Recent reports of the state of affairs in East Timor have indicated that there is a pressing need to re-establish and re-build the institutions, systems and services of public administration.

It seems likely that opportunities to use the skills and expertise of the NSW public sector in the reconstruction of East Timor will be notified through the project notification systems of the international development agencies, such as AusAID and the World Bank. Agencies may also be approached on an individual basis by interested parties seeking assistance with specific issues.

It is intended that a whole of government approach should be taken to the involvement of the NSW public sector, and that NSW involvement in the reconstruction of East Timor should be integrated with the overall national effort.

To provide the Government with a full picture of the involvement of NSW public sector agencies, Premier's Department will convene a NSW East Timor Working Party which will serve as a central reference point in respect of this issue. All agencies are asked to notify the Working Party, by 31 January 2000, of any current involvement in East Timor, and thereafter of any proposed involvement in East Timor. Responses from agencies with current or proposed involvements should nominate a contact officer.

The Premier's Department contact is Ms Angelina Anassis, Assistant Project Officer, Ministerial and Parliamentary Services on fax number (02) 9228 4421 or Email: [email protected]. Agency responses by email would be preferred.

Yours sincerely

C. Gellatly
Director-General