public, Information Services Minister the Hon. Sen. Michael Winfield told colleagues in the Upper House.

Giving an outline of the initiative known as "Access to Government,'' which The Royal Gazette reported on earlier this month, the Senate Leader said: "Our intent is not only to improve the efficiency and productivity of Government, but also to make it easier and more friendly to deal with.'' Sen. Winfield said work had already begun in the following areas: Internal information -- improving information available to public servants so they can improve upon advice and information given to the public on Government services and where they can be found; Key services -- identifying services which have a major impact on the public and ensuring that adequate information on these services is available; Personnel management and attitudes -- training Government employees to become more responsive to the public's needs and committed to providing good service; Bringing Government closer to the people -- searching for ways to improve contact with the public, getting inquiries and applications faster, cutting down on bureaucratic roadblocks and generally improving the flow of information; and Accountability -- instituting additional methods of making managers accountable for ensuring that appropriate service is provided for the public.

Noting that this would not have a dramatic impact overnight, Sen. Winfield said: "But we hope, over time, to achieve success and to help make Government more user friendly.''