1. General policy guidelines
1.1 Background
This Victorian Public Service travel policy replaces the Government Entities’ Travel Principles previously issued by the Department of Premier and Cabinet and is to be read in conjunction with government entities’ own travel and expense policies. These may be obtained from government entities’ travel managers or their human resources or finance teams.
Government entities’ travel and expense policies must complement the Victorian Public Service travel policy. Where there is any incompatibility between travel policies, the Victorian Public Service travel policy will prevail.
Access Departmental travel managers’ contact details.
The Victorian Public Service travel policy is managed by the Department of Treasury and Finance.
Access contact details for the Travel management services contract Category Manager.
1.2 Scope
This policy applies to all Victorian government entities.
Victorian government entities are grouped in two categories for the procurement of goods and services:
- those mandated to comply with Victorian Government Purchasing Board (VGPB) policies (‘VGPB‑mandated’)
- those not mandated to comply with VGPB policies (‘non‑VGPB mandated’).
Access the current list of Victorian Government Purchasing Board mandated entities
The following table clarifies compliance required from each category of Government entity.
| Government Entity | Compliance with VPS Travel policy | Use of Travel Services Contract |
|---|---|---|
| VGPB mandated | Mandated | Mandated |
| Non VGPB mandated | Mandated | Recommended |
The following image clarifies compliance required from each category of Government entity
1.3 Ministerial travel
This policy does not apply to Ministers and their staff travelling on government business. For domestic travel, Ministers and their staff can refer to this Policy for guidance.
All overseas travel undertaken by Ministers and their staff must comply with the Ministerial Overseas Travel Policy, which is owned by the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s International Engagement Branch.
1.4 Alternatives to travel
Travel for government business should be undertaken if it is of benefit to the employee’s government entity, otherwise travel alternatives (for example: conference calls, video calls) must be pursued. Such alternatives can deliver savings and support the State’s environmental policy objectives to pursue resource efficient technology.
1.5 Policy reviews
This policy will be reviewed regularly.
Questions on the content and scope of this policy should be addressed to government entities’ travel managers in the first instance. For further assistance, contact the Travel management services contract Category Manager.
1.6 Definitions
- Government travel means travel undertaken by government entities’ staff as part of their duties and paid for by the State.
- Best price of the day means:
- for airline bookings: the lowest fare offered at the time of booking, provided that this fare is offered in conjunction with suitable travel times, as detailed in the Best Fare of the Day Guidelines
- for hotel bookings: the lowest rate available at suitable hotels within reasonable distance from the main location of government business. The travel approver will determine the most appropriate star rating, based on an assessment of government business requirements and total cost of travel for available hotels (typically, room rate plus transportation costs).
- Travel booker refers to a government entity employee who regularly books travel for government entities’ staff.
- Travel approver refers to a government entity employee who has the authority to approve staff travel.
- Travel manager refers to a government entity employee who has general oversight of the travel category in their government entity.
- Travel costs means any costs, fees, allowances or expenses associated with or incidental to official government entities’ travel, including but not limited to air fares, accommodation, car rental expenses and travel bookings’ transaction fees.
- Domestic travel includes both travel within Australia and travel between Australia and New Zealand.
- International travel travel to all destinations not included in ‘domestic travel’.
2. Travel arrangements and approvals
When booking travel, government entities’ staff and travel bookers must impartially consider the fares available. Travel bookings must not be based on personal preferences for a particular travel provider, access to lounges or the accumulation of reward and loyalty points (including status credits). Staff are not allowed to accumulate frequent flyer or any other reward points when travelling on government business.
2.1 Approval process
The approval process for travel varies between government entities, so guidance must be sought from the relevant government entity’s travel manager. These processes must promote a prompt decision on whether a trip is approved or not, as many air fares and hotel rates are ‘instant‑purchase’ or expire within hours if not confirmed, and may result in additional cost for the State.
International travel must also be approved by the Department Secretary or most senior officer within the traveller’s government entity.
3. Risk management
3.1 Overview
Government travel can have serious risk implications for the State in areas such as staff safety and security, reputation, data security, legal, financial and productivity. This policy provides general advice to reduce the associated risks. Staff must also take into account specific risk management guidelines or mandated practices for their own government entities.
3.2 Pre‑travel arrangements
Before undertaking government travel, staff should familiarise themselves with the risk management section of this policy. Staff must research the destination they are travelling to and be aware of any safety and security risks that might exist during their trip. Risks exist for both domestic and overseas travel.
Domestic travel: staff are encouraged to be aware of any national public security threats, severe weather warnings, planned public demonstrations, areas of potential crime hotspots and other events and circumstances that might affect their trip, and be prepared to change their travel plans accordingly.
International travel: in addition to the guidelines that apply to domestic travel, when travelling overseas staff have an obligation to seek advice in relation to any risks that might arise at the final destination. Such advice is to be sought from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smart Traveller website and the Travel management services contract.
3.3 Crisis management process
Staff must adhere to their Agency's emergency procedures when facing crisis situations.
Approval for travel to countries / areas at risk
Approval for travel to countries and areas identified as ‘Do not travel’ or ‘Reconsider your need to travel’ locations by the Smart Traveller website must only be given after careful consideration of the risks involved in travelling to such destinations. Travel approvers must consider whether:
- the same result can be achieved through a tele/videoconference;
- the benefits stemming from the trip outweigh the risks; and
- the travel warnings issued by the Smart Traveller website apply to the specific cities/locations included in the staff travel itinerary.
The most updated list of travel advice by country can be found at the Smart Traveller website
Travel approvers may also seek further advice from independent security/risk consultants engaged by their government entity (if applicable).
3.4 Data protection
When travelling on government business, staff must meet the requirements of the Victorian Government’s Protective Data Security Standards.
Baggage, equipment and personal items
The business travel policy offered to the State by the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority provides staff with insurance cover for baggage, equipment and personal items. Please refer to the policy document for details. Staff whose government entity has not taken up Victorian Managed Insurance Authority’s business travel policy are advised to check with their entity’s travel manager to arrange alternative insurance cover for their trip.
4. Health and infirmity
4.1 Overview
The health and safety of staff travelling on government business is paramount. Staff are advised to read the Smart Traveller website.
4.2 Vaccinations
Before travelling overseas, staff are obliged to seek advice on any vaccinations required. Staff are entitled to reimbursement for the cost of any vaccination required for government travel.
4.3 Health and wellbeing before/during travel
It is recommended that staff consult with their General Practitioner before travelling overseas. Staff receiving treatment for a medical condition should also seek medical advice before domestic travel.
Staff are entitled to reimbursement for the cost of General Practitioner treatments required for government travel, subject to approval by their travel approver.
Whilst travelling, staff must take any precautions necessary to maintain good health and avoid situations that might adversely affect their health. In a medical emergency, staff must seek appropriate care and contact the travel insurance emergency helpline.
4.4 Driving after a long flight
Staff should not be required to drive a vehicle under conditions in which fatigue is likely to arise. Hiring a vehicle after a long flight is not recommended.
5. Air travel
5.1 Overview
Air travel should only be undertaken after remote communication tools, such as teleconferencing and videoconferencing, have been considered. The travel approver must be satisfied that there is a demonstrated business need and must consider the following when selecting a fare for travel:
- Fare class: all air travel must be booked using the best price of the day guidelines and in the class of travel permitted under this policy.
- Fare type: where there is a high degree of certainty of arrival or departure times, staff must consider restricted fare types. Where there is a possibility that a scheduled meeting will not proceed, or there is uncertainty around the time that a scheduled meeting may conclude, staff must consider whether the additional cost of flexible fares outweighs the cost of possible changes or cancellation fees or the benefit of a potentially more efficient use of the employee’s time.
- Value for money: staff must compare fare classes and types across airlines servicing the particular route required. Each leg (outbound and inbound) must be considered separately.
- Advance booking: in order to benefit from the available best price of the day, domestic travel should be booked at least two weeks in advance and overseas travel should be booked at least three weeks in advance, where possible.
5.2 Domestic air travel policy (including travel to / from New Zealand)
Domestic air travel of three hours or less must be in economy class. Any exceptions to this rule can be granted at the discretion of the Department Secretary or government entity’s most senior officer.
Business class is permitted for trips that exceed three hours (from origin airport to destination airport) but requires prior approval of the Department Secretary or government entity’s most senior officer (or their delegated officers).
5.3 International air travel policy
International travel requires the approval of the Department Secretary or most senior officer within the staff member’s government entity. It may be booked in economy, premium economy or business class. No overseas air travel is to be undertaken by staff unless it is demonstrated that representation could not have been made by existing representatives of the Victorian government in the destination country (if applicable) and/or via tele or video conference.
5.4 Transport to and from airports
Fast, reliable and convenient public transport links are available to / from many domestic and international airports. Where a public transport link exists, staff are encouraged to use this if it feasible and safe to do so.
5.5 Intra‑state and inter‑state travel within Australia
Day trips are strongly preferred and travel should be arranged wherever possible to avoid overnight stays in the location that the traveller is visiting.
6. Accommodation
6.1 Accommodation selection
When choosing accommodation, staff must choose the lowest rate available at suitable hotels within a reasonable distance from the main location of government business.
Both domestic and international accommodation must be booked in advance to secure best pricing: at least two weeks before arrival for domestic (wherever possible) and three weeks or more for overseas accommodation.
6.2 Cancellations
Most hotels have strict cancellation policies. To avoid incurring additional costs, cancellations must be made as soon as possible and at least 24 hours before arrival.
6.3 Amenities
Hotel amenities (including internet, car parking and laundry services) can be expensive and should only be used if approved by the government entity’s travel approver.
6.4 Accommodation at non‑registered providers
The State will not reimburse staff for overnight accommodation at non‑registered accommodation providers (for example, when staff stay with family or friends or when they stay at privately owned accommodation booked through Airbnb).
7. Car rental
7.1 Overview
Before booking a car rental, staff must check if cheaper alternative modes of transport, such as use of government fleet vehicles, are available.
7.2 Car type
The default car type is compact or medium, subject to availability.
7.3 Parking and other fines
The State will not reimburse the cost of paying traffic or parking fines, which are the responsibility of the driver.
7.4 E‑tolls and other tolls
Government entities will reimburse e‑tolls and other toll fees incurred whilst driving a government‑funded rental car, subject to travel approver’s authorisation.
7.5 GPS and other accessories
The rental of a GPS device is allowed and the State will reimburse its costs, subject to travel approver’s authorisation. The rental of other car rental accessories is not allowed, unless approved in writing by the entity’s travel approver before the trip.
7.6 Car rental return
Hired cars must be returned with a full tank when this is feasible, as most car rental companies charge a significant refill fee.
8. Other transport
8.1 Taxis
The cost of taxis to and from places of government business, such as hotels, government and supplier offices is reimbursable when travelling on government business, subject to approval by the travel approver. Please refer to individual government entities’ policies, including any specific arrangements for taxi alternatives.
Staff should use Cabcharge or similar vouchers for taxi travel when possible.
Staff are encouraged to use public transport and courtesy services where it is safe and feasible to do so.
8.2 Trains and city public transport
The cost of trains and public transport is reimbursable when it is part of a government‑funded trip. Please refer to individual government entities’ policies for further information.
9. Frequent flyer points and airline/hotel lounges
9.1 Overview
Staff are not permitted to accumulate frequent flyer or any other reward points when travelling on government business.
Frequent flyer schemes or similar loyalty programs have the potential to influence the choice of travel supplier for official travel and undermine the ‘Best price of the day’ principle. The use of benefits derived from these programs may also create reputational risks for the State.
The reimbursement of costs associated with airline or hotel lounge membership must be approved in writing by the Secretary or most senior officer within the traveller’s government entity.
10. Meals
The costs of meals when travelling for government business may be reimbursed. Please refer to departmental and entity guidelines for daily limits and applicability.
11. Miscellaneous expenses
Government entities will reimburse reasonable, travel-related out of pocket expenses incurred by their staff during the exercise of their duties, as outlined in the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement.
Government entities will determine their travel-related expense policies in accordance with their operational requirements.
12. Travel‑related telecommunications
Using mobile phones overseas
Using an Australian mobile phone provided by the government when travelling overseas is likely to attract expensive roaming fees. Staff travel approvers must authorise such use of mobile devices in advance.
Calling cards / local SIM cards
International calling cards and local SIM cards represent a cost‑effective method to place business‑related calls whilst travelling overseas. Their use must be considered as an alternative to hotel phones and mobile phone roaming, provided that it does not breach the information security guidelines referenced in Data protection (above). The cost of such cards will be reimbursed.
13. Spouse, companion and dependents’ travel
Spouse, companion and dependents’ travel must be approved by a finacial delegate within the staff member’s government entity.
14. Personal travel
Personal travel before/after government‑funded travel must be approved by an executive level manager within the staff member’s government entity and must not have any detrimental effects on government travel.
15. Contractors’ travel
Contractors working for government departments are bound to this policy (including travel policy insurance guidelines).
16. Expense reporting
Please refer to the relevant departmental and government entities’ guidelines.
17. Compliance with policy
17.1 Overview
When travelling:
- staff who undertake travel are accountable for compliance with this policy; and
- travel approvers are accountable for compliance with this policy.
17.2 Government entities’ responsibilities
Government entities are responsible for ensuring compliance with this policy in accordance with their internal processes.
18. Duty of care
18.1 Government obligations
The Government has a duty of care under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 to staff undertaking travel on official business.
18.2 Staff obligation
Staff have a duty of care for their own personal safety when undertaking travel. Staff must ensure that advice has been sought with regard to any factors that might affect their security whilst travelling.
Staff are also strongly encouraged to avoid areas where crime and civil unrest might occur. Travel advisories are available at the Smart Traveller website.
19. Passport and visas
19.1 Visas
Visa charges and application fees for entry to countries on government-related business are reimbursable. Staff and travel bookers must confirm if visas are required for overseas travel, and arrange visas well in advance.
19.2 Passport validity
Many countries require visitors to have at least six months validity remaining on their passports. Before travelling, staff should contact the Embassy, High Commission or consular representative of all the countries they will be travelling to identify each country’s passport validity requirements. If unsure, it is safest to renew passports prior to travelling.
Passport issuance and replacement fees must be paid by the traveller, unless the government entity’s travel approver has approved these costs in advance.
19.3 Travel to the United States
Staff who need to travel to the United States on government‑related business must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation approval immediately after they have completed their travel bookings and (if possible) well ahead of their departure date.
20. Additional guidelines for Victorian Government Purchasing Board-mandated government entities
In addition to the travel policy described above, Victorian Government Purchasing Board‑mandated government entities must use the Travel management services contract and follow the contract’s rules of use.
The following guidelines are mandated for Victorian Government Purchasing Board‑mandated government entities and recommended for non‑Victorian Government Purchasing Board mandated government entities.
20.1 Travel management company
Using a travel management company provides significant financial and non‑financial benefits to the State, including cheaper average air fares and provision of duty of care and reporting services. The State has appointed a sole travel management company, whose contact details can be found at Travel Management Services Contract. Special rates have been negotiated by the State with airlines, hotels and car rental companies. These special rates can only be accessed through the appointed travel management company.
All travel arrangements must be made through the online and offline services offered by the Travel management company. Bookings made through alternative channels are not permitted, unless the required services cannot be provided by the travel management company (for example, domestic ground travel arrangements in other countries or V/Line rail bookings).
20.2 Application of policy guidelines
Staff, travel approvers and travel managers are responsible for the correct application of this policy and must identify and report breaches to the Travel Management Services contract Category Manager.
20.3 Travel management services framework
This policy must be read in the context of the overall arrangements for the State’s travel services. An overview of these can be found at Travel management services contract.
20.4 Travel booking channels
The most cost‑effective and efficient way to book and manage travel arrangements is to use the travel management company’s online booking tool. A traveller profile and a user login/password are required. New profiles can be set up by contacting the government entity’s travel manager in the first instance and, if further support is required, the travel management company directly.
For most international trips, a minimum of three airline and hotel quotations must be sought from the travel management company’s offline booking team before making a decision on which option to book. The most economical option must be chosen, provided that it also meets the business objectives of the trip.
20.5 Travel manager’s responsibilities
The government entity’s travel manager must submit a list of the entity’s travel bookers to the travel management company and ensure that this list remains current.
20.6 Emergency travel arrangements
The after‑hours service provided by the travel management company is to be used for urgent bookings and urgent travel arrangement changes only.
20.7 Pre‑travel arrangements
The travel management company will advise of any immediate travel‑related risks through its online booking website and its travel consultants.
20.8 Risk management
The travel management company’s contact card (including after‑hours service details) and travel insurance emergency number must be carried at all times when travelling on government business.
20.9 Air travel fares
The travel management company will provide fare comparison services through its online booking tool and consulting services offered by its agents.
20.10 Approved airlines
The State has access to discounted rates with a wide range of domestic and international airlines. It is advisable to use one of these carriers when flying on government business when this meets travel arrangement requirements. Contact the travel management company for the list of the State’s preferred carriers.
Domestic travel
All domestic travel must be booked via the travel management company’s online booking tool.
When travelling within Australia, staff must follow the Best price of the day (see Definitions above).
International travel
The travel management company has negotiated competitive rates for travel to all international destinations with a range of reputable airlines. Staff travelling internationally on government business must use one of these airlines. The travel management company’s travel consultants will outline the carriers’ options for each itinerary.
20.11 Unused airline credits
Travel bookers must use existing airline credits first as a form of payment for both domestic and international travel when these are available. While the travel management company is responsible for using existing credits towards any new eligible airline tickets, government entities’ travel managers must ensure that this principle is correctly applied by the travel management company.
20.12 Accommodation booking channels
Victorian accommodation must be booked with the travel management company when possible, either online or via their call centre.
All interstate accommodation must be booked via the travel management company’s online booking tool. International accommodation must be booked via the travel management company’s online booking tool or call centre consultants.
Interstate and international accommodation must not be booked by any other channel, for example, directly with suppliers or via other online booking services. Such bookings would significantly hamper the Government’s ability to deliver on its duty of care obligations and track government travel spend.
20.13 Approved accommodation suppliers
The travel management company is able to offer governmental and other discounted rates at a wide range of hotels, both in Australia and overseas. Some government entities have negotiated their own special rates with suppliers and these can also be booked via the travel management company.
20.14 Accommodation selection
Staff required to spend four weeks or more in the same travel location must request the travel management company for a quotation for long‑term accommodation options.
20.15 Car rental bookings
Car rental must be booked through the travel management company, unless the car rental requirements can be fulfilled through the car pool facilities of the State’s shared services provider. Direct bookings with suppliers and/or online providers are not permitted, as they significantly hamper the government’s ability to deliver on its duty of care obligations and track government travel spend.
20.16 Car rental suppliers
Car rental bookings (via the travel management company) can only be made with the State’s preferred suppliers. These suppliers offer the State significantly discounted rates that align with its cost‑savings objectives. Contact the travel management company for the list of preferred suppliers.
20.17 Group travel guidelines
Group Travel is defined as a travel arrangement for a group of ten travellers or more. Group travel bookings must be made through the same channels as individual travel bookings (arrangements must be made via the travel management company, unless a prior dispensation has been obtained by the Travel management services contract Category Manager.
20.18 Payment methods
Payment for travel expenses: Travel expenses related to bookings made through the travel management company are invoiced directly to departments and other entities via individual or consolidated invoices or processed through a purchasing card.
Out of pocket expenses: Please refer to government entities’ own rules and guidelines.
20.19 Travel insurance
Many Victorian Government Purchasing Board‑mandated government entities are covered by the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority Business Travel Policy. Government entities’ staff must check the applicability of the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority's Insurance Policy to their organisation, as well as policy expiry date and scope, with their government entity’s travel manager and/or insurance officer.
Access the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority's insurance policy
The Victorian Managed Insurance Authority’s 24/7 emergency hotline number is: +61 2 9978 6666 (connects to AHI Assist). The Victorian Managed Insurance Authority Insurance Policy number to quote when calling this number is 19096.
Victorian Managed Insurance Authority travel insurance claims can be lodged online or by emailing: contact@vmia.vic.gov.au.
20.20 Pre‑trip requirements
When travelling overseas, staff have an obligation to seek advice from the travel management company on pre‑trip requirements such as vaccinations, passport and visas.
The travel management company will advise of visa and passport validity requirements during the itinerary booking process and in most cases will also be able to process visa applications on behalf of the traveller for a fee (if required).
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