Questions and Answers No. 20, Friday 10 April 1992

PARLIAMENT OF NEW SOUTH WALES
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

1992

SECOND SESSION OF THE FIFTIETH PARLIAMENT

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QUESTIONS
AND
ANSWERS
No. 20

FRIDAY 10 APRIL 1992

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[The Questions and Answers Paper published for the first sitting day in each week will contain, by number and title, all unanswered questions, together with questions to which answers have been received on the previous sitting and any new questions. On subsequent days, new questions are printed, as are questions to which answers were received the previous day. Consequently the full text of any question will be printed only twice: when notice is given; and, when answered.]

[Pursuant to the Sessional Order adopted by the House on 20 February 1992, Members shall only be permitted to lodge 5 questions on notice during a sitting week, provided that the Leader of the Opposition shall be permitted to lodge 12 questions on notice during a sitting week. Ministers shall lodge answers to questions on notice within 15 sitting days after the question is first published and such answer shall be published forthwith.]
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DATE OF PUBLICATION OF QUESTION	ANSWER TO BE LODGED BY
Q. & A. No. 5 (Including Question Nos 150 to 175)	10 April 1992
Q. & A. No. 6 (Including Question Nos 176 to 210)	28 April 1992
Q. & A. No. 7 (Including Question Nos 210 to 231)	29 April 1992
Q. & A. No. 8 (Including Question Nos 232 to 258)	30 April 1992
Q. & A. No. 9 (Including Question Nos 259 to 323)	1 May 1992
Q. & A. No. 10 (Including Question Nos 324 to 343)	5 May 1992
Q. & A. No. 11 (Including Question Nos 344 to 354)	6 May 1992
Q. & A. No. 12 (Including Question Nos 355 to 368)	7 May 1992
Q. & A. No. 13 (Including Question Nos 369 to 413)	8 May 1992
Q. & A. No. 14 (Including Question Nos 414 to 423)	12 May 1992
Q. & A. No. 15 (Including Question Nos 424 to 439)	13 May 1992
Q. & A. No. 16 (Including Question Nos 440 to 483)	14 May 1992
Q. & A. No. 17 (Including Question Nos 484 to 519)	15 May 1992
Q. & A. No. 18 (Including Question Nos 520 to 530)	19 May 1992
Q. & A. No. 19 (Including Question Nos 531 to 559)	20 May 1992
Q. & A. No. 20 (Including Question Nos 560 to 582)	21 May 1992

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(Answers required to have been lodged by 9 April 1992)

Minister for Health Services Management representing the Minister for Health and Community Services^___115.

(Answers required to be lodged by 10 April 1992)

Minister for the Environment^___151.

Notice of Question given on the date shown

27 FEBRUARY 1992

(Paper No. 4)

*101 LURNEA PUBLIC SCHOOL SECURITY^___Mr Anderson asked the Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Further Education, Training and Employment representing the Minister for School Education and Youth Affairs^___

(1) How many incidents of theft, vandalism or graffiti have occurred at Lurnea Public School in the last 3 years?

(2) What was the nature and date of each incident?

(3) What was the cost of repairs to the school and/or replacement of equipment for each incident?

(4) Was any person, or persons, apprehended in relation to any of the incidents?

(5) If so, what action was taken against them?

(6) What steps have been taken to improve the security of the school?

^___

(1) The number of incidents of theft, vandalism or graffiti was 25.

(2) and (3) The cost and resources involved in providing this information cannot be justified.

(4) and (5) This item should be referred to my colleague the Minister for Police.

(6) Since 21 July 1987, $43,409 has been expended on security measures at Lurnea Primary School. Projects completed include the installation of an electronic

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surveillance system to the whole school and the upgrading of physical security to the lawnmower storage area.

*102 LIVERPOOL HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS WAITING TIME AND SOUTH WESTERN SYDNEY AREA HEALTH SERVICE FUNDING^___Mr Anderson asked the Minister for Health Services Management^___

(1) How many people are currently awaiting a surgical or medical admission to Liverpool Hospital in each specialty?

(2) What is the maximum waiting time for each specialty at Liverpool Hospital including services provided through the Outpatients Department?

(3) What is the precise amount of enhancement funding provided to the South Western Sydney Area Health Service for the financial year 1991/92?

(4) What is the precise amount of productivity cuts imposed on the South Western Sydney Area Health Service for the financial year 1991/92?

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(1) and (2) The Department of Health collects information about waiting times for non-urgent surgery during an annual survey of general hospitals. This survey was conducted in November 1991 and after being analysed was released by the Health Department in February 1992. I issued a press release to advise the community of the outcome.

While individual hospitals and units do collect information to facilitate their management of services, the verified and audited information from the annual survey is the only official information released.

The Department of Health is piloting the compilation of booking lists on an area basis rather than by individual hospitals, enabling public patients to be allocated to the first available bed in their area.

(3) The enhancement funding provided to the South Western Sydney Area Health Service for the financial year 1991/92 amounts to $4.37 million.

In addition, since 1988, funding to the South Western Area has increased by $58.3 million, a real increase of 10.7 per cent.

(4) The productivity savings to be made by the South Western Sydney Area Health Service for the financial year 1991/92 amount to $3,508,000.

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*103 MAINSBRIDGE SPECIAL SCHOOL STAFFING^___Mr Anderson asked the Minister for Health Services Management representing the Minister for Health and Community Services^___

(1) How many children attend the Mainsbridge Special School at Liverpool?

(2) What are the ages of the children?

(3) How many staff are employed at the school and what are the classifications of each staff member?

(b) If so, which school or schools and on what basis are the staff shared?

(5) Have parents continually expressed concern at the lack of adequate speech therapy services at the school?

(6) Does the inability to effectively communicate cause frustration and lead to ongoing behavioural problems?

(7) What steps does he propose to take to address the issue of additional staff at this and other schools in South Western Sydney?

(8) What additional non-school based services are proposed in the electorate of Liverpool to assist and support developmentally delayed children and young persons?

^___

(1) to (4) These questions do not fall within the portfolio of the Minister for Health and Community Services. These questions should be referred to the Minister for School Education.

It should be noted, however, that a speech pathologist located in the Department of Community Services' Liverpool Community Services Centre visits Mainsbridge Special School 1 day per week to provide therapy services. Limited therapy services, to more long-term and difficult cases, are also provided by the Department of Community Services' Speech Pathologist located at Fairfield Community Services Centre.

(5) Parents have not expressed concerns to the Department of Community Services.

(6) It is well-known that the inability to effectively communicate can cause considerable frustration and lead to ongoing behavioural problems for children and adults.

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(7) The Department of Community Services has recently provided enhancement monies for the appointment of two therapists in South Western Sydney. Two therapists have been employed and are located at Liverpool and Fairfield Community Services Centres.

(8) The Department of Community Services is currently in the process of establishing Area Disability and Community Support Services Committees.

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These Committees will advise the Department of Community Services on the delivery of services to people with a disability and their carers, recommend priorities for services, contribute to the development and review of area strategic plans, advise on the need for specialist staff and specialised staff training and monitor the effectiveness of the Department of Community Services' programs in the area.

It is envisaged the Committees will be established by May 1992. The future development of services in the electorate of Liverpool will be guided by the advice of these Committees.

*104 BELMONT FIRE STATION ACCOMMODATION^___Mr Bowman asked the Attorney General, Minister for Consumer Affairs and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Police and Emergency Services^___

When will the temporary premises at the rear of Belmont Fire Station be replaced with a permanent structure?

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I am advised by the Acting Minister for Police and Emergency Services:

The New South Wales Fire Brigades building program envisages extensions to Belmont Fire Station within the 1995/96 minor capital works budget. The scope of the works will be dependent on a review of fire station staffing to be undertaken in the Newcastle area.

*110 GOSFORD HOSPITAL ELECTIVE SURGERY DEFERMENTS^___Mr Crittenden asked the Minister for Health Services Management^___

How many patients have had elective surgery at Gosford Hospital deferred on two or more occasions, for the 12 months ended 30 November 1991, because of a lack of hospital beds.

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None.

In the period mentioned, approximately 11,500 operations were performed in the operating theatres at Gosford Hospital. This will be further enhanced with the extra 120 beds that are coming on line at Gosford Hospital.

*111 AMBULANCE SERVICE VOLUNTEERS^___Mr Crittenden asked the Minister for Health Services Management^___

(1) Are there any proposals to establish a voluntary ambulance service within the NSW Ambulance Service?

(2) If so, is it proposed that volunteers perform the work that is now currently undertaken by paid ambulance officers in the Ambulance Service?

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(1) No proposal exists to establish a voluntary ambulance service in New South Wales.

(2) There is no plan to replace paid ambulance officers with volunteers.

*112 BURWOOD BEACH SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT^___Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for Housing^___

(1) Why is sewage sludge being disposed of down mineshafts at the Burwood Beach sewage treatment plant?

(2) Can he guarantee that this method is environmentally safe?

(3) Why has an environmentally sound sludge dewatering system not yet been installed?

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(1) to (3) As Hunter Water is now corporatised, matters concerning the operations of the corporation should be referred directly to the corporation.

To be of assistance, I have arranged for the question to be replied by the managing director.

*114 WORKERS SECOND INJURY PROVISIONS^___Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Further Education, Training and Employment^___

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(1) Why has the Government delayed proclaiming the Second Injury Provisions of the Workers Compensation Act?

(2) When will the provision become law?

(3) What scope of benefits will be available under the Second Injury Provisions?

(4) How will claims be made?

(5) Is it to be funded by the WorkCover Authority?

(6) Should a claim be made, will it be against the new employer or against placement providers public liability insurance?

(7) Will the provisions be accessible to rehabilitees undertaking job traineeships or work trial programmes?

(8) What is the proposed mechanism for disputes settlement that may arise between case managers and insurers should a claim be made?

(9) Will case managers be assured access to clients undertaking work trials or Job Traineeship Programmes under the provisions of this Act?

(10) Will case managers be assured access to clients to monitor their progress and well being in such circumstances?

(11) Will charges raised by case managers performing monitoring duties be considered as legitimate costs of a rehabilitation programme by all insurers (government, public, private and self insurers)?

(b) If so, what are they to be?

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(1) Section 153A of the Workers Compensation Act 1987, was assented to on 26 March 1991.

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(2) The Government will be proclaiming the Second Injury Provisions of the Workers Compensation Act shortly.

It will commence once appropriate arrangements have been made with insurers regarding its administration.

(3) The scheme provides an exemption from paying any excess should the worker make a claim on an existing injury during the first 6 months of employment. Additionally, any such claim will be excluded from the claims experience of the employer.

(4) Claims will be made with WorkCover insurers in the normal way.

(5) The program will be fully funded from the WorkCover scheme without any increase in workers compensation premiums.

(6) Any worker injured while participating in the program would be able to make a claim for workers compensation against their new employer for a new injury.

(7) No.

(8) The mechanism for the settlement of disputes concerning a claim under the scheme is the same as that for all workers compensation matters. Under these provisions the dispute may be referred to the WorkCover Authority for conciliation.

(9) Yes.

(12) (a) The existing provision relating to fraud will apply under the program. The matter may be dealt with either under the Workers Compensation Act or the Crimes Act.

(b) Under the Workers Compensation Act a person who makes a false or misleading statement faces a maximum penalty of $5,000 or 12 months imprisonment or both, while under the Crimes Act the maximum penalty is $5,000 or 5 years imprisonment or both.

In addition, under the Workers Compensation Act, the WorkCover Authority has the ability to suspend or cancel the rehabilitation provider's certificate of accreditation.

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*116 HUNTER AMBULANCE SERVICE STAFFING^___Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for Health Services Management^___

(1) Is he aware of the staffing recommendations for the Hunter Ambulance Service contained within the Uniform Staffing Review of 1990?

(2) When will these recommendations be acted upon?

(3) Is the present budget allocation adequate to maintain existing rosters and staffing without impact on other services, equipment or training?

(4) Have training programmes for Hunter officers been curtailed to make up for budget shortfalls?

(5) Will this affect the accreditation of ambulance officers?

^___

(1) Yes.

(2) A review of staff and resource utilisation within the region has been completed. The findings of the review are currently being considered and discussions with the relevant union are in progress.

(3) The present budget allocation will be adequate after restrictive work practices have been eliminated and other structural efficiency initiatives have been implemented.

(4) Essential training has continued to be provided for ambulance staff.

(5) I am advised that no officers' accreditation has been compromised by the status of their staff training. Indeed, 24 Hunter officers are upgrading to advanced life support level this year and 46 officers are undergoing recertification of their clinical skills.

*121 ILLAWARRA DENTAL SERVICES^___Mr Harrison asked the Minister for Health Services Management^___

(1) Has there been a reduction in the hours of visiting dentists at dental centres operated by the Illawarra Area Health Service?

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(1) There has been a reduction in expenditure on visiting dental officer hours at Bulli, Port Kembla and Warilla clinics. The funds saved will be used to employ additional staff dental officers who will provide an increased service, as the cost of staff dental officers is considerably less than the cost of visiting dental officers. Staff dental officer positions will be advertised shortly.

(2) (a) In the School Dental Service, patients in pain are seen the same day as presenting. The waiting list for patients not suffering pain is 6-8 weeks.

In the Adult Clinics, patients in acute pain are seen on the same day wherever possible.

(b) Patients who are not considered to be in acute pain or in urgent need, normally can be seen within 2 weeks.

*123 AIR POLLUTION ANNUAL STATISTICS^___Mr Hunter asked the Minister for the Environment^___

(1) Has the State Pollution Control Commission 1990 annual review of air quality measurements been released to the public?

(3) When will the 1991 air quality measurements be released?

^___

(1) and (2) Yes. The four 1990 quarterly air quality reports, from which data is extracted for the annual air quality review, were released in early January 1992.

(3) These reports will be progressively released in the first half of 1992 as monitoring results are compiled and analysed.

*126 LAKE MACQUARIE ELECTORATE AMBULANCE RESPONSE TIMES^___Mr Hunter asked the Minister for Health Services Management^___

(1) On Saturday 30 November 1991, did a Toronto ambulance respond to an emergency call to the Reynolds Street, Blackalls Park, home of a woman who was suffering an asthma attack?

Page 588

(3) Was a second ambulance called to the woman's home.

(5) Were paramedics called to the woman's home?

(b) If so, what is the result of that investigation?

(9) When will he act to station paramedics and increase crewing in the Westlakes area?

(10) Will he ease the concern of Westlakes residents and increase the crewing of Lake Macquarie ambulances to try to prevent future fatalities?

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(1) Yes.

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Page 589

(5) Yes, the three officers present had given appropriate treatment to the patient but she suffered a cardiac arrest and paramedic assistance was sought.

(b) They carried out their paramedic protocols for resuscitation.

(7) No. In such circumstances a postmortem will normally have been conducted and the matter reported to the Coroner.

(8) (a) and (b) A review of staff and resource utilisation within the region has been completed. The findings of the review are currently being considered and discussions with the relevant union are in progress.

*128 CAMPBELLTOWN AND LIVERPOOL HOSPITALS TRAUMA PATIENT ADMISSIONS^___Mr Knight asked the Minister for Health Services Management^___

(1) Under what circumstances are ambulance officers directed to bypass Campbelltown Hospital and take trauma patients from the Campbelltown area direct to Liverpool Hospital?

(2) How many patients have been so transported in the last 3 months?

(3) How many trauma patients have been taken by ambulance to Campbelltown Hospital during the same period?

^___

(1) It is not currently the policy of the NSW Ambulance Service to direct ambulance officers to bypass any hospital providing accident and emergency services.

For some years, in a limited way, the paramedics have exercised their clinical judgement and monitoring capability to transport a patient to a more distant hospital providing a higher level of service, e.g., spinal injuries, burns, neurosurgical. Such a transport is initiated in consultation with the Co-ordination Centre and has proved to be in the best interest of the patient.

Occasionally, Campbelltown Hospital may ask the Ambulance Service to bypass the hospital with stable patients when they are extremely busy.

Page 590

A more formalised trauma bypass system to facilitate rapid transport to specialised units (e.g., neurosurgery, cardio-thoracic surgery) has been developed and recently implemented. This will only involve a small number of severely injured patients who meet specific criteria.

(2) Five primary trauma cases have been transported by ambulance from the catchment area of the Campbelltown Hospital direct to Liverpool Hospital over a 3-month review period (November-December 1991 to January 1992). This was prior to the commencement of the formal trauma bypass system.

Seven secondary trauma cases were transferred by ambulance from Campbelltown Hospital to the Liverpool Hospital in the same 3-month period.

(3) In the 3-month review period a total of 258 trauma patients were transported by ambulance to Campbelltown Hospital.

*129 ARGENTON PUBLIC SCHOOL SOIL CONTAMINATION^___Mr Mills asked the Minister for the Environment^___

(1) Is there contamination by lead or other heavy metals of soil or buildings at Argenton Public School adjacent to the Pasminco Metals lead smelter?

(2) Is there contamination by lead or other heavy metals of soil or buildings at other properties in Argenton, especially homes and such publicly frequented buildings as community hall, church, hotel, shops and mines rescue station?

(4) If so, when and how much?

(5) If not, why not?

^___

(1) Yes, there are areas of the Argenton Public School grounds that are contaminated with lead, cadmium and zinc. Contaminated dust has also been found in the ceiling of some of the buildings. These areas will need to be appropriately remediated. The Environmental Protection Authority is currently completing an assessment report which will also contain remediation recommendations for the Department of School Education.

Page 591

(2) Yes there is heavy metal contamination of soil and buildings at other properties in Argenton. At present, only the school and households with children having high blood levels have been assessed for lead in soil, house and ceiling dust.

(3) Funds have not yet been allocated for further investigation or clean-up of contaminated areas.

(4) and (5) Further investigation and clean-up are matters for the Government and the involved parties to determine.

*130 AGED-DISABLED-MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FUNDING^___Mr Mills asked the Minister for Health Services Management^___

(2) What factors other than historical funding are being applied to budget planning for these services?

^___

(1) Resource allocation formulas for both mental health services and aged and disability services have been developed and discussion papers circulated to area health services and regions for comment. Final reports are in preparation and it is intended to use the agreed formulas as a guide in the allocation of mental health and aged funding for 1992/93.

(2) Mental Health enhancement funds are directed to under-resourced area health services and regions through both general enhancements for community services and the recurrent funding requirements associated with the Mental Health Capital Works Program.

Home and Community Care and Geriatric Assessment enhancement funds are being directed towards those area health services and regions identified as most under-resourced.

The Resource Allocation Formulae for these programs will reallocate funding over time on the basis of need as determined by the number of persons needing services and other relevant factors.

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*131 HUNTER AREA HEALTH SERVICE BOARD RECONSTITUTION^___Mr Mills asked the Minister for Health Services Management^___

(1) What steps are being taken to re-establish the Hunter Area Health Service Board?

(2) Has he received a submission from the Hunter Region Association of Councils detailing local government concerns at the lack of local access to health decision-making?

(3) If so, what reply has been given?

^___

(1) The Administrator of the Hunter Area Health Service, Dr T. Smyth, has recently been appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Appointment details are to be finalised.

The new board of community representatives will be appointed at the same time as all other Area Boards are appointed on 1 August and Dr Smyth will take up the Chief Executive Officer position at that time.

(2) Dr Smyth has completed a progress report on the steps he has taken to address the management and financial problems which led to his appointment.

This interim report was submitted in February 1992 and a final report will be submitted in April.

In preparing his interim report Dr Smyth has taken into consideration the report submitted by the Hunter Regional Association of Councils, along with the views submitted by many other community and health industry groups.

(3) On 22 November 1991 I wrote to the Hunter Regional Association of Councils advising of the preparation of the report by the administrator stating that the Association's views would be taken into consideration "together with other such documentation received, in the preparation of that report".

*132 AREA HEALTH SERVICES CONTRACT SUPPLY SHORTFALLS^___Mr Mills asked the Minister for Health Services Management^___

(1) Did Hunter Area Health Service lose $0.5 million in 1990/91 under a penalty clause in their laundry contract with Brambles Ltd because of a shortfall in the quantity of linen supplied?

Page 593

(3) What was the financial performance of these contracts in 1990/91?

(4) Were there any other losses under the penalty clauses of contracts?

(5) What were the savings, if any, achieved under new private contracts last year?

(6) What plans are there for new private contracts in 1991/92 budget year?

(7) What are the projected savings?

^___

(1) The Hunter Area Health Service laundry contract with Brambles Ltd contains a clause specifying a minimum quantity of linen required to be forwarded for laundering.

The Area did not provide the minimum contracted amount in the 1991 contract year and incurred a financial penalty of $450,206.

The administrator of the Hunter Area Health Service is reviewing laundry services to reduce or eliminate the shortfall in linen quantities forwarded to Brambles Ltd in future years. The Area aims to maintain minimum linen quantities and is currently achieving this for the 1992 contract year.

(2) (a) No other Area Health Services or Regions have private sector contracts for linen services.

(b) Private sector catering contracts are in place in the Eastern Sydney Area Health Service, the South Western Sydney Area Health Service, the Central Coast Area Health Service and the South West Region.

(c) Private sector cleaning contracts are in place in the Northern Sydney Area Health Service, the Southern Sydney Area Health Service, the Eastern Sydney Area Health Service, the Western Sydney Area Health Service, the Central Coast Area Health Service and the South West Region.

The Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children also has a private sector contract for cleaning.

Page 594

(3) The financial performance, or actual expenditure, for these contracts amounted to $52.8 million in the 1990/91 financial year.

(4) No.

(5) The total amount of savings achieved from the private sector contracts for cleaning, catering and laundry is $6.05 million per year.

(6) The Department does not have detailed plans available at this time.

(7) Projected savings are not available at this stage.

*145 WOLLONGONG ELECTORATE POLICING^___Mr Sullivan asked the Attorney General, Minister for Consumer Affairs and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Police and Emergency Services^___

(3) What is the criteria used to determine the authorised police strength for Police Districts and Police Patrols?

Page 595

^___

The Acting Minister for Police and Emergency Services has advised:

Authorised Actual

(3) Historically, staffing levels and allocations have been determined through workload returns. The Police Human Relations Directorate is currently working on a new formula for allocation of staff which is expected to be available within 2 to 3 months.

(5) (a) to (e) Unavailable on a patrol basis.

*146 ILLAWARRA REGION ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY REVENUE^___Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing^___

(2) What amount was raised in each of those financial years in the Illawarra region of the Water Board?

(3) How much was spent on projects in the Illawarra region of the Water Board in each of those financial years?

Page 596

(4) Which specific projects have been financed and undertaken in the Illawarra region of the Water Board in each of those financial years?

^___

Introduced in:

(1) 1988/89 NIL

1990/91 $6,985,000

(4) 1989/91:

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Page 597
3 MARCH 1992

(Paper No. 5)

*150 DRUM RECONDITIONERS WATER POLLUTION^___Ms Allan asked the Minister for Housing^___

(1) Are Water Board officers currently monitoring the sewer lines from Drum Reconditioners (NSW) Pty Ltd of Seven Hills to determine whether or not pollution from the factory is occurring?

(2) If not, why not?

(3) What investigations have previously been conducted by the Water Board into Drum Reconditioners (NSW) Pty Ltd?

(4) What were the results of these investigations.

^___

(1) The trade waste discharge from Drum Reconditioners Pty Ltd to the Board's Sewerage System is monitored by the Board's Trade Waste Branch. The most recent trade waste sample obtained was by the use of an automatic wastewater sampler in February 1992.

(2) Not applicable.

(3) Under the terms of the Risk Assessment Criteria used by the Board's Trade Waste Branch, the company is scheduled six inspections per annum. The trade waste discharge generated by Drum Reconditioners Pty Ltd is a very low threat to the sewerage system.

(4) The analytical results of the trade waste samples verified that there has been no breach of conditions. Due to the nature of the activities on site, analysis was requested for 24 individual substances, 10 of which were at the limits of detection, and of those remaining, none was closer than 2.5 per cent of the equivalent Trade Waste Policy Standard.

*152 DRUM RECONDITIONERS POLLUTION INVESTIGATION^___Ms Allan asked the Minister for the Environment^___

(1) What investigations have been conducted by the State Pollution Control Commission into Drum Reconditioners (NSW) Pty Ltd of Seven Hills?

(2) What was the nature of the investigations?

Page 598

(3) Is Drum Reconditioners (NSW) Pty Ltd still under investigation by the State Pollution Control Commission for pollution offences despite being fined for such offences on 10 February 1992?

(4) If so, why?

(5) Did officers of the State Pollution Control Commission fail to offer evidence on the majority of charges against Drum Reconditioners (NSW) Pty Ltd when the case was heard in February?

(6) If so, why?

^___

(1) Drum Reconditioners (NSW) Pty Ltd has had an appalling record of disregard for environmental matters for many years. Consequently, there have been ongoing inspections and investigations of the Company's activities by officers of the former State Pollution Control Commission (SPCC) and of the recently established Environment Protection Authority (EPA), which has assumed all of the functions and responsibilities of the SPCC.

(2) The Company's premises have been inspected to check compliance with conditions attached to the licence issued to the Company under the Pollution Control Act. Investigations have also been carried out as a result of complaints concerning the Company's operations. The Company has been prosecuted for numerous offences, and investigations have been carried out to obtain evidence for the legal proceedings.

(3) No. Drum Reconditioners (NSW) Pty Ltd is not under investigation by the EPA at the present time for pollution offences. Nevertheless, EPA officers do carry out random inspections of the Company's premises. The Company currently appears to be operating in accordance with its licence conditions. The EPA still received an occasional complaint about the Company.

(4) See above.

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Page 599
sufficient scope to impose the appropriate penalties. No evidence was offered on the remaining charges. The Company was fined a total of $27,500 and ordered to pay $18,000 in costs.

(6) See above.

*159 HOSPITAL WASTE DISPOSAL^___Mr Davoren asked the Minister for Health Services Management^___

What are the present arrangements for the disposal of hospital waste?

^___

Every hospital is responsible for ensuring that waste generated at that hospital is disposed of properly. Arrangements vary according to the requirements of individual institutions and the facilities available.

In general, waste is segregated at the hospital and transported to the appropriate disposal sites either by dedicated hospital vehicles or by licensed waste disposal contractors. Some categories of hospital waste are disposed of in incinerators attached to hospitals.

*160 PRISONER JOHN ROBERT HOWLAND^___Mr Doyle asked the Minister for Justice^___

(1) When did John Robert Howland, an inmate at Parramatta Gaol, first seek treatment for a serious dental condition?

(2) When was treatment provided?

(3) What was the nature of the treatment?

(4) Has this inmate been placed in segregation?

(5) If so, why?

(6) Has this inmate lodged a bail application?

(7) If so, when was it lodged?

Page 600

^___

(1) On 13 January 1992 Mr Howland complained about a toothache.

(2) He was treated by the nursing staff at Parramatta Correctional Centre on 13 January 1992 and again on 14 January 1992. On 16 January 1992 Mr Howland was seen by a doctor.

(3) On 16 January 1992 antibiotics were prescribed for an abscess in the mouth.

(4) Yes.

(5) Mr Howland refused to sign the acknowledgment for loss of privileges (no contact visits for 14 days) as a result of misconduct, refusing a reasonable direction given for the purpose of maintaining good order or discipline. Mr Howland then picked up a quantity of papers from the desk, threw them at the Superintendent and became abusive. He had to be restrained and was placed in the segregation yard.

(6) Yes.

(7) Mr Howland's bail application was forwarded to the Court on 3 March 1992.

*163 NELSON BAY GOLF CLUB GUEST REGISTRATION OFFENCES^___Mr Martin asked the Minister for Justice^___

(1) Have some 20-year-olds been apprehended and summoned to appear before the Licencing Court in Sydney on matters relating to irregularities in the guests register at Nelson Bay Golf Club?

(2) If so, why are these young people having the matters heard in Sydney and not in Newcastle or Raymond Terrace?

(3) Will he investigate the matters mentioned and advise if these matters can be referred to a Local Court nearer to their homes?

^___

(1) Yes.

(2) It is the practice in the Licensing Court for all matters to be initially listed before the Court in Sydney.

If a plea of not guilty is entered in a matter, it is then listed for hearing before the Licensing Court sitting in the place nearest to the place at which the offence is alleged to have occurred.

Page 601

If a plea of guilty is entered, the matter may be dealt with by the Licensing Court in Sydney or transferred to the Local Court nearest to where the offences occurred provided the relevant Local Court Magistrate consents to the transfer.

(3) Refer to the answer to Question (2).

*168 NURSE MIDWIVES^___Mr Mills asked the Minister for Health Services Management^___

(1) How many nurses are registered in New South Wales?

(2) How many registered nurses in New South Wales have midwifery certificates?

(3) How many midwives were registered immediately prior to the abolition of the separate register?

(4) Do nurses' registration certificates carry endorsement of midwifery qualifications?

(5) Do nurses' registration certificates carry endorsement of other speciality qualifications?

(6) Are there nurses in the New South Wales public hospitals working as midwives without having midwifery qualifications?

(7) If so, how many and at which hospitals?

^___

(1) As at 2 January 1992 there were 72,806 nurses registered in New South Wales.

(2) As at 2 January 1992 18,378 registered nurses hold an Authority to Practise Midwifery in New South Wales.

(3) As at 30 June 1987 there were 20,364 registered midwives on the register. The single register was established in November 1987 when persons eligible for midwifery registration on application, are issued with a separate Certificate of Authority to Practise Midwifery and granted certification as a midwife.

(4) Those nurses eligible to practise midwifery in New South Wales are issued with a Certificate of Authority to Practise Midwifery. Arrangements are presently being made to include an endorsement of midwifery qualifications as appropriate.

(5) No.

Page 602

(6) The Nurses Registration Board has not been notified of any individuals working as midwives in public hospitals without midwifery qualifications.

*172 MINISTERIAL CORRESPONDENCE AND MEMBER FOR ILLAWARRA^___ Mr Rumble asked the Minister for the Environment representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Energy^___

When will the Member for Illawarra receive a reply to representations of 18 July 1991, regarding fluidised bed technology for electricity generation, his reference 10730/682A?

^___

I am advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Energy that the answer to the honourable member's question is:

A reply to the Member for Illawarra's representations of 18 July 1991 regarding fluidised bed technology for electricity generation was issued on 7 April 1992.

*175 SHELLHARBOUR DISTRICT HOSPITAL STAFFING^___Mr Rumble asked the Minister for Health Services Management^___

^___

(1) How many people were employed as at 29 February 1992 and at 28 February 1991?

(2) In that 12-month period how many people commenced employment at the hospital?

(3) How many left or transferred?

(4) Of those who left the hospital, how many took a redundancy package?

Page 603

^___

(1) 335 and 353.

(2) 63.

(3) 81.

(4) 11.

4 MARCH 1992

(Paper No. 6)

*191 TAFE ABORIGINES EDUCATION^___Mr Markham asked the Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Further Education, Training and Employment^___

(1) What steps are being taken to improve communications between the TAFE Aboriginal Education Unit and TAFE colleges?

(2) What steps are being taken to improve the process of consultation between TAFE colleges and Aboriginal communities?

(3) If not, why not?

(4) What steps are being taken to ensure that TAFE contributes more effectively to short management training courses for Aborigines?

(5) If not, why not?

^___

(1) The main line of communication between the Aboriginal Education Unit and TAFE colleges is through the Regional Aboriginal Co-ordinators. There are 23 Regional Aboriginal Co-ordinators spread throughout New South Wales with their main task being Aboriginal community access to college courses. The Unit is in constant contact with this field staff.

(2) All Aboriginal Education and Training Program courses are discussed and planned at a local Aboriginal community level and Aboriginal people participate in all levels of course implementation.

Page 604

Aboriginal community co-ordinators are also appointed on a part-time basis to ensure that courses are relevant and the community is kept fully informed.

TAFE College Aboriginal Community Education and Training Committees are also being proposed as a part of the Aboriginal Education and Training Policy.

(3) See answer (2).

(4) The Aboriginal Education Unit has developed a course in Small Business Management which is specifically designed for management of small enterprises. Further, a number of short management courses on submission writing, accounting, meeting procedures and other business related subjects are being run throughout New South Wales for Aboriginal people.

The Aboriginal Education Unit responds to Aboriginal community demands in this area and develops courses to meet specific needs.

(5) See answer (4).

*194 TAFE BOARD CHAIRMAN'S ALLOWANCE^___Mr J. H. Murray asked the Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Further Education, Training and Employment^___

(1) Did the former Chairman of the Interim TAFE Board, John Bagshaw, receive an allowance of $25,000 a year for his executive responsibilities?

(2) Why is the current Chairman of the TAFE Commission, Sir Nicholas Shehadie, to receive an allowance of $45,000 a year when his job is now only an advisory one?

(3) Why has there been an 80 per cent increase in the allowance?

^___

(1) In 1990 the Chairman of the Interim TAFE Board was paid an allowance of $25,000 per annum.

(2) The size of the remuneration package for the present chairman of the TAFE Commission Board was decided after a thorough evaluation of the role and responsibilities of the position, taking into account current market rates of remuneration and degree of accountability to the minister.

Page 605

This involved a financial analysis of the organisation, considering for example such factors as the number of staff employed, size of budget, its asset base, the responsibilities of its managing director and the complexity of work undertaken by its members. Non-financial matters were also examined.

(3) Since the new TAFE Commission legislation has come into effect, changes in the direction and nature of TAFE's industry training effort and in the more competitive environment in which it now operates have placed unprecedented demands on TAFE. Consequently the skills and abilities required by the chairman of the Board have also changed significantly. The level of expertise and experience which the chairman must bring to the role is a contributing factor in consideration of the level of remuneration required to attract someone of the appropriate calibre.

6 MARCH 1992

(Paper No. 8)

*238 HUNTER REGION PROPERTY SALES^___Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Further Education, Training and Employment representing the Minister for School Education and Youth Affairs^___

(1) Is it proposed to sell the land and buildings now occupied by the Lake Macquarie Education Resource Centre at the corner of Brunker and Glebe Roads, Adamstown?

(2) Which other Department of School Education land and property is proposed for sale in the Hunter Region?

^___

(1) Yes.

•Adamstown Infants, Old Gosford Road, Adamstown.

Are the properties proposed for sale in the Member's electorate?

Page 606
10 MARCH 1992

(Paper No. 9)

*310 LATE NEWCASTLE TRAIN^___Mr Rumble asked the Minister for Transport^___

^___

(1) Why was this train late on leaving Central Railway Station?

(2) Why was this train further delayed between Central Railway Station and Hornsby?

(3) How late was this train on arriving at Hornsby?

(4) Why was the air-conditioning not working between Central Railway Station and the Hawkesbury River Railway Station?

(5) Why was there no apology to the commuters on this train for these inconveniences?

(6) Was this service an example of "on-time" running?

^___

(1) The service in question was recorded as departing from Sydney Terminal Station 5 minutes later than the amended timetable due to track maintenance work.

(2) The train was further delayed between Thornleigh and Hornsby due to the necessity to operate trains on a single line in that section in conjunction with the track work being carried out.

(3) The arrival time at Hornsby was 16 minutes later than that shown in the amended timetable because of unforeseen delays arising from the track maintenance work.

(4) The air-conditioning does not work when there is no electric power supply. The overhead power supply was not available due to the track work and the train was hauled by a diesel locomotive between Sydney and Hawkesbury River.

Page 607

(5) Notice boards were provided in advance at Sydney Terminal Station advising passengers that the planned track work would cause delays and inconvenience to customers. Train crews are aware of their obligation to inform passengers of any delays and unusual train operations and appropriate action has been taken with the staff concerned.

(6) No.

18 MARCH 1992

(Paper No. 11)

*349 CENTRAL COAST PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES^___Mr Langton asked the Minister for Transport^___

(1) Will he instruct the State Rail Authority to follow the jury's recommendations in the Andrew Bridge inquest and replace the pedestrian rail crossing at Niagra Park with a bridge?

(2) Are there disputes between the State Rail Authority and Roads and Traffic Authority concerning which authority is responsible for pedestrian crossings at Woy Woy South and Koolewong?

(3) Will he order the State Rail Authority to seek the urgent resolution of these disputes so that the task of protecting pedestrians can get underway?

(4) Will he provide a list of all pedestrian level crossings and their priority for replacement?

(5) Has the cost of upgrading Gosford Station blown out to $17 million?

(6) Will he ensure there are sufficient funds still available for the Central Coast to build pedestrian bridges?

^___

(1) Design work for the construction of a pedestrian bridge at Niagara Park is currently in progress.

(2) and (3) Woy Woy South and Koolewong are road crossings with pedestrian access. Road crossings are the responsibility of the Roads and Traffic Authority or local council. The State Rail Authority is meeting with these organisations to assist in resolving any problems.

Page 608

(4) Of the remaining pedestrian level crossings in the Central Coast area, only two are considered to require replacement. These are Niagara Park and Tuggerah. Both of these stations will shortly receive overhead pedestrian facilities.

(5) No.

(6) There are sufficient funds available to complete the works associated with the construction of pedestrian bridges in the Central Coast area.

25 MARCH 1992

(Paper No. 15)

*432 TRAVEL CONCESSIONS FOR SPOUSES^___Mr Langton asked the Minister for Transport^___

(1) Has he received representations to extend public transport concessions to spouses of concession holders where the spouse is under the eligible age?

(2) Will he grant such concessions?

^___

(1) and (2) I do not recall receiving any such representations. However, if the honourable member is able to given me details I might be able to look into the matter further.

9 APRIL 1992

(Paper No. 20)

560 MEMBER FOR KIAMA CORRESPONDENCE^___Mr Harrison to ask the Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Further Education, Training and Employment representing the Minister for School Education and Youth Affairs^___

(1) Why has the Minister not replied to the correspondence of the member for Kiama, dated 28 October 1991, relating to the conclusion of the "Staying On Programme" within the NSW Government school system written on behalf of the Lake Illawarra High School Parents and Citizens Association?

(2) When will the member receive a reply?

561 BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT PATIENT^___Mr Harrison to ask the Minister for Health Services Management^___

Page 609

(1) Is he aware of the plight of Albion Park Rail resident, Mr David Tomassi, who is awaiting a life-saving bone marrow transplant and who has now been advised that he must wait until October?

(2) In as much as Mr Tomassi's condition is serious and he is considered to be in danger of dying before being admitted, will he intervene to ensure that Mr Tomassi's admission date be brought forward to an earlier date?

562 WEE WAA AND BURREN JUNCTION COUNTRYLINK BUS SERVICE^___ Mr Langton to ask the Minister for Transport^___

(1) Is he aware of the hardship faced by residents of Wee Waa and Burren Junction following the removal of the daily CountryLink bus service, formerly provided by the Lowder Bus Company?

(2) Why was this service terminated?

(3) Will he reintroduce a socially responsible public transport service for these people?

563 SCHOOL STUDENTS BUS SEATS^___Mr Langton to ask the Minister for Transport^___

(1) Is he aware of the problem, particularly in the Eastern Suburbs, of schoolchildren on buses taking seats while adults and pensioners are standing?

(2) Will he instruct the State Transport Authority to try to ensure that schoolchildren do no occupy seats while adults and pensioners are standing?

(3) Does the State Transport Authority ensure that school principals are fully informed of the conditions governing the issue of bus passes to schoolchildren?

564 WYONG ROAD CONSTRUCTION^___Mr McBride to ask the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads^___

^___

(1) Did he advise Wyong Council that he couldn't honour his most recent promise to complete the works by 1993?

(2) Did he advise Wyong Council that the project would be completed within two terms of Parliament?

(3) From when does he regard the first term as beginning?

Page 610

(5) When will these sections be completed.

565 "B-DOUBLES" ON MOUNT OUSLEY^___Mr McManus to ask the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads^___

(1) Has testing of "B-Doubles" taken place recently on Mount Ousley?

(3) Is he aware of dangerous slip areas on Mount Ousley?

(4) Does he intend to approve "B-Doubles" on Mount Ousley?

(5) Is he aware of increased coal haulage by truck via Mount Ousley to Port Kembla?

(6) Will he liaise with the Minister for Transport to relieve the Illawarra roads of heavy coal transportation?

(7) Will he register Mount Ousley as a road not suitable for "B-Doubles"?

566 HELENSBURGH SECTION 65 CERTIFICATE^___Mr McManus to ask the Minister for the Environment representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Energy^___

(1) Is he currently assessing the issue of a Section 65 certificate for the exhibition of environmental protection zones in the Helensburgh area?

(2) Was the issue of this certificate sought by Wollongong City Council?

(3) Did he advise Wollongong City's Town Clerk that investigations are currently underway regarding the issue of this certificate?

(4) Why has it taken 12 months to issue a certificate which normally would be completed within 6 to 8 weeks?

(5) Is he awaiting a report titled "The Sydney Urban Development Program"?

Page 611

(6) Is he aware of a report titled "The Illawarra Urban Development Program"?

(7) Is he aware that this report has been adopted by the Sydney Urban Development Committee?

(8) Will there be substantial urban expansion at Helensburgh in the foreseeable future?

(9) When will he issue a Section 65 certificate?

567 ST ALBANS COMMON^___Mr Martin to ask the Minister for Conservation and Land Management^___

(1) Did Saint Albans Common Trustees resign prior to the Annual General Meeting in March 1992?

(2) Did they seek to have an administrator appointed?

(3) Will he appoint an administrator for 6 months or longer?

(4) If necessary, for how long?

(5) Will he have a thorough investigation of the circumstances?

(6) Will he change the present areas to draw commoners from?

(7) Will he seek an urgent review of the creation of the Saint Albans Common as a wetland?

(8) What is the total area of Saint Albans Common?

(9) What area would be wetland?

(10) Will he guarantee not to appoint trustees until an election takes place?

(11) Will he employ the herdsman to continue caring for the livestock?

568 COURT CASE TRANSFER^___Mr Martin to ask the Minister for Justice^___

(1) Did you receive representations about the charging of three persons for being on licenced premises at Nelson Bay Golf Club but not correctly countersigned into the Club and not in the company of the person who signed them in?

(2) Did these cases stay in the Sydney court system?

Page 612

(3) Did the case against the Golf Club get transferred to the Hunter?

(4) Did the court issue a summons for one of the three defendants and then loose the papers?

(5) Did it cost each defendant about $500 to have these charges heard?

(6) Will he review the issue?

569 BLACKBERRY RUST^___Mr Mills to ask the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs^___

(1) Has he received correspondence from Mr K. Steggles of New Lambton seeking release of blackberry rust to bush walkers to assist eradication?

(2) Will this product be available to New South Wales farmers?

(3) When will he reply to Mr Steggles?

570 CANTERBURY AND BELMORE NEEDY STUDENTS ASSISTANCE SCHEME^___Mr Moss to ask the Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Further Education, Training and Employment representing the Minister for School Education and Youth Affairs^___

(1) (a) Is any funding being withheld, under the 1992 Needy Students Assistance Scheme, by:

(i) The Belmore clusters of schools?
(ii) The Canterbury clusters of schools?

(b) If so, how much is withheld by each of the above clusters?

(2) For what purpose are the funds withheld?

571 NEEDY STUDENTS FUNDING^___Mr Moss to ask the Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Further Education, Training and Employment representing the Minister for School Education and Youth Affairs^___

(2) What is the total amount of funding to be allocated during 1992, at both regional and cluster levels, under the Needy Students Assistance Scheme to each school falling within:

Page 613

572 BELMORE BOYS' HIGH NEEDY STUDENTS FUNDING^___Mr Moss to ask the Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Further Education, Training and Employment representing the Minister for School Education and Youth Affairs^___

(1) Why have funds earmarked under the Needy Students Assistance Scheme for Belmore Boys' High in 1992 amounted to $3,872 less than the school received under the program in 1991?

(2) With the abolition of the Bursary Scheme, will the Needy Students Assistance Scheme operating at Belmore Boys' High have, from 1992, the added responsibility of catering for the needs of Year 10 students?

573 ALUMINIUM PRODUCT RECYCLING PROPOSALS^___Ms Nori to ask the Minister for the Environment^___

(1) Does he have any plans to assist local government to promote recycling of aluminium cans?

(2) Specifically, will he consider a levy on producers which could be used to provide local government and others with a grant to promote recycling of this type of product?

574 ELECTORATE OF WOLLONGONG COMPOSITE CLASSES^___Mr Sullivan to ask the Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Further Education, Training and Employment representing the Minister for School Education and Youth Affairs^___

(1) How many composite classes are there currently in each infants, primary and high school within the electorate of Wollongong?

575 UNIVERSITIES SALE OF STUDENT LISTS^___Mr Sullivan to ask the Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Further Education, Training and Employment representing the Minister for School Education and Youth Affairs^___

Page 614

(1) Has the University of Wollongong sold or given free of charge, lists of its enrolled students' names and addresses to commercial organisations for the use of those commercial organisations?

(3) Has the University of Wollongong sought the prior approval of their enrolled students for this practice?

(4) If not, why not?

(5) What other universities within New South Wales have sold or given free of charge lists of their enrolled students' names and addresses to commercial organisations for the use of those commercial organisations?

576 AWARD INQUIRIES SERVICE^___Mr Sullivan to ask the Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Further Education, Training and Employment^___

Page 615

577 ILLAWARRA AREA HEALTH SERVICE FUNDING REQUESTS^___Mr Sullivan to ask the Minister for Health Services Management^___

Page 616

578 BEXLEY SHOPPING CENTRE TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS^___Mr Thompson to ask the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads^___

(2) What tests for noise levels of this traffic have been done from 1988 to date?

Page 617
579 REAL ESTATE AGENT INVESTIGATION^___Mr Thompson to ask the Minister for Housing^___

(1) Has he received documents from George and Anthoula Frazis of Brighton-le-Sands outlining a complaint against a real estate agent?

580 RAIL COMMUTER NUMBERS^___Mr Thompson to ask the Minister for Transport^___

581 ARNCLIFFE AND BANKSIA RAILWAY STATION PLATFORMS^___Mr Thompson to ask the Minister for Transport^___

(1) What is the current position with your understanding to raise the level of platforms at Arncliffe and Banksia Railway Stations?

(2) When will these projects be completed?

582 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT DAMAGES CLAIMS^___Mr Windsor to ask the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads^___

(1) Has the New South Wales Court of Appeal handed down a decision in the matter of Renard Constructions (ME) Pty Ltd v. The Minister for Public Works?

Page 618

(3) Does this cause him concern about the advice given to the Government?

(4) Will the decision have wide legal implications for the construction industry?

(5) Will he undertake a review of legal costs in which the Department of Public Works is currently engaged to determine the likely total cost to the Government of these actions?

(6) Will he further review the procedures adopted by the Department of Public Works which have resulted in the considerable legal costs incurred and indicate the likely exposure to significant damages claims?

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