WHAT IS AN ACT OF PAYMENT Act of grace payments are discretionary. They may be made by the Finance Minister or delegate when it is considered appropriate to do so because of special circumstances (section 33 of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 (FMA Act)). WHAT ARE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES Special circumstances are not defined but may apply where a decision maker is satisfied that: the action or inaction of the Australian Government has directly resulted in a loss; or the application of Commonwealth legislation or policy has caused an unintentional or inequitable outcome; or there is some other relevant anomaly or issue of moral concern. WHO CAN APPLY Any individual, company or other organisation can apply for an act of grace payment, either for themselves or for a third party if authorised. Claims are made in writing. Face-to-face meetings are generally not conducted. The act of grace power is available to provide a remedy for all FMA Act agencies. A list of FMA Act agencies is available on the Department of Finance website. If your claim relates to a body other than an FMA Act agency, the Department may be limited to considering issues arising from the application of legislation or broader policy issues. The act of grace mechanism is generally a remedy of last resort and is used only where there is no other viable avenue to provide redress. Accordingly, you should attempt to resolve the matter in the first instance directly with the agency concerned. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU APPLY The investigation of your application may be a lengthy process. If you want to find out about the progress of your application, you can contact the Discretionary Payments Section. Generally, the Department of Finance will seek information your application from relevant Government agencies. A copy of any information provided by another agency will ordinarily be provided to you for an opportunity to comment, prior to a decision being made. Once all relevant information is available, the request will be submitted for a decision as soon as practicable. You will be notified of the decision in writing. PRIVACY The information you provide will be protected in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988. FOR MORE INFORMATION Website sfc@finance.gov.au Freecall (except from mobiles) 1800 227 572 WHERE DO I SEND THIS FORM? Send the completed form to: Discretionary Payments Section Risk, Insurance and Special Claims Branch Department of Finance John Gorton Building King Edward Terrace PARKES ACT 2600 or Email: sfc@finance.gov.au Part 1 (a): Personal details
Title Surname (Family name) Given name(s) Date of birth Part 1 (b): Company details Company name Authorised officer & position Part 2: Contact details Postal address State and Postcode Contact details Home Phone Number ( ) Work Phone Number ( ) Mobile Phone Number Email address Part 3: Application details Which FMA Act agency(s) does your claim relate to? Have you sought review from the relevant FMA Act agency(s) in this matter or from another body e.g. the Ombudsman, a tribunal or a court? (Please tick) Yes No If you have answered no, there may be other avenues of redress available to you. Please contact the relevant agency(s) in the first instance. If yes, who reviewed the matter and what was the outcome? Please attach copies of review decisions. Why are you applying for an act of grace payment? Please attach relevant supporting documentation. Please note that a decision may be made on this application on the information you have provided and any other supporting documents.