Relocation Assistance Policy

Intent

The intent of this policy is to provide an overview of relocation assistance that may be offered as an incentive for new and existing staff members required to relocate their home to take up a position at James Cook University (JCU) Australia.

Scope

This policy applies to new or existing staff members of JCU Australia. It does not apply to casual staff and short-term academic visitors or adjuncts.

Definitions

Dependent Child – a child who is less than 16 years of age who is normally resident with the staff member or, if over the age of 16 years is a full-time student at a secondary school.

Spouse - another person who, although may not be married to the person, lives with the staff member on a bona fide domestic basis.

Policy                                       

1.    Principles

1. Any approval for the provision of relocation assistance must be in writing, detailing the extent of any relocation assistance approved.
2. Any approval for relocation assistance should be in advance of any expense being incurred.
3. Any relocation assistance approved must be finalised within six months of the appointee/staff member taking up duty at JCU, unless removal is approved to be delayed for up to 12 months where an international relocation occurs.
4. Any relocation not undertaken/finalised within 6 months of the appointee/staff member taking up duty at JCU will be void, unless removal is approved to be delayed for up to 12 months where an international relocation occurs.
5. Requests for payment of relocations assistance will not normally be considered unless they are received within six months of the staff member taking up their appointment in the new location.
6. Consideration of taxation obligations (e.g. FBT) must be considered prior to approval of any relocation assistance.
7. On termination of employment within three years of commencement, or during the term of a fixed-term appointment, the staff member may have an obligation to repay a proportion of the relocation assistance.
8. On termination of employment, JCU may have a legislative obligation to pay repatriation expenses, dependent on Visa sponsorship arrangements.

Related policy instruments

Related policy instruments include but are not limited to the following documents. Further related instruments can be found at the JCU Human Resources website.

• Relocation Assistance Procedure
• JCU Enterprise Agreement 2013 – 2016.
• Financial Delegations Register
• Human Resources Delegations Policy

Schedules/Appendices

Payment Request Form

Related documents and legislation

Administration

Approval Details

Revision History