This memorandum concerns the provision of information for the 1999-00 Western Sydney Budget Statement.

As you would be aware, the first ever Western Sydney Budget Statement was produced in 1998-99 within a short time frame, and the cooperation of agencies within your administration in providing information for the Statement is greatly appreciated.

It has been agreed with the Minister Assisting the Premier on Western Sydney, the Hon K M Yeadon MP, that the 1999-00 Western Sydney Budget Statement should be refined in two ways, these being:

1. to provide information on the extent of Government expenditure on agency operations, as well as individual programs, in Western Sydney; and.
2. to provide information on the outcome of programs in Western Sydney implemented within your portfolio.

The objectives of these refinements are to provide a more comprehensive picture of Government funding to Western Sydney, to measure the effectiveness of its programs and expenditure, as well as to inform people of the benefits achieved by the Government's programs in Western Sydney.

I am aware that in providing information for the 1998-99 Western Sydney Budget Statement, a number of agencies were unable to provide specific funding and program data for the Western Sydney region. It is important, therefore, that there be mechanisms within agencies in your portfolio's which will enable the aggregation of necessary region-specific data for inclusion in the 1999-00 Statement.

With regard to point 2, steps should be taken to ensure that programs and initiatives included in the 1998-99 Statement are monitored, so that information on their outcomes can be included in the 1999-00 Statement.

Your assistance concerning the ongoing development of the Western Sydney Budget Statement is greatly appreciated.

Bob Carr
Premier

Issued by: The Cabinet Office & Office of the Minister Assisting the Prernier on Western Sydney
Contact officers: Maree Thomas (Ph: 9228 4905) or Don Munro (Ph 9228 3688)
Date: 19 Aug 1998