Australian Research Council Bill Introduced to Federal Parliament

Thursday 10 May 2018 @ 1.21 p.m. | Legal Research

On 10 May 2018, the Australian Research Council Amendment Bill 2018 (the “Bill”) was introduced to Federal Parliament’s House of Representatives by the Hon Karen Andrews MP (Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills) - where it is currently before the House of Representatives awaiting further discussion.

The Bill proposes to amend the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (Cth).

Background

The Explanatory Memorandum to the Bill indicates its purpose is:

“… to amend the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (the “ARC Act”) to apply current indexation rates to existing appropriation amounts and insert new funding caps for the financial years commencing 1 July 2020 and 1 July 2021.”

The Bill also supports the financial assistance for approved research programs administered by the Australian Research Council (ARC).

About the ARC

The ARC is a Commonwealth entity and advises the Australian Government on:

  • research matters;
  • administer[s] the National Competitive Grants Program (which is a significant component of Australia's investment in research and development); and
  • has responsibility for Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

According to the ARC website, the purpose of this entity is to:

“… grow knowledge and innovation for the benefit of the Australian community through funding the highest quality research, assessing the quality, engagement and impact of research and providing advice on research matters … in addition, the ARC brokers partnerships between researchers and industry, government, community organisations and the international community … The outcomes of ARC-funded research deliver cultural, economic, social and environmental benefits to all Australians.”

The Amendments

The proposed amendments to ss 48(2), 49(r), (s) and (t) of the ARC Act will enable continued financial assistance to be provided for approved research programs which are administered by the ARC. The ARC supports the highest quality fundamental and applied research and research training through funding schemes under the National Competitive Grants Programs (NCGP).

Under the NCGP scheme, funding:

  • is allocated on the basis of a competitive peer review process involving national and international assessors; and
  • supports research across all disciplines (with the exception of health and medical research).

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Sources:

Australian Research Council Amendment Bill 2018 (Cth) - Bill and supporting information available from TimeBase LawOne Service.

Australian Research Council Website – Retrieved 10 May 2018

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