Capital Grants Programme

• All media publicity and promotion by education authorities or schools must refer to the level of financial support provided by the Australian Government.
• There must be an official opening, construction sign erected and plaque affixed for any capital project costing more than $75,000 to which the Australian Government contributes.
• The Australian Government Minister must be invited to attend or send a representative to all official opening ceremonies where the capital project received Australian Government funding.
• A school must obtain the Department’s agreement for an exemption from holding an official opening, or for deferment of an opening.
• An official opening must be held within seven months of contractual completion of a project unless otherwise agreed. During the ceremony the Australian Government representative must be provided with an opportunity to speak.
• An invitation to each opening addressed to the Australian Government Minister is to be sent to the School Openings Officer, Capital Grants Section two months in advance of the opening. Dates of openings must be convenient to all the parties including the Australian Government.
• The Australian Government Minister must be provided with at least two months prior notice to attend an opening. Dates of openings must be convenient to all the parties including the Australian Government.
• Signs acknowledging Australian Government funding of projects must be erected on construction sites prior to the construction phase of the project.  Construction signs must also indicate the dollar value of the Australian Government grant.
• Plaques must be affixed on completion of the project and are to indicate whether the project was entirely, principally or partly funded by the Australian Government. The wording for plaques must be approved by the Department prior to the official opening.
• Where the opening is conducted by an Australian Government representative, the name of the person opening the facility should be shown on the plaque which must be fixed to new and refurbished buildings.
• Block Grant Authorities must ensure that school communities are advised about assistance from the Australian Government by means such as school newsletters.
• The legislation provides that if a Block Grant Authority or a grantee does not fulfil an obligation under an agreement between the Authority and the Australian Government or a condition of a grant, the Minister may recover funds, reduce further payments or delay any further payments.
• The same conditions apply regarding hostels.