Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a National Partnership Agreement and an Implementation Plan?
A National Partnership is a broad agreement in an area of national significance with all the relevant States and Territories.
An implementation plan outlines the specific performance and benchmarks to be attained before a payment is made and is usually between the Commonwealth and an individual State.
Who can sign a NP?
First Ministers (the Prime Minister, Premiers and Chief Ministers) should sign NP agreements.
Who can agree implementation plans?
If implementation plans are not finalised before the signing of the National Partnership agreement, relevant portfolio Ministers can usually agree implementation arrangements on behalf of their jurisdiction. This delegated authority should be detailed in the delegations section of the National Partnership agreement.
Do National Partnership agreements need to involve all States and Territories?
Not all National Partnerships will be relevant to all States and Territories in which case National Partnerships need not include those States and Territories as a party to the agreement. States and Territories may choose not to be a part to particular agreements. Where a National Partnership involves different characteristics between the States and Territories, state and territory specific implementation plans may form schedules to the National Partnership.
What funding should be included in the payment schedule?
All funding being contributed toward the achievement of the objectives of the National Partnership should be included. Funding does not necessarily need to involve funding transfers between the Commonwealth and the States. It can be Commonwealth own-purpose expenditure or State own‑purpose expenditure.