Aboriginals Benefit Account (ABA) Guidelines for Grant Applicants 

The ABA is administered by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs(FaHCSIA, or the Department) in accordance with the ALRA.  In administering the ABA under subsection 64(4) of the ALRA, FaHCSIA is responsible for:

• the provision of policy advice on the use of ABA funding (ABA Canberra Unit)
• administering the application and assessment process (ABA Darwin Unit)
• provision of secretariat support to the Committee (ABA Darwin Unit)
• ongoing management of projects (ABA Darwin Unit)

The steps outlined below show how applications for funding are administered by FaHCSIA.

1. Applications for funding should be submitted to the ABA Darwin Unit which is responsible for handling applications.  ABA Darwin will acknowledge receipt of applications.
2. ABA Darwin Unit assesses applications against these guidelines to ensure all relevant information is provided.  The ABA Darwin Unit may conduct a viability assessment or due diligence and may engage third parties to assist in this process.
3. Once each application assessment is completed by ABA Darwin it is normal practice to present it to the next Committee meeting.  Applications must be received at least eight weeks prior to a meeting to be eligible for consideration at that meeting.  
4. The Committee provides advice to the Minister on whether a grant application is supported or not supported for funding.  The Committee does not make the final decision on which applications receive payments.
   
5. ABA Darwin prepares a briefing to the Minister which includes the application and any information that is relevant to the Minister’s decision, including the recommendation of the Committee.
6. The Minister is the sole Delegate of the ABA.  The Minister decides whether an application is approved or declined, and whether conditions are placed on funding.
7. All applicants are notified in writing of the outcome of their application.
8. In accordance with section 13 of the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977,any applicant may request a Statement of Reasons for a decision under subsection 64(4) of the ALRA.
9. A payment will be made only if the applicant enters into a Program Funding Agreement (PFA) with FaHCSIA.  The ABA Darwin Unit prepares the PFA for those projects that are approved by the Minister.  The PFA will set out any conditions that must be fulfilled.
10. Once the applicant accepts the terms and conditions in the PFA, ABA Darwin Unit monitors the implementation of the agreement.
11. The ABA Darwin Unit acquits the PFA.