Australian Government - Department of Education, Science and Training

 Annual Report 2003 - 2004

 

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Appendix 5 - Discretionary Grants

Discretionary grants are payments made to particular applicants, either organisations or individuals, at the discretion of the portfolio Minister or the paying agency. Conditions may or may not be imposed in return for the grant. Discretionary grants may be single ad hoc payments, or grants renewed under continuing programmes.

The definition of discretionary grants excludes:

  • grants directly associated with provision of government services via contracting
    out arrangements;

  • payments to states and territories and other government agencies;

  • payments to overseas aid organisations;

  • government income support programmes;

  • programmes specifically for Indigenous peoples (up to April 2004 when discretionary grant guidelines were changed);

  • emergency payment programmes;

  • grants under commercial industry development programmes (including to increase research and development and assist exporters); and

  • grant programmes specifically for educational institutions and medical
    research institutions.

Table A5.1 lists the discretionary grant programmes the department administers and provides contact telephone numbers if more information is needed.

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Table A5.1: Discretionary grant programmes 2003–04

Responsible group and contact number Title Description
Higher Education Group

(02) 6240 8036

 Framework for Open Learning The programme promotes awareness and maximises the benefits of information and communications technology to the education and training community.

It also supports the Education Network Australia initiative and aims to promote collaboration between states and territories and between sectors and systems to maximise returns on investment and avoid duplication of effort.
Indigenous and Transitions Group

(02) 6240 9400

 Enterprise and Career Education Programme The programme aims to support development of an enterprising culture in Australian schools. It helps young people develop the skills, attitudes and attributes to make smooth transitions through and from school to work and/or further education and training.
Schools Group

(02) 6240 7555

 Grants and Awards Provides grants to support the national operation of key education organisations; Australian Students Prize; core funding for the Curriculum Corporation and the Asia Education Foundation.
Science Group

(02) 6240 5022

 National Innovation Awareness Strategy Funded under the Innovation Statement Backing Australia’s Ability, the programme offers grants, on a merit basis, to National Science Week projects. The programme’s objective is to raise community awareness of the central role science, innovation and technology play in achieving Australia’s economic and social goals.
Vocational Education and Training Group

(02) 6240 8487

 Disability Coordination Officer Programme The programme provides information, coordination and referral services to help people with a disability move between school, vocational education and training and higher education, to succeed in their chosen studies and move to suitable employment.
Vocational Education and Training Group

(02) 6240 8818

 Industry Training Strategies Programme This programme helps implement training packages by funding a range of providers to promote and advise on the flexibilities available, with a particular emphasis on those qualifications provided under New Apprenticeships.
Vocational Education and Training Group

(02) 6240 8890

 Strategic Intervention Programme The programme allows the Australian Government to respond quickly to opportunities to increase the potential for Australians to undertake training in priority areas, particularly through New Apprenticeships.
Vocational Education and Training Group (02) 6240 7333 Workplace English Language and Literacy The programme funds enterprises (or training providers who have obtained enterprise support) to provide workers with English language and literacy skills.
Australian Education International Group

(02) 6240 7965

 Professional Services Development Programme The Professional Services Development Programme facilitates internationalisation of education and the export of educational and professional services through:

  • investigation and negotiation of recognition arrangements, including funding professional bodies working towards improved international recognition arrangements;

  • assisting with Australia’s efforts in increasing its share of trade in professional services; and

  • supporting development of industry standards, benchmarks and a quality framework to strengthen the Australian international education and training industry’s capacity for export success and self-regulation.

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For more information please email:

annualreport@dest.gov.au

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