Assuming they have used the same consultants on the 2 previous...

Assuming they have used the same consultants on the 2 previous grant applications, then no doubt they are getting the wrong consultants to do the applications, but as their announcement indicated they are going back to the same consultants to try again. Also when they engaged Trench, he supposedly came with experience in dealing with government officials/departments.

The rejection of the RJIP grant was a bit disappointing as there was $20M available for the LaTrobe valley, they we seeking project feasibility funding for the Commercial Pilot Plant, and from what I can read they did meet the criteria albeit only in the long term view. Maybe if the OHD project was a little more advanced (as it should be) they may have been more successful....
The grant overview is still available to view, if you are interested....
https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/regional-jobs-and-investment-packages/#vic---latrobe-valley

Or is it just plainly the government bodies handling the grant applications scrutinise the project more thoroughly with more information in the business case presented than what we see in announcements?

The LaTrobe Valley certainly needs a boost in the area and one would think that the OHD project would be a perfect fit .....

cheers