Premier's Memorandum No. 2000-11, introduced guidelines designed to clarify what information relating to the Government's contracting arrangements with the private sector should, and should not, be made public.

The contract disclosure provisions of this Memorandum play a significant part in enhancing the overall probity and transparency of the NSW Government's procurement processes. It is therefore important that all relevant agencies comply fully with the requirements of these guidelines.

The guidelines attached to Memorandum No. 2000-11 which is available on the Premier's Department Website outline the procedures that should be implemented by all government agencies including Government Trading Enterprises. The procedures apply to all government contracts (construction, infrastructure, property, goods and services (including consultancies), information technology etc).

• Schedule 1 provides for information to be disclosed by agencies for all contracts including details of the contract (description of project to be completed or goods/services to be provided or property to be transferred; commencement date of the contract; and the period of the contract).
• Schedule 2 provides for additional items to be disclosed for all contracts over $5million involving private sector financing, land swaps and similar arrangements.
• Schedule 3 covers Commercial in confidence information and items that are not to be disclosed for any contract, such as the contractor's financing arrangements and the contractor's cost structure or profit margins.

Chief Executives should ensure that this policy is being fully implemented in their agency.

Any enquiries should be directed to Ned Jordan, Department of Public Works and Services on phone no. 9372 8910.

C. Gellatly
Director-General