IN THE TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

Industrial Relations Act 1984

In this matter the Ambulance Employees' Association of Tasmania (the Association) sought the variation of expense related allowances contained in the Ambulance Service Award in accordance with Full Bench decisions in matters T.1932 (Kilometreage, Meal Allowance) and T.1352, T.1357, T.1637 and T.1644 of 1988 (Travelling Allowance).

In those Full Bench matters expense related allowances were adjusted by 6.82 per cent representing the movement in the consumer price index for the period March 1988 to March 1989.

In the circumstances I do not propose to canvass the merits of the adjustments requested to be made. Suffice to say that this award will be adjusted in like manner operative from the first pay period commencing on or after the date of this decision.

In these proceedings the Association also requested the adjustment of the Living Away From Home Allowance and the revision of the travelling allowance arrangements. In the latter case the variation requested is to bring this allowance into line with what is now described as an "events basis" for the purpose of calculating entitlements.

This basis of calculating the quantum of travelling allowance was promoted as an efficiency measure in public sector 4 per cent second tier negotiations and subsequent hearings in the Commission held before a Full Bench¹ where this concept was endorsed.

Accordingly I also endorse the variation in the same terms for the Tasmanian Ambulance Service Award.

With regard to the Living Away From Home Allowance this is an expense related allowance also and is therefore adjusted by 6.82 per cent from the same operative date stipulated above.

The Order will issue shortly.

R.K. Gozzi
COMMISSIONER

1 T1216 of 1988