Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2024 edition): Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities

Administered by Department of Education

Legislation au F2024L00164 Not in force Legislative Instrument

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EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

 

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

Grant Guidelines for schemes under the Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2024 edition): Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities.

Issued by the authority of the Minister for Education

 

Subject: Australian Research Council Act 2001—Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2024 edition): Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities.

 

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 a scheme funded under Linkage Program of the National Competitive Grants Program. The Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) scheme provides funding for research infrastructure, equipment and facilities to Eligible Organisations. It enables researchers to participate in cooperative initiatives so that expensive research infrastructure, equipment and facilities can be shared between higher education organisations and also with Industry. The scheme also fosters collaboration through its support of the cooperative use of international or national research facilities.

 

In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Grant Guidelines for the scheme under the Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2024 edition): Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities 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 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 the scheme under the Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2024 edition): Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities 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 the scheme under the Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2024 edition): Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities were approved by the Minister for Education, the Hon Jason Clare MP on 22 January 2024.


Documents incorporated by reference

The following documents are incorporated by reference:

  •    ARC Medical Research Policy available on the ARC website (as at December 2022) previous versions available
  •    Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality available on the ARC website (as at December 2023) previous versions available
  •    ARC Open Access Policy available on the ARC website (as at June 2023) previous versions available
  •    Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research available on the NHMRC website (as at 2018) previous versions available
  •    ARC Research Integrity Policy available on the ARC website (as at September 2023) previous versions available

Commencement

The Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2024 edition): Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities shall take effect on the day after registration on the Federal Register of Legislative.

 

The provisions

These Guidelines contain information relating to the Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2024 edition): Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities including: 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 (2024 edition): Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities 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 was enacted to provide a framework for the Australian Research Council (ARC) to fund and support research and training activities across the higher education sector, with a focus on promoting high-quality research and enhancing Australia's research capabilities. The Act was introduced to address the need for a coordinated national approach to research funding, ensuring that research is conducted at the highest level and that it benefits the broader community. The Australian Research Council Act 2001 is administered by the Parliament of Australia, and the primary policy objective of the Act is to support research and training activities that contribute to Australia's economic, social, and cultural development. The Grant Guidelines for the Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) scheme, issued under section 60 of the Act, outline the criteria and processes for approving funding proposals, ensuring that the scheme effectively supports the sharing of expensive research infrastructure, equipment, and facilities between higher education institutions and industry, thereby fostering collaboration and maximising the benefits of research investments.

Scope and Application

The Australian Research Council Act 2001, through its Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2024 edition): Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities, outlines the rules and procedures for granting funds to eligible organisations to support research infrastructure, equipment, and facilities. This scheme is designed to facilitate the sharing of expensive research resources between higher education organisations and industry, promoting collaboration and the efficient use of research assets. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions and industry partners who must meet specific criteria regarding the nature of their research programs and organisational eligibility. The guidelines detail the application process, assessment criteria, and conditions for funding, ensuring that proposals align with the overall objectives of fostering cooperative research initiatives and maximising the utility of research infrastructure. These guidelines, which were approved by the Minister for Education, Jason Clare MP, on 22 January 2024, are intended to streamline the process of applying for and receiving grants under the Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment, and Facilities scheme, thereby supporting the Australian research sector's capacity and innovation.

Key Provisions

The main sections of the Grant Guidelines (2024 edition) for the Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) scheme under the Linkage Program, set out the eligibility criteria for proposals (section 59(2)(a)), the application process (section 59(2)(b)), the assessment process for proposals (section 59(2)(c)), conditions for varying funding approvals (section 59(2)(d)), and any additional accountability requirements deemed necessary by the Australian Research Council (ARC) (section 59(2)(e)). These Guidelines also take into account the funding cap and funding split determination for the relevant years (section 59(4)). Approved by the Minister for Education on 22 January 2024, these Guidelines aim to facilitate the sharing of expensive research infrastructure, equipment, and facilities among higher education institutions and industry, while fostering collaboration through cooperative initiatives. The Grant Guidelines impose several obligations on parties seeking or receiving funding under the LIEF scheme. Firstly, Eligible Organisations must meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify for financial assistance, including organisational and research programme requirements. Secondly, applicants must follow the prescribed application process and submit their proposals in accordance with the Guidelines. Thirdly, the assessment process requires the ARC to evaluate proposals based on set criteria, ensuring that only those meeting the highest standards receive funding. Additionally, the Guidelines outline the conditions under which funding approvals may be varied, providing flexibility in the management of grants. Finally, the ARC may impose additional accountability requirements to ensure the proper use and reporting of funds. Failure to comply with the Grant Guidelines can result in various consequences. While the Guidelines themselves do not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties, breaches of associated policies and codes, such as the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research or the ARC Open Access Policy, could lead to disciplinary actions, revocation of funding, or other sanctions. The specific consequences depend on the nature and severity of the breach, and would be determined in accordance with the relevant policies and procedures. Given the nature of the Guidelines, breaches are more likely to result in civil or administrative penalties rather than criminal charges. The Guidelines are designed to reduce the regulatory burden on the higher education sector by coordinating with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to streamline the preparation and submission of proposals. This collaboration aims to minimise the administrative load on Eligible Organisations, facilitating a smoother application process and enabling more efficient use of resources. By setting clear and consistent guidelines, the ARC ensures that the LIEF scheme operates effectively and achieves its intended outcomes of promoting collaboration and sharing of research infrastructure.

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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.