9 Implementation

9.1 This paper has proposed reforms to the current policy and funding framework in four key areas:

• the National Competitive Grant Programme;
• the Institutional Grant Scheme;
• the Australian Postgraduate Research Student Scheme; and
• the role and structure of the Australian Research Council.

9.2 Implementation issues need to be considered separately in relation to each of these major programme elements. The proposed new arrangements are presented in more detail in Attachments C and D.

9.3 It will be important to ensure that students, researchers and institutions gain the benefits of the proposed reforms as quickly as practicable, while also allowing for adjustment to the new arrangements to be made in an orderly manner. Students, researchers and institutions will need adequate lead times and full information about the new systems before they are introduced.

9.4 The changes proposed for the National Competitive Grant Programme will have implications for those researchers and institutions currently holding grants under the schemes to be subsumed into this programme, some of whom hold grants which will continue for several years. It is proposed that the new arrangements will be phased in from the year 2000. This will allow institutions to plan, develop and implement systems for the new programme arrangements following amendments to legislation and administrative arrangements within the Australian Research Council and the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs. The Research and Research Training Management Plans submitted by institutions during 2000 will assist in this process. Existing grants will continue to operate under current arrangements.

9.5 The proposed changes to research infrastructure funding will need to be worked through with other funding agencies. Phase-in arrangements will be necessary to ensure institutions and projects are not disadvantaged as a result of the changes.

9.6 The changes proposed in the Institutional Grant Scheme, in a technical sense, may be the most readily implemented. The rolling-in of the Small Grants Scheme funding for discretionary use by the institutions is an extension of the current practice whereby institutions already allocate this funding. However, the changes to the allocative formula for the Institutional Grant Scheme will be phased in over three years to enable institutions to adjust to the new incentives. Institutional views on appropriate phase-in arrangements will be sought before final decisions are made.

9.7 Of the proposed reforms, it will take longest to implement the Australian Postgraduate Research Student Scheme in a way that enables institutions and students affected by the changes to prepare for their introduction. Given the lead times involved, the new arrangements will be introduced for the cohort of commencing research students in 2001. Students in the system at that time will continue their studies under current arrangements

9.8 The administrative reforms to the Australian Research Council will progress as quickly as possible within the constraints of current legislation. The Government will proceed to introduce a new Australian Research Council act with the aim of giving legislative backing to a new structure for the Australian Research Council during the year 2000.

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