Questions and Answers No. 16, Thursday 19 June 2003

391

PARLIAMENT OF NEW SOUTH WALES

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

2003

FIRST SESSION OF THE FIFTY-THIRD PARLIAMENT

___________

QUESTIONS

AND

ANSWERS

No. 16

THURSDAY 19 JUNE 2003

___________

(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.)

Q. & A. No. 8 (Including Question Nos 181 to 206)	24 June 2003
Q. & A. No. 9 (Including Question Nos 207 to 225)	25 June 2003

Q. & A. No. 10 (Including Question Nos 226 to 244)	26 June 2003
Q. & A. No. 11 (Including Question Nos 245 to 268)	1 July 2003

Q. & A. No. 12 (Including Question Nos 269 to 288)	2 July 2003
Q. & A. No. 13 (Including Question Nos 289 to 309)	3 July 2003

Q. & A. No. 14 (Including Question Nos 310 to 322)	4 July 2003
Q. & A. No. 15 (Including Question Nos 323 to 359)	22 July 2003

Q. & A. No. 16

(Including Question Nos 360 to 386)

23 July 2003

Notice of Question given on the date shown

20 MAY 2003

(Paper No. 8)

182 BUS SERVICES IN CASTLE COVE —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)—

183 COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS—Mr Cansdell to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

184 PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE—MACKSVILLE & URUNGA—Mr Stoner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

185 NORTH COAST RAIL LINE—Mr Stoner 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)—

186 STATE HERITAGE REGISTER—Mr Kerr to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

187 ADVISORY COMMITTEE—PRIVATE HOSPITAL/DAY PROCEDURE—Mr O’Farrell to Minister for Health—

188 RAIL TICKETS—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)—

189 AMBULANCE SERVICES—Mr O’Farrell to Minister for Health—

190 ASSAULTS ON POLICE OFFICERS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

191 RAIL TURNBACK— BONDI JUNCTION —Mr Debnam 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)—

192 FIREARMS (GENERAL) REGULATION 1997—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

193 ACCELERATED BEDS PROGRAM—Ms Moore to Minister for Health—

194 EMPTY STA BUSES—MOORE PARK ROAD—Ms Moore 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)—

195 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS—MOORE PARK ROAD—Ms Moore to Minister for Police—

196 SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business—

197 FAIR TRADING GRANTS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

198 EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT DOCTORS—GOULBURN BASE HOSPITAL—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

199 POLICE CITIZENS YOUTH CLUB—BORAMBOLA—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Police—

200 AQUACULTURE EXTENSION SERVICES—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

201 EXTRA POLICE OFFICERS—KU-RING-GAI LOCAL AREA COMMAND—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Police—

202 ADDITIONAL COSTS BUS TRANSPORT—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)—

203 TRANSPORT LEVY—Ms Seaton to Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister for Western Sydney, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning (Planning Administration)—

204 NEW SOUTH WALES INFRASTRUCTURE COUNCIL—Ms Seaton to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

206 PROGRAM OF APPLIANCES —Mr Pringle 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—

21 MAY 2003

(Paper No. 9)

207 NUMBER OF STUDENTS—CORRECTIVE SERVICES ACADEMY—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

*208 STATUS OF NEW PRISON—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

(a) Kempsey?

(b) South Windsor?

(2) Will the prison at Cooma be closed?

(1) (a) Original budget cost: $81.6 million (350 bed facility)

Latest cost: $115 million (500 bed facility).

Construction of the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre is on budget.

(b) Original budget cost: $53.6 million

Latest cost: $53.6 million

Construction of Dillwynia Correctional Centre (stage 1) is on budget.

Latest cost: $115 million.

(2) No.

209 WORK RELEASE—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

210 COMPENSATION PAYMENTS—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

211 HAZARD REDUCTION—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

212 RURAL FIRE SERVICE—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)—

213 BUS SERVICE—OPERA HOUSE—Mr Debnam 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)—

214 POLICE POWERS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

215 SCHOOL SECURITY HOTLINE—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

216 LEAD OUT WORKS—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—

217 HUNDRED CLUB—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Gaming and Racing—

*218 CATTAI WETLANDS—Mr Oakeshott to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

(2) What are the positive environmental and resource management outcomes from this project?

(3) What are the historical outcomes, including aboriginal history outcomes from the project?

(4) What is the estimated cost of the project?

(5) Is there a timeframe before the project would be lost to private development with the private sale of the Cattai Wetlands land?

(6) Does the government consider this project to be of state significance, and if so, what state funds will be allocated to the project?

Answer—

Yes.

Council believes the project, if it proceeds, will protect and rehabilitate wetlands, remediate acid sulfate soils and provide improved floodplain management. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) agrees that the project would make a significant contribution to the achievement of these outcomes.

I have not been advised of any detailed heritage surveys having been conducted in the area. However, I am advised that some known sites of Aboriginal significance listed in the NPWS’s cultural sites database occur within three kilometres of the site. It is therefore quite possible that the subject land may contain sites or objects of Aboriginal heritage significance.

The cost of the project is not detailed in Council’s concept report.

An option for Council to purchase a land parcel that is central to the project expires on 30 June 2003.

The project appears to have some positive environmental outcomes, and may be eligible for funding from the Environmental Trust Fund under the Coastal Wetland Project. While funding is not available this financial year, I would certainly consider any proposal from Council for funding under this program.

220 COMBINED EMERGENCY CENTRE—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Health—

221 COVERED GRANDSTAND PROPOSAL—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Tourism and Sport and Recreation, and Minister for Women—

222 TUNNEL OVERFLOW—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—

223 CASSELS ROAD—SINGLETON SHIRE—Mr Souris to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

224 POLICE OFFICER POSITION—CRESCENT HEAD—Mr Stoner to Minister for Police—

225 FIRE STATION—NAMBUCCA HEADS—Mr Stoner 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)—

22 MAY 2003

(Paper No. 10)

226 COUNTRYRAIL OWNERSHIP/CONTROL—Mr Torbay 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)—

227 RADIOTHERAPY UNIT—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Health—

228 UNIVERSITY PLANS—Mr Oakeshott to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

229 CANDIDATE PHOTOS—Mr Oakeshott to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

230 TAREE - PORT MACQUARIE AIR LINK—Mr Oakeshott 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)—

231 KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK—Ms Hodgkinson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

232 RENAL DIALYSIS IN GOULBURN—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

233 VISY PULP AND PAPER MILL—Ms Hodgkinson to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

234 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INCIDENTS—Ms Seaton to Minister for Police—

235 COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE—TAHMOOR—Ms Seaton to Minister for Health— ;

236 DISMISSAL CLAIMS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

237 DRIVE-BY SHOOTINGS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

238 KNEECAPPINGS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

239 MAYORAL ELECTIONS—Mr Constance 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)—

240 CHATSWOOD RAILWAY STATION—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)—

241 REDEVELOPMENT WAGGA WAGGA POLICE STATION—Mr Maguire to Minister for Police—

242 RAILWAY 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)—

243 NURSE/DOCTOR POSITIONS—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—

244 NUMBER OF NURSE/DOCTOR POSITIONS—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—

27 MAY 2003

(Paper No. 11)

245 TERRORIST ACTS—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Police—

246 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS AMALGAMATIONS—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)—

247 OPERATION VIKINGS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

248 REDFERN POLICE STRATEGIES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

“”

249 POLICE MEDIA UNIT—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

“”

250 TALLONG RAILWAY STATION—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)—

251 RELOCATABLE HOME TRANSPORTERS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

*252 YOUTH SUICIDE—Ms Hodgkinson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(2) If so, is this program available in any schools in Goulburn?

Answer—

(1) The Department of Education and Training integrates suicide awareness and prevention as part of formal health education programs within the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) curriculum. Issues addressed include improving communication and relationship skills, developing problem solving skills, managing stress and enhancing resilience. Anti-bullying and anti-racism programs as well as peer support and transition programs make a positive contribution to creating a safe and supportive environment which contributes to positive mental health outcomes and reduces the likelihood of suicidal behaviour.

Schools implement broad based programs to decrease anxiety and depression and increase students’ resilience. They may utilise programs such as Mindmatters, a whole school approach to mental health promotion and suicide prevention, Adolescents Coping with Emotions and the Resourceful Adolescent Program, targeted programs that enhance the coping skills and help seeking behaviour of participating students.

School counsellors provide specific interventions for those students identified through the student welfare network who may be at risk of suicide. School counsellors have been trained in the management of depression and related disorders in young people. Counsellors also facilitate referral to other mental health professionals for assessment and support as appropriate.

(2) Curriculum based interventions and student welfare network support is provided in all NSW schools. I understand that all high schools in Goulburn area, Goulburn High School, Mulwaree High School and Crookwell High School, are implementing the Mindmatters program and that all school counsellors in the district are trained in the Resourceful Adolescents Program and implement it as the need arises.

253 PAMBULA BRIDGE—Mr Constance to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

254 SUTHERLAND HOSPITAL NURSES—Mr Kerr to Minister for Health—

255 RAIL TICKETS—Mr Kerr 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)—

256 MEDICAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE—Ms Seaton to Minister for Health—

257 CLEARING APPROVAL—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

258 PORT MACQUARIE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES—Mr Oakeshott to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

259 TREASURY CONTACTS—Mr Oakeshott 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—

260 SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE BUDGET—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Tourism and Sport and Recreation, and Minister for Women—

261 THREATENING SITUATIONS—Mr Torbay to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

*262 CLUBBIZ SCHEME—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Gaming and Racing—

(2) Were $5,000 grants paid to clubs to undertake a business plan?

(3) Did the Government appoint the consultant for the clubs to engage to undertake this business plan?

(4) Are you aware this consultant charged the clubs $5,5000 to prepare a business plan?

(5) Are you aware the clubs who received a grant are in fact out of pocket as a result of this scheme?

Answer—

(1) On 8 October 2002, Ministerial approval was granted for the Keno licensees to dispose of unclaimed prizemoney totalling $9 million for distribution under the ClubBIZ industry assistance scheme. The distribution of these funds is a matter for ClubBIZ, a non-government entity.

(2) I am advised that grants of up to $5,000 are payable by ClubBIZ to enable clubs to undertake a business health check.

(3) No.

(4) No.

(5) I am advised that part of the conditions for receiving phase 1 grants under the ClubBIZ program is that a club must fund 10% of the costs of undertaking the business health checks, and that clubs are fully aware that they must incur some costs prior to engaging a consultant.

263 WILD BRUMBIES—Ms Moore to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

264 HAWKESBURY-NEPEAN LEGAL CENTRE—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

265 WATER ALLOCATION—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

266 CROSS-BORDER HEALTH ARRANGEMENTS—Mr Aplin to Minister for Health—

267 RIVERINA HIGHWAY—Mr Aplin to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

268 NOISE LEGISLATION—Mr Page to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

28 MAY 2003

(Paper No. 12)

269 CRIME IN MEDOWIE—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

270 LANGUAGE SKILLS—NEW SOUTH WALES POLICE OFFICERS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

271 NEW ERA BALUSTRADING P/L—Mr Debnam to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

272 PRISON POPULATION—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

*273 INMATES MENTAL ILLNESS—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

(2) How many inmates are receiving permanent psychiatric help due to mental illness?

(3) How many inmates are on medication for mental illness?

(4) What medications are commonly prescribed for inmates with mental illness?

Answer—

This question should be directed to the Minister for Health, who is responsible for the Corrections Health Service.

274 INMATES SUICIDE AND SELF HARM—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

275 COOTAMUNDRA COURT HOUSE—Mr Armstrong to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

276 GOULBURN POLICE COLLEGE—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Police—

*277 SMALL SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF—Ms Hodgkinson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(2) When will funding for these positions be made available to each school?

Answer—

(1) All schools in the Burrinjuck electorate received additional school administrative and support staffing hours for 2003 in line with the Government’s announcement on 19 December 2002.

(2) Funding for this initiative was available from 29 January 2003.

278 BATLOW RURAL FIRE SERVICE—Ms Hodgkinson 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)—

279 SINGLETON HOSPITAL LAND—Mr Souris to Minister for Health—

280 LOCAL AREA COMMAND ALLOCATIONS—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Police—

281 AREA HEALTH SERVICE RESOURCES—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Health—

282 PORT MACQUARIE HOSPITAL—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Health—

*283 SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAMS—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(2) If so, is this program available in any school in the Cronulla electorate?

Answer—

(2) Curriculum based interventions and student welfare network support is provided in all NSW schools. I understand that all high schools in the Cronulla electorate, Caringbah, Endeavour Sports, Cronulla and Woolooware High Schools are implementing Mindmatters through their PDHPE curriculum. Sixteen school counsellors in the Cronulla district are trained in the Adolescents Coping with Emotions program and implement this within the schools as need arises. In addition, Cronulla and Caringbah High Schools participate annually in the Dealing with Depression program in collaboration with the Shire General Practitioners’ Association.

284 DENTAL SERVICES— ALBURY —Mr Aplin to Minister for Health—

285 EMERGENCY UNIT FUNDING—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—

286 NORTH-WEST RAIL LINK PROPOSAL—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)—

287 GALSTON ROAD MAINTENANCE—Mr Pringle to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

288 SPEED CAMERAS—MID NORTH COAST—Mr Stoner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

29 MAY 2003

(Paper No. 13)

289 LOCAL AREA COMMAND—MID NORTH COAST—Mr Stoner to Minister for Police—

290 LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOUNDARIES—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)—

291 RURAL MENTAL HEALTH STAFFING—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

*292 SCHOOL SECURITY—Ms Hodgkinson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(2) On how many occasions have the above schools been broken into?

(3) Are any of these schools fitted with security systems such video monitoring or alarms?

(4) If so, which schools have these systems fitted?

Answer—

(1) Of the 51 schools in the Burrinjuck electorate, 16 have experienced security breaches.

(2) During the past 12 months there have been 21 incidents of illegal entry in 11 of those 16 schools. The other 5 schools have been subjected to vandalism but have not experienced any illegal entries. There are 40 schools in the electorate that have not been broken into at all.

(3) to (4) Yes. In addition, security guards also regularly patrol the schools each day of the week at various times during the day and night.

293 PRESCHOOL FUNDING—Mr Maguire 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—

“”

*294 AIR COOLING PROGRAM—Mr J. H. Turner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(2) How many classrooms were approved for “hotspot” funding at Gloucester Public School?

(3) Were there any classrooms that were not approved?

(4) How many classrooms were not approved for air conditioning, and on what basis?

(5) Has the initial round of the Department’s Air Cooling Program been completed?

(7) Will Gloucester Public School be considered in a future round of funding for air conditioning of classrooms currently not air conditioned?

(8) If so, when can Gloucester Public School apply for consideration of air conditioning for classrooms currently not air conditioned?

(9) If Gloucester Public School will not be included in any future round of funding why won’t it be?

Answer—

(1) to (9) Yes. Ten classrooms were air conditioned and air conditioning in the library was upgraded. The air cooling of further permanent classrooms at Gloucester Public School will be considered in the context of future capital works priorities.

295 "RETURN TO WILD" KOALA HOSPITAL —Mr Oakeshott to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

296 ACADEMY OF SPORT/PANTHERS—NORTH COAST—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Tourism and Sport and Recreation, and Minister for Women—

297 WATERWAYS FUNDING—Mr Oakeshott 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)—

298 EPPING TO CASTLE HILL RAIL LINK—Mr Richardson to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

299 JOSEPH ZARB FITZPATRICK—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

300 CIVIL LITIGATION AGAINST POLICE—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

301 POLICE—PREMIERS DEPARTMENT—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

302 INDEPENDENT CLINICAL REVIEW—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

303 YAKUB COMPLAINT —Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Health—

304 ASSISTED SUICIDE—Mr O'Farrell to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

305 ADDITIONAL AMBULANCES—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Health—

306 METHADONE PROGRAM—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Health—

307 HOSPITAL SAFETY—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Health—

308 COUNTRY RACING—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Gaming and Racing—

309 INTERSECTION UPGRADE—HORNSBY HEIGHTS—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

30 MAY 2003

(Paper No. 14)

*310 NEED4READ SOFTWARE PACKAGE—Mr Oakeshott to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(2) Is the Minister aware this has been distributed to every school in the Port Macquarie electorate at the expense of Mr Bruce?

(3) Does the Minister have an opinion on the program, including any feedback received by the Department from individual schools?

(4) If positive, would the Minister consider expanding the program to other schools throughout NSW?

Answer—

(1) The Department has informed me that this is the case.

(2) The Department has informed me that this is the case.

(3) to (4) Individual schools make decisions concerning the resources that best suit the needs of their students, in conjunction with the demands of the relevant syllabuses.

311 SOCIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY—Mr Oakeshott to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

312 MANNING WATER TREATMENT PLANT—Mr Oakeshott 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—

313 HOME OWNERS WARRANTY ASSURANCE—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

314 'WOMEN IN BUSINESS MENTOR PROGRAM'—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business—

315 YARROWLUMLA SHIRE DISSOLUTION —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)—

316 ILLEGAL SCANNERS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

317 CAR-JACKINGS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

318 'OFF THE PLAN' PURCHASES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer—

319 AMALGAMATION CORPORATE SERVICES—Mr Stoner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

*320 SCHOOL SECURITY HOTLINE—Mrs Hancock to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(2) On what date did the hotline commence?

(3) To date, how many calls to the hotline have been placed and for what type of incidents?

Answer—

(1) The hotline is a service provided by the NSW Department of Education and Training to support government schools. Currently, non government schools may access police support through the 000 emergency service or by telephoning their Police Local Area Commands.

(2) 2 May 2003.

(3) Calls placed to the hotline will assist the Department of Education and Training to further develop strategies to make schools safer for students and teachers.

321 MURWILLUMBAH POLICE STATION—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Police—

322 GREENING AUSTRALIA—Mr Maguire to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

17 JUNE 2003

(Paper No. 15)

323 LACHLAN VALLEY IRRIGATION—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

324 REDEVELOPMENT—JUNEE CORRECTION CENTRE—Mr Armstrong to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

325 HIRE VEHICLES—Mr Armstrong 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)—

326 PORT MACQUARIE "LINK" ROAD—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

327 STINGRAY CREEK BRIDGE—NORTH HAVEN—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

328 GENERAL SPEED LIMITS —Ms Moore to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

329 FREIGHT REBATE—Mr Torbay to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

330 DEFICIENCIES WITH SERVICE PROVISION MODEL—Mr Torbay 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—

“”

331 LEASED LAND—SOUTH MAROOTA—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

332 DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL—"CRAFT SHOP" MOORE PARK—Ms Seaton to Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister for Western Sydney, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning (Planning Administration)—

333 AIR POLLUTION EMISSIONS—"CRAFT SHOP" MOORE PARK—Ms Seaton to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

334 WATERFALL RAIL ACCIDENT—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)—

335 CRIME STOPPERS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

336 DIPLOMA OF POLICING PRACTICE—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

337 POLICE ACTIVITY—KINGS CROSS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

338 FIREARMS REGISTRY—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Police—

339 OVINE JOHNE'S DISEASE REPORTS (OJD)—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

340 YARROWLUMLA SHIRE DISSOLUTION, ROAD WORKS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, and Minister for Local Government—

341 OVERPASS PROJECT—Mr J. H. Turner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

342 GREAT LAKES COTTAGE HOSPICE—Mr J. H. Turner to Minister for Health—

343 SCHOOL BUS SEAT BELTS—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)—

344 TRACTOR ROLL BARS—Mr Maguire 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—

345 STREET ROD REGISTRATION—Mr Maguire to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

346 SUPPORTED ACCOMMODATION—Mr Maguire 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—

“”

347 POLICE OPERATION—Mr Richardson to Minister for Police—

“”

348 BREAST SCREENING—Mr Aplin to Minister for Health—

349 SEWAGE OVERFLOW—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—

350 PIPE UPGRADES—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—

351 SCHOOL COUNSELLING—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

352 DEPARTMENT RESTRUCTURE —Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

353 VERTICAL LIFT SECTION—HEXHAM BRIDGE—Mr Page to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

354 HANDGUN OFFENCES—Mr Barr to Minister for Police—

355 HANDGUN LICENCES—Mr Barr to Minister for Police—

356 HANDGUN COMPLIANCE—Mr Barr to Minister for Police—

357 PROSECUTION OF JIM HITCHCOCK-HAULAGE—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—

358 THE STATION LTD (1) —Mr Hartcher to Minister for Health—

“”“”

359 THE STATION LTD (2)—Mr Hartcher 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—

“”“”

18 JUNE 2003

(Paper No. 16)

360 STOLEN MOBILE PHONES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

In relation to stolen mobile phones:

(2) How many mobile phones were reported stolen to NSW Police in calendar years 2001 and 2002 and to 18 June in 2003?

(3) How many stolen mobile phones were recovered by NSW Police in calendar years 2001 and 2002 and to 18 June in 2003?

(4) In calendar years 1998, 1999 and 2000, how many mobile phone thefts also involved an assault?

361 CRIME AND INSURANCE INDUSTRY—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

In relation to crime and the insurance industry:

(2) Has the current Government agreed to assess the feasibility of a NSW scheme based on the NICB model?

(3) If so, what is the status of this assessment and what is the Government’s timetable for introducing a model based on the NICB?

(4) What other plans, if any, does the Government have for utilising the information on property crime held by insurance companies?

362 LEGISLATED REVIEW OF ACTS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

In relation to legislated reviews of Acts:

(2) Is the 2001-2002 Police Ministry Annual Report statement (page 25) that, a report for the review of the Police Integrity Commission Act 1996 was to be tabled in early 2002/03, wrong?

(3) Does the tabling of the ‘Report on the Practices and Procedures of the Police Integrity Commission’ on the 18 June satisfy the requirements of section 146 of the Police Integrity Commission Act (1996) and if not, when will that requirement be satisfied?

(4) Why have you failed to comply with section 146 of the Police Integrity Commission Act (1996)?

(5) Why has the Government failed to review the Police Commissioner's powers under section 223 of the Police Act (1990) as required by the Parliament?

(6) What are the legal consequences of the failure to comply with sections 222 and 223 of the Police Act (1990)?

Does the breach of sections 222 and 223 of the Police Act (1990) create the potential for prosecutions or police appointments to be compromised if police powers are shown to have been inappropriate?

363 SCHOOL MAINTENANCE—CAMPBELLTOWN/SHELLHARBOUR—Ms Seaton to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

What amounts have been spent in the Campbelltown and Shellharbour Districts on school maintenance for the following years:

(b) 1996?

(d) 1998?

(e) 1999?

(f) 2000?

(g) 2001?

(h) 2002?

364 PROTECTION APPLICATION—Ms Seaton to Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister for Western Sydney, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning (Planning Administration)—

(2) What action if any has been taken in respect of such an application?

(3) Does the Minister consider the building worthy of heritage protection?

365 NUMBER OF HANDGUN OWNERS—Mr Barr to Minister for Police—

What estimate has the government done of the number of handgun owners that are likely to use their buyback cheque to purchase new models of handguns?

366 GUN CLUB LIABILITY —Mr Barr to Minister for Police—

What advice has the Government sought in regard to the legal liability a gun club may incur if a member fails to comply with the proposed new handgun licensing regime and subsequently commits a gun-related offence?

367 HANDGUNS IN HOMES—Mr Barr to Minister for Police—

What proportion of the total number of homicide and shoot with intent offences involving a handgun, recorded each year for the last ten (10) years, was committed within the home?

368 COUNTRY ATHLETE "SUPPORT SCHEME—Mr R. W. Turner to Minister for Tourism and Sport and Recreation, and Minister for Women—

(2) How many applications were there for funding in the 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 financial year?

(3) How many applicants were successful in obtaining funding?

(4) What age categories are available for funding?

(5) What is the maximum individual amount of funding available in each financial year?

(6) Is a recipient of funding eligible to apply for a further grant in a following year?

(7) What particular sports are eligible for funding?

(8) What is the break-up of sexes of those receiving funding?

(9) How many junior champions received funding last year?

(10) How many national champions received funding last year?

(11) How many students received funding on an electorate basis?

(12) What were the sporting categories and how many successful applicants were there in each category that received funding?

369 CHILD CARE CENTRES—MID-NORTH COAST—Mr Oakeshott 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—

(2) If so, what is the Minister doing to help alleviate the problem?

370 FISHING LICENSES—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

(2) How many estuary commercial (general) fishing licenses are there estimated to be on the Mid-North Coast?

(3) How many estuary commercial (general) fishing licenses are there estimated to be on the Macleay, at the Camden Haven and Port Macquarie?

(4) How many have been bought out through the Recreational Fishing Trust in NSW?

(5) How many have been bought out on the Mid-North Coast?

(6) How many have been bought out on the Macleay, in the Camden Haven and Port Macquarie areas?

(7) Are there plans for future buy-outs in NSW, the Mid-North Coast, the Macleay, the Camden Haven and Port Macquarie through the Recreational Trust Fund?

(8) If so, when?

371 AGED CARE SERVICES—MANNING VALLEY—Mr Oakeshott 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—

(2) Is the Minister aware that Greater Taree City Council has adopted all eleven recommendations in the document?

(3) Is the Minister aware of the lack of resources for the ageing population in the Manning Valley, as well as considerable apprehension about future projected demands?

(4) What are the State Government’s plans to deal with these recommendations, lack of resources, and apprehensions about the future in regard to aged care services in the Manning Valley?

372 WORKERS COMPENSATION CHANGES—SMALL BUSINESS —Mr Oakeshott 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—

(2) How do you justify “taxing” non-wage related issues such as superannuation, as occurs with these changes?

(3) How do you justify the doubling of some small businesses workers compensation premiums, as happened with Hastings Treated Timbers in Port Macquarie?

(4) What has long service leave got to do with workers compensation and why is it being included in premium calculations?

(5) What has sick leave and annual leave got to do with workers compensation and why are they included as part of the calculations?

(6) Why is there no adjustment in support of companies who try to do the right thing by their employees and pay above the award rate? Why are their workers compensation premiums calculated on the higher figure?

(7) What is your estimate of the cost to business in NSW of these changes, including the lost employment opportunities and the disincentives to growth in the small business sector?

373 MUNGO BRUSH ROAD—Mr J. H. Turner to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

(2) What was the cost of sealing that road?

(3) Were there any disputes associated with the standard of the sealing of the road?

(4) If so, what were those disputes?

(5) If so, how were they resolved?

374 OWNER BUILDER CONTRACTS—Mr J. H. Turner to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

(2) If so, does the Office of Fair Trading provide home building contracts for such work?

(3) If so, does the Office of Fair Trading advise people on their Internet website that these contracts can be purchased by telephone through the Department of Fair Trading by using a credit card?

(4) Is this correct?

(5) If not, why has the information been published on the website?

(6) If not, will provision be made for people to purchase contracts over the phone?

(7) If so, when will such provision be made?

(8) If not, why not?

(9) What provision is there or will there be for people needing such contracts to be able to purchase the same through the Internet?

(10) If the information contained on the website that contracts may be purchased by phone using a credit card is incorrect, what action has the department taken in relation to that incorrect information?

(11) If a business published such information and was not able to comply in the manner in which the information is published, what action would the Department of Fair Trading take against that business?

(12) If people are unable to purchase contracts mentioned above by phone irrespective of the information on the Department of Fair Trading’s website, what action is there available against the Department of Fair Trading for publishing information that is not correct?

375 COMMUNITY PRIVATE HOSPITAL—CAPE HAWKE—Mr J. H. Turner to Minister for Health—

(2) If it hasn’t started, when will it start?

(3) If it has started, when will it be completed?

(4) Who is undertaking the inquiry?

376 YASS WATER SUPPLY—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

(2) Has your Department contacted the ACT Government to discuss the possibility of connecting Yass to the ACT water supply?

(3) If so what was the response?

377 MULWAREE SHIRE BOUNDARY CHANGES—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)—

(2) If not, why not?

378 YASS COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICE—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

(2) Are you further aware that this generous donation has been stopped because Southern Area Health Service refused to give an undertaking that the car would not be transferred out of Yass?

(3) Will you give a firm undertaking that any vehicle donated to the Yass Community Health Service will remain in Yass and any such donation will not be used as an excuse to transfer other vehicles out of the Yass area?

379 VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS —Mr Maguire Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

(2) Have innocent motorists purchased cars in Victoria only to find when registering in New South Wales that the purchase is unregisterable, un-saleable and suitable only for dismantling?

(3) How is it that a motor vehicle registered in Victoria without a VIN can be owned for two years and then be registered by the owner when moving into New South Wales?

(4) Will you close the opportunity for Victorian owners of motor vehicles without VINs to be able to register their motor vehicle in New South Wales upon moving to the State?

380 ABORIGINAL LEGAL AID—Mr Maguire to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

(2) Does the criteria include income, assets etc?

(3) Does the same criteria apply to the Aboriginal Legal Aid Service when considering applications for legal aid?

(4) If not, why?

(5) What assessment criteria are used by the Aboriginal Legal Service?

(6) Does the service represent all Aboriginal people regardless of financial circumstances?

381 PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS—Mr Maguire to Minister for Police—

(a) How many licences are currently held in New South Wales?

(b) What was the figure for 1997?

(2) How many current licences were issued by the Courts without any report on the fitness of the applicant having been submitted by the officer in charge of police?

(3) How many persons holding licences were summoned between 1997 and 2002 to show cause why their licenses should not be cancelled?

(4) How many of any such licences were cancelled as consequence?

(5) Is the Register of those licences kept solely by the Commissioner for Police?

(6) Where is the Register currently held, and to whom do requests to examine it have to be made?

(7) How many requests by members of the public have been made to see the Register between 1997 and 2002?

(8) Are there any restrictions, other than payment of the prescribed fee, upon any member of the public having access to the Register?

(9) How are checks conducted, and by whom, to ascertain whether those persons holding a licence have displayed at their registered premises a conspicuous notice showing their names and descriptions?

(10) Following such checks, how many licence holders were found to have committed an offence under the Act between 1997 and 2002?

(11) When will the New South Wales government respond to the report commissioned by the Criminology Research Council, published in July 2002, entitled “ Private Investigators in Australia: Work, Law Ethics and Regulation”?

382 SYLVANIA HEALTH CARE—Mr Kerr to Minister for Health—

Will the Minister make public plans to relocate Sylvania Health Centre to the Sutherland Hospital campus?

383 CYCLEWAYS FUNDING—Mr Kerr to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

(2) Has that money been spent, and if so, where?

(3) What plans are there for increasing cycleways funding to the Cronulla electorate in the future?

384 BOTANY BAY COMMITTEE—Mr Kerr to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

Who are the members of the Botany Bay Strategy Advisory Committee?

385 SCHOOL CHILDREN PROTESTING —Ms Berejiklian to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

In relation to school children participating in “protest action” during school hours:

(2) What action has the Government taken to allay the concerns of parents, teachers and the broader community?

(3) What future action will the Government be taking in this regard?

386 CORRECTIONAL CENTRE APPLICATION PROCESS—MID NORTH COAST—Mr Stoner to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

What action have you taken or will you take to rectify an error in the processing of applications for employment at the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre, whereby a number of applicants, including Mr Robert McMillan, received a letter from the Human Resources section with other persons’ application forms enclosed?

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Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales

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