Commonwealth Grants Commission
The Commission operates under the Commonwealth Grants Commission Act 1973. It is a statutory authority whose role is to provide advice to the Australian Government in response to terms of reference from the Treasurer.The main subject on which advice is sought is the allocation among the States of the goods and services tax (GST) revenue. Terms of reference for these inquiries are decided by the Australian Government in consultation with the States and Territories.
From time to time, the Commission is also asked to report on the finances of Australia’s external territories, local government matters and the financing of services for Indigenous people. Terms of reference for those inquiries are developed by relevant Australian Government agencies and the reports are considered by their Ministers.
Grants for the General Public
The Commonwealth Grants Commission Act 1973 constrains the Commission to making recommendations on the granting of financial assistance to the States, the ACT and the Northern Territory, and the financing of works and services in respect of other Australian territories. The Act does not allow the Commission to recommend funding to individuals or private organisations.
The following is a link to GrantsLINK, a site managed by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. It is a site dedicated to helping the public find grants for community projects from the many Commonwealth grants that are available.
The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal, is also offered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.
Quick Links
- 2009 Update Report
- 2009 Update Report - supporting tables
- 2009 Update Report - Chairman's media release
- 2009 Update Report - 2008 working papers
- Intergovernmental Agreement 2008
- 2010 Review State Submissions
- 75th Anniversary of the Commission Report
- Indian Ocean Territories Inquiry 2007 Report
- Local Roads Funding Inquiry 2006 Final Report
- Local Government Funding Inquiry Report 2001
- Norfolk Island Funding Inquiry Report 2006
- 2007-08 Annual Report
- Statutory Obligations
Latest News
2009 Update Report
The 2009 Update Report is now available.
Chairman's Media Release
The Chairman's Media Release is now available
2009 Supporting Tables
The 2009 Supporting Tables are now available