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The Hon. JOHN RYAN: My question is directed to the Minister for Disability Services. What advice did the Minister or his department give to the State Electoral Office or its commissioner about its plan to support people with disabilities at the 2007 State election? Is the Minister aware that the New South Wales Electoral Commissioner has plans to establish a separate and segregated voting centre for people with disabilities? Why is the commissioner not trying to achieve the objective of the Disability Services Act and make all polling places disability accessible? Did the Minister or the New South Wales Electoral Commissioner consult the disability sector about this plan? If so, what was the response?
The Hon. JOHN DELLA BOSCA: I have to say that it is possible, in fact it is very likely, that my agency was consulted about preparations for the 2007 election and the provisions that may or may not be part of the New South Wales Electoral Office's plans in relation to disability access. I would expect that to be so. I would be disappointed with the electoral commissioner if that had not been the case. I will make inquiries about the substance of those consultations and advise the honourable member in the House as soon as practicable. I can say that the New South Wales Electoral Commissioner had not consulted me about those matters. As part of the process of getting a briefing on the State of any discussions between the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care and the New South Wales Electoral Commission, I will offer my views on the matter.