Quality Use of Pathology Program - Program Guidelines - Decisions

Decisions

Approval of funding

Following an appraisal of the applications by the Pathology Quality Section within the Department of Health and Ageing, advice will then be provided to the Funding Approver on the merits of the application/s.

Applications will be ranked according to merit, suitability, readiness and value for money:

• Highly suitable – application is of high merit, proposed a highly suitable project, is ready to implement the project, and demonstrates value for money. Contract negotiations should commence for immediate engagement.
• Suitable – application is of merit, proposes a suitable project, is ready to implement the project and demonstrates value for money. Contract negotiations should commence following clarification of issues to the Department’s satisfaction.
• Satisfactory – application has some merit, or proposes a suitable project, is building its readiness to implement the project, and/or there are concerns over value for money. Further work on the application is required to address concerns of viability and/or readiness. Applicant to rework application for further consideration.
• Unsuitable – application is of low merit, proposes an unsuitable project, is not ready/does not have the capacity to implement the project, and/or does not represent value for money. The application will not be recommended for funding.

The Funding Approver will consider whether each of the highly suitable and suitable applications recommended for funding will make an efficient, effective and ethical use of Commonwealth resources, as required by Commonwealth legislation, and whether any specific requirements will need to be imposed as a condition of funding.

Funding approval is at the discretion of the Funding Approver. Where the number of highly suitable applications exceeds the amount of funding available, the assessment committee will prioritise the recommended applications and there may be further consideration of applications at a later date.

Advice to applicants

Applicants will be advised by letter of the outcome of their application. Letters to successful applicants will contain details of any specific conditions attached to the funding. Funding approvals will also be listed on the Department’s website.

The Department will notify all unsuccessful applicants, in writing, after execution of the agreement/s with the successful applicant/s.

Complaint handling

The Department’s Procurement and Funding Complaints Handling Policy applies to complaints that arise in relation to a procurement or funding process. It covers events that occur between the time the request documentation is released publicly and the date of contract execution, regardless of when the actual complaint is made. The Department requires that all complaints relating to procurement or funding process must be lodged in writing. Further details of the policy are available 'About Us' page on the Department’s internet site.
Any enquiries relating to funding decisions for this Program should be directed by email to the Director, Pathology Quality Section.