Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Regulations 1997
Statutory Rules No. 328, 1997
made under the
Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Act 1997
Compilation No. 273
Compilation date: 30 June 2026
Includes amendments: F2026L00836, F2026L00840 and F2026L00886
About this compilation
This compilation
This is a compilation of the Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Regulations 1997 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 30 June 2026 (the compilation date).
The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.
Uncommenced amendments
The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au).
Application, saving and transitional provisions
If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.
Editorial changes
For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.
Presentational changes
The Legislation Act 2003 provides for First Parliamentary Counsel to make presentational changes to a compilation. Presentational changes are applied to give a more consistent look and feel to legislation published on the Register, and enable the user to more easily navigate those documents.
Modifications
If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. Any modifications affecting the law are accessible on the Register.
Self‑repealing provisions
If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.
Contents
Part 1—Preliminary
1 Name of regulations
3 Definitions
Part 2—Supplementary powers to make commitments to spend money and be involved in companies etc.
16 Arrangements and programs (Act s 32B)
22AB Supplementary powers to form companies etc. (Act s 39B)
Part 3—Transitional and application provisions
Division 1—Amendments made by the Financial Management and Accountability Amendment (Public Governance) Regulation 2014
23 Definitions
24 Commonwealth procurement and Guidelines
25 Disposal of property found on Commonwealth premises
26 Transferring leave entitlements
Division 2—Amendments made by the Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (2018 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2018
27 Power to vary or administer grants or arrangements
Division 3—Amendments made by the Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Veterans’ Affairs Measures No. 1) Regulations 2018
28 Power to vary or administer grants or arrangements
Division 4—Amendments made by the Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Prime Minister and Cabinet Measures No. 1) Regulations 2022
29 Power to vary or administer grants or arrangements
Division 5—Amendments made by the Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (2023 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2023
30
Overview
The Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Regulations 1997 were introduced to address the need for supplementary financial powers to support various national and international initiatives. Enacted by the Parliament of Australia, the regulations provide the framework for specific financial commitments, grants, and programs aimed at fulfilling the Commonwealth’s obligations and advancing national objectives. Part 1 of the regulations sets out preliminary details and definitions, establishing the scope and applicability of the supplementary financial measures. It defines key terms such as "Act" and "CRF money" and outlines the financial commitments and objectives for different sectors and initiatives, ensuring clarity and consistency in the implementation of the regulations. Part 2 details the broad range of objectives and measures, including support for veterans, cybersecurity, gender equality, health, international obligations, cultural and community support, workforce development, education, and international assistance, reflecting the government’s commitment to a comprehensive and strategic approach to national and international policy goals.
Scope and Application
The Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Regulations 1997 applies to the Commonwealth and its various departments, agencies, and instrumentalities, as well as to any entities that receive funding or are subject to the financial commitments outlined within the regulations. These regulations extend to all financial arrangements, grants, and programs specified under the Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Act 1997, encompassing a wide range of sectors and initiatives critical to national objectives. The scope includes commitments such as financial assistance for veterans, cybersecurity measures, gender equality programs, and support for maternal and child health, among others. The geographic reach of the Act is national, applying across all states and territories of Australia, ensuring a unified approach to the allocation and management of funds in line with the Act’s objectives. The regulations include specific exclusions and thresholds where applicable, ensuring that certain programs and grants are subject to particular conditions or criteria. Additionally, the regulations allow for the extension and restriction of application through subordinate instruments, which may include further detailed guidelines or specific schedules that provide additional context or future commitments not covered in the initial text.
Key Provisions
- The Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Regulations 1997, which operate under the Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Act 1997, establish a detailed framework for financial commitments, grants, and programs aimed at various national objectives. In Part 1(1), the regulations lay out the foundational definitions and preliminary details necessary for understanding and implementing the provisions of the Act. For instance, the term "Act" refers specifically to the Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Act 1997, while "CRF money" denotes funds allocated to the Commonwealth Reserve Fund. This part of the legislation also specifies certain financial arrangements, grants, and programs intended to support various sectors and initiatives, ensuring that these commitments are clear and enforceable.
- Entities and parties governed by these regulations are subject to specific obligations that ensure the proper use of funds and alignment with the Act’s objectives. For example, organisations receiving grants must adhere to the terms and conditions set out in the regulations and use the funds in accordance with the specified objectives. These obligations are designed to maintain accountability and transparency in the allocation and utilisation of public funds. Furthermore, the regulations mandate that any changes in the responsible departments or authorities do not affect the validity of the specified arrangements, grants, or programs, provided they remain within the broader scope of the Act.
- Failure to comply with the provisions of the Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Regulations 1997 can lead to significant consequences. Breaches of the Act may result in both civil and criminal penalties, depending on the nature and severity of the non-compliance. Civil penalties may include fines, restitution, or other corrective measures to address the misuse of funds. Criminal penalties, on the other hand, can involve imprisonment, substantial fines, or both, particularly in cases of fraud, misappropriation of funds, or other serious breaches. The exact penalties are determined by the specific circumstances of the offence and are guided by the applicable laws and regulations in force at the time of the breach. These stringent measures underscore the importance of adhering to the regulations to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the financial commitments and programs outlined in the Act.
- Area of Law
- Administrative Law
- Finance & Banking Law
- Instrument
- Legislative Instrument
- Concepts
- Definitions & Interpretation
- Funding Allocations
- International Obligations
