CONTENTS
1. About the Program
2.Eligible Entities
3.Eligible Activities
4.Matching Cash
5.Application
6.Assessment
7.Tax implications and GST
8.Successful Applicants
The T-QUAL Grants – Tourism Quality Projects Program Guidelines for 2013 and Application Form are available at This document should be read in conjunction with the Program Guidelines and Application Form.
If you require further assistance contact:
telephone 02 6243 7604
Please note: where there is any perceived inconsistency between this document and the T-QUAL Grants -Tourism Quality Projects Program Guidelines 2013, the Program Guidelines will take priority.
Stimulating sustainable economic growth in the Australian tourism industry1
List of Questions
1. About the Program......
1.1 What are T-QUAL Grants?
1.2 What kind of projects will be funded?
1.3 Will all applications be funded?
1.4 Is this round of T-QUAL Grants different to the round held in 2012?
1.5 Will there be a T-QUAL Grants funding round in 2014?
1.6 What are the differences between T-QUAL Grants and TIRF Grants?
1.7 Is T-QUAL Accreditation a requirement for funding under T-QUAL Grants?
1.8 Can I apply for the 2013 T-QUAL Grants round if I have received T-QUAL Grants funding in a previous round?
1.9 My application for funding under the TIRF Grants Program has been successful. Can I still apply for a T-QUAL Grant?
1.10 I applied for a TIRF Grant but was ineligible/unsuccessful. Can I still apply for a T-QUAL Grant?
1.11 I applied for a TIRF Grant but was unsuccessful/ineligible. Can I use the same application for T-QUAL Grants?
1.12 Can I get funding for one component of a larger project?
1.13 Can I submit more than one application for funding?
1.14 If I submit more than one application, do I have to divide the $100,000 between the applications?
1.15 When do projects need to be completed?
1.16 Is the T-QUAL Grants program limited to regional tourism projects or can metropolitan-based organisations also apply?
2.Eligible Entities......
2.1 Who can apply?
2.2 Why aren’t individuals and partnerships eligible to apply?
2.3 Can a Trust apply if it is registered for GST?
2.4 Can a group of entities apply for a T-QUAL Grant?
2.5 Can I get funding for my project if I am not an eligible business entity to apply for T-QUAL Grants?
2.6 If I have an established business in an industry other than tourism, can I still apply for T-QUALGrants?
2.7 How much funding can I apply for?
3.Eligible Activities......
3.1 What activities are eligible for funding?
3.2 Why are promotion and marketing ineligible activities?
3.3 Is signage considered a marketing (and therefore ineligible) activity?
3.4 Is website development an eligible activity?
3.5 Can I use the grants funds or my matching cash to pay for the costs of gaining relevant Council and other approvals?
3.6 Can I use the T-QUAL Grant funds or my matching cash to buy capital equipment?
3.7 Can I use the grants funds or my matching cash to engage or pay permanent employees?
4.Matching Cash......
4.1 What is ‘matching cash’?
4.2 Can state or territory governments be a source for matching cash?
4.3 At what point does the dollar-for-dollar funding need to be matched and how is this managed and verified?
5.Application......
5.1 Can I email my application form?
5.2 When do grant applications close?
5.3 What do I do if my application or project details change before a decision is made on which applications will receive funding?
5.4 Does the Department have a list of consultants that are qualified to help prepare a T-QUAL application?
5.5 I have just started (or am about to start) a new business and am thus unable to provide financial statements for the past two financial years. How can I show that my business is in a good financial position?
5.6 How do I fill out the Project Budget in the Application Form?
5.7 Should I include quotes for items in the budget section of the Application Form?
5.8 How do I fill out the Other Contributions table in the Application Form?
5.9 How do I fill out the Project Milestones table in the Application Form?
6.Assessment......
6.1 How will my application be assessed?
6.2 How do I address the Assessment Criteria?
7.Tax implications and GST......
7.1 Do I need to be registered for GST to apply for T-QUAL Grants even though my business is not required to be registered for GST to operate?
7.2 Are grants funds treated as income for taxation purposes?
7.3 What GST implications do I need to be aware of?
8.Successful Applicants......
8.1 When will I find out if my application is successful?
8.2 What is a Funding Agreement?
8.3 If my application is successful, will I get the whole grant amount in one payment?
1. About the Program
1.1 What are T-QUAL Grants?
T-QUAL Grants provide funding from $15,000 (excluding GST) to $100,000 (excluding GST) for small scale projects to support the tourism industry by lifting the quality and variety of Australia's tourism products and experiences.
Applicants are required to provide at least dollar-for-dollar matching cash for their project.
1.2 What kind of projects will be funded?
T-QUAL Grants support projects which deliver high quality tourism products and services to meet the needs of domestic and international visitors. Examples of projects that have been successful in previous grants rounds can be found at This does not mean that only these types of projects will be successful in future rounds.
A list of activities which are ineligible for funding can be found in Section 6 of the Program Guidelines for 2013.
1.3 Will all applications be funded?
No. The program is highly competitive and attracts a large number of applicants – to be successful projects need to ‘stand out from the crowd’.
Applications must satisfy the eligibility criteria as outlined in the Program Guidelines for 2013 and must rate highly against the four assessment criteria. To have the maximum chance of success, applicants must fully address all questions in the application form.
1.4 Is this round of T-QUAL Grants different to the round held in 2012?
The 2013 T-QUAL Grants round is broadly similar to the 2012 round. There have been some changes, most notably, the assessment criteria have been reduced from six to four. There is also a new provision for some expenditure of T-QUAL Grant funding on non-fixed technology items that are integral to the project, e.g., tablet devices to provide information to tourists undertaking a self-guided tour.
1.5 Will there be a T-QUAL Grants funding round in 2014?
No. The Australian Government allocated funding for T-QUAL Grants over a four year period, with 2013 being the final funding round. There are other grants available from the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (the Department), most notably, Tourism Industry Regional Development Fund (TIRF) Grants. A second TIRF Grants funding round is expected to be held later in 2013. Further information about TIRF Grants is available at
1.6 What are the differences between T-QUAL Grants and TIRF Grants?
These are two separate grant programs. The eligibility and assessment criteria are different for each program and each has its own Guidelines and application form. The funding rounds for T-QUAL Grants and TIRF Grants are held at different times. TIRF Grants offer funding from $50,000 to $250,000 (excluding GST) to increase the quality and range of visitor experiences in regional Australia.
1.7 Is T-QUAL Accreditation a requirement for funding under T-QUAL Grants?
T-QUAL Accreditation is the preferred way for applicants to demonstrate their commitment to quality and is an easy way to support their response to the first assessment criteria ‘Alignment with industry priorities and strategies, including a demonstrated commitment to quality’, however it is not a requirement.
If an applicant does not have T-QUAL Accreditation, it will need to document other ways that it demonstrates commitment to quality. This may include:
- evidence of industry awards and commendations
- plans for continuous quality improvement, including a commitment to accreditation principles or programs
- how the project will meet any relevant national or international standards or benchmarks.
Businesses cannot directly apply for T-QUAL Accreditation. ApplicantsareT-QUALAccreditedif they are accredited through a T-QUAL endorsed quality assurance scheme. A full list of accredited programs is on the Department’s website at
Where appropriate, successful applicants will be expected to seek or maintain T-QUAL Accreditation during the life of the project, with this requirement included in the Funding Agreement. Further information on T-QUAL Accreditation is available at
1.8 Can I apply for the 2013 T-QUAL Grants round if I have received T-QUAL Grants funding in a previous round?
Yes. As the Program Guidelines have been updated for the 2013 round, please review the eligibility and project requirements.
1.9 My application for funding under the TIRF Grants Program has been successful. Can I still apply for a T-QUAL Grant?
Yes. However, the project for which you are applying for funding under T-QUAL Grants must be different to the project for which you will be funded under TIRF Grants.
1.10 I applied for a TIRF Grant but was ineligible/unsuccessful. Can I still apply for a T-QUAL Grant?
Yes. However, please note there are a number of differences between the programs including, but not limited to, the eligibility and assessment criteria and the amount of funding available (refer to 1.6 above for further information). Please ensure you closely consider the assessment criteria and Program Guidelines before beginning an application to determine if your project is eligible and likely to rate highly against the assessment criteria.
1.11 I applied for a TIRF Grant but was unsuccessful/ineligible. Can I use the same application for T-QUAL Grants?
No. You must use the 2013 T-QUAL Grants – Tourism Quality Projects Application Form to apply for a T-QUAL Grant (refer to 1.6 for further information). Application forms are available at
1.12 Can I get funding for one component of a larger project?
Yes. It may be useful to outline the larger project in the Project Description (Section 2.1) of the Application Form. For all other criteria the proposal should focus on the component of the larger project for which funding is being sought.
1.13 Can I submit more than one application for funding?
Yes, provided the applications are for different projects. It is recommended that an applicant focus on submitting one high quality application. Remember that only high quality projects and applications will be successful.
1.14 If I submit more than one application, do I have to divide the $100,000 between the applications?
No. There is a maximum of $100,000 (excluding GST) of T-QUAL Grants funding per project. You must also have matching cash for each project for which you are seeking a T-QUAL Grant.
1.15 When do projects need to be completed?
Project works funded under the 2013 T-QUAL Grants round should be completed by 31 March 2015 to allow time to process final payments before the end of the 2014-15 financial year. Grants cannot be ‘rolled over’ to the following financial year.
1.16 Is the T-QUAL Grants program limited to regional tourism projects or can metropolitan-based organisations also apply?
Projects may be located in any part of Australia. This includes Australia’s self-governing and non-self-governing territories.
2.Eligible Entities
2.1 Who can apply?
Applicants must have an ABN and be:
registered for GST,
a legal business entity,
one of the following:
–a private sector corporation
–a corporate trustee on behalf of a trust
–a non-profit corporation or incorporated association
–an incorporated regional tourism or economic development organisation
–a local government body corporate/body politic
–a Government Business Enterprise (where 51% or more of revenue is derived from non-government sources)
–a corporate national peak or sectoral tourism association able to demonstrate sufficient representation of the industry through diversity in its membership, or
–a consortium of corporate partners (led by any of the above entity types).
The applicant must be registered as a company with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) or as an incorporated association under State or Territory law, or constituted as a local government body corporate/body politic under State law. Having an ABN, being registered for GST and having a registered business name are not, by themselves, sufficient.
There is no discretion for the eligible applicants criterion to be waived or varied.
More information is available in the Program Guidelines for 2013.
2.2 Why aren’t individuals and partnerships eligible to apply?
The Department has made a risk management decision to limit the types of entities with which it will enter into a T-QUAL Grants Funding Agreement.
2.3 Can a Trust apply if it is registered for GST?
No - the Trust itself is not eligible to apply. Only a Corporate Trustee may apply on behalf of a Trust.
The Corporate Trustee must:
- be registered with ASIC, and
- be authorised to hold or administer funds for the benefit of others.
The Trustee must hold the following on behalf of the Trust:
- an Australian Business Number (ABN), and
- GST registration.
The evidence that a Corporate Trustee is required to provide with their application is:
- a copy of the Corporate Trustee’s Certificate of Company Registration with ASIC
- proof that the Trust holds an ABN and is registered for GST, and
- a letter from the Trust’s solicitor or accountant confirming the Corporate Trustee’s relationship with the Trust and that the Corporate Trustee has the authority to enter legal agreements on behalf of the Trust.
2.4 Can a group of entities apply for a T-QUAL Grant?
Yes. A consortium of corporate entities (led by any of the eligible entity types listed above) may apply for a T-QUAL Grant. A consortium is a group of organisations and individuals that agree to work together towards a common goal – such as carrying out a project. A consortium can include Australian, state or territory government agencies.
The application must be submitted by one of the consortium members (called the ‘lead applicant’).
The lead applicant:
- must meet the eligibility requirements in its own right,
- will execute a Funding Agreement with the Commonwealth if the proposal is successful, and
- is responsible for managing the legal relationship between the consortium members.
The person completing and submitting the application form does this on behalf of the lead applicant. They must have the authority to take this action on the lead applicant’s behalf.
2.5 Can I get funding for my project if I am not an eligible business entity to apply for T-QUAL Grants?
Your organisation may be able to participate in a consortium where the lead applicant meets the eligibility criteria and is willing to submit the application and enter into a Funding Agreement with the Commonwealth if successful.
2.6 If I have an established business in an industry other than tourism, can I still apply for T-QUALGrants?
Yes, provided you meet the applicant and project eligibility requirements, the project benefits the Australian tourism industry and meets the T-QUAL Grants program objectives.
2.7 How much funding can I apply for?
Only applications for T-QUAL Grant funding between $15,000 (excluding GST) and $100,000 (excluding GST) will be considered. The applicant must provide dollar for dollar matching cash equal to or greater than the grant amount applied for.
3.Eligible Activities
3.1 What activities are eligible for funding?
T-QUAL Grants funds high quality projects which are innovative and which refresh, upgrade or develop tourism products and experiences to support the Australian tourism industry to meet its potential. Activities for which T-QUAL Grants funding or matching cash cannot be used are listed in Section 6 of the Program Guidelines for 2013.
3.2 Why are promotion and marketing ineligible activities?
The Australian Government significantly supports tourism marketing and promotion through its funding of Tourism Australia to undertake marketing, advertising and promotion activities. Also, state and territory tourism organisations also play an important role in generating demand. In contrast, T-QUAL Grants focuses on supporting the supply of quality tourism products and services to meet the needs of domestic and international visitors.
3.3 Is signage considered a marketing (and therefore ineligible) activity?
This depends on the purpose of the signage. Public signage activities are eligible to be funded under this program if they are for directional/information/interpretive purposes. Applicants should ensure that they consult all relevant agencies regarding the signage as they may be subject to government/council regulations.
3.4 Is website development an eligible activity?
This depends on the purpose of the website. If the purpose of the website is marketing, advertising or product promotion, the activity is not eligible. However, development/upgrading of websites as an integral part of the tourism product or experience may be eligible, e.g. developing an online booking system.
3.5 Can I use the grants funds or my matching cash to pay for the costs of gaining relevant Council and other approvals?
Yes, provided the activity is undertaken after the Funding Agreement between the Commonwealth and the applicant is executed.
3.6 Can I use the T-QUAL Grant funds or my matching cash to buy capital equipment?
As a general rule, any item of equipment that can be easily removed from the project and used for other purposes is considered not eligible. For example motor vehicles, furniture and computers are easily removed and reused. Equipment that is fixed in place would generally be eligible (for example a kitchen fit-out). Note that where it is integral to the project, limited expenditure on non-fixed technology items can be included in your application for grant funding (refer to Section 6 of the Program Guidelines).
3.7 Can I use the grants funds or my matching cash to engage or pay permanent employees?
No, unless you can demonstrate that the work being undertaken by the employee is critical to the project and is in addition to the core business activities of the organisation.
4.Matching Cash
4.1 What is ‘matching cash’?
Applicants must provide their own funds to match the value of the grant funding being sought. Matching cash may be contributed from various sources, including the applicant’s own funds, a bank or other loan or contributions from project partners.