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Last updated: 8 July 1997
Circular 1997/11: Agreement making arrangements - Frequent flyer points
This publication remains current but needs to be read taking into account the repeal of the old Act and the proclamation of the new Act
The purpose of this circular is to outline the Government's policy in relation to agreement making arrangements in the Australian Public Service (APS) with particular reference to frequent flyer points.
Public Service regulations 8A, 8B and 37 are the key regulations which set out the standards of conduct required of public servants. Among the issues covered are the requirement to comply with relevant enactments, regulations, determinations, awards or departmental instructions to disclose and avoid conflicts of interests and a prohibition on the improper receipt of gifts for personal benefit. The current Guidelines on Official Conduct of Commonwealth Public Servants give detailed advice on these issues.
The use of frequent flyer points is a contemporary issue which raises some ethical questions. As noted in PSC Circular 1994/2, there are 2 principles operating:
- the Commonwealth may benefit from the use of the points, and indeed where they can be legitimately used to bring maximum savings to departmental travel budgets, their use is encouraged
- individuals must not benefit from the use of points accumulated from travel undertaken for official purposes.
This has recently been endorsed as Government policy by the Prime Minister.
It is therefore not appropriate for agencies to conclude agreements, either Workplace Agreements or Certified Agreements, which compromise these standards.
Any queries regarding this matter should be directed to the PSMPC's Helpline at (02) 6202 3859.
Mike Jones
Team Leader
Managing Performance Team
July 1997
