The New South Wales Government's 2003 Report to the National Competition Council on the application of National Competition Policy in New South Wales is now available online on The Cabinet Office website (http://www.cabinet.nsw.gov.au/).

The 2003 Report outlines the Government's progress in implementing National Competition Policy (NCP) obligations for the period 31 March 2002 to 31 March 2003. The Report comprises three parts:

1. progress in remaining priority areas identified by the National Competition Council (NCC);
2. updated legislation review database; and
3. progress in implementing water reforms.

In addition, a supplementary report was provided in response to issues raised by the NCC following submission of the 2003 Report.

Following the NCC's assessment of New South Wales' progress, in which it recommended competition payment penalties of $50.8 million be imposed for 2003-04, the Government provided a further submission to the Commonwealth Treasurer. The Commonwealth Treasurer announced on 8 December 2003 that the Commonwealth had accepted the NCC's recommendation.

Both the supplementary report and the submission to the Commonwealth Treasurer are also available on The Cabinet Office website.

Roger B Wilkins
Director-General
The Cabinet Office