G/SCM/N/253/AUS/Suppl.1  
 
24 September 2013  
(13-5106)  Page: 1/9  
Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures  Original: English  
 
  SUBSIDIES 
NEW AND FULL NOTIFICATION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE XVI:1 OF THE 
GATT 1994 AND ARTICLE 25 OF THE AGREEMENT ON 
SUBSIDIES AND COUNTERVAILING MEASURES 
AUSTRALIA  
Supplement 
As foreshadowed in Australia's latest new an d full notification for financial years 2011/12 
and 2012/131, the following notification provides the details of programs for the state of 
Queensland for financial years 2011/12 and 2012/13  (the financial year being from 1 July to 
30 June). 
 
1  QUEENSLAND 
1.1  Business and Industry Transformation Incentives 
1. Title of the Grant Scheme 
 
Business and Industry Transformation Incentives. 
 
2. Period covered by the notification 
 Financial years 2011/12 and 2012/13. 
 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy 
 
The Business and Industry Transformation Ince ntives scheme assisted businesses to undertake 
projects that will promote the transformation of  key sectors and related supply chains. The scheme 
aimed to achieve transformation through innovation, increasing productivity and building regional 
strengths. In addition to transformation, projects  with job creation and retention potential were 
highly regarded.  4. Background and authority for the subsidy 
 The Business and Industry Transformation Incentiv es scheme is administered by the Department 
of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts on behalf of the Queensland 
Government. There is no direct legislative authority for this programme. 
 5. Form of the subsidy 
 Assistance was provided in the form of a cash grant and the scheme can fund up to 50% of the 
cost of eligible activities. Payment of incentives is by reimbursement of approved costs incurred and documentary evidence of expenditure must be provided before payments are made. 
 
                                               
1 G/SCM/N/253/AUS G/SCM/N/253/AUS/Suppl.1 
 
- 2 - 
 
  6. To whom the subsidy is provided 
 
To be considered, the applicant must:  
 Operate or intend to operate in a key sector (as identified by the Department) 
 Have an established operating base in Queensland 
 Have been trading for at least the last two years 
 Have an Australian Business Number and be registered for GST 
 Be able to funds equal any incentive awarded from financial resources (not in-kind) 
7. Level of subsidy per unit 
 
In 2011/2012, 35 companies entered agreements with a total approved value of $7.336m. 
 In 2012/2013 no agreements have been executed under this scheme. 
 
8. Duration of the scheme 
 
The Business and Industry Transformation Ince ntives scheme was launched in October 2007. The 
scheme is no longer active.  9. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects 
 No statistical data permitting an assessment of trade effects is available.  
1.2  Future Resources Program 
1. Title of the Grant Scheme 
 
Future Resources Program – Collaborative Drilling Initiative. 
 2. Period covered by the notification 
 
Financial years 2014/15 to 2016/17. 
 3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy 
 Future Resources Program – Collaborative Drilling Initiative are intended to increase the knowledge and perception of the prospectivity of Queensland, and thereby increase the chances of 
a discovery that will lead to the development of a new generation of mineral and energy resources. 
 Funding for the grants will be set as follows:  
 Collaborative Drilling Initiative – 50% of project direct drilling costs up to $150,000 per 
project to assist in the testing of targets by drilling; 
4. Background and authority for the subsidy 
 
The $3 million in grants are part of the $30 million Future Resources Program. $1.5 million has been allocated to Round 8 and the remaining $1.5 million allocated to Round 9. 
 
5. Form of the grant 
 Rounds are organized and the allocation of grants  will be competitive and proposals submitted 
should address assessment criteria set down in guidelines provided under the Initiative. 
 G/SCM/N/253/AUS/Suppl.1 
 
- 3 - 
 
  Grants are set amounts defined under each initiative or half the estimated direct drilling costs 
whichever is lower.  Projects are to be completed in 21 months. Gran ts are paid upon a successful assessment of a 
report after project completion. 
 6. To whom the grant is provided 
 The exploration industry.  7. Level of grant per unit 
 Applications for Round 8 are to be submitted by  April 2014. Applications for Round 9 are to be 
submitted by 21 November 2014. 
 
8. Duration of the scheme 
 
The Future Resources – Collaborative Drilling In itiative will commence in 2013/14 and conclude 
in 2016/17.  9. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects 
 No statistical data permitting an assessment of trade effects is available.  
1.3  Greenfields 2020 Program 
1. Title of the Grant Scheme 
 
Greenfields 2020 Program – Collaborative Drilling Initiative 
 2. Period covered by the notification 
 
Financial years 2010/11 to 2013/14. 
 3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy 
 Greenfields 2020 Program – Collaborative Drilling Initiative are intended to increase the knowledge and perception of the prospectivity of Queensl and, and thereby increase the chances of a 
discovery that will lead to the development of a new generation of mineral and energy resources. 
 Funding for grants under the following:  
 Collaborative Drilling Initiative – 50% of project direct drilling costs up to $150,000 per 
project to assist in the testing of targets by drilling; 
4. Background and authority for the subsidy 
 
The $4.136 million in grants are part of  the $18 million Greenfields 2020 Program. 
 
5. Form of the grant 
 
Rounds are organized and the of will be compet itive and proposals submitted should address 
assessment criteria set down in guidelines provided under the Initiative. 
 
Grants are set amounts defined under each initiative or half the estimated direct drilling costs whichever is lower. 
 
Projects are to be completed in 15 months. Gran ts are paid upon a successful assessment of a 
report after project completion. 
 G/SCM/N/253/AUS/Suppl.1 
 
- 4 - 
 
  6. To whom the grant is provided 
 
The exploration industry.  
7. Level of grant per unit 
 
In 2011/12, total expenditure on the program was $559,810; 2012/13 was $1,183,919 and as of 
10 September 2013, 2013/14 expenditure was $334,509. 
 8. Duration of the scheme 
 
The Greenfields 2020 Program – Collaborative Drilling Initiative commenced in 2010/11 and will 
conclude in 2013/14.  
9. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects 
 
No statistical data permitting an assessment of trade effects is available. 
 
1.4  Investment Attraction Programme 
1. Title of Subsidy 
 
Queensland Investment Incentives Scheme. 
 2. Period covered by the notification 
 Financial years 2011/12 and 2012/13.  
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy 
 
The Queensland Investment Incentives Scheme aims to generate sustainable investment and jobs in Queensland by securing selected projects which the Government considers to have strategic 
merit and that, without Government intervention, would not occur in Queensland. 
 4. Background and authority for the subsidy 
 The Queensland Investment Incentives Scheme is discretionary and is administered by the Department Innovation. legislative authority for the scheme. 
 
5. Form of the subsidy 
 Incentives potentially offered to selected projects include: 
 
 Payroll tax and land tax refunds – Consideration may be given to refunding part of payroll 
and land taxes directly related to a project, incurred and paid by the proponent of the 
project over the early years of operation; 
 Stamp duty refund – Consideration may be given to refunding in part or in full Queensland 
Stamp Duty incurred and paid in relation to the establishment of the project; and 
 Establishment grants – A grant may be offered to offset part of any establishment, 
relocation or training costs associated with the project that is paid by the proponent of the project. 
6. To whom and how the subsidy is provided 
 
The scheme allows the State to offer incentives to proponents of selected projects which the Government considers have strategic merit to Queensland. 
 G/SCM/N/253/AUS/Suppl.1 
 
- 5 - 
 
  7. Level of subsidy per unit 
 
The aggregated State expenditure and the estimated number of firms assisted for the financial year 2011/12 and financial year 2012/13 are contained in the aggregated table of Australia's 
subsidy notification (G/SCM/N/253/AUS). 
 8. Duration of the subsidy 
 Ongoing.  9. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects 
 No statistical data permitting an assessment of trade effects is available.  
1.5  Proof of Concept Fund 
1. Title of the Grant Scheme 
 
Proof of Concept Fund. 
 2. Period covered by the notification 
 
Financial year 2011/12 only. 
 3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy 
 The Proof of Concept Fund supported skills develo pment and innovative research in the research 
and business communities and also research-industry collaboration. It provided financial 
assistance to Queensland-based organisations to demonstrate the potential commercial viability of 
their innovation (technologies, products or processes). The fund intended to increase the level of commercialisation in the State, whilst also enhancing the uptake of innovation by Queensland businesses. 
 
4. Background and authority for the subsidy 
 
In 2008 the Proof of Concept Fund opened for applications and applications were accepted 
until 2010/2011.  
5. Form of the subsidy 
 
Available funding was between $30,000 and $75,000 (excluding GST), for up to 50% of the total eligible project costs. The maximum timeframe for a project is 12 months. 
 
6. To whom the subsidy is provided 
 
Eligible organisations include, but are not limited to: 
  companies operating and registered in Queensland. 
 universities and other research institutes. 
 industry organisations and incorporated not-for-profit organisations. 
 individual researchers and innovators should apply through a registered company. 
Commonwealth Government entities and other state/territory Government agencies were not 
eligible to apply. Universities and their associated entities that have current funding agreements 
for an in-house proof of concept prog ram were not eligible for funding. 
 G/SCM/N/253/AUS/Suppl.1 
 
- 6 - 
 
  7. Level of subsidy per unit 
 
In 2011/2012, six companies entered into performa nce based agreements with a total approved 
value of $0.34m.  
 
No agreements were entered into in 2012/2013. Cu rrently there is no funding available for future 
rounds of the POC program.  
 
8. Duration of the scheme 
 The fund was launched in October 2008. There is currently no formal end date for the scheme. 
 
9. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects 
 
No statistical data permitting an assessment of trade effects is available. 
 1.6  Regional Queensland Inve stment Incentives Scheme 
1. Title of the Grant Scheme 
 
Regional Queensland Investment Incentives Scheme.  
2. Period covered by the notification 
 
Financial years 2011/12 and 2012/13. 
 
3. Policy Objective and/or purpose of the subsidy 
 
The Regional Investment Incentives Scheme aims to generate sustainable investment and jobs in 
Queensland by securing selected projects which the Government considers to have strategic merit and that, without Government intervention, would not occur in regional Queensland (outside the Brisbane, Moreton, Redlands and Logan council boundaries noting that the Western Corridor 
(Wacol and beyond) is included). 
 4. Background and authority for the subsidy 
 The Regional Queensland Investment Incentives Sc heme is discretionary and is administered by 
the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning. There is no legislative 
authority for the scheme. 
 5. Form of the subsidy 
 
Short-term financial incentives available to eligible Projects may include: 
  Payroll tax refund – Consideration may be given to refunding up to 100% of payroll tax 
directly related to the Project, incurred and paid by the Proponent over the early years of 
operation. 
 Establishment grants – A grant may be offered to offset part of any establishment, 
relocation or training costs associated with the Project that is paid by the Proponent. 
 Other Assistance – The State may offer contributions to the cost of establishing common 
user infrastructure, or other forms of assistance such as land tax and stamp duty at the Minister's discretion. 
6. To whom and how the subsidy is provided 
 
The scheme allowed the State to offer incentives to proponents of selected projects which the 
Government considers have strategic merit to regional Queensland. 
 G/SCM/N/253/AUS/Suppl.1 
 
- 7 - 
 
  7. Level of subsidy per unit 
 
The level of funding was discretionary and decided on a case by case basis.   
The aggregated State expenditure and the estimated number of firms assisted for the financial 
year 2011/12 and financial year 2012/13 are contained in the aggregated table of Australia's subsidy notification (G/SCM/N/253/AUS). 
 
8. Duration of the grant 
 The Regional Queensland Investment Incentives Scheme is now closed and no new grants are 
being awarded. 
 9. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects 
 No statistical data permitting an assessment of trade effects is available.  
1.7  Smart Mining – Future Prosperity Program 
1. Title of the Grant Scheme 
 
Smart Mining – Future Prosperity Program grant initiative. 
 
2. Period covered by the notification 
 
Financial years 2006/07 to 2010/11. 
 3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy 
 Smart Mining – Future Prosperity Program grant initiatives are intended to increase the knowledge and perception of the prospectivity of Queensl and, and thereby increase the chances of a 
discovery that will lead to the development of a new generation of mineral and energy resources. 
 
Funding for grants under the following:  
 Collaborative Drilling Initiative – 50% of project direct drilling costs up to $150,000 per 
project to assist in the testing of targets by drilling; 
 Cluster Formation Initiative – up to $50,000 per project for mobilisation costs to encourage 
companies to share drilling and geophysical resources; and 
 Industry Network Initiative – up to $40,000 per project to encourage growth of junior 
mineral explorers by providing support to esta blish a workable and structured network of 
 specialist industry and/or academic organizations, for research into innovative mineral 
 exploration targeting and project generation activities. 
4. Background and authority for the subsidy 
 
The $7.28 million in grants are part of the $29.04 million Smart Mining-Future Prosperity program. 
 5. Form of the grant 
 Rounds are grants proposals submitted should address assessment criteria set down in guidelines provided under the Initiative.  
Grants are set amounts defined under each initiative or half the estimated direct drilling costs 
whichever is lower.  
Projects are to be completed in 12 months. Gran ts are paid upon a successful assessment of a 
report after project completion. G/SCM/N/253/AUS/Suppl.1 
 
- 8 - 
 
   
6. To whom the grant is provided 
 The exploration industry. 
 
7. Level of grant per unit 
 
Nil. 
 8. Duration of the scheme 
 
The Smart Mining – Future Prosperity grant initiative commenced in 2006/07 and concluded 
in 2010/11.  
9. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects 
 
No statistical data permitting an assessment of trade effects is available. 
 
1.8  What's Your Big Idea Queensland 
1. Title of the Grant Scheme 
 
What's Your Big Idea Queensland 
 2. Period covered by the notification 
 Financial years 2010/11 and 2011/12.  
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy 
 
For small-to-medium sized businesses to implement an innovative idea. Businesses are encouraged to be creative and capture an opportunity by changing their business model, products 
or processes. 
 4. Background and authority for the subsidy 
 A $1M pilot program was initially launched in FY 2010/11.  
5. Form of the subsidy 
 
Assistance is provided in the form of a cash gr ant and up to $50,000 to help Queensland small and 
medium enterprises put their innovative ideas into practice. 
 
6. To whom the subsidy is provided 
 
Queensland-based small to medium sized businesses employing less than 200 employees could 
apply. Businesses had to be registered and op erating in Queensland, have an ABN and be 
registered for GST. Not for profit organisations were eligible to apply for this program as long as 
they were registered and operating in Queensland, have an ABN and registered for GST. 
 Businesses had to demonstrate financial capacity to complete the project successfully although 
matched funds were not required. 
 
7. Level of subsidy per unit 
 
In 2011/2012, 31 companies entered into performance based agreements with a total approved 
value of $1.45M.   
No agreements were entered into for the 2012/2013 period. 
 G/SCM/N/253/AUS/Suppl.1 
 
- 9 - 
 
  8. Duration of the scheme 
 
$1 million was allocated for the 2010/2011 pilot round, and $1.5M in 2011/2012.  
9. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects 
 
No statistical data permitting an assessment of trade effects is available. 
 
__________