Dear Colleagues,

Concerted Efforts to Cut Expenditure

The HKSAR Government is faced with a serious deficit problem, which demands vigourous measures to raise revenue and to cut expenditure.  The Financial Secretary has given directions to all bureaux/departments to curtail expenses in the coming years.  I hope all of you will lend full support to our austerity efforts to ease the deficit problem.

To ease the deficit problem is the duty not only of the bureau/departmental management, but also of every member of the staff.  More often than not, the staff, especially frontline workers, are most familiar with the specific operation and procedures within their bureaux/departments.  They are also most able to identify room for savings.  I call on the bureau/departmental management to step up communication with the staff.  I also appeal to all colleagues to take the initiative to put forth their views.  We should pool our wisdom and efforts together in attaining our goal of easing the deficit problem.

Take the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) as an example.  After reviewing our role, structure and working relationship with other bureaux/departments, we have decided to reorganise the Bureau which will take effect from today.  The reorganisation will streamline administrative procedures and delayer the decision-making process.  It will serve not only to enhance operational efficiency but also to achieve economy of resources.  In particular, we are able to downsize our establishment by 10%.  The major reason for the smooth implementation of our reorganisation is that we have spent a lot of time on open and frank discussions with staff at all levels to understand their work and listen to their views.

The reorganisation initiative undertaken by the CSB may not be applicable to other bureaux/departments.  But I believe there is room for savings in every office.  Hence, expenditure-cutting options of all scopes ranging from large-scale reorganisation and outsourcing of work through medium-scale simplification of administration and internal procedures to small-scale economisation on electricity and paper warrant our careful consideration.  Colleagues may wish to make efficiency-enhancement or expenditure-cutting proposals through the existing Staff Suggestions Scheme, which is an incentive award scheme introduced to encourage suggestions for improvement.  I am confident that, with zealous and concerted efforts, we can further enhance our efficiency and reduce expenditure.

Let us give full play to our flexibility, industry and enterprise, and achieve the Administration's goal of cutting down expenses by making the best possible use of our manpower and resources.

Yours sincerely,

(Joseph W P Wong)
Secretary for the Civil Service