Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 1 Hansard (15 February) . . Page.. 106 ..

It is not expected that settling-in allowance would be paid for more than seven days before the date on which staff commence at a new locality. However, where a Chief Executive considers that it is reasonable for staff to move into commercial accommodation for more than seven days before commencing at the transfer locality, payment may be extended using the criteria outlined in this Chapter. However, any such extended allowance should only be given in special circumstances and for as limited a period as possible.

The normal time-limit on settling-in allowance for staff accompanied by dependants and for staff without dependants is three weeks from the date of commencing at a new locality.

18. Suitable accommodation

Eligible staff may receive TAA while they occupy temporary accommodation until suitable long-term accommodation becomes available. The meaning of 'suitable accommodation' varies for different staff. However, for TAA purposes it may be regarded as unfurnished housing, either rented or bought, that is appropriate for a staff member's long-term needs and into which household furniture and personal effects can be moved.

18.1 'Like to like' The general principle underlying TAA is that assistance will be provided for a reasonable period towards reasonable costs for temporary accommodation until staff can resume their pre-relocation accommodation situation. In other words, until accommodation has gone from 'like to like' (for example, from home ownership at the pre-transfer locality to home ownership at the transfer locality), assistance with accommodation costs may be provided. However, the ACT Government will not necessarily pay TAA until staff find long-term or permanent accommodation which they consider to be of a suitable standard or equivalent to their housing at the pre-relocation locality.

18.2 Reasonable In determining a reasonable period for payment of

period of TAA to eligible staff following their relocation,

payment

Chief Executives should consider the availability of suitable housing in the housing market. If officers choose to extend their stay in temporary housing for largely personal reasons at a time when suitable long-term housing is in fact available, this does not confer a continued entitlement to TAA. TAA should only be continued where agencies are satisfied that

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .