Unspent funds
This states the requirements for returning or retaining unspent funds for human services contracts. These requirements are effective from 19 July 2023.
Dealing with unspent DCJ funds
Unspent funds at the end of a financial year
Unspent funds at the end of a financial year must be returned to DCJ as part of the annual accountability process. You’re required to repay to DCJ any funds (and any interest earned on these funds) that:
- are unspent in relation to the services agreed in the contract, or
- haven’t been spent in accordance with the contract to DCJ’s reasonable satisfaction.
These requirements allow for programs to issue their own requirements each financial year detailing when you may retain unspent funds and under what conditions. DCJ will notify you of these exceptions as part of the annual accountability process at the end of each financial year.
Unspent funds relating to grants
As stated in clause 8 of the DCJ Grant Agreement, unspent funds or a residual grant must be repaid to DCJ within 1 month of the grant end date, unless otherwise agreed by us in writing.
Unspent funds when contracts end
As stated in clauses 9.5 and 9.6 of the Agreement for Funding of Services, unspent funds must be repaid to DCJ within 20 business days following the expiry or termination of a contract. You’re required to repay any DCJ funds (and any interest earned on these funds) that:
- are unspent in relation to the services agreed in the contract, or
- haven’t been committed to be spent in accordance with the contract to DCJ’s reasonable satisfaction.
Unspent funds when services are relinquished
Unspent funds must be returned to DCJ when services are relinquished. However, DCJ may consider providing approval to transfer any unspent funds to a new service provider.