As you are aware, last year the Government initiated the establishment of five Joint Parliamentary Estimates Committees. The purpose of these Committees is to review all departmental appropriations

The Premier has asked me to advise you that the Estimates Committees for the 1992/93 Budget Debates are scheduled to be held between Tuesday 20 October,1992 to Friday 23 October, 1992 and Tuesday 10 November,1992 to Friday 13 November, 1992

It is intended that the Estimates Committees will sit in parallel with the sittings of the two Houses and a timetable, detailing the specific portfolio sitting dates, is attached for your information.

Little change has occurred to last year's sessional procedures and the process will again involve the appropriate Ministers and senior departmental officers attending hearings to answer relevant questions on matters arising from the their relevant appropriations. It is intended that each Committee will again comprise ten parliamentary members from both the Assembly and Council, made up of members from the Government, Opposition and Independents. A copy of the procedural matters to be adopted are also attached for your information.

I have asked the Office of Public Management, Premier's Department to assist agencies in this exercise by advising them of the likely issues that could be raised and the matters that should be considered in preparation for the proceedings.

Yours sincerely

R. G. Humphry
Director-General

Branch: Director-General's Unit
Date 25th September, 1992.