One of the biggest shocks I got was how much I would use my own car for work reasons, the ADF vehicle fleet is complicated and the admin to get one just for a few hours is ‘rough’ to be polite.  Take Laverack Barracks and the multiple units on it, the shared messes and cook houses.  You will find yourself driving between units and messes almost daily. Medical (a duty) is often off base and don’t be shocked by the ‘mandatory’ PT Friday mornings 15 kms away from base at the Strand or Riverway. The TASKORD/Signal message will read, self-drive/car share. 

In Darwin, troops car pool to the ranges! The MTR even has dedicated civilian car parking for it.

You cannot claim to and from your place of work (your office/platoon/company location) but….behold the deductions-for-motor-vehicle-expenses. Where, without keeping detailed records you can claim a deduction/refund for every KM you do up to 4999 around base, ranges, medical, functions and PT off base. 

You can keep a detailed log book as explained in the link. I just claim 4999, for me the effort/reward ratio for maintaining detailed records is poor and I become complacent tracking it. 

There are huge misconceptions and the ATO website wording can be confusing; it can make you think you would get 4999 x $0.88 or $4399 in your tax refund. You won’t, it will reduce your overall taxable income by $4399. You will receive tax back on that amount depending on your rate.

(Factual, not financial advice or reccomendation)