This Circular addresses the Government's policy regarding agency plans for services to be delivered during the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

You will recall Cabinet approved in principle the development of strategies to provide guidance to agencies in the delivery of Government services during the Games period. This approval was conveyed in Premier's Department Circular No. 99-43 of 21 July 1999, which required all agencies to assess their anticipated operations during the Games period by investigating the impact of the Games on the demand for services, including both Games commitments and all other services. The Circular also covered the reassignment of available public sector staff to agencies responsible for providing Government services to the Games.

Since that time, agencies have had the opportunity to participate in a workshop presented by Premier's Department and the Olympic Roads and Transport Authority (ORTA). Prior to this workshop, agencies were asked to respond to a questionnaire prepared by ORTA, which surveyed progress on service delivery plans with a focus on workforce planning and travel demand. The results of this survey are still being analysed however early indication shows that a number of agencies have made limited progress.

I seek your support in ensuring that service delivery plans are completed to your satisfaction by 31 January 2000 to ensure that services are effectively delivered during the Games period. These plans need to clearly identify any potential impact on services during the Games period and outline contingency proposals your agency has developed.

In line with this planning, the strategy developed for staff reassignment should identify those staff who can be released for reassignment to ORTA, the Olympic Security Command Centre, CityRail or a number of other key agencies delivering services to the Games. Each of these agencies has a significant need for assistance during the Games period.

The number of staff volunteering for reassignment will depend heavily on the active promotion of the scheme in agencies. The assistance provided by agency Olympic Contact Officers to date has been very helpful in this regard. Your continued efforts in helping to promote staff reassignment would therefore be appreciated to ensure that sufficient numbers of skilled staff are made available to assist in Games related work.

Arrangements are being made to advertise staff reassignment during January and to develop a marketing strategy. An award covering reassigned staff is currently being negotiated with the Labor Council of NSW and affiliated unions and further information concerning this matter will be provided separately.

Any enquiries concerning these matters should be directed to David Clark on telephone number 9228 3531.

Yours sincerely
C Gellatly
Director-General