Changes to the transport allowance#

Payments will start from 12 May 2026, but the new rates apply from 20 April 2026.

You can claim for eligible transport from April 20 at the temporary new rate, but you will not receive payment until 12 May.

After 12 May, payment will be made in your regular fortnightly pay.

Collective agreement variations#

The increases have been made through variations in the collective employment agreements.

Under the agreements, if a reliever is working for less than a full term, they can be paid back the full cost of public transport to get to and from the school. If public transport is not available, not suitable, or if the school asks the reliever to use their own car, the reliever will be paid a travel allowance instead.

People and employment

We encourage the education workforce, including relief teachers, to use fuel efficient means of transport when they can. These include walking, cycling, carpooling and public transport.

Increase to rates#

We are temporarily increasing the rates. They apply to the transport allowances in collective agreements for:

• primary school teachers
• secondary school teachers
• area school teachers.

Temporary support#

The rates will apply until whichever of the following happens first:

• for 12 months from 20 April 2026
• there are 4 consecutive weeks where the average price of 91 octane fuel is below $3 per litre.

The rate for cars ($0.83) is in line with what teachers receive when they need to use their own vehicle for school purposes.

Conditions#

The transport allowance applies to daily travel to and from school above a daily distance threshold of 20 kilometres for:

• area school teachers
• secondary school teachers.

The transport allowance applies to daily travel to and from school above a daily distance threshold of 10 kilometres for:

• primary school teachers.

Rate for cars#

Rate for motorcycles#