Section51 has been running workshops across Australia on the grants and funding system for a number of years.
A surprisingly common statement from participants is ‘our local government is located in a marginal seat, so we don’t have to concern ourselves about the paperwork too much as with a bit of lobbying we will get the grant’.
In response we have consistently said that you can lobby all you like, but ultimately if you don’t get the paperwork right, in both applying and delivery, the process will be difficult.
What we have been saying has now been reinforced, thanks to the Australian public.
The grants and funding system has changed in focus, first as a result of the South Australia election outcome, then Victoria, and now Queensland.
The recent Canberra political environment has added to the complexity.
In 2015, and for 2016, most Federal and State seats across Australia can now be considered as marginal.
With an average swing of eleven percent to Labor across Queensland, and the electorate of Gladstone seeing a swing of over twenty five percent at the time of writing, there are very few seats that could be considered as safe in any state or territory.
The Australian Electoral Commission website defines a marginal seat of needing a swing of less than a six percent, but after Queensland they may have to think about a different definition.
What this means for grants and funding in a strange sort of way is more of a level playing field.
If just about every local MP across Australia is in a marginal seat, lobbying becomes ineffectual. The argument for funding projects in marginal seats is greatly diminished if every MP is in one.
Thus decisions on grants and funding will be based on something else other than politics.
That something else is a well prepared application that comprehensively meets the requirements of the funding provider.
It is now even more critical to address the grant guidelines, ensure all supporting documentation is technically correct and put an application together with a pitch and story that really understands the public servants who will be making the assessment and recommendations.
In 2015 the National Stronger Regions Fund and many other grant programs, both federally and from your state and territory government, will be decided on policy, a great application, and how you can deliver.
Colin Steele is Managing Director of Section51 and provides advice on the policy and process behind grants and funding in a way that has led to improved success in applying and reduced stress in delivery, for a diverse range of councils.
For more information visit www.section51.com.au
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