You will be aware that Heads of Government signed a series of intergovernmental agreements at the Council of Australian Governments meeting on 11 April 1995. These agreements give effect to national competition policy which all jurisdictions have agreed to implement on a co-operative basis from 1 July 1996.

There are a number of compliance issues which must be dealt with by all agencies prior to the commencement date.

The Competition Principles Agreement also includes 5 basic competition principles which must be accommodated in varying degrees by all Departments, agencies and local governments.

The Cabinet Office in conjunction with the Royal Institute of Public Administration Australia (REPAA) will be conducting a series of one day seminars aimed at familiarising all agencies with the tasks which need to be undertaken by them.

It would be appreciated if all chief executives could nominate a senior officer to be responsible for all competition policy matters in their agencies.

These officers, at a minimum, should attend one of the seminars to be held as follows:

• Sydney
• Coffs Harbour
• Newcastle
• Dubbo
• Wagga
• August 3, 17
• September 7, 28
• October 19
• August 24
• September 21 ,
• October 12
• October 26

Cost of attendance will be $330 per person or $300 for 3 or more participants or RIPAA members.

Further details will be circulated separately to all agencies.

Roger B. Wilkins
Director-General.

Issued by: Inter-Governmental Relations Unit,
Contact Officer: Ann Williams,
Telephone: Phone: 228 3712.
Date: 26 June 1995