EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Funding Rules made under section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001
Funding Rules for schemes under the Linkage Program for 2017—ARC Centres of Excellence
Issued by the authority of the Minister for Education
Subject:	Australian Research Council Act 2001– Funding Rules for schemes under the Linkage Program for 2017—ARC Centres of Excellence
Authority
Section 60 of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (the Act) provides that the Minister must approve ARC funding rules.  
Purpose and effect
These Funding Rules relate to the Centres of Excellence for funding commencing in 2017 funded under the Linkage Program of the ARC’s National Competitive Grants Program. The Linkage Program supports research partnerships within Australia and internationally to encourage the exchange and transfer of knowledge, ideas and skills as a basis for building capacity to deliver high quality research outcomes and secure commercial and other benefits of research. 
In accordance with subsection 59 (2) of the Act, the Funding Rules for schemes under the Linkage Program for 2017—ARC Centres of Excellence contain:
(a)	the eligibility criteria to be met in order for a proposal to be approved for financial assistance (including criteria relating to the kinds of organisation that may receive assistance and the kinds of research program in respect of which assistance may be provided);
(b)	how to apply for financial assistance;
(c)	the assessment process for deciding which proposals will be recommended for approval;
(d)	the ways in which, and circumstances in which, a funding approval may be varied; and
(e)	any additional accountability requirements that the ARC thinks desirable.
In accordance with subsection 59 (4) of the Act, the Funding Rules for schemes under the Linkage Program for 2017—ARC Centres of Excellence take account of, and are consistent with:
(a)	the funding cap for the year, or each of the years, to which the rules apply; and 
(b)	the funding split determination for the year, or each of the years, to which the rules apply.
The Funding Rules for schemes under the Linkage Program for 2017—ARC Centres of Excellence were approved by the Minister for Education and Training, the Hon Christopher Pyne, on 12 May 2015. No amendments have been made. 
Documents incorporated by reference                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
The following documents are incorporated by reference: 
•	NHMRC/ARC/UA Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2007);
•	NHMRC/ARC/UA National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 
(2007, updated 2014); 
•	NHMRC Values and Ethics: Guidelines for Ethical Conduct in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research (2003);
•	Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Guidelines for Ethical Research in Australian Indigenous Studies (2012); 
•	Australia Council for the Arts Indigenous Cultural Protocols for Producing Indigenous Music, Writing, Visual Arts, Media Arts and Performing Arts (2007)
•	Australian Code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (2013) endorsed by the NHMRC, the ARC, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and UA; and
•	National Principles of Intellectual Property Management for Publicly Funded Research, available from (www.arc.gov.au).

Commencement
The Funding Rules for schemes under the Linkage Program for 2017—ARC Centres of Excellence shall take effect upon registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.  

The provisions include;

Part A – Provides general rules for the schemes under the Linkage Program which includes; 
•	Name of Funding Rules
•	Commencement
•	Definitions
•	Introduction
•	Funding
•	Budget Items Supported
•	Budget Items Not Supported
•	Organisation General Eligibility Requirements
•	Research Eligibility requirements
•	Eligibility Criteria for Researchers
•	Eligibility Process
•	Submission of proposals
•	Selection and approval process
•	Reporting Requirements
•	Fundamental principles of conducting research
•	Eligible Organisations

Part B – Provides scheme specific rules for Linkage Program for 2017—ARC Centres Excellence for funding commencing in 2017 which includes;
•	Interpretation
•	Additional Definitions for Part B
•	Overview
•	Objectives
•	Selection criteria
•	Funding
•	Governance Structure and Arrangements
•	Organisation Eligibility Requirements
•	Roles and Eligibility for Researchers
•	Number of Proposals and Cross-Scheme Eligibility
•	Submission of Expression of Interest
•	Assessment and Selection Process for Expression of Interest
•	Submission of Proposals
•	Assessment, Selection and Approval Process for Proposals
•	Appeal Process
•	Reporting Requirements