The achievement of the Government's vision is dependent upon an understanding and agreement between Ministers and Chief Executive Officers on the outcomes required, and the tasks to be accomplished by an agency.

The performance agreement is a key accountability tool to ensure that there is agreement on the critical aspects of the Chief Executive Officer role. Moreover it provides a basis for specification and review of performance. The performance agreement and annual review will form a key basis for any remuneration increase as determined by the Statutory and Other Offices Remuneration Tribunal (SOORT).

The attached guidelines have been developed to assist Chief Executives and Ministers to draw up performance agreements that are relevant, fair and useful. The guidelines are not intended to be prescriptive, but should be used as the primary guide.

This document will be reviewed and refined to reflect the needs of the Government and Chief Executives. It replaces the Guidelines distributed with Memorandum 1993-43 in September 1994.

For further information and assistance, please contact Helen Silver, Acting Director, Management Improvement, Public Employment Office, on 9228-5511.

Bob Carr
Premier