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Flexible Funds - program consolidation

Flexible Fund Guidelines - Aged Care Service Improvement and Healthy Ageing Grants Fund

November 2012 - The Aged Care Service Improvement and Healthy Ageing Grants Fund (the Fund) is an Australian Government initiative administered by the Department of Health and Ageing.

PDF printable version of Flexible Fund Guidelines - Aged Care Service Improvement and Healthy Ageing Grants Fund (PDF 227 KB)

Contents

1 Introduction
2 Eligibility
3 Probity
4 Fund Application Processes
5 Conditions of Funding
Glossary of Terms

1 Introduction

The Aged Care Service Improvement and Healthy Ageing Grants Fund (the Fund) is an Australian Government initiative administered by the Department of Health and Ageing (the Department) designed to support activities that strengthen the capacity of the aged care sector to deliver high quality aged care, and/or promote healthy ageing.

The Government committed to establish 18 flexible Funds as part of the 2011-12 Budget. The Aged Care Service Improvement and Healthy Ageing Grants Fund is one of the 18 Funds that came into operation on 1 July 2011.

It is anticipated that open competitive funding rounds will be conducted in the first half of each financial year, with the majority of funding to be available in time for the commencement of each new financial year.

Future grant funding round timeframes will be advertised on the Department’s website.

Fund objectives and priorities

Broadly, the Fund’s primary objective is to strengthen the capacity of the health and aged care sectors to deliver high quality aged care, and to promote healthy ageing by targeting the following priority areas:

• Support activities that promote healthy and active ageing;
• Respond to existing and emerging challenges, including dementia care;
• Support activities that build the capacity of aged care services to deliver high quality care;
• Support activities that provide information and support to assist carers maintain their caring role;
• Support to services providing aged care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people living in remote areas; and
• Support older people with diverse needs, particularly those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, care leavers, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people.

These Fund Priorities, and the types of activities envisaged to be supported under them, are further described at Attachment A. Fund Priorities may be adjusted from time to time to take into account evidence about the effectiveness, efficiency and appropriateness of Fund activities, as well as emerging ageing and aged care challenges.
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Background

The Aged Care Service Improvement and Healthy Ageing Grants Fund was established by the Australian Government in 2011 through the consolidation of a range of existing ageing and aged care programs.

The establishment of the Fund followed a strategic review of the administrative arrangements in the Health and Ageing portfolio commissioned by the Government in 2010. The review identified an opportunity to improve the management of existing ageing and aged care programs through consolidating them into larger, flexible Funds, in order to cut red tape for grant recipients, increase flexibility, and more efficiently provide evidence based funding for the delivery of health outcomes in the community. Further information about the strategic review and the establishment of the flexible Funds is available on the Department’s website.

The Fund consolidates support for a wide range of activities including those activities previously funded under:

• Encouraging Better Practice in Aged Care initiative
• Community Care and Flexible Care Grants
• Carer Information Support Program
• National Continence Program
• Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Services
• Dementia Training Study Centres
• National Dementia Support Program
• Dementia Community Support grants
• Healthy and Active Ageing grants
• Remote and Indigenous Capital Infrastructure and Support grants
• National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program support grants (including assistance packages)
• Partners In Culturally Appropriate Care grants
• Community Partners Program grants

The Fund is intended to be flexible enough to continue to support the types of activities that have previously been supported under the various consolidated programs (subject to demonstrated evidence of their effectiveness and available funding), but in a more streamlined manner, as well as new aged care and healthy ageing priorities that may arise over time.

These Fund Guidelines have been updated to reflect the expanded support provided through Living Longer Living Better aged care reform package announced in April 2012. The aged care reform package identifies additional funding to be included in the Fund for activities that increase support for people with dementia, support the uptake of evidence-based better practice in aged care, and greater recognition of and support for older people from diverse backgrounds.

Fund scope and operating parameters

The Fund is intended to be broad in scope, and flexible enough to support a wide range of activities for the purposes of strengthening the capacity of the aged care sector to deliver high quality aged care, and promoting healthy ageing.

As funding becomes available under the Fund, it will be allocated by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing for Fund Priorities and activities, including but not limited to those listed at Attachment A, and then deployed as set out in these guidelines at Section 4.
The funding committed to particular Fund Priorities and supported activities may be varied over time, to take into account:

• Availability of funding;
• Evidence, including from evaluation activities, of the effectiveness, efficiency and appropriateness of Fund activities; and
• Emerging ageing and aged care challenges.

1.1 Roles and responsibilities

Minister

The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing will be responsible for reviewing/ setting priorities for the Fund. These priorities will at all times reflect the objectives of the Fund but may change over time to address emerging issues that will support more effectively Aged Care Service Improvement and Healthy Ageing activities.
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Department of Health and Ageing

The Department will be responsible for the development and dissemination of all application documentation under the Fund and for ensuring that such documentation is in accordance with the Fund objectives and priorities. The Department will be responsible for notifying applicants of the outcomes of any funding process and will be responsible for responding to queries in relation to the application process, and for resolving any uncertainties that may arise in relation to application requirements.

The Department will also manage the funding arrangements under the Fund and undertake all assessment processes.

The Department will also be responsible for all management and monitoring requirements of successful applicants in any process under the Fund such as:

• Developing funding agreements or any alternative contractual arrangement
• Monitoring the performance of projects to ensure the conditions of the contractual arrangement are met
• Assessing performance and financial reports and undertaking follow up activity as necessary
• Making payments on acceptance of milestone reports as specified in the contractual arrangement
• Providing feedback to funded organisations on the overall project following the conclusion of activities.

Applicants

Entities applying for funding under the Fund are responsible for the development of their application. As part of any application process, entities submitting applications must ensure all information they provide is accurate.

The Department will enter into contractual arrangements for funding under the Fund with single entities only. Where two or more entities seek funding as a consortium, a member entity, or a newly created entity must be appointed as the lead that will enter into any subsequent contractual relationship with the Department. The lead entity must be identified in any application for funding and that application should identify all members of the proposed consortium.

Entities applying must be prepared to meet the costs associated with the development and lodgement of their application.

Funded Applicant

The successful applicant is responsible for the efficient and effective delivery of the service or project in accordance with the obligations contained in any funding agreement or contractual arrangement entered into under the Fund. Successful applicants are also responsible for:

• Ensuring they meet the specifications of the funding agreement or other contractual arrangement
• Ensuring the project is managed in a cost effective and efficient manner
• Maintaining contact with the Department and advising of any emerging issues that may impact on the success of the project
• Identifying and documenting risks and appropriate control strategies
• Reporting on project performance and expenditure in accordance with the contractual obligations
• Assisting with evaluation activities as necessary

1.2 Fund Timeframe

The Fund is an ongoing initiative available from 1 July 2011.

Timeframes for specific activities under the priorities may vary depending upon the funding process and the expected outcomes of the individual activities. Timeframes for activities associated with the funding processes will be clearly specified in the application package for that process.
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1.3 Fund value

The total value of funds available under the Fund is $379 million over 2012-13 to 2015-16.
Several new measures have been added to the Fund as part of Living Longer Living Better aged care reform, including (note – these dollar amounts are for the four years from 2012-13):

• $14.5 million for Promoting better practice and partnerships;
• $31.9 million for Supporting people with dementia across the health system;
• $29.9 million for Improving acute care services for people with dementia;
• $18.4 million for Improved support for people with Younger Onset Dementia;
• $17.4 million for Ensuring older people from diverse backgrounds can access aged care services that are specific to their needs; and
• $1.8 million for Ensuring sexual diversity does not act as a barrier to receiving high quality aged care.

On an annual basis, the Minister will be provided with an opportunity to set the priority areas for funding through the Fund. These priorities will be used as the basis for allocating uncommitted money each year, and will allow for the adjustment of the funding allocation against priorities and to ensure that emerging health and ageing challenges are being addressed.

2 Eligibility

2.1 Who can access the Fund?

Applicants are encouraged from a wide range of non government and government entities. Applicants are not required to have had a prior funding relationship established with the Department, but must be a legal entity to be eligible for funding, for example:

1. Incorporated Associations (incorporated under State/Territory legislation, commonly have 'Association' or 'Incorporated' or 'Inc' in their legal name);
2. Incorporated Cooperatives (also incorporated under State/Territory legislation, commonly have "Cooperative' in their legal name);
3. Companies (incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 – may be not-for-profit or for-profit proprietary company (limited by shares or by guarantee or public companies);
4. Aboriginal Corporations (incorporated under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2006 and administered by the Office of the Registrar of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations; Aboriginal Councils and Associations Act 1976);
5. Organisations established through a specific piece of Commonwealth or State/Territory legislation (many public benevolent institutions, churches, universities, unions etc);
6. Partnerships;
7. Trustees on behalf of a Trust;
8. State/Territory or Local Governments; and/ or
9. where there is no suitable alternative, an individual or - jointly and separately – individuals.

Should a funding process have restricted eligibility requirements (such as the requirement to be listed as an Approved Provider of residential aged care services) this will be clearly specified in the application package for that process.

2.2 What activities are eligible for funding?

To be considered for funding, applicants must propose to undertake activities that meet the objectives and priorities for the Fund, and comply with the terms of the application documentation. Matters such as:

• project activities/items that will be considered eligible
• any funding caps (minimum and/or maximum limits)
• any restrictions on Start/End dates for activity. For example, all projects must be completed within the stated Financial Year/s
• any restrictions around whether funding will be provided only for new or additional work
• any restrictions on when funding must be expended by. For example, all funding will be available from [insert date] and must be expended by [insert date]

will be included in any Approach to Market documentation, as required. Retrospective items/activities will not normally be funded by the Fund (NB: Unless allowed under the terms of the Fund and agreed by the Department).
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3 Probity

The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that the process for providing funding under the Aged Care Service Improvement and Healthy Ageing Grants Fund is transparent and in accordance with published Fund Guidelines. Individual funding processes will contain detailed guidance on the specific requirements for that process and these will not be inconsistent with the Fund Guidelines.

Note: Fund Guidelines may be varied from time to time by the Australian Government as the needs of the Fund dictate. Amended Fund Guidelines will be published on the Department’s website in advance of any grants process.

3.1 Conflict of interest

A conflict of interest may exist, for example, if the applicant or any of its personnel:

• has a relationship (whether professional, commercial or personal) with a party who is able to influence the application assessment process, such as a Department staff member;
• has a relationship with, or interest in, an organisation which is likely to interfere with or restrict the applicant in carrying out the proposed activities fairly and independently; or
• has a relationship with, or interest in, an organisation from which they will receive personal gain as a result of the granting of funding under the Aged Care Service Improvement and Healthy Ageing Grants Fund.

Each applicant will be required to declare as part of any application process, existing conflicts of interest or that to the best of their knowledge there is no conflict of interest, including in relation to the examples above, that would impact on or prevent the applicant from proceeding with the project or any contractual arrangement it may enter into with the Australian Government.

Where an applicant subsequently identifies that an actual, apparent, or potential conflict of interest exists or might arise in relation to an application for funding, the applicant must inform the Department in writing immediately.

3.2 Confidentiality and Protection of Personal Information

Each applicant will be required to declare as part of their application, their ability to comply with the proposed contractual arrangement to be entered into with the Australian Government.

The Protection of Personal Information Clause requires the Funded organisation to:

• comply with the Privacy Act (1988) (‘the Privacy Act’), including the 11 Information Privacy Principles (IPPs), as if it were an agency under the Privacy Act, and the National Privacy Principles (NPPs);
• refrain from engaging in direct marketing (s 16F of the Privacy Act), to the extent that the NPPs and/or s 16F apply to the Funded organisation; and
• impose the same privacy obligations on any subcontractors it engages to assist with the Project.

The Confidentiality Clause in any subsequent contractual arrangement imposes obligations on the funded organisation with respect to special categories of information collected, created or held under the Agreement. The funded organisation is required to seek the Commonwealth’s consent in writing before disclosing confidential information.

The specific clauses governing the confidentiality provisions of any grant process under the Fund will be contained in the contract that will form part of any grant application documentation available to potential applicants.

4 Fund Application Processes

Access to funding from the Aged Care Service Improvement and Healthy Ageing Grants Fund will be available through a variety of means. The Department proposes to undertake the following to achieve the objectives and priorities for the Fund.
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4.1 Open Competitive Grant rounds

Regular open competitive funding rounds are expected to be the main funding avenue for new activities, which will open and close to applications on nominated dates, with eligible applications being assessed against the selection criteria set down for the initiative and then prioritised against competing, eligible applications for the available funding.

Entities wishing to apply for funding will need to demonstrate (but not limited to) the following:

• Identified need
• Relevance to current government policies and priorities
• Value for money
• Capacity to deliver quality outcomes

4.2 Targeted grant rounds

Funding will also be made available through targeted or restricted competitive funding rounds. These grant rounds will be open to a small number of potential funding recipients based on the specialised requirements of the initiative or project under consideration.

Targeted funding will include support for those services providing aged care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people living in remote areas.

4.3 One-off/ unsolicited funding

Provision will be made under the Fund for one-off, unsolicited proposals, and emergency payments, provided that they meet the aims, objectives and priorities of the Fund.

4.4 Procurement

Funds appropriated for the purpose of the Aged Care Service Improvement and Healthy Ageing Grants Fund may also be used for the procurement of work directly related to the purpose of the Fund e.g. Program Evaluation. Such procurements will be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Commonwealth Procurement Rules and will be for purposes that are consistent with the objectives and priorities of the Fund.

Procurement processes will be conducted independently of any grant process.

Fund under expenditure

Funding allocations will be monitored throughout the year with potential underspends identified and allocated to activities identified as being the most appropriate method of meeting the aims and objectives of the Fund. Applications identified as being able to meet the Fund aims and objectives, and not receiving funding through an open or targeted grants round may also be prioritised and shortlisted for consideration should such underspends be identified.

Under expenditure may also be used to fund unsolicited proposals or one-off grants where such proposals will meet the objectives and priorities of the Fund.

From time to time, the Australian Government may direct additional or supplementary funding to services under the Fund. For example providing targeted services to areas where evidence shows that there is a need.

These Fund Guidelines will form part of the Approach to Market documentation and must be met in all circumstances where grant or procurement arrangements are entered into under the Fund.

In urgent or unforeseen circumstances the Minister or Departmental Delegate has the right to waive eligibility criteria.
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4.5 Application Processes

A range of activities will be funded under the Fund. Open competitive and targeted grant funding processes will have comprehensive Approach to Market documentation developed that will detail at a minimum the following:

• General information for applicants
• How the initiative meets the Fund objectives and priorities as specified in Section 1 above
• Eligibility criteria (e.g. who can access the fund, what activities are eligible for funding) – as specified in Section 2 above, and any mandatory requirements
• Assessment of applications, including Assessment criteria specifically relating to the activities being funded
• Funding available
• Timeline for funding
• Proposed contractual arrangements – as specified in Section 5
• Procedures for submitting an application
• Contact officer for applicants
• Fund Guidelines

A full suite of documentation will be provided with each funding process. Where possible a minimum of one month’s notice will be given to potential applicants of any proposed funding process. Such notice including the broad objectives of the funding round, the level of funding available and the timeframe for funding will be published on the Department’s internet site, and on grantsLINK.

4.6 Decisions

Approval of funding

An Assessment Panel/s will be established by the Department to assess applications against the assessment criteria and select the successful applicants. The Assessment Panel/s will consist of officers from the Department.

Following an assessment of the applications by the Fund Assessment Panel for that process, advice will be provided to the Funding Approver (Approver) on the merits of the applications including value for money. The final decision about the approval of a grant will be made by the agency Chief Executive (including a Chief Executive’s delegate) or the relevant Minister.

The Approver will consider whether the proposal will make an efficient, effective, ethical and economical use of Australian Government resources, as required by Australian Government (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 Approver.

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. In accordance with the Commonwealth Grant Guidelines and the Commonwealth Procurement Rules, details of successful applicants will be published. The Department will notify all unsuccessful applicants.

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 a grant or procurement process must be lodged in writing. Further details of the policy are available on the 'About Us' page on the Department’s website.
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5 Conditions of Funding

5.1 Contracting arrangements

Successful applicants funded under the Fund will be required to enter into a funding agreement or alternative contractual arrangement with the Australian Government (represented by the Department).

A copy of the proposed contractual arrangement will form part any Approach to Market material that forms the basis of a funding process under this Fund.

5.2 Specific conditions

There may be specific conditions attached to the funding approval required as a result of the assessment process or imposed by the Approver. These will be identified in the offer of funding or during contract negotiations.

5.3 Payment arrangements

Payments will usually be made on achievement of agreed milestones.

Where payments are linked to the achievement of specific milestones, payments will only be made after the Department is satisfied that those milestones and associated obligations of the contractual arrangement have been met.

5.4 Reporting requirements

Funding recipients will usually be required to provide progress reports on the agreed milestones. These progress reports may include funding acquittal requirements. The timing of progress reports will be negotiated and form part of the final contractual arrangement. The format and framework for providing progress reports will take into account the size, cost and relative risks of the initiative/ project being undertaken by the funding recipient.

5.5 Monitoring

The funded entity will be required to actively manage the delivery of the initiative/ project. The Department will monitor progress against the funding agreement or contract through assessment of progress reports and by conducting site visits as necessary.

5.6 Evaluation

The Department will undertake project evaluations, when required, to determine how the funded activities contributed to the objectives of the Fund. Funding recipients may be required to provide information to assist in this evaluation for a period of time, as stipulated in the funding arrangement, after funding has been provided.

Glossary of Terms

Applicant - means any entity that applies for funding under the Flexible Fund.

Flexible Fund or Fund - means the “Aged Care Service Improvement and Healthy Ageing Grants Fund” as described in Section 1 of these Guidelines.

Funded Entity - means any entity that has been successful in a grant process under the Flexible Fund.

Funding Approver (Approver) - means the officer or individual identified in any grant documentation as the decision maker in any process under the Fund.

Program - means a pre existing grants program that has been subject to consolidation into the Fund.

Approach to Market - means any invitation by the Department to an organisation/s to apply for funding under the Fund, this can refer to a grant or procurement process.
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Attachment A

Priority:

Support activities that promote healthy and active ageing

Potential Activities

The Australian Government recognises that older people are an invaluable asset and is committed to helping older people enjoy active, healthy and independent lives by encouraging positive approaches to ageing.

To support the participation of people as they age in all aspects of Australian life – economic, civic, community and family the Department will fund integrated and innovative activities. These activities will be aimed at promoting and raising awareness and includes the social inclusion and recognition of older people from diverse backgrounds.

Under this priority, other activities that may be funded include, but are not limited to, improving the evidence base for healthy, active and productive ageing; increasing access to information so that older people can make informed decisions; providing intervention and management strategies that support older people, their carers, family and friends, health professionals and service providers; and creating an environment that is respectful of all older people and takes into account the older person’s individual needs irrespective of their background, culture, gender or sexual diversity.

Broad assessment requirements

The first level of assessment for any funding arrangement will be to determine the capacity of the applicant and the proposed project to meet the purpose, scope, objectives and outcomes of the Fund and the priority to support activities that promote healthy and active ageing.

A comprehensive set of documentation detailing the specific criteria of this process will form part of the Approach to Market.

The second level of assessment will be against a range of more specific assessment criteria that directly relate to the project/s being funded under this priority, which may include, but is not limited to:

• Details of the legitimate need for the project/ service;
• Suitable Project Plan and Budget Projections;
• Outcomes that are measurable;
• Details of the applicant organisation’s experience or expertise in undertaking the project/s;
• Organisation’s financial viability;
• Consideration of referees’ comments.

Priority:

Respond to existing and emerging challenges, including dementia care

Potential Activities

The Australian Government is committed to increased flexibility in responding to emerging health and ageing priorities, by creating a funding base which ensures the ability to not only tailor responses and focus effort as new risks and challenges arise, but to anticipate and drive change in the system.

Activities funded under this priority will continue to address existing challenges such as dementia, including people with younger onset dementia. Activities will provide support for people with dementia, their families and carers, staff who provide aged care services and service providers, and includes the National Dementia Helpline.

Under this priority, other activities that may be funded include, but are not limited to, information, awareness, prevention and early intervention activities; culturally appropriate education and support; education and training; and building staff capacity in aged care services so that they gain increased knowledge and confidence in understanding the needs of all people in their care.
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Broad assessment requirements

The first level of assessment for any funding arrangement will be to determine the capacity of the applicant and the proposed project to meet the purpose, scope, objectives and outcomes of the Fund and the priority to support activities that respond to existing and emerging challenges.

A comprehensive set of documentation detailing the specific criteria of this process will form part of the Approach to Market.

The second level of assessment will be against a range of more specific assessment criteria that directly relate to the project/s being funded under this priority, which may include, but is not limited to:

• Details of the legitimate need for the project/ service;
• Suitable Project Plan and Budget Projections;
• Outcomes that are measurable;
• Details of the applicant organisation’s experience or expertise in undertaking the project/s;
• Organisation’s financial viability;
• Consideration of referees’ comments.

Priority:

Support activities that build the capacity of aged care services to deliver high quality care

Potential Activities

The Australian Government is committed to supporting and encouraging improvements in the delivery of aged care and ensuring the best possible care for frail older Australians in residential and community aged care settings.

In order to strengthen the interface between the health and aged care systems, the Government will support activities that promote better practice and partnerships. Activities will support the implementation of innovative ways of delivering aged care services, translation of research into everyday practice and actual care delivery, and improving access to General Practitioners. Projects that promote innovation, improved care and better business practice in priority areas of care will be targeted.

Under this priority, other activities that may be funded include, but are not limited to, training programs that focus on improving staff knowledge and skills and developing supporting resources/ materials, to improve outcomes for aged care recipients; improved communication procedures; assessment tools and/ or management policies and protocols.

Broad assessment requirements

The first level of assessment for any funding arrangement will be to determine the capacity of the applicant and the proposed project to meet the purpose, scope, objectives and outcomes of the Fund and the priority to support activities that build the capacity of aged care services to deliver high quality care.

A comprehensive set of documentation detailing the specific criteria of this process will form part of the Approach to Market.
The second level of assessment will be against a range of more specific assessment criteria that directly relate to the project/s being funded under this priority, which may include, but is not limited to:

• Details of the legitimate need for the project/ service;
• Suitable Project Plan and Budget Projections;
• Outcomes that are measurable;
• Details of the applicant organisation’s experience or expertise in undertaking the project/s;
• Organisation’s financial viability;
• Consideration of referees’ comments.

Priority:

Support activities to assist carers maintain their caring role
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Potential Activities

The Australian Government recognises that accurate information and support to navigate the system are essential to ensure that older people on the threshold of aged care, and their carers, know about the support services available to meet their needs and how to access them.

In supporting activities to assist carers maintain their caring role the Department will fund projects that provide high quality information, specialist advice and community awareness in a culturally appropriate manner.

Under this priority, other activities that may be funded include, but are not limited to, providing carers with timely and appropriate information resources which meet their information needs; contribution to and distribution of information about Australian Government programs in support of carers across the full range of carer needs, and promotion of available information.

Broad assessment requirements

The first level of assessment for any funding arrangement will be to determine the capacity of the applicant and the proposed project to meet the purpose, scope, objectives and outcomes of the Fund and the priority to support activities that assist carers maintain their caring role.

A comprehensive set of documentation detailing the specific criteria of this process will form part of the Approach to Market.

The second level of assessment will be against a range of more specific assessment criteria that directly relate to the project/s being funded under this priority, which may include, but is not limited to:

• Details of the legitimate need for the project/ service;
• Suitable Project Plan and Budget Projections;
• Outcomes that are measurable;
• Details of the applicant organisation’s experience or expertise in undertaking the project/s;
• Organisation’s financial viability;
• Consideration of referees’ comments.

Priority:

Support to services providing aged care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people living in remote areas

Potential Activities

The Australian Government supports older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people living in remote areas to access improved aged care services and infrastructure.

Providers of aged care services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people living in remote areas face particular challenges in service provision. These challenges can include issues around operating small services which may be remote from professional assistance and support, higher infrastructure and supply costs and difficulties in attracting and retaining staff.

Under this priority, activities that may be funded include, but are not limited to, capital assistance to support the construction of new aged care services in communities that have been identified as having the most critical unmet aged care needs, upgrading of aged care buildings and major maintenance, the provision of staff housing where this is essential for the delivery of aged care services; acquisition of equipment essential to the delivery of aged care services; and emergency assistance.
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Broad assessment requirements

The first level of assessment for any funding arrangement will be to determine the capacity of the applicant and the proposed project to meet the purpose, scope, objectives and outcomes of the Fund and the priority to support services that provide aged care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people living in remote areas.

A comprehensive set of documentation detailing the specific criteria of this process will form part of the Approach to Market.

The second level of assessment will be against a range of more specific assessment criteria that directly relate to the project/s being funded under this priority, which may include, but is not limited to:

• Details of the legitimate need for the project/ service;
• Demonstrated urgency of the project;
• Suitable Project Plan and Budget Projections;
• Outcomes that are measurable;
• Details of the applicant organisation’s experience or expertise in undertaking the project/s;
• Organisation’s financial viability;
• Culturally appropriate design processes and outcomes;
• Design and construction that is appropriate to the physical environment; and
• An appropriate maintenance schedule and a commitment to ongoing maintenance.

Priority:

Support older people with diverse needs, particularly those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, care leavers, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people

Potential Activities

The Australian Government is committed to delivering aged care that is appropriate for all older people regardless of race, culture, language, gender, economic circumstances or geographic location. Older people from diverse backgrounds can access and benefit from the same funding and services as other older people in the community. However, people from diverse backgrounds can face particular difficulties in understanding aged care information and services, and receiving care appropriate to their needs.

Under this priority support will be provided to older people with diverse needs, their families and carers to access information and aged care services that are sensitive to their backgrounds. People who will be supported include those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; care leavers; and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people.

Activities that may be funded include, but are not limited to, projects that improve the skills and knowledge of aged care providers to meet the care needs of people with diverse needs, including culturally appropriate training to staff of aged care services, dissemination of information on high quality aged care practices, translations, referrals and information sessions, access to interpreting services, staff sensitivity training and access to expert assistance.

Broad Assessment Requirements

The first level of assessment for any funding arrangement will be to determine the capacity of the applicant and the proposed project to meet the purpose, scope, objectives and outcomes of the Fund and the priority to support older people with diverse needs.

A comprehensive set of documentation detailing the specific criteria of this process will form part of the Approach to Market.

The second level of assessment will be against a range of more specific assessment criteria that directly relate to the project/s being funded under this priority, which may include, but is not limited to:

• Details of the legitimate need for the project/ service;
• The relevance and effectiveness of the proposal to address the cultural needs of older people, and their community/ies;
• Demonstration that the project is supported by the nominated community/ies;
• Completed Project Plan and Budget Projections;
• Outcomes that are measurable;
• Details of the applicant organisation’s experience or expertise in undertaking the project/s;
• Organisation’s financial viability;
• Consideration of referees’ comments.

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