Justice Health Koori Tertiary
Scholarships
GUIDELINES
An initiative of the Department of Justice and Regulation
Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Plan
Intake commencing Semester One
of the official academic year of 2016
TRIM ID:
Date:
Version:
CD/15/459233
7 October 2015
1.0
FINAL
Policy, Strategic Services and Planning
Justice Health Koori Tertiary Scholarships
Contents
1
General Information ...................................................................................................................... 3
2
Eligibility ........................................................................................................................................ 4
2.1
2.2
2.3
Undergraduate ...................................................................................................................... 4
Diploma ................................................................................................................................. 4
Persons ineligible for a scholarship ...................................................................................... 4
3
Types of courses ........................................................................................................................... 5
4
Study load requirements – diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate level of study. ........ 5
5
Past academic results .................................................................................................................. 5
6
Scholarship entitlements ............................................................................................................. 5
7
Accreditation of courses .............................................................................................................. 5
8
Work placement ............................................................................................................................ 6
9
Employment ................................................................................................................................... 6
10
Additional scholarship assistance .............................................................................................. 6
11
Overseas and interstate study ..................................................................................................... 6
12
Scholarship requirements ............................................................................................................ 6
13
Confirmation of Aboriginality Declaration ................................................................................. 7
14
Academic reference (for postgraduate study only) ................................................................... 7
15
ABSTUDY/AUSTUDY .................................................................................................................... 7
16
For further information or to receive an application form: ....................................................... 7
17
Closing date for applications ....................................................................................................... 7
18
Lodgement of application forms ................................................................................................. 7
19
Advertising and promotion of scholarships .............................................................................. 8
20
Taxation ......................................................................................................................................... 8
21
Assessment of applications ........................................................................................................ 8
GLOSSARY .............................................................................................................................................. 9
Document information .......................................................................................................................... 10
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Policy, Strategic Services and Planning
1
General Information
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
1
Justice Health Koori Tertiary Scholarships
The Justice Health Koori Tertiary Scholarship Program is an initiative of the Aboriginal Social
and Emotional Wellbeing Plan (the Plan). The Plan sets out a number of objectives aimed at
improving mental health and social and emotional wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal 1 prisoners
in Victoria. Included in the Plan are initiatives aimed at increasing the cultural capacity of the
prison health system to respond to the needs of Aboriginal prisoners through increasing
Aboriginal participation in the prison health workforce.
The Plan was developed as part of the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement’s (AJA). The AJA
is a joint initiative developed in partnership by the Victorian government and the Aboriginal
community to improve justice related outcomes for Aboriginal people.
Justice Health is a business unit within the Department of Justice and Regulation and is
responsible for the delivery of health services for persons in Victoria's prisons. Its key
responsibilities are to:
 set the policy and standards for health care in prisons

contract manage the health service providers in the public prisons

monitor and review health service provider performance

facilitate an integrated approach to planning and service delivery

lead health prevention and promotion activities, and

facilitate release of health information to community health care providers, legal
representatives and individuals.
In Victoria, health services are contracted out to health services providers, which are:
 Correct Care Australasia which provides primary health services at all public prisons and
the Judy Lazarus Transition Centre.

Forensicare (Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health) which provides secondary
mental health services at all public prisons, including the management and provision of
services within the Acute Assessment Unit at the Melbourne Assessment Prison and the
Marrmak Unit at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre.

St Vincent’s Correctional Health Services (sub-contracted by G4S, the private prison
operator of Port Phillip Prison) which provides primary health services, outpatient mental
health services and secondary residential mental health services (through St Paul’s
Psycho-Social Unit) at Port Phillip Prison. St Vincent's Correctional Health Services also
provides statewide secondary inpatient health services delivered through St John's at Port
Phillip Prison and secondary and tertiary inpatient services from St Vincent’s Hospital.

GEO Group Australia which provides primary health and mental health services at the
privately operated Fulham Correctional Centre.

Forensicare which provides mental health services for involuntary patients at Thomas
Embling Hospital, including patients transferred from prison.

Caraniche which provides alcohol and other drug treatment programs at all public prisons.
GEO Group provides alcohol and drug treatment programs at Fulham Correctional Centre
and G4S provides similar programs at Port Phillip Prison.
Justice Health is targeting the following areas of tertiary level study in Semester One of the
academic year of 2016:
 alcohol and drugs

allied health

dental and oral health

dual diagnosis and counselling

health promotion

medicine
In this document the term ‘Aboriginal’ refers to both Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people either in Victoria or in other
parts of Australia unless otherwise stated e.g. Clan name/s or generic name i.e. Koori (VIC, NSW), Murri (QLD), Palawa (TAS),
Nunga (SA), Noongar (WA), Torres Strait Islander.
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Policy, Strategic Services and Planning
6)
2

nursing

psychiatry

psychology
Justice Health Koori Tertiary Scholarships
Scholarships will be awarded on the merit principle, taking into account applicants:
 eligibility

past academic results

course of study

demonstrated ability to complete course of study; and

competitiveness against other scholarship applicants
Eligibility
To be eligible for a scholarship, you must meet ALL of the criteria set out in the below section.
1)
Meet all the following four requirements:
 be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent;
2)
3)
4)
5)
2.1

identify as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander;

are accepted by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community in which she/he
lives or has lived,

have completed a Confirmation of Aboriginality Declaration Form before an authorised
witness (Declaration Form attached).
Have resided in Victoria on a full-time basis for a minimum five-year period immediately
preceding lodgement of application. Residency details are requested on the application form.
Additional supporting documentation may be requested after the closing dates
Not earn in excess of $20,000 gross per annum from employment undertaken throughout the
duration of the scholarship (the maximum increases to $10,000 per annum additional for each
dependent).
Not have received a scholarship offering financial assistance for study purposes by the Victorian
State Government, which exceeded $20,000, over the past five years.
Be undertaking their studies at an approved Victorian education institution as follows:
 have successfully gained entry into a Diploma or Advanced Diploma course; or

have successfully completed the first year of an Undergraduate degree course in the
discipline for which the application is being made; or

have successfully gained entry into a Postgraduate course for which the scholarship
application is being made.
Undergraduate
6)
For Undergraduate applicants to be eligible for a scholarship, they will need to have
successfully completed all units of the equivalent of a one year full-time workload (ie. one year
full-time workload undertaken full-time over one year or part time over two years), as
determined by the educational institute at which they are studying, in the previous three years,
and be:
 undertaking a full time work load, as determined by the educational institution where they
are studying; or

2.2
Diploma
7)
2.3
Applications for a scholarship while studying a Diploma level course will be assessed on
previous study undertaken.
Persons ineligible for a scholarship
8)
Persons deemed ineligible to receive a scholarship are individuals who are:
 currently completing a sentence through non-custodial means (eg. parole)
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be enrolled to undertake a full time work load, as determined by the educational institution
where they are studying.
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Policy, Strategic Services and Planning
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2)
2)
2)
3)
4)
in lawful custody for committing an offence

in a youth training centre as defined under the Children & Young Persons Act 1989, or

imprisoned in an adult correctional facility within Australia.
The Scholarship Program will provide eligible students with a fortnightly study allowance to
study full-time to:
 complete up to a maximum of two years of a Diploma level course; or

complete the last two years of a three year, or last three years of a four year,
Undergraduate course; or

complete up to a maximum of two years of a Postgraduate course.
A scholarship will not be approved until the applicant is formally accepted into the course of
study, as detailed in their scholarship application. Evidence required will be written advice from
the educational institution.
To be eligible for a scholarship, applicants undertaking study at the Diploma, Advanced
Diploma, Undergraduate or Postgraduate level, must be undertaking a full-time workload as
determined by the institute at which they are studying.
Applicants are required to provide the department with written confirmation of full-time workload
status of their course of study from the educational institute at which they will be studying.
An essential element in assessing an applicant’s ability to complete their course of study within
the duration of the scholarship is their past academic results.
Diploma level study, applicants will be assessed on previous study undertaken.
Undergraduate applicants to be eligible for a scholarship, they will need to have successfully
completed a full-time workload of all units of study within one year in the previous three years in
the discipline for which a scholarship application is being made.
Postgraduate applicants to be eligible for a scholarship, they will need to have successfully
gained entry into a Postgraduate course.
Scholarship entitlements
1)
2)
3)
7

Past academic results
1)
6
on bail or on remand in custody
Study load requirements – diploma, undergraduate and
postgraduate level of study.
1)
5

Types of courses
1)
4
The scholarship provides a fortnightly study allowance, which is equivalent to the gross base
range of a Victorian Public Service (VPS), Grade 1 role ($41,486) per annum.
All Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) fees associated with an applicant’s study will
be required to be met by the applicant. NOTE: HECS fees will not be included in Scholarship
entitlements.
Scholarship recipients will receive their first fortnightly study allowance payment on the nearest
State Government VPS pay date after the signing of the scholarship contract by both parties.
Accreditation of courses
1)
2)
3)
It is important to note that the course for which an applicant is seeking a scholarship must be
nationally accredited.
University courses will be those which are accredited through the university and complying with
the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses will be those that are accredited through the Victorian
Qualification Authority and complying with the Australian Qualifications Framework.
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Policy, Strategic Services and Planning
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Work placement
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
9
Scholarship holders are required to complete the proposed course of study within the duration
of the scholarship contract. Failure of any subject throughout the scholarship could result in the
scholarship being cancelled. Scholarship holders are encouraged to discuss any concerns
regarding their studies with the Senior Project Officer, Aboriginal Social and Emotional
Wellbeing Plan. Additional assistance to complete an extended course of study is unlikely to be
approved.
Overseas and interstate study
1)
12
At the end of the scholarship every effort will be made by the Senior Project Officer, Aboriginal
Social and Emotional Wellbeing Plan to assist with career options within the prison health
portfolio with funded health service providers. Note: There is no guarantee of employment at the
end of the scholarship.
Additional scholarship assistance
1)
11
Where possible, scholarship recipients will be expected to participate in practical work
placement with Justice Health’s designated health service providers. Whilst it is not a
mandatory requirement of the scholarship, the work placement can offer students the
opportunity to establish valuable networks within industry service providers and government
departments. The work placement also has the potential to present employment opportunities
for the recipient at the end of their study.
It is recommended that the work placement take place no sooner than the scholarship
recipient’s third year of study. Duration of the work placement will be negotiable between the
business unit or agency providing the placement, the scholarship recipient and the Project
Manager, Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Plan.
Scholarship recipients undertaking a work placement will be required to undertake a Police
Record Check prior to the commencement of the placement. Some work experience
placements may also be subject to a Working with Children Check.
Scholarship work placements within organisations outside of the Department of Justice and
Regulation and related agencies must also comply with the respective organisation’s policy on
security and other employment associated legislation and guidelines.
If a work placement is undertaken, scholarship recipients are encouraged to have a recreational
break prior to their return to study.
If the scholarship holder is experiencing difficulty securing a work placement with a designated
prison health service providers, over the major semester break, the Senior Project Officer,
Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Plan, may be able to facilitate the securing of a
placement.
Should the scholarship holder need assistance securing a work placement, at least 6 – 8 weeks
notification should be given to the Senior Project Officer, Aboriginal Social and Emotional
Wellbeing Plan by the student.
Employment
1)
10
Scholarship applications for overseas and interstate study will not be considered.
Scholarship requirements
1)
Scholarship holders will be required to:
 perform to a satisfactory standard throughout the duration of the scholarship for both the
academic and work placement, if undertaken; and

provide proof of enrolment at the commencement of each academic year; and

provide proof of enrolment and course of study at the commencement of each semester.
Such documentation must endorsed by the educational institution; and

provide official results at the end of each semester to the Senior Project Officer, Aboriginal
Social and Emotional Wellbeing Plan; and

provide their Tax File Number to the Senior Project Officer, Aboriginal Social and Emotional
Wellbeing Plan, and
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
provide the Senior Project Officer, Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Plan with
information on your progress as requested, or any plans to vary your study; and

provide the Senior Project Officer, Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Plan in
writing, within fourteen days, of any change to their workload or contact details i.e. address
and telephone number.
Each applicant is to provide a Confirmation of Aboriginality Declaration Form. This Declaration
and the list of authorised witnesses for the signing of this Declaration is Attachment A of the
Application Form for Semester One, 2016.
Each Postgraduate applicant is required to provide, as part of their application, an academic
reference from a nominated referee who can provide an appraisal of their academic
performance and ability.
ABSTUDY/AUSTUDY
1)
2)
16
attend one on one meetings with the Senior Project Officer, Aboriginal Social and
Emotional Wellbeing Plan at a minimum of two times throughout the academic year, and
Academic reference (for postgraduate study only)
1)
15

Confirmation of Aboriginality Declaration
1)
14
Justice Health Koori Tertiary Scholarships
It is the responsibility of each scholarship recipient in receipt of ABSTUDY/AUSTUDY to advise
Centrelink that they have been successful in securing a Scholarship.
Scholarship recipients must contact ABSTUDY/AUSTUDY regarding any possible liabilities or
benefits available.
For further information or to receive an application form:
Please contact the Department of Justice and Regulation Senior Project Officer, Aboriginal Social and
Emotional Wellbeing Plan, James Fraser on telephone (03) 9947 1469 or alternatively email:
james.fraser@justice.vic.gov.au
All applications must be submitted on the official Justice Health Koori Tertiary Scholarship Application
Form. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. Please contact the Senior Project Officer,
Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Plan for any assistance with this application form on the
details provided.
It is the responsibility of applicants to ensure all documentation, including reference documents, are
provided by the due date.
17
Closing date for applications
The closing date for applications for the intake of semester one of the official academic year of 2016 is
5.00 pm Friday 20 November 2015.
18
Lodgement of application forms
Please forward your Justice Health Koori Tertiary Scholarship Application Forum by post to:
James Fraser
Senior Project Officer
Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Plan
Department of Justice and Regulation
Level 38
80 Collins Street
or
GPO Box 123
Melbourne VIC. 3001
Please contact the Senior Project Officer, Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Plan prior to the
closing date to confirm your application has been received.
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Policy, Strategic Services and Planning
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Justice Health Koori Tertiary Scholarships
Advertising and promotion of scholarships
Advertising and promotion of the Justice Health Koori Tertiary Scholarship Program will be through the
following areas:
20

Koori Mail newspaper

Victorian Aboriginal community organisations

Koori Units based at Victorian education institutions

Targeted university site visits.
Taxation
Successful applicants may meet the requirements of an income tax exempt study allowance. It is the
responsibility of the successful applicant to apply to the ATO for an individual private ruling for an
exemption from income tax in relation to the Scholarship.
21
Assessment of applications
The Selection Panel will comprise of at least three members.
The selection of successful applications will be assessed on:

meeting eligibility criteria;

the competitiveness of the applicant against other applicants;

the funds available for the Justice Health Koori Tertiary Scholarships Program under the Aboriginal
Social and Emotional Wellbeing Plan.
Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit, with consideration in part given to:

the relevance of the proposed course of study to Justice Health’s priorities in providing services to
the Aboriginal community. Targeted areas of study for 2016 include applicants studying alcohol
and drugs, allied health, dental and oral health, dual diagnosis and counselling, health promotion,
medicine, nursing, psychiatry and psychology

previous scholarship assistance received for study purposes, excluding (ABSTUDY/AUSTUDY)

the student’s past academic results and achievements, and

their demonstrated ability to complete their studies.
Should a scholarship recipient receive any other offer of financial study assistance they must notify the
Senior Project Officer, Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Plan, immediately.
Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend for an interview to further expand on their application.
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Policy, Strategic Services and Planning
Justice Health Koori Tertiary Scholarships
GLOSSARY
ABSTUDY
A Commonwealth Government Aboriginal Study
Assistance Scheme which offers financial assistance
to students for schooling and further studies.
Accredited Course
A course accredited through the educational institution
or the Victorian Qualifications Authority and which
complies with the Australian Qualifications Framework
policy.
Agreement
The Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement.
An incorporated Koori community based organisation
A Koori organisation established to represent the local
Koori community and registered under the State Cooperatives Act 1996 or the Association Incorporation
Act 1981.
Approved institution
An education institution as recognised under the
Victorian Tertiary Education Act 1993 and/or the
Vocational Education and Training Act 1990.
AUSTUDY/ABSTUDY
A Commonwealth Government initiative offering study
allowance to Australians for further studies.
Department
Department of Justice & Regulation.
Koori/Koories
Term generally used to describe Indigenous
inhabitants of south-east Australia
Designated Service Provider
Arrangement with the Department of Justice and
Regulationand its agencies, which provides a service
to the community in accordance with agreed terms.
Selection Panel
A group of people who will assess each application in
accordance with selection criteria pertaining to the
eligibility criteria and guidelines of the Koori Tertiary
Scholarships.
Victorian Public Service
Comprises Departments and Administrative Offices of
the Victorian Government as described in the Public
Sector Management and Employment Act 1998
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Policy, Strategic Services and Planning
Justice Health Koori Tertiary Scholarships
Document information
Document details
Criteria
Details
TRIM ID:
CD/15/459233
Document title:
Justice Health Koori Tertiary Scholarships
Document owner:
Director, Justice Health
Version control
This document is based on CD/15/72068 Fact Sheet – Koori Tertiary Scholarship Guidelines – Clean
Copy – New Branding - Endorsed
Version
Date
Description
Author
V0.2
23 09 15
Second draft
James Fraser
V1.0
06 10 15
Final
Elizabeth Young
Document approval
This document requires the following approval:
Name
Title
Organisation
Larissa Strong
Director
Justice Health
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