In a letter to Chief Executive Officers on 14 March 2000 I advised that at the request of the Central Coordinating Committee of Spokeswomen a study would be undertaken to analyse the effectiveness and achievements of the Spokeswomen's Programme.

The Programme has been operating in New South Wales Government agencies since 1977 as an affirmative action initiative providing information and encouragement to assist women to achieve their potential.

Ms Libby Darlison of Darlison and Associates has recently provided me with her report on the spokeswomen's Programme, which is now available on the Premier's Department Website. I encourage all agencies to read the Report and to provide me with comments by 30 November 2000.

I fully endorse the continuation of the Programme and its role of providing a communication and support network for lower graded and paid women in public employment.

The Central Coordinating Committee of Spokeswomen will now be known as the Management Committee for the Spokeswomen's Programme. I look forward to receiving your comments, which will inform the Committee's planning day scheduled for early December.

C. Gellatly
Director-General