QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS - Parliament of NSW€¦ · *824 NOXIOUS WEED—Mr Kerr to Minister for...

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PARLIAMENT OF NEW SOUTH WALES LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

2003

FIRST SESSION OF THE FIFTY-THIRD PARLIAMENT

___________

QUESTIONS AND

ANSWERS

No. 46

WEDNESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2003

___________ (The Questions and Answers Paper is published for each sitting day and will contain, by number and title, all unanswered questions, together with questions to which answers have been received on the previous sitting day and any new questions. Consequently the full text of any question will be printed only twice: when notice is given; and, when answered.)

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LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 19 November 2003

Q. & A. No. 34 (Including Question Nos 824 to 852)

18 November 2003


19 November 2003


20 November 2003


21 November 2003


2 December 2003


3 December 2003


4 December 2003


5 December 2003


16 December 2003


17 December 2003


18 December 2003


19 December 2003


23 December 2003

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Notice of Question given on the date shown

14 OCTOBER 2003

(Paper No. 34)

*824 NOXIOUS WEED—Mr Kerr to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and

Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

What action has the Government taken to destroy the noxious weed Caulerpa Taxifolia discovered in and adjacent to Towra Point Aquatic Reserve? Answer— The Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries has advised me of the following: NSW Fisheries has been developing ways of controlling this noxious weed Caulerpa taxifolia. This has included salt application trials in a number of estuaries including Botany Bay. Salt has been used to eradicate Caulerpa in high priority areas such as boat ramps in Botany Bay to reduce the likelihood of its spread. Significant new research projects investigating the impacts of Caulerpa taxifolia, its environmental tolerances, its interaction with native seagrass beds and the long term growth cycle of the weed are being carried out by NSW Fisheries and other research organisations. Some of the most important components of this work are being carried out within the Towra Point Aquatic Reserve. Extensive mapping and monitoring of Caulerpa has also occurred in the Towra Point Aquatic Reserve and other areas in Botany Bay to monitor its distribution and spread.

*825 PUBLIC SCHOOLS—CAPITAL WORKS—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

What are the details of the Capital Works funding 2003/04 for public schools in the Cronulla electorate?

Answer— The Government’s Capital Works Program continues to support the provision of new and improved facilities for schools. The following schools in the Cronulla electorate will benefit from funding under the 2003/04 Capital Works Program: School Project Allocation Caringbah Public School Provision of fire egress $20,000 Endeavour Sports High School Toilet modifications, covered

walkway, ramp and relocated store $120,000

Laguna Street Public School Path to games court, kerb crossings, ramp to administration

$10,000

*826 SUTHERLAND HOSPITAL RAILWAY STATION—Mr Kerr to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

Does the Minister support the construction of a railway station at Sutherland Hospital?

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Answer— I am advised: A Transport Management Plan was prepared on behalf of Sutherland Shire Council and StateRail. It was presented to Sutherland Shire Council in March 2003 and recommended the station was not viable. The plan further recommended Sutherland Hospital would benefit from improved promotion of available public transport services. I’m advised StateRail and Sutherland Shire Council are working together to investigate ways to improve and promote train and bus access to Sutherland Hospital. There are two railway stations, Caringbah and Miranda, located near Sutherland Hospital, each with bus services to and from the Hospital.

*827 FREDERICKTON PUBLIC SCHOOL—Mr Stoner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

Will you adhere to the Government’s promises to upgrade Frederickton Public School, including the refurbishment of the three existing permanent buildings, two of which are heritage listed, and when is the work planned to be completed? Answer— Frederickton Public School is undergoing a major upgrade worth $3.2 million including new classrooms to replace demountable accommodation, a new hall and a covered outdoor learning area. Construction of the new facilities at the school is underway and it is anticipated that the work will be completed during term three, 2004. I am advised that the Department consulted with the school community and an agreement was reached to defer work on the library and administration upgrade. Funding for the provision of an upgraded library and administration facilities in two existing heritage buildings and the refurbishment of a third permanent building (storage shed) at the school will be considered in the context of future capital works priorities.

*828 RADIOGRAPHY SERVICES —Mr Souris to Minister for Health—

(1) Are radiography services being cut back at Coonabarabran in Macquarie Area Health Service for reasons of best practice and OH&S current safe practice guidelines?

(2) Will this create greater OH&S problems for doctors and nurses, in terms of longer hours and increased stress?

(3) Will patient safety also be compromised and will there be significant cost blow outs in terms of transferring patients to base hospital and admissions that would not be needed?

(4) Could the local doctors and radiographers find a workable solution to meet local needs that would also guarantee ample rest time for the radiographer?

Answer— (1) to (4) inclusive.

In the interest of Occupational Health and Safety considerations the radiographer will now provide on-call emergency service according to the needs of the Coonabarabran Health Service. The on-call roster will indicate on-call arrangements of approximately five days in seven. These changes will have minimal impact on the workload of doctors and nurses at Coonabarabran. Transfers to Dubbo Base Hospital or overnight admissions on the two days per week without on-call emergency coverage will be off-set by savings in reduced on-call payments.

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*829 DEPARTMENTAL LEAVE POLICY—Mr Torbay to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) When a teacher is on leave without pay from the Department what are the guidelines/policy for

returning to the system? (2) Is a teacher’s transfer status maintained during a period of leave without pay? (3) What procedures are in place to ensure that a person who has been on leave without pay for an

extended period is up to date with current Departmental policy, procedures and syllabus? Answer— (1) All teachers on leave without pay have a general right of return to the Education Teaching Service.

Those teachers who are granted leave without pay for lengthy periods, but without right of return to a specific position, have priority for appointment in the general locality of the school from which their leave was granted.

(2) Yes. (3) Principals provide orientation for teachers who resume duty following leave. This includes

identification of training, retraining and support needs of individual teachers. Strategies to address individual teacher needs are developed and implemented at the local level.

The Department of Education and Training’s website is a source of valuable information that can be accessed by teachers, including teachers on leave without pay, to keep abreast of current issues associated with teaching and learning. This includes policy and guidelines on contemporary issues affecting teachers and schools, and links to other sites including the Office of the Board of Studies, which contain information on current syllabus and educational and professional resources.

*830 INDEMNITY COVER—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Health—

(1) (a) What is the status of indemnity cover provided by the NSW Government to public health specialists working at Port Macquarie Base Hospital?

(b) Is the cover the same as every other public hospital in NSW, as the 4-point plan states by saying “Port Macquarie Base Hospital will be treated no differently to any other public hospital in NSW?”

(2) Why hasn’t indemnity cover been provided by the NSW Government to specialists working for the Royal Far West Children’s Health Scheme?

Answer— (1) (a) Doctors contracted by Port Macquarie Base Hospital are eligible for Treasury Managed Fund

(TMF) cover for their treatment of public patients under the Service Agreement between the operator of the Hospital and the Health Administration Corporation.

(b) The indemnity cover is identical to that of Hawkesbury District Hospital, which has a Services Agreement to treat public patients and urban public hospitals.

(2) Royal Far West Children’s Health Scheme is a non-government organisation (NGO) and NGOs are not allowed access to the TMF.

*831 "REVIEW OF STUDENT TRANSPORT SCHEME" —Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Infrastructure and

Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

(1) (a) What is the status of each/all of the recommendations from the 2000 Public Accounts

Committee “Review of Student Transport Scheme”? (b) How many and which have been implemented? (c) How many and which are going to be implemented?

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(d) How many and which have been ignored?

(2) (a) How can you justify a freeze on rural bus fare scales, when at the same time you have increased metropolitan, urban fringe, and country town bus fares by 5.6%?

(b) Is this decision contrary to the recommendations from IPART? (c) Does it breach the Passenger Transport Act? (d) Does it breach some contracts currently in place between the NSW Government and some

private bus operators? (3) Will you guarantee the future of the rural bus fare scale for bus operators? (4) How can non-commercial bus services be guaranteed when the IPART report released this year has

recommended increases in rates that are below the inflation rate? (5) How do you expect bus operators to meet increasing community standards such as bus seat belts,

cleaner engines, better seats, better drivers, when this freeze is delivering a cut in real terms to bus operators for the current level of service they provide?

Answer— (1) (a) and (b) 12 of the 21 recommendations have been or are in the process of being implemented.

These recommendations are 1-4, 8, 14-19 and 21. (c) The remaining nine recommendations are scheduled for implementation or receiving

consideration in a comprehensive review of bus services being chaired by the Hon Barrie Unsworth.

(d) No recommendation made by the Public Accounts Committee has been ignored. (2) (a) ‘Rural’ fares have previously had a 25 percent premium attached. The rural fare scale was not

increased to lessen this disparity. (b) The Ministry determined that a rise for the rural fare scale was unjustified.

(c) and (d) In regard to legislative and contract requirements, no evidence has been presented to demonstrate that a 25 percent premium is required for rural fares.

(3) The Ministry of Transport has invited any rural operators who believe they will experience undue hardship to contact the Ministry so their case can be considered.

(4) IPART recommends changes to non-commercial contract payments based on information supplied by the BCA concerning revenue required for operators using different bus types. The Ministry had no evidence to disagree with the recommendations of IPART in regard to non-commercial contract payments and determined in accordance with those recommendations. Any non-commercial operators who believe they will experience undue hardship are invited to contact the Ministry so their case can be considered.

(5) No evidence has been presented to demonstrate that a 25 percent premium is required for rural fares. Any rural operators who believe they will experience undue hardship are invited to contact the Ministry so their case can be considered.

*833 RAINWATER TANKS—Mr Aplin to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

When will the rebate for installation of rainwater tanks be extended to regional areas? Answer— The purpose of rainwater tank rebate programs is to encourage the installation of rainwater tanks to assist in conserving potable water supplied via a reticulated system. Properties not connected to a mains system, where rainwater tanks are the only source of water, do not meet this criteria. Where local water utilities are responsible for water delivery to customers, they are responsible for rainwater tank rebate schemes. Some utilities, such as Australian Inland, and Gosford, Wyong, Goulburn and Orange Councils, have already introduced rainwater tank rebate schemes.

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The Government is committed to encouraging the widespread use of rainwater tanks, especially in NSW urban areas with a reticulated water supply. This will help to reduce the impact of stormwater as well as demand for piped water supplies, thus avoiding the financial and environmental cost for the community of the construction of new dams. The NSW Committee on Uniformity of Plumbing and Drainage Regulations (CUPDR) recently agreed to changes to the NSW Code of Plumbing Practice that will now allow the cross-connection of rainwater tanks to the potable supply, subject to appropriate protection of the mains supply. The changes will enable householders who are connected to a reticulated water system to use rainwater for drinking, bathing and all other household purposes, if desired. This approach builds on other measures taken by the NSW Government to encourage the greater use of rainwater. These include simplifying the guidelines governing the installation of tanks and amending State Environmental Planning Policy 4 to allow rainwater tanks up to 10,000 litres in size to be installed without planning permission. Significant financial assistance is already provided to rural and regional water authorities through the Government’s Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program ($67 million in 2003-04). The Program assists local water utilities to provide appropriate water and sewerage services. Demand management initiatives cannot be funded under the Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program. Rain water tank schemes are the responsibility of local government and their water utilities. These utilities are encouraged to pursue such schemes as well as introducing water conservation measures.

*834 FIRE UNITS—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Police representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

(1) How many community fire units are there in the Hornsby electorate? (2) Where are they located? (3) How much funding will be allocated for future community fire units in the Hornsby electorate? (4) When and where will these community fire units be established? Answer— (1) Twelve. (2) The Community Fire Units are located at:

Mills Avenue, Asquith Lachlan Place, Berowra Yallambee Road, Berowra Daniel Close, Cherrybrook Valley Road, Hornsby Excelsior Place, Mt Colah Parrish Place, Mt Colah Jessica Place, Mt Colah Glenview Road, Mt Ku-ring-gai Merrilong Avenue, Mt Ku-ring-gai Lynrob Place, Thornleigh Colin Place, Westleigh

(3) This would depend on demand by local residents to participate in the program and an identified need for a unit through a detailed risk assessment, carried out by the NSW Fire Brigades.

*835 MENTAL HEALTH UNIT BEDS—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—

(1) How many beds does Hornsby/Ku-ring-gai Mental Health Unit have? (2) How many beds are allocated to adolescents? (3) How many beds are allocated to psycho-geriatric patients?

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(4) (a) How much of the extra $77 million provided to mental health services will be allocated to the

Hornsby electorate? (b) In what form?

Answer— (1) to (3) Hornsby Mental Health Service has 25 beds in the Lindsay Madew Unit which are allocated to

patients, including adolescent and psychogeriatric patients, in accordance with assessed need. (4) Health funding is not allocated by electorate. The additional funding referred to by the Honourable

Member will be allocated on a statewide basis over a five year period to areas identified as most in need.

*836 MENTAL HEALTH UNIT—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—

Regarding the Mental Health Unit at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Health Service: (1) How many admissions are there on average per month? (2) How many admissions were there over the 12-month financial year period 2002-03? (3) How many teenage patients were admitted in 2002-03? (4) How many psycho-geriatric patients were admitted in 2002-03? (5) How many patients were admitted in the year 2002-03 who had attempted suicide? (6) How many patients were scheduled to the Unit in 2002-03, or who were admitted and compelled to

stay the prescribed number of days in that year? Answer—

(1) 38.9 (2) 467 (3) 21 (4) 49 (5) 67 (6) 283 patients were scheduled to the Unit.

*837 E-TOLL TAGS—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural

Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

(1) Do Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) supplied toll tags lose battery power and ultimately require

replacement? (2) Does this affect their ability to register when driving through toll booths? (3) Does the RTA require motorists to mail their non-functioning tags to the RTA in order to receive a

replacement? (4) How many days will this take? (5) What is the average life expectancy of the toll tags? (6) How many have been issued? (7) How many have been replaced due to battery failure? (8) Why is there no provision for replacement of batteries? Answer—

The battery installed in an Electronic Tolling tag powers it to enable communication with the reader at the toll point. If the battery fails, the tag cannot be read and has to be replaced. The tags supplied to the RTA (Q-Free Tags) are covered by a five year warranty and are replaced by the supplier if the battery fails during the warranty period.

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Replacement tags can be obtained on the spot at the E-Toll Business Centre at Milsons Point and replacement tags can also be mailed out, receipt of which takes a few days.

*838 MEDIA MONITORING—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment,

representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

(1) What was the cost for media monitoring in 2002/03 by the Department of Corrective Services? (2) Did media monitoring in 2002/03 exceed that budgeted amount of $250,000 by a further $100,000? Answer— (1) and (2) All costs incurred were appropriate to the needs identified.

*839 RURAL FIRE BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

(1) What is the length of the lease for the new rural fire brigade headquarters at Homebush Bay? (2) What will gross annual payments be? (3) What are the escalation provisions? (4) What is the $5.1 million in the 2003/04 budget for? (5) What will happen to the Rosehill facilities after June 2004? Answer— (1) The lease is for a period of ten years and three months, with two five-year options. (2) The gross annual payments will be $2.05 million. This amount comprises net rent of $1.75 million

per annum plus estimated outgoings of $300,000 per annum. (3) Escalation provisions will be two percent per annum for the initial term. (4) The $5.1 million is the capital component of the relocation fit-out budget. (5) The Rosehill facilities will be vacated in April 2004 and any future use would be determined by the

owner.

*842 INJECTING ROOMS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast—

In relation to the taxpayer funded drug injecting room in Kings Cross: (1) Are drug users attending the injecting room prevented from driving a motor vehicle after they have

left the facility? (2) If not, are they given any advice not to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs and

what form does that advice take? (3) When was the issue of drugged drivers discussed with NSW Police? Answer— I am advised by the Medical Director of the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre, Dr van Beek that: § Clients are assessed prior to leaving the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre to ensure that they

are not a risk to themselves or to others for any reason, as a result of having injected psychoactive drugs at the Centre.

§ Clients who are intoxicated are advised to remain under clinical observation in the After Care Area of the Centre until they are assessed to be fit to leave. This assessment includes asking clients where they intend to go after leaving the Centre, who they will be accompanied by and their means of transport.

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§ Clients who indicate that they intend to drive are advised against this and informed that should they

leave the Centre against this advice, the Kings Cross Police will be called immediately. § The issue of drugged drivers was discussed with the Kings Cross Police prior to the Medically

Supervised Injecting Centre’s commencement.

*843 CLOSURE OF CROOKWELL HOSPITAL OPERATING THEATRE—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

(1) Why was the operating theatre at Crookwell District Hospital not upgraded to meet the 2002

Australian College of Operating Room Nursing Standards, Guidelines and Policies and the AS/NZS 4187:2003 Standard when they were introduced?

(2) As failure of the emergency generator has been given as the immediate reason for the closure of the operating theatre by the Southern Area Health System, when was this generator installed?

(3) On what day did the generator fail? (4) What were the specific circumstances that caused the generator to fail? (5) Why were these circumstances not foreseen when the generator was installed? (6) Apart from the generator, detail what specific safety issues were lacking/sub-standard that forced the

closure of the theatre? (7) What was the result of the 8 October meeting between Crookwell hospital management/staff and a

representative of SAHS regarding the operating theatre? Answer— (1) to (7) In the interests of patient safety, Southern Area Health Service had taken steps toward the

decommissioning of the Crookwell Hospital Operating Theatre. The failure of the emergency generator (originally installed in June 2002) due to an overload on a very cold day (30 September 2003) prompted the closure of the theatre earlier than originally anticipated. The building housing the operating theatre at Crookwell Hospital was built in 1959, and standards since then have changed significantly for operation theatre environments. The Area Health Services Draft Clinical Services Plan and a review of Perioperative Services at Crookwell have found that it was no longer clinically acceptable to continue the low acuity operating theatre at the hospital. In addition to the standard of the theatre itself the draft Clinical Services Plan identified the safety aspects associated with maintaining an underutilized surgical service at Crookwell. In 2002/2003 just 41 low acuity procedures were performed in the theatre. Hospital staff were informed of this decision at a meeting between management, staff and a representative of the Southern Area Health Service on 8 October 2003. Crookwell doctors have been allocated theatre time at Goulburn Hospital for the safe conduct of the minor procedures formerly conducted at Crookwell Hospital.

*844 CHILDCARE IN GUNNING—Ms Hodgkinson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and

Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

(1) Does the Department of Community Services have any programs to provide financial assistance with

the establishment of before and after school childcare, long day childcare and school holiday childcare?

(2) If so how much assistance is available for each locality? (3) What is the name of the program under which this assistance is provided?

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Answer— (1) Yes, the Department provides financial assistance with the establishment of community - based long

day childcare and school holiday childcare (Vacation Care). The Federal Government funds before and after school childcare.

(2) Financial assistance is based on a Statewide analysis of needs and priorities for the Children’s Services Program in line with the stated priorities of the Early Childhood Services Policy for New South Wales.

(3) The Children’s Services Program.

*845 REPORT ON REGIONAL REVIEW MEETINGS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

(1) When is Professor Maurice Daley required to provide a report to you about the Regional Review

meetings that were held recently in Crookwell, Mulwaree Shire, Boorowa, Yass, Murrumbateman, Gundaroo and Goulburn?

(2) Will you give an undertaking to make this report publicly available as soon as it is provided to you? (3) If not, why not? Answer— I provide the following details in response to your questions: (1) On 27 October, 2003 Professor Daly provided me with proposals for structural reform involving the

area surrounding the Australian Capital Territory. The proposals were developed following extensive consultation with local communities, community groups, professional/business groups, unions government agencies, councils, councillors and other elected representatives.

(2) In accordance with section 218F(1) of the Local Government Act 1993, I have referred the proposals to the Local Government Boundaries Commission for examination and report. As part of the examination and reporting process, members of the public will be given the opportunity to comment on the proposals.

(3) N/A.

*846 HOUSE PURCHASE CONTRIBUTORY FUNDING—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

(1) Has the Minister’s department received an application for contributory funding from the Greater

Taree City Council to purchase houses affected under the Wingham Peninsular Flood Plain Management Plan?

(2) If so, when was such application received? (3) If so, what is the current status of such application? Answer— (1) to (3) In July 2000, Greater Taree City Council sought financial assistance under the

Commonwealth & State Assisted Floodplain Management Program for the voluntary purchase of houses on the Wingham Peninsula. The application was submitted on the basis that Council’s draft Wingham Peninsula Floodplain Management Plan, which included a voluntary house purchase scheme for the area, would be adopted in the near term. However, in December 2000, Council adopted the Floodplain Management Plan, but excluded the voluntary house purchase component. Consequently, Council did not receive a floodplain management grant offer for the Wingham voluntary house purchase scheme.

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Further, Council has not sought funding for voluntary house purchase on the Wingham Peninsula in its subsequent annual requests for financial assistance under the Floodplain Management Program.

*847 NORTH COAST HEAD INJURY SERVICE—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health—

(1) Does the Motor Accident Authority of New South Wales fund the North Coast Head Injury Service? (2) If so, what is the nature of such funding? (3) If so, what is the term of such funding? (4) If such funding is in place and is due to be terminated, when will it be terminated? (5) Why would it be terminated? (6) What will be the result if such funding is terminated? (7) If it is terminated, how will people in need of the service be able to be supported and serviced?

Answer—

(1) to (5) The Northern Rivers Area Health Service is the principal funding body of the Service. The

Motor Accident Authority provided a non-recurrent seeding grant for a two-year pilot project for a Child and Adolescent Worker position. The funding expires in December 2003.

(6) to (7) I am advised that the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers Area Health Services are currently discussing the future funding of the position. There is a firm commitment to retaining the position, and funding arrangements will be finalised by December 2003.

*848 COMPANION ANIMALS—Ms Moore to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the

Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

Since the introduction of the Companion Animals Act: (1) (a) Has the level of pet ownership in New South Wales gone up or down, and to what extent?

(b) What is the current level of pet ownership in New South Wales? (2) (a) Has the number of unwanted/unclaimed pets ending up in pounds gone up or down, and to what

extent? (b) What is the current number of pets going to pounds each year?

(3) (a) Has the number of unwanted/unclaimed pets being put down gone up or down, and to what extent?

(b) What is the current number of unclaimed pets being killed each year? (4) (a) Has the number of registered dogs gone up or down, and to what extent?

(b) How many cats and dogs are now registered? (5) Has the proportion of pets registered gone up or down, and to what extent? (6) Has the proportion of pets that have been de-sexed gone up or down, and to what extent? (7) To what extent are courts and local councils exploring all reasonable alternatives before destroying

animals? (8) Have all local councils established at least one public place as an off-leash area to provide space for

dogs to run freely? (9) What community education campaigns on responsible ownership and the importance of pet

ownership have been undertaken under the requirements of the Act? Answer— I have been advised by the Minister for Local Government of the following: (1) (a) and (b) The Department of Local Government does not collect data on the number of pets

owned in NSW. Information collected and maintained by the Department relates only to companion animals (cats and dogs) that have been permanently identified by microchip and whose details are entered onto the NSW Companion Animals Register (“the Register”).

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Based on available data the number of permanently identified animals listed on the Register has more than tripled, rising from 185,939 at 30 June 2000 (the end of the first year of operation of the Register) to 867,400 at 30 June 2003, comprising both registered companion animals and companion animals permanently identified by microchip (but not registered).

(2) (a) Prior to the introduction of the Companion Animals Act there was no requirement for councils to provide information on pound statistics. Since the introduction of the Act, the Department has actively encouraged councils to implement information management systems to collect and accurately report on pound activities to the Department. Based on data provided by local councils in New South Wales that have consistently reported on pound activities to the Department, the number of companion animals surrendered to those council pounds in 1999/2000 was 2,498; in 2000/2001 was 2,313; in 2001/2002 was 2,068; and in 2002/2003 was 1,911. This represents a 23% decrease in cats and dogs surrendered to pounds of these councils. Based on data provided by local councils that have consistently reported on pound activities to the Department, the number of companion animals ‘dumped’ at those council pounds in 2001/2002 was 3,059 and in 2002/2003 was 2,478. This represents a 19% decrease in cats and dogs ‘dumped’ at pounds of these councils. Note: Councils were not required to report on abandoned companion animals in pound activity

reports to the Department prior to the 2001/2002 financial year. (b) Based on data provided by local councils that have consistently reported on pound activities to the Department, the total number of companion animals entering council pounds in 1999/2000 was 16,529 (seized and surrendered). In 2000/2001 the figure was 16,628 (seized and surrendered); in 2001/2002 the figure was 15,119 (seized, dumped and surrendered); and in 2002/2003 the figure was 16,842 (seized, dumped and surrendered).

(3) (a) and (b) Analysis of data from those local councils that have consistently reported on pound activities to the Department shows a consistent reduction in the number of cats and dogs euthanased in their pounds. During the 1999/2000 financial year, 10,376 companion animals were euthanased. During the 2000/2001 financial year 9,806 were euthanased; during the 2001/2002 financial year 8,982 were euthanased; and during the 2002/2003 financial year 8,242 were euthanased. This represents a 20% reduction in euthanasia rates over the three-year period between the 1999/2000 and 2002/2003.

(4) (a) The number of registered dogs has gone up from 99,135 as at 30 June 2000 (the end of the first year of operation of the Register) to 457,683 at 30 June 2003, more than 4½ times higher. (b) At 30 June 2003 there were 502,548 registered companion animals recorded on the Register.

(5) At 30 June 2000 (the end of the first financial year of the operation of the Register) the number of registered cats and dogs was 102,983, or 55% of all companion animals recorded on the Register. At the end of June 2003 the number of registered cats and dogs was 502,548, or 58% of all companion animals recorded on the Register. This represents a 3% increase over a three-year period in the proportion of registered cats and dogs on the Register.

(6) Available data on desexed companion animals is only captured at the time of registration and therefore relates to registered companion animals. The figures for desexed companion animals therefore do not take into account those cats and dogs that are permanently identified on the Register (but not yet registered) that may already be desexed. Nor do the figures represent those cats and dogs registered as entire but desexed at a later date. During the first year of Register operation (1999/2000 financial year) 63% of registration types

recorded on the Register were desexed companion animals. This relatively high number of desexed registration types recorded resulted from the transfer of older, desexed dogs from the annual registration system (under the Dog Act 1966) to life -time registration under the current Act. In the 2002/2003 financial year 55% of registration types recorded were desexed companion animals. This represents a decrease in the proportion of desexed registration types of 8%.

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*849 BORAMBOLA CAMP—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Tourism and Sport and Recreation, and Minister for Women—

(1) With reference to the camp held from Friday 2 May to Sunday 4 May 2003 at Borambola near

Wagga Wagga, funded by the Department of Sport and Recreation and attended by Police Citizens Youth Club members, was a report on the camp submitted by a Senior Constable through Senior Sergeant Dave Cook (Area Controller for PCYC) to State Co-ordinator, Acting Inspector Pratt?

(2) If so, did the report contain details of undesirable conduct that may have occurred at the camp? (3) If so, what information did the report contain? (4) Was there any behaviour at the camp that would be deemed unsatisfactory in a normal camp

management environment involving young people under the age of 18 years? (5) If such a report does exist will the Minister undertake to obtain a copy and investigate any

allegations of undesirable conduct at the camp? Answer— (1) to (3)These questions relate to the NSW Police and as such should be directed to the Minister for

Police, the Hon John Watkins MP. (4) There were no documented incidents of behaviour deemed to be unsatisfactory in a normal camp

management environment involving young people under the age of 18 reported to or witnessed by departmental staff during this camp.

(5) No such report has been submitted to the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation, or to me. Answer 4, above gives the Department’s assessment of the conduct of the camp, as did Answer 10 to Question on Notice no 482.

*850 GAMING TAXES AND HEALTH FUNDING—Mr Souris to Minister for Health—

(1) What are the projected Budget outlays (both capital and recurrent) for Health for the financial years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 excluding any additional funds as may be derived from an increase in gaming taxes?

(2) What are the projected Budget inflows from an increase in gaming taxes for the financial years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010?

(3) What are the projected Budget outlays (both capital and recurrent) for Health for the financial years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 including any additional funds as may be derived from an increase in gaming taxes?

Answer—

(1) to (3) These matters are administered within the Treasury portfolio. This question should be

directed to the Treasurer’s representative in the Legislative Assembly for a response. *851 CHATSWOOD MASTERPLAN—Ms Berejiklian to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and

Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

When do you intend to respond to my letter of 5 August 2003, requesting a briefing on the “Chatswood Masterplan” including the Chatswood Transport Interchange upgrade? Answer— I am advised: A briefing on the Chatswood Transport Interchange Masterplan was provided to the Member for Willoughby on Friday 7 November 2003.

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*852 SPECIALIST FLOOD UNIT—Mr Page to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources— (1) Can the Minister confirm that the Specialist Flood Unit within the Department of Planning,

Infrastructure and Natural Resources will be maintained regardless of any restructure of the Department of Planning, Infrastructure and Natural Resources?

(2) Is the Minister aware of any delays in the release of grant offers to local councils for floodplain management programs?

(3) If so, how many grant offers for floodplain management programs have been delayed in 2003, and for how long?

Answer— (1) The new organisational structure for the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural

Resources will maintain a capacity to provide expert technical advice to local councils and communities about floodplain management. The State Government is committed to continue working with local councils to address floodplain management issues through the existing partnership arrangement.

(2) and (3) The Floodplain Management Authorities of NSW, representing over 70 local councils, were advised in May this year that the release of the 2003/2004 State Assisted grant offers would not occur until late September at the earliest. The release of grant offers under the Regional Flood Mitigation Program is dependent on Commonwealth approvals and the Commonwealth’s approvals for 2003/04 projects have not yet been received.

15 OCTOBER 2003

(Paper No. 35)

854 GRIFFITH POLICE STATION CONSTRUCTION—Mr Piccoli to Minister for Police—

*855 SECURE BICYCLE FACILITIES—Ms Moore to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)— (1) When will the Government provide free secure bicycle facilities at railway stations as it provides

free commuter car parking at many railway stations? (2) When will the Government provide secure bicycle facilities at Central railway station which serves

300,000 passengers weekly and Redfern railway station which serves 19,000 passengers daily? Answer— I am advised: Bicycle lockers were installed at Holsworthy and Rockdale as part of the Easy Access upgrades at these stations during 2002-03. StateRail is currently managing a project for the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR) to install bicycle lockers at Wolli Creek Station. This will be funded by DIPNR with ongoing management provided by Bicycle NSW. StateRail is currently investigating other locations where there is community demand and adequate space to install secure bicycle facilities either as stand alone bicycle lockers or as part of an upcoming upgrading program.

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*856 "HOT SPOTS" FUNDING—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for

Natural Resources— (1) What has happened to stage 2 of the “hot spots” funding for the Mid-North Coast? (2) Is the Minister aware the Lower North Coast Management Board did not include the “hot spots”

funding issue in the three years NHT investment strategy, because they were advised by the Department that it was a separate matter that was already funded?

Answer— (1) and (2) Under the Premier’s announcement of 15 October 2003, Catchment Management

Authorities will be established and will assess priorities for these areas.

857 LOBSTER QUOTA—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

*858 RANDOM DRUG TESTS—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship— (1) (a) How many random drug tests were undertaken each month of 2003 in the Metropolitan

Reception and Remand Centre? (b) For each month, how many were positive?

(2) (a) How many random drug tests were undertaken each month of 2003 in Long Bay Prison? (b) For each month, how many were positive?

(3) (a) How many random drug tests were undertaken each month of 2003 at Parklea Goal? (b) For each month, how many were positive?

Answer— (1) (a) Each month, 5 per cent of the inmate population of each correctional centre is ordinarily

subjected to a random drug test. (b) Between 0 and 5.

(2) (a) See answer to 1 (a) (b) Between 1 and 9.

(3) (a) See answer to 1 (a) (b) Between 1 and 6.

859 OFFICER MISCONDUCT—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

*860 LAND ZONING—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources— (1) Is the Government supporting the “back-zoning” of land in Lake Macquarie from industrial zoning

to conservation? (2) If so, will property owners be compensated for loss of value? (3) Has Lake Macquarie Council properly fulfilled its obligations in preparing its draft LEP? (4) Does this LEP effectively reduce or prevent SEPP5 development?

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Answer— (1) I am yet to receive advice on specific proposals that may involve ‘backzoning’ of industrial zoned

land to ‘conservation’. If such ‘backzoning’ is proposed I will need to be convinced of the absolute justification for that action before giving it my support.

(2) There is no legal basis for compensation. (3) Yes. (4) The draft LEP does not prevent SEPP5 development. The quantity of SEPP5 development that will

occur under this LEP will not be known until after the LEP takes effect. This is one of several aspects of the new LEP that will be closely monitored during its first two years of operation and adjustments to the LEP will be made if necessary.

861 WAGGA WAGGA POLICE AND COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB—Mr Maguire to Minister for

Police—

862 CENTRAL WEST COMMUNITY OPTIONS PROGRAM—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Health—

*863 CLASS SIZE REDUCTION—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— What schools in the Cronulla electorate will receive Class Size Reduction Units for school commencement in 2004? Answer— Cronulla Public School.

*864 HERITAGE NUMBER PLATES —Mr Amery to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— Since the introduction of the new heritage number plates for vintage motor vehicles, how many of these plates have been issued: (a) for 2002; (b) to 30 September 2003? Answer— The Historic Vehicle Scheme was implemented on 20 May 2002 and is a component of the Conditional Registration Scheme. (a) From 20 May to 31 December 2002, a total of 4292 historic vehicle and 1097 historic cycle number

plates were issued. (b) From 1 January to 30 September 2003, a total of 2496 historic vehicle and 857 historic cycle plates

were issued.

*865 CROOKWELL HOSPITAL KITCHEN —Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health— (1) When the Cook-Chill kitchen facility at Kenmore in Goulburn is transferred to Port Kembla in

November this year, will the kitchen at Crookwell Hospital remain open? (2) Will any of the existing staff at the Crookwell Hospital kitchen be transferred to other duties in the

hospital or to other health facilities in the area? (3) Will there be any changes to staff numbers at the Crookwell Hospital kitchen in the next:

(a) 6 months; (b) 12 months?

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(4) (a) Will the existing staff at the Crookwell Hospital kitchen be offered permanent employment

status as opposed to their current employment on short-term contracts? (b) If not, why not?

Answer— (1) Yes. (2) Currently, some of the kitchen staff also work in cleaning services. It is not anticipated that there

will be any transfers of staff from the kitchen to other facilities. (3) No anticipated changes. (4) Permanent positions at Crookwell Kitchen will be advertised, providing that they are not filled by

persons who are displaced by the closure of the Kenmore Kitchen. To date, no displaced employees from Kenmore have expressed an interest in redeployment to the Crookwell District Hospital.

866 GOULBURN COURTHOUSE SECURITY—Ms Hodgkinson to Attorney General, and Minister for the

Environment—

867 RESPONSE TO CORRESPONDENCE—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Police—

868 QUOTABLE VALUE NEW ZEALAND LTD—Mr Debnam to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

869 FORMER ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER LOLA SCOTT—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

870 POLICE TOWING TENDERS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

*871 HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE CENTRES—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth— In relation to senior citizens centres in the Hornsby electorate, what Home and Community Care funding has been provided for: (a) the building of these centres; (b) the upkeep of and maintenance of the centres? Answer— (a) Berowra Senior Citizens Centre $149,485 funded in 1983.

Asquith Senior Citizens Centre $76,587 funded in 1981. (b) Nil.

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*872 HORNSBY STATION DEVELOPMENT—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)— (1) Was a notice exhibited recently at Hornsby railway station asking for interest in possible

development utilising State Rail land (including the station) and airspace over the station? (2) What was the wording of the notice? Answer— I am advised: No recent notices have been issued or exhibited regarding the development of StateRail land surrounding Hornsby railway station, or the air space. StateRail advise they have been liaising with Hornsby Shire Council about potential future works to upgrade Hornsby station, including a new platform and upgrade of the track.

873 ASSAULTS IN HOSPITALS—Ms Seaton to Minister for Health—

*874 CHANGE IN SPEED LIMITS—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— (1) Is there a representative of the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) on the Greater Taree City Council

Traffic Committee? (2) If so, did such representative advise the committee that the RTA required Manning River Drive,

formerly known as The Pacific Highway or Victoria Street, to be signposted as a 70 kph speed limit from Dawson River Bridge to the outskirts of the Taree CBD and then 60 kph from that point to the business sector and 40 kph through that sector?

(3) If so, as the Traffic Committee is a committee of the Greater Taree City Council and the road mentioned in (1) above is under the authority of the council, what authority was the RTA representative operating under?

Answer— I am advised there has been no direction from the RTA requiring a change to the speed limit. However, under the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Act 1999, all authority relating to regulatory facilities lies with the RTA. Councils have been given delegated authority by the RTA to approve certain regulatory facilities. Speed zoning is not part of Council’s delegation and it remains the responsibility of the RTA.

16 OCTOBER 2003

(Paper No. 36)

*875 ROADWORKS—MOUNT ROYAL NATIONAL PARK—Mr Souris to Attorney General, and Minis ter for the Environment— (1) Were roadworks undertaken in June by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in the Mount Royal

National Park? (2) Does the Department of Land and Water Conservation fund roadworks for Crown road portions of

Mount Royal and Cassels Roads? (3) Why was roadwork being undertaken in the national park? (4) Why was gravel carting taking place late at night and at weekends? (5) What is the cost of these roadworks?

1296


(6) Does the Government acknowledge that gravel was carted over Carrowbrook Road and that damage

was done to that road by such haulage in May 1999? (7) When will the Government make payment to Singleton Shire Council for work carried out on

Carrowbrook Road to repair damage caused by the National Parks and Wildlife Service? Answer— (1) Yes. (2) This question should be directed to the Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources

(Lands), who manages Crown roads. (3) The Department of Environment and Conservation has responsibility for maintaining certain roads in

national parks. These works were part of the planned maintenance program for this area. (4) The Department of Environment and Conservation arranged for contractors to deliver gravel to the

park. (5) Approximately $20,000. (6) No. (7) I am advised by the Department of Environment and Conservation that it was not responsible for any

alleged damage.

*876 MINING INDUSTRY RETIREMENT AGE—Mr Souris to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce— (1) What is the Government’s position on the 60 years compulsory retirement age in the mining

industry? (2) Does the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union regard the compulsory retirement age as

outdated, unfair and discriminatory? (3) Are you aware that the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union regards the compulsory

retirement age as outdated, unfair and discriminatory? (4) Will you institute an independent review of the mining industry compulsory 60 years retirement age

given the rest of the community and some other states operate on a non-discriminatory 65 years? Answer— (1) Section 5 of the Coal and Oil Shale Mine Workers (Superannuation) Act 1941 prohibits a person

from working as a coal mine worker beyond the age of 60 years. Section 5(4) of the Act makes provision for the Corporate Trustee (Coalsuper Services Pty Ltd) of the superannuation fund to suspend the application of the retirement age to 65 years. The suspension is subject to certain conditions including the specified class of mine worker. Section 5A and the accompanying Coal and Oil Shale Mine Workers (Superannuation) Regulation 2000 extends the retirement age to 65 years in the case of mine workers who are employees within the meaning of the Coal Mining Industry (Supervision and Administration) Consent Award 1999.

(2) The issue of retirement in the coal mining industry remains a matter connected with access to superannuation entitlements. As the control of the mine workers superannuation schemes rests with the Coal Industry through Coalsuper Services Pty Ltd, it is appropriate that the issue of compulsory retirement be determined by the industry, rather than by legislative intervention.

(3) It is my understanding that the union in fact opposes removing the compulsory retirement provisions. (4) No.

1297


*877 RAIL BRIDGE—Mr Maguire to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural

Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)— Has consideration been given to building a new rail bridge across the Murrumbidgee River, a double bridge to accommodate future double rail line development? Answer— I am advised: The Rail Infrastructure Corporation (RIC) will replace the wrought iron bridge over the Murrumbidgee River at Wagga Wagga during 2004/05, as announced in the 2003/04 Budget Papers. This new single bridge will accommodate current and projected future growth in rail traffic. Other measures to increase capacity, including crossing loops and duplication of other sections of the line could be made if required.

878 MATHS CONSULTANTS—Mr O'Farrell to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

*879 COUNT ME IN TOO PROGRAM—Mr O'Farrell to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— What arrangements will be put in place to ensure that Ku-ring-gai public schools using the Count Me In Too program continue to have support from Department of Education and Training consultants, as envisaged by the program, following the current reorganis ation of the department? Answer— A revised proposal to restructure the Department of Education and Training was announced on 24 September 2003 and was subject to a further six week consultation period which concluded on 4 November 2003. Under the revised proposal, Ku-ring-gai public schools using the Count Me In Too program will continue to be supported by mathematics consultants who will be located within the Northern Sydney region. The consultation period generated some valuable feedback which is now being taken into consideration in finalising the new structure of the Department.

*881 MANDALONG PROGRESS ASSOCIATION—Ms Seaton to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources— In respect of the Land and Environment Court decision in favour of the Mandalong Progress Association in respect of the NSW Government (Planning NSW) breach of Development Consent NSWLEC141 18/6/2003: (1) Has the Government taken any further court action on the matter? (2) (a) What was the amount spent in legal fees by the Government defending the action? (b) What, if any costs, compensation or other settlement has been made with the Mandalong Progress

Association? (3) What action has the Minister taken in relation to those responsible for the breach of consent? Answer— (1) Yes. (2) (a) $30,000.

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(b) The Department is negotiating costs with the Mandalong Progress Association.

(3) The Land and Environment Court decision has been appealed.

882 FISHING LICENCES—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

884 POLICE COMPUTER FILES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

885 FIREARMS REFORM PAPER—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

886 WORK POLICY—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

887 AQUACULTURE INDUSTRIES—IMPACT—J.H. Mr Turner to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

888 SUSTAINABLE MARINE ACTIVITIES —Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

*889 PORT STEPHENS DEVELOPMENT—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources— (1) Does the government have any plans, concepts or ideas concerning the long-term development of

Port Stephens? (2) If so, do any of those plans, concepts or ideas involve making Port Stephens a working or industrial

port? (3) If so, what are those plans? (4) If so, when is it anticipated that such changes will occur in Port Stephens? (5) If so, why does the government believe that Port Stephens should be a working port or industrial

port? (6) Does your department or any other agency of government reconcile competing interests where it

might be determined to change the legal, gazetted or traditional use of areas such as Port Stephens? (7) If so, how is that reconciliation carried out? (8) If so, what factors are taken into account? (9) If so, would such competing interests such as aquaculture and recreational fishing or aquaculture and

water sports and tourism be taken into account? (10) If your department or other agency of government does not carry out any such reconciliation, why

don’t they? Answer— (1) No. (2) to (10) Not Applicable.

1299


890 AQUACULTURE INDUSTRY—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

891 AQUACULTURE—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

892 MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICES —Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

*893 CROSS-BORDER WORKCOVER—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast— (1) Are you aware of the concerns of the Civil Contractors Federation and Construction, Forestry,

Mining and Energy Union about the anti-competitive effect of the introduction of cross-border provisions into the NSW workers compensation legislation?

(2) What action have you taken to address these concerns? (3) Why have you not responded to the letter from the Civil Contractors Federation expressing these

concerns, which was dated 6 June 2003? Answer— This is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast.

894 REFUNDING OF SPEEDING FINE—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Police—

*895 TRAIN TERMINATION—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)— (1) What year were trains changed from terminating at Cowan? (2) What reasons were given for altering the termination of these trains? (3) Why was the extra platform removed from Berowra station? Answer— I am advised: Local suburban trains stopped servicing Cowan in 1991 under the Coalition Government. Intercity trains service Cowan Station approximately every 30 minutes in peak periods and every hour in the off-peak. Berowra Station was upgraded in 1983 to accommodate train terminations. The additional platform at Berowra was only one car in length and was mostly used as a back up during track work. It was removed to allow medium and wide gauge trains to pass allowing trains to terminate at Berowra.

1300


896 MENTAL HEALTH CARE—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—

897 MV ISLAND TRADER—Mr Richardson to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

898 HOSPITAL ASSAULTS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Health—

*899 TEACHERS' AIDES—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— What is the Government’s policy in regard to funding full-time teachers’ aides in emotionally disturbed/ behaviourally disturbed units in primary schools in New South Wales? Answer— The Department of Education and Training manages on a case by case basis requests from primary schools for full-time teachers’ aide support where it may be required for students enrolled in classes for students with emotional disturbance/behavioural disorders.

900 MUSWELLBROOK ERC—Mr Souris to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

901 MUSWELLBROOK POLICE STATION—Mr Souris to Minister for Police—

*902 SUPPORT TEACHERS—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— How many EFT Support Teachers Learning Difficulties positions are there in New South Wales primary schools? Answer— There are 848.7 EFT support teachers learning difficulties positions allocated across primary schools in New South Wales.

903 UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE—Mr Richardson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

*904 POPULATION GROWTH—Mr Amery to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources— (1) What has been the population growth of the Sydney metropolitan area, per year, over the past 5

years? (2) What are the projected figures for the next 5 years? (3) In relation to the above, what are the corresponding figures for the area identified as the Western

suburbs of Sydney?

1301


Answer— (1) The population growth of the Sydney metropolitan area, per year, over the last five years is:

(a) 1998 – 40,991 (b) 1999 – 50,305 (c) 2000 – 49,139 (d) 2001 – 59,179 (e) 2002 – 42,655

(2) The projected population growth for the Sydney metropolitan area for the next five years is: (a) 2003 – 36,000 (b) 2004 – 39,200 (c) 2005 – 43,300 (d) 2006 – 41,700 (e) 2007 – 41,100

(3) The population growth of the Western suburbs of Sydney, per year, over the last five years is: (a) 1998 – 24,995 (b) 1999 – 27,004 (c) 2000 – 28,982 (d) 2001 – 31,979 (e) 2002 – 23,399

There are no corresponding projection figures available for the area identified as the Western suburbs of Sydney.

905 TREE PRESERVATION—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

906 NATIONAL PARK FIRE MANAGEMENT—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

907 McINTYRES HUT FIRE—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

17 OCTOBER 2003

(Paper No. 37)

908 ABALONE—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

*909 COASTAL DEVELOPMENT—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources— (1) Does any single agency of government oversee matters relating to coastal development? (2) If so, what is that agency? (3) If not, what agencies of government oversee matters of coastal development? (4) How is coastal development defined? (5) Who determined such definition?

1302


Answer— (1) and (2) The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources. (3) Not applicable. (4) There is no single definition for coastal development. (5) Not applicable.

910 GIGAS OYSTER (PACIFIC OYSTER)—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

911 STRIKEFORCE EMBLEMS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

912 GUN CRIME STATISTICS—Mr Debnam to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

913 GUN CRIM E INCIDENTS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

*914 CYPRESS DECKING—Mr Constance to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment— (1) Has the National Parks and Wildlife Service purchased five semi -trailer loads of termite-resistant

cypress decking for walkways for the new Paroo Darling National Park? (2) Is NPWS calling for the sawmills in the Brigalow Belt South Bioregion that supplied this material

to be closed down? Answer— (1) The National Parks and Wildlife Service, now part of the Department of Environment and

Conservation (DEC) has purchased timber to construct the decking for walkways in the Paroo-Darling National Park. The timber was not sourced from the Brigalow Belt South Bioregion.

(2) No.

28 OCTOBER 2003

(Paper No. 38)

915 OXLEY HIGHWAY UPGRADE—Mr Stoner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

916 FAIR TRADING TRIBUNAL DECISION—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

917 WORKCOVER INSPECTORS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce representing the Minister for Commerce, Special Minister for State, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast—

918 COMPLAINTS TO FAIR TRADING—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

1303


919 GIO INSURANCE—PROPERTY CLAIM —Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

920 POLICE PROMOTIONS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

921 CLUBS NSW—SUPPORT FOR CRIME PREVENTION—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

922 COUNCIL CORRESPONDENCE—Mr J.H. Turner to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

923 MERRIWA PRE-SCHOOL—Mr Souris to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

924 STAFF IN DISTRICT OFFICES—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

925 FISH STOCKS—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

926 SPEED CAMERAS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Police—

927 TEACHING POSITIONS—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

928 TRAINS VERSUS BUSES—Mr Stoner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

929 AQUACULTURE INDUSTRY—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast—

930 PERFORMING ARTS UNIT—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

931 LANGUAGES UNIT—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1304


*932 WILCANNIA WEIR—Mr Amery to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural

Resources— What is the present position with progress with the amplification of the Wilcannia Weir? Answer— This is a matter for the Hon. Frank Sartor MP, in his capacity as Minister for Energy and Utilities.

933 REDBANK 2 POWER STATION—Mr Stoner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

29 OCTOBER 2003

(Paper No. 39)

934 COMPLAINTS TO FAIR TRADING—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

935 PRE-SALE BUILDING INSPECTIONS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

936 MAIL/EMAIL SCAMS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

937 OPERATIONS AND CRIME REVIEWS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

938 SUPPLEMENTARY POLICING—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

939 COPS2—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

940 MERCY CENTRE RESIDENTS—Mr Aplin to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

*941 RIVERINA INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE—Mr Aplin to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) How will the Department of Education and Training continue to provide front-line customer service

to training organisations, trainees and apprentices in the Albury electorate if it proceeds with a proposal to cut jobs in the Riverina Regional Industry Training Centre?

(2) What positions are targeted and what services will be reduced? (3) Will the department centralise these roles in Sydney or Wollongong?

1305


Answer— (1) to (3) A revised proposal to restructure the Department of Education and Training was announced

on 24 September 2003 and was subject to a further six week consultation period which concluded on 4 November 2003. Services delivered through the Riverina Industry Training Centre located at Wagga Wagga are currently co-ordinated from Wollongong. This arrangement would continue under the revised restructure proposal. The consultation period generated some valuable feedback which is now being taken into consideration in finalising the new structure of the Department.

942 ELECTION COMMITMENTS—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for

Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

943 ELECTION COMMITMENTS—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

944 RICHMOND PUBLIC SCHOOL—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

945 ELECTRICITY BROWNOUTS—Mr Pringle to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

946 ELECTRICITY CONNECTION—GLENORIE—Mr Pringle to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

*947 ROUTE DEVELOPMENT STUDY—Mr Pringle to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— In relation to the RTA commissioned strategic route development study for Old Northern Road and New Line Road: (1) Does the Government plan to implement the recommendations? (2) If so, which ones? Answer— The allocation of funding for upgrading works is determined on a state-wide priority basis. Having regard to the availability of funds and the needs of other locations on the state road network, the Government is not in a position to implement the recommendations from the study at this time.

*948 ROADS INTERSECTION—Mr Pringle to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— (1) When will construction of the intersection at Bells Line of Road and Grose Vale Road commence? (2) What is the completion date of the intersection?

1306


Answer— It is anticipated that construction will commence in late 2004.

949 WORLD HERITAGE CENTRE—Mr Pringle to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

950 GALSTON ROAD STUDY—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

951 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS—Ms Moore to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

952 NEW ALBURY AMBULANCE STATION—Mr Aplin to Minister for Health—

953 WRIGHTS CORNER—Mr Stoner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

954 SYDNEY HARBOUR FORESHORE AUTHORITY—M s Seaton to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

955 SURF CLUBS INSURANCE—Mr Constance to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

956 PODIATRISTS AT HORNSBY HOSPITAL—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—

957 DIABETES CENTRE—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—

958 TEACHING POSITIONS—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

959 FISHING LICENCE FEES—Mr Stoner to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

960 BURGESS ROAD CORRESPONDENCE—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

961 FISHING LICENCES —Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

1307


962 RETIREMENT VILLAGES—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the

Minister for Commerce—

963 GENERAL ASSISTANTS—Mr Hazzard to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

964 WATER MAINS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

965 NEW HOSPITAL LOCATION—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Health—

*966 SPIT BRIDGE LANES—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)— (1) What is the Roads and Traffic Authority’s time schedule for the proposed additional two lanes on

the Spit Bridge? (2) Has there been any signed Deed of Agreement or any other agreement with lessees of premises

located on the foreshore on the south-eastern side of the Spit Bridge which will facilitate their removal from their current location?

Answer— The determination of the time frame for the proposed additional two lanes on the Spit Bridge is dependent on the outcome of the planning mediation process currently being managed by the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources.

967 NORTHERN BEACHES TRAFFIC CONGESTION—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

968 RURAL FIRE SERVICE EQUIPMENT—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

969 COMMISSIONER FOR CORRECTIVE SERVICES —Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

30 OCTOBER 2003

(Paper No. 40)

970 STATION MAINTENANCE—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1308


971 ELECTRICITY DISRUPTION—Mr Pringle to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

972 BUTTSWORTH BRIDGE WIDENING—Mr Pringle to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

973 AFTER HOURS POLICING—Mr Stoner to Minister for Police—

974 LANDCOM LANDBANK—Ms Seaton to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

975 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE STAFF—Mr Amery to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

*976 MOUNT DRUITT HOUSING—Mr Amery to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— (1) How many dwellings are managed by the Department of Housing in the Mount Druitt area? (2) What is the amount of funds spent on maintenance for these homes for the past financial year? Answer— (1) There are 5,844 properties managed by the Department of Housing in the Mount Druitt area. (2) During 2002/03, $16,737,603 was expended on maintenance in the Mount Druitt area.

977 OPERATION VENLO—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

978 NELSON BAY POLICE STATION—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

979 MURRUMBATEMAN BYPASS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

980 ROBERT BULFORD - DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT—Ms Hodgkinson to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

981 CONSUMER, TRADER AND TENANCY TRIBUNAL DECISION—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

982 WOLLONDILLY COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT CONSENT—Ms Seaton to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

983 DIESEL FUEL CONSUMPTION—Mr Maguire to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1309


984 SUSSEX INLET AMBULANCE STATION—Mrs Hancock to Minister for Health—

985 SURPLUS LAND SALE—Mr Kerr to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

986 ADI SITE WILDLIFE—Mr Richardson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

*987 PEDESTRIAN OVERPASS—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— Will you call for expressions of interest from parties interested in building a pedestrian overpass over Forestway, outside Forestway Shopping Centre, Frenchs Forest, the cost of building to be funded by advertising? Answer— The timing of construction of a bridge over Forest Way at Frenchs Forest will be in accordance with priorities for pedestrian bridges and dependent on advertising return from the overall progra m and the availability of funds from the Roads Program.

*988 CARINGBAH AND CRONULLA TRAFFIC CONGESTION—Mr Kerr to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— What studies have been undertaken by the Roads and Traffic Authority since 1995 in relation to traffic congestion affecting Caringbah and Cronulla? Answer— The Roads and Traffic Authority carries out Travel Time Surveys on all State Roads in the Sydney region twice a year. While the surveys for the Caringbah and Cronulla area did not identify any significant traffic congestion, they did identify the need for an upgrade of the Miranda Five Ways intersection. Traffic studies were undertaken in 1999 and 2000 as part of the proposal for major improvements to the intersection. These works have now been completed.

989 SCHOOL MAINTENANCE—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

990 ED/BD UNIT—Mrs Hancock to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1310


*991 PRINCES HIGHWAY UPGRADE—Mrs Hancock to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— Will the Minister agree to liaise with the Southern Group of Councils (formerly IROC) regarding the upgrade of the Princes Highway? Answer— The Roads and Traffic Authority attended previous meetings of IROC and will be available to inform the newly formed Southern Group of Councils on proposals for the upgrading of the Princes Highway.

992 SEPP 5—Mrs Hancock to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

993 PLANTATION POINT—Mrs Hancock to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

994 PROPOSED BOUNDARY CHANGES—Mr Aplin to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

*995 BENDY BUSES—Mr Brogden to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)— (1) In relation to bendy buses, how many bendy buses does State Transit own, how many are currently

in service and what is the average age of the buses at the following depots: (a) Mona Vale? (b) Brookvale? (c) all depots in total?

(2) Does State Transit have any plans to replace these buses, when is this budgeted to occur, and what type of buses will the bendy buses be replaced with?

(3) How much has the Government budgeted for the replacement of the bendy buses? Answer— I am advised: (1) StateRail owns and currently operates 30 articulated buses.

(a) 15 buses at Mona Vale, average age 20 years (b) 15 buses at Brookvale, average age 20.53 years (c) 30 buses in total, average age 20.27 years

(2) State Transit plans to acquire 80 new articulated buses with deliveries starting in 2005/06. (3) For 80 articulated buses the contract price is budgeted at $48 million.

*996 TOLL TAGS—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)— (1) Do RTA supplied toll tags lose battery power and ultimately require replacement?

1311


(2) Does this affect their ability to register when driving through tollbooths? (3) Does the RTA require motorists to mail their non-functioning tags to the RTA in order to receive a

replacement? (4) How many days will this take? (5) What is the average life expectancy of the toll tags? (6) How many have been issued? (7) How many have been replaced due to battery failure? (8) Why is there no provision for replacement of batteries? Answer— I refer the Honourable Member to my answer to Question No. 837.

997 TRAINEE ENROLLED NURSE—Mr Piccoli to Minister for Health—

998 INCOME FROM LOTTERIES —Mr Piccoli to Minister for Gaming and Racing—

999 FORMER WATER POLICE SITE—Ms Seaton to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

1000 PYRMONT POINT PLANNING—Ms Seaton to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

31 OCTOBER 2003

(Paper No. 41)

1001 AIR-CONDITIONED CLASSROOMS—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1002 MAROOTA FOREST—Mr Pringle to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

1003 CITYRAIL ELECTRIFICATION TO GOULBURN—Ms Seaton to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1004 MAIL/EMAIL SCAM WARNINGS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

1005 PRODUCT SAFETY WARNINGS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

1006 MINISTERIAL DISCRETIONARY POWERS UNDER FIREARMS LEGISLATION—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Police—

1312


1007 SCHOOLS CAPITAL WORKS—PRIORITY LIST—Mr Maguire to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

11 NOVEMBER 2003

(Paper No. 42)

1008 NURSING HOME RESIDENTS—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

1009 KURING-GAI LOCAL AREA COMMAND—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Police—

1010 HORNSBY REGIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTRE—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

1011 BURRANEER BAY SCHOOL—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1012 KURNELL PENINSULA —Mr Kerr to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

1013 TRANSPORT DECISION—Mr Constance to Minister for Health—

1014 MATURE WORKERS PROGRAM—Mr Maguire to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1015 FARMBIZ—Mr Maguire to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

1016 DENTAL STAFFING STATUS—WAGGA WAGGA BASE HOSPITAL—Mr Maguire to Minister for Health—

1017 PRE-SCHOOLS—Ms Berejiklian to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1018 PRE-SCHOOLS—Ms Berejiklian to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

1313


1019 CHATSWOOD POLICE STATION—Ms Berejiklian to Minister for Police—

1020 MID-NORTH COAST CORRECTIONAL CENTRE—Mr Stoner to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

1021 LIABILITY INSURANCE—Mr Stoner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

1022 UPGRADE PACIFIC HIGHWAY BETWEEN KEMPSEY AND EUNGAI—Mr Stoner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

1023 E-TOLL BOOTH—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

1024 PARRAMATTA RAIL LINK—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1025 NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AND WORKERS COMPENSATION SYSTEM—Mr Oakeshott to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

1026 SPORTS GRANTS—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Tourism and Sport and Recreation, and Minister for Women—

1027 TAX ON CLUBS—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

1028 POLICE MEDIA UNIT—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

1029 POLICING IN MENAI—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

1030 CONSUMER TRADER AND TENANCY TRIBUNAL —Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

1031 YASS TOWN WATER SUPPLY —Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

1314


1032 STATE FOREST ROADS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister

for Natural Resources—

1033 INFRINGEMENT NOTICE G907/1380—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1034 NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM FUNDS—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce representing Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast—

1035 PAROLE BOARD—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

1036 METHADONE PROVISION TO INMATES —Mr Humpherson to Minister for Health—

1037 DNA PROFILING—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police—

1038 RURAL SCHOOL BUS SERVICES—Mr Page to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1039 CASINO—MURWILLUMBAH RAIL SERVICE—Mr Page to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1040 RAILWAY EXTENSION TO QUEENSLAND—Mr Page to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1041 THREE TOWNS SEW AGE SCHEME—Mr Pringle to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

1042 CAT REPORT—Mr Pringle to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business—

1043 WINDSOR ROAD WORKS—Mr Pringle to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

1044 SCONE RAILWAY STATION—Mr Souris to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1315


1045 ROADS AND TRAFFIC AUTHORITY SERVICES—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

1046 TAXI BLITZES—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1047 TEXTBOOK PROVISION—Mr Armstrong to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1048 TRAINEE SUBSIDIES —Mr Armstrong to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1049 LIBRARY STAFF—STATE EQUITY CENTRE—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1050 HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAM FUNDS—Ms Moore to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

1051 ABORIGINAL PARTICIPATION IN CONSTRUCTION—Ms Moore to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1052 EMOTIONALLY DISTURBED/SUPPORT TEACHER-LEARNING DIFFICULTIES TEACHERS—Mr Aplin to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1053 ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTRES—Mr Aplin to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1054 FRUIT FLY EXCLUSION ZONE—Mr Piccoli to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

1055 TRANSPORTING FRUIT FLY FINES—Mr Piccoli to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

1056 GRIFFITH EAST SCHOOL —Mr Piccoli to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1316


12 NOVEMBER 2003

(Paper No. 43)

1057 RELOCATION TO GROUP HOME—CENTRAL COAST—Mr Hartcher to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

1058 PROOF OF PAYMENT —Mr Hartcher to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minis ter for Commerce representing the Minister for Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast—

1059 COURT FEES AND CHARGES—Mr Armstrong to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

1060 PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE—KEMPSEY TO EUNGAI—Mr Stoner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

1061 PLANFIRST—Mr Stoner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

1062 COMMERCIAL LEASE DISPUTES—Ms Berejiklian to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

1063 PORT OF YAMBA—Mr Cansdell to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

1064 PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE—Mr Cansdell to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1065 ILUKA COAST GUARD—Mr Cansdell to Minister for Police—

1066 VASCULAR SURGEON—Mr Cansdell to Minister for Health—

1067 BELLS LINE OF ROAD—Mr Pringle to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

1068 DANGEROUS VEHICLES—Mr Pringle to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

1317


1069 DANGEROUS VEHICLES—Mr Pringle to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

1070 YOUNG PEOPLE IN AGED CARE FACILITIES —Mr Maguire to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

1071 TASKFORCE GAIN FUNDING—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

1072 POLICE RECREATION LEAVE—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

1073 OPERATION RETZ—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

1074 CRONULLA POLICE STATION—Mr Kerr to Minister for Police—

1075 PRE-SCHOOLS—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1076 COUNTRY LINK INQUIRY—Mr Torbay to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1077 KERB AND GUTTER—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

1078 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES—HORNSBY ELECTORATE—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business—

1079 SMALL BUSINESS FAILURES—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business—

1080 CONSUMER TRADER AND TENANCY TRIBUNAL (CTTT)—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

1081 SYDNEY-CANBERRA RAIL LINE—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1082 PRE-FABRICATED SCRIPTS—Mr J.H. Turner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1318


1083 SEPP5—Ms Berejiklian to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural

Resources—

1084 FORENSIC EXAMINATION—Mr Aplin to Minister for Health—

1085 HORSE TRAINING ASSISTANCE—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Gaming and Racing—

1086 NURSING HOME BEDS—Mr Oakeshott to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

1087 POPULATION TRENDS—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

1088 F3 FREEWAY EXTENSION—Mr Souris to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

1089 PEDESTRIAN SAFETY—Ms Moore to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

1090 CORRECTIONAL CENTRE—KEMPSEY—Mr Stoner to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

13 NOVEMBER 2003

(Paper No. 44)

1091 RESPONSE TO CHILDHOOD OBESITY SUMMIT—Mr Oakeshott to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1092 LONGER-TERM FINANCIAL PROTECTION—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

1093 BUILDING INSURANCE SCHEME—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

1094 DENTAL CLINIC STAFFING NUMBERS—Mr Maguire to Minister for Health—

1095 WATER MANAGEMENT POLICY—Mr Maguire to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

1319


1096 HORTICULTURALISTS ASSISTANCE—Mr Pringle to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

1097 WINDSOR POLICE STATION—Mr Pringle to Minister for Police—

1098 NOXIOUS WEEDS—Mr Pringle to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries—

1099 RESPONSE TO CONSTITUENT CORRESPONDENCE —Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—

1100 PRE-SCHOOL FUNDING—HORNSBY ELECTORATE—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

1101 GENERAL PRACTITIONERS SERVICES HORNSBY HOSPITAL—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—

1102 FIREARM THEFTS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

1103 OVERTIME AND LEAVE—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

1104 181D POLICE ACT (1990)—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

1105 LAND MAPPING—GARDENS—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

1106 BRIDGE AT WEE JASPER—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

1107 SOUTHERN AREA HEALTH SERVICE BILL PAYMENTS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

1108 STATE FORESTS ROADS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1109 WORKERS COMPENSATION LEGISLATION—Mr Page to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast—

1320


1110 OPERA HOUSE TRANSPORT—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1111 STUDENT BEHAVIOUR—Mr Aplin to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1112 LOTTERY TICKETS—Mr Amery to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

1113 CLYDE RIDGE ROAD—Mr Constance to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

1114 GUARDRAILS —Mr Constance to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

1115 BEGA PUBLIC DENTAL—Mr Constance to Minister for Health—

1116 DENTAL WAITING LISTS—Mr Constance to Minister for Health—

1117 WAITING TIME—Ms Berejiklian to Minister for Health—

1118 CHILDREN’S WARD—Ms Berejiklian to Minister for Health—

1119 CHILD CARE APPLICANTS—Mr Hazzard to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

1120 SCHOOL BUDGET ALLOWANCE—WAKEHURST—Mr Hazzard to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1121 HOSPITAL SITES STUDY—NORTHERN BEACHES —Mr Hazzard to Minister for Health—

1122 KNIFE SEARCH—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Police—

1123 BUS ALLOCATION—BROOKVALE DEPOT—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1321


1124 LITERACY PROGRAM—Mr Hazzard to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1125 CAPITAL PAYMENTS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

1126 COUNCIL REFERENDUM—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

1127 NORTHERN BEACHES HOSPITAL—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Health—

1128 GUARDIAN TRIBUNAL—Mr Stoner to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

1129 SUTHERLAND BUSINESS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business—

1130 NURSING HOME BEDS—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

1131 RURAL FIRE SERVICE—BAULKHAM HILLS—Mr Merton to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

1132 LEFTHAND TURN LANE—Mr Merton to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

1133 GIFTED AND TALENTED—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1134 SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS—Mr Roberts to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1135 AMBULANCE SERVICE—Mr Roberts to Minister for Health—

1136 BUSH FIRE PROTECTION—KURING-GAI—Mr Roberts to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

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1137 TEACHER SELECTION—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1138 WAVERTON PROPERTIES —Mrs Skinner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1139 LANE SCHOOL SCHOOLS —Mr Roberts to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1140 RIGHTHAND TURN LANE—Mr Merton to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

1141 BALLINA BY-PASS—Mr Page to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

1142 NEW PARRAMATTA COURT —Mr Merton to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

1143 IN-TUNNEL FILTRATION—Mr Roberts to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

1144 LANE COVE AMBULANCE SERVICE—Mr Roberts to Minister for Health—

1145 POLICE ADMINISTRATION—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

14 NOVEMBER 2003

(Paper No. 45)

1146 DISABILITY CARE—Ms Seaton to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

1147 NEWCASTLE HARBOUR LOADING CAPACITY—Mr Piccoli to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Min ister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1148 MINING INDUSTRY COMPENSATION PREMIUMS—Mr Piccoli to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast—

1149 BALLINA BY-PASS BUDGET ALLOCATION—Mr Page to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

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1150 LANDFILL PROPOSALS —Mr Richardson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

1151 PRE-SCHOOL FUNDING—Mr Aplin to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

1152 LOCAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT—ALBURY ELECTORATE—Mr Aplin to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business—

1153 COVERED WALKWAY PROJECT—Mr Aplin to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1154 POLICE PROTECTION FROM HIGH SPEED PURSUITS—Mr Aplin to Minister for Police—

1155 AUSTIMBER EXPO 2004 ASSISTANCE—Mr Aplin to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

1156 DEMENTIA CARE PROGRAM ALLOCATION—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Health—

1157 'TUNNEL OPTION REVIVED' ARTICLE—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

1158 PARRY REVIEW —Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1159 AMBULANCE VEHICLES —Mr Pringle to Minister for Health—

1160 REDUCTION IN CLASS SIZE—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

1161 BICYCLE FACILITIES—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

1162 POLICE INTERNET ACCESS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

1163 CHUONG VAN NGUYEN CHARGES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

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1164 DOUBLE BAY FERRY WHARF—Mr Debnam to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and

Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

18 NOVEMBER 2003

(Paper No. 46)

1165 SOUTHERN AREA HEALTH SERVICE INVOICE PAYMENTS TO SMALL BUSINESS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

(1) Does the Southern Area Health Service (SAHS) have a quick payment of invoices from small

businesses procedure similar to the one operated by the Department of Corrective Services (Goulburn) and NSW Police College (Goulburn) which both pay invoices within 7 days of presentation?

(2) If not, why not? (3) Will you confirm that the target time for processing invoices from the SAHS is 45 days? (4) Why is SAHS not able to process invoices from small businesses as efficiently as the Department of

Corrective Services and the NSW Police College? (5) How many Goulburn companies have refused credit or services to the SAHS because of its

reputation for slow payment of invoices?

1166 COMPLAINT TO THE OFFICE OF FAIR TRADING—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

(1) Has the investigation of the complaint to the Office of Fair Trading by Mr and Mrs Dunn of Fingal

Bay under file number CSS99/3721 dating back to August 2002 been completed? (2) If so, why have Mr and Mrs Dunn not been informed of the outcome of the investigation? (3) If not, what is the reason for the delay in concluding this investigation?

1167 PRE-SCHOOL FUNDING—BURRINJUCK ELECTORATE—Ms Hodgkinson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

(1) By name, which pre-schools in the electorate of Burrinjuck received funding as part of the $3 million

additional funding for pre-schools in NSW, and how much was each pre-school allocated? (2) Were these funds allocated for specific purposes? (3) If so, specify the purposes? (4) What criterion was used by the Department to determine which preschools had ‘limited access to

other revenue’ and what definition was used to identify the limitations? (5) Did all preschools have the opportunity to apply? (6) If not, why not?

1168 GANG ACTIVITY—SOUTH WEST SYDNEY—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

In relation to gang activity in south west Sydney: (1) Were senior NSW Police advised in 1999 that the demolition of the Villawood Housing Estate had

driven the local gang - the Bronx Boys - underground making it more difficult for police investigations?

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(2) Were senior NSW Police advised in 1999 that members of the Bronx Boys Gang had been involved

in shootings from time to time? (3) Were senior NSW Police advised in 1999 that drug dealing by the Bronx Boys Gang was in the

order of $10,000 per day? (4) Were senior NSW Police advised in 1999 that the drug order telephone of the Bronx Boys Gang was

receiving an average of 96 drug deal calls a day? (5) Were senior NSW Police advised in 1999 that a female Villawood resident’s house was being used

by members of the Bronx Boys Gang for drug dealing, against her will? (6) Was Mr Dmitri Debaz, who was murdered in December 2002, under investigation in 1999 by

Fairfield police and if so, what was the result of that investigation? (7) Was Mr Ali Elrich, who was murdered in February 2003, under investigation in 1999 by Fairfield

police and if so, what was the result of that investigation? (8) What arrests related to the Bronx Boys Gang were made in 1999, 2000 and 2001 and what

convictions were obtained? (9) Were senior NSW Police advised in 1999 that Fairfield Local Area Command did not have sufficient

resources to undertake proper surveillance of the Bronx Boys Gang? (10) Did senior NSW Police in 1999 reject a Fairfield police request for resources to target the Bronx

Boys Gang? (11) Did senior NSW Police in 1998 and 1999 discourage requests from local police for listening device

warrants to target the Bronx Boys Gang ? (12) Did Fairfield police who raised concerns in 1999 over the lack of resources suffer harassment and

intimidation by senior police? (13) Following a series of shootings and attempted murders in the Fairfield area last year, was Deputy

Commissioner Madden warned by a detective of a further escalation in gang warfare, and that there would soon be another Cabramatta?

1169 DRUG DEALING—KINGS CROSS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

In relation to drug dealing in Kings Cross: (1) How many charges for the sale of drugs, by drug type, have been made by the Kings Cross Local

Area Command since the Kings Cross Injecting Room opened? (2) How many charges for the sale of drugs, by drug type, have been made by the Kings Cross Local

Area Command in calendar year 2003 to date? (3) How many charges for possessing drugs, by drug type, have been made by the Kings Cross Local

Area Command since the Kings Cross Injecting Room opened? (4) How many charges for possessing drugs, by drug type, have been made by the Kings Cross Local

Area Command in calendar year 2003 to date? (5) Did any state government department or agency contact Telstra to arrange removal of the public

telephone in Darlinghurst Road in front of Kings Cross railway station because of the high number of drug deals that were being arranged from this telephone?

(6) Are police aware that drug purchases are now arranged using public telephones in Kellett Street and in Bayswater Road, near the intersection of Kellett Street?

(7) Has the Govern ment advised Kings Cross Police that drug dealers servicing the Injecting Room are untouchable for drug dealing offences?

(8) Has the Government advised Kings Cross Police that Kellett Street is a no-go zone for policing of drug offences?

(9) Is the Minister aware that drug affected clients of the Injecting Room exit the back door in Kellett Street and collapse near that exit and in surrounding areas?

(11) Is the Minister aware that local businesses in Kellett Street and Bayswater Road suffer frequent harassment and intimidation by drug affected clients of the Injecting Room?

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1170 CABRAMATTA POLICE AND COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB —Mr Debnam to Minister for

Police—

In relation to the Cabramatta Police and Community Youth Club (PCYC): (1) How and on what date did the Government become aware that PCYC premises adjacent to the

Cabramatta PCYC had been leased to a person operating a brothel? (2) Did Mr Fornasier, the real estate agent who arranged for the lease, inquire as to the intended use of

the premises? (3) What checks were carried out on the proposed lessee’s ability to pay rent? (4) Was the availability of the lease advertised and if so where, on what date(s) and how many potential

lessees responded to the advertisement(s)? (5) What representations, if any, did you receive from the Member for Cabramatta in relation to this

matter and what were the dates and nature of those representations? (6) Is Mr Fornasier President of the Cabramatta PCYC ? (7) Is Mr Fornasier President of the Canley Vale Branch of the Labor Party? (8) Is the Member for Cabramatta patron of the Cabramatta PCYC? (9) Why was Mr Fornasier retained to lease the property?

1171 ACCOUNTANCY NIGHT COURSES CUTBACKS —Mr Oakeshott to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) Is the Minister aware of the cutbacks to Accountancy night courses at the Port Macquarie campus of

the North Coast Institute of TAFE? (2) What action is he taking to reinstate these night courses?

1172 PACIFIC HIGHWAY ROAD CONDITION—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

(1) Is the Minister aware of the Pacific Highway Road Condition Audit? (2) Did the NRMA recommend that further Government funding be supplied to increase the percentage

of dual carriageway from 32% to 100% from Hexham to the Queensland border? (3) (3)What are the Roads and Traffic Authority’s (RTA) future plans to eliminate the 14 clear zone

objects from Taree to Kempsey, and the 152 clear zone objects from Hexham to the Queensland border that contribute to the severity of road accidents on the Highway?

(4) Did the NRMA find that 36 of the 124 fatal crashes between 2000 and 2003 on the Pacific Highway north of Hexham occurred between Taree and Kempsey?

(5) Did the NRMA find that the fatality rates were significantly highest between Taree and Kempsey (2.3 deaths per 100MVKT)?

(6) What strategies does the Minister have in place to reduce this figure in the future?

1173 COASTAL CONFERENCE—PORT MACQUARIE—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

(1) Were two unanimous motions moved at the 12th Annual NSW Coastal Conference held in Port

Macquarie last week regarding the enhanced role needed for the NSW Coastal Council, or the equivalent body in the new catchment management regime?

(2) What is the Minister’s response to these unanimous motions?

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1174 HORNSBY HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT BUDGET—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—

(1) What has the $1.5 million in the 2002/2003 budget for re -developing Hornsby Hospital been spent on?

(2) What will the $6.5 million in the 2003/04 budget for re-developing Hornsby Hospital be spent on? (3) Why has the commencement of the re -development been put back to at least mid 2004?

1175 RE-USED WATER—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Lands)—

(1) What policies have been formulated and implemented to ensure that local councils re -use water for

use on parks and gardens? (2) What checks are made to ensure councils follow policy directions?

1176 SCHOOL TOILETS IMPROVEMENT—HORNSBY ELECTORATE—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) Which school toilets in the Hornsby electorate still require improvements? (2) Which will have work performed on them 2003/2004? (3) When will remaining toilets be improved to a satisfactory standard?

1177 WATER SUPPLY TO SYDNEY RESIDENTS—Mr Pringle to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

What alternative strategies to water restrictions is Sydney Water planning in order to increase the amount of water supply available to residents of Sydney?

1178 INFANT CLASSES —Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, M inister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

When will the size of infant classes at primary schools in the Cronulla electorate be reduced?

1179 INVESTMENT —Mr Kerr to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business—

What action is the Government taking to promote investment in the Cronulla electorate?

1180 FLASHING LIGHTS—Mr Roberts to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

When will flashing lights be installed on school zone signs within the Lane Cove electorate?

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1181 SPEED CAMERA—Mr Roberts to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

How much revenue was received from the fixed speed camera on Centennial Avenue, Lane Cove for the years 1999 to 2002 inclusive?

1182 POLICE STATIONS—Mr Roberts to Minister for Police—

Will the Police stations of Gladesville, Lane Cove and Chatswood be adequately resourced so that Police can respond to residents’ concerns in a timely and efficient manner?

1183 BOWRAL PUBLIC HOSPITAL—Ms Seaton to Minister for Health—

(1) Regarding the state of facilities at Bowral Public Hospital, when will the Government commit to renewal, upgrade or replacement of the following medical facilities at the Hospital (a) Children’s Ward (b) Physiotherapy Room (c) Operating Theatres (d) Kitchen facilities (e) Other ancillary facilities (f) Helipad relocation to hospital campus?

(2) With respect to each facility listed above, what are the proposed changes, the budget and proposed commencement date?

1184 PLANNING SEPP5 REVIEW —Ms Seaton to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

(1) Following your undertaking to do a 4-6 week review of SEPP 5, why has the review extended to

more than six months? (2) How many submissions were invited? (3) Who was invited to make submissions? (4) Why were general public submissions not invited? (5) How many SEPP 5 applications were lodged in the period from the announcement of the review

through to 18 November 2003?

1185 STRATA SCHEMES —Ms Berejiklian to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

In relation to Strata Schemes management (1) In view of material provided by ICAC and other bodies, how should section 222 of the Strata

Schemes Management Act, be interpreted in application to proceedings within the scheme? (2) Is it proper behaviour for a board member of the Strata Schemes Board of NSW to actively seek

employment while he/she is hearing a case? (3) What non – legal recourse is there for individuals who feel that proceedings relating to hearings

under the Strata Schemes Management Act have been unfair or unethical?

1186 OLD NORTHERN ROAD—Mr Merton to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

What are the latest statistics on the volume of traffic on Old Northern Road at Baulkham Hills?

1187 FLASHING LIGHTS—Mr Merton to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

When will flashing lights be installed on school zone signs in the Baulkham Hills electorate?

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1188 RAIL LINK BETWEEN EPPING AND ROUSE HILL—Mr Merton to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Natural Resources (Forests)—

(1) What is the present status of the North West Rail Link linking Epping and Rouse Hill? (2) Does the Government intend to construct the same? If so, what is the proposed commencement date

and anticipated completion date?

1189 SOUTH COAST FISHING CLUBS—Mr Constance to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

(1) Will you reverse the rental increases that the Department of Lands has imposed upon amateur fishing

clubs in Eden, Pambula, Merimbula, Tathra and Bermagui? (2) Do these clubs provide additional support to coastal rescue through radio operations?

1190 POLICE STATION UPGRADE—Mr Stoner to Minister for Police—

In relation to the need to upgrade sub-standard Police stations on the Mid-North Coast, what is planned for police stations at: (a) Kempsey (b) Macksville?

1191 PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE—Mr Stoner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

In relation to proposed upgrades of the Pacific Highway: (1) Why has the Warrell Creek deviation dropped from the schedule of works? (2) Why has work slowed on the Taree to Coopernook project? (3) When will work commence on the Mooreland to Herons Creek project?

_________________________________________ Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales

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