Australian Research Council Act 2001 - Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development - Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010

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Legislation au F2009L00733 Rules Not in force Legislative Instrument

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EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

 

Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001

 

Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010

 

Issued by the authority of the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research

 

 

Subject: Australian Research Council Act 2001

Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010

 

Authority

Section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (the Act) provides that the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research must approve ARC funding rules. 

 

Purpose and effect

Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development provides support for Indigenous Researchers to undertake research projects which may lead to an advance in the understanding of a subject or contribute to the solution of an important practical problem.

In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010 contains:

 

(a) the eligibility criteria to be met in order for a proposal to be approved for financial assistance (including criteria relating to the kinds of organisation that may receive assistance and the kinds of research program in respect of which assistance may be provided);

(b) how to apply for financial assistance;

(c) the assessment process for deciding which proposals will be recommended for approval;

(d) the ways in which, and circumstances in which, a funding approval may be varied; and

(e) any additional accountability requirements that the ARC thinks desirable.

 

In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010 take account of, and are consistent with:

(a) the funding cap for the year, or each of the years, to which the rules apply; and

(b) the funding split determination for the year, or each of the years, to which the rules apply.

 

Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010 were approved by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, the Hon Kim Carr MP, on 30 January 2009. No amendments have been made.

 

Documents incorporated by reference

The following documents are incorporated by reference:

  • the NHMRC/ARC/UA Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2007); the NHMRC/ARC/AVCC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007); and codes on animal research promulgated by the NHMRC (see Appendix A1.1 of the rules), available from (www.nhmrc.gov.au);
  • Instructions to Applicants for funding commencing in 2010 (see subsection 12.2), available from (www.arc.gov.au)
  • National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research (see Appendix A1.7.4 of the rules), available from (www.arc.gov.au); and
  • The draft Funding Agreement (see Appendix B1), available from (www.arc.gov.au).

 

Commencement

Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010 shall take effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.

 

Explanation of provisions: provision by provision description

 

Section 1 provides the name of the Funding Rules.

 

Section 2 provides the commencement details.

 

Section 3 provides interpretations of the definitions.

 

Section 4 provides an overview and outlines the objectives of the National Competitive Grants Program and the Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development scheme, and conflict of interest requirements.

 

Section 5 provides details of changes from last year.

 

Section 6 outlines the level and period of funding, types of research supported, restrictions on budget items, areas of investigation/work not supported the number of proposals and funded projects, and duplication.

 

Section 7 deals with organisational types, roles and eligibility.

 

Section 8 deals with roles and eligibility for researchers including, Chief Investigators, Partner Investigators, Fellowships, Indigenous Researchers Fellowships, Mentors and Supervisors, and Australian Research Fellowships -.Indigenous.

 

Section 9 outlines cross-scheme issues relating to eligibility and funding, and medical and dental research.

 

Section 10 deals with the application process, including eligibility exemption and advice, and proposals.

 

Section 11 outlines the submission of proposals.

 

Section 12 deals with the preparation and submission of proposals including format, how to complete and submit a proposal and closing time for proposals through GAMS.

 

Section 13 deals with the preparation and submission of proposals including format, how to complete and submit a proposal and closing time for proposals through RMS.

 

Section 14 outlines the selection and approval process, including assessment and selection process, rejoinder process, recommendations and offer of funding and exclusion of proposals. 

 

Section 15 deals with the appeals process.

 

There are five appendices:

Appendix A. Other Matters

Appendix B. Administration of Funding

Appendix C. Eligible Organisations

Appendix D. Notional Fellowships salaries, relocation allowances and teaching relief contributions

Appendix E. National Research Priorities and associated Priority Goals

Overview

The Australian Research Council Act 2001, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, established the Australian Research Council (ARC) to promote and foster the highest standard of research in Australia, encourage excellence in research, and provide a mechanism for the coordination of research and research training. This Act addresses the need for a structured approach to research funding and the need to ensure that research activities are aligned with national priorities and objectives. The Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010, issued under section 60 of the Act, were approved by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, with the aim of providing support for Indigenous researchers to undertake research projects that advance understanding or solve practical problems. These rules outline eligibility criteria, application procedures, assessment processes, and accountability requirements, all designed to ensure that funding is awarded effectively and in accordance with national research priorities and ethical standards.

Scope and Application

The Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010 apply to Indigenous researchers and their employing organisations, providing them with financial assistance to undertake research projects that can lead to significant advancements in understanding or practical problem-solving. These rules are established under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 and were approved by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, the Hon Kim Carr MP, on 30 January 2009. The funding rules encompass eligibility criteria, the application process, assessment and selection procedures, and accountability requirements. They are designed to be consistent with the funding cap and funding split determination for the relevant years, ensuring that the funding is appropriately allocated and managed. The rules also incorporate various codes and statements related to ethical conduct and intellectual property management. The rules extend their application nationally, and they do not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development Funding Rules for funding commencing in 2010 (referred to as the Funding Rules) provide detailed criteria for eligibility, application, assessment, and funding variations. Section 4 (a) specifies the eligibility criteria, including the types of organisations and research programs that can receive funding. Section 5 highlights any changes from previous years. Section 6 details the funding levels, types of supported research, budget restrictions, and the number of proposals and funded projects. Section 12 provides specific instructions for completing and submitting proposals, including format and deadlines. Section 14 outlines the selection and approval process, including assessment, rejoinder, recommendations, and exclusion of proposals. The Funding Rules impose several obligations on parties applying for and receiving funding. Organisations and researchers must meet the eligibility criteria specified in Section 4 and Section 8, which include the type of organisation, roles, and qualifications of researchers. Researchers must also adhere to ethical guidelines outlined in the incorporated documents such as the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. Additionally, applicants must submit proposals in the required format and by the specified deadlines, as detailed in Sections 12 and 13. The Funding Rules also require researchers to manage their intellectual property in accordance with the National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research. Failure to comply with the Funding Rules can result in various consequences. While the document does not explicitly list offences or penalties, non-compliance with ethical guidelines or failure to adhere to the stipulated deadlines and formats can lead to the exclusion of proposals. Moreover, breaches of intellectual property management principles may result in legal consequences or the revocation of funding. The rules imply that adherence to these guidelines is critical to maintaining eligibility for funding and avoiding adverse outcomes.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.