Premier's Memoranda 2002-03 Guidelines on Overseas Projects sets out Government expectations in relation to agency involvement in overseas projects. Agencies are required to fulfil the requirements of PM M2002-03.

The Guidelines recognise that the NSW Government's specialised public sector skills and expertise are in demand to improve governance, support business ventures, and assist economic, institutional and social development. Agencies are expected to ensure overseas projects are consistent with the Guidelines. Government businesses covered by the Commercial Policy Framework are also expected to ensure overseas projects are consistent with NSW Treasury's Guidelines on Projects of State Significance.

I draw Ministers' attention to two changes to the Guidelines on Overseas Projects and ask that Ministers draw these changes to the attention of agencies within their portfolios.

Assessing whether an agency should pursue a possible overseas project opportunity
The Guidelines list steps an agency is to undertake when assessing a possible overseas project opportunity. Firstly, agencies (including government businesses) are now required, when carrying out an assessment, to also inform the Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD). DSRD will also require ongoing advice on the status of these projects. This will allow DSRD to maintain an overview of all government-sponsored overseas projects and to identify any potential business development opportunities associated with government projects, so that coordination mechanisms can be established as appropriate. Julie Scott, Executive Director, Small Business Development Division (phone 9338-6677) is the initial contact point should there be any questions concerning DSRD's co-ordination role for overseas projects.

Approval of overseas projects
The Guidelines state that overseas projects must be approved by the Minister responsible for the agency, or the CEO acting with authority from the Minister (subject to certain conditions). Secondly, all future overseas projects that may use public funds or expose the Government to risk must be approved by the relevant portfolio Minister, shareholder Ministers and the Budget Sub-Committee of Cabinet before entering any binding agreements.

Morris Iemma
Premier

Issued Performance Development Division
Contact: Laurie Young, Director, Service Development
EMail: [email protected]
Telephone no: 9228 3968 Facsimile: 9228 3015

This Memorandum is linked to but does not supersede Premier's Memorandum 2002-03