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Agreements

An intergovernmental agreement (IGA) is an agreement made between the Commonwealth and state and territory governments. While IGAs are not legally binding, they express the commitment of governments to work together on certain objectives or goals. Most IGAs commence as soon as they are signed by the Commonwealth and one state or territory.

When an agreement involves funding from the Commonwealth to the states and territories, this is covered under the IGA on Federal Financial Relations. This IGA recognises that the states and territories have primary responsibility for many areas of service delivery but that coordinated action is necessary to respond to Australia’s economic and social challenges. Under the IGA on Federal Financial Relations, payments to the states are outlined through schedules to one of five overarching sectoral Federation Funding Agreements (Health; Education and Skills; Infrastructure; Environment; and Affordable Housing, Community Services and Other), or through one of the National Agreements.

The Council on Federal Financial Relations (CFFR) is the gatekeeper of the Federation Funding Agreements framework and makes sure that agreements are negotiated and administered efficiently.

For current and past funding agreements, see the Federal Financial Relations website.

Intergovernmental agreements

Intergovernmental Agreement on the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse

This agreement provides the foundation for Commonwealth, State and Territory governments to work together to implement the National Redress Scheme.
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Intergovernmental Agreement on Nationally Consistent Worker Screening for the National Disability Insurance Scheme

This agreement sets out the national policy for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) worker screening.
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Intergovernmental Agreement on a National Framework for Responding to PFAS Contamination (historical version)

This Intergovernmental Agreement supports collaboration and cooperation between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories to respond consistently and effectively to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination.
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Heads of Agreement between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories on public hospital funding and health reform

The Heads of Agreement between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories on public hospital funding and health reform was considered by COAG and signed by the Commonwealth, New South Wales and Western Australia on 9 February 2018. South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory subsequently signed the agreement.
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Intergovernmental Agreement on the Provision of Bureau of Meteorology Hazard Services to the States and Territories

This updated agreement on the Provision of Bureau of Meteorology Hazard Services to the States and Territories came into effect on 22 January 2018.
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Intergovernmental Agreement on Identity Matching Services

This IGA, between the Commonwealth and the states, makes it easier for security and law enforcement agencies to identify people who are suspects or victims of terrorist or other criminal activity, and prevent the use of fake or stolen identities.
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