The Cabinet has recently agreed to the establishment, for the 1991/92 Budget Debate, of five experimental departmental Estimates Committees.

It is proposed that each Estimates Committee comprise 10 members (taken from both Houses) and sit in parallel with the sittings of the two Houses. The five committees will cover all portfolio areas, their proposed structure is set out below.

Human Resources Estimates Committee

Aboriginal Affairs

Consumer Affairs

Arts

Ethnic Affairs

School Education and Youth Affairs

Natural Resources and Environment Estimates Committee

Conservation and Land Management Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Natural Resources Environment

Housing

Health and Community Services

Hospital Management

Technical and Further Education

Sport, Recreation and Racing

Economic Planning, Development and Infrastructure Estimates Committee

Public Works and Roads Transport

State Development and Tourism

Planning and Energy

Law and justice Estimates Committee

Attorney General

Police and Emergency Services

Machinery of Government Estimates Committe

Premier

Chief Secretary

Administrative Services

Local Government and Co-operatives

Industrial Relations and Employment

Court Administration

Corrective Services

Legislature

Treasury

It is anticipated that two or three weeks in October 1991 would be set aside for this process and that Ministers, CEO's and senior departmental budget officers will be required to attend. As you would no doubt be aware similar procedures are already in place in the Federal Parliament.

Further details as to how the process will operate will be provided shortly. In the meantime, it would be appreciated if you could bring this matter to the attention of all CEO's within your portfolio.

Nick Greiner MP

Date: 27 August 1991