Classifying a project
Guidance material throughout this toolkit is generally dependent on the type of project you are undertaking, in particular its size and complexity. To ensure you are applying the appropriate guidance, classify the project by answering the questions outlined below.
You will not need to complete the questions if the project has been identified by the government as needing to comply with the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) High-Value-High-Risk (HVHR) via DTF’s project profile as it is automatically classified as HVHR.
Please also note that some guidance within this toolkit, such as compliance with government frameworks will be applied based on the project’s estimated total investment, rather than classification.
Types of projects
| Project type | Classification | Examples may include: |
|---|---|---|
| Small projects with internal funding and pre-approval as part of a general allowance or program of works. | Business-as-usual* | Planned maintenance, replacement of equipment, staff relocations and building refurbishments. |
| Low complexity projects that are either internally funded (under $20m) or form part of an externally funded program of works via a funding agreement. | Low Complexity* | Simple construction projects such as car-parking, larger building refurbishments, structural repairs or upgrade works. May need permits or design assistance, and may need some external reporting. |
Medium complexity projects that require external funding or internal funding of more than $20m. These projects typically require strategic oversight and may involve complex stakeholder groups but do not trigger HVHR requirements. | Medium Complexity* | Development of a new building on-campus or a large-scale refurbishment with decanting or early works. It is likely external project management support would be utilised on a medium complexity project. |
| Externally and internally funded projects that meet DTF’s HVHR definition*. | HVHR | Development of a large-scale new building, commencement at a new campus, development with industry partners, or development of a facility with multiple or complex stakeholders. |
*Any projects categorised as HVHR in accordance with DTF’s project profile are considered HVHR projects.
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Where seeking the TAFE's internal funding, you can classify the project by answering the questions below. Make sure to check the guidance below to see whether the project meets the HVHR classification as some internally funded projects may still be subject to the DTF’s HVHR framework if they are of substantial value or subject to certain risk.
Classifying internally funded project
Is the project part of a general allowance or program of works and has its funding been pre-approved as part of the TAFE’s normal budgeting process?
If yes:
- project is likely business-as-usual.
If no:
- if the project requires less than $20m of internal funding and is considered of relatively low complexity, it is likely low complexity
- if the project requires more than $20m of internal funding or is considered of medium complexity, it is likely medium complexity.
Note that factors contributing to complexity may include the skills and capabilities of in-house resources in delivering similar projects; complexity of stakeholders; understanding of project scope; and knowledge and ease-of-management of site risks.
Check if an internally funded project is HVHR
The project will likely be HVHR if it is:
- under $100m and is classified as high risk using the project profile
- between $100m and $250m and is classified as high or medium risk using the project profile , or
- over $250m.
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Where the TAFE is seeking external direct government funding, DTF’s HVHR guidelines require you to determine whether the project is HVHR, based on the likely capital value and the project's risk profile:
Projects under $100m
If the project is under $100m and is classified as high risk using the project profile , it is likely HVHR.
Otherwise, the project is likely medium complexity.
Projects between $100m and $250m
If the project is between $100m and $250m and is classified as high or medium risk using the project profile , it is likely HVHR.
Otherwise, the project is likely medium complexity.
Projects over $250m
The project is likely HVHR.
Reviewed 22 March 2023