1
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 15 September 2005
1
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 15 September 2005
5399
PARLIAMENT OF NEW SOUTH WALES
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
2003-05
FIRST SESSION OF THE FIFTY-THIRD PARLIAMENT
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QUESTIONS
AND
ANSWERS
No. 143
THURSDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2005
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(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. 142
(Including Question Nos 4458 to 4488) | 18 October 2005 |
Q. & A. No. 143
(Including Question Nos 4489 to 4521) | 19 October 2005 |
Notice of Question given on the date shown
13 SEPTEMBER 2005
(Paper No. 142)
4458 PROPOSED TABULAM CORRECTION CENTRE—Mr Cansdell to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, and Minister for the Arts, representing the Minister for Justice, Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs—
4459 PRINCES HIGHWAY SPEED LIMIT—Mr Constance to Minister for Roads—
4460 ENDANGERED SPECIES UNIT—Mr George to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Natural Resources, Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Mineral Resources—
4461 INTEREST ON WORKCOVER PREMIUMS—Mr Fraser to Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, and Minister for State Development, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer and Vice President of the Executive Council—
4462 BUSINESS CLOSURES—Mr Fraser to Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, and Minister for State Development, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer and Vice President of the Executive Council—
4463 WORKCOVER AUDITS—Mr Fraser to Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, and Minister for State Development, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer and Vice President of the Executive Council—
4464 RENEWAL OF CONTRACTOR LICENCE—Mr Page to Minister for Western Sydney, Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—
4465 HEAVY VEHICLES—Mr Page to Minister for Roads—
4466 NEW ENGLAND HIGHWAY UPGRADES—Mr Page to Minister for Roads—
4467 GARFIELD ROAD RIVERSTONE—Mr Pringle to Minister for Roads—
4468 LAND TAX THRESHOLD FOR TRUSTS—Mr Pringle to Premier, Treasurer, and Minister for Citizenship—
4469 WATER ACCESS ONLY PROPERTIES—Mr Pringle to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, and Minister for the Arts, representing the Minister for Justice, Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs—
4470 BRANCH LINES—Mr Armstrong to Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, and Minister for State Development—
4471 DENTAL WAITING LISTS—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Planning, Minister for Redfern Waterloo, Minister for Science and Medical Research, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), representing the Minister for Health—
4472 TRUCK DRIVER FATIGUE—Mr Hartcher to Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, and Minister for State Development, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer and Vice President of the Executive Council—
4473 CARDIAC CATHETERISATION LABORATORY—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Planning, Minister for Redfern Waterloo, Minister for Science and Medical Research, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), representing the Minister for Health—
4474 WESTPORT TECHNOLOGY HIGH SUPPORT UNIT—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Education and Training—
4475 FUNDING WITHDRAWAL—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Planning, Minister for Redfern Waterloo, Minister for Science and Medical Research, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), representing the Minister for Health—
4476 CARE FACILITIES—Mr Maguire to Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Youth—
4477 TENANCY TRIBUNAL HEARINGS—Mr Aplin to Minister for Western Sydney, Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—
4478 ROADWORKS MULLENGANDRA PUBLIC SCHOOL—Mr Aplin to Minister for Roads—
4479 ALBURY LOCAL AREA COMMAND—Mr Aplin to Minister for Police, and Minister for Utilities—
4480 HORNSBY HOSPITAL VACANCIES—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Planning, Minister for Redfern Waterloo, Minister for Science and Medical Research, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), representing the Minister for Health—
4481 SANDMINING ROYALTIES—Mr Kerr to Minister for Planning, Minister for Redfern Waterloo, Minister for Science and Medical Research, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer)—
4482 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS STRATEGY—Mr Kerr to Minister for Planning, Minister for Redfern Waterloo, Minister for Science and Medical Research, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer)—
4483 WEED ERADICATION—Mr Kerr to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, and Minister for the Arts—
4484 FINE INCREASES AND NON-COMPLIANCE—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Western Sydney, Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—
4485 DP 34356—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Planning, Minister for Redfern Waterloo, Minister for Science and Medical Research, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer)—
4486 OXLEY HIGHWAY UPGRADE —Mr Stoner to Minister for Roads—
4487 IPART RECOMMENDATIONS—Mr Stoner to Minister for Planning, Minister for Redfern Waterloo, Minister for Science and Medical Research, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), representing the Minister for Health—
4488 FISHING LICENCE EXEMPTIONS—Mr Stoner to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Natural Resources, Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Mineral Resources—
14 SEPTEMBER 2005
(Paper No. 143)
4489 METROPOLITAN STRATEGY—Mr Pringle to Minister for Planning, Minister for Redfern Waterloo, Minister for Science and Medical Research, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer)—
With regard to the Metropolitan Strategy, and the Managing Sydney’s Growth Workshops:
(1) Who represented small land owners at the Managing Sydney’s Urban Growth workshops?
(2) Where are the definitions for “landscape” and “rural life style zone” so that factual submissions can be done?
(3) Where are the environmental studies, that the Metropolitan Strategy relies upon, available for view or purchase?
(4) Who paid for the environmental studies that were used?
(5) Are these environmental studies only available to developers and Government?
(6) Is there a secrecy agreement signed by the former Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR) regarding the studies?
(7) Why were the selected areas selected to go green?
(8) What criteria was used for the land to go green?
(9) Why weren’t small land owners at the table?
(10) Why weren’t small land owners informed of the changes to their land zoning?
(11) Why wasn’t this plan heavily advertised?
(12) What criteria was originally intended to be used for selection of land owners present at these meetings? Was the criteria changed mid-way, and if so, by whom?
(13) Were those present at these meetings signed to silence?
(14) Have the original maps been changed or redefined since the developers were included in the meetings?
(15) Why have small land owners been given only two months to get their submissions in, when developers have had years?
4490 LITHGOW CITY COUNCIL CORRESPONDENCE—Mr Pringle to Minister for Local Government—
When does the Minister propose to respond to complaints from Mr Jack Ellis made over three months ago concerning Lithgow City Council?
4491 VINEYARD RAILWAY STATION SHELTER SHEDS—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, and Minister for State Development—
When does the Minister propose to repair the vandalised Vineyard Station shelter shed’s glass panels to improve conditions for elderly residents in the area?
4492 RENAL DIALYSIS FACILITY—Ms Seaton to Minister for Planning, Minister for Redfern Waterloo, Minister for Science and Medical Research, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), representing the Minister for Health—
Will the Minister honour commitments made by the former CEO of South West Sydney Area Health Services, Mr Ian Southwell, regarding the Government’s intention to provide a suitable venue, plus qualified medical staff, for renal dialysis equipment provided by the Southern Highlands Renal Association through funds raised in the community? If so, when?
4493 CLINICAL SERVICES PLAN—Ms Seaton to Minister for Planning, Minister for Redfern Waterloo, Minister for Science and Medical Research, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), representing the Minister for Health—
(1) On what dates were community forums or other methods of community input undertaken in respect of the clinical services plan being developed for the South West Sydney Area Health Services, specifically in respect of the Wingecarribee and Macarthur health service areas?
(2) What were the arrangements for these events, from the community was invited, and who attended?
(3) What priorities for the Wingecarribee and Macarthur health services were advocated by:
(a) health department managers in each of these two areas;
(b) community representatives?
(4) When will the plan be made public and what arrangements will be made for community input?
4494 ANNUAL RETURNS—Mr Oakeshott to Premier, Treasurer, and Minister for Citizenship—
(1) What have been the annual returns to Government from stamp duties on insurance premiums from the years 1995 to 2005?
(2) What have been the annual returns to Government from fire levies collected from the year 1995 to 2005?
4495 AUSLINK AGREEMENT—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Roads—
(1) Why is the Government not signing the Auslink agreement with the Federal Government that would see $160 million per annum committed to Pacific Highway upgrades from 2006-2009?
(2) If the Government will not sign the agreement, what is the Government’s alternate plan to see at the very least this level of expenditure over the coming three years?
4496 HARRINGTON BOWLING CLUB—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Planning, Minister for Redfern Waterloo, Minister for Science and Medical Research, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer)—
What is current status of the application by Harrington Bowling Club, that has in-principle support from Greater Taree City Council, for a small decking over part reserve 54790?
4497 BOOK LAUNCH—Mr Stoner to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, and Minister for the Arts—
In relation to a book launch at the Kempsey Macleay RSL Club on 7 July 2005 during NAIDOC week:
(1) Did your Department fund the provision of lunch and dinner for a number of people at the above named club?
(2) Is so, how much was expended and for what reason?
(3) How many persons were meals provided for?
(4) Were these people departmental staff or from other organisations?
(5) How long did the function continue for?
(6) Were any departmental staff involved in altercations with staff at the Club?
4498 RAINWATER TANK REBATE SCHEME—Mr Stoner to Minister for Police, and Minister for Utilities—
In relation to the rainwater tank rebate scheme:
(1) How many rainwater tank rebate applications have been successful under Sydney Water Corporation’s rainwater tank rebate scheme since its introduction in October 2002?
(2) What is the total amount of money Sydney Water Corporation has spent on rainwater tank rebates since their introduction on October 20 2002?
(3) How many rainwater tank rebates has Sydney Water Corporation forecasted will be claimed over the next:
(a) Financial year?
(b) Remaining period of rebate scheme?
(4) What is the total amount of money forecast to be spent by Sydney Water on the rainwater tank rebates over the next:
(a) Financial year?
(b) Remaining period of the rebate scheme?
(5) What percentage of the total rebates that have been paid, included the additional $150 for connecting the rainwater tank to a toilet and/or washing machine?
4499 M2 MOTORWAY—Mr Stoner to Minister for Roads—
1. Has the Government, as part of the deal between the New South Wales Government and the consortium that built and operated the M2 motorway, undertaken not to build a rail link to the Hills district in Sydney’s North West?
(2) Would the owner/operators of the M2 receive monetary compensation from the New South Wales Government if the Government does build a rail link?
4500 DUAL CARRIAGEWAY UPGRADE—HEXHAM TO QUEENSLAND BORDER—Mr Page to Minister for Roads—
(1) What is the latest total cost estimate of completing the dual carriageway from Hexham to the Queensland border?
(2) Assuming public funding was $160 million (State) and $160 million (Federal) how long would it take to complete the dual carriageway?
(3) If public funding were maintained by both the State and Federal Government, but a toll was put in place to reduce the time taken to complete the upgrade to dual carriageway standard in approximately 10 years, what estimated additional toll would be necessary to charge for:
(a) cars - Brisbane to Sydney (assuming local vehicles are exempt)
(b) heavy vehicles - Brisbane to Sydney (assuming local vehicles are exempt)?
(4) If no public funding were maintained, what would the estimated toll be for:
(a) cars - Brisbane to Sydney (assuming local vehicles are exempt)
(b) heavy vehicles - Brisbane to Sydney (assuming local vehicles are exempt)?
(5) Is it the State and Federal Government’s intention to maintain their funding commitment of $160 million each (total $320 million per year) and introduce a toll on top of that to hasten the conclusion of the project?
(6) If so, what process would be undertaken for reaching agreement between the State and Federal Government in regard to a proposed toll?
(7) Will this process involve public consultation?
(8) When will the State Government announce what the future holds for the upgrade of the Pacific Highway?
4501 KURNELL BUFFER ZONE—Mr Kerr to Minister for Planning, Minister for Redfern Waterloo, Minister for Science and Medical Research, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer)—
What study has been undertaken by the Department of Natural Resources, or its predecessor the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources concerning a buffer zone for the Caltex oil Refinery at Kurnell?
4502 KINGSWAY RIGHT TURN PHASING—Mr Kerr to Minister for Roads—
When will the Minister answer my letter dated 18 July 2005 to the former Minister for Roads concerning the urgent need for right turn arrow phasing to protect the lives of pedestrians crossing the Kingsway at the intersection of Port Hacking Road, following the death of an elderly pedestrian?
4503 TYRE DAMAGE—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Roads—
(1) How many claims for compensation for tyre damage caused by “bleeding” of new bitumen seal on the Burley Griffin Way at the Galong Crossroads during periods of high temperatures between November, 2004 and January, 2005 have been settled?
(2) What is the total amount paid out in compensation?
(3) Has the assessment of two outstanding claims been completed?
(4) If so, has compensation been paid?
(5) If compensation has not been paid can the Minister indicate when the two outstanding claims will be finalised?
4504 BREASTSCREEN PROGRAM—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Planning, Minister for Redfern Waterloo, Minister for Science and Medical Research, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), representing the Minister for Health—
(1) Was the NSW BreastScreen Program established to target all women aged between 40 and 79?
(2) Has the Program’s target group of women been changed to include only those aged between 50 and 69?
(3) If yes, can the Minister explain why access to free scans for breast cancer has been restricted to those women aged between 50 and 69?
(4) Was the restricted access caused by Government budgetary constraints?
(5) Will the Minister give immediate consideration to broadening the BreastScreen Program to include the original target group of women aged between 40 and 79?
(6) Does the Minister admit that the lives of women outside the 50 to 69 age group have been put at risk by the Government’s decision to restrict access to free scans for breast cancer?
(7) Does the Minister acknowledge that women in their 40s account for 18 per cent of all breast cancer cases?
(8) Does the Minister acknowledge that women aged over 70 make up 27 per cent of all breast cancer cases?
(9) What was the participation rate in the BreastScreen Program for women aged 50-69 in 2002-03?
(10) What was the participation rate in the BreastScreen Program for women aged 50-69 in 2003-04?
(11) What was the participation rate in the BreastScreen Program for women aged 50-69 in 2004-05?
(12) If the participation rate has declined can the Minister equate the percentage drop to the number of women aged 50-69 not accessing the Program?
(13) Is the number of women being turned away from outside the 50-59 age group unacceptably high?
(14) Will the Minister give a commitment to allocate adequate funding to expand access to the BreastScreen Program beyond the restricted age group of 50-69?
4505 TICKET NUMBERS—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, and Minister for State Development—
What is the annual number of tickets sold from Caringbah, Woolooware and Cronulla Railway Stations for the following years:
(a) 1994?
(b) 2003?
(c) 2004?
4506 ALSTONVILLE BYPASS COMPLETION—Mr Page to Minister for Roads—
(1) Is the current Minister for Roads committed to the timetable outlined by former Premier Carr for the completion of the Alstonville Bypass?
2. Given the commencement date has already been extended from early 2005 to 2006 will the Minister give a commitment that the Alstonville Bypass will commence in 2006 as promised by the previous Roads Minister?
4507 VENDOR TAX —Mr Page to Premier, Treasurer, and Minister for Citizenship—
(1) How many people paid vendor tax from its introduction in 1 June 2004 to its abolition on 2 August 2005?
(2) What was the volume of vendor tax revenue received by the Treasury during the period the vendor tax applied?
4508 KURINGGAI COUNCIL REPORT—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Local Government—
Will the Department of Local Government investigate a possible breach of Section 664 of the Local Government Act, with the release and publication of the contents of a confidential Council report of 31 August on Code of Conduct matters in the 2nd September edition of the Sydney “Daily Telegraph” under the heading “Mayor in war over words”, that influenced the outcome of the 2005 Mayoral election? If proven, could this lead to the dismissal of a councillor or staff member?
4509 ACCIDENT/FATALITIES STATISTICS—Mr Maguire to Minister for Roads—
(1) How many road accidents are caused by cars running red lights?
(2) How many road accidents are caused by cars running amber lights?
(3) How many fatalities are caused by cars running red lights?
(4) How many fatalities are caused by cars running amber lights?
4510 BACK TO SCHOOL ALLOWANCE—Mr Amery to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Education and Training—
(1) How many persons received funds from the New South Wales Government by way of the Back to School allowance in 2005?
(2) How many of these persons received this assistance in the Mount Druitt electorate?
(3) How much money was paid to parents in the Mount Druitt electorate for this assistance for the 2005 school year?
4511 OFFENCE CHARGES—Mr Amery to Minister for Police, and Minister for Utilities—
(1) What is the total of persons who have been charged with any offence at the Mount Druitt Police station from the 1st January 2005 to the 31st August 2005?
(2) How many of the above were from drug related crimes?
4512 HIGHWAY ACCESS—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Roads—
With regard to the Roads and Traffic Authority’s previous indication that the residents of North Arm Cove would be given off highway access directly to Karuah and to the Myall Way, what is the current position in relation to the provision of that access?
4513 BEACH ACCESS—Mr J.H. Turner to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, and Minister for the Arts—
(1) Under equal opportunities legislation what have the National Parks and Wildlife Service done to enable people with disabilities to access National Parks, in particular to enable such disabled people to access beaches where it is otherwise impossible for them to access the beaches because of their incapacity to access them otherwise than by four-wheel drive vehicles?
(2) Are professional fisherman able to access beaches in the Myall Lakes National Park that are otherwise closed to four-wheel drive vehicles?
(3) If so, how?
(4) If so, why?
(5) Does the National Parks and Wildlife Service have a code of preserving the heritage of Australia?
(6) Is so, why were huts previously located at Yagon and built before the area was declared a National Park destroyed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service after the area was declared a National Park?
(7) Has the National Parks and Wildlife Service given any consideration to the reopening of closed beaches to the public, but imposing a charge for four-wheel drive access and the utilisation of that revenue for the rejuvenation of beaches and other National Parks and Wildlife Service assets?
(8) If so, what has been under consideration?
(9) If not, why not?
(10) What study has been carried out by the National Parks and Wildlife Service as to any definitive damage that is done to beaches by four-wheel drives versus damage from natural causes?
4514 POLICE OFFICE TRAINING—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Police, and Minister for Utilities—
(1) Do police officers receive training in the handling of people with a mental illness?
(2) How often is this training offered (i.e. is it every year of service) and how long are the sessions each year?
(3) What evaluation is undertaken of this training to ensure effectiveness?
4515 STONE MASTIC ASPHALT ROAD SURFACES—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Roads—
(1) Are any road surfaces in the Hornsby electorate made of “stone mastic asphalt”?
(2) If so, which roads and what surface area?
(3) Have any accidents occurred as a result of this road surface?
(4) If so, were any accidents associated with death or serious injury?
4516 HOUSE FIRE NUMBERS—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, and Minister for the Arts, representing the Minister for Justice, Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs—
(1) How many house fires have been reported in each postcode area across New South Wales during 2003, 2004 and 2005 to date?
(2) How many deaths, by postcode, occurred in 2003, 2004 and 2005 to date (only postcodes where deaths occurred)?
(3) How many injuries, by postcode, occurred in 2003, 2004 and 2005 to date?
4517 DEPARTMENT EXPENDITURE—Mr Constance to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—
(1) How much money has been spent by the Department of Aboriginal Affairs over the last 12 months in the Bega electorate?
(2) What is your Department doing to deal with issues in Pambula and Moruya?
4518 PSYCHIATRIC BEDS—Mr Constance to Minister for Planning, Minister for Redfern Waterloo, Minister for Science and Medical Research, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), representing the Minister for Health—
Did the management at Bega District Hospital undertake an assessment for psychiatric beds at the hospital and was it determined that beds could be located at the hospital?
4519 COMMONWEALTH ROAD FUNDING—Mr Fraser to Minister for Roads—
How much Commonwealth funding for roads (including flood damage funding) has been returned by way of fees, wages etc. to the Roads and Traffic Authority since 2003?
4520 AUDITOR AND INSPECTOR NUMBERS—Mr Fraser to Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, and Minister for State Development, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer and Vice President of the Executive Council—
(1) How many WorkCover and Occupational Health and Safety auditors and inspectors are employed by the Government?
(2) What is the cost of:
(a) Wages;
(b) Cars;
(c) Mobile Phones;
(d) Offices;
(e) Any other costs?
4521 DOCUMENTATION CLARIFICATION—Mr Fraser to Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, and Minister for State Development, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant Treasurer and Vice President of the Executive Council—
How can matters concerning subcontractors which are under appeal be determined by WorkCover when WorkCover cannot issue clarification of what documentary evidence is required by applicants to prove that a subcontractor is a subcontractor and not a deemed worker?
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Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales