Full Day Hansard Transcript (Legislative Assembly, 1 June 2007, Corrected Copy)

The Speaker (The Hon. George Richard Torbay) took the chair at 10.00 a.m.

The Speaker read the Prayer and acknowledgement of country.

Mrs JUDY HOPWOOD (Hornsby) [10.00 a.m.]: I raise an issue that is very serious for residents of Mount Colah: the need for traffic lights at the Pacific Highway and one of the intersections at Foxglove Road, Excelsior Road or Beryl Avenue, Mount Colah. This matter has been raised in this House on numerous occasions over many years. Residents' outcries about this matter, public meetings and representations to Ministers predate my election to this place in 2002. Stephen O'Doherty, the former member for Hornsby, raised the need to improve safety by installing traffic lights in this area. People in the west of Mount Colah have great difficulty entering the highway from their home streets to travel south towards Hornsby on the Pacific Highway.

Though there have been many near misses and very serious accidents in the years since the matter was raised by Mr O'Doherty, and despite my raising it and making representations to Ministers, the Government has ignored the plight of the residents. It continues to stand by while buses laden with children are placed in jeopardy because of these very dangerous turns. The potential for loss of life at Excelsior Road or Foxglove Road is very real. I implore the current Minister for Roads to have another look at the matter and grant funding for traffic lights. This would be a very small cost in the scheme of things ¾ the last quote I heard was around $300,000—for lights that are essential to improve safety and allay the fears of drivers. Residents feel that the Government has let them down. They have been genuine and honest in raising their concerns on many occasions but, unfortunately, the matter has not been afforded priority. I congratulate Mount Colah Neighbourhood Watch on taking up the issue. That fantastic organisation, despite a lack of support, is alive and well and very concerned and active on this matter.

When first elected I applied successfully to the Federal Government for black spot funding to meet the cost of the traffic lights. Unfortunately, constituents were let down by Roads and Traffic Authority decisions on how that black spot funding would be used. Just before Christmas a couple of years ago the authority put out a consultation paper in the local community, indicating that the installation of lights at one of those intersections would be conditional upon a median strip blocking access to the Pacific Highway at the other. So if either of the Foxglove Road or Excelsior Road intersections were fitted with lights, the other intersection would have a median strip closing off access to the highway. This caused a great deal of outcry. It was a totally unexpected part of community consultation. Due to timeframes and the fact that the Roads and Traffic Authority did not come back to me until March the following year, we lost that Federal funding. I have re-applied for black spot funding. Unfortunately, according to the Roads and Traffic Authority, statistics at the intersections do not warrant black spot funding and therefore we have not been successful in obtaining it. However, I continue to apply.

There have been two public meetings about this matter. The second of those was held early last year. In 2005 we were successful in getting an audit of statistics. Those audit results were handed out five minutes before the second public meeting, allowing totally inadequate time for people to consider and discuss them in the context of that meeting. Further, the audit was flawed because it did not include peak hour statistics or statistics for Wednesday evenings or Saturday mornings—the busiest times, for example, at Foxglove Road. So the people at the meeting were very disgruntled and disappointed with that. Though the Roads and Traffic Authority promised to carry out further audits of traffic at peak hours and busiest times, that promise has not been honoured. I have now received a letter from the authority saying that no such promise was made in the first place. Mount Colah residents have every right to be disappointed. The danger at the intersections remains. Will it take a death at one of them for the Roads and Traffic Authority and the Government to act? Their attitude is appalling, and I call on the Minister to immediately provide funding for traffic lights at one of the intersections.
Ms ANGELA D'AMORE (Drummoyne) [10.05 a.m.]: I bring to the attention of the House the launch of the exhibition "Italians in New South Wales Through the Voices and Eyes of SBS Radio", organised by SBS Radio's Italian Language Program in cooperation with Co.As.It. as part of the Italian Trade Commission Sydney Italian Festival. The launch on Monday 28 May 2007 at the Co.As.It. building in Leichhardt was a gathering that facilitated an opportunity to reflect upon the vast input by Australians of Italian background to our nation, a community proud of its heritage and committed to Australian principles and our way of life.

The audiovisual exhibition is a display of historical material in which visitors will see photos, and hear historical interviews and segments from the archives of the SBS Italian program. These include the first ever Italian Language program aired on SBS Radio—then 2EA—coverage of the World Cup, the first-ever elections for Italians overseas, Pope John Paul II's visit, various artists, singers and performers and, most importantly, ordinary Italians who live in Australia who told their tales. The exhibition was an opportunity to pay tribute to the 32-year relationship between SBS Radio in the Italian community. I congratulate the organisers of the exhibition, SBS Radio and Co.As.It on this initiative.

I mention in particular Luisa Perugini, who is senior producer and journalist, who started working for SBS in 1979 and specialises in political interviews; Anna Schinella, who is the Sydney program manager and script writer for SBS, ABC Radio National and Optus Television; Marco Lucchi, executive producer for the Italian program, joined the team in 1994 and specialises in news and current affairs, sport, music and cinema; Tony Palumbo, senior producer, began with SBS Radio in 1978 and has covered four soccer World Cups for SBS and is a regular panelist on "The World Game" on SBS TV; Max Civili, junior producer, who joined SBS Radio in 2001 and covers sport, news and current affairs; Renzo Colla, on a special assignment, joined SBS in 1985 and is currently in charge of the Historical Archive section at SBS Radio; and Domenico Gentile, producer, who has been working for SBS Radio for 30 years. After spending several years overseas he again joined the team. I acknowledge the SBS board, which includes chairperson Mrs Carla Zampatti, AM, Managing Director Mr Shaun Brown and director of SBS Radio Ms Paula Masselos.

The history of SBS Radio began in 1975, with two experimental stations in Sydney and Melbourne. They started broadcasting advice about changes to the health care system. SBS Radio is now a national network, broadcasting 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is no other radio station in the world quite like SBS Radio, which broadcasts in 68 languages. People can hear the latest news in their first language and keep up with what is going on in various communities around the country. Since its inception, SBS Radio has been helping to inform, educate and entertain Australians, especially those of non-English speaking backgrounds. The main audience is the 2.7 million Australians who speak a language other than English in their home. SBS Radio also serves the rest of Australia through programs in English such World View and nightly youth programs.

Professional broadcasters, journalists and support staff produce more than 13,500 hours of Australian-made programs every year for two frequencies in Sydney and Melbourne, and for the national network, which includes Adelaide, Bathurst, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, Perth, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong. All the programs are now streamed directly onto the Internet, together with special features, news bulletins and other information. Wherever people are in the world, they can hear SBS Radio. All language programs start with news and contain a mixture of current affairs, social welfare issues, talks, views, sport, community information and music. In 2003, SBS Radio undertook an extensive community consultation process, to respond to the changing face of Australia's population. In conjunction with the results of the 2000 census, it made some adjustments to its program line-up, which saw a number of additions to its schedule.

Joining the National SBS Radio schedule were the Malay and Somali language groups. In addition, a number of other programs were expanded in format to reflect the increasing presence of these language­speaking communities in Australia. Cantonese, Mandarin and Filipino programs gained an extra hour a week to better meet the needs of their growing communities here in Australia. I commend SBS Radio for serving as a medium to communities of backgrounds other than English speakers. SBS Radio remains responsive to, and reflective of, the changing multicultural make-up of Australia, and is committed to giving a voice to the many communities that contribute to the diverse cultural landscape we all enjoy. The new Italian Consul-General, Dr Benedetto Latteri, and a former member of the Legislative Council, Franca Arena, also attended the event. As a young child I would often hear SBS broadcasts in my kitchen because my mother was an Italian speaker, so I understand the value that SBS Radio has offered our multicultural community by giving them a link to the Australian community.
Ms PRU GOWARD (Goulburn) [10.10 a.m.]: I take this opportunity to share with the House the difficult issues confronting the residents of Hill Top as a result of the Government's decision to expand the Hill Top rifle range via the National Parks and Wildlife (Adjustment of Areas) Bill late last year. The Hill Top Residents Action Group, represented by Ms Julie Cook, has since provided me with detailed information that raises considerable concern about the establishment of a regional shooting centre in the area proposed. The proposed expansion of the current facility will combine seven gun clubs at a single venue.

I understand that at least some of these gun clubs have been forced to move from their current facilities because of adjoining land use difficulties. From a facility that is currently used lightly on weekends it will become a $3.75 million regional shooting complex comprising rifle ranges, two pistol ranges, a shotgun range, parking for 75 cars and supporting facilities. It will attract thousands of members and hundreds of additional cars to a quiet, rural residential community. Recreational shooting is a popular activity and I fully support its existence under present control conditions. The issue here is not guns, but where those guns are. It is the eternal land use dilemma of where we site developments so that the dislocation to others, who may enjoy no benefit, is minimised.

Ms Cook, on behalf of the residents action group, has raised a number of concerns about this site. The first is that the additional influx of people who will be attracted to the facility could pose a threat to an already fragile bushfire-prone area. I understand that bushfires have been started by lightening strikes in summer, when the area is particularly dry. The increased visitor population will arrive by car, therefore creating an additional risk of fire, especially from burning cigarettes discarded through car windows. The increase in human activity on land already identified as a high wildfire danger area could be a risk to the villages of Hill Top, Balmoral and Colo Vale. The extremely narrow road leading to Hill Top already makes fire management difficult. In addition, I understand there will be ammunitions and arms as well as fuel stored on the site, which could, of course, pose extreme threat should a fire break out in the area.

Ms Cook tells me there are 108 protected species of flora and fauna recorded within the Bargo Conservation Area, including endangered species such as koalas. She also has concerns about apparent existing and future lead contamination and pollution of the Sydney drinking water catchment into which this site drains. Ms Cook believes the current rifle range may be in breach of development consent and that the operators of the facility, even in its current incarnation, may not have taken action to rid the area of lead contamination. The proposed expansion of this facility will not improve this situation. The proposed facility will also mean that students at Hill Top Primary School will be exposed to noise of gunfire. The maximum number of guns that may be fired at one time is, according to Ms Cook, 60. That would cause an incredible explosion well within the hearing of the students. The house closest to the range is located only one kilometre away and the township itself, which includes the school, is at a distance of only 2.5 kilometres.

Ms Cook has raised concerns that the site is poorly chosen, that very little information has been provided to residents regarding this proposal and that some residents are not only unaware of the issues this proposal creates but also not aware of this proposal at all. Ms Cook tells me most emphatically on behalf of the Hill Top Residents Action Group that the proposal is of no benefit to the local community. I have made representations concerning this matter to the Ministers for Climate Change, Environment and Water, Education and Training, Roads, Planning, Emergency Services, and Sport and Recreation. I have presented them with these concerns raised by Ms Cook, but to date have not received their replies.

Hill Top residents believe the Government has failed to consult the local community on a development they believe will drastically affect their quality of life. It is true that some of the shooters who will enjoy this new amenity will come from the electorate of Goulburn, and it may even be true that some may come from Hill Top. Overwhelmingly, however, the remainder will not. Residents believe that a suitable site, further from their small village, could have been chosen and developed as a rifle range without any loss of amenity by local families. I urge the Government, even at this late hour, to reconsider its decision and to look elsewhere for a suitable site.

Mr DAVID HARRIS (Wyong) [10.15 a.m.]: I was pleased to recently attend a Values Forum on 17 May 2007 hosted by Tuggerah Lakes Learning Community. This forum, held during Education Week, celebrated the positive image developed by Tuggerah Lakes Learning Community. This group of schools has worked together to improve outcomes for children under their care, and has done so very effectively. The Tuggerah Lakes Learning Community involves 10 schools: Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College, comprising The Entrance Campus, Berkeley Vale Campus and Tumbi Umbi Campus, and partner primary schools, including Bateau Bay, Berkeley Vale, Brooke Avenue, Chittaway Bay, Killarney Vale, The Entrance and Wamberal. My esteemed colleague Grant McBride, member for The Entrance, and I as the member for Wyong share these schools.

As an introduction when we arrived at the venue, each guest was asked to identify a value they thought was important. A name tag was then provided containing that value so that guests could discuss each person's choice as they mingled. Formal proceedings then began with each school in the Tuggerah Lakes learning community providing a graphical presentation using photographs of school activities on the values to which its school community aspires. The photographs were cut into jigsaw pieces and placed onto a wall display. Each picture represented the key values each of the schools teaches. During this activity the principal from each school spoke of the excellent programs and directions undertaken by his or her school. Following this, invited special guests were asked to fit pieces of the photographs containing each value into the puzzle. A jigsaw concept was used to demonstrate the way each value interlocks and interacts in the school community. These values are integrity, excellence, respect, responsibility, cooperation, participation, care, fairness and democracy.

The guest speaker on the evening was Ms Marlena Sue Basser, who led the gathering in an interactive presentation. Marlena challenged us to imagine what our community would look like if all those values were integrated into our lives. The school captains from the 10 schools attended a workshop with Ms Basser during the day, where they developed a presentation to deliver in the evening. Parents of the children were invited to hear the presentation, which focussed on the previous-mentioned values and also dealt with issues such as bullying, through drama. The students were inspired by the workshop and enjoyed presenting their work to the gathered members of the community. A highlight of the evening was an activity that asked groups at each table to develop a three-line rap about values. This was then performed for the audience, which exposed some talented individuals and groups—and a few less talented people as well. The gathered staff, parents and students were treated to some excellent entertainment provided by two Berkeley Vale High School students, Michael and Andrew.

Some powerful messages came from the evening. It demonstrated the deep understanding of values possessed by young people. Their insight was both commendable and perceptive. It also highlighted the importance of sharing across schools and communities, which is a key benefit of the Tuggerah Lakes learning community concept. The evening also exploded the myth that our public schools are valueless, a myth predicated by a few who try to demean our great public school system. Public schools not only teach values: they demonstrate them every day through their dealings with students, parents and the community at large. It is important to recognise the strong leadership roles of John Mather, Hunter-Central Coast Regional Director; Mr Frank Potter, School Education Director; Mr Andrew Newman, Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College Principal; and all 10 principals from the schools that make up the Tuggerah Lakes learning community. You are all strong leaders in public education.

It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the Federal Government for providing funds to run the values workshop and dinner. However, I draw attention to the attached implication from the Howard Government that public schools do not already strongly advocate values education. The evening was a celebration of strong value-driven education, which sets up our young people to be active participants in a democratic, fair and just society. The evening exemplified the strength of public education projected through all schools in the Tuggerah Lakes learning community. I recognise the organising committee for its hard work and vision. All of those involved should be congratulated on their contribution to a wonderful evening. I commend this statement to the House.

Mr THOMAS GEORGE (Lismore) [10.20 a.m.]: I recognise the two-day visit to the Lismore electorate by the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency Marie Bashir. Her Excellency met with hundreds of representatives of the local community and charitable organisations. Her Excellency had the honour of opening Widjabul Park, which was named after the Widjabul tribe from the Bundjalung nation. The park, which is situated at the northern entry to Southern Cross University and centres around a lake, includes rainforest plantings and picnic tables. It will be a relaxing place for those who visit. The park was a joint project of Southern Cross University, Lismore rotary club and local businesses. During the opening ceremony, which was held under a marquee, birds flew right up to Her Excellency. She felt that was an indication that the park would be a place of peace and appropriate recognition of the original owners of the land.
Following the opening of the park Her Excellency attended a lunch hosted by the Chancellor of Southern Cross University, the Hon. John Dowd. Through cooperation with my office, all the school captains of the Lismore electorate were invited to attend a lunch. The students were inspired by the chancellor's speech and appreciated the honour of being invited to hear the Governor of New South Wales speak. At the conclusion of speeches Her Excellency invited the students to ask questions. The students, who were unaware they would have this opportunity, asked some excellent questions. They made me very proud to represent the Lismore electorate. They are the leaders of tomorrow. Their presentation, their questions and their interaction with the Governor were a credit to their schools, their families and themselves.

In the afternoon we met with local representatives of welfare organisations at the Salvation Army Citadel, where the President of the Mental Health Support Group, Mrs Barbara Swain, stressed upon the Governor the importance of suitable mental health facilities in regional areas such as the North Coast. I am pleased to note that in the next 12 months we will finalise the building of the new mental health unit in Lismore. In the evening the Governor met with local mayors, councillors and members of the local Lebanese community at a civic reception. Everyone was thrilled and honoured to be in the presence of the Governor. Her Excellency has an aura about her that is difficult to describe. Her Excellency the Governor is patron of the House With No Steps. She inspected the Summerland House With No Steps at Alstonville, which is a well-known local nursery, restaurant and horticultural facility that provides employment for people with disabilities.

The Governor was very impressed with the Summerland House With No Steps, which has been operating for more than 36 years and has provided assistance to thousands of people. I am also proud to be a patron of the facility. The following day Her Excellency attended the Trinity Catholic College Anzac memorial service, which was held in its new auditorium and sports facility on the school grounds. Her Excellency paid tribute to Trinity Catholic College for its impressive Anzac memorial service. The graciousness, energy and good humour demonstrated by Her Excellency during her visit was inspiring. The Governor was very impressed with the Summerland House With No Steps, which has been operating for more than 36 years and has provided assistance to thousands of people. I am also proud to be a patron of the facility. The following day Her Excellency attended the Trinity Catholic College Anzac memorial service, which was held in its new auditorium and sports facility on the school grounds. Her Excellency paid tribute to Trinity Catholic College for its impressive Anzac memorial service. The graciousness, energy and good humour demonstrated by Her Excellency during her visit was inspiring. I am extremely honoured to have accompanied her during her visit. The people of the Lismore electorate were certainly honoured by the visit of such a wonderful person.

Mrs KARYN PALUZZANO (Penrith) [10.25 p.m.]: I refer to Education Week, which has just passed, particularly in relation to the electorate of Penrith. It is wonderful, as a former teacher, to be able to share the pleasures and joys of the various types of educational experiences provided in the electorate of Penrith. Recently I had the great pleasure to officially open the new Kindalin Christian Preparatory School, a school for students beginning kindergarten in the following year. I would like to thank the principal, Donna Schatzman, for extending me an invitation to take part in the ceremony, and I congratulate her on the wonderful educational experiences that are available at Kindalin. Kindalin Christian School's prep class is different from many others because it integrates the children into the wider school community. The children in the prep class have lunch with the older students, and also participate in library and music classes.

I had the opportunity to speak with a number of parents who felt that the class would help their children adjust to regular schooling when they begin their formal education in kindergarten the following year. The prep class is open three days a week to all young people, regardless of whether they go on to attend Kindalin or another school. It should also be noted that Kindalin is in the electorate of Londonderry and draws from a diverse range of communities. It is in the old town of Castlereagh, which is now known as Macquarie town. I note that 190 years ago Hyde Park Barracks was constructed by Governor Macquarie as part of his vision for Sydney. At that time, however, the town of Castlereagh did not quite make it, but the city of Penrith did.

Another event I attended during Education Week was the official opening of the newly refurbished Kingswood Park Public School library. During the last session of this Parliament I spoke about Kingswood Park Public School and its need for a new library. The school, which was built in 1967, originally had a small library, which was unfortunately destroyed by fire some years later. A temporary library was subsequently erected. Early last year parents and teachers at the school approached me seeking that a permanent library be built at Kingsford Park Public School, and I was happy to make representations on their behalf. When the Treasurer announced funds in last year's budget for this project to go ahead, I was delighted, as was the school community.

I would like to thank the new principal at Kingswood Park Public School, Mr David Abbey, for his invitation to attend the opening of the library. I  I would like to thank the new principal at Kingswood Park Public School, Mr David Abbey, for his invitation to attend the opening of the library. I also thank Mrs Lynette Crammond and the entire Kingswood Park Public School parents and citizens association. I also thank the former principal of the school, Michael Kitchen, who has now moved on to Mount Riverview Public School, in the electorate of the Blue Mountains. Michael was one of the people who drove this newly refurbished library. The teacher-librarian, Mrs Crammond, has put in a lot of hours before and after school to get the new library ready for the students, and I commend her for her efforts. As part of the official opening ceremony, students selected their favourite books and presented them to the librarian, and to me, before looking around the refurbished library.

It would be remiss of me not to also mention the hard work of Steve McLoynes, who is the senior project officer with the Department of Education and Training. I also acknowledge Mr John Garatshun of Elite Commercial Solutions, who managed the project and ensured its delivery on time. It should be noted that as part of an in-house design it was possible for the department to refurbish the existing building for the new library. Last weekend, also as part of Education Week, I visited Penrith Christian School for the opening of its new K-2 learning spaces. The refurbishment has been dedicated to Pastor Rob Thornton, so it is called the Thornton Learning Area.

Recent improvements at Penrith Christian School also include a refurbished technology area and, importantly, a refurbished bus arrival bay and drop-off zone to make students' arrival at the school a lot safer. Another activity I attended during Education Week was a values forum at Nepean High School. I have a soft spot for Nepean High School because it is my old high school. I was welcomed by Tony Baldichino, the school principal. Year 11 school representative council students facilitated the forum, which was convened by Jane Caro from Priority Public. I value the thoughts expressed by the parents and the school community.

Mrs JILLIAN SKINNER (North Shore—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) [10.30 a.m.]: I wish to raise in the Parliament the disgraceful behaviour that has been occurring at Obelisk Beach, in Mosman in my electorate. Members may recall that the issue was raised in this Parliament some time ago. Obelisk Beach is designated as a nudist beach, and it is a favourite of the gay community. Until recently there was little complaint about the activities there. However, because the area has now been opened up with the military vacating Middle Head, children are now using the ovals and the surrounding areas. In recent times sickening incidents have been described there. They include men masturbating in front of children and women, and nude men exposing themselves to children. The other real problem is that the beach is now advertised on websites. The local newspaper, the Mosman Daily , has been correctly crusading about this issue. Yesterday it published an article which read in part:

One website tells its visitors: "Obelisk is a favourite of the gay sun-lover, a secluded beach … near affluent Mosman. I am not sure what actually happens along those hidden paths, but some say bad things happen to nice boys in the enchanted forest."

That is unacceptable behaviour by anyone's standard. I have written to the Minister for Police, in the first instance, to ask what can be done about addressing this totally inappropriate behaviour, which would be unacceptable not only to mothers and their children but also to every right-minded person. The behaviour, if not criminal, is downright antisocial. I also intend to seek a meeting with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to ascertain whether the designation of the beach can be changed.

I know this matter has been raised with the local police, whom I hold in very high regard. However, there is some suggestion that because the beach is in the jurisdiction of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, technically police officers cannot go onto the beach and patrol it. The beach is now partly under the jurisdiction of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, so there is real confusion about who is responsible. Frankly, I do not care who is responsible; I just want the problem fixed, as do all the residents in my electorate.

I should point out that this area, having been opened up, is now used by many local sporting groups, including Mosman Swans Australian Football Club and Mosman Football Club, which both use Middle Head Oval. Pupils of the Sacred Heart School also use the area. I am joined in this crusade by the Mayor of Mosman, Denise Wilton, Mosman Councillor Simon Menzies, and many others. I will take this issue as far as I possibly can, to ensure that people can enjoy normal activities in the parks and beaches of this beautiful part of Sydney.

Wonderful work has been done in restoring Georges Heights for public use, not only for the benefit of those who live in the Mosman area but for the benefit of the broader community of Sydney. That has meant that more people are now potentially exposed to this lewd and revolting behaviour that is totally unacceptable. I raise the issue in the Parliament today in the hope that it will not be necessary for me to introduce a private member's bill, for example, or to pressure the Government to take action. I would hope that the Government would agree with me that this behaviour is unacceptable and that action needs to be taken not only to give police the power to be involved in stopping this criminal and/or antisocial behaviour but to ensure that the National Parks and Wildlife Service makes that possible.

Mr ALLAN SHEARAN (Londonderry) [10.35 a.m.]: I am compelled to make a statement in the House today in defence of my community. If the so-called Bells Line of Road Superhighway ever goes ahead it will devastate Londonderry and the Hawkesbury region. The Federal Government cannot be trusted on this issue. Earlier this year the Federal roads Minister, Jim Lloyd, effectively ruled out the project. He said on 27 February at the Australian Roads Summit that the project would never happen.

It's a very ambitious project for a major expressway through the Blue Mountains. We certainly are focusing very much on the Great Western Highway ... in an ideal world with unlimited money these sort of projects would be fantastic ...

We have the Prime Minister now announcing that he wants to fund another study into the road! Who is my community to believe? There have already been two independent studies into this project, including a jointly funded State and Federal study that was released late in 2005. The study found that the superhighway would cost more than $3 billion to build. The superhighway will carve up our local villages, parks and open spaces. It will threaten wildlife and rural life. This is the type of environmental disruption the Prime Minister and his State mates want to cause the people of the north-western suburbs of Sydney, and we do not want a bar of his damaging plan.

At no stage has John Howard or the Liberal Party shown the slightest interest in the residents of 39 suburbs in my electorate. John Howard and the Liberal party have failed to explain to the residents of Londonderry, North Richmond, Llandillo, Richmond, Kurrajong and Berkshire Park that a million cars and trucks, including huge B-doubles, will be driving through their suburbs. What does the Federal candidate for Greenway, Louise Markus, MP, have to say about the concerns of residents in the Hawkesbury? She is quoted in this week's Hawkesbury Gazette as merely saying she would "fight to ensure that it does not proceed until several conditions were met, including community consultation". Now, that is a real laugh. Many have been saying there has never been any public consultation in the Hawkesbury on this issue, and they are right.

As for the State member for Hawkesbury, he is now hiding on this issue. The State Opposition promised to build the superhighway as an election commitment and now they want a study. Another study! The member for Hawkesbury, Ray Williams, can hide, but he cannot hide the fact that his Liberal leader, Barry O'Farrell, is determined to clog our roads, threaten our local environment, and jeopardise some of our most valuable heritage sites. Barry O'Farrell and Ray Williams are showing their true colours: they do what Canberra tells them. The Liberal and National parties are completely out of touch with the people in the north-western areas of Sydney. Anyone who wants to build a massive superhighway through our community will have a fight on their hands. I am in no doubt as to what our community wants because my community has told me. For instance, Mr Bob McCallum of Grose Vale says:

It must be difficult to be the aspiring Federal candidate … when the 20,000 or so residents west of the Hawkesbury river who live in the threatened possible paths of the twice planned and rejected Bells Line of Tollway, yet again find themselves a political football. Not to mention the agricultural, World Heritage and National Park considerations.

Having read the text of the PM's speech and listened to the NSW State Government rejection for matching funding, for what must be a blatant piece of electioneering, I can only agree with the NSW Government conclusion.

After two studies that both found the concept of a Bells Line of Tollway uneconomic I suggest that if the Prime Minister has $10million lying around, the upgrade of the M7 (not M4 as he indicates) to Richmond Road or making Bells Line of Road safer would be two good places to spend it for starters, for best short term results.

Another constituent who is concerned about this issue is Ms Marie-Jeanne Jennison of Grose Vale, who states:

The bottom line is that there have already been TWO major studies done both denouncing this proposal.
The bottom line is that any expressway would cause major destruction of the environment.
The bottom line is that the Hawkesbury would be devastated by a road of this nature.
The bottom line is that Louise Markus' response is completely unsatisfactory and is carefully toeing the party line.

The message is clear: We do not want a massive superhighway. We do not want more than a million cars and B­doubles travelling on our local roads. We do not want our villages destroyed. We do not want our rural lifestyle wrecked. We do not want our local environment and heritage annihilated. We do not want important native plant life and animals threatened. We do not want the superhighway that Barry O'Farrell is pursuing. Anyone who wants this superhighway through Londonderry will have a real fight on their hands!
Mr ANDREW STONER (Oxley—Leader of The Nationals) [10.40 a.m.]: Six and a half years ago, on 2 November 2000, I outlined in this place a serious injustice suffered by my constituent Mrs Val Kerrison, a former Kempsey TAFE employee. It is almost beyond belief that Mrs Kerrison still has had no justice from the Carr-Iemma Labor Government. In 1994 she complained about discriminatory action by another TAFE teacher. Specifically it was alleged that this teacher would not allow newly enrolled Aboriginal students into classes of predominantly white students.

The complaint was proved, but management took no action against the other teacher; rather, despite good performance reports, out of the blue TAFE management decided to refer Mrs Kerrison to HealthQuest for medical assessments to ascertain her fitness for continued employment. HealthQuest found subsequently that she had a personality disorder and she was promptly railroaded out of TAFE with no compensation and no medical retirement pension—just hastily and summarily dismissed. That was appalling treatment of a whistleblower whose complaints were found to be justified. All of that was done without Mrs Kerrison having the opportunity to be informed of any information used against her or to mount any form of defence.

Mrs Kerrison can specify at least 30 occasions on which decisions were made and information was used without her having the opportunity to respond. This was done behind closed doors and in secret. In short, she has been blatantly and clearly denied natural justice and procedural fairness by the Department of Education and Training ever since 1994. For some 13 years Mrs Kerrison has been pitting herself, a mere minnow, against the might of the government, including TAFE lawyers and the Crown Solicitor's Office. Her case is well documented on the Whistleblowers Documents Exposed web site, www.wbde.org . The web site also outlines cases of other very shabby treatment of whistleblowers. The case is currently in court where Val Kerrison is completely outgunned by the resources of government, which of course are resources contributed by taxpayers.

Today I call on the Premier and the Auditor-General to intervene in this matter because Mrs Kerrison clearly has been denied procedural fairness and natural justice. Her life has been irretrievably and adversely affected by the actions of TAFE management and the continuing actions of the Government in fighting these matters. The fact that she has been denied procedural fairness and natural justice renders the actions and evidence of the department null and void; hence there is no need for an order of the court to set the matter aside. I therefore call on the Premier and the Auditor-General to instruct the Crown Solicitor to cease action against Mrs Kerrison and arrange for her legal entitlements to be paid.

I also ask the Attorney General and the Minister for Education and Training to respond in writing to me in relation to this matter so that I can advise Mrs Kerrison of any action they propose to take in order to effect long overdue justice. I ask this specifically because six and a half years ago when I took up this matter there was no response from the Government. Its only response outside the Parliament has been to use the massive resources of government to fight against Mrs Kerrison's case. I urge the Ministers I have mentioned to respond to me in writing so I can advise Mrs Kerrison in relation to her pursuit of justice. I also ask the Attorney General and the Minister for Education and Training to respond in writing to me in relation to this matter so that I can advise Mrs Kerrison of any action they propose to take in order to effect long overdue justice. I ask this specifically because six and a half years ago when I took up this matter there was no response from the Government. Its only response outside the Parliament has been to use the massive resources of government to fight against Mrs Kerrison's case. I urge the Ministers I have mentioned to respond to me in writing so I can advise Mrs Kerrison in relation to her pursuit of justice.

Mr TONY STEWART (Bankstown) [10.45 a.m.]: I draw to the attention of the House two issues concerning the Bankstown City Council. Over the past 12 years as a member of this Parliament I have had the opportunity, with the support of a strong Labor Government in New South Wales led by former Premier Carr and Premier Iemma, to achieve a great deal in my electorate, including a $55 million upgrade of the intersection of Centenary Drive and the Hume Highway at Chullora, multimillion-dollar upgrades of Stacey Street, millions of dollars worth of improvements for the Bankstown Hospital, saving Canterbury Hospital by the construction of a $75 million replacement building program, and many other projects that have eventuated as a result of a good team effort on the part of the Labor Government of New South Wales. But I met my match with Bankstown City Council. On many occasions when I have made requests to Bankstown City Council they seem to have fallen on deaf ears.

When I deal with surrounding councils—Canterbury City Council, Strathfield Municipal Council, Hurstville City Council, and even Liverpool City Council—I do not seem to have the communication problems I continually have with Bankstown City Council. To bring this to a head, recently I requested that one extra garbage bin be placed in Georges Hall shopping centre—not a big request, and I did not think there was going to be any real drama. But what happened after that request was quite perplexing and also funny in some ways—although not funny for the people of Bankstown. Bankstown City Council contacted me by email to say it would do an audit of the garbage bin services at Georges Hall. The council carried out inspections at the shopping centre on successive occasions: on 20, 23, 24, 26 and 30 April and again on 3, 7 and 9 May. Inspections were carried out again on two occasions after that and then the general manager also went out to the shopping centre and inspected the garbage bins. I received information back saying that on some days the garbage bins were overfull and on other days they were not.

One does not need to be a garbologist, if I can say that, to work out there is a problem with the current system of garbage collection. The shopping centre simply needs one more bin—that is what the shopkeepers ask for. Bankstown has been delivered multimillion-dollar services but this request for one extra garbage bin has taken three officers from Bankstown City Council and the general manager to investigate. They say there is no need for an extra garbage bin, but they will continue to monitor the garbage services. Monitoring means they will go out there, take the rubbish out of the bins, look at it, count it, weigh it and identify it.

Mr Thomas George: Bins only cost $100.

Mr TONY STEWART: I know. It is just a simple service. Now they are investigating whether some of that garbage may not be relevant to Georges Hall. Dare I say, the investigation might lead to the finding that someone out of Georges Hall has put garbage in the Georges Hall garbage bins. I know this is terrible for the people of Bankstown because they are not going to get the garbage service they deserve in Georges Hall due to the ongoing investigation. In the meantime, my simple request for one extra garbage bin in Georges Hall is continuing to be audited.

I estimate that Bankstown City Council could have purchased a garbage truck and sat it at Georges Hall shopping centre instead of all the time and effort that has been put into this investigation just for the council to simply to say to me, "You are not getting what you asked for." I will continue to pressure Bankstown City Council in sensible and constructive ways for the service delivery I think the people of Bankstown are missing out on. Georges Hall is a lovely area that people take pride in and take care of themselves. These people are not rubbish dumpers: they are simply people who want a service in line with what is accepted and provided elsewhere.

If I made the same request to Canterbury Council I believe there would be an extra garbage bin in that area the next day, no questions asked, because my 12 years of experience might be acknowledged and the council might see there is a need there for that service. But not Bankstown City Council. I hope it comes to grips with the situation and provides this extra garbage bin service. I am going to be relentless in pursuing it with the council. I will leave no stone unturned in getting Georges Hall shopping centre one extra garbage bin and, hopefully, that might save Bankstown City Council the tens of thousands of dollars it expends on its investigation of the garbage services in Georges Hall shopping centre, which, incidentally, is not much bigger than the Parliament precinct in which I stand. I hope we can come to grips with the needs of these people and that Bankstown City Council drops its over-officiousness to bring this matter to a realistic end.

Mr ROB STOKES (Pittwater) [10.50 a.m.]: I bring to the attention of the House an environmental outlaw at large in Pittwater: State Environmental Planning Policy No. 5, alias SEPP [State Environmental Planning Policy] Seniors Living. Developments under these policies have caused considerable concern and resentment in the Pittwater community. While State Environmental Planning Policy Seniors Living was supposed to address concerns that State Environmental Planning Policy No. 5 was being used as a subterfuge for overdevelopment, the experience from Pittwater is that the new policy has failed to counter these perceptions. For example, Pittwater has a difficult topography, ranging from low-lying coastal lands susceptible to flooding to steeply sloping land with a real risk of landslip.

Seniors Living flats are being built on steeply sloping land, accentuating the height and bulk of unit developments. Also, flats for aged housing are being built on low-lying land, where increased impervious surface areas will exacerbate the consequences of flood. The reality of climate change promises to aggravate this problem. Development consents for State Environmental Planning Policy Seniors Living developments typically involve a large number of conditions. It is very expensive and time-consuming for local councils to monitor and enforce these conditions of consent. It is unfair for ratepayers' funds to be spent on monitoring and enforcing conditions of consent for developments that are inconsistent with local planning controls.

The barren concrete, glass and steel style of many Seniors Living flats is unsympathetic to the low­density character and local heritage of the Pittwater area. More flats will bring more traffic and parking issues, which will exacerbate the long-standing congestion problems in areas of the northern peninsula such as Bayview and Church Point. It is unfair that developers can build residential units in areas where families can build only one house on a large block. Opportunities for development should be equitable: there should not be one rule applying to resident homeowners and another for outside developers.

State Environmental Planning Policy Seniors Living provides developers with a device for making big profits, but leaves the local community to live with a legacy of overdevelopment. Medium density State Environmental Planning Policy Seniors Living flats are being built with no improvements to our core infrastructure. With no certainty as to where these units might be built, it is impossible for local and State Government authorities to engage in proper strategic planning for new and upgraded services, such as upgrades to Mona Vale Hospital, Mona Vale Road, the Warriewood Sewage Treatment Plant, and local roads, parks and transport links.

The central problem with State Environmental Planning Policy Seniors Living is that it allows medium­density flats to be built in areas zoned for low-density family homes, totally ignoring planning controls developed by local communities. This raises fundamental issues of public participation and empowerment. It is not surprising that State Environmental Planning Policy No. 5 and Seniors Living developments have generated so much resentment, litigation and conflict when one considers that homeowners make decisions about where to live based on the future desired character of an area and the zoning of an area, only to find out too late that medium-density un The central problem with State Environmental Planning Policy Seniors Living is that it allows medium­density flats to be built in areas zoned for low-density family homes, totally ignoring planning controls developed by local communities. This raises fundamental issues of public participation and empowerment. It is not surprising that State Environmental Planning Policy No. 5 and Seniors Living developments have generated so much resentment, litigation and conflict when one considers that homeowners make decisions about where to live based on the future desired character of an area and the zoning of an area, only to find out too late that medium-density units for aged or disabled residents can ostensibly be built next door—against the planning controls designed by local communities.

There is a feeling in the Pittwater community that the Government has had long enough to fix the problems with State Environmental Planning Policy No. 5 and its successors. It is significant to note that the latest review, which took 18 months, is the fourth major review of the State Environmental Planning Policy since the Government came into office. Yet none of the reviews has addressed the central problem: State Environmental Planning Policy Seniors Living is perceived to be a loophole allowing medium-density flats in areas zoned for detached housing. The lipstick—indeed, the facelift—does not hide the pig. It is time for the Government to repeal State Environmental Planning Policy Seniors Living and implement appropriate housing targets based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data on how the community is likely to age and how many disabled people are living in a community through the local environmental plan so that residents can participate democratically in the process whereby planning controls are developed and applied. Otherwise our local environment will be lost under this Government's watch, and that would not be a legacy to be proud of.

Ms MARIE ANDREWS (Gosford) [10.55 a.m.]: Congratulations, Mr Deputy-Speaker, on your election to the position. Today, I inform members of Gosford City Council's proposal to increase its rates to well above the pegged rate of 3.4 per cent. Ratepayers are up in arms, and more than 6,000 residents have signed my petition opposing the proposed rate rise. Residents are feeling the pinch due to exorbitant petrol prices—and it has to be remembered that many Central Coast residents have to drive to and from their workplace—and increases in the cost of food items and home interest rates.

It is also very likely that Central Coast residents will soon be asked to pay more for their water due to the water crisis. The water crisis could have been avoided had the two councils responsible for supplying our water—Wyong Shire Council and Gosford City Council—taken action years ago to provide the necessary infrastructure. Numerous residents have contacted me to complain about repeated incidents where they have had to wash their clothes several times because of the dirty water coming through their pipes. These residents are angry and definitely opposed to the proposed rate hike.

By way of background, in November 2006 an article appeared in the Central Coast Express Advocate stating that Gosford City Council would apply to the State Government for a rate rise of 10 per cent. Following the publication of that article, my office was inundated with complaints, as local ratepayers did not believe that they were getting value for their rates as it was. They were certainly not prepared to pay more. Responding to that public outcry, I circulated a petition demonstrating the huge opposition to such an increase.

At a public meeting held on the Woy Woy peninsula in 2006, the then Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Kerry Hickey, addressed a large number of residents who had signed the petition. The Minister told the meeting that if council could not demonstrate wide community support for the rate rise its application would be substantially weakened. The council then embarked on a different approach. Conveniently dropping the words "rate rise", council came up with a document with the title "Civic Infrastructure Strategy" [CIS]. The council employed a public relations company to market its strategy. Nowhere in the document does it say that the implementation of the strategy involved a rate rise.

To the credit of the public relations company's facilitator, residents who attended the community forums organised to explain the strategy were told upfront to make no mistake, the strategy did mean a rate rise. In all, three community forums were held; one on the Woy Woy peninsula, one at Erina and one in Gosford, and all were held in the week leading up to the recent State election. My Liberal opponent in the electorate of Gosford, who is a long-serving councillor, did not attend any forum. Councillors were called on to advance the civic infrastructure strategy by writing to the Minister the Local Government, the Hon. Paul Lynch, seeking his approval for its implementation. Only two councillors opposed the proposal: my fellow Australian Labor Party members, councillors Vicki Scott and Jim Macfadyen.

I attended all three forums on the Civic Infrastructure Strategy and made pertinent comments at each of them. My main criticism of Gosford City Council is that it continually fails to address the basic needs of ratepayers. Residents are fed up with getting dirty water through their pipes; they expect much better than that in the twenty-first century. Likewise, council has neglected to address widespread stormwater drainage problems, a Third World local road system, and an appalling lack of kerbing, guttering and footpaths.

All the forums were poorly attended and one reason for that could well be that the forums were held at night, when many residents were unable to attend. As I stated at the forums, had Gosford City Council's intention been made clear—that is, that it was after a substantial rate increase—I am sure that the meeting venues would have been packed to the rafters. Under the strategy, council proposes to increase rates by approximately $201 over a five-year period, during which time it proposes to complete 33 of 54 projects outlined in its document. Ratepayers should be aware also that the total length of time to carry out the strategy is 25 years. That means that the rate rise, if approved, will be in place for a long, long time.

None of the urgent basic works that I mentioned is listed as a project funded under the strategy. On behalf of my constituents I have written to the Minister the Local Government, the Hon. Paul Lynch, opposing the proposed rate increase. I have stated that I am quite prepared to help Gosford City Council overcome its funding problems. I call on the Federal member for Robertson, who is the Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, to increase the amount of Federal funding to local councils, which has been decreased significantly over the past five years to 35 per cent. I know the New South Wales Minister for Local Government will raise this issue on behalf of this State's local councils.

Mr RAY WILLIAMS (Hawkesbury) [11.00 a.m.]: The issue of water is serious given that 83 per cent of New South Wales is still in drought. My electorate of Hawkesbury, which has vast rural areas, is suffering this drought, as are many country areas across New South Wales. One way that the State Government could relieve the burden of this drought is to extend the rebates for the implementation of water tanks to people who are already on tank water. Its not enough to increase the rebate to people in country areas, the State Government must extend the rebates to the real water harvesters of this State: the people on tank water already. Yesterday a representative of Sydney Water said, when contacted by a resident, that people who do not receive a bill from Sydney Water cannot access the rebates currently available for water tanks—which is absolutely absurd! Everyone should be given the opportunity to access the available rebates for water tanks.

In my electorate, the residents of Bilpin, Wilberforce, St Albans, Pitt Town, Box Hill, Nelson and Marayla suffer because they cannot access rebates for their tanks. In my neighbouring electorate of Londonderry, residents of Grose Vale and Kurrajong are suffering similarly. Those residents have paid for their water tanks but cannot access rebates. It is ironic that the member for Londonderry has been absolutely silent on this matter; he has said absolutely nothing. He is neglecting the good, hardworking, rural people in his electorate by not speaking on their behalf in an attempt to get them rebates for their water tanks.

Yesterday the Minister for Water Utilities told the House about the increases for rebates for water tanks in country areas. He failed to include in those country and regional areas the people who are currently on tank water. Those people are really suffering the drought, but they are also the people who harvest water all year round. Of course, when their tanks run dry they have to purchase water and have it carted to their homes. If they had the opportunity to access rebates for their water tanks they would be able to install more tanks, which would give them greater supplies of water when they need it most, as this drought lingers. And, of course, the installation of additional water tanks negates the need to draw on the already depleted water supplies in various dams across New South Wales.

Yesterday the Minister for Water Utilities highlighted the amount of money that the State Government is spending on water initiatives for country areas, but he failed to say that the State Government would spend some money on the people who are suffering the most from this long drawn-out drought, and they are, as I have said, the people who harvest their water in rainwater tanks installed on their properties. In the rural areas of Hawkesbury many people would install more tanks if they could access rebates for those tanks. On 16 April 2007 Sarah Clarke, on ABC Radio, reporting on a new study, said:

It also revealed that if governments rolled them [tanks] out to 5 per cent of households in Sydney and south-east Queensland, big water projects like dams could be delayed for up to a decade.

The independent report commissioned by three environment groups found tanks are more cost effective and energy efficient than a desalination plant or a dam.

This matter is most important, and that is why we must explore all the opportunities we can to get as many tanks on as many households as possible. I implore the State Government to stop discriminating against the good people who already have water tanks and allow them to access the rebates available to other residents across New South Wales.

Mr DAVID BORGER (Granville) [11.05 a.m.]: It gives me great pleasure to comment on Education Week activities held in the electorate of Granville this month. I attended activities at Merrylands High School and Hilltop Road Public School. I was impressed with the dedication and commitment of teachers, staff, students and parents in those strong school communities. I acknowledge the diversity of activities and cultural backgrounds at Merrylands High School that make up the student population. The school has a long history of excellence in the performing arts; there are several rock bands and the students are encouraged to learn musical instruments during their lunchtime, and before and after school.

On the school's open day I witnessed great performances from young Aboriginal children and a stirring and very intimidating Haka performed by the Hapa Haka group, representing the significant New Zealand and Islander population. It was great to see that diversity on display. Of the school students, 64 per cent come from a language background other than English and from more than 60 different national cultural groups. The strong school community is supported by many parents, who also attended the open day. African, Arabic, Afghani, Maori and Pacific Islander community groups meet regularly to inform parents about school matters. The school has regular liaison leave Intensive English Centres to ensure the smooth transition of new arrivals. All new students with English as a second language, those who attend the Intensive English Centre and international students are given diagnostic testing on enrolment to determine the type and level of learning support they will need. The school is notable for its emphasis on values education, anti-bullying programs, and mentoring and leadership.

Formal leadership opportunities within that student population include Senior Representative Council, peer support, mediation and tutoring, young leaders, prefects and cultural leaders. In total there are approximately 250 student leadership positions across these various programs; almost one-third of the school's student body are formally recognised as leaders. This is an outstanding achievement and the school can feel very proud of that. I commend the school principal, Ms Lila Mularczyk, and other members of the senior executive team, Karen Turner and Andrew Mabey. I commend all the children who performed on the day, the students, teachers and parents who were involved in preparing the food prior to the activities.

I said in my inaugural speech on Wednesday that I attended Education Week at Hilltop Public School. As I looked at the faces of the happy young children singing their school song from the 1950s it made me think a little about Granville's values. Some politicians will tell you that mateship and a fair go are uniquely, exclusively Australian values. These are universal values for Hilltop Road Public School, the very colours of the world that make up Granville and me. The performances showed that there is no shortage of talented young children in Western Sydney. The school was established in Merrylands in 1952. At that time the surrounding area was filling with new houses in the post-war boom. Many of the new residents were returned soldiers, who were now married and starting their families.

Things have changed since then. The school is now a very multicultural school, which reflects the diversity of population in Western Sydney. The day commenced with parents visiting classrooms, providing families with opportunities to participate in cooperative learning, literacy and mathematics activities. Parents were impressed by the students' participation in Sports in Schools, a program aimed at developed gross motor, balance and coordination skills. A values forum was presented to the school community outlining Hilltop Road Public School's journey in developing high five values. The Prime Minister was obviously not aware of this program when in the past he has claimed that public education does not produce students with values. In fact, during Education Week all I could see were values and the education of them. The Federal member for Reid, Mr Laurie Ferguson, spoke at the forum about values in the community and how these are reflected in the programs at the school. At 11.30 the school showcased their talent at an Education Week assembly, which included the opening of sheltered walkways and new seating areas.

I thank a number of people who were involved on the day and in its preparation: Mrs Gail Wykes, school education director; Mrs Gail Clarke, project officer; Mrs Kay Smith, student support coordinator for the region; Mrs Jill Doorey, home school liaison officer; Mr Peter Thompson, the fantastic principal, who shows great leadership; Ms Natallie See, the deputy principal; Ms Lee-Anne Van Leeuwen, the very active president of the parents and citizens association; and Noah Chianese and Aroha Inia, school captains, who presented themselves extremely well. The teachers who helped with performances in junior dance were Tara Birrell and Rowena Hiodder. Senior dance teachers were Tara Birrell and Tim Garland, while the teacher for the junior choir, Neeti Barar, and Joanne Bell, the teacher for the senior choir, both did a fantastic job. I congratulate Hilltop Road Public School and Merrylands High School and their school communities on fantastic interface with their communities in Education Week.

Mr KEVIN HUMPHRIES (Barwon) [11.10 a.m.]: My private member's statement relates to daylight saving and how it affects the electorate of Barwon and other rural communities. The Premier's decision to extend daylight saving by a month, making it now extend over six months, has been made without any consideration of the effect it will have on the people of Barwon or regional New South Wales. When this announcement was made recently people of western New South Wales regarded it as devastating news. I have been inundated with calls, letters and requests to have the Premier reconsider this announcement. It has been widely stated that the Premier and the Government had no mandate to extend daylight saving and I find it quite extraordinary that such a decision has been made, given that there was no discussion on the issue in the lead-up to the election.

To now extend daylight saving so that it begins three weeks earlier on the first Sunday in October and ends a week later on the first Sunday in April shows little respect for those people affected by this decision and illustrates a continual interference with the laws of nature. It would appear that this decision was very much based around the recreational desires of city dwellers at the expense of hardworking, honest people in the country. It is recorded that for many workers in the city the requirement is now to work six days a week to afford the mortgage and the lifestyle. Weekend recreational times, organised sport and family gatherings are being compromised because of the expensive lifestyle that city life now demands—some would say the rat race. Mid week, after work activities are seen to be a compromise.

Whilst country people support the health and wellbeing of our city cousins, I, and many others, do not see why we should be paying and compromising our lifestyles, our work hours, our quality of life and wellbeing for the inadequacies of hectic city life. Daylight saving is already a nightmare for our farmers, tradespeople, outdoor staff and their families in western New South Wales, who base their working time very much on weather conditions and the climate of the day. Many start work an hour earlier to avoid working in the hottest part of the day during the summer months.

Most of the schools in Barwon in rural and remote areas require significant travel to and from school. Many children are leaving home in the dark to travel to school on the bus. This is very much the case in both the initial and concluding daylight saving months. They are going to bed when it is still light and hot, and this is very much the case in the middle months of daylight saving. This is clearly inappropriate and is placing undue stress on families. Further extensions to daylight saving are seen very much as family unfriendly. Announced extensions made in haste are seen to be pandering to the demands of a growing individualistic society—a high cost, high maintenance group.

As Barwon electorate has an extensive border with Queensland—some 400 kilometres to the north—much of our communication, contact with the region and broader community is derived from Queensland. To watch the news or a movie or television with broadcasts out of Queensland, families now need to stay up at least an hour, if not two, longer. Towns along the border, including Mungindi, Boggabilla, Lightning Ridge, Wanaaring and Enngonia, which have daily interstate contact, are constantly compromised with time differences. For the northern part of the Barwon electorate Queensland is a major source for doing business. To not have our eastern States lining up in terms of time, in effect shortens the day for doing business by two hours or 25 per cent. In this time of drought, business is difficult enough for country people. We should be making business easier, not harder, to undertake.

It is for this reason that this deal, which has been signed up with Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia, is a backward step for the State in the twenty-first century. The only benefactors of daylight saving, from what I have seen and observed, are the Queensland retailers. Many of our shoppers from the northern part of the electorate, who have two more hours shopping time, join the weekend migration across the border to spend up in Queensland in places like Toowoomba, Brisbane, Warwick and the Gold Coast. This convenience creates great opportunity for New South Wales constituents to empty the wallet, to give the credit card a mighty run, all at the expense of New South Wales businesses.

Places like Narrabri, Moree, Inverell, Armidale, Tamworth and many of our northern State business owners are struggling hard enough. It does not make sense on a regional and State perspective to give our competitors an advantage. Queensland has rejected daylight saving altogether and we are assisting their economic advantage by making business harder in this State. It would appear the decision to extend daylight saving is supporting and promoting the adage that the Queensland border is theoretically, if not practically, moving south.

Our communities should not be ignored on this issue. Respected groups such as the Country Women's Association, the New South Wales Farmers Association, the Local Government Association, the Local Shires Association, chambers of commerce, the Isolated Children's Parents Association [ICPA], retailers and many volunteer and community groups across Barwon will have their voice heard on this issue because it is one that is clearly disadvantaging the people of Barwon.

Ms SONIA HORNERY (Wallsend—Parliamentary Secretary) [11.15 a.m.]: What is happening with respite services for the disabled in Wallsend? Indeed, in Australia are we assisting persons with acquired brain injuries to the degree that they deserve? Meeting the needs of carers is not often publicised because it is neither glamorised nor considered important enough for the media to highlight. Members may not be aware that there are thousands of people in Australia who quietly and efficiently toil away, day after day, caring for people with acquired brain injuries. They are often referred to as carers.

Are the carers the forgotten race? Who cares for the carers? Every person who has an acquired brain injury requires assistance. Assistance usually comes from family members and spouses. It is patently clear that there is a need for respite carers. It is fantastic news that an organisation in the electorate of Wallsend, Hunter Brain Injury Respite Options, or BIRO, does exactly what I am referring to. Are members aware that 25,000 persons a year in New South Wales acquire an obtained brain injury? Of those, 16,000 are stroke victims, 1,000 have traumatic brain injuries, and 33.5 per cent of persons with traumatic brain injuries reside in the Hunter.

Many of those people and their wonderful carers utilise the services of Hunter Brain Injury Respite Options. It is a disability service that provides flexible respite options to children and adults with an acquired brain injury who reside with a carer and who live in the Hunter region. The Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care funds that service. Fifty-two per cent of families accessing respite through Hunter Brain Injury Respite Options are in need of some form of supported accommodation for their loved ones. Of the families in this percentile, 25 Many of those people and their wonderful carers utilise the services of Hunter Brain Injury Respite Options. It is a disability service that provides flexible respite options to children and adults with an acquired brain injury who reside with a carer and who live in the Hunter region. The Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care funds that service. Fifty-two per cent of families accessing respite through Hunter Brain Injury Respite Options are in need of some form of supported accommodation for their loved ones. Of the families in this percentile, 25 per cent of carers are in the 70-year-old to 80-year-old age bracket, and the support needs of the carers in this bracket are immense.

Carers continue to provide this care, despite increasing difficulties, and are more at risk of continual periods of hospitalisation, which destabilises their accommodation and the family situation even further. People with an acquired brain injury have disabilities that will be permanent but that will not affect their life expectancy. Carers express concern about what will happen to their loved ones when they are no longer able to care for them. This is a genuine fear for both carers and persons with an acquired brain injury. The Newcastle brain injury service reveals that the ratio of male to female persons with an acquired brain injury is 15 to one; so men are 15 times more likely than women to suffer an acquired brain injury. These are frightening statistics for our men in the Hunter.
Before I went into campaign mode as the candidate for Wallsend I worked for Hunter Brain Injury Respite Options in Elermore Vale in the Wallsend electorate. At the time there was great concern that some of the infrastructure needs of Hunter Brain Injury Respite Options were not being addressed. Consequently, I and others helped to raise funds with the support of other organisations, including Newcastle Permanent, to purchase a new wheelchair-accessible bus for persons who required respite options, their carers having been given time out for entertainment and respite. Earlier this year Minister Della Bosca, the Minister for Disabilities at the time, launched a new wheelchair accessible bus for Hunter Brain Injury Respite Options—a great day for those people and community support workers, which is what I was, who drive the bus.

It is important to place on the record the importance of this service for people with acquired brain injuries in the Wallsend electorate. I also place on the record the good work they do. People work together in harmony and it is a great environment. I take my hat off to them because they are doing a really tough job. These people require care. At times I worry that people with acquired brain injuries will be forgotten. Let us remember them and let us support Hunter Brain Injury Respite Options, which does a great job.

Ms VIRGINIA JUDGE (Strathfield—Parliamentary Secretary) [11.20 a.m.]: I commend the new member for Wallsend for bringing to the attention of the House an important service that benefits people in her community with an acquired brain injury. I was staggered when the member said that 25,000 people in New South Wales have an acquired brain injury. We can only imagine how they and their carers suffer; it must be heartbreaking for them. The member for Wallsend has a personal interest in this area and is working hard to ensure that the needs of these people in her community are met.

I was impressed by the way in which the member for Wallsend researched this issue. She informed us that a lot of these carers are now ageing. In the year 2025, for the first time in our nation's history, we will have the greatest number of people over the age of 65. As that will impact heavily on government services, we must ensure that the needs of those people are addressed—people who have worked hard all their lives to contribute to the wealth and prosperity of this nation.

I was not aware that men are 15 times more likely than women to obtain an acquired brain injury. I, and I am sure many of my colleagues, learned something today as a result of the member for Wallsend bringing this matter to the attention of the House. Constituents in the Wallsend electorate will be delighted with the hard work that is being done by their new local member. I am sure that while she is the member everyone in the community will be looked after and no-one will be forgotten.

Mr ANDREW FRASER (Coffs Harbour) [11.22 a.m.], with concurrence: Surprise, surprise! I again raise the issue of the Pacific Highway in my electorate, but today I refer to that section of the highway north of Woolgoolga, between Woolgoolga and Corindi. I refer specifically to Arrawarra Creek Bridge. Since last November there have been five deaths on that section of the highway within 200 metres of Arrawarra Creek Bridge. The last accident, in early April this year, resulted in the deaths of two Catholic priests. They did not know the road. No-one will really know what happened, but they swerved across the road, a wheel of their car went into the gravel, and they went into the path of an oncoming four-wheel drive vehicle towing a caravan behind it, which had only recently left Arrawarra Caravan Park.

Two of the three priests in the vehicle died at the scene. One priest was severely injured, as was the wife of the driver of the four-wheel drive vehicle. That woman has since died and we are unable to say whether she died as a result of her injuries. Since November there have been six deaths on this section of the Pacific Highway. On three occasions I have written to the Premier and to the Minister for Roads about this matter. I have asked the Premier and the Minister for Roads to view this section of the Pacific Highway and the danger presented by the alignment of the bridge. The Premier responded to me and said that, due to time constraints he could not visit the area, but he referred my correspondence to the Minister for Roads. Surprise, surprise! Mr Roozendaal has not yet bothered to acknowledge my letter.

This section of road, which is in a poor state of repair, is poorly aligned and has no divider. Anyone who has travelled along the Pacific Highway from Port Macquarie right through to the border would know that, with the exception of the sections that have been upgraded, the road surface is in an exceptionally bad state of repair. I believe that the dangerous condition of that stretch of road is contributing to these accidents. I have written to the Minister on several occasions and I have asked him to reduce the speed limit between Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga from 100 kilometres an hour to 80 kilometres an hour.
Each week 30,000 heavy vehicles, including B-doubles, use this stretch of the Pacific Highway. It is becoming a game of Russian roulette. Every time I hear a siren the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and I wonder whether someone else has been killed. Quite often it is only an ambulance that is going from point A to point B. The fact remains that every week at least one person is killed on the Pacific Highway north of Taree. The Government has an obligation to improve that section of highway.

I note the Bonville deviation is now under way. The trouble is that drivers with some inexperience are coming off some relatively good pieces of highway onto poor pieces of highway. Often they are travelling above the speed limit. On an undivided carriageway one slip means death. When one hits a truck or a four-wheel drive there is little forgiveness: death or serious injury results. I ask the Government—the Minister specifically—to come up and view the Pacific Highway. I offer to drive him myself, with no media involved, to see whether he would like members of his family driving on sections of road where the surface is that bad that in some cases it contributes to accidents. With vehicles carrying up to 65 tonnes, travelling at 100 kilometres an hour, an error of one metre can result in death.

The black spot funding program needs to be reinstated for those areas—$100 million to divide these roads with a wire barrier, so if one makes a mistake the vehicle is damaged without taking a life. It is incumbent on the Minister in the interests of road safety in New South Wales to look at this road. It is incumbent on the Government and the Minister to ensure that black spot funding on the Pacific Highway is reinstated so that no further lives are lost. A 17-year-old was killed there just after Christmas. Five or six deaths have occurred within a kilometre on this road. Something needs to be done now rather than later.

Ms VIRGINIA JUDGE Ms VIRGINIA JUDGE (Strathfield—Parliamentary Secretary) [11.27 a.m.]: The member for Coffs Harbour has brought to the attention of the House the issue of road safety and the condition of roads in his electorate. I am sure the Minister for Roads and the Premier have taken these matters on board. The allocation for the Transport portfolio in the 2006-07 budget was $3.4 billion, an increase of 5.4 per cent. The member mentioned black spot funding—which is Commonwealth funding—which would assist in addressing some of these road safety issues.

Mr MATTHEW MORRIS (Charlestown) [11.28 a.m.], with concurrence: For the most part we tend to think arthritis is solely an older person's illness. Arthritis can be quite restrictive, with sufferers in pain on most days. Arthritis could be as minor as sore fingers or feet, through to more extreme cases where multiple joints are affected, limiting movement and the use of limbs. Arthritis is in no way limited to older persons, with a growing number of cases in middle aged persons right through to young children and even infants. It is pleasing that modern-day research and treatments have helped many sufferers in our community. However, we must acknowledge and appreciate the suffering of young children who, in some cases, are not even able to communicate their ailments to parents.

Fortunately, in the Hunter, through the efforts of parents—some in my electorate—the issue of kids with arthritis is becoming better known and understood. From parents such as Johanna Cuskelly, a call has gone out to establish specialist medical services in the Hunter through the Hunter New England Area Health Service. This is a serious issue, as various types of arthritis and symptoms can be fatal to kids. Major organs, including the heart, can be affected and simply fail. Little Bayly Cuskelly was 13 months old when diagnosed with juvenile arthritis, which he may have to contend with for the rest of his life. Bayly has trouble with many joints, including his wrist, elbows and ankle. Although for the most part Bayly is a vocal, happy child, he suffers.

More than 40 families in the Hunter have children with juvenile arthritis. Not only is there the financial strain on families; imagine the emotional stress on parents and families. Kids suffering are on various medications to help them cope and to treat their illness. Getting kids to take any medication is itself a challenge, let alone when they are in constant pain. Having recently interviewed Mrs Cuskelly, I was saddened to hear of the suffering and pressures many of our young children endure.

Today there is a public campaign to increase awareness and understanding of kids with arthritis. "Kids Get Arthritis Too" is the badge of our local campaign to lobby for better services and recognition of this illness. Preliminary discussions have been held with our local health service to see specialist services being made available to support and treat children in the Hunter. With the support of the health service we want to see at the very least a weekly clinic service being set up to support those in need. While I acknowledge the tremendous medical services available to our community and the great work of medical practitioners, including our nurses, we must recognise and support our young ones with arthritis. I congratulate Mrs Cuskelly and the other parents on their continuing campaign for greater recognition and support for kids with arthritis. Today there is a public campaign to increase awareness and understanding of kids with arthritis. "Kids Get Arthritis Too" is the badge of our local campaign to lobby for better services and recognition of this illness. Preliminary discussions have been held with our local health service to see specialist services being made available to support and treat children in the Hunter. With the support of the health service we want to see at the very least a weekly clinic service being set up to support those in need. While I acknowledge the tremendous medical services available to our community and the great work of medical practitioners, including our nurses, we must recognise and support our young ones with arthritis. I congratulate Mrs Cuskelly and the other parents on their continuing campaign for greater recognition and support for kids with arthritis.

Today all members should be made aware of this important issue and how this illness may be affecting children in their electorates. I ask that the Minister for Health note this contribution and support the many parents and children suffering by establishing in the Hunter services focused on juvenile arthritis. This is an important issue that, unfortunately, may never go away, but with a clinic and willing minds we can further improve our research and technology to support and treat young children.

It is particularly difficult for infants: they do not have the ability to relay the suffering they are enduring, the sore joints, the inability to stand and move and walk—luxuries we all enjoy. With young children it is also a more emotional issue. The children of this generation are our future and it is important that we do our best not only to ensure that they have access to health services but also to ensure that we have the technology and treatments to deal with as many ailments as we can. It is an important cause, and the community of the Hunter has recognised that and is continuing with the campaign. I place on record my full support for establishing a clinic in the region. [ Time expired.]

Ms VIRGINIA JUDGE (Strathfield—Parliamentary Secretary) [11.33 a.m.]: I commend the member for Charlestown for taking such a personal and keen interest in his constituents and the problems they have. Today he focused on arthritis and the way it reaches, sadly, across all age groups. He is not only listening to the concerns, he is trying to get a clinic established so that families and young people can have the best possible treatment. It is great to see a local member who is so active and compassionate and who is prepared to fight for the people he represents, particularly young children suffering from this terrible illness.

Mr GREG SMITH (Epping) [11.34 a.m.], with concurrence: I want to talk about the problems associated with the new Epping railway station. Epping station is an impressive looking building, with glistening new stairs and lifts near it, escalators to the platforms, and a nice concourse with plenty of room. Unfortunately, several problems have been caused by it. During the building of the station the two platforms that were kept open—there used to be three and I think there will be three again—leaked like sieves when it rained. Also, there was only one set of stairs. Theoretically a great improvement is that we now have separate escalators to the platforms. The trouble is that when the escalators break down on the city-bound platform there are no stairs to get to and from the station. Epping station is a busy junction, and a breakdown several weeks ago caused chaos.

Epping has a footbridge, which is about 30 years old, and it had a ramp. Now there are new stairs and a lift but no ramp. The Minister for Transport is aware of the problem but has paid little attention to the representations made by my predecessor, Mr Tink, and now by me and by the people of Epping who signed petitions, which I tabled in the House yesterday. In particular I mention Miss Joan Wilcox of Epping, who has collected more than 300 signatures. She is an icon in the Epping area for her involvement in much charity and ecumenical work in the area. She took it upon herself to collect signatures because she was so upset by what was happening with the ramp.

There are quite a few elderly people in Epping, as there are in other areas. Many elderly people use a motorised wheelchair, a walking frame or a stick. The ramp at Epping was well used: elderly people used it to cross from the western side, the Beecroft Road side, over the station and the rail line to the eastern side. The station divides Epping. The traffic is busy and the station is a junction for cars as well as trains. The ramp was the only way of crossing from one side of the station to the other. Now the ramp is gone. Elderly people, mothers with children in prams, cyclists who want to take their bikes from one side to the other, and people who want to walk their dogs from one side to the other because there are more suitable places for dogs on the northern side, can no longer cross; they must use steep stairs. A letter about the particular hazards experienced by people in Epping appeared in the Northern District Times this week. In the letter Jack Spencer McPherson of Epping said:

On Thursday at 5pm, my wife and I—with our fretful baby, large heavy pram and full load of groceries—were stranded on the western side of Beecroft Rd because the station lift had, once again, malfunctioned.

With no lift working, no traffic lights handy to cross Beecroft Rd safely and no pedestrian ramp, we were forced to struggle up the narrow, steep stairs against a tidal wave of home-going train commuters.

In all the millions of dollars "upgrading" the station, couldn't the designers source a reliable lift? This is not rocket science.

Having a one-hour repair response time from Liftronics to fix the lift is not good enough. Why were these lifts put into service at all, if they are faulty?

Basically, Mr McPherson concludes that traffic lights will be installed about 150 metres away up Blaxland Road. That will not help the elderly. It will not help Mr McPherson, who will stop shopping in Epping and go to Eastwood or Carlingford instead. How often will that happen? How many elderly people will cross Beecroft Road and get knocked over by cars? Thank you, Minister for Transport, and the Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation, for your lack of consultation with the residents of Epping!

Ms VIRGINIA JUDGE (Strathfield—Parliamentary Secretary) [11.39 a.m.]: I note the contribution of the member for Epping, who expressed concern about pedestrian access to Epping station.

Mr FRANK TERENZINI (Maitland) [11.40 a.m.], with concurrence: Mr Deputy­Speaker, I congratulate you on your appointment and wish you well. Today I pay tribute to and recognise a group of people in the Maitland electorate who perform a vital role in our community. On 25 May last I attended a function at the East Maitland Fairways Function Centre to recognise 25 years of service by a well-known organisation in the Maitland area, TLC Volunteers Maitland. The purpose of this organisation, which operates out of Maitland Hospital and is funded by the Hunter Area Health Service, is to provide palliative care to people in our community. Members of this volunteer group visit people in houses and in hospital, providing respite care and palliative care to people who are in an advanced state of illness and who also have a terminal illness. They provide the highest standard of care to them to help their families get through this difficult time. The dinner was in recognition of 25 years of service by these people. The message was simple: to thank them for the great work they do. It was a great honour for me to attend the function.

I place on record the names of these people because it is important for this House and the community to recognise them and the great work they do. These people received awards during the night in recognition of their efforts. Although they do not seek recognition or credit, we have an obligation to recognise them. I congratulate the people on the roll of honour: Peter Brazier, Sandra King, Chris O'Connor, Hilda Petersen, Joy Reid, Ernie Scott, Tracey Varley, Virginia Milne, Carol Page, Helen Scott, Vicki Thomson, Margaret Bigelow, Sonja Bollnow, Peta Byers, Denise Campbell, Noela Fraser, Bob Maloney, Catherine Soo­Short, Rosalie Wynn, Faith Humphries, Gail Kranias, Therese Martland, Brian Spelman, Veronica Akers, Barbara Cameron, Kathy Corner, Glennis Munn, Robyn Uhlhorn, Vickie Urane, Jan Burns, Debbie Byrne, Una Smith, Meg Stokes, Dawn Fairhall, Robin Garland, Gordon Gormley, Pamela Green, Jean Wilson, Jo Gardner, Janice Kelleher, Nanette Green, Lorraine Radford, Noela Warby, Rae Brown, Adrienne Howley, Carol Cooper, June Spriggins and Jenny Cridland.

I congratulate Brooke Stephenson, who was the emcee on the night, I congratulate Adrienne Howley on a fantastic speech about the hard work of these volunteers, and I congratulate Karen Fenning, the organiser for this group, on the hard work she is doing. These are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. They are largely out of sight, out of mind. They need recognition—recognition that they do not seek for themselves. I am proud to belong to a government that has recognised the value of volunteers by creating a portfolio for this purpose. The Government recognises that some 1.5 I congratulate Brooke Stephenson, who was the emcee on the night, I congratulate Adrienne Howley on a fantastic speech about the hard work of these volunteers, and I congratulate Karen Fenning, the organiser for this group, on the hard work she is doing. These are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. They are largely out of sight, out of mind. They need recognition—recognition that they do not seek for themselves. I am proud to belong to a government that has recognised the value of volunteers by creating a portfolio for this purpose. The Government recognises that some 1.5 million people in New South Wales perform community and welfare work. They are the unsung heroes, the invisible glue that holds the community together; without them, the community would collapse.

During the election campaign when I doorknocked and visited community groups and as a new member of Parliament I have been overwhelmed by the sheer number of people who perform volunteer work. It is always incumbent on us as members of Parliament to recognise that and to bring it to the attention of the community. I congratulate all the volunteers on a job well done. They are an invaluable asset to the community. I am lucky to have in my community people who go about their job quietly, not seeking recognition or glory. In the words of Adrienne Howley, "It is not what we do for them; it is what they do for us." That is important. I recognise their work and congratulate them. I commend this statement to the House. [ Time expired.]

Ms VIRGINIA JUDGE (Strathfield—Parliamentary Secretary) [11.45 p.m.]: I acknowledge the fine contribution of the new member for Maitland. He is ensuring that the work of these unsung heroes and heroines is not out of sight. By bringing this matter to the attention of the House, he has ensured that all members of Parliament and parliamentary staff note the fine work done by volunteers simply because they care about others. These people are kind and compassionate, and they are prepared to make an effort to alleviate the lives and help the people around them. It is great that the member for Maitland is already out and about in his electorate, working hard. By reading the names of those fine citizens into Hansard he has ensured that there is a permanent record of their efforts. Such people do not want recognition, but the member has made sure that we are aware of their great work in the local community.

Mr ANDREW CONSTANCE Mr ANDREW CONSTANCE (Bega) [1147 a.m.], with concurrence: I am aware that the member for Coffs Harbour spoke earlier about the Pacific Highway, and I take this opportunity to make another appeal to the Minister for Roads, the Hon. Eric Roozendaal. I have put him on notice that if he does not act on the situation that I am about to outline a young child will be killed. Mogo Public School, on the far South Coast, is located on the Princes Highway. The situation is dangerous and deadly, and requires immediate action from the Minister. I visited the school on 16 May and saw at first hand parents negotiating Princes Highway traffic when dropping off and picking up their children. Unlike other schools in the region—for example, Bredbo Public School, in the Monaro electorate—Mogo Public School has no solar-powered flashing lights, and I appeal to the Minister to have them installed immediately.

The school also has no car park, which it needs desperately so that teachers and parents are not forced to park on the Princes Highway. A car park could be built on land adjoining the school or on school grounds. The school gate is located four or five metres from the edge of the highway, and cars park on the easement. I have made the Minister aware of this problem through correspondence, and there is ongoing publicity about the issue. I hope that the Minister will heed calls from the local community and address the problem. I have put the Minister on notice that it is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident or a child dies. I urge the Government to send every available Roads and Traffic Authority officer to the school immediately in an effort to solve the problem. The Minister for Education and Training should also get involved. How in 2007 is it possible for a school not to have a car park? How in 2007 can a school drop-off zone be located along a major highway? That is the situation at Mogo Public School. I plead with the Minister to act. The dangerous mix of trucks, cars and schoolkids is unacceptable.

I also call on the Government to beef up highway patrol resources in and around the far South Coast command. In the past 20 years fewer and fewer resources—including motor vehicles—have been allocated to the command's highway patrol. I will shortly have an opportunity to meet with the parents and citizens association at Mogo Public School but I hope that the Minister will take action before then. I have received a letter from his office acknowledging my correspondence but that is not good enough. I wrote to the Minister outlining specifically what might occur at the school any day now. Seventy-five children attend the school. Some of them walk to school but many rely on parents to drive them, and between 25 and 30 cars pull up in front of the school during busy periods. I witnessed traffic travelling through the school zone above and beyond the 40 kilometres per hour limit.

I call on the Minister to act immediately to address the problem by installing solar-powered flashing lights. Other schools on the far South Coast would also benefit from that technology. I am interested to hear what the member for Strathfield, who is at the table, will say in response to my contribution. I hope that she will take up the issue with the Minister. He must act now. I appeal to the Minister: Save a life by acting now.

Mr DARYL MAGUIRE (Wagga Wagga) [11.52 a.m.], with concurrence: Mr Eric Cox has written to me regarding his concern about the licensing of private ambulances as follows:

Our company has been applying for a licence to operate a Private Ambulance Service to transport the sick and injured for a fee in New South Wales since 1998. Our application is always denied.

We have brought to the attention of several legal Bodies including the legal Dept of NSW Health the Illegal operations of several Private patient Transport operators in NSW.

At this point in time it is illegal to transport sick and injured patients unless you are the NSW Ambulance Service. This is not yet legal for private operators to transport the sick and injured for fee or reward in NSW without permission from the Director­General, NSW Department of Health. This is stipulated specifically, section 67E of the act.

We have provided photographic evidence that these companies exist, these complaints have fallen on deaf ears. There are so many issues with this e.g. Patient care, Professional indemnity insurance, Public Liability and CTP due to not having a licence to transport patients, hence illegal operations under The Ambulance Service Act and The Health Services Act.

These companies have been operating even when Morris Iemma was Health Minister.

The Ambulance Service of NSW is aware of these companies and even works with these companies at venues.

The Ambulance Service of NSW is also asked to give advice in relation to this matter, who can or cannot be in the industry legally to have a licence. I consider this a Conflict of Interest.

Please find attached all the information I have found on these companies, photos, business registration, web site address, yellow pages ad etc. All these companies state that they are AMBULANCES and that they DO PATIENT TRANSPORT.

I have also enclosed for your perusal correspondence between our company and The NSW health dept.

Mr Cox goes on to list several operators. For the edification of members, I will name some of them. They include Advanced Medical Transport, Platinum Healthcare NSW, Wing A Ways, Australian First Aid, Calvary Private Hospital, Parasol EMT, Paramedical Services, and EMS Paramedical and First Aid. Mr Cox continues:

These companies are approaching local clients and we lose work because we are trying to do the right thing and get permission to operate a Private Patient transport service yet we are constantly being denied and our complaints are not being heard, as a result these ILLEGAL operators are taking everyone's work and are getting away with Illegal operations.

I understand that patient transport operations are occurring across borders. Victorian companies are operating in New South Wales, and I assume that Queensland operators are also offering their services in this State. I ask the Minister: What is going on? Are patients being transported illegally by services that do not have appropriate licences? If so, why has this matter not been investigated? Why is the applicant to whom I have referred been refused a licence when he is trying to do the right thing? Are the other operators whom I have named complying with regulations or legislation, as has been stated?

This is a very serious issue. I am concerned that patients' lives could be put at risk, as has been suggested in the correspondence I have referred to. I ask the Parliamentary Secretary who is at the table, the member for Strathfield, to ensure that either the Minister or the New South Wales department, by way of reference by the Minister, investigates this complaint and makes an appropriate response. As I have said, I have photographs of these alleged illegal operators and correspondence from a constituent, which I am more than happy to make available again. I have previously made representations to the Minister, but I am not satisfied with the response. That is why I have raised the matter again in the House. I ask the member for Strathfield to treat this issue as a matter of urgency because people's lives could be at risk.

Mr ALAN ASHTON (East Hills) [11.57 a.m.], with concurrence: I pay credit to and recognise Mrs Elaine Crockett of Panania, who was named Woman of the Year 2007 in the East Hills electorate. One of the impressive innovations of the Iemma Government has been the establishment of the New South Wales Woman of the Year award. Members of Parliament can nominate a woman in their electorate to receive this statewide recognition. As I said, Elaine received the award in the East Hills electorate. I have known Elaine and her husband, Gordon, for many years. Their dedication and commitment to many worthwhile charity and community organisations and events in Bankstown is legendary. We have all heard the cliché that behind every great man is a great woman. In Elaine's case, behind her efforts has been her husband, Gordon.

Elaine is a very active leader and volunteer for a range of organisations—a member of cancer support organisations, the Relay for Life committee and the Padstow Air League, where she has been a member for more than 25 years. Elaine was surprised and pleased to receive the recognition and enjoyed her afternoon tea, together with many other women, with the Governor last March in celebration of International Women's Day. Elaine told me she was very pleased to be associated with so many other women who were doing outstanding and wonderful things in our community. Elaine has suffered from various illnesses, and I suppose her experiences have projected her into the community to do all she can to help people with illness and in difficulty. She is a positive person who is always ready to lend a helping hand.

Elaine has been a member of the Bankstown Women's Cancer Support Group and is the honorary treasurer of that organisation. She received a 20-years award from the Australian Air League for services to the Padstow squadron as a volunteer on the branch committee. She has been a member of that organisation for more than 25 years. Elaine has also been a member of the Bankstown Disabilities Committee and the Bankstown Volunteers Forum for many years. She is also a consumer representative with the South Western Sydney Area Health Service and a member of Cancer Voices.
As I said, Elaine has been a sufferer of cancer. She continues to fight that illness while she undertakes these worthwhile activities. Elaine attends Bankstown Hospital to speak in discussion groups with sufferers of cancer. She is a member of the Bankstown Relay for Life committee and has attended meetings of the Field of Women in Sydney. This year thousands of survivors of breast cancer will create a Field of Women at Telstra Stadium when the Swans play St Kilda. The donation of $50 to be part of the Field of Women goes towards cancer research. Elaine is a member of the Lymphoedema Association and assists at Beechwood Nursing Home, which is located in my electorate. She serves on many committees related to that nursing home. Elaine sells tickets outside Kmart for Daffodil Day and is involved in fundraising for Bankstown Hospital. Also, like many members of Parliament, Elaine is involved in Australia's Biggest Morning Tea, which she attends at Bankstown library.

Although Elaine suffers from poor health, she is a very positive person. She is a member of the Critical Care Committee at Bankstown Hospital, the Critical Redesign Patient Load Management Committee and the South Western Sydney Area Health Service Consumer Community Council. To serve on all those organisations is time-consuming. But as the adage goes, if you want something done, get a busy person. Mr Deputy-Speaker knows Elaine Crockett and her outstanding contribution to her community. Australia has a great record of volunteering. I was most pleased, as was the Federal member for Banks, Daryl Melham, to offer support for Elaine Crockett to be named East Hills electorate Woman of the Year 2007. I congratulate Elaine and her husband, Gordon.

Ms VIRGINIA JUDGE (Strathfield—Parliamentary Secretary) [12.02 p.m.]: I congratulate the hardworking member for East Hills on bringing to the attention of the House the contributions of this wonderful woman and the fantastic work she has done to help others. Often when people get sick they tend to focus on their illness. Elaine Crockett, who is suffering a terrible illness, which touches so many people in the community, is still prepared to get out there and devote whatever free time she has to help other people and make their lives more bearable. The number of organisations she assists is unbelievable.

When the member for East Hills referred to her efforts, I thought that this lady must never sleep—a bit like the member for East Hills. She has spread herself thin in terms of time and energy and deserves the award and acclamations that are now flowing her way. As previous speakers have said today, people like Elaine do not do it for reward or recognition; they do it because they are decent, compassionate human beings. We greatly appreciate these people who make the extra effort. Much of Elaine's work involves cancer groups, such as her contributions to Daffodil Day, Relay for Life and Bankstown Hospital. Her work would involve a great deal of travel at her own cost. I am pleased that the member for East Hills has brought this matter to the attention of the House today.

[ Business interrupted.]

Message received from the Legislative Council returning the bill without amendment.

[ Business resumed.]

Private members' statements noted.