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 and health care grants. 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 to 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 Transport and Regional Services. It is a site dedicated to helping the public find grants for community projects from the many Commonwealth grants that are available. This site also helps in finding the best source of funding and assists in the filling out of application forms.
The Regional Solutions Programme, is also offered by the Department of Transport and Regional Services.
Latest News
Indian Ocean Territories Inquiry 2007 Report
The Indian Ocean Territories Inquiry 2007 Report is now available.
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2008 Working Papers
The Working Papers for 2008 are now available.
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2008 Update Report
The Update Report for 2008 is now available.
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Chairman's Media Release
The Chairman's Media Release is now available.
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2008 Relative Fiscal Capacities of the States
The 2008 Relative Fiscal Capacities of the States are now available.
Download the 2008 Relative Fiscal Capacities of the States