QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS - Parliament of NSW...2002/02/20 · LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL QUESTIONS AND...

1991

PARLIAMENT OF NEW SOUTH WALES

__________

No. 142__________

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

QUESTIONS

AND

ANSWERS

____________________

SECOND SESSION OF THE FIFTY-SECOND PARLIAMENT____________________

WEDNESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2002

[House Prorogued]

(This paper includes answers which have been received since the rising of the House on 13 December 2001 andbefore the prorogation of the Legislative Council on 20 February 2002.)

Notice given on date shown

1992 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERSWednesday 20 February 2002

Publication of Questions Answer to be lodged by

Q&A No. 142—Prorogation issue (no questions submitted) —

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 1993Wednesday 20 February 2002

15 NOVEMBER 2001

(Paper No. 132)

*1163 LOCAL GOVERNMENT—REVENUE FROM PARKING FEES—Mr Gay asked the Minister for MineralResources, and Minister for Fisheries representing the Minister for Local Government, Minister for RegionalDevelopment, and Minister for Rural Affairs—

What is the total amount of revenue generated by each metropolitan council from parking fees for the financialyears:

(a) 1995-96,

(b) 1996-97,

(c) 1997-98,

(d) 1998-99,

(e) 1999-2000,

(f) 2000-01?

Answer—

(a) to (f) The Minister for Local Government wishes me to explain that revenue raised by way of parkingfees is not separately identified within councils’ annual financial statements. Accordingly, theMinister is not in possession of this kind of information.

*1164 FAIR TRADING—MR AND MRS PAUL VOGEL—BUILDING INSURANCE—Mr Gallacher asked theMinister for Mineral Resources, and Minister for Fisheries representing the Minister for Fair Trading, Ministerfor Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

(1) Did Mr and Mrs Paul Vogel of 9 Meridan Street Eastlakes 2018, advise him in a letter dated 30 June2000, that the reasons they could not obtain insurance cover for their home and contents was becausetheir home was deemed by the insurance companies not to be watertight, secure, well-maintained andstructurally sound?

(2) (a) Did you inform the Premier, in a letter dated 4 October 2001, that “the Vogels received anadditional payment of $80,000 from their home contents insurer”?

(b) If so, what was the source of this information?

(3) How many New South Wales builders licences have the following held during the last 2 years:

(a) A1 Renovations and Constructions Pty Ltd?

(b) Mr Malik Drif?

(4) (a) Did Mr Paul Vogel write letters to the Director-General of the Department of Fair Trading, dated16 April 2001 and 20 July 2001?

(b) If so, have these letters been responded to?

(c) If so, on what dates were those letters written?


Answer—

(1) I am advised that correspondence addressed to then Minister Watkins from Mr and Mrs Vogel dated 30June 2000 was registered by the Department of Fair Trading on 10 July 2000.

In this letter Mr and Mrs Vogel state that they were refused home and contents policies and indicate thatNRMA Insurance had described their house as not watertight, structurally sound, secure and wellmaintained.

(2) (a) I am advised that Minister Watkins did make this statement.

(b) This advice was based on information provided to an officer of the Department of Fair Trading bya senior building assessor with Strategic Claims Solutions (SCS).

(3) (a) A1 Renovations & Constructions Pty Ltd held licence number 97150C which was issued on 6October 1998. It was last renewed on 6 October 2000 and has subsequently lapsed.

(b) Mr Malik Drif has held the following licences:

• Individual contractor licence number 85396C was issued to Mr Drif on 27 March 1998. Thislicence has been suspended since 3 May 2001.

• Mr Drif was also a partner in the partnership W. Mackie and A. Grunstein and M. Drif.The partnership was issued with contractor licence number 46891C on 14 July 1993. Thislicence expired on 14 July 2001 and has not been renewed.

Mr Drif also held the nominated qualified supervisor’s certificate for building company, BetterBuilding Group Pty Ltd, licence number 115927C for the period 28 June 2000 to 2 July 2001.The company’s contractor licence was cancelled on 3 August 2001.

(4) (a) The Director-General received correspondence from Mr and Mrs Vogel dated 16 April 2001 and19 July 2001.

(b) Yes.

(c) The matters raised in these letters were answered as part of the letter signed by Minister Watkinson 4 October 2001 to the Premier.

27 NOVEMBER 2001

(Paper No. 133)

*1165 FORESTRY—PINE CREEK STATE FOREST—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Juvenile Justice, MinisterAssisting the Premier on Youth, and Minister Assisting the Minister for the Environment representing theMinister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for WesternSydney—

(1) What were the total costs of running the Pine Creek State Forest (in the Coffs Harbour-Urunga area) forthe last financial year?

(2) What were the returns to State Forests for the last financial year from the logging undertaken in the PineCreek State Forest?

Answer—

(1) The total operational cost of harvesting operations in Pine Creek State Forest in 2000-01 for fireprotection, licence compliance, harvest planning, harvest supervision, marketing, road construction,maintenance and depreciation and koala research was $264,768.


(2) The total income for operations in a total of 14 compartments in Pine Creek State Forest was $1,101,857for the financial year 2000-01. Income was derived from the sale of a wide range of timber productsincluding poles, veneer, high to moderate quality sawlogs and chipwood. Income was also derived fromrecreational permits for commercial horse riding.

*1166 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—SALE OF PROPERTIES—Mrs Forsythe asked the Minister for Policerepresenting the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) By address, what surplus Department of Education and Training properties have been sold in:

(a) 1999-2000,

(b) 2000-01, and

(c) since 1 July 2001?

(2) For how much was each property sold?

(3) For each property:

(a) What amount did the Department of Education and Training, the school or TAFE (whereappropriate) retain?

(b) What amount was returned to Consolidated Revenue?

(4) Which properties are on sale currently?

Answer—

(1) (a) Schedule 1 below contains details of the 50 properties sold in 1999-2000.

Schedule 1:

School/Site NameAshfield H/PS Playing Fields Lismore CAEBankstown North PS (Part) Marulan South PSBaulkham Hills PS Marulan South PSBaulkham Hills PS Midginbil PSBerry PS Residence Mosman PS (Part)Blandford PS (House Only) Parkes HS/GunningblandBombala Inf Lot 12 Parramatta East PS 26 Brabyn St (Part)Bournda FSC (Former) - Jellat Jellat Parramatta East PS 5 Gaggin StBroderick House SSP Shadforth (Canobolas RTHS)Charmhaven PS Spring Terrace PSClunes PS (New Site - Part) St Ives IECCoolongolook PS (Part) St Marys PS (Part)Cudal PS (Boree St) (Part) Summerland ERCForest Glen PS Sussex Inlet PS (Residence)Forster PS Ulong PS (Part)Glenroi PS Vacant Site Unanderra PSGlossodia PS Residence Valley Heights PS (Remainder)Hill End PS - Playground (Part) Valley Heights PS, Lot 12Hill End PS - Residence (Part) Wadalba P/HS - Lot 3 DP369486Hurlstone AHS Wagga Teachers College-1Jindabyne PS (Part) Wagga Teachers College-2Jingellic East PS Warrawong PS (Part)Killabakh PS - Lot 101 Wollongong West PS (Playing Fields)Legume PS


TAFELeichhard Newcastle Bimet Lodge (By DPWS)Lithgow, Mort Street

(b) Schedule 2 below contains details of the 35 properties sold in 2000-01.

Schedule 2:

School/Site NameBarnsley PS (Old Site) Lemon Tree Passage PSBarrack Point PS (Part) (Lot 334) Martinsville ERC (Part)Brungle PS Mount White PSBuxton PS - Lot 1 DP 716416 Murwillumbah Sth Inf (Part)Castle Hill HS (Part) Narrabeen Lakes Play Field (Part)Catherine Fields PS Nelson Bay HSDaysdale PS Nelson Bay PSDouglas Park PS (Lot 1 DP 176334) Nimbin CS - Effluent AreaErina Heights PS (Part) Nymagee PS - Broomfield St Lot 1 DP 104220Evans Head PS Orange ERC (Part)Goulburn East PS Quirindi InfantsHargraves PS (Bowen Street) Shoalhaven HS (Part)Holsworthy PS (Compulsory Acquisition) Stewarts Brook PSHorton Upper Stroud PS (Part)Kiama Infants Tanilba Bay PS (Part)Killabakh PS - Lot 36 Yarramundi PSKillarney Heights HS (Part) Young North PS (Part)Kindra PS

(c) Schedule 3 below contains details of the 11 properties sold since 1 July 2001.

Schedule 3:

School/Site NameAsquith PS (Part) Narrabeen Sports HS (Part)Bensville HS Oakhill Drive PS (Part)Bronte PS (Residence) Wedderburn FSCCamden Haven HS (Lots 1 & 2) Woodford PSFarrar SSP Woomargama PSLismore CAE - Lot 14 DP 867281

By way of comparison, there were 59 properties sold in 1998-99.

(2) Unless the property was subject to a special arrangement, such as a dedication to a local council,properties are sold for as close to the sale – or “market” value as possible.

(3) Property asset sales fall into three categories:

(a) General Sales Program – where all the net proceeds are used to supplement the allocation fromTreasury for school maintenance.

(b) Incentive Sales Program – where the net proceeds are reinvested in the school to provide forimproved facilities.

(c) TAFE Sales Program – where unless the approval of the Treasurer is obtained, the departmentcurrently retains 50 per cent of the proceeds from the sale of TAFE properties.

(4) Those that are surplus to need.


*1167 EDUCATION—CALLALA PUBLIC SCHOOL—SCHOOL COUNSELLOR—Mrs Forsythe asked theMinister for Police representing the Minister for Education and Training—

(a) Does Callala Public School have a school counsellor allocated to it?

(b) If so:(i) On how many days a week is the counsellor allocated to the school?(ii) On how many term weeks this year has the counsellor missed out attending the school?(iii) How many students at the school have been referred to the counsellor to date this year?(iv) How many of the children referred have actually been seen by the counsellor?

Answer—

(a) Yes.

(b) (i) Thirty-eight days in 2001. The Assistant Director General, Student Services and EquityPrograms, has advised me that this is being increased to 57 days in the 2002 school year.

(ii) Four days.(iii) Forty-two students have been referred to the school counsellor by the school’s learning

support team, as at the end of November.(iv) The Assistant Director General, Student Services and Equity Programs, has advised me that

all of the children referred have been seen.

*1168 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—RICHMOND TAFE CLOSURE OF COURSES—Mrs Forsythe asked theMinister for Police representing the Minister for Education and Training—

(a) Is there a proposal to end certain courses at Richmond TAFE in relation to animal studies?

(b) If so:(i) What courses will be abolished?(ii) When will these courses cease?(iii) When was the decision taken to end the teaching of these courses?(iv) How many students are currently enrolled in these courses?(v) Are new enrolments being taken in these courses for the term commencing in 2002?(vi) For students studying these courses and who have not completed their studies, what will be

their options for completion of their studies?(vii) Is Orange TAFE the nearest TAFE to Richmond offering these courses?(viii) What other TAFE colleges offer these studies?(ix) Are any new courses proposed to be introduced at Richmond if these courses are

terminated?(x) Who was consulted about these changes?

Answer—

(a) There is no proposal to end courses at Richmond College. Some sheep and cattle productionelective modules within some courses will be phased out.

(b) (i) A small number of elective modules in sheep and cattle production will be phased out.(ii) By 2004.(iii) November 2001.(iv) The number varies from course to course.(v) Yes.(vi) All current students presently enrolled in agriculture courses will be able to complete their

studies in sheep and cattle production elective modules before the end of 2003 at RichmondCollege.

(vii) No.


(viii) Training in animal production modules is provided at more than 40 TAFE college locationsin New South Wales including Moss Vale, Lithgow, Mudgee and Bathurst.

(ix) To meet the emerging primary industry employment needs of western Sydney region,additional resources and new agriculture training will be progressively introduced atRichmond College from 2002 in areas including:• Production horticulture;• Organic farming;• Equine studies;• Floriculture;• Aqua culture;• Water Management;• Goat and poultry production;• Agribusiness; and• Chemical training.

(x) Advice was provided by the NSW Primary Industry Training Advisory Board, the“Education and Training Plan for Sustainable Agriculture in the Sydney Region”, a jointreport from the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Agricultureand the TAFE NSW Primary Industry and Natural Resources Division.

*1169 DISABILITY SERVICES—MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY—Mr Corbett asked the Minister forJuvenile Justice, Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth, and Minister Assisting the Minister for theEnvironment representing the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for DisabilityServices, and Minister for Women—

(a) Would a person suffering from the condition known as multiple chemical sensitivity be coveredunder the NSW Disability Act 1993, part 5 (1) definition for target grouPS?

(b) If not, why not?

Answer—

(a) and (b) A person suffering from the condition known as multiple chemical sensitivity would be seento have primarily a medical condition and the individual should be able to access appropriate careand support from their medical practitioner and the New South Wales health system.

A person suffering from the condition known as multiple chemical sensitivity may be eligible forservices under the Disability Services Act (1993) if the condition results in:

• an intellectual, PSychiatric, sensory, physical or like impairment that is permanent or likely tobe permanent,

• a significantly reduced capacity in one or more life activities such as communication,learning, mobility, decision-making or self care,

and the individual requires support, whether or not of an ongoing nature.

Eligibility is determined on a case by case basis.

*1170 LOCAL GOVERNMENT—WINGECARRIBEE SHIRE COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY—Mr Gayasked the Minister for Mineral Resources, and Minister for Fisheries representing the Minister for LocalGovernment, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs—

(1) (a) Is the Wingecarribee Shire Council charging a 6% environmental levy?

(b) If so, under what legal basis?


(2) (a) Has the Department of Local Government or the council been advised by the New South WalesOmbudsman to take further legal advice in relation to the validity of this levy?

(b) If so:(i) Was legal advice sought?(ii) What was the advice?

(c) If not, why was the Ombudsman’s advice ignored?

(3) What other councils impose a similar levy on their ratepayers?

(4) (a) Is the Minister aware of significant community concern about the actions of the Council in this regard?

(b) If so, what does the Minister plan to do about those concerns?

Answer—

I understand that Wingecarribee Shire Council makes and levies a special rate called an “environmental levy”.

The council also administers a “6% infrastructure charge” on the total revenue of its water and sewage funds (asa form of cost apportionment) and the monies raised are used for the purpose of general infrastructuremaintenance.

Section 495 of the Local Government Act 1993 provides that councils may make and levy special rates. Thecouncil administers the 6% infrastructure charge on the basis that it is the council’s opinion that it is legitimateand legal in accordance with the principle of true and full cost allocation.

The Ombudsman formally advised the department on 28 February 2001 that in relation to Wingecarribee ShireCouncil’s infrastructure charge that it proposed to take no further action in the matter.

I am unaware of other councils having a charge that is similar to the infrastructure charge. All councils howeverare required to develop appropriate methodologies for apportioning costs and councils are solely responsible fordetermining their own pricing policies. Councils are ultimately accountable to their ratepayers for the effect theirpolicies have on property owners and businesses.

I am aware of the concerns of several ratepayers in the Wingecarribee Shire that the council makes a “6%charge” on the total revenue of its water and sewage fund for the purpose of general infrastructure maintenance.

However, the proposal to administer the charge is valid unless determined by a court to be otherwise.

Meanwhile the Department of Local Government will continue to monitor Wingecarribee Shire Council’sfinancial position, particularly the health of its water and sewage operations.

*1171 TRANSPORT—TAXI TRANSPORT SUBSIDY SCHEME—Mr Gay asked the Minister for Minera lResources, and Minister for Fisheries representing the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) What are the current criteria for determining “severe and permanent disability” in relation to the NewSouth Wales Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme?

(2) Are doctors issued with a set of guidelines to follow in assessing eligibility for a subsidy under thisscheme, or is the assessment left to individual medical practitioners?

(3) How does the criteria for eligibility vary between New South Wales and Victoria?

(4) (a) Are you aware of significant concerns from war widows in relation to this issue?

(b) If so, what do you plan to do to address these concerns?


Answer—

(1) to (3) I am advised that in New South Wales the classification of severe and permanent disability isdetermined on a case by case basis by an experienced panel of government medical officers. The NewSouth Wales and Victorian systems may not be comparable because I am advised that Victorianapplicants are not assessed by medical officers, as is the case in New South Wales.

It is considered that the New South Wales approach is particularly equitable given that each applicant isassessed on merit by a qualified medical officer.

(4) (a) I am advised that the NSW Department of Transport is aware of the issues raised by war widowsregarding this matter.

(b) I am advised that the Department of Transport has previously written to the War Widow’s Guild ofAustralia NSW Ltd.

*1172 HEALTH—SIDS—Mr Corbett asked the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of theExecutive Council representing the Minister for Health—

(1) How is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) defined?

(2) What are the known causes of SIDS?

(3) How much money in this year’s budget has been allocated to researching SIDS?

(4) What support is given to those parents whose children die of SIDS?

Answer—

I have been advised by the Hon Craig Knowles MP, Minister for Health, that the answers to the honourablemember’s questions are:

(1) SIDS is the sudden death of an infant or young child which is unexpected by history and which remainsunexplained after a thorough case investigation, including performance of a complete autoPSy,examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history.

(2) SIDS is a disease of unknown cause. There are known risk factors for SIDS that have been consistentlyidentified across studies. The Australian “Reducing the Risk of SIDS” campaign has three mainrecommendations for which there was strong evidence. These are:(i) put your baby on the back to sleep,(ii) make sure your baby’s head remains uncovered during sleep,(iii) keep your baby smoke free, before and after birth.

(3) NSW Health does not provide funding for research per se. Rather it provides infrastructure funding toresearch organisations, and encourages researchers to apply for peer reviewed research funding, forexample from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

(4) Following an unexpected death of an infant, where the infant is brought into an emergency department,the immediate care and support provided for parents by health staff is a priority. A key person isnominated to coordinate the care of the parents while at the hospital. A caring and supportiveenvironment for the family is provided and practical assistance is offered to the parents, such as arrangingtransport home, care of the other children, discussing funeral arrangements, contacting any relatives (withpermission), and helping the mother if she had been breastfeeding. The key person ensures that thehospital or community social worker is informed so that ongoing information, support and counselling forthe parents can be arranged.


Qualified grief counsellors are employed on a full-time basis at the Departments of Forensic Medicine,Glebe and Westmead. They are available to help parents and relatives and provide information, supportand counselling.

SIDSnew south wales is a self-help organisation that supports all who experience the sudden andunexpected death of a young child. Professional counsellors and trained volunteers are available toprovide phone support and information to parents and families following the death of a child. Home visitscan be arranged when the family is ready. SIDSnew south wales also provides information booklets toparents and health professionals, conducts community education and undertakes fundraising for research,support and community education.

28 NOVEMBER 2001

(Paper No. 134)

*1173 HEALTH—ADULT WHOOPING COUGH VACCINE—Dr Pezzutti asked the Treasurer, Minister for StateDevelopment, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Health—

In view of the very high notification of pertussis this year and the comments made by Associate Professor MarkFerguson, of the School of Community Health in the University of New South Wales, that “we may need to haveregular adult boosters” for whooping cough:

What is this government doing to encourage adults in New South Wales to have booster shots with the new adultvaccine?

Answer—

I have been advised by the Hon Craig Knowles MP, Minister for Health, that the answer to the honourablemember’s question is:

I refer to my answer of 27 November 2001 in response to a question without notice asked by the honourablemember on 25 October 2001 concerning the Whooping Cough immunisation program.

In that answer I advised that, to date, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has not releasedrecommendations to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for use of this vaccine. NewSouth Wales will consider implementing the NHMRC recommendations when they become available.

*1174 EDUCATION—FARRAR SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF—Mr Cohen asked the Minister for Police representingthe Minister for Education and Training—

(a) Has the NSW Government recently sold the former Farrar SSP (Farrar School for the Deaf)?

(b) If so :(i) Was the school sold for $3.2 million?(ii) What was the reason for closing the school?(iii) What community consultation process followed prior to the closure?(iv) Was the money from the sale transferred as additional funds to the Department of School

Education?(v) How has this sum been used, or will be used, to provide alternative or additional special

school infrastructure in the New South Wales public school system?


Answer—

(a) Yes.

(b) (i) No.(ii) Declining enrolments.(iii) I am advised that there was consultation between the Department of Education and

Training and the school parent body prior to the decision being made.(iv) The proceeds from the sale will be reinvested in capital works and maintenance programs

to improve the standard of accommodation in schools.(v) Refer (iv) above.

*1175 ATTORNEY GENERAL—GUARDIANSHIP TRIBUNAL—Revd Mr Nile asked the Treasurer, Minister forState Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Attorney General—

(1) (a) Did officers of the Guardianship Tribunal provide false and misleading information in relation toparties to the application concerning Mr Garth Moreland at the hearing of the tribunal convened on17 February 1995?

(b) If so:(i) Will the Attorney General investigate the conduct of officers of the tribunal in relation to

this matter?(ii) Will the Attorney General prosecute officers of the tribunal in relation this matter?

(2) (a) Can the Attorney General explain the comment of the President of the Guardianship Tribunal, MrMick O’Neill, in correspondence to Ms June Walker, dated 28 May 1999, that “it is not the role ofthe tribunal to establish the truth or otherwise of allegations made before it …”?

(b) In view of Mr O’Neill’s comments, will the Attorney General advise how the legal rights of allparties to Guardianship Tribunal applications and hearings are respected and enforced?

(3) (a) Does the Government have a policy of appointing guardianship to the Public Guardian only as alast resort?

(b) If so, what action will the Attorney General take to actively enforce this policy?

(4) (a) What investigations does the Attorney General undertake in relation to complaints about breachesof the Guardianship Act concerning intimidation of parties to application and hearings and thecreation of family conflict?

(b) What stePS will the Attorney General take to restore guardianship to family members in caseswhere investigations demonstrate that the Tribunal should not have taken guardianship ?

Answer—

The Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services and Minister forWomen has provided the following response:

(1) This question provides no particulars of the allegation made. As the Guardianship Tribunal is anindependent legal body, I am unable to intervene in individual cases, or overturn formal decisions of thetribunal. However, the Government is currently moving to introduce new avenues of appeal againstdecisions by the tribunal. Currently, the only legal avenue for appeals against decisions of the tribunal hasbeen to the Supreme Court. In the interests of making legal appeals more accessible, simpler and quickerthe Government is planning to introduce a new avenue of appeal to the Administrative DecisionsTribunal.

(2) In relation to correspondence between the President of the Guardianship Tribunal and a party to aparticular application to the tribunal, I am advised of the following further information:


A letter by Mr O’Neill dated 28 May 1999 did state in part, “it is not the role of the tribunal to establishthe truth or otherwise of allegations made before it … .” I am advised by Mr O’Neill that in August 1999,he wrote a second time to the party from Victoria. I am advised that he set out the role of theGuardianship tribunal when hearing and determining applications made to it for the appointment ofguardians or financial managers. He then continued as follows:

“In a number of cases before the Tribunal, a number of allegations get made that are not directlyrelevant to the role of the Tribunal. The role of the Tribunal, as has been pointed out before, is todetermine whether a person is able to manage their own affairs or make their own life decisions andif not, whether there are decisions which need to be made on their behalf and if a substitute decision-maker should be appointed for them. The tribunal then needs to determine who should be appointedto make decisions on their behalf. Where allegations are made that are not directly relevant to theTribunal determining those legal questions of disability, incapacity and need, it is not the role of theTribunal to determine the truth or otherwise of those allegations.

The Tribunal takes account of allegations that have been made that are relevant to decisions it has tomake. Whilst it does not have the jurisdiction to determine whether wrongdoing occurred, theTribunal takes evidence in relation to those allegations to the extent appropriate for it to determinewho should be appointed as the substitute decision-maker”.

(3) The policy in relation to the appointment of guardians by the Guardianship Tribunal was set by thisParliament in 1987 when it enacted the Guardianship Act 1987 (then known as the Disability Servicesand Guardianship Act 1987) on a bipartisan basis. A key provision is section 15 of the Act which states:

“A continuing guardianship order appointing the Public Guardian as guardian of the person underguardianship shall not be made in circumstances in which such an order can be made appointingsome other person as guardian of the person.”

This provision requires the Guardianship Tribunal to look at the circumstances of the case to determinewhether or not there are circumstances in which an order can be made appointing some person otherthan the Public Guardian as the guardian of the person for whom a guardian needs to be appointed.

When dealing with an application for the appointment of a guardian, the tribunal has procedures toassist the applicant and others involved in the matter to find other ways of dealing with the problemother than appointing a guardian.

(4) (a) The Guardianship Tribunal does have a formal complaint handling procedure and publishesinformation about this. Complaints about intimidation of parties to proceedings by other parties orother people are matters for the police.

(b) I am informed that the Guardianship Tribunal reviews all the guardianship orders it makes, exceptthose few orders which will laPSe after a limited period. The tribunal reviews its orders when theyare due to expire. The tribunal may make a new order if it is satisfied by the evidence thatguardianship is still needed. As stated earlier the Government is currently examining proposals tointroduce another review mechanism which is simpler, quicker and more accessible than theSupreme Court.

*1176 PLANNING—ENFIELD INTERMODAL TRUCKING TERMINAL—Mr Cohen asked the Special Minister ofState, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, Minister Assisting the Premier on Public SectorManagement, and Minister Assisting the Premier for the Central Coast representing the Deputy Premier,Minister for Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

(1) Why has Strathfield Municipal Council had its planning powers suspended for the proposed EnfieldIntermodal Trucking Terminal when the council did not have the powers suspended for an identicalproposal 5 years ago?


(2) Why is the NSW Government, through the Department of Transport and the Department of Urban Affairsand Planning, supporting a development proposal by Sydney Ports Corporation which is identical to aproposal by the National Rail Corporation 5 years ago which had strenuous community opposition andwas not proceeded with?

(3) How can the Minister justify consideration of this major truck terminal knowing that it will create some308,000 additional truck movements a year in a local area already suffering from traffic problems?

(4) How does this proposal, for a terminal run by a NSW Government authority, meet reasonable communityexpectations of integrated infrastructure planning when a similar terminal has been established recentlyby the National Rail Corporation at Chullora just a few kilometres away?

(5) In light of the Enfield proposal, how is the destruction of the endangered Sydney Claypan Bushland onthe Chullora Terminal site, and other environmental and community impacts, justified given that theChullora Terminal was approved on the basis that it was the only way Sydney’s intermodal freight needscould be met?

(6) Why has only one open day for the public been held by the proponent (Sydney Ports Corporation) and nopublic meetings held on the proposal, given that it is a designated development of State significance andis classified as a “Hazardous and Offensive Development” under State Environment Planning Policy 33?

(7) How will the Minister explain to the residents of South West Sydney why their region appears to havebeen earmarked by the Carr Government for industrial development including the Enfield proposal, awaste transfer station at Auburn and a container port at Chullora?

(8) Have the south west suburbs of Sydney become the areas for industrial developments in order to protectmore affluent suburbs?

Answer—

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning has provided the following response:

(1) Under a declaration I made in August 1999 railway freight terminal projects in New South Wales areclassified as State Significant if they involve a capital investment of more than $20 million and wouldemploy more than 100 people. The Enfield proposal satisfies these criteria, and is therefore classified asState Significant Development. Consequently, I will be the consent authority for any DevelopmentApplication (DA) for the Enfield proposal.

(2) The proposal will be assessed thoroughly on its merits by the Department of Planning in consultation withthe local community, the local councils, and several State Government agencies.

(3) I will be the consent authority for any DA for the proposal and would be required to consider this DA,like any other DA, on its merits under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, justificationfor the proposal does not come under my administration.

(4) As this question relates to the Sydney Port Corporation’s proposal, which concerns the administration ofthe Minister for Transport, it should be directed to my colleague the Hon Carl Scully MP.

(5) The Chullora Terminal was approved by the then Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning following aCommission of Inquiry.

(6) This is not a matter for my administration.

(7) My administration assesses development applications, it does not propose them.

(8) No.


*1177 COMMUNITY SERVICES—SOCIAL WORKERS AND THE PUBLIC GUARDIAN—Revd Mr Nile askedthe Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth, and Minister Assisting the Ministerfor the Environment representing the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister forDisability Services, and Minister for Women—

(a) Have DOCS social workers in conjunction with Guardian Tribunal staff been known to useinappropriate methods to force a family to place a person under the guardianship of the PublicGuardian?

(b) Will the Minister investigate complaints of such behaviour by DOCS staff?

(c) Will the Minister take action against anyone found to have engaged in such behaviour?

Answer—

(a) to (c) The question asked does not provide enough information or specific detail to determine thesituation(s) the honourable member is referring to. Until further information is supplied, aresponse cannot be provided.

29 NOVEMBER 2001

(Paper No. 135)

*1178 EDUCATION—PUBLIC SCHOOL IN RYDE, LANE COVE AND HUNTERS HILL AREAS—Dr Wongasked the Minister for Police representing the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) What percentage of secondary students living in the following local government areas are currentlyenrolled in local public schools in those local government areas:

(a) Ryde?

(b) Lane Cove?

(c) Hunters Hill?

(2) What percentage of secondary students living in the following local government areas are currentlyenrolled in private schools?

(a) Ryde?

(b) Lane Cove?

(c) Hunters Hill?

(3) What is the Government’s forecast for the percentage of secondary students in the following localgovernment areas who will be enrolled in public schools in those local government areas in 5 years:

(a) Ryde?

(b) Lane Cove?

(c) Hunters Hill?


(4) What is the Government’s forecast for the percentage of secondary students in the following localgovernment areas who will be enrolled in public schools in those local government areas in 10 years:

(a) Ryde?

(b) Lane Cove?

(c) Hunters Hill?

(5) What measures is the Government taking in the following local government areas to maintain public highschools and to ensure that the quality of education provided by these schools is preserved:

(a) Ryde?

(b) Lane Cove?

(c) Hunters Hill ?

(6) Has the Government made a decision to reduce its commitment to public schools in the following localgovernment areas and encourage private schools to take greater numbers of students in those areas:

(a) Ryde?

(b) Lane Cove?

(c) Hunters Hill

Answer—

(1) I am advised that the Department of Education and Training does not hold this information.

(2) I am advised that the Department of Education and Training does not hold this information.

(3) The percentage is expected to increase because of the significant improvements in public educationfacilities and services planned.

(4) See (3) above.

(5) (a) Ryde Secondary College, formerly Malvina High School, has been allocated $8 million toextensively refurbish the site.

As part of this, $2 million is being invested in a new Information and Communication InnovationCentre. The ICT Innovation Centre will service students from nearby government secondary andprimary schools, including Ryde Secondary College, Epping Boys High School and Marsden HighSchool and their feeder primary schools. The centre aims to develop innovative teaching andlearning practices using technology.

The centre will have extensive partnershiPS with local information and communications industriesand bring together knowledge and expertise from industry and tertiary and secondary educationsectors.

In 2001 Marsden High School was allocated $500,000 to upgrade a number of specialist learningareas, provide a new Covered Outdoor Leaning Area (COLA) and upgrade outdoor sporting areas.

Over the past 6 years, over $4 million has been spent on capital improvements and maintenance atEpping Boys High School.

(b) There are no government secondary schools in the Lane Cove local government area.


(c) Riverside Girls High School has been allocated $3 million to refurbish science, art and otherspecialist areas and general learning spaces.

Riverside Girls High School will have direct technology links with the nearby Ryde SecondaryCollege and the ICT Innovation Centre at Macquarie University.

(6) (a) to (c) No.

*1179 HEALTH—PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS AND AGED CARE—Revd Mr Nile asked the Treasurer, Minister forState Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Health—

(1) Is the prescription of combinations of PSychotropic drugs, to Protected Persons, in contravention of the:

(a) Guardianship and Medical Acts?

(b) Best Practice Guidelines for the use of such drugs?

(2) Does the prescription of combinations of PSychotropic drugs, to Protected Persons, take place inresidential aged care facilities?

(3) Are the legislated requirements for monitoring and reporting of such treatments strictly complied with inall such facilities?

Answer—


(1) (a) In relation to the Medical Practice Act 1992, the answer is No.

(Part of the question concerning the Guardianship Act was referred to the Ministerfor Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services andMinister for Women who has supplied the following answer:

The prescription of Psychotropic medication to persons whose affairs are undermanagement by the Guardianship Tribunal is not in contravention of the Guardianship Act1987, provided a valid consent has been obtained. The consent can be obtained fromthemselves, if they are capable of giving a valid consent, or from their “person responsible”if they are not or from the Guardianship Tribunal if the treatment falls within the definitionof special medical treatment. If there is no “person responsible” or they cannot be contactedor will not respond to the request for consent, the Guardianship Tribunal is available toconsent to major medical treatment. The tribunal may consent only if it is satisfied suchtreatment “is the most appropriate form of treatment for promoting and maintaining thepatient’s health and well-being” as required under s.45(1) Guardianship Act 1987.)

(b) The NSW Health Department has published and disseminated the Best Practice Model for the Useof PSychotropic Medication in Residential Aged Care Facilities and an accompanying ResourceManual to minimise the inappropriate use of medication in residential aged care facilities in NewSouth Wales.

(2) Have referred this question to the Minister for Disability Services, the Hon Faye Lo Po’ MP, as thismatter is in her area of responsibility. The Minister for Disability Services has referred this to the Ministerwith the responsibility for the Protective Commissioner, the Hon Bob Debus, Attorney General.

(3) This is a matter for the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing who is responsible for the CommonwealthAged Care Act 1997.


4 DECEMBER 2001

(Paper No. 136)

*1180 WATERWAYS—MARINE SAFETY MAIL OUT—Miss Gardiner asked the Minister for Mineral Resources,and Minister for Fisheries representing the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

With reference to the letter written by the Chief Executive Officer of the Waterways Authority to New SouthWales boat owners headed Re: Marine Safety Communications Post 30 June, 2002, which advises boat ownersof “changes to the provision of marine safety communications initiated by the Commonwealth Government fromJuly 2002 that have the potential implications for the commercial and recreational boating community”:

(1) What was the total cost of despatching this letter to all boat owners?

(2) How many letters were sent?

(3) From what part of the Waterways Authority budget was the cost extracted?

Answer—

(1) to (3) The NSW Waterways Authority is responsible for regulating the safety of recreational and commercialboating and the licensing of various waterways users in New South Wales. A crucial part of this role isthe communication of important boating safety information to waterways users to enhance safety on thewater. This takes the form of:

• advertisements in print and electronic media;• the Waterways Authority website www.waterways.nsw.gov.au;• various brochures, maPS and pamphlets;• the 131 256 telephone service which provides 7 days per week boating safety information;• the 131 236 service which provides various recorded information and weather forecasts; and• other forms of communication.

I am advised that the marine safety mail-out to registered boat owners in New South Wales referred to inthe question was paid for out of the existing budget of the Waterways Authority.

*1181 SPECIAL MINISTER OF STATE—MOTOR ACCIDENTS AUTHORITY—REFURBISHMENT COSTS—Mr Gallacher asked the Special Minister of State, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, MinisterAssisting the Premier on Public Sector Management, and Minister Assisting the Premier for the Central Coast—

In relation to the Motor Accidents Authority, what was the total cost of refurbishment of the foyer and counterareas of Level 21 at 580 George Street, Sydney?

Answer—

$85,913.

During 2000-01, the foyer and counter areas of Level 21 were extensively remodelled to accommodate theoperations of the Motor Accidents Assessment Division and provide disability access.

*1182 POLICE—LIVESCAN—Mrs Forsythe asked the Minister for Police—

(1) At how many police stations has the digital finger and palm printing system “LiveScan” been installed?

(2) At what police stations has “LiveScan” been installed?


Answer—

(1) 34 police stations.

(2) Burwood Port KemblaCabramatta WollongongFairfield NowraSurry Hills GosfordNewcastle TamworthBankstown ArmidalePenrith Tweed HeadsCampbelltown AuburnBlacktown Wagga WaggaMascot QueanbeyanMaitland Batemans BayPort Macquarie The EntranceCoffs Harbour CharlestownLismore DubboParramatta OrangeGreen Valley BathurstLiverpool Harbourside

*1183 HEALTH—SPECT SCANS—Mr Corbett asked the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Health—

(1) (a) Do the people of New South Wales have access to Single Photon Emission ComputedTomography (SPECT) scans?

(b) If so, where are these scans?

(2) What referral process is necessary before a person can have a SPECT scan?

Answer—


(1) and (2) SPECT facilities are widely available in New South Wales. They are available at all tertiary teachinghospitals with a Department of Nuclear Medicine and virtually all private nuclear medicine practices.Patients have access to SPECT scan technology through the normal referral process (i.e. generalpractitioner to specialist).

*1184 HEALTH—DEFINITION OF MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY—Mr Corbett asked the Treasurer,Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister forHealth—

(a) Does NSW Health object to using the 1999 consensus criteria, which has 34 professionalsignatories and is published in the May/June 1999 Volume 15 (No. 3) edition of the internationaljournal Archives of Environmental Health, for the definition of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity?

(b) If so, on what grounds does it object?


Answer—


(a) and (b) Current advice on the condition known as multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is that it is acomplex issue and is a condition characterised by quite diffuse and relatively non-specificsymptoms which are difficult to relate to any specific chemical or to any known toxicologicalprofile. Despite extensive debate in professional circles over many years, no consensus hasemerged.

A Position Statement by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology waspublished in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (AAAAI) in January 1999 and is amore accurate reflection of the current status of MCS as documented in the published scientificliterature than is the article published in the Archives of Environmental Health. A PositionStatement covering similar ground to the AAAAI was also released by the American College ofOccupational and Environmental Medicine in April 1999.

Advice on a patient’s medical condition and appropriate diagnosis or definition of that condition isthe province of an individual’s medical practitioner, not the Health Department.

6 DECEMBER 2001

(Paper No. 138)

*1186 HEALTH—LIMITATION OF PETROL ADDITIVE CHEMICAL MTBE—Mr Corbett asked the Treasurer,Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister forHealth—

(1) Is the percentage of the chemical MTBE (which is a non-biodegradable, carcinogenic petrol additivewhich is extremely water soluble but not bound by soil, hence easily contaminates ground water) limitedby legislation in the following states:

(a) Western Australia to a maximum of 0.1%?

(b) South Australia to a maximum of 1%?

(c) Queensland to a maximum of 0.5%?

(2) Given the environmental and health concerns related to this additive, has the Minister any plan to restrictthe use of this additive in New South Wales to:

(a) less than 0.5%?

(b) less than 0.1%?

Answer—

The Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services and Minister Assistingthe Premier on the Arts has provided the following response -

The percentage is regulated in several States; however, it is understood that one State is considering removing itsban on MTBE. It should be noted that the Commonwealth Government has the primary role in setting fuelquality standards and in 2001 announced a 1% limit on MTBE in petrol from January 1 2004, which willeffectively ban its use from that date.


*1187 HEALTH—STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE—Mr Corbett asked the Treasurer, Minister for StateDevelopment, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Health—

(a) Do students of medicine in New South Wales undertake any training in environmental medicine?


(c) If so:(i) What are the names of the courses?(ii) How many hours are allocated to each course?(iii) What topics are covered?

Answer—


Courses offered by universities are not matters which fall within the portfolio of the New South Wales Ministerfor Health.

*1188 TREASURY—SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY (SACS) AWARD—Mr Corbett asked the Treasurer, Minister forState Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

(1) Will the NSW Government fully fund all improvements to the Social and Community (SACS) Awardhanded down by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission?

(2) If so, will the Government guarantee that in order to provide that funding:

(a) services are not reduced in quality?

(b) staff hours will not be cut?

Answer—

(1) The NSW Government is committed to meeting its fair share of additional costs resulting from theimprovements to the Social and Community (SACS) Award.

The funding requirements of the NGO Sector are also partly met by the Commonwealth and the NGOsthemselves. Both have an obligation to contribute to the award increases.

(2) The continuation of the quality and quantity of services now depends on the Commonwealth paying forits share of the award increases. New South Wales has met its fair share of the additional costs.

*1189 DISABILITY SERVICES—ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT—Mr Corbettasked the Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth, and Minister Assisting theMinister for the Environment representing the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Ministerfor Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

(1) Is there a one-stop shop for people with a disability to facilitate access to all available governmentservices and equipment?

(2) If not, will the Minister consider setting one up as a matter of importance?


Answer—

(1) No, there is no one-stop-shop for people with a disability to facilitate access to all available Governmentservices and equipment.

(2) The concept of a one-stop-shop has been explored. However, a one-stop-shop is not necessarily the mosteffective way of facilitating access to services for people with a disability, and may in fact serve to limitaccess in certain circumstances, eg for people living in isolated and rural areas.

11 DECEMBER 2001

(Paper No. 139)

*1190 POLICE—RELEASE OF “OPERATION FLORIDA” MATERIAL TO 4 CORNERS—Ms Rhiannon asked theMinister for Police—

(1) How many Commissioned Officers and Senior Non Commissioned Officers are employed at PoliceHeadquarters?

(2) How many of these police have operational experience in the more disadvantaged Local Area Commands(LACs) of Western Sydney?

(3) (a) Which police have the authority to inform the media about police operations?

(b) What are their rank?

(4) (a) Was covert audio and visual recorded material re leased to the ABC 4 Corners program?

(b) If so, why?

(c) Was this material going to be used as evidence in misconduct hearings?

(d) Were the persons involved in the recorded acts of misconduct informed that this recorded evidencewould be released to the media?

(e) Was the release of the “Operation Florida” material to the media in contravention of policeregulations?

(f) If so, who authorised its released?

(g) Was the release of “Operation Florida” material in contravention of the “Blackburn Inquiry”recommendations brought down by Justice Lee, who examined the famous “Walk” procedurewhereby suspect Harry Blackburn was paraded in front of the media?

(5) Is the journalist Chris Masters an adviser to Commissioner Ryan?

(6) To whom do police complain if they believe that other police have engaged in misconduct by authorisingthe release of audio-visual recorded evidence to the media contrary to police regulations?

(7) To which authorities do police and the public complain about official misconduct when it is perpetratedby individuals who are employed by:

(a) the Police Integrity Commission?

(b) the New South Wales Crime Commission?


Answer—

(1) There is no category of “Senior Non Commissioned Officers”.

(2) There is no definition of a “disadvantaged” Local Area Command and no definition of “WesternSydney”.

(3) (a) The Police Media Policy states that police may give interviews or issue media releases on mattersunder their direct operational control, cleared and authorised by the appropriate commander,investigator or supervisor.

(b) Various.

(4) (a) Yes.

(b) Information obtained under the Telecommunications Interception Act was communicated to FourCorners pursuant to Section 67 of the Act.

(c) Information was provided to Four Corners on condition that the only telephone interceptinformation that could be broadcast was that which had already been adduced into evidence beforehearing of the commission.

(d) No.

(e) No.

(f) See (e).

(g) No.

(5) No.

(6) Commissioner of Police.

(7) (a) The Inspector of the Police Integrity Commission.

(b) Depending on the nature of the alleged misconduct, the Independent Commission Against Crime,the Minister for Police, the Chairman of the NSW Crime Commission Management Committee,the NSW Commission itself or the Privacy Commission.

*1191 POLICE—STAFFING OF MORISSET, SWANSEA, HAMILTON, BERESFIELD, WOY WOY ANDSTOCKTON POLICE STATIONS—Mr Gallacher asked the Minister for Police—

(1) What are the current operating hours of :

(a) Morisset Police Station?

(b) Swansea Police Station?

(c) Hamilton Police Station?

(d) Beresfield Police Station?

(e) Woy Woy Police Station?

(f) Stockton Police Station?


(2) How many police officers are permanently stationed at:







(3) How many of these permanent officers are on long-term sick, stress or maternity leave at:



(c) Hamilton Po lice Station?




(4) How many of these officers are on light duties at:







Answer—

(1) (a) to (f) Various hours.

(2) (a) to (f) Officers rostered for duty at police stations in Local Area Commands are deployed by the LocalArea Commander in accordance with operational needs.

(3) (a) to (f) See (2).

(4) (a) to (f) See (2).

*1192 TRANSPORT AND ROADS—AGENCIES CONTRACT INFORMATION ON WEBSITES AND/ORPUBLIC NOTICE BOARDS—Mr Gallacher asked the Minister for Mineral Resources, and Minister forFisheries representing the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Do agencies within the Minister’s portfolio lodge details of relevant contract information on websites orpublic noticeboards, as recommended in the Premier’s Memorandum No. 2000-11?


(2) By agency, what is the website address and/or location of the noticeboard?

(3) How does the Minister monitor compliance with the Premier’s Memorandum No. 2000-11 for agencieswithin his portfolio?

Answer—

(1) I am advised that relevant agencies have or are finalising appropriate disclosure of contractualinformation as recommended in Premier’s Memorandum No. 2000-11.

(2) Agency websites can be accessed from the NSW Government Homepage at www.nsw.gov.au

(3) Agency Chief Executive Officers ensure responsibility for compliance.

12 DECEMBER 2001

(Paper No. 140)

*1193 EDUCATION—SYLLABUS AND EXAMINATION FOR HSC SUBJECTS—Mrs Forsythe asked the Ministerfor Police representing the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Have any concerns been raised by teachers with the Board of Studies in relation to the HSC Biologysyllabus and examination?

(2) If yes:

(a) What action is the Government taking to ascertain the nature of the concerns of teachers?

(b) Will the board undertake a survey of all teachers who taught HSC Biology for the HSC this year tofind out how the syllabus and examination can be improved?

(3) Have any concerns been raised by teachers with the Board of Studies in relation to the HSC ModernHistory syllabus and examination?

(4) If yes:


(b) Will the board undertake a survey of all teachers who taught HSC Modern History for the HSCthis year to find out how the syllabus and examination can be improved?

(5) Have any concerns been raised by teachers with the Board of Studies in relation to the HSC AncientHistory syllabus and examination?

(6) If yes:


(b) Will the board undertake a survey of all teachers who taught HSC Ancient History for the HSCthis year to find out how the syllabus and examination can be improved?

(7) Have any concerns been raised by teachers with the Board of Studies in relation to the HSC BusinessStudies syllabus and examination?


(8) If yes:


(b) Will the board undertake a survey of all teachers who taught HSC Business Studies for the HSCthis year to find out how the syllabus and examination can be improved?

(9) Have any concerns been raised by teachers with the Board of Studies in relation to the HSC Englishsyllabus and examination?

(10) If yes:


(b) Will the board undertake a survey of all teachers who taught HSC English for the HSC this year tofind out how the syllabus and examination can be improved?

(11) Have any concerns been raised by teachers with the Board of Studies in relation to the HSC Geographysyllabus and examination?

(12) If yes:


(b) Will the board undertake a survey of all teachers who taught HSC Geography for the HSC thisyear to find out how the syllabus and examination can be improved?

(13) Have any concerns been raised by teachers with the Board of Studies in relation to the HSC Geologysyllabus and examination?

(14) If yes:


(b) Will the board undertake a survey of all teachers who taught HSC Geology for the HSC this yearto find out how the syllabus and examination can be improved?

Answer—

(1) to (14) Following the first examination under the New HSC syllabus requirements, the board has receivedfeedback from teachers on syllabus and examination matters across the range of courses offered for theHSC.

The Government has commissioned Dr Geoff Masters, Executive Director of the Australian Council forEducation Research, to conduct a review of the 2001 Higher School Certificate Examination Program.

Dr Masters is due to report in March 2002.

The review will consider the quality and effectiveness of:

(a) the proces ses for setting the examinations and developing marking guidelines in the new standardsenvironment,

(b) the procedures for marking the examinations and determining the standard of achievementstudents have demonstrated,

(c) the board’s quality assurance procedures for developing the examinations, marking examinationpapers and validating results.


The review will also examine and report on issues raised by students, teachers and interest grouPSconcerning the examination and marking processes for 2001.

Advertisements have been placed in the media inviting interested individuals and grouPS, includingteachers, parents and students to make submissions to the review.

Dr Masters will also consult with education interest grouPS and peak education bodies as part of hisreview.

*1194 TREASURY—ATP TENNIS MASTERS CUP—Mr Gallacher asked the Treasurer, Minister for StateDevelopment, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

What was the level of financial and other assistance provided by the Government in support of the ATP TennisMasters Cup?

Answer—

Tourism NSW has provided $75,000 to assist Sydney Tennis Limited, the promoter of the event, in its successfulbid for the ATP Tennis Masters Cup 2001.

Other financial assistance that may be provided by the Government for the event is commercially confidential.

13 DECEMBER 2001

(Paper No. 141)

*1195 LOCAL GOVERNMENT—WARRINGAH COUNCIL—COUNCILLOR MOXHAM—Ms Rhiannon asked theMinister for Mineral Resources, and Minister for Fisheries representing the Minister for Local Government,Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs—

(1) At a Warringah Council meeting on 4 December 2001, was evidence presented by a barrister thatestablished that Cr Peter Moxham has a pecuniary interest, by virtue of his son’s property interests, in anumber of developments such as 1145-1153 Pittwater Road Collaroy, 1161-1171 Pittwater RoadCollaroy, 1157 Pittwater Road Collaroy and 2-10 Jenkins Street Collaroy?

(2) (a) Did Cr Moxham seek advice from legal counsel to the developer of the 1145-1153 Pittwater RoadCollaroy property?

(b) If so, did Cr Moxham vote against the motion to refuse consent to this development after receivingthat advice?

(3) Will the Minister ensure that the Department of Local Government fully investigates Cr Moxham’sbehaviour, which appears to be in contravention of the Local Government Act and which also appears tobe corrupt conduct within the meaning of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act?

Answer—

I am advised by my department that it is examining allegations that Cr Moxham breached the pecuniary interestprovisions of the Local Government Act 1993 in relation to a matter before various meetings of council and aCommittee of Council concerning the property at 1145-1153 Pittwater Road, Collaroy, only. The department isnot at this time aware of and is not examining any allegations relating to the other developments.

Any conduct which is corrupt conduct within the meaning of the Independent Commission Against CorruptionAct 1988 is a matter for the Independent Commission Against Corruption.


*1196 LOCAL GOVERNMENT—WARRINGAH COUNCIL—COUNCILLOR MISCONDUCT—Ms Rhiannonasked the Minister for Mineral Resources, and Minister for Fisheries representing the Minister for LocalGovernment, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs—

(1) On 11 December 2001, did Warringah councillors Cr Darren Jones, Cr John Caputo and Cr PeterMoxham vote against a motion of Warringah Council, which was consequently defeated and whichwould have required development applications in which they have declared a pecuniary interest to bedealt with by the full council and not by the Mayor, Cr Darren Jones, under delegated authority?

(2) Will the Minister ensure that the Department of Local Government conducts an urgent investigation intothis apparent misconduct?

Answer—

I am advised by my department that it has examined allegations that Crs Jones, Caputo and Moxham breachedthe pecuniary interest provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 in relation to motions about proposeddelegations to the mayor over the Christmas period. The department has found, on the information and materialsavailable to it, no evidence of any breach of these provisions by these councillors in relation to these motions.The department has, so I am advised, accordingly determined to take no further action in relation to theallegations.

A person who holds delegated power to determine a development application and who has any pecuniary interestin that matter is required, under section 459 of the Act, to disclose that interest in writing to the council GeneralManager, and must not deal with it. Instead, the General Manager is required under that section to refer theapplication to someone else to deal with, or deal with it himself.

*1197 TRANSPORT—BOGEY SYSTEM FOR MILLENNIUM TRAINS—Mr Jobling asked the Minister for MineralResources, and Minister for Fisheries representing the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Did the bogey system for the Millennium Trains (referred to as the “Ghost Train”) collaPSe and failgoing through a set of points at its first trial near Cardiff last month?

(2) Has the bogey system gone back to the drawing board?

(3) Will the Minister advise the House when these Millennium Trains, announced in 1995 and promised for1998, will actually be operational?

Answer—

Unfortunately, the honourable member reflects little or no credit upon himself by exposing his own dire lack ofknowledge in terms of railway operations. The correct term for railway wheel sets is actually “bogie” not“bogey”, as the honourable member incorrectly asserts. I am advised that the answers to the questions are inturn:

(1) No.

(2) No.

(3) The first new Millennium train set has already rolled off the production line and is currently undergoingtesting.

*1198 ROADS—SECURITY OF PHOTO DATABASE—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Mineral Resources, andMinister for Fisheries representing the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) On any occasion between when the Government commenced drafting the Road Transport (DriversLicensing) Amendment Bill 2000 and the beginning of September 2001, did the Minister or any otherrepresentative of the Government give any undertakings that the Privacy Commissioner would develop aprotocol to protect the security of the RTA’s driver licence photo database?


(2) What independent technical expertise did the Privacy Commissioner have at its disposal to validate theveracity of the RTA’s security plans for the photo images?

(3) On any occasion between when the Government commenced drafting the Road Transport (DriversLicensing) Amendment Bill 2000 and the beginning of September 2001, did the Minister or any otherrepresentative of the Government give any undertakings that the RTA’s drivers licence photo databasewould be stored in its own database, separate from the registry database?

(4) (a) Did the original implementation of DRIVES not provide a non-erasable “full audit trails of dataand its use”?

(b) If not, can the Minister detail when DRIVES was so modified?

(5) (a) Since DRIVES was originally commissioned, what internal audits have been undertaken on thesystem’s security?

(b) What were the results of those audits?

(6) Since DRIVES was originally commissioned, what external audits have been undertaken on the system’ssecurity?

(7) (a) Has any risk analysis been done to ascertain the suitability of extending existing DRIVES securityregimes to the more sensitive storage questions of the photo database?

(b) If so:(i) When was it undertaken and completed?(ii) Who did the analysis and what was their competency to make such assessments?(iii) What were the outputs of the process?(iv) What were the conclusions and supporting reasoning?(v) What was the Minister told?

(8) (a) In respect of photo licences, can the Minister clarify that in the case where a second photo licencehas been incorrectly or fraudulently issued, the valid initial holder will be treated by the RTA asguilty until proven innocent?

(b) If so:(i) What redress will such people have?(ii) Will the government grant such people access to the photo image of the impostor on the

RTA photo database?

Answer—

(1) I am advised that the Attorney General was consulted during the drafting of the Bill. Also, duringparliamentary debate on the Bill, an amendment was made in committee to address concerns of thePrivacy Commissioner. The final approved legislation provides that the release of photo images besubject to protocols agreed to by the Privacy Commissioner. I am advised that the Roads and TrafficAuthority (RTA) drafted a protocol, the final version of which was approved by the PrivacyCommissioner in December 2000. The protocol ensures the storage, retrieval and release of photo imagesis controlled and meets information protection principles.

(2) I am advised that the RTA is not in a position to comment on the technical expertise the PrivacyCommissioner may or may not have had at its disposal to assess the RTA’s security plans for the photoimages. This question should be directed to the Privacy Commissioner.

(3) I am advised that the RTA has ensured that access to images is strictly controlled by internal securitysoftware features, such as user passwords and pre-assigned access rights and the system provides for fullaudit trails of data and its use. I understand that this method of storage was outlined in the protocolapproved by the Privacy Commissioner.


(4) (a) I am advised that the initial implementation of DRIVES included a full transaction audit capacitywhich allows for the identification of operator, action, location and time of update for transactions.The transactions logged are where personal data (name, address and date of birth) are displayed.The facility to log these transactions remains to the present time.

(b) See answer (a).

(5) (a) and (b) I am advised that since DRIVES was commissioned, the RTA’s Control ManagementServices (CMS) has conducted various reviews of controls over the DRIVES environment todetermine whether there are any significant operating system exposures that could result in thecompromise of data integrity, and data and system security.

I am advised that final audit reports are signed off by the RTA’s Chief Executive Officer. CMSreports to an Audit Committee on a quarterly basis on the implementation of auditrecommendations arising from any reviews.

(6) I am advised that every year the NSW Audit Office has reviewed the security of DRIVES.

The Audit Office has reviewed the security of DRIVES on two levels:

• Application system level – how DRIVES controls access to its functions and data; and• Operating system level – how the computer operating system controls access to DRIVES.

(7) (a) I am advised that a formal risk assessment workshop was undertaken for the photo storage projectby DRIVES in July 2000. In addition, the risks and issues of image security and retrieval wereanalysed at the design stage of this project by the DRIVES Project team. Risk managementincluded representation by CMS. The final implemented system considered the issues raised inworkshoPS and Project Team meetings.

(b) (i) July 2000.(ii) A Photo Storage Project Team drawn from all stakeholders in the RTA including CMS.(iii) See (7) (a) above.(iv) I am advised that the data and security controls planned for implementation were seen to

satisfy the obligation placed on the RTA to ensure the security of stored data.(v) The Minister was advised by the RTA that the Photo Storage Project could be implemented

in compliance with security and control measures.

(8) (a) I am advised that where a suspected fraudulent application is identified at a motor registry, eitheras a result of doubtful documents being produced or uncertainty in photo images matching, motorregistry staff will seek other information from the applicant such as additional proof of identitydocumentation. Because it is recognised that the applicant attending may or may not be the personmaking the fraudulent application, motor registry staff are instructed to seek more information andconsult with their supervisor or manager.

Where it is decided that police inquiries are necessary, the RTA may issue an interim paper licenceif inquiries at the time reveal the genuine customer appears to be in attendance. The RTA will alsoflag the licence holder’s record. This is done in the best interests of protecting the integrity of thegenuine licence holder’s record. The flag is removed when the police investigation is complete.

(b) (i) I am advised that there has been no reason for a genuine licence holder to seek redress.(ii) For privacy and security reasons, the RTA will not give an image of an alleged impostor to

the genuine licence holder. However, the police, during the conduct of an investigation intoa fraudulent licence application, may seek assistance from the genuine licence holder.


*1199 ATTORNEY GENERA L—INNOCENCE PANEL—Ms Rhiannon asked the Treasurer, Minister for StateDevelopment, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Attorney General—

(1) What measures will be put in place to retain and preserve crime scene evidence so that such evidence canbe used by the Innocence Panel and prisoners who wish to establish their innocence?

(2) Will the Innocence Project at the University of Technology, Sydney be able to access evidence that isavailable to the panel?

(3) Which individuals and/or organisations will be able to access the Innocence Panel information?

(4) (a) Does the Minister accept that miscarriages of justice may occur as a result of factors such as policeverballing, false eyewitness evidence and inaccurate forensic testing?

(b) If so, will the Innocence Panel also investigate cases that involve miscarriages of justice notinvolving DNA evidence?

Answer—

I have been advised by the Hon Bob Debus MP, Attorney General, that the answer to the honourable member’squestion is:

Questions in relation to these matters should be directed to the Minister for Police. I have therefore referred yourquestion on to the Hon Michael Costa MLC.

*1200 POLICE—FIREARMS SAFETY COUNCIL—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Police—

(1) Were all positions on the Firearms Safety Council filled as of 1 December 2001?

(2) Who are the members of this council?

(3) Are they appointed as individuals or as members of an organisation?

(4) If they are appointed as members of an organisation, what organisations are represented on the council?

(5) What is the particular expertise of each council member that qualifies him or her to serve on the council?

Answer—

(1) to (5) As the FSAC is a subsidiary of the NSW Shooting Association Limited, it would be more appropriatefor the question to be asked of the NSW Shooting Association Limited.

*1201 POLICE—FOREST PROTESTERS—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Police—

(1) (a) Has the NSW Police Service recently been active in the south-east forests of New South Wales,taking action against forest protesters?

(b) If so:(i) On what date did this police action begin?(ii) How many police officers have been involved in such action in total?

(2) What was the total cost to the NSW Police Service for:

(a) the initial operation to break up the forest blockade at the “Fort Badja” site?

(b) ongoing operations to exclude protesters and the public at large from forest areas?


Answer—

(1) (a) Yes.

(b) (i) I am advised by the Monaro Local Area Commander that Operation Monga commencedon 7 July and Operation Tonking commenced on 20 November.

(ii) I am advised that approximately 60 police have been engaged in these operations.

(2) (a) and (b) I am advised that it is not possible to project the total costs of ongoing operations in relationto protest activity.

*1202 INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS—WORKCOVER INJURY—Ms Rhiannon asked the Special Minister of State,Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, Minister Assisting the Premier on Public SectorManagement, and Minister Assisting the Premier for the Central Coast—

(1) What was the proportion of back injuries reported to WorkCover in the year 2000-01 that resulted fromwork in respect of a construction site?

(2) What was the number of PSychological injuries reported to WorkCover in the year 2000-01 that resultedfrom each of the following occupations:

(a) Nursing?

(b) Pre-school, primary and secondary teaching?

(c) Police work?

(d) Ambulance work?

(e) Financial sector?

(3) What was the proportion of PSychological injuries reported to WorkCover in the year 2000-01 thatresulted from each of the following occupations:

(a) Nursing?

(b) Pre-school, primary and secondary teaching?

(c) Police work?

(d) Ambulance work?

(e) Financial sector?

(4) (a) Which are the three occupation categories that occasion the most risk of injury to workers?

(b) What actions have been taken by WorkCover and the government to address those injury rates?

(c) What has been the success or otherwise of those actions?

Answer—

(1) Accurate workplace injury data for the 2000-01 financial year is not presently available.

(2) See answer to question (1).

(3) See answer to question (1).


(4) (a) Occupation categories with the highest incidence of work-related injuries during 1999-2000financial year:1. Trades assistants and factory hands.2. Stationary plant operators.3. Construction and mining labourers.

(b) The first two of the three identified occupational categories are common to a range of industries. Itis therefore appropriate to describe the Government’s overall approach to improving OHSstandards.

WorkCover is committed to facilitating the achievement of safe secure workplaces. Underpinningthis goal are a number of broad strategies including:• legislative reform;

• activities to engage key stakeholders and the broader community towards the vision of safesecure workplaces;

• activities to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

Legislative reform

From 1 September 2001, the NSW Government introduced the Occupational Health and SafetyAct 2000 and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 to update and simplify lawsrelating to health and safety in all NSW workplaces.

The Act refocuses the approach to ensuring safe and healthy work environments on riskmanagement and consultation and cooperation between employers and employees.

The Regulation provides broad coverage for all workplaces along with specified control measuresfor particular hazards and industry activities. These include:• identification of all workplace hazards;

• assessment of risks arising from those hazards;

• implementation of measures to control those risks;

• provision of training, instruction and supervision;

• workplace consultation between employers and employees. (WorkCover has produced a Codeof Practice for this purpose).

In addition, the Regulation includes specific provisions for specific high-risk hazards such as plantand construction work.

Activities to engage key stakeholders and the broader community towards the vision of safesecure workplaces

Awareness and information programs, such as advertising and targeted industry projects,encourage employers and employees to meet their occupational health and safety, injurymanagement and workers compensation obligations.

WorkCover has produced a collection of guidance material for use by stakeholders in the threeidentified high-risk occupation categories. These include:• Plant Guide 2001;

• Code of Practice Electrical Practices for Construction Work;

• Code of Practice Excavation Work;

• Code of Practice OHS Induction Training for Construction Work;

• Code of Practice for the Sawmilling Industry.


WorkCover’s partnerships with industry have continued to consolidate and strengthenoccupational health and safety outcomes. These partnershiPS have included the development ofindustry-specific products resulting from the Memorandum of Understanding with the constructionand hospitality industries.

WorkCover consults with industry by working closely with thirteen Industry Reference GrouPS,which were established to develop industry-specific OHS and injury management strategies.

Activities to ensure compliance with statutory requirements

Since coming to office, the Carr Government has increased the size of the WorkCover Inspectorateto 301 positions. This is the largest OHS inspectorate in the country.

WorkCover has a compliance strategy that focuses on education and prevention. Prosecution isalso available to back up other strategies. Prosecutions are punitive and also act as a deterrent toothers who may be encouraged to engage in that activity.

Since coming to office, the Government has doubled the maximum fines for employers who fail toprovide a safe place of work. Penalties available under the New South Wales Occupational Healthand Safety Act are currently the highest in any Australian jurisdiction.

The Act also empowers WorkCover inspectors to impose on-the-spot fines and includes provisionsfor an extended range of enforcement options, including publicity and special project orders.

(c) An analysis of certain injury trends indicates that health and safety standards have improved inrecent years. For instance, the total number of employment injuries in 1999-2000 fell for the fifthsuccessive year and the incidence rate of compensated fatalities decreased over the 3-year periodsince 1997-98.

A significant proportion of people employed in the three occupational categories identified inresponse to question (4) (a), are employed in the construction industry.

The WorkCover OHS construction industry evaluation report Safely Building NSW 2001 wasreleased on 12 November 2001. The report traces a number of NSW Government initiativesdeveloped in partnership with the construction industry to encourage contractors to systematicallymanage OHS. Its primary focus is the 1998 Memorandum of Understanding between the NSWGovernment and 17 principal contractors.

The report found that there has been a 30 per cent reduction in the incidence of injury and diseasein the construction industry since 1995-96 and that principal contractors had made a 25 per centimprovement in the way they implemented safety systems since 1998. It concluded that theMemorandum of Understanding ultimately contributed to better safety and a more systematicapproach to corporate and site management of safety by principal contractors. Copies of the reportmay be obtained by contacting WorkCover.

*1203 PUBLIC WORKS AND SERVICES—USE OF RECYCLED PAPER—Mr Corbett asked the Minister forPolice representing the Minister for Public Works and Services, Minister for Sport and Recreation, and MinisterAssisting the Premier on Citizenship—

(1) (a) Does Triotec paper, distributed by the Commonwealth Paper Company, have a recycled content of50% and is suitable for office equipment?

(b) Does Renew paper have an 80% recycled content and is suitable for office equipment?

(c) Does Reflex paper, which is currently used in Parliament, have no recycled content and is chlorinebleached?


(2) What is the reason for the continued use of Reflex paper for printing and photocopying in Parliamentgiven the environment benefits of Triotec and Renew paper?

Answer—

(1) (a) I’m advised by the Department of Public Works and Services (DPWS) that the CommonwealthPaper Company, distributor of Triotec paper, claims it to have a 50% recycled content andguarantees it for use on all photocopiers, laser printers, inkjet printers and plain paper facsimilemachines.

(b) I’m advised by DPWS that the Commonwealth Paper Company, distributor of Renew paper,claims it to have an 80% recycled content and is guaranteed by the manufacturer Australian Paperfor use in low to medium speed photo copiers, laser printers and plain paper facsimile machines.

(c) I’m advised by DPWS that the Commonwealth Paper Company, distributor of Reflex paper onconfirmation from the manufacturer Australian Paper that Reflex paper contains up to 5% recycledfibre. Australian Paper also indicated that a small amount of chlorine is used in the bleachingprocess which improves the qualities of the paper for archival purposes.

(2) I’m advised that all the products in question are available under State Contract Control Board contracts.The choice of printing and photocopying paper used by individual departments and agencies is one whichis made by those individual organisations, including Parliament, based on their particular business needs.

*1204 FORESTRY—PINE CREEK STATE FOREST—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Juvenile Justice, MinisterAssisting the Premier on Youth, and Minister Assisting the Minister for the Environment representing theMinister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for WesternSydney—

(1) What were the total costs of running the Pine Creek State Forest (in the Coffs Harbour-Urunga area) forthe last financial year?

(2) What were the returns to State Forests for the last financial year from the logging that was undertaken inthe Pine Creek State Forest?

Answer—

Please refer to the answer provided to Question 1165.

*1205 TRANSPORT—TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE—Mr Cohen asked the Minister for Mineral Resources,and Minister for Fisheries representing the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) (a) Has the Government examined, and reported on, the feasibility of New South Wales supportingdistance differentiation for annual charges for articulated trucks in the next National RoadTransport Commission review of charges?

(b) If so, will the Government implement distance differentiation?

(c) If not, why not?

(2) (a) Has the Government examined, and reported on, the feasibility of New South Wales supportingmass differentiation for annual charges for articulated trucks in the next National Road TransportCommission review of charges?

(b) If so, will the Government implement mass differentiation?



(3) What is the Government’s response to the 1998 report on tilt trains of the Public Works Committee of theLegislative Assembly?

(4) (a) Will the NSW Government give active support to the Federal Government’s East Coast Very HighSpeed Train study and to the option of upgraded mainline tracks and tilt trains as recommended bythe 1998 report on tilt trains of the Public Works Committee of the Legislative Assembly?


(5) (a) Has the Government assessed the benefits to tilt train operations of each of the major deviations(including the Wentworth, Centennial, Hoare and Johns River deviations) identified in the fullreport of the National Track Audit released in May 2001 by the Australian Rail TrackCorporation?

(b) If so, what was the result of the assessment?


(6) (a) Has the NSW Govern ment been monitoring the performance and patronage levels of theQueensland tilt trains that entered into service in November 1998?

(b) If so, how will the Queensland experience be of benefit to transport infrastructure in New SouthWales?


(7) (a) Has the Government implemented the rail capital works program outlined in the publication“Action for Transport 2010” that was released in November 1998?


(8) What progress has been made towards each of the following major commitments outside of Sydney:

(a) The construction of a new $791 million high speed rail link between Sydney and Warnervale

(b) A 20-km $280 million high speed rail connection between Waterfall and Thirroul?

(9) What progress has been made to date towards each of the following two feasibility studies for the HunterRegion:

(a) The Fassifern-Hexham rail link?

(b) The Liverpool Ranges tunnel?

(10) (a) Has the Government assessed the benefits to tilt train operations to Northern Regional New SouthWales of a new $791 million high speed rail link between Sydney and Warnervale, a Fassifern-Hexham rail link and a Liverpool Ranges tunnel?

(b) If so, what was the result of the assessment?


(11) (a) Has the NSW Government implemented the recommendations of the 2000 report of theLegislative Council Committee on the Privatisation of Freight Corp?


(c) Why has the Government failed to implement the recommendation of the report on theprivatisation of Freight Corp that the NSW Government finalise and publish the 2010 freightstrategy by 30 June 2001?


(12) (a) Will the final freight strategy, or a draft for public comment, be released ?

(b) If so, when?


Answer—

(1) and (2) I am advised that the NSW Government has not at this time been asked to participate in or contributeto the National Road Transport Commission’s (NRTC) next proposed review of heavy vehicle charges.

The NSW Government will continue to maintain its commitment to implement nationally uniform heavyvehicle registration charges.

A third heavy vehicle charges determination is included in the NRTC strategic plan and it has indicatedthat it should be completed in 2003-04.

I am advised that the NRTC has indicated that during the third determination, it will examine a number ofheavy vehicle mass related issues.

I am advised that at this stage the NRTC has not commenced work on reviewing the heavy vehiclecharges methodology for the third determination. However, when it does, it will consult with all transportjurisdictions and the road transport industry.

(3) and (4) The NSW Government has been providing support to the Federal Government’s Very High SpeedTrain (VHST) Scoping Study, which includes tilt train technology. Representatives from the Premier’sDepartment and Transport NSW are represented on the Commonwealth/State Reference Group for thestudy. I understand that various NSW Government Departments are also providing information to theCommonwealth to assist the study.

(5) (a) to (c) I am advised that the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) audit was primarily focussedon securing freight-related outcomes. The report was to the Australian Transport Council (ATC).The ATC is yet to respond to the audit. I understand that tilt trains are not currently the focus ofthe ATC’s attention.

(6) (a) to (c) I am advised that there are currently no firm proposals before the NSW Government concerningthe application of tilt trains technology to the New South Wales railways.

(7) Action for Transport 2010 features a massive expansion of the public transport system – the biggest boostto public transport since the 1920s. To date, significant progress has been made on many of the projects:• The Airport Rail Link opened in May 2000 and was the first new major rail link in Sydney for many

years;• The State Government has made a $1.6 billion funding commitment towards delivering the Epping-

Chatswood rail link section and the Parramatta Transport Interchange. Options for funding thecompletion of the Parramatta to Epping section are being developed;

• Rail capacity on the East Hills line has been considerably increased by the recent completion of amajor rail infrastructure upgrade between Wolli Creek and Kingsgrove;

• The Dapto to Kiama rail electrification of the south coast line was recently completed and opened ata cost of $43 million;

• The light rail extension from Wentworth Park to Lilyfield opened in August 2000 and has been verysuccessful;

• A pre-feasibility assessment has been carried out on the North West Rail Link and more detailedevaluations of design and property implications are ongoing;

The Action for Transport 2010 rail funding commitments come on top of a comprehensive fundingpackage to address issues in the existing rail system.


(8) (a) I am advised that a Project Control Group comprising Department of Transport (DoT), the RailInfrastructure Corporation (RIC) and the State Rail Authority (SRA) has overseen the project todate, with RIC to take prime carriage of the project. $1 million was allocated in the 2001-02 StateBudget (Budget Paper 4) to fund studies into the feasibility of options.

(b) Studies investigating this proposal are ongoing.

(9) (a) Initial investigations have been undertaken into the feasibility of a rail link between Fassifern andHexham.

(b) The State Government is in the process of re-visiting the economics of developing a tunnelthrough the Liverpool Ranges at Ardglen. The analysis is to be undertaken by the Department ofState and Regional Development.

(10) (a) See response to Question (8) (a).

(b) See response to Question (9) (a).

(c) See response to Question (9) (b).

(11) These questions should be referred to the Treasurer.

(12) (a) and (b) The Government is currently considering overall strategic directions for freight transport inNew South Wales that will help deliver a better integrated freight task across the land sidetransport interface and the major trading ports of New South Wales.

*1206 ENVIRONMENT—LORD HOWE ISLAND DEVELOPMENT—Mr Cohen asked the Minister for JuvenileJustice, Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth, and Minister Assisting the Minister for the Environmentrepresenting the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting thePremier on the Arts—

(1) What is the Minister’s response to representations, including that from noted conservationist John Sinclairof Fraser Island fame, about significant cumulative damage to the environment of the Lord Howe IslandWorld Heritage Area by additional development on the Island?

(2) Does a significant amount of the additional development come from relatively recent planning changespermitting residents to subdivide their holdings?

(3) What stePS does the Minister intend to take to address the problem of cumulative damage from additionaldevelopment, whether arising from the subdivision regulations or otherwise?

(4) (a) What does the Minister propose to do about the proposed construction of a new dwelling house onPortion 87A of the island for a Mr N. Prout?

(b) Did the initial application to build on Portion 87A, including a formal Environmental ImpactReport considered by the Lord Howe Island Board (LHIB), refer to the need to clear only 8 treesbut a belated review by the LHIB now indicates that 78 trees will need to be removed toaccommodate the house and garage?

(c) Is the Minister aware that this has only come to light through the persistence of an adjoining ownerin objecting to the initial subdivision and then the proposed development on Portion 87A?

(d) (i) Does the Minister agree that this represents a failing in the present processes to deal withdevelopment and building applications on the island?

(ii) If so, how does the Minister intend to address this problem?


(5) (a) Does the Minister agree that consideration of development applications by the LHIB needs toinclude assessment of the:(i) additional trees likely to be cleared or severely lopped to ensure the safety of the new

buildings?(ii) trees which are likely to be cleared or otherwise killed by the operation of septic systems,

installation of driveways etc. subsequent to the initial construction?

(b) If so, how does the Minister intend to ensure that this and other relevant cumulative impacts arefully considered in subdivision, development and building applications?

(6) Can the Minister confirm that the development application for Portion 87A, approved by the board, hasbeen resubmitted after a technical deficiency was pointed out to the board by the objector?

(7) Will the Minister give an assurance that this development will not proceed unless it can be carried outwithout any measurable cumulative detrimental impact to the environment of the island?

Answer—

(1) The Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth, and Minister Assisting theMinister for the Environment recently responded to representations from Mr Sinclair on my behalf. Sheadvised Mr Sinclair that several of his concerns are based on outdated or misleading facts and statistics.Nevertheless, the Lord Howe Island Board acknowledges that there are, and will continue to be, issues ofconcern relating to the island and its management. The board will continue to address these issues inorder to effectively discharge its responsibilities for care, control and management of the island and theprotection of its World Heritage values.

(2) There have been no significant changes to planning controls relating to subdivision of land on the islandsince the gazettal of the Lord Howe Island Regional Environmental Plan in 1986.

(3) The board, in cooperation with the Department of Planning, is currently reviewing existing planningcontrols under the Regional Environmental Plan with respect to a number of issues, includingsustainability.

(4) (a) Determination of development applications on the island, including the specific applicationmentioned, is a matter for the Lord Howe Island Board as consent authority for the island underthe Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

(b) An inconsistency in the details of numbers of trees to be removed as indicated in the initialapplication to build on Portion 87 was revealed during normal application evaluation processesundertaken by the board prior to determination of the development application. The inconsistencywas one of the reasons the application was deferred when it was first formally considered by theboard in September 2001.

(c) See above.

(d) (i) No.(ii) Not applicable.

(5) (a) (i) Yes.(ii) Yes.

(b) Existing application evaluation processes employed by the board address these issues.

(6) The most recently approved development application relating to portion 87 was a re-submitted version ofa previous development application. It was recognised that the previous application could have beendeemed to be technically deficient by the NSW Land and Environment Court, as part of possible courtaction which had been initiated by an objector. The court action was subsequently withdrawn.


(7) No development is approved unless all matters under relevant planning instruments have been consideredand any issues identified and appropriately addressed.

*1207 FORESTRY—SOUTH EAST FOREST ALLIANCE—Mr Cohen asked the Minister for Juvenile Justice,Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth, and Minister Assisting the Minister for the Environment representingthe Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for WesternSydney—

In relation to submissions of Community Reserve Proposals and associated Biodiversity Links in November1999 to the Resource and Conservation Division of the Department of Planning and to the regional manager ofState Forests involved in the then current negotiations for reserve and resource decisions for South Coast forests:

(1) What State Forests compartments included in the South East Forest Alliance (SEFA) proposals and Linkshave since been logged and/or roaded and when?

(2) (a) What products were taken from each compartment?

(b) What were the tree species involved?

(c) What was the volume and tonnage of each species?

(d) Why could these products not have been obtained from compartments outside the SEFAproposals?

(3) What State Forest compartments within the SEFA proposals and Links are planned to be logged or roadedin the calendar year 2002?

(4) (a) What products are to be taken from each compartment?

(b) What are the tree species involved?

(c) What is the volume and tonnage of each species?

(5) Why could these products not be obtained from compartments outside the SEFA proposals?

Answer—

(1) The Government’s announcements on the reserve design for the Southern Comprehensive RegionalAssessment (CRA) area were made in April 2000. State Forests, in consultation with the South EastForest Alliance (SEFA), agreed to avoid harvesting in both the Interim Deferred Forest Area (IDFA) andin the SEFA Community Reserve Proposal area ahead of the Government’s decisions. This agreementwas honoured by State Forests who also advised the SEFA representatives at that time that subsequent tothese decisions, harvesting operations would proceed, as scheduled, within areas not placed within theComprehensive, Adequate and Representative (CAR) reserve system, subject to appropriate planningbeing carried out and approvals being obtained.

Table 1 attached, details the compartments included in the SEFA proposals and Links that have beenroaded and/or in which logging commenced subsequent to the Government’s announcement in April2000. Please note that harvesting has yet to commence in compartments where no volume is shown,although preparatory roading has been undertaken to meet Environmental Protection Licencerequirements.

(2) (a) to (c) Tables 1 and 2 attached detail the products, species mix and volumes (m³ and tonnes) producedfrom these areas. The products have been grouped into quota sawlogs, non-quota sawlogs,pulpwood and miscellaneous products. The miscellaneous products include poles, round and splitfencing timber, woodchopping blocks and firewood. Species information for non-sawlog productsis not routinely collected and it has not been possible to provide it.


(d) In preparing the annual Plan of Operations, State Forests needs to meet the reasonableexpectations of industry for a merchantable mix of sawlog sizes, species and quality. State Forestsalso needs to consider the geographic spread of operations, the degree of concentration withinindividual drainage and road access catchments, the economics of supervision, harvesting andhaulage, wet weather access and the road maintenance implications of the plan.

From 1996 to April 2000 the road construction and harvesting operations within the South CoastRegion avoided all IDFA compartments to give maximum flexibility for the Regional ForestAgreement (RFA) process to select high priority areas for inclusion in the CAR reserve system.

Following discussions with SEFA in 1998 and 1999, additional compartments of concern toSEFA, identified in their Community Reserve Proposal, were avoided until the announcement ofthe Government’s decision. This avoidance response by State Forests forced a concentration ofharvesting activities over this period on to a subset of the State Forest estate.

Consequently it has not been feasible to supply industry commitments in calendar years 2000 and2001, and thereafter, without logging in some parts of the SEFA Community Reserve Proposalareas that were not included for reservation under the Government’s Regional Forest Agreementdecision.

(3) Table 3 below indicates the compartments within the SEFA proposals and Links that are included withinthe South Coast Plan of Operations for January to June 2002. The Plan of Operations beyond June 2002 isyet to be finalised.

The available information at this stage includes volume estimates for quota and non-quota sawlogs onlyand an indication as to whether pulpwood and/or miscellaneous products will also be sourced from theharvested areas.

Please note that pulpwood and miscellaneous timbers are by-products of sawlog harvesting and sodetailed estimates of volumes are not available. Species information for non-sawlog products is notroutinely collected either and is, therefore, not available. Column 4 indicates unlogged compartments thathave been carried forward into calendar year 2002. Harvesting in many areas will extend beyond June2002 into the latter half of 2002 and/or into calendar year 2003.

(4) (a) to (c) See Table 3 below and response to (3) above.

(5) See the response to (2) (d).


*1208 COMMUNITY SERVICES—CHILD DEATH REVIEW TEAM—Mr Cohen asked the Minister for JuvenileJustice, Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth, and Minister Assisting the Minister for the Environmentrepresenting the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, andMinister for Women—

In relation to a recent Child Death Review Team report which found that last year 21 children who died of abuseand neglect, or in suspicious circumstances, had had previous contact with government agencies and that DOCShad been actively involved with 8 of them at the time of their death:

(1) What additional stePS and policy initiatives is the Minister going to implement to avoid such deaths inthe future?

(2) Was staff under-resourcing a significant factor as to why these children were not followed up by DOCS?

Answer—

(1) and (2) Focussing on children who had contact with DoCS is questionable. DoCS is only one of a number ofagencies that may have contact with children who die, or their families.

The Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998, and the revised Interagency Guidelinesfor Child Protection Intervention, have extended the responsibilities of agencies to work together toensure abused and neglected children and young people are protected.

*1209 ROADS—CROSS CITY TUNNEL PROJECT—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Mineral Resources, andMinister for Fisheries representing the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) In relation to the Cross City Tunnel project, should traffic volumes fall below the forecasted levels andthe project fails to show a sufficient return for the private investors, what stePS is the Governmentcommitted to take that would ensure the road continues in operation?

(2) Will the Minister undertake that there will be no payment of shadow tolls or other public revenuemeasures to the private operators of the Cross City Tunnel?

(3) Will the Minister give a public assurance that the contracts signed with the private owners and operatorsof the Cross City Tunnel do not preclude the development of new public transport projects or theenhancement of existing public transport activities?

(4) (a) Have estimated traffic volumes on the Cross City Tunnel changed with the development of anumber of public transport options?


Answer—

(1) It would be a fundamental obligation of the private sector concession holder (the company) to keep thetunnel open for the safe, continuous and efficient passage of vehicles at all times.

(2) The Cross City Tunnel will be a tolled project, that is, the motorists will pay a toll in the event that theychoose to use the tunnel. There is no proposal for a shadow toll on the Cross City Tunnel. Motoriststhemselves will pay the toll.

(3) The proposals from shortlisted companies have been invited and are being assessed on the basis that theproposed agreement would not preclude the construction of new public transport routes, the establishmentof new transport services, or the upgrading of existing public transport routes or services.

(4) (a) I am advised that estimated traffic volumes reported in the Representations Report take intoaccount public transport.

(b) Not applicable.


*1210 ENVIRONMENT—FINES FOR FOREST PROTESTS—Mr Cohen asked the Minister for Juvenile Justice,Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth, and Minister Assisting the Minister for the Environment representingthe Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on theArts—

(1) (a) Why has the Carr Government recently closed three major forest areas in Southern New SouthWales to the public and media?

(b) Why have fines for forest protesters in thes e areas increased from $100 to $1,000 for being within100 metres of logging operations?

(c) Is this an admission by the Carr Government that despite allocating more than $80 million ofEnvironment Trust Funding to restructure the timber industry the Premier has not saved the forestsnor resolved the forest conflicts in this State?

(2) Are the measures taken by the Carr Government to suppress conservation protest against the continuedlogging and woodchipping of old growth and wilderness forest reminiscent of the Bjelke PetersenGovernment?

Answer—

These questions are more appropriately directed to my colleague the Hon Kim Yeadon MP, Minister forForestry.

*1211 AGRICULTURE—COTTON SEED OIL—Mr Cohen asked the Special Minister of State, Minister forIndustrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, Minister Assisting the Premier on Public Sector Management, andMinister Assisting the Premier for the Central Coast representing the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister forCorrective Services—

(1) Will the Minister guarantee that Bt genetically engineered cotton:

(a) does not find its way into the human food chain?

(b) is not sold as cotton seed cooking oil?

(2) Is cotton grown using a pesticide regime for a non-food product entering the food chain via cotton seedcooking oil?

Answer—

The Minister for Agriculture has provided the following response:

(1) It is not within the responsibility or power of the Minister for Agriculture to guarantee that Bt geneticallyengineered cotton does not find its way into the human food chain and is not sold as cotton seed cookingoil.

Responsibility for such matters resides with the Australia New Zealand Food Authority after consultationwith State Departments of Health.

(2) Cotton seed oil is marketed as a cooking oil for the food industry and is blended with other oils for theproduction of polyunsaturated margarines.

The registration of pesticides by the National Registration Authority for use on cotton takes account ofthe possibility that:

(a) cotton seed oil may enter the human food chain, and(b) cotton seed may enter the animal food chain.


Minimum residue levels are set accordingly. There is no reason to suggest that the residue levels are anyless stringent for cotton seed oil than any other vegetable oil. The minimum residue levels are publishedby the Australia New Zealand Food Authority.

*1212 POLICE—ACCESS TO POLICE SERVICE STAFF—Mrs Sham-Ho asked the Minister for Police—

In relation to the convention that written consent of the relevant Minister is required before a non-governmentmember of Parliament can meet with an executive officer of a government department:

(1) Does this convention apply when a member of Parliament wishes asked staff of the Police Service aquestion over the phone?

(2) Does this convention apply if a member of the public wishes to ask staff of the Police Service a questionover the phone?

(3) Given that members of Parliament often need to ask questions of staff of the Police Service in the courseof their parliamentary work, will the Minister advise whether he will abolish such a convention anddevise another protocol to ensure open, accessible and timely communication between members ofParliament and Police Service staff?

Answer—

(1) to (3) I refer the honourable member to Premier’s Memorandum 92-32 concerning the provision ofinformation to Members of Parliament. This protocol was introduced by the Fahey Government in 1992and continues to apply.

*1213 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—SALE OF PUBLIC SCHOOL AND TAFE PROPERTIES—Ms Rhiannonasked the Minister for Police representing the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) In 1999-2000, how many:

(a) public school properties were sold?

(b) TAFE properties were sold?

(2) What was the revenue raised from the sale of public school and TAFE properties in 1999-2000?

(3) What proportion of the revenue raised was derived from the sale of these properties to private schools?

(4) What proportion of the revenue raised was derived from the sale of these properties to private businesses?

(5) How much revenue has been collected from current and past leases on public schools and TAFEproperties since March 1999?

Answer—

(1) to (5) See answer to Question on Notice No. 1166.

*1214 PLANNING—NEW RESIDENTIAL FLAT BUILDINGS—Ms Rhiannon asked the Special Minister of State,Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, Minister Assisting the Premier on Public SectorManagement, and Minister Assisting the Premier for the Central Coast representing the Deputy Premier,Minister for Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

(1) (a) In the year 2000-01, how many additional car parking spaces were added to Sydney in newresidential flat buildings?


(b) If the Minister does not have precise figures in relation to question (1) (a), can he supply his bestestimate?

(2) (a) Of the additional car parking spaces, how many have been provided within a 1.5 km radius of atransport node?

(b) If the Minister does not have precise figures in relation to question (2) (a), can he supply his bestestimate?

(3) Can the Minister supply numerical data that supports the proposition that the current approach to urbanconsolidation is achieving its objectives?

(4) Can the Minister estimate the total gross revenue made by developers in respect of the sale of newresidential flat buildings in Sydney in the year 2000-01?

(5) Can the Minister estimate the net profits made by developers in respect of the development of newresidential flat buildings in Sydney in the year 2000-01?

Answer—

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning has provided the following response:

(1) (a) The Department of Planning is not responsible for maintaining these statistics.

(b) See (1) (a).

(2) (a) See (2) (b).

(b) The Department of Planning works with local government to ensure new development is as muchas possible near public transport.

(3) Despite continued strong population growth, this Government’s planning policies have ensured a slowerrate of physical expansion: 70% of new dwellings in Sydney are created in established urban areas, withonly 30% occurring in “greenfield” sites. A large proportion of Sydney’s population growth in the innerand middle ring has been accommodated in accessible locations within 1 km of a rail station.

(4) The Department of Planning is not responsible for gathering such data.

(5) See answer (4).

*1215 EDUCATION—PUBLIC SCHOOL CLASS SIZES—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Police representingthe Minister for Education and Training—

(1) (a) What information is available to the Minister or the department regarding the range of class sizes,for each school year, in public schools?

(b) Will the Minister make this information publicly available?

(2) (a) What was the last year in which the department maintained full statistical data on class sizes foreach school year in public schools in New South Wales?

(b) Why did the department cease to maintain such data?

(c) In the absence of such data, how does the department carry out its range of staffing decisions?


Answer—

(1) (a) Censuses are undertaken in February and August.

(b) The data from the August census is provided to the Australian Bureau of Statistics for publicationin Schools Australia , which is available publicly.

(2) (a) Information regarding student enrolments, teacher numbers and school staffing resources isavailable from the department’s computerised student enrolment and staff entitlement systems.

(b) The General Manager of Personnel advises me that the information collected by the department issufficient.

(c) Teachers and support staff resources are allocated to schools on the basis of student enrolment-driven formulae and special needs.

*1216 EDUCATION—CASUAL TEACHERS PAY—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Police representing theMinister for Education and Training—

(1) (a) How many casual schoolteachers are there in the public education system in New South Wales?

(b) How many of these casual teachers are women?

(2) Are casual teachers in New South Wales public schools paid less than the average amount paid to casualteachers performing the same duties in private schools in New South Wales?

(3) Are casual teachers in New South Wales public schools paid less than the average amount paid to casualteachers performing the same duties in Catholic Systemic schools in New South Wales?

(4) (a) Has the department lodged an appeal against the decision of the New South Wales AdministrativeDecisions Tribunal in the Amery case?

(b) If not, is the department intending to do so?

(5) (a) Will the Minister instruct the department to reverse its opposition to the NSW TeachersFederation’s application to the Industrial Relations Commission to vary the current teacherssalaries award to take account of the decision of the Administrative Decisions Tribunal in theAmery case?

(b) If not, can the Minister explain why he allows discrimination against female employees of theDepartment of Education and Training to persist?

Answer—

(1) to (5) I am yet to receive a full briefing on this case. As the honourable member would be aware, thedecision, and the subsequent appeal, occurred prior to my appointment. However, the General Manager ofPersonnel has informed me that of the 29,714 casual school teachers who worked on at least one day inNew South Wales government schools during 2000-01, approximately 24,550 were women. Further, theGeneral Manager advises me that the rates of pay of casual teachers in New South Wales governmentschools, Catholic systemic schools and independent schools are very similar.

*1217 EDUCATION—YEAR 7 SELECTIVE CLASSES—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Police representing theMinister for Education and Training—

(1) What are the numbers of Year 7 enrolments expected in 2002 for each of the following schools:

(a) Marsden High School?


(b) Ryde Secondary College (Malvina High School)?

(c) Riverside Girls High School?

(d) Epping Boys High School?

(e) Chatswood High School?

(f) Sydney Secondary College (Balmain High School)?

(g) Sydney Secondary College (Leichhardt High School)?

(h) Sydney Secondary College (Glebe High School)?

(i) Hunters Hill High School?

(2) (a) How many students are on the waiting list for more than one of the schools listed above?

(b) What is the total number of individual students on waiting lists for selective Year 7 classes at theabove schools?

(3) (a) Are there any students in the local area of each of these schools who are on waiting lists for non-selective Year 7 places?

(b) If so, at which schools and how many students at each school?

(4) For each school with selective Year 7 classes:

(a) What are the postcodes of the home addresses of the 120 students that the Department ofEducation and Training states are on the waiting list for these selective places?

(b) What are the postcodes of the home addresses of the students enrolled for these selective places?

(5) (a) How many students have been accepted for selective classes in Years 9 and 11 at SydneySecondary College (Glebe High School)?

(b) What are the postcodes of the home addresses of these students?

Answer—

(1) Accurate information will not be available until the beginning of the 2002 school year.

(2) (a) Specific enrolment details for comprehensive schools are not available until the commencement ofthe 2002 school year.

(b) As at January 10, there were 103 students in total.

(3) (a) All students in New South Wales are entitled to be enrolled at the government school that isdesignated for the intake area within which the child’s home is situated and that the child iseligible to attend.

(b) Not applicable.

(4) (a) There are not 120 students on a waiting list – see answer (2) (b).

(b) See (1) above.

(5) See (1) above.


*1218 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—BROOKVALE TAFE—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Policerepresenting the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) (a) What has been the cost of upgrading Brookvale TAFE campus to accommodate students fromSeaforth TAFE?

(b) How much additional funding has specifically been spent because of the shift of students fromSeaforth to Brookvale and consequent additional load and teaching activities at Brookvale?

(2) In relation to the upgrade of Brookvale TAFE, what is the expenditure, by item, since 1997 includingamount, date and educational function of each item?

(3) What savings have been made from the closure of Seaforth TAFE by item, date and educational or otherfunction?

(4) (a) Will the Minister release details of the 1997 proposed upgrading of Brookvale TAFE, including allrelevant documentation showing items and estimated expenditure?

(b) If not, why is this material considered confidential?

Answer—

(1) (a) The cost has been $2.159 million, which includes works managed by both the Department ofPublic Works and Services and Northern Sydney Institute.

(b) Expenditure at both the Brookvale and Seaforth sites had for many years been accounted for as asingle entity – Northern Beaches College. It is not possible to disaggregate expenditure by site.

(2) The Deputy Director General of TAFE has advised me that detailed item-by-item costing of elements ofthe capital works is not possible.

(3) See (2) above.

(4) (a) No.

(b) Budget bids are confidential.

*1219 POLICE—RESIDENCE OF OFFICERS FROM POLICE HEADQUARTERS—Ms Rhiannon asked theMinister for Police—

Of the Commissioned and Senior Non Commissioned Officers employed at Police Headquarters, how manyreside in the Northern Beaches or the North Shore areas?

Answer—

It is not appropriate to disclose this information. The residential locations of serving police officers is a privatematter and has no relevance to policing and law and order issues.

John EvansClerk of the Parliaments

________________________Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS - Parliament of NSW...2002/02/20 · LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL QUESTIONS AND...

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