Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2022 edition): Linkage Projects

Administered by Department of Education

Legislation au F2022L00684 Not in force Legislative Instrument

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EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

 

Grant Guidelines made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001

 

Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2022 edition): Linkage Projects

 

Issued by the authority of the Acting Minister for Education and Youth

Subject: Australian Research Council Act 2001— Grant Guidelines for schemes under the                 Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2022 edition): Linkage Projects

 

Authority

Section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (the Act) provides that the Minister must approve ARC Grant Guidelines. 

Purpose and effect

The instrument is a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2003 (the LA). These Grant Guidelines relate to scheme funded under the Linkage Program 2022 of the National Competitive Grants Program. The Linkage Program supports the growth of research partnerships between university-based researchers and researchers in other sectors in Australia and overseas for projects that generate new knowledge, technologies and innovations. These rules relate to the Linkage Projects.

 

In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Grant Guidelines for schemes under the Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2022 edition): Linkage Projects contain:

(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 programme 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 (4) of the Act, the Grant Guidelines for schemes under the Linkage Program 2022— Linkage Projects 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.

 

The Grant Guidelines for schemes under the Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2022 edition): Linkage Projects were approved by the Acting Minister for Education and Youth, Hon Stuart Robert MP, on 28 March 2022.

 

Documents incorporated by reference

The following documents are incorporated by reference:

  •                  ARC Medical Research Policy available on the ARC website
  •                  Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality available on the ARC website
  •                  ARC Open Access Policy available on the ARC website
  •                  Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research
  •                  Public Service Code of Conduct (Section 13(7)) of the Public Service Act 1999
  •                  Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference in the Australian University Sector available on Department of Education, Skills and Employment website.

Commencement

The Grant Guidelines for the Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2022 edition): Linkage Projects shall take effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments. 

 

The provisions

These Guidelines contain information relating to the Grant Guidelines for the Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2022 edition): Linkage Projects this includes: grant amount, eligibility, assessment criteria, application process and delivery or grant activities.

Consultation

The ARC consulted with the Department of Finance and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and they have determined the Grant Guidelines as low risk.

 

Regulatory Impact Statement

These Grant Guidelines include a number of measures that reduce regulatory burden on the higher education sector. This includes coordination with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to produce a timeline that minimises the burden on the sector in relation to preparation and submission of proposals

 

Statement of compatibility with human rights

Section 9(1) of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011 requires the rule maker in relation to a legislative instrument to which section 42 (disallowance) of the LA applies to cause a statement of compatibility to be prepared in respect of that legislative instrument.

The legislative instrument does not engage any of the applicable rights or freedoms. It is compatible with human rights, as it does not raise any human rights issues.

 

Senate Standing Order 23 (4a) – Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation

The Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2022 edition): Linkage Projects is exempt from disallowance because it is an instrument containing a set of rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (ARC Act) and, Section 10, Item 7 of the Legislation (exemption and other matters) Regulations 2015, relevantly provides that legislative instruments made under section 60 of the ARC Act are not subject to disallowance.

 

The application of section 10, Item 7 of the Legislation (exemption and other matters) Regulations 2015 to the Guidelines, allowing for exemption from disallowance, is appropriate because the legislative instrument was made in accordance with the enabling Act, the Legislation Act and other applicable Acts and does not contain matter more appropriate for an Act of Parliament.

 

Legislation (exemption and other matters) Regulations 2015

 

Section 10 – Particular legislative instruments that are not subject to disallowance

Item 7 – Legislative Instruments

(a)   A rule made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001;

(b)   A variation of a set of rules made under section 61 of the Act.

 

Overview

The Australian Research Council Act 2001, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, establishes the Australian Research Council (ARC) and its functions, including the administration of grant schemes aimed at fostering research and innovation partnerships. The Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2022 edition): Linkage Projects, approved under section 60 of the Act, outline the framework for the allocation and assessment of grants within the Linkage Program, which is designed to support collaborative research projects between universities and other sectors both domestically and internationally. These guidelines specify the eligibility criteria for applicants, the application process, the assessment methodology, and the conditions under which grants may be varied, all while aligning with the funding limits and splits determined for the program. The policy objective of these guidelines is to streamline and formalise the grant process, thereby facilitating the development of new knowledge, technologies, and innovations through enhanced research partnerships.

Scope and Application

The Grant Guidelines under the Australian Research Council Act 2001, specifically the Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2022 edition) for Linkage Projects, apply to entities and individuals seeking financial assistance through the Linkage Program. This program aims to foster partnerships between university-based researchers and researchers in other sectors, both domestically and internationally, to facilitate the creation of new knowledge, technologies, and innovations. The guidelines delineate eligibility criteria for proposals, which include specific types of organisations and research programs that qualify for funding. Additionally, the guidelines outline the application process, assessment criteria for determining which proposals will receive funding, conditions for varying funding approvals, and any additional accountability requirements deemed necessary by the Australian Research Council (ARC). These guidelines are applicable nationally and are consistent with the funding cap and funding split determination for the respective years. The guidelines were approved by the Acting Minister for Education and Youth and are exempt from disallowance under the Legislation (exemption and other matters) Regulations 2015. The guidelines were developed in consultation with relevant departments and are deemed to be compatible with human rights as they do not raise any associated issues.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Grant Guidelines (F2022L00684) for the Linkage Program, under the Australian Research Council Act 2001, outline the eligibility criteria for proposals seeking financial assistance (section 59(2)(a)), the application process (section 59(2)(b)), the assessment process (section 59(2)(c)), the circumstances for varying funding approvals (section 59(2)(d)), and additional accountability requirements deemed necessary by the ARC (section 59(2)(e)). These sections collectively govern how research projects under the Linkage Program are funded, assessed, and managed. Furthermore, the Guidelines must align with the funding cap and split determination for the applicable year (section 59(4)), ensuring consistency with broader funding parameters. The Grant Guidelines impose specific obligations and requirements on applicants and organisations seeking funding. Applicants must ensure their proposals meet the eligibility criteria, which include the types of organisations eligible for assistance and the kinds of research projects that qualify. The Guidelines detail the application process, including the documentation and information that must be submitted, and outline the assessment criteria used to evaluate proposals. Additionally, organisations must adhere to various policies and codes, such as the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, the Public Service Code of Conduct, and the Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference in the Australian University Sector, among others. Breaches of the Grant Guidelines can result in various consequences, though the specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal implications are not explicitly detailed within the Guidelines themselves. However, failure to comply with the outlined requirements or misrepresentation in the application process may lead to disqualification from receiving funding, revocation of existing funding, or other administrative penalties. The Guidelines do not specify maximum penalties but imply that non-compliance could lead to significant repercussions for the involved parties, particularly in terms of their eligibility for future funding or their standing within the research community.

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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.