Amplify your voice: NAVA Members speak up

The NSW Legislative Council's Public Accountability Committee is currently conducting an Inquiry into the integrity, efficacy and value for money of NSW Government grant programs. 

NAVA is preparing a submission on behalf of the visual and media arts, craft and design sectors, and we are seeking your feedback about NSW Government grant programs via a quick open-response survey. 

Deadline 16 August 2020.

1. That the Public Accountability Committee inquire into and report on the integrity, efficacy and value for money of NSW Government grant programs, and in particular:

(a) the range and availability of funding programs, including but not limited to:

• discretionary grants funds such as the Premier's Discretionary Fund and the Deputy Premier's Miscellaneous Grants
• local government funding such as the Stronger Communities Fund and Stronger
• Country Communities Fund, 
• arts funding such as the Regional Cultural Fund, 
• sports funding such as the Greater Sydney Sports Facility Fund and the Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund,
• jobs for NSW funding, including the review into Jobs for NSW.

(b) the manner in which grants are determined, including:

• the oversight of funding determinations,
• the transparency of decision making under grants schemes,
• the independence of the assessment of projects,
• the role of Members of Parliament in proposing projects for funding,
• the scope of Ministers’ discretion in determining which projects are approved,

(c) measures necessary to ensure the integrity of grants schemes and public confidence in the allocation of public money, and

(d) any other related matter.

2. That the Committee report by 31 March 2021. 

Deadline 23 August 2020.

Some tips for writing your submission to help ensure that NSW grant programs are well informed and effective in developing ambitious and fair working conditions.

• clearly address some or all of the points raised in the terms of reference
• expressing where and why you agree or disagree are equally important, as are your views and ideas for alternative initiatives
• make it relevant and highlight your own perspective
• be concise, generally no longer than four to five pages
• begin with a short introduction about yourself or the organisation you represent
• emphasise your key points so that they are clear
• only include information you would be happy to see published online (unless you request that your submission is kept private)