I refer to Memorandum No 95-18 issued on 31 May 1995 regarding arrangements for identifying members of the community interested in appointment to Government boards and committees. Those arrangements involve the Public Employment Office (PEO) in advertising for expressions of interest and registering names and interests of respondents on a computer database that may be searched to identify suitable nominees for vacancies.

I have announced the establishment of a similar computer based register of people of non English speaking background interested in appointment to Government boards and committees.

The PEO will advertise for expressions of interest, compile the data base and support Ministers by advising on suitable nominees from the register of people from NESB for upcoming vacancies. I have asked the PEO to consult with representatives of ethnic community groups and the Ethnic Affairs Commission in developing the advertisement seeking expressions of interest, and in the design of the application form.

These arrangements will ensure that the names and interests of people from NESB are brought forward for consideration by Ministers in relation to appointments to boards and committees. Achieving the Government's objective of increasing the representation of people from NESB on boards and committees depends on Ministers including people from the ethnic communities when making recommendations and I ask that Ministers seek to achieve an appropriate level of representation from this sector of the community on boards and committees in their portfolios.

Please bring this Memorandum to the attention of Chief Executive Officers in your portfolio, requesting them to ensure it is disseminated to Chairpersons of Government boards and committees and to officers involved in preparing recommendations on such appointments.

Bob Carr
Premier