Startup Year

Question

Senator KOVACIC: How many officials worked on the legislation enabling the loan scheme and for how long? Ms Morton: That was a little before my time, so I may have to take that on notice for you. I don't have that information off the top of my head. It was back in 2023, I think. Can I take that on notice for you? Senator KOVACIC: Of course. Are you able to tell me, anecdotally, roughly how many people were in the team before the budget decision not to continue? Ms Morton: I might check with a colleague, if I could. Senator KOVACIC: Of course. Ms Morton: Mr Puckett and I have taken it on in the last few weeks, so forgive us if we're filling in some of the blanks with our colleagues. Senator KOVACIC: Perhaps you could also provide how many officials were responsible for administering the scheme for its duration as well. Ms Morton: Sure. We're happy to do that. Senator KOVACIC: You may also have to take on notice the total value of the time that departmental officials spent designing, implementing and now dismantling the scheme. Ms Morton: Sure. As I've mentioned, we'll need to go back and check that. We'll do our best to get you an answer on that. ......... Senator KOVACIC: I understand your commentary about the university sector; I'm trying to understand- Ms Morton: Industry. Senator KOVACIC: what the problem was with this scheme. Is your answer that the only issue with this scheme was that there were competitive programs available at universities? Ms Morton: I think that was one factor. I will have to take on notice any other factors. Senator KOVACIC: Were the universities offering $10,000 in startup loans as well? Ms Morton: I think I'd have to take that on notice too, sorry.

Answer

Please see the attached PDF.

Documents

• Question with answer (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
• SQ26-000715.pdf (opens in a new tab)