High-flying bureaucrats at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have had their wings clipped.
The department's new boss has overhauled management training arrangements following revelations last year that an estimated $215,000 was spent flying 23 officials business class to Paris to discuss ways to save money.
There would be greater use of video conferencing and the number of staff flown from Canberra would be minimised, Frances Adamson told a Senate estimates hearing on Thursday.
Ms Adamson said only six officials were flown to Jakarta last November to lead training sessions.
Many of the sessions were delivered via Skype.
"Although the technology didn't always play nicely," she said.
Meanwhile, the secretary confirmed a review into the generous allowances diplomats are paid was before cabinet, with an announcement expected after the May budget.
Diplomats posted overseas generally receive free accommodation while international school fees, babysitting costs, household expenses, wages for maids and drivers are also covered.
The review also looked at allowances for staff posted overseas with other government agencies.
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