M1993-41 Portfolio Reviews 1994

I have decided to reform the Portfolio Review arrangements, with a view to structuring our discussions in order to reach clear agreement on the Government's priorities and our strategies for addressing them.I intend to meet with each Minister privately, during the period from late January to mid February 1994, while CEOs will meet with heads of central agencies through the Management Council process.   Meetings with Ministers As has been the case in previous years, I would like you to personally identify up to ten or so priority issues of greatest policy and political significance within your portfolio. This will enable us to discuss any problems you see emerging as well as new initiatives you have in mind, and the strategies you propose for addressing these matters. In identifying these matters, I would like you to pay particular attention to those areas requiring cross-portfolio co-ordination. In these cases, please state the other portfolios involved in the matter, and your strategy for achieving a co-ordinated Government response. During our meetings we should reach firm agreement on the priority outcomes for each portfolio, the necessary strategies to address them and a timetable for their implementation. The meetings will be private sessions, with only the Director-General, The Cabinet Office, and my Chief of Staff in attendance.   CEO Meeting It is considered that CEOs' meetings with the heads of central agencies will be of maximum benefit in addressing policy, management and financial issues if held throughout the year in the context of the meetings of the Management Council. I would appreciate you drawing this change in the Portfolio Review process to the attention of the individual CEOs within your administration.   1993 Portfolio Review - November update I  would appreciate your including in the above return your advice regarding the status of those issues discussed during the Portfolio Review process this year, and, where action is still outstanding, firm details of the proposed action and a timetable for implementation.   1994 Governor's Speech It is intended that Parliament be prorogued and a new Session commenced in March 1994. I am also seeking your assistance in the provision of material for inclusion in the Governor's Speech. As was the case this year, emphasis will be placed on the brief articulation of the Government's strategic directions in major areas of Government administration, and the indication of proposed Government action over the life of the Session. I would appreciate you providing me with brief statements suitable for insertion in the Speech in respect of major matters within your portfolio.As the Portfolio Reviews are a part of the Cabinet process, I would ask you to ensure that all documents prepared in relation to both Ministers' and CEOs' meetings are accorded the same confidential status as other Cabinet papers.   It is imperative that all of the above information is supplied before the end of November and I seek your co-operation in ensuring that this deadline is achieved. Your advice of the major issues for discussion in the 1994 Portfolio Reviews, an update on matters arising from the 1993 Reviews and statements for inclusion in the 1994 Governor's Speech should be forwarded to the Branch Head, Cabinet Secretariat, The Cabinet Office, by 30 November 1993.   John Fahey Premier