Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA) Resource Assessment Group (RAG) members are appointed for 3-year periods.
As PZJA advisory committee members, they are appointed by an Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) delegate under section 40 of the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984 (the Act) and PZJA policy Fisheries Management Paper No. 1.
Rates for daily sitting fees and travel expenses
AFMA is responsible for booking flights and accommodation for industry members, scientific members and the Chair, as well as administering their sitting fees. Flights are booked in accordance with Whole of Australian Government policy, on the best available fare of the day where possible.
Members are eligible to claim a daily sitting fee for attendance at committee meetings, time spent on RAG business or travel time.
Chairs are entitled to an additional claim of up to 5 hours per meeting for time spent on RAG business or official travel. AFMA determines the amounts and can advise on what constitutes RAG business.
The current RAG daily sitting fee amounts are:
| Position | 5 hours or less – hourly rate | Over 5 hours – daily rate |
|---|---|---|
| Chair | $240 per hour (plus GST) | $1,800 per day (plus GST) |
| Scientific member | $200 per hour (plus GST) | $1,500 per day (plus GST) |
| Member (other) | $55.70 per hour (plus GST) | $418 per day (plus GST) |
Members can only claim sitting fees for the number of hours or days that the meeting took place, and that they attended.
Members are also entitled to be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses incurred for out of pocket expenses such as meals, incidentals, taxis, mileage or parking not paid for by AFMA – see the relevant Australian Taxation Office Tax Determination as a guide to what are considered reasonable expenses.
Please note: AFMA has a strict policy prohibiting the purchase of alcohol using AFMA funds.
Reasonable expense guidance
| Expense | Thursday Island | Cairns |
|---|---|---|
| Dinner | $66.65 | $61.30 |
| Lunch | $39.10 | $35.55 |
| Breakfast | $34.75 | $31.15 |
| Incidentals | $24.50 | $24.50 |
| A rate of 88 cents per kilometre (as of 25 August 2025) will be paid to members where a private car is used to travel for advisory committee business. | ||
Source: Tax Determination TD 2025/4
Flights, accommodation, travel expenses and remuneration for Traditional Inhabitant members are facilitated by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA). Traditional Inhabitant members are encouraged to contact the TSRA to confirm these arrangements.
Making a claim: for RAG members
Claims for sitting fees and expenses must be submitted within 14 business days of the meeting you are claiming for. Claims submitted after this time may not be paid.
You can submit your claim via a personal invoice or by using one of the templates provided below. The invoice must detail the allowable expenses, sitting fees and relevant receipts for all expenses being claimed. Please submit this to your committee’s Executive Officer.
The claim form you submit will depend on if you have an ABN and are registered for GST or not:
- PZJA Advisory Committee claim form – NOT GST REGISTERED (DOCX)
- PZJA Advisory Committee claim form – REGISTERED FOR GST (DOCX)
New RAG members
New RAG members must complete and return the following forms to receive sitting fees and reimbursements for expenses:
- AFMA Vendor creation form (PDF)
- ATO Statement by supplier form – ONLY complete this form if you or your business does not have an ABN and is not registered for GST. If you do not have an ABN and are not registered for GST, and you do not complete this form, AFMA is required to withhold 46.5% of your sitting fee. This form can only be obtained from the Australian Taxation Office or most news agencies.