As you may be aware purchases by pubic sector organisations of light and heavy commercial vehicles and earth moving equipment and plant were included in the Australian Civil Offsets Agreement from 1 January 1990.

On 12 March 1991 the Commonwealth in its Industry Statement announced an extension of the automotive industry Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS). The Commonwealth believes that the operation of the EFS and offsets together is redundant and has sought the Government's agreement to winding down offset requirements for this industry sector.

The Government has agreed with the Commonwealth's proposal which was effective from 1 September 1991. The arrangements for winding down the offsets program will vary depending on whether suppliers currently have an offset credit or obligation.

Would you please advise all organisations within your administration to contact the NSW Offset Secretariat prior to issuing specifications or requests for tenders for commercial vehicles and equipment.

The monitoring ofcompliance with the Australian Civil Offsets Agreement and the NSW Government Offsets program is the responsibility of the NSW Offsets Secretariat within the Department of State Development, phone 02 895 0434, facsimile 02 635 3574.

Yours sincerely

Nick Greiner MP

Branch: IRB
Date: 8 November 1991