Federal discretionary grants placed on hold, 100 business grants to be impacted

The federal government is understood to have placed all federal discretionary grant programs on hold, impacting approximately 100 business grants.

SmartCompany understands the decision has been made in the lead up to the May budget as the Coalition considers which programs to continue with.

GrantReady chief executive Adrian Spencer has heard from three government sources the grants have been suspended. 

Spencer says the move to place the grants on hold is the “usual approach” of a new government in the lead up to its first budget.

“It is important to remember that grant programs are a barometer of public policy and as such, the new government always sets fresh vision, and grants change to reflect these new priorities,” he says.

“We expect detailed information regarding the status of these programs to be available when the 2014-15 budget is released in May. In the meantime, business should not be concerned. These changes always bring the announcement of new programs and the refreshing of existing programs.”

Spencer says programs which will be impacted include Commercialisation Australia, Enterprise Connect and the Clean Technology Innovation Program.

However, he says other important legislated programs will not be impacted.

Continuing programs include the R&D tax incentives, Tradex and the Export Market Development Grants.

A Department of Industry spokesperson told SmartCompany in a statement that an assessment of grant spending has been undertaken for consistency with government priorities and commitments.

“The Department of Industry is not accepting or processing applications or requests for funding extensions for Commercialisation Australia, ahead of the federal budget in May 2014.”

This story was updated on March 31 to include the department’s response.