This Circular relates to the reporting requirements specified in Premier's Memorandum 2002-03 - Overseas Projects.

Updated Guidelines on Overseas Projects were issued to all Ministers and Chief Executive Officers on 21 February, 2002. These guidelines recognised that New South Wales Government's specialised public sector skills and expertise are in demand to improve governance, support business ventures, and assist economic, institutional and social development.

While it is agreed that there were many reciprocal benefits available to NSW public sector agencies, the Guidelines emphasise that agency participation be conditional on the demonstration of a tangible and worthwhile contribution to the State's interests.

In seeking approval for overseas projects, agencies are required to provide a brief report to their Minister by 30 June each year for each overseas project. The Guidelines specify the information to be provided.

A standard report proforma has been developed to assist agencies in their reporting to Ministers' Offices on overseas projects. A copy is attached. It is intended that the proforma clarify the level of reporting detail required by the guidelines and should replicate information already created by agencies for each overseas project.

A copy of these reports should then be forwarded to the Minister's Office and an electronic copy sent to Premier's Department at [email protected].

C. Gellatly
Director General