The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has recently supplied Premier's Department with updated Guidelines on Official Australian contact with representatives of Foreign States, Political Entities and Organisations where special considerations are involved. Copy of those Guidelines is attached. These replace the Guidelines provided to Chief Executive Officers under the Premier's Department Circular 92/3 of 6th March, 1992.

DFAT has also drawn attention to altered arrangements which apply following changes in staffing structure and resource allocations which have produced a group of 'Small Posts'. DFAT requests that direct contact not be made with those posts but, where assistance is required, the contact be through the Small Posts Unit in the Department's head office at Canberra. Contact details are 'Director, Management Strategy and Co-ordination Section, Corporate Management Division, DFAT, Canberra, ACT. Telephone: 02 6261 3256 or facsimile: 02 6261 2434.

DFAT has grouped its overseas posts into five categories. A copy of those categories is attached. The posts which are considered to be 'small posts' are those included in Category 1V.

The Commonwealth authorities continue to be happy to respond to requests from State Government agencies made direct to the diplomatic and consular posts in Categories I, II, III and V.

The Chief Executives are reminded that foreign governments should not be approached direct seeking the provision of any form of assistance relating to overseas visits. DFAT is prepared to assist with arrangements overseas, especially in arranging appointments for Ministers, Members of Parliament and Senior Officials. Requests for such assistance are helped if the following details are provided:-

• The names of the party and a curriculum vitae on each;
• Travel itinerary;
• Proposed accommodation arrangements; and
• Purpose of the visit.

However, DFAT or overseas posts should not be approached until the necessary approval has been obtained for the overseas travel, including approval by the Premier if Ministerial travel is involved.

I would be obliged if you would arrange for all relevant officials from your agency to be made aware of the above information.

Yours sincerely

C. Gellatly
Director-General

Contact: L. Quinnell. Assistant Director-General, SAS
Phone: 9228 5982
Date: 19 January, 1998