As part of efforts to ensure our FTAs remain fit for purpose, the government announced funding in the 2024-25 Budget for a grant program to support peak industry bodies and representative organisations conduct research and analysis on the upgrade and modernisation of Australia's network of FTAs in Southeast Asia.

The grant activities will inform the department's review of Australia's FTAs in Southeast Asia. Outcomes for the grants and public submissions will also be used to inform the Trade 2040 Taskforce's consideration and identification of priority areas for upgrading and modernising Australia's network of FTAs in Southeast Asia.

The grants will run over the 2024-25 and 2025-26 financial years. Successful applicants will receive a share of the total grant funding of $1.75 million. Grant amounts will be valued between $100,000-$250,000.

Applications are sought from organisations or joint/consortia arrangements. We strongly encourage co-contributions and/or in-kind contributions.

Grants

• The grant application round is open from 0900 AEDT, 10 February 2025.
• The grant application round closes 2330 AEDT, 24 March 2025.

Applicants will be assessed following the close of submissions. Applicants will be advised of the outcome once all applications have been assessed and decisions have been made.

What is supported

To ensure our upgrade and modernisation priorities reflect the diverse views and needs of Australian industry, the opportunity is open to peak bodies and representative organisations. The grants will enable organisations to conduct research and analysis on identifying future trade and investment opportunities and priorities in the region. These reports will feed into and inform the broader review of Australia's FTAs with Southeast Asian economies.

If you are interested in applying but are unsure whether your organisation is eligible, please get in touch at the email address below.

How to apply

Organisations can apply through the SmartyGrants portal.

For further information on the grants, including to view the Grant Guidelines, visit the GrantConnect page.

Potential applicants should carefully review the Grant Guidelines document before applying. The Grant Guidelines contain information on eligibility, selection criteria and required documentation. The SmartyGrants portal also identifies the eligibility, selection criteria and required documentation within the application.

Contact

For more information on the grant opportunity, the Grant Guidelines or applying for a grant, contact: FTAModernisation@dfat.gov.au