Know your excess travel compensation

Many teachers appointed to more than one school are not aware of the provisions for excess travel compensation, writes DENSIE FAIRSERVICE.

Unfortunately, it appears that many DET officers are also unaware of the excess travel compensation provisions. The entitlement for excess travel is provided by clause 24 "Teachers Appointed to More Than One School" and Schedule 8 of the Schools/TAFE award. All teachers teaching in more than one school including ESL teachers and teacher-librarians are eligible providing they have Departmental authorisation to use their own vehicle.

The confusion seems to arise from whether the teacher visits their headquarters in the course of their duties. Clause 8 of Schedule 8 specifies that if a teacher is required to travel on official business whether or not the teacher visits their headquarters, then a deduction is made from the total distance travelled from home to home. The table then provides a sliding scale of deductions depending on the number of kilometres travelled. Travel over 8000 kilometres per annum is paid at a lower rate.

Teachers who believe they have been underpaid their excess travel compensation have up to six years to claim the unpaid allowance if they have been incorrectly advised by a regional or district office when a claim has been submitted.

Following an industrial dispute over travel on official business compensation, an agreement to this effect between Federation and the Department has been registered in the Industrial Relations Commission. If you are concerned about the payment of your excess travel compensation and believe you have been underpaid, contact your Organiser.

Denise Fairservice is an Industrial Officer.