TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT SERVICES

COMCAR provides travel and transport services to a wide range of clients, including present and former Federal Parliamentarians, the Federal judiciary, holders of high office and official guests of the Commonwealth Government. Throughout 2000–01, COMCAR handled over 55,000 general reservations and also provided Parliamentary shuttle services. COMCAR serviced 55 'Guest of Government' visits, other visits and conferences.

In September 2000, COMCAR provided transport for visiting government dignitaries and guests during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Following thorough planning and a comprehensive training programme covering all Olympic routes and venues, 70 drivers recorded 3,000 transfers in 40 vehicles during the three-week period before and during the 2000 Olympic Games.

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In May 2001, COMCAR provided transport to the range of Federal representatives attending the week-long Centenary of Federation celebrations in Melbourne. COMCAR worked with the transport offices of the Departments of the House of Representatives and the Senate to provide shuttle services from the airport to the city and to the main functions. This was a complex undertaking, with over 1,000 transfers completed during the week.

Travel management services for Parliamentarians, their families, staff and other persons with entitlements have been provided by Finance since 1997, through a contract with Jetset Travel arrangements currently comprise over 20,000 flight bookings per year. The current contract expires in September 2002, and a market testing exercise commenced in May 2001 to identify possible new arrangements. The new arrangements will endeavour to enhance accountability and transparency in all travel arrangements. Apart from booking travel for clients, the new travel management provider will also supply detailed reports on actual travel undertaken, which is a unique requirement for travel contracts. Finance expects to complete the market testing process by mid–2002.