The Government remains firmly committed to keeping costs associated with the production of annual reports of public agencies to a minimum. Annual reports are required to be produced by Chief Executives of Departments and the Boards of statutory authorities and those preparing for them are therefore subject to clear legal and other duties in relation to their content. They should be prepared in the most cost effective manner to enable Ministers, Parliament and citizens to make evaluations of the appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency of government agencies in the administration of legislation and the implementation of government policy.

The restriction on the engagement of consultants to prepare these documents is reaffirmed. Consultants should only be used in instances where an agency is able to demonstrate a strong, cost effective business case and where the necessary expertise does not exist within the agency. The decision on whether to engage consultants for text preparation, editing, layout, etc. of the report continues to be left to the discretion of each Chief Executive Officer. The restriction does not apply to contracted printers of annual reports.

Cost should be kept to an absolute minimum. This may be achieved in a number of areas including:

• size of report - emphasis should be on recording performance of an agency rather than documenting activity;
• quantity printed - fewer copies if there is access via the Internet and if condensed versions are made available for recruitment purposes, overseas visitors, etc.
• paper quality;
• printing in black and white;
• minimal or no use of photos; and
• quality control

Ministers are requested to ensure the observation of this requirement by all departments and authorities falling within their areas of administration.

Bob Carr
Premier