The R&D Tax Incentive was designed to give a cash benefit for startups who have little tax to pay. So your example is correct for a pre revenue entity, assuming no outstanding tax liabilities. Its an entitlement scheme, so as long as your doing R&D, have a company and spending your money through the company, you will get the benefit of the scheme.

It is one area that Australia has a significant advantage over the US for startups.

Yes, you have to spend the money though so youll still be down 55K, it doesnt count to things like capital purchases.

Depends who owns the company you spend the $100k with.

They'd need to pay 30% tax on their income, leaving a net outlay by the government of $15k (15%) overall.

Their income would be less than the $100k. They would have incurred expenses when they provided the services.

I paid $100k, the provider took the $100k and spent $60k. This means they declare $40k income.

The company pays $12k tax.

The Goverment gives $55k to my hypothetical company.