Explanatory Statement: Determination 2014/23:

Members of Parliament - Entitlements

1. The Remuneration Tribunal has inquired into and determined the remuneration and significantly related matters for members of parliament, as it is empowered to do by the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.

2. In making this determination the Tribunal has informed itself through consultation in accordance with established practice.

3. Any retrospective application of this determination is in accordance with subsection 12(2) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 as it does not affect the rights of a person (other than the Commonwealth or an authority of the Commonwealth) to that person’s disadvantage, nor does it impose any liability on such a person.

PART 1 – ENTITLEMENTS

4. Clause 1.1 specifies the Principal Determination (Number 04 of 2012 as amended) for the purposes of Part 1 of the Determination.

5. Clauses 1.2 and 1.3 clarify the definition of accompany and join in the Determination.

6. Clause 1.4 defines a sitting week for a member and senator.

7.  Clause 1.5 amends a cross reference to a clause.

8. Clause 1.6 provides for a person under the family reunion provision to remain in Canberra without the parliamentarian for the period between adjoining sitting weeks, as long as the parliamentarian returns to Canberra, and where a Presiding Officer is absent from Canberra on parliamentary or official business related to the office, that a person utilising the family reunion provisions may remain in the Canberra without the Presiding Officer.

9. Clause 1.7 sets the date of effect of Clauses 1.2 to 1.6.

Authority: Subsections 7(1), 7(2) and 7(4) of the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973.