The Federal Government is looking to save $37 million by cutting cable TV, clothing and financial advice perks.

Taxpayer-funded allowances for DFAT staff overseas have been changed in line with community expectations, the government says.

Members of the defence force and federal police on active operations are exempt from the cuts.

A child reunion supplement, household maintenance and assistance and additional home allowance will reportedly be abolished too.

DFAT secretary Frances Adamson told Senate estimates this week that the 890 staff currently on postings will not be affected, as the changes only apply to new appointments from July.

“I feel we have a responsibility to staff to encourage them to be financially responsible, and there are complexities, but henceforth those arrangements at least for private financial advice will need to be undertaken as a personal matter,” she said.