Administrative Requirements

As you may be aware, as part of the continuing review of media monitoring services, the Premier's Department is considering a proposal to let whole-of-government contracts for the supply of these services.

With the approach of Christmas and the end of the year, I remind Ministers, Chief Executives and all senior officials of instructions regarding the expenditure of State funds on Christmas and end-of-year celebrations.

New charges for SES motor vehicles, effective from 1 October 1997, are as follows: STANDING COSTS (per annum) $ Comprehensive Insurance (Tariff Premium) Compulsory Third party Insurance Sydney 337.00 Wollongong 320.00 Newcastle & Country 270.00 Third Party Insurance Levy 43.00 Registration Fee 41.00 Vehicle Tax (Based on Weight) 0000 - 0975 kg 209.00 0976 - 1154 kg 234.00 1155 - 1504 kg 274.00 1505 - 2504 kg 413.00 NRMA Membership Joining Fee 44.00 Subscription Renewal 44.00 RUNNING COSTS (fuel, tyres, servicing and repairs) Cents per kilometre Passenger Sedans 4 cylinders under 2 litres 10.8 2 litres and over 12.6 6 cylinders 14.7 8 cylinders (all V8s not included in V8 executive category) 16.2 8 cylinder executive (eg Holden Statesman, Ford LTD) 16.5 4WD Small up to and including 3 litres Petrol 17.4 Diesel 15.5 Large over 3 litres Petrol 20.1 Diesel 18.2 All remuneration packages should continue to be costed to include the parking space levy, where applicable, fringe benefits tax and the standard operating leases offered by State Fleet Services for the particular type of vehicle concerned.

The Statutory and Other Offices Remuneration Tribunal has made its Determinations in relation to the abovementioned groups.

I am concerned that in some instances capital works projects are being presented for the approval of the Budget Committee of Cabinet with short notice and lacking supporting justification.

The Statutory and Other Offices Remuneration Tribunal (SOORT) has made its annual determination in relation to Chief and Senior Executive Service (SES).

The purpose of this memorandum is to put in place additional procedures to be followed when making certain statutory rules.

On 23 April 1997, I announced the establishment of the Office of Children and Young People.

The Public Service Medal is a prestigious national medal within the Australian Honours System designed to recognise public sector officers who have made a contribution to the community through the outstanding performance of their duties.

As you are aware, the Public Sector Management (General) Regulation 1996 was amended, as advised in Circular No. 97-2 (dated 21 January 1997), to enable Department Heads to recommend the appointment of existing long-term temporary employees as public service officers.