Premier's Research and Industry Fund

In reply to Mr GARDNER (Morialta) (3 August 2016). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Employment, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for Science and Information Economy): I am advised:

The Premier's Research and Industry Fund (PRIF) budget allocates funding for existing commitments (grants awarded in previous allocation rounds) and new commitments (funding available for commitment in the current financial year).

During 2015-16, approximately $4.33 million was spent on existing projects that have been committed in previous funding rounds and $976,350 was spent on new projects committed.

I am advised that the actual expenditure for PRIF in 2015-16 equated to $5,236,322.

Due to a review of the programs under the Premier's Research and Industry Fund and the announcement of the Research Consortia Program (round 1) on 31 March 2016, the funding allocation for 2015-16 was smaller than previous years.

Estimated expenditure and commitment changes due to variation in the numbers of expected versus actual grants awarded, variation in the scheduled payments from year to year, or budget reshaping in response to emerging strategic priorities.