Circular 1996-23 of 20 March 1996 advised Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) that consultants could no longer be used for preparation of annual reports including "...editing, layout etc. of the report."

A number of agencies have contacted the PEO seeking clarification on using consultants for some of the more specialist functions of annual report preparation. This Circular addresses these concerns

While the restriction on the use of consultants to prepare annual reports remains in place, it applies to those aspects of the report preparation which can normally be carried out by agency staff eg text preparation, editing etc. The decision on whether to use consultants for design and layout of the report will be left to the discretion of each CEO. In exercising this discretion, CEOs should consider the Government's commitment to restrict the unnecessary use of consultants and that they should only be used for design and layout of annual reports where the necessary expertise does not exist within the agency.

Any enquiries concerning this matter should be directed to Emanuel Sklavounos on telephone number 9228 3570.

Yours sincerely

KEN CRIPPS
Commissioner