Scrutiny of Commonwealth expenditure


The Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Act 1997 (FF(SP) Act) and the Industry Research and Development Act 1986 (IRD Act) authorise the Commonwealth to spend public money on grants and programs specified in instruments made under those Acts. The scrutiny of such instruments is a key aspect of parliamentary scrutiny and control of Commonwealth expenditure.

The table below lists the grants and programs authorised by such instruments. For more information about Commonwealth expenditure in delegated legislation, including lists of instruments authorising expenditure to agencies, states and territories, or special accounts, see Chapter 6 of each Delegated Legislation Monitor

Information on the total amount and duration of expenditure for a grant or program is based on descriptions provided in the explanatory statements to the instruments. This may not reflect the final amount or duration of actual Commonwealth expenditure on the grant or program.

For a complete, up-to-date list of all instruments specifying Commonwealth expenditure under the FF(SP) Act or IRD Act, please see the Federal Register of Legislation.

Grant or Program Instrument Total amount Duration
Accelerate Adoption of Wood Processing Innovation ProgramIndustry Research and Development (Accelerate Adoption of Wood Processing Innovation Program) Instrument 2022 [F2022L01579]

$112.9 million

Over six years from 2021-22
Additional Employment Support for VeteransFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Veterans' Affairs Measures No. 1) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00291]

$24 million

Over four years from 2022-23
Arrangements to acquire CEA Technologies Pty LimitedFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Finance Measures No. 1) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00462]

Not specified

 
Assisted Reproductive Technology Storage Funding ProgramFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Health and Aged Care Measures No. 1) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00545]

$600 pro rata per year

For up to ten years
Australia-Vietnam Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Initiative Program Industry Research and Development (Australia-Vietnam Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Initiative Program) 2023 [F2023L00947]

$1.5 million

 
Australia-India Critical Minerals Investment Partnership ProgramIndustry Research and Development (Australia-India Critical Minerals Investment Partnership Program) Instrument 2022 [F2022L01441]

$5.8 million

 
Australia's Disability Strategy 2021-2031Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Social Services Measures No. 3) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01449]

$120.3 million

$2.5 million

$151.9 million

Over four years from 2021-22

Over three years from 2022-23

From 2025-26 to 2031-32

Bolstering Australia's Biosecurity System—Protecting Australia from escalating exotic animal disease risksFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Measures No. 1) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01608]$61.6 millionOver two years from 2022-23
Broadcasting Resilience ProgramFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts Measures No. 2) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01607]

$20 million

Over three years from 2022-23
Build renewable fuels plant in the Burdekin regionFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Defence Measures No. 2) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00537]

$5.1 million

Over three years from 2022-23

Bursaries to attract students into teachingFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Education Measures No. 2) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01455]

$56.2 million

Over four years from 2022-23

Carbon Farming Outreach ProgramFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Measures No. 1) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00276]

$20.3 million

Over three years from 2022-23
Central Coast Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub ProgramIndustry Research and Development (Central Coast Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub Program) Instrument 2022 [F2023L00013]

$17.2 million

 
Commonwealth Regional Scholarship ProgramFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Education Measures No. 1) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00233]

$10.9 million

Over seven years from 2023-24
Consent and Respectful Relationships EducationFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Education Measures No. 1) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00233]

$83.5 million

Over six years from 2022-23
Co-operative and Mutual Enterprises Support ProgramFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Health and Aged Care Measures No. 1) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01420]

Up to $6.9 million

Over three years from 2022-23

National Student Space Challenge Program Industry Research and Development (National Student Space Challenge Program) Instrument 2023 [F2022L01144]

$3.5 million

Over four financial years 
Capacity Investment Scheme Program  Industry Research and Development (Capacity Investment Scheme Program) Instrument 2023 [F2023L01481]

Not specified 

Not specified 

Powering the Regions Fund – safeguard transformation scheme

SDLC-Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Measures No. 4) Regulations 2023 [F2023L01418]

$611.8 million over eight years from 2022-23

Over eight years from 2022-23
Advice, advocacy and support services for working women programFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Employment and Workplace Relations Measures No. 2) Regulations 2023 [F2023L01412]$32.0 million over four years from 2022-23; $8.0 million per year ongoingOver four years from 2022-23

Powering the Regions Fund – critical inputs to clean energy industries

SDLC-Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Measures No. 4) Regulations 2023 [F2023L01418]

$200.5 million over four years from 2022-23

Over four years from 2022-23

Grant to The Embrace Collective LtdFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Health and Aged Care Measures No. 4) Regulations 2023 [F2023L01353]$6.2 million in 2023-24In 2023-24

Settlement Support Programs

Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Home Affairs Measures No. 6) Regulations 2023 [F2023L01410]

$2.1 billion over four years from 2023-24

Over four years from 2023-24

Industry Growth ProgramIndustry Research and Development (Industry Growth Program) Instrument 2023 [F2023L01432]

$340 million over 4 financial years from 2023-2024, including $287 million in grant funding for startups and innovative small and medium enterprises

Over 4 financial years from 2023-2024

Aged Care Work Value Case – historical leave provisions

Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Health and Aged Care Measures No. 5) Regulations 2023 [F2023L01413]

$133.2 million in 2023-24

In 2023-24

Grant to Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal

Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Health and Aged Care Measures No. 5) Regulations 2023 [F2023L01413]

$6.0 million over three years from 2023-24

Over three years from 2023-24

Behaviour Support Training ProgramFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Social Services Measures No. 5) Regulations 2023 [F2023L01414]

$3.5 million over two years from 2022-23

Over two years from 2022-23
Grants to the Bundanon TrustFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts Measures No. 4) Regulations 2023 [F2023L01415]

$40.4 million over four years from 2023-24; $9.9 million per year ongoing from 2027-28

Over four years from 2023-24

Ongoing from 2027-28

Single Business Service Program Industry Research and Development (Single Business Service Program) Instrument 2023 [F2023L01507

$11.0 million ongoing 

$39.6 million over four years from 2023-24 to 2026-27

Over four years from 2023-24 to 2026-27, and ongoing 
Carbon Capture Technologies Program Industry Research and Development (Carbon Capture Technologies Program) Instrument 2023 [F2023L01486]

$65 million

Over eight years 
Costa Berry Distribution Centre Expansion ProgramIndustry Research and Development (Costa Berry Distribution Centre Expansion Program) Instrument 2023 [F2023L00525]

$2.1 million

Over two years from 2022-23
Critical Minerals Development ProgramIndustry Research and Development (Critical Minerals Development Program) Instrument 2022 [F2022L01414]

Up to $50 million

In 2022-23
Carbon Farming Outreach ProgramFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Measures No. 1) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00276]

Not specified

Not specified
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Emergency Stockpile ProgramIndustry Research and Development (Diesel Exhaust Fluid Emergency Stockpile Program) Instrument 2022 [F2022L01479]

Part of a package of measures providing $49.5 million

 
Disability Worker COVID19 Leave PaymentsFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Social Services Measures No. 3) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00816]

$14.1 million

Over two years from 2022-23

Electronic prescribing system

Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Health and Aged Care Measures No. 2) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00815]

$111.8 million

$24.2 million

Over four years from 2023-24

Ongoing

Employment Assistance and Other ServicesFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Social Services Measures No. 2) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00544]

$3.2 million

Over two years from 2023-24
Energy efficiency grants for small and medium enterprisesFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Measures No. 1) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00276]

$59.9 million

Over three years from 2022-23
Enhancing Australia’s Science and Research Leadership in the Asia Pacific Region Program Industry Research and Development (Enhancing Australia’s Science and Research Leadership in the Asia-Pacific Program) Instrument 2023 [F2023L00747]

$10 million

Over two years from 2022-23
Enhancing Transparency Around Natural Disaster Fundraising ProgramIndustry Research and Development (Enhancing Transparency Around Natural Disaster Fundraising Program) Instrument 2022 [F2022L01487]

Up to $53,348

 
Environmental legal servicesFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Measures No. 2) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00546]

$9.8 million

$2.6 million

Over four years from 2022-23

Ongoing from 2026-27

Financial counselling services for veterans—pilot programFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Defence Measures No. 1) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00434]

$2.1 million

Over three years from 2022-23
First Nations Educators in primary schools programFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Education Measures No. 2) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01455]

$14 million

Over four years from 2022-23

Flinders University Factory of the Future ProgramIndustry Research and Development (Flinders University Factory of the Future Program) Instrument 2023 [F2023L00198]

$10 million

Over three years from 2022-25
Forced Adoption Support Services—Commemoration and Capacity-BuildingFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Social Services Measures No. 1) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00227]

Up to $1 million

Over two years from 2022-23
Government seeking to acquire shares in Silicon Quantum Computing Pty LtdFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Industry, Science and Resources Measures No. 2) Regulations 2023 [F2023L01019]

$15 million 

 
Goyder Institute for Water Research ProgramFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Measures No. 2) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00546]

$8 million

Over four years from 2022-23

Grant to Aurora Education Foundation LimitedFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Education Measures No. 2) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00543]

$1.5 million

In 2022-23

Grant to Australian Indigenous Education FoundationFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Education Measures No. 1) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01418]

$32.6 million

Over three years from 2022-23

Grant to Clontarf FoundationFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Education Measures No. 2) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01455]

$32 million

Over two years from 2022-23 (no new funding provided)

Grant to Disaster Relief AustraliaFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Home Affairs Measures No. 2) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00542]

$38.3 million

Over four years from 2022-23
Grant to Hobart International Airport Pty LimitedFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts Measures No. 1) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00244]

$60 million

Over two years from 2023-24
Grant to Newcastle Airport Pty LtdFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts Measures No. 3) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01666]

$55 million

Over two years from 2022-23
Grant to NQ Spark Pty LtdFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Defence Measures No. 3) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00801]

$32.2 million 

Over three years from 202223
Grant to The Alannah and Madeline Foundation LimitedFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts Measures No. 2) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01607]

$6 million

Over three years from 2023-24

Grant to The National Institute of Dramatic ArtFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts Measures No. 2) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00808$1.8 millionper year, subject to indexation
Grant to The Oasis Townsville LimitedFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Defence Measures No. 1) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00434]

$4.7 million

Over four years from 2022-23
Grants-in-AidFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Veterans' Affairs Measures No. 1) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00291]

$145,000

Per year, ongoing
High Achieving Teachers ProgramFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Education Measures No. 2) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01455]

$68.3 million

Over four years from 2022-23

Improve the Long-term Sustainability of the South East Trawl Fishery and Support FishersFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Measures No. 1) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01608]$20 millionIn 2022-23
Ingham's Sorell Facility Upgrade ProgramIndustry Research and Development (Ingham's Sorell Facility Upgrade Program) Instrument 2023 [F2023L00448]

$11.1 million

Over three years from 2022-23
Investing in Our Communities ProgramFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts Measures No. 2) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01607]

$349.9 million

Over five years from 2022-23
Jindelara Cottage—Permanent AccommodationFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Social Services Measures No. 3) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00816]

$0.6 million

2023-24
Justice Services—education and training for the justice sector on family, domestic and sexual violenceFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Attorney-General's Portfolio Measures No. 2) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01610]$6.7 millionOver five years from 2022-23
Justice Services—justice reinvestmentFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Attorney-General's Portfolio Measures No. 2) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01610]$81.5 millionOver four years from 2022-23
Landcare Rangers ProgramFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Measures No. 1) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00276]

$90 million

Over five years from 2022-23
Legacy House BrisbaneFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Veterans' Affairs Measures No. 4) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01456]

$1.5 million

In 2022-23
Local Roads and Community Infrastructure ProgramFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts Measures No. 2) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00808$750 millionOver two years from 2023-24
Murray-Darling Basin Aboriginal Water Entitlements ProgramFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Measures No. 2) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00546]

$40 million

In 2022-23
National Electric Vehicle Charging Network Grant ProgramIndustry Research and Development (National Electric Vehicle Charging Network Grant Program) Instrument 2022 [F2022L01659]

$39.3 million

 
National Emergency Management StockpileFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Home Affairs Measures No. 2) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00542]

$10 million

In 2022-23
National Forest Products InnovationFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Measures No. 1) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01608]$108.6 millionOver five years from 2022-23
National livestock traceability reform to enhance agricultural biosecurity in relation to exportsFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Measures No. 1) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00541]

Up to $26.6 million

In 2022-23
National Messaging SystemFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts Measures No. 2) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01607]

Not specified

 
National Rail Manufacturing Advocate ProgramIndustry Research and Development (National Rail Manufacturing Advocate Program) Instrument 2023 [F2023L00792]

$1.5 million 

Over three years from 2023-24
National Resource Sharing CentreFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Home Affairs Measures No. 2) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00542]

$1.7 million

For two years from 2021-22
NewAccess for Small Business Owners ProgramIndustry Research and Development (Small Business Programs) Instrument 2022 [F2022L01521]

$10.9 million

Over two years from 2023
On Farm Connectivity ProgramFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts Measures No. 2) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01607]

$35.8 million

Over three years from 2022-23
Pacific Australia Labour Mobility SchemeFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Foreign Affairs and Trade Measures No. 2) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00812]

$370.8 million 

Over four years from 2023-24
Pacific Engagement VisaFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Foreign Affairs and Trade Measures No. 1) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00229]

$11.4 million

Over four years from 2022-23
Priority Community Infrastructure ProgramFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts Measures No. 2) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01607]

$1 billion

Over five years from 2022-23
Productivity, Education and Training FundFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Employment and Workplace Relations Measures No. 1) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00237]

$5.1 million

Over three years from 2023-24
Promoting quality in the existing teacher workforce programFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Education Measures No. 1) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01418]

$10.8 million

Over four years from 2022-23

Protecting Australia's National Interest in Critical and Emerging TechnologiesFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Industry, Science and Resources Measures No. 1) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00285]

Not specified

Over four years from 2022-23
Protecting Our Communities (Disaster Resilience) ProgramFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Home Affairs Measures No. 3) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00598]

$4.9 million

In 2022-23
Recognising the service of First World War Veterans whose graves are unmarkedFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Veterans' Affairs Measures No. 4) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01456]

$0.4 million

Over four years from 2022-23
Referendum civics education and awareness programFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Prime Minister and Cabinet's Portfolio Measures No. 1) Regulations 2022 [F2023L00196]

$9.5 million

Over two years from 2022-23
Referendum Engagement GroupFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Prime Minister and Cabinet's Portfolio Measures No. 5) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01605]

$6.5 million

Over two years from 2022-23
Resources Sector Methane Abatement Technology Development ProgramIndustry Research and Development (Resources Sector Methane Abatement Technology Development Program) Instrument 2023 [F2023L00961]$10 million 
Scott Palmer Services CentreFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Veterans' Affairs Measures No. 4) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01456]

$3.3 million

Over two years from 2022-23
Small Business Debt HelplineIndustry Research and Development (Small Business Programs) Instrument 2022 [F2022L01521]

$4 million

Over two years from 2023
Status Resolution and Support Services—special purpose visa holdersFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Home Affairs Measures No. 1) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00243]

$871.1 million

Over three years from 2022-23
Support Plantation Establishment ProgramIndustry Research and Development (Support Plantation Establishment Program) Instrument 2023 [F2023L00714]

Up to $86.2 million

Over five years from 2022-23
Support Regional Trade EventsFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Measures No. 1) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01608]$12.3 millionOver three years from 2022-23
Supporting Australia's Textiles, Clothing and Footwear Industry ProgramIndustry Research and Development (Supporting Australia's Textiles, Clothing and Footwear Industry Program) Instrument 2023 [F2023L00117]$6.1 millionOver 2022-26
Sustain myGovFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Social Services Measures No. 3) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00816]

$106.2 million

2023-24
Telecommunications and Resilience Disaster and Innovation ProgramFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts Measures No. 2) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01607]

$50 million

Over three years from 2022-23
Terrestrial Television Transmission for Shortland, NSWFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts Measures No. 2) Regulations 2022 [F2022L01607]

$2 million

Over three years from 2022-23
Third country settlement supportFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Home Affairs Measures No. 4) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00813]Forms part of $592.1 million 2022-23
Vietnamese labour mobility for work in relation to primary industries in AustraliaFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Foreign Affairs and Trade Measures No. 1) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00229]

Part of $15.7 million

Over four years from 2022-23
Workforce Advisory Services ProgramFinancial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Health and Aged Care Measures No. 2) Regulations 2023 [F2023L00815]

$3.0 million 

Over two years from 2023-24

About this committee

The Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation assesses delegated legislation against a set of scrutiny principles that focus on compliance with statutory requirements, the protection of individual rights and liberties, and principles of parliamentary oversight.

Track this Committee

Committee Secretariat contact:

Committee Secretary
Senate Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation Committee
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Phone: +61 2 62773066
sdlc.sen@aph.gov.au