The Government has placed significant priority on agencies working collaboratively to achieve better outcomes for all clients. This has been advanced through the promotion of Whole of Government concepts that are aimed at breaking down barriers to communication and getting people within agencies to work as part of one inclusive government sector.

The Guidelines for Collaboration and Integrated Services have been developed by the Premier's Department and are intended to further promote a whole of government approach across public sector agencies. The Guidelines represent another excellent new resource available to organisations in their progress towards greater integration of services and stronger collaboration for delivering better service to the community and business, and in achieving cost savings, wherever possible. They capture details of some best practice examples of successful collaboration initiatives in the NSW public sector, illustrated with case studies in a range of agencies, activities and approaches.

Whole of Government activities are increasing in the NSW public sector, as they are in many other jurisdictions, across Australia and internationally. Solutions to increasingly complex social, environmental and economic issues, are beyond the resources and mandates of individual agencies, and can only be found if public sector agencies work together and with other relevant agencies to achieve better outcomes.

These Guidelines will support a new initiative currently being developed and coordinated by the Premier's Department - the development of an Integrated Government Service Delivery Plan. This Plan will entail a staged approach, including both policy and implementation consideration. Further details will be provided to agencies separately.

I commend the Guidelines to all CEOs, their executive teams and anyone who is considering collaboration in the provision of improved outcomes for customers.

Enquiries regarding the Guidelines for Collaboration and Integrated Services should be directed to Tom Pelle on (02) 9228 3146 or by email to [email protected].

Robyn Kruk
Acting Director-General

Contact: Tom Pelle
Telephone: (02) 9228 3146
Email: [email protected] 
Date: 9 June, 1999