1121

PARLIAMENT OF NEW SOUTH WALES LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

1999-2000

SECOND SESSION OF THE FIFTY-SECOND PARLIAMENT

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

No. 49

TUESDAY 8 AUGUST 2000

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(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.) 1122 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

PUBLICATION OF QUESTIONS ANSWER TO BE LODGED BY Q. & A. No. 34 27 June 2000 (Including Question Nos 668 to 694) Q. & A. No. 35 28 June 2000 (Including Question Nos 695 to 717) Q. & A. No. 36 29 June 2000 (Including Question Nos 718 to 739) Q. & A. No. 37 30 June 2000 (Including Question Nos 740 to 743) Q. & A. No. 38 4 July 2000 (Including Question Nos 744 to 768) Q. & A. No. 39 5 July 2000 (Including Question Nos 769 to 797) Q. & A. No. 40 6 July 2000 (Including Question Nos 798 to 815) Q. & A. No. 41 7 July 2000 (Including Question Nos 816 to 826) Q. & A. No. 42 11 July 2000 (Including Question Nos 827 to 839) Q. & A. No. 43 12 July 2000 (Including Question Nos 840 to 858) Q. & A. No. 44 13 July 2000 (Including Question Nos 859 to 878) Q. & A. No. 45 14 July 2000 (Including Question Nos 879 to 886) Q. & A. No. 46 25 July 2000 (Including Question Nos 887 to 901) Q. & A. No. 47 26 July 2000 (Including Question Nos 902 to 918) Q. & A. No. 48 27 July 2000 (Including Question Nos 919 to 940) Q. & A. No. 49 3 August 2000 (Including Question Nos 941 to 967) 1123 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

Notice of Question given on the date shown

23 MAY 2000

(Paper No. 34)

*668 CSIRO LAND, PROSPECT—Ms Allan to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

(1) Will he consider maintaining a rural zoning for CSIRO land at Prospect once the CSIRO vacates the site? (2) What heritage values exist on the site?

Answer—

(1) The CSIRO site is presently zoned part employment and part residential. It is part of a 980 ha area in Western Sydney subject to State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) No. 59, due to its strategic importance for employment generating development. (2) None are specifically known although there is the potential for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage values to be present. Before any development can take place on the site, SEPP 59 requires that a precinct plan be approved. This process specifically requires that heritage values be addressed.

*670 PARRAMATTA PARK—CAPITAL WORKS—Ms Allan to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) What monies have been spent on capital infrastructure in Parramatta Park over the last twelve months? (2) What capital works are planned for the Park over the next twelve months?

Answer—

(1) Nil. Capital infrastructure projects were halted due to compliance with a Heritage Office requirement to complete a Landscape Masterplan prior to undertaking any further construction works in the Park. Negotiations over the extent of land required for the Parramatta- Chatswood Rail Link further delayed the commencement of planned capital infrastructure projects. (2) Road improvements to the value of $448,000 are planned with $52,000 having been allocated for the 2000-01 financial year; and improvements to the Burramatta Visitor Centre to the value of $1m have commenced with $794,000 having been allocated in the 2000-01 financial year. (3) A Landscape Masterplan is presently being developed to guide all future capital infrastructure development and projects. This plan is due for completion by the end of July.

*671 FERRY/TRAIN TICKETS—Mr Barr to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) (a) Is there a weekly ferry/train ticket available for purchase from State Transit? (b) If so, how much does this ticket cost? (c) If not, why is there no such combination ticket available? (d) If not, when will such a ticket become available? 1124 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

(2) (a) Will there be a weekly combined ferry/train ticket available for use on the new Airport Link train line opened on 21 May 2000? (b) If so, when, and how much will it cost? (c) If not, why will there be no such combination ticket available? (d) If not, how can Manly commuters travelling to the airport for work on a daily basis afford to utilise the new Airport Train Link service? (3) What public transport options are available to commuters travelling from Manly to the airport on a daily basis? (4) Will the route 100 bus continue to operate after the introduction of the Airport Link?

Answer—

(1) (a) Yes. (b) The price ranges from $26 per week to $51 per week depending on the distance the passenger wishes to travel. (c) N/A. (d) N/A. (2) (a) to (d). The Airport Link is privately operated and the Airport Link Company is currently offering weekly passes. Weekly access fee passes are available from any CityRail outlet and cost from $28.50 depending on the distance travelled. (3) Ferry or JetCat services are available to Circular Quay. Commuters can then change for bus or train services to the airport. Alternatively, a bus is available to Neutral Bay where a connection can be made with the Route 100 bus to the Airport. (4) Yes.

*672 NSW BOARDS AND COMMITTEES REGISTER—Mr Brogden to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

(1) Is he aware of the NSW Boards and Committees Register? (2) Has he consulted the NSW Boards and Committees Register before making any appointments to Government Boards and Committees within his portfolios? (3) Has he appointed any youth representatives to Boards and Committees within his portfolios? (4) If so, how many youth representatives has he appointed, and to which Boards and/or Committees have these appointments been made?

Answer—

(1) to (4) The New South Wales Premier’s Department Register is available for use by Ministers. The Premier’s Department consults the Register to determine whether candidates are suitable for up-coming vacancies. The Department notifies Ministers of vacancies where it is recommended that more people from target groups should be considered for appointment. Arrangements are also being made for the identification of young people on Cabinet nomination forms, to be in place by August 2000. Since last April, twenty young people have been appointed to Government Statutory bodies, advisory and reference groups, including: · The Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee · The Youth Entertainment Network Advisory Group · The NSW Youth Week Young People’s Management Committee · The Centre for the Advancement of Adolescent Health Advisory Board · The Commission for Children and Young People Interim Advisory Committee · The Child Protection and Parental Responsibility Act Coordination and Evaluation Committee; and · The Youth Media Forum Consultative Committee. 1125 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

*673 NSW BOARDS AND COMMITTEES REGISTER—Mr Brogden to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

(1) Is he aware of the NSW Boards and Committees Register? (2) Has he consulted the NSW Boards and Committees Register before making any appointments to Government Boards and Committees within his portfolios? (3) Has he appointed any youth representatives to Boards and Committees within his portfolios? (4) If so, how many youth representatives has he appointed, and to which Boards and/or Committees have these appointments been made?

Answer—

(1) Yes. (2) Yes. (3) and (4) I am advised that arrangements are being made for the identification of young people on Cabinet nomination forms, to be in place by August 2000. I am also advised that since last April, twenty young people have been appointed to Government statutory bodies, advisory and reference groups, including: · The Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee · The Youth Entertainment Network Advisory Group · The NSW Youth Week Young People’s Management Committee · The Centre for the Advancement of Adolescent Health Advisory Board · The Commission for Children and Young People Interim Advisory Committee · The Child Protection and Parental Responsibility Act Coordination and Evaluation Committee and · The Youth Media Forum Consultative Committee

*674 NSW BOARDS AND COMMITTEES REGISTER—Mr Brogden to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

(1) Is he aware of the NSW Boards and Committees Register? (2) Has he consulted the NSW Boards and Committees Register before making any appointments to Government Boards and Committees within his portfolios? (3) Has he appointed any youth representatives to Boards and Committees within his portfolios? (4) If so, how many youth representatives has he appointed, and to which Boards and/or Committees have these appointments been made?

Answer—

(1) to (4) The New South Wales Premier’s Department Register is available for use by Ministers. The Premier’s Department consults the Register to determine whether candidates are suitable for up-coming vacancies. The Department notifies Ministers of vacancies where it is recommended that more people from target groups should be considered for appointment. Arrangements are also being made for the identification of young people on cabinet nomination forms, to be in place by August 2000. Since last April, twenty young people have been appointed to Government Statutory bodies, advisory and reference groups, including: · The Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee · The Youth Entertainment Network Advisory Group · The NSW Youth Week Young People’s Management Committee · The Centre for the Advancement of Adolescent Health Advisory Board · The Commission for Children and Young People Interim Advisory Committee 1126 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

· The Child Protection and Parental Responsibility Act Coordination and Evaluation Committee and · The Youth Media Forum Consultative Committee

*675 SRA—COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES—Mr Collins to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) What complaints procedures are in place for SRA commuters to lodge complaints by telephone? (2) In advising commuters that he did not talk to them by telephone, was the Sector Manager of the Western Line (to Richmond) in compliance with SRA policy? (3) What reassurance can he give SRA commuters who complain about inadequate heating in rail carriages this winter?

Answer—

I am advised by the State Rail Authority of the following: (1) Customer complaints are dealt with either through contacting the “Your Say Line” on 131 500 or by contacting Customer Relations Officers located in the Sector and Area Offices. (2) CityRail has no knowledge of this incident. Customers are welcome to contact the Customer Relations Office, Area Manager or Sector manager by telephone, in person or in writing to discuss their concerns. (3) Air-Conditioning which provides heating and cooling in Intercity cars, Outer Suburban Tangaras and Suburban Tangaras generally operate on an automatic setting of between 18-22 degree C.

*676 SUTHERLAND AND MIRANDA LOCAL AREA COMMANDS—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Police—

(1) Are Sutherland and Miranda Local Area Command Police to be amalgamated during the Olympics? (2) If so, what are the dates for commencement and conclusion of the amalgamation? (3) If so, how many police from these patrols will be removed for Olympic duties? (4) If so, what will be the remaining strength of these patrols during the amalgamation?

Answer—

(1) to (4) The Police Service has made arrangements to maximise the availability of police for normal policing activities across the State at the same time as meeting the special policing needs of the Olympics. These arrangements include: · cancelling police leave during the Games, · suspending police training programs, · reducing police attendance at court, and · using the Police Assistance Line to deal with non-urgent crime reports from the public. These special arrangements will ensure that appropriate numbers of police are available for duty over the Olympic period, and that all Local Area Commands will be adequately policed. A Service-wide action plan for delivery of normal policing services during the Olympics is currently being evaluated by the Deputy Commissioner Field Operations. 1127 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

*677 AVAILABLE BEDS—SUTHERLAND HOSPITAL—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Health—

(1) What is the current number of beds available at Sutherland Hospital? (2) What is the proposed number of beds when the planned construction of Sutherland Hospital has been completed? (3) Will the number of beds available vary between now and the completion of the construction?

Answer—

(1) 289 beds. (2) 321 beds. (3) Yes, available beds will fluctuate due to construction requirements and seasonal demands.

*678 LAND VALUATIONS—SUTHERLAND SHIRE—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

(1) How many objections to the 1999 land valuations in Sutherland Shire were received by the Valuer-General? (2) How many of these objections were successful in obtaining a lower land valuation?

Answer—

(1) Of the 60,000 notices of valuation for rating land values issued in the Sutherland Shire 607 objections i.e. 1% of the total number have been received. (2) 480 objections have been determined to date. Of these, 40 have had the land values reduced.

*679 ESCALATORS—EDGECLIFF RA ILWAY STATION CONCOURSE AND BUS INTERCHANGE—Ms Moore to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

Concerning community calls for the provision of escalators linking Edgecliff railway station concourse with the bus interchange: (1) What research was undertaken in advance of the decision to reallocate funding for this project, previously committed in the State Rail Authority’s 1995/96 Capital Works Program? (2) What was the average daily number of passengers using the interchange in the years: (a) 1994? (b) 1995? (c) 1996? (d) 1997? (e) 1998? (f) 1999? (g) currently? (3) For each year over this period, what was the estimated proportion of passengers using this interchange who had restricted mobility, such as the elderly, disabled and parents with young children? (4) What are the Government’s guidelines on providing access to public transport for persons with restricted mobility? (5) Do the current arrangement and facilities at the Edgecliff bus interchange meet the Government’s guidelines?

Answer—

The State Rail Authority has advised me of the following: (1) CityRail’s Easy Access Program is focused on larger stations based on factors such as patronage and proximity to key community facilities. 1128 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

(2) Edgecliff Station is a key station on the Eastern Suburbs line servicing the very busy commercial and residential surrounding areas. (3) CityRail does not hold information of this nature. (4) CityRail is currently working within the guidelines as established by the Draft Standards for Accessible Public Transport of the Disability Discrimination Act. (5) Under the Draft Standards, CityRail has 20 years in which to comply with the requirements in recognition of the scale of the task.

*680 EDGECLIFF SQUARE—TRANSFER OF LAND—Ms Moore to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

Concerning his instruction to State Rail that Edgecliff Square is to remain parkland: (1) Has State Rail yet transferred the land to Woollahra Council as public parkland? (2) If so, what were the nature of the transfer (eg, grant, sale, lease, etc) and the terms of the transfer (conditions, tenure, etc)? (3) If not, why has the transfer been delayed and when will it proceed?

Answer—

I am advised by the State Rail Authority of the following: (1) to (3) No, but State Rail will continue to maintain the land as open space.

*681 DISPOSAL OF LAND—CAMP MACKAY, KURRAJONG HEIGHTS—Mr Orkopoulos to the Minister for Police—

(1) Has the Federation of Police Citizens Youth Club’s any plans to dispose of Camp Mackay at Kurrajong Heights? (2) If so, when is such disposal planned to take place? (3) In what way is the land to be disposed of, either by sale, tender or other means?

Answer—

(1) to (3) PCYC is a public company that is independent of the government and the NSW Police Service. The PCYC Board is responsible for the location of PCYC clubs and properties in NSW and the PCYC Club Model Rules outline the factors to be considered in locating clubs. I am advised amongst the factors the Board must consider is the number and needs of young people in an area who are, or who are at risk of being, involved with the criminal justice system. The PCYC movement’s core function is to provide support and activities for these youth at risk and, in doing so, drive down juvenile crime. I am advised when the PCYC Board is satisfied that a club should be located in a particular area, the NSW Police Service provides police officers to deliver youth crime prevention and youth support services, and to support the day to day operation of the club. The NSW Police Service will continue to work in partnership with the PCYC movement in reducing juvenile crime. This commitment is demonstrated by the Police Service budget providing an additional $1.88M over three calendar years to the PCYC movement to trial the introduction of civilian club managers in 10 clubs, whilst maintain a police presence, and to fund the employment of a six person Program Development Team to support the further development and implementation of the PCYC’s Charter for Youth and local crime prevention programs. The Charter for Youth focuses on the following seven core program areas: Crime Prevention, Young Offenders, Drug and Alcohol, Truancy Reduction, Education and Personal Development, Leisure Access and Leadership Development. 1129 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

For specific information in relation to Camp Mackay you may wish to contact the Chief Executive Officer of the PCYC movement Ms Debora Mills, PO Box 316, Belmore NSW 2192.

*682 POLICE CITIZENS COMMUNITY CLUB—CAMP MACKAY, KURRAJONG HEIGHTS—Mr Orkopoulos to the Minister for Police—

(1) When was the Police Citizens Community Club at Camp Mackay, Kurrajong Heights, purchased? (2) Has any other portion of land been acquired since the original site was purchased and if so, when was it purchased? (3) Since the purchase of Camp Mackay and any portions, has any of Camp Mackay been disposed of over the years and when did it take place?

Answer—

(1) to (3) I refer the member to the answer given to question 681.

*683 LAND VALUATION—CAMP MACKAY SITE, KURRAJONG HEIGHTS—Mr Orkopoulos to the Minister for Police—

(1) Has any valuation taken place on the Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) Camp Mackay, Kurrajong Heights, and if so, by whom? (2) Does the Federation of PCYC’s, if they have not had a valuation recently, when did the last valuation take place? (3) Is a value known on the Camp Mackay site for its entirety or in part?

Answer—

(1) to (3) I refer the member to answer given to question 681.

*684 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUESTS—DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION—Mr Rozzoli to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) How many past and present teachers and departmental employees have requested documents from their personal records under Freedom of Information in the years: (a) 1995? (b) 1996? (c) 1997? (d) 1998? (e) 1999? (2) Has the Department fully complied with these FOI requests? (3) In how many cases have documents been withheld, and for what reasons?

Answer—

(1) to (3) I am advised that to answer these questions would substantially and unreasonably divert the resources of the Department of Education and Training away from the exercise of its functions. 1130 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

*685 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION—WHISTLEBLOWERS—Mr Rozzoli to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Under what circumstances can a teacher or employee of the Department be placed on the “Not To Be Employed” list? (2) Has any teacher or employee of the Department been dismissed and placed on the “Not To Be Employed” list for whistleblowing activity? (3) Does his Department maintain information on past and present employees who have made complaints against the Department and has this information been used to penalise and disbar these employees from advancement or re-employment within the department?

Answer—

(1) A teacher may be placed on the Department’s confidential People Not To Be Employed Without the Approval of the Director of Personnel Operations list for a number of reasons. These may include breaches of discipline, involvement in certain disciplinary actions or investigations at the time of separation from the Department, certain medical circumstances, abandonment of employment, undischarged scholarship, cadetship bond liabilities or criminal convictions. (2) No. (3) The Department keeps necessary information relating to the employment of past and present employees. Information relating to protected disclosures or other allegations leading to investigations is maintained on restricted access files that pertain to those investigations. This information is used for lawful purposes.

*686 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION—PROTECTED DISCLOSURE—Mr Rozzoli to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Did a Mr Robert William May make a Protected Disclosure in 1995 relating to alleged corruption, maladministration and gross waste of public money within his department? (2) Was Mr May’s employment as a teacher terminated on medical grounds? (3) Has Mr May complained that the Department supplied false and misleading information to HealthQuest regarding his health and work performance? (4) Was Mr May barred from further employment with the Department in 1997? (5) Has information identified as false and misleading been maintained and added to despite the Department’s signed agreement that such misinformation would be expunged from his employment records held by the Department [IRC 96]?

Answer—

(1) to (5) It would be inappropriate to make Parliamentary comment on the personal circumstances pertaining to the medical or employment history of a Departmental employee or to make Parliamentary comment on any protected disclosure an employee may have made.

*688 POLICE TRANSFERS—Mr Souris to the Minister for Police—

How many police officers will be transferred to Sydney before, during and/or after the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games from the following Shires: (a) Gunnedah? (b) Singleton? (c) Muswellbrook? (d) Merriwa? (e) Mudgee? (f) Coolah? 1131 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

(g) Murrurundi? (h) Coonabarabran? (i) Quirindi? (j) Scone?

Answer—

I am advised by the Deputy Commissioner (Field Operations) that, the Police Service has made arrangements to maximise the availability of police for normal policing activities across the State, including the Hunter area, whilst at the same time meeting the special policing needs of the Olympics. These arrangements include: · cancelling police leave during the Games, · suspending police training programs, · reducing police attendance at court, and · using the Police Assistance Line to deal with non-urgent crime reports from the public. These special arrangements will ensure that appropriate numbers of police are available for duty over the Olympic period, and that all Local Area Commands in New South Wales will be adequately policed

*690 UPGRADING NELSON BAY ROAD, BOBS FARM—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Have drawings been prepared and put on display for the upgrade of the Nelson Bay Road in the Bobs Farm area? (2) If so, are there two options proposed? (3) Are there detailed drawings for both options? (4) If not, why not? (5) Are the drawings on display at Bobs Farm between 2.00pm and 4.00pm each Thursday afternoon? (6) Does this period of time give people a reasonable opportunity to view in detail the proposals? (7) How long will the plans be on such display? (8) Have discussions been held between the RTA and Energy Australia concerning a possible utilisation of an electricity easement running to the east of the existing Nelson Bay Road to incorporate new electricity works and the possible upgrade of the Nelson Bay Road? (9) What is the outcome of such discussions? (10) If the proposal has been rejected by the RTA, why was it rejected? (11) If the proposal was to proceed, would less land be needed for the combined, separated electricity and road easements than the proposed stand alone option 2 for the Nelson Bay Road and the stand alone electricity easement? (12) Do detailed drawings for option 1 of the proposed upgrade of the Nelson Bay Road reveal dedicated drainage sites to the waters of Port Stephens? (13) If so, with whom have the RTA consulted concerning possible acid sulfate concentrations and other pollutants in the proposed drains? (14) As part of the detailed plans for option 1 of any proposed upgrade of the Nelson Bay Road, is it proposed that general drainage easements will be taken over people’s property to direct water to the dedicated drainage sites? (15) If so, what effect will they have on people’s land? (16) Will people affected be entitled to any compensation should their land be effected? (17) If not, why not? (18) Will such drainage easement constitute any water safety issues for landholders affected or their children? (19) If so, what consideration has been given to such dangers? 1132 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

(20) How many entry and exist to homes and businesses are there on the existing Nelson Bay Road between Marsh Road intersection and Port Stephens Drive? (21) How many entry and exits to homes and businesses would there be to any road constructed under option 2 of plans being displayed? (22) What consideration has been made to ensure the safety of school children travelling on the Bobs Farm School bus if option 1 is adopted, which would involve a mixture of through and local traffic? (23) What provision would be made if option 1 were adopted for school bus stops on the Nelson Bay Road? (24) Has consideration been given as to safety aspects of school children crossing from one side of the road in any proposed upgrade under option 1? (25) If so, how will that safety aspect be addressed?

Answer—

(1) to (25) Drawings of two options have been prepared and put on display for the Nelson Bay Road in Bob’s Farm. Preliminary concept drawings were prepared for the upgrade option, which was announced in March 1999, as the preferred option. Detailed plans will be prepared when the final preferred option is determined. Displays have been available for viewing for four weeks between 19 April and 17 May 2000 at Port Stephens Council, Nelson Bay and Newcastle Motor Registries, and Tomaree Library during opening hours. Also during this period the drawings were on display at the Bobs Farm Community Hall between 2.00pm and 4.00pm each Thursday afternoon and attended by RTA and Council officers. Display material was given to each of the three community liaison groups. The RTA and Energy Australia have had discussions about the possible utilisation of an electricity easement running to the east of the existing Nelson Bay Road. Following these discussions it was concluded that an additional easement would be required. The RTA does not consider the deviation option feasible due to environmental impacts and no short term community benefits. However, a decision will not be made until community comments on the options received have been considered following the recent display. Marginally less land would be needed for the combined rather than the stand alone option. There are currently 65 entry and exits to homes and businesses on the existing Nelson Bay Road between Marsh Road and Port Stephens Drive. Option 2 would result in 5 entry and exits. Facilities will be provided for pedestrians, cyclists and bus passengers, including pedestrian refuges in the wide central median, bus stop bays and intersection treatments for safe turning movements. Specific details, including drainage details will be considered during the detailed design phase.

*691 WIRE ROPE FENCING—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Is the RTA presently or planning to install wire rope fencing south of Swansea? (2) If so, what is the method of installation? (3) If so, how are, or will, the post mounts supporting the wire rope fencing be secured? (4) If so, what consultation, if any, has been held with any motor cycle organisation in relation to the installation of such wire rope fencing?

Answer—

(1) Yes, another section is being installed. (2) In accordance with suppliers and RTA guidelines (Technical Direction 99/6). (3) The posts are inserted into sleeves fixed in the ground. 1133 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

(4) The RTA actively consults with the Motorcycle Council and examines closely any issues raised such as wire rope safety barriers.

*692 BLACK SPOT INTERSECT ION—ILLAWARRA HIGHWAY AND SHEEPWASH ROAD, BOWRAL—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Is the intersection of the Illawarra Highway and Sheepwash Road, Bowral, classed as a Black Spot? (2) If so, has the Federal Govern ment funding been received to reform the intersection to make it safer? (3) (a) When will the work start to reform the intersection? (b) Does he endorse the RTA’s stated timetable? (4) Has any road making material or other material been dumped at or near the intersection? (5) If so, does the road making material or other material affect the line of sight at the intersection? (6) If so, who dumped the material at the intersection? (7) If so, why was the material dumped at the intersection? (8) If so, is such action in defiance of a statement by the RTA that the intersection should not be used for stock piling material for road making purposes? (9) If so, why was the material dumped in defiance of an RTA directive? (10) If so, how much material has been dumped? (11) If so, when will the material be removed? (12) If so, what extra action if any has been taken to ensure the safety of the intersection is not further compromised? (13) With a near-fatal accident recorded at the intersection two weeks ago, why has he failed to order the upgrade work immediately?

Answer—

(1) to (13) The intersection of the Illawarra Highway and Sheepwash Road, Bowral is classed as a blackspot. Funds of $350,000 have been made available in 2000/2001, under the Federal Government’s Blackspot Program for improvements at this intersection. The RTA has already undertaken State funded improvement works at this intersection, with Federally funded works scheduled to commence in October 2000. RTA personnel are aware of the need to ensure safety is maintained at the intersection. Approximately 200 tonnes of road marking material was inadvertently placed near the front of the area in question. Truck operators under the control of the RTA had intended that the material be stored at the rear of the area. The material had minimal impact on sight distance and was removed on 4 and 5 May 2000.

24 MAY 2000

(Paper No. 35)

*697 CENTENARY PARK DEVELOPMENT OLD TOONGABBIE—Ms Allan to the Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

(1) Will his Department investigate claims by Home World Landsales that the “Centenary Park” proposed residential development at Old Toongabbie will enable people to “live in a beautiful bushland estate”? (2) Is his Department aware that if the development proceeds, much of the bushland will be removed? 1134 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

Answer—

(1) to (2) The Department of Fair Trading has made inquiries into the proposed residential development “Centenary Park” at Old Toongabbie. The Director General has advised me that, at this stage, no breaches of Fair Trading legislation have been detected. However, I have asked the Department to continue to monitor the sale of land at “Centenary Park”.

*698 MINISTERIAL TASKFORCE—REGULATION OF BROTHELS—Ms Harrison to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

(1) What is the current progress of the Ministerial Taskforce (chaired by Cabinet Office) to monitor the regulation of brothels? (2) When will recommendations be made?

Answer—

(1) The Taskforce comprises representatives from the Attorney Generals’ Department, the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, the Department of Local Government, the Department of Health, WorkCover, the Police Ministry, the Police Service, The Cabinet Office, and the Local Government and Shires Association. The Taskforce has met and is currently investigating a range of issues associated with the regulation of brothels and consulting with various stakeholders. (2) Options and recommendations will be put forward when the Taskforce has completed its work program.

*699 LAND OWNERSHIP—DUNDAS—Ms Harrison to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

Who owns and is responsible for the land between 51 and 53 Kissing Point Road, Dundas, leading to Dundas rail station?

Answer—

I am advised by the State Rail Authority of the following: On 30 May 2000, State Rail became the official owners of land at Lot 70 in DP12687. This is part of the Parramatta Rail Link.

*700 TRAIN SERVICES—HARRIS PARK STATION—Ms Harrison to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Has there been a reduction of train services to Harris Park station? (2) If so, will he instruct CityRail to reinstate services?

Answer—

I am advised by CityRail of the following: (1) Services on the Cumberland line no longer stop at Harris Park Monday to Friday to enable Y link trains earlier passage to Westmead to connect with Penrith and Blue Mountains trains. (2) The situation will be closely monitored by CityRail and reviewed if necessary. 1135 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

*701 INQUIRY—CRONULLA TRAIN COLLISION—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Will an inquiry be conducted into the collision between two trains at Cronulla in May this year? (2) Who will conduct the inquiry? (3) When will the inquiry commence? (4) When will the inquiry conclude? (5) Will the results of the inquiry be made public?

Answer—

I am advised by the State Rail Authority of the following: (1) to (5) An internal investigation has been conducted by State Rail and a report has been forwarded to the Transport Safety Bureau.

*702 THE HILLS LOCAL AREA COMMAND—Mr Richardson to the Minister for Police—

How many police officers from The Hills Local Area Command will be transferred to Olympic duties during August, September and October 2000?

Answer—

The Police Service has made arrangements to maximise the availability of police for normal policing activities across the State at the same time as meeting the special policing needs of the Olympics. These arrangements include: · cancelling police leave during the Games · suspending police training programs · reducing police attendance at court, and · using the Police Assistance Line to deal with non-urgent crime reports from the public. These special arrangements will ensure that appropriate numbers of police are available for duty over the Olympic period, and that all Local Area commands will be adequately policed. A Service-wide action plan for delivery of normal policing services during the Olympics is currently being evaluated by the Deputy commissioner Field Operations.

*703 ROADWORKS COMPLETION DATE—Mr Richardson to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

Further to his response to Question Number 458 of 4 April 2000 that the intersection of County Drive and Castle Hill Road will be completed in 2001: In what month of 2001 does he estimate these roadworks will be completed?

Answer—

Completion is anticipated by December 2001.

*704 WHISTLEBLOWING—REPRISALS—Mr Rozzoli to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Has any teacher or employee of his Department suffered the effects of workplace intimidation or harassment as a result of whistleblowing activity or complaint about administration or Occupational Health and Safety matters within the workplace? (2) Does his Department have policies and practices in place to identify and prevent workplace intimidation or harassment? 1136 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

Answer—

(1) Employees who allege that they have suffered the effects of workplace intimidation or harassment are referred to appropriate Departmental policies and procedures. Allegations are dealt with in accordance with legislative obligations and Departmental policies and procedures. (2) Yes.

*705 "FITNESS TO CONTINUE" EXAMINATIONS—Mr Rozzoli to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) How many teachers and other employees within his Department have been referred to HealthQuest for “Fitness To Continue” examinations in the past 5 years? (2) How many medical retirements have occurred for each of those 5 years and for each employee category in each year?

Answer—

(1) I am advised that to answer this question would substantially and unreasonably divert resources of the Department of Education and Training away from the exercise of its functions. (2) When an employee has been absent on sick leave for an extended period of time, or concerns exist for the ongoing health and welfare of an employee, the Department of Education and training can refer an employee for a medical, psychological or psychometric assessment. Employees can also seek a referral. These assessments are conducted by HealthQuest. in these circumstances, the Director of HealthQuest determines the employee’s fitness to continue duties. The number for school based staff are: In 1995, 223 school teachers and 24 school based support staff were medically retired. In 1996, 226 school teachers and 37 school based support staff were medically retired. In 1997, 190 school teachers and 41 school based support staff were medically retired. In 1998, 164 school teachers and 31 school based support staff were medically retired. In 1999, 203

*706 HEALTHQUEST—MRS LOLETTA BILANDZIC—Mr Rozzoli to the Minister for Education and Training—

Can he confirm that: (a) His department recently attempted to have Mrs Loletta Bilandzic retired from her teaching position on a false medical diagnosis by HealthQuest? (b) The Medical Appeals Panel overturned this false medical diagnosis? (c) Mrs Bilandzic’s teaching career was disrupted for approximately 12 months during which time she was denied a secure income? (d) Mrs Bilandzic “blew the whistle” on maladministration at her school? (e) Mrs Bilandzic suffered retribution and intimidation and other impositions including being sent to HealthQuest as a result of her whistleblowing? (f) The Department, being unable to sack Mrs Bilandzic on medical grounds, is now claiming she is allowed to go on leave without pay? (g) Mrs Bilandzic faces an insecure future and continuity of employment with the Department although she is entitled to a permanent position? (h) Mrs Bilandzic has been denied the right to teach outside the Department, thus denying her this avenue of income? (i) Mrs Bilandzic has been denied a teaching certificate to which she is fully entitled? 1137 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

(j) The circumstances which Mrs Bilandzic suffered in 1998-99 were raised in a Protected Disclosure by Mr Robert May in 1995? (k) Mr Robert May was sacked at the end of 1995 as retribution for his actions?

Answer—

It would be inappropriate to make Parliamentary comment on the personal circumstances pertaining to the medical or employment history of a Departmental employee or to make Parliamentary comment on any protected disclosure an employee may have made.

*707 ENROLMENT FIGURES—PUBLIC SCHOOLS, SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS ELECTORATE— Ms Seaton to the Minister for Education and Training—

What are the enrolment figures for the following public schools located in the Southern Highlands electorate: (a) Bowral High School? (b) Bowral Primary School? (c) Mittagong Primary School? (d) Colo Vale Primary School? (e) Hill Top Primary School? (f) Kangaloon Primary School? (g) Glenquarry Primary School? (h) Picton High School? (i) Buxton Primary School? (j) Bargo Primary School? (k) Picton Primary School? (l) Tahmoor Primary School? (m) Thirlmere Primary School? (n) The Oaks Primary School? (o) Oakdale Primary School? (p) Yanderra Primary School? (q) Cawdor Primary School? (r) Appin Primary School?

Answer—

Official enrolment figures for 2000 are not yet available.

*708 OIL SPILL—LORD HOWE ISLAND JETTY—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) With respect to the occurrence of an oil spill at the Lord Howe Island Jetty on 30 April, will he advise if the Office of Marine Administration was notified of the incident? (2) What investigations or actions have been taken by the Office of Marine Administration in relation to the incident? (3) What volume of oil was spilt? (4) (a) What efforts were undertaken to contain the spill? (b) Were booms used to prevent the spread of an oil slick? (5) (a) Was the incident reported to the Harbour Master? (b) Did the Harbour Master take any action in relation to investigating the incident? (6) (a) Will he advise if any investigation or prosecution into the incident has occurred? (b) If so, when did this investigation commence? 1138 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

Answer—

(1) to (6) The Office of Marine Administration no longer exists. The marine safety functions of the former OMA are now administered by the NSW Department of Transport. Upon notification of a slick, an oil inspector, appointed under the provisions of the Marine Pollution Act inspected the site.

*709 RAIL TRACK CONCERNS—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Why does he refuse to answer genuine questions about concerns that track is unattached to sleepers on a section of line south of Picton? (2) Does he really believe local people will be amused or impressed by his answers to Question Numbers 604 and 425? (3) When will he stop his dismissive and arrogant approach to our local rail issues, and as Minister, show some serious concern and care for rail travellers in the Southern Highlands?

Answer—

(1) The Rail Access Corporation advises me that the steel rails at the derailment site south of Picton are attached to the sleepers. (2) The responses to Questions LA604 and LA425 were answers to the questions raised by the Member for Southern Highlands. (3) A number of remediation works have been undertaken on behalf of the Rail Access Corporation in the area over recent months.

*710 HOME CARE SERVICES—BOWRAL OFFICE—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Co mmunity Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

Regarding Home Care Services in the Southern Highlands through the Bowral office: (1) In the years: (a) 1995; (b) 1996; (c) 1997; (d) 1998; (e) 1999; (f) 2000; how many clients served by the Bowral office are/were children (under 18 years old) and how many have/had disabilities? (2) What proportion of the total number of clients did disabled children represent in each of those years? (3) In view of her answer to a question (number 556) that she does not maintain waiting lists, how does her department measure and plan for demand, and how does she know if she is meeting community needs?

Answer—

(1) (a) Not known (b) 329 (c) 333 (d) 315 (e) 418 (f) 334 year to date The variability in customer numbers is due to the different service levels needed by individual clients. It should be noted that, overall, service hours have increased from 20,875 in 1996 to 1139 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

23,412 in 1999. Home Care expects to deliver in excess of 26,000 hours through the Bowral office in 2000. (2) The Ageing and Disability Department is unable to determine unmet demand for services funded under the Home and Community Care (HACC) Program at Local Government level. (3) The Home Care Service of NSW does not maintain waiting lists, nor does it close its “books”, as Home Care is not the sole provider of home and community care services. There are a large number of organisations which receive HACC funding and which deliver a range of different services. If the local Branch of Home Care is operating at capacity, the prospective client is referred to another HACC funded agency or a suitable private provider.

*711 MACKSVILLE DISTRICT HOSPITAL—Mr Stoner to the Minister for Health—

Following the recently announced increase to the funding of the MidNorth Coast Area Health Service, does he plan to reinstate the 18 closed beds and restore the availability of surgery at Macksville District Hospital?

Answer—

· Eighteen beds have not been closed at Macksville District Hospital. · Surgical services are available at Macksville District Hospital.

*712 FUNDING LEVELS—NSW AREA HEALTH SERVICES—Mr Stoner to the Minister for Health—

Following the recently announced health funding increases, what are the per capita levels of funding for each Area Health Service in New South Wales?

Answer—

Area Health Service budgets are available in Annual Reports. The Government has announced that by 2002/03 all Areas will have an equitable allocation of funding. This is something that has not been achieved previously and is a great outcome for traditionally underfunded areas such as the Mid North Coast.

*713 AGE AND REPLACEMENT OF RAIL ENGINES—Mr Stoner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

What is the age of the rail engines used for passenger services on the North Coast line (including XPTs) and when is it planned to replace them?

Answer—

I am advised by Countrylink of the following: Only XPT trains service the North Coast railway line. In 1982, 15 XPT power cars were introduced into service. In 1992 another 4 were added to the fleet. The diesel engines in each power car receive minor serving daily and are completely stripped down and rebuilt after 16,000 hours running time. Countrylink has commenced a programme of replacing new diesel engines in all XPT power cars. It is anticipated that the work on the entire fleet of 19 power cars will be completed by the end of 2001. 1140 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

*714 ALTERNATE TRAFFIC ROUTE—NELSON BAY TO SALT ASH—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Is there an alternative route from Nelson Bay to Salt Ash between the eastern intersection of Marsh Road and Nelson Bay Road and the Port Stephens Drive roundabout at Bobs Farm? (2) If not, why not? (3) What would be the traffic outcome if the section of road described in (1) above was blocked through an accident or natural disaster? (4) Would emergency vehicles be impeded from travelling in or from the Tomaree Peninsula if there was a major blockage for the area mentioned in (1) above? (5) What arrangements, if any, does the RTA have in place in the event a blockage of such section of the road occurred?

Answer—

The route between Nelson Bay and Salt Ash is environmentally sensitive and as such only one route has been constructed. While there are no public road alternative routes, a maintenance access road exists. In the event of the road being blocked, traffic delays could be expected, and depending on the circumstances, the maintenance road could be accessed. In the event of an accident, natural disaster or any emergency situation on State Roads, the RTA works closely with the Police to facilitate the passage of emergency vehicles, provide traffic management and clear blockages as quickly as possible.

*715 LANE CLOSURES—PACIFIC HIGHWAY—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Were lanes closed during the Christmas-New Year’s period on the Pacific Highway between Raymond Terrace and Karuah? (2) If so, why? (3) If the closure was for safety purposes, please explain what safety aspects were considered necessary to close the lanes? (4) How were any safety aspects assessed? (5) Were such safety levels assessed reached in closing of any lanes as mentioned in (1) above? (6) Did such closures limit the ability to use overtaking lane on the described section of road?

Answer—

(1) to (6) Under extremely heavy traffic flows, like those experienced on the Pacific Highway at the start and finish of holiday times, all traffic slows and the passing lanes no longer serve the function of allowing slower vehicles to be passed. Experience has shown that when the passing lanes between Raymond Terrace and Karuah are open during these periods, traffic congestion is exacerbated and an unnecessary safety risk to motorists is created, as vehicles try to merge to one lane after only a short distance. The operation was monitored by Roads and Traffic Authority staff.

*716 DECENTRALISATION OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS—Mr Webb to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

What actions is he taking to carry out his Regional Communities Consultative Council’s recommendations that decentralisation of Government departments be accelerated and that towns other than large regional centres be considered as location points for this decentralisation? 1141 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

Answer—

My Government made a new commitment during the 1999 election campaign to supporting regional New South Wales by relocating Government jobs or operations. At the same time, we continue to improve the integration of human services planning budgets and delivery at a regional level to improve the quality of services to communities. In July 1997 I announced the relocation of 241 (later increased to 251) public sector positions from the Department of Land and Water Conservation to the following centres (not including Newcastle): Albury, Alstonville, Armidale, Braidwood, Coffs Harbour, Cooma, Cowra, Deniliquin, Dubbo, Forbes, Gilgandra, Goulburn, Grafton, Gunnedah, Hay, Inverell, Leeton, Lithgow, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Narrabri, Orange, Queanbeyan, Tamworth, Wagga, Warialda. Other State Government agencies to decentralise full time positions are: · Department of Fair Trading with 38 positions to Bathurst; · NSW Fisheries with 30 positions to Port Stephens; In addition to those positions relocated during 1999, the Government announced a major decentralisation program involving over 1200 positions, to be carried out during 2000-2002. These include: · WorkCover Authority relocating 440 positions to Gosford; · Superannuation Administration Corporation relocating 200 positions to Wollongong; · Department of Local Government relocating 58 positions to Nowra; · Police Service (200 positions to be relocated as follows: 150 to Maitland for the Infringement Processing Bureau; and 50 positions to Murwillumbah for the Firearms Registry); and · Roads and Traffic Authority relocating 228 positions, including 13 to Glenn Innes, 42 to Dubbo, 45 to Grafton as well as 128 to Newcastle. My own Department has established an Office of regional Communities in Orange which undertakes strategic projects about regional issues of state-wide significance. The ORC is also responsible for identifying the likely impact of Government decisions on regional New South Wales. My Department has also expanded its network of Regional Co-ordinators. These appointments bring the total number of Regional Co-ordinators to eight. The Co-ordinators are located in Dubbo, Lismore, Wagga Wagga, Armidale, Queanbeyan, Wollongong, Newcastle and Gosford. In addition to the relocations I have outlined above, there were new positions created during 1999, and these include the 68 to operate the new centre for the Police Assistance Line (PAL) at Lithgow, and a further 171 positions for the PAL centre at Tuggerah on the Central Coast. A recent report of the New South Wales Public Sector Workforce 1999 (Review and Reform Division of Department) has found that 26% of public sector employees work in non-metropolitan locations (and 74% work in the Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle metropolitan areas). This distribution almost exactly mirrors the distribution of the general population across metropolitan and rural areas. My Government’s decentralisation program to be completed by 2002 will change this percentages in favour of rural locations.

25 MAY 2000

(Paper No. 36)

*718 PROPOSED VENT FOR THE NORTHSIDE STORAGE TUNNEL—Mr Collins to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

(1) Is Sydney Water trying to sell off land near Warriewood Sewage Treatment Plant for industrial development? (2) Is Sydney Water blocking the Warriewood land from being zoned residential because it is within the 400-metrre buffer zone of the Sewage Treatment Plant? 1142 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

(3) Why then is Sydney Water constructing a large capacity vent at Scotts Creek for the Northside Storage Tunnel project, just 80 metres from a school where young members of our community spend significant lengths of time, while seeking elsewhere to block residential development within 400 metres of other sewage installations? (4) Does Sydney Water guarantee complete health safety to local residents near the proposed Scotts Creek vent? (5) Why was removal of another vent from Tunks Park considered necessary, at a cost of over $13 million extra to the project? (6) Is it true that there are no long-term epidemiological studies proving that there are no health risks associated from an installation of the kind proposed at Scotts Creek?

Answer—

I am advised the following: (1) No. (2) Sydney Water does not have the statutory power to “block” proposals or rezone land. However, local councils must consult agencies such as Sydney Water, and consider any information provided, in making Local Environmental Plans to rezone land. Sydney Water, the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning and the Environment Protection Authority have jointly provided advice to Pittwater Council on the suitable land uses surrounding the Warriewood Sewage Treatment Plant. (3) The issues at Scotts Creek and Warriewood are unrelated. (4) The proposed vent and activated carbon system at Scotts Creek were the subject of intensive consideration in 1999 by the NSW Health Department, the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning and Sydney Water as part of the Review of Environmental Factors. The advice received from these processes indicates that there is insignificant risk to human health from air exhausted from the vent. Additionally, the Environment Protection Authority and the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning have placed stringent requirements on Sydney Water to monitor the performance of the vent once it is operational. Officers of NSW Health have considered the public health impact from vent emissions “to be very low, and a considerable improvement on the current situation where the public is exposed to uncontrolled raw sewage overflows”. NSW Health acknowledges that the use of activated carbon filters will “further minimise any risk of microorganisms spreading via vent emissions”. In addition, the Waterways Advisory Panel is convinced that the proposed solution is environmentally acceptable, poses minimal health risk to the local community and represents a substantial improvement on the current environmental conditions in that valley. Additionally, the Advisory Panel found that the Northside Storage Tunnel and other stormwater management programs will have significant environmental improvements to Sydney’s waterways and that progress has been achieved by the Government and Sydney Water in ameliorating the effects of pollution, particularly sewer overflows, on Sydney Harbour. (5) The removal of the vent at Tunks Park did not add $13 million to the project. (6) Please see the response provided for No (4).

*719 NRMA DEMUTUALISATION—Mr Debnam to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

In relation to NRMA demutualisation: (1) Is he aware of how many Ministers will be receiving shares or cash equivalents as part of the demutualisation? (2) If so, which Ministers are they and what are their entitlements? (3) If not, does he intend to gather this information and release it to the public? 1143 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

Answer—

I am advised that the NRMA Members Information Line has indicated that the demutualisation proposal has now been approved. Once NRMA members have received the prospectus, to be issued shortly, they will be able to determine what action to take. The Constitution (Disclosure by Members) Regulation 1983 requires all Members of Parliament, which includes Ministers, to lodge an ordinary return by 1 October in each year including details of any interest held in a corporation. Accordingly, all Members of Parliament, including Ministers, will be required to include in their next ordinary return any shares held in the NRMA.

*720 CREDIT CARD USE—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

In relation to credit card use: (1) Has he or any members of his staff used a Government provided credit card to make any purchase which was not for official business, even if the money was subsequently reimbursed? (2) If so, when, for what purchases and value and when was the money reimbursed?

Answer—

(1) and (2) Provision of credit cards to public servants, Ministerial staff and Ministers are covered in Premier’s and Treasury Memoranda.

*721 NRMA DEMUTUALISATION—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

In relation to the demutualisation of the NRMA: (1) What is Treasury’s estimate of the impact of demutualis ation on total NSW Government revenue in 2000/01 and following years? (2) Has the economic and revenue impact of demutualisation been factored into budget estimates announced on 23 May?

Answer—

(1) Treasury has not made an explicit estimate of the impact of the demutualisation on total NSW Government revenue in 2000-01 and the following years. (2) The economic and revenue impact of the demutualisation has been factored implicitly into budget estimates announced on 23 May.

*722 ANNUAL REPORTS (DEPARTMENTS) REGULATION 1995—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice- President of the Executive Council—

In relation to the Annual Reports (Departments) Regulation 1995: (1) Is the reporting of “overseas visits undertaken by officers and employees” taken to include overseas travel by Ministers? (2) If not, where in an Annual Report, and/or the Budget Papers, is Ministerial travel reported?

Answer—

(1) No. (2) Ministerial overseas travel is not reported in an Annual Report and/or the Budget Papers. 1144 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

Ministerial travel is covered by guidelines issued by the Premier. All travel by officers of departments and government bodies is regulated by memoranda and circulars issued by the Premier and the Director-General of Premier’s Department as well as provisions of the Public Sector Management (Goods and Services) Regulation 1995.

*723 2000/2001 BUDGET DELIVERY—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

In relation to delivery of the 2000/2001 Budget: (1) What was the cost of producing the Budget Papers? (2) What was the cost and identify of consultants who assisted in preparing, producing and promoting the Budget? (3) How many copies of the Budget Papers have been printed and distributed?

Answer—

(1) The total cost of producing the 2000-01 Budget Papers was $127,000. (2) There were no consultants used in assisting, producing or promoting this year’s Budget. (3) (a) Copies of the Budget Papers that were printed are as follows: Full set of 2000-01 Budget Papers 1,500 (ie No. 1 to 5;+ Budget Guide, Budget Summary, Budget Highlights for Regional and Rural NSW and Western Sydney Budget Statement) In Addition extra copies of the following papers were printed: Budget Paper No 1 (Budget Speech) 1,000 Western Sydney Budget Statement 2,300 Budget Summary 1,000 Budget Highlights for Regional and Rural NSW 500 (b) Copies of Budget Papers that were distributed are as follows: Full set of 2000-01 Budget Papers 1,400 (ie No. 1 to 5;+ Budget Guide, Budget Summary, Budget Highlights for Regional and Rural NSW and Western Sydney Budget Statement) In Addition extra copies of the following papers were sent out: Budget Paper No 1 (Budget Speech) 1,050 Budget Summary 1,100 Budget Highlights for Regional and Rural NSW 550 Western Sydney Budget Statement 2,350

*724 NSW TREASURY—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

In relation to the alarming levels of staff turnover and senior management changes in NSW Treasury in the past two years: (1) Why have one quarter of Treasury staff and nearly half of senior management departed in the past two years? (2) Why are these disruptions occurring less than two years after the restructure of the Office of Financial Management which was announced in August 1998? (3) How can the community have confidence in NSW Treasury when the loss of staff skills and experience has resulted in two independent economic forecasting bodies (Access Economics, and Standard and Poor’s) questioning Treasury’s ability to produce accurate forecasts and figures? 1145 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

Answer—

(1) The estimate that one quarter of general staff and half of senior management have left is based on information provided under FOI in March of this year; The report provided in that response showed 45 separations over the period. A close analysis reveals that of the 45 separations listed, only 17 were resignations of permanent staff from Treasury. The remainder left as follows: · 2 staff retired · 9 transferred to other Government agencies · 6 were redundancies initiated by Treasury as part of changed work needs · 6 were temporaries who were employed for defined periods · 5 were temporary staff who were due to cease employment at a future date but who then had employment extended The real turnover is considerably less than the one quarter quoted. In terms of the senior staff listing, only 4 staff who were part of Treasury’s senior management structure (this represents 20 percent of Treasury’s senior management structure). Three of these senior managers were promoted elsewhere in the public sector. One senior manager became redundant and left the service. (2) As indicated the turnover quoted is not accurate reflection of Treasury’s turnover rate; The restructure in August 1998 was not aimed at arresting a high rate of staff departure. The restructure was designed to enhance resource allocation by grouping financial monitoring along portfolio lines, linking the policy development areas and streamlining the budget process. (3) NSW Treasury, like the Commonwealth Treasury, and the Treasuries of all the other States and Territories, provide financial projections on a “no policy change basis”. One of the reasons Treasury’s 1999-2000 Budget projections were incorrect was because they did not allow for the GST. This was the appropriate “policy neutral” assumption, as the GST legislation had not passed the Commonwealth Senate at the time the 1999-2000 Budget was prepared. The 1999-2000 Budget Papers make it very clear that the Budget projections were prepared on a no GST basis, as well as various other assumptions. Access Economics has not questioned Treasury’s ability to produce accurate forecasts. In fact the only comment on record that Access Economics has recently made on NSW Budget projections was a favourable one in its State and Territory Budget Monitor of January 2000, which stated, “To its credit, the NSW Government based its 1999-2000 Budget on conservative expectations in relation to taxation revenue”. Standard and Poors is a rating agency, not a forecasting body. Standard and Poors reaffirmed NSW AAA credit rating in January this year. Following the 2000-01 NSW Budget Standard and Poors issued a media release with the headline “NSW IN STRONG BUDGETARY POSITION”, and observed favourably that “the budget appears to have a substantial cushion to prevent it from sliding back into deficit. Estimates of stamp duty from property transactions are conservative…[also] the cash surplus plus the voluntary superannuation payment amount to more than a half billion dollars”

*725 STUDY OF STATE ACCESS TO PERSONAL INCOME TAX BASE—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

In relation to the consultancy “Study of State Access to Personal Income Tax Base” carried out by Arthur Andersen for Treasury: (1) Why did Treasury decide to initiate a study in this area? (2) What were the terms and conditions supplied to Arthur Andersen? (3) What were the conclusions and/or recommendations of report(s) lodged by Arthur Andersen? 1146 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

(4) What has been the Government’s response to the final report(s) and any recommendations made? (5) Is he still actively pursuing a share of personal income tax? (6) In contemplating access to personal income tax, what taxes or grants, if any, was he prepared to abolish?

Answer—

(1) The study was initiated jointly with other States and Territories to assist the States and Territories in responding to possible reform proposals by the Commonwealth in 1998, as part of its national tax reform initiative. (2) Usual commercial terms and conditions. (3) No final report was received. It became clear before the report was finalised that the Commonwealth would not propose income tax base sharing with the States and Territories. (4) No final report was received and there was no NSW Government response. The Government responded to the A New Tax System proposals launched by the Commonwealth in August 1998. (5) No. (6) As part of national tax reform New South Wales supported the elimination of inefficient State taxes.

*726 3X3 LEVY—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

In relation to the 3x3 levy: (1) As at August 1997, how many roadside signs referring to the levy were in place in NSW? (2) As at 25 May 2000 how many roadside signs referring to the levy were in place in NSW? (3) In the period from August 1997 to 25 May 2000, how many signs referring to the levy were erected and at what cost? (4) What is his timetable for removing all signs referring to the levy in NSW?

Answer—

(1) to (3) The Roads and Traffic Authority does not keep records as to the number of signs fabricated for use on the 3x3 Program works. However, on completion of works, these signs have been re-used by relocating to new work sites as required. (4) With the termination of the 3x3 Program on 30 June 2000, removal of signs will commence from 1 July 2000.

*727 SMALL BUSINESS SEPTEMBER—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Small Business, and Minister for Tourism—

In relation to Small Business September: (1) Was she aware that the Olympic Games were to be held in September 2000 when she launched the inaugural Small Business September last year? (2) Why was September nominated as the month for the event? (3) Did she consider moving this year’s event to another month as opposed to abandoning it? (4) Did she consider keeping the event in September this year so as to help small businesses capitalise on the opportunities offered by the Olympics?

Answer—

(1) to (4) The staging of small business events during 2000 have been modified in recognition of the importance of other events taking place in the third quarter of the year. 1147 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

The New South Wales Government is undertaking a number of initiatives to help the small business sector capitalised on the opportunities offered by the Olympics, including the Australian Technology Showcase, the Olympics Commerce Centre, run in conjunction with the State Chamber of Commerce, and the recently released business planning workbook for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

*728 COMMUTER SECURITY—HARRIS PARK STATION—Ms Harrison to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) What measures are planned to increase commuter security on and around Harris Park station? (2) What is the timetable for any such improvements?

Answer—

I am advised by the State Rail Authority of the following: (1) CCTV has been installed and is fully operational on Harris Park Station as part of the massive security upgrade being undertaken by CityRail. (2) Other improvements such as high intensity lighting will be completed by August 2000 and the installation of help points and long line public address system will be finalised by 2000.

*729 ABORIGINAL EDUCATION ASSISTANT, YASS—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) When will he address the urgent need for an Aboriginal Education Assistant in Yass? (2) If he will not fund this position, will he explain the reason for rejecting this position to the Aboriginal people of Yass who are unlikely to accept it is due to a departmental formula?

Answer—

(1) I regard the NSW Aboriginal Education Consulative Group Inc. (AECG) as the peak advisory group on issues concerning education for Aboriginal people. The criteria for allocating Aboriginal Education Assistants (AEAs) were devised and endorsed in partnership with the AECG. AEA positions are not allocated on an area basis. They are allocated to particular schools when funding is available and the school meets the criteria. The Department’s school Aboriginal enrolment figures for 1999, gathered through the School Census, indicate that there are 10 students at Yass High School. None of these schools is eligible for an AEA position under the current criteria which require that a school must have 30 or more students over two consecutive years. (2) The existing AEA positions are funded through the Commonwealth’s Indigenous Education Strategic Initiatives Program (IESIP). There are no further funds available to establish new AEA positions.

*730 SCHOOLS MAINTENANCE—Mr Richardson to the Minister for Education and Training—

How much money has been spent by his department on maintenance work in the last five years at: (a) Castle Hill High School? (b) Murray Farm Public School? (c) John Purchase Public School? (d) West Pennant Hills Public School? (e) Glenhaven Public School? (f) Samuel Gilbert Public School? (g) Cherrybrook Public School? 1148 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

Answer—

In the five years up to and including 1999/2000, the Department of Education and Training has expended the following amounts on maintenance work at: (a) Castle Hill High School $483,200 (b) Murray Farm Public School $176,700 (c) John Purchase Public School $179,700 (d) West Pennant Hills Public School $123,000 (e) Glenhaven Public School $ 93,300 (f) Samuel Gilbert Public School $277,500 (g) Cherrybrook Public School $122,900

*731 EPPING-CASTLE HILL RAIL LINK—Mr Richardson to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) What is the purpose of the $298,000 allocated in this year’s budget to the proposed Epping-Castle Hill rail link? (2) If it is for a feasibility study, will the study include the cost of compensation for people whose property values are affected by the suggested route in the study? (3) If no route is to be indicated in the study, is the Government prepared to compensate homeowners whose residences lie along the route as it did with homeowners along the route of the M5 East Expressway?

Answer—

(1) The purpose of this year’s allocation budget to the proposed Epping-Castle Hill rail link is for the pre-feasibility studies. (2) The current pre-feasibility studies will examine broad route options and consider the alternative methods of meeting the transport needs in this corridor. (3) (3)Under the Just Terms Compensation Act, the Government is required to compensate landowners whose property is directly affected by a development, or whose property is acquired for such a development.

*732 RELOCATION—CASTLE HILL FIRE STATION—Mr Richardson to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) What progress has been made on acquiring a site in Glenhaven for the relocated Castle Hill fire station? (2) When does he anticipate a suitable block of land will be acquired? (3) When will the relocation of the fire station be completed?

Answer—

(1) The New South Wales Fire Brigades is actively pursuing the acquisition of a suitable site for the relocation of Castle Hill Fire Station to the Glenhaven area. (2) The Brigades is presently negotiating for land on New Line Road. Purchase of this land is subject to an agreed purchase price and approval to build a fire station. (3) Funding for the construction of the Glenhaven Station has been approved for the 2002/03 financial year. Should current site acquisition negotiations be successful, the new station will be completed by early 2003. The relocation of Castle Hill Brigade will then take place immediately. 1149 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

*733 FAMILY FIRST FUNDING—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Health—

(1) What is the total budget for Families First funding? (2) How much will be available to the South West Area Health Service? (3) When will applications open? (4) What will be the process? (5) How much of the budget has been spent to date on: (a) Staff? (b) Administration? (c) Planning and documentation? (d) Publications?

Answer—

(1) $54.2 million statewide over four years from1999/2000 to 2002/2003. (2) In 1999/00 funding of $580,000 was made available to South Western Sydney Area Health Services for Families First implementation. From 2000/01 South Western Sydney Area Health Service will receive $840,000 Families First funding (3) There is no application process for these funds. (4) Not applicable. (5) (a) $180,000 (b) $40,000 (c) $1,200 (d) Nil

*734 MORRISON V PEACOCK AND ROSLYNDALE SHIPPING COMPANY PTY LTD—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Will he outline the total cost of the preparation and execution of the prosecution in Morrison v Peacock and Roslyndale Shipping Company Pty Ltd [1999] NSW LEC 182? (2) Will he table a copy of the report and its findings prepared for the Office of Marine Administration by Mr Chris Forde into marine transport matters at Lord Howe Island?

Answer—

I am advised by the Waterways Authority of the following: (1) The prosecution is still in progress, with costs yet to be finalised. (2) The ICAC report has not been completed.

*735 TAFE EMPLOYMENT—MRS VAL KERRISON—Mr Stoner to the Minister for Education and Training—

In relation to Mrs Val Kerrison, formerly employed at Kempsey TAFE: (1) What is her actual employment status today? (2) Regarding her employment status since 1 January 1995: (a) Under what authority, if any, did TAFE alter her employment status? (b) What changes were made to her employment status? (c) Who authorised any changes to her employment status? (d) Who actually made any changes to her employment status? (3) Did TAFE at any time formally and legally dismiss her from her position as a teacher at Kempsey TAFE? (4) If the answer to (3) above is yes: (a) Under what authority did TAFE dismiss her? (b) On what day did TAFE make the decision to dismiss her? 1150 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

(c) What TAFE officer(s) made the decision to dismiss her? (d) On what day did TAFE formally notify that it had or would terminate her employment? (5) If the answer to (3) above is no: (a) On what day will he allow her to continue in her position as teacher? (b) On what day shall she report to work at Kempsey TAFE? (c) When will he pay her all emoluments pertaining to her position as a full-time teacher together with interest thereon, and to retain all seniority, long service leave and other entitlements together with interest thereon? (6) If TAFE will not allow her to resume her position at Kempsey TAFE, under what authority will it deprive her of her employment rights?

Answer—

It is inappropriate to make Parliamentary comment on matters pertaining to a specific individual of a private and confidential nature.

*736 OLYMPIC BEACH VOLLEYBALL STADIUM—PLANNING AND APPROVAL PROCESSES—Ms Moore to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

Recognising that the contract for the Olympic Beach Volleyball Stadium on Bondi Beach was let on 30 June 1999, prior to him granting consent on 1 October 1999: (1) What level of input did the public have into the approval process? (2) What consideration was given to issues of safety and amenity raised in the public submissions on the Development Application? (3) What changes were made to the original proposal to reduce impacts on public amenity, in the light of public input? (4) What changes were made to the original proposal to reduce impacts on public safety, in the light of public input? (5) What other changes were made to the proposal in response to public input? (6) What limitations were placed on his discretion because of the issuing of the contract three months before the official approval of the Development Application?

Answer—

(1) There were three opportunities for the public to have input into the approval process · In accordance with the provisions of the Olympic Co-ordination Act 1995, OCA undertook consultation with 120 relevant authorities, councils, business, neighbours, community groups and organisations in workshops, meetings and by letter prior to lodging the development application. The results of these were documented in a section 24 report which accompanied the development application. · In accordance with the provisions of SEPP 38, the development application was exhibited by the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning from 4 August to 25 August 1999. Exhibition material was available at DUAP’s head office and Parramatta office, the OCA office at Homebush, Waverley Council, Bondi Pavilion and Bondi Junction Central Library. The proposal was notified in the Sydney Morning Herald and the Wentworth Courier. · Submissions and representations were made to the Minister and the Department prior to the exhibition of the development application. (2) Full consideration was given to issues of safety and amenity raised in submissions on the development application including: · Impacts from storm and erosion · Structural integrity of the stadium · Short term erosive impacts 1151 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

· Potential formation of dangerous rips · Pedestrian movement between the stadium and the ocean during significant wave events · Noise impacts during both construction and operation · General public access and facilities · Traffic and parking impacts · Visual impacts · Heritage issues (3) The height and design of the promenade stand was modified as a result of consideration of impacts on visual amenity. The time allowed to construct and demolish the stadium was shortened to limit the impact on public access to the area. In addition, the development consent includes 20 conditions to ensure that impacts o public amenity are minimised. (4) Twelve conditions were included in the development consent to ensure that impacts on public safety are minimised. (5) A total of 44 conditions are included in the development consent. In addition to those, which aim to reduce impacts on safety and amenity, a number of conditions aim to ensure minimal environmental impacts from the development. (6) None.

*737 OLYMPIC BEACH VOLLEYBALL STADIUM—CONSTRUCTION—Ms Moore to the Minister for the Olympics—

Concerning construction of the Olympic Beach Volleyball Stadium on Bondi Beach: (1) What tenders were invited from Australian firms to construct this temporary, expensive stadium on Bondi Beach? (2) What will be the full cost of this stadium to be constructed by a non-Australian firm? (3) Given that the contract for the stadium was let on 30 June 1999, prior to the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning granting of consent on 1 October 1999, what level of input did the public have into the Development Application process? (4) Recognising that the contract had already been signed, what consideration was given to issues of safety and amenity raised in the public submissions on the Development Application? (5) What changes were made to the original proposal to reduce impacts on safety and amenity? (6) Who approved the issuing of the contract three months before the official approval of the Development Application?

Answer—

(1) The stadium at Bondi was part of an open tender process conducted by OCA in relation to all Olympic venues. Tenders were received from both Australian and international firms. (2) The construction costs are one part of the entire development budget for design and construction. The forecast final cost of the venue is approximately $15m. (3) Planning focus meetings were held at the Bondi pavilion in November 1998. OCA attended and briefed a meeting called by a local group on 13 December 1998. OCA also attended and briefed a public rally in April 1999. The Draft Statement of Environmental Effects was publicly exhibited by OCA in April 1999. Comments were reviewed and the formal Development Application was submitted to the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning in July 1999. Additionally, the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning publicly exhibited the Development Application from 4 August to 25 August 1999. (4) The Section 24 report prepared for the formal Development Approval application addressed each and every concern raised by public submission to the Draft Statement of Environmental Effects. (5) A number of changes were made in response to public concerns expressed about the Draft Statement of Environmental Effects. Changes included: · Deletion of the access bridge from the balcony of the Pavilion to the grandstand. · Reduction in the construction duration. 1152 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

· Improvements to continuity of pedestrian access along the promenade and waterfront. · Improved public access to the Bondi Park areas. The Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning imposed a number of consent conditions to improve safety and reduce impacts on amenity. (6) The approval for issuing of the contract for the Beach Volleyball was managed within OCA.

*738 NOISE AND AIR POLLUTION IMPACTS—STATE TRANSIT AUTHORITY BUSES—Ms Moore to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

Concerning the noise and air pollution impact on local residents of the increased number of empty State Transit Authority buses using Moore Park Road, Paddington: (1) What is the rationale for directing empty buses onto a residential street? (2) What consideration was given to the impact of this decision on adjacent residences? (3) What alternative routes could be taken by these empty buses? (4) Why are these alternative routes not being used? (5) When can I expect replies to my letters of 9 November 1999, 25 January 2000, 17 March 2000, and 28 March 2000, which urged action to prevent worsening traffic conditions on Moore Park Road following the opening of the Eastern Distributor?

Answer—

(1) to (4) State Transit buses have long used Moore Park Road to return to Waverley Depot on time to ensure the reliability of services. Drivers are not directed how to operate “special” to and from Waverley Depot to commerce or after the finish of their journey. Any increased usage reflects the decisions of drivers on the best way to return to the Depot. This ensures an effective public transport system for the areas, which contributes to a reduction in pollution and noise from the use of private vehicles. (5) All these letters have been responded to by the Parliamentary Secretary.

*739 KOGARAH COUNCIL GENERAL MANAGER—INVESTIGATION OF SACKING—Ms Moore to the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs—

Concerning the sacking of Mr Brian Bell, former General Manager of Kogarah Council: (1) Has he done an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sacking of Mr Brian Bell as requested by Independent Kogarah Bay Progress Association Councillor, Ms Anne Field? (2) If not, what are his reasons for not responding to the call for an investigation? (3) If so, did he identify sufficient grounds for the termination, were any breaches of due process identified, and what action has he directed to be taken to redress any problems identified?

Answer—

(1) to (3) No investigation has been undertaken in relation to Mr Bell ceasing his employment with Kogarah Council. Councils are established as autonomous bodies vested with a broad range of discretionary powers under the Local Government Act and other legislation. Where councils exercise powers in accordance with any legislation or guidelines issued, the council is not generally subjected to intervention as to the manner it exercises its powers. Where councils exercise these powers they are directly responsible to their electors. As Mr Bell is, or was, an employee of Kogarah Council there are appropriate remedies available to him should he feel aggrieved. 1153 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

26 MAY 2000

(Paper No. 37)

*740 MEDICALLY-RETIRED TEACHERS—Mr Rozzoli to the Minister for Education and Training—

To the knowledge of the Department of Education, is any teacher—the subject of paedophile allegations and subsequently retired on medical grounds—currently working in State or private schools in New South Wales, any other state of Australia or overseas?

Answer—

Paedophilia allegations made against teachers employed by the Department are investigated and appropriate action taken. The names of teachers who are the subject of substantiated paedophilia allegations are placed on the Department’s confidential People Not To Be Employed Without the Approval of the Director of Personnel Operations list. Under a national employment checking scheme, educational authorities in non government schools and interstate are able to confirm the status of teachers who previously worked in NSW government schools.

*741 RETIREMENTS—PSYCHIATRIC GROUNDS—Mr Rozzoli to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) How many employees of the Department have been retired on psychiatric grounds in the years: (a) 1995? (b) 1996? (c) 1997? (d) 1998? (e) 1999? (2) How many of these were teachers?

Answer—

(1) and (2) I am advised that the Department does not keep consolidated data on specific reasons for medical retirement of staff.

*742 PAEDOPHILIA INVESTIGATIONS—MEDICAL RETIREMENTS—Mr Rozzoli to the Minister for Education and Training—

(1) How many teachers, against whom allegations of paedophilia have been made, have subsequently been retired on medical grounds? (2) Of these, how many were subjects of investigation during the Wood Royal Commission? (3) Of these cases, how many were referred to HealthQuest for examination and report and were HealthQuest advised that the person was the subject of an investigation into paedophile behaviour? (4) Were the normal referral procedures followed in each case? (5) How many were examined by HealthQuest? (6) Without reference to names and in tabular form, in respect of each case: (a) What were the stated reasons for termination of employment? (b) What were the payouts and/or continuing payments to each person? 1154 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

Answer—

(1) I am advised that to answer this question would substantially and unreasonably divert the resources of the Department of Education and Training away from the exercise of its functions.

(2) to (6) See (1) above.

*743 PACIFIC HIGHWAY INTERSECTION, KEW—Mr Stoner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

In relation to the intersection on the Pacific Highway at Kew: (1) How many motor accidents have there been at the intersection in the past five years? (2) How many fatalities? (3) Have any RTA surveys noted the number of vehicles which turn on to the Pacific Highway and then do a u-turn on the highway in order to achieve what should have been an achievable right hand turn, and is this not potentially extremely dangerous? (4) Have any of the RTA surveys been done by RTA staff driving back and forth across the highway and noting the ease or difficulty with which they coped with the through highway traffic, the crossing traffic and the traffic entering and leaving the four petrol stations and other business premises surrounding this intersection, which is in fact an intersection of eight entering lanes and eight exiting lanes? (5) Has any provision been made for the safety of the additional school children who live sufficiently close to the new High School so they are able to walk or ride bicycles across the Highway to and from school?

Answer—

(1) In the five-year period from 1995 to 1999 inclusive, there have been nine (9) recorded accidents at this intersection. Four (4) of these accidents are classified as injury accidents, involving seven (7) casualties. The remaining five (5) accidents have been towaways. (2) There have been no recorded fatalities at this intersection. (3) RTA Staff have inspected the site and noted the manoeuvre of vehicles turning left on the Pacific Highway and proceeding to complete a u-turn on the Highway. Provided due care is taken the manoeuvre can be completed with safety. (4) RTA staff have driven across the intersection on several occasions to investigate this matter. It has been noted that during the School's starting and finishing times and in holiday seasons, delays are experienced at this intersection. Outside these times there appear to be no significant delays. (5) A pedestrian refuge has been constructed on the Pacific Highway in close proximity to the intersection to cater for the relative low number of pedestrians. The RTA recognises the construction of the new High School will alter crossing demands, and will continue to review the facilities currently in place.

30 MAY 2000

(Paper No. 38)

*744 OVERSEAS TRAVEL—SYDNEY WATER CORPORATION DIRECTORS—Mr Brogden to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

In relation to overseas travel by the Chairman and Directors (the Directors) of the Sydney Water Corporation: 1155 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

(1) Have any or all of the Directors travelled overseas since 1 July 1999? (2) If so, which Directors travelled overseas? (3) Which countries did they visit? (4) Which cities did they visit? (5) What class did they travel: (a) first class? (b) business class? (c) economy class? (6) Who accompanied them? (7) What class did those accompanying them travel? (8) What did each overseas trip cost?

Answer—

(1) to (8) All travel by officer of departments and government bodies is regulated by memoranda and circulars issued by the Premier and the Director-General of Premier’s Department as well as provisions of the Public Sector Management (Goods and Services) Regulation 1995. Departmental Annual Reports contain information relating to overseas and domestic travel expenses.

*745 OVERSEAS TRAVEL—AUSTRALIAN WATER TECHNOLOGIES' DIRECTORS—Mr Brogden to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

In relation to overseas travel by the Chairman and Directors (the Directors) of Australian Water Technologies: (1) Have any or all of the Directors travelled overseas since 1 July 1999? (2) If so, which Directors travelled overseas? (3) Which countries did they visit? (4) Which cities did they visit? (5) What class did they travel: (a) first class? (b) business class? (c) economy class? (6) Who accompanied them? (7) What class did those accompanying them travel? (8) What did each overseas trip cost?

Answer—

(1) to (8) All travel by officer of departments and government bodies is regulated by memoranda and circulars issued by the Premier and the Director-General of Premier’s Department as well as provisions of the Public Sector Management (Goods and Services) Regulation 1995. Departmental Annual Reports contain information relating to overseas and domestic travel expenses.

746 CONTRACTING OUT OF DOCS SUPPORTED ACCOMMODATION SERVICES—Mr Collins to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

747 INFRASTRUCTURE COORDINATION UNIT—Mr Debnam to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship— 1156 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

748 TAX SEVERITY INDEX—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

*749 WALTON REPORT—VALUATION OF LAND ACT—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

In relation to the “Walton” Report of Inquiry into the Operation of Valuation Land Act: (1) When will the Government accept or reject the recommendations of the Report? (2) Will the Government be implementing any of the recommendations for the 2000 land tax year? (3) Has the Government taken any action as a result of any of the recommendations? (4) If so, what have these actions been and when did they take place?

Answer—

(1) A Government announcement in relation tot he “Walton” Report is anticipated shortly. (2) Recommendations which are adopted will be implemented prior to land tax year, commencing December, 2000. (3) This Government has already initiated a number of programs, which will support the Report recommendations, including the Integrated Property Warehouse. The Integrated Property Warehouse is a partnership project, involving both the Department of Information technology and Management and the Office of State Revenue, in the development of a land information warehouse. (4) The IPW project commenced in 1999 and is undergoing continual development to improve the quality and flow of land information between the project partners. The Department of Information and technology and management is constantly reviewing and improving processes to ensure timely delivery of accurate information to its clientele.

*750 MILLENNIUM INSTITUTE—Ms Harrison to the Minister for Health—

What is the amount of the contribution of the State Government to stage 1 of the Millennium Institute at Westmead Hospital?

Answer—

The State Government has contributed $1M in funding towards the development of stage 1 of the Millennium Institute at Westmead Hospital.

*751 M4 VIADUCT CYCLEWAY—Ms Harrison to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

When will the promised cycleway under the M4 viaduct at Harris Park/Granville: (a) be started? (b) be completed?

Answer—

A review of Environmental Factors (REF) has been prepared for landscaping, drainage and the cycleway. This will be placed on display for public comment later this month. Following display and consideration of public comments, work will commence on the drainage and landscaping. 1157 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

Work is currently programmed to commence on the cycleway in 2002 and be completed in late 2003. The estimated cost of the cycleway is $8 million.

*752 TRIAGE REVIEW—RURAL HOSPITALS—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Health—

(1) Is he going to conduct a review of the triage categories for rural hospitals? (2) Will he confirm there will be no elimination of the “second on call” roster system which is part of the “Rural Doctors Agreement”?

Answer—

(1) The National triage Scale (NTS) was published in 1993 by the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine to guide the development and standardisation of the triage process in emergency departments. It has since been adopted nationally. The suitability of using the scale in the smaller rural centres, especially those without on site medical staff, has been questioned by the both medical and nursing clinicians. A triage tool which will be more useful to small rural centres is being refined by the Rural Critical care committee. The Committee is comprised of rural medical and nursing clinicians. (2) There are no proposals to vary the on-call arrangements.

*753 GADARA ROAD, TUMUT SHIRE—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Will the Gadara Road, in the Tumut Shire, be closed upon completion of the Visy Road at Wondalga? (2) If yes in relation to the above, what provision has been made for: (a) travelling stock normally using the Gadara Road? (b) the nine residents (and their families) which are directly served by the Gadara Road?

Answer—

(1) to (2) Gadara Road is a local road under the care and control of Tumut Shire Council. Consequently, the mater of its use following the completion of the Visy access road is a matter for Tumut Council. The Roads and Traffic Authority has advised that it has no plans to close access to Gadara Road at its junction with the Snowy Mountains Highway.

755 MANLY HIGH SCHOOL—Mr Humpherson to the Minister for Education and Training—

756 MANLY WHARF INTERCHANGE—Mr Humpherson to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

757 CASINO COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUND GRANTS—Mr Humpherson to the Minister for Gaming and Racing, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Hunter Development—

758 SOUTHERN SYDNEY POLICING—OLYMPIC PERIOD—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Police—

759 WORKPLACE INTIMIDATION AND HARASSMENT—Mr Rozzoli to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney, representing the Attorney General and Minister for Industrial Relations— 1158 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

760 COMPLAINTS—PROTECTED DISCLOSURES ACT—Mr Rozzoli to the Minister for Education and Training—

761 REFERENCES—PROTECTED DISCLOSURES ACT—Mr Rozzoli to the Minister for Education and Training—

762 HYDROTHERAPY POOL—ROYAL NORTH SHORE HOSPITAL—Mrs Skinner to the Minister for Health—

763 SPIT HILL, MOSMAN—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

764 UPGRADE—NELSON BAY ROAD, BOBS FARM—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs—

765 NABIAC AND WALLAMBA SEWERAGE PROGRAM—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs, representing the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—

*767 WELCOME REEF DAM—Mr Webb to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) What are the Government’s plans for the proposed Welcome Reef Dam on the Shoalhaven River in terms of: (a) acquisition of land? (b) consultation with affected landholders? (c) time frame for construction? (2) Do these plans include provision by the Government to purchase properties that will be inundated when the dam fills? (3) Do these plans preclude the private sale of land? (4) What is the percentage (by area) of land within the proposed dam area that has already been acquired by the Government authority? (5) What arrangements have been made to manage and control weeds and feral pests on lands already under the control of the department?

Answer—

(1) to (4)The Sydney Catchment Authority advises that it is currently reviewing its policy concerning these issues. (5) The lands owned by the Sydney Catchment Authority in the area of the proposed Welcome Reef Dam are categorised into two types. They are “leased lands” or “retired lands”. Leased lands are those lands that are economically viable for agriculture or having rental dwellings. In these cases, responsibility for the control of pests is that of the lessee. The Catchment Authority’s role is to monitor and ensure compliance with the lease conditions. The retired lands are those lands that have been taken out of agricultural use for their protection and long term rehabilitation and are managed in a passive manner. In assuming responsibility for the management of these lands, the Catchment Authority has repaired boundary fences, fenced additional areas to control public access, implemented land 1159 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

management programs (including weed control, pest control and erosion works), and undertaken several heritage assessments.

*768 ILLEGAL HORSE RIDING—INFRINGEMENT NOTICES—Mr Kerr to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) How many infringement notices have been issued between 1 January 1995 and 20 May 2000 to offenders in relation to illegal horse riding activities that have occurred on the Towra Point Wetlands? (2) (a) Is he aware that lantana and bitow bush are rampant throughout the Towra Point Reserve? (b) What action has been taken to eradicate or stem the progress of these noxious weeds? (3) (a) Has the regeneration of the littoral rainforest at Weedy Pond been successful? (b) What action has been taken to control the weeds which infest the area? (4) (a) Does the Government believe dogs are a problem in relation to the Towra Point Reserve? (b) How many infringement notices have been issued against dog owners?

Answer—

(1) No infringements have been issued for horses over the specified period. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is aware that horse riding has occurred and undertakes regular consultation with the adjacent horse stables and riding school to ensure that their patrons are aware that riding is not permitted within the reserve boundaries. Much of the wetland area which is subject to horse riding is in fact private land and not presently part of the Nature Reserve. (2) (a) Lantana is recognised as the major invasive weed at Towra Point Nature Reserve, with bitou bush a less acute secondary weed. The NPWS, Sutherland Shire Environment Centre and Friends of Towra Point Nature Reserve conduct co-operative bush regeneration programs at Towra Point with an emphasis on lantana removal. This has seen significant gains around the Weedy Pond area, a key location due to the presence of threatened species. (b) Towra Point is ideal habitat for lantana. The species was not introduced by disturbance but instead invaded by biological spread, probably through bird droppings, and has been able to out-compete the native species. In the absence of an effective biological control for lantana in this area, its management in the reserve will continue to be extremely labour intensive. Available resources will need to be focused on the areas of highest conservation significance, such as Weedy Pond. (3) (a) Weedy Pond has been the focus of regeneration over the last 3 years at Towra Point Nature Reserve. Several thousand person hours of bush regeneration works have been done on the site including major contributions from volunteers from Green Corp and the Australian Trust Conservation Volunteers. The work has removed most of the lantana which had moved into the canopy of the significant lily pilly stand on the site and has exposed the ground surface for native regeneration. As a consequence, there is now substantial regeneration of native species such as Tuckeroo in the understorey. (b) Monitoring and maintaining control over the reinvasion of this area by lantana is now the major priority for the site. (4) (a) Dogs are prohibited from areas gazetted as nature reserves under the National Parks and Wildlife Act. The presence of dogs in the Towra Point wetlands is clearly not compatible with their functioning as habitat for migratory waders. (b) Six individuals have been infringed for this offence and a further two cautioned over the last 5 years. The NPWS is not able to take action over people who have dogs in the wetlands which are outside the Nature Reserve, including the area below mean high water mark. 1160 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

31 MAY 2000

(Paper No. 39)

769 FUNDAMENTAL REVIEW OF NSW FINANCIAL AND ANNUAL REPORTING LEGISLATION—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

770 BUDGET FOR "MINISTERIAL TRAVEL, SPECIAL REPORTS FOR THE PREMIER, AND UNFORESEEN EXPENSES APPROVED BY THE PREMIER"—Mr Debnam to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

771 EMERGING ACCOUNTING ISSUES—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

772 WAGGA WAGGA POLICE POSITIONS—Mr Maguire to the Minister for Police—

773 POLICE ATTENDANCE—WARRINGAH COUNCIL—Mr Barr to the Minister for Police—

774 HARBORD PUBLIC SCHOOL UPGRADE—Mr Barr to the Minister for Education and Training—

775 BROOKVALE TAFE—DISABILITY ACCESS—Mr Barr to the Minister for Education and Training—

776 NSW BOARDS AND COMMITTEES REGISTER—Mr Brogden to the Minister for the Olympics—

777 NSW BOARDS AND COMMITTEES REGISTER—Mr Brogden to the Minister for Health—

778 NSW BOARDS AND COMMITTEES REGISTER—Mr Brogden to the Minister for Education and Training—

779 OLD BRICKWORKS SITE, KIRRAWEE—Mr Brogden to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

780 DAY-ONLY PROCEDURAL CENTRE—WESTMEAD HOSPITAL—Ms Harrison to the Minister for Health— 1161 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

*781 FUNDING—BREAST CANCER INSTITUTE—Ms Harrison to the Minister for Health—

What funding will the Breast Cancer Institute at Westmead Hospital receive this year?

Answer—

Funding for the NSW Breast Cancer Institute in the 1999/2000 financial year is $750,000.

782 YOUTH DRUG SERVICES—WESTERN SYDNEY—Ms Harrison to the Minister for Health—

783 LITERACY PROGRAMS—NSW CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

784 INMATE LITERACY PROGRAMS—FUNDING—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

785 HANGING POINTS IN NEW SOUTH WALES GAOLS—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

786 POLICE SERVICE VOLUNTEERS—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Police—

*787 GREENFIELDS POLICY—Mr Richardson to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) What is the Government’s Greenfields Policy regarding the provision of public transport services to new release areas? (2) (a) What new services will be introduced to Kellyville, Rouse Hill, Parklea, Stanhope Gardens, Glenwood and Acacia Gardens as a consequence of the Greenfields Policy? (b) Where will these services connect to? (3) (a) When will these services be introduced? (b) Will there be any initial government subsidy associated with them?

Answer—

(1) The Greenfields Policy sets out the process for establishing commercial bus services in areas that are not covered by existing contracts. A region’s patronage potential is determined using the latest statistics available from Census data and the relevant local government. If the patronage potential is below 4,000 the Department of transport issues an Expression of Interest to the adjoining contract holders for the provision of services to the new area. Following an evaluation of each operator’s submission, their existing contracts are varied to include the new release area. If the patronage potential is above 4,000,the Department of Transport undertakes an open tender process to secure a new commercial contract for the area. (2) (a) and (b) The Greenfield Expression of Interest and Tender documents set out a list of attractors in each new release areas, such as schools, daycare centres shopping centres, medical centres, as well as regional attractors. Proponents are requested to state how they will service these attractors and are also requested to identify opportunities for cross-regional 1162 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

services. Such servicing strategy is a major consideration in the evaluation process that detainees the successful proponent. (3) (a) The Department is currently in the process of reviewing the Rouse Hill area in order to determine the appropriate contract boundaries. (b) This will be subject to review.

788 CHARGES—RURAL FIRE SERVICES—Mr Webb to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

*789 DEPARTMENTAL RESPONSE—SOCIAL ISSUES COMMITTEE REPORT—Mr Maguire to the Minister for Health—

(1) What has been the Department of Health’s response to the Standing Committee on Social Issues Report on Suicides in Rural New South Wales, November 1994? (2) How many, if any, of the 36 recommendations in the report have been implemented? (3) Of particular note, has the Department of Health developed and implemented Recommendation 31? (4) Is he aware of an after-suicide support group conducted by Sister Mary Walsh operating in the city of Sydney for the last 15 months, successfully?

Answer—

(1) The Department of health has responded by establishing a wide range of strategies, which support effective suicide prevention programs and initiatives across NSW. (2) Of the recommendations that are pertinent of NSW Health, 14 of the recommendations have been implemented and 15 have been partially implemented. (3) Yes (4) No

*790 FOOD COSTS PER BED-DAY—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Health—

What is the current average daily cost of food per bed-day in: (a) Yass District Hospital? (b) Goulburn Base Hospital? (c) Tumut Hospital?

Answer—

(a) $36.12 (b) $27.91 (c) $27.10 Yass Hospital is the smallest hospital and lack of economies of scale means the cost is generally higher.

*791 INNER SYDNEY LOSS OF OPEN SPACE—Ms Moore to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

Concerning the loss of open space in inner Sydney, at a time when urban consolidation is dramatically increasing residential densities: (1) What action has the Government taken to assess the levels and adequacy of open space in inner Sydney? 1163 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

(2) What opportunities has the Government identified to increase public open space in the inner city in response to continued development? (3) What consideration did the Government give to preserving the White City site at Paddington as open space in return for the $30 million taxpayer contribution toward a new tennis complex at Homebush Bay? (4) What consideration did the Government give to a lasting Olympic legacy of open space in the inner city, in compensation for the appropriation of a large proportion of Rushcutters Bay for Olympic Sailing and for the diminished public benefit in the transfer of the Rushcutters Bay Maritime Reserve from the Commonwealth to the State? (5) What plans does the Government have to compensate for the continued loss of public open space in inner Sydney, including over two hectares of Moore Park for the Eastern Distributor, 24 hectares of the former Sydney Showground, and the succession of redundant government sites being sold for redevelopment? (6) What plans does the Government have to respond to the increasing open space needs for the future of inner Sydney?

Answer—

(1) There has been an increase in the number and an improvement in the quality of regional open space for the inner areas of Sydney during the 1981-1999 period. The Sydney Harbour National Park (19 ha of which are in the Woollahra local government area) and Sydney Park were created. Co-operative efforts with councils have produced the Parramatta River Foreshores Improvement Program, and improvements along the waterways flowing into Botany Bay. Apriority has been to improve public access to the existing and new areas of open space. As well, the New South Wales Government has been steadfast in its efforts to secure the major and strategically important Commonwealth sites as public open space. Where a local council believes development will lead to a need for additional open space and recreation facilities, it can levy the development to make an appropriate contribution. Under section 94 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, a contributions plan must first be prepared to establish any such need, based on an assessment of the current level of facilities. (2) The Government is working with local council to manage the growth of Sydney. It is the responsibility of local councils to assess the need for new open space in their areas and to prepare section 94 contributions plans to ensure additional public space is created, where justified. (3) The White City site at Paddington is freehold land held by Tennis New South Wales and not the New South Wales Government. (4) The Plan of Management for the Rushcutters Bay Maritime Reserve proposes that, after the Olympics, 75% of the Reserve be open space for public use. By contrast, when the Rushcutters Bay Maritime Reserve was held by the Commonwealth, the Reserve was completely off limits. Under the Plan of Management for Rushcutters Bay Park, Yarranabbe Park, and the Reserve for Plantation and Access, the land is to be returned to the community after the Olympics. (5) Losses of public open space have been small and confined to the Eastern Distributor. In this case, a memorandum of understanding will result in the RTA paying $12 million to the Centennial Park Trust for improvements to Moore Park. The Trust will convert certain roads in Moore Park to parkland, and the Trust and RTA will develop a strategy for the staged removal of surface car parking on Moore Park. Public access to the former Sydney Showground was restricted to a few events a year. The Foxtel development has made this major recreation facility available on an all year round basis. (6) The Government gives priority to increasing open space in the Sydney region where it will have the widest public benefit. 1164 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

*792 URBAN CONSOLIDATION POLICY—IMPACTS—Ms Moore to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

Concerning the impact of the Government’s urban consolidation policy: (1) What State-level monitoring is done of urban consolidation to assess its negative impacts and benefits? (2) What agencies and mechanisms are in place to ensure that open space, infrastructure and services keep pace with the needs of increasing population densities? (3) What guidelines has the Government established to assess the adequacy of open space, infrastructure and services, such as a minimum average level of open space per person? (4) What strategies are in place to ensure open space, infrastructure and services are supplemented in areas of high urban consolidation, such as Sydney’s inner east? (5) How does the Government define “over-development”? (6) Who is responsible for putting the brakes on over-development which threatens residential amenity? (7) Is the Government’s urban consolidation policy being undermined by a lack of Government monitoring and action to address negative impacts of the policy? (8) When will the Government review its urban consolidation policies, including SEPP 32 and SREP 7, to address the negative impacts of the policies?

Answer—

(1) The State Government is monitoring the implementation of Residential Development Strategies prepared by local councils in the Sydney Region. These are local strategies which implement the Government’s policies for urban consolidation and managing the growth of Sydney. The built outcomes as well as the numbers and locations of new housing are addressed through this process. Regional meetings are held with councils, responses to the program are discussed regularly and feedback is received from the community. (2) The section 94 process is a key mechanism for ensuring that open space; infrastructure and services keep pace with any increase in population densities. It is the responsibility of local councils to assess the need for new open space in their areas and to prepare Section 94 Contributions Plans to ensure additional public open space is provided, where justified. As well, major infrastructure agencies such as Sydney Water monitor the capacity of their system to deal with development and re-development of areas. (3) The long-standing position on open space standards, stated y the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning and its predecessors, is that open space planning should be based on the needs of the particular population, the quality of opens pace, its accessibility and distribution, and not just on rigid standards. Different areas have different needs and a wide range of factors influence and constrain the location and amount of open space that can and should be provided. The roads, water and sewerage agencies each have guidelines for the capacity of their systems and, as previously stated, monitor development in relation to that capacity. As well, this Government has placed greater emphasis on integrating land use and transport so that we slow the growth in car usage and provide greater opportunities for sustainable development including better use of public transport and existing facilities. (4) The Greater Sydney Region Metropolitan Strategy released in 1999, “Shaping Our Cities” sets the strategic direction for managing growth in the Greater Sydney Region. Many areas where new development is taking place have in the past been subject to population decline. New development replaces lost population and provides greater housing choice for the existing population and provides greater housing choice for the existing population as average household size declines and nee, smaller households form. (5) Over-development is a concept that cannot be defined, as it is in the eye of the beholder rather than an objective standard. What is seen as over-development in one area, when a change is mooted or occurs, would be seen as acceptable in another. 1165 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

The Government’s whole approach to urban consolidation and managing the growth of Sydney is that local councils and communities should decide how it should be done in their areas. This is the basis of the Residential Development Strategy approach. (6) The Residential Development strategy process, undertaken by this Government in co- operation with councils, is the mechanism for enabling councils to identify locally appropriate measures to meet the regional need to responsibly manage the growth of Sydney and provide housing choice for all generations. (7) No. Monitoring is occurring and the Government is providing councils which have concerns with local outcomes with the opportunity to modify approved Residential Development Strategies. (8) The mechanisms for implementing urban consolidation were reviewed in the preparation of State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) No. 53 – Metropolitan Residential Development. This SEPP repealed several housing related SEPP’s and Regional Environmental Plans when it was gazetted in 1997. SEPP 32 remains as it is a statement of policy rather than a re-zoning tool. SREP 7 provides a reserve power for surplus Government sites. It has not been used in the recent past because a more cooperative approach has been taken by both levels of government.

*793 AIR CONDITIONING—XPT TRAINS—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) What type of air conditioning is used on the XPT trains? (2) Are filters involved in relation to the air conditioning? (3) If so, what type of filters? (4) If so, are the filters required to be replaced or cleaned? (5) If so, what are the manufacturer’s or design standards for the length of period between cleaning and replacement? (6) In what period of time does the Rail Access Corporation or other relevant rail body clean or replace the filters? (7) If there is a difference in time between that stated in (5) and (6) above, why is there such a difference in time for replacement or cleaning? (8) Will time for replacement or cleaning vary depending on the number of persons travelling on the trains?

Answer—

I am advised by Countrylink of the following (1) The air conditioning used in the XPT is a sigma split system with the compressor and condenser mounted under each carriage. The evaporator, filters, heaters and fan are located in the roof unit. The original design was for a unit with R12 refrigerant but this is being changed to R13A. (2) There are two filtering systems in the airconditioning system. One filters the fresh air coming into the car and the other filters the return air being recirculated through the air conditioner. (3) Each of the filter systems has dry filters. The fresh air filters are FARR 30/30 type and the recirculating air filters a Viledon pocket filters. The XPT sleepers cars have a carbon filter on the fresh air system. (4) The filters need to be replaced. They are checked for conditioning each trip, i.e. each time the train returns to the depot, that is between 24 and 36 hours intervals. (5) There is no recommended period for this application from the manufacturer as the requirement to change the filters in dependent on the ambient conditions through which the train is travelling. (6) The servicing and maintenance of the XPT fleet is carried out by Passenger Fleet Maintenance, which is a Unit within the State Rail Authority. (7) After inspection, the filters are changed on an as needs basis. 1166 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

(8) No. The filters filter the same amount of air regardless of the number of passengers. The more important condition affecting the filters is the dusty air or smoke affected air in the summer.

*794 PROPOSED REALIGNMENT—PACIFIC HIGHWAY, OAK FLATS TO DUNMORE—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

In relation to the proposed realignment of the Princes Highway between Oak Flats and Dunmore: (1) Does he acknowledge that any proposal to close Shellharbour Road will severely hamper the response time of the local bush fire brigade to fires on the western side of the Princes Highway? (2) Will he and the RTA consider constructing a fly over from Shellharbour Road to the Princes Highway so as to alleviate traffic congestion that may occur when large volumes of traffic wish to enter the Princes Highway from Jamberoo Road (Shellharbour Road)? (3) If not, why not?

Answer—

(1) to (3) The proposed closure of Shellharbour Road (Jamberoo Road) will not hamper the response time of the local bush Fire Brigade, as access will be available from a deviation of Shellharbour Road to the Princes Highway via an elevated roundabout near Lindsays Lane, two kilometres north of the existing junction. The issue of access to the Princes Highway was discussed with the Captain of the Brigade during the EIS process for the proposal. Traffic from Jamberoo Road will be able to freely access the Highway at the elevated roundabout two kilometres to the north and merge with through traffic via on-load ramps without the present requirement to give way to traffic in both northerly and southerly directions.

*795 FARQUHAR INLET, MANNING RIVER—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) What is the extent of his Department’s administration of land (if any) in the area known as Farquhar Inlet on the Manning River? (2) If there have been any areas added to the Department’s administration since 1 January 1999 to date, what have been those areas that have been added? (3) When were they added? (4) Why were they added? (5) What is the Department’s intention for such areas?

Answer—

(1) to (5) The National Parks and Wildlife Service does not administer any lands in the subject area. I understand that the land in the vicinity of the Farquhar Inlet is a mixture of freehold and reserved Crown land. It would therefore be more appropriate for the question to be referred to the Hon Richard Amery MP, Minister for Land and Water conservation.

796 TRAFFIC VOLUME—ALPINE WAY—Mr Webb to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— 1167 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

797 PROPOSED SCOTTS CREEK VENT FOR THE NORTHSIDE STORAGE TUNNEL—Mr Collins to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

1 JUNE 2000

(Paper No. 40)

798 NSW PUBLIC SERVANTS—OLYMPIC GAMES SERVICE—Mr Debnam to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

799 UNCLAIMED MONEY REGISTER—INTERNET—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

800 SUPERANNUATION CONVERSION OFFER—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

801 MONARO TENANCY SCHEME—Mr Webb to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

802 FAIR TRADING TRIBUNAL AND RESIDENTIAL TRIBUNAL—PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES—Mr Webb to the Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

803 MOSS VALE POLICE STATION—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Police—

804 NSW BOARDS AND COMMITTEES REGISTER—Mr Brogden to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

*805 NSW BOARDS AND COMMITTEES REGISTER—Mr Brogden to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

(1) Is she aware of the NSW Boards and Committees Register? (2) Has she consulted the NSW Boards and Committees Register before making any appointments to Government Boards and Committees within her portfolio? (3) Has she appointed any youth representatives to Boards and Committees within her portfolio? (4) If so, how many youth representatives has she appointed, and to which Boards and/or Committees have these appointments been made?

Answer—

(1) to (4) The New South Wales Premier’s Department Register is available for use by Ministers. 1168 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

The Premier’s Department consults the Register to determine whether candidates are suitable for up-coming vacancies. The Department notifies Ministers of vacancies where it is recommended that more people from target groups should be considered for appointment. Arrangements are also being made for the identification of young people on Cabinet nomination forms, to be in place by August 2000. Since last April, twenty young people have been appointed to Government Statutory bodies, advisory and reference groups, including: · The Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee · The Youth Entertainment Network Advisory Group · The NSW Youth Week Young People’s Management Committee · The Centre for the Advancement of Adolescent Health Advisory Board · The Commission for Children and Young People Interim Advisory Committee · The Child Protection and Parental Responsibility Act Coordination and Evaluation Committee and · The Youth Media Forum Consultative Committee.

*806 NSW BOARDS AND COMMITTEES REGISTER—Mr Brogden to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

(1) Is he aware of the NSW Boards and Committees Register? (2) Has he consulted the NSW Boards and Committees Register before making any appointments to Government Boards and Committees within his portfolio? (3) Has he appointed any youth representatives to Boards and Committees within his portfolio? (4) If so, how many youth representatives has he appointed, and to which Boards and/or Committees have these appointments been made?

Answer—

(1) to (4) The New South Wales Premier’s Department Register is available for use by Ministers. The Premier’s Department consults the Register to determine whether candidates are suitable for up-coming vacancies. The Department notifies Ministers of vacancies where it is recommended that more people from target groups should be considered for appointment. Arrangements are also being made for the identification young people on Cabinet nominations forms, to be place by August 2000. Since last April, twenty young people have been appointed to Government Statutory bodies, advisory and reference groups, including: · The Juvenile Justice Advisory committee · The Youth Entertainment Network Advisory Group · The NSW Young Week young People’s Management Committee · The Centre for the Advancement of Adolescent Health Advisory Board · The Commission for Children and Young People Interim Advisory Committee · The Child Protection and parental Responsibility Act coordination and Evaluation committee and · The Youth Media Forum Consultative Committee.

807 ELECTIVE PROCEDURES—MARCH 2000—Mrs Skinner to the Minister for Health—

808 ELECTIVE PROCEDURES—APRIL 2000—Mrs Skinner to the Minister for Health— 1169 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

809 OPERATION ALPHA—Mr Humpherson to the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs, representing the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—

810 PENNANT HILLS ROAD—TRAFFIC—Mr Tink to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

811 WARNING SIGNS AND DEVICES AT LEVEL CROSSINGS—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

812 NORTHERN BEACHES LOCAL AREA COMMAND—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for Police—

813 ABORIGINAL INMATES—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

814 INMATE ASSAULTS—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

815 GULGONG HIGH SCHOOL—MAINTENANCE—Mr Souris to the Minister for Education and Training—

2 JUNE 2000

(Paper No. 41)

816 SUPERCATS—Mr Barr to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

817 BICYCLE COURIERS—INFRINGEMENT NOTICES—Mr Barr to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

818 SEAFORTH TAFE SITE—Mr Barr to the Minister for Public Works and Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

819 FREE TAX SEMINARS—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

820 INQUIRY—GENERAL PURPOSE STANDING COMMITTEE NO 1—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council— 1170 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

*821 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC VENUES PUBLICATION—Mr Debnam to the Minister for the Olympics—

In relation to the publication “Ahead of the Games: A Guide to Sydney’s Olympic and Paralympic Venues”: (1) What was the cost of producing this publication? (2) How many copies have been printed? (3) As at 2 June, who has received a copy of the publication? (4) Who will be receiving the remaining copies?

Answer—

(1) The cost to produce the document was $60,000. (2) 10,000 documents were printed. (3) The production of the document has been undertaken as a report on Sydney’s achievements in the deliver of Olympic projects and in coordinating other aspects of the Games every year since 1996. “Ahead of the Games: State of Play 2000” has been distributed to all NSW schools, Municipal Libraries, Domestic and International Media, Members of Parliament, the international Olympic movement and international and Australian sporting bodies. (4) Client groups similar to the above.

822 ACT HEALTH SERVICES TO NEW SOUTH WALES RESIDENTS—Mr Webb to the Minister for Health—

823 AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION PROGRAM—Mr Webb to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

824 DEATHS IN CUSTODY—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

825 ESCAPEES—KIRKCONNELL CORRECTIONAL CENTRE—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

826 INMATE TREATMENT—DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE AND PROBLEMS—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

6 JUNE 2000

(Paper No. 42)

827 OLD BRICKWORKS SITE, KIRRAWEE—DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING—Mr Brogden to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing— 1171 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

828 COSTS—SUTHERLAND SHIRE COUNCIL'S HOUSING STRATEGY—Mr Kerr to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

829 SEPP1—VARIATIONS SUTHERLAND COUNCIL—Mr Kerr to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

830 PARKING POLICE—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Police—

831 DENTAL TREATMENT—WINGECARRIBEE HEALTH SERVICE—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Health—

832 PARRAMATTA—OLYMPICS ROAD CLOSURES—Ms Harrison to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

833 POLICE LAC AMALGAMATIONS—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Police—

834 BATEMANS BAY HOSPITAL—Mr R. H. L. Smith to the Minister for Health—

835 REPLACEMENT BRIDGE, PAMBULA RIVER—Mr R. H. L. Smith to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

836 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS—Ms Allan to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

837 CHARCOAL PLANT PROPOSAL—Ms Allan to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

838 CHARCOAL PLANT—IMPACTS ON NSW APIARY INDUSTRY—Ms Allan to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

839 FINE ARTS—SEAFORTH TAFE—Mr Collins to the Minister for Education and Training—

7 JUNE 2000

(Paper No. 43)

840 RAINBOW SERPENT WATERS—Mr Slack-Smith to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— 1172 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

841 RAINBOW SERPENT WATERS—Mr Slack-Smith to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

842 SUTHERLAND HOSPITAL MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Health—

843 BELLWOOD ROUNDABOUT—Mr Stoner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

*844 NSW BOARDS AND COMMITTEES REGISTER—Mr Brogden to the Minister for Gaming and Racing, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Hunter Development—

(1) Is he aware of the NSW Boards and Committees Register? (2) Has he consulted the NSW Boards and Committees Register before making any appointments to Government Boards and Committees within his portfolio? (3) Has he appointed any youth representatives to Boards and Committees within his portfolio? (4) If so, how many youth representatives has he appointed, and to which Boards and/or Committees have these appointments been made?

Answer—

(1) Yes (2) The Boards and Committees Register is consulted, as and when appropriate (3) Yes (4) Three youth representatives have been appointed to the NSW Committee on Underage Drinking. In addition, the committee contains appointees who are drawn from various organisations that represent youth welfare and other youth interests.

845 NSW BOARDS AND COMMITTEES REGISTER—Mr Brogden to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

846 NSW BOARDS AND COMMITTEES REGISTER—Mr Brogden to the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs—

*850 PROSPECT NATURE RESERVE—Ms Allan to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

How will Draft Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No.31 – Regional Parklands affect the management of Prospect Nature Reserve?

Answer—

The Draft Sydney Regional Environmental Plan 9SREP) will reinforce the priority of managing the proposed reserve to maintain biodiversity and Aboriginal heritage values, and also recognise the need for protecting the quality of water in Prospect Reservoir. These obligations are consistent with the management requirements that will apply to the proposed Nature Reserve once the land is gazetted under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. 1173 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

In addition, inclusion of the proposed Nature Reserve within the area of the draft SREP provides clear recognition of the opportunities to achieve significant outcomes by linking areas of conservation value, and through the continued regeneration of other lands within an extensive corridor that stretches for more than 26 km.

851 OLD TOONGABBIE FOREST—Ms Allan to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

*852 LIVERPOOL PLAINS PARKS—Ms Allan to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

What plans has the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) for further national parks in the Liverpool Plains?

Answer—

The Liverpool Plains Catchment currently contains part of Coolah Tops National Park, Pilliga Nature Reserve and Wallabadah Nature Reserve. Coolah Tops National Park occurs at the southern end of the Liverpool Plains, with an additional 1,250 hectares of private land recently being purchased at the northern end of the Park. A further 1,000 hectares of private land on the northern fall of the Liverpool Range adjacent to Coolah Tops National Park is currently being considered for purchase by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). The land samples habitats across an environmental gradient from 530 to 1,100 metres in altitude, including Grassy White Box Woodland. The NPWS is also actively seeking to purchase 570 hectares of Plains Grassland on private land on the Liverpool Plains and is also pursuing other offers. Currently there are no examples of the Plains Grassland community protected in the NSW conservation reserve system. The Liverpool Plains is the region where the best examples of almost pure stands of Plains Grass occur. The Plains Grass community is considered to be endangered and likely to become extinct within a few decades if action is not taken to protect and manage remaining areas. The possibility of further reservations will be considered in the context of the Western Regional Assessment for the Brigalow Belt South Bioregion.

853 EMISSION POLLUTION—Mr Webb to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

854 CARBON CREDITS—Mr Webb to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

855 SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAMS—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Health—

856 EXPANSION OF SCG AND SFS—Ms Moore to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

857 ORGANIC WASTE REGULATIONS—Ms Seaton to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— 1174 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

858 NSOOS—Mr Barr to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

8 JUNE 2000

(Paper No. 44)

*859 CARINGBAH RAILWAY STATION—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

What information has State Rail advised you as to the progress of construction of the lift at Caringbah Railway Station?

Answer—

The State Rail Authority has advised me that it is currently considering the installation of Easy access facilities at Caringbah Railway Station.

860 SUTHERLAND HOSPITAL ACCREDITATION REPORT—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Health—

861 OYSTER LEASE—Mr Stoner to the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs, representing the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—

862 SNOWFIELD INJURIES—Mr Webb to the Minister for Health—

863 VACANT HOUSING DEPARTMENT LAND—Mr Hazzard to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

864 DEPARTMENT OF ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS STAFF—Mr Hazzard to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

865 CORRECTIVE SERVICES OFFICERS—Mr Hazzard to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

866 LANDCOM OATLANDS SITE—Mr Brogden to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

867 LANDCOM FIVE DOCK SITE—Mr Brogden to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

868 LANDCOM WEST PENNANT HILLS SITE—Mr Brogden to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing— 1175 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

869 ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES—Ms Allan to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

870 PROSPECT RESERVOIR—Ms Allan to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

871 SYDNEY WATER SEVEN HILLS SITE—Ms Allan to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

872 MITTAGONG POLICE STATION—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Police—

873 REPAIRS TO MITTAGONG POLICE STATION—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Police—

875 LAKE PARRAMATTA RESERVE—Ms Harrison to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

876 LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION STAFF—Ms Harrison to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

877 OSR INTERNET USAGE—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

878 EVELEIGH RAILWAY WORKSHOPS PRESERVATION—Mr Rozzoli to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

9 JUNE 2000

(Paper No. 45)

879 RESOLUTION DELAYS—OMBUDSMAN—Mr Brogden to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

880 APPOINTMENTS—NSW BOARDS AND COMMITTEES REGISTER—Mr Brogden to the Minister for Public Works and Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

881 APPOINTMENTS—NSW BOARDS AND COMMITTEES REGISTER —Mr Brogden to the Minister for Small Business, and Minister for Tourism—

882 CABINET DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM—Mr Debnam to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship— 1176 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

883 STRESS LEAVE—TREASURY STAFF—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

884 STRESS LEAVE—DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

885 ACCESSING OR TRANSMITTING OFFENSIVE MATERIAL—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice- President of the Executive Council—

886 QUARANTINE BAY EDEN—CAR PARK—Mr Webb to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

20 JUNE 2000

(Paper No. 46)

887 BUS SERVICES—COMPLAINTS—Mr Collins to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

888 STOCK THEFT—Mr Hartcher to the Minister for Police—

889 STOCK THEFT—Mr Hartcher to the Minister for Police, representing the Attorney General and Minister for Industrial Relations—

890 LAND SALE PROPOSAL—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Health—

891 EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTRES—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Health—

892 WAGGA WAGGA BASE HOSPITAL—Mr Maguire to the Minister for Health—

893 WAGGA WAGGA BASE HOSPITAL—CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE—Mr Maguire to the Minister for Health—

894 HEALTHQUEST—RETIREMENT CERTIFICATES—Mr Stoner to the Minister for Health—

895 SUTHERLAND SHIRE COUNCIL MEETING—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads— 1177 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

896 FLOODGATE MAINTENANCE—Mr D. L. Page to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

897 PESTICIDES COMMITTEE—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

898 GOULBURN HIGH SCHOOL COVERED OUTDOOR LEARNING AREA—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Education and Training—

899 GOULBURN SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANT—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

900 PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE—Mr D. L. Page to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

901 PROPOSED TRIAL FERRY SERVICE—Ms Moore to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

21 JUNE 2000

(Paper No. 47)

902 STATE PARKS—ENTRY FEES AND FUNDING—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

903 RAIL SERVICES—GOULBURN TO MOSS VALE—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

904 INTERCHANGE WINGECARRIBEE INC—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

905 REPRESENTATIONS—PICTON REGIONAL SEWERAGE SCHEME—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

906 CARNES HILL DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION—Mr Brogden to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

907 SYDNEY HARBOUR FORESHORE AUTHORITY SITE DISPOSAL—Mr Brogden to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing— 1178 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

908 CEO TRAVEL—Mr Brogden to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

909 E-COLI—BOTANIC GARDENS SYDNEY—Mr Armstrong to the Minister for Health—

910 E-COLI—BOTANIC GARDENS SYDNEY—Mr Armstrong to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

911 ANIMAL SPECIES—NATIONAL PARKS—Mr Rozzoli to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

912 PROTECTIVE CLOTHING—AMBULANCE OFFICERS—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Health—

913 POLICE SPECIAL BRANCH DOSSIERS—Mr Humpherson to the Minister for Police—

914 FINE DEFAULTERS—Mr Humpherson to the Minister for Police—

915 1999 ELECTORATE REDISTRIBUTION—COSTS—Mr Richardson to the Minister for Police, representing the Special Minister of State, Assistant Treasurer, Minister Assisting the Premier on Public Sector Management, and Minister Assisting the Premier for the Central Coast—

916 EDEN DEVELOPMENT FUND—Mr Webb to the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs—

917 MACQUARIE GENERATION—Ms Allan to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

918 JOB CREATION—EDEN RFA—Mr Webb to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship— 1179 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

22 JUNE 2000

(Paper No. 48)

919 POLICE STAFFING—OLYMPIC PERIOD—Mr D. L. Page to the Minister for Police—

920 REGIONAL COMMITTEES—PLANTATION AND REAFFORESTATION ACT—Mr Webb to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

921 OXLEY HIGHWAY UPGRADE—Mr Stoner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

922 SPENCER'S CUTTING, OXLEY HIGHWAY—Mr Stoner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

923 ESTIMATES COMMITTEE TESTIMONY—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

924 HOME BASED BUSINESSES—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Small Business, and Minister for Tourism—

925 EASTERN SUBURBS POLICE RESOURCES—OLYMPICS—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Police—

926 BONDI RAIL PROJECT—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

927 ELECTRICAL BREAKDOWN—RAIL SERVICES—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

928 OVINE JOHNE'S DISEASE—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

929 OVINE JOHNE'S DISEASE—FUNDING—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

930 TEMPERATURE—PUBLIC HOSPITALS—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Health—

931 REPRESENTATIONS—MR AND MRS R DOWNIE—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads— 1180 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

932 SYDNEY HARBOUR FORESHORE AUTHORITY STAFF—Mr Brogden to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

933 OLYMPIC SITE—POST-OLYMPIC PERIOD—Mr Brogden to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

934 CHAIRMAN TRAVEL—Mr Brogden to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

935 JINDABYNE STATE SPORT AND RECREATION COMPLEX—Mr Webb to the Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

936 RURAL LAND USE—Mr Webb to the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs—

937 FARM BUILDINGS—HERITAGE VALUE—Mr Webb to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

938 HOSPITAL DONATIONS—Mr Piccoli to the Minister for Health—

939 MINISTERIAL TRAVEL—Mr O'Farrell to the Minister for the Olympics—

940 CARER BENEFITS—Mr Maguire to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

29 JUNE 2000

(Paper No. 49)

941 HARDEN-JUGIONG ROAD—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Will the Government dedicate urgent funding for the upgrade of the Harden-Jugiong Road in the wake of the recent double tragedy which claimed the life of an 11 year old boy and left two others seriously injured? (2) Will he provide details of when the last major upgrade took place on the Jugiong-Harden Road?

942 PACIFIC HIGHWAY BYPASS—Mr Stoner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) What is the plan for the proposed Pacific Highway bypass at Kempsey? (2) What is the timetable associated with this plan? 1181 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

943 DELAYS ON ILLAWARRA LINE—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) How many trains were late or cancelled on the Illawarra Line between the city and Cronulla for the period 1 June 2000 to 28 June 2000? (2) What were the reasons for the lateness or cancellation?

944 PERISHER CREEK SEWAGE SPILL—Mr Webb to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Can he confirm the size of the sewage spill into the Perisher Creek in early June this year? (2) Why wasn’t the spill reported immediately to the EPA? (3) What is the capacity of the: (a) current, and (b) proposed treatment works? (4) What population will the treatment works support? (5) What precautions are and will be in place to prevent a future spill? (6) What are the impediments in place that would prevent raw or partially treated effluent from being pumped out of the National Park and treated elsewhere, and what would be the cost? (7) What procedures will he put in place to have monitoring of the process, and compulsory reporting of future spillages or breakdowns? (8) What actions will he take concerning the NPWS failure to report this incident? (9) What are the dates and quantities of previous spills into Perisher Creek? (10) Will he now call for a full EPA inquiry into the incident and situation, and will he report the finding to Parliament?

945 EASTERN SUBURBS FERRY SERVICE—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Why is the public announcement system at Rose Bay wharf not used by ferry crews to alert waiting passengers to delays and cancellations? (2) Has he received any complaints about the unreliable ferry services from Rose Bay? (3) If so, what were the nature of the complaints, what corrective action has been taken and has there been any improvement in service levels in the last twelve months? (4) What is the on time running record for the F07 ferry route for the 1999/00 year?

946 PARRAMATTA TO CHATSWOOD RAIL PROJECT—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

In relation to the Parramatta to Chatswood rail project: (1) What is the explanation for the $58.9 million difference in the project cost in the 1999/00 and 2000/01 Budget Papers? (2) What is the detailed reconciliation between estimated project costs of $1.33 billion in the 2000/01 Budget Papers, $1.4 billion on the Parramatta Rail website and $2.2 billion, which is widely acknowledged in the rail and finance sectors as a realistic estimate of the cost of the project as currently structured? (3) Given the likely project cost is at least $2.2 billion, what is the planned capital outlay over each of the years to 2005/06? 1182 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

(4) How many staff working on the project are employed as NSW public servants and how many are private sector consultants? (5) In the case of staff employed on a consulting basis, what project positions do they occupy and what is the total cost of these consultants for the year 2000/01? (6) Why has the government chosen to break the project up into 16 different tender packages? (7) What risk analysis was done on this 16-way breakup, including estimates of cost and schedule over-runs? (8) What is the corporate/legal structure of the project and what ultimate risks are borne by NSW taxpayers in the event of cost and schedule over-runs? (9) Has this complicated organisational structure been established to permit joint venture operation of the completed rail link? (10) To what extent does the project’s financial viability depend on revenue from property development along the proposed route? (11) Which specific sites will generate property development revenue for the Government? (12) What is the planned process for the tendering of property development opportunities to the private sector, or, if the Government intends pursuing property development opportunities through the public sector, which public sector organisations will be responsible?

947 REPORT ON SMALL BUSINESS GST COMPLIANCE—Mr Debnam to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

In relation to the Premier’s press release, “Independent Report Shows Small Business Will Spend up to $20,000 to Comply with GST” dated 20 January 2000: (1) When he launched the Report, was he aware that the retail jeweller, Mr Hans Marsman, in whose shop the Report was launched, was not the same jeweller reviewed for the Report? (2) When he launched the Report, was he aware that Mr Hans Marsman’s company had made a $500 donation to the election campaign of the Minister for Small Business? (3) When he launched the Report, was he aware that Mr Hans Marsman had been actively pursuing a new lease for his shop for a considerable period of time? (4) When he launched the Report, was he aware that a new lease for Mr Marsman’s shop required the Government’s approval? (5) When he launched the Report, was he aware that the Minister for Small Business had made representations on behalf of Mr Marsman in relation to a much sought after lease for his shop? (6) When he launched the Report, was he aware of the discussions that had taken place with Mr Marsman to persuade him to take part in the January 20 media stunt? (7) What is the basis of the press release figure of $10,000 for compliance costs for Mr Marsman’s business? (8) When he launched the Report, was he aware that the sporting goods manufacturer/exporter used in the January 20 media stunt was not the business reviewed for the Report? (9) When he launched the Report, was he aware that the smash repair business used in the January 20 media stunt was not the business reviewed for the Report? (10) Were the media deliberately misled on the identity of the businesses used for the Report?

948 ELECTIVE SURGERY AT GOULBURN BASE HOSPITAL—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Health—

(1) Will he advise how many people are: (a) currently waiting for hip replacement surgery? (b) on the overall waiting list of elective surgery at Goulburn Base Hospital? (2) Will he explain what the Government is doing to ensure a reduction of the waiting list for elective surgery at Goulburn Base Hospital? 1183 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

(3) What is the average length of time patients are forced to wait, regardless of their doctor’s specifications, for elective surgery at Goulburn Base Hospital?

949 UPGRADING OF PACIFIC HIGHWAY AT KEW—Mr Stoner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

At what stage is the planning in relation to the upgrading of the Pacific Highway at Kew, and what is the timetable for future planning on this project?

950 NEW AMBULANCE STATION AT SOUTH WEST ROCKS—Mr Stoner to the Minister for Public Works and Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

What is the timetable for the construction of the new ambulance station at South West Rocks?

951 "PASS THE HAT AROUND" CONCERTS—Mr Maguire to the Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

(1) Has he received correspondence from the Premier of Queensland, Peter Beattie, challenging the government to follow Queensland’s lead and support Lee Kernoghan’s “Pass the Hat Around” fundraising concerts? (2) Will he support Mr Beattie’s request for support financially and encourage other State Premiers to do likewise? (3) Will the government match Queensland’s contributions to the charitable fundraising of Lee Kernoghan and his “Pass the Hat Around” concerts? (4) Is he aware that “Pass the Hat Around” has raised with the support of sponsors over $750,000 for charitable causes including $104,000 for the Radiotherapy Cancer Centre Appeal at Wagga? (5) Will he recognise Lee Kernoghan’s generosity to the people of NSW in some official form in the future?

952 LUCAS HEIGHTS NUCLEAR REACTOR—Ms Allan to the Attorney General and Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

What impacts, if any, will Germany’s decision to phase out nuclear power have on the Lucas Heights Nuclear Reactor?

953 ASSAULTS ON GROUP HOME STAFF—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services and Minister for Women—

How many assaults occurred on group home staff in each of the last five years?

954 DOCS POSITIONS—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

In (i) 1998 (ii) 1999 (iii) 2000 1184 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

(a) How many DOCS positions were/are subject of staff freeze(s)? (b) What were the total savings in budgetary expenditure?

955 GROUP HOME ASSAULTS—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

(1) How many assaults occurred: (a) on group home residents? (b) on group home visitors in each of the last five years? (2) Advise how many assaults referred to in (1) were undertaken by: (a) residents? (b) staff?

956 RELOCATION OF RTA FROM GOULBURN—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) What is the budgeted cost to relocate employees of the Roads and Traffic Authority from Goulburn to Wagga Wagga in the financial year 200/01? (2) How many positions will be retained at the RTA in Goulburn at 1 July 2001? (3) What will they be?

957 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING PROPERTIES—Mr Humpherson to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

(1) How many department of housing properties are there at 30 June 200? (2) How many are there in each local government area? (3) In each area how many are owned, how many are leased by the State Government, and how many are made available for community housing? (4) How many departmental properties are rented at market rates and in the private rental market? (a) in which Council areas are these properties located? and (b) how many properties are rented in which council areas? (5) Why does the Government own these properties and what does it plan to do with them?

958 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING VACANT PROPERTIES—Mr Humpherson to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

(1) How many department of housing properties were vacant at 30 June 2000? (2) How many of them had been vacant for more than: (a) 1 month? (b) 2 months? (c) 3 months?

959 GAOL SENTENCES—Mr Humpherson to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Of all prisoners in the corrective services system at 30 June 2000 how many had head sentences of five years or greater? 1185 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

(2) How many were between 12 months and 5 years? (3) How many were less than 12 months? (4) How many periodic detainees are there? (5) How many inmates were in each correctional centre in NSW at 30 June 2000? (6) (a) What was the expenditure (capital and recurrent) with 1999/2000 year on each correctional centre? (b) What was the maintenance repairs expenditure?

960 VACANCIES-COUNTRY POLICE STATION—Mr Maguire to the Minister for Police—

When will he fulfil your election promise and fill vacancies that exist in country police stations including up to 14 staff needed in Wagga Wagga?

961 HOME WARRANTY INSURANCE—Mr Maguire to the the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney representing the Minister for Industrial Relations Special Minister for State, Assistant Treasurer, Minister Assisting the Premier on Public Sector Management, and Minister Assisting the Premier for the Central Coast—

Why does a licensed domestic builder require Home Warranty Insurance costing $80 when he is a director of his trading company which is also required to purchase the same Home Warranty Insurance?

962 COWAN SEWERAGE—Mr O'Doherty to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

When will he direct that Cowan be given equal status to Brooklyn and Mt Kuring-gai Industrial area on the backlog sewerage program?

963 RAILWAY STATION SECURITY—Mr O'Doherty to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

When will each of the stations in the Hornsby Electorate receive the full installation of all of the security measures provided by the Government in 1998, and supposed to be completed by July 2000?

964 ROAD IMPROVEMENTS FUNDING—Mr O'Doherty to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Has the Government commenced discussions with Hornsby Council regarding improvements to the Duffy/Children intersection in Thornleigh? (2) Has the Government commenced discussions with Hornsby Council regarding the widening of the bridge over Duffy Ave near the Pacific Highway? (3) Given statements by the Labor candidate for Hornsby that he had funding “ready to go” for these improvements, when will funding be provided? 1186 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

965 QUALITY OF DRINKING WATER-LORD HOWE ISLAND—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Health—

(1) Has the Department of Health been informed of concerns relating to the quality of drinking water at Lord Howe Island as a result of sewerage management concerns? (2) What, if any, investigations have been conducted by the Department into this matter? (3) What, if any, recommendations arose from such investigations? (4) Will he rule out any risk to public health posed by water quality at Lord Howe Island?

966 PUBLIC HEALTH—PORT KEMBLA COPPER SMELTER—Ms Seaton to the Minister for Health—

(1) Will he detail how many reports of public health concerns have been made to the Department of health in relation to the Port Kembla Copper Smelter in the last three months? (2) Will he advise as to how each of these reports has been investigated? (3) (a) Was an ambulance despatched to attend to a Port Kembla woman on 20 June at 6pm who complained of having been overcome by fumes emanating from the Copper Smelter? (b) Will he confirm her claim that her illness was a result of the operation of the Copper Smelter? (4) Will he confirm the operation of the Copper Smelter represents no threat to the public health of any of the residents of Port Kembla?

967 PUBLIC HEALTH—Ms Seaton to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Will he detail how many reports of public health concerns have been made to the EPA in relation to the Port Kembla Copper Smelter in the last three months? (2) Will he advise as to how each of these reports has been investigated? (3) Have any of the license conditions imposed on the operation of the Copper Smelter been breached this year? (4) What action has been taken to prosecute any such breach? 1187 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 8 August 2000

______Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales