This memorandum outlines arrangements for co-ordinating the New South Wales response to, and implementation of, programs contained within the White Paper.

The Prime Minister has indicated to me that contact would be made by various Commonwealth Ministers with their NSW counterparts in the near future regarding initiatives. outlines in the White Paper. Attached is a copy of my interim reply to the Prime Minister, for information.

As you would be aware, 1 have already raised concerns about the impact of White Paper on NSW. However, a range of issues still need to be resolved including:

• implications for NSW; of major issues needing further clarification;
• and the mechanism for co-ordinating the development of NSW's position and;
• response to the Paper & monitoring the implementation of White Paper programs.

As the Minister for Industrial Relations and Employment co-ordinated the NSW response to the Commonwealth's Green Paper on employment, 1 have agreed to proposal that the Department of Industrial Relations, Employment, Training and Further Education establish a working party of officers from relevant agencies to assist in setting directions for a response to the Paper.

I understand that the Working Party have agreed to analyse those chapters of the White Paper most relevant to their portfolio, to outline the Commonwealth commitments and make comments on the likely impact and/or issues for NSW. Where these commitments affected more than one portfolio /agency there was agreement to consult with the other affected parties.

This process should only be seen as the first step in developing a NSW position. Following receipt of this information from the Working Party, I intend to issue another Memorandum allocating responsibility for specific programs and
identifying an appropriate reporting mechanism, to ensure that there is a coordinated NSW approach to
dealing with the Commonwealth on these matters

Furthermore, the Prime Minister has flagged that Commonwealth Ministers will be contacting State counterparts in the near future on a number of the White Paper commitments, including:

• increasing representation on the National Training Board;
• implementation of the AusIndustry initiative;
• on the terms of reference for a review of Australia's standards assessment infrastructure;
• establishment of Commonwealth-State Committees of Program Providers & appointment of regional program co-ordinators to work with State Governments on this; and
• establish dialogue on regional development, involving local government;
• arrangements to be put in place to ensure benefits of education and training initiatives flow quickly to those requiring assistance.

Please note that all contact with Federal Ministers on the White Paper should be cleared with me, to ensure a consistent NSW approach.

I should be pleased if you would ensure that this memorandum is brought to the attention of relevant officers within your administration.