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.
Latest News
2010 Review draft report
The draft report is now available.
2010 Review documents
Background information to the draft report is now available.