Ministers would be aware that on 20 April 1999 I announced a suspension of advertising and filling vacancies (staff freeze) throughout all Budget Dependent General Government Sector Agencies.

The 1999-00 Budget was handed down on 22 June 1999 and the Cabinet Standing Committee on the budget approved initiatives to assist agencies in achieving savings.

The staff freeze will be progressively lifted from budget dependent agencies once they are able to demonstrate achievement of their budget targets to the satisfaction of the Budget Committee.

The purpose of this memorandum is to extend the same policy to positions within Ministers' Offices. No action is to be taken to appoint new staff or make changes to existing staff until the Premier's Department has granted approval. All requests are to be submitted to Premier's Department, Ministerial and Parliamentary Services in the first instance.

Any enquiries regarding Ministerial staff appointments should be directed to Mr Brad Fitzmaurice, Ministerial and Parliamentary Services, Premier's Department, on telephone 9228 4512 or email [email protected].

Bob Carr
Premier