Effective Governance Preamble We will work to provide a sound foundation through effective governance to maintain and further develop Hong Kong's position as a world city of Asia. We are determined to maintain the rule of law in Hong Kong and will continue to take forward our constitutional development in accordance with the Basic Law. We will restore our fiscal balance to foster an environment conducive to continued economic growth and success. We are committed to maintaining a small but responsive and accountable government, and a permanent, meritocratic, professional, politically neutral and clean civil service. New Initiatives We will:   Formulate an effective budget strategy with the objective of balancing the operating revenue and expenditure accounts by 2006-07. This will include levying a tax from early 2004 on passengers departing Hong Kong by land/sea in order to generate revenue to help finance improvement of boundary facilities. Implement a general recruitment freeze to the civil service and consider implementing a second Voluntary Retirement Scheme with a view to reducing the size of the civil service and facilitating the Government's efforts to reduce operating expenditure. Take forward the 2003 civil service pay adjustment and related matters in consultation with staff. Review the Accountability System for Principal Officials after its first year and report to the Legislative Council. Make practical arrangements to ensure that the 2003 District Council elections are conducted in a fair, open and honest manner following the expansion in the number of elected seats. Enact legislation to provide for the delineation of geographical constituencies and functional constituencies for the 2004 Legislative Council elections. We will also put in place new electoral arrangements, adopt measures to facilitate the development of political parties and political groups, and support independent candidates in these elections. Begin to make suitable preparations for the review of constitutional developments after 2007. Enhance administrative efficiency and effectiveness of bureaux and departments through re-engineering, re-organisation and re-prioritisation of service delivery. Enhance motivation and commendation schemes for civil servants in recognition of distinguished service. Review the structure and functions of advisory/statutory bodies. Enact domestic legislation to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law. Introduce legislative amendments to enhance the capability of law enforcement agencies to combat terrorism and transnational organised crimes. Act on proposals to relieve prison over-crowding and improve prison management for both the short and long term.   Ongoing Initiatives We are:   Implementing measures to control growth in public expenditure in 2003-04 to 2006-07 to ensure that the Budget is balanced and public expenditure is 20% of GDP or less by 2006-07. Continuing to implement "One Country, Two Systems" and to demonstrate its success. Taking steps to issue the Smart ID card in phases starting from mid-2003 to enhance security, facilitate boundary crossing, and provide other value-added services. Enhancing the credibility of the existing police complaints system by making the Independent Police Complaints Council a statutory body. Continuing discussion with the Mainland and other jurisdictions on bilateral legal co-operation in criminal matters relating to Mutual Legal Assistance, Surrender of Fugitive Offenders, and Transfer of Sentenced Persons. Putting in place electoral arrangements for 2003 rural elections. Enacting legislation to authorise and regulate soccer betting in Hong Kong.   Contents | Next   2003 | Important notices Last revision date: January 8, 2003