In order to meet the Government's budgetary commitments and deliver its policies, the size of the Chief and Senior Executive Service (CES/SES) is to be reduced by at least one third. The savings have to be achieved in 1995-96, with the final reductions implemented by 1997-98.

The primary obligation for delivering the reductions and other budget savings will rest with individual agency Chief Executive Officers. This will allow the particular nature and circumstances of each agency to be taken into account. It is recognised that the level of savings will vary between agencies.

The CEOs are to discuss with Ministers the aggregate savings to be achieved and a summary forwarded to the Office of the Council on the Cost of Government outlining the total savings to be achieved; total reductions in SES/non-SES numbers and the time by which these targets will be achieved.

Vacant SES positions are not to be filled without approval of the Public Employment Office until aggregate savings targets have been established and notified to the Director General, Premier's Department. These targets will be reflected in Ministers' annual portfolio review; CEO's annual agency review; regular progress reports to Cabinet; and inclusion in CEO Performance Agreements.

Inquiries on this process can be directed to Ms Anne Rein, Assistant Director General and General Manager, Office of the Council on the Cost of Government (228 5495). Mr Ken Cripps, Acting Commissioner, Public Employment Office (228 4732) or Dr Elizabeth Coombs, Director, Senior Executive Services (228 5511) can provide advice on processes for officers displaced through this process.

(K.P. Baxter)
Director General