The Government has a clear obligation to the people and businesses of New South Wales who depend on Government services to take all reasonable steps to avoid any disruption to service delivery arising from the effect of the "Millennium Bug". Across the public sector risks have been identified and corrective action has been taken, or is in train, on the basis of the advice provided by the responsible public officials.

The NSW Government's Year 2000 Millennium Strategy (Memorandum No 1998-14 refers) requires that all agencies have complete contingency and disaster recovery plans that address the Year 2000 problem. Overall, NSW Government services, by 31 December 1999, will be as well protected against the "Millennium Bug" as is reasonably practicable.

The State contingency plan to be issued shortly will provide guidance on stand-by and reporting arrangements during the New Year period. Essentially, the plan will provide for agencies delivering essential services to inform the State Policy Co-ordination Centre (located at Bligh House) of any service difficulties as the first step in ensuring prompt, co-ordinated responses. The Centre will keep Ministers and the public informed of any developments.

I request that all Ministers ensure that they can be contacted by the State Policy Co-ordination Centre from 8 pm on 31 December 1999 and that they are available to provide necessary leadership and direction in dealing with any disruption in service delivery. Ministers should be contactable and available to meet at short notice, if required. These arrangements should operate from 8 pm on 31 December 1999 until noon on 1 January 2000, unless the State Policy Co-ordination Centre advises Ministers otherwise.

Bob Carr
Premier