M2009-10 Release of Overseas Travel Information

Overseas travel is undertaken by Ministers to attract investment, trade and business opportunities to the State, to learn from the policies and processes of other Governments, and to forge relationships with export markets.

Full disclosure of the costs, purpose and benefits of overseas trips would help to dispel the public perception that overseas travel is undertaken for the private benefit of Ministers and their attendants at taxpayers' expense. This information is routinely sought, and released, under the Freedom of Information Act 1989.

I therefore require Ministers to publish on an appropriate agency website, within 28 days of returning from an overseas trip, information concerning the travel undertaken by them or their staff, including the following information:

• The portfolios to which the trip relates.
• A detailed description of the purpose and benefits of the travel to the State of New South Wales.
• The destinations visited.
• The date of travel.
• The number of persons who accompanied the Minister, including Ministerial advisers, agency staff and, in accordance with relevant guidelines, family members.
• The total cost of airfares.
• The total cost of accommodation.
• The total cost of other expenses (including travel allowances).

Ministers should ensure that they comply with these new requirements immediately.

The Department of Premier and Cabinet has prepared a template for use by Ministers. A copy of the template can be obtained by contacting the Department's Legal Branch on ph 9228 5599.

Nathan Rees
Premier