The International Innovations Awards Programme promotes innovation in reform throughout the Commonwealth and is sponsored by the Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM).

CAPAM is an organisation dedicated to the exchange of information on the experiences in public sector administrative reform in the 54 member countries of the Commonwealth. This is CAPAM's third Awards Programme for public administration and management. The theme of the 2002 Awards Programme is "Innovations in Governance" and emphasises innovative practices in governance that respond to the significant challenges extant in the current environment.

The awards could provide a useful showcase for some of the developments in Australia and you may wish to consider whether your agency might forward a submission. Details on the process are attached and the deadline for submissions is 28 February 2002. You will note that only CAPAM members are eligible to put in submissions, however, if you are interested, it would be possible to apply for an individual membership (US$100) prior to submitting your application.

Further information about CAPAM and the Awards program can be obtained via their Internet site at www.capam.comnet.mt or by contacting Ms Qiumeng Mao on (02) 6272 3968 in the Public Service & Merit Protection Commission, ACT.

C. Gellatly
Director General