questions and answers - parliament of nsw · 5/5/2004 · (2) hunters hill? (3) ryde? answer— i...

2321

PARLIAMENT OF NEW SOUTH WALES LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

2003-04

FIRST SESSION OF THE FIFTY-THIRD PARLIAMENT

___________

QUESTIONS AND

ANSWERS

No. 72

WEDNESDAY 5 MAY 2004

___________ (The Questions and Answers Paper is published for each sitting day and will contain, by number and title, all unanswered questions, together with questions to which answers have been received on the previous sitting day and any new questions. Consequently the full text of any question will be printed only twice: when notice is given; and, when answered.)

2322

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 5 May 2004

Q. & A. No. 60 (Including Question Nos 1586 to 1622)

13 April 2004


14 April 2004


15 April 2004


16 April 2004


20 April 2004


21 April 2004


22 April 2004


4 May 2004


5 May 2004


6 May 2004


7 May 2004


11 May 2004


8 June 2004

2323


Notice of Question given on the date shown

9 MARCH 2004

(Paper No. 60)

*1586 GRAFFITI REDUCTION IN SCHOOLS—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) What are the Department of Education’s guidelines for the removal of graffiti? (2) What timeframe for removal is considered acceptable? (3) How many staff are employed to remove the graffiti? (4) Are schools being funded to utilise contractors to undertake graffiti removal within 20 hours? Answer— (1) The Department of Education and Training’s Schools Asset Management Guidelines and School

Maintenance Guidelines provide information to principals in relation to the removal of graffit i. In addition, the NSW Government provides information through its NSW Graffiti Information website and the NSW Graffiti Solutions Handbook.

(2) Principals are advised to report graffiti damage to the police and arrange for the removal of graffiti as soon as possible.

(3) Graffiti removal is carried out by either the school cleaning contractor or school maintenance contractor.

(4) Removal of graffiti damage that occurred outside of school hours is covered by the Department’s Treasury Managed Fund. Graffiti damage that occurs during school hours is the responsibility of the school.

*1587 SCHOOL MASTERPLANS—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) Which Hawkesbury schools currently have masterplans? (2) What masterplans are proposed to be developed over the next five years? Answer— (1) and (2) No schools in the Hawkesbury electorate currently have master plans.

*1588 SCHOOL SECURITY FENCING—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— Which Hawkesbury schools are proposed to have security fencing installed in: (a) 2003/04? (b) 2004/05? (c) 2005/06? Answer— On 11 February 2003, the Government announced the Safer Schools Plan and gave a commitment to provide security fencing to at least 200 more schools in New South Wales by 2007 at a total cost of $20 million.

2324


The Department of Education and Training determines the order of schools to be fenced on a priority basis. The priority is based on an on-site risk assessment that carefully considers the frequency, magnitude, severity and cost of the security breaches that have been reported.

*1589 LUNA PARK—Ms Seaton to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources— (1) In relation to the land known as Luna Park ‘Site C’, what is the maximum term for which a lease

might be entered into for the use of that land? (2) In relation to other land parcels on the Luna Park site, what is the maximum lease term for each

parcel? Does the Government intend to extend any current maximum lease term? (3) In the agreement between the tenderer Metro Edgley and the Government, what obligations does

the Government have in respect of supporting a viable use of the site? (4) Who will assess the viability? (5) On what grounds will viability be modelled and tested? (6) In what circumstances can the viability be questioned by the tenderer? (7) What limits are in place to protect residents and taxpayers from the consequences of this

agreement? Answer— (1) I am advised the maximum term is 99 years. (2) I am advised that it is 99 years for the cliff top sites, 99 years for the carpark and 40 years for Luna

Park. No. (3) I am advised that there are none. (4) to (7) Not applicable.

*1590 LAND TAX—Mr Roberts to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council— What is the total revenue collected from Land Tax or owner-occupied residential properties for the years 1999-2000, 2000-01 and 2001-02 in the following local government areas: (1) Lane Cove? (2) Hunters Hill? (3) Ryde? Answer— I have been advised that OSR does not collect data on total Land Tax revenue collected in local government areas for financial year periods.

*1591 SYDNEY WATER—Mr Roberts to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— What long-term plans are being investigated in respect to improving and increasing the levels of water to be supplied to metropolitan Sydney? Answer— Sydney Water will continue to implement and develop its demand management initiatives. These initiatives are targeted at improved water efficiency of fittings and appliances, reductions in supply system losses and increased water recycling.

2325


To increase Sydney’s water supply, the Sydney Catchment Authority will investigate increased pumping from Tallowa Dam on the Shoalhaven River in periods of high flow, and improved infrastructure to make available water at the bottom of existing storages that cannot currently be extracted.

*1593 WARRANTY INSURANCE—Mr Merton to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce— What steps is the Government taking to make Home Owner’s Warranty Insurance more accessible to builders? Answer— On 22 October 2003 the Minister for Commerce, the Hon J J Della Bosca MLC, announced that the Government had accepted, in principle, the primary recommendations of the NSW Home Warranty Insurance Inquiry. A reform package is being developed which will give effect to the recommendations of the NSW Home Warranty Insurance Inquiry. The proposed reforms have been the subject of extensive and ongoing consultation with insurers and building industry representatives. The Government has established an interim Scheme Board to oversee work by the Office of Fair Trading and the Home Building Service on implementing changes that will produce a home warranty insurance scheme that is transparent and accessible for builders and provides real protection for NSW homeowners. Following the recent home warranty inquiry, a number of insurers have expressed strong interest in offering home warranty insurance. IAG, Australia’s largest general insurer has just announced its entry into the home warranty insurance market. This will substantially increase competition for builders and homeowners and put downward pressure on premiums.

*1594 REGISTERED MOTOR VEHICLES—Mr Merton to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— How many motor vehicles are registered to owners living in the post code 2153? Answer— There were 30,591 motor vehicles (excluding trailers) registered to owners in the post code 2153, as at 31 December 2003.

*1596 CASTLE COVE PUBLIC SCHOOL—Ms Berejiklian to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— In relation to Castle Cove Public School, why have you refused to accede to a request for part-funding of a new library for the school? Answer— The Department of Education and Training has received a joint funding application from Castle Cove Public School for the upgrade of library facilities at the school. Joint funding for a project to provide an enhanced library and resource centre at Castle Cove Public School will be considered in the context of future capital works priorities.

*1597 CHATSWOOD POLICE STATION—Ms Berejiklian to Minister for Police— In relation to Chatswood Police Station: (1) When will construction of the new station be complete? (2) What will be the total cost of construction? (3) Will any other services be co-existing with the Chatswood Police?

2326


Answer— NSW Police has advised me: (1) Chatswood Police Station is expected to be completed in early 2005. (2) A total of $11.333 million is provided in the NSW Police capital budget for the new police station

at Chatswood. (3) NSW Police will fully occupy the premises.

*1598 POLICE NUMBERS—GOSFORD TRAIN STATION—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Police— (1) For the period January 1, 2004 to February 2, 2004, how many police were rostered on for duty at

the Gosford Train Station police office? (2) For which days of the week and at what times are they rostered on for duty at this office? Answer— NSW Police has advised me: (1) and (2) Rosters for a Local Area Command are a matter for the Local Area Commander.

*1599 CRIMINAL INCIDENTS—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)— (1) How many criminal incidents were reported as taking place on trains or train stations during the

period January 1, 2004 to February 29, 2004, on the Newcastle – Sydney line? (2) How many of these incidents took place on a train? (3) How many of these incidents took place at a train station? (4) How many of these incidents were classed as assaults? (5) How many people were apprehended and charged as a result of such incidents? Answer— I am advised: RailCorp does not record details on the apprehension of criminal offenders or maintain a database on criminal charges. This function is performed by NSW Police. RailCorp maintains a security incident database. A summary of incidents, broken down into incidents on trains and stations, is updated monthly on the CityRail website at www.cityrail.info .

*1600 TRAIN CANCELLATION—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)— On the Newcastle to Sydney railway line: (1) How many trains were cancelled during the period January 1, 2004 to February 29, 2004? (2) How many trains ran late within this time period? Answer— I am advised: Since 2003 daily on-time running information has been publicly available on the CityRail website at www.cityrail.info . Cancelled trains are counted as running late for the purposes of on-time running figures.

2327


*1601 MATERNITY SERVICES—Mr Constance to Minister for Health—

(1) Will you guarantee that there will be no loss of maternity services at Moruya and Batemans Bay

Hospitals? (2) Will you meet the requests of local doctors and resolve this crisis by 8 April 2004? Answer— (1) and (2) Southern Area Health Service has been urgently preparing a maternity services plan for the

region to address obstetric workforce issues. Almost 200 Eurobodalla residents took part in public consultation meetings in Batemans Bay, Narooma and Moruya. A Reference Group comprising of participants from the medical profession, staff, mothers, relevant community organisations and indigenous representatives met to select the criteria for consideration of a maternity services hub for the region. The key criteria related to equity of access, staff recruitment, retention, education and training, access to pathology services on site, critical mass issues and the possibility of reducing outflows. The Reference Group recommended that Moruya be the maternity hub for the Eurobodalla. Consultations regarding the proposed maternity services network will now take place with the medical profession in the region, staff and other service providers. The recommended service plan for maternity services will be completed in April 2004 and will then be considered by the Southern Area Health Service Board.

*1602 “STOP THE 4 O’CLOCK KNOCK” PROGRAM—Mr Constance to Minister for Roads, and Minister

for Housing— Will funding be provided to the “Stop the 4 O’Clock Knock” program which is targeted at young drivers? Answer— There are no current plans to provide funding for this program.

*1603 PRINCES HIGHWAY—Mrs Hancock to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— Since the recent fatalities on the Princes Highway south of Nowra, will you now meet with local Members of Parliament and the Southern Group of Councils to implement an improved funding strategy for the Princes Highway upgrading? Answer— The NSW Government is currently mid-way through a 12 year, $380 million program to upgrade the Princes Highway south of Wollongong with $50M allocated in the 2003/04 State Budget to improve this vital link. By 2010, the NSW Government will build a four-lane dual carriageway on the Princes Highway to Kiama. However, if the Federal Government provides matching funding by declaring the Princes Highway a RONI, the Princes Highway could be a dual carriageway road all the way to Jervis Bay within ten years. This would bring significant economic, social and safety benefits to the businesses, residents and motorists of the South Coast.

2328


*1604 MILTON PUBLIC SCHOOL—Mrs Hancock to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training,

and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— What progress has been made with respect to negotiations between Shoalhaven City Council and the Department of Education regarding Milton Public School? Answer— I understand that a Development Application for the upgrade of facilities at Milton Public School was submitted to Shoalhaven City Council on 2 September 2003. It is anticipated that issues regarding the Development Application will be resolved to enable tenders to be called for the first stage of works by early term two, this year.

*1605 ULLADULLA HIGH SCHOOL—Mrs Hancock to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— Following the public meeting at Ulladulla High School and ongoing discussions with the parents and citizens representatives, what commitments have you made towards resolving the many issues at Ulladulla High School? Answer— On 16 February 2004, the Department of Education and Training announced that a Master Plan would be developed for Ulladulla High School to provide a blueprint for potential new and upgraded school buildings. The Master Plan will take into account the results of the recent facilities review and demographic analysis. On 19 February 2004, representatives from the Department met with school community representatives of Ulladulla High School, including students, teachers, school and parents and citizens executives, to discuss demographic and enrolment information and to commence the development of a Master Plan for the school. The Master Plan process will also examine the existing electrical and drainage infrastructure with the objective of upgrading these services to meet future requirements. The Department has undertaken to provide concept plans to the school community early in term two, 2004 for review and comment. During the Autumn school vacation period, temporary drainage works, an upgrade of the electrical system, and relocation of three demountable classrooms from the hockey field to the south western corner of the school site are scheduled to be undertaken.

*1606 STATE VALUATION OFFICE—Mr Aplin to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)— (1) Is the State Valuation Office in Albury to be closed at the end of this financial year? (2) How many staff will lose their jobs? (3) Will these staff be offered transfers or redeployment? (4) Will there be further reductions in State Government activity in southern New South Wales? Answer— Please be advised that this question is a matter for the Minister for Commerce.

2329


*1608 GREENHOUSE EFFECT—Mr Richardson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) At what point in their education and in which courses are students in New South Wales State

schools taught about the greenhouse effect? (2) Are all students in NSW State schools required to learn greenhouse science at some stage of their

schooling? (3) Is the quality of the material given such that all students will have an understanding of what the

greenhouse effect is, how it is leading to climate change, and how ordinary citizens can reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

Answer— (1) Students learn about aspects of the greenhouse effect in the key learning areas (KLA) of Science,

Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) and Geography. (2) Yes. (3) There is a wealth of materials on the greenhouse effect in text books, on internet sites and from

Government departments such as the Environment Protection Authority, Bureau of Meteorology and State Forests (Carbon Sinks).

*1609 BAGASSE PAPER—Mr Richardson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

(1) Is any paper being made in New South Wales from bagasse? (2) If so, who is producing it and approximately how many tonnes a year are being made? (3) Is the paper 100 per cent bagasse based or does bagasse represent a percentage of the fibre content

and if so, what percentage does it represent? (4) If no paper is currently being made in New South Wales from bagasse, does the Government plan

to take steps to stimulate the ma rket for this environmentally friendly product? Answer— Bagasse is a relatively environmentally benign waste material which is generated in small quantities in NSW. The Department of Environment and Conservation understands that no paper is currently being made from bagasse in New South Wales or Australia. The Government is already supporting the use of bagasse as an environmentally friendly fuel for use in boilers and other industrial applications. However, given the relatively small quantities of bagasse in comparison to waste paper, priority has been given to developing markets for recycled paper fibre recovered from the NSW waste stream.

*1610 MYALL WAY—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— (1) Is the Roads and Traffic Athority (RTA) undertaking a study, inquiry or any other activity in

relation to investigating an upgrade of the intersection of the Myall Way junction with the Pacific Highway?

(2) If so, do those undertakings include the consideration of an overpass or flyover? (3) If so, what is the state of such inquiries or studies of any upgrade of the intersection mentioned in

(1) above? (4) If so, will the RTA proceed to upgrade the intersection of the Myall Way and the Pacific Highway? (5) If not, why not? (6) If not, and the RTA does propose to upgrade the intersection, would it not cost more to do the

upgrade and the improvement of the intersection as separate undertakings? (7) If so, how much extra would it cost? (8) If not, why would it not cost more?

2330


Answer— The junction of the Myall Way with the Pacific Highway is to be improved in conjunction with the upgrading of the Pacific Highway at this location to dual carriageway standard. The RTA is undertaking preliminary investigations into future provision for grade-separation. By ensuring that the proposed Pacific Highway upgrade at the Myall Way junction is compatible with a future interchange, the cost of carrying out construction works for the interchange will be minimised.

*1611 MANNING BASE HOSPITAL—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health— (1) How many beds are in Manning Base Hospital and how are they categorised? (2) What type of beds are they? (3) Who has supplied the beds? (4) What was the number of beds as at 1 January 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000? (5) If there were more beds over that period of time than there are at the present time, why? (6) What is the age of the oldest bed in the hospital? (7) What is the normal accepted life span of a hospital bed? (8) What is the average age of the beds in the hospital? Answer— (1) and (2) Manning Base Hospital has 166 beds comprising the following categories:

• 57 General ward electric beds • 4 Obstetric electric delivery beds • 99 Mechanical beds • 6 Hydraulic beds

(3) The Hospital’s beds were purchased from a range of suppliers including “Medicraft”, “Joyce”, “Vost” and “Striker”.

(4) and (5) The Hospital’s asset records do not allow it to accurately identify the total number of “physical beds” as at 1 January each year from 2000. However, the number of “approved beds” as at 1 January each year is as follows:

Year Approved Bed Numbers

2000 143

2001 145

2002 141

2003 159

2004 164 (6) 17 years. (7) Mid North Coast Area Health Service advises that it is not aware of such an industry standard. Beds

are replaced under Manning Base Hospital’s Bed Replacement Program which has purchased 57 new electric beds in the past four years.

(8) 10 years. Note: The hospital also has a number of Day Only Surgery chairs, recovery chairs, oncology chairs, baby cots and humidity cribs which are not reflected in the above advice.

*1612 MANNING HOSPITAL STAFF—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health—

(1) Were nursing or other staff transferred from other parts of the Manning Base Hospital to staff the

high dependency unit at the hospital? (2) If so, what staff were transferred?

2331


(3) If so, why were they transferred? (4) If so, have those staff been replaced in the positions they previously held? (5) If not, why not? Answer— (1) to (5) Five registered nurses from Manning Hospital applied for and were successful in being

appointed to positions in the High Dependency Unit. The positions these nurses previously occupied are being filled by casual/temporary staff pending recruitment of permanent replacements.

*1613 SCHOOL UPGRADE—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) How much of the recently announced $15 million upgrade to school grounds and buildings will be

spent on schools in the Hornsby electorate? (2) Which schools will have money spent on them and what will be done? Answer— (1) I announced recently that $327,029 from the 2003/04 Replacement Works Program has been

allocated to projects in 11 schools in the Hornsby electorate. (2) Projects are as follows:

• Asquith Boys High School - $14,156 to replace external lighting. • Asquith Public School - $14,026 for roof repairs. • Brooklyn Public School - $1,866 for ground repairs • Clarke Road School - $172,035 to repair roof and gutters, and to replace floor coverings and

boundary fencing. • Hornsby North Public School - $11,816 for work to the quadrangle. • Mount Ku-ring-gai Public School - $13,442 to replace walls. • Normanhurst Boys High School - $49,566 to replace a section of the sewer line. • Normanhurst Public School - $10,950 to replace paving in the quadrangle area. • Thornleigh West Public School - $2,844 for a stormwater installation. • Waitara Public School - $22,715 for drainage works. • Wideview Public School - $13,613 to repair roof, gutters and downpipes.

*1614 PROPOSED BUDGET CUTS—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for

Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)— (1) Will the proposed budget cuts for Rural Fire Service activities/equipment result in less funding for

Hornsby emergency services? (2) What services will be cut? Answer— (1) There are no cuts proposed. (2) Refer to above.

2332


*1615 SUTHERLAND HOSPITAL LAND/BUILDING LEASE—Mr Kerr to Minister for Health—

(1) Does Sutherland Hospital lease any part of land or buildings to private organisations? (2) If so, what are the names of these organisations? (3) What is the Government’s policy concerning Sutherland Hospital leasing land or buildings to

private organisations? Answer— (1) Yes. (2) Nuclear Medicine. Sleep Clinic. Wishing You Well Coffee Shop. Sutherland Food Services (Meals on Wheels). Vodafone (Mobile telephone base on the hospital’s rooftop). Optus (Mobile telephone base on the hospital’s rooftop). Orange (Mobile telephone base on the hospital’s rooftop). (3) The Department of Health expects such a lease to be within the strategic direction of the

Hospital/Area Health Service and would normally be a “market value” rental following review by the State Valuation Office.

*1616 POLICE INTEGRITY COMMISSION INVESTIGATION—Mr Kerr to Minister for Police—

(1) Has the Police Integrity Commission (PIC) proposed that police officers suspected of involvement

in the drugs scene be subjected to targeted off-duty tests (at their homes)? (2) If so, has the Commissioner of Police and the NSW Police Association indicated that they will

agree to the proposal? (3) What is the status of complaints to the PIC by police that officers with the NSW Police Royal

Commission were involved in the supply of heroin and cocaine in 1996? (4) Given that a series of complaints concerning this matter were received by police from Strike Force

Emblems late last year and have more recently been referred by police to the PIC, what is its status? (5) Why was this matter previously rejected in terms of being investigated? (6) Does the PIC not have jurisdiction to investigate this matter or has it been determined that the

matter does not warrant investigation? (7) If the PIC has considered that the matter does not merit investigation, how has this decision been

reached, given that none of the complainants have been interviewed and none of the evidence they claim to possess has been examined?

Answer— (1) No. (2) Not applicable. (3) to (7) As these matters have been considered by the Independent Commission Against Corruption

(ICAC), inquiries on this matter might be directed to ICAC.

*1617 ASSISTANCE TO SMALL BUSINESSES —Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business— (1) How many High Growth Forums to assist small businesses were offered during: (a) 2000? (b) 2001? (c) 2002? (d) 2003? (2) By year how many small businesses attended these forums?

2333


Answer— (1) and (2) I refer the Honourable member to the annual reports of the Department of State and Regional

Development for the years 1999/2000, 2000/01, 2001/02 and 2002/03.

*1618 OMEGA KITCHENS GOULBURN—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce— Has the Office of Fair Trading received any complaints about Omega Kitchens NSW Pty Ltd, 21-23 Gulson St Goulburn, based on poor workmanship or refusal to complete a contract? Answer— I have been advised by the Office of Fair Trading that no complaints have been received to date regarding Omega Kitchens NSW Pty Ltd, based on poor workmanship or refusal to complete a contract.

*1619 PATIENT LIFT AT ST JOHN OF GOD HOSPITAL—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health— (1) Will you confirm that the patient lift at the hydrotherapy pool at St John of God Hospital has not

been operational since December 2003? (2) What is the reason for the delay in repairing the patient lift? (3) Will you confirm that patients have to be manually lifted in and out of the hydrotherapy pool by

staff? (4) Have any staff reported injuries as a result of this occupational health and safety failure? Answer— (1) and (2) The hydrotherapy pool at St John of God Hospital was closed for routine annual maintenance

in December 2003/January 2004. During this time the patient lifter also underwent routine servicing.

(3) and (4) N/A.

*1621 POLICE CORPORATE PLAN—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police— In relation to the New South Wales Police Corporate Plan: (1) What is the date of the current NSW Police Corporate Plan? (2) When and how was it released? (3) How is the plan reviewed? Answer— (1) to (3) The Strategic Management Framework, a whole of government initiative supported by the

Premier’s Department, covers requirements for a government agency’s corporate plan. This can be found at: http://www.premiers.nsw.gov.au/WorkAndBusiness/WorkingForGovernment/StrategicManagementFramework/

*1622 POLICE MOTOR BIKES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

In relation to police motor bikes: (1) How many police motor bikes does NSW Police own, lease and/or operate as at 1 March 2004? (2) What were the figures in relation to Question (1) as at 1 January 1999? (3) How many police are trained to operate police motor bikes as at 1 January 2004? (4) How many police are currently undergoing motor bike training?

2334


(5) What is the cost to train an individual officer as a police motor cyclist? (6) How many BMW K1200P bikes are in operation as at 1 March 2004? (7) How many Honda ST1100 and BMW RT1150P bikes have been replaced by the BMW K1200P as

at 1 March 2004? (8) When do you expect the full replacement of bikes as referred to in Question (7) to be completed? (9) Do patrol officers need to be retrained to use the new BMW K1200P bikes? Answer— NSW Police has advised me: (1) to (9) NSW Police uses motorcycles as an operational tool on a needs basis. Training is conducted by

Education Services Command. The most recent course was held in March. The motorcycles are being replaced under a replacement schedule and I am advised that accreditation is sufficient for either.

10 MARCH 2004

(Paper No. 61)

*1623 NORTHWEST TRANSIT WAY—Mr Merton to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

In respect of the proposed Northwest Transit Way, what part of the route will be constructed as follows: (1) Additional or new lanes constructed specifically for the bus transit way? (2) The distance or length of the lanes referred to above? (3) Existing road or traffic lanes designated with bus priority? (4) Existing road or traffic lanes dedicated for bus use exclusively? (5) The distance or length of (c) and (d) above? Answer— (1) The North-West T-Way is to be primarily located in two new lanes dedicated to T-way buses

adjacent to the following: • Old Windsor Road between Briens Road, Westmead and Windsor Road, Kellyville; • Windsor Road between Old Windsor Road, Kellyville and Rouse Hill Town Centre; • Windsor Road between Memorial Avenue, Kellyville and Showground Road, Castle Hill; • Showground Road between Windsor Road and Victoria Avenue at Castle Hill; • Sunnyholt Road between Devitt Street, Blacktown and Old Windsor Road, Parklea; • Burns Road, Kellyville; and • Memorial Avenue, Kellyville.

(2) The length of these new lanes will be 20.624 km. (3) Two existing bus lanes in Argyle Street, Parramatta will be utilised as part of the North-West

T-Way. Existing traffic lanes will be converted to bus lanes on the following roads: • Alexandra Parade between Hassall Street and Hawkesbury Road, Westmead; • Mons Road, Westmead; • Briens Road from the T-way to Old Windsor Road, Westmead; and • George Street at Blacktown.

These bus lanes may also be used by taxis, hire cars, motorcycles and bicycles. (4) Lanes in advance of existing and proposed new B signals will be designated as bus only lanes for a

minimum distance of 35 m. (5) The total length of the existing traffic lanes designated as bus and bus only lanes will be 8 km.

2335


*1624 STATE TAXES—Mr Page to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural

Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council— How much money has been paid in State taxes by each of the local government areas of Tweed, Byron, Ballina and Lis more in 1998-99; 1999-2000; 2000-01; 2001-02; and, 2002-03? Answer— I have been advised that OSR does not keep data concerning the total amount of State taxes paid by local government area.

*1625 SERRATED TUSSOCK—Ms Seaton to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries— (1) How much funding has been allocated in Goulburn, Mulwaree and Wingecarribee Shire areas for

serrated tussock eradication? (2) Is the necessary chemical available for use by farmers? (3) What if any research is underway on biological control including introduction of insect and beetle

predators? (4) How is evaluation of success or progress in the control of serrated tussock undertaken? (5) What results are available for the rate of spread or control of serrated tussock in Goulbourn,

Mulwaree and Wingecarribee Shire areas? Answer— The following response has been provided by the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries: (1) NSW Agriculture advises that in 2003/04 no Noxious Weed Grants for serrated tussock

management were provided direct to the former Goulburn, Mulwaree and Wingecarribee Shire Councils. However, Noxious Weed Grants totalling $16,582 were paid to the designated project management organisation within the Southern Tablelands and South Coast Noxious Plants Committee areas. This area includes the three former Shires for serrated tussock control. In addition, the three former shire councils were allocated $100,847 to assist with property inspections, landholder extension and education and weed management coordination. Serrated tussock eradication on private land is not funded as this is the responsibility of the landholder.

(2) NSW Agriculture advises that the necessary herbicides for serrated tussock control, flupropanate and glyphosate, are readily available to farmers. Flupropanate was removed from the market some time ago, but has since been reintroduced by other suppliers.

(3) NSW Agriculture has been working with the Victorian Government, Local Government, the CRC for Australian Weed Management and the Federal Government on research programs for biological control of two closely related weeds, Chilean needle grass and serrated tussock. Results to date have identified several fungal pathogens that are worthy of more research. Investigations are currently underway to determine the lifecycle of these pathogens and to determine their impact on both weed material from Australia and closely related native plants.

(4) NSW Agriculture advises that evaluation of progress in the control of serrated tussock is undertaken at two levels. The Serrated Tussock Regional Weed Management Plan of the Southern Tablelands and South Coast Noxious Plants Committee is being implemented in the area and, annually, participating councils prepare progress reports on the regional project being implemented as part of that regional plan. This information is also recorded and included in the National Serrated Tussock Strategy progress reports. Progress reports were prepared for the National Strategy in 2003.

(5) NSW Agriculture advises that Councils keep their own records of weed infestations, properties, activities and the progress that is being made. NSW Agriculture does not keep detailed, localised records of this nature.

2336


*1626 TAILGATING—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Police—

(1) What are the regulations pertaining to the offence of tailgating? (2) What distance between vehicles, and over what length of road, establishes the offence of tailgating? (3) Are Police Highway Patrol officers permitted to tailgate? (4) How many charges of tailgating were laid last year (2003)? Answer— (1) to (4) I am advised that there is no offence of “tailgating” under the NSW Road Transport legislation.

*1627 DEFECT IVE BUILDING WORK—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce— (1) Why has the Office of Building Services not yet completed the investigation of the complaint by Mr

K Boules, 37 Cigolini Place Kellyville, about defective building work that was lodged in May 2002?

(2) What is the reason for the delay in finalising this matter? (3) When will this investigation be finalised? Answer— (1) to (3) The Home Building Service of the Office of Fair Trading has comp leted the investigation of

the complaint by Mr Boules. As a result, disciplinary proceedings have commenced in relation to the various parties.

*1628 SOUTHERN AREA HEALTH SERVICE STAFFING—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

(1) How many Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions are there in the establishment of the Southern

Area Health Service? (2) How many staff were actually employed by the Southern Area Health Service as at 1 March 2004? (3) How many of these FTE positions have a clinical role in providing direct care or assessment of a

patient’s health needs? (4) How many of these ‘clinical’ positions were vacant as at 1 March 2004? (5) How many of these FTE positions have an administrative role in providing support for staff

providing clinical services to patients? (6) How many of these ‘administrative’ positions were vacant as at 1 March 2004? Answer— I am advised by Southern Area Health Service: (1) 1,746 FTE (2) 2,865 (includes part-time staff and over 700 casuals) (3) 1,040 FTE (4) 50.8 FTE (5) 115 FTE (6) 6 FTE

*1629 HOME BASED BUSINESS PROGRAM—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business— (1) In what areas of NSW are Home Based Business ‘Group’ Workshops in Business Planning,

Marketing Planning and Operations Planning currently offered?

2337


(2) How many workshops were held during: (a) 2000? (b) 2001? (c) 2002? (d) 2003? (3) By year how many businesses have accessed one of these workshops? Answer— (1) to (3) Home Based Business Action Workshops were first conducted in 2003. I refer the Honourable

member to the annual report of the Department of State and Regional Development for 2002/03.

*1630 POLICE PROMOTIONS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police— In relation to police promotions and the Schuberg Report which you have advised you have not received from the Police Minister’s Advisory Council (PMAC) Ministerial Inquiry into Police Promotions being chaired by Geoff Schuberg: (1) Are you aware of widespread concern within NSW Police with the delay in releasing the Schuberg

Report and in reforming the promotions system? (2) As of 10 March 2004 have you received the final report? (3) If so, what were its recommendations? (4) What is your response to each of the recommendations? (5) What is the timetable for implementing the recommendations? (6) When will the report be made available to the public? (7) Were any particular allegations of corruption in the promotions system reported to the PMAC

during the Inquiry and if so, are any individual officers being investigated or being considered for disciplinary action as a result, including under protocols with the Ombudsman’s Office?

Answer— (1) to (7) The “Schuberg Report” is a Ministerial Inquiry under Section 217 of the Police Act 1990. It is

not being conducted by the Police Ministers Advisory Council (PMAC).

*1631 NEEDLE STICK RESISTANT GLOVE—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police— In relation to needle stick resistant gloves: (1) Given your 5 August 2003 commitment that 6,400 needle stick resistant gloves ‘would soon be

outfitted’ to NSW Police, and they ‘would be delivered during September and October’ (media release 05/08/03), how many officers have been issued needle stick resistant gloves as of 10 March 2004?

(2) When were the gloves made available to Local Area Commands (LACs) and which LACs? (3) Have the suppliers ‘Crossfire’ been paid in full for the delivery of the gloves? (4) Are extra (additional to 6,400) gloves being purchased, and if so how many and when will they be

delivered and made available to LACs and which LACs? (5) How was the original contract quantity of 6,400 determined, and if extra (additional to 6,400)

gloves are being purchased, what new information led to further gloves being ordered? Answer— NSW Police has advis ed me: (1) 7,400 have been provided. (2) Gloves were issued to officers, not to Local Area Commands. (3) Yes. (4) See (1). (5) Operational needs.

2338


*1632 MENTAL ILLNESS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

In relation to mental illness: (1) What changes have you initiated since 18 February 2004, to compile information on the amount of

police time spent supervising and providing transport for mentally ill patients or offenders? (2) Does NSW Police compile other statistics on the impact on policing activities on mental illness in

the community? (3) Does NSW Police compile other statistics on offences or incidents involving persons suffering from

a mental illness? (4) What training do police receive to assist police in managing their interaction with persons suffering

from a mental illness? (5) Which Government departments and/or agencies have established formal protocols with NSW

Police to assist police in managing their interaction with persons suffering from a mental illness? Answer— (1) If the Honourable Member would like to indicate why that particular date is of concern, I would be

happy to answer his question. (2) and (3) “Other” than what? (4) Police receive a variety of training both prior to attestation and as part of continuing education. (5) NSW Health

*1633 POLICE LINE—Mr Stoner to Minister for Police— In relation to the Police Assistance Line (PAL): (1) Can a citizen report a crime to the PAL if the crime pertains to someone else’s property? (2) If so, why was a resident of Bowraville recently told by a PAL operator that he could not report a

vandalised roadside billboard because he was not the owner of the vandalised item? (3) If not, why not? Answer— NSW Police has advised me: (1) Yes, in some cases. (2) and (3) If the Honourable Member provides details, I will endeavour to provide an explanation.

*1634 WATER SHARING PLAN—Mr Stoner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources— (1) What guarantees can the Minister give that the Water Sharing Plan (WSP) for the Macquarie and

Cudgegong Regulated Rivers Water Source 2003, as approved by the Macquarie Cudgegong River Management Committee on February 16 2004, will be implemented as agreed in the plan on July 1 2004?

(2) If not, what water sharing arrangements will be put in place the next water year? (3) What recourse do landholders have if those Water Management Plans (WMPs) are not correctly

implemented? (4) What penalties apply to Department of Infrastructure and Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR)

and its staff if they do not correctly implement the WSP? (5) Will the Minister give a commitment to personally intervene in the event that DIPNR staff do not

properly implement the WSP rules as agreed? (6) Will there be an audit of DIPNR to review whether the WSP has been correctly implemented? (7) If not, why not? (8) Are additional groundwater allocations granted when there is nil or little allocation in the river

upstream storages?

2339


(9) What is the process for granting additional groundwater allocations in these circumstances? Answer— (1) It is the Government’s intention to have the Macquarie Cudgegong Regulated River Water Sharing

Plan (WSP), as agreed by the River Management Committee, commence on 1 July 2004. (2) In the event that the WSP can not be imple mented at that time, the River Management Committee

will be consulted regarding the water sharing arrangements to apply in the next water year. (3) to (7) In accordance with Section 51 of the Water Management Act, an implementation program

has been established that sets out the means by which the provisions of water sharing plans are to be achieved. This implementation program is not restricted to the Macquarie Cudgegong water sharing plan, it will apply to all regulated river water sharing plans throughout the State. Pursuant to section 51(5) of the same Act, implementation programs will be reviewed annually to determine their effectiveness. The findings of the annual reviews will be publicly available.

(8) No. (9) Not applicable.

*1637 SCHOOL EXECUTIVES PAY AND CONDITIONS—Mr Stoner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— Will you honour the agreement reached between the NSW Teachers Federation and the Department of Education and Training in 2002 concerning parity of pay and conditions for primary school executives relative to secondary school executives? Answer— A working party comprising officers from the Department of Education and Training and the NSW Teachers Federation met in 2002 to discuss the issue of aligning pay and conditions for primary school executive with secondary school executive. I am advised that the Federation has sought leave from the Industrial Relations Commission to pursue the alignment of salaries through arbitration. A decision on the Federation’s application is expected from the Industrial Relations Commission by June, 2004.

*1638 KEMPSEY DISTRICT HOSPITAL—Mr Stoner to Minister for Health— In relation to Kempsey District Hospital: (1) Why has the Intensive Care Unit been re-named “High Dependency”? (2) Why has the surgical ward been closed on weekends? (3) Are there plans to close one of the two palliative care wards? (4) Will you visit Kempsey to inspect the hospital? (5) If so, when? (6) What is happening with ventilators at the hospital? (7) Will you upgrade the air conditioning to ensure patients and staff are accommodated in comfort

during heat wave conditions? Answer— (1) The Intensive Care Unit has not been renamed or reclassified. (2) Kempsey Hospital provides day surgery Monday to Friday. (3) I refer to my response to question 1731 in the Legislative Assembly. (4) and (5) I have already visited a number of hospitals in NSW and will continue to do so as the

occasion arises. (6) A new ventilator was recently purchased for the Emergency Department. The Intensive Care Unit

already has two fully functional ventilators.

2340


(7) Air conditioning is already installed in much of Kempse4y District Hospital. Mid North Coast

Area’s Asset Strategic Plan identifies the upgrading of the physical facilities at Kempsey District Hospital, which includes the provision of further air-conditioning, as a high priority.

*1639 40KM/H SCHOOL ZONE—Mr Pringle to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

Will the Minister arrange to extend the current 40km/h school zone outside Middle Dural Public School to enable police enforcement as per their request? Answer— It is anticipated that the existing School Zone on Old Northern Road, outside Middle Dural Public School, will be extended prior to the commencement of the Second School Term this year.

*1640 POLICE PROPERTIES AUDIT—Mr Pringle to Minister for Police— When will the audit of NSW police properties including current and future requirements be completed? Answer— On assuming the role of Minister for Police, I identified police accommodation as one of my priorities. At my request, the Ministry for Police contracted Sinclair Knight Merz to undertake a Strategic Facilities Development Plan for NSW Police properties. That Plan has now been delivered and some further work will be undertaken to develop a funding proposal.

*1641 LEARNING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— With respect to the new 2004 funding formula for the Learning Assistance Program at Grose View Public School: (1) Has the 2004 formula reduced assistance from a 3 year average of $3 600 per annum and 1 ½ days

teaching support per week to $1 900 and 1 day teaching support per week despite assurances of increased funding for children with low support needs?

(2) In view of the small amount of funds required, will the Minister restore assistance to its historic average?

Answer— Allocations to schools in the Blacktown/Windsor School Education Areas were made following deliberations at the local level, which involved principals and the P & C representatives. This allowed school allocations to be determined on the basis of need. The total funding allocation for the Blacktown/Windsor School Education Area has increased for this period.

*1642 REVIEW OF RESIDENTIAL PARKS ACT 1998—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce— (1) Has a program for the review of the Residential Parks Act 1998 been established by your

department? (2) What are the time limits for each stage of the review? (3) When are the interim and final reports due to be tabled?

2341


Answer— (1) Yes. (2) The discussion paper is proposed for release in May 2004 and public consultation will take place

during the June to August period 2004. (3) The final report is due to be tabled in Parliament by December 2004.

*1643 GOVERNMENT CLEANING CONTRACTS—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast— (1) Is the Government negotiating a renewal of Government cleaning contracts? (2) When will the tenders be called for? (3) Do the tender documents require preference to be given to Australian Liquor Hospitality &

Miscellaneous Workers Union members? (4) Has the Government allowed the union demands to be incorporated in the tender documents? (5) Is it the policy of the Government to allow unions an input into the development of tenders for

Government contracts? Answer— (1) The Government is currently examining options for the renewal of the Government cleaning

contract. (2) If a new contract is to be in place by January 2005 tenders will need to be called for by mid 2004. (3) and (4) The tender documents are yet to be finalised. (5) It is Government policy to consult with relevant parties in the development of tenders for

Government contracts.

*1644 CMSOLUTIONS AND Q STORES—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast— (1) Is the Government planning to close, or negotiating the sale of, cmSolutions and Q Stores? (2) If so, what alternative measures will be implemented for:

(a) The distribution of STA train and bus tickets? (b) The distribution of STA timetables? (c) NSW Police latent (finger) prints? (d) NSW Police internal mail? (e) NSW Department of Education and Training (DET) and Technical and Further Education

(TAFE) mail including Higher School Certificate and School Certificate exams, English Language and Literacy Assessment and School Based New Apprenticeship tests?

(f) NSW Ministerial mail? (g) NSW Lottery tickets? (h) Other NSW Government mail?

Answer— (1) The Government is reviewing all NSW Department of Commerce businesses for their value to

government and alignment to core departmental business. (2) (a) to (h) cmSolutions and Q Stores are contestable businesses operating in a competitive

marketplace. Agencies are currently free to choose any service delivery measures they require.

2342


*1645 CHIFLEY COLLEGE—Mr Amery to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) How many subjects are available to students attending years eleven and twelve, at the Senior

Campus of the Chifley College, Mount Druitt? (2) Does the Bidwell Campus of the Chifley College teach years eleven and twelve? (3) If so, how many subjects are available to students attending years eleven and twelve at the Bidwell

Campus? (4) What are those subjects? (5) How many students completing year 10 at the Bidwell Campus went on to years eleven and twelve

at: (a) Bidwill Campus (b) Senior Campus Chifley College (c) other schools?

Answer— (1) 70. (2) Yes. (3) 29. (4) English Advanced

English Standard English Life Skills Mathematics Mathematics General Mathematics Life Skills Food Technology Biology Retail Hospitality Information Technology Business Services Computer Applications Sport Life Skills and Recreation Photography Exploring Early Childhood Film and Video Senior Science Modern History Ancient History Chemistry Textiles and Design Industrial Technology Information Processes and Technology Music Dance Aboriginal Studies Business Studies Legal Studies

(5) (a) 91. (b) 53. (c) 14.

2343


*1646 SCHOOL SECURITY MEASURES—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and

Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) What measures are taken to ensure security of buildings and equipment is maintained? (2) What is the expenditure on security measures in NSW? (3) How many break and enters, and robberies have taken place in Hornsby schools? (4) Which schools and how often? (5) What items have been stolen and what is the cost of these losses to the schools? Answer— (1) The Department of Education and Training has a Safety and Security Directorate, which regularly

monitors the frequency and magnitude of security breaches that are reported by schools and provides on-site risk assessments where necessary. During those assessments, schools are provided with advice on strategies to reduce the risk of security incidents. Depending upon the level of risk that is assessed, the school may be provided with a variety of physical security measures that include security fencing, electronic alarm systems and video surveillance systems. Random security patrols and static guard services are provided to schools on a needs basis. The Department also provides at-risk schools with additional dedicated security patrol services during high risk times such as school vacation periods. Ongoing analyses of these physical security measures confirm that their implementation is effective in significantly reducing the incidence of vandalism, trespass, break-ins and fires.

(2) The Government has allocated over $17 million per year for security in NSW public schools. (3) to (5) There is a relatively low incidence of break and enters in schools in the Hornsby electorate.

Typically, the items that are targeted by break and enters include consumable electronics such as computers, laptops, DVD and CD players, VCRs, TVs and digital cameras.

*1647 SCHOOL SECURITY—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— Has the funding for security in NSW schools been reduced by $500 000 in relation to guards and $500,000 in relation to electronic security? Answer— No.

*1648 SCHOOL SECURITY FENCING—Mr Aplin to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) Which schools in the Albury electorate had security fencing installed as a result of commitments

made prior to the March 2003 election? (2) Which schools in the Albury electorate will have security fencing installed in: 2003-04; 2004-05;

and 2005-06? Answer— (1) and (2) On 11 February 2003, the Government announced the Safer Schools Plan and gave a

commitment to provide security fencing to at least 200 more schools in New South Wales by 2007 at a total cost of $20 million. The Department of Education and Training determines the priority of schools to be fenced based on an on-site risk asses sment that considers the frequency, magnitude, severity and cost of the security breaches that have been reported by the schools.

2344


*1649 ALBURY HIGH SCHOOL COVERED WALKWAY PROJECTS—Mr Aplin to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— What is the current status of the application by Albury High School for joint funding of phase 2 of the Covered Walkway Project? Answer— The Department of Education and Training has received a joint funding application from Albury High School for stage two of a project to provide covered walkways at the school. Funding for the project will continue to be considered in the context of future capital works priorities.

*1650 MAGNETIC IMAGING RESONANCE FACILITY —Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health— (1) Is there a Magnetic Imaging Resonance (MIR) facility at Manning Base Hospital? (2) If not, why not? (3) If not, will one be made available? (4) If not, why not? (5) If there is not MIR available and one is not proposed, where would people who require the service

of MIR obtain that service? (6) If it is outside the immediate area, what assistance is given to people to obtain the service of an

MIR outside the immediate area? (7) If there is no assistance, why not? (8) If there is assistance, what is the assistance? Answer— (1) to (8) There is insufficient workload to support an on-site Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unit

at Manning Base Hospital. Manning Base Hospital patients can attend Port Macquarie or Newcastle for MRI services. Inpatients at Manning Base Hospital are transported for MRI scans with costs covered by the hospital.

*1651 MANNING HOSPITAL SECURITY—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health—

(1) What security arrangements are in place at Manning Base Hospital? (2) Is security provided on a full-time, fully manned, twenty-four hour basis? (3) If not, why not? Answer— (1) to (3) The following security arrangements are in place at Manning Base Hospital:

• Security Officer on duty from 5.00 pm to 6.00 am daily (two shifts). • Health & Security Assistants (HSA’s) are on duty 24 hours per day, every day to assist with

security functions and form part of a Duress Response Team. • Daily external random patrols by a contracted security firm. • Static guard for the Methadone Clinic during weekend dosing times and as required for high

risk clients by a contracted security firm. • Duress Alarm System installed which is supported by an in-house Duress Response Team when

activated. • Security equipment including CCTV, duress alarms, door alarms, movement detectors, security

lighting and master key systems. • High level liaison with local police.

2345


• Campus lock down procedure. • Detailed security policy and procedures incorporating staff education in security and

minimization of aggression and reporting/investigation of crimes and suspicious activity. Manning Base Hospital management is currently undertaking a detailed review of security services in co-operation with representatives of the Health Services Union and NSW Nurses’ Association.

*1652 KEELS ROAD INTERSECTION—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

(1) On what date did the Roads and Traffic Authority inspect the intersection of Keels Road and the

Pacific Highway (as advised by the Minister in the House on 9 March 2004)? (2) Who, from the Roads and Traffic Authority, was involved with that inspection? (3) If, as the Minister stated, the Roads and Traffic Authority found that the intersection did not need

changes, how and why did the Roads and Traffic Authority reach that decision? Answer— Investigations are continuing into the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident that occurred recently at this location and I refer the Honourable Member to my statements in the House on 9 March 2004.

*1654 MOBILE SURGERY UNIT—Mr Slack-Smith to Minister for Health— (1) Has the NSW health mobile surgery unit been used since March 2003? (2) If so, where? (3) If so, how many days has the unit been used since March 2003? Answer— (1) A six-month trial of a Mobile Surgical Unit was conducted in rural NSW between March 2003 and

August 2003 with 335 procedures being performed in total. (2) Patients at Gunnedah, Narrabri, Moree, Inverell, Walgett and Lightning Ridge have had elective

procedures performed. 286 procedures were performed at the trial centres. Dental, endoscopy, ear, nose and throat (ENT), general surgery, gynaecology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics and plastic surgery procedures were performed. The Mobile Surgical Unit also provided services at Tamworth Base Hospital for two weeks while operating theatres there were being refurbished. 49 procedures were performed at Tamworth during the refurbishment.

(3) Procedures were performed using the Mobile Surgical Unit on 56 days. One day’s travelling time was required each time the unit moved between trial centres. A further day was required to set up the unit in each trial centre ready for use. Approximately half a day was required to pack up the theatre ready for transportation to the next site.

*1655 PUTNEY PUBLIC SCHOOL—Mr Roberts to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— What is the Department’s position with respect to funding much needed repair and remediation work on the grassed sporting area at Putney Public School? Answer— Remediation work is being undertaken on the site during the school holidays. Funding for further ground works will be considered in the context of future capital works priorities.

2346


*1656 POKER MACHINE TAX—Mr Roberts to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council— How much revenue has been raised directly from clubs from the tax on poker machines in the following Local Government areas, during the financial years 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002: (a) Lane Cove? (b) Hunters Hill? (c) Ryde? (d) Canada Bay? Answer— I have been advised of the following answer: The Office of State Revenue did not collect tax on poker machines from clubs prior to 21 March 2002. The Department of Gaming and Racing have provided the revenue figures for the period 1 July 1997 to 20 March 2002. The revenue received for each of the Local Government Areas in the years requested is as follows:

(a) Lane Cove Financial Year Revenue

1998 $0.524 million 1999 $0.447 million 2000 $0.509 million 2001 $0.260 million 2002 $0.295 million

(b) Hunters Hill

Financial Year Revenue 1998 $204 1999 $0 2000 $0 2001 $0 2002 $0

(c) Ryde

Financial Year Revenue 1998 $8.328 million 1999 $9.444 million 2000 $10.294 million 2001 $6.990 million 2002 $8.619 million

(d) Canada Bay

Financial Year Revenue 1998 $4.185 million 1999 $4.715 million 2000 $4.967 million 2001 $3.214 million 2002 $3.942 million

2347


*1657 HOTEL POKER MACHINES—Mr Roberts to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for

Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council— What has been the total revenue collected from the tax on poker machines from hotels, for the financial years 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002, in the following local government areas: (a) Lane Cove? (b) Hunters Hill? (c) Ryde? Answer— I have been advised of the following answer: (a) Lane Cove

The Office of State Revenue is unable to release this data. Due to the small number of hotels in this local government area it would be possible to identify individual taxpayers. This information is therefore protected under the secrecy provisions of Part 9, Division 3, Section 83 of the Taxation Administration Act 1996.

(b) Hunters Hill The Office of State Revenue is unable to release this data. Due to the sma ll number of hotels in this local government area it would be possible to identify individual taxpayers. This information is therefore protected under the secrecy provisions of Part 9, Division 3, Section 83 of the Taxation Administration Act 1996.

(c) Ryde The Office of State Revenue did not collect tax on poker machines from hotels prior to 22 April 2002. The Department of Gaming and Racing have provided the revenue figures for the period 1 July 1997 to 21 April 2002.

The revenue received for the Ryde local government area in the years requested is as follows: Financial Year Revenue

1998 $2.866 million 1999 $4.173 million 2000 $5.098 million 2001 $4.452 million 2002 $6.217 million

11 MARCH 2004

(Paper No. 62)

*1658 NORTHERN SYDNEY EDUCATION REGION—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) What was the combined budget in 2004 for the former education districts, prior to their inclusion in

the new Northern Sydney Region? (2) What is the new 2004 budget for the Northern Sydney Education Region? Answer— (1) and (2) New Regions have progressively implemented operations from term 1 2004. At this time, it

is not possible to indicate the precise allocation for the Northern Sydney Education Region for 2003/04.

2348


*1659 EDUCATION REGIONS—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) Are the new Education Regions able to determine policy without having to closely follow State

guidelines? (2) Will resources currently utilised by schools within Northern Sydney Region remain as they are and

not be removed or relocated? Answer— (1) Education Regions will be required to follow State guidelines when determining policy to ensure

consistency and equity across the State. This will not constrain Regional Directors from implementing appropriate programs and initiatives which will benefit schools and students within their regions.

(2) Each region will continue to have specialist resources including curriculum consultants, Aboriginal and equity consultants, staff to support students, arts and sport coordinators who will work with the Regional Director and other senior staff to provide support and advice to school principals.

Allocation of resources across regions will be determined by Regional Directors in close consultation with schools and their communities to ensure the local needs of students are met.

*1660 E-COMMERCE BUSINESS REVIEWS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Regional Development,

Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business— How many small businesses were assisted to conduct E-Commerce Business Reviews by the Department of State and Regional Development during: (1) 2000? (2) 2001? (3) 2002? (4) 2003? (5) To date in 2004? Answer— (1) to (5) E-commerce business consultancies are widely available from the private sector. I refer the

Honourable Member to www.yellowpages.com.au, specifically under “Computer Systems Consultants, specialising in E-Commerce”.

*1661 HOME BUILDING SERVICE—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting

the Minister for Commerce— (1) How many complaints being investigated by the Home Building Service remain unresolved for the

past: (1) six months? (2) one year? (3) eighteen months? (4) two years? Answer— I am advised by the Home Building Service that: (1) 26 investigations have been on hand for between six and 12 months. (2) Two investigations have been on hand for between 12 and 18 months. (3) Four investigations have been on hand for between 18 months and two years. However, two of

these investigations have been completed from an investigative standpoint and are currently the subject of disciplinary proceedings.

2349


(4) Two investigations have been on hand for two years or more. However, these investigations have

been completed from an investigative standpoint and are currently the subject of disciplinary proceedings.

*1662 CTT TRIBUNAL—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for

Commerce— (1) With reference to the application by Mr Habib Jabbour, of Wardell Road Earlwood, file numbers

GEN 02/70053, GEN02/22729 and GEN 02/18087, why did the CTTT refuse to offer a rehearing to Mr Jabbour so he could present new evidence relating to his application?

(2) Why did the Chairperson of the CTTT refuse to meet with Mr Jabbour when requested? (3) Why did the Presiding Member refuse to provide amplifying comments to Mr Jabbour regarding the

dismissal of his claim? Answer— (1) Mr Jabbour’s first rehearing application was refused in accordance with section 68 of the

Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal Act 2001. (2) and (3) A written statement of reasons for the Tribunal’s decision to dismiss his claim was

provided to Mr Jabbour as required by the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal Act 2001. These reasons set out the decision, the reasons for it, the findings on material questions of fact and referred to the evidence on which the findings of fact were based.

*1663 OYSTER HARVESTING—Mr Stoner to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra,

and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries— In relation to the retrospective closure of oyster harvesting on the Macleay River on 27 February 2004 with effect from 25 February 2004 by Safe Food NSW: (1) Did the closure come after a test on 26 February 2004 that revealed river salinity readings within

harvest parameters? (2) Were the rainfall readings used to justify the closure taken from Smokey Cape Lighthouse readings,

which have little relevance to the Macleay Catchment? (3) Will Macleay River oyster farmers lose up to $15,000 as a result of this closure? (4) Will you immediately re-open the river to oyster harvesting? (5) Will you comp ensate oyster farmers for their losses caused by this disputed closure? Answer— The following response has been provided by the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries: (1) No, the Macleay River was closed due to heavy rain on 24 and 25 February 2004 across the entire

North Coast of NSW. A test taken on the 26 February subsequently confirmed that the salinity was outside of Management Plan parameters.

(2) No. Rainfall observations from across the Macleay River catchment were considered in determining closure.

(3) I am unable to confirm what losses, if any, are attributable to the closure. (4) The Macleay River was reopened on 15 March 2004 following a round of acceptable sampling

results obtained by Safe Food Production NSW. (5) No, oyster farmers will not be compensated for any losses as a consequence of the closure. The

decision by Safe Food Production NSW to close the Macleay River was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the protection of public health.

2350


*1664 PRIORITY SEWERAGE PROGRAM—Mr Pringle to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for

Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— What is the status, on an individual basis, of each of the 16 areas identified to receive a sewerage service as part of Stage 1 of the Priority Sewerage Program? Answer— The Oaks and Oakdale - completed. Belimbla Park - construction scheduled to commence May 2004 subject to planning approvals. Stanwell Tops - construction under way and scheduled to be completed May 2004. Otford - construction under way and scheduled to be completed late 2004. Stanwell Park and Coalcliff - construction as part of the Coalcliff/Stanwell Park/Stanwell Tops/Otford project scheduled to be completed late 2004. Jamberoo - construction under way and scheduled to be completed early 2005. Brooklyn, Dangar Island, Menangle, Menangle Park, Mount Kuring-gai, Mulgoa, Wallacia, Silverdale - planning and environmental impact assessment under way.

*1665 ANNANGROVE PUBLIC SCHOOL—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— Noting the proximity of classrooms to a major thoroughfare with a dangerous bend, when will safety fencing be installed on Annangrove Road adjacent to Annangrove Public School to protect the lives of children? Answer— Annangrove Public School has approached Baulkham Hills Shire Council asking for a crash barrier to be installed on the Annangrove Road boundary of the school. The Department of Education and Training is supporting the school in its approach to the local council’s traffic committee in this regard. The Department’s Road Safety Education Consultant and the Traffic Manager from Baulkham Hills Shire Council attended the school on 5 April 2004, to further assess safety issues in consultation with the school community. The Council has undertaken to construct a raised pedestrian crossing at the front of the school for the use of students and will investigate the installation of traffic bollards.

*1666 WATER RESTRICTIONS—Mr Pringle to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— Is the Minister intending to institute Stage 2 Water Restrictions for Sydney? If so, when will they apply? What are the intended exemptions? Answer— On 13 April 2004, the NSW Government announced that tougher water restrictions will be introduced across Sydney, Blue Mountains and the Illawarra if dam levels fall below 50%. Exemptions similar to those for level 1 restrictions, but with modifications, are being considered.

2351


*1667 MOUNT DRUITT HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS—Mr Amery to Minister for Health—

(1) Since the Mount Druitt Hospital was opened, what is the total amount of funds raised by the

Hospital Volunteers for the hospital? (2) What has been the annual amounts received by the hospital from:

(a) the kiosk? (b) the gift shop? (c) other sources?

(3) In general terms, for what purposes are these funds used? Answer— (1) and (2) Since Mt Druitt Hospital opened in 1982, the total funds donated by the volunteers and

others (as at Dec 2003) is as follows: (a) Kiosk Volunteers = 966,949.45 (b) Gift Shop Volunteers = 406,087.72 (c) Others = 45,127.29

TOTAL $1,418,164.46 (3) Funds have been used to assist in the purchase of medical equipment and for other special

purchases (eg books for the children’s ward).

*1668 DUNEDOO HOSPITAL—Mr Souris to Minister for Health— (1) What is the rationale behind the employment of a locum medical practitioner who would be a bulk-

billing practice located at the Dunedoo Hospital? (2) Are you aware that there is a doctor in private practice and hospital VMO to service the small

community at Dunedoo? (3) Why have you placed this employed doctor at Dunedoo, already serviced adequately by an existing

doctor, when you have many rural areas desperately short of doctors? (4) Are you attempting to destroy the viability of the existing doctor? (5) As you appear to deem Dunedoo as appropriate to be a two-doctor community will you guarantee to

employ a second permanent doctor for Dunedoo when the existing private practice doctor is forced as a consequence of your actions to leave town?

(6) When will you reign in the ideologically driven Macquarie Area Health Service before it negatively affects health care in the area included in the electorate of Upper Hunter?

Answer— (1) to (6) I am advised that the previous Visiting Medical Officer resigned from his position at Dunedoo

Hospital effective 8 March 2004. Macquarie Area Health Service is obliged to provide Visiting Medical Officer coverage at Dunedoo Hospital and has implemented actions accordingly.

*1669 COMMUNITY FIRE UNITS—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for

Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)— (1) How many community fire units (CFUs) have been established in 2003-04? (2) What is the average cost? (3) Where do these funds come from? (4) What is the budgeted amount? (5) How many proposals for CFUs are waiting to be implemented? (6) How many community requests have there been for CFUs in 2003-04?

2352


Answer— (1) I am advised that 32 units have been established, with one further unit to be established before July

2004. (2) $15,000. (3) The NSW Fire Brigades budget. (4) $1.2 million over the third term of this government. (5) 171 applications are supported by operational assessment. (6) 41 to date.

*1670 VOLUNTEER RESCUE ASSOCIATION—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)— (1) What grants and contributions were made to the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) in 2000-01,

2001-02, 2002-03, and 2003-04? (2) In the 2003-2004 year which units received grants and for what purpose? (3) What contributions were made for uniforms? Answer— (1) to (3) I have been advised that the Government provides an annual untied grant to the NSW

Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) to assist the Association and its affiliated units in the provision of rescue services to the community of NSW. The distribution and disbursement of the grant monies is decided by the Executive to the Association. The grants were: 2000-01 $500,000 2001-02 $500,000 2002-03 $750,000 2003-04 $850,000 The VRA also receives a grant from monies provided by the Waterways Authority to improve the capabilities of the accredited marine rescue units and to assist in their operating expenses. These grants to the VRA were: 2000-01 $79,476 2001-02 $158,054 2002-03 $149,688 2003-04 $149,688 The Government also makes provision for Workers Compensation for VRA members through premiums included in the budget of the State Emergency Service.

*1671 CANBERRA BUSHFIRES —Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural

Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)— (1) How much did the government pay to Brett Walker SC to appear for the Government and Rural

Fire Service at the ACT and NSW coronial enquiries respectively? (2) How many other staff attended these inquiries? (3) Who were they and how many days did they attend? (4) What other resources were engaged for the inquiries? What was the cost? Answer— (1) I am advised that the RFS has paid Mr Walker SC according to his standard rate.

2353


(2) to (4) I am advised that a number of RFS officers including the Commissioner, Incident Controller,

Deputy Incident Controller, Fire Investigation Officers, Fire Investigation Manager, Director of Corporate Communications and Assistant Commissioner Special Projects, Chief of Staff, Assistant Commissioner Operations and Regional Management, Media Officer and an Administrative Assistant attended the Coronial Inquiries for varying periods.

*1672 2002 CANBERRA BUSHFIRES—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the

Environment— (1) How much did the Government pay to Brett Walker SC to appear for National Parks and Wildlife

and Services and the Government at the ACT and NSW coronial inquiries respectively? (2) How many other staff attended these inquiries? (3) Who were they and how many days did they each attend? (4) What other resources were engaged for the inquiries? (5) What was the cost? Answer— Mr Walker, SC, represented the National Parks and Wildlife Service at the NSW Coronial Inquiry and the NSW Government and its officers at the ACT Coronial Inquiry. Payment was made in accordance with Mr Walker’s standard rates. Junior counsel were also retained for both Inquiries. A number of NPWS staff attended the Coronial Inquiry, either as a witness or in other capacities, including the Principal Legal Officer Operations, Manager Fire Analysis Project, Area Manager Queanbeyan, Director Southern and Regional Manager South West Slopes.

*1673 NSW FIRE BRIGADE—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)— (1) In which suburbs and towns is the government considering expanding or establishment of Fire

Brigade units? (2) What consultation is occurring? (3) What is the timing in each case? Answer— (1) New fire stations are planned at Arncliffe, Bathurst, Baulkham Hills, Cranebrook, Glenhaven,

Katoomba, Kincumber, Medowie, Nambucca Heads, North Lambton, Raymond Terrace, Teralba, Tingira Heights, Wangi Wangi, Warnervale and West Wallsend. Major refurbishments are currently underway at Wallsend, Gosford and Toukley.

(2) The NSW Fire Brigades endeavours to include all stakeholders in its planning processes from the earliest planning phases.

(3) Construction is about to commence at Nambucca Heads. The construction contract is about to be awarded for Arncliffe. Tenders are being assessed for Teralba and Wangi Wangi. Tenders are soon to be called for Cranebrook, Katoomba and Tingira Heights. Development Applications are currently being processed at Warnervale and Glenhaven. Sites have been identified and are being pursued at West Wallsend, Kincumber and Bathurst. Sites are actively being sought at Baulkham Hills, Medowie, Broadmeadow (Nth Lambton) and Raymond Terrace. Major extensions and renovations have commenced at Wallsend and will shortly start at Gosford. Tenders are about to be called for work at Toukley.

2354


*1674 LAVINGTON PROPERTIES —Mr Aplin to Minister for Health—

(1) What plans does the Department of Health have for its vacant properties in Diggers Road,

Lavington? (2) Are you aware that these properties have been unoccupied for over twelve months but continue to

incur costs for heating and cooling? (3) What assistance will be provided to the Friends of Woodstock organisation currently housed in an

adjacent property and providing services to disabled young people in the Albury electorate? Answer— (1) to (3) The vacant properties referred to are currently under the management of the Department of

Ageing, Disability and Home Care. Any questions regarding their future use should be directed to the Minister for Ageing and Disability Services.

*1675 LIVESCAN DIGITAL FINGERPRINTING—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

In relation to Livescan digital fingerprinting: (1) How many new locations are expected to be fitted with Livescan in 2003/04 in addition to the 86

NSW Police Stations already fitted with the technology? (2) Is the Government still committed to spending $1.72m on Livescan installations in 2003/04 as was

signalled in the Minister’s press release of 29 June 2003? (3) If not, what impact would budget cuts to Livescan installations have on criminal investigations into

“hundreds of unsolved crimes” given such technology is “essential” (press release 29 June 2003)? (4) Which locations are to be fitted as referred to in question (1)? Answer— (1) to (4) I have provided updated information in a press release on Livescan and Phototrac, dated 24

February 2004. It read: “Minister for Police John Watkins today said NSW Police’s criminal identification strength would hit an all-time high, with the delivery of the State’s 103rd PhotoTrac facial recognition system. Mr Watkins said more high-volume crime police stations than ever before were now equipped with fixed Image Capture Systems and software as part of Stage 1 of the PhotoTrac rollout. “The installation of the 103rd PhotoTrac system at Port Kembla Police Station today marks a new milestone in NSW crime fighting,” Mr Watkins said. “Criminals should be very afraid of the proliferation of this new biometric identification technology throughout NSW Police. “As mo re of our busiest charging stations come on line and share their mug shots with others across the State, more offenders will be unmasked and more crimes solved. “This technology will go beyond simple line-ups used for witness identification purposes. “It will compare the faces of offenders from grainy crime scene footage with more than 653,000 mugshots on the database – and come up with a hit.” Mr Watkins said $4.97 million was being spent on the first stage of the PhotoTrac rollout, including $2.69 million this year alone. The digital imaging technology was installed this month at: Inverell, Tenterfield, Byron Bay and Murwillumbah, with Port Kembla to be installed today. Orange, Chatswood, Boggabilla, Muswellbrook, Gunnedah, Wilcannia and Coonamble will receive their systems over the next six months. “PhotoTrac is being used in conjunction with highly successful new Livescan digital fingerprinting systems, now installed at 89 stations,” Mr Watkins said. “Twenty-one extra Livescan machines will be rolled out over the next two years – particularly to country police - at a cost of $1.72 million,” he said.

2355


“The combined might of these new biometric identification technologies will help ensure our police keep the upperhand in their fight against criminals.” Livescan is being installed at the following stations from next month: Macksville, Singleton, Cowra, Gunnedah, Leeton, Narrandera, Tumut, Dareton, Forbes and Narrabri. Cootamundra, Yass, Wilcannia, Ulladulla, Cooma, Brewarrina, Nelson Bay, Cobar, Glen Innes and Balmain are proposed for 2004/2005. PHOTOTRAC

• Was first introduced to NSW police stations in 2001 • Replaces traditional 35mm film-based photography with digital imaging • Uses biometric facial recognition to identify offenders • Matches images of offenders at crime scenes, caught on CCTV cameras and other

surveillance cameras, with images of known offenders • Some matches have helped close previously unsolved cases • 150, 315 images from 27,648 charges captured digitally since 2001 • 653,501 images fro m 279,241 charges – (including film-images back to 1997) now on the

PhotoTrac database and available to all NSW Police on intranet LIVESCAN

• First installed in 2001 and now at 89 police stations • Replaces the ink pad and roller system begun in 1902 • User electronic and laser technologies to scan finger and palm prints • Prints sent electronically to Criminal Identification Specialist Branch and searched in real-

time for matches against the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS II) and Unsolved Crime Database.

• More than 110,000 Livescan fingerprints received at the Criminal Identification Specialist Branch, resulting in 2,127 identifications from the NAFIS II Unsolved Crime Database; 5,994 offenders caught supplying false ID; 958 offenders caught for outstanding warrants.

Mr Watkins said the State Government was keeping its election promise provide 110 PhotoTrac and Livescan systems to the state’s busiest stations by June 2005. “The last of the 110 PhotoTrac units is scheduled for installation in August,” Mr Watkins said. “The Livescan rollout is also on track, with three of up to 24 additional units promised, already installed at City Central, Bega and Young.”

*1676 PHOTOTRAC MACHINES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

In relation to Phototrac machines: (1) As at 1 March 2004, how many locations have been fitted with Phototrac machines? (2) Is the Government still committed to spending $2.69m on Phototrac in 2003/04 as was signalled in

the Minister’s press release of 29 June 2003? (3) If not, which locations have had such fit-outs held back and why? (4) What impact would budget cuts to Phototrac machine installations have on criminal investigations

into “hundreds of unsolved crimes” given such technology is “essential” (press release 29 June 2003)?

Answer— NSW Police has advised me: (1) 104. (2) Yes. (3) Not applicable. (4) Not applicable.

2356


*1677 FORMER POLICE REJOINING—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

In relation to former Police rejoining: (1) How many former police officers have rejoined the Force since the New Rejoinees Policy was

introduced in March 2003? (2) In which LACs have they been stationed? (3) Have any applications been refused? (4) If so, how many and on what grounds? (5) Have any police officers that rejoined the Force through the New Rejoinees Policy departed the

Force again? (6) If so, in which LACs have they departed? Answer— NSW Police has advised me: (1) 26. (2) Various LACs, as well as other Commands. (3) Yes. (4) 17 have not proceeded, either as a result of the applicant withdrawing the application, or not

meeting rejoinee criteria or appropriate professional standards. (5) Yes. (6) Mount Druitt, Redfern and Bankstown.

12 MARCH 2004

(Paper No. 63)

*1678 ELECTRICITY OUTAGES—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— (1) How many electricity outages have there been in each suburb in the Sydney area over the last three

years? (2) On what dates, and for how long, did each outage occur? Answer— (1) and (2) EnergyAustralia and Integral Energy together experience several thousand unplanned,

sustained electricity outages each year in the Sydney area. I consider that there is insufficient value to justify the diversion of staff and wastage of paper to assemble the requested detailed information on each of the several thousand interruptions over each of the last three years. Each year EnergyAustralia and Integral Energy analyse their reliability performance, particularly with respect to poorly performing feeders, and develop improvement plans. More detailed information on reliability performance is available in the Network Performance Reports published by each network operator in NSW each year. These reports show that over two of the last three years, EnergyAustralia achieved 99.98% reliability, and Integral Energy achieved 99.96%. In 2001-2002, both distributors and their customers were impacted by several unusually severe storms and bushfires. In that year EnergyAustralia achieved 99.97% reliability while Integral Energy achieved 99.86%.

2357


*1679 ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION FIRES —Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for

Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— In which EnergyAustralia and Integral Energy substations have there been fires in the last five years; on what dates; and what were the causes of each fire? Answer— 13 EnergyAustralia substations have experienced fires over the past five years. This represents less than 0.05% of the more than 25,000 EnergyAustralia zone and distribution substations. Yearly statistics are summarised in the table below:

Year Zone / Transmission /

Distribution Substations

No. of Occurrences

2000 4 2001 2

2002 3 2003 2

2004 YTD 2 The tables below contain information for each fire, its location, date and cause. Zone Substations and Sub-transmissions

ENERGYAUSTRALIA

Sub No Name Year Cause

ZN342 Paddington 2000 33kV end box failure ZN80 Chatswood 2002 33kV end box failure

ZN2196 Milperra Zone 2003 132kV Bushing Failure Distribution Substations

ENERGYAUSTRALIA

Sub No Name Year Cause

S10127 West Botany Corinthian 2000 Failure of 11kV switch or LV switchboard HS73134 Drayton 2000 Fuse Carrier

HS15522 Gemken 2000 Lightning HS53220 Casey Drive 2001 Cause not determined

S5705 Longueville River 2001 LV switchboard in kiosk type substation

S15009 Bathurst Sussex 2002 LV switchboard flashover HS28772 Birchgrove Drive 2002 LV board

S3233 St Marks 2003 LV board flashover HS35164 Hamilton ALDI 2004 High Voltage Termination

S1531 George Beronga 2004 LV board in kiosk type Integral Energy has experienced 12 fires in Transmission and Zone substations and 21 fires in Distribution substations over the last five years. Of these 33 fires, 15 were caused by vandals. Transmission and Zone substation fires - locations, dates and causes of fires.

2358


INTEGRAL ENERGY

Date Location Cause

13/01/1999 Riverstone Zone substation: Small fire in substation AC Supply Panel. Caused by a wiring fault.

17/02/2000 Shellharbour substation: Fire in switchyard adjacent 33kv CB SH42.Caused by a fault on equipment in yard.

12/07/2000 Penrith Transmission substation: Fire in switchyard. Caused by a failure of current transformer (CT) stack on feeder 942.

26/10/2000 South Wollongong Zone substation: Fire in switchyard. Caused by vandals setting fire to waste timber.

12/12/2000 Quakers Hill Zone substation. Caused by vandals setting alight front door of sub.



15/02/2002 South Nowra Zone substation: Fire in CB control cabinet. Caused by spilt cleaning fluid igniting.

12/07/2002 South Wollongong Zone substation: Fire in zone sub. Caused by defective current transformer (CT) on high voltage switchboard.

04/11/2002 Baulkham Hills Transmission substation:

Fire in switchyard. Caused by faulty capacitor.

14/04/2003 Yennora Zone substation: Fire in zone sub. Caused by failure of 11kv auxilliary switchgear.

23/04/2003 Lawson Transmission substation: Fire in substation. Caused by failure of Rail Infrastructure Corporation auxiliary transformer.

Distribution substation fires over five year period:

INTEGRAL ENERGY

Date Location Cause

30/09/1999 Anderson St Harris Park low voltage switchgear failure.

22/03/1999 Dickens Rd Ambarvale vandals.

30/05/2000 Brickfield St Parramatta low voltage switchgear failure.

20/01/2000 Argyle St Windsor transformer failure.

26/04/2000 Union Lane Penrith high voltage switchgear failure.

01/10/2000 Bunker Pde Bonnyrigg vandals.

02/10/2000 Crane Rd Castle Hill vandals.

27/10/2000 Villawood Pl Villawood vandals.

2359


10/11/2000 Villawood Pl Villawood vandals.

09/12/2000 Hoyle Ave Castle Hill high voltage switchgear failure.

18/12/2000 George St Windsor electrical storm.

12/04/2001 Windsor St Richmond vandals.

20/05/2001 Luxford Rd Mount Druitt vandals.

26/10/2001 Trinity Dr Cambridge Gardens vandals

20/02/2002 Trinity Dr Cambridge Gardens substation failure.

18/03/2002 Cowper St Harris Park failure of customer mains in substation.

25/08/2002 Queen St Campbelltown vandals.

05/09/2002 Kurrara St Lansvale substation failure.

02/10/2003 Carsons Lane St Marys low voltage switchgear failure.

12/07/2003 Union Lane Penrith vandals.

16/11/2003 Union Lane Penrith vandals.

*1680 ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION UPGRADES—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— Which EnergyAustralia and Integral Energy substations are scheduled for upgrades and when will those upgrades be undertaken? Answer— I am advised that EnergyAustralia is upgrading the following existing zone and substransmission substations. EnergyAustralia has an additional 25,000 distribution substations on its network throughout Sydney, Central Coast and the Hunter. These distribution centres are also upgraded depending on an area’s increasing supply needs. While the following upgrades have been identified, the list is reviewed each year and may change depending on electricity growth in a specific area. EnergyAustralia also proposes to build new substations (zone, substransmission or distribution) in a number of areas over the next regulatory period.

Existing Zone Substations Proposed Year of Upgrade

ABERDEEN 2006 ADAMSTOWN 2008 AUBURN 2005 AVOCA 2004 BERKELEY VALE 2007 BLACKWATTLE BAY 2007 BRANXTON 2005 CAMPERDOWN 2006 CAREEL BAY 2006 CASTLE COVE 2004

2360


Existing Zone Substations Proposed Year of Upgrade

CHATSWOOD 2006 CITY MAIN 2006 CITY NORTH 2009 CLOVELLY 2005 CROWS NEST 2005 DALLEY ST 2004 DEE WHY WEST 2008 DOUBLE BAY 2008 DUDLEY 2007 GATESHEAD 2004 HORNSBY 2005 JEWELLS 2006 KIRRAWEE 2006 KURNELL 2005 KOTARA 2004 KURRI Zs 2006 LEICHHARDT 2004 LONG JETTY 2005 MANLY 2005 MAROUBRA 2005 MASCOT 2008 MONA VALE 2007 MT THORLEY 2005 NORTH SYDNEY 2007 PYMBLE 2008 RAYMOND TERRACE 2006 REVESBY 2006 ROTHBURY 2008 SCONE 2006 SEFTON 2005 ST IVES 2005 TARRO 2008 TERREY HILLS 2005 THORNTON 2005

Existing Subtransmission Stations Proposed Year of Upgrade

BANKSTOWN 2005 ERARING 2005 HOMEBUSH 2005 MUSWELLBROOK 132 / 33 2005 OURIMBAH 2008 SINGLETON 132 / 66 2005

2361


WARATAH 2008

Integral Energy have planned significant ongoing capital investment to augment and replace large numbers of critical, high-value assets to ensure that the network will be capable of meeting customer demands and expectations, and to improve the reliability of the network. The following tables set out Integral Energy’s proposed capital investment plans for its major substations over the next five year period to ensure adequate capacity is provided in the network and to address asset performance issues.

Zone Substation or Transmission Substation Proposed year of completion

South Coast Area

Berry 06/07

Bomaderry 04/05

Dapto 08/09

Gerringong 07/08

Kembla Grange 04/05

Culburra 04/05 Nowra 07/08

Russell Vale 08/09

Shellharbour 05/06

South Nowra 07/08

Springhill 07/08

Sussex Inlet 04/05

Southern Highlands

Mittagong 07/08

Robertson 08/09

Bowral 04/05

Macarthur Area

Bow Bowing 04/05

Kentlyn 07/08

Nepean TS 08/09

Warragamba 05/06

Appin 08/09

Campbelltown 07/08

Camden 08/09

Narellan 06/07

Tahmoor 05/06

Liverpool Area

Cabramatta 08/09

Fairfield 08/09

Sherwood 06/07

2362



Smithfield 07/08

South Granville 08/09

Anzac Village (Moorebank area) 06/07

Bonnyrigg 06/07

Liverpool 04/05

Prestons 06/07

West Liverpool TS 04/05

Guildford TS 07/08

Hoxton Park 08/09

Moorebank 05/06

Penrith Area

Penrith TS 07/08

Cambridge Park 08/09

Emu Plains 06/07

Kingswood 08/09

Luddenham 04/05

Glenmore Park 06/07

Werrington 04/05

Blue Mountains Area

Katoomba North TS 06/07

Springwood 04/05

Lawson 07/08

Hawkesbury Area

Hawkesbury TS 05/06

Cattai 05/06

Kurrajong 04/05

North Richmond 04/05

Riverstone 07/08

South Windsor 05/06

Blacktown Area

Westmead 06/07

Doonside 08/09

Greystanes 05/06

Leabons Lane (Blacktown) 08/09

Newton 05/06

Mt Druitt TS 04/05

Plumpton 06/07

2363



Arndell Park 05/06

Quakers Hill 08/09

Rooty Hill 08/09

Parramatta & Hills District

Baulkham Hills TS 08/09

Baulkham Hills 11 kV 08/09

Granville 08/09

Castle Hill 04/05

Lennox (Parramatta) 04/05

Parramatta 08/09

North Parramatta 04/05

Parklea 05/06

Proposed new substations

Liverpool

East Liverpool TS

Abbotsbury ZS

Aerodrome (Hoxton Park) ZS

Liverpool North 132/11kV ZS establishment (Stage 2)

Stadium ZS (Liverpool)

Wetherill Park West

Wollongong

Cordeaux / Figtree 33/11kV ZS Establishment

Mt Ousley ZS Establishment

Blacktown

Eastern Creek 132/11kV ZS Establishment

Glendenning 132/11kV ZS establishment

Parramatta & Hills District

West Epping

NORTH WEST SECTOR

Rouse Hill Switching Station Establishment

Mungerie Park 132/22kV ZS Establishment

Bella Vista

Norwest

North Castle Hill

Macarthur

2364


Proposed new substations

Douglas Park 66/11kV Customer ZS

Douglas Park SS Rebuild

Wilton Park ZS

Mt Hunter (West Camden) 66/11kV ZS Establishment

SOUTH WEST SECTOR

Kemps Creek new BSP associated works (also PR102 and PR203)

Leppington East 132/11kV ZS establishment

Penrith

Londonderry(ADI Site) ZS + associated works

Mamre ZS & lines to Sydney West (also PR030)

*1681 INTEGRAL ENERGY STAFF BONUSES—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— (1) How many Integral Energy staff have received bonuses in the last three years? (2) What is the job title of the employee receiving a bonus and what was the value of each bonus? Answer— (1)

Year No. payments made

2000/01 102

2001/02 169

2002/03 201

(2) The remuneration and performance payments paid to Integral Energy’s senior executive team is publicly available in the annual report tabled in State Parliament last year. Integral Energy is not required to disclose the remuneration levels of individual employees through identifying their job titles. However, in the financial year 2002/03, Integral Energy made ‘at risk’ payments valued on average at $10,478 to its senior executive team, branch managers and some section managers.

*1682 ENERGYAUSTRALIA STAFF BONUSES —Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister

for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— (1) How many EnergyAustralia staff have received bonuses in the last three years? (2) What is the job title of the employee receiving a bonus and what was the value of each bonus? Answer— (1)

Year and Number of Payments

FY 2000/2001 FY 2001/2002 FY 2002/2003

272 320 360

2365


(2) The remuneration and performance payments paid to EnergyAustralia’s senior executive team is

publicly available in the annual report tabled in State Parliament last year. EnergyAustralia is not required to disclose the remuneration levels of individual employees through identifying their job titles. However, the average ‘at risk’ payment for all eligible employees is about $14,600.

*1683 ELECTRICITY SUPPLY NETWORK MAINTENANCE—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and

Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— What reviews or reports have been undertaken in the last five years on the capital works required to maintain the electricity supply networks for EnergyAustralia and Integral Energy? Answer— Capital works relate to investment in new assets or to significant improvement to, or upgrading of, existing assets. Capital works do not apply to normal maintenance of existing networks. Capital expenditure by EnergyAustralia and Integral Energy is subjected to several reviews. A review of planned capital expenditure by EnergyAustralia and Integral Energy is undertaken and published by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of New South Wales (IPART) in conjunction with its distribution pricing determinations. The last distribution determination was released on 30 December 1999 and applies until 30 June 2004. The Tribunal is currently preparing for the release of a new distribution network determination to apply from 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2008. Capital expenditure is reviewed by Treasury each year in relation to the tabling of Statements of Corporate Intent in Parliament. The Statements contain, amongst other key matters, the capital program for a 4-year period. EnergyAustralia and Integral Energy are required to publish annual planning statements, which open up the network planning process to accommodate the views of the community and business. Emerging constraints on the supply system are identified through the planning process, and published in these annual planning statements. Major constraints are assessed to determine whether it is reasonable to expect that demand management alternatives might be more cost effective than capital expenditure works. Both organisations are required to publish and implement Network Management Plans which include a description of the asset management strategies and the network planning process. These Plans must be subjected to third party audits and lodged with the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability. All of this indicates that there is an excellent level of scrutiny and transparency in relation to the capital works undertaken by EnergyAustralia and Integral Energy. Distributors in NSW expect to spend in excess of $4.3 billion on capital works relating to their networks over the next five years, an increase of 44% over the previous 5 years.

*1684 INJURIES RELATED TO MAINTENANCE FAILURE AT INTEGRAL ENERGY—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— What are the dates, times and circumstances of all instances where any person has been injured or died as a result of a failure in infrastructure or maintenance from Integral Energy in the past five years? Answer— Fatalities No fatalities have occurred at Integral Energy as a result of a failure in infrastructure or maintenance for the five year period July 1999 to February 2004. Injuries For reasons of consistency, Integral Energy has defined “injury” to mean where people have:

2366


• received treatment from a medical professional • been hospitalised, or • lost time from work.

Note that this response excludes events that relate to damage to Integral Energy’s infrastructure due to external influences such as storms, bushfires, other natural events, or vehicle impacts that are beyond the control of Integral Energy. Table 1 documents two injuries due to infrastructure or maintenance failure, where infrastructure refers to any asset owned and operated by Integral Energy, but excludes all mobile plant, vehicles and equipment. Failure in infrastructure relating to maintenance refers directly to Integral Energy’s infrastructure; where it has been identified that maintenance standards and processes, or lack thereof, was the primary cause, or contributing factor to an incident and any subsequent injury. In addition, six successful public liability claims citing injury to a member of the public are listed in table 2.

Table 1: Injuries due to failure in infrastructure or maintenance Date Circumstances

6 April 2000 Employee – flash burns phase to phase failure due to defective clevis disc. 11 Aug 2002 Public – lightning arrestor ruptured and piece of porcelain hit lady on the ear

Table 2: Successful public liability claims for injuries

Date Circumstances

1 Jul 1991 Public – tripped on inspection pit lid 24 Sep 1999 Public – struck by Air Break fitting on power pole

8 Sep 2000 Public – fell over steel plate ( pit cover) 9 Oct 2000 Public – tripped over section of pole left in ground

24 Aug 2001 Public – fell into pit – lid missing 30 Jan 02 Public – tripped on raised gatic pit lid

*1685 INJURIES RELATED TO MAINTENANCE FAILURE AT ENERGYAUSTRALIA—Mr Hazzard to

Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— What are the dates, times and circumstances of all instances where any person has been injured or died as a result of a failure in infrastructure or maintenance from EnergyAustralia in the past five years? Answer— EnergyAustralia has reviewed its statistics of serious accidents (where a person has been injured and has lost time off work or required medical treatment, or has died) which involved EnergyAustralia’s electricity network infrastructure over the last 5 years . Accident victims may be members of the public, third party construction workers, electricity network employees and contractors, and accredited service providers working on or near the network. Typical causes of accidents are third party and environmental damage to the network (such as cable dig-ins and storm damage to overhead conductors), or the use of incorrect work procedures and failing to follow the correct work procedures when working on or near the network. EnergyAustralia has been addressing thes e issues through its Public Electricity Network Safety Awareness Plan (publicising, for example, the use of the Dial Before You Dig Service to encourage excavators to obtain cable plans), and through staff retraining and awareness programs. I am advised that the following accidents have occurred: 31 July 2000 - a pedestrian received a serious leg injury when struck by an overhead service line that was snagged on a moving vehicle.

2367


14 June 2001 - a schoolboy died when he gained access to Cronulla Zone Substation and climbed on a transformer. 13 August 2001 - a member of the public received a cut to their hand from a fallen overhead line. 19 October 2001 - two line-workers were injured (a serious leg injury and a cut lip requiring medical treatment) when a pole on which they were working collapsed. EnergyAustralia is also managing approximately 5 public liability claims regarding injuries to members of the public which may have been sustained in relation to EnergyAustralia infrastructure. The causes of these injuries and whether they have been sustained as a result of failure of infrastructure or maintenance has not yet been determined.

*1686 REPORTS ON ALTERNATIVE WATER SOURCES—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— What reports and reviews have been undertaken by the Government since 1995 examining alternative water sources? Answer— For the purposes of simplicity, the reports and reviews undertaken by Government since 1995 examining alternative water sources are considers under the following headings:

• NSW Government Agencies; • State Owned Corporations (Sydney and Hunter Water Corporations); and • Council and county council water utilities.

While the list is not exhaustive, it provides a broad appreciation of the number and type of reports and reviews on alternative water sources prepared or facilitated by the NSW Government.

1. NSW Government Agencies The Government agencies responsible for the regulation of the water industry have prepared a number of policies, guidelines and standards relating to alternative water sources. Details of these documents can be found on the web sites of the Department of Environment and Conservation, NSW Health, Department of Local Government and Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability web sites. For instance, the Department for the Environment and Conservation (web site www.epa.nsw.gov.au) has published a number of reports on stormwater management and reuse and effluent reuse by irrigation. NSW Health (web site www.hprb.health.nsw.gov.au) has accreditation guidelines for septic tanks, aerated wastewater treatment, waterless composting toilets, grey water reuse and domestic greywater treatment systems and circulars on rainwater tanks. The Department of Local Government (web site www.dlg.nsw.gov.au) has published guidelines on “On-site Sewerage Management for Single Households”. The Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability (web site www.deus.nsw.gov.au) jointly prepared a number of WaterWise documents (when part of the former Department of Land and Water Conservation). DEUS also worked with the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources to develop State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) No 4 to streamline planning requirements for the installation of rainwater tanks. DEUS will soon be publishing best practice management guidelines on integrated water cycle management, demand management and drought management. 2. Major Water Utilities Sydney Water Corporation Sydney Water (including Australian Water Technologies) has undertaken a wide range of investigations on alternative water sources. Investigations have been conducted on topics like water reuse, waste recycling, greywater reuse and rainwater tanks. These investigations range from strategic in nature to those that relate to specific land releases, developments or commercial proposals.

2368


In particular, Sydney Water has undertaken an extensive range of studies to examine the viability of providing reuse water to specific customers, sewerage schemes and developments, with examples such as Jamberoo effluent reuse proposal and Cronulla Sewage Treatment Plant effluent reuse. In addition, the Water Conservation and Recycling Implementation Report that reviews the activities and outcomes of Sydney Water’s Demand Management Program is prepared on an annual basis. This report is available for 2001, 2002 and 2003. Sydney Water has also provided input to a number of inter-agency investigations related to the overall management of the water cycle and alternative water schemes. Hunter Water Corporation Hunter Water released in March 2003 a major report examining how water will be effectively managed to meet the lower Hunter community’s needs into the future. This report is known as the “Integrated Water Resource (IWR) Plan”. The development of the plan incorporated significant community consultation including a targeted public workshop and exhibition of the draft document. Comments received during these stages of the plan development were taken into account as appropriate. The IWR Plan process examines the lowest cost (based on economic, social and environmental factors) of providing consumers with water. The approach recognises that reductions in water use through demand management initiatives can have the equivalent effect as increasing supply by the same amount. The Plan outlines that Hunter Water’s preferred strategy is for no new sources within the planning horizon. It is proposed to increase demand management initiatives while optimising the effectiveness of the existing storages. In terms of demand management and water conservation, key components of the Action Plan include water efficiency programs such as retrofit schemes, leakage management programs, community education and information campaigns, further research into water use patterns and impact of water efficient devices, and maintaining a strong water conservation pricing signal. Local Government Water Utilities Local water utilities consider alternative sources when planning the augmentation of their water supplies. Alternative water sources that have been considered as part of these investigations include rainwater, sewage effluent, greywater, stormwater and desalination, along with the traditional sources of surface water, groundwater and dams. Many of these reports received financial assistance under the Country Town Water Supply and Sewerage Program administered by DEUS.

*1687 LOCAL GOVERNMENT TASKFORCE—Mr Pringle to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)— When are legislative changes as a result of the Local Government Taskforce recommendations due to be presented to Parliament? Answer— The following response has been provided by the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands): The recommendations of the Local Government Rate Pegging Taskforce that have been presented so far have not required legislative amendment. I understand that the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW established the Taskforce to examine the basis for determining the rate pegging limit and the basis for granting special variations. In relation to the rate-pegging limit, the Government is committed to the policy of rate pegging. However, the model that the Taskforce has developed can be used as a guide for future rate variation decisions. The other issue examined by the Taskforce regarding special variations has not been referred to me.

2369


*1688 POLICE SERVICE FIREARMS REGISTRY—Mr Aplin to Minister for Police—

(1) Why are the applicants for category H (sport/target s hooting) licences waiting over eight months for

processing of their applications? (2) Is the Firearms Registry adequately staffed to process applications efficiently? If so, what is the

time taken to process category H licences from date of application receipt? (3) Given current delays in processing applications, will applicants be issued with extended

probationary licences pending the issue of a full licence? Answer— NSW Police has advised me: (1) Which applicants? (2) The Carr Government is currently almost doubling the number of staff at the registry. (3) See (1).

*1689 STATE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COORDINATION TEAM—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police— In relation to the State Domestic Violence Coordination Team (SDVCT): (1) What are the principle duties of the SDVCT? (2) What statistics does the SDVCT collate, and what are the data results? (3) Are SDVCT statistics publicly available, and if not, why not? (4) What local initiatives have the SDVCT registered? (5) How many members does the SDVCT have and who are they by name, title and position and when

were they each appointed? (6) How often does the SDVCT meet and where? (7) What were the dates of the last four meetings of the SDVCT? Answer— (1) to (7) NSW Police has advised me that there is no unit called the State Domestic Violence

Coordination Team.

*1690 POLICE LIAISON OFFICERS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police— (1) How many police liaison officers does NSW Police have, and in what categories? (2) How many Domestic Violence Liaison Officers are there? How many of these officers are full-

time, how many are part-time and where are they located? Are these officers included within the figures in question 1?

(3) How many Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers are there? How many of these officers are full-time, how many are part-time and where are they located? Are these officers included within the figures in question 1?

(4) How many Youth Liaison Officers are there? How many of these officers are full-time, how many are part-time and where are they located? Are these officers included within the figures in question 1?

(5) How many Ethnic Community Liaison Officers are there? How many of these officers are full-time, how many are part-time and where are they located? Are these officers included within the figures in question 1?

(6) How many Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers are there? How many of these officers are full-time, how many are part-time and where are they located? Are these officers included within the figures in question 1?

(7) How many Community Safety Officers are there? How many of these officers are full-time, how many are part-time and where are they located? Are these officers included within the figures in question 1?

2370


Answer— NSW Police has advised me: (1) There is no position called “police liaison officer” in NSW Police. (2) As at 30 June 2003 there were 143 Domestic Violence Liaison Officers located across all Local

Area Commands. (3) As at 30 June 2003 there were 56 Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers located across various

Local Area Commands. (4) As at 30 June 2003 there were 99 Youth Liaison Officers located across all Local Area Commands (5) As at 30 June 2003 there were 33 Ethnic Community Liaison Officers, located across various Local

Area Commands. (6) As at 30 June 2003 there were 120 Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers, located across various Local

Area Commands. (7) There is no position called “Community Safety Officer” in NSW Police.

*1691 SCHOOL SECURITY FENCING—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— Which schools in the Cronulla electorate will have security fencing installed in 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06? Answer— On 11 February 2003, the Government announced the Safer Schools Plan and gave a commitment to provide security fencing to at least 200 more schools in New South Wales by 2007 at a total cost of $20 million. The Department of Education and Training determines the order of schools on a priority basis. The priority is based on an on-site risk assessment that carefully considers the frequency, magnitude, severity and cost of the security breaches that have been reported.

*1692 SUTHERLAND HOSPITAL SECURITY—Mr Kerr to Minister for Health— What security arrangements are in place at Sutherland Hospital? Answer— The following security arrangements are in place at Sutherland Hospital: § 24 hour per day camera surveillance within buildings and on the grounds. § Hospital staff have swipe card access to their respective wards/units and main entrance doors.

Temporary passes are issued to official visitors and contractors. § The Hospital is locked down at night with intercom entrance to all doors except the Emergency

Department. § The Security Department: § has 13.46 FTE staff, allowing a minimum of two and a maximum of four officers on duty per shift; § monitors all duress, fire alarms and the CCTV equipment; § conducts foot patrols during day shifts with increased patrols “after hours”; § is on-call to assist staff with disturbed or unruly patients and visitors. Security officers assist nursing

medical and mental health staff with the restraint of patients and also remain in attendance with patients as required;

§ provides escort for the Cashier and staff as required, particularly at night to and from the car park; § controls the issue of all keys throughout the Hospital.

2371


*1693 POKER MACHINE REVENUE—Mr Kerr to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for

Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council— How much revenue has been directly received from the tax on poker machines in the Sutherland Shire during the financial years 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002? Answer— I have been advised of the following answer: The Office of State Revenue did not collect tax on poker machines from clubs prior to 21 March 2002, and for hotels prior to 22 April 2002. The Department of Gaming and Racing have provided the revenue figures for the period prior to OSR assuming collection of the tax. The revenue received from clubs and hotels for the Sutherland local government area in the years requested is as follows:

Revenue Financial Year Clubs Hotels

1998 $10.475 million $2.751 million 1999 $11.878 million $4.611 million 2000 $13.279 million $5.801 million 2001 $9.251 million $4.712 million 2002 $9.363 million $5.275 million

*1694 RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION COLLEGE—Mr Maguire to Minister for Infrastructure

and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)— (1) Who owns the Rail Infrastructure Corporation (RIC) Training College in Wagga, now that the

Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has responsibility for the rail network? (2) How will ARTC staff be trained in rail safety and related matters? (3) Have you engaged in negotiations to contract the expert services of RIC College Wagga to supply

ARTC training? (4) If not, why? (5) If so, how long before you make available information that secures the future of the College

supplying rail safety education to all employees, either State or ARTC? (6) Will you guarantee the future of the RIC College in Wagga, which supplies education in rail safety,

now that ARTC has taken responsibility for interstate and local infrastructure? Answer— I am advised: Under the proposed lease arrangements, ARTC will assume full financial management responsibility for the interstate network as of 1 July 2004. As of this date, ARTC will be responsible for rail safety education to ARTC and RIC seconded employees. The NSW Government is continuing discussions with the ARTC over the possible lease of the RIC Training College Wagga Wagga. ARTC will conduct its training in accordance with the requirements of the NSW Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator. ARTC positions have been widely advertised and all RIC staff are eligible to apply for any training or development positions advertised by ARTC.

2372


*1695 WATER RESTRICTION INFRINGEMENTS—Mr Merton to Minister for Energy and Utilities,

Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— In respect of infringements issued for breaches of water restrictions, what liabilities exist for owners, and tenants, of a residential property? Answer— Fines of $220 apply for breaches of the mandatory water restrictions. In order to issue a penalty notice, enforcement officers must observe the offence taking place. Penalty notices are usually served on the person observed to be committing the offence. Similar to traffic offences, where the owner of a vehicle is held responsible for certain traffic offences, the owner of a property may be held responsible for water restrictions breaches where it is not possible to establish the identity of the offender. This could happen where, for example, a water restrictions patrol officer observes that a sprinkler has been left on all day but nobody is home. As is the case for motor vehicle offences, an owner who receives a penalty notice can avoid liability for an offence they did not commit by completing a statutory declaration within 21 days.

*1696 WATER RESTRICTION INFRINGEMENT NOTICES—Mr Merton to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— How many infringement notices have been issued for breaches in the Baulkham Hills local government area during the period commencing from the introduction of the water restrictions until 20 February 2004? Answer— Sydney Water has issued 36 infringement notices within the Baulkham Hills local government area to 25 February 2004.

*1697 1 IN 100 YEAR FLOOD—Mr Roberts to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— What technical information is available to show the capacity or otherwise of the Warragamba Dam to sustain and cope with a flood situation equivalent to, or in excess of, a 1 in 100 year flood? Answer— This matter falls within the portfolio responsibilities of the Minister for the Environment.

*1698 TRAFFIC LIGHT PHASING—Mr Roberts to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— What is the time phasing at the traffic lights at the intersection of Longueville Road and Epping Road for vehicles turning right from Longueville Road into Epping Road and then to the Gore Hill expressway on a single phase basis over a 24 hour weekday period? Answer— The traffic signals at this location and others along Epping Road form part of the Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System (SCATS) and the green time allocated to each phase or movement is dependent

2373


on traffic density at that time. As the volume and density of traffic changes, so too does the green time allocated to each movement. Over a typical 24 hour weekday period motorists turning right from Longueville Road into Epping Road are allocated between 9 and 33 seconds (excluding the 3 second “all red” phase) to undertake this manoeuvre.

*1699 WATER RESTRICTION INFRINGEMENT NOTICES—Mr Roberts to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— How many infringement notices have been issued with respect to breaches of water restrictions in NSW in each of the weeks commencing from the introduction of such restrictions until 28 February 2004? Answer— For Sydney Water’s area of operations mandatory water restrictions commenced on 1 October 2003. Enforcement of water restrictions and the issuing of infringement notices commenced on 1 November 2003. Up until 3 March 2004, Sydney Water has issued 605 infringement notices. Details are provided in the table below.

Week Commencing Infringements Week Commencing Infringements

1 November 2003 0 10 January 2004 66 8 November 2003 1 17 January 2004 42

15 November 2003 7 24 January 2004 65 22 November 2003 5 31 January 2004 65 29 November 2003 13 7 February 2004 40 6 December 2003 19 14 February 2004 92 13 December 2003 31 21 February 2004 32 20 December 2003 25 28 February 2004 38

27 December 2003 (2 week period)

64

*1700 CATCHM ENT MANAGEMENT BOARD REMUNERATION—Ms Seaton to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— Regarding the members of the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Board: (1) How many members are there? (2) Are members remunerated? (3) How much are members paid in allowances and fees?

Answer— This matter falls within the portfolio responsibilities of the Minister for Natural Resources.

*1701 COLO HIGH SCHOOL ENERGY AUDIT—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— In view of the high mean summer temperatures experienced at this school, will the Minister arrange for an energy audit to be conducted with a view to improving conditions for students?

2374


Answer— New guidelines have been issued to help schools deal with very hot days. These are practical and commonsense steps for principals to follow to make sure that students and staff are protected from excessive heat.

*1702 COLO HIGH SCHOOL AIR CONDITIONING—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— In what financial year will the library and classrooms at Colo High School be air conditioned? Answer— Since 1995 the NSW Government has allocated $61.7 million to air cooling NSW government schools. Under the previous Coalition policies this school would not have received any air conditioning. The demountable classroom at Colo High School is air conditioned.

16 MARCH 2004

(Paper No. 64)

*1703 CRIME REPORTING—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police— In relation to reporting of crime: (1) What is the Australian Bureau of Statistics source for your 19 February media release claim:

“Victims of assault who reported the crime to NSW Police rose from 30 percent in 2001, to 39 per cent in 2003 (Australian Bureau of Statistics)”?

(2) Does the 2003 figure of 39% in Question (1) refer to assault reports for that year or a 2003 Australian Bureau of Statistics report on incidents in the year 2002?

(3) Is your 19 February media release claim: “Victims of robbery who reported the crime to police rose from 39 per cent to 53 per cent (Australian Bureau of Statistics)” also referring to the years 2001 & 2003?

(4) If so, what is the Australian Bureau of Statistics source for the quote in Question (3)? Answer— (1) The report is called Crime and Safety, NSW (ABS December 2003). (2) For the 12 months up to April 2003. (3) Yes. (4) See (1).

*1704 GRAFFITI ON ENERGY AUSTRALIA FACILITIES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— In relation to graffiti on Energy Australia facilities: (1) What is the annual cost of cleaning graffiti from Energy Australia facilities? (2) Within how many days or weeks are Energy Australia contractors required to remove graffiti under

existing contractual arrangements? (3) Is the most successful strategy in combating graffiti is to remove it within a few days of it being

reported as opposed to monthly cleaning?

2375


Answer— (1) The annual cost of cleaning/removing graffiti varies from year to year according to the amount of

graffiti reported. As an example, from 1 February 2003 to 29 February, 2004 EnergyAustralia spent $141,500 on removing graffiti from its buildings and network infrastructure.

(2) EnergyAustralia aims to remove all graffiti from its buildings and network infrastructure within two weeks of being notified of the vandalism. Graffiti nominated as highly offensive is given a higher priority.

(3) EnergyAustralia recognises that the best deterrent to vandals is to remove/paint over the graffiti as quickly as possible. However as a priority, EnergyAustralia must always ensure public safety, before managing the removal of graffiti from its assets.

*1705 POLICE SECONDARY EMPLOYMENT—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

In relation to Police secondary employment: (1) How many police are currently authorised to have a second job? (2) How many police are currently authorised to have a third job? Answer— (1) and (2) NSW Police has a secondary employment policy. It does not have a second or third job

policy.

*1706 BUDGETARY ALLOCATION—Mr Pringle to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assis ting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)— What budgetary allocation within the Department of Local Government has been made for an education campaign to advise residents of changes in voting methods for the 2004 Local Council Elections? Answer— The following response has been provided by the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands): Under the Local Government Act 1993, the Electoral Commissioner is given responsibility for the conduct of local government elections. As part of that responsibility, the State Electoral Office provides information about the electoral process to the public. The State Electoral Office produced a brochure on the Local Government Election 2004 including information on the method of voting and counting of votes. The Department of Local Government provides a range of publications about local government elections including circulars to councils, and the publication “So You Are thinking of Becoming a Local Government Councillor?” Officers of the Department are also available to assist councils and members of the public with information about the Local Government Act and regulations. However, no specific line item within the Department’s budget was allocated to educating members of the public in their civic responsibilities. Local councils are also well situated to encourage the effective participation of their communities in the local democratic process. Local councils can provide or pass on information about local elections through local advertising, the provision of information in libraries or at council offices and by other appropriate means.

2376


*1707 SECTION 94 REVIEW —Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for

Natural Resources— With regard to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act: (1) Has the Section 94 Review been completed? (2) When will it be tabled? (3) What legislative changes are anticipated? Answer— (1) Yes, the final report of the Section 94 Contributions and Development Levies Taskforce has been

completed. (2) The report will be made publicly available. (3) The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources is developing a Government

response to the various planning reviews (including the Section 94 review). This response will include a consolidated reform package that draws together priority recommendations from the Taskforce reviews and an implementation program.

*1708 MULGRAVE STATION PRECINCT —Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and

Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)— When does the lease on the former goods shed area adjacent to Mulgrave Station expire? Answer— I am advised: The lease expires on 31 December 2004.

*1709 DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL SERVICES—SOUTHERN AREA HEALTH SERVICE —Mr Armstrong to Minister for Health— (1) What were the circums tances surrounding the appointment of former Mayor of Tumut and former

member of the Southern Area Health Service Board, Dr Greg Pritchard, to the position of Southern Area Health Service Director of Clinical Services?

(2) What were the conditions of his employment? (3) What process and criteria did Dr Pritchard have to satisfy prior to his appointment to the position? Answer— (1) and (3) I am advised by Southern Area Health Service:

Justice Michael Campbell QC, presently acting judge of the Supreme Court, was appointed to review Dr Pritchard’s appointment and the associated selection process. At the completion of his inquiry, the Hon Michael Campbell QC concluded: (a) that there was no impropriety associated with the appointment of Dr Pritchard on the part of

any person; and (b) the selection process that led to Dr Pritchard’s appointment reasonably demonstrated that he

had the requisite skills, qualifications and experience for the position as specified in the relevant position description.

The Hon Michael Campbell QC also concluded that even if he had not been of the view stated in (b) he “would have concluded that the recommendation to appoint Dr Pritchard was in any event reasonable in all the circumstances”.

2377


(2) Salary and conditions of employment are in accordance with the Public Hospitals (Medical

Superintendents) (State) Award for a Medical Superintendent Level 2 plus a 16% clinical work loading.

A fleet motor vehicle is available for official business.

*1710 AWABAKAL CO-OP—NEWCASTLE—Mr Tink to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment— (1) Has the Awabakal Co-op in Newcastle been given a grant by the Attorney General’s Department in

the last two years to run a Community Patrol Program or for any other purpose? (2) If so, how much was granted and for what purpose? Over what period was the grant provided? (3) Did the grant to the Awabakal Co -op provide for the purchase and maintenance of a bus as part of

the Community Patrol Program? (4) Is this bus currently in use? If not, why? (5) How has the Awabakal Co-op allocated the funds granted from the Attorney General’s

Department? (6) How has the Awabakal Co-op spent the funds granted from the Attorney General’s Department to

date? Answer— The Premier’s Department Community Solutions Fund made a grant to the Awabakal Community Patrol. This grant is allocated to the employment of part time drivers to operate the patrol and for operational costs such as fuel, uniforms, communication equipment etc. The Attorney General's Department recently leased a bus for use by the patrol with funds provided from the Indigenous Justice Strategy.

*1711 INDUSTRIAL ORDERS—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast— (1) How many applications have been made by the State Government since 1 April 2003 to the

Australian Industrial Relations Commission seeking orders under section 127 of the Workplace Relations Act (Federal)? How much has been expended in legal fees for these applications? How many applications were successful?

(2) (a) How many applications have been made by the State Government since 1 April 2003 to the New South Wales Industrial Relations Commission seeking return to work orders under the Industrial Relations Act 1996?

(b) How much has been expended in legal fees for these applications? (c) How many applications were successful? (3) How many State Government employees work under a Federal award or a Federal workplace

agreement? (4) How many State Government employees work under a State award or a State certified agreement? Answer— (1) Nil. (2) (a) Nil.

(b) and (c) Na. (3) and (4) According to the Workforce Profile data for 2001-2002, approximately 10,000 NSW public

sector employees work under federal industrial instruments, whereas there are approximately 298,000 employees covered by state industrial instruments.

2378


*1712 CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and

Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce— (1) Did the Office of Fair Trading conduct a study into the cost implications for small businesses of the

introduction of the Continuing Professional Development Program, before it was introduced on 1 March 2004?

(2) If so, what was the assessed additional cost to small businesses from the introduction of this program?

(3) If not, why was this assessment not carried out? (4) Was the Minster for Small Business consulted about the cost implications of this program before it

was introduced? Answer— (1) to (3) The introduction of Continuing Professional Development was supported through the Joint

Select Committee on the Quality of Buildings 2002 (Campbell Report), the 2002 National Review of Home Warranty Insurance and Consumer Protection 2002 (Percy Allen report), and the 2003 NSW Home Warranty Insurance Inquiry (Grellman Report). Each of these reports support the introduction of CPD as a prerequisite for licensing renewal. The cost of continuing professional development is a basic cost of maintaining a level of contemporary professional competence required to remain eligible to hold a licence. It is also supported by building industry associations, trade unions and consumer groups. Continuing Professional Development not only raises the standard and quality of builders, it will help reduce building disputes and promote consumer confidence of the industry.

(4) The Minister for Small Business at the time was consulted about reforms in the Home Building Industry including Continuing Professional Development.

*1713 SMALL BUSINESS WEBSITE —Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for

the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business— (1) Does the Department of State and Regional Development have an internet counter attached to Small

Business Website www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au? (2) If so, how many hits did the website receive each month during: (a) 2002? (b) 2003? (c) January 2004? (d) February 2004? (3) Does the Department of State and Regional Development keep records of whether further telephone

inquiries were generated because of information obtained from the Small Business Website? (4) If so, how many of these inquiries were received each month during: (a) 2002? (b) 2003? (c) January 2004? (d) February 2004? Answer— (1) and (2) I refer the Honourable member to the annual reports of the Department of State and Regional

Development. (3) No. (4) See (3).

2379


*1714 COMPLAINT TO THE HOME BUILDING SERVICE—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading,

and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce— (1) On what date did the Home Building Service receive a complaint by Mr W Tinyow of 34

Chatswood Avenue Chatswood about structural inadequacies of his property? (2) During a meeting with the General Manager of the Home Building Service on 26 September 2003,

did the General Manager undertake to have Mr Tinyow’s complaint resolved before Christmas 2003?

(3) Why has this complaint not yet been resolved? Answer— (1) to (3) The Home Building Service wrote to Mr Tinyow in November 2003 advising that an

insurance determination had been made in his favour. I am advised that Mr Tinyow did not accept the determination. Other avenues for resolving the matter were also presented to Mr Tinyow.

A further determination was made in respect of the claim, and again this was in Mr Tinyow’s favour. As at 2 April 2004, Mr Tinyow has not formally responded to the Home Building Service on the later determination.

*1715 PRINCES HIGHWAY UPGRADE—Mr Constance to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

Will you provide the necessary $200 million to upgrade the Princes Highway south of Nowra in light of the 17 deaths occurring on the Princes Highway south of Kiama over the last 15 months? Answer— I refer the Honourable Member to my answer to Question No. 1603.

*1716 COBARGO PUBLIC SCHOOL—Mr Constance to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— Will you provide the necessary upgrades to Cobargo Public School? Answer— The demountable classrooms and library at the school will be provided with reverse air conditioning as part of the 2004/05 Air Cooling Program. Funding for a project to upgrade facilities at Cobargo Public School will be considered in the context of future capital works priorities.

*1717 SOUTHERN AREA HEALTH SERVICE ACCOUNTS—Mr Constance to Minister for Health— When will all outstanding monies owed to suppliers of the Southern Area Health Service be finalised? Answer— All businesses have creditors at any point in time. Southern Area Health Service has been progressively reducing its creditors over 45 days during 2004.

*1718 ILLEGAL FIREARMS—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Police— What strategies have been implemented to control and eradicate illegal use of long and short firearms?

2380


Answer— A number of strategies have been implemented, including:

• Legislative changes – the enactment of the Firearms and Crimes Amendment (Public Safety) Act;

• Establishment of specialist crime squads; • Improved licensing and registration; • Firearms amnesty; • Improved education of police on firearms offences; • New reforms that target handguns in the security industry; and • A statewide safe storage audit of all firearm holders.

*1719 SCHOOL SECURITY FENCING—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and

Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— Which schools in the Hornsby electorate will have security fencing erected in 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06? Answer— On 11 February 2003, the Government announced the Safer Schools Plan and gave a commitment to provide security fencing to at least 200 more schools in New South Wales by 2007 at a total cost of $20 million. The Department of Education and Training determines the order of schools on a priority basis. The priority is based on an on-site risk assessment that carefully considers the frequency, magnitude, severity and cost of the security breaches that have been reported.

*1720 HOSPITAL SECURITY—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health— What security arrangements are in place in the Hornsby electorate? Answer— The Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital campus has a 24 hour, 7 days a week operational security department. Service provided include:

• a security office in the waiting area of the Emergency Department; • on-site supervisory support and direction; • system infrastructure for the security management system; • improved lighting conditions; • a revised and improved Security Pass identification system; • a program for the multi skilling of staff to assist in security activities as required; and • periodic security risk reviews.

*1721 CAR PARK SPACE LEVY—Ms Berejiklian to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister

for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)— In relation to the Parking Space Levy: (1) When will the Government’s review be complete? (2) How will the small business community be made aware of the outcomes of the review? (3) What amount of revenue does the Government estimate it will receive from the levy in the 2003-04

financial year?

2381


Answer— I am advised: (1) It is expected the review will be comp leted mid 2004. (2) Appropriate public announcements will be made at the time of the Government’s decision. (3) This information is available in State Budget Paper Two 2003-04. All of this money is allocated to

projects to encourage the use of public transport by making it more accessible.

*1722 MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS—Mr Merton to Minister for Police— What is the total number of recorded accidents between motor vehicles in postcode area 2153 for the period 1999-2003 inclusive? Answer— Motor vehicle accident statistics are maintained by the Roads and Traffic Authority. I refer the Honourable Member to the Minister for Roads, within whose portfolio the Authority resides.

*1723 INTERSECTION ACCIDENTS—Mr Merton to Minister for Police— How many motor vehicle accidents have been reported at the intersection of Windsor Road, Old Northern Road and Seven Hills Road or immediately adjacent to this intersection during the period 1999-2003 inclusive? Answer— Motor vehicle accident statistics are maintained by the Roads and Traffic Authority. I refer the Honourable Member to the Minister for Roads, within whose portfolio the Authority resides.

*1724 TELEGRAPH POLE ACCIDENTS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Police— What are the total number of recorded accidents involving telegraph poles and vehicles in the postcode areas 2229 and 2230? Answer— Motor vehicle accident statistics are maintained by the Roads and Traffic Authority. I refer the Honourable Member to the Minister for Roads, within whose portfolio the Authority resides.

*1725 MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Police— What is the total number of recorded accidents between motor vehicles in the postcode areas 2229 and 2230? Answer— Motor vehicle accident statistics are maintained by the Roads and Traffic Authority. I refer the Honourable Member to the Minister for Roads, within whose portfolio the Authority resides.

*1726 TELEGRAPH POLE ACCIDENT STATISTICS—Mr Roberts to Minister for Police— What are the total number of recorded accidents involving telegraph poles and vehicles in the postcode areas 2065, 2066, 2110 and 2111 in the years 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002?

2382


Answer— Motor vehicle accident statistics are maintained by the Roads and Traffic Authority. I refer the Honourable Member to the Minister for Roads, within whose portfolio the Authority resides.

*1727 MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT STATISTICS—Mr Roberts to Minister for Police— What is the total number of recorded accidents between motor vehicles in the postcode areas 2065, 2066, 2110 and 2111 in the years 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002? Answer— Motor vehicle accident statistics are maintained by the Roads and Traffic Authority. I refer the Honourable Member to the Minister for Roads, within whose portfolio the Authority resides.

*1728 ACCIDENT STATISTICS—Mr Roberts to Minister for Police— What are the total number of recorded incidents involving accidents between motor vehicles and pedestrians in the local government areas of Lane Cove, Hunters Hill and Ryde for the years 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002? Answer— Motor vehicle accident statistics are maintained by the Roads and Traffic Authority. I refer the Honourable Member to the Minister for Roads, within whose portfolio the Authority resides.

*1729 ALBURY BASE HOSPITAL—Mr Aplin to Minister for Health— What progress is being made towards re-establishing the 24 bed surgical ward at Albury Base Hospital, given that the Director-General of NSW Health stated this was a priority in 1998? Answer— With the inception of a single cross border health service for the Albury/Wodonga region, the combined available resources are being examined to provide a single health service on two sites. Any decisions about the future utilization of hospital beds at either Albury or Wodonga will be made in that context.

*1730 SMITH STREET ROUNDABOUT—Mr Stoner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— In relation to the traffic roundabout on Smith Street (Pacific Highway) at Kempsey, will the roundabout be replaced with traffic lights, given community concerns about the potential for serious accidents? If so, when? If not, why not? Answer— Proposed improvements to the intersection of Smith Street (Pacific Highway) and Stuart Street in Kempsey, including a new set of traffic signals, were displayed at three locations in Kempsey between 7 and 21 April 2004.

*1731 BED CLOSURES —Mr Stoner to Minister for Health— (1) Were eight beds closed approximately three years ago to create two palliative care wards of one bed

each at Kempsey District Hospital (equivalent to a net loss of six beds)? (2) Is one of the palliative care wards now being closed?

2383


Answer— (1) In January 2001, after consultation with medical and nursing staff, services were reconfigured to

create two palliative care wards of one bed each. (2) A proposal to relocate a palliative care bed and convert one of the palliative care wards into a four-

bed general ward is currently under consideration.

*1732 GUARDIANSHIP TRIBUNAL —Mr Stoner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minis ter for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth— In relation to the Guardianship Tribunal, Public Guardian, and Office of the Protective Commis sioner: (1) Does the Guardianship Tribunal have legal power to direct access function? (2) Does the Guardianship Act allow the Guardianship Tribunal to use conflict between siblings to

place a person under Public Guardian? Under what provision? (3) How does the Guardianship Tribunal determine an appropriate person to be the guardian? (4) Are there any cases where the Guardianship Tribunal has placed a person under guardianship

without a complete and signed application form? (5) Have there been any cases where the Guardianship Tribunal made orders for medical consent when

the client had not lost mental capacity? (6) If so, how many? Answer— (1) Section 21 Guardianship Act 1987 states that: (1) Subject to any conditions specified in the order, the guardian of a person the subject of a

plenary guardianship order: (a) has custody of the person to the exclusion of any other person, and (b) has all the functions of a guardian of that person that a guardian has at law or equity. (2) Subject to any conditions specified in the order, the guardian of a person the subject of a

limited guardianship order: (a) has custody of the person, to the exclusion of any other person, to such extent (if any) as

the order provides, and (b) has such of the functions of a guardian of that person’s person, to the exclusion of any

other person, as the order provides. Consequently, the Guardianship Tribunal, can, when it is satisfied it is appropriate in the best

interests of the person who has a disability, make an order appointing a guardian to determine who should have access to the person and on what terms.

(2) A guardianship order can only be made for a person if the Guardianship Tribunal is satisfied that: (1) the person has a disability within the meaning of the Guardianship Act that renders them

totally or partially incapable of managing his or her person, (see section 3(1) Guardianship Act 1987) and

(2) There is a need for an order to be made appointing a substitute decision-maker (see section 14 Guardianship Act 1987).

Section 15(3) of the Guardianship Act 1987 provides that the Public Guardian shall not be appointed in circumstances in which a private person can be appointed to act as the guardian of the person with a disability.

The Tribunal will first look to the circumstances of the case to see whether it is appropriate for a family member or friend to be appointed as guardian. In many cases, someone will be willing and able to assume the responsibility of guardianship. In other cases, it will be necessary to appoint the Public Guardian because there are no family members or friends to appoint or the circumstances of the case make it inappropriate to appoint them.

(3) Section 17 Guardianship Act 1987 provides that:

2384


(1) A person shall not be appointed as the guardian of a person under guardianship unless the

Tribunal is satisfied that: (a) the personality of the proposed guardian is generally compatible with that of the person

under guardianship (b) there is no undue conflict between the interests (particularly, the financial interests) of

the proposed guardian and those of the person under guardianship, and (c) the proposed guardian is both willing and able to exercise the functions conferred or

imposed by the proposed guardianship order. (4) Yes. Section 4 requires the Guardianship Tribunal and everyone exercising functions under the

Guardianship Act to give paramount consideration to the welfare and interests of the person with a disability. If, after conducting a hearing the Tribunal is satisfied that there is a need to make orders in the best interests of the person, it can proceed to do so, in accordance with the Guardianship Act.

(5) Section 34 Guardianship Act 1987 provides that Part 5 of the Guardianship Act applies to a patient who is 16 years of age or older and who is incapable of giving consent to the carrying out of medical or dental treatment.

The Tribunal does not make orders to consent to medical treatment under the Guardianship Act unless it is satisfied the person who is the subject of the application is not able to consent to their own treatment.

Section 175 of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 provides that the Guardianship Tribunal can consent to special medical treatment for young people under 16 years of age. The provisions of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act apply to young people who are able to consent to their own treatment as well as to young people who are unable, by reason of disability, to consent to their own treatment.

(6) The Tribunal has consented, under the provisions of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998, to special medical treatment for three young people who had not lost mental capacity.

17 MARCH 2004

(Paper No. 65)

*1733 COMPUTERISED POLICING SYSTEM (COPS2)—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police— In relation to the new Computerised Operational Policing System (COPS2): (1) What action have you taken to ensure the current Computerised Operational Policing System

(COPS) reports assaults against police officers as a separate category? (2) Will the new Computerised Operational Policing System (COPS2) allow for the reporting of

assaults against police officers as a separate category? (3) When is COPS2 expected to be fully completed and at what cost? (4) Has budgeted expenditure on COPS2 progress been deferred as a cost saving measure? Answer— (1) to (4) NSW Police has advised me that the initial phase of the COPS2 project extends over two

years, 2003-04 and 2004-05. Features of the new system will be considered according to NSW Police user requirements.

*1734 OPERATION RETZ—Mr Debnam to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

In relation to Operation RETZ and civil litigation against NSW Police by Joseph Zarb Fitzpatrick: (1) Did former Commander L. Scott meet with staff from the office of the Director of Public

Prosecutions in relation to possible criminal charges against Officer P. Bellemore? (2) If so, on what dates, what was discussed and what resulted from those discussions?

2385


(3) Have you been made aware of the contents, or read, the reports on Operation Retz? Answer— I am advised that there is no record of Commander L Scott meeting with DPP staff in relation to this matter, nor do any staff recall such a meeting. Not applicable. No.

*1735 DISMISSAL CLAIMS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police— In relation to unlawful dismissal claims: (1) What has been the cost to the Government of defending an unlawful dismissal case by former

Deputy Commissioner Jeff Jarratt? (2) How many NSW Police officers lodged unlawful dismissal claims in 2003 and in 2004 up to 17

March and how many were members of the Senior Executive Service? (3) What has been the total cost of defending unlawful dismissal claims brought by NSW Police

officers in 2003 and as at 17 March in 2004? (4) What has been the total amount of damages paid to NSW Police officers with successful unlawful

dismissal claims in 2003 and as at 17 March in 2004? (5) As at 17 March 2004, how many unlawful dismissal claims lodged by NSW Police officers remain

unresolved? Answer— NSW Police has advised me: (1) The litigation commenced by Mr Jarratt is currently before the High Court. It is therefore not

appropriate to comment further at this time. (2) Six. None. (3) $6,270. (4) Nil. (5) Eight.

*1736 RENTAL BOND BOARD—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce— (1) Has the Office of Fair Trading specified a period of time within which rental bonds from leases that

have been finalised must be returned to the former tenants? (2) If so, what is the time period specified for payments by: (a) cheque? (b) electronic transfer to a bank account? (3) If not, why has the Office of Fair Trading failed to set clear criteria for the processing of rental

bonds? (4) How many complaints did the Rental Bond Board receive about late returns of rental bonds for

finalised leases during: (a) 2001? (b) 2002? (c) 2003? (5) As at 17 March 2004 how many rental bonds for finalised leases remain unreturned to lessees for a

period exceeding seven days?

2386


Answer— (1) to (3) The Office of Fair Trading has a Guarantee of Service which specifies a time period for the

refund of rental bonds after a fully completed Claim for Refund of Rental Bond Money form has been received.

Provided that both parties to a rental bond have agreed to pay out the bond: (a) Refund cheques are processed within four working days. (b) Refunds are deposited into bank accounts within two working days. (4) and (5) The standard turnaround achieved for refunds by cheque is 98% within 2 days and for

refunds by direct deposit it is 98% within 1 day. The guarantee of service is therefore met and exceeded in the vast majority of such refunds.

*1737 CREDIT CARDS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for

Commerce— (1) Has the Office of Fair Trading received any complaints regarding credit card companies sending

‘pre-approved’ credit card applications to minors? (2) If so, how many complaints has the Office of Fair Trading received? (3) What action has been taken by the Office of Fair Trading to rectify this problem? Answer— (1) to (3) In the last two years the Office of Fair Trading has received one complaint. Fair Trading

officers met the bank and the bank gave an undertaking to withdraw this offer and further undertook to provide a more stringent screening of mailing lists acquired from external organisations.

*1738 POLICE OPERATIONS—COOLAC—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Police—

(1) Why was the Police operation to stop and inspect southbound traffic on the Hume Highway at

Coolac held in the main street opposite the Coolac General Store on 16 March 2004 and not at another suitable site in the immediate vicinity?

(2) Was this operation discussed with local s mall businesses before it commenced? (3) Was any consideration given to the financial loss which would be suffered by the Coolac General

Store because of this operation, when the operation was being planned? (4) What actions will you take to ensure that small businesses will not have their ability to trade

restricted because of future police operations of this type? Answer— NSW Police has advised me: (1) The site selected offered the best area to conduct the operation. (2) All details of the operation were kept secure to maintain the integrity of the operation. (3) No financial data has been provided. (4) I will not take any action that potentially undermines “Police operations of this type”.

*1739 NORTH-WEST RAIL LINK CORRIDOR—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources— Will the Minister guarantee that the rail corridor for the proposed North West Rail Link will be maintained and no publicly owned property on the corridor will be sold?

2387


Answer— The Government has committed funds toward the identification of the alignment of the proposed North West Rail Link and continues with the detailed planning necessary for the delivery of the North West Rail Link. The current focus of this project is the definition and protection of a suitable corridor for the North West Rail Link.

*1740 COLO HIGH MAINTENANCE EXPENDITURE—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— For Colo High School, what expenditure for capital works and for maintenance is proposed for the years 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06? Answer— A project to widen paths and highlight the steps and the bridge to the agricultural plot has been approved as part of the 2003/04 Capital Works Program at an estimated cost of $55,000. With respect to maintenance, the Department of Education and Training allocates funding by contract district and not to individual schools. All schools in the Hawkesbury electorate, including Colo High School, will have some work undertaken as a result of preventative maintenance funding. An indication of the funding and time frame for the inclusion of further projects at Colo High School in a future capital works program cannot be provided, as it is not possible to pre-empt the deliberations of the Budget Committee in the formulation of the annual State Budget.

*1741 DEMOUNTABLE BUILDING REDUCTION—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— In view of the fluctuating enrolments and the requirement for a multi-purpose room, will the Minister allow Annangrove Public School to retain all its current buildings? Answer— The Department of Education and Training is reviewing this matter and will be consulting with the school principal, prior to any decision being made.

*1742 150TH RAILWAYS TRANSPORT ANNIVERSARY—Ms Seaton to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)— What are the Minister for Transport’s plans to celebrate the 150th anniversary of railways in NSW? Answer— I am advised: RailCorp has commenced consultation with a number of interested parties on a program to mark the 150th anniversary of New South Wales railways in September next year. It is expected both Central Station and the Werris Creek Australian Railway Monument, now under construction, will play a part in the anniversary as will rail, heritage and community groups in regional New South Wales.

2388


*1743 150TH RAILWAYS TRANSPORT ANNIVERSARY—Ms Seaton to Deputy Premier, Minister for

Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— Does the Minister have any plans to incorporate the forthcoming 150th anniversary of rail transport in NSW in any school activities or curriculum? Answer— The NSW curriculum provides opportunities for students to study rail transport in the Kindergarten to Year 6 Human Society and Its Environment Syllabus. These include learning about special events, anniversaries and rail transport as part of a study of social systems and structures. Schools will be able to incorporate the history of rail transport, the rail system and recognition of local or wider celebrations of the 150th anniversary of rail in NSW into their studies. The Department of Education and Training is currently holding discussions with the Ministry of Transport and its Logistics Centre of Excellence about ways to strengthen studies about transport and the transport industry within the existing curriculum and they will include discussion of support for this anniversary.

*1744 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY GRANTS—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast— (1) How many Information Technology (IT) grants did the NSW Government award to NSW

companies or organisations in the financial year 2001-02? (2) How many were awarded in the financial year 2002-03? (3) What was the total value of IT grants to NSW companies or organisations in the financial years

2001-02 and 2002-03? Answer— (1) 61 (2) 64 (3) $8,682,633

*1745 INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES —Mr Hartcher to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast— (1) How many industrial disputes have there been in NSW since 1 April 2003? (2) How many of these lasted more than five days? (3) How many involved employees under a Federal award? (4) How many involved employees under a State award? Answer— (1) This data can be obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2) to (4) The ABS does not provide this information and there is no alternate data source.

*1746 PRISONERS—Mrs Hopwood to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship— How many people sentenced to serve home detention sentences are there in the electorate of Hornsby?

2389


Answer— The Minister for Justice informs me: The Department of Corrective Services does not keep records of home detainees based on state electorates.

*1747 GUN BUY-BACK—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Police— How many firearms registered in the Hornsby electorate have been registered in the buy-back initiative currently underway in NSW? Answer— Under the buyback, firearms are not ‘registered’. They are inspected and either returned to the registered owner or surrendered with compensation paid.

*1748 POWER POLES—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— (1) How are power poles protected from termite attack? (2) How many poles in the electorate of Hornsby have been affected by termites in the years 2003-04,

2004-05 and 2005-06? (3) What is the average life of power poles before they are removed and replaced? Answer— (1) EnergyAustralia's wood power poles are a mixture of durability class 1 Regal Species timbers and

durability class 2 timbers which have a naturally high resistance to termite attack. All wood power poles purchased since the early 1990's are treated to make them resistant to termite attack. It should be noted that termites are capable of attacking virtually any structure with a cellulose content (wood, paper, etc) if there is no other available food source. EnergyAustralia poles are inspected for termites every 2 years (4 year pole inspection cycle with line inspection dovetailed into the middle of this cycle) and treated with the most appropriate insecticide whenever termites are found.

(2) In 2002/2003, EnergyAustralia treated 94 poles for termites in the Hornsby Electorate. Year To Date for 2003/2004, EnergyAustralia has treated 40 poles for termites.

(3) The average life of timber power poles is approximately 40 years before they are removed and replaced. However, these timbers can last up to 100 years if not affected by vehicle impact, termite attack, or fungal degradation. Accordingly, poles are replaced when deemed necessary by routine below groundline inspections rather than on age.

*1749 SYRINGES FOR DIABETICS—Mr Stoner to Minister for Health—

(1) Does the State Government have a program in place in which people with diabetes are provided

with free syringes? (2) If so, when was this program introduced? (3) If such a program exists, is access to free syringes for people with diabetes subject to any

conditions? (4) If so, what are these conditions? (5) If such a program exists, how many diabetics in NSW received free syringes from the Department

of Health in the 2002-03, 2001-02, 2000-01 and 1999-2000 financial years? (6) If such a program exists, what was the total amount allocated from the Department of Health

Budget for the provision of syringes to diabetics in the 2002-03, 2001-02, 2000-01 and 1999-2000 financial years?

2390


Answer— (1) to (4) On 1 June 2000 the NSW Government introduced a program to provide free syringes to people

with diabetes who are regis tered with the National Diabetes Scheme. (5) and (6) Data on the number of people with diabetes who received free syringes is unavailable,

however the number of needles and syringes dispensed under the State Government Scheme and the amount allocated for the Scheme from the Department of Health Budget for the financial years nominated was as follows:

Year No. Dispensed Funding

1999-2000 90,032 $ 200,000*

2000-2001 17,278,700 $1,192,000

2001-2002 17,421,300 $1,192,000

2002-2003 18,699,100 $1,361,400 * Represents June 2000 only

*1750 MANAGER-CLIENT SERVICE POSITIONS—Mr Amery to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, M inister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth— (1) Has the Department of Community Services advertised for 69 manager-client service positions? (2) How many of these positions will be located at: (a) The Mount Druitt office? (b) The St Mary’s office? (3) Of the reported 176,271 child protection reports received by the Department of Community

Services last year, how many of these reports were received by: (a) The Mount Druitt office? (b) The St Mary’s office? Answer— (1) The Department of Community Services has advertised 49 positions for this financial year with a

target of 69 to be filled by 2007/2008. (2) (a) 1 Manager, Client Service at the Mount Druitt Office.

(b) 1 Manager, Client Service at the St Mary’s Office. This position will als o be responsible for the Richmond Community Services Centre.

(3) (a) and (b) The Department of Community Services operates a centralised initial intake and assessment service through the DoCS Helpline. Reports are not made direct to local Community Services Centre, but are referred to them, as appropriate, following an initial assessment.

*1751 MALE AND FEMALE EMPLOYEES—Ms Moore to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for

Citizenship— (1) During the term of the last Parliament: (a) How many males and females were employed in the Senior Executive Service (SES)? (b) How many retrenchments from the SES were male, and how many female? (2) How many males and females are employed in the SES as of 1 February 2004? (3) How many SES positions are targeted for abolition, and how many are filled by males and how

many by females? (4) Which NSW Government agencies are currently undergoing restructuring or have done within the

last 12 months?

2391


(5) How many staff are expected to have their positions deleted as a result of these restructures? (6) What are the anticipated financial savings from the abolition of these positions? (7) When NSW Government agencies are restructured and staff retrenched, how does the Government

ensure that EEO principles and practices are followed? (8) Of all the male and female retrenchments or dismissals during the last 12 months how many: (a) Are clerks and clerical officers? (b) Are people who speak a language other than English by reason of their background? (c) Are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background? Answer— (1) to (8) Under the Public Sector Employment and Management Act, agency heads are responsible for

the employment of SES officers within their agencies. Appointments are on merit and are for terms up to five years. As of 1 February 2004 there were 568 males and 194 female officers employed in the Senior Executive Service, a total of 762 officers. The deletion or creation of SES positions, like any other position in agencies, is a matter for the agency head and will be dependent on individual agency restructures. The Government supports equal employment opportunity as a fundamental principle for managing our workforce, including displaced employees. Further information on the redundancies and workplace statistics are available in the NSW Workforce Profile which is available on the Premier’s Department web site, www.premiers.nsw.gov.au.

*1752 TUGUN BYPASS—Mr Page to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

(1) Why is the NSW Government not actively co-operating with the Queensland Government in

progressing the Tugun Bypass given that it is slowing Pacific Highway improvements north of Chinderah?

(2) Given the importance of this project to the residents of northern NSW and the tourism benefits it will bring, when will you commence negotiations with the Queensland Government?

Answer— The NSW Government has been providing the Queensland Government with advice in relation to a potential Tugun Bypass. I have met with the current Queensland Minister for Transport, and before him his predecessor, about this issue. However, the funding, development and construction of the project, including consideration of the location of the route within Queensland, have always been primarily the responsibility of the Queensland Government. The NSW Government will continue to provide advice to the Queensland Government about this issue, but will also continue to be mindful about what is in the best interests of New South Wales.

*1753 SUTHERLAND HOSPITAL SECURITY—Mr Kerr to Minis ter for Health— What security arrangements are in place in relation to Sutherland Hospital? Answer— I refer the Honourable Member to my response to Question No. 1692.

2392


18 MARCH 2004

(Paper No. 66)

*1754 DAWES ROAD SEWERAGE—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for

Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— What action have you taken in respect of my written request last year for funding of sewer connection by Sydney Water to houses in Dawes Road, Belrose, as has occurred in other parts of Sydney? Answer— In extending sewerage services to properties in Dawes Road Belrose, Sydney Water applies the methodology of the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s Determination No 4 of 2003 (Section 7.8 Minor Service Extension Charges). Sydney Water is working with Dawes Road property owners to construct the required infrastructure and make the necessary financial arrangements.

*1755 CROWN LAND—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)— How many portions of Crown land in Ku-ring-gai and Warringah are subject to land claims by the Aboriginal Lands Council? In each case what is the lot identifier and suburb? Answer— Eleven parcels of Crown land in Ku-ring-gai and forty-seven parcels in Warringah are subject to Aboriginal land claims. The Ku-ring-gai claims within the parish of Gordon, county of Cumberland include portions 328 to 330 and land south of portion 330 at St Ives Chase; portions 322, 325 and lot 871 in DP 704587 at North Turramurra; lands north of Albany Crescent, north of Kimberly Street and north of Warringah Avenue at East Killara; and lot 7065 in DP 94233 at St Ives. The Warringah claims within the parish of Manly Cove, county of Cumberland include lots 2780 and 2781 in DP 46992, lot 2 in DP 47703 and lot 5 in DP 238985 at Frenchs Forest; land next to Bantry Bay Reserve at Seaforth; portion 2225, part reserve 8042, land adjoining reserve 8042, lot 2826 in DP 729336, lots 120 to 122, 141 to 144, 146, 939, 953, 956, 957, 1930, 1987, 2458, 2583, 2605 and 2636 in DP 752038, land adjoining lot 2605 in DP 752038, lot 7025 in DP 93765 and lots 2819 to 2821 in DP 727090 at Belrose; lots 95 to 97 in DP 869624, lots 179, 180, 186, 195, 197, 198, 1015 and 1030 at Oxford Falls; and lots 109, 117 and 153 in DP 752038 and lot 2858 in DP 48272 at Ingleside.

*1756 STAMP DUTY IN DAVIDSON—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council— How much stamp duty has been collected over the financial year to date from property rates in the following suburbs in the Davidson electorate: (1) Frenchs Forest (2086)? (2) Belrose/Davidson (2085)? (3) Oxford Falls? (4) Forestville (2087)?

2393


(5) Roseville? (6) Lindfield? (7) Killara? (8) Pymble? (9) St Ives? Answer— Property rates are collected by the Local Government.

*1757 POLICE STATIONS—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police— How much has been spent in the current financial year on maintenance at (a) Frenchs Forest Police Station (b) Gordon Police Station? Answer— NSW Police has advised me that as at 31 March 2004, a number of maintenance projects have been undertaken at Frenchs Forest Police Station and Gordon Police Station this financial year, including repairing light fittings, guttering pipes, power points and air conditioning.

*1758 POLLUTANT LEVELS—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment— (1) What monitoring does the Government do of pollutant levels in water and sediment around the

North Head sewage outfall (deep ocean)? (2) What are the primary pollutants? (3) What are the levels of pollutants? Answer— I am advised that the Department of Environment and Conservation requires Sydney Water to undertake an extensive sediment monitoring program around the deepwater outfalls as part of the licence requirements for the Malabar, Bondi and North Head sewage treatment systems. Under this program, each year Sydney Water is required to collect 120 sediment samples from 12 sites, both near the deepwater outfalls and at reference sites as part of a long term monitoring program. The program includes tests for a range of metal and organic toxicants, along with tests on the impacts on the sediment sea-life. I am advised that the most recent data indicates that the communities of sea life that live in or on the ocean sediments around the North Head outfall remain abundant and diverse, and are not obviously different from control locations.

*1759 TRAFFIC INFRINGEMENTS—Mr Merton to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council— How many traffic infringements and what revenue has been received for offences relating to the use of the bus only lane on the Windsor Road at Baulkham Hills since the bus only restriction was introduced? Answer— From 14 February 2003 – the first recorded offence on the Infringement Processing Bureau’s (IPB) computer system – to the 2 March 2004, there have been 155 infringements issued for the offence “Drive in Bus Lane” on Windsor Road, Baulkham Hills.

2394


The amount of revenue received by the Infringement Processing Bureau for these infringements was $24,180.

*1760 HARBOUR TUNNEL LANE DELAYS—Mr Merton to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— What steps are being taken to reduce the traffic congestion and delays at the northern tollbooth at the entrance to the Harbour Tunnel where vehicles in the no-change lane immediately adjacent to the e-tag lane are unable to approach the toll booth due to delays caused by other vehicles waiting in the adjacent lane (where change is given)? Answer— Traffic congestion at and on the approach to, the Sydney Harbour Tunnel Toll Plaza varies throughout the day. The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) is continually investigating options to improve traffic flow at the toll plaza generally and to improve the priority and effic iency for ‘electronic toll’ tagged vehicles. In this regard, from 12 April 2004 changes were made to the Sydney Harbour Tunnel lanes and toll booths to improve ‘electronic toll’ collection arrangements. The ‘E-Only’ approach lane has been widened and straightened with the speed limit increased to 60 km/h. This initiative will enable a continual flow of ‘E-Only’ traffic without the need to merge after passing through the toll booths.

*1761 EXEMPTION FROM SEPP53 AND 5—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources— (1) What consideration are you giving to exempting portions of North St Ives, in proximity to Ku-ring-

gai Chase National Park, from SEPP 53 and SEPP5 due to egress restrictions? (2) What advice has been given to Council in relation to Stage 2 of the Residential Strategy? Answer— (1) The Department is consulting with the Rural Fire Service on areas put forward by Ku-ring-gai

Council and a resident of North St Ives as being subject to evacuation risk. A decision on whether to amend the SEPPs in relation to these areas will be made once I have received further advice from the Department.

(2) Council was advised in December 2003 by the Minister Assisting the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning (Planning Administration), the Hon Diane Beamer MP, that Ku-ring-gai’s Stage 2 proposals would not be considered until its Stage 1’s draft LEP 194 had been gazetted.

*1762 BLACKOUTS IN BELROSE—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for

Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— (1) What power interruptions have occurred in Belrose, Davidson and Frenchs Forest in 2003 and

2004? (2) What was the cause in each case and the duration? (3) What action are you taking to ensure interruptions do not occur? Answer— (1) Electricity is distributed through the transmission network at various voltages to ensure power

flows efficiently. The Belrose, Davidson and Frenchs Forest areas are supplied power from the Belrose Zone Substation, which operates at the 33,000 volt level of the network. In turn, the Belrose Zone Substation feeds power to three 11,000 volt feeders: • Southern area of Belrose up to Elm Avenue;

2395


• Western section of Frenchs Forest and out to Davidson; and • South west section of Frenchs Forest and the southern part of Davidson. The majority of interruptions affecting these suburbs would have occurred at either of these levels of the transmission network. From 1 January 2003 to 25 March 2004, three interruptions occurred on the 33,000 volt network. A further 21 interruptions occurred on the 11,000 volt network. Eight of these interruptions were of one minute duration or less.

(2) CAUSE DETAIL DURATION No.

11,000 volt network Environmental factors Includes storms, lightning, tree

branches and animals contacting overhead mains.

Ranged from one minute or less from a direct lightning strike to 482 minutes from a major storm.

4

No obvious cause (but experience shows they are generally environmental factors)

The network operates to automatically clear faults where possible. For example, a tree branch might have momentarily touched overhead wires or a branch has been blown clear of the wires. In these circumstances it is not necessary to send a field worker so the cause is technically unknown.

All one minute or less.

6

Equipment Includes underground cable faults or bond failures.

30-140 minutes. 9

Other Includes damage caused by a vehicle and overload.

24–102 minutes. 2

33,000 volt network Environmental factors As above. 1-71 minutes. 2 Equipment Damage to transformer cables. 70 minutes. 1

This level of reliability falls well within EnergyAustralia’s published supply availability target

(ES2) for North Sydney. (3) In addition to spending over $4.3 billion on electricity networks over the next five years, the

Government has established an Energy Demand Management Taskforce, which has been charged with examining a broad spectrum of current and possible demand management issues. The Taskforce will consult with a range of industry and other stakeholders.

*1763 POLLUTION LEVELS—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and

Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— (1) What action are you taking to reduce pollution levels at Davidson Park in Upper Middle Harbour? (2) What have pollution levels been in 2003 and 2004? (3) What are the sources? Answer— (1) Sydney Water has been working to improve water quality in Middle Harbour.

2396


Since 2000, the Northside Storage Tunnel has saved more than 12 billion litres of effluent from entering Sydney Harbour, reducing the amount of sewage pollution entering Middle Harbour. Sydney Water’s SewerFix program is reducing the frequency of sewage overflows. In 2002/2003, 1,045 kilometres of sewer were cleaned, 118 kilometers of sewer mains were relined and 580 private sewers were repaired across Sydney. A further 74 sewage pumping stations were upgraded, bringing the total improved under SewerFix to 150. The current priority is to reduce dry weather overflows across Sydney, Blue Mountains and the Illawarra and to reduce overflows in wet weather in the Blue Mountains. Sydney Water and the Department of Environment and Conservation are currently establishing the priority for sewage overflow reduction from 2005 to 2010 for inclusion in the pricing submission to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal. Following the pricing determination a program of sewage overflow reduction will be determined for Sydney. I understand that the Department of Environment and Conservation and local councils are currently implementing the Middle Harbour Stormwater Management Plan to improve the quality of stormwater discharges in the catchment.

(2) and (3) As the Department of Environment and Conservation is responsible for the Harbourwatch Program, which monitors the quality of Sydney’s waterways, this question should be referred to the Minister for the Environment.

*1767 KU-RING-GAI COUNCIL—Mr Fraser to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the

Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)— (1) Has the Minister received complaints from staff of Ku-ring-gai Council about being sworn at,

abused and/or intimidated by former Ku-ring-gai Mayor Cr Laura Bennett? (2) What action does the Department of Local Government intend to take to investigate the claims and,

if substantiated, counsel, reprimand or discipline the councillor? Answer— The following response has been provided by the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands): (1) I am advised that a review of the complaint records maintained by the Department of Local

Government has indicated that no complaint from council staff about the behaviour of Councillor Laura Bennett has been received since I became Minister. However, I note that a member of parliament has made representations to the Minister about the behaviour of an unnamed councillor.

(2) Under the Local Government Act 1993, all councils must adopt a code of conduct. A council’s code of conduct is a key instrument in regulating the general conduct of staff and councillors. It is a guide to councillors and staff on matters such as improper use of position and acting so as to enhance public confidence in local government. Council itself must determine whether the actions of its members and staff constitute a breach of standards of behaviour it has set for them to follow. It is also for council to determine what should occur in cases of a breach of those standards. Considering the mechanisms in place to enable a council to deal with alleged breaches of its code of conduct, it is not normally necessary for the Department of Local Government to investigate such matters unless there is evidence that the behaviour in question is having an adverse impact on the operations of the council. The department is currently assessing the complaint recently received from a member of parliament in line with these considerations. As part of an ongoing program to improve the behaviour of councillors and council staff, the department is currently reviewing the model code of conduct for local councils. The new model

2397


code will better equip all councils to deal with conduct that falls short of the broadly accepted standards of behaviour expected of elected officials and staff. The Minister also proposes to introduce legislation dealing with councillor misbehaviour and implementing the recommendations of a Departmental report into Councillor misbehaviour.

*1768 GISSING HOUSE—Mr Piccoli to Minister for Health—

What arrangements have been put into place for the care of mental health patients during the coming closure of Gissing House at Wagga Wagga? Answer— The $500,000 refurbishment of Gissing House, planned to commence in June 2004 and last for a period of approximately ten weeks, will include four new mental health inpatient beds and refurbishment of the High Dependency Unit and lounge facilities. Greater Murray Area Health Service plans to implement the following measures during the refurbishment to ensure service levels are maintained: • Negotiating with alternative facilities to secure inpatient beds; • Establishing transport services to transport mental health patients between Gissing House and

alternative facilities; • Working with the NSW Police Service and Ambulance Service of NSW to ensure minimal

disruption; • Providing Gissing House staff to support Wagga Wagga Base Hospital Emergency Department,

inpatient areas and Community Mental Health; • Involving community/patient support groups during the process to ensure carers and clients are

aware of arrangements.

*1769 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES—Mr Piccoli to Minister for Health— (1) What action has been taken to improve mental health services for the people of the Murrumbidgee

electorate? (2) What new services have been implemented? Answer— (1) and (2) The Government recognises the challenge of mental illness in regional and rural NSW.

Unprecedented levels of funding are being provided for mental health in rural and regional NSW with expenditure increasing by $91.1 million, or 47%, between 1997/98 and 2002/03. Recent initiatives within the Murrumbidgee electorate include: • Development of a partnership between the Greater Murray Area Health Service and the

Murrumbidgee Division of General Practitioners for psychological services with the Division employing 3 psychologists across its area and a visiting psychiatrist who visits Griffith regularly.

• The Greater Murray Area Health Service Access line is available to all residents and provides a 24 hour/7 days a week referral and counseling service for people with a mental illness.

• Establishment of a mental health Task Force, chaired by former Federal MP, Noel Hicks, which has a multi-agency approach to the provision and needs of mental health services in Griffith.

• Appointing a Clinical Director of Mental Health Services to provide a clinically strategic approach to cohesive mental health services across Greater Murray Area Health Service.

• Establishment of a partnership for rehabilitation services for mentally ill persons with Western Riverina Community Care in Griffith and St Luke’s of Bendigo for people in Deniliquin.

2398


• Greater Murray Area Health Service in conjunction with the association of Australian rural

nurses is piloting a project to develop mental emergency training for general nurses working within the Greater Murray Area Health Service.

• Establishment of 4 extra beds at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital is in progress in order to increase availability of inpatient mental health beds for mentally ill clients from he Murrumbidgee electorate.

*1770 FIREARM STATISTICS—Mr Piccoli to Minister for Police—

(1) How many firearm homicides were committed during the period 1 January 2002 to 31 December

2003? (2) How many of those offences were committed with registered firearms? (3) How many of those offences were committed by registered firearm users? Answer— (1) to (3) The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research analyses NSW recorded crime statistics. I

suggest the Honourable Member’s questions are more appropriately addressed to the Attorney General, within whose portfolio the Bureau resides.

*1771 FIREARMS IN CRONULLA —Mr Kerr to Minister for Police—

How many firearms registered in the Cronulla electorate have been registered in the buy-back initiative currently underway in New South Wales? Answer— Under the buyback, firearms are not ‘registered’. They are inspected and either returned to the registered owner or surrendered with compensation paid.

*1772 PROTECTION FROM TERRORIST ATTACK—Mr Kerr to Minister for Police— Will the Minister assure the House that adequate preparations have been made to protect essential and vital assets at Kurnell and Sydney Airport from terrorist attack? Answer— NSW Police has advised me that the Counter Terrorism Coordination Command coordinates the NSW Police response to politically motivated violence and terrorism in accordance with the National Counter Terrorist Plan and the NSW Police Counter Terrorist Plan.

*1773 TERRORIST ATTACKS—Mr Roberts to Minister for Police— Will the Minister assure the House that adequate preparations are being made to protect essential and vital assets from the threat of terrorist attack? Answer— NSW Police has advised me that the Counter Terrorism Coordination Command coordinates the NSW Police response to politically motivated violence and terrorism in accordance with the National Counter Terrorist Plan and the NSW Police Counter Terrorist Plan.

2399


*1774 TRAFFIC INFRINGEMENTS—Mr Roberts to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister

for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council— How many traffic infringements and what revenue has been received for offences relating to the use of the transit lane along Epping Road from the bridge at Lane Cove River to the intersection at Longueville Road, Lane Cove, since the restriction was introduced? Answer— This question is identical to question No 1486. I refer you to the answer to question No 1486.

*1775 OVERSIZED VEHICLES—Mr Roberts to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— What undertakings/plans are underway to prevent oversized vehicles entering the Harbour tunnel, getting stuck, and closing down the tunnel for long periods of time? Answer— Signposting and over-height detection systems are in place for over-height vehicles on the approach and entry to the Sydney Harbour Tunnel.

*1776 BAGCHEK CODE OF PRACTICE—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce— (1) Has the Office of Fair Trading endorsed an advisory code for the checking of bags and parcels in

retail stores developed by the Australian Retailers Association titled BAGCHEK? (2) Is the full advisory code available to consumers from any branch of the Office of Fair Trading? (3) If not, why not? Answer— (1) The Australian Retailers Association’s Bagcheck Guidelines for the checking of Bags and Parcels

in Retail Stores, published in October 2003, is not an advisory code. The document is endorsed by the Office of Fair Trading.

(2) and (3) Not applicable. However, to assist consumers, the Fair Trading website provides a summary of the Guidelines and a link to the relevant area on the Association’s website. Consumers who request information on the Guidelines from Fair Trading are provided with the summary information prepared by Fair Trading, and as a courtesy, where a customer is unable to access a copy of the Guidelines through their own means, details of the full text of the Guidelines can be provided by Fair Trading from the Australian Retailers Association website.

*1777 SAHS HOSPITAL STAFF SECURITY—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

(1) Has the Office of Fair Trading endorsed an advisory code for the checking of bags and parcels in

retail stores developed by the Australian Retailers Association titled BAGCHEK? (2) Is the full advisory code available to consumers from any branch of the Office of Fair Trading? (3) If not, why not? Answer— (1) to (3) This question falls within the ambit of the Minister for Fair Trading.

2400


*1778 OLYMPIC SECURITY—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

In relation to Olympic security: (1) Has Chief Inspector Steve Matthews been appointed to the Australian Olympic and Paralympic

team security for Athens, and if so in what position? (2) Was the position advertised? (3) If so, how many applicants applied and who were they? (4) Who comprised the selection committee? (5) If the position was not advertised, how was Chief Inspector Matthews selected? Answer— (1) to (5) NSW Police has no knowledge of the recruitment process for another organisation.

*1779 ASSAULTS ON POLICE OFFICERS—Mr Debnam to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment— In relation to assaults on police officers: (1) Given that “the NSW Police Computerised Operational Policing System (COPS) does not record

assaults on police officers as a separate category” (answer to Question on Notice 190), does the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) keep statistics on assaults on Police Officers?

(2) If so, from where does BOCSAR source statistics on assaults on Police Officers? (3) In each of 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and as at 18 March in 2004, how many reported assaults

were on Police Officers? Answer— (1) Yes. (2) If statistics are requested the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research can provide information

relating to charges heard in the NSW Criminal Courts for assaulting a police officer (section 60, Crimes Act 1900).

(3) The number of charges finalised in the NSW Local and Higher Courts under s 60 of the Crimes Act from 1999 to 2002 were as follows:

s 60(1) s 60(2) s 60(3) s 60(3)(b) 1999 1010 64 0 0 2000 1062 74 2 0 2001 1301 101 1 0 2002 1368 129 1 1

*1780 RANDWICK COUNCIL—Mr Debnam to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for

Citizenship In relation to Randwick Council: (1) Will you direct the Minister for Local Government to investigate allegations of criminal conduct by

Randwick Council and related claims of memory loss by Mayor of Randwick Dominic Sullivan? (2) Are the Police so concerned with ICAC's failure to rigorously investigate allegations of criminal

conduct at Randwick Council that police are considering obtaining a search warrant if ICAC won't “voluntarily” hand over their investigation records?

(3) Will you direct the Minister for Police to review why Police investigations into criminal conduct by Randwick Council were depleted of resources and delayed with the investigation transferred from one police station to another, the investigator changed and the new investigator sent on a training course?

(4) Is the result of this action that the investigation won't be completed until after the council elections on 27 March?

2401


Answer— Allegations of criminal conduct are a matter for the Police rather than the Minister for Local Government.

*1781 NARRANDERA SHOWGROUND TRUST—Mr Piccoli to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources— When will the Trust appointments for the Narrandera Showground be made? Answer— The five-year term of the present five-member trust board that manages the Narrandera Showground Trust will expire on 23 December 2004. Later this year, the Department of Lands will call for nominations from members of the public seeking to be appointed to the new trust board whose term of office will commence on 24 December 2004. In the meantime, the present board has nominated two individuals to fill the two vacancies that currently exist on that board. Since the Crown Lands Act 1989 provides for a trust board to comprise between three and seven members, these nominations will be held over and considered as part of the new trust board appointments later this year.

*1782 MULGRAVE STATION SIGNAGE—Mr Pringle to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— When will the signage on Windsor Road directing intending passengers to Mulgrave Station be improved? Answer— It is assumed that the Honourable Member is referring to the Mulgrave Railway Station. The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) does not provide signs on State Roads directing intending passengers to Railway Stations. However, prior to the installation of traffic signals at the junction of Mulgrave Road with Windsor Road, a directional sign with the legend ‘MULGRAVE ROAD Mulgrave’ was installed. An inspection of the site by the RTA revealed that the sign has been removed. A replacement sign will be installed as soon as practicable.

*1783 DRAINAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources— (1) Did your department establish an Irrigation and Drainage Management Plan? (2) How much was raised under the plan? (3) How much was spent in 2002-03 in NSW? (4) How much was or is to be spent in 2002-04 in NSW? (5) How much was spent in 2002-03 in the Shire of Wyong and City of Gosford? (6) How much was or is to be spent in 2003-04 in the Shire of Wyong and City of Gosford? (7) What return was made to State Treasury in 2002-03? (8) What return has been made to State Treasury in 2003-04 to date? Answer— (1) to (8) These are matters for the Hon Ian Macdonald MLC, Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries.

2402


*1784 ASBESTOS EXPOSURE—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the

Minister for Commerce, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Comme rce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast— (1) What estimate has the State Government made of its potential financial liability for State employees

who have suffered inquiry from exposure to asbestos? (2) What arrangement has the State Government made to meet its potential liability for such former

State employees who have suffered injury from exposure to asbestos? (3) How many claims are pending against the NSW State Government and its agencies for injury from

asbestos exposure? Does the Government have a break down on which Government agencies have received claims from present or former employees for asbestos related injury? What is the breakdown for each relevant agency?

(4) How many claims were made against the State Government in relation to asbestos injury in 1999-00, 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2002-03?

(5) What calculation has the State Government done and what estimate has it prepared on the number of potential claims in future years?

Answer— (1) to (5) Questions relating to this matter are more appropriately directed to the Treasurer.

*1785 SYRINGE SUPPLY—Mr Stoner to Minister for Health— In relation to free syringe programs: (1) Does the State Government have a program in place in which people with drug dependencies are

provided with free syringes? (2) If so, when was this program introduced? (3) If such a program exists, is access to free syringes for people with drug dependencies subject to any

conditions? (4) If so, what are these conditions? (5) If such a program exists, how many drug dependent people in NSW received free syringes from the

Department of Health in the 2002-03, 2001-02, 2000-01 and 1999-00 financial years? (6) If such a program exists, what was the total amount allocated from the Department of Health

Budget for the provision of syringes to people with drug dependencies in the 2002-03, 2001-02, 2000-01 and 1999-00 financial years?

Answer— Since January 1988 injecting drug users have been able to access free needles and syringes through the public sector Needle and Syringe Program. The Program was introduced in response to evidence of HIV transmission through injecting drug use and associated needle sharing. Data on the number of injecting drug users who received free syringes is unavailable, however the number of free needles and syringes dispensed under the Needle and Syringe Program and the amount allocated for the Program from the Department of Health Budget for the financial years nominated was as follows: YEAR No. DISPENSED FUNDING 1999-2000 7,766,473 $6,777,489 2000-2001 8,229,455 $6,946,477 2001-2002 7,089,751 $7,010,770 2002-2003 6,599,021 $7,667,950 The NSW Needle and Syringe Program is an evidence-based public health program which aims to protect the community from the spread of HIV and hepatitis C. The Commonwealth recently commissioned an independent economic evaluation of NSPs in Australia by Health Outcomes International in association with the National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and

2403


Clinical Research and Professor Michael Drummond from the Centre of Health Economics, York University. The report of the study – Return on Investment in Needle and Syringe Programs in Australia – was released in 2002 with the endorsement of the Australian National Council on Drugs and the Australian National Council on AIDS, Hepatitis C and Related Diseases. The study found that between 1991 and 2000, Australian governments spent a total of $130 million (in 2000 prices) on needle and syringe programs. It estimated that by 2000, this investment has prevented 25,000 cases of HIV and 21,000 cases of hepatitis C. It concluded that this would result in a long term saving to the health system – due to avoided treatment costs – worth a total of $7.8 billion.

*1787 PRISONERS WORKERS COMPENSATION—Mr Stoner to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship— How many convicted criminals in NSW prisons are currently in receipt of Workers Co mpensation payments? Answer— The Minister for Justice advises me: No inmate is receiving workers compensation under the workers compensation policy taken out by the Department of Corrective Services.

*1788 TOLLWAY USAGE—Mr Richardson to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— As at (a) 10 December 2003, (b) 10 February 2003 and (c) 10 March 2004, how many vehicles passed through: (1) The M4 tollgates? (2) The M5 tollgates? (3) The Harbour Tunnel tollgates? (4) The Harbour Bridge tollgates? Answer— Given the sequence of the dates, it has been assumed that the correct date for (b) is 10 February 2004, the figures are listed below: 10 Dec 2003 10 Feb 2004 10 Mar 2004 M4 114,723 107,808 109,518 M5 110,648 104,988 107,268 Sydney Harbour Tunnel 48,751 45,281 47,196 Sydney Harbour Bridge 90,676 84,152 85,492

*1789 ASQUITH BOYS HIGH COURTS—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— When will the cracked and broken asphalt basketball courts at Asquith Boys High School in the Hornsby electorate be repaired to improve safety to parents, staff and children? Answer— An inspection was carried out last year by an officer from the Department of Education and Training and the school Principal of the asphalt surfaces of the basketball courts and the car park at Asquith Boys High School. The replacement of the surface of the car park was completed last year, at a cost of over $40,000. I can assure the school community that funding for a project to resurface and remark the hard surface games quadrangle will continue to be considered in the context of future capital works priorities.

2404


*1790 COUNCIL RESOURCE SHARING—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Regional Development, Minister

for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)— (1) Are local councils going to share resources (e.g. information technology)? (2) What resources will they share? (3) Which councils are going to share resources, how will this be achieved and when will this be

implemented? Answer— The following response has been provided by the Minister for Rural Affa irs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands): (1) Yes. The NSW Government’s structural reform program has provided major opportunities to allow

for the discussion and establishment of a range of possible structures to maximise the effective and efficient delivery of local government services and facilities to local communities. I wrote to all councils on 3 July 2003 encouraging them to engage in this necessary process. Since that time several Regional Reviews, managed by an independent facilitator and supported by the Department of Local Government, have been held in areas such as the ACT, Peel, the Clarence Valley and Albury. These reviews have identified a range of existing resource sharing structures and resulted in further options to be considered.

(2) The sharing of resources or other strategic regional alliances (i.e. shared planning, joint purchasing schemes, special regional projects) are matters for negotiation between individual councils. Types of resource sharing arrangements or regional alliances currently in operation between NSW councils include information technology, waste collection and disposal, libraries, staff sharing arrangements, human resource services, records management and catchment management.

(3) I am aware of a number of existing resource sharing arrangements or strategic regional alliances. For example, councils in the Hunter region are involved in a joint records repository project. Also, Wellington, Blayney and Cabonne councils work together to achieve economies of scale and improve service quality across a range of council business areas. Most but not all of these arrangements or alliances have been forged within the structure of Regional Organisations of Councils. As the decision to share resources is an autonomous decision for each council, I cannot say which councils may decide to take this path in the future. Regional Reviews and the Government’s overall structural reform process for local government is providing opportunities for councils to consider additional structures to gain efficiency and improve the facilities, service and programs to benefit their communities. Throughout the reform process I will continue to encourage councils to consider resource sharing and strategic alliances as possible options to improve standards in the local government sector.

*1791 GORDON RAILWAY STATION UPGRADE—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Infrastructure and

Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)— When is it expected that the upgrade of Gordon Railway Station will (a) commence, and (b) be completed? Answer— I am advised: (a) and (b) On 28th October 2003, RailCorp lodged the Section 60 Heritage Application with the NSW

Heritage Council and DA with Ku-ring-gai Council for the Easy Access upgrade of Gordon Station.

2405


On 24th February 2004 the Heritage Council notified RailCorp in writing the approval of the

section 60 application was deferred for further re -design. RailCorp will be consulting with Ku-ring-gai Council, NSW Heritage Council and community

groups regarding the re-design. Once the re-design is complete, RailCorp will re -submit its plans to Ku-ring-gai Council and the NSW Heritage Council for approval.

It is expected the project may be delayed as a result of the re-design, in which case construction work is expected to commence by the end of 2004 and be completed next year.

*1792 GORDON POLICE STATION STAFF—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Police—

(1) How many general duties staff are rostered each weekday shift at Gordon Police Station? (2) What other police use Gordon Police Station and for what purpose? Answer— NSW Police has advised me: (1) Police positions are allocated to Local Area Commands, not to individual police stations.

Information about police numbers is available on the NSW Police internet site, www.police.nsw.gov.au.

(2) In addition to General Duties police, other specialists use Gordon Police Station.

*1793 WINGHAM STROKE CLUB BUS—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health— (1) Did the Wingham Stroke Club and arthritis sufferers have the use of a bus for the purposes of

conveying dis abled members in the Taree and Wingham area for treatment and outings? (2) If so, was that bus provided by the Department of Health? (3) If not, who was it provided by? (4) If it was provided by the Department of Health, has the Department of Health taken back that bus? (5) If so, why? (6) If so, how much notice did the Department of Health give the users of the bus before they seized the

bus? (7) If so, is the bus, as at the date this question was lodged, still parked in the grounds of Wingham

Hospital? (8) If so, why and how long has it been parked at Wingham Hospital? (9) What does the Minister or his department intend to do with the bus? (10) Will the Minister arrange for an alternative transport to be provided to the Wingham Stroke Club

and other previous users of the bus to enable patients to attend treatment and outings? (11) If so, when? (12) If so, what alternative transport will be provided? (13) If not, why? Answer— (1) to (13) The Mid North Coast Area Health Service purchased a bus some years ago for transporting

patients to the Day Care Centre at Wingham Hospital. Since the closure of the Day Care Centre, Stroke Club members have had use of the bus through Community Transport. The Mid North Coast Area Health Service has withdrawn the bus for use by Community Transport as it is not roadworthy and the cost of replacing it is not justified given the availability of alternative transport for current users. Community groups have access to Manning Valley Community Transport as an alternative. The decision has been made to sell the bus by tender with the proceeds of this sale to be used to purchase equipment for use of clients at Wingham Health Campus. The bus, which is usually parked at Wingham Health Campus when in use, has remained there pending sale.

2406


The Mid North Coast Area Health Service is now in contact with Community Transport and other health service programs to facilitate suitable alternative arrangements.

*1794 SCHOOL MAINTENANCE—Mr Humpherson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training,

and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— How much has been spent in school maintenance and capital works in the current financial year for schools in the Davidson electorate? Answer— With respect to preventative maintenance, the Department of Education and Training allocates funding by contract district and not to individual schools. All schools in the Davidson electorate will have some work undertaken as a result of the preventative maintenance funding. In terms of capital works, I can advise the following allocations:

2003/04 Replacement works

$958,935 2003/04 Capital Works

$505,000

2003/04 Joint Funding Program

$300,000

*1796 INTENSIVE REMEDIAL READING PROGRAM—Mr Hazzard to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— In each year 1998-03: (1) How many students have undertaken the intensive remedial reading program (open to all Northern

Beaches primary students) offered at Brookvale Public? (2) How many students have applied but been rejected from attending the same intensive remedial

reading program? Answer— (1) 24 students have undertaken the intensive remedial reading program at Brookvale Public School

each year from 1998 to 2003. (2) Students make multiple applications for this program and it is not possible to identify the number of

students who have not been accepted. All applicants who are not accepted are provided with support through the Northern Beaches learning support program and are eligible for re -referral to the intensive reading class. In addition, the Department of Education and Training's Northern Beaches School Education Area has a literacy team staffed by highly experienced teachers and consultants who provide long-term professional development and support to all of the area schools. Every school has its own literacy team to ensure that all students’ literacy needs are met.

*1797 INTENSIVE REMEDIAL READING PROGRAM FUNDS—Mr Hazzard to Deputy Premier, Minister

for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— What funds have been expended on the intensive remedial reading program at Brookvale Public School in each of the last five years? Answer— 1999 - $61,224.91 2000 - $62,729.41 2001 - $66,061.50 2002 - $67,746.08

2407


2003 - $71,278.58

*1798 MINISTERIAL STAFF—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— (1) Who holds what position? (2) What was each person’s previous employment? (3) What are their salaries? (4) Which staff have been or currently are Members of the Labor Party? Answer— (1) to (4) Ministerial Staff are employed by the Director General of the Premier’s Department in

accordance with the provisions of the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002. Remuneration for Ministerial Staff is determined by the Director General of the Premier’s Department.

*1799 MINISTERIAL VISITS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and

Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— (1) Which power generators, electricity suppliers or transmission companies have you visited between

the date of appointment at 18 March 2004? (2) Which sites did you visit, and on what dates? Answer— (1) and (2) The questions asked do not make sense and therefore an answer cannot be provided.

*1800 SPIT BRIDGE LEASES—Mr Hazzard to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship— With respect to the leases and sub leases of properties on the south western side of Spit Bridge: (1) How many leases are there? (2) What are the terms of each lease? (3) What negotiations if any have taken place to terminate the leases? (4) Of the leases which of them have agreed to termination of their leases? Answer— I am advised that: (1) Seven leases are held with the Waterways Authority on the south western side of the Spit Bridge in

Pearl Bay. (2) D’Albora Marina has three leases with the Waterways Authority, the terms of which are:

• 17 January 2000 to 31 August 2027; • 1 September 1987 to 31 August 2027; and • 17 January 2000 to 31 August 2027. Mosman Rowing Club had a lease term of 1 April 1975 to 31 March 1978. The lease is now on annual holdover. The other leases are with private houseboat lessees, the terms of which are: • 1 January 1988 to 31 December 1990 (lease on monthly holdover); • 24 September 1991 to 23 September 2011; and • 12 February 1992 to 11 February 2012.

(3) No negotiations have taken place to terminate the leases.

2408


(4) Not applicable.

*1801 ALLOCATED FUNDS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and

Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— (1) What funds have been paid to each of Sydney Water Board Members over each of the last five

years? (2) What travel expenses or other monies over and above board fees have been paid for each board

member over each of the last five years? Answer— (1) Remuneration for Board Members of Sydney Water are provided in the annual reports of Sydney

Water. (2) Travel and other expenses are paid to board members in accordance with Guidelines for NSW

Board and Committee Members: Appointments and Remuneration which the Treasurer has asked State Owned Corporations to apply. This document is available on the Premier’s Department web site at http://www.premiers.nsw.gov.au/our_library/boards/guidelines2003.htm

*1802 DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL DISTRIBUTIONS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Infrastructure and

Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council— In detail, what (a) dividends (b) capital distributions (c) or any other sums have been paid by each Energy or Water Corporation in NSW over each of the last five years? Answer— I have been advised of the following answer: The information requested is already publicly available and is located in the annual reports of each NSW Energy and Water Corporation.

*1803 SYDNEY SEWAGE PROPOSAL—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— In relation to Sydney Water working with Sydney Services regarding alternative proposals for use of Sydney sewerage:

(a) On what dates if any were these meetings with Sydney Services regarding the proposal? (b) What was the cost if any of the Sydney Water staff time in pursing the proposal? (c) For what reason or reasons is Sydney Water not pursing this proposal or similar proposals?

Answer—

(a) In the order of twenty meetings were held with Services Sydney over the past six years. (b) Sydney Water staff participated in these meetings as part of their normal duties. No costings

are available. (c) The Government supports innovative ideas for managing Sydney’s water and wastewater

systems as well as competition in the provision of essential services. A number of new and innovative Government initiatives and existing demand management programs are expected to have a significant impact on water demand and supply in Sydney. However, each initiative must be considered according to its merits when significant community expenditure is involved.

2409


30 MARCH 2004

(Paper No. 67)

*1804 HOME BUILDING SERVICE—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce— (1) On what date did the Home Building Service receive a complaint from Ms J Brooks of Hammond

Drive Condong about defective work by a builder? (2) Has the Home Building Service received any other complaints about the same builder from other

sources? (3) Why as of 17 March 2004 had the Home Building Service not responded to correspondence from Ms

Brooks dated 12 January 2004? (4) What is the reason for the delay in finalising Ms Brooks’ complaint? Answer— (1) A complaint was received from Ms Brooks by the former Department of Fair Trading on 24 July

1998. Her insurance claim was declined and dismissed on appeal to the Fair Trading Tribunal as the property was not covered by the statutory insurance scheme. Ms Brooks lodged a subsequent claim in September 2002 to the then Department of Fair Trading.

(2) The Office of Fair Trading’s records indicate that one other complaint has been received, in 1997, and it was resolved in April that year.

(3) I am advised that there is no record of Ms Brooks’ letter of 12 January 2004 being received. (4) The Fair Trading Administration Corporation approved in principle Ms Brooks’ insurance claim up

to a maximum of $100,000 in December 2003. On 12 February 2004, Ms Brooks was provided with scopes of work to enable her to obtain quotations for rectification and engineering services. When acceptable quotations are received, quantum approval will be provided.

*1805 SALE OF GOVERNMENT LAND—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and

Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council— (1) For each of the past three financial years how much money has been raised through the sale of

surplus government land and property assets across the State? (2) For each of these years, how much of the proceeds of these sales have been returned to (a)

consolidated revenue and (b) the departments or agencies in whom the assets were vested? Answer— Non-financial asset sales generally comprise a variety of asset categories including land, dwellings, buildings, transport equipment, motor vehicles and plant and equipment. Real property assets generally comprise land, dwellings and buildings. It is difficult to calculate accurately the split between real property asset sale proceeds from other general asset sales particularly for returns to the Consolidated Fund versus sales proceeds retained by individual agencies.

*1806 FISHING BOAT LICENCE—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries— (1) Is the Minister aware of the attempts by Mr Myer Berg to obtain a transferable charter fishing boat

licence? (2) Has the Minister’s department repeatedly failed to answer Mr Berg’s basic questions (a) why wasn’t

Mr Berg issued with the criteria for transferable charter fishing boat licences in 1999 when he was

2410


dealing with departmental officers and (b) why was his application and fee accepted by the department in 2000 if he did not qualify for a transferable boat licence?

(3) What are the answers to Mr Berg’s questions?

Answer— The Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries has provided the following response. (1) Yes. (2) and (3) I am advised that issues raised by Mr Berg have been addressed and responded to by NSW

Fisheries on numerous occasions. NSW Fisheries advises that the eligibility criteria for charter fishing boat licences was gazetted on 7 July 2000. NSW Fisheries’ records indicate that Mr Berg was sent an invitation to apply for a licence. The invitation included a copy of the eligibility criteria for a transferable and a non-transferable licence. Mr Berg applied for a non-transferable licence on 21 September 2000 and later advised that he wished to change his application to a transferable licence. The fee for a non-transferable licence is the same as the fee for a transferable licence. Mr Berg’s licence application was refused and he was issued with an interim licence on 25 January 2001. The interim licence authorised Mr Berg to conduct charter fishing activities pending the outcome of a review by the independent Charter Fishing Boat Licence Review Panel. The panel concluded that Mr Berg was eligible for a non-transferable licence and Mr Berg has since been issued with a non-transferable licence. Had the panel recommended that Mr Berg not be eligible for a licence, or Mr Berg advised that he did not wish to be issued with an interim licence, Mr Berg would have been refunded the unused portion of his licence fees.

*1807 MT DRUITT HOSPITAL—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Health—

(1) Is the Minister aware of concerns at Mt Druitt Hospital about the relocation of donated equipment

from the hospital to Westmead Hospital? (2) What was the equipment and what was the value of donated funds spent purchasing the equipment? (3) Did an operation scheduled for Mt Druitt have to be deferred because of the relocation of the

equipment? (4) Does an agreement between NSW Health and United Hospital Auxilliaries require donated

equipment to remain at the hospital to which it was donated unless agreed by consultation? (5) Was there any consultation prior to the equipment being transferred? If not, why not? (6) On what dates, if any, did the Member for Mt Druitt make representations to the Minister or his

department expressing community concern about this transfer?

Answer—

(1) to (6) In 2000-01, Western Sydney Area Health Service centralised the conduct of cataract surgery at Westmead Hospital after consultation with clinicians in the Area. In early March 2004, the operating microscope used at Westmead Hospital for cataract surgery became unserviceable. To allow cataract surgery to continue, a similar microscope was transferred from Mt Druitt Hospital to Westmead. The Mt Druitt microscope was rarely used and as a consequence the transfer had no clinical impact on patients as clinicians now perform cataract surgery at Westmead. The Mt Druitt microscope was purchased by volunteers at an estimated cost of between $50,000 and $60,000. The Area Health Service is unaware of an agreement requiring donated equipment to remain at the hospital to which it was donated unless agreed by consultation. The volunteers were advised that the transfer is a temporary measure. The purchase of a new microscope for Westmead will be considered during 2004-05 in conjunction with equipment needs across the Western Sydney Area Health Service. On 6 April 2004, the member for Mt Druitt placed a question on notice regarding this matter, Legislative Assembly Question Number 1907.

2411


*1808 RURAL AND REGIONAL HEALTH TRANSPORT—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health—

(1) Has the Minister or his department established Rural and Regional Health Transport Units? (2) Has one been established in the Mid North Coast Area Health Service? (3) If so, when was it established, where and what are its functions? (4) What funding has been given to the unit? (5) How many staff are working directly or indirectly for the unit? (6) What is the cost of staff wages and other administration for a full year’s operations? Answer— (1) and (2) Yes. (3) The Mid North Coast Area Health Service’s Health Transport Unit became fully operational on 1

January 2004. The Unit is located at the Port Macquarie Health Campus and the service is for all residents of the Mid North Coast Area Health Service. The Unit provides non-emergency health related transport to and from Health Service facilities for clients of the Area Health Service who are transport disadvantaged.

(4) For the 2003-04 financial year the Health Transport Unit was allocated $330,000. (5) The Unit operates with two full time staff. (6) $100,753.

*1809 BRINGELLY LAND RELEASES—Ms Seaton to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources— Regarding the proposed Bringelly land release: (1) On what basis have air quality concerns regarding large scale urban land release in the

Bringelly/south-west sector area been overcome? (2) What studies have been conducted by the Government on air quality since 1995? (3) Who conducted each study? What were the parameters of each study? What were the general

results of each study? Where can each study be accessed by the public? (4) How do you account for the difference between results of air quality studies prior to 1995, and

results obtained more recently and relied upon for the Government’s recent policy announcement regarding the Bringelly urban release?

(5) Were any reports prepared by Holmes Air Sciences? (6) Has the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority been consulted about the new air

quality reports and result? Has the EPA been satisfied with the findings of these reports? Answer— (1) Air quality monitoring since 1990 has demonstrated that earlier predictions by the CSIRO about

substantial deterioration in air quality in South West Sydney from ongoing urban development did not eventuate. Current pollutant levels in western Sydney have improved since 1990, due to technological improvements to fuels standards and emissions control. Modelling of potential air pollution impacts arising from future development scenarios utilised the latest version of the EPA Regional Airshed Model, which has enhanced capabilities compared to the 1990 model.

(2) to (6) These questions should be directed to the Minister for the Environment.

*1810 MUSWELLBROOK POLICE STATION—Mr Souris to Minister for Police— Will the previously guaranteed funding for a new police station at Muswellbrook, to be constructed over the next year, still be included in the 2005 budget?

2412


Answer— The Treasurer will announce the NSW Budget for the financial year 2004-05 on 22 June 2004.

*1811 CORRECTIVE SERVICES OFFICERS—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship— (1) How many Corrective Service officers, who have retired or been discharged from the service since

1 July 2001, have been the subject of any allegation or investigation into corruption within the service or other wrongdoing within the community at large?

(2) For each officer in (1) above, what are the details of their (a) name and rank (b) date of retirement (c) correctional centre previously employed at (d) the allegations, charges or otherwise?

Answer— (1) The Department of Corrective Services has no way of ascertaining this information. (2) Not applicable.

*1812 PRE RELEASE PROGRAMS—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship— (1) Since 1 July 2001, how many inmates have participated in pre-release programs (such as

day/weekend leave, work release, education leave/programs) at Silverwater Correctional Centre, Parklea Correctional Centre, and Long Bay Correctional Centre?

(2) For each inmate in (1) above, what are the details of (a) full name and MIN (b) start and completion date of pre-release program (c) sentencing date (d) non-parole period (e) classification (i.e. PRLC, PRC, SORC) (f) general description of crime convicted (g) whether the inmate is a re -offender?

(3) What are the employment details of each inmate participating in work release and education programs (such as work release, education leave/programs) from 1 July 2001 from Parklea Correctional Centre, Long Bay Correctional Centre and Silverwater Correctional Centre?

(4) For each inmate in (3) above, what are the details of: (a) full name and MIN (b) for work release: details of the employer, job specification, period of employment, whether casual or permanent, rate of pay (c) for education leave/programs: details of course, institution, start date and completion date, hours per week?

Answer— (1) The resources required to calculate the number of individual inmates who participated in pre-release

programs from the nominated correctional centres cannot be justified. The Department of Corrective Services Annual Report provides information on pre-release programs.

(2) to (4) Not applicable.

*1813 REPEAT OFFENDERS—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship— (1) With regard to inmates who are repeat offenders currently serving a period of incarceration at

Parklea Correctional Centre, Long Bay Correctional Centre and Silverwater Correctional Centre, what is each inmate’s (a) name and MIN (b) details of current sentence and crime (c) details of previous incarceration?

(2) What is the total number of inmates in Parklea Correctional Centre, Long Bay Correctional Centre and Silverwater Correctional Centre?

(3) What is the current re-offending rate in New South Wales prisons?

2413


Answer— (1) It is inappropriate to provide the details requested. (2) Statistics on inmate capacity in NSW Correctional Centres are published in the annual report of the

Department. (3) Re-offending is a matter for the police.

*1814 RAILWAY UPGRADING—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)— What plans are in place for upgrading railway tracks and stations in the electorate of Hornsby over the next 5 years? Answer— I am advised: Additional platforms are planned at both Berowra Station and Hornsby Station over the next five years as part of the NSW Government’s Rail Clearways Plan to improve reliability on Sydney’s metropolitan rail network. The Berowra Platform will cost an estimated $6 million with scheduled completion in 2005. The Hornsby Platform will cost an estimated $30 million with scheduled completion in 2007. Both of these projects will relieve congestion in the northern rail corridor. Further upgrading programs include:

• Overhead wiring modernisation in Hornsby Yard – scheduled completion 2008. • New Berowra Bulk Supply Sub Station – scheduled completion mid 2006. • Additional stabling in Hornsby Yard – scheduled completion mid 2005.

The Rail Infrastructure Corporation’s 5-year maintenance plan contains other periodic (Major Periodic Maintenance) works including rerailing, ballast rehabilitation, cutting and formation works, bridge maintenance and overhead wiring maintenance between Hornsby and the Hawkesbury River.

*1815 HAT HEAD NATIONAL PARK—Mr Stoner to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment— Why have you approved RAAF simulated “bombing” runs over Hat Head National Park, when public access to the Park is restricted in order to protect flora and fauna? Answer— I am advised that the Department of Defence met with Department of Environment and Conservation staff in February 2004 to advise that the RAAF would be conducting an exercise from 19 March to 9 April 2004. The RAAF’s advice was offered as a courtesy as under recently passed Federal Anti-Terrorist legislation the DEC has no power of veto over defence proposals. The exercise required a mobile radar and communications unit to be located on a fire trail in Hat Head National Park. There was no impact to the environment or other users. Prior to the exercise, the RAAF provided a media release stating the objects of the exercise and that operations would take place between 100 and 8 nautical miles off the coast. It should also be noted that while vehicles are restricted to public roads in Hat Head National Park, public access is not restricted in any form.

2414


*1816 KEMPSEY HOSPITAL—Mr Stoner to Minister for Health—

In relation to the Kempsey District Hospital: (1) Were staff from the Mid-North Coast Area Health Service directed not to attend the public rally

about the hospital on 22 March 2004? (2) Is it your intention to close the hospital? (3) Did the management of the hospital refuse the offer of a free part-time chaplaincy service? If so,

why? Answer— (1) I am advised by the Chief Executive Officer of the Mid North Coast Area Health Service that the

answer to the Member’s question is no. Staff members not on duty were free to attend the rally in their own time.

(2) No. (3) The Kempsey Minister’s Fraternal provides a free service to all patients. I am advised that, in the

interest of ensuring the provision of a balanced chaplaincy service to patients, an individual offer of chaplaincy services were referred to the Fraternal’s representative body and declined as the service was already adequately provided for.

*1817 POLICE ASSISTANCE CALL LINE (PAL)—Mr Aplin to Minister for Police—

(1) How many calls have been received through the PAL system since 1 July 2003 from the following

areas: (a) Henty? (b) Culcairn? (c) Walla Walla? (d) Mulwala? (e) Corowa? (f) Albury?

(2) Are these calls receiving responses from Police staffing the above stations? Answer— (1) and (2) NSW Police has advised me that this data is not available as calls to the Police Assistance

Line number are routed through Telstra exchanges.

*1818 LAVINGTON POLICE STATION—Mr Aplin to Minister for Police— (1) In view of community demands and continuing residential growth in Lavington, north of Albury,

will you examine the need for a Police station in this area? (2) If not, what factors are taken into account for establishment of police stations? Answer— (1) and (2) A Strategic Facilities Development Plan for NSW Police properties has been developed and

further work will be undertaken to develop appropriate funding proposals for accommodation requirements.

*1819 MAXIQUAL PTY LTD—Mr Page to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

(1) Is the Minister aware the Department of Housing owes one of its contractors, Maxiqual Pty Ltd,

approximately $900,000 for non-payment of invoices for works carried out prior to its termination of contract?

2415


(2) Is the Minister aware this is the reason for the Company’s liquidation on 17 February 2004? (3) Why has Maxiqual Pty Ltd not been paid? (4) Is Maxiqual Pty Ltd not paying subcontractors because of money owed to the company by the

Department of Housing? (5) What are you doing to ensure subcontractors are paid? (6) When will the Department of Housing pay Maxiqual Pty Ltd the money owed to it? Answer— (1) The NSW Department of Housing terminated the services of the partnership of Mr Brett Janetzki

and Mr Paul Weik trading as Maxiqual Enterprises on 8 December 2003. The contract was terminated due to unsatisfactory provision of maintenance services to Departmental tenants. This partnership operated as a multi-trade ma intenance contractor in the north coast area of NSW. In terminating the services of this partnership, all payments were forfeited under the Conditions of the Contract to Maxiqual Enterprises. The Department of Housing withheld payments of $594,000 and bank guarantees of $60,000 against the Maxiqual Enterprises contract in accordance with these Conditions.

(2) It is understood that Maxiqual Enterprise’s creditor amounts far exceed amounts withheld by the Department of Housing.

(3) In terminating the contract with Maxiqual Enterprises the Department of Housing (the Principal) has the right under the Conditions of Contract to forfeit any further payments to the contractor. The payments have been retained to recover all of its costs, losses and damages arising out of the termination of the contract and to complete maintenance work that remains outstanding by Maxiqual Enterprises.

(4) The Department is in receipt of statutory declarations from Maxiqual Enterprises that state that Maxiqual Enterprises have paid subcontractors, suppliers and employees. However, the Department has progressively received advice since December from a number of subcontractors and suppliers that Maxiqual had not paid for works performed on Department properties, where the Department has already paid Maxiqual for services rendered. Maxiqual Enterprises had negligently advised under Statutory Declaration that subcontractors had been paid for works performed on Department properties, when in fact they had not received full payments. The Department had previously paid Maxiqual Enterprises for works performed and will not be making additional payments constituting double payments for such works.

(5) The Department has provided ex-gratia payments to over 70 subcontractors and suppliers who have provided details of non-payment by Maxiqual Enterprises. These payments currently total over $236,000 and have been provided on the basis the works have been completed and not been previously paid to Maxiqual Enterprises. The Department is committed to ensuring that subcontractors continue to receive monies for completed work from the forfeited monies under the contract that had not previously been paid to Maxiqual Enterprises.

(6) No amounts are legally payable to Maxiqual Enterprises by the Department of Housing.

*1820 WINDSOR SOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOL ELECTRICAL UPGRADING—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— Noting that South Windsor Public School P & C may be in a position to fund the air-conditioning of classrooms, when will the electrical supply be upgraded to allow the air conditioners to be installed? Answer— The Department of Education and Training will discuss this matter with the principal and the P & C as soon as practicable.

2416


*1821 WINDSOR SOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOL TOILETS—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for

Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— When will the sub-standard toilets at South Windsor Public School be brought up to an acceptable standard? Answer— As part of the four year School Improvement Package, announced by the Government in March 2001, close to $10 million has been allocated in the last three years to upgrade older style toilet facilities in schools throughout the State. Funding for a project to upgrade toilets at Windsor South Public School will be considered in the context of future capital works priorities.

*1822 WINDSOR SOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOL SECURITY FENCING—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— When will security fencing be installed at Windsor South Public School? Answer— On 11 February 2003, the Government announced the Safer Schools Plan and gave a commitment to provide security fencing to at least 200 more schools in New South Wales by 2007 at a total cost of $20 million. Windsor South Public School was not included in the announced list of schools. The Department of Education and Training determines the order of the schools that are to be fenced on a priority basis. The priority is based upon an on-site risk assessment of the schools that carefully considers the frequency, magnitude, severity and cost of the security breaches that have been reported. During that assessment, schools are also provided with advice on strategies to reduce the risk of security incidents. A risk assessment will be conducted at Windsor South Public School during term 2, 2004. Depending upon the level of risk that is assessed, Windsor South Public School may be recommended for consideration of a fence in the future. However, that decision will be made by consideration of the risks that are present at other schools throughout the state.

*1823 WARRAGAMBA WATER LEVELS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— What plans are in place in the event that the capacity of Warragamba Dam falls below twenty per cent? Answer— Given that rain that will provide substantial benefit to Sydney’s water storages is unlikely in the near future, I announced on 13 April 2004 that level two water restrictions for Sydney will commence when storage levels fall below 50 per cent. This phase of restrictions will limit hand watering of gardens to three days per week before 9.00am and after 5.00pm. As well the filling of new or renovated swimming pools will be conditional upon pool owners fitting water efficient appliances in their homes. At the same time my colleague, the Minister for the Environment announced that the Government will investigate two initiatives to increase Sydney’s water supply and ensure the dams are used more efficiently. The first of these is the pumping of water from Tallowa Dam to take advantage of high flows in the Shoalhaven River. The Sydney Catchment Authority may then be able to store this water for later use.

2417


Secondly, improved infrastructure at Avon, Nepean and Warragamba Dams may allow the Sydney Catchment Authority to extract water from the lower levels of these dams that cannot be extracted at present. If water storage levels continue to fall, further levels of water restrictions will be introduced, as prescribed in the Government’s Drought Management Plan.

*1824 CRONULLA POLICE STATION—Mr Kerr to Minister for Police— How much has been spent in the current financial year on maintenance at Cronulla Police Station? Answer— NSW Police has advised me that over the last financial year, a number of maintenance projects have been completed at Cronulla Police Station, including window and stair repairs, window installations, air conditioning repairs and light repairs.

*1825 COROWA HIGH SCHOOL AIRCONDITIONING—Mr Aplin to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— What timetable is in place for air-conditioning of classrooms at Corowa High School? Answer— Since 1995, more than $61.7 million has been allocated by the Government to the Air Cooling Program to improve comfort conditions in schools in the hotter parts of the State. This would not have been achieved under the policies of the previous Greiner/Fahey Coalition Government. In March 2003, the Government committed to complete the air conditioning of all demountable classrooms by June 2005. Already 88% of Demountable classrooms have been air conditioned. In addition, a project to provide air cooling to permanent hotspots at Corowa High School was included as part of the 1999/2000 Air Cooling Program at a cost of $43,994. Funding for a project to provide further air cooling to permanent classrooms at Corowa High School will be considered in the context of future capital works priorities.

*1826 DUST ALLEVIAITON—Mr Constance to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— Will you provide immediate funding for necessary dust alleviation measures at Merimbula Public School during the reconstruction of the school? Answer— The Department of Education and Training is currently implementing dust alleviation measures at Merimbula Public School in consultation with the school community. With respect to dust caused during the construction work, the building contractor is required to implement dust control measures under the terms of the construction contract. The Department will continue to monitor dust alleviation measures during construction work at the school.

*1827 PAMBULA BRIDGE—Mr Constance to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— Will you provide $5m in this year’s budget for Pambula Bridge?

2418


Answer— The estimated cost for a higher level replacement bridge at Pambula is $10 million and the State Government has already agreed to provide $5 million, subject to matching Federal funding. However the Federal Government has advised that it will not provide matching funds. This year’s State Budget will include sufficient funds to continue planning for the higher level bridge. Should the matching funds become available the State Government will fulfil its commitment to construct the higher level bridge, however, work cannot commence before planning is completed and prior to confirmation of the matching Federal funds.

*1828 SPEED CAMERA REVENUE—Mr Constance to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— What is the total revenue collected as a result of fines from the two speed camera on the Princes Highway thirty kilometres north of Bega? Answer— This is a matter for my colleague, the Treasurer.

*1829 DEATH INVESTIGATION—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police— In relation to the death of Caroline Byrnes: (1) Which police officers (by name, rank and position) have had responsibility for the investigation over

the last nine years, including the dates of their involvement as lead investigator? (2) Given that Caroline Byrne’s body was found 9-10m out from the cliff face, did police attempt to

determine how she could have landed at such a distance, and if so when was this investigation undertaken?

(3) Given Sergeant Mark Powderly of Police Rescue Squad stated that it would take a “fairly good run up” for Caroline Byrne’s body to land 9-10m out from the cliff face, and that it was “not inconceivable” that someone threw her off (SMH 25 Feb 1998), what scientific advice was sought by NSW Police?

(4) What forensic advice did police request and what forensic advice did police receive over the last nine years including the relevant dates of request and receipt?

(5) With reference to the statement by Police Commissioner Ken Moroney’s spokeswoman that: “…the gathering of evidence – both physical and forensic – does take a prolonged period of time” (The Australian 29 Mar 2004), was he instructed by your office to downplay criticism of the investigation delays ?

(6) Given the delays in the police investigation, the delay in the interviewing of witnesses, the delay in the testing of alibis and the delay in the pursuit of persons of interest, will you establish an independent commission of inquiry to review the chronology and methodology of the police investigation?

Answer— (1) to (6) NSW Police has advised me that this matter is the subject of an ongoing investigation.

Accordingly it is not appropriate for me to comment further at this time.

*1830 ALLEGED ASSAULT—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police— In relation to NSW Police investigations into Mr Mark Latham’s alleged assault of Mr Bachir Mustafa on 14 July 2001: (1) What is the outcome of the police investigations into the alleged assault involving Mr Mark Latham

and Mr Bachir Mustafa in the early hours of the morning on 14 July, 2001?

2419


(2) Have any charges been laid in relation to the alleged assault referred to in Question 1, and if not why

not? (3) Was there a delay in the investigation between July 15 and October 19, 2001, and if so on what

grounds? (4) Who conducted the investigation? (5) Are you aware Mr Latham complained publicly in October 2001 about the delayed investigation: “I

wished they had shown a lot more urgency in dealing with these serious matters instead of leaving it for a three-month delay…” (Sunday Age, 21 October 2001) and did he formalise this complaint with NSW Police?

(6) Are you aware that in January 2002 Mr Latham again criticised NSW Police and called for: “the reform of the lazy, self-serving NSW Police Service that now spends more time avoiding crime in working class suburbs than solving it” (letter to NSW Labor Council Secretary John Robertson, 2 January 2002)?

Answer— NSW Police has advised me: (1) No charges. (2) See (1). (3) The unavailability of both investigating police and the parties involved. (4) Bankstown police. (5) No. (6) No.

*1831 STRIKEFORCE EMBLEMS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police— In relation to Strikeforce Emblems: (1) As at 30 March 2004, how many investigators are working on Strikeforce Emblems? (2) What was the maximum number of investigators working on Strikeforce Emb lems at any one time,

when was that and on what date was each investigator removed from the Strikeforce? (3) Has the investigation been concluded and if so, will the report be released to the public and, if so,

when will it be released? (4) Have investigators on Strikeforce Emblems been denied access to the affidavits underpinning

listening device warrants which are alleged to have been improperly obtained? (5) As Minister and a member of the NSW Crime Commission Management Committee, did you

intervene to ensure that Strikeforce Emblems was given full access to all documentation they required including affidavits used to secure listening device warrants?

(6) How many individual listening device warrants was Strikeforce Emblems tasked to investigate? (7) In the last two years, what other Strikeforces have investigated alleged misuse of listening device

warrants and were they given access to the affidavits that underpin the warrants? Answer— (1) to (7) I refer the Honourable Member to my answer to Question on Notice No. 1522 in the

Legislative Assembly Question and Answer Paper.

*1832 HUNTING BOWS—Ms Hodgkinson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment— (1) In the past ten years how many criminal acts have been committed in NSW using compound

hunting bows or target bows (as distinct from crossbows)? (2) How many deaths, if any, resulted from illegal use of these bows (not crossbows)? (3) How many injuries, resulted from illegal use of these bows (not crossbows)? (4) How many armed robberies were committed using bows (not crossbows) during this period?

2420


(5) On how many occasions were Police threatened with bows (not crossbows)? Answer— The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research does not keep statistics on how many criminal acts are committed using compound hunting bows or target bows in New South Wales.

*1833 SOUTHERN AREA HEALTH SERVICE BILL PAYMENTS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health— (1) As at 30 March 2004 how many creditors for the Southern Area Health Service (SAHS) had invoices

outstanding past 45 days with amounts outstanding of $10,000 or more? (2) What are the names of these companies? (3) What goods or services do each of these creditors provide to SAHS? Answer— All businesses have creditors at any point in time. As at 30 April 2004, Southern Area Health Services had no trade creditors over 45 days.

31 MARCH 2004

(Paper No. 68)

1834 LAND TAX—Mr Kerr to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

1835 PENALTY NOTICES —Mr Kerr to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

1836 POLICE PROMOTIONS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Police—

1837 RURAL FIRE SERVICE BASE—Mr Aplin to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

*1838 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IMPROVEMENT—Mr Aplin to Minister for Health— (1) What action has been taken to improve mental health services for people in the Albury electorate? (2) What new services have been implemented? (3) What strategies are in place to identify and assist patients requiring treatment? Answer— (1) to (3) The NSW Government recognises the challenge of mental illness in regional and rural NSW. Unprecedented levels of funding are being provided for mental health in rural and regional NSW with expenditure increasing by $91.1 million, or 47%, between 1997-98 and 2002-03. Recent initiatives within the Albury electorate include:

2421


• The Greater Murray Area Health Service Access line is available to all residents and provides a

24 hour/7 days a week referral and counseling service for people with a mental illness. • A clinical Director of Mental Health Services has been appointed to provide a clinically

strategic approach to cohesive mental health services across Greater Murray Area Health Service.

• Greater Murray Area Health Service in conjunction with the Association of Australian Rural Nurses is piloting a project to develop mental health emergency training for general nurses working with the Area.

• The establishment of 4 extra beds at Albury Base Hospital in order to increase availability of inpatient mental health beds for mentally ill clients.

• An Extended Hours Working Party has developed the capacity to provide Mental Health assessments in the Emergency Department at Albury Base Hospital.

• A Mental Health Inpatient Coordinated Care Committee is developing integration, standardization and bed management processes across the two Psychiatric Inpatient Units at Wagga and Albury.

• A Mental Health Rehabilitation and Recovery Review made recommendations about the future development of rehabilitation and recovery services across the Greater Murray Area Health Service, including Albury.

*1839 LACK OF FACILITIES—ALBURY COURTHOUSE—Mr Aplin to Attorney General, and Minister for

the Environment— (1) Are you aware of the lack of facilities and services for prospective jurors at Albury courthouse

which result in some people sitting on the floor for hours because there are insufficient chairs? (2) Are prospective jurors advised to bring their own reading material and refreshments because there

are no supplies available during the lengthy periods they are required to remain in the one room? (3) Is there a form of customer service policy in place to advise and assist prospective jurors? Answer— (1) The jury assembly room at Albury has seating for 65 jurors. On occasions where there are multiple

defendants in a trial, two panels may be summo ned resulting in the attendance of 65 people. On these infrequent occasions some jurors may be required to stand during the actual selection process conducted in the court room.

(2) Jurors are sent a jury summons brochure advising that there could be delays and that they can bring something to read if desired. Water jugs, disposable cups and toilet facilities are available for jurors’ use and if jurors are empanelled for a full day, lunch is provided or a refreshment allowance can be claimed.

(3) Jurors are sent brochures at the time they are included on the roll and a further brochure containing more detailed information accompanies their jury summons. All staff are trained in the Department’s ‘Commitment to the Community’, ‘Code of Conduct’ and ‘Ethical Practices’ policies.

1840 SALVINA WEED INFESTATION—HAWKESBURY—Mr Pringle to Minister for Regional

Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

*1841 TRAFFIC TIDAL FLOW—WINDSOR—Mr Pringle to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— Will the Minister investigate the possibility of instituting a traffic tidal flow system on the South Creek Bridge at Windsor to reduce traffic congestion?

2422


Answer— It is not feasible to provide a Tidal Flow Traffic System on the existing South Creek Bridge, as the bridge is only two lanes wide.

1842 PROPOSAL FROM SERVICES SYDNEY—Mr Pringle to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

*1843 SCHOOL COMPUTER NUMBERS—LACHLAN—Mr Armstrong to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) How many computers have been installed in primary and secondary schools in the electorate of

Lachlan? (2) What schools have had computers installed in the electorate of Lachlan? (3) Have all Government schools in the electorate of Lachlan had a full entitlement of computers

installed? (4) How many computers have been stolen out of schools in the Lachlan electorate in each year from

1995-96 through to 2003-04? (5) How many of the stolen computers have been recovered? (6) What is the total replacement cost of stolen computers in the electorate of Lachlan? Answer— (1) to (6) All schools in the Lachlan electorate have received computers from the Government’s

Computers in Schools Program. The Department of Education and Training cannot provide specific figures for schools within an area because of the potential to compromise security arrangements and identify the location of police surveillance efforts. More than 44,000 school computers have had lock down devices attached. All new school computers are now locked down upon delivery.

*1844 SCHOOL COMPUTER NUMBERS—NORTH SHORE—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for

Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— How many computers are there in primary and secondary schools in the electorate of North Shore? How many computers have been stolen from primary and secondary schools in the North Shore electorate each year from 1995-96 through to 2002-03? Answer— The Department of Education and Training cannot provide figures for schools within a specific area because of the potential to compromise security arrangements and identify the location of police surveillance efforts. More than 44,000 school computers have had lock down devices attached. All new school computers are now locked down upon delivery.

*1845 ACTING JUDGES OF THE SUPREME COURT—Mr Tink to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment— For the period 1 January to 31 December 2003: (1) What was the number of Acting Judges of the Supreme Court?

2423


(2) What was the number of those Acting Judges who received a judicial pension as former full time

judges? (3) What was the daily rate of pay of an Acting Supreme Court Judge? (4) What was the total number of days worked by all the Acting Supreme Court Judges? (5) What was the total amount spent on judicial pensions for former judges of the Supreme Court who

sat as Acting Judges during the period? (6) What was the total amount spent on Acting Supreme Court Judges working in that capacity? Answer— In the period specified there were 12 acting Judges of the Supreme Court, of whom 7 were in receipt of a NSW judicial pension. The daily rate of pay of an acting Supreme Court Judge commissioned after 1 October 2003 is $1000 per day. Acting Judges are assigned to the work of the Court at the discretion of the Chief Justice to continue the ongoing work of reducing court delays. Expenditure on judicial pensions is a matter for the Treasurer.

*1846 HORNSBY SECURITY HOSPITAL—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health— What measures are being undertaken to improve security of Hornsby Hospital grounds and buildings so that staff, patients and visitors are protected? Answer— I refer the Honourable Member to my response to Question No. 1720.

1847 WATER TESTING—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

*1848 SCHOOL MAINTENANCE—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— What is planned in the school maintenance program over the next 5 years for primary and secondary schools in the Hornsby electorate? Answer— I refer the Honourable Member to the answer I gave to Question on Notice 1411 on 18 February 2004 (Paper Number 54).

*1849 PUBLIC HOUSING MAINTENANCE—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— (1) Has the property at 17 May Street Hornsby received any maintenance over the past 10 years? (2) If so, what maintenance has been done? (3) When will security doors, fly screens, a broken garage door lock, staircases, walls and abandoned

furniture be attended to and/or cleaned up? Answer— (1) Yes (2) Within individual apartments at 17 May Street, Hornsby, the Department has carried out repairs to

the water and electricity supplies, bathrooms, internal doors, hot water systems, internal painting, stoves, carpets, toilets and other day to day repairs.

2424


In the common areas, the Department has carried out repairs to doors and intercom systems, the roof and guttering of the building, the television antenna, common area lighting, garage doors, the removal of trees and other day to day maintenance.

(3) The Department has arranged for repairs to the security doors and two fly-screens and for the removal of dumped furniture from the common areas, to be carried out in the near future. The Department is unaware of any garage door locks requiring repairs. Common area carpets were replaced in 2003 and the common area stairwells are to be repainted in the 2004-2005 financial year.

*1850 DIABETES SERVICE—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—

Will the Department of Health give consideration to the creation of a multi-disciplinary diabetes service, where all modalities of care are co-located, in the context of current formulation of plans for the redevelopment of Hornsby Hospital? Answer— Northern Sydney Area Health Service, in conjunction with Central Coast Area Health Service, is currently working on a joint planning exercise to enhance diabetes services for consumers in both Areas. In the meantime, nursing management, education and podiatry for diabetic patients continues to be provided at Community Health Centres within Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Health Service.

1851 FIRE SERVICE LEVY—Mr Roberts to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

1852 SES BUDGET—Mr Roberts to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

1853 COST RECOVERY—Mr Roberts to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

1854 LAND TAX REVISED ESTIMATES—Mr Roberts to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

*1855 ENCUMBERED VEHICLES—Mr Merton to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce— Is there any statutory compensation payable by the Government to members of the public who purchase a motor vehicle from a licensed motor dealer which is subsequently found to be encumbered or otherwise have a defective title whereby the purchaser loses the vehicle? Answer— The Motor Dealers Act 1974 establishes the Motor Dealers Compensation Fund. The Act provides protection to persons who may have suffered a loss in connection with a motor vehicle due to (amongst

2425


other things) a dealer not passing on unencumbered title. Claims are assessed in accordance with the provision of the Act.

1856 POLICE OFFICERS—Mr Merton to Minister for Police—

1857 INFRINGEMENT NOTICES —Mr Merton to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

*1858 FEEDLOT WATER ALLOCATIONS—Mr Souris to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources— (1) What is your decision in relation to the application for an industrial water allocation by Killara

Feedlot near Quirindi? (2) Will you undertake that allocation of such water will not reduce the overall water allocations for

existing productive uses including use by the district’s farmers? Answer— (1) Killara Feedlot sought to have groundwater licences it currently holds for non-industrial purposes

converted to industrial purposes in the belief that industrial licences enjoy a higher level of security. Under the Water Management Act there is no distinction made between licences for industrial and irrigation purposes.

(2) The approach from Killara Feedlot did not involve any additional groundwater allocation beyond its current entitlement.

*1859 SCHOOL COMPUTERS—Mr Souris to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) How many computers have been stolen from primary and high schools in the electorate of Upper

Hunter each year from 1999-2000 through to 2003-04 to date? (2) How many computers have been allocated to individual primary and high schools in the electorate as

at 31 March 2004? Answer— (1) to (2) The Department of Education and Training cannot provide figures for schools within a

specific area because of the potential to compromise security arrangements and identify the location of police surveillance efforts. More than 44,000 school computers have had lock down devices attached. All new school computers are now locked down upon delivery.

1860 DROUGHT DECLARATION—Mr Constance to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the

Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

1861 FORGED LETTERS—Ms Seaton to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

2426


*1862 QUARTERLY CRIME STATISTICS—Mr Debnam to Attorney General, and Minister for the

Environment— In relation to quarterly crime statis tics: (1) Are crime statistics available on the Arlington Police Department website at:

www.arlingtonpd.org/crimestats/crimesearch.asp? (2) Does the Western Australian Government’s website release crime statistics monthly and by suburb

at: www.police.wa.gov.au/AboutUs/AboutUs.asp?SearchCrimeStatistics? (3) What additional resources would be required by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research to

enable the release of crime statistics online monthly and by suburb as currently happens in Western Australia?

Answer— The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research is an independent crime statistics and research agency and, unlike the other two organisations mentioned, is not a police department. In addition, the Bureau does much more than just produce data bas ed on police statistics. The Bureau gathers statistical information from a range of sources including courts, victim surveys and prison data. I will continue to be advised by the Director on the most meaningful frequency for releasing crime statistics.

1863 TRAVEL REQUESTS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

1864 CIVIL LITIGATION AGAINST NSW POLICE—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

1865 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATORS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

*1866 GOULBURN TAFE—Ms Hodgkinson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) Have the enrolments for the Arts Department at the Goulburn campus of TAFE during first semester

2004 been finalised? (2) If so, how many students were enrolled in courses offered by the Arts Department at the Goulburn

campus of TAFE for first semester 2004? Answer— Enrolments for the first semester 2004 have not been finalised.

1867 SHOALING OF THE MANNING RIVER —Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast—

1868 SHOALING OF THE MANNING RIVER—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

2427


1869 SHOALING OF THE MANNING RIVER—Mr J.H. Turner to Attorney General, and Minister for the

Environment—

1870 SHOALING OF THE MANNING RIVER—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1871 SHOALING OF THE MANNING RIVER—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

1872 NSW FIREARMS REGISTRY DELAYS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Police—

1 APRIL 2004

(Paper No. 69)

1873 PATIENT CARE AT GOULBURN BASE HOSPITAL—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

1874 LICENSING OF BUILDERS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

1875 FIRES ON RAILWAY LINES—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1876 REDFERN RIOTS—MEDIA INTERVIEW —Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

1877 POLICE INVESTIGATIONS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

1878 TRAFFIC SERVICE BRANCH—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

1879 STUDENT BUS FARES—Ms Berejiklian to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

*1880 ASBESTOS REMOVAL—Mr O'Farrell to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) When did work commence to remove asbestos from the Lindfield Public School hall? (2) What was the original projected cost of the project? (3) What was the original timeframe for the project? (4) When did it become apparent that additional asbestos was present and would have to be removed?

2428


(5) What was the revised cost of the project? (6) What was the revised timeframe for the project? (7) How much has been spent to date on the project? (8) Which agency is managing the project for the Department of Education and Training and Lindfield

Public School? (9) What is the total amount the agency will receive for oversighting the project?

Answer— This project to remove fibrous material at Lindfield Public School has been completed at a cost of $544,653. I am advised that the school hall is now in use. The project was managed by the Department of Commerce.

*1881 LAND AND ENVIRONMENT COURT—Mr Constance to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment— (1) Is the Attorney General aware of hearings in the Land and environment Court between John

D’Arcy and the Bega valley Shire? (2) Have two conflicting judgments been handed down on whether a proposed subdivision creating

concessional lots was a permissible development? (3) Is the Attorney General aware of allegations by Mr D’Arcy that there has been collusion and

corruption in the Land and Environment Court in allowing the Council to go behind the first judgment?

(4) Is the Attorney General aware that Mr D’Arcy was told by the Attorney General’s Department that the department have no policy for dealing with complaints therefore they did not have to investigate Mr D’Arcy’s complaint?

(5) Will the Attorney General now direct the department to investigate Mr D’Arcy’s complaint? Answer— Mr D’Arcy has written to the Attorney General’s Department on a number of occasions regarding this matter. The two judgements handed down in the Land and Environment Court are interrelated. The Class 1 proceeding raised a number of questions of law, which were also answered in the preliminary judgement and then further dealt with in the Class 4 proceeding. The Department has regularly corresponded with and met with Mr D’Arcy regarding his allegations of collusion or corruption by a judicial officer and the alleged alteration of a document tendered to the Court by a witness. Mr D’Arcy was referred to the appropriate investigatory mechanisms for pursuing his complaints including the Police and the Judicial Commission of NSW, and his allegations have been referred to the Judicial Commission pursuant to section 16 of the Judicial Officers Act 1986 for investigation. I understand that Mr D’Arcy has also forwarded a copy of his concerns to ICAC. In addition Mr D’Arcy has been advised of his right of appeal under section 58 of the Land and Environment Court Act.

1882 SCHOOL MAINTENANCE AND CAPITAL WORKS—Mr Hazzard to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1883 SCHOOL COUNSELLORS—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2429


1884 INFRIDGEMENTS—Mr Roberts to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural

Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

1885 POKER MACHINE TAXES —Mr Roberts to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

*1886 SCHOOL AIR-CONDITIONING—Mr Roberts to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— In relation to the Lane Cove electorate (1) How many demountable classrooms currently have air-conditioning? (2) How many permanent classrooms currently have air-conditioning? (3) Which schools currently have air-conditioning in the office and administrative areas? Answer— Since 1995 the Government has committed $61.7 million to air cooling NSW government schools. The Government is committed to complete the air conditioning of all demountable classrooms by June 2005.

1887 TICKET SALES—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

*1888 HORNSBY TAFE—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) How many, and what types of courses, are available at TAFE in Hornsby? (2) How many students attended in Semester 1 and Semester 2 in 2002, 2003 and first semester 2004 for

all of the courses listed? Answer— (1) Courses are available at all Australian Qualifications Framework levels, from Certificate I to

Advanced Diploma. Courses are available in Accounting and Finance, Architectural Services, Building and Construction, Arts, Media and Entertainment, Automotive and Vehicle Trades, Electrotechnology, Information and Communications Technology, Office Administration and Tourism and Hospitality.

(2) The College had 7,542 enrolments in 2002 and 7,241 in 2003. Enrolments for 2004 are continuing.

1889 STAMP DUTY—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

1890 ENERGY COMPANIES —Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

2430


1891 CAPITAL RESTRUCTURING—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

1892 TRANSGRID—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

1893 ENERGY COMPANY BORROWINGS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

*1894 RAINWATER TANKS—Mr Merton to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— Which schools in the Baulkham Hills electorate currently have rainwater tanks? Answer— The Department of Education and Training does not currently hold data relating to the installation of rainwater tanks in schools in the Baulkham Hills electorate.

*1895 COMPUTERS IN SCHOOLS—Mr Merton to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) Which schools in the Baulkham Hills electorate have computers installed by the Government? (2) Which schools, by name, have computers, and what are the respective number of students in each of

thes e schools? Answer— (1) and (2) All 15 schools in the Baulkham Hills electorate have received computers from the

Government’s Computers in Schools Program. Student enrolments are available on the Department of Education and Training website at: www.det.nsw.edu.au.

*1896 RAINWATER TANKS—Mr Roberts to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— Which schools in the Lane Cove electorate currently have rainwater tanks? Answer— The Department of Education and Training does not currently hold data relating to the installation of rainwater tanks in schools in the Lane Cove electorate.

2431


*1897 STOLEN COMMUTERS—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) How many computers have been installed in primary and secondary schools in the electorate of

Cronulla? (2) What schools have had computers installed in the electorate of Cronulla? (3) Have all Government schools in the electorate of Cronulla had a full entitlement of computers

installed? (4) How many computers have been stolen out of schools in the Cronulla electorate in each year from

1995-96 through to 2003-04? (5) How many of the stolen computers have been recovered? (6) What is the total replacement cost of stolen computers in the electorate of Cronulla? Answer— (1) to (6) All schools in the Cronulla electorate have received computers from the Government’s

Computers in Schools Program. The Department of Education and Training cannot provide specific figures for schools within an area because of the potential to compromise security arrangements and identify the location of police surveillance efforts. More than 44,000 school computers have had lock down devices attached. All new school computers are now locked down upon delivery.

*1898 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES—Mr Kerr to Minister for Health—

(1) What action has been taken to improve mental health services for people in the Cronulla electorate? (2) What new services have been implemented? (3) What strategies are in place to identify and assist patients requiring treatment? Answer— (1) and (2) As part of the redevelopment of the Sutherland Hospital, a range of new and enhanced

mental health services and facilities have been implemented over the last two years. These include: • A new, purpose-built Inpatient Psychiatry Unit with separate acute and sub acute areas to enable

patients to be managed in a more appropriate clinical environment according to their mental health needs.

• Co-location of the Community Mental Health Centre with the Inpatient Unit on the ground floor of the new hospital building.

• Recurrent enhancement funding for specialist mental health workers in the areas of old age psychiatry, youth mental health and perinatal mental health.

• Recurrent funds to increase the capacity of the Inpatient Unit from 22 to 28 beds. • Group treatment programs for depression and panic disorder. • A range of psycho-education groups for family members of people with a mental illness. • A specialist Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Team to provide mental health assessments and

treatment to medical and surgical patients of the Sutherland Hospital. (3) Identification of people living in the Sutherland Shire who may have a mental illness and benefit

from treatment is accomplished by: • Strong links between the Sutherland Divisions of Mental Health and General Practice. GPs

receive specific training in the identification and management of common mental disorders such as anxiety and depression, and are encouraged to refer patients to the Mental Health Service who require more specialised treatments.

• A dedicated triage and assessment service (the ACCESS team).

2432


• A responsive Acute Community Treatment Team (ACTT) that can conduct urgent mental health

assessments in the community, as well as provide ongoing acute treatment in patients’ homes. • A close working relationship between the Mental Health Service and the Emergency

Department, enabling patients with mental health problems to be quickly identified and assessed, and admitted to the Inpatient Psychiatry Unit where appropriate.

• Development of protocols for screening women during the antenatal period for the presence of mental health problems.

*1899 RECRUITMENT PROCESS—Mr Stoner to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship— In relation to the recruitment process for correctional officer positions at the new Mid North Coast Correctional Centre at Kempsey: (1) Why have unsuccessful applicants not been advised of the outcome of their applications in writing? (2) Will unsuccessful applicants who were assessed as suitable be placed on an order of preference list

for future vacancies? (3) If so, how long will such a list remain current? (4) How many positions have been filled? (5) How many of the successful applicants were Mid North Coast residents at the time when successful

applications were announced? Answer— (1) Unsuccessful applicants for correctional officer positions at the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre

were advised at various stages in the recruitment process. The last group of unsuccessful applicants was advised in letters dated 16 March 2004.

(2) 35 applicants for correctional officer positions have accepted offers of employment at the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre. Another 19 applicants have accepted employment as a correctional officer at another correctional centre. In the event that an individual who has been made an offer of employment at the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre chooses to withdraw, then an offer for a position at that correctional centre may be made to one of these 19 applicants.

(3) See (2) above. (4) See (2) above. (5) 29 of the 35 successful applicants were sent letters to addresses in the Mid North Coast area.

*1900 WRIGHT'S CORNER—Mr Stoner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— In relation to the announced $2 million safety upgrade of Wright’s Corner on the Pacific Highway between Macksville and Nambucca Heads, when will construction work commence and when is it likely to be completed? Answer— Detailed design and survey work for the upgrade of Wright’s Corner on the Pacific Highway north of Macksville has been finalised with minor pre -construction work, such as drainage extensions and site establishment having commenced. Weather permitting, earthworks will commence shortly and work is expected to take approximately 4 months to complete.

1901 PROTESTERS OFFENCES —Mr Stoner to Minister for Police—

*1902 KU-RING-GAI RESIDENTIAL STRATEGY—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

2433


(1) What is the status of the LEP 194? (2) Will the Minister acknowledge community concerns about proposed development heights, the need

for transition controls to protect privacy and overshadowing, and desire for greater setbacks with consolidated developments?

(3) Given the election of a new council, will the Minister meet with the Mayor and local MP’s to try and resolve this matter?

Answer— (1) Draft LEP 194 – Ku-ring-gai is under consideration by the Department of Infrastructure, Planning

and Natural Resources prior to final recommendation being made to the Minister Assisting the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning (Planning Administration).

(2) The draft plan contains provisions to enable Ku-ring-gai Council to address issues such as privacy and overshadowing.

(3) My colleague the Hon Diane Beamer MP has advised that she will be meeting with the new Mayor of Ku–ring-gai on 28 April 2004.

*1903 DURAL PUBLIC SCHOOL PARKING—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and

Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— What alternatives are available to provide more on-site parking at Dural Public School? Answer— Dural Public School has a number of on site parking spaces for the use of teachers and staff. The Department of Education and Training is not proposing to provide additional parking at the school at this stage.

1904 FIREARMS REGISTRY COSTS—Mr Pringle to Minister for Police—

1905 GUNS BUYBACK PROGRAM—Mr Pringle to Minister for Police—

1906 MOUNT DRUITT POLICE—Mr Amery to Minister for Police—

1907 MICROSCOPE TRANSFER—Mr Amery to Minister for Health—

1908 ENERGY AUSTRALIA STATISTICS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

1909 POKER MACHINE TAX—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

*1910 MAINTENANCE AND CAPITAL WORKS—Mr Hazzard to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2434


(1) What is planned in the maintenance and capital works program for the next five years for schools in

the Wakehurst Electorate? (2) What is the budget of those programs, which schools by name are included, and how much money is

allocated? Answer— (1) and (2) Funding for future capital works and maintenance projects for schools in the Wakehurst

electorate will be considered in the context of future works priorities. An indication of the funding and time frame for the inclusion of individual projects in a forward program cannot be provided, as it is not possible to pre-empt the deliberations of the Budget Committee in the formulation of the annual State Budget.

1911 STAMP DUTY—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural

Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

1912 AIR POLLUTION—Mr Richardson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

1913 SHOALING OF THE MANNING RIVER—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

2 APRIL 2004

(Paper No. 70)

1914 INTEGRATED WATER CYCLE MANAGEMENT—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

1915 2004-05 RAIL BUDGET—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

*1916 2004-05 ROADS BUDGET —Mr Pringle to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— As part of formulating the 2004-05 budget, will sufficient funding be made available for: (a) completion of the dual carriageway on Windsor Road by December 2006? (b) Old Northern Road, Dural, to be widened between Stonelea Court and New Line Road? (c) Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong, to have shoulder sealing undertaken and the black spot near

Kurrajong North Public School is treated? (d) the Bridge Street/George Street intersection at Windsor to be treated to facilitate improved traffic

flow? Answer— (a) Yes. (b) Funding has not been allocated to carry out these works.

2435


(c) I refer the Honourable Member to my answer to Question No. 1556. (d) There are no plans in the current program of works for any improvements to this intersection, in

view of the priority of the work in comparison with other projects throughout the State.

1917 PRIORITY SEWERAGE PROGRAM—Mr Pringle to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

1918 WOODSREEF MINE SITE—Mr Piccoli to Minister for Mineral Resources—

1919 JAMES INQUIRY REPORT —Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

1920 CRIMINAL INFRINGEMENT NOTICES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

1921 MAROUBRA CRIME—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

*1922 THARWA SANDS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources— (1) On 25 March 2004 did the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources issued to

the company Tharwa Sands Pty Limited a “Stop Order” in relation to the company’s sand dredging operations in the Parish of Cavan, in the electorate of Burrinjuck?

(2) Is the Minister aware that this “stop order” will deny essential materials to the value of over $100 million for construction and infrastructure projects in southern New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory?

(3) As there are no alternative supplies of this material within the immediate region, will the Minister issue a temporary permit under the Rivers and Foreshores Improvement Act 1948 to enable the immediate resumption of supplies to the construction industry?

Answer— (1) Yes. (2) No. (3) I am advised that the company’s activities in the Parish of Cavan were proceeding without

development approval and in an unsustainable manner that may have resulted in long-term adverse impacts to the system of the Murrumbidgee River. A number of interim permits were issued to the company while efforts were made to resolve the regulatory deficiencies and address environmental performance. To date, the company has chosen to ignore its statutory obligations and in such circumstances it would be inappropriate for the Department to continue to allow operations to continue without the necessary statutory approvals.

*1923 FORSTER TUNCURRY BRIDGE—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

(1) Has funding been allocated to the Great Lakes Council for the construction of a pedestrian walkway

and safety barrier on the Forster Tuncurry Bridge? (2) If so, when was the funding allocated and what was the amount of funding allocated? (3) If so, what is the anticipated date of completion of the project or expenditure of the funding? (4) Is the Minister aware of any delays or problems with the construction of the walkway and safety

barrier on the Forster Tuncurry Bridge?

2436


(5) Is the construction of the walkway and safety rail on the Forster Tuncurry Bridge the responsibility

of the Sate Government? (6) If not, who is responsible for the construction of the walkway and safety rail on the Forster

Tuncurry Bridge? (7) If no funding was allocated to the Great Lakes Council for the construction of a walkway and safety

barrier on the Forster Tuncurry Bridge, why not? Answer— I refer the Honourable Member to my public statements of 18 February 2003.

*1924 ST PETERS CLOSE—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— (1) Does the RTA intend to stop direct access between St Peters Close and Falford Road? (2) If so, why? (3) If so, what consultation did the RTA have with residents of St Peters Close and visitors to the

Falford Cemetery? (4) If no consultation took place, why did consultation not take place? (5) Have the RTA considered the extra burden on the suers of the present St Peters Close and Falford

Road? (6) If so, what did they determine? (7) If not, why not? (8) If so, how does the RTA justify that the users of St Peters Close and Falford Roads will have to:

(a) travel an extra 7.7km each trip to Forster and back (b) negotiate two dangerous U turns on and off high speed slip lanes together with two left turns off the

current intersection instead of one simple crossover on a a well lit, well spaced cross over. (9) What has been the accident rate for the last five years of vehicles entering or leaving St Peters Close

to Falford Road and reverse? Answer— As part of the Bundacree Creek to Possum Brush Pacific Highway Upgrading Project, full access will be available for Failford Road traffic while access to St Peters Close will be restricted to left in/left out turning traffic. The changed access arrangements are in the interest of improving the overall safety of all users of the Pacific Highway at this location. The safety benefits achieved via the rationalisation of the turn movements at St Peters Close more than outweigh any inconvenience experienced by the relatively few users of St Peters Close. The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) and its contractor, Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd, which prepared the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), implemented a comprehensive community consultation program when development for this project commenced in 1997. In September 1999, the local community was invited to provide input to the development of the concept design for the upgrade, which included the St Peters Close/Failford Road location, through a widely publicised public display held in Nabiac. In October and November 2001, community comment was again invited during a public display of the EIS. Greater Taree City Council, which administers the Failford Cemetery, was consulted about the restricted access arrangements and raised no objection to the proposed change in access arrangements at St Peters Close, in its submission to the EIS.

2437


1925 ASBESTOS USE IN NSW RAIL SYSTEM—Mr George to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning,

and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1926 ASBESTOS IN RAILWAY STATIONS—Mr George to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1927 ELECTRICITY GENERATORS LIABILITY FOR ASBESTOS INJURY—Mr George to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

*1928 ASBESTOS IN SCHOOLS —Ms Hodgkinson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) Is asbestos present in any NSW schools? (2) If so, how many schools and what is the cost of removing it?

Answer— Fibrous material presents no danger as long as the building elements are maintained. Rectification works for fibrous materials in school buildings are well defined by approved standards and guidelines. A generic management plan is being developed by the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Commerce for issue to all schools and TAFE colleges where fibrous material may be identified.

*1929 ASBESTOS COMPENSATION—Ms Hodgkinson to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship— Following your establishment of the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Medical Research and Compensation Foundation, have you also considered a Special Commission of Inquiry into the impacts of the CSR/Rinker de-merger on the ability of people who are injured by asbestos to receive compensation? Answer— The Government is not aware of concerns similar to those which led to the establishment of the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Medical Research and Compensation Foundation arising from the CSR/Rinker de-merger. It appears that the de-merger has not affected the status of CSR Ltd as a defendant in asbestos litigation and it continues to operate as an Australian company. Media reports suggest that CSR Ltd continues to make provision in its financial statements for future asbestos claims.

*1930 ASBESTOS IN TAFE COLLEGES—Mr Fraser to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) Is asbestos present in any NSW TAFE college? (2) If so, how many colleges and what is the cost of removing it?

2438


Answer— Fibrous material presents no danger as long as the building elements are maintained. Rectification works for fibrous materials in TAFE college buildings are well defined by approved standards and guidelines. A generic management plan is being developed by the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Commerce for issue to all schools and TAFE colleges where fibrous material may be identified.

1931 NEW MARKET EXPANSION PROGRAM—Mr Maguire to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business—

*1932 ASBESTOS IN PUBLIC HOUSING—Mr Page to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— (1) How many houses owned by the Department of Housing contain asbestos? (2) Have the tenants who live in these houses been advised that asbestos is present in their homes? (3) How much would it cost to remove the asbestos from these homes? Answer— (1) Departmental properties that have been constructed or purchased prior to 1980 may contain asbestos

products. These products invariably are located in eaves soffits, wall and ceiling linings that have been manufactured from materials that include asbestos.

(2) The Department of Housing requires maintenance contractors to advise tenants prior to performing any work on properties that may contain asbestos products. The Department also requires maintenance contractors to ensure that full protection and safety measures are implemented where asbestos is found in a property.

(3) Costs would be significant since a large number or properties owned by the Department were built prior to 1980.

*1933 HORNSBY SOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOL—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and

Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) What is the status of asbestos management at Hornsby South Public School? (2) Has any asbestos been found at other public schools in the Hornsby electorate and what is the status

of the management? Answer— (1) and (2) I am not aware of any current asbestos issues in any school in the Hornsby electorate.

6 APRIL 2004

(Paper No. 71)

1934 SOFTWARE TENDER—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast—

2439


*1935 SCHOOLS SECURITY FENCING—Mr Hartcher to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and

Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— Which schools in the Gosford electorate are due to have security fencing installed in:

(a) 2003-04? (b) 2004-05? (c) 2005-06?

Answer— On 11 February 2003, the Government announced the Government’s Safer Schools Plan and gave a commitment to provide security fencing to at least 200 more government schools in NSW by 2007 at a total cost of $20 million. The Department of Education and Training determines the order of the schools that are to be fenced on a priority basis. The priority is based on an on-site risk assessment of the schools that carefully considers the frequency, magnitude, severity and cost of the security breaches that have been reported.

1936 SCHOOL MAINTENANCE BUDGET—Mr Hartcher to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1937 ACCESS TO REPORT—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Health—

1938 FIREARMS REGISTRY—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

1939 SENIOR POLICE ALLEGATIONS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

1940 STRICKLAND HOUSE—Mr Debnam to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

*1941 SCHOOL RAINWATER TANKS—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— How many schools have rainwater tanks in the Hornsby electorate? Answer— The Department of Education and Training does not currently hold data relating to the installation of rainwater tanks in schools in the Hornsby electorate.

*1942 3X3 TAX—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— What is the latest status of the 3x3 tax in New South Wales? Answer— The State has collected no fuel levies, including the 3x3 levy, since the High Court, in August 1997, decided that the collection of such levies was illegal under the Constitution.

2440


1943 WEED MITIGATION—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for

Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

*1944 WISEMANS FERRY PUBLIC SCHOOL—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— When will the playground equipment at Wisemans Ferry Public School be brought up to Australian Standards? Answer— The Department of Education and Training’s current School Facilities Standards for new primary and secondary government schools recommend the provision of facilities that provide and promote play. The School Facilities Standards do not include playground equipment - the provision and maintenance of such equipment is managed by individual schools based on local requirements. The Guidelines for the Installation and Maintenance of Fixed Playground Equipment in Schools are available to all schools. The document provides guidelines in the following areas: § The safe playground. § Design. § Equipment. § Approval. § Introduction of new equipment. § Maintenance. § Important considerations. § Specifications - including Australian Standards. § Safety checklist. The Department also provides all schools with School Asset Management Guidelines which include principals’ responsibilities with regard to the provision of playground equipment. In addition, officers from the Department’s Properties Directorate provide information and advice to schools regarding playground equipment.

1945 WESTCLUB—Mr Pringle to Minister for Health—

1946 OYSTER RACKS—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

1947 METHADONE PROGRAMME—Mr Amery to Minister for Health—

1948 HEAVY VEHICLE TRAFFIC OFFENCES —Mr Armstrong to Minister for Police—

1949 DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY—Mr Richardson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

1950 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONM ENT AND CONSERVATION—Mr Richardson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

2441


1951 SES AFFILIATIONS—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural

Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

1952 LAND TAX—Mr Constance to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

1953 STAMP DUTY—Mr Constance to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

1954 PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

1955 RURAL FIRE SERVICE VEHICLES—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police representing the Minister for Rura l Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

1956 BICKHAM COAL MINE—Mr Piccoli to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

*1957 AREA ASSISTANCE SCHEME—Mr Piccoli to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources— (1) Why does the Area Assistance Scheme only cover the NSW Central Coast, Hunter, Illawarra,

Macarthur, North Coast and Western Sydney areas? (2) How much has the Government committed to this scheme for the 2004-05 financial year? (3) Does the Government plan to extend the scheme to other areas in the future and when will this

happen? Answer— (1) The Area Assistance Scheme commenced in Western Sydney in 1979 to redress inequalities in the

provision of community services and facilities due to rapid urban growth experienced in the region. In 1985, the Scheme was expanded to the Hunter, Central Coast, Illawarra and Macarthur Regions and in 1991, to the North Coast Region as a result of the impact of significant urban growth in these regions.

(2) The Government has committed $9.8m for Area Assistance Scheme grants for the financial year 2004-05.

(3) The expansion of the Scheme to cover additional areas is not being considered at this stage.

1958 WATER FINES—Mr Kerr to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

2442


*1959 SEPP 46—Mr Constance to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural

Resources— (1) Why was the savings provision not upheld in SEPP 46? (2) Is it intended to continue to deny savings provisions? Answer— (1) and (2) I presume the Honourable Member is referring to the SEPP 46 clearing exemptions that were

carried forward into the Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 through the Act’s savings and transitional provisions. Many of these exemptions are outdated and out of touch with current policy, their origins pre-dating the introduction of the now repealed SEPP 46 in August 1995. These exemptions have been the subject of considerable scrutiny through a number of reviews over recent years. In March 2003 the Premier announced a new approach to native vegetation management, designed to put an end to broadscale clearing in NSW. The Native Vegetation Act 2003, the framework for which was developed by the Native Vegetation Reform Implementation Group chaired by the Rt Honourable Ian Sinclair, will replace existing arrangements and provide the framework to achieve this goal. Among other things, the new Act contains an improved system of exemptions that caters for routine agricultural management activities and removes the ambiguity surrounding interpretation and application of the existing exemptions. The new Act is expected to commence later this year, following completion of the necessary regulations. Until such time, the provisions of the Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 (including its SEPP 46 savings and transitional provisions) remain in force.

1960 LICENSING OF BUILDER—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the

Minister for Commerce—

1961 CONSUMER TRADER AND TENANCY TRIBUNAL—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

1962 HEALTH CARE COMPLAINTS COMMISSION—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

4 MAY 2004

(Paper No. 72)

1963 BICKHAM COAL MINE—Mr Piccoli to Minister for Mineral Resources—

(1) With respect to the proposed Bickham Coal Mine: (a) Why did the existing Bickham Community Consultation Committee have to be dissolved? (b) Why is a special investigation into coal mining in the area being undertaken after the bulk

sample has been approved? (c) Why not have this before approval has been given? (d) With regard to the special investigation, who is to conduct the investigation, what will it

investigate, will it be an open investigation, will public submissions be accepted and when will it report and to whom?

(e) When is the Minister going to visit the site of the proposed mine? (2) In light of the fact that the bulk sample will be processed at the Rix Creek Colliery to accept coal,

does the Rix Creek Colliery have approval to take coal from other coalmines?

2443


(3) Why was the bulk sample assessed under Part 5 rather than under Part 4 of the Environmental

Planning and Assessment Act? (4) When the exploration licence for Bickham Coal Company expired, did the Minister backdate a new

one?

1964 HAWKESBURY-NEPEAN GREAT RIVER WALK—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

(1) What is the status of the Great River Walk Project? (2) What projects are planned in the 2003-04 and 2004-05 financial years? (3) When is the project planned for completion?

1965 WEEKEND AND OFF-PEAK TRAINS—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

When the new CityRail timetable is introduced, what action will be taken to ensure that all off-peak and weekend services are air-conditioned?

1966 STAFFING LEVELS OF COUNTRY SCHOOLS—Mr Torbay to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

What action has taken place regarding the resolution of Parliament of 13 November 2002, “that this House calls on the Government to immediately implement a review of the formula that determines the staffing levels of country schools”?

1967 STEERING COMMITTEE—GREATER LAKES REGION—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health—

(1) Did the Minister for Health set up a steering committee to assess public health options for the Great Lakes region?

(2) If so, who is on the committee? (3) If so, has that committee met? (4) If so, when have they met? (5) If so, was the committee due to meet on 18th March to consider options to go to the Minister for the

provision for public health services in the Great Lakes area? (6) If so, did that meeting proceed? (7) If not, why not? (8) If not, who cancelled it? (9) If not, on what authority was such meeting cancelled? (10) Has the Minister or his department or any officer of the Minister now received a report setting out

options for the provision of public health services in the Great Lakes area? (11) If so, when was it received? (12) If so, from whom was it received? (13) If so, what is the status of the report at the present time? (14) If so, did the steering committee make final comments on the matters raised in the report? (15) If so, what were they? (16) If not, why not? (17) If the report has been received, what are the options for public health facilities in the Great Lakes

area contained in the report?

2444


1968 STAFF NUMBERS—PREMIER'S OFFICE—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Fair Trading and Minister for Assisting the Minister for Commerce representing the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for the Central Coast——

(1) How many people are employed by the Premier’s Department as part of its Central Coast Office? (2) Does the Premier’s Department’s Central Coast Office publish an annual report? (3) What is the location of the office? (4) How many non-SES staff are employed by the office? What is the grade for each such non-SES

employee? (5) How many SES staff does the office employ?

1969 MINISTRY FOR THE CENTRAL COAST—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Fair Trading and Minister for Assisting the Minister for Commerce representing the Assis tant Treasurer and Minister for the Central Coast—

(1) What is the annual budget of the Ministry for the Central Coast? (2) Does the Ministry for the Central Coast publish an annual report? (3) How many people are employed in the Ministry for the Central Coast? (4) Where are Central Coast Ministry staff located? (5) How many non-SES staff are employed by the Ministry? What is the grade for each such non-SES

employee? (6) How many SES staff does the Central Coast Ministry employ? (7) Does the Minister for the Central Coast have an office on the Central Coast as well as in Sydney? If

so, where?

1970 RURAL FIRE SERVICE HEADQUARTERS—HOMEBUSH—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

With regard to the New Rural Fire Service Headquarters at Homebush: (1) How much was the tender asking for? (2) How many companies tendered? (3) What was the value of the final contract? (4) Who was the contract awarded to? (5) What other contracts with other government department or agencies has this company been

awarded? (6) What is the completion date for the new headquarters? (7) What are the plans for the Rosehill facility after completion date? (8) How many employees currently work at the Rosehill headquarters? (9) How many employees are expected to work at the Homebush headquarters? (10) What was the fit-out cost for the Commissioner’s private bathroom? (11) Was there any variation in cost from tender to awarding of contract to final costs?

1971 REMOVAL OF POSITIONS—Mr Stoner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

In relation to the Government’s plans for reduction of expenditure in the Department of Infrastructure and Planning and Natural Resources: (1) How many positions are intended to be removed from the Department?

2445


(2) How many of these positions are from the Natural Resources (formerly Land and Water

Conservation) division of the Department? (3) From which locations will the positions identified in Question 2 be removed? (4) How many of the positions identified in Question 2 will be transferred to Catchment Management

Authorities and where will these positions be located? (5) What are the classifications and job titles of the positions identified in Question 2 above? (6) What will be the estimated savings arising from the removal of the positions identified in Question 2

above? (7) What is the timeframe for the removal of these positions? (8) What is the process for removal of these positions (eg. applications for transfer to Catchment

Management Authorities; voluntary/compulsory redundancy)?

1972 SOLAR IN SCHOOLS—Mr Amery to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) When did the “Solar in Schools” program, which collects voluntary contributions from electricity

customers, commence? (2) How much money has been raised through this program to date? (3) What projects have been funded through monies collected from this program?

1973 CROSSING UPGRADE—Mr Page to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

(1) Following the recent fatal accident at the Adamstown rail crossing near Newcastle, does the Government recognise a safety problem at the crossing?

(2) Have any costing estimates been conducted to upgrade the crossing to increase safety levels for pedestrian, cars and trains using the crossing?

(3) How much was the costing estimate for the Adamstown Crossing upgrade? (4) What is the RTA’s preferred solution to the road safety problem at the Adamstown Crossing? (5) How long has the Government been considering the upgrade of the Adamstown Crossing? (6) What is the Government’s timeframe for the upgrade of the Adamstown Crossing?

1974 CONSUMER TRADER AND TENANCY TRIBUNAL—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

(1) What is the reason for the delay in hearing the case of Mr B Flower and Ms E Valdes against builder,

Mr G Glover, which was lodged with the CTTT on 22 January 2003? (2) How many other complaints against Mr Glover have been made to the CTTT, Office of Fair Trading

or Home Building Service?

1975 SEWAGE DEVELOPER CHARGES—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Why have you not responded to the letter sent to you on 12 January 2004 by the Association of

Consulting Surveyors NSW Inc regarding the Guidelines for Water Supply and Sewage Developer Charges in Country Regions?

(2) Will you approve an independent review of the Guidelines that are being implemented on 30 June 2004 as requested by the Association of Consulting Surveyors NSW?

2446


1976 RENAL DIALYSIS UNIT—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

(1) Will the Renal Dialysis Unit at Goulburn Base Hospital be opened before 30 June 2003 as promised by the Premier in his announcement of 7 February 2002?

(2) If not, why not?

1977 DETECTIVES AND VEHICLES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

In relation to detectives and vehicles: (1) For each Local Area Command (LAC), what was the authorised and actual number of designated

detectives as at 30 April 2004? (2) For each Crime Squad, what was the authorised and actual number of designated detectives as at 30

April 2004? (3) For each LAC, what was the actual number of police vehicles allocated solely for use by designated

detectives as at 30 April 2004? (4) For each Crime Squad, what was the actual number of police vehicles allocated solely for use by

designated detectives as at 30 April 2004?

1978 NATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTS DEMONSTRATION—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

In relation to assaults on police at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) on 31 March 2004: (1) During the National Union of Students (NUS) assault on police at UTS, did a demonstrator attempt

to remove a police officer's Glock pistol from the officer’s holster? (2) If so, was the demonstrator arrested? (3) During the NUS assaults on police at UTS, did a demonstrator spray police officers with a liquid,

and if so what was the liquid and was the demonstrator arrested?

1979 POLICE MEDIA—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

In relation to Police Media: (1) What is the criteria by which criminal incidents are posted on the NSW Police website under the

‘Police Media’ section? (2) Does this criteria limit the number of violent offences posted on the NSW Police website under the

‘Police Media’ section? (3) Why is Police Media limiting the numbers of violent offences listed on the NSW Police website

under the ‘Police Media’ section? (4) Does the Police Commissioner’s contract objective to reduce the perception of crime in any way

influence the criteria by which violent offences are posted on the NSW Police website under the ‘Police Media’ section?

(5) Does the criteria by which criminal incidents are posted on the NSW Police website under the ‘Police Media’ section include a call for public assistance with unsolved crimes?

(6) Given Police Media limits the number of violent offences listed on the NSW Police website under the ‘Police Media’ section, does this action make it more difficult for the Police Commissioner to fulfil the other objective in his contract to reduce crime?

(7) Who is responsible for determining which offences are posted on the NSW Police website under the ‘Police Media’ section?

2447


1980 RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—

When will the radiology department at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital be able to purchase computerised X-Ray processing equipment?

1981 POKER MACHINE TAX—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Gaming and Racing—

How much revenue has been raised directly from clubs from the tax on poker machines in the Hornsby electorate during the financial years 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003?

1982 RAILWAY CAR PARK—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

When will a multi-storey car park be built at Hornsby and Berowra Railway Stations to accommodate the extra platforms and increased passenger capacity?

1983 CARRIAGE SAFETY—Ms Seaton to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

In respect of each type of passenger carriage in operation on the Southern Highlands rail line for (a) City Rail and (b) CountryLink: (1) What are the emergency exit facilities on each type of carriage? (2) In respect of each type: (a) can passengers open doors from within a carriage? (b) can passengers

force windows open to escape?(c) If a carriage is on its side, can passengers force their way out of any exit in the roof or floor of the carriage?(d) how many carriages have fuel tanks, and do passengers have any access to fire hazard equipment in the event of a carriage fire?

1984 LGA LOCAL ENVIRONMENT PLANS—Ms Seaton to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

(1) Which local government areas across NSW have Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) and Regional

Environment Plans (REPs)? (2) For each local government area which has an LEP and/or REP, what is the title and date of

commencement of each of those LEPs and REPs?

1985 TERRACE ROAD LEFT TURN—Mr Pringle to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

Will the Minister investigate providing a “Left Turn on Red Permitted” sign in Terrace Road at the intersection with Bell’s Line of Road as requested by some residents?

1986 MILTON PUBLIC SCHOOL—Mrs Hancock to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

What progress has been made in d iscussions with Shoalhaven City Council regarding proposed expansion of Milton Public School?

2448


1987 ULLADULLA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES OFFICE—Mrs Hancock to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

When will the new Department of Community Services office be opened in Ulladulla as promised prior to the March 2003 State election?

1988 NSW MATURE WORKERS PROGRAM—Mr Aplin to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) What is the cost of delivering the mature workers program in the Albury electorate? (2) How will the services be delivered once the program is discontinued at the end of June 2004?

1989 DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY—Mr Aplin to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—

(1) Will the establishment of the Department of Primary Industry result in a reduction of frontline services in the Albury electorate? (2) Will there be a reduction in staff and if so, in which areas?

1990 SCHOOL SICK BAYS—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) What are the minimum requirements for the provision of sick bays in public schools? (2) Are there varying requirements for different size schools? If so, what are they?

1991 WINE EQUALISATION TAX—Ms Seaton to Minister for Gaming and Racing—

(1) For each of the years from 2000 to present, what are the costs of administration and compliance of the portion of the Wine Equalisation Tax that is administered by the State Government?

(2) How many staff are involved in the administration of this tax?

1992 COMPRESSION BRAKING—Mr Page to Minister for Police—

How many heavy vehicles have been fined in NSW for not complying with “Noise Level – Compression Braking” restrictions in urban areas over the past 12 months?

1993 CASINO-MURWILLUMBAH RAIL SERVICE—Mr George to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

Will you honour your Government’s promise to keep the Casino-Murwillumbah rail line open for 12 months and to proceed with a full review of the CountryLink service?

2449


1994 SOUTH COAST RAIL SERVICES —Mrs Hancock to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and

Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minis ter for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

What proposals are in place to cut South Coast rail services between Kiama and Bomaderry?

1995 SPECIAL NEEDS TRANSPORT SERVICE—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) Is the Special Needs Transport Service still available in the Sutherland Shire to transport children

between school and respite care? (2) Are there any restrictions imposed on families as to which children are eligible to access the Special

Needs Transport Service?

1996 SUTHERLAND HOSPITAL PARKING—Mr Kerr to Minister for Health—

(1) Does the Minister intend to charge the public for parking in the new multi-storey car park to be built at Sutherland Hospital?

(2) What are these parking fees likely to be? (3) Will there be any free parking for the public within the grounds of Sutherland Hospital? (4) What paid and/or free parking facilities will be made available for staff?

1997 CARINGBAH DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING DWELLINGS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

(1) Does the Department of Housing plan to demolish two dwellings at 13 and 15 Cook Street,

Caringbah and replace them with 9 dwellings? (2) Will these dwellings be townhouses or villas? (3) What is the total number of bedrooms proposed to be built in these dwellings? (4) What is the total number of garages proposed to be built for these dwellings? (5) Are these dwellings to be built as housing for the aged and disabled?

1998 BURST WATER MAINS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) How many incidents of burst water mains have occurred in the Wakehurst electorate in the following

years: 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003 to current?

(2) How many megalitres of water were lost as a result of burst water mains in the Wakehurst electorate in the following years: 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003 to current?

(3) How many megalitres of water have been lost as a result of burst water mains in the Wakehurst electorate since the commencement of water restrictions on 1 October 2003 to current?

2450


1999 BURST WATER MAINS—Mr Merton to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and

Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) How many incidents of burst water mains have occurred in the Baulkham Hills electorate in the

following years: 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003 to current?

(2) How many megalitres of water were lost as a result of burst water mains in the Baulkham Hills electorate in the following years: 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003 to current?

(3) How many megalitres of water have been lost as a result of burst water mains in the Baulkham Hills electorate since the commencement of water restrictions on 1 October 2003 to current?

2000 BURST WATER MAINS—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) How many incidents of burst water mains have occurred in the Davidson electorate in the following

years: 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003 to current?

(2) How many megalitres of water were lost as a result of burst water mains in the Davidson electorate in the following years: 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003 to current?

(3) How many megalitres of water have been lost as a result of burst water mains in the Davidson electorate since the commencement of water restrictions on October 1, 2003 to current?

2001 BURST WATER MAINS—Mrs Skinner to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) How many incidents of burst water mains have occurred in the North Shore electorate in the


(2) How many megalitres of water were lost as a result of burst water mains in the North Shore electorate in the following years: 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003 to current?

(3) How many megalitres of water have been lost as a result of burst water mains in the North Shore electorate since the commencement of water restrictions on 1 October 2003 to current?

2451


2002 BURST WATER MAINS—Mr Richardson to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science

and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) How many incidents of burst water mains have occurred in The Hills electorate in the following

years: 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003 to current?

(2) How many megalitres of water were lost as a result of burst water mains in the The Hills electorate in the following years: 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003 to current?

(3) How many megalitres of water have been lost as a result of burst water mains in The Hills electorate since the commencement of water restrictions on 1 October 2003 to current?

2003 BURST WATER MAINS—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) How many incidents of burst water mains have occurred in the Ku-ring-gai electorate in the


(2) How many megalitres of water were lost as a result of burst water mains in the Ku-ring-gai electorate in the following years: 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003 to current?

(3) How many megalitres of water have been lost as a result of burst water mains in the Ku-ring-gai electorate since the commencement of water restrictions on 1 October 2003 to current?

2004 BURST WATER MAINS—Mr Brogden to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) How many incidents of burst water mains have occurred in the Pittwater electorate in the following

years: 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003 to current?

(2) How many megalitres of water were lost as a result of burst water mains in the Pittwater electorate in the following years: 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003 to current?

(3) How many megalitres of water have been lost as a result of burst water mains in the Pittwater electorate since the commencement of water restrictions on 1 October 2003 to current?

2452


2005 BURST WATER MAINS—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and


(1) How many incidents of burst water mains have occurred in the Strathfield electorate in the following

years: 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003 to current?

(2) How many megalitres of water were lost as a result of burst water mains in the Auburn electorate in the following years: 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003 to current?

(3) How many megalitres of water have been lost as a result of burst water mains in the Menai electorate since the commencement of water restrictions on 1 October 2003 to current?

2006 BURST WATER MAINS—Mr Roberts to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) How many incidents of burst water mains have occurred in the Lane Cove electorate in the following

years: 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003 to current?

(2) How many megalitres of water were lost as a result of burst water mains in the Lane Cove electorate in the following years: 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003 to current?

(3) How many megalitres of water have been lost as a result of burst water mains in the Lane Cove electorate since the commencement of water restrictions on 1 October 2003 to current?

2007 BURST WATER MAINS—Ms Berejiklian to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) How many incidents of burst water mains have occurred in the Willoughby electorate in the

following years: 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003 to current

(2) How many megalitres of water were lost as a result of burst water mains in the Willoughby electorate in the following years: 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003 to current

(3) How many megalitres of water have been lost as a result of burst water mains in the Willoughby electorate since the commencement of water restrictions on 1 October 2003 to current?

2453


2008 BURST WATER MAINS—Mr Tink to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and


(1) How many incidents of burst water mains have occurred in the Epping electorate in the following

years: 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003 to current?

(2) How many megalitres of water were lost as a result of burst water mains in the Epping electorate in the following years: 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003 to current?

(3) How many megalitres of water have been lost as a result of burst water mains in the Epping electorate since the commencement of water restrictions on 1 October 2003 to current?

2009 DOCUMENT ACCESS—NORTHERN SYDNEY AREA HEALTH SERVICE—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Health—

(1) Is the Minister aware of difficulties experienced by Mrs Lyn Tonkin of West Pennant Hills in

attempting to get access to documents held by Northern Sydney Area Health Service (NSAHS) concerning a complaint about her treatment at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital?

(2) Was a Formal Review (Investigation Report) carried out into the incident as advised in three separate letters sent to Mrs Tonkin by the NSAHS?

(3) Why have Mrs Tonkin’s Freedom of Information requests for a copy of the Formal Review into the incident been declined?

(4) Was a separate Internal Review also undertaken and if so when will Mrs Tonkin be provided with a copy?

(5) Why have her requests for copies of complaint management record forms and incident management reporting procedure forms relating to the incident been denied?

(6) Have any parts of Mrs Tonkin’s case, treatment, information or complaints or any person connected to any of the matters been classified as exempt by either (i) the Qualified Privilege Committee or (ii) the Minister for Health?

2010 SINGLE NATIONAL PARK—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

(1) What steps have taken place to the restoration of common fences between the National Parks

and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and private landholders adjoining Single National Park? (2) What steps have taken place in ensuring agreement between NPWS and private landholders

adjoining Single National Park on buffer zones along the boundaries? (3) What fire trail maintenance has taken place in Single National Park in the last twelve months?

_________________________________________ Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales

questions and answers - parliament of nsw · 5/5/2004 · (2) hunters hill? (3) ryde? answer— i...

Documents