Committees

The Council relies on the expert advice of specialist committees and panels.

Appeals Committee

The Council has delegated powers to the Appeals Committee to consider and determine any appeal from a board, committee or senior officer of the Australia Council regarding a decision by the Council chairperson and chief executive officer to rescind a previously approved grant.

Audit and Finance Committee

The Audit and Finance Committee oversees and reviews the Australia Council's corporate governance obligations in relation to external accountability, financial reporting, internal controls, risk management, internal and external audit activities, and legal and financial compliance. The committee also monitors the Australia Council's compliance with the terms and conditions of the Triennial Funding Agreement with the Australian Government, the Australia Council's overall financial position, budget preparation and any other significant financial issues as they arise.

Decisions Review Committee

The role of this committee is to determine requests for review of decisions from grant applicants who have grounds to claim that correct decision procedures were not followed in relation to their applications. The committee does not assess the artistic merit of applications. Its purpose, under the Council’s direction to the committee, is only to ensure that the boards, committees and senior officers have followed correct decision-making procedures.

Donations Fund Committee

This committee accepts and administers gifts made to the Australia Council Donations Fund in accordance with the requirements of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and the Register of Cultural Organisations. The committee and the chief executive officer, who is the committee chair, have delegated powers from the Council to accept and administer such gifts. The majority of committee members are independent of the current operations of the Australia Council.

Nominations and Governance Committee

The Nominations and Governance Committee facilitates and oversees a streamlined nominations process, through which the Council recommends members for the Council and its boards to the Minister, as required under the Australia Council Act. The committee also advocates the Council’s nominations to the Minister and assists the Council on governance matters, advising as required. It has an advisory role and is not delegated to act on the Council’s behalf.