Growing Workforce Participation Fund

• Wide Bay-Burnett
• North Queensland/Whitsunday
• Far North Queensland
• Mackay/Isaac
• Central Queensland
• North West Queensland
• South West Queensland

• Ipswich
• Lockyer Valley
• Logan
• Moreton Bay
• Scenic Rim
• Somerset

Stage 1 involves the assessment of applications against the 'capacity to manage' criteria outlined in the guidelines for funding.

You must must demonstrate a 'capacity to manage' for your application to be eligible to proceed to Stage 2 assessment.

Stage 2 involves assessing eligible applications against the remainder of the assessment criteria outlined in the guidelines for funding by us and an assessment panel (established by us) that may include representatives from both with and outside the department.

The role of the assessment panel will be to discuss, prioritise and recommend applications for funding to us.

You should note that:

• the order of the list of assessment criteria is not to be taken as an order of precedence or an indication of weighting which will be given to any particular criteria
• and
• the list of assessment criteria is not necessarily exhaustive, and we may also have regard to such other criteria as it considers appropriate in our sole discretion.

We look at, for example, the:

• financial viability of the organisation
• organisational structure, governance, risk management and reporting framework
• experience in managing government funds and delivering similar projects
• project team, including the project team’s experience in working with and supporting the target groups.

We look at, for example:

• project objectives and outcomes, including the projected innovation
• evidence of how the project addresses issues using contemporary solutions
• commitment that the project supports the objectives of the revitalised Back to Work program
• links to local employers, other industry organisations and stakeholders.

We confirm that, for example:

• there is a demonstrated industry demand (evidence-based) and benefit
• the project doesn’t duplicate other programs or services, which includes clearly stating how the project differs from normal business activities
• the project has the capacity to meet employment shortages and labour market needs.

We look at, for example:

• the defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for project delivery
• how project success is defined, the measurable outcomes of success and how these will be incorporated in project implementation and outcomes reporting
• the economic and social impact of the project
• the commitment to share learnings with industry and government
• how the information will be shared and through what mechanisms/channels.

We look at, for example:

• evidence that demonstrates the project is the most suitable option/solution
• the ability to deliver proposed outcomes within prescribed timeframe
• an identified approach to reduce the costs of project delivery
• the level of complementary funding and assistance from other sources
• a clear explanation of why government funding is required for the project.

We do reasonable checks against available government and publicly available information to verify there are no matters of public interest that would prevent funding from being paid.

Examples of when an application might not be approved on a public-interest basis include:

• the applicant, its owners, or relevant management staff, have a history of poor compliance with legislation, including laws related to workplace health and safety and industrial relations
• matters involving bankruptcy or fiscal insolvency
• matters involving fraud or financial crime
• the applicant was, or is currently, being funded for a similar scope of work under another government program.