Questions and Answers No. 105, Tuesday 4 September 2001

3116
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Tuesday 4 September 2001


3117
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Tuesday 4 September 2001


3033








PARLIAMENT OF NEW SOUTH WALES
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

1999-2000-2001

SECOND SESSION OF THE FIFTY-SECOND PARLIAMENT

___________


QUESTIONS
AND
ANSWERS

no. 105

Tuesday 4 September 2001
___________




(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. 89 (Including Question Nos 1984 to 2035)	3 July 2001
Q. & A. No. 90 (Including Question Nos 2036 to 2071)	4 July 2001
Q. & A. No. 91 (Including Question Nos 2072 to 2095)	5 July 2001
Q. & A. No. 92 (Including Question Nos 2096 to 2108)	10 July 2001
Q. & A. No. 93 (Including Question Nos 2109 to 2145)	11 July 2001
Q. & A. No. 94 (Including Question Nos 2146 to 2183)	12 July 2001
Q. & A. No. 95 (Including Question Nos 2184 to 2210)	13 July 2001
Q. & A. No. 96 (Including Question Nos 2211 to 2218)	14 July 2001
Q. & A. No. 97 (Including Question Nos 2219 to 2235)	25 July 2001
Q. & A. No. 98 (Including Question Nos 2236 to 2253)	26 July 2001
Q. & A. No. 99 (Including Question Nos 2254 to 2276)	27 July 2001
Q. & A. No. 100 (Including Question Nos 2277 to 2281)	28 July 2001
Q. & A. No. 101 (Including Question Nos 2282 to 2299)	31 July 2001
Q. & A. No. 102 (Including Question Nos 2300 to 2331)	1 August 2001
Q. & A. No. 103 (Including Question Nos 2332 to 2351)	2 August 2001
Q. & A. No. 104 (Including Question Nos 2352 to 2370)	3 August 2001
Q. & A. No. 105 (Including Question Nos 2371 to 2387)	4 August 2001

Notice of Question given on the date shown

29 MAY 2001

(Paper No. 89)

*1986 AVOS—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Police—

(1) How many AVOs were issued in NSW in 2000?
(2) How many AVOs were issued in NSW in 1999?
(3) How many AVOs were issued in 2000 in the following Local Area Commands:
(a) Griffith Local Area Command?
(b) Cootamundra Local Area Command?
(c) Wagga Wagga Local Area Command?
(d) Lachlan Local Area Command?
(e) Canobolas Local Area Command?

Answer—

Apprehended Violence Orders are issued by the court. The Honourable Member should address his question to the Attorney General.

*1987 SCOTTS CREEK VENT—Mr Collins to Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

(1) In view of the Scotts Creek vent’s immediate proximity to Glenaeon School’s playground, is the Minister aware that highly qualified experts have advised that particular people, especially children and the aged, could be adversely affected by the vent emissions- eg those with severe asthma, or those on medication which suppresses their immune system?
(2) Is the Minister aware that the Glenaeon School is trying to fulfil its duty of care to these children by removing them from the vicinity when the vent is active, but that Sydney Water has said that as a matter of principle it will not notify the school when the Scotts Creek vent is operating?
Is the Minister aware that as a result the School is having to ring Sydney Water at least once a day to ask whether the vent is operating, and has no guarantee that appropriate staff will always be available to answer the question, or that the vent will not start operating at some later stage in the day?
Does the Minister agree that the onus should not be on the school to ring Sydney Water every day to determine whether the vent is operating?
(3) Will the Minister direct Sydney Water to notify the Glenaeon school directly, or a nominated school officer if outside school hours, when the Scotts Creek vent is about to operate so that the school can fulfil its duty of care?
(4) Will the Minister direct Sydney Water to take action so that pregnant, immune-suppressed or otherwise medically sensitive residents can know when the vent is operating and can therefore choose to remove themselves from the vicinity?
(5) Will the Minister direct Sydney Water to install a flashing light or other visual indication on the Scotts Creek vent so that bushwalkers and residents can remove themselves from the area to avoid exposure to the emissions?
(6) Now that extra filters have been installed on the Scotts Creek vent, largely as a result of Mediation between Sydney Water and the community, will the Glenaeon School, which is a non-profit organisation, and Willoughby Council be reimbursed for their expenses incurred in that Mediation?
(7) Is the Minister aware that several families have withdrawn their children from Glenaeon School because of the Scotts Creek vent and in particular because of Sydney Water’s refusal to commit to informing the school that the vent will be operating? Will Glenaeon School, a non-profit educational establishment, be compensated for loss of income from students leaving the school because of the vent?

Answer—

(1) to (7) An independent expert panel convened by the NSW Chief Health Officer met to discuss alleged impacts on public health. The Expert Panel was unanimous in its view that the evidence indicates that the filtered vent presents no increase in risks to public health.
Based upon this advice, Sydney Water is strongly of the view that the operation of the ventilation system at Scotts Creek does not increase any public health impacts to the Glenaeon School and the surrounding community. The Chief Health Officer’s Expert Panel has also advised that it believes aerosol and pathogen monitoring is unnecessary given the engineering controls and maintenance program already in place. A final filter has been installed at both the Scotts Creek and Lane Cove River West vents in addition to other filtering mechanisms. The Chief Health Officer’s Expert Panel is unanimous in the view that addition of the final filter removes any possibility of microbial dispersion from the vent. The final filter will provide further reassurance to community members. Additionally, based on advice received from the Chief Health Officer’s Expert Panel, Sydney Water believes that the operation of the Northside Storage Tunnel confers important public health benefits because of the improved recreational water quality in Sydney Harbour. This is because the project represents an improvement on the previous situation where raw sewage overflowed in the area on a regular basis.

*1988 HEALTH EFFECTS FROM NORTHSIDE STORAGE TUNNEL VENT—Mr Collins to Minister for Health—

(1) The Health Department convened a Panel of Experts to examine the health effects of emissions from the Northside Storage Tunnel vent at Scotts Creek.
(a) Can he explain why the opinions of that Health Panel have been accepted by the State Government given that they did not meet the most fundamental of the three of their Terms of Reference, ie that its advice be “evidence based”?
(b) Can he explain why the Health Department has been unable to produce any documents showing how they were briefed on the workings of the Northside Storage Tunnel, the Scotts Creek vent and filter system?
(2) During Mediation, a different health panel was convened, which in the interests of impartiality was briefed jointly by Sydney Water and the community technical experts. Was the Health Department Expert Panel provided with the same briefing papers that were jointly prepared by Sydney Water and the community in mediation? If not, why not?
(3) Can he explain why the Expert Health panel did not examine the effects of possible toxins in gaseous emissions from trade waste and any other chemical dumps into the sewer?

Answer—

(1) (a) The conclusions of the Expert Panel were based on sound, peer-reviewed literature and were evidence-based, as defined within the specialty of Epidemiology.
(b) The Expert Panel was briefed orally by senior staff and engineers of the Northside Tunnel Alliance, including demonstrations of the working model of the Tunnel and a site visit. No specific written documentation was generated for these briefings.
(2) The NSW Department of Health Expert Panel was orally briefed on the overall function of the tunnel, as described above. Documentation relating to the specific issue of potential for pathogen overgrowth and spread was also provided, including evidence given by the community to the parliamentary inquiry.
(3) The Expert Panel was convened to consider potential microbiological effects of the tunnel. Gaseous emissions had been considered in the design of the tunnel.

*1989 SCOTTS CREEK VENT—Mr Collins to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

(1) The Northside Storage Tunnel operating conditions are currently being assessed by DUAP, through the approval process for the Environmental Operations Management Plan (OEMP)?
Will the Minister support the community’s calls for controls on the operations of the Scotts Creek vent to be incorporated into the OEMP?
In particular, will the Minister insist that the conditions include the following:
(a) Notification of the Glenaeon School when the vent is about to operate so children whose parents believe they may be sensitive to emissions can be removed from the vicinity?
(b) A flashing light or other indication that the vent is operating, so that bushwalkers and others can avoid exposure to the emissions (as recommended by the Waterways Advisory panel final report)?
(c) Monitoring for legionella growth in the filters as recommended by the Legislative Council Standing Committee report?
(d) Monitoring for other pathogens in the emissions as recommended by the Legislative Council Standing Committee report?
(e) Monitoring for gaseous emissions from trade waste and any other chemical dumps into the sewer?
(f) Maintenance of the final filters at least to the appropriate Australian Standard?
(2) The Northside Storage Tunnel Community Liaison Committees were disbanded by Sydney Water before the Tunnel was commissioned, leaving the community without a forum to address community concerns. Will the Minister require that Community Liaison Committees be re-formed for at least another year until it is established that the vent facilities are satisfactory?

Answer—

(1) Yes. Appropriate controls will be required as the result of the outcome of the assessment process.
(a) Yes. Appropriate notification will be required.
(b) See above.
(c) The need for such monitoring is being considered.
(d) See above.
(e) No. Sydney Water Corporation's trade waste management regime is the most appropriate way of dealing with this matter.
(f) An appropriate level of maintenance will be required.
(2) Sydney Water Corporation will be required to establish consultative committees.

*1990 POLICE CITIZENS YOUTH CLUBS —Ms Seaton to Minister for Police—

(1) Have you or any officers of the NSW Police Service discussed the possible handing over of Police Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC) from Police Service to local government?
(2) Which PCYCs are planned to be cut from Police Service management?
(3) Will police resources be stripped from PCYC in any handovers to councils?
(4) How many councils have been approached regarding changes to the management and ownership of PCYCs?
(5) Which councils have been approached about such changes?


Answer—

(1)to(5) The Government is not considering handing over Police and Community Youth Clubs to local Government. The Government is committed to maintaining a uniformed police presence in all PYCYs in New South Wales.

*1991 SYDNEY CATCHMENT AUTHORITY —Ms Seaton to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

Regarding the opening of the Sydney Catchment Authority Office in
(a) Moss Vale and
(b) Goulburn:
(1) How many community members were invited?
(2) How many staff members from SCA HQ in Penrith attended?
(3) How many State-government media officers were involved?
(4) What was the cost of catering for the functions?
(5) What was the cost in lost productivity of State agency staff?
(6) Why have you refused to locate all SCA staff within the catchment?


Answer—

I am advised that an open invitation was extended to the community to attend the official opening of the Sydney Catchment Authority’s Moss Vale and Goulburn Offices. Also invited were all members of the community-based SCA Southern Regional Catchment Consultative Committee, representatives of local government and other community-based organisations (such as Landcare and Catchment Management Committees). A small number of the Authority’s head office staff also attended.
The Honourable Member seems to be unaware that a large proportion of Authority staff are already located throughout the catchment to perform the important work required. The remainder of staff are located at Penrith, a location chosen for its close proximity to many of the Authority’s key assets including Prospect Reservoir and Warragamba Dam. I remain firmly committed to the continuation of these jobs in Western Sydney, even if the Honourable Member does not.

*1993 GUN CONTROL—Mr Piccoli to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

(1) How much funding does the NSW Government provide to the National Coalition for Gun Control?
(2) Has the NSW Government provided any grants or any funding of any kind to the Coalition for Gun Control?

Answer—

(1) to (2) I have sought advice from the relevant Ministers- the Minister for Police, the Attorney General and the Minister for Health. The Ministry for Police has advised that they are not aware of any funding having been provided to the National Coalition for Gun Control (NCGC). The Attorney General’s Department advises that they are not aware of any funding having been provided to the NCGC. NSW Health advises that the NSW Department of Health does not provide any funding to the NCGC.

*1994 EXEMPTIONS TO CHEQUE CASHING RESTRICTIONS—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Gaming and Racing, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Hunter Development—

(1) How many registered clubs and hotels in NSW have been granted exemptions to cheque cashing restrictions?
(2) What have been the list of reasons for the exemptions?

Answer—

(1) As at 19 June 2001, the Liquor Administration Board had granted a total of 300 exemptions. 85 of these were for clubs and 215 for hotels. As of the same date applications from 34 clubs and 24 hotels were deferred while further information was awaited. Applications from 2 clubs and 1 hotel have been refused.
(2) I approved the guidelines that enabled clubs or hotels to apply for exemptions to the cheque cashing restrictions. It is important to note that a club or hotel is only eligible to apply for an exemption to the cheque cashing restrictions if it is located outside the Sydney Metropolitan area, and the local government areas of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Wollongong. This recognises the fact that venues in rural and remote areas of NSW can have very limited banking facilities. These guidelines also list the circumstances under which an exemption to the restrictions on cheque cashing can be considered.
The main reasons for the Board approving an application include that the geographical location of the venue makes access to financial facilities difficult, that there are no alternative financial facilities within 5 kilometres of the venue, that the hours of operation of such financial facilities are such that they are not adequate for the needs of the surrounding area, or that the average number of cheques usually cashed indicates a clear need for the service (such as large numbers of paycheques for rural workers).
The Board may take into account any additional matters considered relevant when determining applications.

*1995 SPEECH THERAPY—Mr Torbay to Minister for Health—

Can the Minister advise what action has been taken to maintain speech therapy services in the Glen Innes area?

Answer—

The New England Area Health Service is currently reviewing Speech Therapy services across the Area in order to ensure that all communities in New England have fair and equitable access to these services.
The Area Health Service will be recruiting to permanently fill the speech therapy position at Glen Innes. This position will work in partnership with the speech therapist position based at Inverell and, as a team, will provide services to Glen Innes, Inverell, Tenterfield, Emmaville and surrounding townships.

*1996 FISH FINGERLINGS—Mr Torbay to Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs, representing the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—

Can the Minister indicate why no fish fingerlings were released in the New England area with one exception (Pindari Dam) in the 1999-2000 year? How does this occur in light of the Recreational Fishing Licence Fee that is supposed to be used for restocking?

Answer—

There were numerous releases of fingerlings in the New England Region during the 1999 to 2000 year, including Lake Inverell, Copeton Dam, Pindari Dam, the Severn River, MacIntyre River, Tenterfield Creek and Deepwater River. The main species stocked at fingerling size were rainbow trout, silver perch, golden perch and Murray cod. In addition to fingerling releases, there were fry and adult releases totalling over 600,000 and comprising of silver perch, golden perch, Murray cod, Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout.
The New England area has and will continue to be stocked through the enhanced fish stocking program funded through the Recreational Fishing Trust. The freshwater fee also funds many other recreational fishing projects as recommended by the angler trust committee, including the Fishcare Volunteer Program, research and habitat conservation and restoration projects

*1997 NEW ENGLAND REGION—Mr Torbay to Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs, representing the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—

(1) Why is it necessary to have a NSW Fishing Licence to carry fishing gear in NSW to fish in Queensland?
(2) What fish fingerlings were released in the New England region in the 1999-2000 season and where were they released?

Answer—

(1) The basis of the question is unclear. The NSW Government does not regulate fishing activities in Queensland. I’d be happy to examine any specific cases.
(2) There were numerous releases of fingerlings in the New England Region during the 1999 to 2000 year, including Lake Inverell, Copeton Dam, Pindari Dam, the Severn River, MacIntyre River, Tenterfield Creek and Deepwater River. The main species stocked at fingerling size were rainbow trout, silver perch, golden perch and Murray cod.

*1998 CCTV STATISTICS—Mr Kerr to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

What statistics are kept of the number of times Closed Circuit Television data has led to the successful identification and conviction of a suspect?

Answer—

The Government released guidelines in June 2000 to assist local councils and public transport authorities which were considering the use of closed circuit television (CCTV) to address crime in public places. These guidelines, as well as the effectiveness of CCTV in public places as a crime prevention strategy, are currently being evaluated by consultants.
Whilst use of the guidelines is not mandatory, the Government strongly encourages all agencies to take them into account when considering the development of CCTV, so that any CCTV surveillance will be both lawful and appropriate.
The guidelines recommend that agencies collect statistics as part of their monitoring and evaluation plan. They also recommend that an incident reporting and analysis system should be included in any CCTV initiative.
The Attorney General’s Department is not responsible for maintaining statistical records on the use of CCTV in public places.

*1999 KURNELL LAND—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

Who owns the area of land zoned 6(a) with boundaries of the Caltex Oil Refinery, Reserve Road, Cook Street and the Botany Bay National Park at Kurnell?

Answer—

To ascertain land ownership details, this question would be more appropriately directed to Sutherland Shire Council.

*2000 CHARGING FACILITIES—Mr Kerr to Minister for Police—

(1) Are there full charging facilities at Cronulla Police Station?
(2) What are these facilities?
(3) In the event of an offender being arrested in Kurnell where would that offender be charged?

Answer—

(1) to (3) I am advised by the Deputy Commissioner, Field Operations that the charging capabilities for the Miranda Local Area Command are operated from Miranda Police Station.

*2001 GRANTS COMMISSION INQUIRY—Mr Debnam to Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

In relation to the review of the Commonwealth Grants Commission announced in your 26 March press release, “States Form Alliance to Reform Commonwealth-State Financial Relations”:
(1) Which “high-profile, credible and experienced person” has been chosen to chair the inquiry?
(2) Who else will form part of the inquiry committee?
(3) What are the terms of reference of the announced inquiry?
(4) When will the inquiry formally commence and when will a report and/or set of recommendations be produced?


Answer—

(1) The chair of the inquiry will be announced in the near future.
(2) The review team will comprise a representative from each of the three State Treasuries as well as a team leader.
(3) The terms of reference of the review are as follows:
1. We refer for review and report to the governments of New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia the methods of allocating Commonwealth grants to the States, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory (the States).
2. In particular, the review should examine and report on the appropriateness of the current level of subsidy paid by the taxpayers of New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia to the governments of Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. The review should take into account the relative budgetary strengths of those jurisdictions’ governments, and the socio-economic characteristics of their residents.
3. The review should measure the current system against the following characteristics:
i) Efficient allocation of resources across Australia to enhance national employment and economic growth;
ii) Achievement of equitable outcomes for all Australians; and
iii) Simplicity and transparency.
4. The review should examine the current system on the basis of the characteristics in (3), and cite examples of where the current system is achieving or not achieving these objectives.
5. The review should produce options and recommendations for reforms, including pathways to achieve such reform, in order to improve the achievement of objectives in (3).
6. The review should undertake consultation with interested parties. In order to maximise the effectiveness of such consultation, the review may wish to canvas the issues in discussion papers and provide briefings to interested parties.
7. The final report should be provided to the Treasurers of New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia no later than 21 February 2002.
(4) The inquiry will formally commence as soon as a chair is appointed. The final report will be provided to the Treasurers of the three States no later than 21 February 2002.

*2002 PREMIER'S DEPARTMENT WEBSITE—Mr Debnam to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

In relation to the Premier’s Department website:
(1) How is the indicator of visitor numbers that appears at the bottom of the Premier’s Department home page computed?
(2) What data is collected on the characteristics of visitors to the Premier’s Department website and what is done with it?
(3) Does the website allow data to be collected on:
(a) The number of visits to specific parts of the site?
(b) The number of repeat visits to specific parts of the site?
(c) The domain name and/or server of visitors to the website?
(d) The location of visitors to the website?
(e) The email address of visitors to the website?

Answer—

(1) The “counter” on the Premiers department website home page (http://www.premiers.nsw.gov.au) measures the number of times that the home page is viewed by visitors to the website. Each visit to this page increments the counter by one unit.
(2) The Premier’s Department website is hosted by a commercial organisation. This organisation also hosts many other commercial and government websites and provides software which allows their clients to view website statistics on visitor activity and other website visitor characteristics.
The schedule below shows the information that the statistics software has the capacity to provide.
Server Activity Totals For Period:
Total sessions served:
Total hits made on server:
Total page view hits:
Total non page view hits:
Total time spent by all sessions: (seconds)
Total bandwidth: (kilobytes)
Session Average for Period:
Total sessions served:
Average page hits per session:
Average page views per session:
Average time spent per session: (seconds)
Average bandwidth usage per session: (kilobytes)
Session Origins for Period:
Total sessions served:
Total search engine referred sessions:
Total referred sessions:
Total blind (no referrer) sessions:
Page Views per Session Breakdown:
Time Spent per Session Breakdown
Page Usage Analysis
Total pages tracked during the period:
Total page views recorded:
The average number of views recorded:
Top 10 most commonly accessed pages during period:
Top 10 least commonly accessed pages during period:
Top 10 most common error pages:
Top 10 entry point pages (first pages viewed):
Top 10 exit point pages (last pages viewed):
Top 10 pages which were the only page viewed:
User Agent Analysis
Total sessions served during period
Most active browsers by type and version:
Most browsers by brand preference;
Most popular user operating systems used for access:
Top 10 new browser tags during period:
Referrer Activity Analysis
Total sessions served during period:
Total search engine referred sessions:
Total referred session:
Total blind (no referrer) sessions:
Total referring domains tracked during period:
Top 10 most active referring domains during period:
Top 10 most active referring search engines:
Top 10 referring URLs during period:
Top 10 NEW referring URLs recorded during period:
Sessions by Network Location
Breakdown of American Traffic by State
Breakdown of Canadian Traffic by Province
Breakdown of Traffic by Continent
Breakdown of traffic from the continent of North America
Breakdown of traffic from the continent of South America
Breakdown of traffic from the continent of Europe
Breakdown of traffic from the continent of Asia
Breakdown of traffic from the continent of Australia and Oceana
Breakdown of traffic from the continent of Africa
(3) The software which generates statistical information relating to the website:
(a) Can monitor information on the number of visits to specific parts of the website.
(b) Is unable to monitor repeat visits
(c) Can monitor the internet protocol addresses of visitors to the website and therefore can monitor domain name or server information.
(d) Can monitor the international location of visitors to the website.
(e) Is unable to monitor e-mail addresses of visitors

*2003 GOVERNMENT CHARGES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

In relation to CPI linked increases in government charges:
(1) In advice prepared for the Statutory and Other Offices Remuneration Tribunal’s 2000 determination on Senior Executive Service remuneration, did NSW Treasury forecast that “the Consumer Price Index for Sydney will be 3 percent but will reach 6 percent because of the GST”?
(2) Is he aware of the Commonwealth Treasurer’s press release of 24 April 2001 which states that the one-off inflationary impact from The New Tax System was around 3 percentage points?
(3) Is he aware of the RBA’s May 2001 “Statement on Monetary Policy” which states that of 6 percent inflation for the year to March, around 3 percentage points are likely to be the effect of the GST and other tax measures?
(4) Given the above, why, in Treasury Circular 01/09, “Consumer Price Index Discount Factor for the Impact of Indirect Tax Reform”, has he applied a GST discount factor of just 2.5 percentage points and why has his own assessment departed from that of NSW Treasury, Commonwealth Treasury and the RBA?

Answer—

(1) Yes.
(2) Yes.
(3) Yes.
(4) The discount factor advised in Treasury Circular 01/09, dated 24 April 2001 represents NSW Treasury’s best estimate of the overall impact of The New Tax System on the CPI through the year to the June quarter 2001. The estimate provided in the July 2000 Submission to the Statutory and Other Offices Remuneration Tribunal was prepared around a year earlier and was based on less complete information. In particular, it could not take account of the subsequent outcome for the CPI in the September and December quarters in 2000.
The discount factor of 2.5 percentage points is consistent with estimates for the impact of The New Tax System on the CPI through the year to June 2001 published by the Commonwealth Government. Both the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook released in November 2000 and the Commonwealth Budget released in May 2001 estimate that The New Tax System will contribute around 2.5 percentage points to the CPI through the year to June 2001.
As noted above, the 2.5 percentage point discount factor was based on an estimate of the impact through the year to June quarter 2001. Both the RBA's May 2001 "Statement on Monetary Policy" and the Commonwealth Treasurer's press release of 24 April 2001 refer to different periods. The RBA’s statement refers to inflation in the year to March 2001 whereas the Treasurer’s statement refers to the March 2001 CPI outcome and the impact of The New Tax System in the year to the September quarter 2000.
The lower estimate for the year to June 2001 is consistent with the expectations of the Commonwealth Treasury and independent analysts that the cumulative price impact of The New Tax System would diminish over time. According to the Mid-year Economic and Fiscal Outlook, the Commonwealth Treasury estimates that the long-term impact of The New Tax System will be 1.75 to 2 percentage points.

*2004 POWER POLE INSPECTIONS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

(1) How many power poles are there within the area formerly covered by Great Southern Energy?
(2) In the last five years how many of these power poles have failed?
(3) What was the location and cause of each of these failures?
(4) How much property and stock damage was caused by fires resulting from these failures?
(5) What is the estimated cost to Country Energy of conducting the industry standard inspections of these power poles every 4.5 years?
(6) What would be the additional cost of conducting inspections at intervals of
(a) 3 years?
(b) 2 years?

Answer—

(1) Great Southern Energy’s records indicate that there are 412,654 poles in the area formerly covered by Great Southern Energy.
(2) Great Southern Energy is able to provide pole failure statistics for the last four years. From 1 July 1997 to 13 June 2001, there have been a total of 174 pole failures from a range of causes. This equates to a failure rate of 0.01% of the pole population per year.
(3) A list from Great Southern Energy of the locations and causes of the 143 pole failures over the last three years appears below. This level of detail is not readily available for the 1997/1998 financial year. The primary causes of pole failures are environmental (high winds, storms, fire), vehicle accidents , and termite or fungus damage, often in combination with strong winds.
(4) The records of Great Southern Energy’s insurer show that property and stock losses caused by fires resulting from these pole failures are in the order of $69,000 over the last five years, with two claims still to be finalised.
(5) For the area formerly covered by Great Southern Energy, the average annual cost of pole inspections based on a 4.5 year cycle is approximately $2,247,000. The estimated average annual cost for the whole of Country Energy would be approximately $6,316,000.
(6) For the area formerly covered by Great Southern Energy, and based on the average pole inspection costs for Great Southern Energy, inspection of all poles every 3 years would result in an annual cost of approximately $3,370,000, or an additional $1,123,000. Inspection every 2 years would result in an annual cost of approximately $5,055,000 or an additional $2,808,000. For the area covered by Country Energy, inspection of all poles every 3 years would result in an annual cost of approximately $9,473,000, or an additional $3,157,000. Inspection by Country Energy every 2 years
would result in an annual cost of approximately $14,210,000 or an additional $7,894,000.

Location of Pole Failure	Works Depot	Cause	Failure Date
Mt Gwyne	Corowa	Aircraft Collision	19/08/99
	Griffith	Brown rot	98/99
	Griffith	Brown rot	98/99
	Leeton	Vehicle accident	98/99
Rose Valley	Cooma	Controlled burn	98/99
Mundoo Park	Berrigan	Fire (Stubble fire)	6/03/99
Mayrung Road	Berrigan	Fire (Stubble fire)	9/02/99
Area 49	Berrigan	Fire (Stubble fire)	3/09/99
	Barham	Fire (Stubble fire)	31/03/99
South Mahonga	Corowa	Fire (Stubble fire)	13/03/99
Borooban	Deniliquin	Fire (Stubble fire)	15/03/99
Murnane Rd	Deniliquin	Fire Pole (Fire tracking)	30/08/99
	Holbrook	Lightning	20/03/99
	Culcairn	Lightning	20/04/99
Lankeys Creek	Holbrook	Lightning	2/09/99
Baratta Station	Deniliquin	Lightning	29/03/99
Yaloke Swer	Deniliquin	Lightning	23/03/99
Moama	Moama	Lightning	23/03/99
Cob Hwy	Deniliquin	Lightning	23/03/99
Oro Rd	Deniliquin	Lightning	23/03/99
Wheet Wheet	Deniliquin	Lightning	23/03/99
Old Morago St	Deniliquin	Lightning	5/07/99
Barellen	Leeton	Lightning	98/99
	Tumut	Lightning	4/09/99
	Tumut	Lightning	29/01/99
Berridale	Cooma	Lightning	98/99
Jimenbuan	Cooma	Lightning	98/99
	Griffith	Lightning/Pole fire	98/99
	Tumut	Snow/Dry rot	29/08/99
	Leeton	Storm/Wind	98/99
	Leeton	Storm/Wind/Termites	98/99
	Leeton	Storm/Wind/Tree	98/99
	Griffith	Termites	98/99
Calimo	Deniliquin	Vehicle accident	04/4/99
Jerilderie St Jerilderie	Barringun	Vehicle accident	23/08/98
Area 40	Barringun	Vehicle accident	29/08/98
Wagga Rd	Albury	Vehicle accident	17/03/99
Wagga Rd	Albury	Vehicle accident	7/12/98
Avondowns	Berrigan	Wind	2/01/99
Cola	Berrigan	Wind	7/?/98
	Tumut	Wind	16/05/99
	Tumut	Wind	29/12/98
	Tumut	Wind	7/11/98
	Temora	Storm/Wind	17/01/99
	Temora	Storm/Wind/Termites	17/01/99
Pole Failures 1999-2000	Location	Cause	Failure Date
Region	Deniliquin	Pole top fire	13/11/99
Hume	Holbrook	Termites/Storm	10/10/99
	Jerilderie	Storm/pole condemned	10/10/99
	Albury	Lightning	24/09/99
	Jingellic	Lightning	2/09/99
	Finley	Grass fire	22/08/99
	Albury	High wind	21/06/00
Monaro-South Coast	Dalgety	Termites/wind	16/05/00
	Cooma	Dry rot	22/03/00
	Numeralla	Dry rot/Wind	4/09/99
	Bega	Dry rot/Wind	16/09/99
	Rose Valley	Contolled burn	8/08/99
Murrumbidgee	Hillston	Pole fire/Insulators	27/05/00
	Hillston	Termites/Wind	27/05/00
	Leeton	Tree across line	27/05/00
	Darlington Point	Pole fire/Insulators	21/05/00
	Narrandera	Controlled burn	15/03/00
	Leeton	Pole fire/Insulators	21/03/00
	Griffith	Burnt at base	4/02/00
	Barellan	Lightning	28/01/00
	Coleambally	Failed at ground level	27/01/00
	Griffith	Stay failure	8/12/99
	Leeton	Mini cyclone	8/12/99
	Leeton	Mini cyclone	8/12/99
	Hillston	High wind	8/12/99
	Griffith	Storm	7/12/99
	Griffith	Termites	8/10/99
	Hillston	Pole split	27/09/99
	Hillston	Pole fire/Insulators	13/09/99
	Narrandera	Vehicle impact	15/06/00
	Coleambally	High wind	21/06/00
Riverina	Wagga Wagga	Vehicle impact	12/07/99
	Book Book	High wind	21/06/00
	Brucedale	High wind	21/06/00
	West Batlow	Pole top failure	30/06/00
Tablelands
Information Management/Reporting As at 30/06/00
Source Network Incident Reports
Poles Failure 2000-2001	Location	Cause	Failure Date
Region	Walbundrie	Vehicle impact	23/08/00
Hume	Savernake	Termites	6/09/00
	Lavington	Vehicle impact	17/10/00
	Berrigan	High wind	5/12/00
	Moama	Vehicle impact	20/12/00
	Deniliquin	Unknown	23/12/00
	Berrigan	High wind	24/1/01
	Deniliquin	Lightning	9/2/01
	Lavington	Termites	24/02/01
	Deniliquin	Stubble Fire	23/02/01
	Deniliquin	Lightning	22/04/01
	Deniliquin	Storm	16/03/01
Monaro-South Coast	Alphine	High wind	19/07/00
	Jindabyne	High wind	21/07/00
	Dalgety	High wind	21/07/00
Murrumbidgee	Tharbogang	Vehicle impact	12/09/00
	Landervale	Lightning	30/08/00
	Hillston	High wind	18/10/00
	Griffith	High wind	18/10/00
	Narranderra	High wind	18/10/00
	Gunbar	Pole fire	24/10/00
	Hillston	Failure	14/11/00
	Leeton	Termites	1/12/00
	Hillston	Lightning	25/01/01
	Hillston	High wind	26/01/01
	Griffith	High wind	26/01/01
	Hillston	Pole fire	27/01/01
	Leeton	Wind/Termites	10/02/01
	Leeton	Stubble fire	10/02/01
	Wingelil	Wind/Termites	27/02/01
	Nericon	Fungal Degrade	20/05/01
Riverina	Tarcutta	Bush fire	15/01/01
	Wagga Wagga	Vehicle	22/12/00
	Lockhart	Bush fire	11/12/00
	Gundagai	Termites	24/01/01
	Cootamundra	Lightning	28/04/01
	Tumbarumba	Lightning	11/03/01
	Wagga Wagga	Vehicle	9/05/01
Tablelands	Braidwood	Lightning	12/01/01
Information Management/Reporting As at 29/05/01
Source Network Incident Reports

*2005 FUNDING OF ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORIES—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Under what Department of Education funding allocation was the 1998 grant of $10,000 to the University of Western Sydney to assist with the setting up of a telescope for astronomical observations made available?
(2) Was the grant arranged by the former Member for Campbelltown, the Hon M. Knight?

Answer—

(1)to(2) The funds were made available as a Discretionary Grant following representations by the former Member for Campbelltown.


*2006 BRUNGLE MEMORIAL HALL—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs—

Under what funding arrangements did the Department of Local Government provide a grant of $2, 000 to the Tumut Shire Council for the Brungle Memorial Hall during 1985?

Answer—

Up to and including 1985, an assistance scheme was available for councils to seek funding for small specific projects, such as maintenance work on local halls. The last year of operation for the Grants to Assist scheme was 1985.
I have been unable to confirm that this was the funding source, as the scheme ceased sixteen years ago, but it would appear that this would be the most likely source of funding.


2007 OFFICIAL OVERSEAS TRAVEL—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

In relation to the overseas trip taken by you in May 2001:
(1) What was the itinerary (specify each point of arrival, departure and overnight stay)?
(2) What was the total cost, including all government officials travelling with you?
(3) Who travelled with you from the Ministry or your Departments?
(4) Specify what class of travel by air and the total cost of each journey?
(5) Specify each hotel at which you stayed and the cost thereof?
(This question relates only to your travel as a Minister and seeks no information on private travel or private persons accompanying you.)


2008 UNALLOCATED CASES—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

(1) When did you last seek advice or briefing from your Department as to the number of reports of child abuse that are categorized as “unallocated”?
(2) What details were given to you (specify the numbers advised to you) in the last 12 months?
(3) If you have not received any information regarding unallocated cases, when will you ask for such information?


*2009 SEWERAGE PROVISION—Mr O'Doherty to Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

In view of the recommendation of the Regulation Review Committee, will you now commit to funding in the short term and provide a timetable for sewerage provision at Brooklyn/Dangar Island, Cowan and Mt Ku-ring-gai industrial area?

Answer—

Under the Government’s Priority Sewerage Program, Sydney Water will invest some $120 million over the next 5 years to provide modern sewerage services to around 5,000 properties, including Brooklyn/Dangar Island and the Mt Ku-ring-gai Industrial Estate.
The Environmental Impact Statement for the Brooklyn/Dangar Island sewerage scheme and the Review of Environmental Factors for Mt Ku-ring-gai Industrial Estate sewerage scheme were placed on public display during mid 2000. Sydney Water is currently examining the representations for both schemes received from the community and other key stakeholders. Following approval of the EIS and REF, it is anticipated that the design and construction of the Brooklyn/Dangar Island and Mt Ku-ring-gai Industrial Estate sewerage schemes will commence in 2003.
An overall strategic plan is being prepared to tackle the sewering of the remaining areas, including Cowan, taking account of environmental needs, funding issues and the reduction of public health impacts.

*2010 CLOSURE OF WAKEHURST PARKWAY—Mr Brogden to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) On how many occasions has the Wakehurst Parkway been closed due to flooding since 1 January 2001?
(2) On how many occasions was the Wakehurst Parkway closed due to flooding in 2000, 1999 and 1998?

Answer—

(1) Four times until the end of May 2001.
(2) 1998 – 4 times.
1999 – 2 times.
2000 – 4 times

*2011 AVALON POLICE STATION—Mr Brogden to Minister for Police—

(1) Is the Avalon Police Station staffed and open?
(2) If so, when?
(3) If so, how often?
(4) If so, how many Police are on duty on these occasions?
(5) If so, how many civilian staff are on duty?


Answer—

(1) to (5) I am advised that Police use the Avalon Police Station as required.

*2012 MONA VALE POLICE STATION—Mr Brogden to Minister for Police—

(1) What are the hours of operation of the Mona Vale Police Station?
(2) Is the station ever unattended?
(3) How many Police are on duty at the Station?

Answer—

(1) to (3) I am advised by the Deputy Commissioner (Field Operations) that Mona Vale Police Station is operated and attended 24 hours per day. The exact number of police officers on duty and tasked varies according to demands on the resources of Northern Beaches Local Area Command and Northern Metropolitan Region.

*2013 NPWS AIRCRAFT—Ms Seaton to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Does the National Parks and Wildlife Service own, lease or operate any aircraft or helicopters?
(2) How many trips have been taken in NSW by NPWS officers on such aircraft since 1 January 2001?
(3) Where are these aircraft based?
(4) How many trips were conducted in the Kosciuszko, Namadgi or other southern area National Parks?
(5) When were these trips conducted, who were the passengers and what was the purpose of the trip?

Answer—

NPWS owns one helicopter and two fixed wing aircraft based at Bankstown Airport. The Service also leases other aircraft as the need arises. Since 1 January 2001, NPWS officers have used aircraft for a total of 130 flying days. All flights were undertaken on official NPWS business, including fire suppression and pest species control. All trips were conducted according to public sector guidelines, and in accordance with air safety regulations the names of all passengers were officially logged.

*2014 FUEL PRICE—Mr Souris to Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

(1) Is he aware of the FuelWatch website run by the Western Australian Ministry of Fair Trading’s Petroleum Pricing Unit which “not only informs the community for fuel prices in advance, but monitors the compliance of fuel retailers to ensure a better deal for WA motorists”?
(2) Does he plan to develop a similar website in NSW?
(3) If not, why not?
(4) What measures have been implemented to bring transparency to the wholesale and retail sectors of the fuel industry in NSW for the benefit of the NSW motoring public?

Answer—

(1) I am aware that Western Australia has introduced a scheme which requires petrol stations to report their retail prices for each grade of fuel to the Government. These prices are locked in for 24 hours with the lowest prices being published on the FuelWatch website.
(2) I understand that the impact of the Western Australian scheme is currently being examined by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
(3) See above.
(4) In spite of the regulation of the petrol industry being a Commonwealth responsibility, NSW is nevertheless undertaking a number of initiatives to promote transparency, fair trading and competition in the petrol industry. These initiatives include:
· making price boards mandatory in NSW in order to promote transparency in the fuel industry;
· commissioning research by the Western Research Institute and the Australian Centre for Co-operatives Research and Development into the feasibility of using petrol co-operatives to promote competition in the petrol industry;
· working with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on gathering evidence of anti-competitive behaviour in the petrol industry by operating a petrol hotline and holding petrol forums;
· undertaking an ongoing monthly fuel testing program to assist with the detection of adulterated fuel.

*2016 DEMOUNTABLE CLASSROOMS—Mr Stoner to Minister for Education and Training—

As at 30/4/01, how many demountables were in use in NSW public schools?

Answer—

There are approximately 5,800 demountable buildings utilised for a range of functions in NSW Government Schools.

*2017 VEHICLE ACCIDENTS—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Health—

What was the registration number of the North Coast Community Company vehicle which was involved in an accident on 23rd July 1999?

Answer—

The North Coast Community Company is not part of the Mid North Coast or Northern Rivers Area Health Services. Establishing whether a vehicle belonging to the Company was involved in an accident on 23 July 1999 does not fall within the administration of either Health Service.

*2018 PRIVATE RENTALS—Mr Humpherson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

(1) How many properties does the Department manage in each Local Government area (including community housing and Aboriginal housing)?
(2) Does the Department of Housing own any properties which it rents/leases on the private rental market? If so how many in each Local Government area?
(3) If owned, why are these retained in public ownership?

Answer—

(1) Information on property ownership is available at Local Councils.
(2) Occasionally the Department leases properties on the private rental market. This occurs when the property is only available for a short time or it is hard to let.
(3) Surplus properties or properties that have reached the end of their useful life are disposed of. In addition some properties are demolished for redevelopment.

*2019 WAITING TIMES—Mr Humpherson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

(1) How long has the person waiting longest on any waiting list been waiting?
(2) Why aren’t records kept of how many households were placed in public housing by region (as per your answer to question 1617)?
(3) Why do you not know how many households received rental assistance by region in 1999/2000 (as per your answer to question 1617)?
(4) Why do you not know what the value of assistance is for rental assistance, as per your answer to question 1617? If you do know, what is it?
(5) What are the average and median waiting times for (non-crisis) Department of Housing by region?

Answer—

(1) Wait times vary according to location and household size. As households are made 2 offers of appropriate accommodation, information on waiting times does not indicate whether suitable housing offers have been made.
(2) The department has introduced new computer systems. Information is not available by Region for years that were prior to this change.
(3) During 1999/2000 the Department introduced new computer systems. The old system did not record this by Region.
(4) During 1999/2000 the Department introduced new computer systems. The old system did not record this by Region.
(5) Average and median wait times vary according to location within Region and by household size.



*2020 FOX COMPLEX DEVELOPMENT CONSENT—Ms Moore to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

Concerning Development Applications (DA) assessed by the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning related to the Fox complex at Moore Park:
(1) What is the DA number, brief description and date of application of all DAs received by the Department from Fox?
(2) Which of these DAs were advertised for public consultation and what were the dates of advertisements?
(3) Which of these DAs have received consent and what was the date of consent?
(4) Which of these DAs have been refused consent and what was the date of refusal?
(5) Which of these development consents included conditions as a result of public comment/consultation and what is the nature of the conditions?

Answer—

(1) Fox Studios Australia has submitted 19 Development Applications since January 1996. Details have been prepared in the form of a table (see table below).
(2) All but 6 of the Development Applications lodged by Fox Studios Australia have been publicly exhibited. All Development Applications have been handled in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy No. 47 – Moore Park Showground and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, as amended. Details of exhibition dates have been prepared in the form of a table (see table below).
(3) All Development Applications submitted by Fox Studios Australia have been granted consent subject to conditions. Details of the determination dates have been prepared in the form of a table (see table below).
(4) None.
(5) All approved DAs have had conditions attached. In total, about 200 conditions of consent have been imposed to address concerns raised by resident submissions to Development Applications, particularly in relation to noise and traffic. These include:
· the restriction on the use of entry gates on Cook and Poate Roads to help protect the residential amenity of those streets under the Masterplan DA (DA 1/96).
· that a Community Liaison Officer be available to provide information and deal with complaints relating to the Fox Studios site under the Masterplan DA (DA 1/96).
· that outdoor filming be restricted from the car park adjacent to Furber Lane after 10pm, 7 days per week to protect residential amenity under DA 25/96 for the Working Studio Precinct.
· that signage be erected around the Working Studio Precinct requiring staff and visitors to consider the interests of surrounding residents under DAs 25/96, 36/96 and 44/97.
· that a plan of management for the former Parade Ring space be prepared to ensure continued public access to the space under DA 37/96 for the Family Entertainment Precinct.
· that the multi-storey car park be patrolled after 10pm each night to ensure that patrons do not generate noise that will impact on nearby residents under DA 180-09-99 for extended trading hours for specific occasions.
· the restriction on outdoor amplified music and PA systems after midnight under DA 180-09-99 for extended trading hours for specific occasions.
· that a telephone hotline be established to provide information to residents and to receive and respond to resident complaints under DAs 25/96 and 36/96 for the Working Studio Precinct and DA 37/96 for the Family Entertainment Precinct; and, under the DA 180-09-99 consent for extended trading hours for specific occasions, that the telephone hotline have a person continually in attendance 24 hours per day to respond to resident concerns.
Copies of all Notices of Determination including conditions of consent are available from the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning.

Table: Development Applications submitted by Fox Studio Australia Pty Ltd under State Environment Planning Policy No 47 – Moore Park Showground

DA Number	Description	Application date	Dates of exhibition	Date of consent/refusal
1/96	Masterplan	2 January 1996	8 January 1996 to 16 February 1996	Conditional approval 3 May 1996
2/96	Subdivision of Moore Park Showground	2 January 1996	8 January 1996 to 16 February 1996	Conditional approval 3 May 1996
25/96	Part Working Studio Precinct	5 July 1996	8 July 1996 to 5 August 1996	Conditional approval 6 December 1996
36/96	Part Working Studio Precinct	12 December 1996	13 December 1996 to 14 February 1997	Conditional approval 24 April 1997
37/96	Family Entertainment Precinct	12 December 1996	13 December 1996 to 14 February 1997	Conditional approval 24 April 1997
10/97	Amendments to DA 25/96	1 April 1997	Not publicly exhibited	Conditional approval 4 June 1997
44/97	Amendments to DA 36/96	11 August 1997	20 August 1997 to 19 September 1997	Conditional approval 13 November 1997
52/97	Northern Zone/RAS Council Stand	30 September 1997	1 October 1997 to 29 October 1997	Conditional approval 19 December 1997
56/97	Amendments to DA 37/96	10 October 1997	15 October 1997 to 12 November 1997	Conditional approval 24 December 1997
80/97	use of existing cottage	9 December 1997	Not publicly exhibited	Conditional approval 29 March 1998
29/98	Amendments to DA 37/96	7 May 1998	9 June 1997 to 7 July 1997	Conditional approval 3 August 1998
97-12-98	Temporary use of Cook Rd gates	16 December 1998	11 January 1999 to 8 February 1999	Conditional approval 13 February 1999
111-12-98	Hard stand on Cattle Judging Ring	24 December 1998	Not publicly exhibited	Conditional approval 11 March 1999
30-02-99	Studio roof sign and Fodder Shed	11 February 1999	15 March 1999 to 14 April 1999	Conditional approval 5 August 1999
135-07-99	Retention of Babe set	20 July 1999	Not publicly exhibited	Conditional approval 19 October 1999
180-09-99	Extension of operating hours	2 September 1999	19 November 1999 to 17 December 1999	Conditional approval 30 December 1999
181-09-99	Workshop – Working Studio Precinct	14 September 1999	Not publicly exhibited	Conditional approval 30 December 1999
187-09-99	Storage/dry store	15 September 1999	Not publicly exhibited	Conditional approval 15 December 1999
382-11-00	Extension of operating hours	20 November 2000	11 January 2001 to 7 February 2001	Not yet determined (as at 3 July 2001)

*2021 MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS—Ms Moore to Minister for Education and Training—

Concerning maintenance for Government schools in New South Wales:
(1) What standards govern maintenance contracts and contractors of State government schools?
(2) How often does the Department of Education review maintenance contracts and contractors against standards set?
(3) What mechanisms exist to ensure that standards set by the Department are enforced?

Answer—

(1) The Schools Facilities Maintenance Standards.
(2) Formal review meetings are held with maintenance contractors every six months to assess and monitor their performance. In addition, extension random audits are carried out by the Department of Public Works and Services on behalf of the Department of Education and Training to determine whether the standards are being properly applied by maintenance contractors.
(3) The Schools Facilities Maintenance Standards are a legally binding part of school facilities maintenance contracts. Extensive random audits are carried out by the Department of Public Works and Services on behalf of the Department of Education and Training to determine whether the standards are being properly applied by maintenance contractors. Penalties may be imposed for any breach of obligations under the contract.

*2022 SCHOOL TOILETS—Ms Moore to Minister for Education and Training—

Concerning toilets in Government schools in New South Wales:
(1) Does the Department of Education have guidelines which recommend the number of toilets to be made available in relation to the number of students in a school?
(2) Are there any schools in New South Wales which do not meet the requirements for toilet facilities?
(3) What mechanisms exist to ensure that all schools meet the departmental requirements?

Answer—

(1) Yes, The School Facilities Standards specify requirements for toilets.
(2) to (3) Toilet facilities are upgraded under the Minor Capital Works Program. Under the condition-based maintenance system, the condition of all buildings, including toilets, is assessed annually and repaired, if necessary, to the minimum performance standard within the specified time as outlined in the Department’s maintenance standards. Demountable toilets can be provided if necessary.

*2023 POLICE PROMOTIONS SYSTEM—Mr Tink to Minister for Police—

(1) How many complaints has the NSW Police Service received from concerned members of the Police Service regarding the Police promotions system?
(2) How did the NSW Police Service deal with these complaints?
(3) How much has it cost in time and money to deal with these complaints?

Answer—

(1) The Acting Commander, Special Crime and Internal Affairs Command (SCIA) has advised that during the period 1 January to 31 May 2001 there has been one internal police complaint initiated on the Complaint Information System under the category of “Conduct/Departmental Matters – Promotion.”
(2) This complaint resulted in managerial action.
(3) I am advised that SCIA does not cost individual investigations.

*2024 JUDGE PHELAN—Mr Tink to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) When was a complaint from Mr. Scott Tucker against His Honour Judge P. Phelan of the District Court received by the Judicial Commission of New South Wales?
(2) As at 30 September 1997 when Judge Phelan retired as a Judge of the District Court what specific steps had been taken by the Commission to investigate Mr. Tucker’s complaint?
(3) What if any steps were taken under Section 18(1) of the Act to conduct a preliminary examination of Mr. Tucker’s complaint?
(4) What if any inquiries did the Commission undertake under Section 18 (2) of the Act in relation to Mr. Tucker’s complaint?
(5) In relation to Section 19 of the Act did the Commission classify the complaint as minor or did the Commission classify the complaint as serious?
(6) In relation to Section 21 of the Act was the complaint referred to the Conduct Division and if so when did this occur and if not, why not? Or alternatively was the complaint referred to the relative Head of Jurisdiction under Section 21(2) of the Act and if so when did this occur?
(7) Under Section 23(1) of the Act was the complaint examined by the Conduct Division and if so when?
(8) Under Section 23(2) of the Act did the Conduct Division initiate any investigations into the subject matter of complaint?
(9) What was the precise substance of the advice that the Commission received as to the resignation of Judge Phelan effective from 30 September 1997?
(10) Was Judge Phelan the subject of any other complaint or complaints at the time of his retirement? If so, what were they?
Answer—

I have referred this question to the Judicial Commission.

*2025 JURY INTIMIDATION—Mr Tink to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

Since 1 July 2000, how many jurors have complained of any form of intimidation, threat or duress during or following the jury service?

Answer—

I am advised by the Sheriff that 3 complaints concerning alleged interference and/or intimidation have been received from jurors since 1 July 2000.

*2026 PEAK PERIOD CANBERRA—SYDNEY SERVICE—Mr Webb to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

Why is it that Countrylink does not provide an additional carriage or carriages to the existing three on the Canberra-Queanbeyan-Sydney service at Easter, Christmas and other historic or well-known peak periods to cater for the increased demand from the public?


Answer—

The State Rail Authority advises me that Countrylink’s rolling stock fleet needs to be allocated across a number of services across New South Wales at any time.
State Rail will continue to monitor patronage levels of services running between Canberra and Sydney to determine the effectiveness of rolling stock allocation.

*2027 PENSIONER CONCESSION COUNTRYLINK BOOKINGS—Mr Webb to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

Can the Minister advise why elderly constituents in receipt of pensioner concession cards are required to travel up to 150 kilometre round journeys to book a ticket for travel on Countrylink services whereas previously this information was relayed and acceptable via a telephone booking?

Answer—

The State Rail Authority advises that pensioners travelling at half fare discount rates are able to book over the telephone, pay by credit card and the ticket will be mailed to them.
However, eligible pensioners seeking to use one of their free travel entitlements must produce personal identification and concession credentials at the time they book their ticket, from any Countrylink sales outlet.
These procedures have been put in place to prevent unscrupulous persons from borrowing or pilfering concession cards from others in order to attempt to gain free travel on the public transport system. State Rail has a duty to put control measures in place to ensure that customers pay the correct fare and to identify and control fraudulent practices, such as unauthorised use of concession ticketing.
The alternative, checking the bonafides of passengers as they attempt to board a train, creates unnecessary delays for both on-board staff and other passengers. From a control and customer service perspective it is more desirable to check and resolve eligibility for concessions at the point of ticket issue rather than at the point of embarkation.

*2028 FIREARMS REGISTRY—Mr Webb to Minister for Police—

(1) In view of the fact that a 28 day cooling off period applies in respect to permits to acquire firearms, why does it then take the Registry in excess of 44 days to process a simple permit request?
(2) Why can’t the Firearms Registry process permits to acquire within the cooling off period and simply schedule the print run to occur at the end of this period?
(3) Where an application is sent to Peakhurst, and then is redirected to Murwillumbah, why is receipt at Murwillumbah taken as being the date that starts the 28 day cooling off period, as opposed to the date that it reached Peakhurst?
(4) What attempts have been made to speed up and improve telephone communications at the Firearms Registry?
(5) The Firearms Registry relocated to Northern NSW some time ago. Why then are revised forms which indicate the correct address not available?
(6) Have all NSW gun shops been advised of the change of address of the Firearms Registry?

Answer—

In respect of this question I am advised that:
(1) The average processing time is not over 44 days;
(2) In – house printing of permits will commence shortly;
(3) This is not the case;
(4) With the exception of a period when Telstra suffered a major cable breakdown, the telephone hot-line has been performing well;
(5) All forms will have the new address printed on them when they are reprinted; and
(6) All licensed firearm dealers have been notified of the Registry’s new address.

*2029 CAPITAL ASSISTANCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME—Mr Hazzard to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

How much has been spent on specific programmes under the Capital Assistance Development Programme in the last 12 months? (Specify individual work undertaken and the cost.)

Answer—

I do not have responsibility for a Capital Assistance Development Programme within any of my portfolio areas.
I do, however, have responsibility for the Aboriginal Communities Development Program (ACDP) within my Aboriginal Affairs portfolio.
The ACDP is a capital construction and upgrade program aimed at raising the health and living standards of selected priority communities with urgent environmental health needs. It was launched on 29 May 1998 as a $200 million program for better health and lifestyles in Aboriginal communities.

*2030 NATIONAL COALITION FOR GUN CONTROL—Mr Maguire to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Is it correct that in New South Wales in recent years, a device known as a “laser pointer” which transmits a passive laser beam “dot” similar to that of a “red-dot” assault rifle sight, was made a prohibited device in public, the use of which was deemed an assault upon the targeted person?
(2) Could the actions of a group known as the National Coalition for Gun Control in Martin Place, Sydney, on Friday last 27th April 2001, by projecting a red cross-hair similar to a laser red dot onto numerous passers-by, constitute an illegal act?
(3) If the above question is answered in the affirmative, and a breach of the law has occurred, why did the City of Sydney Council issue a permit, and should they be pursued and prosecuted?

Answer—

This is a matter for the Minister for Police.

*2031 KYEAMBA INTERSECTION—Mr Maguire to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Has the RTA conducted an audit of all intersections on the single carriageway on the Hume Highway?
(2) Were there safety issues identified?
(3) If so, will you provide details of the issues identified?
(4) Is the Tumbarumba/Wagga Wagga intersection at Kyeamba one of the identified problems?
(5) What action have you taken to prioritise funding for the Kyeamba intersection?

Answer—

(1) Road safety is regularly monitored by the RTA at intersections, and formal Road Safety Audits have been conducted at some intersections on the Hume Highway.
(2) Yes.
(3) The issues identified involve grades, sight distance and turning movements.
(4) Two junctions of Main Road 384 (Wagga Wagga to Tumbarumba) with the Hume Highway at Kyeamba, have been identified as requiring improvement. The vertical alignment of the Hume Highway just south of the junction to/from Wagga Wagga restricts sight distance.
(5) The Hume Highway is a National Highway and, as such, the Federal Government is responsible for funding maintenance and improvement works.
The NSW Government’s preferred option for improving these junctions is to complete dual carriageways at Kyeamba. Section 1 was completed in 1994, and Sections 2 and 3, which include these junctions are awaiting Federal funding.
The NSW National Highways Forward Strategy Report 2001/02 – 2005/06, submitted to the Federal Government in March 2001, requested $200,000 in 2001/02 to commence planning for dual carriageways at Sections 2 and 3. The Federal Budget allocated no funds to this project.
Although the signposting on this section of the Highway has been upgraded to further alert drivers to the approaching junction, this Government will continue to pursue the Federal Government to provide additional funds to accelerate upgrading of the Hume Highway through this section.

*2032 MANNUS CORRECTIONAL CENTRE—Mr Maguire to Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

When will Mannus Correctional Centre’s infrastructure be improved to allow an increase in prisoners?
What is the scheduled completion date for Building Works at Mannus Correctional Centre?

Answer—

The Commissioner of Corrective Services informs me that work has been completed at Mannus converting the old kitchen into accommodation for 12 inmates.

*2033 F3 WIDENING—Mr J. H. Turner to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Has an environmental assessment been carried out concerning the widening of the F3 to three lanes from the Hawkesbury Bridge to Calga?
(2) If so, when was it carried out and completed?
(3) If so, who carried out the assessment?
(4) If it has not been carried out or completed, when will it be carried out or completed?
(5) If it has not been carried out or completed, has the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) or the Minister contracted with any party to carry out the assessment?
(6) If so, when?
(7) If not, why not?
(8) If the assessment has been carried out, has the assessment been published?
(9) If so, where can the assessment be inspected?
(10) If so, has the assessment been made available to the Federal Minister for Transport or his Department?
(11) If so, when?
(12) If not, why not?
(13) Has the design work for the widening of the F3 to three lanes from the Hawkesbury Bridge to Calga been completed?
(14) If so, when was it completed?
(15) If so, who carried out the work?
(16) If so, is the design work available for inspection?
(17) If so, where?
(18) If the design work has been completed, has a copy been made available to the Federal Minister for Transport or his Department?
(19) If so, when?
(20) If not, why not?
(21) If the design work is not completed, when will it be completed?
(22) If the design work is not completed, has the RTA or the Minister contracted with any party to carry out such design work?
(23) If so, with whom?
(24) Have construction tenders been obtained for the widening of the F3 to three lanes from the Hawkesbury Bridge to Calga?
(25) If so, when were they received by the Minister or the RTA?
(26) If so, who tendered?
(27) If so, what were the tenders?
(28) If not, why not?
(29) If not, when will such tenders be called?
(30) If not, when will such tenders close?
(31) If construction tenders have been received have details been made available to the Federal Minister for Transport or his Department?
(32) If so, when?
(33) If not, why not?
(34) Is there a requirement to submit a construction proposal report to the Federal Minister for Transport or his Department concerning the widening of the F3?
(35) If so, has the report been prepared?
(36) If so, who prepared the report?
(37) If so has a copy of the report been made available to the Federal Minister for Transport?
(38) If so when?
(39) If not, why not?
(40) If the report has not been prepared who will be responsible for preparing the report?
(41) If the report has not been prepared when will the report be prepared?
(42) If the report has been prepared, when will such report be made available to the Federal Minister for Transport or his Department?
(43) Are there questions concerning environmental clearances pertinent to the widening of the F3 to three lanes from the Hawkesbury Bridge to Calga?
(44) What are those concerns?
(45) Have all of those concerns been resolved?
(46) If so, by whom?
(47) If so, when?
(48) If not, why not?
(49) If partly resolved, what questions of environmental clearances remain unresolved?
(50) If so, why?
(51) If so, when will all questions be resolved?
(52) What funds have been received from the Federal Government for the widening of the F3 to three lanes from the Hawkesbury Bridge to Calga?
(53) When were these monies received?
(54) Has the Minister or his Department properly assessed the amount of money needed to complete the planning of the widening of the F3 to three lanes from the Hawkesbury Bridge to Calga?
(55) If so, who assessed the amount of money needed?
(56) How was the assessment made?
(57) Has the RTA undertaken a study concerning the upgrade of the F3 to three lanes from the Hawkesbury Bridge to Calga?
(58) If so, what was the date of that report?
(59) If so, did that report indicate a lead-time before any construction could occur?
(60) If so, what was that lead time?
(61) Has the NSW Department of Urban Planning given approval for the widening of the F3 to three lanes from the Hawkesbury Bridge to Calga?
(62) If so, when?
(63) If not, why not?
(64) If not, when is it expected such approval will be given?

Answer—

(1)to(12) An Environmental Status Report, based on studies of biota sensitivity and indigenous heritage sites, was completed by the RTA in 2000.
This Report formed part of the Feasibility Study submitted to the Federal Department of Transport and Regional Services in December 2000.
A detailed environmental assessment is expected to be completed by the RTA.
(13)to(23) The concept design was completed by the RTA in 2000 and is available for inspection at the RTA’s Hunter Region Office. The concept design was made available to the Federal Department of Transport and Regional Services on completion. The detailed design will be completed by the RTA, subject to the outcome of detailed environmental assessment.
(24)to(33) Tenders will not be called until the detailed environmental assessment, detailed geotechnical investigation and detailed design have been completed.
(34)to(42) There is a requirement to submit a construction proposal report to the Federal Minister for Transport or his Department prior to tenders being called. This report will be prepared by the RTA, subject to the outcome of the detailed environmental assessment.
(43)to(51) The detailed environmental assessment will determine if the project has a significant impact on the environment. The issues examined will be indigenous heritage, drainage, flora and fauna impact and construction noise. Consultation with the community and other government authorities will also be carried out.
(52)to(53) Federal Government funding of $800,000 was received in financial years 1999/00 and 2000/01.
(54)to(56) The RTA made an assessment of costs to complete the planning of works using concept design plans, estimated quantities of works, and anticipated prices based on recent contract works. This estimate has been submitted to the Federal Government.
(57)to(60) See (1)to(12).
(61)to(64) If the detailed environmental assessment concludes that the environmental impact is not significant, then approval of the NSW Department of Urban Affairs and Planning may not be required.

2034 MANNING BASE HOSPITAL—CORONARY CARE UNIT—Mr J. H. Turner to Minister for Health—

(1) What are the number of patients that have been admitted to Manning Base Hospital’s (MBH) Coronary Care Unit (CCU) for the years 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 to date from:
· Forster
· Tuncurry
· Failford area
· Pacific Palms and area
· Smiths Lake
· Green Point
· Coomba Park
· Seal Rocks?
(2) How many of the patients who were admitted to MBH CCU for the above years did not reside in the areas mentioned in question 1 above, but were on short term stays in such areas. (eg. holidays makers or families on visits to family members or business visits, but not limited to those categories)?
(3) How many patients were admitted generally to MBH from the areas mentioned in question 1 for the years mentioned in question 1, including patients admitted to the CCU?
(4) What was the total number of patients admitted generally to MBH from all areas for the years mentioned in question 1?
(5) How many patients were admitted as outpatients at the emergency centre at MBH from the areas mentioned in question 1 for the years mentioned in question 1 including patients admitted to the CCU?
(6) How many patients admitted as outpatients at the emergency centre in accordance with question 5 were then admitted as in-patients?
(7) How many of the patients admitted in the terms of questions 1 and 2 held private health insurance and how many were private patients?
(8) Were any admitted under any other classification of health cover?
(9) If so, how many and what was the health cover?
(10) How many services have been provided by the ambulance station at Tuncurry to take patients from the areas mentioned in question 1, to the MBH for the years mentioned in question 1?
(11) What is the total cost to the ambulance service, including ambulance personnel and paramedic costs – but not limited to those costs - to stabilise and transfer a patient to the CCU at MBH from each of the areas mentioned in question 1 for the years mentioned in question 1?
(12) What is the average time from ambulance call out from Tuncurry Ambulance Station to stabilisation, to arrival at the CCU at MBH, of patients mentioned in question 1?
(13) What is the distance from each of the areas mentioned in question 1 that the Tuncurry ambulance has to travel to convey a patient to the MBH, including the distance of any trip south of Tuncurry and the return to MBH, for example, Pacific Palms or Coomba Park – but not limited to those areas?
(14) Is it an established practice that doctors and public heath departments encourage the calling of ambulances if chest pain is evident in patients?
(15) If so, why?
(16) Does modern therapy for myocardial infarct or coronary occlusion require patients to be given therapy that dissolves clots in coronary arteries?
(17) If so, what is the best practice time for the delivery for that therapy?
(18) What is the likely outcome for patients if they are not treated in accordance with the best practice time limit for myocardial infarct or coronary occlusion?
(19) What is the time that it takes at MBH for thrombolytic therapy to be undertaken for patients with chest pains admitted from the areas in question 1 for patients seen by:
· Hospital specialist emergency physician;
· Registrars;
· Interns?
(20) What private hospitals in NSW are authorised by the Department of Health to provide emergency Services?
(21) Are such private hospitals mentioned in question 20 above authorised to provide emergency services to public patients?
(22) If so, are the hospitals mentioned in question 20 above authorised to undertake thrombolytic therapy on patients with chest pains?
(23) If not, why not?
(24) Is there a criteria or application process for private hospitals to be approved to provide emergency services to public patients?
(25) If so, what is the criteria or application process?

*2035 OLD BAR PUBLIC SCHOOL—Mr J. H. Turner to Minister for Education and Training—

(1) What is the number of demountable classrooms presently at Old Bar Public School?
(2) Is it anticipated that there will be more demountable classrooms installed at the school?
(3) If so, why?
(4) If so, when?
(5) If so, at what cost will the demountable be relocated to Old Bar School, installed, renovated and made fit for teaching?
(6) If so, how long will it take any new demountable to become operative?
(7) How many demountable classrooms have been replaced at Old Bar Public School since 1990?
(8) Why were they replaced?
(9) Does the environment in which the school is located, ie behind sand dunes at Old Bar Beach, contribute to the deterioration of demountables?
(10) If so, how?
(11) With demountables located on the Old Bar Public School site since 1997, what repairs have been necessary to such demountables and why?
(12) Since 1997 have any demountables been deemed as structurally unsound?
(13) If so, how many?
(14) If so, why?
(15) Have there been reports of major leaks to any demountables?
(16) If so, how many reports have been made?
(17) If there is leaking in demountables, has it the potential to cause health problems or other problems associated with Occupational Health and Safety concerns?
(18) If so, how?
(19) If so, why are they allowed to continue?
(20) Has any report of the presence of mould in the demountables been recorded?
(21) If so, on how many occasions?
(22) If so, why is mould growing in the demountables?
(23) If so, does mould constitute a health hazard for students and staff?
(24) Has your Department appraised itself of advice from the United States Environment Protection Agency that damp areas may lead to mould and bacteria that can cause allergic reactions and asthma and spread infectious diseases?
(25) Why has no preventative action been taken to stop the exacerbation of mould?
(26) Is any testing being carried out at the school to ascertain the effect of mould on students and staff?
(27) If so, what tests?
(28) If not, why not?
(29) Is the library contained in a demountable?
(30) If so have any library books and resources been destroyed and damaged as a result of leaking or other intrusive activities?
(31) If so, how many books have been destroyed?
(32) If so, what resources have been destroyed?
(33) If so, what is the value of the books and resources destroyed?
(34) If so, what action has been taken to rectify the situation?
(35) If nothing has been done, why not?
(36) Have officers from the Department of Education and Training, Properties Department, consulted with or been made aware of strategies by the Greater Taree City Council concerning population growth in the Old Bar area?
(37) If so, what have they done about the information received as far as providing anticipated accommodation for students from the Old Bar area at Old Bar Public School?
(38) If nothing, why not?
(39) Have any applications for building programs been lodged with the Department of Education and Training?
(40) If so, when was the last application submitted?
(41) If so, what is the current position in relation to that application?
(42) Is Old Bar Public School classified as having a Code 14 entitlement?
(43) If so, does the core entitlement of this code mean that there should be between 11 to 17 permanent classrooms, a permanent library and a permanent administration block?
(44) What is the number of permanent classrooms/library/administration block currently on the site?
(45) If less than the core entitlement, why?
(46) If less than the core entitlement, when will the core entitlement be met?

Answer—

(1) Four.
(2)to(4) Should student enrolments increase, it is possible that additional demountables will be provided to the school.
(5) Approximately $15,000.
(6) Approximately two weeks.
(7) Two.
(8) The demountable Administration building was replaced at the request of the school. Both this building and one demountable classroom required refurbishment off site rather than maintenance.
(9) Yes.
(10) Any building with metal elements along the coast are subject to rust.
(11) These demountables have undergone the usual general condition-based maintenance including internal painting and repairs.
(12) No.
(13-14) Not applicable.
(15) No.
(16) Not applicable.
(17) As with any leaks in permanent or demountable buildings, there is potential if no action is taken to remediate the situation.
(18) Major leaks may result in damage to carpets, pin boards and electrical fittings, and result in dampness.
(19) The Maintenance Contractor for the school, operating under the Department of Education and Training’s School Facilities Maintenance Contracts, provides a 24 hour seven days a week call out service to immediately attend to major leaks and associated problems. This ensures that instances are dealt with expeditiously.
(20) No.
(21-23) Not applicable.
(24) The Department of Education and Training is aware of this advice.
(25) The school has a management plan to ensure that mould is prevented from growing in the demountables which includes ensuring that windows are opened to increase ventilation and regular cleaning of carpets with appropriate machinery, as determined by the Principal.
(26) No.
(27) Not applicable.
(28) The Department has not received reports of mould being an issue at the school.
(29) Yes.
(30) No.
(31-35) Not applicable.
(36) Yes.
(37) Old Bar Public School is noted for inclusion in a future forward capital works program for provision of a permanent library and a permanent administration building.
(38) Not applicable.
(39) Yes.
(40) Within the last year.
(41) See question 37.
(42) Yes.
(43) The Department of Education and Training’s School Facilities Standard indicates that, in general, a 14 Core primary school includes 10 permanent classrooms, a permanent library, and permanent administration.
(44) Nine permanent classrooms.
(45) Old Bar Public School has been provided with demountable accommodation to cater for the number of students attending the school.
(46) Old Bar Public School is noted for inclusion in a future forward capital works program, and will be evaluated against competing priorities in the annual review of school facilities provision across the State.

30 MAY 2001

(Paper No. 90)

*2036 SUPPLY OF ALCOHOL TO CHILDREN—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Police—

(1) Why is your Department unable to provide statistics on the number of charges laid against parents of persons under the age of 18 for the supply of alcohol to their children?
(2) Why is your Department unable to provide statistics on the number of charges laid against persons for the supply of alcohol to youth under the age 18 at sporting and/or social occasions?

Answer—

(1) to (2) I am advised by the Commissioner of Police that most offences relating to the possession or consumption of alcohol by minors without supervision are dealt with by way of an infringement notice. The Traffic Penalties System, which is used to record all infringement Notices, does not record relationships between parties, nor does it record information which distinguishes sporting or social functions.

*2037 CAPITAL VALUE OF TRANSFERRED HOTEL LICENCES—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

(1) What is the average capital value of transferred Hotel Licences in NSW in the years:
(a) 1998/99
(b) 1999/2000
(c) 2000/2001?
(2) What is the average percentage increase in the value of Hotel Licences in NSW in the years:
(a) 1998/99
(b) 1999/2000
(c) 2000/2001?

Answer—

(1)to(2) These figures are not held by Treasury.

2038 DRUG SURVEYS—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Health—

(1) How can the Government remain informed on the success or otherwise of anti drug programs if drug use surveys are not conducted in each health region of NSW?
(2) Are the results of the Government’s School Student’s Alcohol and Drug Survey broken down into specific school regions? If so, are the relevant school bodies in the specific regions informed of the survey results?
(3) What programs have you implemented to reduce the increase in consumption of alcohol by minors?

*2039 CHATSWOOD HIGH SCHOOL—Mr Collins to Minister for Education and Training—

(1) To what extent were staff of Chatswood High School made aware of its proposed relocation prior to the public announcement of the plan?
(2) What is UTS offering Chatswood High School in terms of property and buildings?
(3) Is the existing electricity supply to Chatswood High School inadequate and unreliable, even in key areas such as computer rooms? What is the cost of refurbishment? Do you guarantee that these funds will be spent to cover the transitional period?
(4) Can Chatswood High School parents and students visit the proposed UTS location to judge travel and suitability issues for themselves?
(5) Will focus groups be established to consider the many issues now confronting Chatswood High School parents? How will they be chosen?
(6) Are you prepared to extend the consultation period for Chatswood High School given the delay in the Department briefing and the imminent school vacation?

Answer—

(1) The principal of Chatswood High School was briefed, together with all principals of secondary schools in the Ryde, Port Jackson and Bondi districts, immediately prior to the release of the draft proposal, Building the Future, on March 21, 2001. Meetings of staff at all affected schools were also held on the day of the release of the draft proposal.
(2) Informal discussions have been held concerning the possible use of UTS facilities at the Ku-ring-gai campus. However, there have been no formal proposals made or implied.
(3) The Properties Directorate of the Department of Education and Training is aware that problems exist in relation to the electricity supply within some parts of Chatswood High School and is addressing these issues. Appropriate funding will be provided to rectify the problems.
(4) Tours of the UTS site have been conducted for parents (May 12, 2001) and staff (May 3, 2001) of Chatswood High School.
(5) In light of the Government’s release of the final plan for inner Sydney schools, particularly in relation to Chatswood High School, arrangements for further community discussion are currently being established.
(6) The Department of Education and Training supports the relocation of Chatswood High School to Ku-ring-gai Campus of the University of Technology, Sydney. However, any relocation is contingent on a station at UTS on the new Chatswood-Parramatta rail link and subsequent supportive community consultation.

*2040 WAR VETERANS—Mr Collins to the Minister for Health—

Under what circumstances will war veterans, health care card holders and people with disabilities be eligible for free or reduced-rate car parking at Royal North Shore Hospital?

Answer—

War veterans, pensioners and other people holding health care cards attending the hospital or visiting patients at Royal North Shore Hospital will pay a maximum of $4 per exit.
Any person with a Centrelink beneficiary card or offering evidence of financial hardship is offered reduced fees and in some cases free parking.
People with disabled parking permits are entitled to three hours free parking.

*2041 POLICE BASED IN CHATSWOOD—Mr Collins to the Minister for Police—

(1) What was the number of Police based in the Chatswood area in 1981?
(2) What is the current number of Police based in the Chatswood area?
(3) How many recorded criminal incidents were there, divided by type of offence, in 1981 in the Willoughby Local Government area?

Answer—

(1) to (2) Police geographical boundaries in 1981 do not equate with current North Shore Local Area Command Boundaries. However , I wish to advise that the actual strength of the North Shore Local Area Command was 131 as at 1 June 2001. These figures reflect a favourable increase when compared to November 1994, under the coalition Government, when the actual strength for the equivalent Command was 108, an increase of 23 police officers.
(3) The police Service has advised that this information is not available as it is not possible to derive information relating to Local Government Areas from 1981. The Honourable Member may wish to make further inquiries with the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR).

*2042 DUMARESQ RIVER—Mr Torbay to the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs, representing the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—

(1) Why is the Dumaresq River patrolled by Queensland when the river is in NSW?
(2) Why is it not possible to purchase a fishing licence through some multi-nationals?

Answer—

(1) The Dumaresq River in some locations forms part of the NSW / Queensland border. It is patrolled by both NSW Fisheries officers and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries Boating and Fisheries patrol officers, and they often share responsibilities.
(2) People are able to purchase a fishing licence through any organisation that has applied to become an agent to sell the licence. These organisations tend to be fishing tackle stores, sports stores, service stations and newsagents. Multinational organisations can apply to become an agent.

*2043 FISHING LICENCES—Mr Torbay to the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs, representing the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—

(1) Why are there alleged discriminatory practices in respect of issuing fishing licences?
(2) What sports, other than fishing, require a licence?
(3) How is the current fishing licence fee determined?

Answer—

(1) I am not aware of discriminatory practices in respect of issuing fishing licences.
(2) Fishers are asked to pay the recreational fishing fee - a fee to access the community-owned fisheries resource. Every sport has some costs associated with it. The cost of the licence is moderate, and all money raised is placed in the Recreational Fishing Trusts.
(3) The general recreational fishing fee structure has been based on the successful freshwater recreational fishing licence. Fees have been set after an extensive community consultation process and provide people with several options including, a $5 three day fee, a $10 monthly fee, a $25 annual fee and a $70 three year fee. There are also exemptions for those in the community who can least afford to pay.

*2044 CHEQUE DELAYS —Mr Torbay to the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs, representing the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—

Why does it take so long for the Fisheries Department to present a cheque?

Answer—

I would be happy to address any individual case that Mr Torbay may wish to raise with me. In the absence of such detail it is difficult to provide an appropriate response.

*2045 FUND RAISING—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Is the Minister aware that children at public and private schools in NSW are selling confectionery to raise funds for their local P&Cs?
(2) Is the Minister further aware that P&Cs are approached every year by many confectionery companies intending to have children sell their products for charity?
(3) Does the Minister approve of the method employed by some P&Cs, that the eldest child of each family at a school take home $72 worth of chocolates unless a “non-permission” slip is signed by the child’s parent or guardian?
(4) Does the Minister agree it would be preferable for schools to obtain a permission slip from the parents before allocating the $72 worth of chocolate, rather than allocating the chocolate then asking parents if they don’t want it?
(5) Does the Minister agree that allocating chocolate to very young children (commencing kindergarten) is irresponsible?
(6) What steps will the Minister take in relation to the above?


Answer—

(1)to(6) Public and private school P & C’s and P & F’s resort to a number of methods for the raising of funds for various activities and the purchase of materials.
Such methods may include the sale of confectionaries, but such a decision is made totally by the school.
In general terms, there should be no requirement for students to sell a minimum amount and parents would have the right not to allow their children to participate in such activities.

*2046 HOMEBUSH BAY CLEANUP—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Referring to reports in the EPA Annual Report that the NSW Government has committed $21 million to clean up dioxin contaminated sediments in Homebush Bay, what is the status of the cleanup in
(a) Homebush Bay and
(b) The Homebush Bay area?
(2) What has the money been spent on (listing individual agencies and items)?
(3) How much has been spent on consultancies and scientific reports?
(4) When will the project be completed?

Answer—

(1) Following extensive testing of the contaminated sediments and a public call for expressions of interest, Thiess Services P/L was appointed as the Preferred Proponent to clean up and destroy contaminated material on the former Lednez site, on the Rhodes Peninsula, and in sediments in the part of Homebush Bay adjacent to the Lednez and the former Allied Feeds land sites.
Thiess Services P/L is responsible for preparation of the Environment Impact Statement and obtaining the necessary statutory approvals for the cleanup work.
(2) to (3) At 31 May a total of $1,262,504 has been spent by the Waterways Authority on technical, legal, property, project management and scientific services as part of the preparation for remediation to make the Rhodes Peninsula and Bay safer for public use.
(4) It is expected that the remediation work will take a number of years to complete.

*2047 WAGGA WAGGA FIRE BRIGADE EQUIPMENT—Mr Maguire to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) What type of breathing apparatus equipment is supplied to the Wagga Wagga Fire Brigade?
(2) How old is this equipment?
(3) Is this equipment at the cutting edge of technology?
(4) If not, when will this equipment be updated?
(5) What type of new equipment will be supplied?
(6) When will new equipment be provided to the Wagga Wagga Fire Brigade?

Answer—

(1) The breathing apparatus sets currently on issue to the Wagga Wagga Brigades are “Firefighter” self contained air breathing sets.
(2) The “Firefighter” air sets were manufactured between 1985 to 1998.
(3) “Firefighter” air sets comply with Australian standards 1715 and 1716, as do all sets in service in the NSW Fire Brigades.
(4) Due to the limited life of the cylinders, the air sets need to be replaced after several years. The Brigades has replaced 800 out of 1,400 air sets in fire stations State-wide. The statewide replacement program is expected to be completed in early 2003.
(5) Drager P94 air sets are now being supplied to the NSW Fire Brigades under Government contract.
(6) By 2002.

*2048 NCGC WEBSITE—Mr Maguire to the Minister for Health—

(1) Could you advise as to how in New South Wales, National Coalition for Gun Control (NCGC) has a Website listed with the Sydney University, under the Department of Health?
(2) Is the New South Wales Government appropriating funds at taxpayers’ expense to fund, via the Health Department and Sydney University, expenditure by NCGC in such schemes as was conducted in Martin Place recently?

Answer—

(1) The Website in question has no links with the NSW Department of Health.
(2) The NSW Department of Health does not provide any funding to the National Coalition for Gun Control.

*2051 PROPERTY DAMAGE JESMOND—Mr J H Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Does State Highway 23 for which the RTA was responsible for constructing and/or maintaining pass by the rear of the property known as 6 Harvard Close Jesmond?
(2) If so, were you or the RTA made aware of damage to the home units located at 6 Harvard Close Jesmond caused by the construction or maintenance of the road passing behind them?
(3) If so, when were they made aware of the position?
(4) If so, was the damage caused by the repetition of the foundation movement due to the differential clay soil movement in the area?
(5) If not, how was the damage caused?
(6) Have you or the RTA accepted liability for such damage?
(7) If so, when?
(8) If not, why not?
(9) If so, has such damage been rectified to the satisfaction of the owners of the property at 6 Harvard Close Jesmond?
(10) If not, why not?
(11) If not, when will the work be carried out and completed to the satisfaction of the owners of the property?
(12) Has work been done to remediate the land and area in the vicinity of the buildings, what work was carried out?
(13) If so, when was it carried out?
(14) Was such work carried out in such a way that the land would be able to withstand repetition of foundation movement?
(15) If not, why not?
(16) What value was the work carried out?
(17) Is it the view of the RTA that that is the only work that they will do?
(18) If so, why?
(19) If so, who will be responsible for any further damage to the buildings?

Answer—

(1) Yes.
(2) to (3) The RTA was made aware of the damage to the home units located at 6 Harvard Close following the construction of the road passing behind them. To the best of the RTA’s knowledge, in approximately November 1996.
(4) to (5) I am advised that there were several complex contributing factors in this matter.
(6) No.
(7) N/A.
(8) The RTA has referred the Harvard Close claims to the NSW Treasury Managed Fund under the RTA Self Insurance Scheme for settlement. The Treasury Managed Fund has entered into negotiations in relation to settlement of such claims on a without admission of liability basis. The matter is currently the subject of discussions and negotiations.
(9) to (11) Negotiations for restoration and repair are being carried out by the Treasury Managed Fund through its loss adjusters and consultants with a view to obtaining the owners satisfaction with proposed damage rectification. Negotiations are ongoing.
(12) The RTA has carried out various works along the boundary adjoining State Highway 23.
(13) Between July 1997 and June 1998. Following the completion of such work it was necessary for the site to be left to stabilise. In December 1999 the RTA’s consultants advised they were satisfied that the site had stabilised and I am advised that this was the general view of the owners and residents.
(14) The RTA’s consultants could not categorically state that all problems evident were caused by the RTA in constructing State Highway 23 behind the units.
(15) See (14) above.
(16) The RTA’s records indicate works cost $14,386.
(17) to (18) As advised above, the issues relating to this matter are currently the subject of discussion and negotiation between the parties involved.
(19) It is not possible to speculate on who may or may not cause unspecified damage at some undetermined point in the future.

*2052 OLD BAR PUBLIC SCHOOL—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Were permanent classrooms opened at Old Bar Public School in the 1990s?
(2) If so, were those classrooms completed in accordance with plan and specifications prepared for the classrooms?
(3) If not, why not?
(4) Did those plans and specifications provide for pathways to the rear of the classrooms?
(5) If so are the pathways in place?
(6) If not, why not?
(7) If the plans did involve pathways and they are not in place, when will they be in place?
(8) Does water penetrate any of the classrooms?
(9) If so, how?
(10) If so, why?
(11) If so, what does your Department intend to do to rectify the problem?
(12) If nothing, why not?
(13) If there is a water penetration problem and your Department is prepared to rectify the problem, how will it rectify the problem?
(14) If there is a water penetration problem and your Department is prepared to rectify the problem will it consider replacement of any doors that leak?
(15) If so, when will they replace the doors?
(16) If not, why not?
(17) If there is a water penetration problem and your Department is prepared to rectify the problem, will it consider awnings over any doorways that are exposed to the weather?
(18) If so, when will awnings be put in place?
(19) If not, why not?
(20) Has your Department been made aware of white ant problems that may affect any of the classrooms?
(21) If so, when?
(22) If so, what action been taken to remedy the problem?
(23) Is the problem with white ant penetration exacerbated by poor drainage particularly at the rear of classrooms B and C?
(24) If so, what action has been taken by your Department to rectify the poor drainage?
(25) If nothing, why not?
(26) If work is planned to alleviate the drainage problems, when will the work be carried out and what will the work consist of?
(27) If work is not planned, why not?
(28) Are drainage pipes connecting the gutters of the building in the school connected in such a manner that all drainage water is totally directed to the drainage system?
(29) If not, why not?
(30) If not, does overflow from any unconnected drainpipe spread and run along paths under covered walkways?
(31) If so has your Department been made aware of this?
(32) If so, has your Department been appraised of the serious risk to students and staff caused by run off water?
(33) If so, what does the Department intend to do about the problem?
(34) If work is needed to rectify the problem, when will such work be carried out?
(35) If no work is planned to alleviate the problem, why not?
(36) Has your Department been advised of problems associated with rusted down pipes and guttering joints, leaking gutters and the need for drainage sumps and collars to catch excess splash and overflow from down pipes around the school?
(37) If so, what action will the Department take in relation to those matters?
(38) If so and the Department intends to take action, when will work occur to remedy the problems?
(39) If no action is deemed necessary, why not?

Answer—

(1) Yes.
(2) Yes.
(3) Not applicable.
(4) The plans provided for mowing strips rather than concrete paths. The doors to the rear of the classrooms are intended as emergency exits. The main circulation is to the front of the building.
(5) Not applicable.
(6) Not applicable.
(7) Not applicable.
(8)to(39) Maintenance service contracts have been implemented to provide schools with a regular and responsive maintenance service. Maintenance funds are targeted to areas of greatest need and a consistent standard of maintenance is being applied across all schools.
Each year schools receive routine maintenance to ensure that the facilities are kept up to a specified performance standard.
School principals are involved in the annual planning of works with the maintenance contractor. The contractors also provide a 24 hours seven days a week response service for emergency repairs. The maintenance contractor can be called out to a school within an hour to address essential and urgent issues.
All facilities at Old Bar Public School are maintained to the specified performance standard, in accordance with the Department of Education and Training’s School Facilities Maintenance Contract.
The Properties School Service Unit, Newcastle will continue to work with the school Principal and the maintenance contractor to address any maintenance issues at Old Bar Public School.

2053 REPORT ON CCTV AND CRIME REDUCTION—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Police—

(1) Has Mayor Tracie Sonda provided you with a copy of the report allegedly compiled by the University of Western Australia that states that CCTV has reduced crime in Perth by 43%?
(2) If so, who is the author of this report?
(3) What position does the author of the report hold at the University of Western Australia?
(4) What is the title and date of this report?

*2054 DISCLOSURE OF PRIVATE CONTRACTS—Mr Debnam to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

In relation to the disclosure of information on Government contracts with the private sector:
(1) (a) As recommended in Premier’s Memorandum No. 2000-11, does Premier’s Department lodge details of relevant contract information on its website or on a public noticeboard?
(b) If so, what is the website address and where is the noticeboard?
(2) (a) Does Premier’s Department monitor compliance with Premier’s Memorandum No. 2000-11?
(b) If so, which agencies have established public noticeboards and/or website pages that contain the relevant contract information?
(c) How have other agencies followed the requirement for certain contract information to be disclosed routinely?

Answer—

(1) (a) and (b) The Premier’s Department website does not currently contain any information on government contracts with the private sector. The Department of Public Works and Services undertakes the procurement of goods and services on behalf of those State agencies listed in Schedule 1 of the Public Sector Management Act. Information required to be disclosed on contracts with the private sector, in accordance with Premier’s Memorandum No. 2000-11, is currently available from the Department of Public Works and Service’s website (URL is http://tenders.dpws.nsw.gov.au)
(2) Individual Ministers are responsible for monitoring compliance with the Premier’s Memorandum No.2000-11.

*2055 POLICE INVESTIGATION —Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

(1) (a) Given your answer in Parliament on 7 December 2000, have police determined whether any fraudulent conduct occurred and if not when is their finding expected?
(b) If so, what were the police findings and what was the cost or value of the fraudulent activity to the Department and has this amount been recovered from the parties involved?

Answer—
(1) (a) I am advised that the Police have yet to determine if any fraudulent conduct occurred.
(b) Not applicable

*2056 LAND TAX VALUATIONS—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

In relation to land tax valuations:
(1) Is he aware that when local government assistance grants are determined, land and property valuations are averaged over three years to reduce the impact of market fluctuations?
(2) Would it be appropriate policy for land tax assessments to use a similar averaging technique?

Answer—

(1) Yes.
(2) Smoothing fluctuations in individual tax liabilities via property value averaging would reduce the year to year variability of the tax impost. Such an approach may be welcomed in years when property values are rising (as increases in tax liabilities would lag rising property values). However, there would be situations where tax liabilities would be higher under such an approach. For example, if property values grow rapidly for two years and then stabilise, the tax liabilities in the last year would rise more than the increase in property values in the last year. Similarly, when property values fall, tax liabilities could actually rise due to the averaging process.
The Government’s approach is to base land tax assessments on the most recent valuation practically obtainable. This approach was supported by the 1999 inquiry into the land tax system, the Walton Report, which recommended that annual valuations and assessments should continue.

*2058 SRA WEED CONTROL—Mr Webb to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Can the Minister advise when the State Rail Authority intends to support the activities of its responsible neighbours in undertaking noxious weed control along their property in the Cooma-Monaro Shire Council?
(2) How much money will be expended on the project?

Answer—

(1) to (2) The Rail Infrastructure Corporation (RIC) advises that it will continue to be a responsible neighbour by undertaking weed control within the rail corridor in the Cooma-Monaro Shire.

*2059 BUS SCHOOL ROUTES—Mr Webb the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads

(1) Are road conditions a factor in approving school bus routes for children?
(2) Does a road have to meet certain specifications, classification or standards before approval for a bus operative is given?
(3) Does the standard of a road factor into the children’s safety while travelling in a bus on a particular road?
Answer—

(1) Bus operators provide regular passenger and school services under the terms and conditions of a service contract entered into with the Department of Transport.
Amongst other conditions, the contract holder has an obligation to operate the services only upon roadways that have been approved by the appropriate Local Government Authority for use by bus traffic.
(2) Approval of roadways for use by bus traffic is generally obtained through the relevant Council Traffic Committee. This committee may include members of the NSW Police Service, Roads and Traffic Authority, the Local Council and other agencies.
(3) Buses that are being used solely or principally for the conveyance of students to and from school must not exceed 80 km/hr when passengers are standing. This additional precaution was introduced to increase the safety of the students conveyed.

*2060 PRETTY BEACH—Mr R. H. L. Smith to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Is the Minister aware that the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) are purchasing and installing cabins within the caravan park at Pretty Beach within Murramarang National park?
(2) Is it a fact that no public tenders were called for the purchase, construction and delivery of these cabins?
(3) If not why not?
(4) Is it Government policy to own and operate caravan parks in competition with private enterprise?
(5) What further developments do the NPWS have planned for this caravan park?

Answer—

(1)-(5) I am advised that the purchase of two transportable cabins located at Pretty Beach Caravan Park, Murramarang National Park occurred in May 2000 and that the contract for construction, supply and delivery was carried out in accordance with NSW Government tendering and purchasing procedures.
Pretty Beach Caravan Park predates the dedication of Murramarang National Park. Since the expiration of a long-term lease for the caravan park in 1998, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has operated the area in a low-key manner, with a reduced number of cabins.

*2061 POLICE POSITIONS—Mr Tink to the Minister for Police—

(1) How many sworn Police officers have applied and/or filled administrative positions within the NSW Police Service?
(2) What precautions have been put in place to ensure that sworn Police officers are not applying for and filling these positions which were created under the civilianisation program specifically to “free up” operational Police for front line duty?

Answer—

(1) The NSW Police Service , formerly called the NSW Police Force, was established in 1862 and it has long been possible for sworn police officers to resign or take leave to occupy administrative positions in policing and other professions. I am unable to advise the Member for Epping on how many sworn police officers have filled administrative positions over the past 139 years.
(2) Record high police salaries provided by this Government provide a strong financial incentive for sworn police officers to remain in front line duty and not occupy administrative positions. The Government does not intend to take from sworn police officers the basic right, held in common with other members of the community, to resign and seek other employment.

*2062 INMATE RELEASE—Mr Humpherson to the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

(1) Was an inmate, Eric Devine, formerly at Long Bay Correction Centre released early by a Senior Corrections Officer?
(2) If so, how much earlier than his sentence stipulated?

Answer—

(1)to(2) I am advised that on 5 November 2000, inmate Devine was released. He was due to be released on 6 November 2000.

*2063 EDUCATIONAL COURSES—Mr Humpherson to the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

How many inmates are currently enrolled in Education courses in each of the correctional centres in NSW?

Answer—

I am advised that as at 31 March 2001, a total of 3,347 inmates were enrolled in education
courses. This does not include Junee Correctional Centre.

*2064 LANDSCAPING PROGRAM—Mr O'Farrell to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Will any Ku-ring-gai public school benefit from the 2001/02 budget announcement of a $45m program for landscaping, new fencing and general improvements at older schools?
(2) If so, which ones?


Answer—

(1)to(2) The Department of Education and Training is reviewing the forward Capital Works
Program with reference to the commitment of additional capital funding over the next four financial years.

*2065 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS—Mr O'Farrell to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Will any Ku-ring-gai public school benefit from the 2001/02 budget announcement of a $130m program to improve facilities for students, teachers and school staff including $50m for better disabled access?
(2) If so which schools?

Answer—

(1)to(2) The Department of Education and Training is reviewing the forward Capital Works Program with reference to the commitment of additional capital funding over the next four financial years.

*2066 UPGRADE PROGRAM—Mr O'Farrell to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Will any Ku-ring-gai school benefit from the 2001/02 budget announcement of a $70m program for “upgrades to classrooms, libraries and security at 1000 existing schools”?
(2) If so, which ones?

Answer—

(1)to(2) The Department of Education and Training is reviewing the forward Capital Works Program with reference to the commitment of additional capital funding over the next four financial years.

*2067 SCHOOL HALL PROGRAM—Mr O'Farrell to the Minister for Education and Training—

Will any Ku-ring-gai public school – in particular Warrawee Public School – receive a new school hall as a result of the 2001/02 budget announcement of an $80m program for such facilities? If so, which ones?

Answer—

The Department of Education and Training is reviewing the forward Capital Works Program with reference to the commitment of additional capital funding over the next four financial years.

*2068 DEMOUNTABLE CLASSROOMS—Mr O'Farrell to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) How many demountable classrooms, at Ku-ring-gai public schools, will be replaced following the 2001/02 budget announcement of $50 million to replace demountable classrooms with permanent facilities?
(2) Which Ku-ring-gai public schools will receive replacements?

Answer—

(1)to(2) The Department of Education and Training is reviewing the forward Capital Works Program with reference to the commitment of additional capital funding over the next four financial years. Details concerning the replacement of demountables are still being determined.

*2070 SAFER BY DESIGN PROGRAM—Ms Moore to the Minister the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

Concerning the announcement on April 4, 2001, of new crime prevention guidelines under s.79C of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979:
(1) Are the new guidelines currently binding under the Act?
(2) What is the expected timeframe for all NSW council planners to undertake the “Safer by Design” program run by the NSW Police Service?
(3) What is the expected timeframe for all NSW Councils to fully implement formal crime risk assessments and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles?
(4) What criteria will be used to identify development applications requiring a crime risk assessment and/or the application of CPTED principles?
(5) How will the Minister ensure the preparation and implementation of the required consultative protocols between NSW councils and the NSW Police Service?
(6) In what circumstances would NSW Councils be required, under the new guidelines, to seek modifications to or refuse a development application?
(7) Will NSW Councils be able to require developers to request modifications to or refuse development applications based on risk by their location in high crime areas such as Kings Cross, Potts Point, Surry Hills, Redfern and Woolloomooloo?
(8) Will planning departments be required to include written assessments, under the new guidelines, of crime risk in all relevant development application recommendation reports to Council committees?
(9) What procedures and penalties will be used to ensure developers follow council and NSW Police Service advice on these matters?

Answer—

(1) The guidelines are advisory, but contain information on how they are to be applied under section 79C of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
(2) Questions relating to the Safer by Design training courses are best directed to the Minister for Police.
(3) Questions relating to the negotiation of crime risk assessments between Councils and the NSW Police Service are best directed to the Minister for Police.
(4) The criteria used to identify the applications requiring a crime risk assessment are contained in the guidelines and can be established by Councils in consultation with the Local Area Commands of the NSW Police Service.
(5) Questions relating to consultative protocols are best directed to the Minister for Police.
(6) Councils would be required to carry out a section 79C assessment using the crime risk assessment, or the considerations in the guidelines, before making a decision on whether a development application needs to be rectified or refused.
(7) Yes - see also the answer to question 6.
(8) This is a matter of practice for each Council to determine.
(9) There are a wide range of powers available to Councils to enforce their development approvals under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

*2071 SAFER BY DESIGN PROGRAM—Ms Moore to the Minister for Police—

Concerning the announcement on April 4, 2001 of new crime prevention guidelines under s.79c of the Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979:
(1) What is the expected timeframe for all NSW Council planners to undertake the “Safer by Design” program run by the NSW Police Service?
(2) What is the expected timeframe for all NSW Councils to fully implement formal crime risk assessments and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles?
(3) What criteria will be used to identify development applications requiring a crime risk assessment and/or the application of CPTED principles?
(4) How will the Minister ensure the preparation and implementation of the required consultative protocols between NSW Councils and the NSW Police Service?
(5) In what circumstances would NSW Councils be required, under the new guidelines, to seek modifications to or refuse a development application?
(6) Will NSW Councils be able to require developers to request modifications to or refuse development applications based on risk by their location in high crime areas such as Kings Cross, Potts Point, Surry Hills, Redfern and Woolloomooloo?
(7) Will planning departments be required to include written assessments, under the new guidelines, of crime risk in all relevant development application recommendation reports to Council Committees?
(8) What procedures and penalties will be used to ensure developers follow Council and NSW Police Service advice on these matters?

Answer—

(1) I have been advised that the NSW Police Service will run Safer By Design courses during 2001 and 2002 subject to demand.
(2) I am advised that trained police officers and council planners will conduct formal crime risk assessments as required.
(3) Questions relating to the Environment Planning Assessment Act 1979 are more appropriately directed to the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning.
(4) I am advised that formal correspondence has been forwarded to Local Area Commanders and Local Mayors requesting that they jointly develop consultation protocols.
(5)to(8) Questions relating to the Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 are more appropriately directed to the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning.


31 MAY 2001

(Paper No. 91)

*2072 PUMPER UNITS—Mr Maguire to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

1) Will the two antiquated 24-year-old pumper units be replaced in Wagga Wagga using part of the $13 million allocated funds for acquisition under the 2001 State Budget?
(2) When will the City of Wagga Wagga have these units replaced?

Answer—

The City of Wagga Wagga has two fire stations; Turvey Park is crewed by permanent and retained firefighters and Wagga Wagga is crewed by retained firefighters.
Both Turvey Park and Wagga Wagga have first response vehicles. Turvey Park Fire Station acquired a new aerial firefighting vehicle in May 2001 valued at $750,000 to replace their previous aerial appliance.
Two more hazardous material response vehicles were supplied to Turvey Park Fire Station in 1996 and 1997.
The City of Wagga Wagga is further supported by two International 1710B pumpers based at the Turvey Park Station.

*2073 CITY RAIL—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Are you aware of an advertisement in 9 April 2001 edition of The Sydney Morning Herald under the heading of “Tenders” advising that:
“Tender documentation is being developed for the manufacture and delivery of additional rail passenger rolling stock including
(a) 14 passenger cars to improve the Hunter Valley/Newcastle rail services; and
(b) 40 passenger inter-city double-deck cars”?
(2) Will the Minister add to this proposed tender the provision of additional passenger cars suitable for attachment to the Endeavour cars currently being used?
(3) Does the Minister acknowledge numerous representations regarding overcrowding of Southern Highlands rail services?
(4) In view of additional demand will the Minister ask City Rail to take action to improve the number of services during the day on the Southern Highlands line particularly between Moss Vale and Campbelltown?

Answer—

(1) Yes.
(2) The Government is committed to monitoring the future demand for passenger rail carriage requirements.
(3) Patronage on the Southern Highlands line has grown strongly since the new trains were introduced in 1993/94. Unfortunately, that order, placed by the former Fahey Government, was short sighted in that it did not include a component to cater for growth in passenger business.
(4) I am advised that the State Rail Authority is closely monitoring patronage and demand issues on all lines, including the Southern Highlands line.

*2077 TEACHER HOUSING AUTHORITY FURNITURE—Mr Armstrong to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Does the Teacher Housing Authority (THA) provide furniture in the Authority’s “villa units”?
(2) If so, what is the current condition of the majority of this furniture?
(3) If the furniture is not up to standard and antiquated, does the Minister propose to implement a replacement program?
(4) If so, what is the size of the furniture replacement budget?
(5) How many Teacher Housing Authority properties were sold during 1999-2000 and 2000-2001?
(6) How many THA properties were constructed during 1999-2000 and 2000-2001?
(7) How many THA properties are planned for construction during 1999-2000 and 2000-2001?

Answer—

(1)to(4) Last year the Teacher Housing Authority changed its policy on the provision of furniture with the intention of phasing out this provision in villa units. However, because of a number of concerns about the possible impact of the new arrangement in some areas, the Teacher Housing Authority has commenced a review of the policy.
Interested parties will be advised of the outcome of this review as soon as possible. In the meantime, furniture will continue to be available in most villa units.
(5) 30 in 1999-2000 and 24 in 2000-2001.
(6)-(7) 9 in 1999-2000 and 10 in 2000-2001.

*2078 BONDI RAIL —Mr Debnam to the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—

In relation to public transport options for Bondi:
(1) (a) Given that he has abandoned the Bondi heavy rail extension, why do the new CityRail ticket machines provide commuters with the option of purchasing a ticket to Bondi Beach?
(b)If the reason is to facilitate connecting bus travel, when will commuters have the option of buying bus tickets to other parts of Sydney on CityRail machines?
(2) Given that the preliminary work on the now abandoned Bondi rail extension commenced in 1997 and consumed an estimated $10.818 million by June 2001 (see Budget Paper No.4, 2000/01, p.102), why is preliminary assessment related to the proposed turnback facility at Bondi Junction expected to take a further two years?
(3) Given his department’s four year evaluation of the Bondi rail project, what were the:
(a) Projections of costs, passenger numbers, revenue and expected taxpayer payments;
(b) Details of public servants (name, department and role) involved in the analysis and decision making over the last four years;
(c) Details of expenditure of taxpayers’ funds on the project, by month, over the last four years; and
(d) Details of the evaluation of the light rail alternative including route options, projections of costs, passenger numbers, revenue and any expected taxpayer payments?
(4) Is his department continuing to review the light rail option for Bondi?
(5) Will he call for expressions of interest for a light rail public transport system to service residents in North Bondi, Bondi, Bellevue Hill, Bondi Junction, Paddington, Darlinghurst and Sydney City?

Answer—

(1) (a) When ticket machines were upgraded recently as part of this Government’s continuing commitment to public transport, the opportunity was taken to add the facility to purchase integrated rail/bus tickets to Bondi beach for passengers on the rail network. Prior to this, ticket machines had also allowed passengers to purchase integrated rail/bus tickets to Manly, Moore Park, and Olympic Park, and to purchase Tramlink tickets to facilitate interchange between CityRail services and the Sydney Light Rail system.
(b) If further opportunities arise to introduce such ticketing initiatives, they will be implemented.
(2) A turnback is a very different piece of infrastructure to the formerly proposed rail extension to Bondi Beach. A full engineering design, is required together with new environmental assessment and community consultation. Given that the Government has committed to spending $86.4 m to increase the services on the Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra lines, it is prudent to ensure that the turnback is properly designed to meet operational needs, and to meet all environmental and planning requirements.
(3) (a) These issues are commercial in confidence.
(b) There has been a high level of involvement by agencies across government, which is required to ensure that any proposal is properly considered, and best meets the community’s needs.
(c) Page 110 of Budget Paper Number 4, 2001/02 states that expenditure to 30/06/01 was $2,700,000 and that the estimated total cost of development work for the project was $6,300,000.
(d) The major aim of the Bondi extension proposal, as it is of the proposed turnback facility, was to provide much needed additional capacity to the Illawarra and Eastern Suburbs Lines, for the benefit of all passengers between Waterfall and Bondi Junction. Consideration of light rail, and all other alternatives, was part of the environmental assessment process. Light rail in the eastern suburbs would do nothing to add such capacity. When taking into account issues such as vehicles, maintenance and storage depots, a light rail proposal, notwithstanding its own environmental impacts, would cost considerably more than the proposed turn back.
(4) No.
(5) No.

*2079 COL STINSON PARK—Mr R. W. Turner to the Minister for Health—

(1) When utilising authorised helicopter services, what was the number of Medical Retrieval Services out of Cowra Hospital in:
(a) 1996?
(b) 1999?
(c) 2000?
(2) How many of these emergency calls utilised Col Stinson Park for accessing patients from Cowra Hospital?
(3) Who is responsible for the maintenance of Col Stinson Park for these emergency services?
(4) What safety procedures are put in place before landing and take-offs in Col Stinson Park, a public park?
(5) In the event of after-dark landings, who is responsible for lighting at Col Stinson Park?
(6) How often are maintenance checks performed on these lights in Col Stinson Park?

Answer—

(1) (a) 3
(b) 9
(c) 6
(2) All
(3) Cowra Shire Council
(4) The Retrieval Centre at Orange notifies both the Police and the Ambulance Service. Ambulance officers are in attendance prior to arrival of the helicopter and for the take-off, to ensure the area is safe. Ambulance beacon lights are switched on whilst the retrieval is underway.
(5) The Police and Ambulance Service have access to the power board in Col Stinson Park.
(6) Local government is responsible for maintenance checks.

*2080 COWRA HOSPITAL—Mr R. W. Turner to the Minister for Health—

(1) What investigations have been carried out to ascertain suitable sites for a helipad within Cowra Hospital grounds that would eliminate the need to transfer patients to Col Stinson Park by road ambulance?
(a) If no investigations, why not?
(2) Has an option for utilising rooftops of the Cowra Hospital complex been investigated?
(a) If not, why not?
(b) If so, what was the estimated cost of all potential sites within the Cowra Hospital grounds?
(3) What other alternative sites have been considered and/or investigated?

Answer—

(1) In 1994 the grounds at the rear of hospital were investigated and works costed.
(a) Not applicable
(2) Yes
(a) Not applicable
(b) Approximately $35,000 at that time.
(3) A helipad in the street in front of the hospital was investigated and rejected.

*2081 PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training—

In relation to the delivery of infrastructure via Public Private Partnerships (PPPs):
(1) As recommended by the Public Accounts Committee, will he support the establishment of a specialised unit within the Department of Public Works and Services that will provide agencies with independent advice on structuring infrastructure deals with the private sector?
(2) If not, does he acknowledge any shortcomings in the existing role of NSW Treasury in providing advice on infrastructure?
(3) What action if any does he intend to take to remedy the shortcomings in 2. above?

Answer—

(1) No
(2) No
(3) Treasury is the Department responsible for economic, fiscal and financial advice related to private sector financed proposals. The Treasurer has recently approved of a specialist unit being formed in Treasury to highlight this responsibility for the development and negotiation of financial arrangements associated with these transactions. Treasury will continue to work closely with line agencies responsible for the delivery of services up to the point of contract signing.

*2082 PAYROLL TAX THRESHOLD—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Small Business, and Minister for Tourism—

In relation to the payroll tax threshold:
(1) Has her department reviewed recent findings by the State Chamber of Commerce and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu that small business is increasingly feeling the burden of payroll tax because of the erosion of the real value of the threshold?
(2) Does she agree that the small business payroll tax burden is more sensitive to movements in the threshold than the payroll tax rate?
(3) a) Has her Small Business Development Corporation made any recommendations regarding the appropriate level of the payroll tax threshold and if so what are they?
b) Has she presented these recommendations to Cabinet?

Answer—

(1)to(2) In the first term of this Government the payroll tax tax-free threshold was raised from $550,000 to $600,000 and the rate of payroll tax has been steadily cut. By the year 2002 payroll tax will fall to 6%. The increase in the threshold and the reduction in the rate of tax has greatly benefited the few small firms that pay payroll tax in NSW.
(3) (a) No.
(b) Not applicable.

*2083 COMPLAINT PROCEDURES—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Education and Training—

What are the correct departmental procedures for handling complaints by teaching staff who seek parents’ opinions as part of their child’s homework and are subsequently offended by the comments made?

Answer—

Teaching staff offended by comments made by parents should, in the first instance, refer the matter to their in-school supervisor.

*2084 STAFFING AT LOCAL COURTS—Ms Hodgkinson to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Before the vacancies were recently filled how long were the positions of Clerks of the Local Courts at Gundagai and Tumut vacant?
(2) What were the specific reasons that these positions remained vacant for so long?

Answer—

(1)to(2) The position of Clerk of Gundagai Local Court was vacated on 17 March 2000 when the incumbent officer was promoted. Since then, the position has been filled by way of development opportunity, primarily by experienced Clerks from the Wagga Wagga office. Since becoming vacant, the position has been through a process of grading evaluation, and has now been assessed at Grade 5/6 level. Permanent recruitment action has been undertaken, and it is expected that the position will be filled shortly.
The position of Clerk of Tumut Local Court became vacant on 24 July 2000 when the incumbent officer was promoted. Until permanent recruitment action was finalised, the position was filled by experienced Clerks by way of career development. The successful applicant was appointed to the position on 30 April 2001.

*2086 MANDALONG VALLEY MINING—Ms Seaton to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

(1) Are you aware of concerns from Mandalong community about the impacts of long wall mining under the Mandalong Valley?
(2) Can you explain why a promised flood study, recommended by a Commission of Inquiry, has not been completed more than two years since it was called for?
(3) Is DUAP satisfied that all consent conditions are being observed?

Answer—

(1) Yes.
(2) I am advised that an appropriate level of flood impact investigations have been undertaken.
(3) Yes.

*2087 SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS SCHOOL FACILITIES—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) How many demountable classrooms will be replaced in the Southern Highlands electorate following the 2001/02 budget announcement of $50 million to replace demountable classrooms with permanent facilities?
(2) (i)Which Southern Highlands schools will receive replacements?
(ii)Will Mittagong Public, Bowral Public, Appin Public, Picton Public, Picton High, Moss Vale High and Glenquarry be included?
(3) Which Southern Highlands Schools will benefit from the promised $45m program for landscaping, new fencing and general improvements at older schools?
(4) Which Southern Highlands schools will benefit from the promised $130m to improve facilities for students, teachers and school staff?
(5) Which Southern Highlands schools will benefit from the promised $70m program for upgrades to classrooms, libraries and security at 1000 existing schools?
(6) Will Bargo and Appin schools get permanent libraries?
(7) Which Southern Highlands schools will benefit from the promised $80m school hall program? Will Bargo, Appin and Picton schools be included?

Answer—

(1)to(7) The Department of Education and Training is reviewing the forward Capital Works
Program with reference to the commitment of additional capital funding over the next four financial years. Details concerning replacement of demountables, landscaping, new fencing, general improvements as well as classroom and library upgrades have not yet been determined.

*2088 TRAINING STATISTICS—Mr Humpherson to the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

For the years 2000/2001, 1999/2000, 1998/1999, 1997/19998, 1996/1997, 1995/1996 (by financial year, or calendar year if financial year unavailable) how many students at the Corrective Services Academy:
(a) commenced training
(b) completed training
(c) were offered positions by the Department?


Answer—

(a) For the years 1995-2000 1,442 students commenced training.
(b) For the years 1995-2000 1,391 students completed training.
(c) All students are recruited to the Department as trainee officers.

*2089 REGIONAL COST—Mr Humpherson to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

(1) Why do you not know what the average annual maintenance and repair costs are for Department of Housing properties in each region for 1995/96, 1996/97, 1997/98, 1998/99, 1999/00, 2000/01?
(2) What pages in the Department’s Annual Reports contain figures specifically regarding the total budget for maintenance and repairs by region for the year 1995/96, 1996/97, 1997/98, 1999/00, 2000/01?

Answer—

(1) Maintenance costs are driven by market forces. Contractors respond to a schedule of work with their prices. This means costs vary from year to year and within Regions according to prices for each maintenance zone.
(2) The annual report shows total maintenance and repair costs. Information about total maintenance expenditure is shown on the following pages of annual reports:
95/96: - pages 24 & 64
96/97: – pages 3 & 53
97/98: - pages 25, 56, 60 & 61
98/99: - pages 28, 80 & 87
99/00: - pages 82 & 88.
As the 2000/01 Financial Year has only just concluded, an Annual Report for this period has not been published.

*2090 PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES—Mr Humpherson to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

For each of the following budgeted public housing estates:
a. Bowraville
b. Nambucca Heads
c. Macksville
d. Dareton
e. Ivanhoe
f. Engonnia
g. Weilmoringle
h. Coonamble
i. Gulargambone
j. Wollongong
k. Mt St Thomas
l. Berkeley (32 new units)
(1) How much is budgeted for each project?
(2) How much has been spent on each project to date?
(3) Is it completed? If not, when?
(4) How many units/houses are planned to be built in each project?
(5) What is the budgeted cost of land acquisition in each project?
(6) What has been spent on land acquisition in each project to date?
(7) What was the cost of construction and fit-out in each project?
(8) Will any of the dwellings have: (a) carports? (b) en-suite bathrooms? (c) built-in cupboards?
(d) air-conditioning?
(9) Will homes be constructed of brick/veneer, double brick or other materials?

Answer—

(1) Where work is required to improve the functioning of public housing estates the Department uses a mix of asset and non asset strategies. Estates are prioritised for work to ensure that effort is not fragmented. It is not possible in all cases to quantify the effort at estate level.
(2) N/A
(3) N/A
(4) The Department does not usually concentrate public housing by building on existing estates.
(5) N/A
(6) N/A
(7) N/A
(8) N/A
(9) N/A

*2091 WAGGA WAGGA BASED HOSPITAL—Mr Maguire to the Minister for Health—

(1) How many speech pathologists are operating within the Greater Murray Area Health Service?
(2) How many are based in the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital area?
(3) How many speech pathologists are required to provide adequate services within the Greater Murray Area Health Service?
(4) When will identified vacancies for speech pathologists be filled?
(5) How do you propose to fill these vacancies?
(6) How many children are waiting on speech services?
(7) How long does a child now have to wait for access to a speech pathologist in the Greater Murray Area Health Service?

Answer—

(1) to (2) There are 17.8 FTE speech pathologists working within GMAHS with 4.0 FTE speech pathologists working at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital and the Wagga Community Health Centre.
(3) to (7) Services are provided on a needs basis.
Vacant positions are advertised in accordance with the recruitment process in the Area Health Service. One speech pathologist is expected to return from maternity leave at the end of 2001. A speech pathologist position was advertised in June 2001.
There are 77 children awaiting assessment at the Wagga Community Health Centre. Waiting time for speech pathology depends on the urgency of the case, current referral numbers and staffing levels.

*2092 OXLEY SCHOOLS CAPITAL WORKS—Mr Stoner to the Minister for Education and Training—

In respect of public school capital works funding announced in the State Budget:
(1) Which schools in the Oxley Electorate will have capital works undertaken in 2001/02?
(2) For such schools, what is the work to be undertaken and what funding has been allocated?


Answer—

(1)to(2) The Department of Education and Training is reviewing the forward Capital Works Program with reference to the commitment of additional capital funding over the next four financial years.

*2093 POLICE ASSAULT CHARGE—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Police—

(1) In relation to the assault charge against a police officer arising from an incident at Menai on 4 April 1998 did a senior police officer twice refuse to allow charges to proceed?
(2) If so, what is the name of that officer?
(3) What is the name of the officer who laid the assault charge against the police officer?

Answer—

I am advised by the Deputy Commissioner, Field Operations:
(1) No
(2) See 1
(3) I refer the Honourable Member to the court records in this matter.

*2094 PILLIGA STATE FOREST—Mr D. L. Page to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

(1) In your capacity as Minister responsible for RACAC, can you provide an assurance that no decision will be made to convert any part of the Pilliga State Forest into a National Park until the extent of the natural gas resources are known?
(2) Will you also ensure that the impact on the local towns dependent on the timber resource in the Pilliga will be publicly available as part of the RACAC process and prior to any decisions being made in relation to the Pilliga State Forest’s future?

Answer—

(1) Studies of geological and mineral potential are being conducted by the Department of Mineral Resources as part of the assessment of the Brigalow Belt South Bioregion. The results of these studies will be fully considered in any decisions affecting Pilliga State Forest.
(2) Yes.

*2095 NEW SCHOOL HALLS — BALLINA—Mr D. L. Page to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Will any schools in the Ballina electorate receive funding for new school halls following the 2001/2002 budget allocation of $80m for such facilities?
(2) In particular, has funding been allocated to Ballina Primary School, Lennox Head Primary School or Byron Primary Schools?

Answer—

(1)to(2) The Department of Education and Training is reviewing the forward Capital Works Program with reference to the commitment of additional capital funding over the next four financial years.

5 JUNE 2001

(Paper No. 92)

2096 NOISE BARRIERS—QUEANBEYAN—Mr Webb to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Are you aware of the excessive noise experienced by many of the residents adjoining Canberra Avenue in Queanbeyan; which residents were promised improved noise barriers or amelioration works on Canberra Avenue more than 12 months ago?
(2) Can you inform me just when this work will be undertaken?
(3) Can you tell me the extent of the work to be completed? and
(4) What will be the cost of the improvements?

2097 PRE-SCHOOL ASSOCIATION—QUEANBEYAN—Mr Webb to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

In relation to the requirements of the Queanbeyan Pre-School Association Inc regarding excessive waiting lists, can the Minister inform me:
(1) What advice does she have for the 500 odd parents who have signed a petition, which has been presented to this House?
(2) When can the parents of the 218 children currently waiting to attend one of the 3 campuses of Queanbeyan Pre-School expect a place for their child?
(3) When will the Minister respond to my letter of 18th April 2001?
(4) Given I have to date received 14 more letters from families concerned at the length of the waiting list for 2002, what does the Minister recommend I tell these families?
(5) On the 11th April this year the Minister informed me there are 109 licensed pre-school places in Queanbeyan; where are the other 300 children, on the waiting list for a place in 2002, to obtain pre-school education for their children?

2098 BUILDING THE FUTURE—Ms Moore to the Minister for Education and Training—

If it is implemented, how will the Department evaluate the effects of Building the Future?

2099 SYDNEY SECONDARY COLLEGE—Ms Moore to the Minister for Education and Training—

Concerning staffing for the rearranged schools under Building the Future:
(a) How is the Department proposing to allocate staff between the junior and senior Campuses of the Sydney Secondary College?
(b) How many nominated transfers are involved in the changes?
(c) Are there staff losses from the Port Jackson area?

2100 SECONDARY COLLEGE MODEL—Ms Moore to the Minister for Education and Training—

Concerning the Government’s decision to transform inner city educational facilities:
(a) Are there any other schools in Sydney that already operate as the proposed Sydney Secondary College will operate (ie-incorporating two single sex year 7-12 schools where both Junior and Senior High Schools are both comprehensive and selective)?
(b) If there is an existing model, for how long has it operated and what evaluation of its efficacy as a model for schooling has occurred?
(c) If there is not an existing model, was the current proposal drawn from educational models from other countries?
(d) What options for retaining students within the existing public school system were considered besides the current proposals, and why were they rejected by the Department?
(e) What criteria besides student numbers does the Department use to assess successful outcomes in the public educational system?

2101 CONSULTATION PROCESS—Ms Moore to the Minister for Education and Training—

Concerning the consultation process established to accompany Building the Future:
(a) Why was the consultation period set at 2 months?
(b) If this were to be delayed, what problems were anticipated?
(c) If there is very strong community opposition to all or parts of the Draft Proposal what will
the Department’s next step be?
(d) Will there be a second round of consultation if the Department alters the Proposal in response to community opposition?
(e) What exactly has the Minister said is non-negotiable about these changes?

*2102 HEAVY VEHICLES—Mr Armstrong to the Minister for Police—

How many heavy vehicles have been booked for exceeding speed limits in NSW over the 12 month period to 31 December 2000?

Answer—

8379

*2103 VIDEO SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS—BONDI BEACH—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer—

(1) (a) Are the video surveillance cameras that were erected in the Bondi Beach Park for the Olympics operated by any of the Olympic authorities?
(b) If so, are the cameras still operational and what are they being used for?
(2) Have any of the Olympic authorities transferred control of the cameras to another agency and if so, to which agency?

Answer—

(1)(a) The Olympic Co-ordination Authority did not install any video surveillance cameras at Bondi Beach Park for the Olympic Games, nor is it aware of any other Olympic agency installing video surveillance cameras at Bondi Beach.
(b) Not applicable.
(2) Not applicable.

2104 COAG REVIEW MINISTERIAL COUNCILS—Mr Debnam to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

In relation to Premier’s Department Memorandum No. 2001-05, “COAG Review of Ministerial Councils”:
(1) How many Ministerial Councils currently exist?
(2) What is the Premier’s Department / Cabinet Office estimate of the total annual cost of servicing and administering Ministerial Councils including travel and accommodation costs?
(3) Which areas of overlap among Ministerial Councils have been identified?
(4) Which Ministerial Councils were identified as having “outlived the rationale for their initial establishment”?
(5) What recommendations have been made to COAG regarding the Review of Ministerial Councils?

*2105 INTERNAL AUDIT BUREAU—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer—

In relation to the Internal Audit Bureau (IAB) of NSW:
(1) Is the IAB obliged to report any suspected corrupt conduct within client organisations to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)?
(2) Are government clients of the IAB obliged to report suspected corrupt conduct, uncovered by the IAB, to the ICAC?
(3) How many individual IAB consultancies were conducted in 1999/00 and of these how many were valued at more than $30,000?
(4) Does the IAB make recommendations to NSW Treasury regarding areas where client agencies are having difficulties complying with financial management and record keeping obligations?
(5) Does the IAB make general recommendations to the Council on the Cost and Quality of Government regarding opportunities for enhanced value for money in delivering public services?

Answer—

(1) If during its work corrupt conduct is suspected, the IAB would bring the matter to the personal attention of the client organisation's chief executive officer, as well as the duty under section 11(2) of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988 to report the matter to the Commission. If the IAB became aware that the matter had not been reported as required by the Act, the IAB would report the matter.
(2) Yes.
(3) In 1999-2000 there were 578 projects completed by the IAB. Eight of these projects were valued at more than $30,000.
(4) The IAB does not report to Treasury on projects undertaken for individual client organisations.
(5) No.

2106 VEHICLES THROUGH BULAHDELAH—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) How many vehicles have passed through Bulahdelah, both north and south bound during
· period December 1998 to April 1999
· period December 1999 to April 2000
· period December 2000 to April 2001?

2107 TAHMOOR DRUG CONSULTATION—Ms Seaton to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

(1) Are you aware of a Drugs and Community Action (Premier’s Department) consultation held in Tahmoor in February 2001?
(2) How many such consultations have been and will be held around NSW?
(3) What is the total cost of the administration and running of these consultations?
(4) Were any consultations held between Premier’s Department and the Department of
(a) Health;
(b) DOCS;
(c) Juvenile Justice
before this plan was finalised?
(5) Why was it that the consultant who visited Tahmoor had no knowledge of discussions ongoing between the CEO of the South Western Area Health Service and myself about a range of community-generated proposals regarding local detox and residential rehabilitation?
(6) Why is this information not sought by the Drugs and Community Action group before such consultations, and how much money and effort do you estimate will be wasted as a result of this lack of competent administration?
(7) Are you aware that there are no such services in the Southern Highlands and Wollondilly areas?
(8) What guarantees will you give that adequate services will be located in the Wollondilly and Southern Highlands areas?
(9) What is the total budget of the Drugs and Community Action program and how much is being spent on:
(a) administration?
(b) programs?
(10) How much will be allocated to the Wollondilly and Southern Highlands areas?

*2108 RE-AFFORESTATION PROJECTS—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs—

(1) In relation to re-afforestation projects undertaken by NSW Forestry and private landholders, is it necessary for such projects to receive development approval from the relevant local council?
(2) If not, why not?
(3) If so, when considering a development approval, are councils required, or entitled, to request that any areas to be re-afforested be subject to an Environmental Impact Statement and/or and Environmental Impact Assessment?
(4) If councils do determine development approval, are section 94 contributions required to be paid as a condition of approval of any such development application?
(5) If not, why not?
(6) If councils do determine development approval, are fire prevention strategies included in such determination?
(7) If so, does the council use any agency other than their own resources to determine such strategies?
(8) If so, which other agencies are the council permitted to use?

Answer—

The development approval process for plantation forestry projects does not fall within my responsibilities. Currently, plantation developments are subject to the provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, administered by the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning. This will change in the near future when the Plantations and Reafforestation Act 1999 commences. Plantation projects will then be subject to authorisation by the Minister for Land and Water Conservation.


6 JUNE 2001

(Paper No. 93)

2109 DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS—Mr Hartcher to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Will you direct the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Nicholas Cowdrey to allow the private prosecution by Mr Tony Gilham against Mr Jeffrey Gilham for murder to proceed?
(2) If not, why not?

*2110 MANILLA LOCAL COURT—Mr Hartcher to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Has Manilla Local Court ceased to sit as of 13 March 2001?
(2) If so, whose decision was it to cease sittings at Manilla Local Court?
(3) What were the reasons for the closure of Manilla Local Court on 13 March 2001?
(4) Did any community consultation take place before this decision was made?
(5) If so, what are the particulars of community groups and representatives consulted prior to this decision?
(6) If there was no consultation, why not?
(7) Will you reverse this decision?
(8) If so, when?
(9) If not, why not?

Answer—

Sittings are not being held at Manilla Local Court. The Registry at the Court continues to function. The Chief Magistrate decided to cease rostering a Magistrate to sit at Manilla Local Court because of concerns about safety and security as well as the low number of cases available for listing each month. Decisions about when and where court sittings are held is the responsibility of the Head of Jurisdiction, in this case, the Chief Magistrate. This is not an area where I or my Department can or should intervene.

*2111 ADDITIONAL TAXATION—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

In relation to additional taxation revenue of $653 million generated by the Sydney Olympic Games:
1) What specific taxes comprise the $653 million?
(2) Given that significant changes were made to the overall Olympic budget, why weren’t the estimates of additional taxation revenue revised from either the 2000/01 or 1999/00 Budget Papers?
(3) What methodology was used to calculate the figure of $653 million?

Answer—

(1) The tax revenue attributable to the games was estimated in aggregate rather than by estimating individual taxes. The justification for this approach was that the impact of the Olympics would be felt across the entire economy and so all state taxes would be affected to a lesser or greater degree. The revenue estimate of $653 million over the period 1994/95 to 2005/06 implicitly assumes larger contributions from major NSW taxes such as stamp duty and payroll tax.
(2) Modelling results suggested that changes to the Olympics budget did not have a significant effect on the overall economic impact of the games. As the economic impact was likely to be similar, so too was the revenue impact. It must be stressed that all Olympics-induced tax revenue is implicitly accounted for in the tax revenue forecasts made in every budget.
(3) A detailed computable general equilibrium model of the economy, the Monash Multi-Regional Model, was formulated to analyse the economic impact on NSW and Australia of the Olympic Games. This estimate of the economic impact of the games was used to derive an estimate of the revenue impact based on the historical relationship between the NSW economy and NSW tax revenue.

*2112 COMPULSORY SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

(1) What is the expected increase in 2001/02 payroll tax revenue as a result of the increase in compulsory employer superannuation contributions to 9%?
(2) What is the expected increase in 2001/02 general government employee related expenses as a result of the increase in compulsory employer superannuation contributions to 9%?

Answer—

(1) Nil. The increase in compulsory employer superannuation contributions from 8% of salary to 9% of salary takes effect from 1 July 2002.
(2) Nil. The increase in compulsory employer superannuation contributions from 8% of salary to 9% of salary takes effect from 1 July 2002.

*2113 TAX ON NEW MOTOR VEHICLES—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

(1) What is the anticipated impact on General Government sector and Total State sector expenses of the Commonwealth’s decision to allow full input tax credits on the purchase of new motor vehicles from 23 May 2001?
(2) What is the anticipated impact on General Government sector revenue of the Commonwealth’s decision to allow full input tax credits on the purchase of new motor vehicles from 23 May 2001?
(3) Was this impact incorporated into the NSW Budget Papers released seven days after the Commonwealth’s announcement?

Answer—

(1) There will be a minimal, but marginally positive, impact because only a minority of government motor vehicles will be affected by the decision. This is because the phasing-in of full input tax credits on motor vehicles never applied to most government motor vehicles. This is because organisations previously entitled to a Wholesale Sales Tax exemption were excluded from the input tax credit phasing-in. Only Senior Executive Service and salary sacrifice related vehicles were not exempt.
An accurate quantification of the net impact of the Commonwealth Government's decision on full input tax credits on expenses is not possible as vehicle expenses are affected by a number of other factors including the method of financing (that is, leased or owned), future residuals values, and interest rates.
(2) In terms of revenue sourced from the Commonwealth Government, under the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Reform of Commonwealth-State Financial Relations the Commonwealth Government has agreed to provide a Guaranteed Minimum Amount of funding to ensure that New South Wales is not made worse off from the new Commonwealth-State funding arrangements.
Under these arrangements, to the extent that GST revenue is lower because of the Commonwealth Government's decision to allow full input tax credits on the purchase of new motor vehicles, any short-fall in GST revenue would be compensated by increased Budget Balancing Assistance from the Commonwealth Government.
A reliable quantification of any change to own-source revenue is not available because it is not possible to differentiate between sales induced by the Commonwealth Government’s decision on full input tax credits and sales that would have occurred in the absence of this change.
(3) No.

2114 SOUTH EAST WASTE MANAGEMENT BOARD—Ms Hodgkinson to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) What are the conditions under which Kenmore Hospital will be sold?
(2) Given the considerable community support for equestrian facilities in Goulburn, would the Department of Health consider selling all or a part of the Kenmore property to the Goulburn and District Equine Association?
(3) How many other proposals or expressions of interest have been made for future use of the Kenmore site?
(4) Which organisations have made these offers or expressions of interest?
(5) When will the Kenmore property be sold?
(6) What price is the Department of Health expecting to realise out of this sale?
(7) Are any of the expressions of interest or proposals compatible with other proposals for part usage of the Kenmore site?

2117 TRAFFIC SIGNS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY—Mr Collins to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) (a) What restrictions, if any, apply to private citizens erecting direction signs on their private property?
(1) (b) What dispute resolution procedures, if any, exist where neighbours erect conflicting traffic direction signs?
(2) Is dispute resolution of such issues a matter for the State Government or local government or both?

*2118 ELECTRICITY UTILITIES—Mr Collins to the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs—

(1) On whose authority are certain electricity utilities now lopping holes through trees for power lines with a radius of three metres rather than the previously permitted one metre radius?
(2) (a) Is this invasive tree lopping facilitated by any recent change to NSW legislation or regulations?
(b) Will the Government review this development in light of the actions of certain local councils?
(3) (a) Have any local councils approached the NSW Government for permission to rent the air space above street cables in order to raise further revenue for other purposes?
(b) If so, which local councils have expressed support for this proposal?

Answer—

(1)-(3) I understand that these activities are regulated under the Electricity Supply Act, and that section 48 of that Act gives distributors the power to issue notices requiring landowners, including local councils, to trim trees that the network operator believes may destroy, damage or interfere with powerlines or other electricity works.
Responsibility for the administration of the Electricity Supply Act comes within the portfolio of my colleague, the Hon Kim Yeadon MP, Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney.

2119 SALE OF SITES—Ms Moore to the Minister for Education and Training—

On the other sale of some schools in Sydney’s inner suburbs to refurbish others:
(1) What are the proposed figures of anticipated revenue for each of the sales of school sites?
(2) What are the anticipated ongoing costs of the new schools as opposed to the one-off investments of capital from sale of public assets?
(3) Is an increase in recurrent funding required because of the changes?
(4) If so, is there a commitment from the Government to pay this?
(5) What are the planned refurbishments at Leichhart and Glebe High School Sites?

2120 ST GEORGE TAXI CABS—Mrs Chikarovski to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) How many complaints for the years 1998/99 and 1999/2000 has the Department of Transport received concerning St George Taxi Cabs?
(2) What was the nature of these complaints?
(3) How does the Minister intend to deal with taxi companies which fail to ensure their taxis arrive in a reasonable time when a booking has been made?

2121 REDUCTION ON DEMOUNTABLE SCHOOL CLASSROOMS—Mr Souris to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) How many demountable buildings were used as school classrooms in NSW in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000?
(2) How many demountable buildings are being used as school classrooms in NSW in 2001?
(3) How many demountable buildings will be used as school classrooms in NSW in 2002?
(4) Does he plan to reduce the number of demountable buildings used as classrooms in NSW schools?
(5) If so, when and by how many?
(6) If not, why not?
(7) What is the average age of demountable buildings used as classrooms in NSW schools?

2122 DEMOUNTABLE SCHOOL CLASSROOMS—Mr Souris to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) How many demountable buildings were used as school classrooms in NSW country schools in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000?
(2) How many demountable buildings were used as school classrooms in NSW metropolitan schools in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000?
(3) How many demountable buildings are being used as school classrooms in NSW country schools in 2001?
(4) How many demountable buildings are being used as school classrooms in NSW metropolitan schools in 2001?
(5) How many demountable buildings will be used as school classrooms in NSW country schools in 2001?
(6) How many demountable buildings will be used as school classrooms in NSW metropolitan schools in 2002?
(7) What is the average age of demountable buildings used as school classrooms in NSW country schools?
(8) What is the average age of demountable buildings used as school classrooms in NSW metropolitan schools?
(9) What is the average number of demountable buildings at each NSW country school?
(10) What is the average number of demountable buildings at each NSW metropolitan school?

2123 TRAIN DELAYS — APRIL—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

How many trains were delayed or cancelled on the City Illawarra line between 1 April and 28 April 2001?

2124 TRAIN DELAYS — MAY—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

How many trains were delayed or cancelled on the City Illawarra line between 1 May 2001 and 30 May 2001?

2125 CENTRAL STATION TUNNEL CLOSURE—Mr O'Farrell to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Is the pedestrian tunnel connecting platforms 16, 17, 18 and 19 to the country concourse at platform 10 open during peak times at Central Station?
(2) If not, why is it closed?
(3) Would the opening of the tunnel improve passenger flow between these areas during peak times?
(4) What was the cost of construction/refurbishment of this tunnel?
(5) Is CCTV installed in the tunnel?

2126 HOMEBUSH BAY REMEDIATION—Mr O'Farrell to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) When will the Waterways Authority commence the remediation of specified contaminated areas of Homebush Bay?
(2) When is the remediation expected to be completed?
(3) What is the scope of work to be undertaken?

2127 MANNING BASE HOSPITAL CATCHMENT—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Health—

(1) What is the Department of Health’s assessment of the number of people in the catchment population for Manning Base Hospital (MBH) from the local government area known as Great Lakes Council?
(2) What is the age breakdown of the population of such catchment area?
(3) Do the catchment numbers mentioned in question 1 include holidaymakers and visitors to the area?
(4) If so, what is the number from the total of the catchment area attributed to the category of holidaymakers and visitors?
(5) If the figures in question 1 do not include holidaymakers and visitors, why not?
(6) If the figures in question 1 do not include holidaymakers and visitors, will the Department of Health seek to ascertain such numbers and factor those into any benchmarks that may be set for health treatment and funding to the catchment area?
(7) If not, why not?

2128 PORT STEPHENS AQUACULTURE—Mr J. H. Turner to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

(1) Is there an aquaculture undertaking presently operating in Port Stephens that is involved with the growing of pearl oysters?
(2) If so, has such activity been approved by your department?
(3) If so, when?
(4) If not, is there a requirement for your department to approve such a proposal or undertaking?
(5) Is there a requirement for any public consultation in relation to any undertaking?
(6) If so, what requirement?
(7) Is there a requirement for any environmental impact statement or other such document?
(8) If so, what such documentation?
(9) If so, have any such documents been prepared?
(10) If so, are they available to members of the public?
(11) Have you received letters concerning the proposal?
(12) If so, how many letters?
(13) If so, have you replied to such letters?
(14) If not, why not?

2129 FAILFORD ROAD—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) What is the traffic count for the road (known as the Failford Road) between the Pacific Highway at Failford and The Lakes Way in both directions for years 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 to date?
(2) What is the traffic count between the intersection of the Failford Road and The Lakes Way for that Part of the road from the “Failford turn off” to the town of Tuncurry in both directions for the above years?
(3) What is the traffic count on the Lakes Way between the intersection of the Failford road with The Lakes Way and the turn off to Hallidays Point in both directions for the above years?
(4) What is the traffic count on The Lakes Way between the Hallidays Point turn off and the intersection of the Lakes Way with the Pacific Highway in both directions for the above years?
(5) What is the traffic count in both directions for the same years from Forster upon The Lakes Way to Pacific Palms?
(6) What is the traffic count for both directions for the same years for The Lakes Way between Pacific Palms and the intersection of The Lakes Way with the Pacific Highway near Bulahdelah?

*2130 MINING LEASE 1167—Mr Armstrong to the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs, representing the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—

(1) Has the tender process for the site assessment, rehabilitation planning and costing in relation to Mining Lease 1167 been completed?
(2) If so, has a tender been let and who was the successful tenderer?
(3) When will tenders be called for the rehabilitation of ML 1167?
(4) Will community and stakeholder consultations be part of that process?
(5) When the successful tender is announced will you guarantee that taxpayers’ funds will not be used to pay, via the Derelict Rehabilitation Mines funds, for any shortfall in the cost of rehabilitation brought about by an inadequate security bond of $500,000 agreed upon by your predecessor?
(6) Do you accept that the typical unit cost of the maintenance of rehabilitated mining areas is $2500 per hectare, based on cost categories which have been used since June 1997 in the calculation of securities?
(7) Do these cost categories reflect the typical costs incurred in New South Wales mines rehabilitation projects?
(8) If so, do you agree that in relation to ML 1167, based on an area of 452 hectares in 1997, the figure of $1,130,000 would have been a more realistic security, far exceeding the $500,000 security requested?

Answer—

(1) Yes
(2) HLA Environsciences have been awarded a contract for a site assessment, rehabilitation planning and costing in relation to ML 1167.
(3) I will await the completion of the contract for site assessment before calling for tenders for rehabilitation of ML 1167.
(4) The views of the community and stakeholders will be taken into account in the development of tender specifications for rehabilitation of ML 1167.
(5) It is worth noting that the security bond was set at $500,000 during the period of administration of the former Coalition Government in 1992. This Government has a far greater commitment to safeguarding our environment, and I believe this is reflected in Government decisions across a range of portfolios since we were elected in 1995.
Whether or not funds from the Derelict Mined Land Program will be used to supplement the security bond will depend on the cost of the works necessary to achieve an acceptable rehabilitation outcome. If the cost exceeds funds available from the forfeited security bond, supplementation may be sought from the Derelict Mined Land Program.
(6) In June 1997, $2,500 per hectare was a typical figure allowed for in security bond calculations for maintenance of reshaped and revegetated tailings and waste emplacements while self sustainability was being established.
(7) Costs vary depending on the works required and range from $500 to $4,000 per hectare and depend upon the circumstances of each site.
(8) Only a proportion of ML 1167 requires rehabilitation. While the total area of ML 1167 may be 452 hectares, ML 1167 has approximately 85 hectares occupied with incompletely rehabilitated tailings and waste emplacements with a further approximately 20 hectares of other areas possibly also requiring some rehabilitation. On that basis, the requested security bond of $750,000, a figure which in 1996 was believed to be reasonable considering the then state of rehabilitation progress, would have provided for further rehabilitation averaging over $7,000 per hectare.

2132 HEALTH SERVICES—Mr Webb to the Minister for Health—

Of the approximate $46 million that flows annually from the Southern Area Health Service into the ACT to treat NSW Patients;
(1) How many individual services were provided for each of the years: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001?
(2) How many were for Monaro residents?
(3) How many were for persons residing elsewhere within the Southern Area Health Service Area?
(4) How many were for persons coming from other areas of NSW?
(5) What is the percentage by service classification type, of surgery, procedures and other services carried out at ACT Hospitals on behalf of NSW residents for which the Southern Area Health Service had a responsibility, for example, maternity, cardiovascular, urology, orthopaedics, oncology, diagnostic, day surgery, out patient, etc?
(6) How many individual services were carried out on ACT patients at Queanbeyan Hospital in each of the years: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001?

2133 QUEANBEYAN HOSPITAL—Mr Webb to the Minister for Health—

(1) What is/was the total number of beds available in each of the years; 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001?
(2) Of these beds what are the various classifications, for example, maternity, day surgery, general surgery, mental health, etc?
(3) How many beds are/were available in each classification for each year?
(4) Is this the maximum number of beds that the current design and plans of the hospital allow for?
(5) Have the plans and design of the available ward space been altered or reduced in recent years?
(6) If yes, when?
(7) And if so, why?
(8) How many operating sessions per week are currently being undertaken for each of the two theatres?
(9) What capacity have each of the two theatres been operating at for each of the years 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001?
(10) What are the reasons for the variations?
(11) On current funding availability, what is the session capacity of the two theatres at the hospital?
(12) With increased levels of funding could the utilisation rate be increased?
(13) If so, to what level?
(14) Are the impediments to greater utilisation related to staffing levels, bed availability or technical and equipment matters?

2134 CROWN ROAD MAINTENANCE—Mr Webb to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

(1) Does your Department gain access to a gauging station on the Snowy River via a Crown Road through Mr and Mrs Bruce Hodges’ property off the Beloka (Dalgety) Road, Jindabyne?
(2) If so, how often is access gained via the property in relation to the gauging station and other uses?
(3) Are you aware that Fisheries, Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electricity Authority and the Royal Botanical Gardens also gain access to the Snowy River via this road?
(4) Are you aware that Mr Hodges has been told that he can only carry out light maintenance on this Crown Road (no tractor or blade work)?
(5) What are the potential environmental problems associated with regular track maintenance?
(6) Are there any liability or indemnity problems associated with Mr Hodges carrying out this work?

2135 SCHOOL LANDSCAPING—Mr Tink to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Will any public school in the Epping electorate benefit from the 2001/02 budget announcement of a $45m program for landscaping, new fencing and general improvements at older schools?
(2) If so, which schools?

2136 DISABLED ACCESS TO SCHOOLS—Mr Tink to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Will any public school in the Epping electorate benefit from the 2001/02 budget announcement of a $130m program to improve facilities for students, teachers and school staff including $50m for better disabled access?
(2) If so, which schools?

2137 SCHOOL HALL PROGRAM—Mr Tink to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Will any public school in the Epping electorate-in particular Epping West Public School – receive a new school hall as a result of the 2001/02 budget announcement of an $80m program for such facilities? If so, which ones?

2138 SHORTAGE OF BLOOD PRODUCTS—Mr R. H. L. Smith to the Minister for Health—

Evidenced by appeals by the Minister for Health for the people of NSW to urgently donate blood, in the light of the shortage of blood products, can the Minister explain:
(1) Why the Minister did not intervene when the Blood Blank in Bega was closed late last year with minimal notice?
(2) Why the Minister allowed the collection point in Bega to close on 30 December 2000, despite his assurance to me in his letter dated 28 June 2000 that this would not be the case?
(3) Why the Minister has not responded to any of my letters following the decision to close the service?
(4) Why the loss of 2000 units of blood donated annually from the Bega Blood Bank was not taken into consideration before the decision was taken to close the blood bank?
(5) Why no attempt was made to make collection from the Bega area more cost-effective?
(6) Would the Minister not agree that funds currently being spent on an advertising campaign calling for blood donors would have been better spent on retaining the blood bank in Bega where excellent and fully trained staff existed?

*2139 ACQUISITION OF LAND—Mr R. H. L. Smith to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Do the claims by the National Parks and Wildlife Service take precedence over land, which is the subject of Native Title claims?
(2) What is the policy of the Service in relation to acquisition of land which is held under Permissive Occupancy?
(3) Why did the Service resume lot 155 in DP 725136 Parish of Cadjangarry to add to Biamanga National Park without any consultation with the leaseholder?
(4) Is the Minister aware that when considering Native Title claims, the rights of leaseholders take precedence over claims by indigenous people?
(5) Once land has been acquired by the Service, is it policy not to inform the previous holder of the tenure of this change?


Answer—

(1) The National Parks and Wildlife Service does not “claim” land. However, the Service may purchase land or accept transfer of Crown land from another agency. When this land is reserved or dedicated under the National Parks and Wildlife Act, such action does not affect the Native Title rights or interests which may apply to the land immediately before the reservation or dedication action occurred.
(2) Permissive Occupancy is the former method by which a person may be granted permission to occupy or use vacant Crown land for a particular purpose, very often grazing. The term of the occupancy was normally one year, but it could be renewed. Licences now generally replace permissive occupancies, again normally on an annual basis. Land affected by a permissive occupancy, or licence, can be reserved and dedicated under the National Parks and Wildlife Act. Section 39 of the Act allows for the continuation of the permissive occupancy or licence. The Service then negotiates with the holder of the permissive occupancy or licence an agreed date for its termination.
(3) The Service did not resume the land. Lot 155 in DP 752136 (note, not 725136) Ph Cadjangarry was added to Biamanga National Park in 1998 by way of the Forestry and National Parks Estate Act 1998.
(4) The consideration of Native Title claims and the rights of leaseholders in relation to those claims is a matter for the National Native Title Tribunal.
(5) When the Service purchases land, this occurs with the full knowledge of the vendor. Land is purchased by the NPWS by way of private treaty. Contracts, which reveal both the vendor name and purchaser name, are drawn up and exchanged in the normal way. Land is held in the name of “The Minister Administering the National Parks and Wildlife Act” until reservation or dedication action takes place.

2140 MONA VALE ROAD UPGRADE—Mr Brogden to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

What is the cost of the upgrade of Mona Vale Road from Terrey Hills to Mona Vale to a two lane carriageway?

2141 SCHOOL FUNDING PITTWATER—Mr Brogden to the Minister for Education and Training—

Will any schools in the Pittwater electorate receive funding for new capital works in the 2001/2002 Budget?

*2142 COURT HOUSE SITE—Mr Brogden to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Does the Attorney General’s Department have any plans for the Mona Vale Court House site?
(2) Is the site proposed for sale?
(3) What is the value of the land?
(4) Does the Attorney General’s Department have plans to build a Court House?

Answer—

(1) to (3) The Attorney General's Department does not own a site at Mona Vale which might be considered for construction of a court house.
(4) The Attorney General’s Department does not have any plans to build a court house at Mona Vale.

2143 HELPLINE STAFF—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

In relation to Help-line, what were staff numbers (by category) on (or about)
(1) 18 December 2000
(2) 18 January 2001
(3) 18 February 2001
(4) 18 March 2001
(5) 18 April 2001
(6) 18 May 2001?

2144 MEDIA UNITS—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

(1) How many staff are engaged in the media section of the
(a) Department of Community Services and
(b) Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care
(i) as at today
(ii) as at 1 December 2000
and what was the total weekly or monthly running cost of those units?

2145 DISCRETIONARY FUNDS—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

What is
(i) The total value of discretionary funds in each of the departments and agencies in your portfolios?
(ii) The criteria in each department or agency for application of these funds?
(iii) The method of review of appropriateness of expenditure of such funds?



6 JUNE 2001

(Paper No. 94)

2146 SCHOOL UPGRADE—Mr Tink to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Will any school in the Epping electorate benefit from the 2001/02 budget announcement of a $70 million program for “upgrades to classrooms, libraries and security at 1000 existing schools”?
(2) If so, which ones?
(3) Will Carlingford High School benefit from the program in relation to budget funding for a new library and if so please provide details?

2147 DEMOUNTABLE CLASSROOMS—Mr Tink to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) How many demountable classrooms, at public schools within the Epping electorate, will be replaced following the 2001/02 budget announcement of $50 million to replace demountable classrooms with permanent facilities?
(2) Which public schools within the Epping electorate will receive replacements?

2148 TRANSGRID LAND CLEARING—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

(1) Who were the contractors used by Transgrid in land-clearing activities described by the Premier as ‘environmental vandalism’ under Transgrid power lines in:
(a) National Parks
(b) State Reserves
(c) Private Land
Did any state agencies undertake this work? If so, which agencies?
(2) How much were contractors paid for this work?
(3) Have they been paid in full?
(4) Were any paid in advance? If so, how much?

2149 RENWICK SITE—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Are you engaged in any discussions or negotiations with private sector buyers for the sale or lease of DOCs owned land at the Renwick site near Mittagong?
(2) What is the expected return for sale of the site?
(3) When do you intend to sell it?

2150 RENWICK SITE—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Are you engaged in any discussions or negotiations with private sector buyers for the sale or lease of D.S.E -owned land at the Rendwick site near Mittagong?
(2) What is the value of the site?
(3) Do you intend to sell it, if so, when?
(4) Do you acknowledge the potential use of the site for much needed additional high school facilities between Picton and Bowral?
When will you advise your intentions for the long term use of the site?

2151 WATER POLLUTION—Ms Seaton to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Is your department aware of an incident at a building site at 213 Stuart Street Kogarah at which a breach of the DA had been actioned by the officers of Kogarah Council resulting in a fine of $1500 for water pollution, and a work order in the order of $130,000 requiring clean up of the site including an unauthorised sandstone platform built into the water as a base for a bulldozer to complete on-land works?
(2) Did Fisheries officers inspect the site?
(3) Did Fisheries officers then give advice allowing the development to proceed?
(4) Did Fisheries offer the opinion that they were not concerned with the sediment from the site as it was not in their view posing a problem?
(5) On what basis was this view formed?

2152 DOVER HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training—

In relation to asset maintenance at Dover Heights and Vaucluse high schools:
(1) On a full-time equivalent basis, how many security personnel are employed or contracted to protect education assets from vandalism or theft at these schools?
(2) In calendar years 2000, 1999 and 1998 how many instances of theft, vandalism or break and enter were reported at Dover Heights and Vaucluse high schools?
(3) Are schools required to meet the cost of security from within existing budgets or can they receive additional funding from the Department of Education to finance measures to prevent vandalism or theft?

*2153 GSP AND REVENUE GROWTH—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

In relation to forecast growth in Gross State Product (GSP) and revenue growth:
(1) Given that the Government’s estimate of 2000/01 GSP growth has dropped from 4% (2000/01 Budget Papers) to 2% (2001/02 Budget Papers), how does he explain the $577 million unbudgeted increase in taxation revenue and the $1.3 billion unbudgeted increase in total revenue (excluding capital repatriations) for 2000/01 ?
(2) Given that unbudgeted tax and total revenue has outstripped the increased forecast under the “Higher Growth” alternative economic scenario for the past three years, can it be concluded that cyclical or macroeconomic effects have played only a minor part in driving extra-budgetary revenue?

Answer—

(1) The main reason for higher than budgeted revenue was the stronger than anticipated turnover in the property and share markets, which has generated additional stamp duty revenue. A more detailed explanation is provided in 2001-02 Budget Paper No. 2, Chapter 3, sections 3.3.1 and 3.3.2.
(2) Higher growth scenarios are prepared assuming a general increase in economic activity, as measured by Gross State Product (GSP) and employment. However, revenue is also sensitive to turnover in asset markets, which are only loosely related to GSP and employment in the short term. While the aggregate cycle is always relevant to revenue performance, the behaviour of asset markets has been the main factor explaining higher than budgeted revenue in recent years.

2155 STAFF AT KENMORE HOSPITAL—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Health—

(1) How many Department of Health staff are currently employed within the grounds of Kenmore Hospital in Goulburn?
(2) Will the Minister give a commitment that all of these staff will be offered suitable positions within Department of Health facilities in Goulburn when Kenmore Hospital is finally closed?

*2156 POLICE NUMBERS AT GOULBURN—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Police—

(1) Why did the Minister accept my use of the term ‘Authorised Position’ in my question number 1916 and not in my question number 1723?
(2) Will the Minister admit that the term ‘Authorised Position’ is the correct Human Resources term used to describe positions within a Police Local Area Command to which individual police officers are posted?
(3) Why did the Minister fail to pass on the full information which was prepared by the Goulburn Local Area Command in answer to my question number 1723?
(4) Will the Minister now provide the full information provided to his office by the Goulburn Local Area Command?

Answer—

(1) In both QON 1916 and QON 1723, information was provided on actual strength.
(2) There is no such category as authorised strength.
(3) Answers to Questions on Notice are prepared based on a range of factors and taking into consideration information gathered from a number of sources not necessarily available to Local Area Commands, including information provided by the Commissioner of Police, the two Deputy Commissioners, and other members of the Commissioner’s Executive team.
(4) See 3.

*2157 BUDGET PAPER NO 2—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

In relation to the statement, “Some revenue items may have had an inadvertent bias in past Budgets”, appearing on page 2-30 of Budget paper No. 2 (2001/02):
(1) Other than profit estimates of public trading enterprises, which revenue items have had an inadvertent bias?
(2) In which revenue items has the inadvertent bias been identified as occurring in more than one year?
(3) What has been done to remove inadvertent bias from budgeted revenues in 2001/02 and 2002/03?

Answer—

(1) The reason for including the statement referred to in the Budget Papers was that projections for the total dividends and tax equivalent payments of the Public Trading Enterprise Sector (PTEs) are collated by, but not prepared by, Treasury. They are based on estimates provided by the PTEs, consistent with their Statements of Corporate Intent and Statements of Financial Performance negotiated with the Government. These estimates are accepted in good faith. Nevertheless, there has been an historic trend whereby PTEs have under-estimated profit performance, given the uncertainties faced.
An “inadvertent bias” is by definition an unintended deviation, where that deviation shows some consistency of direction over time. However, this does not lend itself to a precise numerical application.
Due to the extraordinarily prolonged nature of the recent economic expansion, budget-time forecasts for the economy have tended to underestimate the strength of the economy (in common with most other economic forecasters) – actual GSP growth was above the Budget forecast for every year except one from 1993-94 to 1999-2000 inclusive. This pattern, together with stronger than expected property and share markets, has resulted in revenue from a number of taxes - particularly stamp duty on contracts and conveyances - being above their Budget projections more often than not in the period since the last recession.
(2) As indicated by the answer given to (1) above, it does not make any sense to refer to an inadvertent bias for a single year. By definition, for a revenue item to be described as having an inadvertent bias, it must display bias for a run of years.
(3) As by definition an “inadvertent bias” is unintentional, it is difficult to remove. For 2001-02 and 2002-03, as in past years, the revenue estimates prepared by Treasury are based on an assessment that takes into consideration all information available at the time of Budget preparation, with the intention of avoiding deliberate bias.
As in the past, projections for the total dividends and tax equivalent payments of the Public Trading Enterprise Sector (PTEs) are based on estimates provided by the PTEs. Treasury does not have sufficient information to second guess the operating conditions faced by the PTEs and the consequential returns expected from them.

*2158 NPWS OFFICE RENT —GRIFFITH—Ms Seaton to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) What is the annual rent being paid by NPWS for the current NPWS office space in Griffith?
(2) What is the annual cost of cleaning services for the office?
(3) What is the floor space of the office?
(4) What is the annual cost of electricity and water in the Griffith office?

Answer—

New premises have been rented in Griffith as the previous office was too small for the number of existing staff and there were limited toilet and other staff facilities. It also had poor security, limited natural lighting and ventilation, poor heating and cooling facilities, and no meeting room. An Expression of Interest was advertised and nine initial submissions were received. Three tenders were received with one significantly lower. The lowest tender was accepted. The new premises provide more than twice as much space for offices and other staff facilities.

2159 PRESCHOOL FUNDING—Mr R. H. L. Smith to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

In relation to representations from Mrs Donna Mayo Ramsay of Bodalla who was advised by Premier Carr that you would “carefully consider her letter” relating to the discrepancy in funding assistance between preschool and daycare, can you advise:
(1) When will you advise the results of your careful consideration?
(2) What studies has your Government undertaken to establish how many children miss out on preschool placement because of the increased cost to parents of preschool (versus day care)?
(3) What money on a dollar-for-dollar basis (or otherwise) does your Government put into preschool care versus day care?
(4) When will you ensure that the same funding is given to place children in preschool as long day care?

2160 DEMOUNTABLE CLASSROOMS—Mr Souris to the Minister for Education and Training—

How many demountable classrooms are located in each school in the electorate of Upper Hunter?

2161 BICENTENNIAL MONUMENT—Mr Collins to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship

(1) (a) Has a major public sculpture which commemorates the links between Sydney and Portsmouth UK been removed by the Sydney City Council from the forecourt of Customs House at Circular Quay?
(2) (b) Does the Government support the restoration of the Bicentennial monument to its original location given that an identical copy of it continues to stand in Portsmouth near the point of embarkation for the First Fleet?

2162 AUSTRALIAN FLAG—Mr Collins to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

(1) (a) What celebrations, if any are planned to recognise the centenary of the design competition which resulted in the current Australian Flag on 3 September 2001?
(2) (b) In particular, will the story of the evolution and adoption of the Australian Flag be told to NSW school children this year?

2163 WRITERS WALK—Mr Collins to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

(1) (a) Has the Writers Walk established at Circular Quay by the previous Government attracted widespread interest and generated debate amongst both Australians and visiting tourists?
(2) (b) After six years in Government, will you now consider adding further Australian and overseas authors whose works reflect the Australian experience or who have themselves been influenced by their time in Sydney?

2164 CONSULTATION ERROR—Mr Collins to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Did the Department of School Education provide an incorrect return address for members of the public to respond to your school closure and relocation proposal entitled “Building the Future”?
(2) In light of this bureaucratic error, will you now re-open and extend the period for objections to be lodged or will you ignore the submissions marked “Return to Sender” which have been sent back to objectors?
(3) How many submissions have been returned to their senders as a result of this mistake?

2166 SCHOOL CLOSURES—Ms Moore to the Minister for Education and Training—

When will the Department of Education respond to the questions about school closures asked by my constituent Elizabeth Childs in an email on April 3, 2001?

2167 CO-EDUCATION RESEARCH—Ms Moore to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Concerning coeducation in New South Wales schools:
(a) Does the Department have a policy on coeducation?
(b) Does the Department have evidence of the benefits of coeducation on social learning?
(c) Can the Department direct me to research which demonstrates the social outcomes of both coeducation and single-sex settings?
(d) does the Department have reasons based on best educational practice for creating single-sex schools for Years 7-10 students in Building the Future?
(e) What will students gain educationally from being in these schools, that they would not gain from being in a coeducational setting and/or a year 7-12 setting?
(f) Can the Department direct me to research which supports these reasons?

*2168 POLICE ASSISTANCE LINE—Ms Moore to the Minister for Police—

Further to the incomplete reply to question 1763 concerning the Police Assistance Line, what percentage of calls to the Police Assistance Lines are responded to:
(1) in more than ten minutes?
(2) in more than 15 minutes?
(3) in more than 20 minutes?
(4) in more than 30 minutes?
(5) in more than 45 minutes?
(6) in more than 60 minutes?

Answer—

I am advised by the Director, Police Assistance Line that, for the month of May 2001, almost 80% of calls were answered in under 10 minutes. Strategies to improve the Police Assistance Line are constantly under review and I wish to advise the Honourable Member that an additional 36 Customer Service Representatives will be operational from 8 July which will show further improvements in call waiting times.

2169 PRE-SCHOOL FUNDING—Mr Webb to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

With respect to the recurrent funding commitment by DoCS in the Queanbeyan district which exceeds $286,000:
(1) What proportion of these funds is used to fund the 109 preschool places through the Queanbeyan and District Pre-School Association?
(2) What proportion of the available funds is used to provide for the 40 place long day care service?
(3) On a per capita basis, how does Queanbeyan rate for government funded preschool places when compared to other centres with comparable populations elsewhere in regional NSW?
(4) Does your department have any figures on how many NSW pre-school aged children currently attend pre-schools in the ACT?
(5) If so, how many?

2170 MUSIC CAMP FUNDING—Mr Webb to the Minister for Education and Training—

Can the Minister explain:
(1) Why was funding for the Southern Districts Junior Music Camp held annually for students from Years 6, 7 and 8 been reduced from 30% to 12% of the cost of staging the weekend camp?
(2) When will the Minister re-instate funding at a level equal to or greater than the 30% previously allocated?
(3) How does the Minister propose to provide alternative resources for gifted and talented children of rural and remote schools if he does not re-instate funding for this event?

*2171 DEVELOPMENT CONSENT —THREDBO—Mr Webb to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Was a development consent obtained for the development by the NPWS on the delta area of the Thredbo River just downstream from Thredbo Village?
(2) Was a development application lodged?
(3) Is so, with whom or with which authority and when?
(4) If not, why not?
(5) Was there any public exhibition of the plans?
(6) If so, when, and how many submissions were received?
(7) If there was no public exhibition of the proposed development, why not?
(8) Was any environmental impact study carried out or statement made concerning the proposed earth works on the Thredbo River delta area?
(9) Are there any environmental risks associated with the developmental works?
(10) For what reason or reasons has the earth fill been located on the delta area?

Answer—

The Thredbo River delta is located within the Thredbo Head Lease area, which is managed and operated by Kosciusko Thredbo Pty Limited (KT). Development in the areas referred to in the Questions have been proposed by KT not the NPWS.
The head lease provides for caravan parks and camping areas as legitimate uses of the leased area. I am advised that an application was lodged by KT for the construction of a low cost summer camping area in December 1998. Subsequent applications were also lodged for use of adjacent areas for car parking which is also permissible. The construction of the campground was proposed in four stages and included the filling of depressions and building up of the area with fill received from the Alpine Way. The application for car parking also involves the placement of earth fill. The plans and the environmental impact assessment documents for the campground were publicly exhibited from 11 March to 1 April 1999 and two public submissions were received.
I am advised that a Review of Environmental Factors for the campground was completed together with an archaeological study and flood study. Specific environmental conditions designed to limit construction and operational impacts were subsequently placed on a consent issued by NPWS for spoil storage and the construction of the campground. The application for the additional car parking is still being considered by NPWS and awaiting further information from the proponent.

2172 TAREE CITY COUNCIL FUNDING—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Has State Government ‘black spot’ funding been provided to the Greater Taree City Council for the years:
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001 to date?
(2) If so, how much has been allocated?
(3) If so, on what projects has the ‘black spot’ funding been provided and how much was provided for each project?
(4) Has the Greater Taree City Council received funding under the REPAIR program?
(5) If so, what was the amount received for the years mentioned in question 1 above?
(6) If so, on what projects were the funds expended and how much was expended on each project?
(7) If so, was the Greater Taree City Council required to provide any funds under the REPAIR program?
(8) If so, how much was provided?
(9) Has Greater Taree City Council received funding under the Country Roads Program?
(10) If so, what amounts were received for the years provided in question 1 above?
(11) If so, on what programs were those funds expended and how much was expended on each project?

2173 CROSS CITY TUNNEL—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) What are the estimated number of vehicles which have a destination east of Edgecliff that enter the city via the Darling Harbour flyover?
(2) Should such information have been included in the Environmental Impact Statement undertaken for the cross-city tunnel?
(3) If not, why not?
(4) Will direct access still be available after the completion of the cross-city tunnel from the North Shore to Pyrmont?
(5) If so, by which road?
(6) If not, why not?

2174 NEW ENGLAND HIGHWAY—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Is there a proposal to reconstruct the intersection of the New England Highway with Weakleys Drive and Thornton Road?
(2) If so, when was that proposal put forward?
(3) Has the money been allocated for the proposal?
(4) If so, when?
(5) Has any money been spent?
(6) If so, how much?
(7) If not, why not?
(8) Is there is a proposal for a link road between Beresfield and Thornton?
(9) If so, what would be the consequences for traffic flow and congestion if such a link road between Beresfield and Thornton was constructed without the intersections of the New England Highway with Weakleys Drive and Thornton Road being rectified?

2175 PROPERTY SALES TWEED HEADS—Mr Humpherson to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

(1) Were advertisements placed on a radio program advertising the sale of Department of Housing rental properties in the Tweed Heads and Byron Bay area?
(2) If so, what was the nature of the advertisements?
(3) How many advertisements ran on the radio?
(4) What was the total cost of the advertisements incurred?
(5) How many properties were made available for sale?
(6) How many have been sold?
(7) What were the gross proceeds?

2176 INQUIRY RESULTS—Mr Humpherson to the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

(1) What were the results of the inquiries into organised Corrective Service officer prisoner bashings, Corrective Service officer drug dealing and a Corrective Service officer’s misuse of authority which was announced in the media on 21 August 2000?

2177 MURDER INQUIRY—Mr Humpherson to the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

(1) What was the outcome of the inquiry announced on 30 August 2000 into the murder of inmate Michael Pearce at Cessnock Jail?

2178 ARTERIAL ROAD—Mr Humpherson to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) For what periods has the fixed speed cameras on Arterial Road Killara not been operational?
(2) What is the total value of the infringement notices issued to date?

2180 SPECIAL EDUCATION—Ms Moore to the Minister for Education and Training—

Concerning the future of Special Education under Building the future:
(a) Will the Special Education Unit stay at the proposed Leichhardt Campus?
(b) What is the Department proposing about Special Education facilities at Balmain?
(c) Why does Special Education not form an integral part of the proposed changes by being clearly articulated amongst the other changes?
(d) Why are there no details given for the two new “Alternative Schools” proposed under Building the Future?
(e) Is the Department still committed to providing the most integrated settings for special Education students?
(f) What is the Department’s position on the opportunities provided for social learning by locating Special Education students in single-sex settings?

*2181 STATE LOTTERIES—Mr Stoner to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

(1) How much revenue from the State Lotteries is hypothecated to public hospitals in NSW and
(2) What percentage is the amount of total revenue from this service?

Answer—

(1) State revenues from lotteries and other sources form part of the Consolidated Fund, which is the pool of funds from which almost all of the Government’s funding needs, including funding for health care and public hospitals, are met.
This ensures that the full range of competing demands for Government funding receives equal treatment in the budget process and that the Government remains fully accountable for its budget decisions.
In 2001-02, the health budget will receive $8,302 million, an increase of $406 million on last year’s Budget. A further $529 million will be invested in new hospital buildings and related health assets.
These health expenditures may be compared with expected tax revenue from lotteries of $255 million.
(2) Revenue from lotteries is expected to be around 20 percent of all gambling and betting revenue.

2182 CAPITAL WORKS EXPENDITURE—Mr Humpherson to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

(1) How much has been spent on capital works to date in the 2000/01 year on new homes in the following areas:
(a) public housing
(b) community housing
(c) aboriginal housing
(d) other?

2183 CAPITAL WORKS EXPENDITURE—Mr Humpherson to the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

How much has been spent so far this year to date 2000/01 on new prison works in NSW?

7 JUNE 2001

(Paper No. 95)

2184 HUMAN OBESITY—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Health—

(1) Does your Department know of or have any current research underway into possible links between human obesity and appetite enhance used in intensive meat production?
(2) Is there any evidence on, or current research into, possible effects down the food chain of residues from appetite enhancing additives in stock feed finding their way into human diets?

2185 INTENSIVE POULTRY PRODUCTION—Ms Seaton to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) What liaison exists between the EPA and Department of Agriculture to identify and address issues arising from intensive poultry pollution?
(2) Has the EPA done any research on ozone-based technology to kill odour, bacteria, fungi and other airborne pollutants?
(3) Does it have the capacity to improve pollution management in intensive poultry farming?

2186 TRAIN CARRIAGES—SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Can the Minister confirm when the electrification of the South Coast line to Kiama will be completed?
(2) How many Endeavour carriages will this then free up for distribution?
(3) Can the Minister guarantee that Southern Highland CityRail train services will receive extra carriages following the electrification of the South Coast line?
(4) How many carriages will come to the Southern Highlands line?
(5) Will the Minister guarantee that concerns about South Coast line carriages being considered for deployment to CountryLink services, rather than CityRail services, are unfounded and untrue?

2187 TRIAL BUPRENORPHINE—Mr Humpherson to the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

(1) How many drug addicts will be participating in the trial of Buprenorphine at Silverwater Remand and Reception Jail?
(2) How long will the trial run for?
(3) What will be the cost per prisoner for participating in the trial?

*2188 OFFICE SOUND PROOFING—Mrs Chikarovski to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) (a) How much did it cost for soundproofing of the Attorney-General’s office, in the Australian
1 June 2001?
(b) When, where and on what conditions did this occur?
(c) What were the reasons for this?
(d) Has any other agency within the Attorney-General’s portfolio also had soundproofing installed?
(e) For (d), what was the cost?
(f) For (d), when, where and on what conditions did this occur?
(g) For (d), what were the reasons for this?

Answer—

It is understood that the soundproofing work referred to in the article in question relates to work carried out in mid 1999 by Building Essentials Australia (now Soundblock Solutions) in a refurbishment of the Industrial Relations Commission at 50 Phillip Street, Sydney.

2189 ADVERTISING —Ms Chikarovski to the Minister for Public Works and Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

(1) (a) What was the consolidated total advertising expenditure by all NSW Government Agencies in 2000/01?
(b) What is the forecast expenditure in 2001/02?
(c) What was the consolidated total advertising expenditure by all NSW Government Agencies in 1995/96, 1996/97 1998/99 and 1999/00?
(d) For (a), what is the breakdown of this expenditure by media?
(e) Who serves on the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Advertising?
(g) How often does this Sub-Committee meet per year?

2190 GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY—Mr R. W. Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) What is the timetable for the completion of the Government’s programme for a 4-lane divided road on the Great Western Highway from Penrith to Katoomba?
(2) What is the timetable for the completion of the State Government’s Programme for 3-lanes on the Great Western Highway between Katoomba and Lithgow?
(3) What is the estimate of total expenditure expected on all sections on the Great Western Highway between Nepean River and Katoomba?
(a) Completed;
(b) Under construction;
(c) Yet to be commenced?
(4) What is the estimate of costs on all sections of the Great Western Highway between Katoomba and Lithgow?
(a) Expended in the last 10 years;
(b) Works under-way;
(c) Future works?
(5) What public consultation process has been or will be conducted to deal with all road works, deviations, demolitions and environment issues emanating out of all upgrade work on the Great Western Highway between Emu Plains and Lithgow?

2191 DRUG TREATMENT PROGRAMMES—Ms Moore to the Minister for Health—

Concerning drug treatment programmes in Bligh:
(1) Why was insufficient State Government funding allocated to enable Addiction Treatment Australia, of 55-73 Oxford Street Darlinghurst, to continue operating?
(2) Which recommendations of the 1999 Parliamentary Drug Summit (apart from the Medically Supervised Injecting Room Trial and the establishment of Community Drug Action Teams in Redfern and Kings Cross) have now been implemented in Bligh?

2192 TAFE WORKS—Mr Barr to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) What building plans are in place for the upgrade of Brookvale TAFE over the next two years?
(2) What is the total cost of these planned building works? What are the itemised costs?
(3) Do these plans include the provision of printmaking facilities, or facilities intended to support the provision of a course or subject in printmaking?
(4) What is the estimated cost of printmaking or associated facilities?
(5) Given that Seaforth TAFE has been closed for over twelve months, what cost savings can be directly attributed to its closure in the first twelve months?
(6) Given that the closure of Seaforth TAFE has necessitated building works and increased staffing at Brookvale TAFE, what is the amount of net savings attributed to the closure of Seaforth TAFE in the first twelve months?
(7) What was the capital and operating budget of Brookvale TAFE in the twelve months before Seaforth TAFE was closed?
(8) What was the capital and operating budget of Brookvale TAFE in the twelve months since the Seaforth TAFE closed?

*2193 STAMP DUTIES—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

In relation to his undertaking to review the imposition of stamp duties on a GST-inclusive basis:

(1) Given that the Commonwealth Budget, including forward estimates of GST revenues has been published, will he now review the tax-on-tax impact of imposing stamp duties on a GST inclusive basis as promised in his answer to Legislative Council Question on Notice no. 506?
(2) If not, when will the tax-on-tax impact of imposing stamp duties on a GST inclusive basis be reviewed, as promised?

Answer—

(1) Current estimates of GST revenues and State costs associated with national tax reform indicate that the Government will not benefit in net financial terms until 2007-08. This means tax reductions can only be delivered through good State financial management.
Levying taxes on prices inclusive of other taxes is the current and longstanding practice of all governments, Federal and State. For example, stamp duties were levied on prices inclusive of wholesale sales tax and the Commonwealth applies the GST to prices inclusive of Commonwealth excise.
In the context of determining taxation measures for the 2001-02 Budget, addressing the impact of levying taxes on prices inclusive of GST represented one possible means of delivering tax cuts.
The Government considered the abolition of Debits Tax and other tax measures announced in the Budget were more beneficial to the State than removing the tax-on-tax impact of imposing stamp duties on a GST-inclusive basis.
The tax reductions announced in the Budget will save taxpayers $421 million in a full year, more than double the commitment given in 1999-00 for tax cuts from 2001-02 with a full year cost of $175 million.
(2) All State taxes are reviewed from time to time

*2194 GENERAL GOVERNMENT SECTOR—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

In relation to the General Government Sector Operating Statement (p.2-10 of Budget Paper No. 2, 2001/02):
(1) Apart from the line items “Capital Repatriations” and “Superannuation Valuation” which were noted as being abnormal on p. 2-26 of Budget Paper No.2 (2001/02), by name and amount, what other abnormal items exist for the financial year 2000/01?
(2) Why was the item “Capital Repatriations” revised from $2,400 million to $3,203 million for 2000/01?
(3) What is the revised 2000/01 value for the item “Operating Surplus Before Abnormal Items” which has disappeared from the Operating Statement in the 2001/02 Budget Papers ?
(4) Given that your 2000/01 Budget Speech noted that, “The two most important measures, at least as I see it, are the GFS Operating Balance, and GFS Net Lending”, why doesn’t the Operating Statement in the 2001/02 Budget Papers contain the GFS Operating Balance as a line item?

Answer—

(1) Page 2-25 of Budget Paper No.2 states that consistent with the changes in Accounting Standards, the Budget Operating Statement no longer discloses abnormal items. Apart from capital repatriations and superannuation valuation expenses, items that will be classified as significant in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are finance valuation expenses and the expense relating to the collapse of HIH Insurance.
(2) Page 3-16 of Budget Paper No.2 states that the $803 million increase in capital repatriations in 2000-01 results from the additional restructuring of balance sheets of electricity generators that were not included in the 2000-01 Budget estimate.
(3) As stated above, Accounting Standards now prohibit the disclosure of operating results before abnormal items. Items included on page 2-10 of Budget Paper No.2 that would previously have been classified as abnormal are capital repatriations ($3,203 million), superannuation valuation expenses ($1,289 million), finance valuation expenses ($903 million) and HIH Insurance ($600 million).
(4) The GFS operating balance is important. Chapter 9 of Budget Paper No.2 provides detailed analysis of GFS results. Table 9.5 details the GFS operating balance. Table 2.2 is prepared in accordance with accrual accounting principles to produce an operating result, and then adjustments are made to arrive at the GFS Net Lending result.

2195 BUS/TRAIN INTERSECTION—BONDI JUNCTION—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

In relation to the cost of the Bondi Junction Bus/Train Interchange:
(1) Given your answer to Question on Notice No. 1847, what is the amount nature and timing of each payment made under the milestone payment system ?
(2) What is the total of the “significant funds” that the SRA has expended on the project?

2197 GOULBURN GAOL HIGH RISK MANAGEMENT UNIT—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

(1) Did the Minister consider including a small surgical unit within the plans of the recently opened High Risk Management Unit (HRMU) at Goulburn Gaol?
(2) Given that the HRMU will house violent prisoners such as Ivan Milat, who has a history of self-harm and escape attempts, why was a surgical unit not included in the building program?
(3) Specifically what measures will be taken by the Department of Corrective Services to protect staff and patients at Goulburn Base Hospital when these violent criminals require hospital based medical treatment?
(4) Will the Minister give the staff and patients at Goulburn Base Hospital a guarantee that there will be no risk to them when these violent criminals require such treatment?

2198 DISEASE CONTROL ON SMALL PROPERTIES—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

(1) Is the Minister aware that there has been a significant increase in small area holdings, with stock carrying capacities which are rated at less than 50 DSE, across rural NSW?
(2) By Rural Lands Protection Board how many small area holdings are there which are less than 10 hectares or rated less than 50 DSE?
(3) By Rural Lands Protection Board what area do these properties cover?
(4) Is the Minister aware that most of these properties run small numbers of livestock?
(5) Which body is responsible for monitoring this livestock for stock movements, transport stock statements and monitoring stock for disease control such as footrot and OJD?
(6) Are the owners of these properties required to comply with the Stock Diseases Act and the RLPB Act?

2199 POLICE LAPTOP COMPUTERS—Mrs Chikarovski to the Minister for Police—

(How many police cars have been installed with laptop computers since April 2000?

2200 LIVESCAN SYSTEMS—Mrs Chikarovski to the Minister for Police—

(1) What police stations have had the “LiveScan” digital and palm printing system installed?
(2) In what police stations is the “LiveScan” system planned to be installed?
(3) When will the roll out for all the stations planned to have “LiveScan” installed?

2201 LEVEL CROSSING STRATEGY COUNCIL—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Is there a body known as ‘the Level Crossing Strategy Council’ within the Department of Transport?
(2) If so, who are the members of such Council now and who were the members for the years 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 to date?
(3) If so, what does the Council do?
(4) If so, how often did the Council meet in the years 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 to date?
(5) If so, how often did each member of the Council attend the meeting held in the years mentioned in question 4 above?
(6) If so, and if the Council, inter alia, investigates incidents concerning level crossings, what incidents has it investigated for the years mentioned in question 4 above?

2202 FERAL ANIMAL CONTROL—Mr Webb to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) What proportion of the budget allocation for 200/01 that was for the purposes of feral animal control was spent in:
(a) The Greater Sydney metropolitan area?
(b) Settled coastal areas, north of Newcastle to south of Wollongong other than for (a) above?
(c) The far south coast area?
(d) The far north coast area?
(e) Rural inland areas?
(f) The electorate of Monaro?
(g) National parks and reserves?
(h) State forests?
(i) Wilderness areas?
(2) Which animal species were targeted, eg. wild dogs, wild horses, feral pigs, feral cats, rabbits, deer, goats, etc., in each of the areas?
(3) What proportion of the respective funds was applied to the control of each individual species?
(4) Can you provide for each species details of the methods used for control, eg. aerial baiting, ground baiting, mound baiting, traps and trap baiting, shooting, catch and remove, catch, tag and release, etc.?
(5) Will these funding levels, proportions, target species and areas be maintained or increased in the 2001/01 financial year?

2203 SCHOOL FUNDING PROGRAMS—Mr Webb to the Minister for Education and Training—

With respect to the 2001/02 budget announcement of $80 million for school halls and other funding:
(1) Will any public schools in the Monaro electorate receive a new school hall as a result of this funding program?
(2) If so, which schools?
(3) Which public schools in the Monaro electorate will receive funding through the $50 million demountable replacement programs?
(4) Which schools in the Monaro electorate will be the recipient of funding for works in relation to the:
(5) $45 million landscaping, new fencing and general improvement program?
(a) $80 million program to provide improved facilities for students, teachers and school staff?
(b) $50 million disabled access program?
(c) Can you detail these proposed improvements?

2204 MAIN ROAD 92 AND BARRY WAY—Mr Webb to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) What are the annual traffic counts on Main Road 92 for the Braidwood side (south east) of Nerriga, for the most recent year?
(2) What are the annual traffic counts on Main Road 92 for the Nowra side (north east ) of Nerriga, for the most recent year?
(3) Do these counts indicate a summer holiday period increase above the average?
(4) If so, by how much?
(5) What are the average annual traffic counts for the ‘Barry Way’, south of ‘Ingebyra’?
(6) In what way do these figures vary from the traffic counts on the ‘Barry Way’ at the NSW/Victorian border?
(7) Is there anything to indicate a difference between through traffic and holiday/sight seeing traffic to the Pinch River and Snowy River areas in NSW and return?
(8) Is there a seasonal bias to these counts , and if so, to what degree?

2205 CARINGBAH STATION LIFT—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) What has been the cost of installing a lift at Caringbah Railway Station as at 5th June 2001?
(2) When will work on the installation of the lift be completed?

2206 TRAIN DELAYS—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

How many trains were cancelled or were late between 1st May 2001 and 31st May 2001?

2207 SPIDER DROP-OFF—Dr Kernohan to the Minister for Health—

When you were advised that there is no drop off point for live venomous spiders (used in antivenene production) and “the Macarthur Health Service has no expertise in the field” why didn’t you ask the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, the University of Sydney (at Camden) or a local veterinarian to act in this capacity?

2208 PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY HOUSING—Mr Humpherson to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

(1) What has been the cost of fire repairs to public and community housing so far this financial year?
(2) How many homes were repaired with these funds?

2209 RECREATIONAL FACILITIES—Mr Humpherson to the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

(1) How much has been spent on sporting and recreational equipment for the High Risk Management Unit at Goulburn?
(2) If nil, how will the recreation facilities be used by offenders?

2210 RTA PLANS DISPLAY—Mr O'Doherty to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

From March 1995 to present:
(1) How many times has the RTA put on display, in the electorate offices of local Members of Parliament, plans or proposals concerning road and/or traffic works in their electorates?
(2) In which offices, and when?
(3) Have you issued any directive that requests for such information from MPs must be referred for a Ministerial decision?
(4) How many such requests have you received, from which offices, and what was your decision?
(5) What criteria are applied in reaching decisions on such requests?


8 JUNE 2001

(Paper No. 96)

*2211 NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE—Ms Seaton to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

(1) Did the Director-General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service seek your approval to relocate his office and support staff from Hurstville to the EPA Head Office in Goulburn Street?
(2) What were the details of such a proposal?

Answer—

(1)to(2) I have been advised that the Director-General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service has not relocated his office and support staff from Hurstville to the EPA Head Office in Goulburn Street.

2212 LAND CONTAMINATION CLAIM —Ms Seaton to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

Regarding the ongoing legal action between Ms Michelle Fay and others in respect of their claims against the NSW Government in relation to cattle tick dip contamination of land previously leased to the NSW Government:
(1) What are the legal costs to date incurred on behalf of the Government:
(a) fees to legal counsel?
(b) administration time spent by Government bureaucrats in defending this action?
(c) travel costs incurred by Government bureaucrats in defending this action?

2213 ECOLOGICAL STUDY —Ms Seaton to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

(1) Has an ecological sustainability study or assessment been made by DUAP of the former Auatralian Defence Industries (ADI) site at St Mary’s?
(2) Has the Government undertaken any study of the present role of Cumberland Plain Woodland on the site in managing groundwater in the Sydney basin?
(3) Have any assessments been made of the effect of removing trees from the site on future extensions to intensification of salinity affected areas in the Sydney Basin?

2214 HOSPITAL LOCATION—Mr Humpherson to the Minister for Health—

(1) Have you undertaken any assessment of lands in Warringah Council area for the purpose of locating a new Hospital?
(2) Which locations are the subject of consideration?

2215 VIDEO CAMERA—BONDI BEACH—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

In relation to the video cameras at Bondi Beach:
(1)(a) Are the video surveillance cameras that were erected in the Bondi Beach Park for the Olympics operated by the RTA or any other agency within his portfolio?
(b) If so, are the cameras still operational and what are they being used for?
(c) If not, given that the cameras are currently pointed at the road, will he investigate which authority is operating them ?

2216 COMMONWEALTH-STATE FINANCIAL RELATIONS—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

1) (a) Will Treasury prepare revised sets of revenue projections when the Federal Labor and Coalition parties release their election policies on taxation, intergovernmental finances and in particular the GST ?
(b) If so, and given that such information is of vital importance to the electorate, will these revised projections be made public prior to the next Federal election?
(2) What representations has he made to the Leader of the Federal Labor Party in relation to the formation of Labor’s financial policy and its implications for the NSW Budget?

2217 LAND TAX ON OWNER HOMES—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

In relation to revenue from the Government’s land tax on owner occupied homes:
(1) For the financial years 2000/01 to 2004/05 inclusive, how much tax revenue has NSW Treasury budgeted to collect?

2218 ELECTIVE SURGERY—Mrs Skinner to the Minister for Health—

(1) Please provide a list of procedures which have been dropped from the Westmead Hospital elective surgery list since March 1999 and when were they dropped?
(2) On what basis were each of these procedures excluded from elective waiting lists?
(3) How many of each of these procedures have been performed since they were dropped from the list?
(4) How many people are now waiting to have each of these procedures done and what is the expected time they will have to wait?

19 JUNE 2001

(Paper No. 97)

2219 PARK ENTRY—Ms Seaton to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Are the holders of Annual Passes entitled to visit National Parks and State Recreational Areas with no entry fee?
(2) If so, why was a visitor to Arakoon State Recreational Area forced to pay an entry fee despite being a NPWS Annual pass holder?

2220 PICTON STATION—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Did a major points failure occur in April on the Southern Highlands Railway line at Picton Station?
(2) Was the cause of this failure an electrical fault jamming the siding line intersection ‘open’ on the south side of the station?
(3) How many such faults have occurred in the last 5 years?
(4) What work is planned to upgrade electrical features at Picton Station and when will this work commence and be completed?
(5) Are you completely satisfied with the maintenance and safety of the siding and its intersection at Picton Station?
(6) Have you planned for upgrade of the railway line and siding configuration at Picton Station?

2221 HENRY KENDALL HIGH SCHOOL—Mr Hartcher to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Did you make an announcement of $2.4 million for the upgrade of Henry Kendall High School in December 2000?
(2) If so, was $1.4 million allocated in the 2001-2002 State budget in addition to the $2.4 million announced in December 2000?
(3) Has the allocation of $2.4 million been reduced from $2.4 to $1.4 million?
(4) When will the remaining $1 million allocated in December 2000 be allocated for completion of this upgrade?

2222 RESPONSE TO THE COLLAPSE OF HIH INSURANCE—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

(1) (a) Given that in his 2000/01 Budget Speech he announced, “this Budget puts aside $830 million into what is effectively a service delivery insurance fund” and “It’s all about taking out insurance now while we can afford it”, why can’t this insurance fund be used to finance the Government’s HIH Insurance rescue package?
(b) If the $830 million fund is not deemed an appropriate source for financing the HIH Insurance rescue package, what would be an appropriate use for the fund ?
2) Does his decision to impose a $69 million per annum Insurance Protection Tax, instead of drawing on the existing $830 million insurance fund, constitute a breach of his legislated promise that “the level of taxes should be restrained to the maximum possible extent” (see section 17 of the General Government Debt Elimination Act)?

2223 PUBLIC SECTOR PRODUCTIVITY SAVINGS —Mr Debnam to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

(1) (a) Has the Government entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with public sector unions that bases salary increases on the identification of $450 million in workforce productivity savings?
(b) If so, what is the value of productivity savings identified as at 20th June 2001 and what is the value of productivity savings implemented as at 20th June 2001?
(c) By which date must all productivity savings under the MOU be identified and implemented ?
(d) If the required productivity savings cannot be secured, will the shortfall be funded from consolidated revenues?

2224 FTE EMPLOYMENT NUMBERS—Mr Debnam to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

(1) As at 19th June 2001, what is the total employment and full time equivalent employment at the Art Gallery of NSW?
(2) Can he confirm that FTE employment at the NSW Art Gallery was 170 as at June 1995 and has since grown to 210 as per the 2000 WorkForce Profile?

2225 ARTEFACTS FORMERLY DISPLAYED AT CAPTAIN COOKS'S LANDING PLACE—Mr Kerr to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

What is the present location of the following artefacts displayed at Captain Cook’s Landing Place, Kurnell:
(1) Stone ballast from the ‘Endeavour’?
(2) An arrow said to have been fashioned from Captains Cook’s shinbone?
(3) Glass-topped box containing pieces of rock on which Cook was killed?
(4) Aboriginal artefacts?
(5) Photographs of letter from Daniel Solander?
(6) Assorted coins, medallions, compass?
When will these artefacts be put permanently on public display at Kurnell again?

2226 LIFT AT CARINGBAH RAILWAY STATION—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

Will the installation of the lift at Caringbah Railway Station cause any disruption to trains on the Cronulla to City line?

2227 SHEEP DEATHS—Mr Webb to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

With respect to sheep deaths from wild dog attacks:
(1) Are there any compensation arrangements for graziers suffering sheep losses?
(2) If not, why not?
(3) Are you aware of the extent of the problem in the electorate of Monaro?
(4) What are you doing to help graziers carry out wild dog eradication or control programs?
(5) What assistance or information does your department offer landowners affected by the problem?

2228 CHILDREN WITH ADHD—Mr Webb to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

(1) What plans has your department put in place with respect to children who exhibit severe ADHD symptoms?
(2) What level of respite care can the parents of such children reasonably expect?

2229 TOW TRUCK OPERATORS—Mr Webb to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

With respect to tow truck operators;
(1) Do the same rules apply to regional tow truck operators in regard to registration and call out procedure as to city based operations?
(2) If so, why do the same rules apply to regional operators, particularly those in small isolated country towns as to their metropolitan counterparts?
(3) Why can’t there be different requirements, perhaps on a similar basis to that regional taxi operators have when compared to metropolitan taxi operators?

2230 STOCK THEFT CONTAINMENT—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Police—

(1) On how many occasions have Police Officers based at Goulburn LAC stopped and inspected vehicles transporting stock and verified these animals against the Transported Stock Statement (TSS) forms held by the drivers during:
(a) January – June 1999?
(b) July – December 1999?
(c) January – June 2000?
(d) July – December 2000?
(e) January – June 2001?
(2) On how many occasions have Police Officers based at Cootamundra LAC stopped and inspected vehicles transporting stock and verified these animals against the TSS forms held by the drivers during:
(a) January – June 1999?
(b) July – December 1999?
(c) January – June 2000?
(d) July – December 2000?
(e) January – June 2001?
(3) Of the above inspections, by LAC, on how many occasions have the inspecting Police discovered discrepancies in the TSS?
(4) Within Goulburn and Cootamundra Local Area Commands how many incidents of Stock Theft have been reported during:
(a) January – June 1999?
(b) July – December 1999?
(c) January – June 2000?
(d) July – December 2000?
(e) January – June 2001?
(5) Within Goulburn and Cootamundra Local Area Commands how many of the incidents referred to at question 4 have resulted in charges being laid during:
(a) January – June 1999?
(b) July – December 1999?
(c) January – June 2000?
(d) July – December 2000?
(e) January – June 2001?

2231 JOHNE'S DISEASE—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

(1) How many sheep properties (number and percentage) in the Rural lands Protection Board Districts of Moree, Northern New England, Coonamble, Coonabarabran, Tamworth, Armidale, Nyngan, Mudgee-Merriwa, Hunter, Molong Central Tablelands, Forbes, Young, Yass, Goulburn, Narrandera, Wagga, Gundagai, Braidwood, South Coast, Murray, Hume and Cooma have been tested for OJD using a battoir surveillance?
(2) What is the statistical accuracy of abattoir surveillance?

2233 CHALLENGE FOUNDATION—Mr Torbay to the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

(1) Are there any impediments preventing organisations such as the Challenge Foundation from competing and private enterprise?

2234 DOG TRAVELLING ON MOTORCYCLE—Mr Torbay to the Minister for Police—

(1) What are the current rules regarding a dog travelling as a passenger on a motorcycle in NSW?
(2) Is a probationary constable required to undertake their on the beat duties with a supervisor of senior rank?

2235 ENFORCEMENT ACTION—Mr Torbay to the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

Can the Minister advise whether his Department can take enforcement action on behalf of a victim to ensure payment by a judgement debtor?


20 JUNE 2001

(Paper No. 98)

2236 CHEMCERT COURSE—Mr Webb to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

(1) Why is the funding subsidy for the Chemcert User Certificate courses being removed as of the 1st July this year?
(2) What was the level of subsidy on an individual basis?
(3) What was the cost of the subsidy for these courses across the state in the last year?
(4) How can the “Chemcert” (Farm Chemical User Training) course be defined as a “stand-alone technical or operational activity” when it is related to chemical purchase, handling, storage, application, record keeping, employment and stock, pest and pasture management?
(5) Are you aware that there are often a number of users, such as farm owners, their spouses and children along with both casual and permanent employees that need certification to satisfy requirements of legislation with respect to chemical use?
(6) Are you also aware that the extra multiple cost burden due to the need to certify all those who handle chemicals may prevent some people from attaining certification?
(7) Will you move to reinstate the subsidy?
(8) If not, why not?

2237 COASTAL PATROL FUNDING—Mr Webb to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Are you aware that the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol in Eden logged almost six thousand rostered radio watch hours?
(2) In addition are you aware that members in Eden voluntarily monitor the emergency radio frequencies from their own homes throughout the night from 2200 hours until 0700 hours?
(3) What proportion of the funds allocated by the State Government to assist the working of the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol throughout NSW are allocated to the SAR Division Eden?
(4) Do you agree that the strategic location of Eden makes it vitally important that an efficient and effective coastal search and rescue capability must be maintained?
(5) Will you urgently review the funding provided to assist the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol?

2238 STUDENTS RAIL TRAVEL—Mr Webb to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Are you aware that Countrylink provides only nine free trips per year to students attending boarding schools?
(2) Do you feel that in the case of students travelling from isolated areas to attend school, such as from Jindabyne to attend Hurlstone Agricultural High School, this travel is too limited?
(3) Do you agree that there may be special circumstances necessitating frequent travel to and from country areas, such as for medical dental treatments?

2239 COUNTRY ROADS DIRECTORATE—Mr J H Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) What is the current executive structure of the Roads and Traffic Authority?
(2) Has there been a restructure of the executive structure in recent times?
(3) If so, when?
(4) If so, in what manner does the current executive structure vary from the previous structure?
(5) As part of any restructure, has the Country Roads Directorate (CRD) been abolished?
(6) If so, when?
(7) If so, why did this occur?
(8) If so, how will the work previously carried out by the CRD be portrayed in the present executive structure?

2240 TRAIN SECURITY—SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Police—

(1) Can the Minister reveal how many train guards have been physically assaulted on CityRail trains between June 2000 and June 2001?
(2) Are train guards on CityRail trains required to act as passenger security and go to the aid of passengers if necessary?
(3) If so, are they obliged to accept this security role as part of their job?
(4) Are they paid extra money to act as security officers?
(5) If so, how much per shift do they receive for this duty?

2241 WOOD SMOKE AIR POLLUTION—Ms Seaton to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Are you aware of reports that air pollution in country towns in winter is significantly higher than in Sydney?
(2) How many reports of air quality results have been received by the EPA in the last twelve months, and from which towns?
(3) What does the EPA do with these reports?
(4) Are they lodged on the EPA website immediately? What is the time delay between the collecting of the data and the publication of the data?
(5) Would the EPA be able to download air pollution levels immediately from their collection source and put them on the website?
(6) If not, why not?
(7) Is the EPA satisfied that all council areas have adequate numbers of qualified staff to monitor and report air quality in NSW towns?
(8) Is the Minister aware that in Armidale in the week ending 7 June there were 5 days of high pollution, including 3 days of a pollution index over 100, which is considered high by Sydney standards?
(9) Does the EPA intend to issue the same ‘Don’t Light Tonight’ recommendations in country towns as they do in Sydney when air pollution levels reach high levels?

2242 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

What community and disability peak groups have you met with in the last two years (specify the groups and the dates)?

2243 MINISTERIAL STAFF—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

As at 20 June 2001:
(1) How many staff do you have in your ministerial office?
(2) What is the total cost of your staff on an annual basis?

2244 EDUCATION OPTIONS—Ms Moore to the Minister for Education and Training—

If the changes proposed in Building the Future go ahead, what options will be available for a Year 9 boy – currently attending Leichhardt High – who lives in Darlington, and who wishes to attend a local, coeducational Year 7-12 comprehensive school?

2245 PROPOSED CAMPUSES—Ms Moore to the Minister for Education and Training—

Concerning campuses to be established as part of the Building the Future proposal:
(1) What will be the anticipated sizes of the proposed Leichhardt, Balmain and Sydney Secondary College campuses?
(2) How will the proposed campuses be structured as a whole and within each year, given that half the school will be selective and half comprehensive?
(3) Will the criteria for the selective components of each school be academic, or will they be based on other criteria as is the case with Newtown Performing Arts High School?

2246 FOI APPLICATIONS—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

(1) How many FOI applications were received by:
(a) The Department of Community Services
(b) The Ageing and Disability Department (ADD) and the merged department incorporating ADD
in the year:
(i) 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2001
(ii) and the current financial year up to the date this question is answered?
(iii) What was the fee requested by the Government to satisfy each FOI application?
(iv) What was the total of all FOI fees in received each year?

2247 CLOSURE OF THE MACLEAY RIVER—Mr Stoner to the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs, representing the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—

In relation to the closure of the Macleay River to fishing following the March 2001 Floods:
(1) What additional information led you to reject the views of the Macleay River Working Group as reported from their meeting on 21 May 2001, and decide to continue the closure of the river?
(2) Why was the Clarence River not closed following the March 2001 floods and associated fish kills, when the Richmond and Macleay Rivers were closed and remain closed more than three months later?

2248 SENIOR CONSTABLE MARIA—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Police—

(1) Did Commander Evans seek the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions before charging Senior Constable Maria?
(2) What was the reason that the charge against Senior Constable Maria was not proceeded with?

2249 BREACHES OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY LEGISLATION—Mr Souris to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, Minister Assisting the Premier on Public Sector Management, and Minister Assisting the Premier for the Central Coast—

In regards to prosecutions for breaches of occupational health and safety legislation:
(1) What was the total amount of fines awarded by the courts for breaches of occupational health and safety legislation in the financial years ending 30 June 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000?
(2) What was the total amount of fines collected for breaches of occupational health and safety legislation in the financial years ending 30 June 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000?
(3) What percentage of fines awarded by the courts for breaches of occupational health and safety legislation in the financial years ending 30 June 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 were actually paid?
(4) Where is the revenue raised from fines for breaches of occupational health and safety legislation and workers compensation legislation allocated?
(5) For what purposes is the revenue raised from fines for breaches of occupational health and safety legislation and workers compensation legislation spent?

2250 CHATHAM ROAD PROPERTY—Mr Humpherson to the Minister for Health—

(1) Is 37 Chatham Road, West Ryde, owned by the Department of Health?
(2) If not, who owns the property?
(3) What is the property used for?
(4) How long has the property been used for this purpose?
(5) Have there been any complaints?
(6) If so, what was the nature of the complaints?
(7) When was it purchased and for how much?
(8) How much did the redevelopment and/or refurbishment cost?

2251 SPEED CAMERA—RUSHCUTTERS BAY—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

In relation to speed camera positioning in Rushcutters Bay:
(1) Would he confirm the positioning of the new speed camera in Rushcutters Bay does not meet the RTA’s own guidelines as detailed on the RTA website because:
(a) The camera is positioned at the bottom of a decline;
(b) The ‘warning’ sign is positioned 100 meters after the camera; and
(c) There is no indication of the speed limit within a reasonable distance before the camera?
(2) Given the breach of RTA guidelines, can he confirm the camera is positioned to maximise revenue and not to change driver behaviour?
(3) Will he place warning signs at least 100 metres before the camera?
(4) Will he place speed limit signs (roadside and/or surface markings) at least 100 metres before the camera?

2252 ASSET MAINTENANCE PLANS—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

In relation to asset maintenance plans:
(1) What are the two General Government agencies that are identified in Budget Paper No. 2, (p.1-26) as not having submitted asset maintenance plans?
(2) How often do agencies have to submit updated or revised asset maintenance plans to NSW Treasury?
(3) Once an agency submits an approved asset maintenance plan to NSW Treasury, how is compliance with that plan tracked?
(4) Do all General Government agencies have “A broader asset management strategy” involving plans for acquisition, maintenance and disposal?

2253 VICTORIAN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ACT (1994)—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

In relation to the Victorian Financial Management Act (1994):
(1) (a) Has he considered adopting elements of this legislation which authorises the Auditor-General to scrutinise the authenticity of estimates and forecasts in the Victorian Budget Papers ?
(b) If so, what is his timetable for implementing a similar regime in NSW ?

21 JUNE 2001

(Paper No. 99)

2254 OIL SPILL —MORT BAY —Ms Seaton to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Has the Minister or the EPA had any advice about an oil spill of up to 30 litres in the Mort Bay Sydney Ferry facility vicinity in the first week of June?
(2) What has been the result of any such EPA investigations?
(3) Has any prosecution action been commenced, or fines been initiated against Sydney Ferries or any other users of the Mort Bay terminal area as a result of the alleged incident in the first week of June?
(4) Where in Sydney Harbour is bilge water containing petroleum and other pollutants currently discharged and stored?

2255 INFRINGEMENT NOTICES—Ms Seaton to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

How many infringement notices were issued by EPA officers or other authorised persons on or after 19 June 2001 in relation to the large quantity of litter including cigarette butts, coffee cups, banners, paper, drink bottles and other material illegally deposited in public places by demonstrators outside Parliament House?

2256 FERRY FACILITY—MORT BAY SYDNEY—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Has the Minister, or Sydney Ports Authority or any other State Government Transport or Port agency had any advice about an oil spill of up to 30 litres in the Mort Bay Sydney Ferry Facility vicinity in the first week of June 2001?
(2) What investigations were initiated into this incident, and by whom?
(3) When will these investigations be resolved and reports made?
(4) Will these reports be made public, and if so, when?
(5) Is the EPA involved in any of these investigations?
(6) Has any prosecution action been commenced, or fines been initiated against Sydney Ferries or any other users of the Mort Bay terminal area as a result of the alleged incident in the first week of June?
(7) Where in the Sydney Harbour is bilge water containing petroleum and other pollutants currently discharged and stored?

2257 APPROACHES TO ADELONG—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Is the Minister aware that during the operation to transport the 91 tonne debarker drum to the VISY Pulp and Paper Mill at Tumut, significant damage occurred to the road base of the Snowy Mountains Highway just north of Adelong?
(2) As the damage occurred at the site of roadworks to improve the safety of school children travelling to Tumut, will the Minister ensure that sufficient funds are allocated to repair the damage?
(3) What additional provision has the Minister made to repair local and state roads which are damaged by the increase in traffic resulting from the commencement of operations at the VISY Mill?

2258 TRAFFIC VOLUMES ON TUMUT-GOCUP-GUNDAGAI-ROAD—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) What was the average daily traffic volume and average daily heavy traffic volume on this road during:
(a) 1999?
(b) 2000?
(c) January – June 2001?
(2) What is the expected average daily traffic volume and average daily heavy traffic volume on this road now that the VISY Paper Mill at Tumut has commenced operations?

2259 RAILWAY JOBS IN GOULBURN—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Is FreightCorp planning to build a Locomotive Drivers Complex in Moss Vale?
(2) Is it true that trainee FreightCorp Engine Drivers who were recruited in Goulburn last year have been told that they will be required to relocate to Moss Vale within four years?

2260 PARKING OFFENCES—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

In relation to parking meters and the Motor Traffic Regulations (1935):
(1) (a) Is it currently an offence to park in a metered parking space without putting any money into the meter, even if the meter has not yet expired ?
(b) If so, how many infringement notices have been issued and how much revenue has been obtained by fining drivers for this offence in each of the last three calendar years?
(c) In each of the last three calendar years, how many representations or complaints have been received regarding this offence, when and from what suburbs have they come?
(2) Is it a fact that forcing drivers to put money into meters that are yet to expire is designed to generate additional revenue from fines?
(3) Will he amend the Motor Traffic Regulations so that drivers can park in spaces that have unexpired meters without being fined and if so when?

2261 PAYROLL TAX—QUEENSLAND BUDGET—Mr Debnam to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

In relation to payroll tax and the 2001/02 Queensland Budget:
(1) Is he aware of announcements by the Queensland Treasurer that the Queensland payroll tax rate will be lowered to 4.75% on 1 July 2002?
(2) Given that on 1 July 2002, the Queensland payroll tax rate will be a full 1.25 percentage points below the rate in NSW and the Queensland payroll tax threshold will be a quarter of a million dollars higher than the NSW threshold, is tax competitiveness in NSW being eroded?
(3) Does he still stand by his previous commitment to match Queensland’s 5% payroll tax rate?

2262 YOUNG SPORTING SHOOTERS—Mr R. W. Turner to the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

With respect to your announcement in the House on Wednesday 20 June about grants to encourage young sporting shooters to obtain more experience and knowledge of responsible shooting:
(1) Does this funding allocation extend to sporting shooting ranges both existing and potential new ranges?
(2) If yes, what assistance can you give the Orange Rifle Club to develop a new range on a new site within an acceptable distance from Orange?

2263 SHOOTING RANGES—Mr R. W. Turner to the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

What action or assistance is the Minister prepared to take to fund and develop new sporting shooting ranges especially for those registered clubs that have existing ranges close to towns and rural cities and are under threat due to housing, industrial or environmental projects?

2264 NOXIOUS WEEDS—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

What progress has been made in eliminating noxious weeds from Port Hacking?

2265 STUDENT TRAVEL PASS—Mr Webb to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Can the Minister advise when he will reply to my letter forwarded to him on the 10th April on behalf of the Murdoch family at Bibbenluke (your acknowledgment reference number 167547) concerning CountryLink school student travel passes?
(2) Why was the student travel weekend/vacation pass denied to this family?
(3) Why is there a discrepancy between branches or divisions of your department with respect to the issuing of student passes?

2266 CATCHMENT CONSULTANT—Mr Webb to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

With respect to the Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Board Community Consultation Forums:
(1) How many members of the public attended each of the eleven forums?
(2) Where and when were each of the forums advertised?
(3) Were landholders, particularly those with river and creek frontage, given any written notice of the forums?
(4) If not, why not?
(5) Are you aware that only a couple of landholders were present at the Cooma forum?
(6) Are you satisfied that there has been the fullest public involvement in the consultation process?
(7) Would you agree that some of the proposed targets are unachievable?
(8) How is it proposed to reduce the carp population to 40% of total fish in Murrumbidgee waterways by 2010?
(9) How is it proposed to restore the full range of indigenous fish species?
(10) How will these objectives affect the rainbow and brown trout species numbers?
(11) How can the target of no increase in willow and popular infestation by 2003 be achieved when there is extant black poplar plantations within the catchment?
(12) Does this include the weeping willow and Lombardy poplars, many of which have heritage significance?
(13) How is it proposed to achieve the soil targets requiring 70% groundcover for 75% of the time on land classes I, II, III and IV and for 85% on land classes V and greater?
(14) Does this include drought times, during pasture improvements and cropping cycles, following weed controls or following bushfires?
(15) How will 70% groundcover be defined?
(16) Will the allelopathic effect of some native tree and shrub species be taken into account?
(17) How much is 75% or 85% of the time, is it for nine to ten months of the year? for 24 days of the month? or seven and a half years out of ten?
(18) Would you agree, that as targets, these objectives are seen by many people as being readily achievable, and therefore move to have the targets included in LEPs and REPs as requirements that landholders and land managers must achieve?
(19) Who should pay for the work that should be done to reach the targets? and would this be specified?
(20) Would you agree that the targets would be better as guidelines?

2267 RAIL TRACK MAINTENANCE—Mr Webb to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Can the Minister advise when he will reply to my letter forwarded to him on 30th January 2001 on behalf of Mr Walter Mills (your acknowledgment reference number 165534) regarding the condition of the rail track between Canberra and Goulburn?
(2) Can the Minister advise of current work and plans for maintenance of the rail track between Canberra and Goulburn?
(3) What is the ride-quality versus speed parameters for the curvatures built into this existing route?
(4) What is the track maintenance regime necessary to achieve ride quality at maximum speed for all the alignments built into this existing route or are they only limited by the Explorer passenger train capability?
(5) What is the track improvement plan to provide for better alignments?

2268 GUNDAH TRIG SITE—Mr O'Doherty to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

(1) Is your Department aware of alleged encroachment onto Crown Land at and adjacent to Gundah Trig site, Mount Kuring-gai?
(2) What is the nature of the alleged encroachment?
(3) Have earthworks been carried out, and for what purpose?
(4) Have substantial quantities of car tyres and other material been deposited and for what purpose?
(5) Has any approval been obtained for such work?
(6) Are you aware of any discussion carried out with Hornsby Council and Environment Protection Authority regarding this matter?
(7) Will the Department investigate potential breaches of the Crown Lands Act and other Acts?
(8) What action will be taken in relation to this matter?
(9) Has a lease application been received in relation to this site?
(10) Will any such application be subject to public exhibition and comment?

2269 SCHOOL INTERNET CONNECTION—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Is it Government policy to connect every school in NSW to the Internet by way of an ISDN line?
(2) If so, when was this promise made?
(3) If so, is Coolongolook Public School connected?
(4) If so, when was it connected?
(5) If not, why is it not connected?
(6) How many other schools in NSW are not connected to ISDN lines?
(7) Why are they not connected?
(8) When will they be connected?
(9) Was there a deadline for connection to ISDN lines for all schools?
(10) If so, what was that deadline?
(11) Have discussions been held with any representatives of the Department of Education or consultants to the Department of Education who may be responsible for providing the ISDN line?
(12) If so, what were those discussions?
(13) If so, when were those discussions held?
(14) Did any of those discussions involve the installation of a satellite dish?
(15) If so, will a satellite dish be installed?
(16) If so, when?
(17) If not, why not?

2270 SICK AND STRESS LEAVE AT DOCS—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

What number of DoCS staff were on
(a) sick leave
(b) stress leave
as at:
(1) 1 January 1999?
(2) 1 January 2000?
(3) 1 January 2001?
(4) The date of this answer?

2271 LANDCOM SITES—Mr O'Doherty to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

Referring to the former Landcom sites in Berowra Valley, which the Government has committed to rezoning for environmental protection:
(1) What is the current status of the land?
(2) What work is currently being done towards honouring the Government’s promise?
(3) What is the time frame for that work?
(4) Which parcels of land are identified as being part of the process?
(5) By what means will the environmental protection of this land be achieved?
(6) Will it be added to the Berowra Valley regional park, and if so, who will manage it?
(7) When will the Government’s commitment be fully honoured?

2272 LANDCOM SITES—Mr O'Doherty to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

Referring to the former Landcom sites in Berowra Valley, which the Government has committed to rezoning for environmental protection:
(1) What is the current status of the land?
(2) What work is currently being done towards honouring the Government’s promise?
(3) What is the time frame for that work?
(4) Which parcels of land are identified as being part of the process?
(5) By what means will the environmental protection of this land be achieved?
(6) Will it be added to the Berowra Valley regional park, and if so, who will manage it?
(7) When will the Government’s commitment be fully honoured?

2273 LANDCOM SITES—Mr O'Doherty to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

Referring to the former Landcom sites in Berowra Valley, which the Government has committed to rezoning for environmental protection:
(1) What is the current status of the land?
(2) What work is currently being done towards honouring the Government’s promise?
(3) What is the time frame for that work?
(4) Which parcels of land are identified as being part of the process?
(5) By what means will the environmental protection of this land be achieved?
(6) Will it be added to the Berowra Valley regional park, and if so, who will manage it?
(7) When will the Government’s commitment be fully honoured?

2274 INSTITUTIONS—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

How many people with disabilities have been moved from institutions in the last year?

2275 BLOCKED BEDS—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

How many people are
(i) Currently in respite care in what are termed “blocked beds”?
(ii) Were in such beds one year ago?
(iii) Were in such beds two years ago?

2276 DIP SITES—Mr George to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

(1) How many old or current dip sites in the electorate of Lismore have been purchased by NSW Agriculture and/or Government?
(2) How many dip sites with houses and or buildings on them in the electorate of Lismore have been purchased by NSW Agriculture and or the Government?
(3) What legal expenses and administrative time have been spent by Government bureaucrats and lawyers on the purchase of these sites?
(4) What does the Government propose to do with these purchased sites and buildings?


22 JUNE 2001

(Paper No. 100)

2277 ACCESSING AND PRICING NSW GOVERNMENT HELD INFORMATION—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

In relation to Government policy on accessing and pricing NSW Government held information:
(1) What changes to existing policy have been suggested in the draft policy on accessing and pricing government held information?
(2) Has a revised version of the Treasury Working Paper, “Pricing Principles for User Charges” been published and if so is it available to the public?
(3) Will the requirement to apply prices that at least cover avoidable costs lead to an overall increase in user charges levied by Government and if so, what is the expected impact on total State revenue ?
(4) If overall prices for access to government held information are raised, will there be offsetting reductions in taxes?
(5) Will a new policy on accessing and pricing government held information take note of the current Productivity Commission “Review of Cost Recovery by Commonwealth Agencies”?
(6) Is the Government planning to undertake a review of user charges for all Government provided goods and services?

2278 INCREASE FOR PRE-SCHOOLS—Mr Maguire to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

(1) When the NSW Budget for the 2001/2002 financial year was announced on May 29 was there an increase in real terms for pre-schools?
(2) If so, how much?
(3) If not, why not?

2279 COLLECTION OF LAND TAX—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

In relation to the cost of collecting land tax:
(1) Given that the Auditor-General has reported “no significant decrease in the percentage of assessments requiring amendment”, have his reforms in land tax collection been aimed solely at maximising the total tax take, instead of ensuring that land tax assessments are accurate?
(2) Has the administration of land tax collection improved when the Budget Papers project a deterioration in 2001/02 in each of: Overdue debt as a proportion of the total, Revenue collected per Net Cost of Services dollar and Revenue per EFT staff?
(3) What is the total cost and the cost per full time equivalent employee for the collection of the Government’s tax on owner occupied homes and how does this compare to the costs for collection of land tax?

2280 LOBBYIST—Mr Debnam to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

In relation to lobbyists:
(1) (a) Since February 1997, have you or any of your staff met with a registered holder of a Parliament House lobbyist pass ?
(b) If so, which registered lobbyists have you or your staff met with and on what dates and subjects?

2281 GRAFFITI—BONDI JUNCTION—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

In relation to graffiti:
(1) Will he immediately remove the graffiti on the Sydney Water Reservoir on Oxford Street, Bondi Junction?
(2) Will he ensure that future graffiti at this site is removed within seven days of its appearance ?

25 JUNE 2001

(Paper No. 101)

2282 NATURAL DISASTER AREAS—Mr George to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

Following the declaration in NSW of natural disaster areas:
(1) How many applications for Rural Assistance Authority funding have been approved for the coastal electorate areas of Tweed, Ballina, Lismore, Clarence, Coffs Harbour and Oxley?
(2) In relation to the above areas:
(a) what percentage of applications for the above areas was actually approved first round?
(b) What percentage was approved on appeal?
(3) In relation to other electorate areas in the State:
(a) What percentage of applications have been approved for the balance of eligible areas in other parts of the State?
(b) How many applications were received for these areas?
(c) What percentage of application was approved first round?
(d) What percentage was approved on appeal?

2283 CRONULLA MALL—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Police—

(1) How many incidents were reported in Cronulla Mall between 25th May 2001 and 21st June 2001?
(2) What was the nature of these incidents?

2284 VAUCLUSE TRAFFIC CALMING—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

In relation to accident prevention in Vaucluse:
Given that 46 motor vehicle accidents have taken place from September 1997 to June 2000 in the stretch of New South Head Road between Towns and Dover Roads, what traffic slowing/calming or other safety features will be introduced and when?

2285 CRIME—BONDI JUNCTION—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Police—

In relation to crime in Bondi Junction:
(1) In each of the last two years, how many of the following offences have been reported in Bondi Junction Mall, Bondi Junction Train/Bus Interchange and surrounding streets:
(a) Assault
(b) Robbery
(c) Theft
(d) Malicious damage to property
(e) Drug offences
(f) Offensive behaviour
(g) Weapons offences?

2286 PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

In relation to the prompt payments of accounts:
(1) (a) Which agencies were found not to be fully complying with statutory requirements on the prompt payments of accounts (see Treasury Circular 01/12, “Annual Reports Legislation – Reporting on Payments of Accounts”)?
(b) What was the nature of the noncompliance?
(2) (a) Which agencies and on which occasions have been directed to pay penalty interest of 20% for accounts that are not paid on time?
(b) What was the total amount of penalty interest paid by all agencies in the last three financial years and in the current year to date?

2287 FERAL ANIMAL CONTROL—Ms Hodgkinson to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) What specific programs are currently in place to control feral animals in the Kosciuszko and Brindabella National Parks?
(2) How many feral dogs and pigs does the National Parks and Wildlife Service estimate are located in these parks?
(3) How often are the numbers of these animals surveyed?

2288 SOUTH EAST WASTE MANAGEMENT BOARD—Ms Hodgkinson to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) How much did the Regional Waste Management Plan cost the South East Waste Management Board to produce?
(2) What is the status of this Regional Waste Management Plan now the Minister has moved to replace the Waste Boards?
(3) What has been the total cost of running the South East Waste Management Board since it was established under the NSW Waste Management Minimisation and Management Act 1995?

2289 POLICE STAFFING—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Police—

(1) Of the 114 Police Officers who comprised the actual strength of the Goulburn Local Area Command as at 2 April 2001 how many of these officers were on:
(a) Recreational Leave, shorter than four weeks?
(b) Long Service Leave?
(c) Sick Leave, shorter than four weeks?
(d) Sick Leave, longer than four weeks but shorter than six months?
(e) Sick Leave longer than six months?
(f) Stress Leave if not covered by (c)-(e)?
(g) Maternity Leave?
(h) Extended Leave?
(i) Leave without Pay?
(2) What was the actual strength of the Goulburn Local Area Command as at 22 June 2001?
(3) How many of these officers were on:
(a) Recreational Leave, shorter than four weeks?
(b) Long Service Leave?
(c) Sick Leave, shorter than four weeks?
(d) Sick Leave, longer than four weeks but shorter than six months?
(e) Sick Leave longer than six months?
(f) Stress Leave if not covered by (c)-(e)?
(g) Maternity Leave?
(h) Extended Leave?
(i) Leave without Pay?

2290 POLICE COMMUNITY TALKS—Mr Armstrong to the Minister for Police—

(1) Did police spend time talking to students and/or staff in schools within Lachlan in 2000 namely: Caragabal PS; Condobolin HS; Condolbolin PS; Corinella PS; Forbes HS; Forbes PS; Grenfell PS; Quandialla PS; The Henry Lawson High School; Barmedman PS; Coolamon PS; Cootamundra PS; Cootamundra HS; EA Southee PS; Ganmain PS; Illabo PS; Junee HS; Junee North PS; Eurongilly PS; Junee PS; Greenethorpe PS; Maimuru PS; Murrumburrah HS; Murramburrah PS; Temora West PS; Temora HS; Temora PS; Wallendbeen PS; Young North PS; Young HS; Young PS?
(2) Did police spend time talking to service clubs such as Rotary, Apex and Lions in 2000 in:
(a) the Griffith Local Area Command
(b) the Cootamundra Local Area Command
(c) the Wagga Wagga Local Area Command
(d) the Lachlan Local Area Command?
(3) Did police officers spend time talking to community organisations such as NSW Farmers and the Country Women’s Association in 2000 in:
(4) (a) the Griffith Local Area Command
(a) the Cootamundra Local Area Command
(b) the Wagga Wagga Local Area Command
(c) the Lachlan Local Area Command?

2291 SPORT AND RECREATION SPENDING—Mr Armstrong to the Minister for Small Business, and Minister for Tourism—

(1) Since 1995 how much has NSW Tourism spent on capital construction and improvements for Sport and Recreation in NSW?
(2) How much of these funds has been expended in Newcastle, Sydney and Wollongong?
(3) How much per capita does this represent?

2292 GREATER MURRAY AREA HEALTH SERVICE—Mr Armstrong to the Minister for Health—

(1) What is the total population of the area serviced by the Greater Murray Area Health Service?
(2) What is the total population of the area serviced by the Mid-Western Area Health Service?
(3) How many registered nurses are there in the Greater Murray Health Service?
(4) How many nurses are there in the Mid-Western Area Health Service?

2293 LEVEL CROSSING ADVICE—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

In relation to advice from the Minister for Transport and Roads in answer to Q628 (8/6/2000) that
“(1) to (7) The matter to which the Hon. Member refers has been referred to the Level Crossing Strategy Council of the Department of Transport”, when will an answer be received from the Level Crossing Strategy Council?

2294 WELLINGTON/ORANGE PRISON—Mr Humpherson to the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

(1) When Tony Kelly MLC announced a new jail would be built near Wellington did the Minister veto it because it would mean the closure of Lithgow Jail?
(2) Has there been any consideration of a new prison in the Wellington/Orange area by your Department?
(3) If yes, what are the plans for a new prison in the area?
(4) What type of jail will it be?
(5) When will it open?
(6) How much has been budgeted for the new prison?

2295 COMPENSATION PAYMENTS—Mr Humpherson to the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

(1) What was the highest amount received by an inmate as compensation for an injury in 1999/2000?
(2) Did one inmate receive $130,000 for an eye injury caused by another inmate with a broomstick?
(3) Was any of this covered by insurance?
(4) What will be the total compensation received by inmates in 2000/01?
(5) What will be the total compensation received by correctional officers in 2000/01?
(6) How many claims have been made by officers to date this year? And last year?

2296 PERIODIC DETENTION DETAINEES—Mr Humpherson to the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

(1) What type of recording system do you have for periodic detention detainees?
(2) What are the capabilities of the system?
(3) When was it introduced?

2297 TRAFFIC FACILITIES—Mr Webb to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

With respect to the 2001/2002 State Budget for the Monaro Electorate:
How much is the regional roads block grant, for traffic facilities for the Yarrowlumla Council?

2298 SOFT WOOD MILL—Mr Webb to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

With respect to State Forests Major Works in the 2001/2002 State Budget for the Monaro Electorate:
(1) Is the $463,000 for Site Preparation-Joint Venture, for the proposed new SDC/Austral soft wood mill out of Bombala?
(2) If so, does it include funding for an Environmental Impact Study of the site?
(3) Will there be a public exhibition and consultation on the EIS?
(4) What are the terms of reference for the EIS?
(5) Do they include geo/technical study to ascertain ground water movements onto neighbouring properties?
(6) Do they include studies into the wind, dust and noise effects?
Does it include funding for assessment and plans for the intersection onto the Monaro Highway?
(7) If the funding is not for the proposed soft wood mill site then what joint venture project is it for?

2299 PAMBULA BRIDGE—Mr Webb to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

With respect to the 2001/2002 State Budget for the Monaro Electorate:
In the Major Works, Network Development Program planned Princess Highway Pambula Bridge approaches development:
(1) Are these approaches at the site of the existing bridge?
(2) Or are they for a new bridge to be located up stream?
(3) How much higher are they than the existing approaches to the existing bridge?
(4) Has there been any public display of the plans for these new approaches?
(5) If so, when and where?
(6) If not, why not?


26 JUNE 2001

(Paper No. 102)

2300 INFRASTRUCTURE GREEN PAPER—Mr Debnam to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

In relation to the infrastructure Green Paper, “Working with the Government – Private Financing of Infrastructure and Certain Government Services in NSW”:
(1) (a) Will a new policy statement, set of guidelines for private sector involvement and a list of projects as Public-Private Partnerships be ready by September 2001?
(b) If so, will all three be public documents?
(c) Will appointments to the Government’s Infrastructure Service Advisory Council also be made at this time?
(2) What were the dates, venues and attendees at each of the Working With Government workshops conducted during May 2001?
(3) Will the Government’s response to the Green Paper adopt the Public Accounts Committee recommendation to define a new policy on shadow tolls, (see Parramatta Rail Link Pre-Tender Procurement: A Case Study, January 2001)?

2301 WORKFORCE PROFILE—Mr Debnam to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

In relation to the Workforce Profile:
(1) As outlined in Premier’s Department Circular No 2001-18, is the 2000 Overview Report currently approved for release and if so, when will it be available to the public and if not, what is delaying its approval?
(2) Will a 2001 Workforce Profile survey be conducted at the end of June 2001 and if so what additional data items if any will be included?
(3) Will a 2001 Overview Report be made available to the public during 2001?

2302 BONDI JUNCTION TRAIN / BUS INTERCHANGE—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

In relation to the new Bondi Junction Train/Bus Interchange:
(1) (a) Has he been advised of concerns regarding noise and pollution levels for bus passengers?
(b) If so, what corrective action has been taken, at what cost and time to the project?
(2) When will the interchange be fully operational?

2303 UPGRADE OF PACIFIC HIGHWAY—Mr Stoner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

What is the timetable for the planning, design and construction of the upgrading of the Pacific Highway between Moorland and Herons Creek?

2304 SCHOOL BUSES—Mr Souris to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) What is the average distance travelled per trip by school buses in metropolitan NSW?
(2) What is the average distance travelled per trip by school buses in non-metropolitan NSW?
(3) Do school buses in non-metropolitan NSW encounter different road conditions and environments than school buses in metropolitan NSW?
(4) Do schools buses in non-metropolitan NSW travel for extended periods at higher speeds than school buses in metropolitan NSW?
(5) If school buses in non-metropolitan NSW encounter different road conditions and environments than school buses in metropolitan NSW, why aren’t the safety requirements for school buses in non-metropolitan different to the safety requirements of school buses in metropolitan NSW?
(6) What specific measures exist to ensure the safety of passengers on school buses in non-metropolitan NSW?

2305 WESTERN PLAINS ZOO—Mr Souris to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Is he aware of a study conducted by the Western Plains Zoo regarding the effect of pine tree thinning on biodiversity?
(2) If yes, is this study available for public review?
(3) If the study is not currently available for public review, when will it be released to the public?
(4) If the study is not released for public review, why will the public not have the opportunity to review the study?

2306 POLICE STAFFING—COOTAMUNDRA—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Police—

(1) How Many Police Officers were on the actual strength of the Cootamundra Local Area Command as at 2 April 2001?
(2) Of these officers how many were on:
(a) Recreational Leave, shorter than four weeks?
(b) Long Service Leave?
(c) Sick Leave, shorter than four weeks?
(d) Sick Leave, longer than four weeks but shorter than six months?
(e) Sick Leave longer than six months?
(f) Stress Leave if not covered by (c)-(e)?
(g) Maternity Leave?
(h) Extended Leave?
(i) Leave without Pay?
(3) What was the actual strength of the Cootamundra Local Area Command as at 22 June 2001?
(4) How many of these officers were on:
(a) Recreational Leave, shorter than four weeks?
(b) Long Service Leave?
(c) Sick Leave, shorter than four weeks?
(d) Sick Leave, longer than four weeks but shorter than six months?
(e) Sick Leave longer than six months?
(f) Stress Leave if not covered by (c)-(e)?
(g) Maternity Leave?
(h) Extended Leave?
(i) Leave without Pay?

2307 HERITAGE PROPERTIES—GOULBURN VALLEY—Ms Hodgkinson to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Is the Minister aware that the Sydney Catchment Authority is the landlord for the property known as ‘Glen Dor – Welcome Reef Dam’ which is listed on the s.170 heritage register of the Sydney Catchment Authority?
(2) Is the Minister also aware that the Heritage Act 1977 section 118 requires a minimum standard of maintenance which includes protecting the building from deterioration due to weather?
(3) Is the Minister further aware that the property was visited by Mr McDougall and Mr Edgar of the Heritage Office on 4 June 2001 who assessed that the building did not comply with the “Minimum Standards of Maintenance and Repair” as required by the Heritage Act?
(4) Why has the Sydney Catchment Authority not taken action to repair hail damage to this property which occurred two years ago?

2308 BOWNING DEVIATION —Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) On 12 November 1999 did his colleague, the Hon Ian MacDonald MLC, advise an audience including officers of Yass Shire Council that the Bowning Deviation would commence in 2000?
(2) Will the Minister now confirm advice from the RTA that construction of the Bowning Deviation is at least 2 to 3 years away?
(3) Will the Minister provide a timetable for the construction of the Bowning Deviation to allow the Yass Shire Council to decide whether it is appropriate to undertake interim safety measures within a Bowning Village?

2309 SALARIES—Mr Slack-Smith to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

What are the salaries of each of your Department’s Directors-General, specifying any bonuses that have been paid to the Directors-General since 1995?

2310 DISABILITY SERVICES—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

(1) Which disability services by name have received funding from the Ageing, Disability and Home Care Department since 1 January 2001?
(2) What funding did each service receive specifically?

2311 FUNDING APPLICATIONS—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

(1) Which disability services by name, have applied for funding since 1 January 2001 and have not received funding?
(2) What particular funds were sought by each group and advise what scores were allocated against each application made?

2312 OUT OF HOME CARE—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

What steps have you taken to address the lack of any policy by your Department for use of restraint involving children in out of home care?

2313 MARSHALLS CREEK WORKS—Mr D. L. Page to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

In relation to your answer to question 1821 on 30 May 2001 regarding expenditure of $600,000 on physical works related to Marshalls Creek since 1984, how much of this $600,000 was spent on each of the component projects?

2314 OFFENCE STATISTICS—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Police—

Between 1st January 2001 and 4th June 2001 how many of the following offences have been reported in Caringbah, Cronulla and Kurnell
(a) Assault
(b) Robbery
(c) Theft
(d) Malicious damage
(e) Drug offences
(f) Offensive behaviour
(g) Weapon offences?

2315 RIVER REVENUE—Mr O’Doherty to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

(1) What is the revenue collected from mooring fees, permissive occupancies and other sources from the Hawkesbury River in the vicinity of Brooklyn and Berowra Creek?
(2) To what purpose is this revenue allocated?

2316 DIP SITES—BALLINA ELECTORATE—Mr D. L. Page to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

(1) How many old dip sites in the Ballina Electorate have been purchased by the Department of Agriculture and/or the Government?
(2) What is the total cost incurred by the Government in relation to the purchase of these sites, broken up into:
(a) purchase price?
(b) legal expenses?
(c) administrative time spent by government bureaucrats and lawyers dealing with negotiations?
(d) travel and all other associated costs?
(3) What does the Government propose to do with these properties and over what time period?

2317 BUCKETTS WAY—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Has the Minister or the Road and Traffic Authority calculated in the Bucketts Way Improvement Program any federal funding?
(2) If so, what is the amount?
(3) If so, what work will be carried out with the federal money?
(4) If so, what is the actual amount of State Government funds that will be provided under Bucketts Way Improvement Program?

2318 SERRATED TUSSOCK—Mr Webb to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

(1) Are you aware of the current extent of infestations of the weed Nassella Trichotoma [Serrated Tussock] on Monaro lands?
(2) How many hectares of infestation are there in the Monaro Electorate Local Government areas of:
(a) Cooma-Monaro Council
(b) Bombala Council
(c) Snowy River Council
(d) Yarrowlumla Council
(e) Tallganda Council
(3) What proportion of these areas are considered severe, moderate and low infestation?
(4) What methods of control does your department promote?
(5) Do you agree that the levels of infestation are beyond the control of many landholders?
(6) Is it fair and reasonable that land holders are faced with bankruptcy when trying to conform to local government directions as a result of the Noxious Weeds Act 1993?
(7) What level of funding does the state Government provide to individual councils and to the regional group of councils for the control of weeds generally?
(8) What level of funding is specifically directed toward serrated tussock control?
(9) Do you agree that it has become an issue of great magnitude with respect to production, environmental, financial and social perspectives?
(10) Should not weeds control be placed under the auspices of the Rural Lands Protection Boards?
(11) What has your department done to work with councils and affected landholders in an attempt to control serrated tussock weed infestation?
(12) What are the latest advances on biological controls?
(13) What level of funding has the Government put toward the investigation of biological controls?
(14) As the weed currently threatens hundreds of thousands of hectares in NSW and many more in Victoria and Queensland have you lobbied your state counterparts and the Federal government to have the weed classified as a Weed of National Importance?

2319 MACS REEF ROAD—Mr Webb to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

With regard to Macs Reef Road, which is now a major alternate access to the south coast via the kings Highway for people from the northern suburbs of Canberra?
(1) Are there dangerous aspects of the Macs Reef Road and Federal Highway intersection, particularly in fog and on winter evenings?
(3) Do drivers experience difficulties, particularly on winter evenings when turning from the Federal Highway onto Macs Reef Road?
(4) Are line markings worn or non-existant and are road reflectors missing?
(5) Is the signage for the intersection and for Macs Reef Road small and not easily visible?
(6) Is there no signage on the Federal Highway directing motorists to, Bungendore, Braidwood and Bateman’s Bay?
(7) Will you, or officers from your department meet with concerned residents at the intersection to discuss the problems and solutions?
(8) Will you immediately move to have the line markings, reflectors and signage replaced and improved?

2320 FEDERAL HIGHWAY—Mr Webb to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) What are the average daily vehicular counts for the Federal Highway in the vicinity of the Sutton Road overpass, for both north and south bound traffic by vehicular classification for the years;
(a) 2000/2001
(b) 1999/2000
(c) 1998/1999?
(2) What are the counts on an annual basis?
(3) During which daily period are there peak traffic counts?
(4) On some days are there significantly higher counts, i.e. Friday evening and Sunday evening during ski season?
If so, by how much do they exceed the average daily counts?

2321 RAILWAY CARRIAGES—Mr O'Farrell to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) How many carriages will become available for use elsewhere when the Kiama railway line is electrified?
(2) When is this expected to occur?
(3) Are the carriages currently in use on CityRails Kiama line earmarked for conversion to explorer carriages for use by Countrylink?
(4) How many have been earmarked for Countrylink services?

2322 FARE FREE DAYS—Mr O'Farrell to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) What duties were the Revenue Protection Officers, both CityRail and State Transit, performing whilst the Unions have declared fare free days?
(2) What duties were CityRail Station staff, normally engaged in ticket selling duties, performing whilst the Unions have declared fare free days?

2323 LANDSLIDE LEGAL COSTS—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

What was the total cost to date of legal and other representation and counsel to all NSW government agencies including RTA and NPWS for the processing of and settlement (via mediation or court proceedings) of claims by
(a) private individuals and families
(b) commercial claimants
for loss and damages arising from the Thredbo landslide?

2324 WARD CLOSURE—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Health—

Has the Children’s Ward at Bowral Hospital been closed down at any point in June 2001? If so, on what days and for what purposes? Were any children relocated to any other wards during those times? If so, to where? What was the purpose of any ward closure?

2325 FUEL COSTS—Ms Seaton to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

What was the cost of motor vehicle fuel for the Waste Service NSW in the following 6 month period:
(a) 1st January – 30 June 2000
(b) 1st July – 31 December 2000
(c) 1st January – 30 June 2001?

2326 SCHOOL LOCATION—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Education and Training—

Regarding the announcement that a special ‘behaviour’ school will be located in Mittagong, will the Minister list the options for locations and sites within the Mittagong area which are under consideration, as indicated to the Southern Highlands News by a member of the Minister’s staff?

2327 RE-OPENING— COWRA BLAYNEY RAILWAY—Mr R. W. Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

Since the re-opening of the Cowra-Blayney Railway what has been the record of use-specifically
(1) How many freight trains have used the line?
(2) How many tonnes of freight have been conveyed on the line since re-opening?
(3) How many trains have utilised the line for tourism purposes?
(4) Is this level of usage below previous projections or expectation?
(5) What is the total funding expended on the line
(a) For the initial re-opening?
(b) Upgrade of the line since the re-opening?
(c) The cost of the traffic signals on the road crossings at Cowra And Holmwood?
(6) What other monies are planned to be allocated to this line in the foreseeable future?

2328 CLOSED RAILWAY—Mr R. W. Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

Does the Minister have any plans to re-open the currently closed railway line
(a) Cowra to Canowindra?
(b) Cowra to Eugowra?

2329 EARLY RELEASES —Mr Humpherson to the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

(1) Have any offenders been released earlier than their correct release date during 2000/2001?
(2) If so, on how many occasions and how many days early was each offender released?

2330 COOTAMUNDRA LOCAL AREA COMMAND—Mr Armstrong to the Minister for Police—

(1) How many police officers are there in the Cootamundra local area command?
(2) As at the first day of each month since Christmas, 2000, how many police officers have been available for duty?

2331 PACIFIC HIGHWAY —Mr Stoner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

What is the timetable for the planning, design and construction of the upgrade of the Pacific Highway between Kempsey and Eungai?


27 JUNE 2001

(Paper No. 103)

2332 STLD POSITIONS—Mr Webb to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Why did you reject the recommendation from the Learning Difficulties Reference Group that you commissioned, for an additional 100 STLD positions?
(2) Are the proposed special schools for difficult children that were recently announced intended to be an alternative to providing enough Special Teachers for children with learning difficulties?
(3) How are children from Queanbeyan, Cooma, Eden and elsewhere in the Monaro Electorate going to be identified and assessed for entrance to the special schools?
(4) What criteria do children suffering from learning difficulties or difficult children have to satisfy for them to be eligible?
(5) How is contact with their parents and relatives going to be maintained during their time at school?
(6) How many children suffering from learning difficulties currently attend Monaro schools on a full or part time basis?
(7) How many STLD’s are currently in the Monaro Electorate?
(8) Would failure to address the issue of helping children with learning difficulties achieve minimum standards, by not providing adequate resources, be in breach of the Disability Discrimination Act?
(9) What other measures are you adopting to help children with learning difficulties?

2333 TEACHER PAYMENT—Mr Webb to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Why was there a long delay for confirmation of status for a teacher at Karabar High School and Distance centre in Queanbeyan, after she was instructed to apply for temporary status in relation to the regular Casual component for the one day per week that she teaches as Temporary teacher formally-Supply Casual?
(2) Why does the teacher concerned have to complete 203 days temporary service to be eligible for incremental progress up the pay scale from 4 YP Step 9 when she is currently employed as a step 11 for the other 4 days of the week?
(3) Why should it take 5 years to gain a salary increase in relation to this temporary day, particularly when the work entails the same responsibilities and similar professional duties as the permanent part of the teaching, and when the teacher has worked at the school since the beginning of 1994?

2334 HAZARD ASSESSMENT—Mr Webb to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Is there enough recent information regarding hazard assessments within Kosciuzko National Park of the potential for landslip hazards in the four classified types ie. natural shallow landslides, rockfalls, failure of cut slopes and failure of fill slopes?
(2) Has a comprehensive review of land stability been carried out for developed and potential development sites within the Kosciuzko National Park?
(3) If so, when was the review or study carried out?
(4) And if so, by whom?
(5) How many sites were assessed and how many were given a hazard rating?
(6) How many sites were given a high or very high rating?
(7) If there is insufficient current information will you call for a comprehensive review?
(8) Do you regard this information as vital to public safety and to protect valuable assets?
(9) Will there be public disclosure of the review, assessment and the ratings?

2335 ARMIDALE PUBLIC HOSPITAL—Mr Torbay to the Minister for Health—

(1) Are the New England Area Health public patients excluded from diagnosis and treatment for chronic and nocturnal respiratory failure unless they become acutely ill enough to require admission to the Armidale public Hospital?
(2) Are public patients with chronic and nocturnal respiratory failure being effectively excluded from preventative treatment in the area administered by New England Area Health?

2336 MOSS VALE TAFE—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Are there plans at Moss Vale TAFE to cut Library hours
(2) If so, what is the reason for the change?
(3) How much will be saved by the proposed change to opening hours?
(4) What have been normal opening hours at Moss Vale TAFE from January to June 2001?
(5) What are proposed opening hours in the future?

2337 BOAT RAMP—Ms Seaton to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Are you aware of concerns by residents in Bundeena about NPWS plans to build a boat ramp in the national park?
(2) Has any environment assessment been undertaken as to the impacts of the construction and its use?
(3) If so, what conclusions have these assessments drawn regarding the potential contamination by the water weed Caulerpa in the marine environment?
(4) What if any assessments has been made of the environment issues raised in local letters, and what conclusions have been drawn by the NPWS on the issue?
(5) Is it certain the boat ramp proposed will not lead to the introduction or growth of Caulerpa?
(6) What tis the cost of the proposed boat ramp, and when is it proposed to be built?

2338 EAST HILL LINE UPGRADE—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) When will work on the promised $85m upgrade commence, and be completed?
(2) Will the project include 5.6 km of track, 4 road bridges and 37,500 concrete sleepers?
(3) Is the proposed timetable likely to blow out?
(4) What arrangements will be made for Southern Highlands passengers to ensure their travel to Sydney is not subject to delay or missed services?
(5) Will all services originating in the Southern Highlands continue to run through the construction period?

2339 LONG SWAMP CREEK DAM—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

(1) In view of the Minister’s comments in his letter (M01/206 dated 21 Jun 01) that the initial dam which was constructed by officers of his department was removed shortly after, will the Minister now agree that the initial dam was built illegally?
(2) Why did his department participate in a construction which clearly breached the current legislation?
(3) What specific action has the Minister taken to ensure a similar situation does not occur again?

2340 REID'S FLAT PUBLIC SCHOOL—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Education and Training—

With respect to the exit drain of the septic system at Reid’s Flat Public School which has been blocked since November 2001:
(1) Is the Minister aware that remedial work has still not commenced and effluent has overflowed onto the school grounds?
(2) When will remedial action be taken by the Department?

2341 FUTURE OF OBSTETRICS AT GOULBURN BASE HOSPITAL—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Health—

(1) Are medical indemnity insurance premiums for General Practice Obstetricians providing services to Goulburn Base Hospital currently costing $17,000 per annum?
(2) Is the Minister aware that the obstetric income paid by Southern Area Health Service for services at Goulburn Base Hospital is only $40,000 and the SAHS has only offered GP Obstetricians an adjustment of $2,127 to assist with these premiums?
(3) Is the Minister further aware that because of the excessive premiums and SAHS refusal to cover medical indemnity insurance for public obstetric patients one of the two GP Obstetricians in Goulburn has said it is doubtful that he will continue practicing beyond the end of this year?
(4) What does the Minister intend to do to retain the existing level of obstetric services at Goulburn Base Hospital?

2342 RACHELLE CHILDS INVESTIGATION—Mr Tink to the Minister for Police—

(1) How many detectives are involved in the investigation of the circumstances of the death of Ms Rachelle Childs?
(2) In what LAC and at what Police facility are these usually based?
(3) Where are the detectives conducting the majority of their enquiries?
(4) What entitlements to travel allowances do detectives normally have in these circumstances?
(5) When did the investigation commence?
(6) From what date was payment of travel allowances commenced?
(7) Were any detectives at any time forced to cover travel and other expenses from their own pockets? If so, what effect did this requirement have on the progress of the investigation?
(8) Is it normal practice to expect Police officers to pay for travelling and other expenses connected with official Police Service work?
(9) Were detectives told that the Shoalhaven LAC was ‘effectively bankrupt’ until the start of the new financial year?
(10) Has Shoalhaven LAC been unable to pay bills for services including telephone at any point in the last six months due to cash shortfalls?
(11) Are you satisfied the LAC is properly resourced to conducted this investigation?

2343 STORMWATER TRAP—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

In relation to the stormwater trap at the southern end of Bondi Beach:
(1) Is he aware the trap currently fails to contain all stormwater rubbish ?
(2) (a) Will he arrange for the trap to be repaired or replaced to contain all stormwater rubbish ?
(b) Will he call for expressions of interest for a low cost modification that will contain all stormwater rubbish?

2344 WALTON REPORT AND LAND VALUATIONS—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

In relation to the Walton Report and land valuations:
(1) Can he confirm it was the Government’s intention to implement Walton Report Recommendation 1, “That there be established a specialist working group to run a parallel valuation of a selection of properties for this year to assess the order of accuracy for different types of properties using the same agreed sales evidence but different methodologies namely traditional, component method and multiple factoring”?
(2) Is he aware minutes of the 11 October 2000 meeting of the Specialist Advisory Group note in part, “The VG pointed out a “separate” valuation additional to the official system was not productive and could be confusing.” and therefore conflict with Walton Report Recommendation 1 ?
(3) Given 1. and 2. above, has the Government now decided not to implement the clear intent of Walton Report Recommendation 1?
(4) Will he instruct his department to investigate and reconcile the activities, to date, of the Specialist Advisory Group against the requirements of the Walton Report ?
(5) Given the Walton Report's clearly documented criticism of the NSW valuation system, the comments of the Valuer-General to the 1998 Nile Committee that “Where we do make changes to valuations as a result of the objection process, or as a result of the appeal process we will make the necessary consequential changes to ensure that people are not disadvantaged by the fact that they did not object or appeal”, and the findings of the David Landa Stewart Report into Overcharging of Land Tax between 1998 and 2000:
(a) Will taxpayers be refunded excess land tax if they demonstrate they were disadvantaged by the valuation deficiencies identified in the Walton Report?
(b) Will taxpayers be refunded excess land tax if they demonstrate they were disadvantaged in the tax years 1997 to 2001 by the old valuation system when compared to land tax assessments issued in subsequent years?

2345 IMPOUNDED VEHICLES—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

In relation to impounded vehicles:
(1) (a) Under the provisions originally legislated in the Traffic Amendment (Street and Illegal Drag Racing) Act and in subsequent legislation, how many vehicles have been impounded in calendar years 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 to date?
(b) In calendar years 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 to date, what other penalties, additional to impounding have been imposed on offenders and on how many occasions have these penalties applied?
(c) In calendar years 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 to date, how many vehicles have been impounded a second time?
(2) What are the physical locations of yards or depots that are used to store impounded vehicles?

2346 POWERCOAL PROPOSAL—Ms Seaton to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

(1) Did you receive letters dated 27 March 2001 and 29 March from Mr and Mrs T and A Whittaker of 106 Mandalong Road Mandalong concerning the Powercoal proposal?
(2) Why have you failed to respond substantively to these letters?
(3) When can the Whittakers expect your reply to their ‘urgent correspondence’?

2347 PRINTER CARTRIDGE RECYCLING—Mr O'Doherty to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

(1) What percentage of printer cartridges used by Government agencies is recycled?
(2) Is the Minister aware of the cost savings which may result if this practice became widespread throughout the public sector?
(3) What barriers exist to prevent the encouragement of this practice?

2348 STAMP DUTY EXEMPTIONS—Mr Brogden to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

In relation to stamp duty exemptions resulting from property transfers following marriage break-ups or domestic relationships:
(1) Has the Office of State Revenue (OSR) recently announced changes to exemptions of stamp duty under these circumstances?
(2) If yes, are ex-spouses now required to obtain a decree nisi in order to claim exemption of stamp duty when transferring dutiable property?
(3) Why are legal property settlements no longer satisfactory to obtain the exemption?
(4) Is the OSR going to introduce this change retrospectively? if yes, back-dated to what time?
(5) What is the purpose of these changes?

2349 GROUP HOMES—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

(1) How many group home were there as at 1st June in each year since 1996 managed?
(a) by DOCS
(b) by agencies other than DOCS?
How many people lived in them at the relevant date?
(2) How many reports of assaults in those group homes occurred each year?

2350 FOSTER CARERS—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

(1) What number of foster care families are there in NSW is at 1st June 2001?
(2) What were the number of foster care families for each of the years 1995 – 2000?
(3) What number of foster carers have stopped being carers each year since 1995?

2351 UNDER ONE REPORTS —Mr Hazzard to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

(1) How many “under (1) one year old” reports of child abuse have been received in each year since 1995, specifying such reports to date for the currents year?
(2) How many had no contact visit from a DOCS officer?


28 JUNE 2001

(Paper No. 104)

2352 GREAT SOUTHERN ENERGY EMPLOYMENT LEVELS—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

(1) How many staff were employed by Great Southern Energy during:
(a) 1995?
(b) 1996?
(c) 1997?
(d) 1998?
(e) 1999?
(f) 2000?
(g) as at 28 June 2001?

2353 ABORIGINAL EDUCATION ASSISTANT—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) How many Aboriginal Education Assistant positions were disestablished from the Department of Education and Training during 1998?
(2) From what locations were these positions disestablished?
(3) What was the criteria for an Aboriginal Education Assistant to be allocated to a school or area prior to 1998?

2354 LOCAL AREA COMMANDS—ROSE BAY—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Police—

(1) What was the actual strength as at 28 June 2001?
(2) Of the officers in 1 above, how many were on:
(a) Recreational Leave, shorter than four weeks?
(b) Long Service Leave?
(c) Sick Leave, shorter than four weeks?
(d) Sick Leave, longer than four weeks but shorter than six months?
(e) Sick Leave longer than six months?
(f) Stress Leave if not covered by (c)– (e)?
(g) Maternity Leave?
(h) Extended Leave?
(i) Leave without Pay?

2355 LOBBYISTS—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Small Business, and Minister for Tourism—

(1) (a) Since February 1997, have you or any of your staff met with a registered holder of a Parliament House lobbyist pass?
(b) If so, which registered lobbyist have you or your staff met with and on what dates and subjects?

2356 SECURING OUR MANUFACTURING FUTURE—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Small Business, and Minister for Tourism—

In relation to the report “Securing Our Manufacturing Future – Small Business Manufacturing to 2015 and Beyond” commissioned by Small Business Development Corporation:
(1) Which of the recommendations for Government contained within the report does she support and which does she reject?
(2) What is her timetable for acting on and implementing the recommendations of the report?
(3) What was the total cost of producing the report?

2357 HEALTH COUNCIL—Mr Stoner to the Minister for Health—

Why has the Mid North Coast Health Council ceased to operate since November 2000?

2358 UPGRADE AT GALLANS ROAD—Mr D. L. Page to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) In 1995 was the RTA given land by Thursday Plantation in exchange for an agreed upgrade of the junction at Gallans Road and the Pacific Highway?
(2) Has the RTA reneged on its commitment and opted for a lower grade upgrade?
(3) Are you aware that now the Ballina Christian School is being asked to contribute $200,000 to upgrade the intersection to the level originally agreed to by the RTA 6 years ago?
(4) Are you aware that the school having spent over $320,000 on water, sewage, car parks and bus bays, cannot afford the extra $200,000 and as a result the school cannot relocate to the new site?
(5) If you are aware of the above, how can you, as Minister justify this inexcusable action by the RTA?
(6) If you are not aware, will you direct the RTA to upgrade the intersection at its own expense as per the original agreement to enable this school to relocate and open soon, thereby relieving the overcrowding of the school’s current premises?

2359 ABORIGINAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAMMES—Mr Hazzard to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

What funds across all portfolio areas were specifically applied to programs addressing Aboriginal domestic violence in each of the years 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001?

2360 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES—Mr Hazzard to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

How many aboriginal domestic violence workers are employed in NSW?

2361 RECORDING COMPLAINTS—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

(1) Do you have a formal system of recording complaints about the handling of issues brought to the attention of :
(a) your Ministerial office?
(b) your Departments?
(2) If so, please advise
(i) the number of complaints received by each for each year 1996, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001?
(ii) the name and phone of the responsible officer / staff member who usually takes the complaints?

2362 WASTE SERVICE NSW—Ms Seaton to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

Was any endorsement sought from the Premiers Department or Treasury in relation to a
· the engagement of technical consultants to Waste Service NSW?
· the engagement of employment consultants to Waste Service NSW?
· the expansion of head office space and consequential extensions of leasing arrangements and costs in respect of the enlargement of the head office?

2363 GUIDELINES DEPARTMENTS/CENTRAL AGENCIES—Ms Seaton to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

What guidelines exist within your department or central agencies requiring government agencies to seek approval for plans to engage consultants, and or plans to enter into new or extended leasing arrangements for office accommodation?

2364 THERMAL TAKE OUTS—Mr Webb to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

(1) When will the contract to design, and tenders to build be called for the construction of the Thermal Out-takes at Jindabyne for the Snowy River and at Tantangara for the Murrumbidgee River?
(2) Where will the funding come from for the construction of these out-takes?
(3) What will be the impact on the corporatised Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electricity Authority in terms of the loss of generating capacity that will result from providing for the environmental flows?
Will you guarantee that the headquarters for the soon to be corporatised Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electricity Authority will be in Cooma?

2365 INFESTATION OF SPINY BURR GRASS—Mr Webb to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

(1) Are you aware of infestations of spiny Burr Grass that are currently spread throughout the central west slopes and tablelands?
(2) Are you aware that the weed is classified as a W1 weed in Cooma Monaro Shire?
(3) What is the extent of the infestation within the Chakola area on the Numeralla River, on private property and on the roadsides?
(4) What costs and loss of income will sheep farmers bear if they can’t transport sheep to shearing sheds for crutching and shearing?
(5) Are you further aware of the significance of the personal, social and financial costs if the wool can’t be sold and the sheep have to be destroyed and buried on the property?
(6) What control measures does your department advocate for the control of Spiny Burr Grass?

2366 TRANSPORTING STOCK—Mr Webb to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Are you aware that there is a serious shortage of places where truck drivers transporting stock can pull off the road to check their loads and rest?
(2) Do stock transport lay over points need to be level or nearly level?
(3) With recent highway upgrades are many rest areas no longer accessible or suitable for stock transporters?
(4) Will you act to make available previous or alternative lay over points or rest areas suitable for stock transport vehicles including B Doubles on the Monaro, Kings and Snowy Mountains Highways?

2367 SCHOOL HALLS—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Will any schools in the Myall Lakes Electorate receive funding for new school halls following the 2001/2002 budget allocation of $80 million for such facilities?
(2) In particular, has funding been allocated to Taree West Public School for a new school hall ?
(3) If not, why not?
(4) If not, when will funding be allocated?

2368 SCHOOL FACILITIES UPGRADE—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) How many demountable classrooms at public schools in the Myall Lakes Electorate will be replaced following the 2001/02 budget announcement of $50 million to replace demountable classrooms with permanent facilities?
(2) Which public schools in the Myall Lakes Electorate will receive permanent facilities?
(3) How many public schools in the Myall Lakes Electorate will benefit from the 2001/2002 budget announcement of $70 million program for “upgrades to classrooms, libraries and security”?
(4) Which public schools in the Myall Lakes Electorate will benefit from the program for upgrades to classrooms, libraries and security?

2369 WATERCRAFT—Ms Seaton to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) How many watercraft does the NPWS own?
(2) What types of watercraft does NPWS own?
(3) Where are repairs and maintenance undertaken along the NSW coast?
(4) In the last 12 months, have any watercraft required repairs to;
(a) propellers
(b) propeller shafts
(c) hull

2370 HANDICAPPED CHILDREN’S CENTRE—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

(1) Was the Minister aware that last year the Handicapped Children’s Centre at Sylvandale was under funded for Disability Aging Department Home Care services, and their viability was threatened.
(2) What steps has the Minister taken to address the significant shortfall which to date has been carried by well over one million dollars of Centre reserves in two years?


29 JUNE 2001

(Paper No. 105)

2371 TRANSPORT SUBSIDIES—Mr Webb to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

(1) How much was spent in the 1999/2000 year on providing transport subsidies for hardwood and softwood?
(2) How much was spent in the 2000/2001 financial year for the same purposes?
(3) In which areas of the state were these subsidies used?
(4) How much was specifically expended in providing for a softwood transport subsidy, in both years?
(5) Of this, how much was expended for the transport of softwood out of the Bombala area?
(6) What is the 2001/2002 budget amount for timber transport subsidies?
(7) How much was directed solely to softwood transport?
(8) Are you aware that export contracts for the supply of softwood products are in jeopardy without some transport assistance?
(9) Are you aware that at least 15 jobs are at stake if the subsidy is not extended to the current softwood chip trial and beyond?

2372 KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK—Mr Webb to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1)
Of the total area of Kosciuszko National Park of 649,378ha (including the areas stated in the 1999/2000 annual report at 30th June 2000, of Jagungal 61,945ha Pilot 77,531ha and Byadbo 78,121ha which aren’t identified as wilderness as they were declared as wilderness prior to the commencement of the Wilderness Act) including the Bogong Peaks 22,426 ha, Bimberi 27,216ha and Goobragandra 29,238ha what percentage of the park will be in wilderness areas following the latest rounds of identification and declaration?
(2) How many of the announced 91 new NPWS positions for new southern national parks have been taken up?
(3) Of those, how many are:
(a) full time permanent
(b) part-time permanent
(c) casual or temporary
(d) short term contract?
(4) Of these 91 positions, how many have been filled by Aboriginal staff in each employment category?
(5) Of the 233 motor vehicles located in the southern directorate how many are a dedicated firefighting vehicle (state whether the equipment fitted to make the vehicle a firefighting unit is of the slip on type, ie. pump, tank, hose reels etc.) in each of the following categories:
(a) 4WD (135)
(b) 0-2 tonne truck (10)
(c) 2-5 tonne truck (19)
(d) and 5 tonne truck (16)
(e) and of these how many are support vehicles, ie. radio, catering, personnel carriers etc?

2373 ELECTRICITY POLES—Mr Webb to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

(1) How many electricity poles were destroyed by fire in the Bombala area in each of the preceding ten years?
(2) How many poles that were threatened by bushfire have been saved due to the efforts of the local bushfire brigades?
(3) What is the estimated value of the lost poles?
(4) What is the estimated value of the service given by volunteers in the protection of electricity poles in the Bombala area?

2374 RIFLE CLUB—Mr Piccoli to the Minister for Police—

(1) Was a submission by the Royal Australian Navy Reserves Rifle Club considered during the recent review of the Firearms Act, 1996?
(2) If not, why was it not considered?

2375 GRIFFITH—HILLSTON RAILWAY—Mr Piccoli to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) What is the track maintenance schedule for the Griffith to Hillston railway line?
(2) What is the travelling time for freight trains using this line?

2376 GRANTS FOR SECURITY ALARMS—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Police—

In relation to grants for personal security alarms:
(1) What are the specific guidelines approved by the Auditor-General referred to in the Minister’s answer to Question on Notice number 1714 and when were they issued?
(2) In total, how much money has been granted by his Department or Office for the purchase of personal security alarms?
(3) Where can an application form for the grant be obtained?
(4) What other items have been funded from the discretionary fund that is referred to in his answer to Question on Notice number 1714 and what is their value?

2377 BANKING AND PURCHASING POLICIES—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

In relation to banking and purchasing policies and Treasury Circular no. TC 01/13, “Review of Financial Transactions Processes Associated with Banking and Purchasing Practices”:
(1) Will the findings of the pilot studies be extended to all General Government sector agencies?
(2) Given the significant financial flows in many public trading enterprises, what scope is there to apply the findings of the pilot study to include to them?
(3) (a) Which agency or agencies obtained savings in the order of $3 million and what were the estimated savings across the entire pilot study?
(b) How will the cost savings of $3 million be distributed to customers and taxpayers?
(4) Will he amend the Treasurer’s Directions to encourage General Government sector agencies to adopt the findings of the pilot study?

2378 SATELLITE SERVICES—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

(1) Do any NSW government departments or agencies in the Minister’s portfolio lease or pay for satellite services for visual monitoring of any land in NSW to aid land and water management, conservation or other environmental data collection and service delivery?
(2) What services are accessed?
(3) What is the annual cost of these services?
(4) How many times have satellite services been used in the six months period from
January – June 1999
June – December 1999
January – June 2000
June – December 2000
January – June 2001
(5) What information was gathered in each of those periods, and from what parts of NSW?
(6) Who analysed or utilised this information in each period?
(7) Were any reports produced from this information? If so by whom and where are they available?

2379 SATELLITE SERVICES—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

(1) Do any NSW government departments or agencies in the Minister’s portfolio lease or pay for satellite services for visual monitoring of any land in NSW to aid land and water management, conservation or other environmental data collection and service delivery?
(2) What services are accessed?
(3) What is the annual cost of these services?
(4) How many times have satellite services been used in the six months period from
January – June 1999
June – December 1999
January – June 2000
June – December 2000
January – June 2001
(5) What information was gathered in each of those periods, and from what parts of NSW?
(6) Who analysed or utilised this information in each period?
(7) Were any reports produced from this information? If so by whom and where are they available?

2380 SATELLITE SERVICES—Ms Seaton to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Do any NSW government departments or agencies in the Minister’s portfolio lease or pay for satellite services for visual monitoring of any land in NSW to aid land and water management, conservation or other environmental data collection and service delivery?
(2) What services are accessed?
(3) What is the annual cost of these services?
(4) How many times have satellite services been used in the six months period from
January – June 1999
June – December 1999
January – June 2000
June – December 2000
January – June 2001
(5) What information was gathered in each of those periods, and from what parts of NSW?
(6) Who analysed or utilised this information in each period?
(7) Were any reports produced from this information? If so by whom and where are they available?

2381 MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Health—

(1) What funds have been allocated by the government from all sources concerning Multiple Sclerosis research?
(2) What were the sources of funding and how much came from each source?
(3) Over what period of time will those funds be expended?
(4) What was the specific amount allocated in the budget for research into Multiple Sclerosis?
(5) If any, what percentage does Multiple Sclerosis research funding in the budget represent in the entire Health budget?
(6) If any, what is the percentage allocated to Multiple Sclerosis research as compared to the percentage allocated to drug research and rehabilitation?
(7) If no funds have been allocated for research into Multiple Sclerosis in the budget, why?

2382 LIGHTNING RIDGE ROAD—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) How many days in 1999, 2000 , and 2001 to date, has the Cumborah to Lightning Ridge road been closed or impassable?
(2) Is there a program for the upgrade of this road?
(3) If so, over what period of time will the upgrade occur?
(4) What will be the nature of the upgrade?
(5) Will it include a full seal?
(6) If not, why not?
(7) If there is no program for the above, why not?
(8) Is there a program for ongoing maintenance of the road?
(9) If so, what is that program?
(10) Over what period of time will that program occur?
(11) If there is no program, why not?
(12) Has the school bus that travels upon this road, been unable to travel on it any time in 1999, 2000, 2001 to date?
(13) If so, on how many occasions has this occurred?
(14) If so, why has this occurred?
(15) What is the estimated number of vehicles associated with the opal mining industry that travel this road on a weekly basis for the year 2001 to date?
(16) How many vehicles associated with the opal mining industry travelled this road in 1998, 1999 and 2000?
(17) What is the estimated number of tourist vehicles that travel this road on an annual basis?
(18) Did the Roads Minister cancel a meeting with the Walgett Shire Council that was organised to discuss funding of the road?
(19) If so why has he rescheduled the meeting?
(20) If not, why not?

2383 RE-AFFORESTATION—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

(1) In relation to re-afforestation projects undertaken by NSW Forestry and private landholders, is it necessary for such projects to receive development approval from the relevant local council?
(2) If not, why not?
(3) If so, when considering a development approval, are councils required, or entitled, to request that any areas to be re-afforested be subject to an Environmental Impact Statement and/or an Environmental Impact Assessment?
(4) If councils do determine development approval, are section 94 contributions required to be paid as a condition of approval of any such development application?
(5) If not, why not?
(6) If councils do determine development approval, are fire prevention strategies included in such determination?
(7) If so, does the council use any agency other than their own resources to determine such strategies?
(8) If so, which other agencies are the council permitted to use?

2384 RE-AFFORESTATION—Mr J. H. Turner to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

(1) In relation to re-afforestation projects undertaken by NSW Forestry and private landholders, is it necessary for such projects to receive development approval from the relevant local council?
(2) If not, why not?
(3) If so, when considering a development approval, are councils required, or entitled, to request that any areas to be re-afforested be subject to an Environmental Impact Statement and/or an Environmental Impact Assessment?
(4) If councils do determine development approval, are section 94 contributions required to be paid as a condition of approval of any such development application?
(5) If not, why not?
(6) If councils do determine development approval, are fire prevention strategies included in such determination?
(7) If so, does the council use any agency other than their own resources to determine such strategies?
(8) If so, which other agencies are the council permitted to use?

2385 MONGA STATE FOREST—Mr Webb to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

(1) Are you aware that there are currently protest actions which are attempting to stop or hinder forestry operations in the Monga State Forest?
(2) What is your department doing to protect forestry workers and to ensure that adequate timber resources are available from the area to satisfy demand under the regional Forest Agreement?
(3) Was the subject area assessed within the recent CRA and CAR process?
(4) Is it nominated within the recently signed Regional Forest Agreement?
(5) Has the National Parks and Wildlife Service completed its study of the area prior to logging operations?
(6) Did this study include the identification of habitat and potential habitat areas?
(7) Has the EPA and the DLWC assessed and signed off on the area?
(8) Are there areas within the logging coups that have been reserved from logging for example, ridge lines and water course buffer areas?
(9) Was the area nominated for inclusion into wilderness areas?
(10) Was the area assessed for wilderness values?
Has the area been identified for declaration into wilderness areas?

2386 SYDNEY CATCHMENT AUTHORITY—Mr Webb to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

With regard to the Sydney Catchment Authority:
(1) Is there a plan to transfer ownership of lands under the control of the Authority in the Tallaganda Shire to the National Parks and Wildlife Service?
(2) If so, how many hectares are to be transferred?
(3) Is the transferred land to be declared a reserve?
(4) When will this take place?
(5) Does the Authority pay council rates to Tallaganda Shire Council on all the lands under its control in the Shire?
(6) If not, which lands are either:
(a) exempt from rates or
(b) land on which a leasee pays the rates?

2387 CATCHMENT AUTHORITY WEED CONTROL—Mr Webb to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

With regard to the Sydney Catchment Authority:
(1) Are you aware that some years ago during riverbank stabilisation works African Love Grass was introduced to the Tallaganda Shire by the authority?
(2) Are you now aware that the weed is out of control in many areas of the shire as a result of this introduction?
(3) Why was African Love Grass chosen as a plant suitable for riverbank stabilisation?
(4) How many hectares of lands under the control of the Authority are infested with the weed?
(5) What percentage is regarded as severe infestation?
(6) What control and eradication measures are undertaken with respect to the weed?
(7) Which other weeds are considered a threat to the environment of the Shoalhaven River and its tributaries, and for each weed, why?
(8) What measures to control and eradicate, if possible or desirable are undertaken by the Authority for each weed?
















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Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales