The Council of Australian Governments has established the Centenary of Federation Advisory Committee to develop ideas and strategies on how Australians should celebrate the Centenary of Federation.

An overriding objective of the celebration will be the building of a better sense of national identity for the next century.

While a strong focus will be directed toward our State's preparation for the Olympic Games over the next few years, we should not forget the significance of the Centenary of Federation and the opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing our nation and State as we approach the 21st century

For that reason I am asking all Ministers to consider the opportunities for their portfolios to be involved in marking the Centenary of our nationhood.

In considering ways in which your departments and agencies can be involved, particular emphasis should be given to those activities, both capital and noncapital, that will have enduring and worthwhile results that go beyond simply marking the occurrence of the Centenary.

While questions of funding have not yet been addressed, I would expect that to a large degree costs involved, if any, would normally be met from within the relevant agency budget.

To enable the Government to prepare a co-ordinated submission to the Advisory Committee, I would be pleased if you could provide me with details of ideas and activities that could be undertaken by your administration as part of the Centenary of Federation celebrations, by Friday, 22nd April, 1994.

John Fahey
Premier