There have been several recent instances where:

• Ministers have sought inclusion of items as late additions to the Capital Works Committee Meeting Agenda;
• supporting material, including economic appraisals and feasibility studies, have been submitted late;
• submissions sought to be included on the Agenda have not contained material required by the Committee, such as economic appraisals, (refer Memoranda No's 1991-01, 1991-26 and 1992-39), resulting in deferral of the item;
• announcements have been made calling for private sector expressions of interest, without prior approval of the Capital Works Committee.

I do not consider any of the above situations to be satisfactory. Ministers are advised that in relation to all matters requiring approval by the Capital Works Committee, including proposals to call for expressions of interest from the private sector, they must ensure that:

1. adequate advance notice is given of the intention to seek an item's inclusion on the Committee's Agenda;
2. relevant material is provided to the Capital Works Unit at least 10 working days before the scheduled meeting - except for detailed studies, including economic appraisals, which are to be supplied for review well in advance of the desired date for consideration by the Committee.

Further advice on the Capital Works Committee's requirements and proposed meeting dates can be obtained from the Capital Works Unit, Premier's Department.

John Fahey
Premier