-content-style-type: text/css\nmeta-content-type: application/xhtml+xml; charset=utf-8\n---\n\n![Commonwealth Coat of Arms of Australia](image.001.jpeg)\n\n \n\nDefence Determination, Conditions of service Amendment Determination 2021 (No. 11)\n\nI, FIONA LOUISE McSPEERIN, Assistant Secretary, People Policy and Employment Conditions, make the following Determination under section 58B of the Defence Act 1903.\n\nDated 1 July 2021\n\nFiona Louise McSpeerin\n\nAssistant Secretary  People Policy and Employment Conditions  Defence People Group\n\n \n\nContents\n\n1  Name\n\n2  Commencement\n\n3  Authority\n\n4  Schedules\n\nSchedule 1—Miscellaneous amendments\n\nDefence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service\n\nSchedule 2—Geomatic Technician non-reduction provision extension amendment\n\nDefence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service\n\nSchedule 3—Education assistance rates and benchmark school amendments\n\nDefence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service\n\nSchedule 4—Overseas definitions\n\nDefence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service\n\nSchedule 5—Child supplement and location allowance amendments\n\nDefence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service\n\nSchedule 6—Transitional provisions\n\n \n\n \n\n1  Name\n\nThis instrument is the Defence Determination, Conditions of service Amendment Determination 2021 (No. 11).\n\n2  Commencement\n\nThis instrument commences on 8 July 2021.\n\n3  Authority\n\nThis instrument is made under section 58B of the Defence Act 1903.\n\n4  Schedules\n\nEach instrument that is specified in a Schedule to this instrument is amended or repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this instrument has effect according to its terms.\n\nSchedule 1—Miscellaneous amendments\n\nDefence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service\n\n- 1 Subsection 3.2.36.1 (Promotion after previous service at temporary or acting rank)\n- Omit “This section describes”, substitute “The purpose of this section is to set out”.\n- 2 Subsection 3.2.39.1 (Salary on promotion to rank previously held)\n- Omit “This section describes”, substitute “The purpose of this section is to set out”.\n- 3 Subsection 5.6.11.3 (How to apply for maternity leave)\n- Omit the subsection.\n- 4 Subsection 5.6.23.1 (Required absence)\n- Omit “describes”, substitute “prescribes”.\n- 5 Paragraph 8.3.6.2.a (Member who may be classified as a member with dependants (unaccompanied))\n- Omit “described”, substitute “set out”.\n- 6 Subsection 8.9.5.2 (Specialists and allied health benefits)\n- Omit the subsection, substitute:\n- 2. Subject to subsection 3, reimbursement under this section is limited to the out of pocket expenses incurred by an eligible dependant for the following services or products.\n- a. Consultation with a specialist. Note: The service must have a Medicare Benefits Schedule item number.\n- b. Medically prescribed, dental and optical appliances.\n- c. An allied health service, including any listed in the following table.\n\n\n \n\n| Item | Service | Benefit |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| 1. | Audiology | Consultation by an eligible audiologist under the Health Insurance (Allied Health Services) Determination 2014. |\n| 2. | Chiropractic and Osteopathy | Consultation by a chiropractor or osteopath registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. |\n| 3. | Dental | Consultation by a dentist registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Includes items listed by the Australian Dental Association (ADA). |\n| 4. | Dietary | Consultation by an allied health professional under the Health Insurance (Allied Health Services) Determination 2014. |\n| 5. | Occupational Therapy | Consultation by an occupational therapist registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. |\n| 6. | Optical | Consultation by an optometrist registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Includes all prescription eyewear, lenses, frames, contact lenses and repairs. |\n| 7. | Physiotherapy | Consultation by a physiotherapist registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. |\n| 8. | Podiatry and Chiropody | Consultation by a podiatrist or chiropodist registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. |\n| 9. | Psychology | Consultation by a psychologist registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. |\n| 10. | Speech Therapy | Consultation by an allied health professional under the Health Insurance (Allied Health Services) Determination 2014. |\n\n\n \n\n- 7 Subsection 8.9.5.3 (Specialists and allied health benefits)\n- Omit “either or both”, substitute “any of”.\n- 8 Section 9.1.2 (Travel overview)\n- Omit the section.\n- 9 Subsection 9.1.3.4 (Most economical means of travel)\n- Omit the subsection, substitute:\n- 4. A member is not eligible for the costs of coach travel for themselves or their dependants if air or rail travel is available unless the CDF is satisfied of all the following.\n- a. The cost is the same or less.\n- b. The time taken would not involve extra travelling leave.\n- 10 Paragraph 9.2.6.a (Travel by the most economical means)\n- Omit “at a class described in”, substitute “under”.\n- 11 Section 9.2.6 (Travel by the most economical means)\n- Omit “as described in” wherever occurring, substitute “under”.\n- 12 Subsection 9.2.35.3 (Limits to travel on leaving a personal location)\n- Omit the subsection, substitute:\n- 3. The member is eligible to receive an amount up to the cost of their travel between the following locations.\n- a. The current posting location or ship's home port (whichever is applicable).\n- b. The location to which the member is eligible for a removal to on ceasing continuous full-time service under section 6.5.46.\n- 13 Subsection 9.3.5.3 (Basic benefits)\n- Omit the subsection, substitute:\n- 3. The member may travel by a means that is not the most economical If the CDF approves.\n- 4. If subsection 3 applies, the member must pay the difference between the amount they would have been paid under subsection 2 and the cost of the travel under subsection 3 before commencing the travel.\n- 14 Subsection 9.3.73.5 (Assistance with accommodation)\n- Omit the subsection.\n- 15 Subsection 9.3.74.2 (Assistance with meals)\n- Omit the subsection, substitute:\n- 16 Subsection 9.4.27.1 (Scheme A – member with dependants (unaccompanied))\n- Omit “describes the conditions that apply”, substitute “applies”.\n- 17 Subsection 9.4.29.1 (Basic benefit – member with dependants)\n- Omit “describes the basic remote location leave travel benefit for”, substitute “applies to”.\n- 18 Subsection 9.4.32.1 (Scheme A – offset of benefit to another destination)\n- Omit “describes the offset conditions that apply”, substitute “applies”.\n- 19 Subsection 9.4.33.1 (Schemes A and B – advances of benefit)\n- Omit “describes the advance conditions that apply”, substitute “applies”.\n- 20 Subsection 9.4.34.1 (Schemes A and B – lapsing of benefit)\n- Omit “describes the lapsing conditions that apply”, substitute “applies”.\n- 21 Subsection 9.4.37.1 (Schemes A and B – spouse or partner is a member)\n- Omit “describes the conditions that apply”, substitute “applies”.\n- 22 Subsection 9.4.37.2 (Schemes A and B – spouse or partner is a member)\n- Omit the subsection, substitute:\n- 2. Despite section 9.4.29, a member in a location listed in an item column A of the following table who arrives at a time in column B accrues their leave at the time provided in column C of the same item.\n\n\n \n\n- Item Column ALocation Column BArrival Column CTime of accrual\n- 1. Grade A. The member who first arrives at the location. The member’s second credit accrues two years after arrival.\n- The member who arrives at the location second. The member’s second credit accrues on the same day as their spouse or partner.\n- 2. Grade B, C, D or E. The member who first arrives at the location. The member’s second credit accrues one year after arrival.\n- The member who arrives at the location second The member’s second credit accrues on the same day as their spouse or partner.\n\n\n \n\n| 23 | Subsection 9.4.38.1 (Schemes A and B – spouse or partner is a Defence APS employee) |\n| --- | --- |\n|  | Omit “describes the conditions that apply”, substitute “applies”. |\n| 24 | Subsection 9.4.38.2 (Schemes A and B – spouse or partner is a Defence APS employee) |\n|  | Omit the subsection, substitute: |\n| 2. | A member’s partner accrues one less remote location leave travel than is provided for in section 9.4.29. |\n| 25 | Subsection 9.5.12.2 (Travel period – ceasing continuous full-time service) |\n|  | Omit “a travel period for a member described in subsection 1”, substitute “A member’s travel period”. |\n| 26 | Section 9.6.23 (Benefit) |\n|  | Omit the section, substitute: |\n\n\n##### 9.6.23   Benefit\n\n- A member is eligible for the sum of the following amounts while undertaking travel authorised under this Division.\n- a. Vehicle allowance at the rate worked out under section 9.6.25.\n- b. Unless this Division specifically prevents it, the following.\n- i. Any increase to the allowance that applies under section 9.6.26.\n- ii. Any additional costs.\n- 27 Paragraph 10.4.4.1.b (Payment for loss or damage), note\n- Omit “If this is the case,”, substitute “If the member contributed to the loss or damage”.\n- 28 Section 11.2.7 (Entitlement to additional death benefit)\n- Omit “spouse” wherever occurring, substitute “partner”.\n- 29 Section 11.2.8 (Calculation of the ADB)\n- Omit “spouse” wherever occurring, substitute “partner”.\n- 30 Subsection 11.2.9.1 (Who the ADB is payable to)\n- Omit “spouse”, substitute “partner”.\n- 31 Subsection 11.2.9.2 (Who the ADB is payable to)\n- Omit the subsection, substitute:\n- 2. Subsection 3 or 4 applies if the deceased member is survived by a dependent child and one of the following conditions is met.\n- a. The deceased member is not survived by a partner.\n- b. The partner does not have primary responsibility for the daily care of the child.\n- 32 Paragraph 11.2.10.1.b (Entitlement to a severe injury adjustment)\n- Omit “described” wherever occurring, substitute “set out”.\n- 33 Subsection 11.2.12.2 (Who the SIA is payable to)\n- Omit the subsection, substitute:\n- 2. If an amount is payable under subsection 11.2.11.2 and the member does not have primary responsibility for the daily care of the child, the payment is payable to the person who has primary responsibility for the daily care of the child.\n- 34 Section 12.3.16 (Posting period overseas)\n- Omit the section, substitute:\n\n\n##### 12.3.16    Posting period overseas\n\n- 1. A posting period overseas means the period between the following days.\n- a. The day the member starts duty at the posting location after any rest period.\n- b. The day the member leaves their settling-out accommodation at the posting location.\n- 2. Despite subsection 1, if the member arrives or departs on a day observed locally as a weekend or public holiday, the following applies.\n- a. If the member arrives at the posting location on a day observed locally as a weekend or public holiday and starts duty on the next working day — the posting period begins the day the member arrives at the posting location.\n- b. If the member departs the posting location on a day observed locally as a weekend or public holiday and finishes duty on the preceding working day — the posting period ends on the day the member departs from the posting location.\n- 35 Subsection 13.1.3.2 (Member this Chapter does not apply to)\n- Omit “an officially approved activity overseas, as described in”, substitute “officially approved activities under Part 4 Division 2”.\n- 36 Subsection 13.2.11.2 (Rest period benefits)\n- Omit the subsection, substitute:\n- 2. A member is eligible for 1 rest period if they travel by the direct route for at least four time zone hours, or with a travelling time of at least 12 hours.\n- 2A. A member is eligible for 2 rest periods if they travel by the direct route for at least six time zone hours.\n- 37 Subsection 14.4.15.2 (Rest period benefits)\n- Omit the subsection, substitute:\n- 2. A member is eligible for 1 rest period if they travel by the direct route for at least four time zone hours, or with a travelling time of at least 12 hours.\n- 2A. A member is eligible for 2 rest periods if they travel by the direct route for at least six time zone hours.\n- 38 Subsection 15.4.3.2 (Member this Part does not apply to)\n- Omit the subsection.\n- 39 Section 16.7.2 (Member this Part applies to)\n- Omit the section, substitute:\n\n\n##### 16.7.2    Member this Part applies to\n\n- This Part applies to a member on a long-term posting overseas where normal supplies have been disrupted who meets one of the following.\n- a. The member is unable to leave the posting location.\n- b. The member is required to stay at the posting location.\n- 40 Subsection 17.4.12.3 (Assistance with accommodation)\n- Omit the subsection, substitute:\n- 3. An approved visitor ceases to be eligible for accommodation assistance after the approved period has ended.Note: The CDF may extend an approved period under subsection 17.4.14.2.\n- 41 Section 17.4.13 (Assistance with meals)\n- Omit the section, substitute:\n\n\n##### 17.4.13   Assistance with meals\n\n| 1. | An approved visitor is eligible to be reimbursed reasonable costs for meals after providing a receipt. |\n| --- | --- |\n| 2. | The cost of alcoholic beverages are not reimbursable. |\n| 3. | An approved visitor ceases to be eligible for meals after the approved period has ended.<br>Note: The CDF may extend an approved period under subsection 17.4.14.2. |\n\n\n \n\n \n\nSchedule 2—Geomatic Technician non-reduction provision extension amendment\n\nDefence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service\n\n| 1 | Annex 3.2.B Part 2 (Members with the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2 or lower), table item 11 |\n| --- | --- |\n|  | Omit “30 June 2021”, substitute “30 June 2022”. |\n| 2 | Annex 3.2.B Part 2 (Members with the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2 or lower), table item 18 |\n|  | Omit “30 June 2021”, substitute “30 June 2022”. |\n| 3 | Annex 3.2.B Part 2 (Members with the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2 or lower), table item 23 |\n|  | Omit “30 June 2021”, substitute “30 June 2022”. |\n\n\nSchedule 3—Education assistance rates and benchmark school amendments\n\nDefence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service\n\n| 1 | Subsection 8.4.10.3 (Face-to-face tutoring) |\n| --- | --- |\n|  | Omit “$109”, substitute “$111”. |\n| 2 | Subsection 8.4.11.3 (Web-based tutoring), Table |\n|  | Omit the table, substitute: |\n\n\n \n\n| Item | Column A<br>Conditions | Column B<br>Maximum limit |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| 1. | The child has studied the subject before and the subject is offered at the new school. | $1,563 |\n| 2. | The child has not studied the subject before and the subject is offered at the new school. | $2,901 |\n| 3. | The child meets both of the following and the subject is not offered at the new school.<br>1. The child is in Year 10, 11 or 12.<br>2. The child needs to study the subject, as it is essential to their career aims. | $5,801 |\n\n\n \n\n| 3 | Subsection 8.4.14.3 (Children with special needs), Table |\n| --- | --- |\n|  | Omit the table, substitute: |\n\n\n \n\n| Item | Column A<br>Services | Column B<br>Maximum benefit |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| 1. | A therapy service or tuition not provided by the school, but critical to educational progress. | One hour a week for 14 weeks — up to $111 an hour for each service needed. |\n| 2. | An assessment of their needs, critical to the development of an educational program. | A private assessment of the need — up to $821. |\n\n\n \n\n| 4 | Subsection 8.4.14.5 (Children with special needs) |\n| --- | --- |\n|  | Omit “$29,939”, substitute “$30,145”. |\n| 5 | Subsection 8.4.14.5 (Children with special needs) |\n|  | Omit “$393”, substitute “$401”. |\n| 6 | Subsection 8.4.15.4 (CDF discretion to extend education assistance) |\n|  | Omit “$109”, substitute “$111”. |\n| 7 | Subsection 8.4.21.1 (Rates of reimbursement), Table |\n|  | Omit the table, substitute: |\n\n\n \n\n- Item Column APurpose Column BMaximum reimbursement Column CContribution\n- 1. Compulsory tuition fees. $30,145 $401\n- 2. If in boarding school or a commercial establishment, the cost of board. $27,601 Either of the following.a. For the first year of boarding — $2,825.b. For every other year of boarding — $3,232.\n- 3. If accommodated privately, the cost of board. $17,199\n\n\n \n\n| 8 | Subsection 8.4.25.1 (Rate and period of assistance) |\n| --- | --- |\n|  | Omit “$384”, substitute “$425”. |\n| 9 | Subsection 14A.1.18.2 (Education assistance) |\n|  | Omit “$109”, substitute “$111”. |\n| 10 | Subsection 14A.1.21A.5 (Education assistance – USA) |\n|  | Omit “2021”, substitute “2022”. |\n| 11 | Subsection 15.6.11.2 (Member contribution), Table |\n|  | Omit the table, substitute: |\n\n\n \n\n| Item | Column A<br>School level | Column B<br>Annual contribution in AUD |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| 1. | Pre-school | 535 |\n| 2. | Primary school | 182 |\n| 3. | Secondary school | 426 |\n| 4. | Junior college (or similar institution in the USA) | 426 |\n\n\n \n\n| 12 | Subsection 15.6.21.2 (Education assistance – Cherbourg) |\n| --- | --- |\n|  | Omit “417”, substitute “426”. |\n| 13 | Paragraph 15.6.26.2.b (Compulsory tuition fees) |\n|  | Omit “29,939”, substitute “30,145”. |\n| 14 | Paragraph 15.6.26.3.a (Compulsory tuition fees) |\n|  | Omit “179”, substitute “182”. |\n| 15 | Paragraph 15.6.26.3.b (Compulsory tuition fees) |\n|  | Omit “417”, substitute “426”. |\n| 16 | Subparagraph 15.6.27.2.a.ii (Accommodation costs) |\n|  | Omit “30,207”, substitute “27,601”. |\n| 17 | Subparagraph 15.6.27.2.b.ii (Accommodation costs) |\n|  | Omit “19,866”, substitute “17,199”. |\n| 18 | Subparagraph 15.6.27.3.a.i (Accommodation costs) |\n|  | Omit “2,798”, substitute 2,825”. |\n| 19 | Subparagraph 15.6.27.3.a.ii (Accommodation costs) |\n|  | Omit “3,203”, substitute “3,232”. |\n| 20 | Paragraph 15.6.27.3.b (Accommodation costs) |\n|  | Omit “3,182”, substitute “3,232”. |\n\n \n\n| 21 | Annex 15.6.A (Benchmark schools), table item 10 |\n| --- | --- |\n|  | Omit the table item, substitute: |\n\n\n \n\n- 10. France\n- – Cherbourg Ecole Montessori BilingueLes Petits Bateaux Ermitage International School of France Ermitage International School of France\n- – Paris International School, Paris International School, Paris International School, Paris\n- – other EPIM School, Aix-en-Provence EPIM School, Aix-en-Provence EPIM School, Aix-en-Provence\n\nSchedule 4—Overseas definitions\n\nDefence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service\n\n| 1 | Section 14.1.3 (Member this Chapter does not apply to) |\n| --- | --- |\n|  | Omit the section, substitute: |\n\n\n##### 14.1.1    Member this Chapter does not apply to\n\n- 1. This Chapter does not apply to a member if any of the following conditions apply.\n- a. They are not entitled to salary.\n- b. They are on a scholarship, bursary or endowment for studying overseas from an organisation other than the Commonwealth.\n- c. They are on short term duty overseas.\n\n\n##### 14.1.2    Definitions\n\n|  | In this Chapter the following apply. |\n| --- | --- |\n|  | Evacuation means members and dependants are directed by the Commonwealth to withdraw from the location because of international relations, political, security or other special circumstances at the location. |\n| 2 | Section 14.6.3 (Evacuation) |\n|  | Omit the section. |\n| 3 | Chapter 15 Part 1 (General Provisions) |\n|  | Omit the part, substitute: |\n\n\n#### Part 1: General provisions\n\n \n\nDivision 1: Purpose, application and definitions\n\n##### 15.1.1    Purpose\n\n|  | This Chapter sets out conditions of service for members living and working on a long-term posting overseas. It covers the period from when a member has settled in and is living in permanent accommodation at the posting until the end of the posting period. |\n| --- | --- |\n\n\n##### 15.1.2    Member this Chapter does not apply to\n\n- This Chapter does not apply to a member if any of the following conditions apply.\n- a. They are not entitled to salary.\n- b. They are on a scholarship, bursary or endowment for studying overseas from an organisation other than the Commonwealth.\n- c. They are on short term duty overseas.\n\n\n##### 15.1.3    Definitions\n\n- In this Chapter the following apply.\n- Benchmark school has the meaning given by section 15.1.3A.\n- Beneficiary, in respect of a member, means one of the following persons.\n- a. A dependant of the member.\n- b. The member’s legal personal representative.\n- Close relative has the meaning given by section 15.1.4.\n- Compulsory tuition fees has the meaning given by section 15.1.5.\n- COVID-19 control measure means a measure, however described, taken to limit the spread of COVID-19 issued by a government, or government authority.\n- Official vehicle has the meaning given by section 15.1.6.\n- Posting location for the purpose of benchmark and approved summer schools, has the meaning given by section 15.1.7.\n- Private use means using an official vehicle for non-work related purposes and includes travel to and from the member’s private residence to the normal place of duty.\n- Rent group, for a member who meets the requirements in an item in one of the following columns of the table in Annex 15.4.A, means the rent group in column D of the same item.\n- a. If the member is in the Navy — column A.\n- b. If the member is in the Army — column B.\n- c. If the member is in the Air Force — column C.\n- Utilities has the meaning given by section 15.1.8.\n\n\n##### 15.1.3A    Benchmark school\n\n- Benchmark school means one of the following.\n- a. For a posting location in an item of column A of Annex 15.6.A, one of the following.\n- i. If the child is in pre-school — the school in column B of the same item.\n- ii. If the child is in primary school — the school in column C of the same item.\n- iii. If the child is in secondary school — the school in column D of the same item.\n- b. If no suitable school is available at the posting location and the child uses correspondence school for education, a correspondence school operated by an Australian government body.\n\n\n##### 15.1.4    Close relative\n\n- Close relative means any of the following people who are not accompanying the member on the long-term posting.\n- a. The member’s parent, sibling, child, dependant, or partner.\n- b. The parent, child, or sibling of the member’s partner.\n- c. If the members partner is also a member, a dependant of the member’s partner.\n- d. Any other person approved by the CDF as a close relative of any of the following people.\n- i. The member.\n- ii. The member’s partner.\n\n\n##### 15.1.5    Compulsory tuition fees\n\n- Compulsory tuition fees means any of the following that is compulsory and calculated on an annual basis.\n- a. Tuition fees.\n- b. Other fees and charges relating to tuition.\n- c. Sports fees.\n- d. Travel by a child in a specially designated school bus.\n- e. Building and capital fees.\n- f. Any Government taxes levied on the fees listed in this section.\n\n\n##### 15.1.6    Official vehicle\n\n- Official vehicle means any of the following vehicles.\n- a. A motor vehicle provided to a member by the Commonwealth.\n- b. A vehicle controlled by any of these organisations.\n- i. An Australian diplomatic mission.\n- ii. The ADF.\n- iii. A Commonwealth department or entity represented at the posting location.\n- c. A pool vehicle made available to Commonwealth personnel at the posting location for casual private use during normal working hours and weekends.\n\n\n##### 15.1.7    Posting location\n\n- Posting location, for the purpose of benchmark and approved summer schools under Annex 15.6.A and Annex 15.6.B, means one of the following.\n- a. If the member has been directed to live in Manhattan — the posting location is Manhattan.\n- b. If the member is posted to a city, or an establishment within a city, that is listed — the posting location is that city.\n- c. If the member is posted to a city or establishment that is not listed but the country where the city or establishment is located is listed — the posting location is the country or 'country — other'.\n- d. If the member is posted to a city, establishment or country that is not listed — there is no benefit for the location.\n\n\n##### 15.1.8    Utilities\n\n- 1. Utilities means all of these services.\n- a. Water.\n- b. Gas and electricity.\n- c. Other fuel for ordinary household purposes.\n- d. Garbage.\n- e. Sewerage.\n- 2. Paragraph 1.a includes the provision of drinking water if the CDF has decided that the water at the member’s residence is not fit for consumption.\n- 3. For the purpose of subsection 2, the CDF must consider all of the following.\n- a. The standards for Australian drinking water quality, established by the National Health and Medical Research Council.\n- b. The quality of the water ordinarily available at the member’s residence.\n\n\n \n\nDivision 2: Public holidays and Christmas stand-down\n\n##### 15.1.10    Public holidays overseas\n\n- 1. A maximum of 13 public holidays can be observed in any calendar year at any posting location.\n- 2. The decision maker may direct which days members are to observe as part of the 13 days, having regard to all of the following.\n- a. The public holidays generally observed at the posting location.\n- b. The efficient operation of the ADF at the posting location.\n- 3. If subsection 2 does not apply to the posting location, then the Canberra public holiday schedule applies.\n- 4. Unless otherwise required for duty, a member is granted short absence from duty for a public holiday in the location where the member would, but for the short absence, be performing duty.\n- 5. Subject to the decision maker’s approval, a member may substitute a different day for a public holiday they would otherwise observe.\n- 6. For the purpose of subsection 4, the decision maker must consider all of the following criteria.\n- a. Any Service requirement that the member remain on duty that day.\n- b. If the substitute day is of cultural or religious significant to the member.\n- 7. In this section, decision maker means Assistant Director – Overseas Conditions of Service, People Policy and Employment Conditions.\n\n\n##### 15.1.11    Christmas stand-down\n\n| 1. | A member is eligible for a short absence for each day in a Christmas stand-down period if they are not required for duty. |\n| --- | --- |\n| 2. | If a member is required to perform duty on a day in the Christmas stand-down period, the member is eligible for a short absence on another day set by a person in the member’s chain of command or line management. |\n| 3. | The Christmas stand-down period for the year listed in an item in Column A of the following table includes the days listed in Column B of the same item. |\n\n\n \n\n- Item Column AYear Column BStand-down days\n- 1. 2021-2022 24 December 2021\n- 26 December 2021\n- 29 December 2021\n- 30 December 2021\n- 31 December 2021\n- 2. 2022-2023 28 December 2022\n- 29 December 2022\n- 30 December 2022\n- 31 December 2022\n- 1 January 2023\n- 3 January 2023\n\n\n \n\n| 4. | A member is not prevented from taking a type of leave under Chapter 5 either before or after a day of short absence during the Christmas stand-down. |\n| --- | --- |\n| 4 | Section 15.2A.9 (Dual Commonwealth benefit rule) |\n|  | Omit the section, substitute: |\n\n\n##### 15.2A.9    Dual Commonwealth benefit rule\n\n- 1. This section applies to a member if all of the following apply to their partner.\n- a. The member’s partner is posted to the same location as the member.\n- b. The member’s partner is eligible for a benefit from the Commonwealth that is for the same or a comparable purpose to the benefits provided under this Part.\n- 2 The member ceases to be eligible for a benefit under this Part if the member’s partner has a higher salary than the member and has been nominated to receive the comparable benefit.\n- 3 If subsection 2 applies, and the member receives a benefit under this Part, the member must repay the amount received.\n- 5 Section 15.3.24 (Definition)\n- Omit the section.\n- 6 Section 15.3.31 (Definitions)\n- Omit the section.\n- 7 Section 15.4.14 (Definition – utilities)\n- Omit the section.\n- 8 Section 15.4.17A (Definitions)\n- Omit the section.\n- 9 Section 15.6.4 (Definitions)\n- Omit the section.\n- 10 Section 15.8.2 (Definitions), title\n- Omit the title, substitute:\n\n\n##### 15.8.2    Member’s location and approved club\n\n| 11 | Section 15.9.1A (Definitions) |\n| --- | --- |\n|  | Omit the section. |\n| 12 | Chapter 16 Part 1: General conditions and definitions |\n|  | Omit the Part, substitute: |\n\n\n##### Part 1: General conditions and definitions\n\n##### 16.1.1    Purpose\n\n- The purpose of the overseas hardship package is to provide assistance for members and their dependants for difficulties or hardships experienced on either of these kinds of overseas service.\n- a. Long-term posting at certain posting locations overseas.\n- b. Short-term duty at certain overseas locations\n\n\n##### 16.1.2    Definitions\n\n- In this Chapter the following apply.\n- Capital city means the capital city in Australia with the lowest allowable travel cost where the locations for the allowable travel costs are the member's posting location and a capital city in Australia other than Hobart or Darwin.\n- Hardship location means one of the following.\n- a. A location listed in Annex 16.B column 1.\n- b. A provisional hardship location.\n- Provisional hardship location has the meaning given by section 16.1.3.\n- Qualifying location means any of the following.\n- a. A hardship location.\n- b. A location for which the member received deployment allowance.\n- Qualifying period has the meaning given by section 16.1.4\n- Regional leave centre means one of the following.\n- a. A location listed as a regional leave centre in Annex 16.B column 3.\n- b. During the COVID-19 pandemic — unless the location in paragraph a is in the country in which the member is posted, a capital city in Australia.\n- Relief leave centre means one of the following.\n- a. A location listed as a relief leave centre in Annex 16.B column 3.\n- b. During the COVID-19 pandemic — unless the location in paragraph a is in the country in which the member is posted, a capital city in Australia.\n\n\n##### 16.1.3    Provisional hardship location\n\n- 1. Provisional hardship location means a location determined by the CDF, taking all of the following into consideration.\n- a. Whether the ADF is required to provide humanitarian aid, disaster relief or reconstruction assistance.\n- b. The level of assistance required of the ADF.\n- c. The level of hardship expected.\n- d. The nature of duties expected.\n- e. The expected duration of duty at the location.\n- f. Any other factors relevant to the location.\n- 2. When determining a location under subsection 1, the CDF must also determine all of the following.\n- a. The hardship location grade for the location.\n- b. The period the hardship location grade applies, but not longer than 3 months.\n\n\n##### 16.1.4    Qualifying period\n\n- 1. Qualifying period means the lesser of the following periods of duty performed by a member.\n- a. A period of 28 continuous days.\n- b. A period determined by the CDF.\n- 2. For the purpose of paragraph 1.b, the CDF must consider all of the following.\n- a. Whether the ADF is required to provide humanitarian aid, disaster relief or reconstruction assistance.\n- b. The level of assistance required of the ADF.\n- c. The level of hardship expected.\n- d. The nature of duties expected.\n- e. The expected duration of duty at the location.\n- f. Any other factors relevant to the location.\n\n\n##### 16.1.5    Member this Chapter applies to\n\n|  | This Chapter applies to a member performing duty in a hardship location. |\n| --- | --- |\n\n\n##### 16.1.6    Member this Chapter does not apply to\n\n|  | This Chapter does not apply to a member on warlike or non-warlike deployments. |\n| --- | --- |\n| 13 | Section 16.2A.3A (Definitions) |\n|  | Omit the section, substitute: |\n\n\n##### 16.2A.3A    Dual Commonwealth benefit rule\n\n- 1. This section applies to a member if all of the following apply to their partner.\n- a. The member’s partner is posted to the same location as the member.\n- b. The member’s partner is eligible for a benefit from the Commonwealth that is for the same or comparable purpose to the benefits provided under this Part.\n- 2 The member ceases to be eligible for a benefit under this Part if the member’s partner has a higher salary than the member and has been nominated to receive the comparable benefit.\n- 3 If subsection 2 applies, and the member receives a benefit under this Part, the member must repay the amount received.\n- 14 Subsection 16.2A.3B.2 (Eligibility for location allowance)\n- Omit “under section 16.1.5”.\n- 15 Section 17.1.2 (Definitions)\n- Omit the section, substitute:\n\n\n##### 17.1.2    Definitions\n\n|  | In this Chapter the following apply. |\n| --- | --- |\n|  | Approved period means the period decided under section 17.4.7. |\n|  | Approved visitor means a person who has been approved under section 17.4.6. |\n|  | Assigned for duty means assigned by an authorised officer of the ADF for warlike or non-warlike service. |\n|  | Hospital means a military health care facility, public or private hospital or psychiatric facility. |\n|  | Hospital treatment means the period the member is accommodated in a defence or civilian hospital for the purpose of medical or nursing care of an illness or injury sustained during eligible duty. |\n|  | Medical authority means a person who is a qualified medical practitioner responsible for determining a medical condition of a member. |\n|  | Serious illness has the meaning given by item 2 of the table in section 1.3.72, Serious illness. |\n|  | Specified area means the area where the nature of service applies as declared by the Minister for Defence under section 5C of the Veterans Entitlement Act 1986. |\n|  | Threat level means the level of operational threat and environmental hazard. |\n|  | Very Serious illness has the meaning given by item 2 of the table in section 1.3.78, Very serious illness. |\n| 16 | Section 17.4.3 (Definitions) |\n|  | Omit the section. |\n| 17 | Section 17.7.4 (Definitions) |\n|  | Omit the section. |\n\n\n \n\nSchedule 5—Child supplement and location allowance amendments\n\nDefence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service\n\n| 1 | Subsection 15.2A.20.2A (Amount of allowance), table |\n| --- | --- |\n|  | Omit the table, substitute: |\n\n\n \n\n| Item | Column A<br>Child's age | Column B<br>Base rate (AUD) |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| 1. | Under 3 years old | 349 |\n| 2. | Between 3 and 12 years old | 268 |\n| 3. | Between 12 and 18 years old | 322 |\n\n\n \n\n| 2 | Subsection 16.2A.5.1 (Rate of allowance), table |\n| --- | --- |\n|  | Omit the table, substitute: |\n\n\n \n\n| Item | Column A<br>Hardship location grade | Column B<br>Rate for an unaccompanied member<br>(AUD per year) | Column C<br>Rate for an accompanied member<br>(AUD per year) |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| 1. | A | Nil | Nil |\n| 2. | B | Nil | Nil |\n| 3. | C | 16,767 | 25,150 |\n| 4. | D | 22,356 | 33,534 |\n| 5. | E | 27,945 | 41,917 |\n| 6. | F | 33,534 | 50,300 |\n\n\n \n\nSchedule 6—Transitional provisions\n\n##### 1  Definitions\n\n|  | In this Schedule the following apply. |\n| --- | --- |\n|  | Defence Determination 2016/19 means Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service, as in force from time to time. |\n\n\n##### 2  Geomatic Technician salary non-reduction – transitional\n\n|  |  |\n| --- | --- |\n|  | A member who was eligible for salary non-reduction under Annex 3.2.B, Part 2 table items 11, 18 or 23 on 30 June 2021, is eligible for salary non-reduction between 1 July 2021 and the commencement of this Determination had Schedule 2 of this Determination applied during the period. |\n","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation remains focused on its original purpose of updating ADF conditions of service. While it covers multiple distinct areas (pay protection, education assistance, definitions, allowances), these are all within the scope of maintaining and updating the Defence Determination 2016/19. The amendments are administrative and maintenance in nature rather than expanding into new policy areas."},"complexity_factors":["Amends an existing complex instrument (Defence Determination 2016/19) rather than standing alone - requires cross-referencing to understand full context","Six separate schedules covering disparate topics (miscellaneous amendments, specific technical roles, education assistance, definitions, allowances, and transitional provisions)","Numerous defined terms and cross-references between sections (e.g., 'CDF' - Chief of the Defence Force, 'dependant', 'posting location')","Multiple tables with conditional logic for rates and entitlements (e.g., different rates based on child's age, hardship location grade, accompanied vs unaccompanied status)","Nested conditions and exceptions (e.g., eligibility for travel benefits depends on CDF approval, cost comparisons, and leave requirements)","Transitional provisions that create temporary overlapping rules for specific member categories (Geomatic Technicians)","Extensive use of paragraph and subparagraph numbering (e.g., 15.6.27.2.a.ii) indicating dense structural hierarchy"],"plain_english_summary":"This amends the Defence Determination 2016/19, which sets ADF pay and conditions. It tidies wording and clarifies entitlements for members and dependants (medical claims, travel, rest after long flights, posting calculations, partner survivorship), extends temporary pay protection for Geomatic Technicians, raises education and overseas allowance rates, consolidates overseas definitions (including COVID controls and a dual‑benefit rule), and provides transitional coverage. It affects serving members and their families by adjusting pay, allowances and administrative rules for clarity and fairness."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The instrument primarily updates, clarifies and adjusts the existing Conditions of Service (Defence Determination 2016/19). It changes terminology (e.g. 'spouse' to 'partner'), raises rates and caps (education and allowances), tightens and clarifies travel and reimbursement rules, and formalises administrative mechanisms (provisional hardship locations, COVID‑19 control measure). Those changes increase administrative discretion and alter benefit levels, but they stay within the original subject-matter scope — managing ADF conditions of service, allowances and entitlements for domestic and overseas postings. The instrument does not expand the Determination into materially new policy areas beyond its original purpose, though it does add decision-making discretion (CDF roles) and short-term mechanisms to respond to emergent overseas situations."},"complexity_factors":["Six Schedules amending a single principal instrument (Defence Determination 2016/19) across many Parts and Chapters","Extensive textual substitutions and repeals/replacements (dozens of subsections replaced or reworded across Chs 3–17 and annexes)","Multiple new and revised definitions added (e.g. Benchmark school, COVID-19 control measure, provisional hardship location, utilities, posting location) increasing interpretative load (Schedule 4 new sections 15.1.1–15.1.8 and 16.1.1–16.1.6)","Numerous table and rate adjustments (education assistance, tutoring, special needs, board and accommodation caps, child supplement, hardship allowance) requiring cross-checks across related provisions (Schedule 3 and Schedule 5)","New discretionary powers concentrated in the CDF and named decision-makers (e.g. provisional hardship locations, public-holiday decisions) that introduce conditional logic and external delegation rules","Dual‑benefit rules repeated in multiple Parts (requires tracing eligibility and repayment obligations across Parts 15 and 16)","Definitions and eligibility conditions that reference external material or other Parts (e.g. Medicare Benefits Schedule items, Health Insurance Determination, annex lists), increasing cross-referencing","A short transitional provision tied to specific table items (Geomatic Technician salary non-reduction) that requires cohort identification and temporal application (Schedule 2 and Schedule 6)"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this instrument does (mechanically)\n\n- Updates and amends the Defence Determination 2016/19 \"Conditions of service\" by changing wording, replacing or adding subsections, adjusting monetary rates and limits, and inserting new definitions and rules. (See Schedules 1–5.)\n- Commences on 8 July 2021 and is made under section 58B of the Defence Act 1903. (Intro and items 2–3.)\n- Makes targeted changes across travel and remote-location leave rules, specialist and allied-health reimbursements, education assistance (rates and benchmark schools), overseas posting definitions and arrangements, hardship-location allowances, child supplements, and a short transitional clause for a specific salary protection measure for Geomatic Technicians. (See Schedules 1–6.)\n\n**Who it affects\n\n- ADF members on posting (domestic and overseas), their partners and dependants — in particular those who claim travel, remote-location leave, overseas allowances, education assistance or allied health/specialist reimbursement. (Schedules 1, 3, 4 and 5.)\n- A specific group of members (Geomatic Technicians at certain ranks) who had salary non-reduction protections for a limited period. (Schedule 2 and Transitional Schedule 6.)\n- Decision-makers and officials in Defence who determine posting conditions, hardship grades, public-holiday observance, and approved visitors; the instrument names or delegates functions to roles such as the CDF and Assistant Director – Overseas Conditions of Service. (See new and amended definition and decision-maker provisions in Schedules 4 and 5.)\n\n**Why it matters (stated purpose and practical effects)\n\n- The instrument modernises language and broadens/clarifies eligibility and administrative rules (for example, replacing \"spouse\" with \"partner\" in death benefits (Schedule 1, items 28–31) and adding a COVID-19 control measure definition (Schedule 4, 15.1.3)).\n- It raises or updates a range of monetary rates and caps for education assistance, tutoring and special-needs supports (Schedule 3). That shifts the dollar value of benefits paid by the Commonwealth and reduces some out-of-pocket costs for affected members and their dependants.\n- It clarifies or tightens travel and remote-location leave rules (e.g. limits on coach travel where air or rail is available, requirement to pay the difference for non‑economical travel, and precise accrual timing for remote-location leave where both partners are members). These changes affect how members claim travel and leave and can require pre-approval by senior decision makers (Schedule 1, travel items 9, 13, 12, 22).\n- It sets new or clarified definitions and administrative discretion for overseas postings and hardship determinations. For example, the CDF may designate \"provisional hardship locations\" and set grades and short periods (up to 3 months) for those locations (Schedule 4, 16.1.3). This adds a formal mechanism to respond quickly to changing overseas conditions (including COVID-19 related responses).\n\n**Who pays, who decides, and what behaviour changes\n\n- Who pays: the Commonwealth continues to fund the allowances, reimbursements and education assistance; members receive payments or reimbursements under the updated limits and rates (Schedules 3 and 5). Where a member chooses a more expensive travel option and the CDF approves it, the member must pay the difference up-front (Schedule 1, item 13).\n- Who decides: several discretionary authorities are emphasised or introduced — chiefly the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) for approvals, and the Assistant Director – Overseas Conditions of Service as the decision-maker for public holidays at posting locations (Schedule 4, 15.1.10 and various CDF delegations elsewhere). The CDF (or delegate) sets provisional hardship locations, hardship grades and qualifying periods (Schedule 4, 16.1.3–16.1.4).\n- Behaviour changes likely induced: partners will be nominated to receive comparable Commonwealth benefits in some cases (and members must repay duplicate benefits) which changes claiming and nomination behaviour (Schedule 4, 15.2A.9 / 16.2A.3A). Members may choose cheaper travel modes or seek CDF approval for higher-cost options and will need to provide receipts for reimbursable items like meals (Schedule 1, 17.4.13). Where water quality is a factor, the CDF must assess drinking water fitness before utilities assistance applies (Schedule 4, 15.1.8).\n\n**Administrative and cost implications (trade-offs, incentives, implementation risk)\n\n- Fiscal impact: increased education and special-needs limits and adjusted allowance rates (Schedule 3, Schedule 5) raise the Commonwealth's expected payments to eligible members. Those benefits concentrate on members posted overseas with school-age children and those with special-needs children.\n- Administrative discretion and workload: the instrument adds and formalises CDF discretion (e.g. provisional hardship locations, determining observed public holidays, COVID-19 control measures). That allows quick responses but increases decision-making workload and requires record-keeping and clear delegation to avoid inconsistent outcomes (Schedule 4, 15.1.10; 16.1.3).\n- Compliance and verification: more explicit receipts and eligibility checks (e.g. Medicare item number for specialist consultations, registered practitioner requirement for allied health, receipts for meals) tighten control over claims but increase administrative compliance for members and servicing staff (Schedule 1, item 6; Schedule 1, item 41).\n- Distributional effect: rate increases primarily benefit those with qualifying children or posted to hardship locations; a narrow extension of salary non-reduction was continued for a small group (Geomatic Technicians) — concentrated benefit vs. more diffuse fiscally distributed costs (Schedule 2; Schedule 6 transitional clause).\n- Substitution and nomination effects: the dual-Commonwealth-benefit rule (applied in multiple Parts) creates an incentive to nominate the higher-paid partner to receive a comparable Commonwealth benefit; it also imposes a repayment obligation if duplicate benefits are received (Schedule 4, 15.2A.9 / 16.2A.3A).\n\n**Key specific changes to note (examples by subject)\n\n- Allied health and specialist reimbursement is restated to limit reimbursements to out-of-pocket expenses and to require Medicare item numbers or registered practitioner status for eligibility (Schedule 1, item 6 — subsection 8.9.5.2).\n- Travel rules: coach travel is disallowed where air or rail is available unless cost and leave conditions are satisfied; members must pay the difference if they select non‑economical travel with approval (Schedule 1, items 9 and 13).\n- Education assistance: increases to hourly tutoring rates, web-based tutoring caps, special-needs weekly rates, compulsory tuition caps, board limits, and benchmark school listings (Schedule 3, multiple items and tables).\n- Overseas definitions and hardship: replacement of multiple overseas definitions and insertion of benchmark school, COVID-19 control measure, provisional hardship location and utilities definitions; formal limits on public holidays and Christmas stand-down days at postings (Schedule 4, new sections 15.1.1–15.1.8, 15.1.10, and 16.1.1–16.1.6).\n- Family/beneficiary terminology: \"spouse\" is replaced with \"partner\" in death and survivor benefit provisions and the order of payment for severe injury adjustments is clarified (Schedule 1, items 28–33).\n\n**Immediate practical actions for affected parties\n\n- Members posted overseas should review the new benchmark school list and updated education caps if they claim education assistance (Schedule 3, Annex 15.6.A and related rate changes).\n- Members and partners who both receive Commonwealth benefits should review nomination rules to avoid repayment obligations under the dual-benefit rule (Schedule 4, 15.2A.9 / 16.2A.3A).\n- Members planning travel should check the revised travel entitlements and the requirement to pay differences for non‑economical travel if CDF approval is granted (Schedule 1, items 9 and 13).\n\n**Source of the changes (stated rationale and its testing)\n\n- The instrument updates terminology, rates and administrative rules to reflect operational and policy realities (for example, COVID-19 adjustments and modernised family terms). The stated purpose in many items is to clarify and set out conditions (e.g. replacing \"describes\" with \"applies\" or similar wording changes across multiple clauses). These are consistent with an administrative clean-up and targeted policy adjustments.\n- Trade-offs: clearer rules and higher allowances increase administrative complexity and public expenditure; added CDF discretion increases responsiveness but concentrates decision power and requires transparent delegations and processes to limit inconsistency or delay.\n\nReferences: primary amendments are grouped in Schedules 1–6 and affect Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service (see the Schedule headings and the specific item numbers cited above)."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/defence-determination-conditions-of-service-amendment-determination-2021-no-11","history":"/api/acts/defence-determination-conditions-of-service-amendment-determination-2021-no-11/history","analysis":"/api/acts/defence-determination-conditions-of-service-amendment-determination-2021-no-11/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/defence-determination-conditions-of-service-amendment-determination-2021-no-11/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/defence-determination-conditions-of-service-amendment-determination-2021-no-11/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/defence-determination-conditions-of-service-amendment-determination-2021-no-11/documents"}}