Appendix 4

Terms of Reference for a Review of the Parliamentary Entitlements Framework

The review will provide advice and recommendations to Government addressing issues such as:

developing a single principles-based legislative basis that authorises the provision of specified entitlements, identifies who is eligible to access these entitlements and in what circumstances, and the purposes for which these entitlements may be used;
recommending framework changes that remove instances or overlap, duplication, inconsistency and gaps in the provision of entitlements;
defining in regulations and/or legislative instruments, key terms and the scope and any limits on entitlements use;
improving transparency in the use of taxpayer funded parliamentary entitlements;
enabling accountability processes to be mandated; and
recommending possible improvements to the protocol for handling allegations of misuse of entitlements.

In formulating advice and recommendations, the review should have regard to:

the development of a new simplified framework;
appropriate use of entitlements during election campaigns;
the inter relationship with the Members a/Parliament (Staff Act) 1984 employment framework;
entitlements provided at Parliament House;
remuneration and allowances (including the current electorate allowance):
private plated vehicles;
overseas study travel;
entitlements to Life Gold Pass and severance travel;
entitlements of former Prime Ministers (including a head of authority to provide any entitlements), Governors-General and former Parliamentarians;
production of postal vote applications under the printing entitlement; and
other matters considered relevant to the review.

The Review is to report to Government within six months of commencement.