part c: application information for broadband for seniors · web viewpart c: application...

Part C: Application Information for Broadband for Seniors

Part C: Application Information for

Broadband for Seniors

Kiosk Hosting Organisations

Program Guidelines Suite of 16

Part C: Application Information for Broadband for Seniors

PrefaceThese Guidelines provide the framework for the implementation and administration of the Allowances, Concessions and Services for Seniors Program (the Program).

The Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (the Department) has a suite of documents (the Program Guideline Suite) which provide information relating to the Program. They provide the key starting point for parties considering whether to participate in the Program and form the basis for the business relationship between the Department and the funding recipient.

The Program Guidelines Suite consists of three parts:

- Part A: Allowances, Concessions and Services for Seniors Program GuidelinesThis provides an overview of the Allowances, Concessions and Services for Seniors Program and the Activities relating to the program.

- Part B: Information for ApplicantsThis provides information on the Application, Assessment, Selection and Complaints processes; and Financial and Funding Agreement (Kiosk Host Agreement) arrangements.

- Part C: Application Information for Allowances, Concessions and Services for Seniors ProgramThis provides specific information on the Activity, Selection Criteria, Performance Management and Reporting. This part should be read in conjunction with the General Grant Conditions.

The Application Form is separate to the Program Guidelines Suite and must be completed by applicants applying for funding during a selection process.

The Department reserves the right to amend these documents from time to time by whatever means it may determine in its absolute discretion and will provide reasonable notice of these amendments.

Commonwealth Grant Guidelines

The Commonwealth grants policy framework applies to all departments and agencies (agencies) subject to the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 (FMA Act).

The Commonwealth Grant Guidelines (CGGs) establish the Commonwealth grants policy framework. They contain the key legislative and policy requirements, and explain the better practice principles of grants administration. More information and a copy of the CGGs can be found at www.finance.gov.au.


http://www.finance.gov.au/financial-framework/fma-legislation/fma-act.html

http://www.finance.gov.au/

Part C: Application Information

Table of ContentsPREFACE..................................................................................................................................2

1 PROGRAM OVERVIEW......................................................................................................41.1 PROGRAM OUTCOME.........................................................................................................................................41.2 OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................4

2 ACTIVITY OVERVIEW.........................................................................................................42.1 BROADBAND FOR SENIORS...................................................................................................................................42.2 OBJECTIVES.......................................................................................................................................................52.3 AIMS...............................................................................................................................................................52.4 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED TO SENIOR AUSTRALIANS.........................................................................52.5 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY KIOSK HOSTING ORGANISATIONS..........................................................52.6 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY THE SERVICE PROVIDER(S)...................................................................82.7 ELIGIBILITY........................................................................................................................................................82.8 TARGET GROUP..................................................................................................................................................82.9 FUNDING FOR THE ACTIVITY.................................................................................................................................82.10 ELIGIBLE AND INELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES.......................................................................................................................92.11 ACTIVITY LINKS AND WORKING WITH OTHER AGENCIES AND SERVICES..........................................................................92.12 SPECIALIST REQUIREMENTS (E.G. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS)................................................................................102.13 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY..............................................................................................................................102.14 REPORTING AND RECORD KEEPING......................................................................................................................10

3 APPLICATION PROCESS...................................................................................................123.1 OVERVIEW OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS............................................................................................................123.2 SELECTION CRITERIA.........................................................................................................................................123.3 HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION......................................................................................................................133.4 CONFLICTS OF INTEREST....................................................................................................................................133.5 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS DURING THE APPLICATION PERIOD..................................................................................133.6 QUESTIONS AFTER THE APPLICATION PERIOD.........................................................................................................133.7 APPLICATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.....................................................................................................................133.8 SELECTION PANEL............................................................................................................................................143.9 SELECTION PROCESS.........................................................................................................................................143.10 PRIVACY.........................................................................................................................................................15

4 CONTACT INFORMATION................................................................................................15

5 GLOSSARY......................................................................................................................16



Program Overview

The Australian Government helps to support senior Australians through allowances, concessions and services. The Allowances, Concessions and Services for Seniors Program (the Program), delivered through the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (the Department) provides payments to eligible seniors and provides grants and funding to organisations that deliver services for senior Australians.The Program has one annual administered component – Broadband for Seniors.

1.1 Program OutcomeThe Program aims to provide an adequate standard of living and improved capacity to productively manage resources and life-transitions for senior Australians through the delivery of payments, concessions and information services.

1.2 ObjectiveThe Program objective is to make payments and provide services to senior Australians to assist with household expenses, enabling them to maintain their standard of living, and increase access to information and community resources.

2 Activity Overview

2.1 Broadband for SeniorsBroadband for Seniors is an Australian Government initiative that aims to increase the participation of senior Australians in the digital economy by ensuring they have access to the latest computing technology and training to increase their confidence and skills in using computers and the internet.Broadband for Seniors aims to build community participation and social inclusion among senior Australians though the provision of volunteering opportunities and free access to, and training in, the use of computers and the internet. Broadband for Seniors maintains a network of up to 2,000 internet Kiosks in places frequented by senior Australians, such as community centres, retirement villages, libraries and local clubs. These organisations receive computer equipment and support infrastructure to enable them to deliver Broadband for Seniors services.The Government has committed a total of $25.4 million to Broadband for Seniors since it began in 2008: Broadband for Seniors was a part of the Making Ends Meet – Plan for Older Australians, People with

Disabilities and Carers package. Making Ends Meet committed $15 million over three years (2008-09 to 2010-11) to place free internet Kiosks in approximately 2,000 community organisations and other locations that seniors frequently visit.

In the 2011-12 Budget, the Australian Government committed an additional $10.4 million to continue Broadband for Seniors until 30 June 2015.

Broadband for Seniors services are delivered through Broadband for Seniors Kiosk Hosting Organisations and the Department’s nominated Service Provider(s). Through the Supporting Senior Australians – Keeping Seniors Connected (Keeping Seniors Connected) measure announced in the 2013-14 Budget, a further $9.9 million will be provided over four years to upgrade Broadband for Seniors Kiosks. This will ensure senior Australians continue to have access to the latest in information technology and allow them to both remain socially connected over the Internet and access the benefits offered by the National Broadband Network.



Funding of $5 million will be provided to community organisations for education and training appropriately tailored to seniors on cyber security issues and the use of multimedia devices.

2.2 ObjectivesKiosk Hosting Organisations must work with the Department and its nominated Service Provider(s) to achieve the following objectives by June 2015:

improve the skills and confidence of senior Australians in using computers and the internet

provide free access to training and broadband internet to senior Australians through the Broadband for Seniors Kiosk network

provide training and resources to improve senior Australians’ access to, and use of, the internet.

2.3 AimsBroadband for Seniors aims to enhance senior Australians’ capacity to access information and community resources to increase their confidence and skills in using computers and the internet, helping to build their community participation and social inclusion. The aim of Broadband for Seniors is to: provide senior Australians with access to computers and the internet via free internet Kiosks support senior Australians to gain confidence and build skills in using new technology, enabling

them to fully participate in the digital economy address the issue of senior Australians feeling isolated and ‘left behind’ in a technological age build community participation and social inclusion amongst senior Australians facilitate access to information on the benefits offered by the National Broadband Network (NBN).

2.4 Description of services to be provided to senior Australians Senior Australians are provided with free access to computers, the internet and personalised training at up to 2,000 Broadband for Seniors Kiosks across Australia.Guidance and ongoing support is provided in a friendly face-to-face environment by Volunteer Tutors either individually or in small groups. Training is tailored to the needs of senior Australians and covers topics such as how to use a computer, send emails, surf the internet, use videoconferencing tools and how to stay safe online. Senior Australians also have access to training materials to enable them to learn at their own pace.

2.5 Description of services to be provided by Kiosk Hosting OrganisationsOrganisations hosting a Broadband for Seniors Kiosk will: provide free access to computers, the internet and training to senior Australians make training regularly available to senior Australians. It is preferable, but not a requirement, that

kiosks provide a minimum of 10 hours training per week offer a safe, secure and friendly environment that is non-threatening to senior Australians make the Kiosk site accessible to senior Australians at times convenient to the needs of senior

Australians in the local community.Organisations hosting a Broadband for Seniors Kiosk must: provide Broadband for Seniors services to 30 June 2015 ensure that the Kiosk will not be used for any inappropriate purposes recruit and support Volunteer Tutors to provide training to senior Australians identify specific times, within a Kiosks operating hours, when Volunteer Tutors will be available to

assist senior Australians and provide training. This will vary between each Kiosk.



ensure that a Police Check has been conducted for any individual that will have contact with senior Australians in the delivery of Broadband for Seniors training and support (refer section 2.12)

ensure the nominated equipment will be fully insured against flood, fire, theft, vandalism and fusion promote the Kiosk ensure that the Kiosk is secure out-of-hours provide access to other amenities (i.e. toilet facilities) ensure that the Kiosk has adequate public liability insurance arrangements in place be well-positioned for senior Australians to access and comfortably use the services have access to a property or can obtain access to an area big enough to accommodate up to two

desktop computers set on two desks demonstrate the space available has suitable lighting, access to at least a double power point,

air-conditioning and heating, and can be accessed by persons with disability for security purposes, supervise Kiosks at all times during Kiosk opening hours for Greenfields sites, be able to provide a phone line that is capable of having a DSL service provisioned

on it for own-DSL sites, be able to provide a broadband internet connection with a minimum

upload/download speed consistent with current industry standards.Organisations hosting a Broadband for Seniors Kiosk should: be experienced in servicing the special needs of senior Australians be a well-established local community centre, retirement village, club or society or any other suitable

public place used and frequented by senior Australians be willing to connect to the NBN in accordance with its rollout schedule as provided at

www.nbn.gov.au


http://www.nbn.gov.au/


Nominated equipmentThe Department will engage a Service Provider(s) to provide Kiosk Hosting Organisations with nominated equipment (equipment). The Department or its nominated Service Provider(s) will provide all equipment to the Hosting Organisations on signing of the Kiosk Hosting Agreement. Provision of the equipment to the Kiosk Hosting Organisations means neither the Department nor the Service Provider(s) are to own the equipment, thus negating either organisation from having to claim depreciation of the equipment. Provision of the equipment is subject to the Kiosk Hosting Organisation accepting ownership of the equipment and the following conditions: the Kiosk Hosting Organisation continues to provide Broadband for Seniors services until 30 June 2015 the Kiosk Hosting Organisation submits all Kiosk Host Reports Broadband for Seniors equipment is not used for inappropriate purposes the equipment is fully insured against flood, fire, theft, vandalism and fusion the Kiosk Hosting Organisation has public liability insurance arrangements in place the Kiosk Hosting Organisation does not experience insolvency at any time during the life of the

Hosting Agreement the Kiosk Hosting Organisation does not relocate the equipment at any time during the life of the

hosting Agreement without the approval from the Department and the Kiosk Hosting Organisation does not sell or dispose of the equipment prior to 30 June 2015 unless

agreed with the Department. Kiosk Hosting Organisations that do not abide by these conditions may be required to return the equipment to the Department or its nominated Service Provider(s).The Department or its nominated Service Provider(s) must provide equipment maintenance support to the Kiosk Hosting Organisations during the Activity Period, as required. The Kiosk Hosting Organisations must act as follows: should any equipment (furniture or equipment) become inoperative, the Kiosk Hosting Organisation

must return the faulty equipment to the Department or its nominated Service Provider(s), which must supply to the Host Organisation an operating replacement. All freight costs will generally be covered by the Service Provider(s).

should any equipment (furniture or equipment) be lost or stolen or otherwise go missing, the Kiosk Hosting Organisation must purchase a replacement unit(s) directly from the Department or its nominated Service Provider(s) at the Hosting Organisation’s own expense.

Kiosk Hosting AgreementIn accepting any level of support under Broadband for Seniors, a Kiosk Hosting Organisation must sign a Kiosk Hosting Agreement. The Kiosk Hosting Agreement states that the Kiosk Hosting Organisation understands their roles and responsibilities as a Kiosk Hosting Organisation and that they support the objectives of Broadband for Seniors. All Kiosk Host reporting responsibilities (refer to section 2.14) are outlined in the Kiosk Hosting Agreement. Upon execution of the Kiosk Hosting Agreement, an organisation will be considered a Broadband for Seniors Kiosk Host and counted as a provider of Broadband for Seniors Kiosk services.



2.6 Description of services to be provided by the Service Provider(s)For the period 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2015, the Department will engage a Service Provider(s) to manage the relationship with Kiosk Hosting Organisations on its behalf. Kiosk Hosting Organisations will be notified by email of the details of the nominated Service Provider(s). A description of services to be provided by the Service Provider(s) is at Item 2.6 of Program Guidelines – Part C: Application Information for Broadband for Seniors Service Provider(s).

2.7 EligibilityThe following entity types are eligible to apply for funding for this activity:

a) Incorporated Associations (incorporated under State/Territory legislation, commonly have 'Association' or 'Incorporated' or 'Inc' in their legal name)

b) Incorporated Cooperatives (also incorporated under State/Territory legislation, commonly have "Cooperative' in their legal name)

c) 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)

d) Aboriginal Corporations (incorporated under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006)

e) Organisations established through a specific piece of Commonwealth or State/Territory legislation (many public benevolent institutions, churches, universities, unions etc)

f) Partnershipsg) Trustees on behalf of a Trusth) An Australian Local Government body and i) An Unincorporated Association or Organisation.

Unincorporated Associations and Organisations are eligible to host a Broadband for Seniors Kiosk if sponsored by an organisation that is a legal entity who can apply on their behalf. The sponsoring organisation must be an organisation that has the necessary legal entity status to enter into a Kiosk Hosting Agreement with the Department and to administer the funding on their behalf. Arrangements to sponsor an organisation must be made in consultation and with the agreement of both parties.

2.8 Target groupAll senior Australians are eligible to utilise Broadband for Seniors Kiosk services. The primary target group are those senior Australians with limited or no experience in using computers and the internet or who require training in areas of significant concern to senior Australians, such as internet security, scams and frauds. The secondary target group are senior Australians who have acquired basic skills, but would like to further their knowledge and confidence in using more advanced computing and internet-based applications such as social networking and videoconferencing.

2.9 Funding for the activityThere is maximum funding of $2.6 million in 2013-14 and $2.6 million in 2014-15 for the ongoing delivery of Broadband for Seniors services. Through the Keeping Seniors Connected measure, an additional $6 million is available in 2013-14 and $2 million in 2014-15 for the rollout of new technology and the one-off $2,000 training grants (GST exclusive). This funding is available to up to 2,000 Broadband for Seniors Kiosks.

2.10 Eligible and ineligible activitiesEligible Activities – Training Grant



Computer hardware provided to Broadband for Seniors Kiosks must be used to provide training to senior Australians on how to use the computer and internet.The training grant must be used for the provision of training to senior Australians on any of the following topics: basic skills in how to use a computer and the internet cyber security, cyber safety and personal security issues (such as cyber threats, fraud and scams),

including information on the free tools and resources available use of videoconferencing tools advanced computer training skills, such as online banking, social networking and the use of multimedia

devices (including but not limited to tablets, smart phones or other small screen devices) the benefits of the NBN and other Digital Productivity Initiatives (such as personally controlled

electronic health records).The training grant can also be used for: developing new training materials which meet the emerging information technology needs of senior

Australians translating existing training materials into languages and formats suitable for senior Indigenous

Australians and/or senior Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds improving the accessibility of training materials for use by senior Australians with disability facilitating “Train the Trainer” training providing assistance to help senior Australians in rural and remote regions with the costs of attending

training other activities consistent with the aims of Broadband for Seniors and as agreed the Department.Eligible activities - Broadband connection:All Kiosks that provide their own internet connection (own-DSL) will be eligible to receive an annual payment of $360 ($30 per month) (GST exclusive) for the administration of this service. Ineligible ActivitiesFunding may not be used by the Kiosk Hosting Organisation for activities that are not related to the implementation or delivery of Internet training to senior Australians.

2.11 Activity links and working with other agencies and servicesKiosk Hosting Organisations are responsible for working collaboratively with each other, with the Department and with the nominated Service Provider(s) to deliver Broadband for Seniors services.

2.12 Specialist requirements (e.g. Legislative requirements)Working with Vulnerable PersonsThe Department’s nominated Service Provider(s) will be responsible for assisting Kiosk Hosting Organisations to meet legislative requirements for working with Vulnerable Persons. Prior to a Kiosk Hosting Organisation employing and/or engaging any Person in relation to the Activity or any part of the Activity, the Service Provider(s) must conduct a Police Check for any individual that will have contact with senior Australians in the delivery of Broadband for Seniors training and support to ensure that: the Persons are not prohibited under a law of the Commonwealth, State or Territory from being

employed or engaged in any capacity where they may have contact with Vulnerable Persons Kiosk Hosting Organisations comply with applicable laws of the Commonwealth, State or Territory

in which the Activity or part of the Activity is being conducted in relation to employment of Persons or engagement of Persons in any capacity where they may have contact with Vulnerable Persons.



Legislative and regulatory compliance of Kiosk Hosting OrganisationsKiosk Hosting Organisations must operate in line with requirements set out in all State and Territory and Commonwealth legislations and regulations, including but not limited to: The Privacy Act 1988 The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 The Sex Discrimination Act 1984 The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 any applicable Occupational Health and Safety and Equal Employment Opportunity laws State and Local Government laws, and regulations and licensing requirements relating to the

provision of aged care centres and services The Building and Construction Industry Improvement Act State or Territory Acts and Regulations dealing with requirements relating to the provision of aged

care facilities and services any applicable State or Territory law relating to discrimination any State or Territory laws regarding servicing seniors.

2.13 Information technologyKiosk Hosting Organisations must ensure that all computer hardware and software used in the delivery of the Program is adequately protected with appropriate software and is compliant with the Government’s safe and secure internet standards (www.staysmartonline.gov.au).Where applicable, further information technology requirements will be outlined in the Kiosk Hosting Agreement.

2.14 Reporting and record keepingAll organisations that receive Government funding are required to submit to the Department a range of reports as part of Government reporting and accountability requirements in order for the Department to meet its legislative responsibilities. The standard of accounting, record-keeping and reporting by Kiosk Host Organisations must be in accordance with the Program Guidelines and the terms of the Kiosk Hosting Agreement. All Kiosk Hosting Organisations will be required to report twice-yearly on performance, providing a Half-Yearly Kiosk Host Report to the Department’s nominated Service Provider(s) in order for the Service Provider(s) to meet its reporting obligations under its Funding Agreement.Kiosk Host performance will be measured against the following Key Performance Indicators:

100% submission of reports 100% submission of reports by the due date

Failure by a Kiosk Host to submit required reports may result in the Department recovering the equipment. Details on dates and specific reporting requirements are outlined in the Kiosk Hosting Agreement.Financial ReportingThe Department’s financial management requirements aim to ensure the efficient and effective use of public monies. The requirements are consistent with best value in social services principles and the Kiosk Hosting Agreement, and aim to maintain viable services and prevent fraud against the Commonwealth. Funding must only be used for the purpose for which it is provided and must be expended by the Kiosk Hosting Agreement completion date. Unspent funding must be returned to the Department. In managing the Activity Funding, Kiosk Hosting Organisations must comply with all the requirements of the Kiosk Hosting Agreement.


http://www.staysmartonline.gov.au/


Record KeepingKiosk Hosting Organisations are required to keep detailed records and receipts of how the one-off $2,000 (GST exclusive) training grant was spent, and the training and/or materials delivered, for up to five (5) years after the end of their Kiosk Hosting Agreement.An acquittal of the funding is not required however the Kiosk Hosting Organisation may be required to provide:

1. details of the number of attendees who benefitted from the Kiosk Hosting Organisation’s expenditure of the one-off $2,000 (GST exclusive) training grant; and

2. original receipts or other documents which account for the expenditure of the one-off $2,000 (GST exclusive) training grant; and/or

3. a written statement certifying that the one-off $2,000 (GST exclusive) training grant was spent in line with this Kiosk Hosting Agreement; and/or

4. a statutory declaration made in accordance with the Statutory Declarations Act 1959 (Cth) detailing how the one-off $2,000 (GST exclusive) training grant was spent in line with this Kiosk Hosting Agreement.

It is not necessary to send receipts to the Department unless requested to do so. The $2,000 (GST exclusive) training grant must be expended by the Agreement completion date. Unspent funding must be returned to the Department. Kiosk Hosting Organisations that are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission (ACNC) and which provide an annual audited financial statement to the ACNC are exempt from requirements outlined in points 2-4 inclusive above.



EvaluationAn evaluation/review of Broadband for Seniors may be conducted by June 2015. The evaluation/review will give consideration to the objective and aims of Broadband for Seniors and each of the performance indicators and identify recommendations for future planning. Additional Evaluation questions may include:

Were the aims of Broadband for Seniors met? How did the additional funding provided through the Keeping Seniors Connected measure

improve senior Australians’ use of the Internet?

3 Application Process3.1 Overview of the Application ProcessThe Department is undertaking a restricted competitive selection process to source Kiosk Hosting Organisations for funding under Broadband for Seniors. The application process will commence on 1 July 2013 until 31 August 2013 for existing organisations hosting a Broadband for Seniors Kiosk to apply for: one new computer with touchscreen, suitable for running an operating system in keeping with current

industry trends; and/or a one-off $2,000 training grant (GST exclusive) to assist them to deliver training to senior Australians on

how to use computers and the internet, in particular on topics of significant concern to seniors such as cyber security and cyber safety.

Up to 1,500 new computers and training grants will be rolled out in 2013-14 and up to 500 new computers and training grants will be rolled out in 2014-15.All Kiosks that provide their own internet connection will also be eligible to receive an annual payment of $360 ($30 per month) (GST exclusive) for the administration of their internet service. This payment will be made automatically on 1 September in 2013 and 2014 and a Recipient Created Tax Invoice (RCTI) issued to those organisations that are GST registered or remittance advice to those organisations that are not GST registered.

3.2 Selection CriteriaKiosk Hosting Organisations will be asked to agree to the following criteria. Organisations that do not agree to these criteria will be ineligible to be part of Broadband for Seniors. Each Selection Criteria is of equal weighting.Services for Seniors1 Do you agree to host a Broadband for Seniors Kiosk until 30 June 2015?Meeting Obligations2 Do you agree to comply with your obligations, including reporting obligations, as outlined in the

Broadband for Seniors Program Guidelines – Kiosk Hosting Organisations?Protection of nominated equipment3 Do you warrant that nominated equipment will be fully insured against flood, fire, theft, vandalism

and fusion for the entire time your organisation hosts a Broadband for Seniors Kiosk?

3.3 How to submit an applicationThe Department will notify existing Kiosk Hosting Organisations in writing at the commencement of the application process to invite them to submit an application for funding. To apply for funding under Broadband for Seniors and the Keeping Seniors Connected measure, Kiosk Hosting Organisations will need to complete and submit the Application Form and respond to the



Selection Criteria (refer section 3.2). All of the Selection Criteria and all relevant sections of the Application Form must be answered in order for the Department to gauge each organisation’s level of eligibility. Application Forms should only be completed once the Program Guidelines have been read. Assessment of Applications will be based on the Program Guidelines.Applications must be received by 31 August 2013. Applications may only be accepted after this date when extenuating circumstances apply.Applications must be submitted by email to [email protected] or via post to the Department. The Department will not issue Application Forms or accept completed applications by fax.

3.4 Conflicts of interestApplicants must identify, in their application, any potential or actual conflicts of interest they believe will or may arise from submitting the application. This should address their responsibilities to the Australian Government and other parties in the course of the activity. The Department also has mechanisms in place for identifying and managing potential or actual conflicts of interest such as requiring assessment staff to sign conflict of interest declarations prior to undertaking the assessment of applications. Further information is contained in Program Guidelines – Part B: Information for Applicants.

3.5 Questions and answers during the application periodThe Department will respond to requests for information that seek clarification of issues to allow Applicants to better understand the requirements of the Application Form and Program Guidelines.All requests for clarification of the Guidelines must be submitted electronically to [email protected] requests for clarification of the Guidelines will be responded to within two (2) business days.

3.6 Questions after the application periodThe Department will not accept or respond to any Applicant’s request for information or correspondence about the status or progress of their application during the assessment phase.

3.7 Application AcknowledgementUnless prior agreement has been reached with the Department, an Application will not be considered lodged until it is received by the Department. A member of the assessment team will notify the Applicant via email within two (2) business days of an Application being lodged correctly. If the Applicant has not received notification in this timeframe, the Applicant should contact the Department to confirm that the form has been lodged correctly.All Applicants will be advised within 15 business days of the outcome of their Application.

3.8 Selection PanelApplications from Kiosk Hosting Organisations will be considered by an Assessment team from within the Stronger Communities Branch and staff contracted by the Department. Staff assessing applications will need to sign conflict of interest declarations before conducting the assessment. The final decision to enter into a Kiosk Hosting Agreement will be approved by the Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, or with the Minister’s agreement, a Delegate within the Department.All undertakings by the Department will be in line with APS Code of Conduct and the Department’s Chief Executive’s Instructions. The Chief Executive's Instructions are instructions issued by the Secretary of the Department which set out the requirements that must be followed by Departmental staff in order to ensure the Department’s compliance with the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 and


mailto:[email protected]



the Financial Management and Accountability Regulations 1997 (collectively known as the FMA legislation).

3.9 Selection ProcessSuccessful ApplicantsFollowing the receipt and registration of each application, an assessment will be made to ensure the organisation is eligible to receive funding and that the Application Form is complete (which includes Selection Criteria as outlined in Item 3.2) to enable a fully informed assessment to be made.Consideration will be given to any conflict of interest that may impact; and whether there are appropriate conflict of interest management strategies in place. Assessment will be based primarily on the information provided in the Application Form. The Department may use information about an applicant that is, or becomes known to the Department in the course of the Department’s business, as well as any publicly available information.All Kiosk Hosting Organisations providing Broadband for Seniors services as at 30 June 2013 will be prioritised to receive the new technology and payment of the training grant. Existing Kiosks that commenced with Broadband for Seniors prior to 1 November 2010 will be given priority in the rollout of new technology and training grants in 2013-14. Existing Kiosk Hosts who commenced after 1 November 2010 will be prioritised to receive the new technology and payment of the training grant in 2014-15.Funding is not transferable and can only be paid to the applicant.Applicants will be advised in writing of the outcome of the assessment process. Information on the grants entered into will be published on the Department’s website ( http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/grants- funding/grants-funding) within seven days of the signing of the Kiosk Hosting Agreement.Unsuccessful ApplicantsAll unsuccessful organisations that submitted applications by the closing date will be advised of the outcome of their applications in writing by the Department.Feedback in relation to the selection process can be requested by applicants through the contact details outlined in Section 4 of these Guidelines.The selection process will be considered complete once all existing Kiosk Hosting Organisations have been informed of the outcome of their application; have accepted an offer; have been assessed as ineligible; or advised the Department they do not wish to apply.


http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/04_2013/%20http:/www.fahcsia.gov.au/grants-funding/grants-funding)%20

http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/04_2013/%20http:/www.fahcsia.gov.au/grants-funding/grants-funding)%20


3.10 PrivacyAny personal information provided by Applicants is protected under the Privacy Act 1988. It can only be disclosed to someone else where disclosure is authorised or required by law or is reasonably necessary for the enforcement of the criminal law, if it will prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to a person’s life or health, or if the Applicant has consented to its disclosure.For questions or concerns about the use of information, please contact the Department’s Privacy Officer on 02 6146 3593, the Privacy Commissioner on 1300 363 992 (for the cost of a local call although calls from mobiles and pay phones may incur higher charges) or the Australian Government Privacy Officer by emailing [email protected]. Provided consent has been obtained, the contact details of Broadband for Seniors Kiosk personnel, including Kiosk Host Administrators and Contacts and Volunteer Tutors, will be disclosed to the Department’s nominated Service Provider(s) for the purpose of providing services and support to Broadband for Seniors Kiosks and Volunteer Tutors.

4 Contact informationBroadband for SeniorsDepartment of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous AffairsPO Box 7576Canberra Business Centre ACT 2610Ph: 1800 803 664Website: www.fahcsia.gov.au/our-responsibilities/seniors/programs-services/broadband-for-seniors Email: [email protected]



http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/our-responsibilities/seniors/programs-services/broadband-for-seniors



5 Glossary

Activity Period The period in which the Activities described in the Grant Details are undertaken.

Existing Kiosk Hosting Organisation

Organisations that were providing Broadband for Seniors services, or that had successfully applied to host a Broadband for Seniors Kiosk, as at 30 June 2013.

Funding Agreement A legally binding contract between the Commonwealth and another party. The Commonwealth provides public money (generally from administered funds) to the party in return for the other party providing services that benefits the public (or a section of the public).

Nominated equipment

Nominated equipment refers to the information and computer technology and associated equipment and furniture provided to the Kiosk Hosting Organisations to enable them to deliver Broadband for Seniors services.

Greenfields Kiosk Receives a free broadband Internet connection (on a minimum 12 month contract) supplied by the Broadband for Seniors Service Delivery Organisation.

Kiosk Hosting Agreement

A legally binding contract between the Commonwealth and another party. The Commonwealth provides public money (generally from administered funds) to the party in return for the other party providing services that benefit the public (or a section of the public).

Kiosk Host Administrator

The Kiosk Host Administrator is responsible for day to day running of the Kiosk.

Kiosk Host Contact The Kiosk Host Contact is the person with responsibility for overseeing the Kiosk Hosting Organisation’s participation in Broadband for Seniors.

New Kiosk Hosting Organisation

Organisations applying to host a Broadband for Seniors Kiosk for the first time (after 30 June 2013).

Own-DSL Kiosk The Kiosk Host has elected to supply their own broadband Internet connection for Kiosk use.

Seniors / Senior Australians

Nominally aged 50 years and over, although may be 45 years of age and over for Indigenous Australians.

Service Provider The organisation(s) engaged by the Department for the overall delivery of Broadband for Seniors. The Department will notify all Kiosk Hosting Organisations of the name of this organisation(s) once the selection process has been completed.


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