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Questions and Answers (Estimates) No. , Thursday 29 May 1997

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    PROOF


    PARLIAMENT OF NEW SOUTH WALES


    __________

    THURSDAY 29 MAY 1997
    __________



    LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
    GENERAL PURPOSE STANDING COMMITTEES
    1997
    ESTIMATES COMMITTEE HEARINGS



    QUESTIONS

    AND

    ANSWERS


    ____________________

    SECOND SESSION OF THE FIFTY-FIRST PARLIAMENT
    ____________________








    Notice given on date shown

    29 MAY 1997

    THE LEGISLATURE
    COMMITTEE No. 1

    1. Dr Pezzutti asked:

    How many staff in this building are here to provide services to the Legislature and Members as joint staff?

    2. Mr Arena asked:

    What has been the turnover rate in the administration and support staff of the Council in 96/97 and how does it compare with previous years?

    3. Dr Pezzutti asked:

    What was the cost of travel for Mr Speaker, the Clerk and the Deputy Clerk of the Legislative Assembly and how many trips were undertaken during the last financial year?

    4. Dr Pezzutti asked:

    The Parliamentary Information Technology Services recently sought counselling services for its staff; by whom were these services provided and for what reason was it considered necessary to have that service provided?

    5. Mr Primrose asked:

    What are the implications of the slight reduction in cleaning staff?


    TREASURY, ENERGY AND STATE AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
    COMMITTEE No. 1


    1. Revd Nile asked:

    In reference to p 646- staffing levels:

    How do you justify the increase of staff at Treasury from 791 to 801?

    2. Revd Nile asked:

    In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 699- Operating Statement Expenses.

    (1) Would you provide details of the rehabilitation works at Moore Park Showground?

    (2) Is this work being undertaken by Public Works or is this amount totally or in part paid to Fox studios to carry out these rehabilitation works?


    3. Revd Nile asked:

    In reference to Budget Paper No 2, 1-14:

    Would the Treasurer provide details of the Commonwealth contribution to New South Wales gun buy back scheme of $50 million?

    4. Mrs Chadwick asked:

    In reference to Budget Paper No 2, p 1-13, table 1.6:

    What proportion of revenue from asset sales in the non-budget sector is repaid to the budget sector?

    5. Revd Nile asked:

    In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 647, Operating Statement: Expenses: Other Services and Total Expenses:

    There seems to have been a blow out in the actual expenditure as against the budget allocation in 1996/97.

    (1) What is the explanation for this increase in actual expenditure?

    (2) Why are total expenses reduced to $84.6 million in 1997/98

    6. Revd Nile asked:

    In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 697, Capital Program:

    There was a budget allocation for acquisition of property etc of only $201,000 but over 1 million was spent:

    (1) What is the explanation for this big leap in 1996/97?

    (2) Why is the Budget estimate back to $210,000?

    7. Mr Jobling asked:

    In reference to Budget Paper No 2, p 1-13, Departmental Payments-Other:

    (1) What specific projects in Departments administered by the Treasurer were provided with capital or recurrent funding in 1996-97 which would not have been funded but for the fact that the Olympic Games will be held in Sydney in the year 2000?

    Name of ProjectStart Date/Completion Date Total cost of ProjectTotal allocation to the Project 1996-97
    (2) What specific projects in Departments administered by the Treasurer will be provided with capital or recurrent funding in 1997-98 which would not have been funded but for the fact that the Olympic Games will be held in Sydney in the year 2000?

    Name of ProjectStart Date/Completion Date Total cost of ProjectTotal allocation to the Project 1997-98
    8. Mr Jobling asked:

    In relation to Budget Paper No.2, Page No.1-13; Departmental Payments - Other:

    (1) What was the total area of floor space and rent paid on offices in Departments administered by the Treasurer which were continuously occupied and not continuously occupied in 1996-97?

    Name of Program or Description of Office Address of Office Area of Floor Space continuously occupied in 1996-97Rent on Floor space continuously occupied in 1996-97Area of Floor Space not continuously occupied in 1996-97Rent on Floor space not continuously occupied in 1996-97
    (2) What is expected to be the total area of floor space and rent paid on offices in Departments administered by the Treasurer which will be continuously occupied and not continuously occupied in 1997-98?

    Name of Program or Description of Office Address of Office Area of Floor Space continuously occupied in 1997-98Rent on Floor space continuously occupied in 1997-98Area of Floor Space not continuously occupied in 1997-98Rent on Floor space not continuously occupied in 1997-98
    9. Mr Jobling asked:

    In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 687, User Charges and Other Departmental Revenue:

    (1) Looking at user charges and other Departmental Revenue where the total retained revenues were estimated at $1.278 million in 1996/97 but revised to $2.9 million. This years Budget it only shows as $0.875 million.

    (a) Can you indicate the reasons for the change in the revenue?

    (2) In reference to Paper Number 3689. Remote area power assistance scheme. I am curious what is replacing it?

    10. Mr Jobling asked:

    In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 690, Retained Revenue:

    In 1996 the revised budget for electrical appliance testing was $633,000 and in 1997 it has fallen to $50,000.

    (1) What was the policy decision or implementation criteria which caused this reduction which is a 12 fold decrease?

    11. Mr Jobling asked:

    In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 692- Re: Sustainable Energy Development Authority- Grants and Subsidies:

    Obviously there is a degree of variation in the Budget in 1996/97 of $ 15.7 million and only $4.5 million used and this year it is back up to $9.8 million. I understand it is a new department and obviously it took some time to establish and that the projects are there, but obviously only one third of the original expenditure was made.

    (1) (a) What were the 10 top recipients from the 1996/97 budget and those proposed in 1997/98?

    (b) Which electorates these particular recipients reside?

    12. Mr Jobling asked:

    In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 689- Department of Energy- Policy Development and Regulation of Energy Resources:

    In 1996/97 the average staffing ( EFT’s) was 63 and in 1997/98 66.

    (1) What is the maximum number of staff employed at any one time during 1996/97?

    (2) What was the proportion of such staff that could be categorised under the following three categories:

    (a) Permanent (Public or Crown employees)

    (b) Temporary (Public or Crown employees)
      (c) Consultants and other independent contractors?

    13. Mr Jobling asked:

    In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 687, Operating Statement, Other Services:

    The Budget for 1996/97 was 600,000; but revised to $13.6 million and for 1997/98. $ 9.4 million is allocated.

    (1) What is reflected in these figures?

    (2) can you detail items of expenditure which exceed $10,000 per item ?

    (3) What is the explanation for this extra expenditure that is completely unexplained?

    14. Mr Jobling asked:

    In reference to Budget Paper No 2, p 1-13, Table 1.6, p 113- Asset Sales:

    (1) How did Treasury calculate the figure provided for asset sales?

    (2) What are these assets sales?

    (3) Which Portfolios will have assets sold?

    (4) Specifically, what assets are being sold from the Transport Portfolio?

    15. Mr Jobling asked:
    In reference to Budget Paper No.6, p 12, Table 2.7, Advances Paid (net):

    (1) (a) Was this figure of $247 million, which represents asset sales, was not deducted from the overall Budget result of $27 million (surplus)?

    (b) If not, why not?

    (2) When this figure is deducted is the true underlying result in the Budget Sector and the General Government Sector, actually an underlying deficit of $220 million and $279 million, respectively?

    (3) Is it not a fact that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and all other States in Australia calculate the true budget position by deducting net advances paid?

    (4) Have you deliberately mislead the people of NSW by failing to include all asset sales?

    16. Mr Jobling asked:

    In reference to Budget Paper No.2, p 1-13, Table 1.6, Asset sales:

    Last year’s estimate for asset sales in 1997/98 was $171 million

    (1) According to this year’s papers the Government is anticipating to sell-off $322 million worth of assets. How does the Treasurer explain this doubling of estimated asset sales?

    (2) Will you outline the breakdown of this figure amongst all the portfolios and identify the assets to be sold?

    (3) Will you outline which assets constitute the difference between these two estimates and which portfolio these sales impact upon?

    17. Mr Jobling asked:

    In refer to Budget Paper No.2, p 1-13, Table 1.6,, Asset sales:

    Will the Treasurer give an assurance that all proceeds of these sales will go towards retiring State debt and that none will be used in any portfolio as recurrent revenue?

    18. Mr Jobling asked:

    In reference to Budget Paper No.2, p 1-13, Table 1.6, Asset Sales and Advances Repaid to the Budget Sector:
      (1) Based upon the figures of $322 million for asset sales and $297 million for Advances Repaid, of which approximately $200 million of the latter represents further asset sales, is it true that the Treasurer anticipates to sell off $500 million of State assets in the forthcoming year?

      (2) Will the Minister provide a breakdown of both the $322 million of direct asset sales and also the $297 million for advances paid?

      19. Mr Jobling asked:

      In reference to Budget Paper No.2, p 1-13, Table 1.6:

      (1) Is keeping “growth in net cost of services and outlays below the growth in inflation and population (zero real growth in per capita terms)” has been espoused by you as a guiding fiscal principle of the Carr Government?

      (2) (a) Is it a fact that current outlays (excluding interest and superannuation) is set to grow at nearly 3% in real terms and that population growth in NSW is currently 1.1%.

      (b) Given these figures is it not a fact that growth in outlays is running at almost 2% per annum faster than your “guiding principle” prescribes”?

      20. Mr Jobling asked:

      In reference to Budget Paper No.2, page (v), Saving Initiatives:

      (1) Did the Treasurer when in Opposition promise to achieve $816.5 million in annual savings?

      (2) Was this reduced in 1995/96 to $680 million?

      (3) Given that this year’s budget papers have only identified savings totalling $146 million, what savings have you abandoned?

      21. Mr Jobling asked:

      In reference to Budget Paper No.2, page (v), Saving Initiatives:

      (1) Can you reconcile your savings estimate in the 1995/96 Budget Paper of $680 million with the significantly reduced $146 million in this year’s papers?

      (2) Will you detail which portfolios failed to achieve these savings targets?

      22. Mr Jobling asked:

      In reference to Budget Paper No.2, p 1-13, Table 1.6, Major Budget Aggregates:
      (1) As Opposition Leader did Bob Carr promise:
        “Along with our core goals of capping spending, balancing the budget, freezing taxes and restraining debt I commit a Carr Labor Government to a fifth core fiscal goal to cut business taxes specifically to cut the burden of payroll tax.”

      (2) Is it not a fact that:

      (a) Government outlays have increased by more than 8% in real terms in the last two years?

      (b) Estimated tax revenue in 1997/98 is 20% higher than in 1994/95; respected economic analysts have the Budget recording an underlying deficit of $500 million?

      (c) The Government has increased the payroll tax burden on business, rather than providing $1 billion tax relief.

      (3) Have you failed to achieve four of the five core fiscal strategies and abandoned this key financial principle espoused by the Premier in 1994?

      23. Mr Jobling asked:

      In reference to Budget Paper No.2, Table 1.6, page: 1-13, Departmental Payments - Other:

      What dollar value and percentage of this figure is attributed to public servants who are still employed by the public service, however, do not attend work - or are unattached according to the public service employment guidelines?

      24. Mr Jobling asked:

      In reference to Budget Paper No.2, Table 1.6, page: 1-13, Subsidies to Non-Budget Sector - Redundancies:

      Which government agencies will be the recipients of this $63 million and how many positions will these funds be used to assist voluntary redundancies?

      25. Mr Jobling asked:

      In reference to Budget Paper No.2, Table 1.6, page: 1-13, Subsidies to Non-Budget Sector - Redundancies:

      What is the cost to the whole government as a result of departments being unable to retrench staff. Which portfolios are most affected?

      26. Mr Jobling asked:

      In reference to Budget Paper No.2, Table1.6, page:1-13 - Taxes, Fees and Fines:

      What are the Government’s estimates in terms of lost revenue as a result of gambling and other transactions on the internet? What measures is the government taking to counter this revenue loss?

      27. Mr Jobling asked:

      In reference to Budget Paper No.2, Table 1.6, page: 1-13, Departmental Payments - Other:

      Can the Treasurer detail the wage increases incorporated within the Departmental Payments budget line by portfolio. Can the Treasurer also detail the dollar value of wage increases across all portfolios above the CPI?

      28. Mr Jobling asked:

      In reference to Budget Paper No.3, p 647, Employee Related Expenses:

      (1) Have officers from your department been solely dedicated to the compilation and monitoring of the Whole of Government costs to NSW taxpayers associated with hosting the Olympic games? Will you outline the number of staff currently dedicated to this task?

      (2) If none and given the criticisms by the Auditor-General in relation to the Whole of Government expense of the Olympics, when will Treasury finally dedicate resources to the monitoring these costs?

      (3) (a) If staff are dedicated to this task and given that the department has been monitoring the Whole of Government costs, will the Minister detail these costings available to this Committee?

      (b) If not, why not?

      29. Mr Jobling asked:

      In reference to Budget Paper No.2, p 1-13, Table 1.6:

      (1) In 1997/98 for both the Budget Sector and the General Government Sector what percentage and dollar value of current and capital outlays are Olympic and/or Olympic related expenses?

      (2) How does this figure compare with outlays in previous years and what estimates are being provided for 1998/99 and 1999/00?

      30. Mr Jobling asked:

      In reference to Budget Paper No.2, p 1-13, Table 1.6:

      (1) What provisions have been made in capital outlays and current outlays for post-Olympic costs, for example, the costs associated with the administration and maintenance of Olympic related facilities?

      31. Mr Jobling asked:

      In reference to Budget Paper No.2, P 3-20, Table 3.5:

      (1) What increase in dividends could the Government have received from electricity generators and distributors had there been greater managerial flexibility, specifically, as a result of there being no forced redundancies policies in place?

      32. Mr Jobling asked:

      In reference to Budget Paper No.2, p 3-8:

      (1) How did the Government calculate the $100 million revenue which it anticipates that it will receive as a result of the introduction of the electricity distribution levy?

      (2) What revenue is the Government expecting to receive from this levy in the years up to 2001?

      33. Mr Jobling asked:

      In reference to Budget Paper No.2, p 3-20, Table 3.5:

      (1) Have the dividends and tax equivalents from Great Southern Electricity been reduced as a result of their purchase of the Wagga Wagga Council gas reserves?
        (2) Does the Treasurer agree with a government-owned corporate entity outbidding the nearest private sector bid by over $20 million?

        34. Mr Jobling asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No.2, p 2-23:

        (1) Are these dividends sustainable and what provisions have you made for uncompetitive conduct of NSW distributors and generators.

        (2) It has been noted that the Government expects the dividends and tax equivalents from electricity distributors and generators to decline by 40% and 30% respectively in 1997-98. Is this one of the contributing reasons why the Government is pursuing the privatisation of the electricity industry?

        35. Mr Jobling asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No.3, p 699, Operating Statement-Expenses:

        (1) Can the Treasurer explain why the Regional Headquarters Tax Concessions allocation was underspent by $2.1 million (over half the allocated funds - $3.6 million)

        (2) Why has the 1997-98 allocation been reduced by $1.4 million?

        (3) Will you detail to which corporations the $1.5 million in assistance was provided to?

        (4) Further, is this indicative of a failure of the Government to attract regional headquarters to NSW, and an overall reflection of the dwindling competitiveness of NSW in the Asia-Pacific region?

        36. Mr Jobling asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No.3, vol.2., p 699, Operating Statement-Expenses:

        (1) How do you account for the expenditure of only $6 million on the rehabilitation of the Moore Park Showground site when $20 million had been budgeted for in 1996/97?

        (2) Over how many years will it now take for the Government to spent the allotted $30 million on the rehabilitation project?

        37. Mr Jobling asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No.3, vol.2., p 699, Operating Statement-Expenses:

        (1) Will the Treasurer provide details of which organisations/corporations were recipients of the $2.9 million provided in grants and the quantum of funds they received?

        38. Mr Jobling asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No.2, page 1-13, Table 1.6, Taxes fees and fines:

        (1) In calculating the revenue from the 10% bed tax, what proportion of room nights sold were expected to be to NSW residents visiting Sydney?

        (2) In estimating the impact on the Business community of the proposed Sydney Bed Tax what proportion of room nights were assumed to be sold to business travellers?

        (3) In forecasting the tax revenue from the Bed Tax did Treasury use ABS data on takings from accommodation in the affected area and apply a 10% ratio?

        (4) (a) In planning the Sydney Bed Tax from 1 September 1997, were Treasury officials aware that the existing contracts between hotels and inbound wholesalers who provide a large hare of Sydney’s inbound visitors will not conclude until 1 April 1998?

        (b) If not, why not?

        (c) If so, why was this not taken into account in deciding start dates?

        (5) How many people in NSW do Treasury officials think are employed as a result of tourist expenditures?

        (6) How profitable do the NSW Treasury believe Sydney hotels have been for the last seven years?

        (7) Given this lack of profitability, hoteliers won’t be able to absorb the tax, so what will be the affect on room occupancy rates as travellers are deterred from visiting or staying as long in Sydney hotels covered by the tax?

        (8) How much of the 10% room tax do the NSW Treasury expect will be passed on to the traveller?

        (9) How much revenue has the Treasury estimated will be lost from Bed Tax taking as tourists decide to go elsewhere or reduce their stay in Sydney?

        (10) How many jobs do the NSW Treasury estimate will be lost due to the Sydney Bed Tax?

        (a) in existing hotels

        (b) in suppliers to existing hotels

        (c) in construction jobs for hotels cancelled due to the tax

        (d) in hotel jobs for hotels cancelled due to the tax

        (e) in suppliers to hotels cancelled due to tax

        (11) As less tourists, spend less time in NSW due to the Sydney Bed Tax what loss of revenue has the NSW Treasury forecast will occur from the following NSW taxes:

        (a) payroll tax?

        (b) excise duties on fuel, liquor and cigarettes?

        (c) gambling taxes?

        (d) stamp duty?

        (12) Why does the NSW Treasury consider the benefits of the Bed Tax’s comparatively small budgetary improvement justify the costs of the Sydney Bed Tax to Sydney’s reputation as an investment location, a large increase in unemployment and large reductions in other State tax revenue?

        39. Miss Gardiner asked:

        In response to the Treasurer’s assertion regarding $200 m plus in lower prices, leading to the laudable reductions in real tariffs, is it correct that the “cheapest power in Australia” has been achieved by the minimum reduction/loss of approximately 5,800 jobs in the electricity sector in the 12 months to November, 1996?

        40. Miss Gardiner asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 698, Program 72.1.1, Regional projects facilitated or financially assisted, Metropolitan projects facilitated or financially assisted:

        (1) (a) What is the total number of people employed in regional areas within the Department?

        (b) What number and percentage of these are full-time positions, part-time positions, casual positions and temporary positions?

        (c) Where are these jobs located?

        41. Miss Gardiner asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 698, Program 72.1.1, Regional projects facilitated or financially assisted, Jobs attracted or retained:

        (1) (a) What is the actual breakdown of numbers of jobs created as opposed to jobs retained?

        (b) Where are these jobs located and in what industries?

        (c) What methodology is used to determine that jobs have been retained as distinct from newly created?

        (d) What is the benchmark used to determine this variation?

        42. Miss Gardiner asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 698, Program 72.1.1, Metropolitan projects facilitated or financially assisted, Jobs attracted or retained:

        (1) (a) What is the actual breakdown of numbers of jobs created as opposed to jobs retained?

        (b) Where are these jobs located and in what industries?

        (c) What methodology is used to determine that jobs have been retained and created?

        (d) What is the benchmark used to determine this variation?

        43. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 698 which refers to the Department of State and Regional Development, Program 72.1.1, Small enterprise improvement, Growth in turnover in firms assisted above the state average:

        (1) (a) Why has the growth in turnover in firms assisted above the state average decreased from 1995-6 to 1996-7?

        (b) Why are there no projections/figures?

        (c) Why is this job growth from firms that are assisted above the State average 4% in 1996-7 and what is the prediction for 1997-8?

        (d) How does this relate to the decrease in jobs growth in firms assisted above the State average of 1%.

        44. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 698, Program 72.1.1, Regional projects facilitated or financially assisted, Metropolitan projects facilitated or financially assisted:

        (1) (a) Why does the Department anticipate creating the exact same number of jobs on a metropolitan basis as well as a regional basis, that is 6,000? Particularly when regional areas across NSW are suffering such high unemployment?

        (b) Why is this emphasis equal?

        45. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 698, Program 72.1.1, Regional projects facilitated or financially assisted, Metropolitan projects facilitated or financially assisted:

        How has the total number of people employed in regional areas have changed as a result of the Country Summit and the commitment by the Premier to increase employment by 400 government jobs in regional NSW?

        46. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 698, Program 72.1.1, Metropolitan projects facilitated or financially assisted:

        (1) (a) What is the project which has been assisted in 1996-97 and what is the one new project assisted in 1997-98?

        (b) Is the Minehunter project one of them?

        47. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 699, Program 72.1.1, Visits to the NSW Trade and Investment Centre and the Country Embassy:

        (1) What is the breakdown in the number of visits to the NSW Trade and Investment Centre and the Country Embassy by areas within NSW, by the different states in Australia and by overseas countries breakdown?

        48. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 699, Program 72.1.1, Internet access to NSW Business Report:

        The budget details internet access to NSW Business Report.

        (1) (a) Why hasn’t this figure increased more dramatically?

        (b) What is the government doing by way of increasing awareness of this to regional/rural NSW?

        49. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 699, Program 72.1.1, Average staffing:

        Why there has been a decrease in the number of staff from 1995-6 to 1997-8 particularly when regional employment is increasing, businesses are suffering and NSW is continuing to experience a steady drain with many opportunities, events, festivals, competitions, conferences and businesses relocating or being lost to Victoria?

        50. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 699, Program 72.1.1, Hunter Valley Research Foundation:

        (1) (a) What level of grants have been allocated to the Hunter Valley Research Foundation as in the 1994-95 budget they were allocated $150,000?

        (b) Why is this figure now buried within grants to organisations? How does this equate to the so-called support of the Hunter area which the government is espousing?

        51. Miss Gardiner to asked

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 699, Program 72.1.1, Business expansion program approvals:

        Why there has been a decrease in the number of business expansion program approvals issued in 1996-97 and in light of this why the Department anticipates an increase in 1997-98?

        52. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 699, Program 72.1.1, Grants to Organisations:

        Why are Grants to Organisations are anticipated to decrease in 1997-98 from $2.936m to $2.871m? In light of the high unemployment rate regionally and the negative effects of the government’s policies on industry why would these grants be decreasing?

        53. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, page 699, Program 72.1.1, Regional Headquarters Tax Concessions:

        (1) (a) Why have Regional Headquarters Tax Concessions decreased from the 1996-97 budget from 3,600 to 1,500

        (b) Why does the government expect this figure to increase to 2,175 in 1997-98 in light of the huge number of industries relocating to Victoria in particular as well as Queensland and South Australia?

        (c) Could the Minister list the corporations receiving the RHQ concessions and table the document?

        54. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 70, Program 72.1.1, Acquisition of Property, Plant and Equipment:

        (1) Why did the Department embark on a large acquisition of property, plant and equipment program in 1996-97?

        (2) What was purchased and why?

        55. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 702, Program 72.1.1, Capital grants and advances:

        (1) Why have capital grants and advances decreased in 1996-97 to the level that they did?

        (2) Why have they been increased again?

        56. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 698, Program 72.1.1, Development of the NSW Economy:

        (1) Could the Minister please advise when the Green Paper on Regional Development will be tabled?

        (2) What is the budgetary allocation for this project?

        57. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 701, Program 72.1.1, Acquisition of property, plant and equipment:

        (1) Could the Minister please provide details of all cars purchased, where these cars were purchased and where repairs if required, are made to these cars?

        (2) What number and percentage of these cars are repaired in rural and regional electorates?

        58. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 698, Program 72.1.1, Development of the NSW Economy:

        What are the actual programs and services offered to the public by way of this program of development of the NSW economy?

        59. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 698, Program 72.1.1, Development of the NSW Economy:

        How will services be retained in light of proposed budget cuts?

        60. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 698, Program 72.1.1, Development of the NSW Economy:

        (1) What plans are being put in place, what services will be offered and when this will take place as far as educating businesses throughout rural, regional and remote NSW as to the effect that the millennium bug will have on businesses?

        (2) What steps are the government putting in place to minimise the impact on business and government?

        61. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 698, Program 72.1.1, Development of the NSW Economy:

        A number of information kiosks were created across NSW

        (1) What is the exact service which is offered by each kiosk, the usage rate, the types of inquiries being dealt with and the staffing of these kiosks? Is internet access available?

        (2) Are there Eftpos facilities?

        (3) What hours are these facilities accessible to the public?

        62. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 698, Program 72.1.1, Jobs attracted:

        (1) How many jobs were attracted (as distinct from retained)?

        (2) Where are these jobs located on a regional basis?

        (3) What is the length of these jobs in man-hours or days?

        (4) What is the breakdown of the $120 billion of jobs and projects under way in NSW, oft claimed by the Premier?

        63. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 698, Program 72.1.1, Industrial relations problems:

        What contingency plans have been developed to cover effects of long-term industrial action?

        64. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 698, Program 72.1.1, Development of the NSW Economy:

        (1) What is the nature of any consultancies used and why, and the details of any work done.

        (2) Is there any overlap within the agency?

        65. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 698, Program 72.1.1, Development of the NSW Economy:

        Could the Minister please provide information as to those jobs which have been created by the Minister, particularly in light of recent overseas trips by the Premier to attract business to NSW and the alleged success of these trips according to the Premier?

        (1) Where are these jobs situated on a regional basis?

        (2) In which industries are they being created?

        (3) What proof does the Department have to ensure that these jobs are ones which have been truly created by the Department rather than being created by the private sector?

        66. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 698, Program 72.1.1, Development of the NSW Economy:

        What reforms are being created or engineered by the Department of State Development to ensure that the current restrictive regulatory environment which is hampering the business community is being alleviated and addressed?

        67. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 700, Marketing and promotion services:

        In 1995-96 the figure was $250,000. This figure is now included in Other Operating Expenses (p.699). What is the breakdown of the total figure of $10.568m (eg. for press, advertising, other media etc.)?

        68. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 698, Development of the NSW Economy:

        The previous year’s estimates under Development of NSW Economy, the International Group had 25 staff, including London and Tokyo, as was the case the year before.

        (1) What is the number of staff for 1997-98 and in which overseas cities are they located?

        (2) Has there been any change in priorities as to countries in which staff are located, in view of the competitive priorities of other States and emerging Asian markets?

        (3) What are the grades of staff and the salary allocation for them?

        69. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 699, Operating Statement - Employee related expenses:

        Does the employee related expenses contain any provision for workers compensation claims in light of the blow out in the number of claims being made?

        70. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 698, 72.1.1, Development of the New South Wales Economy:

        Has funding been allocated within the Development of the New South Wales Economy to ensure the Lake Cowal project comes to fruition, particularly in light of the large number of jobs which would be created.

        71. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 698, Program 72.1.1, Regional projects facilitated or financially assisted, Metropolitan projects facilitated or financially assisted:

        Has money been allocated within these line items for the Minehunter project?

        72. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        Please detail the costs of each of the overseas trips undertaken by the Minister and his entourage in 1996-97 and outline proposed overseas destinations for Ministerial trips in 1997-98. Please list the number of Ministerial and departmental staff on each trip.

        73. Miss Gardiner asked:

        (a) How many regional headquarters were attracted to NSW from overseas in each of the following years:
              1992
              1993
              1994
              1995
              1996
              1997 to date

        (b) Please list the names of the RHQs attracted in each of the above years.

        (c) Please name any of the above RHQs which have located in:
              (i) Newcastle district
              (ii) Wollongong district
              (iii) Outside Sydney/Newcastle/Wollongong metropolitan area.

        74. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 699 - Rehabilitation Works at Moore Park Showground - capital grant:

        Noting that only $6 million of the $20 million budgeted for in 1996-97 was spent on rehabilitation of the Moore Park Showground site, how long will it take to spend the allotted $18 million?

        75. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        What proportion of the Department of State and Regional Development budget is related to the Sydney Olympics?

        76. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 3, p 699, Regional Headquarters tax concessions:

        Further to the question on RHQs, please detail and table to which corporations was the $1.5 million in assistance provided.

        77. Miss Gardiner to asked:

        Further to the Minister’s remarks about assistance to the Bega Cheese Co-operative:

        (1) What is the criteria which determine whether a project is facilitated by the Department of State and Regional Development or by Strategic Projects in the Premier’s Department?

        (2) Why was the Department of State and Regional Development sidelined in the matter of assistance to Bega Cheese Co-operative?

        78. Mr Jobling asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 2, p 3-20, table 3.5:

        (1) Have the dividends and tax equivalent stream from Great Southern Electricity been reduced as a result from their purchase of the Wagga Wagga Council’s gas reserves?

        (2) Does the Treasurer confirm that a Government-owned corporate entity outbidding the nearest private sector bidder by over $20 million, in the above case, within the Government’s permissible policy parameters for Government business conduct?

        79. Mr Jobling asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper No 2, p 3-23, Income from Non-budget Sector Agencies, namely Great Southern Electricity:

        (1) Are these dividends sustainable over the next four years and what provisions have been made for market behaviour which fails to meet national competition policy compliance standards for New South Wales based distributers and generators?

        (2) It has been noted that the Government expects the dividends and tax equivalents from electricity distributers and generators to decline by 40 and 30 percent respectively in the year 1997-98. Is this one of the contributing reasons why the Government is pursuing privatisation of the electricity industry?

        80. Mr Jobling asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper 3, Vol 2, page 649, program 68.1.1 - Budgetary Strategy, Allocation, Monitoring, Reporting and Systems:

        (1) In the preparation of advice to you on budgeting targets and strategies, were you provided with information on the economic impact of jobs, investment and tourism business of the proposed 10% bed tax prior to announcing its introduction in the State Budget?

        (2) If so why did you proceed with the proposal?

        81. Mr Jobling asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper 3, Vol 2, page 649, program 68.1.1 - Budgetary Strategy, Allocation, Monitoring, Reporting and Systems:

        (1) In the preparation of advice to you on budgeting targets and strategies were you provided with information on the situation of accommodation providers with pre-existing contracts that cannot be altered being forced to absorb completely the 10% bed tax to be introduced by the Government?

        (2) If so what steps will be taken to alleviate this problem?

        82. Mr Jobling asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper 3, Vol 2, page 649, program 68.1.1 - Budgetary Strategy, Allocation, Monitoring, Reporting and Systems:

        (1) (a) In the preparation of advice to you on budgeting targets and strategies were you provided with information on the impact of the proposed 10% bed tax on the competitiveness of Sydney as a tourist destination, in particular for group tours?
          (b) If so, on what basis has this assessment been made?
          (c) If so, why did you proceed with the proposal?

        83. Mr Jobling asked:

        I reference to Budget Paper 3, Vol 2, page 649, program 68.1.1 - Budgetary Strategy, Allocation, Monitoring, Reporting and Systems:

        (1) In the evaluation of budgeting targets and strategies and in particular the evaluation of the bed tax proposal was there consultation with industry?

        (2) If not, why?

        84. Mr Jobling asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper 3, Vol 2, page 649, program 68.1.1 - Budgetary Strategy, Allocation, Monitoring, Reporting and Systems:

        (1) In the evaluation of budgeting targets and strategies and in particular the evaluation of the bed tax proposal was there any consultation with the Minister for Tourism, Hon. Brian Langton on the Government’s decision to introduce a 10% bed tax?

        (2) (a) If so, when did this consultation take place?
          (b) What advice was provided by the Minister for Tourism?
          (c) If not, why not?

        85. Mr Jobling asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper 3, Vol 2, page 649, program 68.1.1 - Budgetary Strategy, Allocation, Monitoring, Reporting and Systems:

        (1) In the evaluation of budgeting targets and strategies and in particular the evaluation of the bed tax proposal, was the report by Access Economics considered?

        (2) Does that report show that one in nine jobs in Australia depend on tourism?

        (3) Was advice sought on the potential impact of the 10% bed tax on employment in the tourism industry and were these issues taken into account in the Government’s decision to increase the tax?

        86. Mr Jobling asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper 3, Vol 2, page 649, program 68.1.1 - Budgetary Strategy, Allocation, Monitoring, Reporting and Systems:

        (1) In the review and evaluation of revenue raising activities of the Government has your attention been drawn to the survey by JLW Transact which reveals that the proposed 10% bed tax has put in jeopardy some $800 million worth of development projects in the CBD and surrounding areas.

        (2) In light of this information do you and Treasury believe the bed tax represents good policy?

        87. Mr Jobling asked:

        In reference to Budget Paper 3, Vol 2, page 649, program 68.1.1 - Budgetary Strategy, Allocation, Monitoring, Reporting and Systems:

        (1) In the preparation of advice to you on budgeting targets and strategies were you provided with information on the $1 billion p.a. value of meetings conventions and exhibitions industry to Sydney?
          (2) Was this important factor evaluated by treasury prior to the bed tax proposal in the budget?

          88. Mr Jobling asked:

          In reference to Budget Paper 3, Vol 2, page 649, program 68.1.1 - Budgetary Strategy, Allocation, Monitoring, Reporting and Systems:

          (1) In the preparation of advice to you on budgeting targets and strategies were you provided with an evaluation of the option of following the policy of the Northern Territory, Hong Kong and Singapore where similar taxes are directed back to the industry for promotional purposes.

          (2) If so on what basis was this option reflected?

          89. Mr Jobling asked:

          In reference to Budget Paper 3, Vol 2, page 649, program 68.1.1 - Budgetary Strategy, Allocation, Monitoring, Reporting and Systems:

          (1) In the evaluation of budgeting targets and strategies and in particular the evaluation of the bed tax proposal has advice been prepared on government strategy in the event of a broad ranging national goods and services tax?

          (2) Would the government abandon the bed tax in such circumstances?

          90. Mr Jobling asked:

          In reference to Budget Paper No.2, Page No.1-13; Departmental Payments - Other:

          (1) What was the total amount spent by each of your Departments in 1996-97 on:
            (a) catering and entertainment of any form;
            (b) travel and accommodation of any form; and
            (c) the provision and maintenance of indoor and outdoor plants and garden products?

          91. Mr Jobling asked:

          In reference to Budget Paper No.2, Page No.1-13; Departmental Payments - Other:

          In relation to each of the Programs administered by your Department(s):

          (1) How many bodies exist whose function is, or includes, the supervision or evaluation of the administration of the functions of Programs administered by your Department(s) ?

          (2) What is the estimated total cost of operating such bodies ?

          92. Mr Jobling asked:

          In reference to Budget Paper No.2, Page No.1-13, Departmental Payments - Other:

          (1) What official travel has been undertaken by persons employed by each of your Department(s) in 1996-97, and at what cost ?

          Name of OfficerDate of TravelDestinationTotal CostBenefit to taxpayer of trip
          (2) What leave was taken by officers so travelling prior to them returning to the origin of their trip ?

          93. Mr Jobling asked:

          In reference to Budget Paper No.2, Page No.1-13, Departmental Payments - Other:

          In relation to each of the Programs administered by each of your Department(s), how many officers are employed as members of the Senior Executive Service, and at what grade and salary band are each employed?

          SES gradeSalary RangeNumber of Officers Employed in 1996-97Number of Officers expected to be Employed in 1997-98
          94. Mr Jobling asked:

          In reference to Budget Paper No.2, Page No.1-13; Departmental Payments - Other:

          (1) In relation to each of the Programs administered by each of your Department(s) in 1996-97:

          (a) What expenditure occurred on advertising in all forms?

          (b) Why was such advertising considered necessary ?

          (c) What was the cost of each such advertising campaign?

          (d) Which advertising agencies were awarded the contract for each campaign?

          (e) In which media outlets was advertising conducted, and what was the total cost of advertising in each individual media outlet?

          (2) In relation to each of the Programs administered by each of your Department(s) in 1997-98, what is the total anticipated expenditure on advertising in all forms?

          95. Mr Jobling asked:

          In reference to Budget Paper No.2, Page No.1-13; Departmental Payments - Other:

          (1) What salary increases have been agreed to in relation to any of the staff employed by any of the Programs administered by each of your Department(s)?

          (2) How many employees will receive such salary increases in 1997-98; and when are such salary increases expected to be first paid?

          (3) What additional allocation has been made to provide for such salary increases?

          96. Mr Jobling asked:

          In reference to Budget Paper No.2, Page No.1-13; Departmental Payments - Other:

          (1) (a) What expenditure was made in 1996-97 for refurbishing, upgrading or relocating offices occupied by officers of the Departments administered by you?
            (b) What expenditure has been allocated in 1997-98 for these purposes?

          (2) (a) Which particular offices were refurbished, upgraded or relocated in 1996-97?
            (b) How many officers worked in offices which were refurbished, upgraded or relocated, in Departments administered by you?

          (3) (a) Which offices will be refurbished or relocated in 1997-98?
            (b) How many officers are employed in offices which will be refurbished, upgraded or relocated, in Departments administered by you?

          97. Miss Gardiner asked:

          (1) What is the total number of people employed by the Department in regional New South Wales?

          (2) What are their locations and the number of full and part-time positions?







          John Evans
          Clerk of the Parliaments









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          Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales

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