3375

PARLIAMENT OF NEW SOUTH WALES LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

2003-04

FIRST SESSION OF THE FIFTY-THIRD PARLIAMENT

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

No. 98

WEDNESDAY 20 OCTOBER 2004

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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.)

3376 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Q. & A. No. 88 5 October 2004 (Including Question Nos 2542 to 2574) Q. & A. No. 89 6 October 2004 (Including Question Nos 2575 to 2620) Q. & A. No. 90 7 October 2004 (Including Question Nos 2621 to 2673) Q. & A. No. 91 19 October 2004 (Including Question Nos 2674 to 2707) Q. & A. No. 92 20 October 2004 (Including Question Nos 2708 to 2716) Q. & A. No. 93 21 October 2004 (Including Question Nos 2717 to 2777) Q. & A. No. 94 26 October 2004 (Including Question Nos 2778 to 2811) Q. & A. No. 95 27 October 2004 (Including Question Nos 2812 to 2846) Q. & A. No. 96 28 October 2004 (Including Question Nos 2847 to 2886) Q. & A. No. 97 29 October 2004 (Including Question Nos 2887 to 2894) Q. & A. No. 98 23 November 2004 (Including Question Nos 2895 to 2927)

3377 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Notice of Question given on the date shown

31 AUGUST 2004

(Paper No. 88)

*2542 CHILDREN (PROTECTION AND PARENTAL RESPOSIBILITY) ACT 1997—Mr Debnam to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

In relation to the Children (Protection and Parental Responsibility) Act 1997: (1) Since January 1998, how many times and when and where has Part Two of the Children (Protection and Parental Responsibility) Act 1997 been used to bring parents before the courts? (2) Since January 1998, how many times and when and where have parents been fined under the Children (Protection and Parental Responsibility) Act 1997?

Answer—

The computer system used in the Local and Children’s Courts does not enable the Department to determine how many times and when and where Part Two of the Children (Protection and Parental Responsibility) Act 1997 has been used to bring parents before the courts.

*2543 POLICE STATION MAINTENANCE—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

For 2003/2004 what was the actual amount spent on maintenance at each police station?

Answer—

NSW Police has advised me: A total of $8.6 M was spent in 2003/2004 on the maintenance of Police Stations. A further $3.4 M was spent in 2003/2004 on the maintenance of Police Station/Residences and Police Residences in remote locations. NSW Department of Commerce is currently undertaking a review of the maintenance contract for Police. Commerce advises that at the end of this review, the actual amount spent on maintenance at each police station can be made available.

*2544 POLICE RESOURCES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

In relation to available police resources: (1) How many police officers were on sick leave for each Local Area Command as at 31 August 2004, 30 August 2003, 30 August 2002, 30 August 2001? (2) How many police officers were on leave for each Local Area Command as at 31 August 2004, 31 August 2003, 31 August 2002, 31 August 2001? (3) How many police officers were at court appearances for each Local Area Command as at 31 August 2004, 31 August 2003, 31 August 2002, 31 August 2001? (4) How many police officers had training commitments for each Local Area Command as at 31 August 2004, 31 August 2003, 31 August 2002, 31 August 2001?

Answer—

NSW Police has advised me that this data is not readily available from police information systems and its extraction would represent an unreasonable diversion of resources from frontline policing.

3378 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

*2545 STAFFING FORMULA REVIEW—Mr Draper to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) How many representations from schools in New South Wales has the Minister for Education and Training received in relation to the need for the New South Wales Government to review the staffing formula applied to small rural schools? (2) Did the Minister agree in debate on the motion in November 2002 to implement a review of the formula that determines the staffing levels of country schools? (3) If so, why has the department not undertaken a review of the small rural schools formula? (4) When can country schools in NSW expect a review of the small rural schools formula to commence and be completed? (5) What administrative duties does the Department of Education and Training expect teachers and principals in small rural schools to perform in the absence of school administrative and support staff?

Answer—

The allocation of teaching staff and of school administrative and support staff in NSW government schools is in accordance with formulae established to distribute resources equitably across the State. The formulae have been weighted historically to provide additional resources to small schools, many of which are in isolated and rural areas. The Government’s Class Size Reduction Program will deliver benefits to primary schools. The Program will continue to be implemented up to 2007 to reduce the average class sizes for kindergarten, year one and year two to 20, 22 and 24 students respectively. Small schools with a student enrolment of between 26 and 159 students will gain further benefits in progressive class size reduction. Schools who have a K-6 enrolment between 21 and 25 students or 51 and 52 students will receive an additional entitlement of one hour per week for each kindergarten, year one and year two students as the Class Size Reduction Program is implemented, up to a maximum of 15 hours per week. Principals in small schools are provided with additional relief days to support the school’s operation. In addition, schools with enrolments of 50 or fewer students have received an additional day per week school administrative and support staffing allocation.

*2546 SCHOOL MAINTENANCE BACKLOG—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) What projects in the electorate of Hawkesbury are included in the $124 million School Maintenance Backlog identified by the Auditor General? (2) What amounts pertain to each project? (3) What timeframe applies to each project?

Answer—

Since 1995, the Government has spent in excess of $26.7 million on capital works and maintenance in schools in the Hawkesbury electorate.

*2547 DISABLED STUDENT PLACES—HILLS SPORTS HIGH SCHOOL—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) How many places are currently available for disabled students at the Hills Sports High School? (2) How many places are proposed to be made available over the next 5 years?

3379 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

(1) There are currently six places available in the support classes at the Hills Sports High School for students with moderate intellectual disability. (2) The support classes at the Hills Sports High School have the capacity to enrol up to 54 students with mild or moderate intellectual disability.

*2548 SHOULDER SEALING—BELLS LINE OF ROAD —Mr Pringle to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

When will the next section of road shoulder sealing of Bells Line of Road (between Comleroy Road and Little Whenny Creek Bridge) Kurrajong commence?

Answer—

No road shoulder works are planned on the section of Bells Line of Road between Comleroy Road and Little Whenny Creek Bridge, Kurrajong during the 2004/2005 financial year.

*2549 MARULAN HEAVY VEHICLE CHECKING STATION—Ms Seaton to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

What were the operating hours of the Marulan Heavy Vehicle checking station in the following periods: 1 January – 30 June 2003; 1 July – 31 December 2003; 1 January 2004 – 30 June 2004?

Answer—

I am advised that the average number of hours that Marulan Heavy Vehicle Checking Station was open during this 18 month period was 595 hours per month.

*2550 SCHOOL ZONE UPGRADE—WESTDALE PUBLIC SCHOOL—Mr Page to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

(1) In light of the recent tragic accident which seriously injured a young boy outside Westdale Public School in Tamworth on Wednesday 18 August, will the Government give priority to the upgrade of this school zone? (2) Will the Government: (a) Place a 40km/h sign at the corner of Gunnedah Road and Marathon Street; (b) Install flashing lights along Marathon Street; (c) Fund the construction of an off-street car drop off point on Marathon Street? and (d) Install speed humps outside Westdale Public School on the Gunnedah Road and Marathon Street? (3) If not, why not?

Answer—

(1) The upgrade of the environment around Westdale Public School in Tamworth has been substantially addressed during the last 12 months. Included in this upgrade has been: Footpaths $ 44,500 Additional road signs & line markings $ 10,000 Pick up bay for cars $ 40,000 Flashing lights $ 30,000 TOTAL $124,500

3380 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(2) (a) A 40km/h sign has been erected in Marathon Street. (b) The Roads and Traffic Authority is currently conducting a trial of flashing lights in 40km/h school zones. The trial had been conducted at 11 schools across NSW and has now been extended to include an additional 32 schools. Westdale Public School is already included in this trial with flashing lights in operation on the Oxley Highway. The rationale for the trial’s extension has been the inconclusive results gained in the initial trial which failed to demonstrate a significant and sustainable reduction in motorist’s speed despite the presence of flashing lights. The extended trial will include speed and compliance data as well as comparisons between the different styles of lights being trialled, to determine the effectiveness of such devices in critical locations. The selection of these trial sites has been based on strict selection criteria including high pedestrian and traffic volumes within the school zone. When the results of the trial are available, a determination will be made regarding any further installation of flashing lights, based on sound research. (c) and (d) The request to fund an off-street car drop-off point and the installation of speed humps are issues to be discussed at the Local Tamworth Traffic Committee Meeting. Any such works would be the responsibility of Council. (3) See above.

*2551 AUSTRALIAN DEBT REDUCTION—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

(1) Has the Office of Fair Trading received any complaints about the telephone canvassing techniques used by Australian Debt Reduction, 83 York Street Sydney phone 1300 306 272? (2) What was the nature of these complaints? (3) What action has the Office of Fair Trading taken to investigate these complaints?

Answer—

(1) to (3) I am advised that the Office of Fair Trading received one complaint regarding Australian Debt Reduction in October 2002 which related to a contractual matter and was referred to the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal. I am further advised that the ACCC has commenced proceedings in the Federal Court against this trader.

*2552 VOTING IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS—Ms Hodgkinson to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

(1) Why were the names of many hundreds of voters in the Yass Valley Council elections held on 26 June 2004 not properly recorded as having voted? (2) How many Penalty Notices for failure to vote in Local Government Elections in the Yass Valley Council were issued by the State Electoral Office following this election? (3) What action have you taken to investigate and rectify the cause of the names not being properly recorded?

Answer—

(1) to (3) All electors who voted in the Yass Valley Council election on 26 June 2004 had their name marked off the roll as having voted. Some of these electors were, however, sent Non-Voter Notices as a result of an administrative error. Of the electors who have contacted the SEO claiming they voted, all have been excused and received an apology. A Non-Voter Notice gives the elector the opportunity to tell the SEO that he or she did in fact vote. Any other electors who have received a Non-Voter Notice and who inform the SEO that they did vote may expect to be excused.

3381 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

This problem was unique to the Yass Valley Election. The SEO has reviewed its procedures to ensure that the administrative error which occurred on this occasion is not repeated.

*2553 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION MEETING—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

(1) On what dates and in what media was the Community Consultation Meeting, held in Queanbeyan on 23 August to discuss the function, terms of reference, composition and operation of the proposed Greater Southern Area Health Service Advisory Council, advertised? (2) How many people actually attended the meeting? (3) What organisations were represented? (4) Why were members of local Health Councils unable to obtain details of the meeting in Queanbeyan until only four days before the event?

Answer—

I am advised that the date of the Queanbeyan Community Consultation meeting was confirmed via a press release issued to local media on 6 August 2004. I am also advised that members of the local Health Councils were notified by Southern Area Health Service of the date of the meeting as soon as the timetable for consultations was announced. A total of 55 people attended the public meeting including members of the local Health Councils, Hospital Auxiliaries, local government, the medical profession, political parties, religious organizations, the South East NSW Division of General Practice, the Queanbeyan Medical Staff Council, hospital staff and staff of Southern Area Health Service.

*2554 ADVANCE FUNDING—LITTLE STREET FORSTER—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

(1) Did the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) advance funds to the Great Lakes Council for work in Little Street, Forster? (2) If so, from what fund was such money advanced? (3) If the funds were advanced from Black Spot funding, what number priority through Council records was the work in Little Street given? (4) If it was not number one priority, why were funds advanced? (5) Did the RTA impose time constraints for the funds to be expended? (6) If so, what were the time constraints? (7) If so, why were time constraints imposed? (8) Was there any request by Council to extend the time for expenditure of funds? (9) If so, when was such request made? (10) If so, was such request acceded to? (11) If so, what additional time was given to expend the funds? (12) If permission was not given to extend the time to expend the funds, why wasn’t it given? (13) Has final accounting been received from Council for the expenditure of any funds? (14) If so, what was the final expenditure of funds on the project? (15) If not, when will details of final expenditure be expected by the RTA? (16) How will such final expenditure be disclosed?

Answer—

(1) Yes. (2) National Blackspot Program 2003/2004. (3) and (4) The project was third on Council’s list of nominated projects. Project nominations received were reviewed by the RTA and eligible projects were funded on the basis of priorities determined by safety benefit to cost ratios.

3382 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(5) to (7) Funding for the project was announced by the Federal Government for the 2003/04 financial year. (8) to (12) Council advised in June 2004 that the project would be completed in July 2004. Council was advised to complete this project as quickly as possible. (13) to (16) Payments are made on invoices from Council up to the announced level of funding. Payments have totalled $450,000.

*2555 LAND ACQUISITION—ADJACENT TO NORTH ARM COVE COMMUNITY CENTRE—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—

(1) Has the Minister received a request from Great Lakes Council and or any other organisation to acquire land adjacent to North Arm Cove Community Centre being a possible reclamation of lands including Emmett/Chapman Street and the Ridgeway North Arm Cove being some land at least covered in DP 9939? (2) If so, what is the status of such application? (3) If so, are there any outstanding matters to be attended to by the Great Lakes Council or any other body concerning the application? (4) If so, what are such outstanding matters? (5) If not, are there any outstanding matters to be attended to by your department? (6) If so, what are those matters? (7) If so, when will they be attended to? (8) If the Minister has received such a request, when will a determination be made in relation to the application?

Answer—

The Minister for Local Government has provided the following details in response to your questions: As at 5 October 2004 the Department of Local Government has no record of such a request.

*2556 HORNSBY STATION—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

In relation to the $60 million new platform for Hornsby Station, what are the detailed specifications for: (1) Re-configuration of the bus interchange? (2) Design of the station buildings and concourse, including any plans for construction of car parks and buildings in the air space?

Answer—

I am advised: I refer you to previous answers on the Legislative Council Question and Answer paper, number 1177 and the Legislative Assembly Question and Answer paper, number 2515 which indicate detailed design work will be undertaken as part of the planning process.

*2557 CLEAR-UP RATES—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Police—

What are the clear-up rates for crimes committed in the Ku-ring-gai Local Area Command in the following years: (1) 2001-02 (2) 2002-03 (3) 2003-04?

3383 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research analyses NSW recorded crime statistics. I suggest the Honourable Member's questions are more appropriately addressed to the Attorney General, within whose portfolio the Bureau resides.

*2559 POLICE STAFFING—ALBURY LOCAL AREA COMMAND—Mr Aplin to Minister for Police—

(1) What factors are taken into account when adjusting police staffing levels in the Albury Local Area Command? (2) What were the reasons for reducing police numbers between March 2003 and July 2004?

Answer—

NSW Police has advised me: (1) The authorised strength of NSW Police is 14,454. Albury Local Area Command is allocated a proportion of this according to local crime and other indicators. (2) The authorised strength in March 2003 was 14,354. The authorised strength in July 2004 was 14,454.

*2560 ROAD CLOSURE NOTICES—SNOWY MOUNTAINS HIGHWAY—Mr Constance to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

(1) What arrangements are in place to advise road users of road closures of the Snowy Mountains Highway at Brown Mountain, particularly between the hours of 9pm and 9am, during heavy snow falls? (2) Who decides when and how long the highway and surrounding roads should be closed? (3) How can road users be better informed about the arrangements?

Answer—

(1) Following a decision to close the Snowy Mountains Highway at Brown Mountain due to deteriorating road conditions, the RTA’s Transport Management Centre (TMC) at Eveleigh includes an item on its Incident Reporting Information System (IRIS) web page and forwards advice to media outlets of the closure. Work crews are mobilised to place temporary signs in advance of the road closure. Members of the public can call the RTA’s 24 hours enquiry line 132701 for advice on the prevailing road conditions. (2) The RTA in association with the Police, determines the duration of the road closure based on the prevailing weather and road conditions. (3) See answer (1) above.

*2561 STAFFING LEVELS—SUTHERLAND HOSPITAL—Mr Kerr to Minister for Health—

(1) What is the current staff level for Sutherland Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department? (2) What was the staff level for each of the past five years for this hospital?

Answer—

(1) There are currently 74.7 full time equivalent staff employed in the Emergency Department of the Sutherland Hospital. (2) Staffing levels for Sutherland Hospital over the last five years were: 1999/2000 972.44 2000/2001 951.16

3384 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

2001/2002 995.50 2002/2003 1,022.85 2003/2004 1,064.74

*2562 MIRANDA LOCAL AREA COMMAND FUNDING—Mr Kerr to Minister for Police—

(1) What new funding is available for Miranda Local Area Command in the 2004 State Budget? (2) How will this be spent?

Answer—

NSW Police has advised me: (1) Miranda Local Area Command receives its share of the NSW Police budget. It includes a protected and an unprotected component. (2) It will be spent providing policing services to the local community.

*2563 SUTHERLAND SHIRE COUNCIL FUNDING—Mr Kerr to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

What funding will be allocated to Sutherland Shire Council in the next 12 months?

Answer—

This question requires clarification before it can be answered.

*2564 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—

(1) Did you or your predecessors sign an agreement on the eligibility criteria applicable to the drought Exceptional Circumstances Scheme? (2) If so, when was the agreement signed?

Answer—

(1) and (2) The guidelines for each individual Exceptional Circumstances declaration are determined and signed by the Commonwealth Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry pursuant to clause 10 of the Rural Adjustment Scheme Agreement Act 1993. As previously advised the original document was signed by the Hon Ian Armstrong OAM MP.

*2565 GOVERNMENT SERVICES—Mr Armstrong to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

(1) Can you advise what Government services are provided in the towns of: (a) Cootamundra (b) Coolamon (c) Temora (d) Junee (e) Harden (f) Grenfell (g) Forbes (h) Condobolin (i) Lake Cargelligo (j) West Wyalong (k) Young?

3385 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(2) Can you advise how many Government positions exist in the towns of: (a) Cootamundra (b) Coolamon (c) Temora (d) Junee (e) Harden (f) Grenfell (g) Forbes (h) Condobolin (i) Lake Cargelligo (j) West Wyalong (k) Young?

Answer—

The following agencies provide services in the towns of Cootamundra, Coolamon, Temora, Junee, Harden, Grenfell, Forbes, Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo, West Wyalong and Young: Ageing Disability and Home Care, Department of (DADHC) Agriculture, Department of Attorney General's Department Community Services, Department of Country Energy Education and Training, Department of Energy and Utilities, Ministry of NSW Health Housing - Housing, Department of Lands, Department of Police - Police NSW Rail Infrastructure Corporation Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW State Rail Authority of NSW Sustainable Natural Resources, Department of Greyhound Racing Authority Rural Fire Service, Department of Corrective Services, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Service Aboriginal Housing Office All Government services and expenditure is detailed in the budget papers. All Government positions are filled in accordance with the Public Sector Management and Employment Act 2002.

*2566 UNSOLVED HOMICIDE TEAM—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Police—

With the introduction of the Unsolved Homicide Team in New South Wales, will consideration be given to the reinvestigation of the following unsolved cases in Cowra: the deaths of Georgina Watmore and Catherine Holmes, the disappearance of Bernard Wayne Cooke; the death of Kristy Williams; and the death of Arthur Williams?

Answer—

NSW Police has advised me that a number of cases are on the unsolved homicides list and will be considered for re-investigation. Police have not publicly stated which cases may be re-investigated for fear of unnecessarily upsetting victims' families or jeopardising future investigations.

3386 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

*2567 AIR FLIGHTS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

What are the dates, commencement portal, destination and cost of each and all air flights undertaken by the Minister and/or any staff accompanying him, for the period 25 March 2003 to 31 August 2004?

Answer—

Costs incurred during official travel were in accordance with the appropriate guidelines. Travel undertaken is always on government business and essential for the performance of official business on behalf of the Government of New South Wales.

*2568 STAFFING DETAILS —Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

What are the names, salaries, positions and commencement dates of each staff member of the Minister involved in: (a) providing media and/or policy advice? (b) administrative assistance?

Answer—

(a) and (b) Refer to the answer to Question on Notice 1798.

*2569 SYDNEY WATER CONTRACTORS AND CONSULTANTS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) What contractors and/or consultants have been engaged by Sydney Water in: (a) 2001 - 2002? (b) 2002 - 2003? (c) 2003 - 2004? (d) 2004 to present? (2) For each of the above instances, what was: (a) the total initial contract price? (b) the actual contract price? (c) the work to be undertaken? (d) the contractors/consultancies? (3) Which of the above instances gave rise to any dispute between Sydney Water and/or the contractors/consultancies and what were the details of such dispute? (4) What are/were the legal costs associated with Sydney Water’s engagement of such contractors/consultancies?

Answer—

Details of expenditure on consultants are reported in the annual reports of agencies.

*2570 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES—WILLOUGHBY ELECTORATE—Ms Berejiklian to Minister for Health—

In relation to Mental Health Services in and for the Willoughby electorate: (1) What is the future of the Cremorne Community Mental Health Centre?

3387 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(2) Have you consulted mental health organisations such as Club Speranza and the Action Foundation for Mental Health in Chatswood about the future of the centre?

Answer—

I am advised that the future of the Cremorne Community Mental Health Centre is currently under review. The Northern Sydney Area Health Service will be conducting a workshop with staff and community representatives in early October to examine interim options for accommodating these services.

*2571 BUS SERVICES—Ms Berejiklian to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

In relation to public buses from the Willoughby electorate to the city: (1) Are there any plans to increase frequency of weekend services? If not, why not? (2) Are there any plans to extend services to and from venues such as the Opera House or Circular Quay? If not, why not?

Answer—

I am advised: (1) State Transit has no plans at this point in time to increase the frequency of weekend bus services in the Willoughby electorate as the present level of demand is well below the available capacity of services provided. There is an average of 24 boardings per trip on Saturdays and 26 boardings per trip on Sundays compared to an average available capacity of 58 persons per bus. State Transit will continue to monitor patronage of weekend services in the Willoughby electorate and will consider the provision of additional services on a case by case basis if demand increases. (2) State Transit does not plan at this point in time to extend bus services in the Willoughby electorate to Circular Quay or the Opera House. State Transit operates a large number of bus services along George Street to Circular Quay which passengers from the Willoughby electorate can transfer to at Wynyard. During weekdays there is not sufficient road space available to terminate additional buses at Circular Quay because of the large number of buses already servicing that area.

*2572 TUNNEL FILTRATION—Ms Berejiklian to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

In relation to the Lane Cove Tunnel Project: (1) What is the Government’s current position (as at 1 September 2004) on tunnel filtration? (2) What expert advice has the Government relied upon in relation to ‘its’ position?

Answer—

(1) In accordance with the Lane Cove Tunnel project’s Condition of Approval 153, the Tunnel will be designed and constructed so as to make provision for future installation of an appropriate pollution control system to treat air emissions from the Tunnel as may be required by the Director-General of the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources. (2) The Tunnel ventilation system was developed as part of the environmental assessment undertaken for the Environmental Impact Statement prepared pursuant to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and approved by the then Minister for Planning, in November 2002.

*2573 CLUBS REPRESENTATIVES MEETING—Mr Souris to Minister for Gaming and Racing—

(1) Did you attend a meeting of clubs representatives at Cessnock City Council Chambers on Thursday 9 October 2003?

3388 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(2) Was the Member for Cessnock present? (3) At approximately 9.45 pm at the meeting, did you inform those present that you had in the past worked at a licensed club under a false name? (4) Did you attend a meeting of clubs representatives at the Newcastle Harness Racing Club on Thursday 9 October 2003? (5) Was the Member for Newcastle present? (6) Between 1.30 pm and 2.30 pm at the meeting, did you inform those present that you had in the past worked at a licensed club under a false name? (7) At which licensed club (name of club and town or suburb) have you worked in the past? (8) At which of those clubs and for how many weeks or months did you work under a false name? (9) What were your other full time, part time or casual occupations during the period you worked in the licensed clubs industry? (10) Were there any occasions, other than during the period you worked in the licensed clubs industry, when you worked under a false name? (11) Did you make any disclosure of your employment under a false name in the clubs industry to the Premier at the time he may have approached you to accept the portfolio of Gaming and Racing? (12) Have you made any disclosure of your employment under a false name in pursuance of the Ministerial Code of Conduct or in pursuance of the Members’ Code of Conduct? (13) Did you on or after 9 October 2003 make a statement used on a radio station in NSW that you had previously worked under a false name in the licensed clubs industry?

Answer—

(1) to (13) I have made no secret of my short time as a club worker 35 years ago, having spoken publicly about the issue on a number of occasions. I attended a number of meetings with representatives of the club movement in the Hunter on 9 October 2003 where I raised this issue. Journalists have raised the issue on at least 4 occasions over the last 2 months. These queries were in direct response to the question currently on notice. The matter was reported in the Sunday Telegraph (p27, 1st August 2004) and the Central Coast Express Advocate (p3, 4th August 2004). I repeat the comments I have made previously. Thirty-five years ago I worked in the order of one shift a week at a club over a period of approximately six months. Taxes were paid. This is not a practice I would condone or recommend – but the world and the club industry have changed a lot over the past 35 years.

*2574 GOLDEN HIGHWAY—Mr Souris to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

With respect to the Golden Highway between its junction with the New England Highway and Dunedoo, what improvements, reconstruction and/or repair projects are: (1) budgeted to 30 June 2005? (2) forecast to 30 June 2006? (3) forecast to 30 June 2007?

Answer—

(1) The following projects are budgeted for 2004/05: • Widening – Merriwa Shire, west of Four Mile Creek. • Reconstruction and realignment of Devils Elbow. • Resurfacing. • Heavy patching. • Drain improvement works. • Replacing the chain wire fence – Four Mile Creek.

3389 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(2) and (3) Projects for future years will be dependent on available funding and overall Statewide priorities.

1 SEPTEMBER 2004

(Paper No. 89)

*2575 ALCOHOL AND DRUG TESTING OF POLICE—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

(1) How many random alcohol tests were conducted in 2003-04? (2) How many of the tests produced positive results? (3) How many random drug tests were conducted in 2003-04? (4) How many of the tests produced positive results? (5) How many targeted alcohol tests were conducted in 2003-04? (6) How many of the tests produced positive results? (7) How many targeted drug tests were conducted in 2003-04? (8) How many of the tests produced positive results? (9) What is the process for authorisation of drug and alcohol testing and who signs the authorisation?

Answer—

NSW Police has advised me: (1) During the 2003-04 financial year 8,671 random alcohol tests were conducted on NSW Police officers. (2) 2. (3) 582. (4) 0. (5) 27. (6) 5. (7) 15. (8) 2. (9) In regard to targeted alcohol tests, the NSW Police Drug and Alcohol Policy authorises Local Area Commanders to arrange to test an officer if there is a suspicion that the officer has recently consumed alcohol. Decisions in regard to the conducting of drug tests are considered by the local command's Complaints Management Team, including the Local Area Commander, in conjunction with the Region Professional Standards Manager. The Commander then arranges for tests to be conducted through the Director, Health Services.

*2576 MINISTERIAL STAFF—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

(1) Does your former Chief of Staff, Ms Jane Fitzgerald, now work for the Ministry for Police? (2) If so, what is her position? (3) What qualifies her for this position? (4) What is her salary? (5) What other benefits does she receive? (6) What was the selection process for her current position? (7) Who is your current Chief of Staff? (8) What is your Chief of Staff’s salary? (9) What other benefits does your Chief of Staff receive?

3390 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

NSW Police has advised me: (1) Yes. (2) Deputy Director General. (3) I am advised that the Selection Panel determined that Ms Fitzgerald's qualifications and experience were appropriate for the position and that she was the applicant with the greatest merit for the position. (4) Remuneration is at SES Level 3. (5) None. (6) The position was advertised externally and selection made by a panel comprising the Director General of the Ministry for Police, the Commissioner, NSW Crime Commission and the former Director General, Department of Education and Training. (7) Mr Josh Murray. (8) Remuneration is in accordance with conditions applying to Special Temporary Employees. (9) None.

*2577 POLICE DEPARTURES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

(1) How many police left the NSW Police Service through resignations each month since January 2002? (2) By month, what were their ranks and which LAC or branch did they leave? (3) How many police left the NSW Police Service through optional retirement each month since January 2002? (4) By month, what were their ranks and which LAC or branch did they leave? (5) How many police left the NSW Police Service as medically unfit, Hurt on Duty, through resignations each month since January 2002? (6) By month, what were their ranks and which LAC or branch did they leave? (7) How many police left the NSW Police Service as medically unfit, not Hurt on Duty, each month since January 2002? (8) By month, what were their ranks and which LAC or branch did they leave?

Answer—

(1) to (8) Details of police separations are published each year in the Annual Report.

*2578 THREE-POINT SEATBELTS IN BUSES—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

Will the Government consider providing funding to allow the retrospective fitting of three-point seatbelts in school buses where practical?

Answer—

A Working Group was established in November 2003 to look at the issue of school bus safety. The group is comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Transport, the Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator, community, industry and other relevant Government Agencies. The Working Group is expected to report back in late 2004.

*2579 HIGH SCHOOL FOR ROUSE HILL—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

What is the current timetable for construction of a new high school to service Rouse Hill and surrounds?

3391 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

The timing of a new high school in Rouse Hill will depend on the staging of development in the Rouse Hill Regional Centre, together with enrolment demand in existing high schools. In the meantime, students in the north-west sector of Sydney are well served by existing high schools.

*2580 NOXIOUS WEEDS ACT—Mr Pringle to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—

(1) Under the Noxious Weeds Act, are landowners responsible for the cleanup and management of weed infestations in the middle of the watercourse adjoining their properties? (2) If so, does the Government plan to amend the legislation to excise the owners of such a responsibility that should not be theirs?

Answer—

(1) The Noxious Weeds Act 1993 requires an occupier of land to control noxious weeds on a watercourse that is on their land or on the half width of a watercourse that adjoins their land. The Act also provides that a local control authority may, in certain circumstances, exempt such a watercourse from this requirement and may assume responsibility for control of the weeds. (2) Amendments to the Noxious Weeds Act are currently being considered.

*2581 FORESTS NSW—VOLUNTARY REDUNDANCIES—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—

(1) How many expressions for voluntary redundancy have been sought from Forests NSW staff in the South East Native Forests Region and the Hume Softwood Region? (2) How many Forests NSW staff in these areas have responded to this call for expression of interest? (3) How many staff positions is Forests NSW seeking to cut from the South East Native Forests Region and the Hume Softwood Region?

Answer—

(1) Expressions of interest in voluntary redundancies have been invited from all Department of Primary Industries staff. (2) As the process has not concluded there are no final figures. (3) There is no predetermined number.

*2582 YASS HOSPITAL DOWNGRADE—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

(1) What are the names and positions of the 22 people who attended the Value Management Workshop or Planning Meeting in Yass on 13 July 2004 that made the decision to close the operating theatre, maternity ward and up to 10 hospital beds at Yass District Hospital? (2) Why were no public meetings held, or discussion papers issued, to discuss different options for service delivery with the Yass community before the 13 July meeting? (3) Will the Southern Area Health Service give any consideration to alternative service delivery models that are raised at the public meeting in Yass on 7 September? (4) If not, why are residents of Yass not being afforded a say in the future of their hospital?

Answer—

(1) As the majority of the 28 participants at the Value Management Workshop (VMW) held in Yass on 13 July 2004 were private citizens, for privacy reasons it would be inappropriate to release their details.

3392 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(2) As part of the planning process for health services in Yass, a Steering Committee has been established to oversee the development of a Service Plan. The steering committee has representation from the medical profession, the community, the Indigenous community, the Southern Slopes Health Council, local government, emergency services and staff. In May 2004, a community survey was conducted by the Steering Committee to provide a qualitative analysis of what the community identified as determinants of health. The VMW was held in July to objectively evaluate identified health service delivery models and to select and recommend a preferred model to discuss with the broader community. The medical profession, the community, the Southern Slopes Health Council, youth, emergency services, volunteer organisations and staff were represented. I am advised that the VMW agreed to endorse a Primary Health Model of Care as the recommended health service delivery model for Yass. Southern Area Health Service office personnel, as distinct from local management staff, elected not to participate in the confirmation of options, selection of performance criteria or the evaluation of options. Their role in the process was to provide clarification of any points related to service delivery and other relevant matters that were required by participants and/or the facilitator. Discussion groups were also held with specific community groups in August to ensure the recommended model of health service delivery had the capacity to meet, and respond to, real community needs. (3) and (4) Southern Area Health Service will respond to issues raised at the public meeting and subsequently and have already had further discussions with the Yass Valley Council to progress the development of the Service Plan for Yass with increased community participation.

*2583 BUILDER'S LICENCE 114598C—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

(1) As Mr Nikola Vujisan, 20 Loftus Street Fairfield, a director of Vertigo Property Group Pty Ltd (Builders Licence 114598C), was successfully prosecuted by the Office of Fair Trading in November 2003 why are no exemptions, determinations, prosecutions, penalty notices, public warnings, formal cautions or cancellations and suspensions recorded against him on the Office of Fair Trading Builders Licence Check website? (2) How many complaints has the Office of Fair Trading received about this person or any company associated with him? (3) If so, what are the details? (4) Are there any current investigations or prosecutions in place against this person or any company associated with him? (5) If so, what are the details?

Answer—

(1) I am advised that the Office of Fair Trading has not undertaken any disciplinary or prosecution action against Mr Vusijan or Vertigo Property Group Pty Ltd. A consumer lodged a complaint with the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal in 2003. Following the conclusion of this Tribunal case the public register on the Office of Fair Trading’s website was updated. (2) and (3) I am advised that Fair Trading’s Home Building Service has received four complaints about the company. I am further advised that all four complaints relate to allegations of defective or incomplete work. The Home Building Service has attempted to mediate three of these complaints, however, this was unsuccessful and resulted in the company being issued with rectification orders. (4) and (5) The company is currently the subject of an investigation to establish if there is sufficient evidence to warrant the taking of disciplinary action against the company for failing to comply with Tribunal orders.

3393 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

*2584 JET SKIS—Mr Constance to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

(1) Are there conflicting demands on coastal waterways between those communities and tourists which enjoy passive recreation, and jet-ski users? (2) Can use of jet-skis in enclosed waterways cause disruption and safety hazards? (3) Will the Minister undertake to work in conjunction with all the coastal shire councils in NSW to develop a plan to regulate jet-ski access to enclosed waterways and rivers? (4) Was Tuross Lake declared a recreational fishing haven on 1 May 2002? (5) Does recreational fishing in Tuross Lake support local tourism and the town’s economy? (6) Have there been complaints that jet-skiers have affected fishers’ enjoyment of Tuross Lake and reduced their catch? (7) Why are jet-skiers allowed to use this valuable and unique recreational fishing haven at the expense of the fishers whose license fees are paying to maintain this lake specifically for the recreation of fishing?

Answer—

I am advised: NSW Maritime develops local boating plans of management to identify and protect the recreational and environmental needs of the state’s waterways. These plans are developed through extensive consultation with local communities. NSW Maritime works with local councils regarding appropriate management of recreational craft including runabouts, dinghies, sail boats, kayaks and personal watercraft (PWC). Eurobodalla Shire Council have made representations to exclude the operation of jet skis within parts of the shire. All jet ski riders are required to hold a personal watercraft (PWC) licence and are made aware of their responsibilities regarding safe operating practices through NSW Maritime safety and compliance campaigns. The state’s 446,000 boaters, including jet skiers, pay boat licence fees to use their craft on the state’s waterways for recreational pursuits which may include fishing. PWC licence holders pay over 60% more for their licence than other recreational boaters. NSW Maritime’s main responsibility is to ensure safe navigation by all vessels on the state’s waterways. Questions regarding fishing should be referred to the Minister for Primary Industries and questions regarding tourism should be referred to the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation.

*2585 WATER TANKS—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) How many rebate applications for water tanks were received from residents of Ku-ring-gai Local Government Area since the program began? (2) What was the total amount of the rebates paid? (3) How many applications were rejected?

Answer—

(1) To 3 September 2004, 207 applications for rainwater tank rebates have been received from the residents of the Ku-ring-gai Local Government Area. (2) The total amount paid is $60,900. (3) Sydney Water has not rejected any applications from residents in the Ku-ring-gai Local Government Area.

3394 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

*2586 BIKE POLICING—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Police—

Regarding bike policing in the Ku-ring-gai Local Area Command: (1) What are the reasons for the current lack of these police? (2) When was the last bike police activity? (3) When will bike police be reintroduced and how many bikes and police officers will be involved? (4) Over what hours will bike policing take place within a 24 hour period, and does this include weekends?

Answer—

(1) to (4) Staffing allocations within a Local Area Command are a matter for the Local Area Commander.

*2587 HORNSBY POLICE AND COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Police—

When a civilian manager is put in place at the Hornsby Police and Community Youth Club, will the two police officers remain to continue valuable youth work?

Answer—

NSW Police has advised me: Yes.

*2588 TUNNEL FILTRATION—Mr Roberts to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

How are investigations into the provision of tunnel filtration proceeding and when will information on these investigations be made public?

Answer—

On 31 August 2004, the Roads and Traffic Authority announced that in response to the Registration of Interest invitation for the design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of a pilot filtration plant for a Sydney road tunnel, 13 groups had registered an interest. This will be the first installation of filtration equipment in an Australian road tunnel. The groups applications were assessed under an evaluation process involving two independent scientific experts – Dr Richard Morrow, of Morrow Corona Solutions Pty Ltd, and Professor Peter Nelson, the Head of the Graduate School of the Environment at Macquarie University. Both are former Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation scientists. Dr Morrow has wide ranging experience in electrical corona, the principle behind the operation of electrostatic precipitators, and has undertaken considerable research in many aspects of particulate and gas removal theory, experimentation and modelling over many years. Professor Nelson has broad experience in the measurement, assessment and control of air pollution, including work in the atmospheric chemistry of pollutants, development of methods for determining source contributions to atmospheric concentrations and modelling of atmospheric transformations. Of the 13 groups applicants, the 3 short-listed were: Matsushita Electric Industrial Company, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Siemens Ltd/FILTRONtec GmbH. Matsushita and Kawasaki are Japanese companies, while Siemens Ltd is an Australian company proposing the use of technology developed by FILTRONtec GmbH, a German organisation. The deadline for the submission of preliminary proposals is 5 November 2004.

3395 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

*2589 WINDSOR ROAD BUDGET—Mr Merton to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

(1) Has the budget for the Windsor Road works carried out to date been met or has the budget been exceeded? (2) If so, by what amount?

Answer—

I refer the Honourable Member to my answer to question number 2268.

*2590 DRUG DEALING CONVICTIONS—Mr Merton to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

How many people were convicted of supplying or otherwise dealing in illegal drugs in the years 1999 to 2003 inclusive, in each of the following areas: (a) Baulkham Hills Local Area Command (b) Parramatta Local Area Command (c) Blacktown Local Area Command?

Answer—

The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research does not collect information about the location in which a criminal incident occurs.

*2591 LENIENCY APPLICATIONS—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice- President of the Executive Council—

(1) What are the ‘strict guidelines’ used by the Infringement Processing Bureau to determine whether leniency is granted in relation to penalty notices issued for traffic offences? (2) How many applications for leniency have been received: • 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2003 • 1 January 2004 to present? (3) How many applications for leniency have been granted: • 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2003 • 1 January 2004 to present? (4) How many unsuccessful applications for leniency in the above periods resulted in the applicant applying for annulment? (5) How many applications for annulment for the above periods resulted in the matter being dismissed?

Answer—

I have been advised that: (1) The Adjudication Guidelines were those previously used by NSW Police and transferred from NSW Police with the transfer of the Infringement Processing Bureau (IPB) to the Office of State Revenue in October 2003. (2) The IPB received the following representations to have the penalty notice reviewed: • 122,649 representations from 1 January to 31 December 2003, and • 82,843 representations from 1 January 2004 to present. (3) The following representations resulted in a “caution” or “no action” • 20,423 from 1 January to 31 December 2003, and • 14,987 from 1 January 2004 to present. (4) Applications for annulment are made after the IPB has enforced a fine to the Fine Enforcement Branch of the State Debt Recovery Office (SDRO). The SDRO grants annulments under Section 48

3396 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

of the Fines Act, 1996 that allows a matter to be put before the court. The annulment provisions do not cover “unsuccessful applications for leniency”; therefore the SDRO is unable to provide this data. (5) The SDRO granted 1308 annulment applications from 1 January to the 31 December 2003 and 900 from the 1 January to the present. Once the annulment application is lodged the matter is listed before a local court. Questions seeking the result of court matters should be directed to the Attorney General.

*2592 ADULT COMMUNITY EDUCATION—Mr J.H. Turner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) What was the allocation for the Adult Community Education sector for 2003-2004? (2) Has that allocation been decreased in the 2004-2005 budget? (3) If so, by how much? (4) If so, why? (5) What will be the effect of such cuts on the various Adult Education Centres? (6) Will any other funding be made to Adult Education Centres to ensure that there are no cuts in services provided by such centres? (7) If so, what assistance will be given? (8) If no assistance will be given, why not?

Answer—

In relation to Adult and Community Education, it is not expected that there will be any reduction in funds in 2005 for the core program delivery areas of either accredited vocational education and training or accredited and pre-vocational literacy and language.

*2593 BUS SHELTERS—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

(1) Does the Minister’s department provide funds for bus shelters? (2) If so, from what fund would such monies be applied? (3) If so, what is the process for applying for such funds?

Answer—

I am advised: (1) Yes, councils and community organisations in country areas may apply for funds to construct new transport facilities such as interchanges and taxi and bus shelters. Provision of bus shelters is accepted as a council responsibility. (2) The Ministry of Transport’s Country Passenger Transport Infrastructure Grants Scheme (CPTIGS). (3) The next call for CPTIGS funding proposals will be towards the end of 2004.

*2594 DRUG CONVICTIONS—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Police—

(1) How many people were convicted on charges of possession of illegal drugs in the following towns in 2002: (a) Cootamundra (b) Coolamon (c) Temora (d) Junee (e) Harden (f) Grenfell (g) Forbes

3397 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(h) Condobolin (i) Lake Cargelligo (j) West Wyalong (k) Young (l) Barmedman (m) Ardlethan (n) Ariah Park (o) Quandialla (p) Caragabal (q) Greenethorpe (r) Tullibigeal (s) Ungarie (t) Ganmain (u) Tallimba (v) Stockinbingal?

(2) How many people were convicted on charges of possession of illegal drugs in the following towns in 2003: (a) Cootamundra (b) Coolamon (c) Temora (d) Junee (e) Harden (f) Grenfell (g) Forbes (h) Condobolin (i) Lake Cargelligo (j) West Wyalong (k) Young (l) Barmedman (m) Ardlethan (n) Ariah Park (o) Quandialla (p) Caragabal (q) Greenethorpe (r) Tullibigeal (s) Ungarie (t) Ganmain (u) Tallimba (v) Stockinbingal?

Answer—

Court outcome data is available from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research. I would ask the Honourable Member to direct this question to the Attorney General under whose portfolio the Bureau lies.

*2595 TEMORA AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH STATION—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries— (1) How many staff positions currently exist at the Temora Agricultural Research and Advisory Station? (2) How many of these positions are actually filled by staff? (3) Have voluntary redundancies been offered to all staff at the Temora station? (4) If so, how many have accepted redundancies? (5) What is the deadline for staff to accept offers of redundancy?

3398 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(6) How many members of the Temora Agricultural Research Station have indicated they are prepared to transfer to Wagga Wagga or other Primary Industries facilities? (7) Will you give a guarantee that all current positions will remain at the Temora Agricultural Research Station for the Budget year 2004-05? (8) Will you give a guarantee that the current positions will remain filled by existing staff or new appointees? (9) What research programs or trials are currently underway at the Temora Agricultural Research Station? (10) What research programs or trials have been terminated since the announcement of the moratorium on the future of the Temora Agricultural Research Station? (11) Has the Department of Primary Industries actively sought external funding to support research programs at the Temora Agricultural Research Station? (12) If so, name the funding sources and the nature of the research programs? (13) Have private enterprise companies approached the Department of Primary Industries to undertake research programs on their behalf on a commercial basis at the Temora Agricultural Research Station? (14) If so, identify the companies and the nature of the research programs? (15) Have NSW Government departments, federal, local or interstate governments or departments sought to have new research programs developed at the Temora Agricultural Research Station? (16) Have any other departmental programs, underway at the time of the moratorium, been withdrawn? (17) What funding was appropriated in the 2004-05 State Budget for the maintenance and running of the Temora Agricultural Research Station? (18) Will you guarantee those funds remain available to the Temora Agricultural Research Station for the 2004-05 financial year? (19) What was the total budget allocation for the Temora Agricultural Research Station for the 2003-04 financial year? (20) What is the total budget allocation for the Temora Agricultural Research Station for the 2004-05 financial year?

Answer—

(1) 16. (2) 16. (3) Yes, in common with the offer to all Department of Primary Industries staff. (4) The number of staff who have accepted redundancies will not be known until after the closing date, which is expected to be 8 October 2004. (5) See response to (4). (6) No indications have been sought from staff as to their preparedness to transfer to other locations. (7) If positions become vacant each position will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine the individual business community issues associated with its functions/duties. (8) See response to (7). (9) Temora has field plots for Wagga cereal evaluation research work. Seed increase work related to Wagga wheat and barley research is also undertaken. (10) None. (11) Yes. (12) The DPI has repeatedly and unsuccessfully sought funding support through Grains Research and Development Corporation, Meat and Livestock Association and Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. (13) No. (14) N/A. (15) Yes but no funding has been forthcoming. (16) No. (17) The Department’s 2004-05 State Budget global appropriation does not determine the funding for Temora Agricultural Research Station.

3399 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(18) As stated above, the Department’s 2004-05 State Budget global appropriation does not determine the funding for Temora Agricultural Research Station. (19) Total budget allocation for maintenance and running at Temora Agricultural Research Station for 2003-04 was $72,753 excluding salaries. (20) A 2004-05 budget allocation for Temora Agricultural Research Station has yet to be made.

*2596 AIR SERVICES—KEMPSEY—Mr Stoner to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

(1) How did the Premier travel to Kempsey for the opening of the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre? (2) Will the Government support reintroduction of commercial air services to Kempsey given the likelihood of increased travel by departmental staff?

Answer—

(1) The Premier travelled to Kempsey by charter flight on ExecuJet. The details of this travel were released to the Leader of the Opposition in a Freedom of Information determination on 27 August 2004. (2) I am advised that air transport is a de-regulated industry. The scheduling of flights is a matter for carriers to determine on a commercial basis.

*2597 STATISTICAL BULLETIN—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

When will the Statistical Bulletin “Schools and Students in New South Wales 2003”, be published?

Answer—

The Bulletin is published on the NSW Department of Education and Training’s website.

*2598 SCHOOL GLOBAL BUDGETS—Mr O'Farrell to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

What are the details of the global budget of each government school in the Ku-ring-gai electorate for the years (a) 2000-2001 (b) 2001-02 (c) 2002-03 and (d) 2003-04?

Answer—

All schools have received their global budgets which allow greater flexibility at the local level.

*2599 PUBLIC HOUSING—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

What is the total number of public housing (a) units and (b) houses within the suburbs of (1) Forresters Beach (2) Wamberal (3) Springfield (4) Kincumber (5) Empire Bay (6) Avoca (7) Terrigal (8) Erina?

3400 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

(1) Nil. (2) One cottage (leased). (3) 192 cottages. 1 townhouse. (4) 101 cottages. 26 townhouses. 25 units. 21 villas. (5) Nil. (6) Nil. (7) 2 cottages. 19 townhouses. 1 unit. 4 villas. (8) 33 cottages. 29 townhouses. 20 units. 13 villas.

*2600 GOSFORD SCHOOLS—Mr Hartcher to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

What are the details of the global budget for each of the government schools in the Gosford electorate in the years (a) 2002-03 and (b) 2003-04?

Answer—

All schools have received their global budgets which allow greater flexibility at the local level.

*2601 FERRY SERVICE—Mr Roberts to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

Will the Minister guarantee the continuation of the Lane Cove River/City ferry service currently operated by Matilda Cruises?

Answer—

I am advised: Following a review of its operations Matilda Cruises Pty Limited informed the Ministry of Transport it would continue the Lane Cove River ferry service on an ongoing basis.

*2602 SPEED CAMERA REVENUE—Mr Stoner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

What is the total revenue derived from fixed speed cameras in New South Wales for the 2003-04 financial year?

3401 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

I have been advised that: Information regarding the amount of revenue derived from infringements issued by fixed speed cameras in New South Wales in the 2003/04 financial year will be available in the 2003/04 Annual Report of the Office of State Revenue.

*2603 MOTORING FINES—Mr Stoner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

What is the number and value of fines issued to motorists by Highway Patrol Police for each of the past five financial years?

Answer—

I have been advised that the revenue received by the State in the form of fees, fines and charges is published in Budget Paper 2 on an annual basis.

*2604 MOTOR ACCIDENTS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

(1) How many motor accidents have occurred at the intersection of President Avenue and Gymea Bay Road, Gymea over the last five years? (2) How many fatalities occurred in these accidents? (3) In how many of these accidents was speed involved? (4) In how many of these accidents was alcohol involved? (5) In how many of these accidents was failure to stop at a red light involved?

Answer—

(1) An analysis of the available accident history for the period between 1 January 1999 and 31 December 2003 (including provisional data for 2003), indicates that there were 31 reported crashes at the intersection in question. (2) 1. (3) 3. (4) 1. (5) 3.

*2605 BUS ROUTES—Ms Berejiklian to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

In relation to bus routes servicing the Northbridge community: (1) What is the current rate of late arrival or non-arrival of buses on routes 202 and 208? (2) Are there any plans to increase the frequency of route 267 from Northbridge to Chatswood, given widespread community demand for the service?

Answer—

I am advised: (1) The on time running record for State Transit bus services operating from Willoughby Depot including the Route 202 and 208 bus services has averaged 92 per cent in recent months. 100 per cent of timetabled services on the Route 208 service and 99.57 per cent of timetabled services on the Route 202 service were provided in the past three months.

3402 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(2) State Transit has no plans at this point in time to increase the frequency of the Route 267 bus service between Chatswood and Northbridge. Patronage on this service averages only 13 boardings per trip on weekdays and 10 boardings per trip on Saturdays compared to an average available capacity of 58 persons per bus. State Transit will continue to monitor patronage levels on this service.

*2606 CREMORNE MENTAL HEALTH CENTRE—Mrs Skinner to Minister for Health—

In regard to the Budget Estimates 2002-03, which at p8-9 refers to the redevelopment of Royal North Shore Hospital being “supported” from revenue from future sale or lease of a number of properties including that currently occupied by the Mental Health Centre at Cremorne: (1) Is the Cremorne Mental Health Centre to be sold or leased? (2) How much is the sale or lease of the Cremorne Mental Health Centre expected to raise? (3) Is the service to be relocated at the Royal North Shore Hospital site or another site such as at Chatswood? (4) How much will it cost to replace the service in either of these locations?

Answer—

(1) to (4) I am advised that the future delivery of Community Mental Health Services at Cremorne and Chatswood is being reviewed as part of the Royal North Shore Hospital and Community Health Services Redevelopment. As part of the planning process, the Northern Sydney Area Health Service is currently undertaking a service and facilities options review with senior clinical and management staff. The outcomes of this review will be negotiated with the relevant carer and community groups.

*2607 MANNING BASE HOSPITAL—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health—

(1) Did Milton Lynch, aged 85 years, attend Manning Base Hospital at 11 am on 21 August 2004 with a broken wrist? (2) If so, to what section of the hospital did he attend? (3) If so, what was the time when he received primary medical treatment for his broken wrist? (4) In what section of the hospital did he receive primary treatment for his broken wrist? (5) If a period of time elapsed between admission and primary treatment, why did such period of time elapse? (6) Was Mr Lynch admitted to the hospital? (7) If not, why not? (8) How many medical practitioners were available at Manning Base Hospital on 21 August 2004 to treat such injuries?

Answer—

(1) and (2) I am advised that on 21 August 2004 Mr Lynch attended the Emergency Department at Manning Base Hospital at 11.55 am with a suspected broken wrist. (3) and (4) All Mr Lynch’s primary treatment was conducted in the Emergency Department. Mr Lynch was assessed by the triage nurse at 12.10 pm and at 1 pm he was assessed by an Aged Care Emergency Team nurse for home assistance. At 5 pm Mr Lynch was seen by a doctor, had an x-ray performed, and a plaster splint applied. He also received a referral to attend an orthopaedic clinic later that week. (5) I am advised that the timeliness of Mr Lynch’s treatment was in accordance with his triage assessment and the triage demands of other patients present on the day. (6) and (7) In the opinion of the treating doctor Mr Lynch did not require admission to a ward as his fracture did not require a general anaesthetic or further immediate treatment. (8) Three.

3403 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

*2608 CONTRACTORS AND CONSULTANTS—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

(1) What contractors and/or consultants have been engaged by the Department of Corrective Services in: (a) 2001-02; (b) 2002-03; (c) 2003-04; (d) 1 July 2004 to present? (2) For each of the above instances, what was: (a) the total initial contract price; (b) the actual contract price; (c) the work to be undertaken; (d) the contractors/consultancies? (3) Which of the above instances gave rise to any dispute between the Department of Corrective Services and/or the contractors/consultancies and what were the details of such disputes? (4) What are/were the legal costs associated with the Department of Corrective Services’ engagement of such contractors/consultancies?

Answer—

The Minister for Justice advises me that: Details of expenditure on consultants are reported in the annual reports of agencies.

*2609 CONTRACTORS AND CONSULTANTS—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—

(1) What contractors and/or consultants have been engaged by the Rural Fire Service, NSW Fire Brigades and State Emergency Service in: (a) 2001-02; (b) 2002-03; (c) 2003-04; (d) 1 July 2004 to present? (2) For each of the above instances, what was: (a) the total initial contract price; (b) the actual contract price; (c) the work to be undertaken; (d) the contractors/consultancies? (3) Which of the above instances gave rise to any dispute between RFS, NSWFB and SES and/or the contractors/consultancies and what were the details of such disputes? (4) What are/were the legal costs associated with RFS NSWFB and SES’ engagement of such contractors/consultancies?

Answer—

I provide the following details in response to your questions: Details of expenditure on consultants are reported in the annual reports of agencies.

*2610 POWER OUTAGES—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) What power interruptions have occurred in the Davidson electorate in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and what are the particulars of each outage including date, location and duration?

3404 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(2) What was the cause of each outage?

Answer—

(1) Interruptions are recorded on a feeder basis and do not correlate with electorate boundaries. Following is a summary of EnergyAustralia’s performance reliability for the Northern Sydney region, which includes the electorate of Davidson. Northern Sydney Region 2001/2002 * 2002/2003 ** 2003/2004 ** SAIDI 101 96.1 (average number of minutes lost Completed figures will per customer pa) be available in our SAIFI 1.36 1.32 Annual Report for 2003/04 (average number of interruptions/ customer pa)

* Modified standard data: excludes transmission and generation interruptions, directed load shedding, interruptions less than 1 minute, interruptions due to major natural events, and planned interruptions for which the customer has been notified. ** Normalised data: excludes momentary interruptions, transmission interruptions, directed load shedding and the effects of major natural and 3rd party events (e.g. a storm or bushfire) which are classified when at least 4.5 million customer minutes are lost, ie. 3 minutes of lost supply per customer averaged across all EnergyAustralia network customers. In 2002/03, the reporting standards changed, with all distributors reporting reliability using normalised data, which is the industry standard for reporting reliability. Interruptions are recorded on a feeder basis and do not correlate with electorate boundaries. Following is a summary for the Northern Sydney region, which includes the electorate of Davidson: Cause % Contribution to Operational Control SAIDI Forces of Nature (wind, rain, 70% Vegetation Management (tree lightning, trees, fires, animals) trimming) Equipment Failure 13% Maintenance Damage (eg. car hits pole, 12% Education (eg. ‘Dial before you excavator hits cable, vandalism) dig’) Planned 5% Live working and outage co- ordination

*2611 KARIONG MAXIMUM SECURITY CENTRE—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister for Western Sydney, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning (Planning Administration)—

(1) How many assaults were committed against staff at Kariong Maximum Security Centre in 2002-03 and 2003-04? (2) How many inmates were charged with assault offences at Kariong Maximum Security Centre in 2002-03 and 2003-04? (3) How many staff employed at Kariong Maximum Security Centre lodged workers compensation claims in 2002-03 and 2003-04?

Answer—

(1) Incidents recorded as assaults range from spitting and verbal abuse to injuries. There were 12 incidents of assaults in 2002-03 and 14 in 2003-04 at Kariong Juvenile Justice Centre.

3405 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(2) All matters relating to assault are referred to police. It is a matter for the police to place appropriate charges. (3) In 2002-03 and again in 2003-04 31 staff employed at Kariong Maximum Security Centre lodged workers compensation claims.

*2612 REGIONAL FUNDING—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

(1) How much money was allocated by the NSW Government and its agencies to the Tuggerah Lakes in financial years 2002-03 and 2003-04? (2) How much money was allocated by the NSW Government and its agencies to Lake Macquarie in 2002-03 and 2003-04?

Answer—

(1) The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources allocated $170,000 in 2002-03 for Tuggerah Lakes and $179,000 in 2003-04. (2) The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources allocated $1,300,000 in 2002-03 for Lake Macquarie and $1,434,584 in 2003-04.

*2613 RAIL USAGE AND SAFETY—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

(1) How many tickets were sold in 2002-03 and 2003-04 at: (a) Gosford Railway Station? (b) Woy Woy Railway Station? (c) Wyong Railway Station? (d) Tuggerah Railway Station? (2) How many assaults were reported on the Hornsby to Newcastle Rail Line in 2003-04 and 2002-03?

Answer—

I am advised: The total number of all tickets issued from CityRail stations, which is different to the total number of all journeys to and from these stations is:

Tickets issued 2002-2003 Tickets issued 2003-2004 Gosford 747,697 725,115 Woy Woy 623,416 604,055 Wyong 253,383 261,632 Tuggerah 187,490 182,964

A review of security across the CityRail network undertaken by former NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Bruce Johnston in December 2003 recommended intelligence-based deployment of security resources. That’s why Transit Officers are deployed based on intelligence, targeting hotspots on the CityRail network to reduce incidents of crime. RailCorp is on target to reach its commitment of 600 Transit Officers patrolling the CityRail network by December 2004. The latest figures from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) show recorded assaults on the NSW rail system have fallen over the past two years, down 10% to 1,328 from 1,476, with a 16%

3406 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

reduction on trains (108 to 91) and a 10% reduction on stations (1,368 to 1,237). This reporting period coincides with the introduction of Transit Officers across the CityRail system. Information regarding incidents of anti social behaviour on the CityRail network is publicly available on the CityRail website at www.cityrail.info.

*2614 HORNSBY HOSPITAL—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—

(1) How many hours has Hornsby Hospital been closed in the financial year 2003-2004, and from 1 July 2004 until present, due to being “Code Red”? (2) How many hours has Hornsby Hospital been subjected to total closure with no patients able to access accident and emergency via ambulance?

Answer—

I am advised by the Northern Sydney Area Health Service that Hornsby Hospital has never been closed. “Code Red” is a term used in metropolitan Sydney under NSW Health’s Emergency Department Access System (EDNA) to indicate that a Hospital Emergency Department is at its busiest. “Code Red” status does not mean an emergency department is closed. An Emergency Department on “Code Red” will continue to accept patients presenting directly to the Emergency Department and patients being transported by ambulance. If a patient requires immediate or urgent medical attention they are taken to the nearest Emergency Department appropriate for their condition. However, ambulances transporting lower triage category patients (the less seriously ill) may be diverted to a less busy Emergency Department nearby. The EDNA system minimises waiting time for patients and allows for emergency department workload to be more evenly shared across the Sydney Metropolitan area with ambulances transporting less urgent cases being referred to the least busy hospital nearby.

*2615 DRUG DEALING CONVICTIONS—Mr Kerr to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

How many people were convicted of supplying illegal drugs in the following suburbs in 2003: (a) Caringbah (b) Woolooware (c) Cronulla (d) Kurnell?

Answer—

The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research does not collect information about the location in which a criminal incident occurs.

*2616 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES—Ms Moore to Minister for Health—

(1) Is the Minister aware that a person with severe psychosis is living in the garden shed of a Kings Cross church because there is no supported accommodation available? (2) Has this client of mental health services been living there for more than five years because the church refuses to turn him out onto the streets, aware that this person’s mental and physical health is deteriorating because he is not getting the help he needs? (3) Has the local mental health service informed the church that there is no appropriate supported accommodation available? (4) What has the Government done to provide supported accommodation for this client?

3407 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

(1) to (4) I am advised that a homeless man with a mental health illness has been living in simple lodgings on the grounds of a church in Rushcutters Bay, at the invitation of the church staff, since September 1998. I am advised that the man is visited regularly by mental health workers and is compliant with medication. The man in question has had no involuntary hospital admissions since taking up accommodation in the church grounds. Primary physical health care has also been provided. I am advised that South Eastern Area Health Service and the St Vincents Hospital Mental Health Service will investigate the matter further and jointly develop an appropriate care plan for this gentleman.

*2617 STREET LIGHTING—Ms Moore to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Can the Minister inform the House whether Energy Australia complies with its response time policy of five days for repairing failed street lights? (2) What action has the Minister taken to ensure that street lights are repaired quickly, particularly in inner city areas with large numbers of pedestrian movements and where street lighting is essential for safety?

Answer—

(1) In accordance with the Electricity Supply (General) Regulation 2001, service providers are required to negotiate with customers a deadline for repairing faulty street lights. During 2003/04, EnergyAustralia had an average street light repair time of 7-8 days. The actual repair time varied from an average of three days for Sydney’s north to an average of 13 days for Sydney’s east. It should be noted, however, that a number of councils, such as the City of Sydney, within EnergyAustralia’s network area are responsible for their own street lights and may have different targets to EnergyAustralia. The eastern region had a longer repair time due to the higher number of streetlights supplied by underground electricity cables. It generally takes more time to identify an issue with an underground cable fault than an overhead one. In many cases when a fault is found the relevant section needs to be excavated to complete the repair. EnergyAustralia’s operational target is to repair faulty street lights within five working days of receiving a report. (2) A draft Street Lighting Code has been developed that will, among other things, define service levels for the provision of street lighting services by electricity distribution companies to local government. The draft Code has been prepared by the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability in consultation with a Street Lighting Working Group comprising representatives of councils, energy companies, government and the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal. EnergyAustralia is involved in the working party to establish the Code and will fully comply with the new Code requirements. Over the past six months, EnergyAustralia has also embarked on a fluorescent light replacement program. The existing fluorescent streetlights are being replaced with more reliable mercury vapour lights. Approximately 10,000 lights have been replaced to date and any new replacements will be with the new light. EnergyAustralia expects this will improve overall reliability over time.

3408 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

*2618 REDFERN LOCAL AREA COMMAND—Ms Moore to Minister for Police—

(1) What action has the Minister taken to implement the Aboriginal Strategic Direction 2003-2006, particularly in Redfern Police Local Area Command? (2) What resources have been allocated to Redfern Command for the goals identified in the Aboriginal Strategic Direction 2003-2006: • improving communication with Aboriginal communities; • reducing crime and violence within the Aboriginal community; • reducing Aboriginal people’s contact with the criminal justice system; • increasing police awareness of Aboriginal culture; • diverting Aboriginal young people from crimes and anti-social behaviour; and • targeting family violence and sexual abuse? (3) What regional and local consultative structures have been established with Aboriginal communities covered by Redfern Command?

Answer—

NSW Police has advised me: (1) to (3) Since the rollout of the Aboriginal Strategic Direction (ASD) in July 2003, the NSW Police Aboriginal Coordination Team has provided corporate support and assistance in the ongoing implementation of the ASD to Redfern Local Area Command. A member of the Aboriginal Coordination Team is currently working with the Local Area Commander and the Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer (ACLO) at Redfern LAC in the area of Aboriginal community support programs. Regular meetings aimed at improving communication between police and local Aboriginal communities are held between the Redfern and Waterloo Partnership Project, Redfern Police Management and local Aboriginal groups. In the last week of September alone, two new committees – an Aboriginal youth advisory group and an Aboriginal seniors advisory group – commenced in partnership with Redfern LAC. The LAC has also developed a mentoring program for local youths residing in Redfern and Waterloo. The Redfern Crime Prevention Officer has carried out a range of safety audits in the Redfern and Waterloo areas involving improvements to public housing estates, lighting around “The Block” and neighbouring street. The Redfern Local Area Commander, Domestic Violence Liaison Officer and Youth Liaison Officer are working more closely than ever with local community groups to address issues such as family violence, sexual abuse, drug abuse and anti-social behaviour. There are four designated ACLO positions at Redfern; I have given approval to fill a vacant ACLO position. Meanwhile, local police are to undergo additional Aboriginal cultural awareness training. Redfern police has already commenced two programs in this area, which all police at Redfern will complete by February 2005. Redfern’s two specialist Youth Liaison Officers recently completed a Senior Youth Officer training course. The Corporate Spokesperson for Aboriginal Issues had established an ASD Steering Committee that monitors the ongoing implementation of the ASD across NSW Police and assists Local Area Commands as required.

*2619 PREVENTION OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE—Ms Moore to Minister for Health—

(1) In the light of new research published in The Prevention of Substance Use, Risk and Harm in Australia: A Review of the Evidence, showing that methadone is effective in reducing the harm from illicit drug use, what measures has the Government taken to improve access to methadone treatment for the estimated 9,000 people in NSW who could benefit from it? (2) Given that The Prevention of Substance Use, Risk and Harm in Australia: A Review of the Evidence report demonstrates the huge social and economic costs saved through needle and syringe programs, with 25,000 cases of HIV and 21,000 of hepatitis C prevented, and a saving of up to $7.7

3409 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

billion over a nine year period, what action has been taken by the Government to expand needle and syringe programs?

Answer—

(1) The effectiveness of methadone treatment, in terms of both health improvements and crime reduction, is well documented. Methadone has proven effectiveness in retaining patients in treatment, reductions in drug use, criminal behaviour and mortality, and improvement in health. Methadone is also associated with a reduced risk of HIV infection. The 1999 NSW Drug Summit allocated $50.734 million over four years to pharmacotherapy services and a further $59.620 million for the 2003-07 period. As a result 4,000 extra places in methadone treatment have been offered across NSW. NSW Health has embarked upon a number of initiatives to encourage service provision in the private and community sectors. As part of the budget allocation to the pharmacotherapy program, $5.5 million was provided over four years under Drug Summit 1 and a further $6 million in the Drug Summit 2 budget allocation to the NSW Pharmacy Guild to operate the Pharmacy Incentive Scheme. This scheme has been established to encourage pharmacies to be involved in the pharmacotherapy program. (2) The Council of Australian Government’s Illicit Drug Diversion Initiatives for Needle and Syringe Programs currently provides an additional $2.6 million per annum for Needle and Syringe Programs in NSW. These funds are specifically provided to increase the capacity of Needle and Syringe Programs to provide education, counselling and referral services, as well as to diversify existing services. In NSW there are currently 472 public sector Needle and Syringe Program outlets. This is an increase of 50 outlets since 2000. In addition, there are approximately 400 pharmacies where needles and syringes are available for purchase or exchange.

*2620 PROGRAM FUNDING—Ms Moore to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

In light of research published in The Prevention of Substance Use, Risk and Harm in Australia: A Review of the Evidence, which reinforces the importance of programs like Families First and Pathways to Prevention, what action has the Government taken to increase funds and expand these initiatives, particularly in inner city areas affected by youth crimes, such as Woolloomooloo and Redfern?

Answer—

The NSW Government has invested considerable resources into a coordinated approach to the prevention of substance abuse and prevention of youth crime.

Families First This investment has included $117.5 million over the four year period 2002-2006 – up from $19 million in 1998 - to the whole-of-Government Families First initiative. The NSW Department of Community Services is taking a lead role with $62.4 million to allocate to new services. Under Families First, $1.66 million was allocated in 2004-2005 for 20 projects across the South East Sydney region including family support, home visiting, antenatal services and improved support for young parents. The Families First Community Capacity Development Project has been developed for the identified high-need area of Woolloomooloo. This project aims to gain an understanding of the issues for families with children living in the Woolloomooloo area. A series of consultations will provide the foundation for planning further investment in the local community.

3410 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Pathways to Prevention Program The Commonwealth and State Attorney-General’s Departments have collaborated on a range of projects funded from the Pathways to Prevention Program, a developmental and early intervention approach to crime in Australia. Under this Program, $593,000 has been allocated over two years to the Redfern/Waterloo Pathways to Prevention project. Primary Connect, a Pathways to Prevention program based in Redfern and environs, involves student placements by Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy students working in local schools to raise children’s basic skills standards to approximate those of children who are not at risk. Primary Connect is designed to reinforce self-esteem in children at risk of early school leaving. Parents as Teachers is a Pathways to Prevention program targeting children aged 0-5 years. Parents as Teachers involves several initiatives including raising primary caregivers’ awareness of basic nursing care and stimulation of children, establishment of playgroups, home visiting for 14 and 15-year-old mothers in the area to educate them in basic mothercraft skills, and family therapy with a school counsellor working one day per week from Alexandria Park School, primarily targeting families at risk and encouraging children at risk to stay at school.

Community Solutions and Crime Prevention Strategy This strategy aims to provide urgent and immediate crime prevention responses and related initiatives in rural, regional and metropolitan areas of identified need. A Community Solutions Fund, resourced at $50 million over five years (2001-02 to 2005-06), has been established to assist with the development and implementation of crime prevention initiatives. Approximately $1.2 million has been allocated for the Kings Cross/Woolloomooloo area for a package of initiatives targeting youth at risk over the three years from 2002/03 to 2004/05. The package of initiatives includes: • The expansion of local family support projects targeting Woolloomooloo to cover service gaps for disadvantaged families dealing with issues of substance abuse, mental illness and domestic violence. • Development and implementation of an integrated service model to assist high risk older youths who have become involved in the Kings Cross lifestyle. DoCS’ Metro Central Region recently contracted a Consultant to look at the needs of “youth at risk” as part of a Community Solutions initiative aimed at helping disadvantaged families, children and young people in the Kings Cross/Woolloomooloo area. Stemming from the findings of the review, a project plan is currently being developed to improve the planning, provision and coordination of services across the government and non-government sectors for at risk young people aged 12 to 25.

Community Drug Strategy The Drug Budget 2003-2007 allocates $14.62 million to the Community Drug Strategy, which is a major prevention strategy. This is a 35% increase on funding for the previous 4 years. Under this strategy, four Community Drug Action Teams operate in inner Sydney and aim to increase the capacity of communities to deal with local drug issues, and to facilitate better coordinated and collaborative action against drug use.

Redfern Waterloo Partnership Project This Premier’s Department initiative was established in 2001 as a whole of Government/whole of community response to the specific problems faced by this community, including crime and substance abuse. Projects under this banner include the Redfern/Waterloo Street Team, Intensive Family Support Services, In Home Aboriginal Support, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Counselling Services and a case coordination project. Many of these projects target families and individuals with substance abuse problems.

3411 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

2 SEPTEMBER 2004

(Paper No. 90)

*2621 GRAFTON BASE HOSPITAL STAFFING—Mr Cansdell to Minister for Health—

(1) Is the Minister aware that casualty ward presentations at Lismore Base Hospital are 26,000 per year and at Grafton Base, there are 22,280 per year? (2) Does Lismore Hospital have 95 doctor hours per 24 hours, and Grafton only have 32 doctor hours per 24 hours? (3) Given that this is an unbalanced ratio of 12 to 4, will the Minister take action to ensure the long hours and stress upon medical staff at Grafton Base Hospital does not lead to accidents and unnecessary problems as have occurred at other hospitals?

Answer—

(1) Presentations to the Emergency Department at Lismore Base Hospital for 2003/04 were 24,228. For the same period, presentations to the Emergency Department at Grafton Base Hospital, excluding outpatient attendances, were 18,094. (2) Medical staffing at Lismore Base Hospital Emergency Department is 80 doctor hours per 24 hours on weekdays, 70 doctor hours per 24 hours at weekends and 60 doctor hours per 24 hours on public holidays. Out of the doctor hours at Lismore Base Hospital Emergency Department, the Lismore Base Hospital Doctors also provide a Retrieval Service and an advisory and support service to the other nine Hospitals in the Richmond Valley. Medical staffing at Grafton Base Hospital Emergency Department is 32 doctor hours per 24 hours. (3) The Northern Rivers Area Health Service Administrator and Grafton Base Hospital Medical Staff Council representatives have agreed to review Grafton Base Hospital Medical staffing needs. The Review Team will include the Deputy Director Medical Services, Mid North Coast Area Health Service and a Surgeon, Physician and Anaesthetist, with most or all of these reviewers being specialists who have practised in rural settings.

*2622 GRAFTON AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND ADVISORY STATION—Mr Cansdell to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—

(1) Is a wide range of research and development undertaken at the Grafton Agriculture Research and Advisory Station (GARAS)? (2) Is the Minister aware that work undertaken at GARAS includes crop and pasture, weed (both aquatic and land), water wise advice and acid sulphate soil research and development? (3) Is the aquaculture and fisheries section the only centre in Australia that does research and development and disease control into silver perch? (4) Will the Minister visit Grafton Agriculture Research and Advisory Station and see first hand the unique work GARAS does to ensure sustainable agriculture and aquaculture in New South Wales, before he makes his final decision to close it down?

Answer—

(1) Yes. (2) Yes although the acid sulphate soil work was undertaken at Shark Creek, not at GARAS. (3) Yes. (4) Following negotiations with the Public Service Association, Country Labor, the NSW Farmers’ Association and key stakeholder groups, I recently announced that the Grafton Agriculture Research and Advisory Station will not be closing and that a range of research and advisory services will continue to be undertaken.

3412 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

*2623 YAMBA POLICE OFFICERS—Mr Cansdell to Minister for Police—

(1) Is the Minister aware that Police officers at Yamba face a real security risk each time they transfer persons from Police vehicles to the station lock-up? (2) Do Police have to escort persons from vehicles across an open public footpath and unfenced yard to the front door of the Yamba Police Station? (3) Will the Minister ensure adequate security measures are met by making better transfer options available to Police officers?

Answer—

(1) to (3) NSW Police has advised me that Yamba Police Station has been identified as a priority on the Police minor works program.

*2625 POINT PLOMER ROAD—Mr Stoner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

Given the listing of Point Plomer Road as one of Australia’s most endangered places by the Australian Council of National Trusts, and community opposition to Kempsey Shire Council’s plan to tar-seal the road, will you provide funding to ensure the road can be properly maintained as a safe gravel road?

Answer—

Point Plomer Road is classified as a Local Road, and as such, is the responsibility of Kempsey and Hastings Shire Councils.

*2626 FOOD LABELLING LAWS—Mr Pringle to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—

Noting the recent outbreaks of citrus canker in Queensland and media reports of inappropriately or unlabelled food products, what measures has/is the Government proposing to ensure that all fruit sold complies with food labelling laws?

Answer—

No citrus originating from the quarantine area affected by the citrus canker outbreak in Queensland is allowed to enter New South Wales. Prior to entering New South Wales, citrus from other areas in Queensland must be treated, and gain a plant health certificate from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries. The Australian New Zealand Food Standards Code specifies the labelling requirements for all food. The Code exempts unpackaged fruit and fruit sold in clear packages from most of the labelling required for packaged food. The exception is the requirement to display the Country of Origin of imported fruit in connection with their display or the statement that the fruit is imported. The NSW Food Authority is responsible for ensuring that retailers comply with the Code’s labelling and other requirements. The Authority has systems in place to check compliance with the Code and to enforce any breaches it identifies.

*2627 PRIORITY SEWERAGE PROGRAM—Mr Pringle to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

Since the inception of the Priority Sewerage Program, what projects have been completed and at what cost?

3413 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

Sydney Water is currently progressing with the servicing of the sixteen villages under Stage One of the Priority Sewerage Program. It is anticipated that Stage One projects will be complete by 2007/08, subject to the timely receipt of planning approvals and the availability of funds. Completion of Stage One of the Program will result in the servicing of 4,655 previously unsewered lots. Projects that have been completed include: The Oaks/Oakdale Sewerage Scheme Construction of the sewerage reticulation in The Oaks and Oakdale began in late 2001 and is now complete. $25.8 million was spent providing improved sewerage services to approximately 985 lots. A number of Priority Sewerage Program schemes are currently under construction and will be completed by early 2005: • Coalcliff, Stanwell Park, Stanwell Tops and Otford (Illawarra Northern Towns) – 880 lots • Jamberoo – 550 lots • Belimbla Park – 160 lots Since 1997 Sydney Water has also provided improved sewerage services to a total of 7,990 lots that were not part of the Priority Sewerage Program. This investment in capital infrastructure was delivered at a cost of $182.6 million and included the: • Middle Blue Mountains Sewerage Scheme • Gerringong/Gerroa Sewerage Scheme • Bundeena/Maianbar Sewerage Scheme • Picton, Thirlmere, Tahmoor Sewerage Scheme Middle Blue Mountains Sewerage Scheme The project was completed in 2002 under the former Backlog Sewerage Program and involved the provision of improved sewerage services for approximately 1,600 lots between Hazelbrook and North Katoomba at a cost of $37 million. Gerringong/Gerroa Sewerage Scheme The $62.9 million scheme provided improved sewerage services to over 2,000 lots. Construction of the new system was completed in 2002. Bundeena/Maianbar Sewerage Scheme The $33.1 million Bundeena Maianbar Water and Sewerage Scheme was completed in December 2001 and provided improved water and sewerage services to approximately 1,190 lots in these areas. Picton, Thirlmere, Tahmoor Sewerage Scheme The Picton, Tahmoor and Thirlmere Sewerage Scheme was completed in 2000, providing sewerage services to approximately 3,200 lots. The scheme was delivered for $49.6 million.

*2628 MOSS VALE RAILWAY BRIDGE—Ms Seaton to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

(1) When did the Moss Vale Railway Bridge that crosses Argyle Street and Whites Creek last receive a maintenance check? (2) Is the Minister aware of the loud vibration that emanates from the Moss Vale Railway Bridge when a train crosses over? (3) Is the Minister aware of the bend in one of the girders that may have been caused from a vehicle colliding with the bridge? (4) Will the Minister guarantee the bridge is safe?

Answer—

I’m advised: The agreement between the NSW and Australian Governments to lease the NSW interstate track and Hunter Valley rail freight corridors to the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) came into effect from 5 September 2004.

3414 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

The ARTC is wholly owned by the Commonwealth Government. From 5 September 2004, responsibility for the Moss Vale Railway Bridge transferred to the ARTC under the lease agreement. As part of this transfer of responsibility, all records associated with the bridge including the Bridge Inspection Book have been sent to the ARTC. Any issues relating to the Moss Vale Railway Bridge should now be directed to the ARTC.

*2629 RTA FOOTWAY PARKING DISCUSSION PAPER—Ms Seaton to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

(1) When did submissions to the RTA Footway Parking Discussion Paper close? (2) How many submissions were received? (3) When will the RTA complete its deliberations on this matter? (4) Have you received any interim advice or reports on this matter? (5) (a) Have you requested any updates or interim reports on this matter? (b) If not, why not? (6) When will the RTA complete its analysis and finalise its report? (7) Will the Minister refer the matter to the Staysafe Committee for investigation as to why the RTA has taken nearly two years with still no conclusion? (8) Is it acceptable for this report to be still unfinished after 22 months? (9) Will the Minister produce a guaranteed timetable for the completion of the report and appropriate community and Government response?

Answer—

Following analysis of all the submissions to the footway parking discussion paper the RTA established a Steering Committee and also a Technical Working Group, which comprised key stakeholders that represented a diverse range of disciplines, to ensure that all issues raised in the submissions received appropriate consideration. The Steering Committee established that the most critical issue in relation to footpath parking is the conflicts that arise in narrow inner city streets. In many narrow local streets in inner Council areas the access needs of emergency vehicles and service vehicles are in conflict with the need for local residents to find a legal place to park and the need of pedestrians, people who use mobility aids and people with prams to have a safe place to walk. In recognition of this a trial has been established in Foucart Streer, Lilyfield where a number of signposting and line-marking treatments are being tested to determine the most suitable arrangement that might best meet the requirements of all groups. RTA staff and Council staff have met representatives of the Pedestrian Council of Australia and local residents on site on a number of occasions to assess the performance of different aspects of the traffic layout and design. From these meeting the scheme has been progressively improved. A key feature of the trial is the use of a “Shared Zone” which gives pedestrians right of way along the full length of the street. The trial is being used to determine the guidelines that will need to be put in place to allow inner city Councils to make a wider use of the treatments in Foucart Street and in other similar very narrow streets.

*2630 SINGLETON REGIONAL OFFICE—Mr Souris to Minister for Mineral Resources—

(1) Does the Department of Mineral Resources operate a regional office at Singleton? (2) How many staff are employed at this office both full-time and part-time? (3) How many staff in total live in Singleton Shire, Cessnock Council, Maitland Council, Muswellbrook Shire or any other council area specifically? (4) Did you announce the Singleton regional office would remain open and its range of services maintained? (5) Does this guarantee of continuity still stand? (6) How long is the lease on the premises in Singleton and when is the lease expiry date?

3415 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(7) Can you confirm or deny that the office in Singleton is intended for closure in July 2005 and will be co-located with the head office of the department due to be relocated to Maitland? (8) If so, will this place the regional office further away from the mining industry it directly serves? (9) What guarantee can you give to the Upper Hunter mining industry, the Shire of Singleton and the employees (especially those who have recently purchased homes locally following your guarantee) that the Singleton regional office will remain open beyond July 2005?

Answer—

(1) Yes (2) There are 23 staff employed at the Singleton regional office (22 full time staff and 1 part time staff). (3) Lake Macquarie City Council area: 6 staff Newcastle City Council area: 1 staff Maitland City Council area: 6 staff Singleton Shire Council area: 9 staff Muswellbrook Shire Council area: 1 staff (4) There are no plans to close the Singleton office, and it will continue to provide its current range of services to clients in the Singleton area. (5) The continuity of service at Singleton stands. (6) The lease at Singleton runs to 30th January 2005 with a one year option. (7) There are no plans to close the Singleton office in July 2005. (8) See answer to Question 7. (9) See answer to Question 7.

*2631 INTERNET SCAM—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

(1) How many complaints has the Office of Fair Trading received about an Internet scam apparently based in India called Targeted Marketing or Power Profit Team, which offers earnings of up to $10,000 in the first week of participation? (2) As this email appears to act on a ‘keyboard capture’ process when an internet link is accessed, has the Office of Fair Trading or the Minister for Fair Trading Issued a warning about this email? (3) If not, why not?

Answer—

(1) I am advised by the Office of Fair Trading that no complaints have been received as of 16 September, 2004 relating to an internet scam called Targeted Marketing or Power Profit Team. (2) and (3) As no specific complaints have been received by Fair Trading in relation to email no specific warnings have been issued by Fair Trading. However, there is significant public promotion and warning to consumers and organisations by State and Federal agencies about the dangers and risks involved in responding to and opening unsolicited emails and Internet pop-up advertising.

*2632 CANCER RATES IN BURRINJUCK ELECTORATE—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

(1) How many patients are currently receiving treatment for cancer in the local government areas of: (a) Greater Argyle Council? (b) Upper Lachlan Council? (c) Boorowa Shire Council? (d) Yass Valley Council? (e) Gundagai Shire Council? (f) Tumut Council? (2) When the Oncology Unit at Young becomes operational, what is the maximum number of patients that it will be able to treat?

3416 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

The Southern Area Health Service advises that statistics on the number of patients receiving treatment for cancer by each of the local government areas nominated are not collected. The Young Medical Oncology premises are not yet complete however the Oncology area is operational and is operating out of a ward. The service can treat 18 patients providing between 8 and 10 chemotherapy sessions a week. It is anticipated this new Oncology Department will officially open in the first half of 2005.

*2633 VOLUNTARY REDUNDANCIES—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

(1) How many “Expressions of Interest in a Voluntary Redundancy” letters were sent out to staff by the Southern Area Health Service’s Area Human Resources Manager? (2) How many staff have responded to these letters expressing an interest in a voluntary redundancy? (3) Following the deferral of the decision to finalise the numbers of redundancies to be offered until the impact of the boundary changes is known, when do you now anticipate that this decision will be made?

Answer—

(1) I am advised by Southern Area Health Service that all permanent staff were sent letters describing the provisions of the voluntary redundancy package. (2) A total of 172 staff expressed an interest in accepting a voluntary redundancy package. (3) The Southern Area Health Service is currently consulting with employee associations to progress voluntary redundancy offers for positions not directly affected by the recent Area Health Service boundary changes.

*2634 HARRINGTON AND COOPERNOOK ACCESS ROADS—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

(1) Is the Minister aware of significant community concerns about the RTA plans for the access roads to Harrington and Coopernook as part of the Pacific Highway upgrade? (2) Was a petition signed by over 800 local residents seeking major improvements to the current plan, including strong consideration for an overpass? (3) Did a community rally of over 350 local residents move a unanimous motion for the RTA to build an overpass between Harrington and Coopernook? (4) Did the Greater Taree City Council Mayor, Deputy Mayor and three Councillors attend the public rally (including the chair of the traffic committee) and did all express grave concern at the dangerous intersection proposed, as well as concern over the lack of consultation with Council about the design options? (5) Is the Minister aware that within the same area, nearly $500,000 has been spent by the RTA building a cattle underpass, yet the need for an overpass for over 3,000 local residents is being considered unnecessary? (6) Have local school-bus drivers threatened to resign if the current design is implemented, due to the dangers of entering and then exiting the Pacific Highway within 100 metres to get across from Harrington and Coopernook and back? (7) If an overpass has been considered, can the Minister give full reasons why it has not been agreed upon as the preferred option?

Answer—

(1) Yes.

3417 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(2) I understand residents from the area signed a petition seeking an improved design for the intersection. (3) I am advised that attendees at a recent rally in Harrington moved a motion to have the matter raised in Parliament. (4) I understand representatives of Greater Taree City Council attended the public meeting on 25 August 2004. However, Council has had considerable involvement in development of the Coopernook Bypass project including the development approval for the demolition of Lansdowne River Bridge. Council officers and elected representatives have participated in various project forums and have been briefed by members of the Roads and Traffic Authority’s (RTA) project team about the design options for the intersection. Council was also provided with a copy of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project for comment, which outlined the proposed staggered-T, at-grade intersection. I understand that Council raised no concerns when the RTA sought planning approval for the intersection design from Council. (5) The cattle underpass was constructed to provide for the safety of the 12,000 or more motorists travelling at 100km/h using the road daily, by eliminating the need for the dairy cows to cross the Highway twice daily. This potentially dangerous mixture has now been successfully removed. (6) The RTA is not aware of any such action by the local school bus drivers. (7) An overpass was considered during the development phase of the Coopernook Bypass project. However, it was concluded that a staggered-T, at-grade intersection will meet safety and traffic demand requirements well into the future. The site is located on a straight section of the new Highway with good sight lines to the north and south, which will help reduce the risk of accidents. The community may be assured that traffic conditions at the Harrington/Coopernook Roads intersection will be monitored closely to ensure that grade separation is provided, if and when needed.

*2635 NSW HEALTH DEPARTMENT REPORT—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Health—

(1) Are Jim Stewart and Alan McCarroll consultants appointed by the NSW Health department to report on concerns regarding total amputee care? (2) Was the Minister to release the report in June, which was then changed to July? (3) Has this report been completed? (4) If not, when is the anticipated completion date? (5) If completed, why has the report not been released?

Answer—

(1) to (5) I am advised that Jim Stewart Consulting was appointed in November 2003 to undertake a review of the NSW Artificial Limb Service and amputee care in the NSW public health system. The consultancy team comprised Dr Jim Stewart (PhD), Mr Alan McCarroll, Professor Ian Cameron (PhD) Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Sydney, and Dr Stephen Wilson, Director, Ambulatory Care in South Western Sydney Area Health Service. The review report was presented to the Department of Health in early July 2004. The timing of its completion reflected the extensive consultations and research undertaken by the consultants in the course of the review. The report was circulated to members of the NSW Prosthetic Advisory Committee. The report was discussed in detail at the most recent meeting of the Advisory Committee, which then provided advice to the Department in relation to each of the report recommendations. Work was also conducted at the meeting on formulating strategies to progress the key recommendations.

3418 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

*2636 TRUCK LIMITS—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

(1) Are B-double trailers set to increase in size? (2) What has been the maximum length limit for a truck using the Pacific Highway from Newcastle to the Queensland border in the years 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004? (3) What is the load limit for a truck using the Pacific Highway from Newcastle to the Queensland border in the years 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004?

Answer—

(1) In January 2004, the National Transport Commission (NTC) distributed a Length Limits for B- doubles Draft Regulatory Impact Statement to road authorities. The RTA has advised the NTC that the proposal does not adequately articulate the benefits that would accrue to the industry and the community by increasing the length limit to 26 metres and accordingly, the RTA is seeking independent expert advice in respect of the safety benefits to be gained from the proposed length increase and the prime mover characteristics necessary to give effect to safer B-doubles. (2) Year Length Route Comment 1999 - April 25 metres Newcastle to Bulahdelah 19 metres* Bulahdelah to Grafton General Access 25 metres Grafton to Broadwater 19 metres* Broadwater to Murwillumbah General Access 25 metres Murwillumbah to Tweed Heads 3 December 25 metres Doyalson Interchange at Doyalson to Oxley Highway junction near Port Macquarie 2000 As above 4 February 25 metres Doyalson Interchange at Doyalson to Ballina 2001 As above 23 March 19 metres* Mooball to Murwillumbah B-double access May 25 metres Newcastle to Ballina 19 metres* Ballina to Mullumbimby B-double access 19 metres* Mullumbimby to Mooball General access 19 metres* Mooball to Murwillumbah B-double access 25 metres Murwillumbah to Tweed Heads 2002 As above 5 August 25 metres Doyalson to Tweed Heads 2003 As above 2004 As above Note: * 19m B-double vehicles operate at 50 tonnes on general access routes and 55.5 tonnes on B-double routes. (3) Year Load limit Route Comment 1999 - April 62.5 tonnes Newcastle to Bulahdelah 50 tonnes* Bulahdelah to Grafton General access 62.5 tonnes Grafton to Broadwater 50 tonnes* Broadwater to Murwillumbah General access

3419 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Year Load limit Route Comment 62.5 tonnes Murwillumbah to Tweed Heads 3 December 62.5 tonnes Doyalson Interchange at Doyalson to Oxley Highway junction near Port Macquarie 2000 As above 4 February 62.5 tonnes Doyalson Interchange at Doyalson to Ballina 2001 As above 23 March 55.5 tonnes* Mooball to Murwillumbah B-double access May 62.5 tonnes* Newcastle to Ballina 55.5 tonnes* Ballina to Mullumbimby B-double access 50 tonnes* Mullumbimby to Mooball General access 55.5 tonnes* Mooball to Murwillumbah B-double access 62.5 tonnes Murwillumbah to Tweed Heads 2002 As above 5 August 62.5 tonnes Doyalson to Tweed Heads 2003 As above 2004 As above Note: * 19m B-double vehicles operate at 50 tonnes on general access routes and 55.5 tonnes on B-double routes.

*2637 REPLY TO CORRESPONDENCE—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice- President of the Executive Council—

When will the Treasurer reply to my letters concerning: (a) Mr Dave Paring of 24 March, 19 May, 1 July and 15 July 2004; (b) Mr Peter Groves of 16 April, 1 July and 16 July 2004; and (c) Mr H & Mrs D Beer of 2 June 2004, that I sent to the Premier who then forwarded it to you on 13 July 2004 with reference number AA04/07911-EDA?

Answer—

I have been advised that the listed matters have all been dealt with and replies have been issued.

*2638 REPLY TO CORRESPONDENCE—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health—

When will the Minister reply to my letters concerning: (a) Mrs Margaret Cox of 18 February, 15 June, 1 July and 15 July 2004 with reference number M04/1662; (b) Mrs Kerry Dean of 1 July 2004 and further letter of 4 August 2004 with reference number M04/4020; (c) Mrs Lindy McDonald and other constituents of 12 May, 7 June and 30 July 2004 with reference number M04/4149; (d) Mr Graham Godbolt of 29 June 2004; and (e) Greater Taree City Council of 8 June 2004 with reference number M04/4105?

Answer—

(a) to (e) I am advised that all replies have been posted.

3420 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

*2639 INTENSIVE TENANCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

(1) Does the Department of Housing have an Intensive Tenancy Management Office at Bushland Fair at Taree? (2) If so, when was this office opened? (3) If so, what is the role of the office? (4) If so, is the Minister or his department intending to close the office? (5) If so, why? (6) If so, when? (7) If so, has the Police Department been notified of the closure? (8) If so, when were they notified? (9) If so, what was their reaction to such advice?

Answer—

(1) Yes (2) November 2002 (3) To actively manage 316 public housing tenancies in the ‘estate’ areas known as Bushlands and Ruprecht Park, Taree. (4) The Department of Housing is not withdrawing from the estate. The Department is proposing to relocate services from the current shop front to a nearby community cottage on Ruprecht Park estate. (5) The Department funded an Intensive Tenancy Management project in Taree. This project was extended and is due for completion in December 2004. The Department will continue to have an on-site presence by providing a service from the community cottage. (6) From 31 December 2004 Department of Housing on-site services will be provided from the community cottage on Ruprecht Park estate. (7) All agencies will be notified of the change in location shortly. (8) See answer to (7) above. (9) The Department will take account of any comments made by the Police service and will continue its close association.

*2640 OPHTHALMOLOGY SERVICES—HORNSBY HOSPITAL—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—

(1) How many ophthalmology procedures were performed in Hornsby Hospital operating theatres on a monthly basis between June 2003 to June 2004, and what were the figures for each month? (2) Are there any plans to reduce, or totally remove, ophthalmology surgery at Hornsby Hospital?

Answer—

(1) I am advised that Hornsby Hospital undertook a total of 245 ophthalmological procedures between 1 July 2003 and 30 June 2004. The monthly break-down of procedures performed during this period is as follows: July 2003 24 January 2004 6 August 2003 20 February 2004 21 September 2003 38 March 2004 22 October 2003 23 April 2004 9 November 2003 23 May 2004 26 December 2003 13 June 2004 20 It should be noted that the number of procedures per month varies due to the four week operating theatre cycle and planned reductions over the Christmas, New Year and Easter Holiday periods.

3421 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(2) I am also advised that the Northern Sydney Area Health Service has established an ophthalmology working party to examine ways to improve ophthalmological services through increasing volume and efficiency of service delivery for the population in the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai area. The results of this review are expected by the middle of next year.

*2642 DEEP CREEK DAM—Mr Constance to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) What plans and contingencies has the Minister put in place should Deep Creek Dam in the Eurobodalla Shire become reaffected by blue green algae, as occurred at Christmas 2002? (2) What financial assistance will be given to the Shire given that it is now employing strategies to source water beyond the river system and single storage facility in the Eurobodalla?

Answer—

(1) Provision of water and sewerage services in New South Wales is the responsibility of individual councils and local water utilities. Therefore, Eurobodalla Shire Council is responsible for putting in place any plans and contingencies for the management of both the quantity and quality of water in its Deep Creek Dam. The implementation of rigorous best practice management for the operation and maintenance of the Eurobodalla Water Supply Scheme by Council can significantly improve quality and reliability, and reduce the need for expensive treatment. The department has been holding discussions with Eurobodalla Shire Council regarding its drought management plans. Council has identified emergency groundwater sources to supplement the surface water sources during the current drought. Meetings have been arranged with relevant departments to fast track any approvals necessary to develop these sources and the department is assisting Council in this regard. Council is considering treatment options for water extracted from the Deep Creek Dam to treat any water quality issues such as blue green algae or high turbidity. (2) Government funding of over $11 million has been provided to Eurobodalla Shire council from the Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program for such projects as provision of sewerage services to Moruya Heads and Turlinjah, upgrade of existing sewerage services at Batemans Bay, Moruya and Mogo and investigations for the upgrading of the Eurobodalla water supply system. Council has written to me seeking financial assistance towards the development of the alternate emergency water sources and emergency water treatment facilities. Council estimates these works will cost in the order of $1.2 million. I am waiting on advice from the department on the eligibility of these elements for emergency drought relief.

*2643 WATER RESTRICTIONS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) What plans has the Government got to introduce Stage 3 water restrictions? (2) What is the dam level that will trigger the introduction of Stage 3 water restrictions? (3) What restrictions are being considered? (4) Are water restrictions on indoor water use being considered?

Answer—

(1) As previously announced, the Government would review current Level 2 restrictions when dam levels reach 40 per cent of overall capacity.

3422 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(2) As in answer one. In addition, the introduction of restrictions of different levels may be modified due to the influence of factors such as high demand or dry weather. Should Level 3 restrictions be required, the public would be notified well before they come into force. (3) Refer to answer 1. (4) Refer to answer 1.

*2644 SYDNEY CATCHMENT AUTHORITY—Mr Hazzard to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

(1) How much water does Sydney Catchment Authority predict will be gained through accessing dead storage? (2) What percent of total water consumption is this estimated to equate to in 2004-05? (3) How much water does Sydney Catchment Authority estimate will be gained through pumping from the Shoalhaven? (4) What percent of total consumption is this estimated to equate to in 2004-05?

Answer—

On 13 April 2004, the Government announced two proposals to increase Sydney’s water supply. The investigation of these proposals continues and the outcomes will be announced as part of the Government’s proposed Metropolitan water strategy.

*2645 ENERGY CONSUMPTION—TRANSFER OF WATER—Mr Hazzard to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

(1) What was the total energy used in the transfer of water between Tallowa and Warragamba dams at any time for each year for the last five years? (2) What is the total energy forecast to be required if the Government proceeds with its proposal in transferring water between Tallowa and Warrgamba dams in: (a) 2 years (b) 5 years (c) 10 years (d) 20 years? (3) What is the total increase in water envisaged by the Government when transfers from Tallowa to Warragamba are effected?

Answer—

The total energy used in the transfer of water between Tallowa and Warragamba dams over the last five years was around 150 million kWh. Following recent amendments to the Sydney Water Catchment Management Act 1998, the Sydney Catchment Authority will be moving to ensure that the use of renewable energy is maximised. With respect to water transfers, the Honourable Member would be aware that the Government has announced two proposals to increase Sydney’s water supply. The investigation of these proposals continues and the outcomes will be announced as part of the Government’s proposed Metropolitan water strategy.

*2646 WATER FUNDING—Mr Hazzard to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

(1) How is the Government planning to fund the cost of the proposal to transfer water from Tallowa Dam to Warragamba Dam? (2) How is the Government planning to fund the cost of the proposal to access the dead storage of dams?

3423 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

On 13 April 2004, the Government announced two proposals to increase Sydney’s water supply. The investigation of these proposals continues and the outcomes will be announced as part of the Government’s proposed Metropolitan water strategy.

*2647 ENERGY REQUIREMENTS—TRANSFER OF WATER—Mr Hazzard to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

What assessments have been undertaken in regard to providing the increase in energy requirements for the proposed transfer of water from the Tallowa Dam to Warragamba Dam?

Answer—

On 13 April 2004, the Government announced two proposals to increase Sydney’s water supply. The investigation of these proposals continues and the outcomes will be announced as part of the Government’s proposed Metropolitan water strategy.

*2648 PACIFIC HIGHWAY—Mr Stoner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

In relation to the planned Kempsey to Eungai Pacific Highway upgrade: (1) Will the proposed route and design of the bypass to the east of Kempsey exacerbate flooding in the area to the west of the proposed highway? (2) What studies have been conducted into flooding impacts of the proposed route?

Answer—

As part of the preferred route selection process for the Kempsey to Eungai Pacific Highway upgrading project, ecological, geotechnical, flooding, groundwater/hydraulics, water quality, agricultural, economic and engineering studies have been undertaken. The studies indicated that the eastern route represents the best possible balance between social, ecological, engineering and cost factors, while continuing to provide for the future transport needs of local communities. Investigations have included two major flood studies, an independent peer review, five public workshops, consultation with landowners and a range of stakeholders including Kempsey Shire Council and relevant Government agencies, and three meetings with a Flood Discussion Group comprised of Council and community representatives. Further consultation with landowners will be undertaken once the highway design has been finalised and the actual level of any impact is known.

*2649 KEMPSEY CBD—Mr Stoner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

Given the recent spate of heavy vehicle accidents on the Pacific Highway in the CBD of Kempsey (Smith Street) following the removal of the roundabout at the entrance to the business district, will consideration now be given to lowering the speed limit and the installation of a speed camera, as sought by the local community?

Answer—

I am advised there has been one crash following the removal of the roundabout at the northern entrance of Kempsey, which occurred on 21 August 2004. Following discussions with Kempsey Council, the RTA will lower the speed limit on the Pacific Highway through Kempsey to 50 kpm.

3424 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

*2650 CHATSWOOD HIGH SCHOOL—Ms Berejiklian to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

In relation to Chatswood High School: (1) Why have you delayed progress on Stage 1 of the capital works project at the school by only providing half the funding required for the project this year? (2) Will you ensure that both the Stage 1 and Stage 2 upgrades will proceed and conclude in a timely manner?

Answer—

Stage 1 of the capital works project to upgrade facilities at Chatswood High School is approved and funding is available to enable construction works to commence in 2004/05. Subject to the local Development Application process, it is anticipated that construction of the new TAS Block will commence early next year. Funding for Stage 2 will be considered in the context of future capital works priorities.

*2651 LOCAL COURT STATISTICS—Mr Hartcher to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

How many convictions were there in 2003-04 for the Local Courts at Gosford, Woy Woy and Wyong for: (1) Drug offences (2) Car theft/Illegal use of motor vehicle (3) Assault (4) Break and enter dwelling house?

Answer—

The table below shows the number of persons proven guilty of assault, unlawful entry with intent/burglary, break and enter, motor vehicle theft and related offences and illicit drug offence in 2003 by the Gosford, Woy Woy and Wyong Local Courts. Court statistics for 2004 are not yet available. Table: Persons found guilty in Local Court appearances finalized, 2003: Offenders with matters finalized in selected Local Courts for selected offences Principal offence Unlawful entry with intent/burglary, Motor vehicle theft Illicit drug Local Court Assault break & enter and related offences offences Gosford 277 47 25 116 Woy Woy 43 2 0 16 Wyong 251 31 28 74

*2652 SPEED CAMERAS—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

(1) What is the income for 2003-04 from speed cameras at: (a) Terrigal Drive, Terrigal (b) Henry Parry Drive, Wyoming? (2) How many times and on what dates in 2003-04 were the following speed cameras out of service: (a) Terrigal Drive, Terrigal (b) Henry Parry Drive, Wyoming?

3425 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

(1) The income received for 2003-04 for: • Terrigal Drive, Terrigal was $402,258 • Henry Parry Drive, Wyoming was $521,584 (2) The Infringement Processing Bureau administers infringements on behalf of the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) but has no responsibility for the maintenance of speed cameras. This question should be directed to the RTA.

*2653 RYDE AND PITTWATER ROADS INTERSECTION—Mr Roberts to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

Can an investigation examine the possibility of installing a right-hand arrow at the traffic lights at the intersection of Ryde and Pittwater Roads for motorists travelling in a northerly direction along Pittwater Road turning right into Ryde Road, Gladesville?

Answer—

The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) undertook an investigation of conditions for motorists at this site which revealed that: • On-site observations indicate that the right turn movement into Ryde Road, for motorists travelling in a northerly direction on Pittwater Road, Gladesville can be negotiated safely provided care and caution is exercised by motorists. • Traffic counts have indicated that there was not a substantial volume of northbound traffic making a right turn movement from Pittwater Road onto Ryde Road during morning and afternoon peak periods. • An analysis of the site’s accident history does not reveal an accident trend with this movement. • the provision of an additional phase to these traffic signals would have an overall detrimental impact on the operation of the signals, as it would reduce the green time available to other major movements and increase delays to the majority of road users at this location. In view of the above, there is no current proposal to introduce a right turn phase for northbound traffic turning right from Pittwater Road onto Ryde Road.

*2654 CODE BLACK—Mr Roberts to Minister for Health—

What is the definition of “Code Black”, a term in high usage throughout the hospital system?

Answer—

The State’s public hospital emergency departments are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. At no time does any emergency department “close its doors” or stop any patient from entering the department. Under the Emergency Department Network Access System, there is no such definition as “Code Black”. The term “Code Black” is a part of the Health Incident Reporting Information Management System, used to communicate status of facilities and their ability to provide services during and after major events or disasters. There are six status levels under the Health Incident Reporting Information Management System with status level six or “black” being the most severe. I am advised by the NSW Department of Health that the last recorded time that status level six or “black” was utilised was by Newcastle Hospital during the 1989 earthquake.

*2655 CODE RED—Mr Roberts to Minister for Health—

How many times has the Royal North Shore Hospital gone on “Code Red” since 1 January 2004?

3426 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

“Code Red” is a term used in metropolitan Sydney under NSW Health’s Emergency Department Access System (EDNA) to indicate that a Hospital Emergency Department is at its busiest. The occasions that Royal North Shore Hospital was on “Code Red” between 1 January to 13 September 2004 varied from periods of 5 minutes to multiple hours. “Code Red” status does not mean an emergency department is closed. An Emergency Department on “Code Red” will continue to accept patients presenting directly to the Emergency Department and patients being transported by ambulance. If a patient requires immediate or urgent medical attention they are taken to the nearest Emergency Department appropriate for their condition. However, ambulances transporting lower triage category patients (the less seriously ill) may be diverted to a less busy Emergency Department nearby. The EDNA system minimises waiting time for patients and allows for emergency department workload to be more evenly shared across the Sydney Metropolitan area with ambulances transporting less urgent cases being referred to the least busy hospital nearby.

*2656 HIGHWAY PATROL—Mr Kerr to Minister for Police—

How many Highway Patrol vehicles are allocated to each of the Miranda Local Area Command and Sutherland Local Area Command?

Answer—

NSW Police has advised me: Vehicles are allocated at a regional level according to operational requirements.

*2657 CODE RED—Mr Kerr to Minister for Health—

How many times has Sutherland Hospital gone on “Code Red” since 1 January 2004?

Answer—

“Code Red” is a term used in metropolitan Sydney under NSW Health’s Emergency Department Access System (EDNA) to indicate that a Hospital Emergency Department is at its busiest. The occasions that Sutherland Hospital was on “Code Red” between 1 January to 31 August 2004 varied from periods of 5 minutes to multiple hours. “Code Red” status does not mean an emergency department is closed. An Emergency Department on “Code Red” will continue to accept patients presenting directly to the Emergency Department and patients being transported by ambulance. If a patient requires immediate or urgent medical attention they are taken to the nearest Emergency Department appropriate for their condition. However, ambulances transporting lower triage category patients (the less seriously ill) may be diverted to a less busy Emergency Department nearby. The EDNA system minimises waiting time for patients and allows for emergency department workload to be more evenly shared across the Sydney Metropolitan area with ambulances transporting less urgent cases being referred to the least busy hospital nearby.

*2658 TRAFFIC LIGHTS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

What is the estimated cost of the proposed new traffic lights at the intersection of President Avenue and Sylvania Road, Gymea?

3427 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

The Roads and Traffic Authority is currently undertaking detailed traffic signal design work for the site in question.

*2659 POLICE VEHICLES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

In relation to police vehicles: (1) Further to your answer to Question 2498, how many vehicles are fitted with side impact airbags and for those vehicles not fitted with side impact airbags what plans if any are in place to retrofit the airbags? (2) Given the large percentage of police vehicles without side impact airbags, what assurances have been given to the NSW Police Association in relation to officer safety and plans to retrofit the airbags?

Answer—

(1) and (2) I refer the Honourable Member to my previous answer to Question on Notice No. 2498 in the Legislative Assembly Question and Answer Paper.

*2660 DIRECTOR GENERAL'S CONTRACT—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

What are the terms and conditions of the employment contract of the Director General of the Ministry for Police, including: (a) commencement and expiration date of the current contract? (b) details of the requirements for performance reviews? (c) details of remuneration, allowances and benefits? (d) key responsibilities? (e) have there been changes to these key responsibilities since the appointment of Jane Fitzgerald as Deputy Director General?

Answer—

The Ministry for Police has advised me: (a) A five-year term from 19 March 2002. (b) In accordance with the Public Sector Management and Employment Act and relevant Government guidelines. (c) Remuneration is at SES Level 6, paid in accordance with relevant Government guidelines. (d) Responsible for the management of the Ministry for Police and the provision of advice and support to the Minister on law enforcement policy, as specified in the Ministry's Annual Report. (e) No.

*2661 ACCIDENT/INCIDENT NOTIFICATION—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

In relation to Accident/Incident Notification (P454 Form): (1) How many Accident/Incident Notification forms were submitted by police and staff in 2002, 2003 and to date in 2004 for each Local Area Command (LAC)? (2) How many Accident/Incident Notification forms submitted by police in 2002, 2003 and to date in 2004 for each LAC were for assaults against police officers? (3) Are statistics on Accident/Incident Notification reviewed by: (a) Regional Commanders; (b) Deputy Commissioners Madden and Scipione; and/or (c) Commissioner Moroney?

3428 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

NSW Police has advised me: (1) 12,735. (2) 2,874. (3) Yes.

*2662 BERANGHI CO-OPERATIVE—Mr Stoner to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

When will you respond to my representations on behalf of the Beranghi Co-operative (your ref: AA04/04106 – IGRRB), as acknowledged in your Director General’s letter dated 25 March 2004?

Answer—

This matter involves problems with access arrangements to the Beranghi Co-operative land which is in the Kempsey local government area. Access arrangements to this land are complex and have a long history. Department of Local Government staff have had, and are continuing to have, discussions with Kempsey Shire Council. The Minister for Local Government wrote to Mr Stoner on 10 September 2004 advising that the Department is examining the matter. The Department is actively pursuing this matter and the Minister for Local Government has advised me that he expects to write again to Mr Stoner on this matter in the near future.

*2663 CT SCANNER—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—

When will the CT scanner at Hornsby Hospital be upgraded?

Answer—

I am advised that over the next 12 months the equipment requirements for all of the Medical Imaging Service sites will be assessed within the context of the Northern Sydney Central Coast Area’s Clinical Strategy and overall priorities.

*2664 VINNIES—Mr Piccoli to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

(1) Were 52 families turned away from the Vinnies Emergency Accommodation Program in Deniliquin in 2002-03 with the most frequent reason being “insufficient support staff and/or accommodation options”? (2) Why does Vinnies Emergency Accommodation receive only approximately 20% of the funding that is provided to like services which address the same target group in other areas across NSW? (3) Will the State Government raise its level of funding to services in the Orana Far West region from $120,000 to $250,000 per annum to bring them into line with current funding trends as recommended by NCOSS in their social justice statement of 2003-04?

Answer—

(1) The quoted statistics for unmet demand for Vinnies Emergency Accommodation Service cannot be verified, as the data collection system (managed by the Australian Institue of Health and Welfare) does not provide unmet demand statistics at an individual service level. The issue of unmet demand was addressed in the 2004 National Evaluation of Supported Accommodation Assistance Program IV and flagged as an issue to be considered in developing future Supported Accommodation Assistance Program Agreements between the Commonwealth

3429 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

and all States and Territories. NSW has recently commenced negotiations with the Commonwealth and other State/Territory governments for a new Supported Accommodation Assistance Program five-year agreement for the period 2005 – 2010. (2) Vinnies Emergency Accommodation Service is not a project that was historically funded as a separate shelter in its own right. It was formed when the former Ozanam Shelter, which provided accommodation for men and/or women with children, used part of its funding to create a unit for women. The funding levels are different, as residential services such as Ozanam House, which operate on a seven day a week basis have traditionally been funded at higher levels because of the on-costs arising from maintaining staff on overnight shifts and maintenance costs associated with a residence. (3) Funding for the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program is jointly provided by both the Commonwealth and NSW Governments with the level of funding determined through the 5 year Bi-lateral Agreement. Growth funds allocated to the current Supported Accommodation Assistance Program IV Agreement have been fully expended on service provision by more than 400 projects across NSW. Therefore there is no capacity within the financial constraints of this current Supported Accommodation Assistance Program IV Agreement, to consider additional funding to these services in the Orana Far West at this time. Should additional growth funds be allocated to the new Supported Accommodation Assistance Program V Agreement, then these will be allocated through a planning process and the development of Regional priorities.

*2665 GLOBAL SCHOOL BUDGETS—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

What are the details of the global budgets for each government school in the Hawkesbury electorate for the 2003-04 and 2004-05 years?

Answer—

All schools have received their global budgets which allow greater flexibility at the local level.

*2666 MILK PROMOTION—Mr Amery to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—

(1) Since the deregulation of the dairy industry has responsibility for the generic promotion of milk transferred to the dairy industry? (2) What programs have been put in place by the dairy industry to promote the consumption of milk as part of a healthy diet? (3) What has been the trend in milk consumption in the community since the deregulation of the industry?

Answer—

(1) and (2) Individual milk processors are now responsible for the promotion and marketing of milk through branding of their range of milk products. Liquid milk products are promoted with health benefits as a component of advertising by milk processors. One of the roles of Dairy Australia is to promote the health and nutritional benefits of dairy products including milk. This promotion activity communicates to consumers and health professionals the important role of dairy foods in the diet. Dairy Australia undertakes a range of activities including marketing of dairy products to Australian consumers and export customers. (3) Drinking milk sales have increased slightly by 1.7% since the deregulation of the milk industry in July 2000. Total Australian sales of milk for the year ending June 2000 was 1.93 billion litres, 2001 – 1.92 billion litres, 2002 – 1.91 billion litres, a rise to 1.924 billion litres in 2003 and 1.963 billion litres in 2004. In 2003/04 per capita consumption increased for the first time in ten years to 98.1 litres per head. The estimated value of milk sales increased by 3.1% to $2.180 billion. While

3430 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

changes in consumption patterns have shown a slight increase, sales figures show that low fat, reduced fat and flavoured milk sales have increased, while regular milk and UHT milks have declined.

*2667 SPEED CAMERAS—Mr Amery to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

(1) What is the total amount raised from fixed radar cameras (for speeding offences) in the Blacktown Local Government areas for the years: (a) 2001-02? (b) 2002-03? (2) What is the total amount raised from mobile radar cameras (for speeding offences) in the Blacktown Local Government areas for the above two mentioned periods?

Answer—

I have been advised that: There are no fixed speed cameras in the Blacktown Local Government Area. The total amount raised from mobile radar cameras in the Blacktown LGA is: Financial Year Value of fines paid 2002/03 $76,407 2001/02 $61,675

*2668 COUNTRY RAIL PATRONAGE—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

(1) Has there been a fall of 27% patronage on the country rail network in recent months? (2) Have you been asked to review timetables and services at country stations such as Cootamundra in order to improve patronage on country rail lines? (3) If so, what have you done and what initiatives are you implementing to lift the number of fare paying passengers on country services?

Answer—

I am advised: CountryLink advise the 27% figure relates to the decline in patronage on the Sydney to Melbourne route over the period 1999 to 2003. There has been a decline in patronage on CountryLink capital city journeys, such as Sydney to Melbourne and Sydney to Brisbane, due to extremely strong competition from low price airlines. For example a $39 JetStar fare from Sydney to Brisbane is attractive to people who are able to schedule their travel around its availability. The NSW Government is committed to retaining the current CountryLink routes and ensuring the long term sustainability of CountryLink services. The final report of the Parry Inquiry into Sustainable Public Transport showed the administration of CountryLink needs to be improved in order to maintain services. The CountryLink reservations system costs $30 million a year but only generates $43 million in revenue. Changes being considered by CountryLink include: • Ensuring tickets can be sold on the internet; • Relocating city-based booking and sales positions to country and regional centres;

3431 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

• Reviewing timetables and frequencies to ensure they best meet the needs of country commuters; and • Reviewing discount rules, concessions and fares. The community has told the CountryLink Solutions Teams, established last year by the Government they are willing to accept change in order to retain services. The review into the business operations of CountryLink is nearing completion and details will be released in the near future.

*2669 COUNTRY RAIL PASSENGERS—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

What is the percentage of the total passengers carried on country rail services that: (a) pay full fare; (b) pay part fare; (c) are free passengers?

Answer—

I am advised: The following information was previously provided on the Legislative Assembly Questions and Answers paper at question number 2096: The number of tickets issued, including concessions for the years 2000 through 2004 are: 2004 to 2000 2001 2002 2003 April 30 40-50% Discount 1,144,050 1,073,046 1,048,153 913,735 279,889 Free or $2.20 Pensioner Excursion Ticket 804,987 870,134 843,274 830,271 267,128 Full Adult Fare 316,654 289,829 327,665 326,766 101,328 TOTAL 2,265,691 2,233,009 2,219,092 2,070,772 648,345

*2670 CASE MANAGEMENT—Ms Moore to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

What action has the Government taken to provide case management for tenants with high support needs through “multi-agency specialist response teams”, as promised in the debate on the Residential Tenancies Amendment (Public Housing) Bill?

Answer—

The Department of Housing is currently working with human services agencies to develop an appropriate framework on which to base the services and support provided by Specialist Response Teams. It is expected that the pilot of Specialist Response Teams, to take place in two locations (one rural and one metropolitan), will commence later in 2004.

*2671 OCEAN STREET—Ms Moore to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

(1) What are the revised figures for predicted traffic flows on Ocean Street as a result of the Cross City Tunnel, after reports that the estimated 25,490 vehicles per day in the EIS is wrong? (2) What action will the Government take to reduce traffic, given that a requirement of consent condition 61 is to implement traffic management measures for roads and streets where traffic monitoring reasonably exceeds predictions? (3) Will the Government develop a Local Area Traffic Management Plan in order to reduce the traffic flows on Ocean Street?

3432 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

(1) The revised forecasts for average daily traffic on Ocean Street with the opening of the Cross City Tunnel (CCT) are 31,930 (in 2006) and 33,800 (in 2016). These figures were released in a summary paper: “Cross City Tunnel Local Area Traffic Management Measures for Paddington – Summary of Traffic Assessments” in April 2004. (2) Consent Condition 61 requires the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) to monitor traffic changes for representative periods at 1 and 3 years after the opening of the CCT on designated regional and local roads/streets. The Condition states that should monitoring indicate traffic intrusion on these roads/streets reasonably beyond that predicted in the Supplementary Representations Report as a result of operation of the tunnel, the RTA shall prepare and implement traffic management measures to mitigate the impact of intrusive traffic in the affected areas following consultation and agreement with the relevant Council(s) and consultation with the local communities. Accordingly, the decision as to whether traffic management measures are required cannot be made until the tunnel commences operation, monitoring is undertaken and the level of intrusive traffic attributable to the operation of the Cross City Tunnel assessed. (3) The RTA will implement traffic management measures on Ocean Street as a result of operation of the Cross City Tunnel if it is found necessary by the process outlined in Condition of Approval No. 61. Forecasts indicate that traffic volumes in Ocean Street would revert to the levels seen before the opening of the Eastern Distributor and that Ocean Street has the capacity to accommodate the levels of traffic anticipated.

*2672 METHADONE PROGRAM—Ms Moore to Minister for Health—

What is the comparable cost of providing access to methadone programs for people with chronic drug problems in relation to the cumulative costs of: crime, anti-social behaviour, health services, welfare programs, prison and detention, community distress and lost amenity, and should those chronically- addicted people be left to theft and the black market to support their drug addictions?

Answer—

The 1999 Drug Summit allocated $50.734 million over four years to pharmacotherapy services in NSW and a further $59.620 million for the 2003-07 period. As a result 4,000 extra places in methadone treatment are able to be offered across NSW. I am advised that methadone is currently used by 85% of pharmacotherapy patients in NSW and is the best researched of all treatments for heroin addiction. Recent research by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (“The Effectiveness of Methadone Maintenance Treatment in Controlling Crime: an Aggregate-Level Analysis”, March 2004) found that, “for every 100 persons in methadone for one year, NSW gets 12 fewer robberies, 57 fewer break and enters and 56 fewer motor vehicle thefts”. A reduction in “offending rates was found for all age groups and both men and women but the reduction was much more substantial for young women”. Other studies indicate that methadone treatment reduces acquisitive crime by a factor of three or four. (Bell, J., et al. 1997. Methadone maintenance and drug-related crime. Report on NEPOD project. 2001). Further benefits that have been demonstrated include improvements in patient’s coexisting mental health conditions, reductions in opiate and other drug use and reductions in the sexual risk-taking behaviours that predispose to sexually transmissible diseases, including HIV/AIDS. One of the most important effects of methadone on the spread of HIV is attributable to the associated decrease in injecting behaviour. A 2003 report, “What’s the Deal? The Cost of Heroin Use in Victoria”, estimated the annual cost to society of an individual in methadone treatment to be $24,255, or over $5,000 less than the equivalent cost of an active heroin user not in treatment ($29,808) and over $22,000 cheaper than incarceration ($46,400). These costs are the sum of all resources used by the drug user (health care, crime, social security payments etc).

3433 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

*2673 DARLINGHURST MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE—Ms Moore to Minister for Health—

(1) How many staffing positions remain vacant at the Darlinghurst Community Mental Health service? (2) What staffing positions have not been filled? (3) Are there sufficient funds to enable the full staffing complement to be employed? (4) How many clients are waiting to be allocated a Case Manager at Darlinghurst Community Mental Health service? (5) Why are the Mobile Outreach Team staff required to cover day staff intake shifts at Darlinghurst Community Mental Health service? (6) When can the community expect to see the mental health service enhancements that were announced in the Government’s recent Mini Budget?

Answer—

(1) 1.5 Full Time Equivalent positions. (2) South Eastern Area Health Service advises that recruitment has commenced to fill a vacant 0.5 FTE Locum Case Management Position (RN) at Darlinghurst Community Mental Health Service. I am also advised that recruitment is soon to commence, pending appropriate approval, for a vacant 1.0 FTE Aboriginal Mental Health Worker. Planning is underway to link this position with the existing Aboriginal Liaison Officer employed at St Vincent’s Hospital. (3) Yes. (4) There were 25 clients waiting to be allocated a Case Manager at the end of August 20904. A new position has recently commenced to accelerate the assessment of new clients. In addition, an evaluation of the current assessment procedures is being undertaken in order to develop a more effective system for case management and to reduce waiting times. (5) The Crisis Team/Mobile Outreach Team and Intake team shifts are filled from a pool of staff that covers both teams. (6) Clients, carers and families across NSW will benefit from enhancement funding of $241 million for mental health services over the next four years.

14 SEPTEMBER 2004

(Paper No. 91)

*2674 FIXED SPEED CAMERAS—Mr Page to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

(1) How many motorists were photographed by fixed speed cameras in New South Wales in 2003 and 2002? (2) How many motorists were fined by fixed speed cameras in New South Wales in 2003 and 2002? (3) How much revenue is collected by State Government from general traffic/vehicle infringements?

Answer—

I have been advised that: (1) The number of motorists photographed by fixed speed cameras for possible offences was 499,443 in 2003. This represents a reduction of 23% on the number of motorists photographed by fixed speed cameras for possible offences in 2002. The Government believes that the marked reduction in the number of speed offences being detected by fixed speed cameras has been sustained, demonstrating much improved compliance with posted speed limits.

3434 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(2) The number of motorists fined by infringements issued by fixed speed cameras was 347,724 in 2003. This represents a reduction of 20% on the number of motorists fined for infringements issued by fixed speed cameras in 2002. The Government believes that fixed speed cameras are an effective road safety initiative, with dramatic reductions of 20% in the number of injury crashes in the vicinity of camera sites. (3) Information regarding the amount of Crown revenue collected by the State Government from general traffic/parking infringements is available in the NSW Budget Papers.

*2675 FIXED SPEED CAMERAS—Mr Page to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

(1) How much does it cost to install a fixed speed camera in New South Wales? (2) What are the necessary requirements needed to justify the installation of a fixed speed camera in New South Wales?

Answer—

(1) The cost of installation of fixed cameras varies from site to site, and is dependent on various local factors including the availability of utilities and the condition of the road. (2) All fixed digital speed cameras sites are selected according to a strict set of criteria. These criteria are based on fatal and injury crash rates, as well as vehicle travelling speeds. This ensures that cameras are installed on 'black-lengths' (lengths of road with a high crash rate) and a demonstrated speeding problem. Further information concerning site selection criteria is available on the RTA’s website www.rta.nsw.gov.au. In addition, fixed speed cameras have been automatically introduced in tunnel environments, as it is difficult to police speed limits using conventional methods and tunnels also present access difficulties for ambulance and emergency vehicles in the event of a crash. Schools participating in the School Zone Speed Camera Trial were selected according to special criteria concerning the risks young pedestrians are exposed to, including a combination of high traffic volumes, the level of pedestrian access and crash history.

*2676 PUBLIC HOUSING—HAWKESBURY ELECTORATE—Mr Pringle to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

What are the total number of public housing dwellings available on a suburb-by-suburb basis in the electorate of Hawkesbury and the suburb of Richmond?

Answer—

North Richmond 96 Richmond 2 South Windsor 23 Windsor 244 TOTAL 365

*2677 BICYCLE POLICE PATROLS—Mr Pringle to Minister for Police—

For each of the Baulkham Hills, Hawkesbury and Hornsby Local Area Commands: (1) How many personnel are trained to carry out bicycle-based police duties? (2) How many bikes are currently serviceable and available for use? (3) How many uniforms and items of ancillary equipment are available to enable patrols to be undertaken?

3435 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

(1) to (3) On 11 October 2004 I made a detailed statement about bicycle police as follows: “Minister for Police John Watkins said today more than 100 new police bikes were being rolled out to local area commands across the state. NSW Police has taken delivery of the custom-made mountain bikes, further enhancing the largest police cycle squad in the southern hemisphere. “The NSW Government is well on track to meet its election commitment to double the number of bicycles provided to our police,” Mr Watkins said. “The number of custom-made Police bicycles has now grown from 300 to 406 - part of the $1.52 million plan to further increase high visibility patrols across NSW,” he said. Announcing the latest deployments at Cabramatta – the site of one of the first, and most successful, high-visibility cycle squads – the Minister said the funding also delivered new uniforms and equipment. “This includes specially-designed ventilated jackets, shorts and even hydration packs,” Mr Watkins said. “The white bikes are also fitted with flashing lights and sirens - and have spotlights allowing officers to patrol safely at night. “It all means more of the popular, speedy, frontline response that our bike units have provided – meaning extra accessibility to densely populated areas of our 80 Local Area Commands.” Mr Watkins said the new bikes will be rolled out to the following LACs: • Blacktown • Bankstown • Brisbane Waters • Burwood • Cabramatta • City Central • Campbelltown • Eastern Beaches • Fairfield • Holroyd • Hornsby • Green Valley • Leichhardt • Marrickville • Miranda • Mt Druitt • Northern Beaches • Penrith • Redfern • Rosehill • St George • St Marys • Surry Hills • The Rocks • Tuggerah Lakes • Tweed Heads • Wollongong “The new police bikes will be ridden by experienced officers who have graduated from a comprehensive training course at Goulburn College. “There are now an additional 21 bicycle patrol instructors in the force, who completed their course at the College earlier this month. “Several hundred more officers will pass through the training course this year,” he said.

3436 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

“These police will often be first on the scene of a crime or accident, as they are often more versatile than foot or car patrols – and will patrol pedestrian malls, shopping centres and transit hubs to provide easy public access to our officers.” Member for Cabramatta Reba Meagher said her electorate’s thriving CBD had benefited from the introduction of bicycle policing, after the first official program began during the Sydney Olympics. “In their first six months of operation here in Cabramatta, bike police laid almost 300 charges, attended 900 incidents and filed hundreds of information reports.” “Not only do members of the public find bike police approachable and their presence reassuring – but when required these officers can move with both speed and stealth to effect an arrest. “And bike police tell me they enjoy the additional fitness emphasis that these patrols provide,” she said. “I welcome Cabramatta’s extra allocation of police bikes, and I’m sure cities and towns across NSW will look forward to the delivery of this latest equipment enhancement for local police.”

*2678 REDUCTION OF SUBSIDIES—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Has the Minister reduced subsidies on Country Town Sewerage and Water Schemes including Regional Schemes from 50 per cent to 20 per cent? (2) If so, what impact will this decision have on future water augmentation and sewerage management schemes? (3) What will be the financial impost on local government and ratepayers? (4) Will many shire councils across the State not be in a financial position to meet the 80 per cent cost burden of a scheme? (5) Will health standards be compromised by any blowout in the delay in implementing water and sewerage schemes as a result of the reduction in subsidies? (6) Will the reduction in subsidies delay the Bribbaree water augmentation scheme in the Lachlan electorate? (7) What is the waiting time on the backlog of current water and sewerage schemes? (8) Will the cutback in subsidies extend the waiting time of schemes? (9) If so, by how many years?

Answer—

(1) Following a comprehensive review of the Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program earlier this year, the Government has made some amendments to the Program to streamline the management, focus assistance in areas of most need and keep the Program on a sustainable footing to ensure it continues to deliver good outcomes for regional New South Wales. In focusing the assistance in areas of most need the Government was mindful that local water utilities with a large number of ratepayers were better able to accommodate the cost of water and sewerage services across their larger rate base than were utilities with a smaller number of rate payers. 77% of Program funding to date has been directed to the larger water utilities, those utilities with a combined water and sewerage turnover greater than $10 million per annum (or $5 million for water only or sewerage only). There is no point continuing to give millions of dollars to water utilities that have large annual budgets that enable them to do the work anyway. The little schemes were missing out. That is why the Government moved to revise the Program conditions. The level of financial assistance has now been set at 20% of the backlog component of any scheme in a large water utility, except for projects listed on the Small Towns and Sewerage Program which will continue to be funded at the maximum subsidy of 50%. The majority of utilities have a turnover less than $10 million per annum and will continue to receive financial assistance at the level of 50% for the backlog component of capital works.

3437 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

The Government has ensured that utilities are not disadvantaged by local government amalgamations that lead to increased efficiency and a reduction in costs to local rate payers for the provision of local government services. As a result, any project that was in a utility with a turnover less than $10 million per annum prior to an amalgamation will continue to receive 50% funding for the backlog component of the work. For those utilities that have already amalgamated, this concession will apply until 1 July 2007. For the remainder of the utilities this concession will apply for a period of 3 years from the date of amalgamation. In coming to this decision the Government was mindful that 77% of all funds approved since 1994 have been to these larger utilities whilst only 23% has been directed to the smaller utilities. (2) The changes should have a moderate impact on larger utilities as they have a large rate base to fund any works. Furthermore these larger utilities also tend to have higher rates of growth, thus continually expanding their rate base. The changes should have a positive impact on smaller utilities as it frees up a larger proportion of the Program funds to be directed to the smaller utilities, many of whom have low growth rates. (3) It is a matter for each individual utility to determine how it will fund any additional costs associated with specific projects. (4) Only larger water utilities with a combined water supply and sewerage turnover in excess of $10 million per annum (or $5 million for water only or sewerage only) will be required to fund 80% of the backlog component of a scheme. 28 of the 106 local water utilities in NSW are in this category. (5) Projects have been prioritised based on public health, environmental and security of supply issues. Projects that are ranked highly in the prioritisation list will be funded this financial year and health standards will not be compromised as these projects will be able to proceed apace. Each year the remaining projects will be reassessed against this criteria and those that receive a high ranking will be funded accordingly. (6) Subsidy of $15,585.82 has been provided to Young Shire Council for water cartage for Bribbaree. Approval of $16,500 (being 50% of $33,000) has also been provided for emergency storage tanks at Bribbaree (for the carted water) and for the enlargement of the storage to improve water supply security. (7) Since the lifting of the moratorium projects with a high priority ranking will receive access to Program funds this financial year provided the local water utility has completed all pre-construction activities and provided all relevant data to the Department to enable it to determine the appropriate level of financial assistance. (8) and (9) Projects with a high priority ranking will be allocated funds this financial year. The waiting time for these schemes will not be impacted by the changes in the Program rules.

*2679 TOURISM FUNDING—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Tourism and Sport and Recreation, and Minister for Women—

What funding has been spent on tourism in the years 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 in the shires of: (a) Cootamundra; (b) Coolamon; (c) Temora; (d) Junee; (e) Harden; (f) Weddin; (g) Forbes; (h) Lachlan; (i) Bland; (j) Young?

Answer—

Tourism New South Wales promotes regional tourism through expenditure on state wide marketing and communications including the Touring by Car, Drive NSW and Short Breaks campaigns, as well as

3438 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

through destination development programs, the regional flagship events program and by supporting Regional Tourism Organisations across regional New South Wales. The above shires are contained within the Regional Tourism Organisations (RTO) regions of the Riverina RTO, Central NSW RTO and Capital Country RTO. Between 2000 and 2003 more than $24 million was expended on regional tourism. This included $1,435,000 to the Riverina, Central NSW and Capital RTOs.

*2680 AGRICULTURAL VACANCIES—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—

(1) At 30 March 2004 how many Department of Agriculture positions existed in the following towns: (a) Cootamundra; (b) Coolamon; (c) Temora; (d) Junee; (e) Harden; (f) Grenfell; (g) Forbes; (h) Condobolin; (i) Lake Cargelligo; (j) West Wyalong; (k) Young? (2) At 30 March 2004 how many Department of Agriculture positions were filled in the following towns: (a) Cootamundra; (b) Coolamon; (c) Temora; (d) Junee; (e) Harden; (f) Grenfell; (g) Forbes; (h) Condobolin; (i) Lake Cargelligo; (j) West Wyalong; (k) Young? (3) At 1 July 2004 how many positions will be available in the Department of Primary Industries in the following towns: (a) Cootamundra; (b) Coolamon; (c) Temora; (d) Junee; (e) Harden; (f) Grenfell; (g) Forbes; (h) Condobolin; (i) Lake Cargelligo; (j) West Wyalong; (k) Young?

Answer—

(1) (a) Cootamundra 3 (b) Coolamon 0

3439 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(c) Temora 18 (d) Junee 0 (e) Harden 0 (f) Grenfell 0 (g) Forbes 9 (h) Condolbolin 26 (i) Lake Cargelligo 0 (j) West Wyalong 4 (k) Young 9 (2) (a) Cootamundra 3 (b) Coolamon 0 (c) Temora 18 (d) Junee 0 (e) Harden 0 (f) Grenfell 0 (g) Forbes 9 (h) Condobolin 26 (i) Lake Cargelligo 0 (j) West Wyalong 4 (k) Young 9 (3) (a) Cootamundra 3 (b) Coolamon 0 (c) Temora 15 – as 3 casual farm assistants have completed their projects (d) Junee 0 (e) Harden 0 (f) Grenfell 0 (g) Forbes 9 (h) Condobolin 24 - as 2 technical assistants have now completed their projects (i) Lake Cargelligo 0 (j) West Wyalong 4 (k) Young 10, includes temporary position which has been created to assist with the crop evaluation.

*2681 FIREARMS OFFENCES—Mr Piccoli to Minister for Police—

Given that police information systems are not able to reveal how many registered firearms have been used in firearms related offences since 1996, how can the Minister assess whether the regulation of firearms and the banning of certain other firearms is having any effect on crime rates in New South Wales?

Answer—

The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) provides an independent assessment of recorded criminal incidents in NSW. I suggest the Honourable Member’s question is more appropriately addressed to the Attorney General, within whose portfolio the Bureau resides.

*2682 TICK INFESTATIONS—Mr George to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—

Of the 6,000 properties under quarantine from 1982 to 1996, how many properties were infested with ticks in 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and in 1996?

3440 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

As indicated in answer to Question on Notice 2460 the number of infested properties in each of the years is as below: 1982 32 1983 25 1984 10 1985 5 1986 33 1987 11 1988 5 1989 6 1990 2 1991 29 1992 9 1993 22 1994 3 1995 12 1996 13 Total: 217

*2683 FORESTS NSW—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—

In the event of the sale of Forests NSW, which Government department or agency will become responsible for maintenance of roads such as the Tumut to Brindabella Road, the maintenance of part of which is currently the responsibility of Forests NSW?

Answer—

The Government has initiated a scoping study and review of State-owned forestry plantation assets. The review is looking at ways of maximising the benefits of the State’s investment in this business and advising on a range of options to improve industry sustainability including increased private sector participation. The Government has made no decision to sell any of the State’s forestry assets, nor does it have any pre-determined view as to what the outcome of the review will be. The important issues of road ownership and responsibility for maintenance are included in the review and will be carefully considered by the Government. Recent consultations and meetings between the Government and local council, union and industry representatives have further assisted the Government to understand the range of regional and local community concerns.

*2684 BUILDERS LICENCE APPLICATIONS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

(1) What is the median time taken by the Office of Fair Trading to process an application for a NSW Building Licence? (2) As Mr M. Moon of Snowy Mountains Highway, Mt Adrah applied for a builder’s licence on 5 May 2004, why did he have to wait until 4 August 2004 and make four unreturned phone inquiries before he was informed that his application was rejected? (3) Why has Mr Moon still not received advice promised by Mr Kaiser, a Senior Processing Officer from the Office of Fair Trading, on 4 August 2004 as to what qualifications he needs to obtain a NSW Builders Licence? (4) Why has the Office of Fair Trading not responded, by letter, to any of Mr Moon’s requests?

3441 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

Fair Trading processed 112,612 new and renewal building licence applications in 2003-04 financial year. 84% of building licence transactions relate to an application to renew a licence which are processed within 24 hours. I am advised that Mr Moon applied for a licence in the categories covering carport and garage building, structural landscaping, fencing and minor building maintenance. Mr Moon only provided the required trade references only in relation to fencing and did not meet the licensing requirements for the other trades. I am advised that Mr Moon was notified of the shortfalls in his application by letter dated 31 July 2004. On 4 August Mr Moon advised Fair Trading that he only sought a fencing licence and was informed that he would need to complete an assessment of his skills through TAFE. Subsequently, the application was withdrawn and his fee refunded. Information on licence qualification requirements are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on Fair Trading’s website, at Fair Trading Centres during operating hours or by contacting Fair Trading on 133 220.

*2685 YASS HOSPITAL OPERATING THEATRE—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

(1) Why has the Yass Perioperative Review, undertaken in September 2003, not been released to the public? (2) Why did Southern Area Health Service make the decision to close the operating theatre without the Yass Community being able to access the recommendations of this review? (3) What were the recommendations of the review? (4) Why have the outcomes of the review not been implemented?

Answer—

(1) The content of the Yass Perioperative Review was made available at a series of consultation groups held on 11 March 2004. The outcomes of the Review were discussed in some detail with Visiting Medical Officers, General Practitioners, the Southern Slopes Health Council, the aboriginal community, staff and a Steering Committee already formed to consider planning for an integrated health service at Yass. (2) Southern Area Health Service has not made a decision to close the operating theatre. (3) The Review suggested that three options for the operating theatre should be considered. These were: • Decommissioning the operating theatre and transfer elective surgical procedures to Goulburn Base Hospital • Temporarily cease surgical services and undertake immediate refurbishment to comply with relevant Australian standards and legislation. • Investigate the costing and viability of an expansion of surgical services offered at Yass to assist with flow reversal from the ACT and to allow utilisation of existing resources. (4) Southern Area Health Service undertook to provide further information and consultation at the request of Visiting Medical Officers and General Practitioners from Yass before any decision regarding the future of the operating theatre was made.

*2686 DETECTIVE NUMBERS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

(1) Given on 6 September 2004 Commissioner Moroney told 2UE Radio that NSW Police “were short 300 detectives, but over 400 were doing the detectives course” and those 400 are currently having on the job training, does this mean NSW Police is actually short 700 detectives? (2) How many police have completed the Senior Detectives Course (SDC) in total?

3442 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

(1) No. (2) As at 12 October 2004, 111 had commenced the course.

*2687 POLICE STRIKE FORCES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

(1) How many NSW Police strike forces were in operation as at 1 September 2002, 1 September 2003 and 1 September 2004? (2) What are the names of those strike forces as at each date? (3) (a) Of the above strike forces in operation as at 1 September 2004, how many have administrative support exclusively dedicated to their respective strike force? (b) Which ones and how many administrative staff? (4) (a) Of the above strike forces in operation as at 1 September 2004, how many have NSW Police exclusively dedicated to their respective strike force? (b) Which ones and how many police? (5) How many strike forces can police be attached to at any one time?

Answer—

NSW Police advise me: (1) to (5) To source accurate data, every operational command within NSW would need to be canvassed. This process would not only represent an unreasonable diversion of resources, but would also identify covert investigations that would jeopardise the integrity of strike forces.

*2688 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION RESOURCES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

(1) Does the NSW Police Annual Report not include information on resources for handling FOI requests? (2) What resources were available within NSW Police to process FOI requests as at 30 June 2001, 30 June 2002, 30 June 2003 and 30 June 2004? (3) Has NSW Legal Services requested additional resources to expedite processing of FOI requests and if so, what requests were made and when were they made?

Answer—

(1) to (3) I refer the Honourable Member to my previous answer to Question on Notice No. 2498 in the Legislative Assembly Question and Answer paper.

*2689 ANVIL HILL—Mr Richardson to Minister for Mineral Resources—

With respect to the Coal Exploration Licence acquired by Centennial Coal over an area called Anvil Hill 25 km west of Muswellbrook: (1) Has the company carried out any sort of environmental impact assessment on this area? (2) If so, did the assessment identify any specific environmental difficulties with operating an open-cut mine in this area? (3) If not, will the Government require Centennial Coal to prepare an environmental impact statement before it proceeds any further with the proposed Anvil Hill mine?

Answer—

(1) I am advised that a Statement of Environmental Effects was prepared and lodged by the company with the Muswellbrook Council (which is the determining authority) for a proposed bulk sample extraction within the exploration licence area.

3443 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(2) No proposal for an open cut mine in this area has yet been submitted. (3) Any proposal for an open cut mine in this area would firstly need to obtain development approval under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. This would include a requirement to prepare a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement in accordance with the Government’s rigorous development approval process.

*2690 KIDMAP PROJECT—Mr Richardson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) What was the total cost of the KidMap project and what was learned from the project? (2) What were its outcomes? (3) Is KidMap still operating? (4) How many schools received software packages and how many of those schools installed and used the software in reporting to parents? (5) Have some of the people who were involved in this project been selected to advise the Minister on plain language reporting and if so, why?

Answer—

The KIDMAP project provided information on ways that a curriculum management system can be integrated within the school’s office administration system. The 2003 Eltis Report on the evaluation of outcomes assessment and reporting in NSW government schools found that “in general, schools that had progressed furthest or most effectively with outcomes assessment and reporting were schools that had employed ICT tools to some extent for recording and reporting on student assessment”. KIDMAP is one of the ICT tools used be schools for recording and reporting on student assessment.

*2691 NORTHERN BEACHES HOSPITAL—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Health—

Are you prepared to consider alternative sites for a new central hospital, in particular the Brookvale bus depot and the RTA/former health department land on Warringah Road, Frenchs Forest?

Answer—

I am advised by the Northern Area Health Service that investigations to identify the best site for the development of the new Northern Beaches Hospital are currently underway.

*2692 BARE CREEK TIP—BELROSE—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

(1) What is the landfill life of Belrose tip? (2) What disposal levies have been collected since 1993 for the rehabilitation and enhancement of the tip site?

Answer—

Based on current tipping rates and patterns, the Belrose landfill will reach its capacity in 2009, although Waste Service NSW and the four SHOROC councils are working co-operatively to finalise future patterns of landfill use. An Enhancement Fund for the site is reserved for expenditure on community facilities and infrastructure in the vicinity of the Belrose Waste Management Centre - not remediation which is the responsibility of Waste Service NSW. This enhancement fund had a balance of $1,405,184.58 as of September 2004.

3444 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

*2693 LITTLE STREET, FORSTER—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

(1) How many deaths have occurred as a result of motor vehicle, motorcycle or bicycle accidents on Little Street, Forster for the years 1990 to 2004 to date? (2) What was the number of pedestrian deaths, motor vehicle passenger or driver deaths? (3) How many serious injuries have occurred on Little Street, Forster as a result of motor vehicle, motorcycle or bicycle accidents since 1990 to 2004 to date? (4) What was the number of pedestrian injuries and motor vehicle driver or passenger injuries? (5) How many motor vehicle, motorcycle or bicycle accidents have there been on Little Street, Forster for the years 1990 to 2004 to date?

Answer—

(1) Nil. (2) Nil. (3) “Serious” injuries have not been reported since 1997. (4) Over a 14 year period there have been 32 pedestrian injuries and motor vehicle driver or passenger injuries. (5) Over a 14 year period there have been 51 motor vehicle, motorcycle or bicycle accidents.

*2694 OUTSTANDING CORRESPONDENCE—Mr J.H. Turner to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

When will the Premier direct his department to reply to my letter of 7 June 2004 in relation to funding for a proposed Forster/Tuncurry Family and Community Centre?

Answer—

A response has been provided to the Member for Myall Lakes.

*2695 FIREARMS REGISTRY—Mr Maguire to Minister for Police—

(1) When, how and under what authority was the Firearms Registry brought into being and what amount of funding was appropriated to it? (2) What further funding has been given and how were the staffing levels arrived at? (3) What is the current level of funding and is there a sunset clause on the legislation and the Registry for when all known law-abiding citizens have complied? (4) What proof exists that the exercise has had any beneficial effects for society as a whole and law- abiding firearm owners in particular? (5) What has been the cost to the Police Service in lost time and wasted money inspecting the storage of firearms of law-abiding firearm owners? (6) How much have non-government organisations gained financially from this exercise? (7) Why have self-defence rights been removed and made a privilege?

Answer—

NSW Police has advised me: (1) The Firearms Registry has been in existence in various forms since 1970. Section 81 of the Firearms Act 1996 authorises the Commissioner of Police to delegate the performance of his functions under the Act to an authorised person. The Commissioner has traditionally delegated the authority to exercise his powers under the Act to the Manager of the Firearms Registry. (2) In 1998, a review of the Firearms Registry was conducted by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. Based on findings of that Report, when the Firearms Registry moved from Hurstville to Murwillumbah in

3445 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

2000, it had a strength of 50 administrative officers. Currently, the Firearms Registry has a strength of 92 officers. An additional $2.9 million was allocated to the Registry in 2003-04, with a further $2.7 million to be allocated in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07. (3) See (2). (4) The Firearms Registry refuses to issue, or revokes, licences or permits for persons who are not able to meet the requirements of the legislation. I am advised that the majority of refusals or revocations relate to criminal convictions or apprehended violence orders. (5) Although difficult to quantify as they were performed by NSW Police in the context of their normal duties, any costs involved in the safe storage audits are completely justified. Safe storage is a critical factor in preventing firearms from being diverted to illicit sources. (6) I have no evidence of this. (7) This question does not make sense. Self-defence is available as a common law defence to murder.

*2696 TANK REBATES—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) How many rebate applications for water tanks were received from residents of the Hornsby Local Government Area since the program began? (2) What was the total amount of the rebates paid? (3) How many applications were rejected?

Answer—

(1) 382 rebates were paid to customers in the Hornsby Local Government Area from the beginning of the program until 23 September 2004. (2) $121,100.00. (3) Nine.

*2697 MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—

(1) Is there a plan to increase acute mental health beds in the Northern Sydney/Central Coast Health Service? (2) What are the details of the proposed new mental health facility and will it be located on the Hornsby Hospital site?

Answer—

(1) and (2) I am advised that the NSW Department of Health has committed funds to the Northern Sydney Area Health Service for the planning and construction of a 10-15 bed psychiatric intensive care unit in Northern Sydney. A procurement feasibility planning process is currently underway to determine, among other things, the size of the unit, its location, the extent to which the unit will meet the needs of its clients such as adolescents and the elderly, and collocation with other mental health services. In relation to the Central Coast, a 50 bed Mental Health Unit at Wyong has recently been commissioned.

*2698 PUBLIC HOUSING—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

What is the total number of public housing (a) units and (b) houses within the suburbs of: (a) Brooklyn/Dangar Island (b) Cowan (c) Berowra/Berowra Heights

3446 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(d) Mount Ku-ring-gai (e) Mount Colah (f) Asquith (g) Hornsby/Hornsby Heights (h) Waitara (i) Normanhurst (j) Westleigh (k) Thornleigh?

Answer—

(a) Nil (b) (a) 0 (b) 1 (c) (a) 0 (b) 8 (d) Nil (e) (a) 0 (b) 16 (f) (a) 8 (b) 5 (g) (a) 145 (b) 82 (h) (a) 75 (b) 2 (i) (a) 45 (b) 53 (j) Nil (k) (a) 57 (b) 52

*2699 PATIENT RETRIEVAL—Mr Maguire to Minister for Health—

(1) How many patients have been retrieved from Wagga Wagga base hospital by Air Ambulance between 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004 and 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003? (2) How many babies have been retrieved by helicopter service from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004? (3) How many patients have been repatriated to Wagga Wagga base hospital after surgery in Sydney from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004, and 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003? (4) How much does each retrieval cost approximately?

Answer—

(1) and (2) I am advised that Wagga Wagga Base Hospital keeps records of retrievals based on calendar year only. Accordingly, there were a total of 250 retrievals from Wagga Wagga Base Hospital in 2003 and 162 during 2004, as at 23 September 2004. These figures include babies retrieved from Wagga Wagga Base Hospital by either air ambulance or helicopter. NSW newborn and paediatric Emergency Transport Service records indicate that 20 baby retrievals were undertaken in 2003. Nine baby retrievals had been undertaken during 2004, as at 23 September 2004. (3) Between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2003, 27 patients were repatriated to Wagga Wagga Base Hospital. From 1 July to 30 June 2004, 38 patients were repatriated. (4) The cost of each retrieval, dependent upon destination, varies between approximately $2500 and $5700.

*2700 FUNDING INCREASE—Mr Maguire to Minister for Health—

Why haven’t the non-government organisations who provide vital services on behalf of the Department of Health received the 2.9% increase in funding to cover additional costs incurred due to the Social and Community Services Employees (State) Award increase?

3447 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

The Social and Community Services Employees (State) Award was determined in November 2001 and all eligible NSW Health funded Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) were funded in line with the NSW Government’s Assistance Package. In 2003/04 NSW Health NGOs generally received a 2.9% cost escalation increase. For 2004/05 Treasury has provided a 2.0% cost escalation increase for NGOs.

*2701 DENTAL THERAPISTS—Mr Aplin to Minister for Health—

(1) What plans are in place to recruit dental therapists for public dental clinics now that training has ceased and the first dental hygienists/therapists will only graduate in three years time? (2) Will there be a shortage of dental therapists in the Albury electorate?

Answer—

(1) I am advised an expected 16 students will graduate from the Diploma in Dental Therapy at Westmead College of Dental Therapy in December 2004. The University of Sydney will be starting a new 3 year Bachelor of Oral Health Course from 2005 and graduates of this degree will be able to register as Dental Therapists and/or Dental Hygienists. The College of Dental Therapy has a number of programs in place in order to evaluate and retrain Dental Therapists and Hygienists who are re-entering the workforce. (2) Appropriate dental services will continue to be provided within the Albury electorate.

*2702 MERCY HEALTH SERVICE, ALBURY—Mr Aplin to Minister for Health—

When will the designated funds be released to the Mercy Health Service in Albury for operation of the ten-bed transitional care long stay unit?

Answer—

NSW Health has indicated it will make initial funding for the project available in 2004-05 and further funding for the projects completion available in 2005-06.

*2703 RAIL CORPORATION PROPERTY—Mr Kerr to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

Is consideration being given to the sale of any Rail Corporation property at Cronulla?

Answer—

I am advised: I refer the Member to the previous answer on the Questions and Answers paper at question number 985.

*2704 EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PROPERTY—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) Is consideration being given to the sale of any property owned by the Education Department in the Sutherland Shire? (2) If so, where is this property located?

3448 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

Vacant Crown land which is part of the former Jannali Girls High School site and a residential dwelling adjoining the Lilli Pilli Public School site have been approved for disposal.

*2705 FUNDING INCREASE—Mr J.H. Turner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

(1) Did the Department of Ageing and Disability Services (DADHC) increase funding to Early Intervention Centres (EIC) in the 2001-02 financial year? (2) If so, was this in response to increases in the SACS (Social and Community Services Employees) State award? (3) If so, did DADHC at the time of any such increased funding, ask to be informed as to whether any staff members of the EICs were paid under the SACS award and if so, how many? (4) If so, when were the EICs asked? (5) If not, why were they not asked before increased funding was given? (6) Did your department give advice to early intervention service providers on the North Coast, either directly or through your support and development officer at Coffs Harbour, that such increases would be given to all early childhood intervention services because rises had occurred across a variety of awards? (7) If not, did your department give any advice to the service providers concerning the funding increase in 2001-02 and if so, what advice did your department give? (8) Did your department forward documentation to the Manning and Great Lakes Early Intervention Incorporated in June 2004 showing an indicative base for 2004-05 funding? (9) If so, what was that indicative base funding? (10) If so, how was that funding calculated? (11) Did you or your department, after the time that such documentation mentioned in question (8) was sent, forward further documentation to the Manning Great Lakes Early Intervention Incorporated including an acceptance of funding variation form and funding notification for 2004-05? (12) Did the funding notification for 2004-05 vary from that which was received as an indicative base funding mentioned in (9) above? (13) If so, what was the variation? (14) If so, why was the variation made? (15) If so, does this represent a retrospective deduction of funding from the funding for Manning and Great Lakes Early Intervention Incorporated? (16) If so, why? (17) If the funding was reduced, was it reduced because Manning and Great Lakes Early Intervention Incorporated had never employed a SACS award employee? (18) Are other early intervention providers being still afforded full funding including the increased funding for having a SACS award employee? (19) If so, what is the criteria for that funding? (20) If so, does the Minister believe it equitable that such increase in funding may occur to one service provider and not another when the first service provider may have as few as one SACS award employee? (21) If so, how is the equity of payment determined for those service providers that do have a SACS award employee? (22) What financial provision has the Minister or her department made for Early Intervention providers that employ teachers or other employees under other awards where such awards have increased since 2001-02? (23) The Manning and Great Lakes Early Intervention Incorporated employ teachers under the Teachers (Non Government Pre Schools) Award. Is the Minister aware that the recipients of wages under that award had been granted a 20% wage increase, to be implemented over 5 years, which began in January 2002 to such employees?

3449 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(24) What provision has the Minister made to supplement the funding to early intervention providers that employ teachers under the award mentioned in question 23? (25) If no provision has been made, why has no provision been made? (26) The Manning and Great Lakes Early Intervention Incorporated employ speech pathologists and physiotherapists who are contracted and paid according to the relevant award payable to those professions. In 2003 those awards increased the salary payable to those persons. What provision has the Minister made to supplement the funding to Early Intervention providers that employ speech pathologists and physiotherapists under the relevant award? (27) If no provision has been made, why has no provision been made? (28) The Manning and Great Lakes Early Intervention Incorporated employ staff under the Miscellaneous Workers: Kindergarten and Childcare Centres (State) Award and the Clerical and Administrative Employees (State) Award. The employees under these awards were granted wage increases in 2003. What provision has the Minister made to supplement the funding to Early Intervention providers that employ staff under such awards? (29) If no provision has been made, why has no provision been made? (30) Is the Minister aware that if the funding cuts set out in the documentation received by Manning and Great Lakes Early Intervention Incorporated dated 30 June 2004 (which included the acceptances of funding variation mentioned in question 11) then there may be cuts to the programs undertaken at the Manning and Great Lakes Early Intervention Incorporated ? (31) If so, what does the Minister propose to do about such possible cuts to programs? (32) Is the Minister aware that the Manning and Great Lakes Early Intervention Incorporated currently supports 94 children in the Manning and Great Lakes area and the majority of those children are receiving speech therapy support? (33) Will the Minister or her department undertake to ensure that the Speech Pathology Service offered to clients which is now on hold by the Manning and Great Lakes Early Intervention Incorporated because of the uncertainty of funding as a result of the documentation of 30 June 2004 will be funded to continue? (34) If so, when will funding be made available? (35) If not, why not?

Answer—

(1) to (35) In 2001 the NSW Government agreed to provide supplementary funding to non government organisations that employed staff under the Social and Community Services (SACS) Award. The supplementation was necessary because of the implementation of a new award determined by the Industrial Relations Commission. The new award included the introduction of a stronger career structure, new position classifications and other employment conditions, and increased salary levels. Consequently, it generated significant additional costs for service providers that employed staff under the SACS Award. Supplementation totaling $290 million over five years is being provided, specifically to assist organisations that employ staff under this award to meet the additional costs. The funding is targeted at securing the future of these services – not on expanding them. In January and March 2002, the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC) provided information to all funded services about the assistance package including details of eligibility for the supplementation. Non government organisations were asked at the time of the initial supplementation if they employed staff under the SACS Award. The provision of the supplementation involved complex adjustments that were made in a very short timeframe to ensure services to clients were not affected. The adjustments were made more complicated by the failure of the Federal Government to meet its share of the increased costs.

3450 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

As a result, a review was undertaken by Ernst and Young last year that involved an analysis of contracts for around 9,000 services. The review was undertaken to ensure that the supplementary funding had been correctly applied. The review highlighted that a number of organisations who do not employ staff under the SACS Award had received supplementation. One of these was the Manning and Great Lakes Early Intervention Inc which has advised DADHC that it does not employ staff under the SACS Award. As result, funding for the organisation has been adjusted for 2004/05. The organisation has not, however, been required to make any repayments to the Department. All funded services also receive annual indexation payments to assist them to meet increasing costs. These included 2.2% in 2001/02, 3.1% in 2002/03, and 2.66% last year. Organisations that are concerned about their financial viability are able to discuss their situation with DADHC.

*2706 CANCER TREATMENT—Mr Kerr to Minister for Health—

How many patients are currently receiving treatment for cancer in the local government area of Sutherland Shire?

Answer—

I am advised there are 547 residents registered with the Southern Sector Cancer Service whose postcode is within the Local Government area of Sutherland Shire. Not all of these residents will test positive for cancer. Those with cancer may choose to obtain treatment in the public or private sector, obtain treatment in or outside the local area or choose not to proceed with treatment.

*2707 CONSUMER, TRADER AND TENANCY TRIBUNAL—Ms Berejiklian to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

In relation to the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal: (1) Why must consumers pay to have enforcement orders made in their favour acted upon? (2) What is the fee scale for ensuring that enforcement orders are “triggered”? (3) Are all these amounts recoverable? (4) What is the NSW Government’s position in relation to this area of public policy?

Answer—

(1) The Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal, as a tribunal, has no power to enforce its own orders. Enforcement can only be carried out by a court of competent jurisdiction. The Tribunal does not charge successful parties a fee to obtain a certified copy of a Tribunal money order, however, courts may charge a fee for lodgement of the certified money order to enforce it as a default judgement. (2) The fees charged by a court for the lodgement of a money order and enforcement of a default judgement are prescribed in its rules and regulations. The Tribunal has no influence over the setting of court fees, which is a matter for the Attorney General’s Department. (3) I am advised that a successful party may be able to recover the fees charged to enforce the order, however, that is something they would need to discuss with the court at the time of initiating enforcement action. (4) Matters concerning the policy implications surrounding the fees charged by courts to enforce the orders of a tribunal are more appropriately addressed by the Attorney General.

3451 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

15 SEPTEMBER 2004

(Paper No. 92)

*2708 ELECTRIC AND DUAL FUEL VEHICLES—Mr Pringle to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

How many vehicles of the following categories are currently in the government, semi-government and government-owned corporations’ fleets: (a) Electric (b) Electric/petrol (c) LPG/LNG?

Answer—

There is no solely electrically-powered vehicle available commercially. I am advised that there are currently 133 petrol/electric vehicles in the government fleet. These types of vehicles are new to the Australian market and have not been supplied in great numbers to date. There are 512 LPG passenger vehicles in the government fleet. Sydney Buses has 404 buses in its fleet powered by compressed natural gas.

*2709 STATE TRANSIT BUS FLEET—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

Does the Minister intend to reverse the 2004-05 Budget decision and ensure that new bus acquisitions are LNG/LPG powered?

Answer—

I refer the Member of Hawkesbury to my answer in the Legislative Council on 29 June 2004 to Ms Lee Rhiannon on State Transit Authority Diesel Buses.

2710 DRUG ARRESTS—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Police—

2711 DETECTIVE CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT BOB INKSTER—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

2712 TASK FORCE GAIN—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

2713 TRANSIT POLICE—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

2714 A-Z LEARNING CENTRE PTY LTD—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

*2715 BIRTH CARDS—Ms Hodgkinson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

(1) Why are elderly people who do not possess a driver’s licence, but need identification to obtain a passport, forced to travel only to the Sydney or Newcastle offices of the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages to obtain a Birth Card?

3452 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(2) Why is this service not available in regional areas of NSW?

Answer—

(1) The requirements for the forms of identification needed for passport applications are determined by the Federal Government. (2) The availability of the Birth Card in rural and regional centres in NSW will be broadened in conjunction with the release in early 2005 of the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) identity card. Both cards require strict security controls and safeguards for obvious reasons.

2716 TUMUT HOSPITAL UPGRADE—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

16 SEPTEMBER 2004

(Paper No. 93)

*2717 CAMPHOR LAUREL TREES—Mr George to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—

(1) What is the Government doing to halt the spread of camphor laurel trees on the North Coast? (2) (a) Do camphors contain toxins? (b) If so, is there any evidence of animals dying as a result? (c) If so, which animals? (3) (a) Is there an eradication program in place? (b) If not, why not? (4) (a) Are there proposals to replace camphor laurel trees with native species? (b) If not, why not?

Answer—

(1) The primary responsibility for controlling noxious weeds rests with the local control authority and land occupier. Since 1999-2000, the NSW Government has provided the Far North Coast County Council with more than $950,000 for property inspection, weed control coordination and community education and liaison. Additional grants have been provided to the council to control camphor laurel on council lands. (2) (a) Camphor laurel, like a great number of plants including native species, contains chemical substances that are known or suspected to be toxic. It is common for plants to contain toxic substances as defence mechanisms against grazing and browsing. In fact, studies commissioned by the NSW Scientific Committee show that leaf exudates from Forest Redgum (Eucalyptus tereticornis) may be significantly more toxic than those from camphor laurel. (b) and (c) In reviewing a submission to have the most toxic Camphor Laurel chemotypes listed as a key threatening process, both the Threatened Species Scientific Committee and the NSW Scientific Committee have determined that there is no substantial evidence to support claims of adverse impacts on native taxa from chemical properties of camphor laurel. (3) (a) and (b) The NSW North Coast Weeds Advisory Committee, which includes all local control authorities and other key stakeholders, has prepared and is implementing a coordinated management plan for camphor laurel. The Committee has also produced a comprehensive range of information for landholders on the most effective management techniques. The NSW Government provides significant financial and technical support to local control authorities to assist them in their weed control activities and community education and liaison functions.

3453 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(4) (a) and (b) The NSW North Coast Advisory Committee information and the Department of Primary Industries advise that camphor laurel should be replaced with native vegetation where this is appropriate. There is a wide range of information available to landholders on species selection, care and native vegetation regeneration practices.

2718 NAMBUCCA HEADS FIRE STATION—Mr Stoner to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—

2719 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING PROPERTIES—Mr Stoner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

2720 EX GRATIA PAYMENT—Mr Stoner to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

2721 POLICE CAR USAGE—Mr Stoner to Minister for Police—

2722 FIRE TRUCK—Mr Stoner to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—

2723 STATE FORESTS PROJECT—Mr Page to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—

2724 PROCEDURAL DOCTOR—Mr Slack-Smith to Minister for Health—

2725 ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER BOB WAITES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

2726 HYPERBARIC CHAMBER—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Health—

2727 MORTGAGE BROKING—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

2728 ST JOHN OF GOD HOSPITAL GOULBURN—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

2729 VEXATIOUS COMPLAINANTS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

2730 STAMP DUTY—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

2731 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Police—

3454 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

2732 NORTHERN BEACHES HOSPITAL—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Health—

2733 DEE WHY POLICE STATION—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Police—

2734 DEE WHY POLICE STATION—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Police—

2735 DEE WHY POLICE STATION—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Police—

2736 POLICE VEHICLES—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Police—

2737 GLOBAL BUDGET—Mr Hazzard to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

*2738 COST OF BUS REPAIRS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

What is the total cost of repairs to buses at Mona Vale and Brookvale depots in each of the last five years relating to: (a) graffiti repairs (b) accidents in which the bus driver was deemed at fault (c) all other accidents?

Answer—

I am advised: Graffiti repairs are carried out at Brookvale and Mona Vale Depots by either the shed drivers immediately after the bus is returned to the depot or by the depot bus cleaning staff. As this work is inclusive of the general duties of these staff, costs are not separated specifically for graffiti. Accident repair costs are not tallied by fault and no fault.

*2739 RACIAL VILIFICATION—Mr Debnam to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

(1) As a result of the DPP's decision not to prosecute Mr Michael Barclay, have you established a working group to investigate options for amendment of the Anti-Discrimination Act? (2) Who is participating in the working group? (3) When will the working group report and when will any amendments be presented to Parliament?

Answer—

(1) Yes. (2) I have invited a number of interested stakeholders to participate in or nominate a participant for the working group, including: the President of the Anti-Discrimination Board; the Chairperson of the Community Relations Commission; the Director of Public Prosecutions; the Director of the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics & Research; the Minister for Police; and a number of expert academics.

3455 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(3) I have asked the working group to approve draft terms of reference, which include a 6 month timeframe for completion of the group’s work. The introduction of amendments to the racial vilification laws into Parliament is dependent on the nature of any recommendations made by the working group.

2740 RANDOM BREATH TESTING—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

*2741 311 BUS SERVICE—Ms Moore to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

(1) How often is the 311 bus service late or cancelled? (2) What causes have been identified for poor performance of the 311 bus service? (3) Does the 311 bus service reach State Transit Authority performance targets? (4) What did the recent survey of 311 bus passengers show about passengers’ use of this bus service? (5) What action has the Government taken to improve the 311 bus service? (6) How will the Government improve the reliability and timeliness of the 311 bus service?

Answer—

I am advised: (1) Less than 1 per cent of scheduled Route 311 journeys were cancelled in July and August 2004 and 90 per cent of services ran on-time. (2) On-time running of the Route 311 services is adversely affected by traffic congestion, disruptions due to street and road works in Kings Cross and illegally parked cars in the narrow streets on sections of the route, particularly in Elizabeth Bay. (3) The current target for on time running is 95 per cent. (4) The results of the recent survey have yet to be analysed. (5) and (6) Following a meeting with the Sydney City Council and local residents, Sydney City Council agreed to increase patrols in the area to reduce illegal parking in Elizabeth Bay which is slowing or preventing access for buses. State Transit will continue to liaise with Sydney City Council on the ongoing disruptions to bus services due to construction activity. State Transit is assessing what impact the completion of the cross-city tunnel will have on traffic congestion to take advantage of the improved traffic flow which will result.

*2742 300 BUS SERVICE—Ms Moore to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

(1) What are the current usage patterns for the 300 series bus services? (2) Do 300 series buses meet peak hour travel demands for residents of Redfern and Surry Hills? (3) What evidence does the Government have of bus passengers’ demand for and supply of, 300 series bus services, particularly during peak travel periods? (4) What action has the Government taken to expand the 300 series bus service at peak travel periods? (5) What plans does the Government have to expand the 300 series bus service at peak travel periods?

Answer—

I am advised: (1) Patronage figures for the 12 month period ending 4 September 2004 are as follows: Average passenger boardings per trip AM Peak Midday Period PM Peak Route 301 33 42 40 Route 302 21 31 38 Route 303 45 32 47

3456 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(2) Yes, each bus service has a passenger capacity of 58. (3) In addition to the above passenger statistics, Operational Supervisors constantly monitor services along Baptist and Crown Streets to gauge changes to travel patterns and travel demands. When changes are detected, appropriate adjustments to services are made. (4) In response to increased demand from the Victoria Park housing development at Zetland, State Transit has introduced nine additional morning services over the past 14 months commencing from Epsom and Rosebery Roads and two additional afternoon services which operate from the Sydney CBD and terminate at Zetland. (5) State Transit will continue to monitor patronage levels on these bus services to ensure the services provided remain adequate.

*2743 352 BUS SERVICE—Ms Moore to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

(1) What are usage patterns for the 352 bus service? (2) What survey evidence does the Government have of bus passengers’ demand for expanded hours for the 352 bus service? (3) What action has the Government taken to expand the 352 bus service hours of operation on nights and weekends? (4) What plans does the Government have to expand the 352 bus service hours of operation on nights and weekends?

Answer—

I am advised: Average passenger boardings per trip for the 12 month period ending 31 August 2004 are as follows: AM Peak Midday Period PM Peak 30 24 28 The results of a recent survey conducted in July 2004 have yet to be analysed. This was one of a number of surveys of different bus services which will be analysed over the coming months. The average passenger capacity of bus services on the Route 352 is 58. Patronage levels will continue to be monitored to ensure the services provided remain adequate.

2744 FAMILIES FIRST—Ms Moore to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

2745 HASI SERVICES—Ms Moore to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

2746 REPIDU OUTREACH SERVICE—Ms Moore to Minister for Health—

*2747 SECURITY FENCING AT WINDSOR HIGH—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

When will security fencing be installed at Windsor High School as previously committed as part of the 2003-04 Budget?

3457 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

On 11 February 2003, the Government announced the Government’s Safer Schools Plan and made a commitment to provide security fencing to at least 200 more schools in NSW by 2007 at a total cost of $20 million. Windsor High School was among the list of schools specified in the Safer Schools Plan for the provision of a security fence. The school is considered a priority and will receive its fence as soon as practicable.

2748 PEDESTRIAN SAFETY—KURRAJONG ROAD—Mr Pringle to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

2749 ADDITIONAL GST REVENUE—Mr Piccoli to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

2750 LAND SALE—ASQUITH PUBLIC SCHOOL—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2751 WARRINA HOUSE—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—

*2752 LAND AT STORES AVENUE ASQUITH—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

(1) How much land at the eastern end of Stores Avenue, Asquith is owned by the Metropolitan Land Council? (2) What is the zoning of this land? (3) Are there any plans to develop this land?

Answer—

There is no Stores Avenue in Asquith. Questions regarding land owned by the Metropolitan Land Council should be addressed directly to the Land Council.

2753 KENNEDYS GAP ROAD—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

2754 DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—

*2755 DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

(1) Does the Minister or his department have any role in relation to the consent approval or any other process associated with Development Application 312-7-2003, lodged with Great Lakes Council? (2) If so, what is the Minister’s or his department’s role in relation to that Development Application? (3) If so, what action has the Minister or his department taken in relation to that application to date? (4) If no action has been taken, why not?

3458 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(5) If action has been taken, what outstanding matters need to be determined by the Minister or his department to conclude responsibilities under any legislative requirement in connection with the development application? (6) When will those requirements be completed?

Answer—

(1) Yes. (2) The Minister was the consent authority for the development application. (3) The Minister approved the development application on 2 August 2004. (4) N/A. (5) None. (6) N/A.

*2756 REPLY TO CORRESPONDENCE—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

When will the Minister reply to my letters concerning: (a) Mrs Susan Thacker and other concerned constituents of 21 July 2004 with reference number ML04/13757 (b) Mr N Towle of Forster-Tuncurry District Senior Citizens Association Inc of 16 July 2004 (c) P&C Associations of 30 June 2004 with reference number ML04/15763 (d) Mr Bradshaw of 22 July 2004 with reference number ML04/16463?

Answer—

I am advised: Letters from the Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Services have been sent.

2757 ABORIGINAL HOUSING PROGRAM—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

2758 DRUG ARRESTS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Police—

2759 SALE OF PROPERTY—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2760 VEHICLE PURCHASE—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—

2761 EMERGENCY NURSES—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Health—

2762 2002-03 HACC FUNDING—Mr Aplin to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

3459 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

2763 SCHOOL COMPUTERS—ALBURY ELECTORATE—Mr Aplin to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2764 TOURISM—ALBURY ELECTORATE—Mr Aplin to Minister for Tourism and Sport and Recreation, and Minister for Women—

*2765 STAFF GENDER—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

(1) How many custodial male and female staff (EFT) are there in the Corrective Services Department? (2) How many non-custodial male and female staff (EFT) are there in the Corrective Services Department?

Answer—

The Minister for Justice advises me: (1) In 2003/04 the Department of Corrective Services employed an average 3,162.13 EFT male custodial staff and 637.64 EFT female custodial staff. (2) In 2003/04 the Department of Corrective Services employed an average 790.51 EFT male non- custodial staff and 1,284.71 EFT female non-custodial staff.

*2766 SEAFORTH TAFE—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) What are the future plans for Seaforth TAFE? (2) Is it on the Department of Education and Training’s surplus sites list?

Answer—

The site has been declared surplus to the Department of Education and Training’s requirements.

2767 DWELLING INTERIORS—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

2768 SCHOOL FLASHING LIGHTS—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

2769 TOMAREE HIGH SCHOOL—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2770 TAFE COURSES—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2771 EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Health—

*2772 FILTER EQUIPMENT—Mrs Hopwood to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

(1) Will the Hornsby electorate be included in the plans to install new filter equipment on waterways to trap pollution? (2) If so, where will this equipment be sited?

3460 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

Hornsby Council owns almost all stormwater drains in the Hornsby electorate and have installed a number of stormwater pollution traps on their drains to protect local waterways. The other matters raised in this question are the responsibility of the Minister for Energy and Utilities.

2773 TRANSIT POLICE—Mr Pringle to Minister for Police—

2774 HEALTH ALBURY WODONGA—Mr Aplin to Minister for Health—

2775 RATES BY INSTALMENTS—Mr Amery to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—

*2776 SHARK NETS—Mr Richardson to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—

(1) How many shark nets are deployed along the New South Wales coast each summer? (2) How many of the following species of shark have the nets caught over the last 10 years: (a) Shovelnose shark (b) Grey nurse shark (c) White pointers (d) Hammerhead sharks (e) Port Jackson sharks (f) Tiger sharks (g) Bronze whaler? (3) How many sharks in total have the nets caught over the last 10 years?

Answer—

(1) See response to question on notice 2414. (2) (a) Shovelnose shark is a common name for a species of ray, not a shark species. As 65% of rays entangled in the nets were released alive over the past decade, identification to species level is not possible. Over the last decade, there were 252 mortalities of rays and 473 released from the nets. (b) 4 mortalities, 4 released (c) 39 mortalities, 11 released (d) 710 mortalities, 0 released (e) 5 mortalities, 57 released (f) 24 mortalities, 0 released (g) Bronze whaler is one of five of the whaler species caught in the nets. For the whaler group, there were 229 mortalities (0 released) over the past decade. The single species with the common name ‘bronze whaler’ comprised approximately 10% of the whaler group. (3) Over the last 10 years, a total of 1190 sharks were killed in the nets and 131 released.

2777 SINGLETON RESCUE AMBULANCE—Mr Souris to Minister for Health—

3461 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

21 SEPTEMBER 2004

(Paper No. 94)

2778 SALE OF TOWNHOUSES—Mr Page to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

2779 CD COMPATIBILITY—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Tourism and Sport and Recreation, and Minister for Women—

2780 DISTANCE BETWEEN VEHICLES—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

2781 STUDENTS WITH AUTISM—Mr Maguire to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2782 MARULAN CHECKING STATION—Ms Seaton to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

2783 FIRE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY—Mr Pringle to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

2784 CUTBACKS IN HOSPITAL SERVICES—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

2785 RURAL FIRE SERVICE TANKER RECALLS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—

2786 HOME BUILDING SERVICE—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

2787 ILLEGAL DRUG USE—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

2788 NSW POLICE NUMBERS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

2789 INTEGRITY TESTING—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

2790 HOSPITAL UNIT PLANS—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—

2791 MATERNITY UNIT—HORNSBY HOSPITAL—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—

2792 GREATER METROPOLITAN TRANSITION TASKFORCE—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—

3462 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

2793 PROGRAM OF APPLIANCES FOR DISABLED PEOPLE—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health—

2794 PODIATRY SERVICES—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health—

2795 COMPUTER LEASING—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2796 PRE-SCHOOLS—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2797 NEW CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2798 STAMP DUTY—Mr Kerr to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

2799 PORT HACKING HIGH SCHOOL—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2800 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING PROPERTIES—Mr Kerr to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

2801 WAUCHOPE DISTRICT HOSPITAL—Mr Stoner to Minister for Health—

2802 BUILDERS LICENSING REVIEW—Mr Stoner to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast—

2803 WEST KEMPSEY HOUSING—Mr Stoner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

2804 RAILCORP CONCRETE SLEEPER PROGRAM—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

*2805 RICHMOND RAILWAY LINE MAINTENANCE—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

For how many days is it proposed to shut down the Richmond railway line during the 2004-05 financial year?

3463 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

Answer—

I am advised: Normal routine and major periodic maintenance is undertaken on an ongoing basis across all lines of the rail network. Details and schedules of upcoming trackwork are available by calling the Transport Infoline on 131 500 or via the website, www.131500.com.au. Commuters can also subscribe to receive free weekly email updates on required trackwork via the CityRail website, www.cityrail.info.

2806 COAL COMPENSATION—Mr Souris to Minister for Mineral Resources—

2807 MUSWELLBROOK POLICE STATION—Mr Souris to Minister for Police—

2808 BANKSIA HOUSE—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Health—

2809 COUNTRY TOWNS WATER AND SEWERAGE PROJECTS—Mr Aplin to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

2810 BAULKHAM HILLS HIGH SCHOOL—Mr Merton to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2811 STAMP DUTY—Mr Roberts to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

22 SEPTEMBER 2004

(Paper No. 95)

2812 SLASH RESISTANT GLOVES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

2813 POLICE BICYCLES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

2814 POLICE STATION UPGRADES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

2815 SHOALHAVEN HOSPITAL WAITING LISTS—Mrs Hancock to Minister for Health—

2816 PRINCES HIGHWAY UPGRADE—Mrs Hancock to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

2817 UPGRADE OF LOCAL ROADS—Mrs Hancock to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

3464 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

*2818 WATER FROM SHOALHAVEN RIVER—Mrs Hancock to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

As part of a future plan for Sydney’s water resources, do you intend to increase the amount of water currently taken from the Shoalhaven River?

Answer—

This is a matter for the Minister for the Environment.

2819 BAY AND BASIN AREA—Mrs Hancock to Minister for Police—

2820 MILTON PUBLIC SCHOOL—Mrs Hancock to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2821 HOUSING PROPERTIES—Mr Pringle to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

2822 SCHOOL COMPUTERS—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2823 LANE COVE RIVER CARAVAN PARK—FIRE MANAGEMENT—Mr Roberts to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

2824 LANE COVE RIVER CARAVAN PARK—FIRE HYDRANTS—Mr Roberts to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

2825 SCHOOL MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2826 DIAGNOSTIC DATA—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Health—

2827 MAINTENANCE WORK—ABORIGINAL HOUSING—Mr Stoner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2828 NAMBUCCA PUBLIC DENTAL CLINIC—Mr Stoner to Minister for Health—

2829 WATER BREACHES—Mr Roberts to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

3465 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

2830 WATER INFRINGEMENT NOTICES—Mr Roberts to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

2831 WATER INFRINGEMENT NOTICES—Mr Merton to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

2832 ALLEGED WATER INFRINGEMENTS—Mr Merton to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

2833 ABORIGINAL EDUCATION ASSISTANT FOR YASS—Ms Hodgkinson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

*2834 DECLARATION OF A REMEDIATION SITE—Ms Hodgkinson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

(1) Has the Environmental Protection Agency made any investigations to determine the full extent of the petroleum contamination that was gazetted as a remediation site at 67-69 Marsden Street Boorowa in the NSW Government Gazette of 3 September 2004? (2) If so, did these investigations include the roadway adjoining the contaminated property?

Answer—

I am advised that the extent of petroleum contamination at 67-69 Marsden Street Boorowa was established after voluntary investigations were undertaken by the owner of the adjoining service station. Investigations included the roadway adjoining 67-69 Marsden Street. These investigations revealed that the level of petroleum contamination under the roadway did not pose a significant risk of harm to human health or the environment. Remediation works at 67-69 Marsden Street will be regulated by the Environment Protection Authority (now part of the Department of Environment and Conservation) to ensure that the full extent of the petroleum contamination at that site will be identified, and that any significant risk of harm issues associated with the contamination will be addressed.

2835 CONSUMER, TRADER AND TENANCY TRIBUNAL—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

2836 RECYCLING CAMPAIGN—Mr Stoner to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—

2837 CHAIN LETTER—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

2838 SCHOOL ZONE SPEEDING INFRINGEMENTS—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Police—

2839 GREYHOUND RACING INDUSTRY—Mr Maguire to Minister for Gaming and Racing—

3466 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

2840 SPEED CAMERAS—Mr Souris to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

2841 WATER TANK SUBSIDY—Mr Souris to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

2842 BLACKTOWN-MOUNT DRUITT CARDIAC SUPPORT GROUP—Mr Amery to Minister for Health—

2843 WATER INFRINGEMENT NOTICES—Mr Kerr to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

2844 TRAIN TRAVELLING TIME COMPLAINTS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

2845 2004 CLASS SIZE AUDIT—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2846 LAKE HUME POLICE STATION—Mr Aplin to Minister for Police—

23 SEPTEMBER 2004

(Paper No. 96)

2847 CULBURRA PUBLIC SCHOOL CAR PARKING—Mrs Hancock to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2848 SWING FOR DISABLED CHILDREN—Mrs Hancock to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2849 GEOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION—Mrs Hancock to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business—

2850 CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT OFFICER—Mr Stoner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

2851 AGED CARE AND AMBULANCE UPGRADE—Mr Stoner to Minister for Health—

3467 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

2852 HAWKESBURY-NEPEAN CATCHMENT AUTHORITY—OFFICE LOCATION—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—

2853 UNIVERSITY DEGREE SCAM—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

2854 EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—

2855 HOSPITAL BEDS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

2856 ELIGIBILITY FOR BUILDERS LICENCE—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

2857 HORNSBY HOSPITAL THEATRE UPGRADE—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—

2858 FAMILIES FIRST PROGRAMS—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

2859 HORNSBY TAFE COURSES—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2860 POLICE NUMBERS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

2861 TOWING TENDERS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

2862 TABLING DATE OF REPORT—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

2863 POST SCHOOL OPTIONS PROGRAM—Mr Brogden to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

2864 FROGS HOLLOW FACILITY—Mr Constance to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

2865 NORTHERN ILLAWARRA ABORIGINAL COOPERATIVE—Mr Hazzard to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2866 DISCHARGE OF EFFLUENT—NORTH HEAD—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

3468 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

2867 DISCHARGE OF EFFLUENT—MALABAR—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

2868 DISCHARGE OF EFFLUENT—BONDI—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

2869 EXEMPTION FROM WATER RESTRICTIONS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

2870 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING PROPERTIES—Mr Kerr to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

2871 SCHOOL HALLS—Mr Amery to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2872 REINSTATEMENT OF FUNDING—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Health—

2873 PHOENIX UNIT FUNDING—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Health—

2874 ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION AT SEWAGE PLANTS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

2875 STAFF NUMBERS AT SEWAGE PLANTS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

2876 DRUG AND ALCOHOL COUNSELLING FUNDING—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Health—

2877 BREAST SCREENING—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—

2878 ASSAULT INVESTIGATION—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Police—

2879 SCHOOL COMPUTERS—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2880 PROPOSED SALINISATION PLANT—Ms Moore to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

3469 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

2881 DOG AND CAT BREEDERS—Ms Moore to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—

2882 ADULT AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION—FUNDING CUTS—Ms Moore to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

2883 NOTIFICATION OF ASBESTOS—Ms Moore to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

2884 SCHOOL ZONE SPEEDING INFRINGEMENTS—Mr Merton to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

2885 ADDITIONAL FRONT LIGHTS—Mr Merton to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

2886 SCHOOL ZONE SPEEDING INFRINGEMENTS—Mr Roberts to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

24 SEPTEMBER 2004

(Paper No. 97)

2887 SPEED LIMITERS—Mr Page to Minister for Police—

2888 SPEED LIMITERS—Mr Page to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

2889 HOSPITAL SERVICES—Mr Maguire to Minister for Health—

2890 TAREE AND FORSTER DENTAL CLINICS—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health—

2891 TAREE DENTAL CLINIC WAITING LISTS—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health—

2892 NSW POLICE ON-LINE—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

2893 POLICE COMMISSIONED OFFICERS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

2894 000 CALLS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

3470 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

19 OCTOBER 2004

(Paper No. 98)

2895 TEMORA AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH STATION—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—

(1) Following your announcement that the Temora Agriculture and Research Station will not be closed will you give a guarantee that all current positions will remain at the Temora Agricultural Research Station for the Budget year 2004-05? (2) Will you give a guarantee that the current positions will remain filled by existing staff or new appointees? (3) What funding was appropriated in the 2004-05 State Budget for the maintenance and running of the Temora Agricultural Research Station? (4) Will you guarantee those funds remain available to the Temora Agricultural Research Station for the 2004-05 financial year? (5) What was the total budget allocation for the Temora Agricultural Research Station for the 2003-04 financial year? (6) What is the total budget allocation for the Temora Agricultural Research Station for the 2004-05 financial year? (7) What research programs or trials are currently underway at the Temora Agricultural Research Station? (8) Were any research programs or trials terminated in the wake of your announcement the Temora Agricultural Research Station would be closed? (9) Has the Department of Primary Industries actively sought external funding to support research programs at the Temora Agricultural Research Station? (10) If so, name the funding sources and the nature of the research programs? (11) Have private enterprise companies approached the Department of Primary Industries to undertake research programs on their behalf on a commercial basis at the Temora Agricultural Research Station? (12) If so, identify the companies and the nature of the research programs? (13) Have NSW Government departments, Federal, Local or Inter-State governments or departments sought to have new research programs developed at the Temora Agricultural Research Station? (14) Have any other departmental programs been withdrawn?

2896 POLICE ACTION—BORAMBLA—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Police—

(1) Do you acknowledge that NSW Police have taken appropriate action in response to a complaint about “undesirable and anti-social behaviour” at a camp held at Borambla by the Department of Sport and Recreation and attended by Police Citizens Youth Club members on 4 May 2003? (2) If so, would you detail the appropriate action that has been taken by NSW Police on this matter?

2897 ALLOCATION OF RACE MEETING—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Gaming and Racing—

(1) In view of your previous statement that 12 to 14 starters is the minimum number in a race in order to satisfy the qualifications for a TAB race, what is your response to the fact that at the Canterbury TAB meeting on Wednesday 29 September 2004 five of the seven races had 9 or less starters? (2) Will you now consider the allocation of a TAB race meeting to the Grenfell Jockey Club?

3471 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

2898 INTERNET SCAM—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—

(1) Has the Office of Fair Trading issued any consumer warnings regarding the most recent internet scam where customers of financial institutions such as Citibank, Sun Trust Bank, CitiFinancial and Citizens Bank are asked to log on to a website that extracts their personal banking account details? (2) If so in what media and on what dates was this warning published? (3) Does the Office of Fair Trading have any ongoing programs to monitor and deter these scam emails?

2899 SCHOOL STUDENT ENROLMENTS IN THE ACT—Ms Hodgkinson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) How many primary age students, who are residents of the Murrumbateman area, are enrolled in schools in the ACT? (2) Has the number of primary age students from Murrumbateman enrolled in ACT schools increased over the past 5 years?

2900 SCHOOL STUDENT TRANSPORT SCHEME—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

(1) What was the average daily number of students of primary age, from Yass, Murrumbateman and locations along the Barton Highway transported to schools in the ACT under the SSTS during: (a) to date in 2004? (b) 2003? (c) 2002? (d) 2001? (e) 2000? (f) 1999? (g) 1998? (h) 1997? (2) What is the annual cost to the NSW Budget, per student, for this SSTS transport? (3) What is the annual cost to the NSW Budget, per student, for Private Vehicle Conveyancing Subsidy transport for primary age students from Yass, Murrumbateman and locations along the Barton Highway to schools in the ACT? (4) What has been the total cost to the NSW Budget for the provision of transport for primary age students from Yass, Murrumbateman and locations along the Barton Highway to schools in the ACT since the SSTS was taken over by the then Department of Motor Transport in 1986?

2901 INVESTIGATION INTO ABANDONED GIRL—GOSFORD HOSPITAL—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

In relation to calls for public assistance to identify a young girl abandoned at Gosford Hospital: (1) Was a two year old girl left at Gosford Hospital at 17:45 on Wednesday 13 October? (2) Did Gosford Hospital notify Gosford Police on the evening of Wednesday 13 October and did police commence investigations to locate the two year old's relatives on the Wednesday evening? (3) When was your office advised of the police investigation and when was your office advised of the plan to launch a public appeal? (4) When was the Commissioner's Office advised of the police investigation and when were they advised of the plan to launch a public appeal?

3472 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(5) When was the NSW Police Public Affairs/Media Unit advised of the police investigation and when were they advised of the plan to launch a public appeal? (6) Why wasn't a public appeal for information launched through the media on Thursday 14 October? (7) Were legal approvals for release of publicity photos and video finalized by 5pm Friday 15 October? (8) Why wasn't a public appeal for information launched through the media on Friday 15 October? (9) Who made the decision to delay the public appeal for information for three days? (10) Did anyone in NSW Police contact any media outlet prior to 5pm Friday 15 October and if so which outlets, which members of those media outlets and who was the NSW Police contact? (11) Will you investigate whether media management took precedence over the child's welfare? (12) Will you ask the Police Integrity Commission to investigate whether media management took precedence over the child's welfare?

2902 INVESTIGATION INTO ABANDONED GIRL—GOSFORD HOSPITAL—Mr Debnam to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

In relation to calls for public assistance to identify a young girl abandoned at Gosford Hospital: (1) Was a two year old girl left at Gosford Hospital at 17:45 on Wednesday 13 October? (2) Did Gosford Hospital notify Gosford Police on the evening of Wednesday 13 October and did police commence investigations to locate the two year old's relatives on the Wednesday evening? (3) Did Gosford Hospital notify the Department of Community Services on the evening of Wednesday 13 October and was the Department notified that police would commence investigations to locate the two year old's relatives on the Wednesday evening? (4) When was your office advised of the police investigation and when was your office advised of the plan to launch a public appeal? (5) Why wasn't a public appeal for information launched through the media on Thursday 14 October? (6) Were legal approvals for release of publicity photos and video finalized by 5pm Friday 15 October? (7) Why wasn't a public appeal for information launched through the media on Friday 15 October? (8) Who made the decision to delay the public appeal for information for three days? (9) Will you investigate whether media management took precedence over the child's welfare?

2903 RADIO ROOM VISITS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

In relation to Radio Room Visits: (1) During 2003 or 2004 have you or the Police Commissioner spent two hours in the Sydney Radio Room on a Friday or Saturday evening? (2) During 2003 or 2004, have you or the Police Commissioner spent two hours in the Penrith Radio Room on a Friday or Saturday evening?

2904 DENMAN WATER SUPPLY—Mr Souris to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Have Denman residents been supplied with a sub-standard water supply for a number of years? (2) Are you aware that there is a high frequency of dirty water supply in Denman? (3) What is the full analysis of the departmental ranking of 5 out of 10 for the proposed capital works upgrade of the Denman water supply? (4) How much funding has been allocated for the Country Towns Water and Sewerage Scheme in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and for the 2005 Budget? (5) What percentage of funding for the Denman project would be from the NSW Government?

3473 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(6) How many projects and what is the aggregate State funding for those projects that are ranked ahead of the Denman project? (7) At present rates, in which year is it expected that the Denman water supply upgrade would be: (a) commenced (b) completed?

2905 SYDNEY WATER SUPPLY AUGMENTATION—Mr Souris to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) What studies have been undertaken to consider the potential harvest of fresh water from previous coal mining shafts and tunnels under Sydney Harbour and out to sea? (2) What would be the harvestable annual maintainable water supply to augment Sydney’s water supply? (3) What would be the capital cost of establishing such a water supply source? (4) What is the comparative cost of capital for an equivalent desalination plant? (5) What is the comparative recurrent cost structure for water per megalitre produced from these shafts and tunnels compared with desalination? (6) What is the comparative green house gas production for water obtained from these shafts and tunnels compared with desalination?

2906 WATER REUSE FACTORIES—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Which water re-use factories/plants have you inspected in your role as Minister? (2) On which dates did you visit these factories or plants? (3) Have you or your department evaluated the processes used in the Singapore water reuse plants/factories and if so, what is the outcome?

2907 LATE NIGHT BUSES—Ms Berejiklian to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

(1) Why has the frequency of late night buses from the City to Northbridge been reduced, particularly those buses travelling along Miller Street? (2) Given additional housing development along Miller Street, does the Government have any plans for adjusting late night bus routes accordingly?

2908 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SASS SCHEME—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

(1) What was the Department of Education unreconciled SASS Superannuation balance at 30 June 2004? (2) Why has it taken years to clear up this unreconciled balance? (3) What is the Department doing to achieve reconciliation? (4) When does the Department expect that the account will be fully reconciled? (5) How many current Departmental employees that are members of the SASS scheme are affected by this issue?

3474 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(6) How many former Departmental employees that are members of the SASS scheme are affected by this issue?

2909 PERTETUAL LEASES—Mr Maguire to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—

(1) How many applications has your Department of Lands received seeking to convert perpetual leases, for the year to 30 June 2004? (2) How many applications were received from 1 July to 30 September 2004? (3) How many applications remain to be processed? (4) How many applications are awaiting process in the Wagga departmental office? (5) When will the embargo be lifted enabling applications to be processed?

2910 COUNTRYLINK XPT SERVICE—Mr Aplin to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

(1) What marketing initiatives have been undertaken to increase patronage on the Sydney to Melbourne XPT service? (2) What refurbishment is planned for the XPT service on the Sydney-Melbourne line? (3) Will the XPT service terminate in Albury or continue through to Melbourne? (4) Will the CountryLink booking office in Albury be retained and expanded to better utilise the southern gateway to New South Wales?

2911 FIRE BAN EXEMPTIONS—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—

(1) Are exemptions granted for specified open fires on days of total fire ban, granted by you or by any other authority? (2) How many exemptions have been issued to 30 September 2004, and to whom? (3) What checks are made by your department to ensure those exemptions comply with any conditions imposed?

2912 NELSON BAY ROAD—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

(1) What is the status of plans for the improvement of the Nelson Bay Road from the area known as the Sand Dunes that is currently a dual carriageway, to the roundabout at the turnoff to Salamander Bay and Anna Bay? (2) Have such plans been drawn and if so, where can they be inspected? (3) If they can’t be inspected, why can’t they be inspected? (4) Have any such plans that may be drawn altered in any way since the public last had the opportunity to view the plans? (5) If so, in what way have they altered? (6) Are there to be further resumptions of properties along the Nelson Bay Road between the areas mentioned in Question 1 above, and in particular, from the Marsh Road intersection to Trotters Road? (7) If so, how much further land is to be resumed? (8) If so, why is the land to be resumed? (9) If so, what compensation procedures will be undertaken for any land that is to be resumed?

3475 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

(10) Has any member of the Roads and Traffic Authority or the Minister’s staff advised property owners of the land to be resumed that they do not need to seek solicitor’s advice in relation to such resumption, and that the RTA will take care of all matters concerning the resumption? (11) If so, what does the RTA or you or your department base such comment upon? (12) Is there any home or property on the alignment of the proposed road that was previously to be partially resumed and is now to be fully resumed? (13) If so, how many properties? (14) If so, why has this necessity arisen? (15) If there have been changes to the alignment of the road or purchases of additional land, is the RTA to undertake a new EIS for the proposal? (16) If so, has that EIS been carried out? (17) If not, when will it be carried out? (18) If it is not proposed to do a new EIS, why not? (19) If there are proposed changes to the alignment of the road or purchases or resumptions of property, will your office or the RTA display any new plans for the road? (20) If so, when and where? (21) If not, why not? (22) Is there a proposal for a roundabout to be built on the road at the intersection of the Nelson Bay Road and Marsh Road? (23) If so, why? (24) If so, what road safety considerations have been given to the location of a roundabout at that site and by whom and when?

2913 HUNTER BREASTSCREEN NSW UNIT—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health—

(1) Is the Hunter BreastScreen NSW unit experiencing problems recruiting a Radiologist? (2) If so, what are the problems associated with recruiting a Radiologist? (3) If so, what action has been taken to expedite the recruitment of a Radiologist? (4) If so, when will the recruitment process for the Radiologist be complete? (5) Is the Hunter BreastScreen NSW unit experiencing problems recruiting a Radiographer? (6) If so, what are the problems associated with recruiting a Radiographer? (7) If so, what action has been taken to expedite the recruitment of a Radiographer? (8) If so, when will the recruitment process for the Radiographer be complete?

2914 BREASTSCREEN NSW—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health—

(1) Has BreastScreen NSW, Hunter area suspended services for all clients in the Hunter catchment? (2) If so, why have the services been suspended? (3) If not, has BreastScreen NSW, Hunter area suspended services in the Manning and Great Lakes area? (4) If so, why have the services been suspended? (5) If so, when were services suspended? (6) If so, how many patients are waiting for follow up screening? (7) If so, when will reminder notices be sent to patients already registered with the scheme for follow- up screening? (8) If so, how many new patients are there waiting for appointments? (9) If so, is the unit taking appointments? (10) If not, why not?

3476 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

2915 RESPONSE TIME TO CORRESPONDENCE—Ms Seaton to Minister for Police—

(1) What is the usual response time, not including the acknowledgement letter, to correspondence received by the Minister from: (a) Members of Parliament (b) members of the public? (2) When can Mr Terence Rannard expect to receive a reply from the Minister in response to his personal correspondence dated 22 June 2004? (3) When can I expect to receive a reply to my correspondence to the Minister on behalf of Mr Rannard dated 12 July 2004?

2916 WORKERS COMPENSATION—Mr Amery to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast—

(1) Was the high cost of workers compensation premiums, paid by employers in New South Wales, in comparison to their counterparts in other States, one of the reasons for the changes to the workers compensation scheme in NSW during 2001 and 2002? (2) How do employers in NSW now compare to their counterparts in other States in the following industries: (a) private bus operators (b) meat processing (abattoirs) (c) farm workers (d) metal work/manufacturing industries?

2917 MULGRAVE STATION STAFFING—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

With regard to staffing of Mulgrave Station: (1) When the position of Customer Service Attendant (CSA) was advertised why were there no applicants? (2) Is it true that the advertised position was for 4 hours per day and that such a shift is not popular with station staff? (3) Was the position advertised as a PTCSAQ2 position or was it advertised for an unqualified PTCSA? (4) Does Mulgrave station which has points and a level crossing require Q2 qualifications for all staff? (5) Is the Department trying to downgrade the position to an unqualified CSA position? (6) When will the position be advertised again and will it be advertised as a PTCSAQ2 position? (7) Will the position be advertised as 4 hours per day or 8 hours per day? (8) How many days has the position been filled by CSAs from other areas since 1 January 2004?

2918 MULGRAVE STATION OUTHOUSE—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

(1) Is the outhouse on Mulgrave Station the last of its type in the Sydney area? (2) When was the outhouse last painted and when will maintenance be completed on the building to repair the damage caused by termites and to protect unpainted areas?

3477 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

2919 KU-RING-GAI LEP194—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—

(1) Did the Roads and Traffic Authority provide advice to the Minister Assisting the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning (Planning Administration) in relation to the LEP 194 for Ku-ring-gai that was announced in late May? (2) Did that advice make any reference to the likely increase in traffic using the McLaurin Parade/Pacific Highway intersection by people accessing proposed medium density housing in that part of Roseville? (3) If yes, what plans were suggested to improve safety at the intersection? (4) If not, why not?

2920 RAILWAY STATION STAFF ROSTERS—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—

(1) For each of the ten stations in the Hornsby electorate, how many station staff are allocated to the roster? (2) What is the staff allocation for each shift of the seven day roster (including weekends) for each station in the Hornsby electorate?

2921 SECURITY MEASURES—BROOKLYN—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Police—

When will CCTV and better lighting be placed at Brooklyn (including Parsley Bay) to improve safety for residents and observation of parking areas?

2922 FIRE CONTROL CENTRE—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—

(1) Is the site for the new Fire Control Centre, to be located at one of three locations in the Hornsby Shire, the old RTA truck stop at Berowra? (2) If so, when will construction commence; if not, where is the site to be located and when will construction be commenced?

2923 DESALINATION—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Which desalination plants/factories have you visited as Minister? (2) What is the relative use of energy by desalination plants as compared to water re-use plants or factories? (3) What is the rationale for considering desalination rather than reuse of sewage water?

2924 NEW CAPITAL WORKS—PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIP—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—

Will all new capital works projects undertaken on behalf of the Department of Education and Training involving partnership with the private sector include private sector liability for maintenance and will penalties apply if the standards are not met?

3478 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 20 October 2004

2925 POLICE STATION AUDITING—Mr Pringle to Minister for Police—

When will the program of auditing police facilities be completed?

2926 SUPPORTED ACCOMMODATION—ALBURY ELECTORATE—Mr Aplin to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—

What plans have been developed to meet the demand for supported accommodation for disabled young people when they leave school, who are no longer able to remain in homes run by the Mercy Centre because of funding reductions in residential care?

2927 GOSFORD-WYONG JOINT WATER SUPPLY—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

What action are you taking to augment water storage on the Central Coast (Gosford-Wyong Joint Water Supply)?

______Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales