In the context of obtaining value for money for staff development and training, Circular 95-19 expressed a strong preference for officers to participate in seminars and conferences conducted by not-for-profit, professional associations such as the Institute of Public Administration Australia, the Australian Economics Society and the Australian Quality Council. It required Ministerial approval for officers either to address or to attend commercially-run conferences, seminars and workshops.

It is still the case that conferences and seminars run by not-for-profit professional associations generally represent the most cost-effective approach to training and development.

Nonetheless, it is also recognised that commercially-run conferences and seminars may also serve other valuable organisational purposes such as showcasing New South Wales public sector achievements to a broadly constituted audience or providing a better understanding for a particular marketplace. On these occasions Chief Executive Officers may authorise participation by staff in commercially-run conferences and seminars. Chief Executives should ensure that attendance is both consistent with their agency's and with Government's objectives and represents a cost effective means of achieving those objectives.

Staff approved by their CEO to address commercially-run forums should negotiate a fee, payable to their agency or to the Crown, and for their expenses to be met by the conference organiser. Where it is not possible to negotiate a fee, a suitable number of conference places should be negotiated for other staff to attend the conference free of charge. Ministers should be notified of any participation in such forums.

C. Gellatly
Director General