Grant audits

The department engages in standard processes for grant funding accountability, which include regular reviews, evaluations, and audits of our programs.

The Small Business Immediate Flood Relief Program and selected COVID-19 grants require recipients to provide specific information to confirm eligibility and appropriate expenditure as part of this process.

This is in line with the program guidelines accepted by applicants at the time of applying. The guidelines said the Victorian Government may audit, within 4 years, successful applicants who got the funds.

We will contact grant recipients if their application is being audited. We will provide instructions to comply with the activity.

If grant recipients cannot comply with the request, they may have to repay the grant. This applies if they were ineligible for funding or did not spend it on eligible expenses. Further action, such as referral to authorities, may be taken.

Grant recipients do not need to take any action unless the department contacts them.

Repaying a grant

The audit will include how to return grant funding to the department. Grant funding can be returned to the department in a lump sum payment or through a repayment plan.

Fees and interest on grant funding

There is no interest or fees applied to any grant funding being repaid to the department.

What to do if you are facing financial hardship

If you are in financial hardship, or if repayments would cause it, please contact the department. You may qualify for an extended repayment plan or debt waiver.

Your input will help us understand your situation. It will help us find a solution that considers your circumstances.

For free, confidential and independent financial advice, you can also contact the National Financial Counselling hotline at 1800 007 007 or visit Financial Counselling Australia.

Contacting the department

For audit inquiries, please check the emails sent to you. They have specific contact details for that audit.

Alternatively, please contact the department’s Customer Contact Centre for general enquiry support:

Customer Contact Centre
Ph: 1800 878 969
Email: customer.contact@ecodev.vic.gov.au

If a grant recipient wishes to complain about their grant application or audit, they may use the online complaints form or contact us using the details above.