Administrative Requirements

NSW Government policy on employer-provided residential housing and other forms of rental assistance for employees has recently been reviewed in the light of the Auditor-General's special audit report, Rental and Management Aspects of Public Servant Housing.

As you are aware, the Legislative Assembly passed the following motion on 4 May 1994: 7hat, pursuant to Standing Order 54, this House orders to be laid before it and made public without restricted access, at the commencement of business of the House on Tuesday, May 10, all documents which show the expenditure from 30 June, 1993, to date on office fit-outs and refurbishments by all Government departments and agencies." 1 have been asked by the Premier to seek your assistance in requesting all portfolio agencies to provide rne with a schedule detailing the following information in respect of fit-outs and refurbishments, since 30 June 1993: The agency concerned The City-out/refurbishment concerned, le office The general work undertaken The total cost of the work involved The reason for the fit-out refurbishment, Le, relocation at end of lease, etc Any special circumstances, viz OH&S needs etc Each Chief Executive Officer should also provide a certified statement that details of all expenditure relating to fit-outs and refurbishments since 30 June 1993 have been provided.

The Council of Australian Governments has established the Centenary of Federation Advisory Committee to develop ideas and strategies on how Australians should celebrate the Centenary of Federation.

The New South Wales Supply Service has provided details of a contract for the use of fixed wing charter aircraft which took effect from 1st November, 1993, and will operate for a period of two years.

The Capital Works Committee has approved a new standard NSW Government site signage system to replace the large range of signs currently used by State agencies.

The United Nations has declared 1994 International Year of the Family.

The FOI brochures "Guidelines for using FOI in NSW" and Reviews and Appeals" have been revised to incorporate changes which have occurred since the original versions were issued following the introduction of Freedom of Information Legislation in New South Wales in 1989.

In its determination of 30 August 1993 the Statutory and Other Offices Remuneration Tribunal indicated its readiness to hold a special reference to consider the impact of significant changes in market related comparisons between private and public sector executives.

As a result of the Commonwealth Government's legislation on fringe benefits tax, effective from 1 April 1994, FBT applicable to Public Sector Agencies will change from the current rate of 48.4% to an ‘effective' rate of 93.8%.

Under the Crown Employees (Public Sector - Salaries December, 1993) Award, relevant classifications of employees will receive a salaries increase of 4 per cent operative from the beginning of the first pay period to commence on or after 1st January 1994.