The NSW Government will conduct a review into the administration of grants programs in NSW to ensure that public money is spent fairly, effectively, and transparently.
The review will also update the 2010 Good Practice Guide to Grants Administration.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said a review of grant procedures and systems across NSW would help to ensure the fairness and probity of current grant systems.
“Taxpayers expect the distribution of funds will be fair, I share that expectation,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Every dollar from NSW taxpayers is important. I am committed to making sure grant programs are fair, robust, and follow best practices when those dollars are put to work in the community.
“From sports facilities to welfare services, COVID support packages, and small business assistance, grants are critical to so many people and play a vital role in enhancing quality of life and our economy.”
The review will be led by the Department of Premier and Cabinet in partnership with the Productivity Commissioner, Peter Achterstraat AM.
The review team will focus on ensuring grants programs administered by the NSW Government achieve value for public money, are robust in their planning and design, and adopt key principles of transparency, accountability, and probity.
Treasurer Matt Kean said grants programs are a key way the NSW Government invests in the productivity and prosperity of our state.
“The public expects us to deliver value for money and that we are investing in things that improve our quality life, our productivity and set our state up for the future,” Mr Kean said.
“This review will ensure we deliver on those expectations and have the rigorous and robust processes in place to give the community confidence.”
The review will consider:
- Guidelines from other jurisdictions that have been identified as best practice
- Recommendations made by NSW parliamentary, integrity, and oversight bodies
- Best practice risk assessment and frameworks for grants administration and assurance and adopt key principles, and
- The existing NSW policy and legislative context.
The final report and any recommendations will be delivered to the Premier and Treasurer in April 2022.
