i AUST ; AI. IA,& Press Statement No.
March 1973
COMMONTIEALTH GRANTS COMMISSION
Cabinet today decided to amend the Grants
Commission Act to authorise a full inquiry into the
application o grants for Local Government purposes.
The Cabinet decision followed the undertakinr
in Labor's Eloction Policy Speech that legislation on
the amendments would be introduced in the first sitting
of Federal Parliament.
Today's decision will not alter the Commissinn's
function regarding special grants paid to claimant
States. The Commission however will be given the
additional tas: k of recommnending Section 96 grants to
the States for payment to Local Government.
Cabinet decided that:
Assistance for Local Government under the
amended Act should take the form of Section 96
grants to State Governments and be provided
only on condition that they are paid to the
Local Government organisations for which they
are intended.
Applications for assistance should be addressed
to the Special Minister of State with a copy
to the State Governments.
Applications eligible for reference to the
Gran;, s Commission to be coni. ned to
applications from regional organisations of
Local Government, approved for the purpose b
the r'inister for Urban and Pegional Developm., nt.
The Grants Coirmission after investigation
of in application to recommend to the
Govrriment the amount of assistance
car. 3ictereci app ropriate.
* The Gr7ants Comrmission Act should provide
for the continuation of the Corunis3ion's
pres3ent functions in relation to applicaticis
for special grants by the claimant Sta es.
" ANBERRA, A. * T.