The Premier's Public Sector Awards are designed to recognise excellence in the New South Wales public sector. The awards, which have been presented since 1997 have certainly demonstrated the public sector's commitment to quality and dedication to excellence. I have enclosed details of the 1999 Award winners.

Nominations are now invited for the 2000 Premier's Public Sector Awards. The closing date of 31 July is one month earlier this year to take account of the sectors involvement in the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Nominations are open to all public sector agencies and services including Government Trading Enterprises and State Owned Corporations. The Awards this year will recognise achievements in the following categories:

• Sustained contribution to improving the economy and/or the environment of NSW
• Sustained achievement in improving service delivery
• Improved provision of services to Regional/Rural NSW
• The delivery of improved social justice and/or employment equity
• Improvements to the ethical health and culture of an organisation; and
• Best Practice in the provision of services using the Internet

Attached are the Guidelines and Nomination Form for the 2000 Awards. This information is also available from the Premier's Department Website www.dpc.nsw.gov.au

I encourage all chief executives to nominate achievements from their organisations for consideration for a 2000 Premier's Public Sector Award.

C. Gellatly
Director-General