New South Wales

Legislative Assembly

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Fifty-Sixth Parliament First Session

Wednesday, 10 May 2017

Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Bills ...... 1 Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017 ...... 1 Universities Legislation Amendment (Planning Agreements) Bill 2017 ...... 1 Second Reading ...... 1 Third Reading ...... 7 Protection of the Environment Legislation Miscellaneous Amendments Bill 2017...... 8 First Reading ...... 8 Second Reading ...... 8 Liquor Amendment (Reviews) Bill 2017 ...... 11 First Reading ...... 11 Second Reading ...... 11 Transport Administration Amendment (Closure of Railway Line Between Rosewood and Tumbarumba) Bill 2017 ...... 14 Second Reading ...... 14 Community Recognition Statements ...... 26 Black Dog Institute ...... 26 Greek Consul General ...... 27 Volunteer Week ...... 27 Tribute to Doug Dalzell ...... 27 Manly Bombers Junior AFL Club ...... 27 Medical Research ...... 28 Kings Langley Little Athletics Centre ...... 28 Tribute to Patrick Bayliss...... 28 Maclean Highland Gathering ...... 28 Nanga Mai Award ...... 28 Baulkham Hills Electorate Events ...... 29 Blue Mountains Ball ...... 29 Valda Hensel Memorial Garden ...... 29 Wear Orange Wednesday ...... 29 Grenfell and District Sporting Hall of Fame...... 29 Campbelltown City Council Jubilee Awards ...... 30 Fashion Industry Designer Ashleigh Kwong ...... 30 Zonta International ...... 30 Roy and Valerie Chadban Sixtieth Anniversary ...... 30 International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia ...... 30 Sutherland Shire Relay for Life ...... 31 Anzac Commemorations ...... 31 Australian Dragon Boat Championships ...... 31 Domestic Violence ...... 31 Canterbury Little Athletics ...... 32 TABLE OF CONTENTS—continuing

Tribute to Joyce Watson ...... 32 Visitors ...... 32 Visitors ...... 32 Members ...... 32 Ministers Absent During Questions ...... 32 Bills ...... 33 Tattoo Parlours Amendment Bill 2017 ...... 33 Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Bill 2017...... 33 Security Industry Amendment Bill 2017 ...... 33 Assent ...... 33 Notices ...... 33 Presentation ...... 33 Question Time ...... 33 Western Sydney Rail Infrastructure ...... 33 Federal Budget ...... 34 Housing Affordability ...... 35 State Economy ...... 37 Schools Funding...... 38 Public Transport Funding ...... 39 Hunter Coal Seam Gas Exploration ...... 40 National Disability Insurance Scheme ...... 41 Oxford Street Shopping Precinct ...... 42 Regional Infrastructure ...... 43 Documents ...... 44 Variations of Receipts and Payments Estimates and Appropriations 2016-17 ...... 44 Petitions...... 44 Petitions Received ...... 44 Business of the House ...... 45 Business Lapsed ...... 45 International Nurses Day ...... 45 Reordering...... 45 Motions Accorded Priority ...... 46 Mid North Coast Infrastructure ...... 46 Consideration ...... 46 Federal Budget ...... 47 Consideration ...... 47 Mid North Coast Infrastructure ...... 48 Priority ...... 48 Bills ...... 52 Transport Administration Amendment (Closure of Railway Line Between Rosewood and Tumbarumba) Bill 2017 ...... 52 Second Reading ...... 52 TABLE OF CONTENTS—continuing

Private Members' Statements ...... 55 Diggers Miranda RSL ...... 55 Westconnex ...... 56 Hunter Region Manufacturing Industry ...... 56 Hornsby Historical Society ...... 57 Matter of Public Importance ...... 58 Wear Orange Wednesday ...... 58 Members ...... 61 Inaugural Speech ...... 61

Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 1

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

Wednesday, 10 May 2017

The SPEAKER (The Hon. Shelley Elizabeth Hancock) took the chair at 10:00. The SPEAKER read the prayer and acknowledgement of country. [Notices of motions given.]

Bills STATUTE LAW (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) BILL 2017 UNIVERSITIES LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (PLANNING AGREEMENTS) BILL 2017 Second Reading Debate resumed from 3 May 2017. Mr PAUL LYNCH (Liverpool) (10:11): I lead for the Opposition in debate on the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017. The Opposition does not oppose the bill. The bill contains an avalanche of minor amendments, revisions and repeals that can be dealt with far more efficiently by this vehicle than by a plethora of separate amending bills. Schedule 1.14 clause 2 dissolves the Lotteries Assets Ministerial Holding Corporation, which has not exercised any functions under its 2009 legislation since it was established. Schedule 1.20 postpones the repeal under the Subordinate Legislation Act of 12 regulations, each of which has had repeal postponed at least five times. There are a number of amendments to legislation concerning various universities relating to the control and management of their financial affairs and management of property. My favourites in this bill include 2.6, which amends section 48W(n) of the Children (Criminal Proceedings) Act to change "the the" to "the", as does 2.20 of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act section 35 (4A). My favourites also include 2.12, which omits redundant punctuation—a dash—and 2.15, which inserts a missing dash, as does 2.37 [4]. Schedule 3 provides amendments consequent on the enactment of the Fines Amendment (Electronic Penalty Notices) Act 2016. Schedule 4 provides amendments consequent on administrative arrangement orders and enactment of the Government Sector Employment Act 2013. Schedule 5 provides for various repeals and schedule 6 provides for general savings, transitional and other provisions. As I indicated, Labor does not oppose the bill. I should indicate that we are still considering our position in relation to a further amendment concerning what, on the face of it, appears to be the inadequacy of the Government's 2016 amending ICAC legislation in relation to transitional provisions concerning the chief commissioner and the chief commissioner's appointment. There are various aspects to that and we are still considering some advice. We reserve our position on that particular point. Other than that, we do not oppose the bill. Mr STEPHEN BROMHEAD (Myall Lakes) (10:13): I speak in support of the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017, and I compliment the Attorney General on bringing the bill to the House. Governments go through an ongoing and constant process of reviewing statutes to ensure that they are up to date and have kept pace with changes. The amendments in this bill were put forward by the Premier, the Treasurer and a number of Ministers, including those with responsibility for primary industries, energy, planning, health, the environment, education and law enforcement following a review of their legislation to see what changes needed to be made. A number of changes were identified. Rather than introducing a bill for each portfolio or piece of legislation, the changes have been grouped together in this bill for the convenience of Parliament, its staff and the community. The Treasurer has put forward amendments to the NSW Lotteries (Authorised Transaction) Act 2009. The amendment dissolves the Lotteries Assets Ministerial Holding Corporation, which has not exercised any functions under the Act since it was established and is not expected to in the future. May I say what a good Treasurer the member for Hawkesbury is. Mr John Robertson: What qualifications have you got to make that judgement? Mr STEPHEN BROMHEAD: I've got a wallet and a credit card. The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Blacktown will come to order. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 2

Mr STEPHEN BROMHEAD: The community would have no doubt that the Treasurer we have today is better than any Treasurer the other side had in their 16 years of neglect and bias against regional New South Wales. I have read some of our Treasurer's commentary on last night's Federal budget, but I am particularly interested in the budget he will bring forward in June. I would bet anything that there will be a lot in it for regional New South Wales. The previous Labor Government in which the member for Blacktown was on the front bench discriminated against regional New South Wales. This Government puts regional New South Wales at the fore. Our Treasurer, who leaves all Labor Treasurers for dead, has also put forward amendments relating to the Superannuation Administration Corporation (Pillar) (Authorised Transaction) Act 2016. These amendments dissolve the Superannuation Administration Assets Ministerial Holding Corporation, which has not exercised any functions under the Act since it was established and is not expected to in the future. The fund established under the Act for the holding corporation will also be dissolved. The Pillar transaction was fantastic for New South Wales taxpayers. Pillar cost at least $1 million a month to run and so by transferring Pillar we have saved money and jobs and provided a far better return to taxpayers. Minister for Primary Industries the Hon. Niall Blair has a number of responsibilities in his portfolio. The Fisheries Management Act 1994 is being amended to enable the Minister for Primary Industries to vary or revoke certain notices given under the Act. This includes notices requiring the holder of an aquaculture permit to maintain the permit area in a tidy condition and notices requiring the formal lessee of an aquaculture lease to remove improvements on the leased area. The Water Management Act 2000 is also being amended. The amendment enables the Minister for Regional Water to require an access licence certificate for an access licence under the Act to be surrendered before recording the surrender of the access licence in the Water Access Licence Register. It also removes a prohibition on taking water from a water source under an access licence otherwise than by means of a water supply work nominated for that water source. It imposes a prohibition on taking water under an access licence otherwise by means of a water supply work, or from an extraction point nominated in the access licence. This amendment is consequent on the changes made by the Water Management Amendment Act 2014. The reform of the Fisheries Management Act 1994 involves a number of stages. The first trading went live earlier this month and it will conclude this week. The overwhelming majority of commercial fishermen have taken part in that share trading exercise. I have often told the Minister that we should not leave anyone behind in this process. Fishermen who do not have access to computers or who have difficulty dealing with sophisticated commercial transactions of this type should be given all the assistance they need. Throughout this fisheries reform process we should ensure that every commercial fisherman who wants to remain in the industry has an opportunity to do so and is supported. The Minister has assured me that that will happen. I find it very reassuring that so many fishermen have taken part in the share trading exercise. The Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017 also amends the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The amendment removes an impediment to the imposition of local affordable housing contributions under environmental planning instruments in a special contributions area so that local infrastructure contributions are excluded only if the Minister has made a determination in relation to that area that identifies affordable housing as a class of infrastructure for which special infrastructure contributions determined by the Minister may be required. The also bill amends the Health Practitioner Regulation (Adoption of National Law) Act 2009 to modify it in its application as a law of New South Wales to provide that the chairperson of the assessment committee that deals with complaints about registered health practitioners in a health profession is to be appointed by the health professional council for that health profession rather than by the Minister for Health, as is currently the case. This amendment will make this provision consistent with the provision dealing with the appointment of members of an assessment committee. As I said, the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill makes amendments to at least 31 Acts. The introduction of statute law reform bills is a regular and important process undertaken in this place. It is good to see that the Government is on the front foot in doing its job of amending legislation where appropriate. Unlike the Labor Government during its 16 shameful years in office, this Government is looking after the people of New South Wales. I commend the bill to the House. Mr JONATHAN O'DEA (Davidson) (10:23): The Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017 continues the longstanding statute law revision program of making relatively minor policy changes. In this case, that includes making amendments to the Barangaroo Delivery Authority Act 2009, on which I will speak today. The Barangaroo development is one of the most exciting and innovative urban development projects in the world. It is overseen by the Barangaroo Delivery Authority, under chairman Terry Moran and chief executive officer Craig van der Laan. Those capable gentlemen are supported by other board members, a range of subcommittees Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 3

and talented staff. The role of the authority is to manage that city waterfront development and to deliver world-class benchmarks in urban design, public domain and sustainability. The development project is divided into three distinct sections: Barangaroo Reserve, Central Barangaroo and Barangaroo South. In Central Barangaroo and Barangaroo South there has been a lot of development—and even a little bit of controversy. Today my focus is on Barangaroo Reserve. Item [1] of schedule 1 to the bill amends the name "Barangaroo Headland Park" to "Barangaroo Reserve". This name respects the traditional land custodians, the Gadigal people. In particular, it pays tribute to the Indigenous Australian woman, Barangaroo, who played a significant role in her community and the early British colony. Item [4] clarifies a matter regarding any approval or consent given by the Premier in relation to certain ancillary functions of the Barangaroo Delivery Authority, including the power to grant easements over land vested in the authority, approval or consent to which may be given generally or may be limited to particular cases. Item [5] of schedule 1 to the bill enables the board to circulate documentation relating to the Barangaroo Reserve via email or any other electronic means for the purpose of transacting its business, instead of the previous facsimile system that was used. Keeping up with modern technologies is important for any corporation, especially when it is changing and evolving at such a fast pace. These days email and electronic communication is standard practice in the corporate world and for individuals. Indeed, 2.4 million emails are sent every second around the world—I doubt that the Temporary Speaker would read all his, but he would get a lot of them. TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Geoff Provest): No, I do not. Mr JONATHAN O'DEA: Statistics show that as of January 2017 there were 3.7 billion corporate email accounts internationally. That number would be even greater now. The Barangaroo Development Authority must utilise modern technologies such as email, as standard modern corporate practice. Email technology offers the ability to communicate effectively at speed and low cost. It should be sensibly encouraged. I will now make some more general remarks about Barangaroo Reserve. Creating Barangaroo Reserve involved the transformation of one of the city's oldest and ugliest industrial sites into a spectacular, six-hectare headland open space for Sydneysiders and visitors to embrace and enjoy. As well as providing views never seen before of Sydney's iconic harbour, the reserve features lookouts, extensive walking and cycling trails, idyllic coves, picnic spots and places for quiet contemplation. The park size is 5.7 hectares and the foreshore walk is 10 metres wide. In the Cancer Council City Mile Dash, I had the pleasure of running along that fantastic foreshore walk, and I also attended Sculpture at Barangaroo. Last year I also joined then Premier Mike Baird at the official opening of the Barangaroo Reserve. It is a wonderful area of Sydney. More than 10,000 individually crafted sandstone blocks have been used in this headland park, many of them were excavated from beneath the site. There are also 75,000 Sydney native plants. It is extraordinary. Members will be interested to know that the planting program largely replicates the vegetation before European settlement. Ms Katrina Hodgkinson: Landcare would be interested. Mr JONATHAN O'DEA: Landcare would be very interested. Indeed, it is the most scientifically significant planting of its kind in central Sydney for decades. It is a wonderful initiative. If people want to find out more about that and other aspects of Barangaroo Reserve, they can visit the Barangaroo Development Authority website, which contains a lot of interesting and useful information. I finish by touching on an aspect that goes back to our Indigenous history. The reserve is rich in Aboriginal and cultural history and remains an area of great significance for Australians of all cultures. It has been stated in the past that Barangaroo Reserve will eventually host a new cultural centre with one of the largest internal spaces in Australia. The Cutaway, as it is called, is a large area underneath the main hill. As those who have visited the site will know, there is a vast open area featuring the sandstone wall left from an area that was excavated to create the 10,000 blocks. I put on record my support for a national centre for Indigenous arts and culture at Barangaroo Reserve. I have raised that project with the Government. Indeed, I know members from both sides in this place have expressed their support. A national centre that was endorsed and supported by this Government and the Federal Government could draw on the experience and rotating collections of institutions nationwide. The vision that is the centre would fill a void that, I think, is at the heart of Australia's identity. It could celebrate the arts and culture of our Indigenous peoples with authentic Indigenous visual experiences for all Australian and overseas visitors, and it could showcase and promote regional tourism offerings as well as generate Indigenous and other employment opportunities. I recognise that a number of businesses and operations across the three areas at the Barangaroo site—south, central and at the reserve—already have Indigenous employment programs. Those entities ought to be encouraged and congratulated. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 4

I do not want to say any more about the Indigenous arts and cultural centre today. However, I put on the public record that I strongly support that type of initiative, which would showcase Australia's unique culture and arts to the world. It would also enhance and deepen Australians' understanding of their country and national identity and provide tourists with a unique insight into Australia, as seen through its Indigenous culture. I know that the Government is considering this matter, but I urge it to move with a greater sense of urgency to make such a vision a reality, and allow the wonderful Cutaway to become a more functioning and long-lasting asset for the people of this country. Ms KATRINA HODGKINSON (Cootamundra) (10:34): I make a contribution to debate on the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017. I commend my colleague the member for Davidson for his contribution this morning in which he spoke particularly about one of the 13 different portfolio areas covered by this important bill. The changes to the 13 different portfolio areas may be inconsequential individually but are important enough to be gathered together under one piece of legislation. It is important for people to know that these changes are being made and to take note of statute law (miscellaneous provisions) bills as they come forward in this place. When looking at provisions that relate to a particular portfolio we may go to the relevant legislation and forget to look at the statute law (miscellaneous provisions) bills that regularly come before this place. It is important that we keep up with the changes in all portfolio areas. I commend the member for Davidson for his contribution relating to the Barangaroo Delivery Authority and his support for a national centre for Indigenous arts and culture. I know that the Wiradjuri people in my electorate—the Indigenous elders and young people—would be delighted to travel to Sydney to see such a centre and to have their history included. I encourage the Premier to ensure that if such a national centre for Indigenous arts and culture is established—as I am sure it will be—the Wiradjuri people are included in the history exhibition at the centre. The 13 different portfolio areas covered under this piece of legislation include the Barangaroo Delivery Authority Act, the State Owned Corporations Act, the Subordinate Legislation Act, the NSW Lotteries (Authorised Transaction) Act, the Superannuation Administration Corporation (Pillar) (Authorised Transaction) Act, the Fisheries Management Act—which the member for Myall Lakes spoke to in his contribution—and the Water Management Act. When the Water Management Act was first brought to this place, the then member for Ballina, the Hon. Don Page, and I scoured the legislation, which, from memory, was introduced by the Hon. Richard Amery. That legislation contained a new rule, which was very controversial at the time, that people could harvest 10 per cent of the run-off of their water supply. The Water Management Act has been in operation now for 17 years. As the former Minister responsible for the management of water, I can see that it is working well. People are used to water trading between valleys, and it is happening very successfully. The current changes to the Water Management Act include the provision that the Minister for Regional Water may require the access licence certificate for an access licence to be surrendered before recording the surrender of the access licence in the Water Access Licence Register. The bill removes a prohibition on taking water from a water source under an access licence otherwise than by "a nominated water supply work for that water source" and imposes a prohibition on taking water under an access licence otherwise than by means of "a water supply work, or from an extraction point, that is nominated in the access licence". That amendment is consequent on changes made by the Water Management Amendment Act 2014, for which I was responsible. As I said at the outset, these are minor but important changes to existing pieces of legislation. Other Acts that are impacted upon by this legislation include the Electricity Supply Act, the Energy Services Corporations Act, the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, the Health Practitioner Regulation (Adoption of National Law) Act, Acts relating to several universities, the Law Enforcement (Controlled Operations) Act, the Strata Schemes Development Act, the Protection of the Environment Administration Act, the Tow Truck Industry Act, the Transport Administration Act, the Biofuels Act, the Funeral Funds Act, the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act, the Pawnbrokers and Second-hand Dealers Act, and the Carers (Recognition) Act. I will address briefly the Carers (Recognition) Act as this week is National Volunteer Week, when we recognise all the wonderful volunteers who serve our State so magnificently, such as our fireys and most recently our State Emergency Service, particularly in the electorates of Tweed, Lismore and Ballina, which have experienced the most horrific floods. It has been a very trying time for many people. The State Emergency Service, the Department of Primary Industries and many others have worked relentlessly to ensure that local people have been looked after. As much as we recognise those people this week, it is important that we continue to recognise the wonderful carers in our communities, those who look after people with a disability and the very young, who become foster carers and who care for the aged. The sacrifice they make to look after others should not be underestimated. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 5

Carers save governments billions of dollars every year. They make an incredibly important contribution to the community. The bill that is before us today updates the New South Wales Carers Charter, which sets out principles for the recognition of carers that are to be observed by public sector agencies in their terminology and social context. It removes the requirement that membership of the Carers Advisory Council, which advises the Minister for Disability Services on matters relating to carers, include the Minister for Disability Services and other Ministers responsible for the provision of support services to carers. It provides for the appointment of a chair and a deputy chair of the council rather than it being co-chaired by members of the council who are Ministers, as is currently the case. It also provides that the Minister is required to ensure that the majority of the members of the council are carers, rather than primary carers as is currently the case. The bill provides that the Minister may determine the procedures for the appointment of ex officio members to the council. It provides that a public sector agency may satisfy the consultation requirement relating to the development of policies that impact carers by consulting with individual carers rather than consulting only with bodies representing carers, as is currently the case. Those proposed amendments are in line with the recommendations of the report of the recent statutory review of the Act, which was tabled in this place on 8 November 2016. The New South Wales Carers Charter, which is outlined in the bill, highlights the various qualities of carers. It comes in four parts. It details how carers contribute to the community and recognises the valuable social and economic contribution that carers make to our community. The charter recognises also that carers must have the same rights, the same opportunities and the same choices that regular Australians have. It recognises that their unique knowledge and experience should be acknowledged and that the relationship between those who care and the people for whom they are caring should be respected. It goes on to highlight that the health and wellbeing of carers is important, that carers are a diverse group, and that they have individual needs within and beyond their caring roles. It acknowledges that carers are partners in care. I fully support the new Carers Charter; it is very well thought out. It is certainly time for an update to the charter, particularly in relation to the language. I commend the Minister for including it in the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017. I also note that grandparents make an incredibly important contribution to caring in our community. In so many cases, grandparents look after their grandchildren because the parents have become afflicted by drugs, alcoholism or some other curse. Last week a rally was held in Wagga Wagga in relation to the care given by grandparents. Some grandparents do not want to be referred to as "carers". I acknowledge and recognise that. If I were in the same boat, I probably would think the same way. They want to be seen as grandparents looking after their grandchildren and families, rather than being seen in a formal, contextual role that is subject to the same terminology as those who are not related to the children for whom they care. I place that on the record. Once again, I indicate my support for the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017. Mr KEVIN CONOLLY (Riverstone) (10:44): I speak in support of the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017. This type of bill comes before the House from time to time to deal with a wide range of minor changes that have become necessary for a variety of reasons. The changes are of minor consequence and are generally agreed by both sides of the House. It is my understanding that only agreed changes are included in such bills and that if a change were opposed it would be withdrawn and dealt with separately. This is a housekeeping-type bill that covers a wide range of portfolios. As previous speakers have said, this bill contains provisions relating to 31 Acts. Schedule 1 to the bill deals with changes to minor processes or structural issues in specific pieces of legislation, some of which previous speakers have referred to. Schedule 2 deals purely with amendments to the wording in legislation as recommended by Parliamentary Counsel. Schedule 3 deals with the implementation of electronic fines. An amendment in 2016 changed the way in which fines are levied. As fines are levied under many different Acts of Parliament, rather than dealing with each one separately, this omnibus-type bill addresses the relatively minor but specific changes required in each Act. Schedule 4 deals with changes that have come about as a result of administrative changes, orders and enactment of the Government Sector Employment Act 2013. Those changes also impinge on a wide range of legislation and, rather than deal with the terminology changes bill by bill, they are dealt with in this manner. Schedule 5 deals with repealing redundant Acts and instruments. It is remarkable how many of those can be found still on the statute books. It is a constant task to repeal legislation that is no longer required or operative and is simply cluttering up the landscape. Redundant legislation serves no purpose other than to potentially improve the income of lawyers who find obscure provisions in law books. Again, from time to time those pieces of legislation or instruments in the legislation that are not required are repealed. Finally, schedule 6 contains general savings, transitional and other provisions that are required because of the proposed changes in this bill. I wish to comment on a couple of matters in schedule 1, one of which relates to affordable housing under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. This minor change is not controversial but it is made as Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 6

part of the task of ensuring that affordable housing can be delivered as intended by the Government. This change removes an impediment to the imposition of local affordable housing contributions under environmental planning instruments in a special contributions area. The proposed amendment ensures that local infrastructure contributions are excluded only if the Minister has made a determination in relation to that area that identifies affordable housing as a class of infrastructure for which special infrastructure contributions determined by the Minister may be required. This proposed amendment clarifies whether a levy is imposed. If the Minister identifies that there should be a contribution in a particular circumstance, this proposed amendment makes it perfectly clear and the contribution can be followed up by the local authority. It is just one of the many steps required to ensure that the implementation of government policy and legislation is followed through in the subordinate Acts and other instruments that are affected. The Government does not want any further impediments to affordable housing. We know the challenge encountered by people in New South Wales to purchase affordable housing. However, I think the challenge is more broadly and better defined as one of housing availability rather than as affordable housing. To talk only about a lack of affordable housing or the challenge faced by people to purchase affordable housing suggests that the problem relates only to purchasers. I would suggest that tenants seeking a place to rent also face a great challenge. There is hardly an oversupply of rental accommodation in the market; the landscape is not littered with empty houses waiting for tenants. The two challenges are linked. Clearly, it is a housing availability challenge, whether one wants to purchase a house as an owner occupier or one wants to rent. Tinkering with the mix and favouring one over the other will not solve the challenge overall. In fact, we have to increase supply fundamentally to make sure that both those aspiring to be owner occupiers and those aspiring to be tenants can be accommodated. The Government is addressing that challenge of increasing housing supply in record fashion. The number of completions of new dwellings in New South Wales in the last 12 months has exceeded 73,000, topping the previous record since records have been kept in the late 1940s, which was in 1971. The previous peak year was 1971 and in 2016 we have just topped that with a greater number of new dwellings entering the market in New South Wales. This clearly indicates that trend lines are favourable in that we are producing more dwellings. If we can sustain the increased supply entering the market we will make a real dent on both housing affordability for people wishing to buy and housing availability for people wishing to rent. Even though this is a minor change, it supports the Government's intentions in that regard. The bill makes many small but sensible changes to tidy up legislative anomalies, to clarify where necessary and to remove impediments. These are not controversial and are supported by both sides of the House. This type of bill is a sensible way to proceed to ensure that the business of government can carry on in an efficient manner. I commend the bill to the House. Mr RON HOENIG (Heffron) (10:50): I make a brief contribution to debate on the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017. I endorse the remarks of the member for Liverpool, who led for the Opposition. Nothing I say should be seen to be inconsistent, either expressly or by implication, to his contribution. The member for Riverstone enlightened me with his examination of the legislation. His view that the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and the affordable housing provisions were abundantly clear is no doubt as a result of his keen knowledge of statutory interpretation. I would like somebody to tell me what schedule 1.7 actually means when the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act is proposed for amendment. This very clear provision relating to the Government's affordable housing policy states at new section 94F (6): A condition is not to be imposed under this section in relation to development that is within a special contributions area (within the meaning of Division 6) if a determination under section 94EE that applies to the area identifies affordable housing as a class of infrastructure for which development contributions may be required in accordance with the determination. That wording is as clear as mud. Obviously I do not have the same level of intellect as the member for Riverstone to understand the meaning of that provision. Changes to these provisions are traditionally included in statute law (miscellaneous provisions) bills and are generally dealt with and passed with little involvement from members. Members accept that they are machinery provisions and do not generally involve significant public policy. That tradition seems to be disappearing as the Attorney General's predecessor tried to slip into the House just prior to Christmas 2015 a miscellaneous provisions bill that had buried within it a tiny clause granting a 75-year lease of publicly owned land—the gold members' car park—vested in the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust to the Australian Rugby Union. It is the Attorney General's responsibility to ensure that the provisions in these types of bills are not significant. The statutory provisions under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act that relate to affordable housing are complex and difficult. State Environmental Planning Policy 70 enables a particular council area to apply conditions of consent for affordable housing. I was successful in having the previous Minister for Planning agree to add the city of Randwick to the State environmental planning policy. It will enable that council Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 7

to add affordable housing to developments, where appropriate. At this point, I am not sure whether Randwick City Council has been included. There is then only the City of Sydney and Chatswood. If the Government is fair dinkum about addressing affordable housing, the mechanism that has been used in those confined areas of Sydney that gives consent authority is contained within the State environmental planning policy. In the past, the Minister could determine levels of infrastructure associated with development contributions by developers within a special contributions area. That provision excluded affordable housing from that area, as I understand the section. That is what I infer from the convoluted wording. The Attorney General, who is a civil law senior counsel—he does not have criminal experience—will know better than I and will correct me if I am wrong. As I understand the provision, it will enable affordable housing to be added in that special contributions area unless the Minister determines otherwise. If I am right, it is a relatively minor change. I may not be right because the explanatory note seems to be inconsistent with the proposed amendments to section 94F (6). Affordable housing is an important mechanism to ensure housing in some locations. The gateway rezoning of the Kensington-Kingsford area along the light rail route in the city of Randwick has been held up by the Department of Planning for some six months. The importance of those affordable housing provisions is not to provide public housing but to provide affordable housing that will enable police officers, ambulance personnel and nurses to live in an area that they now cannot afford to live in. The mechanism is that the properties are leased to a community housing provider and there is a subsidised rent or reduced rent so that people associated with the Prince of Wales Hospital can have affordable housing in the immediate community. That is one type of affordable housing. The other mechanism to ensure affordable housing is the supply in the market. I recently represented the Opposition leader at Masada College. I drove to the other part of Sydney, over the harbour bridge. It is like another country. I noted huge blocks of land with large houses. It is easy to create affordable housing in those parts of the North Shore by changing the State environmental planning policy to allow attached housing on that property. This can only be part of a suite of measures providing affordable housing; it cannot be done by inserting a provision in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act—which may mean anything—in the hope that no-one will notice. Just because the member for Riverstone thinks this is a wonderful provision does not mean that somehow or other it will be a solution for this State. The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 was a fine piece of legislation enacted by the Wran Government. This Parliament has systematically destroyed it by amending it in ridiculous ways. If provisions in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act are to be made for affordable housing the Government has to go back to the beginning. Provisions encouraging affordable housing could be enacted within four or five weeks in a manner that everybody in this State understands. Nobody understands these provisions, and I doubt whether the Attorney General does either. Mr MARK SPEAKMAN (Cronulla—Attorney General) (11:02): In reply: I thank members representing the electorates of Liverpool, Myall Lakes, Davidson, Cootamundra, Riverstone and Heffron for their contributions to debate on the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017. As part of the ongoing statute law revision program, the bill aims to enable minor policy changes to be made efficiently and redundant legislation to be repealed. It aims to make a range of minor amendments to 31 Acts and related amendments to two instruments across various portfolios. Overall, it ensures that New South Wales legislation remains as up to date and as effective as possible. I thank the member for Heffron for his observations. I will speak to the Minister for Planning to see whether he can allay the member's concerns and suggestions of ambiguity. As the House is aware, the policy of the Government is that if any amendment sought to be made by this bill causes concern or requires clarification we will provide additional information on the matters raised. If a matter of concern cannot be resolved the Government is prepared in the other place to consider withdrawing that matter from the bill. Withdrawn proposals can be dealt with in a second bill using the procedure for splitting bills in the Legislative Council. This bill aims to make a range of minor amendments and ensure that New South Wales legislation remains as up to date and as effective as possible. I commend the bill to the House. TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Geoff Provest): The question is that these bills be now read a second time. Motion agreed to. Third Reading Mr MARK SPEAKMAN: I move: That these bills be now read a third time. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 8

Motion agreed to. PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT LEGISLATION MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS BILL 2017 First Reading Bill introduced on motion by Ms Gabrielle Upton, read a first time and printed. Second Reading Ms GABRIELLE UPTON (Vaucluse—Minister for the Environment, Minister for Local Government, and Minister for Heritage) (11:03): I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Protection of the Environment Legislation Miscellaneous Amendments Bill 2017 is an important part of the New South Wales Government's ongoing reforms to improve and align environmental protection legislation. The amendments in this bill will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of environmental legislation and ensure it reflects the community's expectations about both the role of the Environment Protection Authority [EPA] and the responsibilities of the regulated community. The bill will also continue the process of aligning the various pieces of environmental legislation administered by the EPA to ensure consistency in regulatory tools to penalise non-compliance and in prosecution proceedings. This is a continuation of the reforms started by this Government in 2011 with the re-establishment of the EPA as an independent regulator that is robust and respected by the community and industry. The bill includes amendments to the following Acts: the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997, the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, the Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991 and the Radiation Control Act 1990. I speak now to the specific provisions of the bill and refer, first, to the amendments to the Contaminated Land Management Act. The bill will amend the Contaminated Land Management Act to adopt the investigative powers available to the EPA under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act. This will not result in an expansion of the EPA's powers but will ensure that EPA officers have a consistent set of investigative powers across a suite of environmental legislation they administer. Rather than EPA officers needing to decide under which Act regulatory action will be taken to inform how evidence will be collected, all Protection of the Environment Operations Act provisions relating to investigations will be available to authorised officers under the Contaminated Land Management Act. This includes the power to request assistance for occupiers to provide all necessary information to an authorised officer. This amendment will reduce inefficiencies associated with needing to amend the Contaminated Land Management Act if investigative powers are amended in the Protection of the Environment Operations Act. Several amendments will be made to the Protection of the Environment Operations Act to improve regulatory efficiency and effectiveness. The first set of amendments relates to notification of licence review requirements. The EPA is required by legislation to advertise licence reviews in a newspaper circulating throughout the State. There are approximately 2,800 issued environment protection licences. The cost of advertising licence reviews is about $200,000 annually. This money is diverted from other EPA programs. There is little evidence to suggest that these advertisements result in any community input. In the past two years the EPA has received from the public only five submissions on licence reviews. Changing technology means the community is much more likely to access information on specific licence activities from the public register on the EPA's website, rather than via a newspaper advertisement. The EPA is happy also to accept comments on specific licence activities and respond to these as appropriate at any time. This is already the case with comments received by email, mail or by the environment line that handles general inquiries about environmental issues and reports of pollution. The bill will amend the Protection of the Environment Operations Act to remove the requirement regarding newspaper advertising and instead require the EPA to seek public input on licence reviews via its website. The review date of each licence will also be added to the public register. The EPA will develop a comprehensive communication strategy to inform the community of this change and to monitor any change in the number of community submissions. The second set of amendments to the Protection of the Environment Operations Act relates to licences to transport trackable waste. In an industry with a regular turnover of operators, especially small businesses, the current perpetual environmental protection licence for the transport of trackable waste is no longer appropriate. Currently licensees who exit the industry are required to formally surrender their licences. Should they fail to do so they are charged an administration fee and begin accruing punitive interest if they do not pay this fee. In such cases the EPA attempts to contact the licensee and eventually revokes the licence, but the debt for the administration fee plus punitive interest remains and must be cleared before a new licence will be issued. The bill addresses this problem by changing licences to transport trackable waste from being issued on a perpetual basis Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 9

to instead being issued for fixed terms of not more than five years. A licence can be renewed after five years. However, licensees exiting the industry who do not surrender their licences will no longer accrue any debt and their licences will simply lapse when they expire unless they choose to renew them. Some trackable wastes are also dangerous goods, for example waste corrosives. At present, a transporter must hold both a dangerous goods vehicle licence and a trackable waste transport licence to transport these wastes. The amendments will align both these requirements and allow for an integrated licence that covers both the existing dangerous goods vehicle licence and the licence for the transport of trackable waste. Only one application will be required for a new licence, or to renew a licence, covering either or both activities. The EPA is working towards enabling applications for new licences, variations and renewals to be submitted online. The third amendment to the Protection of the Environment Operations Act relates to the limitation period for prosecuting groundwater offences. The hidden nature of groundwater and possible seasonal changes to flows and chemistry makes the investigation of potential groundwater offences very complex. This can result in an investigation not progressing sufficiently to inform a decision to prosecute within the current water pollution limitation period of one year. Extending the groundwater pollution limitation period in which a prosecution can be commenced from one year to three years will ensure the EPA has sufficient time to complete groundwater investigations in all but the most exceptional cases. This time frame is consistent with limitation periods available in relation to illegal waste transport and disposal, which are often complex, and a resource-intensive activity. It is also consistent with the time frame for the commencement of proceedings under the Water Management Act and with similar environmental legislation in South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia. The fourth set of amendments to the Protection of the Environment Operations Act relates to updating investigative powers. The Protection of the Environment Operations Act currently allows EPA authorised officers to enter premises by foot or by a motor vehicle or other vehicle, by an aircraft or in any other manner. Increasingly the EPA, like other authorities, has been using unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, to collect evidence. The bill will amend the Protection of the Environment Operations Act to provide explicitly for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to collect evidence. EPA authorised officers only use these powers for legitimate investigation purposes and appropriate checks and balances are implemented to ensure that the people's privacy is protected. Protocols for ensuring that unmanned aerial vehicles are used appropriately are in place, and only operators who are licensed and certified by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulation, will be used. This power will not extend to residential premises unless covered by a search warrant. The fifth set of amendments to the Protection of the Environment Operations Act relates to the limitation period for prosecuting repeat waste offences. The Government has a strong track record in tackling rogue elements in the waste industry. A number of new offences were introduced into the Protection of the Environment Operations Act in 2013, along with stronger powers for the EPA to tackle those seeking to subvert the State's laws on appropriate disposal of waste. A new repeat waste offence was introduced to address and deter serious and repeat waste offenders. Under that section, a person commits a repeat waste offence if he or she has been convicted of a waste offence and then commits a separate waste offence within five years after that first conviction. The waste offences covered by the repeat waste offence provisions are prescribed under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act. The offence contains an additional deterrent—namely, that in addition to the normal financial penalty, repeat offenders can receive a custodial sentence of up to two years. There is currently a limitation period of one year to commence any prosecution for a repeat waste offence. This is shorter than the limitation period for the prescribed waste offences provided for in the Act. For these prescribed offences there is an extended limitation period of three years. These waste offences relate to pollution of land, unlawful waste transport and operating an unlawful waste facility. The longer limitation period for these waste offences reflects the fact that waste investigations are very complex and resource intensive. It does not make sense that if a prescribed waste offence was committed once that a three-year limitation period applies, but if committed twice, a lesser limitation period for prosecution of one year applies. This was a drafting oversight at the time the amendment was made. The EPA considers that the limitation period for the repeat waste offence should be aligned with the limitation period for prescribed waste offences, otherwise the additional deterrent intended by the repeat waste offence may be ineffectual. The repeat waste offence, along with the most serious tier 1 offences under the Act, is also listed under the Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991 as a "serious environment protection offence". This means that the EPA board's approval is required before a prosecution can be commenced. This step also has the potential to extend the time required to prepare a case for prosecution. This also necessitates a longer time for investigation for prosecution, as is proposed by this bill. In summary, this amendment would address the issues associated with the complexity of investigating waste offences, additional time required to seek the EPA board's approval to use the repeat waste offence and the inconsistency between the limitation period for the individual Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 10

waste offence and the respective repeat waste offence. The bill will extend the limitation period for repeat waste offences to three years. The sixth set of amendments to the Protection of the Environment Operations Act relates to global positioning system [GPS] tracking devices on waste transporters. In addition to increasing penalties and providing for custodial sentencing for repeat waste offenders, in 2014 the Government also gave the EPA the power to require a transporter of waste, who it reasonably suspects is engaging in illegal dumping or other illegal activities in relation to waste, to have a global positioning system device fitted to their trucks. That provision refers specifically to motor vehicles. A motor vehicle is defined in the Road Transport Act 2013 as a vehicle propelled by a motor that forms part of the vehicle. The definition of motor vehicle therefore does not include trailers attached to prime movers or other types of trucks. This bill amends this provision to ensure GPS devices can be attached to trailers as well as trucks that are used to transport waste. This will ensure rogue waste operators cannot avoid tracking of their illegal waste disposal operations by switching their trailers from a vehicle that has a GPS device fitted to a vehicle that does not have a GPS device installed. This change will remove this loophole and increase the strong deterrent effect that these GPS devices have. The Government is serious about stopping rogue operators dumping material including asbestos in our streets, parks and community. This amendment will mean the EPA can keep a closer eye on those waste offenders that pose a risk to our community and the environment. The seventh set of amendments to the Protection of the Environment Operations Act relates to supervisory waste licences. Under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act, a public authority can hold a supervisory licence over a putrescible waste facility operated by another entity—in general this is a private company. These licences were introduced when the Act was first drafted to address community concerns about environmental risks from the growth of private sector operated landfills. However, the supervisory licences are duplicative, given the waste facility operator also holds an environmental protection licence, and do not provide any regulatory powers to the public authority. The EPA regulates the waste facility through the environment protection licence. This bill will remove the supervisory class of licence, thereby reducing red tape for public authorities. The amendments will not result in any lessening of oversight of these putrescible waste facilities. The bill amends the Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991. This Act currently provides for the establishment of a number of consultation forums, an education council and advisory committees. Neither of the environment protection community consultation forums has met since 2003 and the education council was discontinued after 2009. In their place, the EPA has established the Newcastle Community Consultation Committees on the Environment, as well as specialist consultation committees in Rutherford, relating to odour; the lower and upper Hunter, relating to air quality; Lake Macquarie, relating to lead; and for the Williamtown RAAF Base contamination issue. The EPA has also established the Botany Industrial Park Community Consultation Committee and the Botany Community Information Group. It has supported industry liaison committees in the Botany area that facilitate interactions between industry and the local communities directly impacted by those industries. In the Illawarra it has established the Port Kembla Pollution Meeting, the Port Kembla Harbour Environment Group and several industry community consultative committees including one for BlueScope Steel. These committees have been formed in direct response to community concerns and are informed by a range of stakeholders, including independent experts where required. The current provisions in the Protection of the Environment Administration Act are too prescriptive in their membership requirements as well as too broad in the area to which they apply— for example, four currently convened committees cover the area previously covered by the Hunter Community Consultation Forum. Similarly, education programs are now more targeted and are developed in consultation with appropriate community groups to be consistent with the New South Wales Department of Education Environmental Education Policy for Schools. The bill will remove the provisions requiring the establishment of these prescriptive particular forums. The EPA will continue to consult directly with affected communities in New South Wales and listen to their concerns, but it will do so in forums that are more targeted to specific communities and issues, and make the best use of modern communication tools for the efficient exchange of information. This bill will make various amendments to the Radiation Control Act, including to extend the limitation period in which prosecutions can be brought for an offence under the Act from 12 months to two years. Illegally disposing of, or abandoning, radioactive sources is a serious environmental crime. Handling of such sources to retrieve serial numbers and other identifiers requires the use of specialist facilities and forensic experts at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. This cannot be done in the EPA laboratories and requires more time than other types of testing. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 11

Tracing who actually owned a radiation source may also require interstate and international inquiries as these sources are only manufactured in Canada and the United States. Records have only recently been computerised and checking older paper records is very time consuming. Therefore, the time needed to determine who disposed of a radioactive source illegally can take a lot longer than the current 12-month limitation period in the Act. Proceedings for offences under the Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2008 have a two-year statute of limitation period in which prosecutions can be commenced. It is therefore considered appropriate to align the statute of limitation period for prosecutions brought under the Radiation Control Act. Despite their potential seriousness, currently the maximum penalty amounts that can be imposed by a Local Court or by way of a penalty notice for radiation offences under both the Radiation Control Act and its regulation are extremely low in comparison with those available for other environmental offences. The maximum penalty that may be imposed by a Local Court is 100 penalty units or $11,000. The maximum penalty notice that can be imposed for offences under the Radiation Control Regulation is set in the Radiation Control Act as $1,500. It is proposed to amend the Radiation Control Act to double the maximum penalty that can be imposed by a Local Court to 200 penalty units or $22,000. It is also proposed to amend the Radiation Control Act to remove the limit on penalty notice amounts. While the EPA does not currently intend to increase penalty notice amounts in the regulation, this proposed amendment will allow it to do so at an appropriate time in the future. No other environmental legislation in New South Wales imposes a maximum penalty notice amount for offences under its accompanying regulation. Some other jurisdictions do set maximum penalties for radiation offences in the primary Act but these are considerably higher than in New South Wales. The Land and Environment Court is a specialist environmental court that can hear cases and determine prosecutions brought under most environmental legislation in New South Wales. However, prosecutions for offences under the Radiation Control Act are heard in the Local Court and the Supreme Court in its summary jurisdiction. It is proposed to move radiation control prosecutions that can currently be heard in the Supreme Court to the Land and Environmental Court for consistency. Further, it is also proposed to allow the Land and Environment Court to hear appeals against EPA decisions under the Radiation Control Act and its regulations. To facilitate the changes relating to radiation control prosecutions and appeals, there will be consequential amendments to the Land and Environment Court Act. The court has signalled that it supports these changes. Finally, it is proposed to remove the requirement for the EPA to have the consent of the Minister in order to commence court proceedings. This last requirement is inconsistent with the prosecutorial independence of the EPA. These changes are not expected to increase the workload of that court in any appreciable manner and the court has agreed to these changes also. In conclusion, the changes in this bill will better align the environmental legislation of the EPA, ensuring that it remains up to date and relevant and continues to meet the needs of the environment, the community and business in New South Wales. This bill provides the EPA with improved and more efficient regulatory tools to address a range of environmental issues by, for example, giving the EPA the time it needs to investigate complex environmental offences. This bill reduces red tape by removing unnecessary regulatory burdens and regulatory duplication for licensees. It also helps to ensure that the resources of the EPA are able to be better focused on addressing serious environmental issues and on programs most likely to deliver positive environmental outcomes for our communities across New South Wales. I commend the bill to the House. Debate adjourned. LIQUOR AMENDMENT (REVIEWS) BILL 2017 First Reading Bill introduced on motion by Mr Paul Toole, read a first time and printed. Second Reading Mr PAUL TOOLE (Bathurst—Minister for Lands and Forestry, and Minister for Racing) (11:25): I move: That this bill be now read a second time. In December last year the Government announced an important package of liquor reforms. The package included, among other things, the Government's response to the recommendations of the Independent Liquor Law Review by former High Court Justice Ian Callinan as well as to a number of departmental reviews. As recommended by the Callinan review, for genuine "live entertainment venues" in the Kings Cross and central business district [CBD] precincts lockouts were extended from 1.30 a.m. to 2.00 a.m. and last drinks were moved from 3.00 a.m. to 3.30 a.m. In addition, the 10.00 p.m. statewide restriction on takeaway alcohol sales was extended from 10.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 12

For small bars, the patron capacity was increased from 60 to 100 persons to enhance the viability of the small bar licence and contribute to a more diverse and vibrant industry and night-time economy. To ensure that venues and the community could benefit from the changes ahead of the busy Christmas and New Year holiday period as many reforms as possible were implemented via regulation on 16 December in the Liquor Amendment Regulation 2016. Today the New South Wales Government is introducing a bill to implement the remaining measures in its publicly announced liquor reform package that were not able to be implemented through regulation last year but instead require legislative change. The measures contained in this Liquor Amendment (Reviews) Bill 2017 will: improve the three-strikes disciplinary scheme targeting those that repeatedly commit serious offences under the Liquor Act and address some unintended consequences of the scheme; improve the minors sanctions scheme for venues that sell alcohol to under 18s and align it more closely with the three-strikes scheme; modify the liquor licence freeze provisions and implement the Government's publicly announced plans to extend the freeze in Kings Cross until 1 June 2018, consistent with the Sydney CBD freeze; and fix an anomaly whereby the board of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority is held responsible for the collection, administration and reporting of fees payable under liquor and gaming legislation. I now provide further detail on the reforms contained in schedule 1 to the bill. In New South Wales the three-strikes scheme aims to encourage compliance with the most serious offence provisions under the Liquor Act. The scheme uses a system of strikes targeting venues at which there are wilful and continual serious breaches of liquor laws. Not all offences will result in a strike against a venue's liquor licence; strikes are intended to apply only to serious breaches. Strikes can lead to a range of escalating penalties, including licence suspensions, cancellations and disqualifications. Indeed, licensed venues that repeatedly commit serious offences can lose their liquor licence under the three-strikes scheme. However, there have been some unfortunate and unforeseen consequences flowing from the three-strikes scheme. Major financial providers have confirmed that the incurrence of strikes against a licence can jeopardise loan arrangements. In their view, strikes impact negatively on the property value, cashflow and reputation of licensed premises. In fact, some lenders have suggested that first strikes could diminish the value of a property by around 20 per cent. Some lenders have inserted provisions into loan agreements that specifically note that lenders must notify them of a strike being incurred, and that this constitutes a "review event", which may result in variations to loan conditions. These loan agreements also indicate that either a second or third strike would constitute a default on the loan. It is not surprising then that instances have been cited where contracts of sale have been rescinded due to venues incurring strikes and, more broadly, industry stakeholders have indicated that selling a premise carrying a strike is very difficult. While licensed venues must be held responsible for their actions, it is not intended that a strike on a licence should lead to a substantial loss in the value of the attached business or an inability to sell, or the imposition of difficult loan conditions by financial institutions. In particular, the three-strikes scheme should not unfairly penalise new owners and operators of licensed venues who have been unable to remove strikes incurred by previous management. To address these undesirable outcomes, the bill makes revisions so that strikes will in future be attached to individual licensees and approved managers, rather than against a venue's liquor licence. Importantly, this will mean that strikes will not have the same impact on financial loan arrangements or the potential sale of the venue. At the same time, attaching strikes to licensees and managers will continue to encourage these operators to drive positive changes in behaviour at their venues. Where a licensee or manager continues to incur strikes at the same premises the venues will still face the same range of escalating and serious penalties that can apply under the current scheme. Due to some fundamental differences between registered clubs and other types of liquor licences, clubs will continue to incur strikes on their licence. This reflects the fact that clubs as community-owned, not-for-profit entities cannot be bought and sold in the same way as other types of licensed venues and have therefore not suffered the same financial consequences of strikes. To ensure that the three-strikes scheme continues to target repeat offenders who wilfully commit the most serious offences under the Liquor Act, the bill will refine the offence types that can attract a strike. Minor breaches of licence conditions imposed as part of precinct conditions, or under the violent venues or three-strikes schemes, should not trigger a strike and will no longer do so under the bill—for example, this will ensure that a central business district or Kings Cross venue that fails to maintain an "incident register" can no longer receive a strike for this type of offence. The scheme will continue to target a range of serious offences such as permitting intoxication or violent conduct on the premises selling to minors, as well as more significant breaches of precinct licence conditions imposed to restrict trading hours or entry of patrons after certain times. Further, the bill provides that the board of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority will determine the application of a first strike, rather than the strike being applied automatically. The authority will also be the decision-maker in respect of a second strike, rather than the secretary of the department. There will be an appeals Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 13

mechanism to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal [NCAT]. Together, these changes transfer to an independent authority and a tribunal the responsibility for determining the application of strikes. In determining a strike, the authority may also impose any remedial action necessary to reduce the risks that led to the offence being committed. While the type of remedial action that the authority can impose as a condition of a venue's licence is not being changed, the bill introduces the ability for remedial action to be taken against an individual licensee or manager. This can include requiring the person to undertake further training after they incur a first strike; reprimanding the person or imposing a minor monetary penalty after incurring a second strike; or disqualifying the person from being a licensee or manager of a licensed premises, either permanently or for a specified period after incurring a third strike. Another key change to the scheme will enable licensees, managers and clubs to apply to the authority for a strike to be revoked after it has been in place for six months. However, the authority will be able to revoke a strike only if there is evidence of improvement in management practices, so it must be satisfied that any remedial action imposed with the strike has been complied with; the licensee or manager has implemented measures or undertaken training to manage or reduce the risks that led to the strike offence; and no other strike offence has been committed since the strike was incurred by the licensee, manager or club. The bill also includes a mechanism that allows the authority to respond to venues that "cycle through" licensees or managers in an attempt to frustrate regulatory action and avoid further sanctions under the scheme. In this case, the authority will be able to impose conditions relating to the employment of a new licensee or manager—for example, requiring the employment of a person with a certain level of qualification or experience in managing licensed premises. This action will be available where the authority considers there has been no improvement in the management of a venue, despite other licensees or managers having been employed. The bill will also improve the Minors Sanctions Scheme—the escalating sanctions scheme that imposes significant penalties on venues that sell liquor to minors. As with the changes to the three–strikes scheme, the reforms to the minors sanctions scheme transfer to the board of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority certain decision-making responsibilities, including determining whether to suspend a venue's licence for up to 28 days for a first offence. Currently, that sanction is determined by the Secretary of the Department of Industry and is final and not reviewable. This change reflects the authority's primary role in determining high-impact and contentious matters, noting the severe financial consequences a licence suspension can have on venues and staff. As with three strikes, there will be an appeals mechanism to NCAT. The bill modifies certain aspects of the existing liquor licence freeze. The freeze was implemented in the Sydney central business district and Kings Cross to curb the proliferation of higher-risk venues and thereby help contain the risk of alcohol-related violence and crime. For high-impact venues such as hotels, clubs, and bottle shops in the precincts, the freeze prevents the granting of new liquor licences and extended trading authorisations, and places restrictions on licence removals, change of boundary applications and the grant of development consent by the City of Sydney. However, the Callinan review found that the freeze may have prevented some venues from adapting or improving their premises. The bill therefore modifies the operation of certain freeze provisions so they no longer inadvertently restrict existing venues from receiving consent to adapt or improve their facilities. Importantly, these changes will mean that businesses in the precincts have greater opportunity to refurbish and provide more diverse and sophisticated offerings so they can better adapt to changes in their environment. The bill will extend the modified freeze to the Kings Cross precinct until 1 June 2018, consistent with the Government's announced plans for the freeze ensuring consistency with the current Sydney central business district freeze. Further, the bill will remove freeze restrictions currently in place for producer/wholesaler licences, given the lower-risk profile of these operators. The bill will also enable the Kings Cross precinct to be recognised as a "prescribed precinct", consistent with the Sydney CBD Entertainment precinct. Specifically, the bill repeals legislative provisions relating to the Kings Cross precinct that are currently replicated under the "prescribed precinct" framework in division 4 of part 6 of the Liquor Act. This change will help to standardise and simplify the operation of the framework by ensuring there is a common mechanism, being the prescribed precinct framework used to implement regulatory interventions at the precinct level. In relation to identification scanners, the bill will make the Secretary of the Department of Industry rather than the Minister responsible for determining exemptions from the ID scanning requirements currently in place for high-risk venues in Kings Cross. This designation is considered appropriate given the secretary has other comparable operational decision-making responsibilities under the liquor legislation. I now turn to schedule 2 to the bill, which relates to the 2015 structural reforms to the gaming and liquor regulatory framework. Those reforms resulted in the establishment of Liquor and Gaming NSW as a "fit for purpose" regulator and a shift in the role of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority. In this regard, the authority was refocused as an independent statutory board with eight part-time members responsible for determining contentious licensing and disciplinary matters. Despite this change, the 2015 reforms did not relieve the authority of its obligation to collect and report on fees and charges collected under the various pieces of gaming and liquor legislation. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 14

This situation needs to be rectified so that the authority, as a statutory decision-making body, can focus its efforts accordingly rather than undertaking these financial administration activities. The bill therefore addresses this issue by amending relevant provisions under the Casino Control Act, the Gaming and Liquor Administration Act, the Gaming Machines Act and the Registered Clubs Act. These amendments ensure that where any fees, taxes or costs are payable to the authority, or it is implied that fees or costs are payable to the authority, those moneys will instead be payable to the secretary of the department. This is a change that has been requested by the chair of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority, Mr Philip Crawford. Importantly, this change merely relates to the responsibility for the ongoing administration of the moneys and has no effect on the use of the revenue. The package of reforms contained in this bill implements the Government's remaining liquor law reforms. The reforms will further improve the regulation of the liquor industry and support business certainty and viability while at the same time promoting effective measures to minimise risks of alcohol-related violence and harm in the community. I commend the bill to the House. TRANSPORT ADMINISTRATION AMENDMENT (CLOSURE OF RAILWAY LINE BETWEEN ROSEWOOD AND TUMBARUMBA) BILL 2017 Second Reading Debate resumed from 2 May 2017. Ms JODI McKAY (Strathfield) (11:43): I lead for the Opposition in debate on the Transport Administration Amendment (Closure of Railway Line between Rosewood and Tumbarumba) Bill 2017. Labor will support the bill. We on this side of the House have been active and vocal advocates for rail trails and we commend the Government for taking action to support rail trails in New South Wales through this legislation. Therefore, we will support the bill in this place, but we will propose an amendment in the other place and seek the support of the Government and the crossbench for strengthening protections around rail corridors. We will do that because, as it is written, the bill allows the Government to sell and/or dispose of the rail corridor to a developer or a private operator once the rail line is closed. That is simply not in the spirit of rail trails and why they deserve this Parliament's support. As the Minister mentioned in his second reading speech, this is historic legislation because it establishes the first rail trail in New South Wales. It is therefore critical that we get this right from the start, because this bill is not just about the conversion of the Rosewood to Tumbarumba corridor to a rail trail; it can be expected that this legislation will be the legislative model used for all rail trails in New South Wales. Therefore, the legislation we support in this House for this corridor must reflect the community's expectations of all rail trails—that is, that once closed the rail corridor remains owned by government. It can be land vested to a council or a community trust, but it must remain Crown land. Our amendment in the other place will reflect this approach; it is a sensible protection and we urge the Government to support what is a minor but critical change to this bill. We will propose that the land is dedicated Crown land––that is, it is offered a high level of protection and cannot be sold at the whim of any government, Liberal-Nationals or Labor. I have spoken to the member for Albury, who is in the Chamber, and I congratulate him on the work that he has done with his community to bring the bill to this place. I believe there is every intention to keep this corridor in public ownership. Indeed, I believe it is the Government's intention to preserve the corridor as Crown land—certainly the Minister's second reading speech gives that impression. In his second reading speech, the Minister said: The Government has developed an innovative model that allows access by the public to the former rail corridor while maintaining public ownership. Transport for NSW is working with the Department of Industry—Lands to determine appropriate land transfer arrangements. It is anticipated the corridor will be declared a Crown reserve for which Snowy Valleys Council will then be appointed trustee. My interpretation of what the Minister said is that he does want this to remain Crown land and that he has no intention of selling it. I know that is also the position of the member for Albury. But there is a very obvious contradiction in what he says in his second reading speech and what is currently in the bill. The amendment we propose and ask the Government to support gives effect to the Minister's commitment to keep the corridor in public ownership. The amendment does no more than give meaning to the Minister's promise to the local community of Albury. As I said, there is certainly a significant discrepancy in what the Minister says and what is contained in the bill. Those on the other side who are supportive of rail trails in their communities beyond this rail trail in Albury should be deeply concerned about the current drafting of the bill. We ask them to do the right thing by their communities and ensure the land remains in the ownership of the Crown and that this seminal legislation is right and proper and what is expected by communities who will be asked to support rail trails in future. I know there are different opinions in the Albury area about whether this line should become a rail trail, but I believe even Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 15

those who adamantly support the proposal—and the conversations I have had indicate that support—would be concerned with the way this bill is drafted. The amendment we propose should not be seen as an attack on the Government; it simply sets up a model of operation for rail trails that the community can support. It ensures that no government—Liberal-Nationals or Labor—can sell or dispose of the corridor without notification and the support of Parliament. It is the right thing to do, and we urge the Government to support our amendment and ensure that the Rosewood to Tumbarumba line remains Crown land. I will speak further on this issue but, first, it is worthwhile asking: What is a rail trail? Rail Trails for NSW defines rail trails as, "shared user pathways along unused railway corridors". The tracks are removed and replaced with road base, gravel or a sealed surface and can be used for recreational activities such as walking and cycling. Cars and other vehicles are prohibited from using the trail. In New South Wales there are hundreds of kilometres of unused but preserved rail line corridors that tell the story of a local area, its history and its heritage. They meander through breathtakingly beautiful parts of the State, in some cases areas that are hidden away and rarely explored. These unused corridors connect communities and are often framed by historic buildings and rail infrastructure that can be renewed and reused. Rail trails are a window to the past: to a time when railways played an important role in opening up remote and inaccessible areas of New South Wales. They are valuable corridors that have tourism and recreational potential. John Moore, Tim Fischer and Rail Trails for NSW support the establishment of rail trails in New South Wales. I thank John, Tim and their group for participating in an active transport forum held by Labor and chaired by the member for Summer Hill. Labor has been supportive of the efforts of John and the group from the beginning. Rail Trails for NSW was launched in the New South Wales Parliament in March 2014. At that time the Hon. Mick Veitch introduced a bill in the Legislative Council that would give effect to rail trails in New South Wales. At the launch and in his speech on the bill in 2014, the Tumbarumba to Rosewood trail was used as an example of a rail trail that was ready to go and could be one of the first trails in New South Wales. The Hon. Mick Veitch and the Hon. Penny Sharpe inspected the corridor in 2011 and could see immediately the potential of the corridor to attract tourists and locals. I thank both Labor members for their leadership in shaping Labor's policy on rail trails. For those reasons, Labor believes it is ideal that the Tumbarumba to Rosewood trail become New South Wales' first rail trail. In speaking to his private member's bill in 2014, the Hon. Mick Veitch indicated that it was critical that two aspects are satisfied in supporting the closure of a rail line for the purpose of establishing a rail trail––that is, there is protection that allows the corridor to be converted back to a working rail line at any time; and the corridor remains Crown land, protected in legislation. This bill gives no such protection. In setting out the provisions authorising closure of the rail line, the bill allows: … a rail infrastructure owner authorised under subclause (1) may sell or otherwise dispose of the land concerned and remove the railway tracks and other works concerned. It is this provision that Labor cannot support and instead seeks to amend by declaring these corridors to be dedicated Crown land. This is what is intended according to my interpretation of the Minister's speech. I note that he is in the Chamber, and I thank him for bringing this bill to the Parliament. New South Wales has lagged behind other States in establishing rail trails. There are more than 25 rail trails in Victoria alone. The move to establish and support rail trails is welcomed by Labor. It is hoped that this will be the first of many in New South Wales. Labor supports community involvement in the establishment of each rail trail and the model outlined by the Minister and adopted by the Government in Albury seems to be a sensible approach. We acknowledge that the requirement for each local area will be different. In this case, the 22-kilometre line between McEachern Lane, Rosewood, and Albury Street, Tumbarumba, has not been operational since 1974 and it is ideal for renewal. For the reasons outlined in the Minister's second reading speech, it is unlikely that the railway line will be required for future use. However, in establishing rail trails in New South Wales there should always be a protection that allows the lines to be made operational again if they are ever required. The Minister affirmed the importance of this in his second reading speech, but the bill does not reflect what he said to Parliament. How can this land be made operational again in future if, in supporting this bill, Parliament gives the Government the right to sell and dispose of the land? If Labor supports this bill, that is exactly what we will be doing. Communities that have the opportunity to develop rail trails have every right to be cynical of the Government's motives. Labor supports rail trails and congratulates the Government on its support for the establishment of this rail trail and on the work it has done to bring this bill to the House. However, we urge the Minister to enshrine in legislation the commitments that he made in his second reading speech. This is not about whether Labor trusts the Government; it is about whether the community trusts whoever is in government to do the right thing in progressing the establishment and operation of rail trails. This is historic legislation and I urge the Minister to get Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 16

it right, to ensure that we do the best we can to build trust in the communities that, in future, might be presented with the opportunity to have a rail trail in their local area. Our purpose should be to secure Crown assets to support tourism and to provide jobs in local communities, not an underhanded move towards the privatisation of rail lines. If we do not change this legislation, the Parliament and communities across New South Wales will always be having this argument. I ask the Minister to work with Labor to ensure that the legislation gives effect to his promises. We congratulate the Minister and the member for Albury on the work they have done. We ask them to support our amendment in the other place so that we can be sure that the Albury community and communities across New South Wales achieve the best possible outcome and the protection they expect in order to preserve rail corridors as Crown land for rail trails. Let us work together to do the right thing by communities across New South Wales. Let us make this seminal legislation the best it can be. Mr GREG APLIN (Albury) (11:56): The stated object of the Transport Administration Amendment (Closure of Railway Line Between Rosewood and Tumbarumba) Bill 2017 is to amend the Transport Administration Act 1988 to authorise the rail infrastructure owner to close the railway line that runs from McEachern Lane, Rosewood, to Tumbarumba in order to create a rail trail for walking and bicycle use. Behind this short and straightforward statement lies a winding trail of community involvement, risk assessment, biosecurity science and tourism opportunities—those in favour, those against. This is more action than has been seen on the Rosewood to Tumbarumba rail corridor since the train ceased rumbling along it more than 40 years ago. Why a rail trail? For a start, let us go to the most obvious attribute of the land chosen for this tourist initiative—it is relatively flat. That is generally good news for recreational cyclists. Railways use embankments, bridges and excavations to smooth out the terrain for trains. Substantial planning has gone into drainage, using culverts and all manner of engineering techniques to take water away from the lines. In other words, these trails are not just pieces of unused or under-utilised land selected at random. Significant capital works have been done in these spaces, though in some cases remedial work is now necessary after years of abandonment. Still, the groundwork is there. Notably, Royal Rehab––the Rehabilitation and Disability Support Network has indicated its support for the concept of rail trails generally. As it said: The development of rail trails will mean wheelchair users and others with mobility aids will be able to start to enjoy exercise and the achievement of independent recreation as well as the serenity of nature, without the fear of motor vehicles or steps. Independent and positive recreation is a great catalyst for better mental health and rehabilitation. We urge you to consider the wonderful benefits quality rail trails will provide and look forward to seeing them become a reality in New South Wales very soon. This Government believes regional tourism can create jobs in hotels, restaurants and cafes, at tourist attractions and, in the case of a rail trail, for businesses of specific support to cycling and cyclists. Critically, a rail trail is not a single destination. The concept is about a journey. In this way a rail trail, as a piece of tourism infrastructure, unlocks the potential of a number of individual destinations and attractions. A clever council or a motivated entrepreneur will see the pattern and find creative ways to respond to the potential traffic. In the case of the Tumbarumba to Rosewood rail trail, there is a linking of the towns, the berry farm, wineries and local historic sites, such as the Pioneer Women's Hut Museum at Glenroy or the Hyne Timber Mill. There is even an opportunity to pause for a round of golf at Rosewood golf course. The Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail takes in approximately 22 kilometres of pathway. Those who travel the full length of the trail will see bridges, original railway signage, the Old Glenroy rail platform, cattle stops for moving cattle on and off rail transport, and much more. It takes visitors through back country that they would never otherwise experience and, in due course, right into the heart of local towns where accommodation and meals are available. We can forget that this is a real advantage of rail travel where we get the remoteness experience we crave but start and end in the middle of towns with services. Well, this is rail travel without the train. As with most tourism and jobs-based initiatives, there are those who love what is being done and those who are upset. It is our responsibility to find a fair pathway and to listen carefully to all perspectives of the local residents, farmers and communities generally. Local people have local knowledge and their insight is valuable. From my consultation with local people, they raise three principal arguments against having a rail trail. First, biosecurity; secondly, personal safety due to the presence of strangers deep in farm property, well away from roads and homesteads; and thirdly, disruption to farm management caused by isolating or cutting off paddocks or making access to water more difficult. Last year one farmer stated: Imagine if I had disease on the place, I'd be quarantined for possibly years… It was argued that 23 properties would be affected on a 23-kilometre arm of the rail line. Representatives from many of these properties formed a committee to oppose the project. There is the potential for the introduction or spread of noxious weeds and other flora diseases. The health of stock, too, could become compromised. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 17

Some issues require expert assessment. Concerns can be addressed and efforts made to minimise perceived harm. These form part of the biosecurity report. What I have done, and I know the Government is in agreement, is to take local people seriously and to pay attention to the arguments they make, whether for or against a rail trail. There is always risk associated with giving people access to remote areas. Farmers have raised genuine safety concerns about people on rail trails starting bushfires or, conversely, needing to be rescued. Landholders could find issues with their insurances, particularly public liability, should travellers venture from the trail. City dwellers will be in close proximity to farm stock animals, with the risk of danger going both ways. Fencing, access by stock to water, trail maintenance and many other issues must form part of ongoing planning for a trail. I have read correspondence and listened to the farmers of Wattledale, Bunloit, Wolsley Park, and many others. The Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail is not, by any stretch of the imagination, an off-the-cuff or intemperate project. It has taken years of consultation, discussion, reporting and research to get to this point. My files on the project are substantial, with records of meeting after meeting, discussion upon discussion. As the Minister has noted, the New South Wales Government is: … taking a steady and measured approach to the Tumbarumba to Rosewood rail trail pilot, [to] both identify the full range of tourism and recreational opportunities presented by rail trails, and clarify and address issues related to the establishment of rail trails on disused corridors, including landholder rights and risk management. We are all going into this with our eyes open. In August 2013, Damian McCrohan, president of Rail Trails Australia, got in touch about the proposal for a pilot rail trail from Tumbarumba to Rosewood. In reality, the origins of this movement trace back to at least April 2004 and the very first gatherings of, as they call themselves, "like-minded individuals" and the birth of the Riverina Highlands rail trail committee. Meetings followed, and in July 2014 the then Deputy Premier launched the $110 million Regional Tourism Investment Fund. In August, the Tumbarumba Shire Council Rail Trail Steering Committee submitted an application for the trail, which I forwarded to the then Deputy Premier and Treasurer for consideration. In September 2014, on behalf of the then Assistant Minister for Tourism, I opened the first Rail Trails for NSW workshop, which was held in Sydney. I was also representing the interests of many in my electorate. There was strong interest, with attendance by an estimated 80 people representing a significant array of organisations. At the start of 2015, the Minister for Regional Development announced that expressions of interest were open for local councils, businesses and community groups for rail trails. [Extension of time] More meetings were held with the communities of Rosewood and Tumbarumba. In June 2015 the Government formally announced that a sum of $5 million, funded from the Regional Tourism Investment Fund, would be budgeted to pilot a rail trail project from Tumbarumba to Rosewood. The Minister for Regional Development stated: The Tumbarumba to Rosewood rail trail proposal was the strongest application for funding, demonstrating effective community consultation, a viable operating model and the ability to generate immediate economic benefits. In August that year, it was announced that Infrastructure NSW would be meeting with representatives of a number of government departments, from agriculture, local land services, Crown lands, Transport for NSW and Tourism NSW, to review the project and ensure all reasonable issues were clarified. That September, the Minister for Regional Development and I held separate meetings in Tumbarumba with groups supporting and opposing the trail to examine the opportunities, funding and issues surrounding the project. In attendance were interested parties such as local committee chairperson Grant Harris and Owen Fitzgerald. The Tumbarumba Rail Trail Steering Committee was actively working on resolving a myriad of questions, such as whether fencing had to be aligned with the gazetted rail corridor and whether there were risks associated with fence removal and repositioning. In June 2016, representatives of local landholders opposed to the trail met with the administrator of the Snowy Valleys Council to express their views. In turn, these concerns were forwarded to the multi-agency committee tasked by the Minister to consider the impacts of the project and to consult with NSW Farmers and Local Land Services. Come August 2016, the administrator of the Snowy Valleys Council signed off on the necessary deed of agreement. Last September, I met with two members of the Tumbarumba Rail Trail Committee who wished to express their great concern at the slow pace of progress with the trail. As you can see, there has been much and varied activity to get us to this point and the bill. As we know, in accordance with section 99A of the Transport Administration Act 1988, before a rail line can be classed as closed and the infrastructure removed there must be an Act of Parliament authorising the process. That is why we are here today to implement this bill. Coming in at a brief 20 lines or so of text, the bill does what needs to be done with directness and admirable brevity. This has been a true pilot project. The lessons learned, arguments sustained and reports obtained will help direct research for other rail trail projects around the State. In October last year the district veterinarian of the Murray Local Land Services, in consultation with the New South Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 18

Wales Department of Primary Industries, drafted a biosecurity risk assessment, which considered biosecurity risks where there was a likelihood of occurrence or increased presence due to the rail trail development. Direct negotiation with individual landholders will continue to address individual issues on individual properties, using the generic biosecurity risk assessment as a guide. For example, where the report recommends fencing the rail trail in certain locations, it is unlikely to specify a standard of fence. The nature of the fence will be negotiated with the farmer or landholder. The Snowy Valleys Council, via administrator Paul Sullivan, has said that council will undertake "individual consultation with the properties that the rail line traverses" once the legislation to close the rail line has passed and a deed of agreement is in place. The biosecurity report has been completed, following a period for landholders to provide comments to Murray Local Land Services [LLS] on the draft. Murray LLS then worked through the comments and arranged a follow-up meeting with landholders in December 2016 and produced a final report. It is estimated that construction will take approximately 18 months. The land will be declared a Crown reserve, with the Snowy Valleys Council appointed as trustee. Further, the rail corridor will remain the property of the New South Wales Government, and power remains to return the corridor to service if required. As I understand it, rail services were cancelled on the Tumbarumba corridor around 1974. As grazing land, this path is less than ideal. Steel rails cross paddocks whilst old signs, bridges and cuttings slowly erode and decay. It is time to move ahead. As one resident put it in his letter to me: It is a pity innovative and imaginative thinking has been lost in this modern world of politics. The opening up of certain disused railway lines as rail trails could be a master stroke ... The benefit to regional tourism cannot be underestimated. Small country towns desperately need an injection of activity to survive. The land would remain in government ownership, so if circumstances change and a reversion to a train line was required, the process would be easily facilitated. I thank the Minister for Regional New South Wales, the Minister for Transport and, for their work on biosecurity risk assessment, Murray Local Land Services. Appreciation must also be extended to Tumbarumba shire and the new entity called the Snowy Valleys Council, including former Mayor Ian Chaffey, former Deputy Mayor Tony a'Beckett and General Manager Kay Whitehead for their enthusiasm and hard work, especially in consultation with landholders. I thank all the landholders and residents who have thrown themselves into the robust discussions and consultation phases. The Transport Administration Amendment (Closure of Railway Line Between Rosewood and Tumbarumba) Bill 2017 is another key step in what has been a lengthy, absorbing and considered process of community consultation, in-depth research and genuine concern for the economic wellbeing of farmers as well as for those in regional areas seeking new economic opportunities. Though I have been a strong supporter of this tourism project, I do not want anyone to get the impression that I am also supporting whatever happens along this line. It is vital that the trail is constructed as promised in detail. I have been told by the steering committee that the whole route will be fenced and have a hard surface. This is essential, and I hold the proponents to this. In particular, it will be important to monitor the life of this rail trail to see that any foreshadowed problems are addressed quickly or, better still, prevented from occurring. When encroaching on people's land and livelihoods, there must be sound reasons for it that benefit the community, and all due care must be taken. Throughout the many years of this project, I have supported those who have opposed the trail by pushing for increasingly in-depth research and risk assessment before the first step is taken on the ground. I know that other parts of New South Wales are under consideration for rail trails and I understand that others are waiting to see how the Rosewood and Tumbarumba Rail Trail unfolds. I thank the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure for his efforts supporting the rail trail and his enthusiasm to drive tourism opportunities for the betterment of this regional community. Now the adventure truly begins. I support the bill. Mr PHILIP DONATO (Orange) (12:10): On behalf of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party, I indicate that I oppose the Transport Administration Amendment (Closure of Railway Line Between Rosewood and Tumbarumba) Bill 2017. While I support the concept of rail trails, which encourage outdoor recreation and exercise and drive local tourism in regional communities, I believe that careful consideration should be given to the location and placement of these rail trails, particularly their impact on adjoining property owners, especially farmers. I do not believe this specific location is suitable for a rail trail. I will articulate my reasons for this position. I would be more comfortable in supporting the bill if it were guaranteed that this corridor would not be sold off or used for some other purpose. The bill does not go far enough. The bill, which contains only three clauses and probably took an hour to draft, is silent on this. I refer to the provisions in the bill that authorise the closure of railway line Rosewood to Tumbarumba. Clause 3 (2) states: Accordingly, the rail infrastructure owner authorised under subclause (1) may sell or otherwise dispose of the land concerned and remove the railway tracks and other works concerned. This causes me a great level of concern, which is shared by many of the local farmers surrounding this rail line. Mr Steve Rowe, Mr Bob Burgun and Mr Alan Brown are a few of the property owners who oppose this rail trail corridor. I am told the rail corridors are 40 metres wide and pass through hilly topography and undulating country. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 19

In his second reading speech, the Minister refers to the economic benefit of rail trails in Victoria. I have been to the Victorian rail trails and I know that they differ greatly to this route. The Victorian trails, by and large, follow road corridors and have minimal impact on private property owners. This proposed route splits private properties, including farmland. On 17April 2016 in The Land, Mr Bob Burgun, an affected property owner, stated that 23 properties would be affected on the 23-kilometre stretch of disused line, and 21 of those landholders are opposed to the trail. I spoke yesterday to Steven and Julie Rowe who run a breeding operation on their property with 1,800 head of Angus cattle. The trail cuts right through their property. The same article in The Land reported that the local NSW Farmers branch also had concerns over the trail, as farmers bear all the risks involved with the rail trails, such as biosecurity, rural crime, stock theft, trespassing, security, graffiti and vandalism. This rail trial has been in the pipeline for several years and spanning several governments. These concerns were raised by the member for Wagga Wagga, Mr Daryl Maguire, in his questions to former Minister Campbell nearly a decade ago. I note the member for Wagga Wagga is in the House. The member raised 10 questions of concern about the then Wagga Wagga to Tumbarumba rail trail: (1) Given that sheep and cattle prefer to camp on raised areas like the trail, are significant interactions with livestock and problems such as damage to the trail, injury to users and animals, and confrontations between them expected? (2) What are the potential costs of diseases spread between flocks and how likely is the trail to increase such exposure? (3) Will the trail divide farmers' property and what effects will that have on crops or livestock management? (4) What farming practices could prove hazardous to trail users and how will they be protected from them? (5) What farming practices will require change after the opening of the trail and how might this impact the efficiency of farms? (6) What problems might an unfenced trail create for the livestock and how will farm owners be compensated for them? (7) (a) Does the trail increase the problems of stray animals? (b) Will fences cover all relevant lengths of the trail, including livestock-proofed gates at crossings? (8) What specific plans exist to prevent the spread of weeds along the trail or onto farms and what plans exist if such attempts fail? (9) What protections will be offered farmers against negative impacts on their crops or stock from disease, weeds, injury, mixed breeding with stray animals, and any other unplanned results of the trail? (10) What will be required of farmers to facilitate the trail? These questions are as relevant today as they were then. Locally affected residents have overwhelmingly opposed this trail for a long time. This bill is part of a gradual erosion of private property rights, which our party has always vehemently opposed. I support the concept of rail trails and I have appreciated and experienced firsthand the economic benefits that they provide. However, this is not the correct location for such a project. I am concerned that the interpretation and framework of the bill does not guarantee or ensure that the land may not be sold or used for other purposes, and for this reason I oppose this bill. Ms TAMARA SMITH (Ballina) (12:16): On behalf of The Greens, I contribute to the second reading debate on the Transport Administration Amendment (Closure of Railway Line Between Rosewood and Tumbarumba) Bill 2017. We are very confident that with minor amendments in the other place this bill will be passed. We are very excited about and supportive of the Tumbarumba Rail Trial and the work that has been done by the member for Albury. I am very keen to talk to the member about future rail trails and cycle tourism in my electorate. The big issue is that the rail trail stays in public hands. I am delighted that the Minister has said in his second reading speech and to me personally that that is the intent of the legislation. The Greens are confident that by stating that explicitly in the legislation the bill will pass and this rail trail will be a guiding light for cycle tourism in Australia. Six weeks ago I had the good fortune to visit the Queenstown Cycle Trail and the Otago Central Rail Trail in New Zealand. I do not share the same concerns as the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party about farming. Obviously, each case must be dealt with separately. In the Central Otago area, farmers embraced the rail trail. They were not supportive of the trail in the beginning and it took some time for them to see the economic benefits. A beef farmer and his family—I cannot remember his name—now are making more money from cycle tourism than they make from their beef. The model that the Otago Central Rail Trail Trust followed is one that I believe is very sound for Rosewood to Tumbarumba and for my region. The issue is and always has been the transport. No matter how many times Ministers say the train is never coming back, people are very concerned about public transport. They say that we do not know what disruptions will occur in the future. Politicians have not been good at predicting disruptors. Kay Parker, the architect of the Queenstown trails, suggested that we ensure the project stays in public hands in perpetuity and is not caught up Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 20

with a privatised model. A trail in New Zealand which has followed a different path has not been successful. When people use a rail trail, as I have, they want to start with a naked map. They want to know whether they can camp or stay in five-star accommodation in order to plan their cycle trip. Under a privatised model, people are locked in. It is like going to an island that is run by one family. People instinctively do not like it. It is not good business and it is undemocratic because they are using public spaces. I support the Tumbarumba Rail Trail and my Greens colleagues in the Legislative Council have looked at the bill and consider that this rail trail will benefit the region. I understand that the Minister is mimicking other legislation in this space but it must be explicitly stated in this bill that the land cannot be sold to private enterprise. In 2015, funding was approved for the building of a pilot rail trail. As the member for Albury said, this has been going on for a very long time and a lot of work has gone into it. The Greens' position on rail trails is that given the high level of protection for rail corridors in the Act, we will not support the Minister having blanket power to close rail lines and declare rail trails unilaterally. We will consider each rail trail on a case-by-case basis to ensure it has public support and does not compromise future public transport and freight needs. When I was cycling near Otago, I went through old rail tunnels which had an amazing atmosphere. Members of the trust told me that they were very disappointed that the tracks at Tumbarumba had been ripped up because they would have provided that heritage flavour. The corridor was wide enough for cyclists to cycle alongside the track. That is an interesting idea to overcome fears around losing the space for future transport needs. I commend the Minister for making it explicit in his briefing that the rail corridor will remain government property. The vesting arrangements will ensure that the corridor can be transferred back to government at no cost in the unlikely event that it is required for future freight or passenger rail services. I am excited. I will not go to the next election—if I am pre-selected—with this ridiculous scenario where The Greens do not support cycle tourism. Of course we support cycle tourism. We will not go back to the bad old days of pitting rail trails against public transport. We are watching very carefully what is happening in Tumbarumba because this is the way forward. On the North Coast, we need extra assurances that the Government will follow the public trust model. The Prime Minister of New Zealand put $4.5 million on the table for architect Kay Parker to build the Queenstown trails. Although it was a different model—there was no rail corridor—she negotiated more than 200 easements with property owners around Queenstown without spending a penny. The member for Albury may be interested to know that Ms Parker suggested that at the infrastructure phase the trust must not have any commercial vested interest and must be representative of the community so that it can concentrate on quality. It can establish that heritage signage will be placed at reasonable distances so that people are not bombarded with signs. In this way, the project does not become a Gold Coast scenario where people are directed to jump off here and have a spa and a glass of wine. I noticed in Queenstown and Otago that the project was tastefully done. All the businesses in the little towns along the Otago Central Rail Trail have come back to life. It is so important that at the infrastructure phase the project is not loaded with commercial pressures. Once the infrastructure is in place, the businesses will pop up. I was told that in the beginning there were five or six cycle companies operating on the Queenstown trails but that the market sorted it out and within the first 12 months that reduced to three. The Greens believe that this trail is an exciting project but we want it in writing that it is not paving the way for the privatisation of public spaces. Mr KEVIN ANDERSON (Tamworth) (12:25): I speak in the debate on the Transport Administration Amendment (Closure of Railway Line Between Rosewood and Tumbarumba) Bill 2017. I am taking a very keen interest in the Rosewood to Tumbarumba rail trail proposal, this bill and the debate around it. I believe this project has the capacity to unlock economic opportunities and improve the amenity and accessibility of the region, including providing health benefits for the Snowy valley communities and potentially other areas across New South Wales, including the Tamworth electorate, to which I will refer shortly. As was highlighted by the member for Albury, this proposal has been through a comprehensive community engagement strategy and the application of thoughtful construction techniques, including the incorporation of solutions to address the concerns of landholders and their specific requirements. The member for Orange and the member for Ballina raised concerns about the sale of public land. This bill is not about that, nor is it about stopping transport services. I am advised that trains have not run on this section of the line for more than four decades and they are unlikely to do so at any time in the future. Safeguards will be put in place so that the land can be returned for rail purposes if circumstances change, but presently the best way to benefit the local community is to turn the land into a rail trail. The rail corridor will be kept in public hands, with management entrusted to a community that is passionate about it becoming a valuable asset both for locals and visitors. The plan for developing the trail specifies a period of 18 months for construction. The rail trail will extend for 21.6 kilometres, largely following the disused rail corridor, with deviations for short sections to capture the business areas of Tumbarumba and Rosewood. I am advised that there will be a 2.5 metre wide multipurpose trail positioned within the rail corridor. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 21

The trail's surface will be sealed with high-quality bitumen, making it a functional recreational path for all types of users and making this beautiful part of the State accessible to many more people to enjoy. People are looking for more recreational outdoor opportunities and activities. Bitumen has been chosen as a suitable surface in order to facilitate the use of the trail by pedestrians, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams and cyclists. The trail's sealed bitumen surface is ideal for the comfortable use by the elderly, the young and those with disabilities. It will provide the opportunity for greater access so that people can experience the significant natural beauty of the local landscape and the region. Not only will the trail's sealed bitumen surface provide greater access to a wider cross-section of the region's community and its visitors, it also will provide a durable surface to promote the trail's longevity and minimise ongoing maintenance costs. With this in mind, it is estimated that asset renewal would not be required for 20 years and that this would primarily involve the application of more bitumen. As I understand, during development of the proposal, one-on-one discussions with landowners who have adjoining properties revealed a range of concerns primarily related to biosecurity, fencing and privacy. In response, and following a comprehensive risk assessment undertaken by Murray Local Land Services, the construction of the trail will incorporate a range of responsive solutions to address landholder concerns. The member for Albury clearly outlined that the monitoring will be ongoing. The trail will be fenced on both sides where it passes through farms. Obviously, adjoining landholders will have different fencing requirements. The construction of new fencing will deliver solutions in the form of providing more fencing, open stock crossings and gating systems. While the new fencing will help prevent livestock from wandering onto the rail trail, it will also stop users deviating from the trail onto private property, which alleviates one of the concerns. From an operational perspective, the construction of new fencing will also address public liability, public safety risk and insurance concerns. Adjoining landowner privacy was another major concern raised during the consultation phase of the proposal. Since the closure of the railway in the 1970s, several residences have been constructed close to the former railway alignment. At the request of adjoining landowners, vegetation screening has been included in the trail development. During the planning stages detailed investigation of the railway corridor also revealed numerous unauthorised and illegal activities, including fences across publicly owned land, dumped rubbish in railing cuttings and removal of nearly a kilometre of railway embankment by a former adjoining property owner. Construction works along the trail will make that good. Numerous areas of blackberry infestation were also identified and will be removed. Towards the end of construction, informative and interpretive signage will also be installed along the trail to provide users with clear direction and essential information. All along the trail appropriate furniture will be located to allow rest and recovery as well as viewing of the region's wonderful natural environment. This bill provides the mechanism to unlock a great economic opportunity for the benefit of the region's communities as well as provide access to a beautiful part of our State to many more people. As a pilot project this rail trail will potentially pave the way for many more similar opportunities across regional New South Wales. As the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure said, the individual circumstances for future proposals will vary and they will need to be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis. We know that regional centres need to continue looking for opportunities to increase tourism. There could be one such opportunity in my electorate through the development of the disused Tamworth to Barraba line into a rail trail, which several constituents have contacted me about. The line was opened on 21 September 1908 and ran for 99 kilometres from the Main North railway line at West Tamworth through to the town of Manilla and on to Barraba. It has been closed for many years. Under this scheme, there may be an opportunity to develop the line into a rail trail, which would provide tourism benefits to Tamworth and Barraba as well as all towns in between. For example, with access to Mount Kaputar and space available in Barraba, perhaps a mountain bike facility could be built in the town. The line runs from West Tamworth to Westdale, Gidley and Appleby and across the Peel River to Attunga and Manilla. It then crosses the Namoi River and carries on to Wimborne, Upper Manilla, Black Springs and Barraba. There would certainly be opportunities for those towns to benefit through tourism. I thank the good people in my electorate who have done their homework, looking at opportunities for regional growth and economic development with a tourism flavour. I note Emily Bowman and David Kelly from Barraba have been very keen about the development of the Tamworth to Barraba rail trail. I will send the proposal through to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure for his view on how we can begin the process of developing the trail. I thank Emily and David for their keen interest. The provisions in the Transport Administration Act require that any proposal like the one we will be putting to the Minister involving removing rail infrastructure needs to be brought before Parliament, as we are doing today. If rail trails prove to be as successful in New South Wales as we have heard they are elsewhere from members and others who have visited trails, it may be prudent in future to look at a more effective legislative mechanism. For now, this bill provides Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 22

a means of delivering a fantastic new asset for a great local community. I take a keen interest in this rail trail. I thank the member for Albury for his persistence and the way in which he undertook the community consultation process in the development of this project. I wish them well. Mr DARYL MAGUIRE (Wagga Wagga) (12:35): The Transport Administration Amendment (Closure of Railway Line Between Rosewood and Tumbarumba) Bill 2017 had its origins in 1999 when Tumbarumba and Holbrook shires were part of my electorate before a redistribution in 2007. The concept of rail trails has been embraced across the world. Contributors to this debate have given many examples of successful rail trails and I suggest we will hear many more as the debate continues. Previously, we have never had the opportunity to assess a rail trail and its attributes in New South Wales. When this proposal originally came to light, it was for a trail running from Wagga Wagga to Tumbarumba. From memory, I surveyed about 97 landholders and all of them were opposed to the trail. The cost of the trail was estimated at around $6 million because the line had not been used since 1974. As I recall, the estimated cost to maintain the trail was about $300,000 per annum. No-one had spelt out where those funds would come from. Some of the figures bandied around were that the trail would have nearly 700,000 users per year. That would be like a herd of wildebeest trampling the trail. Rail trails can be successful where communities are close together and have existing facilities such as wineries and bakeries, as they do along the Wangaratta trail. Upon receipt of the proposal to build a rail trail in my electorate, I joined a number of landholders on a day-long visit to the trail at Wangaratta. During our inspection, the people who built the trail told us about how they developed the line and the amount of funding they received from the Victorian Government. As we know, Victoria was a planned State and as a result much of the trail is constructed beside the roadway. I asked the council staff how they came up with their user numbers. Their answer was that they counted users on the Easter long weekend and extrapolated from that. I said, "But is that not your busiest time of year?" They said, "Of course it is." I do not believe the figures given to me reflected the real usage of the trail. In fact, half of the users were locals travelling from village to village. Very few of the other visitors came from elsewhere except for some from Melbourne and Canberra. Two or four were international visitors. The feasibility study I was shown was flawed. I am not opposed to rail trails; in the right place they can be very productive. I am pleased that the member for Albury is honouring his election commitment to measure the effect of a rail trail and the benefits that will bring for a community. This needs to be measured because as more proposals come forward State and local governments will be asked to support these concepts. Rail trails must deliver benefits for communities—I agree that some are struggling—but some landholders will be severely impacted by these proposals. I am a landholder who has a well-fenced rail line running beside my land. I take note of those who traverse that railway line. I also know farmers whose properties are dissected by a rail line and have their open workshops, cattle and stock yards on one side and their homes on the other. Those rail lines were constructed at a time when cattle were sent to market by train. The farmers at Tumbarumba would often go to town for a week, have their cattle sold and do whatever business was required. The concern of farmers, who will now have traffic traversing their properties less than 50 or 60 metres from their backdoors, is understandable. A lot of farmers are in that position. These are not hobby farms or weekend accommodation; they are operating businesses. The livelihoods of some farmers depend on being able to operate their farms efficiently. I believe in the right of a farmer to farm. I thank the member for Orange for reminding me of the questions I asked of former Minister Campbell almost a decade ago about the proposed Wagga Wagga to Tumbarumba rail trail. My concerns are as real today as they were then, but the member for Albury has ensured that Murray Local Land Services and others have been engaged to get us to this point. [Extension of time] More work needs to be done with the landholders who will be severely impacted by this proposal. The passing of this legislation will allow for serious discussions. Indeed, interesting options exist. For instance, the steering committee will be able to engage with those landholders interested in land swaps—farmers may want to trade land on a boundary rather than have a trail dissecting their property. Some trails could run along roadsides and facilities that are built so that the public can access them either by road or by rail trial. Rail trails should not be 100 per cent attached to the rail corridor. Exploring such interesting options will deliver a win-win situation for rail trail proponents, council, tourism and, importantly, for landholders who wish to carry out their business unimpeded by the construction of a rail trail. I note that the Minister and the member for Albury clearly stated that the land will remain in government ownership. The Government does not have a clandestine plan to sell off corridors or to do things in an underhanded way. This is all about honouring the commitment of a local member whose judgement and dedication in getting this bill before the Parliament should be respected. I will not be opposing this bill. The member for Albury has worked methodically with the community, council and everyone involved. But some landholders will still need Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 23

assurances and/or alternatives put to them that it will not impact on the daily operation of their farms. The steering committee will be able to negotiate, in good faith, to deliver the outcomes alluded to by the member and to appease landholders. I seek assurance that the issue of ongoing costs will not impact other councils. There should also be a time frame for the measuring of this pilot so that councils or other proponents who might seek to create a rail trail can use that information to help put their business case together. We are talking about substantial dollars and cents; ultimately someone has to pay so it must deliver benefits. No doubt people at Tumbarumba and Albury will be watching this debate with great interest. I reserve my right to vote against or for any future proposals that may come before this House, depending on the quality of the submissions and/or feasibility of the business cases. This bill concerns only one pilot. We are providing an opportunity for rail trail proponents and those interested in tourism and rejuvenating communities to prove that this concept will deliver benefits to this area. This will be a good measuring stick for other communities that might want to put business cases together. Many of the thousands of kilometres of rail lines that crisscross New South Wales will not be used again. Perhaps some, through good investment by government in towns and cities, will increase the need to re-engineer those lines to carry freight, whether it be timber or other products. But a broadbrush approach to rail trails does not fit; the concept cannot be implemented willy-nilly across this State. Our landscape is unique and the concentration of farms, depending on location, can be close or wide apart. When we went to look at the Wangaratta model, I was told about the importance of having iconic places to visit and circular connections. In some areas, where landholders are agreeable, there is capacity to put walking and rail trails together so they end where they begin. Using parts of Crown land and other parts agreed to by the landholders, there are ways that this can be done. It is ridiculous to suggest that landholders are going to sit at home waiting for someone to come up the rail trail to sell them scones and tea. In the design of this State, passing traffic and roads were always at the front of one's property. If one wanted to operate bed and breakfast accommodation, the sign was put at the front of the property, and there was usually a distance from the road to the property. That was done for good reason. I suggest that better alternatives could be employed in the creation of rail trails so that, for instance, the public can enjoy those benefits that will be implemented along the rail trail, such as picnic areas, public facilities, toilets and those things that are necessary so that not only the rail trailers—walkers and others—can enjoy them but also the travelling public. That would create a win-win situation, and it can be done quite effectively and cheaply when landholders thoroughly object to having their farm dissected by a rail trail or there is interference by the public in an operating business. Imagine living on a quarter of an acre, which is about the size of most house yards, and then having a walking path put through one's backyard. No-one would like it. I suggest that if that were to happen to the member for Ballina or to any other member they would be very upset. But it is the case for some farmers that their properties have sat there for 150 years and a rail line has dissected their farm sheds and their houses. That is the point I make. Their concerns must be addressed and some creative alternatives must be considered that will allow the trail to go ahead but also keep in mind landholders' issues. Mr GEOFF PROVEST (Tweed) (12:50): I make a contribution to debate on the Transport Administration Amendment (Closure of Railway Line Between Rosewood and Tumbarumba) Bill 2017. The object of the bill is to authorise the closure of all or sections of the non-operational railway line between Rosewood and Tumbarumba, in accordance with section 99A of the Transport Administration Act 1988 (NSW), to enable the development of a rail trail. The contributions of a number of members to this debate contained a fair amount of misinformation. We often hear members speak in this Chamber about regional development, regional tourism, jobs growth and how some of our regional towns are dying. Yet when a proposition is brought forward to stimulate the tourism industry which brings dollars and jobs into those areas, certain members in this place spread fear and misinformation about it. The member for Albury engaged in wide consultation and he spoke to landowners. Sure, there will be some who do not want a rail trail, but the majority of people in Albury and the other towns want jobs, because without jobs there is no growth. In a number of regional areas schools, shops and hotels have shut down. This Government is trying to do something positive; it is trying to stimulate the economy while still respecting the rights of people in the area. Part of the other pilot program for a rail trail was conducted in my area from Murwillumbah to the bottom end of the Tweed. I know that the member for Lismore has been a strong supporter of the rail trail; he has been working with the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Incorporated Association and with Barry Longland, one of our former councillors, who has been very supportive. Tweed Shire Council and the whole town are supportive of a rail trail. However, I would be the first to say that certain landowners believe it is their God-given right to take over Crown property, to dump rubbish on that property or to steal old sleepers and train tracks, and they object to Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 24

the general public using what I consider to be a public amenity. I find it strange that some members in this place criticise the development of a rail trail. I believe a rail trail is a good idea. I, like many in this place, have been to Victoria and have used the rail trail system for lengthy periods. Rail trails open up areas and bring financial benefits. Each time I have used the Victorian rail trails I have stayed in Airbnb accommodation, Stayz accommodation and hotels and I have contributed to the local economy. The people I met, the traditional owners, who sit in the pub on a Friday and Saturday night believe it is probably one of the best things that has been done because it has brought life back into those towns. Members in this place should take a positive attitude towards rail trails and stop spreading fear and misinformation. I was upset to hear today from previous speakers about how the landowners are all upset and that the poor buggers will have people walking past their front door. This bill is all about driving the economy of those local areas. Would those same landowners get upset if their shops, service stations or hospitals shut down and they have to drive 150 kilometres to seek services? I am sure they would be upset, and the same members who are against this legislation would stand up in this Chamber and say that the Government should do something about it. I believe the Government is doing something really great with this legislation. I am 100 per cent supportive of rail trails because they will boost the economy and the flow of people into those regional areas. In recent times, our Federal Government announced significant policies to attract people to the regions, to attract jobs growth and to stimulate the economy. Yet certain members in this place say, "No, we do not want that. We want further consultation. We will delay this legislation even further. We reserve our rights." That is incredible to hear, particularly when so many of us in The Nationals and the Liberal Party come from the regions and we are trying to create jobs in our areas, to keep our schools open and to upgrade our hospitals. It all relates to people using our areas. I believe rail trails are green; they provide an opportunity for people to engage in great physical activity, whether riding a bike or walking for three kilometres or 500 metres. It is about showing the Australian bush to a greater number of people and it is about boosting the local economy. I think all members should support this legislation. Some people might not like it but it is not often that members of Parliament agree with every issue in their electorates. At the end of the day, it comes down to human nature. Fifty per cent plus one and we are laughing. I remind members of the old saying, "If you can get 70 per cent agreement it is akin to 100 per cent agreement." I think rail trails are a great idea because they will attract more tourists. As I said, the member for Lismore has been a big supporter of the rail trail. The rail trail proposed on the North Coast runs close to the Tweed Regional Art Gallery, which contains the Margaret Olley Art Centre. Last year alone the gallery attracted, I believe, more than 100,000 people. But that success is not flowing on to the local town, the local cafes, the bakers and all those other industries, as there is nothing else to do in the area. If the rail trail connects all those businesses it will provide them with an extra bonus. Along the rail trail at Murwillumbah are several tunnels. In one of those tunnels a colony of glow-worms is thriving in that environment. Those glow-worms would attract tourists from everywhere. To the best of my knowledge, such a colony does not exist in south-east Queensland. It should be remembered that half of the Gold Coast airport is located in New South Wales in the electorate of Tweed—it is the fourth busiest airport in Australia and attracts seven million people a year—and 30 per cent of those people head over the New South Wales border. People would be attracted in droves to a rail trail. Over the past five or six years, Tweed and Lismore have become renowned for major cycling events, triathlons and major fitness events. People from south-east Queensland and international tourists visit the area all the time. A rail trail such as the Rosewood to Tumbarumba rail trail would attract people to the region. People will not come to a region unless there is something to visit. We are all into physical fitness and I believe we have not even scratched the surface of the economic potential of a rail trail. We need to protect people's rights. To me, a train line is a public amenity and it is owned by the good people of New South Wales. It is not owned by a landowner just because he lives beside it. All members have a moral obligation to serve the people of this State and to do what is best for them. As a local member, I am trying to do what I consider best for my local area. If more tourists come to my area and spend dollars in the local coffee shop or wherever that will create jobs. One of the chief priorities in my area is to create jobs. If we have jobs, we have people, and hospitals, schools and shops stay open and everyone benefits. I note that the Minister for Tourism has entered the Chamber. He is a firm believer in the benefits of tourism. In recent press announcements, he has been promoting regional New South Wales as a destination. A rail trail is the icing on the cake. We should all support rail trails and the economic benefits they bring. It will be the lifeblood of many regional areas; without them, a lot of our towns will undoubtedly die. I wholeheartedly commend the Transport Administration Amendment (Closure of Railway Line Between Rosewood and Tumbarumba) Bill 2017 to the House. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 25

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland) (12:59): I speak in support of the Transport Administration Amendment (Closure of Railway Line Between Rosewood and Tumbarumba) Bill 2017. I note the contributions of members and the commitment of everyone in this House to the importance of the establishment of rail trails, and the great opportunities that they provide regional economies in tourism and recreational activities. I previously worked as a tourism operator and there is no greater advocate for tourism in this State than I. In that former life I probably travelled to more towns and cities than most members. In my travels to other States, such as Victoria— where rail trails are well done—I have seen the fantastic benefits that come to regional communities by the creation of reserves and tourism activities. There is no doubt that in this place we are all on a unity ticket: we all love rail trails. TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Adam Crouch): Order! There is too much audible conversation in the Chamber. Ms JENNY AITCHISON: My concern is that we cannot trust the Government not to flog off rail trails. I note the presence of the Minister for Primary Industries in the House today. Last night we had the same debate about the Government flogging off Crown lands and the ability for Crown roads to be closed through a very strange process. Today we see the Government once again trying to slip in under the radar, saying, "Yes, we are going to give you what you want; we are going to give you more access to rail trails; we are going to give regional communities the opportunity to have access to a significant tourism resource—but we just want to keep our hands on the purse." The Government will not undertake not to sell them off. I urge members on the other side of the House who say, hand on heart, that they support rail trails to support the amendments that Labor will be moving in the upper House. I urge members opposite to acknowledge that our community lands should be protected. The bill as it stands allows the Government to keep its fingers firmly on the "sell" button under the guise of providing extra tourism opportunities and jobs in regional economies. Labor stands for regional development, regional tourism and a better use of the State's resources. We also stand for ensuring that members on the other side of the House do not get a whiff that there might be yet another asset of this great State that they can flog off. Mr ADAM CROUCH (Terrigal) (13:03): I acknowledge the great work done by my colleague Greg Aplin, the member for Albury. What a fantastic opportunity they have in Albury and what great work the member has done with the Tumbarumba to Rosewood rail trail. I was in the Chamber earlier and had the privilege of listening to the oratory of the member for Albury regarding the benefits of closing the Tumbarumba to Rosewood rail line and making it a dedicated rail trail. The development of that rail trail cannot occur until the rail track is closed legally. Section 99A of the Transport Administration Act 1988 requires that before a rail infrastructure owner can use the line it has to be closed officially. This happens with any area outside the greater metropolitan region in New South Wales and the closure must be authorised by an Act of Parliament. The member for Albury stated that a rail service last operated on the line in 1974 and that there is not expected to be any demand that would justify returning services to that line in the foreseeable future. Rail trails are recognised worldwide. Members of the EV Church in Erina are visiting the Parliament today and a couple of them mentioned that they had been to Tumbarumba. I am sure that if there are rail enthusiasts amongst that group they would be pleased to utilise the rail trail between Tumbarumba and Rosewood when revisiting the area. Rail trails are recognised worldwide as an effective and successful alternative use of redundant, non-operational rail corridors. Case studies confirm a range of economic and social benefits for local citizens and businesses as well as for the users of rail trails. It is good to see the recycling of unused assets to put tourism dollars back into local economies, especially in regional areas such as Albury. Should the Central Coast have unused rail lines in the future, it is something that could be considered. A huge amount of work and study was done before the decision was made to shut the rail line. Popular trails such as Victoria's Murray to Mountains rail trail have stimulated regional tourism. Rail trails are important not only for the local economy but also for the broader indirect benefits generated by the tourism dollars. In New South Wales, the Tumbarumba to Rosewood rail trail will complement existing tourism attractions, with this region developing a reputation for premium wine and food experiences. The trail will encourage increased visitation to local wineries and quality food establishments, promoting the economic development I spoke about before. The social and wellbeing benefits of the trail include positive health outcomes, as well as increased community pride. The trails can be used to promote specifically designed community events. It is those sorts of community engagements which will allow the people of Albury and the member's electorate to actively engage with tourists visiting his beautiful part of the world. Overall, there is strong community support amongst local residents and businesses for the rail trail, achieved through extensive community consultation and engagement which the member for Albury was more than happy to give details about in his speech this morning. Some landholders adjacent to the proposed trail have raised a number of concerns, particularly around biosecurity Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 26

risks and the protection and containment of livestock. As part of that review process, the member for Albury outlined that there have been extensive conversations and consultations with those landholders. The project will be receiving a $4.8 million grant from the Regional Tourism Fund and is being steered by the Snowy Valleys Council. I congratulate the Snowy Valleys Council for taking on this outstanding project. The project steering committee, which has led preparations for the trail's development, has government representation from the Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Department of Industry and Lands, Infrastructure NSW, the Department of Primary Industries and Destinations NSW. A holistic view has been taken on this fantastic project and it is that holistic view, working in consultation with groups such as the Snowy Valleys Council, that should deliver a successful outcome for the member for Albury. The Murray Local Land Services [MLLS] conducted a strategic risk assessment that included a local landholders forum in December 2016 to discuss landholders' concerns. That consultation with the public is an important part of the delivery of this system. The forum, together with the assessment of the MLLS, highlighted the biosecurity risks which were discussed earlier. Once closed, the rail corridor will remain the property of Transport for NSW and the Department of Industry is finalising those transfers. The member for Maitland was on her usual high horse, spouting doom and gloom about the Government flogging off assets, but the bill makes it clear that the rail trails will remain the property of the New South Wales Government. Government ownership of the land will ensure that the corridor can be re-established. Mr Stephen Kamper: How about an ironclad guarantee? Mr ADAM CROUCH: I note the interjection of the member for Rockdale. I am sure the member will follow the opposition line in his contribution to the debate and talk about sell-off, which we know is not true. Continuing government ownership of the land will ensure the corridor can be re-established for a full rail service in the future if it is required. I congratulate the member for Albury and all of the government departments and the Snowy Valleys Council on the execution of this fantastic project. I acknowledge the Minister's work on this bill. I commend the bill to the House. Mr KEVIN CONOLLY (Riverstone) (13:09): I support the Transport Administration Amendment (Closure of Railway Line Between Rosewood and Tumbarumba) Bill 2017. This bill is a first for New South Wales. Rail trails have been instituted in other States around Australia. I commend the member for Albury for being the first to bring the project to fruition in New South Wales. We can trial the concept and understand the pros and cons and processes we have to go through to take advantage of what looks like a good idea. I support regional tourism and I would like to see regional towns prosper. This project will present opportunities to regional communities. Previous speakers in the debate have commented on those opportunities. Legitimate concerns have been raised that need to be addressed. Over a couple of years, the member for Albury has taken this process through a careful consultation phase, brought the stakeholders with him and ensured the community has had the opportunity to have a say. When the project comes to fruition, as many people as possible will have had an opportunity to have input in order to make it work. That is the right way to do things, and I commend the member for Albury for that. We can say that rail trail proposals should be treated on a case-by-case basis on their merits; it is a horses for courses proposition depending on the adjoining land uses, the likely opportunities for benefit for surrounding towns, and so on. It may not be a one size fits all. This is a good proposal that the member has put before the community for consultation. I commend the member, and I commend the bill to the House. Community Recognition Statements BLACK DOG INSTITUTE Mr MARK SPEAKMAN (Cronulla—Attorney General) (13:12): I congratulate 23-year-old Cronulla resident Aaron Royall, who will be running 18 registered marathons in Australia over eight months to raise money for the Black Dog Institute. The Black Dog Institute was founded in 2002 to support mental health research and to deliver health professional training and community education programs. Its primary areas of mental health research are depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, workplace mental health, adolescents and young people, suicide prevention, e-mental health, and positive psychology and wellbeing. On his website, Aaron says: My goal is to drive change and raise critical funds in the fight against suicide of young people. I hope to raise awareness around seeking support from family and friends and will give everything I have to improving the lives of those affected by mental illness. Aaron will be running more than 800 kilometres and driving more than 25,000 kilometres, and he is doing it all on his own. This is a mammoth endeavour for a great cause. I encourage people to go online and make a donation at www.lap4lives.com. I wish Aaron all the best as he prepares to set off on his race around Australia. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 27

GREEK CONSUL GENERAL Mr STEPHEN KAMPER (Rockdale) (13:13): I acknowledge Dr Stavros Kyrimis, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, who is a fantastic friend not just to me but to many others in this place as well, and an absolute champion of the Greek community. It is no exaggeration to say that Dr Kyrimis is perhaps the hardest working diplomatic official in Australia. There are not many major events in Sydney, whether associated with the Australian Greek community or otherwise, at which we do not see Dr Kyrimis' trademark moustache and snappy bow tie. We in the Australian Greek community are very proud that the nation of Greece has commissioned such an accomplished, skilled and able person in Dr Kyrimis to promote and represent Greece in Sydney, and I could not imagine anyone better to fill that role. Dr Kyrimis is always happy to provide wisdom, support and guidance to all, particularly those from the Greek diaspora. I am proud to call Dr Kyrimis my friend. VOLUNTEER WEEK Mr STEPHEN BROMHEAD (Myall Lakes) (13:14): I inform the House that a Myall Lakes husband and wife duo have been recognised as part of Volunteer Week for their combined service to the New South Wales State Emergency Service [SES]. Between them, husband and wife volunteer team Graeme and Wendy Ruff have notched up close to 80 years of service. They were married in 1980 after meeting at the Taree unit of the New South Wales State Emergency Service. Graeme joined the local unit in November 1977—this was just before the big floods of 1978—and he has been an active member ever since. Wendy is not far behind with an impressive 38 years of service. A highlight for Graeme during these years of service has been the increase in the amount of equipment available to SES units. For Wendy, the highlight of her service has been the opportunity to become a trainer and she is also proud of being able to run an operations centre during an event. Wendy and Graeme have three children, all of whom have been SES members. One is a current member, one has left to bring up a family and the third is a member of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service. Wendy said she would "definitely encourage people to volunteer as you receive more than you realise in fulfilment. It doesn't matter where you volunteer." TRIBUTE TO DOUG DALZELL Mr PHILIP DONATO (Orange) (13:15): Today I recognise Mr Doug Dalzell, of Millthorpe. During a drive through farmland in the aftermath of the devastating bushfire near Dunedoo, Doug witnessed the devastation and the effect on both the country and the people living there. Doug saw two elderly ladies standing in front of what were their homes, which were reduced to ash. Further on his journey, Doug saw a farmer burying 700 of his sheep in a pit. Doug saw the devastation on the faces of those people and it impacted him greatly. Driven to assist those he saw and the many others of the Dunedoo district who suffered losses in that fire, Doug set about coordinating much-needed assistance. With help from others whom he mustered, Doug formed the "Hay run to Dunedoo". Donations of hay from throughout the Millthorpe and Forest Reefs areas resulted in 10 semitrailer loads of hay being delivered to farmers in need at Dunedoo to feed their livestock. Another 10 semitrailer loads of hay as well as a B-double truckload of fencing material to assist replacing the 2,750 kilometres of destroyed fences will be delivered shortly. Doug is a champion of the Orange area. He raised $19,000 through contributions from locals and supporting businesses. Doug and others he rounded up to assist continue to raise money for the relief. Good on ya, Doug, you're a bloody legend! MANLY BOMBERS JUNIOR AFL CLUB Mr JAMES GRIFFIN (Manly) (13:16:2): Today I recognise the great work of the Manly Bombers Junior Australian Football League [AFL] Club in my electorate of Manly. I was proud to attend the launch of their development squad at Weldon Oval in Curl Curl. The program is aimed at improving the skills of young players and building relationships across the community through sport. I appreciated the opportunity to speak with members of the executive committee as well as the club's many players and volunteers. Whilst the primary aim of the Bombers is to introduce, promote and develop good AFL players, it also seeks to contribute to the physical, social and personal development of children and young people throughout Manly. I look forward to working with the club and supporting them as they encourage more young people throughout Manly to take up sport. Without hardworking parents and sponsors, locals clubs cannot thrive. I recognise the work of club president Tony Flynn, members of the executive committee, and parents and sponsors who continue to support and develop AFL and their community on the Northern Beaches. I wish them and the players every success for the remainder of the season. Go, Bombers! Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 28

MEDICAL RESEARCH Mr TIM CRAKANTHORP (Newcastle) (13:17): I bring to the attention of the House Dr Andrew Bivard, lead researcher from the University of Newcastle. During a six-year research career, Dr Bivard has given oral presentations at 18 international conferences, published 40 peer-reviewed articles, authored four book chapters, and recently received the Hunter Medical Research Institute [HMRI] award for early career medical research for his work in acute ischemic stroke imaging. Currently, Dr Bivard is coordinating the Modafinil in debilitating fatigue after stroke—MIDAS—trial at HMRI to assist stroke survivors in overcoming fatigue, the most common problem faced by stroke survivors. Research into this anti-fatigue therapy has yielded a significant reduction in chronic tiredness for trial participants. Following the results of this trial, Dr Bivard's teams are now planning a phase 3 international trial which, if successful, will make a big difference for thousands of stroke survivors. On behalf of the local community, I thank Dr Bivard for his exceptional commitment to medical research in the Hunter. KINGS LANGLEY LITTLE ATHLETICS CENTRE Mr MARK TAYLOR (Seven Hills) (13:18): I thank the Kings Langley Little Athletics Centre for hosting me at their annual presentation day last weekend. The centre is a great organisation for kids from ages five to 17 to have fun and get fit by competing in track and field events. Kings Langley is a wonderful family-orientated club that is supported by hardworking mums and dads who volunteer their time to run club meets on Friday nights and various carnivals over the summer. This year, the club hosted the North West Metropolitan Zone Multi. By all accounts, it was an enormous success, not least because of the effort put in by the club's much-loved groundsmen, Rob and Rhys. I was very pleased to provide the club with $5,000 for a new ride-on lawnmower and a new line marker. Well done to all of the athletes on another great year for the club, culminating in nine medals at the State championships and hundreds of personal bests over the course of the season. I am sure the House will join me in wishing the club's president, Mr Craig Emme, and his team of volunteers all the best for the off season and the 2017-18 summer. TRIBUTE TO PATRICK BAYLISS Mr EDMOND ATALLA (Mount Druitt) (13:19): I congratulate Patrick Bayliss on his remarkable achievements in swimming. Later this year, Patrick, at just 12 years old, is heading to the Special Olympics Australia Junior National Games to compete in three separate swimming events as well as basketball. Patrick is from Glendenning and lives with autism. He was selected for the competition after his excellent performances at local and State levels as well as in the New South Wales selection trials. His positive attitude and love for his sport and the friends he makes along the way show that he is undoubtedly a role model for society. I wish Patrick all the best at the Gold Coast competition in early July. MACLEAN HIGHLAND GATHERING Mr CHRISTOPHER GULAPTIS (Clarence) (13:19): I offer my congratulations to Norma Smith of Maclean who has dedicated 55 years to the Maclean Highland Gathering as a dancing convenor. Maclean is the Scottish town in Australia and the Highland Gathering, which it hosted over the Easter weekend, has been running for 113 years. Prior to taking on the role of convenor, Mrs Smith used to dance at the Highland Gathering. During her time with the event has seen a significant number of changes. On behalf of the House, I thank Mrs Smith for her dedication, and I wish her many more years of involvement in the gathering. NANGA MAI AWARD Ms TAMARA SMITH (Ballina) (13:20): I recognise the achievement of ex-Byron Bay High School student Jessica Buhagiar who recently won the Nanga Mai Award for the highest achieving Aboriginal student in New South Wales in the 2016 Higher School Certificate [HSC]. The Nanga Mai Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and achievement in Aboriginal education in New South Wales public schools, school communities and Department of Education offices. The Nanga Mai Awards are a significant event held annually by Aboriginal Education and Community Engagement to support the improvement in education and other outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The awards are presented to high-achieving Aboriginal students. Jessica scored 98.3 per cent in the HSC and came equal second in the State in biology. Jessica is a Wiradjuri woman from the Narrandera region, living and studying in Arakwal country. Jessica is taking a gap year this year but will take up medicine next year at the University of New South Wales. Our community could not be more proud of her. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 29

BAULKHAM HILLS ELECTORATE EVENTS Mr DAVID ELLIOTT (Baulkham Hills—Minister for Counter Terrorism, Minister for Corrections, and Minister for Veterans Affairs) (13:21): Today I recognise National Volunteer Week and particularly pay tribute to the volunteers in the electorate and the Hills district. On Saturday morning I was privileged to attend Government House for an investiture ceremony for the Most Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem. I make special mention of and congratulate my dear friend Superintendent Jenny Page of The Hills Division of St John Ambulance who was promoted in the Order of St John. Jenny is a very worthy recipient of this honour. On Saturday night, my wife and I attended the Hills District Relay for Life Ball. More than 300 people attended and over $40,000 was raised for the Cancer Council. It was a wonderful night. Well done and thank you to all the volunteers involved in organising this very successful event, notably Bev Jordan, Zoe Graham, Michael Graham, Donna Craig, Denise Daynes, Robyn George and Brian and Jan Mullen. This coincides with the anniversary of my wife being given the all clear from the Cancer Council, and she makes this a special tribute. BLUE MOUNTAINS BALL Ms TRISH DOYLE (Blue Mountains) (13:22): Last week I attended the Inaugural Black and Silver Ball organised by Margie Gargan, Ken Devine, Michael Small and Jenny Montgomery on behalf of the Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary. The ball was well supported, raising around $10,000 for Wentworth Community Housing's Ending Homelessness project. On the night we heard Margie's own story. Margie is in her sixties and is educated and smart. She became homeless due to a crisis in her life. She explained the distress and isolation she experienced. Margie did not know who to turn to for help. Margie never imagined that she would be in this situation herself. She explained that if this could happen to her, it could happen to any of us. I congratulate the efficient organising committee, the entire Sunrise branch and other club members from the mountains who came along; Eric Sward, managing director, for gifting such a beautiful space for the evening's event at The Mountain Heritage Hotel and Spa Retreat; all the fabulous contributors to the silent auction items, especially artist Tanya Loviz ; Melissa Grah-Mclntosh; and the innovative and important work of Jenny Ranft and her team at Wentworth Housing in helping those most vulnerable in our community. VALDA HENSEL MEMORIAL GARDEN Mr GREG APLIN (Albury) (13:23): The Valda Hensel Memorial Garden was officially unveiled in Culcairn on Sunday 7 May. Valda was Culcairn born and bred. She was a well-known member of the community and participated in many community activities. Keen on sports, Valda loved playing tennis, table tennis and lawn bowls. The Culcairn Station House Museum was another project for Valda, along with a day care group and local health facilities. Valda was a keen gardener and a long-time member and president of the Culcairn Garden Club. One of her greatest accomplishments was to realise her vision to create a community garden. This eventuated with the help of members of the Culcairn and Henty garden clubs. Valda's daughter Marcia Malone travelled from Canberra to attend the official ceremony. Congratulations to the president, Lolita Landman; secretary Debbie Eady and assistant secretary Karen Carey for their commitment in organising the opening of the Valda Hensel Memorial Garden, which adorns the entrance to Culcairn along the Olympic Highway. I also thank their members for the marvellous country morning tea which followed the official proceedings. WEAR ORANGE WEDNESDAY Ms SOPHIE COTSIS (Canterbury) (13:24): Today is Wear Orange Wednesday, a day on which we have the opportunity to pay tribute to the thousands of New South Wales State Emergency Service [SES] volunteers for their invaluable contribution to our community. In my area, the Canterbury SES presently has 55 members. Eleven new recruits started in January and a further 13 will start in July. So far this year the unit has worked more than 6,000 hours on training, community events, flood rescues and other operational exercises. I congratulate and thank Lenore Nelson, the local controller of the Canterbury SES, her unit, and the wonderful volunteers. Recently the unit participated in the Wise Up program, which is a multi-agency approach to assist youth at risk. The program focuses on empowering young people to make positive decisions in their life. Thank you to Canterbury SES and the SES in New South Wales. GRENFELL AND DISTRICT SPORTING HALL OF FAME Ms KATRINA HODGKINSON (Cootamundra) (13:25): I recognise recent inductees into the Grenfell and District Sporting Hall of Fame. These local people have all represented Australia in their sporting careers. It is an honour for us to be able to celebrate their wonderful achievements: Reggie McNamara, cycling; Stan McCabe, Cricket; Harry Anderson, clay pigeon shooting; Jan Lehane, tennis; Tabitha Jones, mountain bike triathlon; Dominque Holland, hammer throw; Sammie Wood, soccer; Jesse Mitton, gridiron; Sam Myers, rugby Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 30

sevens; Clare Hunt, soccer; Henry Hunt, cricket; Rob Chalmers, indoor bowls; Kristy McAlister, rowing; Brendan Reeves, rugby league; and Michael Eppelstun, body boarding. I also acknowledge all those who contributed to Grenfell's Sporting Hall of Fame initiative: Skippy and Barb Mitton, Nevin Hughes, Jenny Schneider, Joan Eppelstun, Grenfell Bowling Club, Weddin Shire Council and Grenfell Public School. CAMPBELLTOWN CITY COUNCIL JUBILEE AWARDS Mr GREG WARREN (Campbelltown) (13:26): I congratulate Campbelltown City Council's 2017 Jubilee Award recipients. The Jubilee Awards recognise individuals who have lived in Campbelltown and contributed to our city for 50 years or more, or 30 years or more for members of our Indigenous community. All of these people have given tirelessly for many years by volunteering their time and performing charity work in the Campbelltown community, without the expectation of reward. I recognise the work of Brigitte Wilkinson, Edmund Baker, Colin Ludgate, Gwen and John Overton, Barry Daley, Rycie Dickson, Frederick and Margaret Briggs, Margaret Anderson, Michael Kerry and Susan Austin, all of whom live within my electorate of Campbelltown. Many of these people are still working to make our city a better place to live and the Campbelltown community is extremely grateful to them. I congratulate Campbelltown City Council on conducting this memorable event, along with all award recipients. FASHION INDUSTRY DESIGNER ASHLEIGH KWONG Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (13:27): The St George area is home to a large number of talented and hardworking people, one of whom is Mortdale designer Ashleigh Kwong. Ashleigh's love of art, design and fashion has taken her garments to runways in Beijing and more recently the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Ashleigh is another example of a successful local identity forging ahead in her chosen career. Ashleigh paints her art and then prints it onto clothes, creating unique, beautiful and wearable designs. Ashleigh studied at the Raffles College of Design and Commerce where she gained a sound understanding of fashion, quality and application, and this has helped her to produce beautiful pieces. At 23 years of age, Ashleigh is a wonderful ambassador for the fashion industry. If Anna Wintour is to believed, "You either know fashion or you don't", and I am confident that Ashleigh knows fashion. ZONTA INTERNATIONAL Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown) (13:28): Zonta International is a global organisation made up of professional women who work together to empower local women and women internationally through service and advocacy. The Zonta Club of Hunter Newcastle is a quiet achiever in our community which deserves to be recognised for its wideranging work, including supporting local women's refuges through regular household donations and assembling birthing kits to enable women in developing countries experience safe and clean home births. Zonta also makes financial contributions to the Hunter Newcastle Women's Domestic Court Advocacy Service and supplies tea and coffee to women who arrive at court without having had anything to eat. I am proud to be a member of Zonta and I commend them for their extensive work which is creating change and altering the lives of women in our community. ROY AND VALERIE CHADBAN SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY Ms MELANIE GIBBONS (Holsworthy) (13:29): Today I congratulate Roy and Valerie Chadban from Casula on marking their sixtieth wedding anniversary. They have been a part of the local community for more than 50 years, calling Casula home, raising three children and now being proud grandparents. Roy and Valerie celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary on 24 March 2017, and it is heartwarming to hear of their commitment to each other. It was a remarkable moment in their lives and in the lives of their family and friends. Indeed, I hope that many more people can emulate the success of Roy and Valerie. According to Roy, the key to success is never going to bed angry. I hope many others follow his advice. Once again, I congratulate Roy and Valerie on their sixtieth wedding anniversary. INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA, BIPHOBIA AND TRANSPHOBIA Ms JO HAYLEN (Summer Hill) (13:29): Next Wednesday 17 May is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. The day was first celebrated in 2004 and initially commemorated the date that homosexuality was removed from the International Classification of Diseases by the World Health Organization. This year's theme "Love Makes a Family" focuses on the importance of celebrating family diversity. This year's events will also recognise the horrific abuse and murder of gay men in Chechnya. The importance of recognising and challenging bigotry and hatred towards the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer [LGBTIQ] community has never been more pressing. According to research, 85 per cent of LGBTI people in New South Wales have experienced some form of violence, harassment or intimidation. I note the recent Keep Newtown Weird and Safe Festival in Newtown, Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 31

which focused attention on the unacceptable levels of street violence faced by the LGBTIQ community. I acknowledge also the events being held across the State to observe International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. I thank all those who organised events and who are participating in the celebrations, and wish them all the best. SUTHERLAND SHIRE RELAY FOR LIFE Mr MARK SPEAKMAN (Cronulla—Attorney General) (13:31): On the weekend of 6 and 7 May the annual Sutherland Shire Relay for Life took place at Wanda Beach, Cronulla. I was proud to join the thousands of shire locals who took turns walking or running the track during the 24-hour relay to raise much-needed funds for Cancer Council NSW. The outstanding level of organisation of this event and the strong sense of community spirit have led the Sutherland Shire Relay for Life to become probably the second biggest in Australia. This is a fantastic achievement and it makes me very proud to be part of such a supportive and tight-knit community. In the shire we know how to fight hard for a good cause. Over the past 15 years, the Sutherland Shire Relay for Life has raised more than $5 million, and I look forward to hearing of this year's fundraising efforts. I thank the organising committee, chaired by Rod Coy, OAM, who put on a brilliant event, and Alison Todd, Cronulla local Woman of the Year. I congratulate all who participated. ANZAC COMMEMORATIONS Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields) (13:31): It is with great pride that I recognise the Anzac Day commemoration services held within my local community on 25 April. Every year Ingleburn RSL Sub-Branch organises a dawn service that begins with families and veterans congregating at Wood Park and then marching to the Ingleburn RSL memorial garden complex. This year, like every other year, I was delighted to see thousands of people commit to the early morning rise and participate in the ceremony. With crowds overflowing onto the street, the event is a reminder that the Anzac spirit continues to grow in south-west Sydney. With people of all ages attending, it was heartwarming to see the intergenerational unity paying respect to current and former members of the Armed Forces. It was a moving service for such an important occasion in our nation's identity. It is wonderful to see that it continues to grow and that the Anzac spirit is alive and well. The Ingleburn RSL Sub-Branch auxiliary, led by President Ray James, is to be commended for all its efforts on Anzac Day and every other memorial service throughout the year. AUSTRALIAN DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS Mr STEPHEN BROMHEAD (Myall Lakes) (13:32): I inform the House that the Great Lakes Pearl Dragons have fulfilled a longstanding goal after they competed at the Australian Dragon Boat Championships held in Albury-Wodonga from 20 to 24 April. The club's senior A women's team claimed bronze in the 200 metre standard boat final behind Sydney's Different Strokes and Manly Dragons Brisbane. The Pearl Dragons also contested the mixed senior A, mixed senior B, senior B women and senior C women 10s events. Pearl Dragons representative paddlers Wendy Orman, Frank Fenech, Claire Pontin and Laurie Haydon also had a successful run in State events. Wendy paddled for the New South Wales senior B team in the State versus State competition. She walked away with two gold medals and two silver medals. Frank, Claire and Laurie competed for the New South Wales regional team and claimed four gold medals combined. My wife, Sue, and I have tested our skills in a dragon boat with the Pearl Dragons and I can say with honesty that it is incredibly challenging. I commend the club and members for their wonderful success. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Ms SHELLEY HANCOCK (South Coast) (13:33): It is alarming to learn that one in four women across Australia have experienced domestic violence by an intimate partner—a figure that translates to 29,000 incidents of domestic violence-related assaults in New South Wales during 2015. As we try to tackle the root cause of domestic violence through education and awareness programs, it is incredibly important to have crisis accommodation such as the new facilities in the Shoalhaven to give these women and children somewhere to go, not only to be safe but to feel safe. Southern Cross Housing and the Supported Accommodation and Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra are two organisations in my electorate that have collaborated to provide crisis accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic violence. They have been working in the Shoalhaven community for an amazing 34 years and 66 years respectively. I am incredibly proud as a member of the Berejiklian Government to help fund these vital organisations and to have this essential crisis accommodation in my electorate. I congratulate and commend both organisations on the establishment of this new centre. I was delighted to be there as part of the opening ceremony. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 32

CANTERBURY LITTLE ATHLETICS Ms SOPHIE COTSIS (Canterbury) (13:34): Recently I joined the Canterbury Little Athletics Centre in my electorate of Canterbury for its annual general meeting [AGM], where I had the opportunity to meet with volunteers, parents and participants in this important local program. I thank President Ruth Eaton, Secretary Sarah Milbourn and the hardworking executive. Canterbury Little Athletics runs competition nights each Friday from 6.00 p.m. between September and March at Campbell Field, Canterbury. Canterbury Little Athletics is an organisation that works towards improving the health and wellbeing of youth in the local community. While I was at the AGM I had the chance to present a $2,500 grant, which will go towards the purchase of a first aid kit, defibrillator and first aid training package as a part of the Community Building Partnership program. This grant will allow Canterbury Little Athletics to better respond to incidents and emergency situations and will empower Canterbury Little Athletics to make the preparations and have equipment required to resolve any accidents as quickly as possible. TRIBUTE TO JOYCE WATSON Mr CHRISTOPHER GULAPTIS (Clarence) (13:35): I offer my congratulations to Joyce Watson of Maclean who, at the age of 93, has not missed attending a Maclean Show since she was born. Mrs Watson says the show is a family affair, and with four generations of her family involved it is hard to argue with her. Mrs Watson's grandfather was a foundation member of the show in 1891, while both her father and her mother were life members and her eldest brother was a trustee before council took over the showground. Now Mrs Watson has two daughters, two granddaughters, three great-granddaughters and a great-grandson making a contribution to the show this year. Mrs Watson was also the secretary of the show society for 26 years straight and this year she officially opened the show. This is a wonderful lifetime of dedication, volunteering and participation, and I wish Mrs Watson many more years of being able to attend and participate in the show with her family. TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Lee Evans): I shall now leave the chair. The House will resume at 2.15 p.m. Visitors VISITORS The SPEAKER: I extend a very warm welcome to Philip Campbell, Phil Schafer, Karen Gray, and Dale Harley, who are State Emergency Service volunteers visiting the Parliament for SES Wear Orange Wednesday, guests of the Minister for Police, and Minister for Emergency Services and member for Dubbo. I also welcome students and teachers from Cecil Hills High School, Emmaus Catholic College, Glenmore Park High School, Mamre Anglican School, Penrith Anglican College and St Clair High School who are visiting Parliament for the annual Mulgoa Senior School Captains Leadership Forum, guests of the Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Women, Minister for Ageing, and member for Mulgoa. I also welcome the 31 participants of the Kiama Student Leaders Forum from Bomaderry High School, Shoalhaven High School, Kiama High School, Albion Park High School, Nowra Anglican College, Nowra Christian School and the Illawarra Grammar School, guests of the Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast, Parliamentary Secretary for Education, and member for Kiama. I welcome 39 people from the E V Church at Erina, guests of the member for Terrigal. I welcome to the Chamber Bev Baldwin and Dawn Hooper from the Iris Foundation, an organisation that helps to prevent suicide on the Central Coast, guests of the member for Swansea. Members MINISTERS ABSENT DURING QUESTIONS Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: I advise the House that the Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional New South Wales, Minister for Skills, and Minister for Small Business will answer questions on behalf of the Minister for Lands and Forestry, and Minster for Racing. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 33

Bills TATTOO PARLOURS AMENDMENT BILL 2017 GAS AND ELECTRICITY (CONSUMER SAFETY) BILL 2017 SECURITY INDUSTRY AMENDMENT BILL 2017 Assent The SPEAKER: I report the receipt of messages from the Governor notifying His Excellency's assent to the abovementioned bills. [During the giving of notices of motions] Notices PRESENTATION The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Canterbury to order for the first time. Members who have been recalcitrant all week will be placed very quickly on calls to order. Members will come to order. [Later, during the giving of notices of motions] The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Bankstown to order for the first time. Question Time WESTERN SYDNEY RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE Mr LUKE FOLEY (Auburn) (14:24): My question is directed to the Premier. Has the Government given up on having a rail service at Western Sydney airport on the day it opens, given the failure of its Federal colleagues to commit a single dollar towards its construction in their budget last night? The SPEAKER: Order! The Minister for Health will come to order. Members will cease interjecting. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN (Willoughby—Premier) (14:24): Fancy them lecturing us on infrastructure. The question by the Leader of the Opposition has reminded me that when I was in opposition the Labor Party had to return money to the Federal Government. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Londonderry to order for the first time. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: They were given money to build a Western Sydney metro. They failed and they had to give the money back. Today they are trying to do Bill Shorten's bidding. Bill Shorten said he would put up $400 million for the Western Sydney rail line. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Londonderry to order for the second time. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: That amount of money would not even buy a station. Members opposite have no idea about transport. The SPEAKER: Order! The Leader of the Opposition will come to order. I call the member for Rockdale to order for the first time. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: Along with the Federal Government, this Government is already investing billions of dollars in road infrastructure for the Western Sydney airport. If any Opposition members get beyond Strathfield to Western Sydney they will see all the roads being built. Mr Greg Warren: Point of order: My point of order is under Standing Order 59. The Premier is being tediously repetitive. Is she committed to a rail line? The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Campbelltown will resume his seat. I will not entertain time-wasting points of order of that nature. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: They do not like us to talk about their 16 years in government, but for 16 years they promised the North West Rail Link and never built it. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Rockdale to order for the second time. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: They promised the South West Rail Link and never built it. They promised a Western Sydney metro and never built it because they do not know how to build infrastructure. Worse still, they will never be able to get a balanced budget so that they can spend money on infrastructure. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Maitland to order for the first time. I call the member for Maitland to order for the second time. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 34

Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: I am very pleased with the progress being made on the Western Sydney airport. This Government recognises what it means not only for New South Wales but also for jobs growth, the logistics capacity of the precinct and the new industries that will be developed. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Bankstown to order for the second time. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: I congratulate the Minister for Western Sydney and thank him for his great work on the city deal with the Federal Government and what it means for Western Sydney. Let us compare and contrast the Opposition's performance against ours. They were given money to build a Western Sydney metro and they had to hand the money back. We are building a north-west rail line and we have already built a south-west rail line. We are building WestConnex. We are building rail and roads all across Western Sydney. This question demonstrates Labor's lack of ability to raise funds to build infrastructure and highlights what members opposite did not do for 16 long years. Mr Greg Warren: Point of order: My point of order is under Standing Order 129. The question is not about our 16 years in government; it is about a rail line. The SPEAKER: Order! The Premier is being relevant to the question. The member for Campbelltown will resume his seat. There is no point of order. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: They are trying to pretend that they care about Western Sydney. Beyond the inner west they do not know where Western Sydney is. They should take a drive— Mr Guy Zangari: Point of order: My point of order relates to Standing Order 129, relevance. The SPEAKER: Order! I have ruled on the point of relevance. The member for Fairfield will resume his seat. I call the member for Fairfield to order for the first time. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: I appreciate that time is of the essence, but I want to tell the people of Western Sydney just how proud we are of the billions of dollars that we are investing in that region, and we will continue to do so. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Londonderry to order for the third time. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: We are also committed to ensuring that the Western Sydney airport happens as quickly as possible. We have already put up the dollars to provide the new roads to support the airport. We are looking forward to getting on with the job. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Rockdale to order for the third time. I remind the House that two members are already on three calls to order. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: Where those opposite have failed, this Government will deliver. FEDERAL BUDGET Mr LEE EVANS (Heathcote) (14:29): My question is addressed to the Premier. How has the Federal budget demonstrated the economic leadership of New South Wales? Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN (Willoughby—Premier) (14:30): I cannot say enough how incredibly proud I am that New South Wales is the infrastructure powerhouse of the nation. We are also the infrastructure capital of the nation. I was pleased to see in last night's Federal budget that the Federal Government has also made great contributions to infrastructure, something the Federal Labor Government failed to do—they spoke about it but they never committed any dollars. When I was the Minister for Transport and Federal Labor was in government, I never received a single dollar for the important projects being undertaken in New South Wales. At the risk of showing off, we know that the Federal Liberal Government is doing more in infrastructure than the Federal Labor Government did. Over the next four years the New South Wales Government will be spending more than $73 billion on infrastructure. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Fairfield to order for the second time. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: Putting that in context, over the next 10 years the Federal Government will be spending just over that amount. This State Government is clearly the infrastructure powerhouse of the nation and we are proudly delivering for the people of New South Wales. In last night's budget I was pleased to see the Western Sydney airport and the inland rail being progressed—which is important not only to our regional communities but to all of New South Wales. Improved freight paths and improved highway safety are a huge boost for residents in this State and the New South Wales economy. I can confirm that this Government has started discussions with the Federal Government to ensure that the Snowy Mountains hydro scheme remains in public Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 35

hands, as well as the possibility of New South Wales being able to use some of those proceeds to invest in infrastructure throughout the State. On this side of the House we have the man who knows more about that scheme than anyone else—the Deputy Premier. He and I will make sure in those discussions that New South Wales gets a fantastic outcome. As I have said, over the next four years we will be spending more than $73 billion on infrastructure. That is a huge amount compared to anywhere else in the nation. My staff do not like me referring to this, but every year when the crane index comes out it shows that New South Wales is second in the world for the number of cranes in the sky. We are also very proud of that. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Kiama to order for the first time. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: The crane index is a very new measure, but I am happy to be measured against that index any day of the week. Everywhere one looks across New South Wales there is construction and infrastructure. That level of investment would not have been possible if we had not undertaken all the hard yards. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Strathfield to order for the first time. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: Those opposite do not support infrastructure, so why are they objecting? The Victorian Labor Party has jumped onto the asset recycling bandwagon, yet at every move those opposite have opposed asset recycling. They have opposed reining in costs to be invested back into infrastructure. They have opposed all the productivity reforms implemented in the public service to raise money— The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Canterbury to order for the second time. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: Those opposite do not support infrastructure, nor do they support any policies that would make it possible to invest in infrastructure. We always welcome initiatives put forward by the Federal Government such as the asset recycling initiative. New South Wales is the main recipient of that because we got in early, and through that initiative we have seen the Federal Government make some contributions towards our infrastructure projects. Whenever there are opportunities for us to increase our infrastructure spend in New South Wales, we say, "Thank you very much", and get on with the job. As I said in response to the previous question, we are thrilled with the progress of the Western Sydney airport to date. We are already in the process of delivering $3.6 billion towards the Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan, which will provide the new roads to support that airport and the broader community—real money, real jobs, real progress. It is great to see the next major financial commitment from the Federal Government to deliver the new airport, together with a commitment to start a procurement process before the end of this year. We are looking forward to it. As I mentioned, the progress on the inland rail project is welcome news. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Canterbury to order for the third time. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: Members who have engaged with communities along that proposed route know what excitement this will bring to those communities and the opportunities it presents for our freight industry. [Extension of time] The Government was also pleased with the support that has been given to key projects like the National Disability Insurance Scheme [NDIS]. Similar to the Gonski reforms, New South Wales was the first State to sign- up to the NDIS. Yesterday's budget demonstrates beyond all doubt that the Commonwealth is committed to the NDIS and its full rollout. There has been no stronger supporter of the NDIS than New South Wales. As I said, we were the first to sign up to it. I am pleased to update the House that that scheme is benefiting thousands and thousands of people with a disability in New South Wales. Carers and families of those people with a disability are also benefiting from the transition, with some of the stress being taken away from them. The issue of mental health was also addressed in the Federal budget. I am particularly pleased that $5 million will go towards the Black Dog Institute and the Hunter Institute here in New South Wales to research better support and treatment for people with mental illness. We are pleased beyond words with the progress we are making in New South Wales. We are the infrastructure powerhouse and service capital of the nation. That is true. Those opposite cut services; we increased them. We are also very pleased that the Federal Government has announced that it will reintroduce concessions for seniors. We absorbed some of those costs in New South Wales but it is welcome news that those concessions are being reintroduced. I repeat, when it comes to infrastructure, services and caring for the most vulnerable, this State delivers. We are leading the nation and it is always great to get some support from the Federal Government along the way. HOUSING AFFORDABILITY Mr RYAN PARK (Keira) (14:37): My question is directed to the Premier. Given that the Premier has made statements that housing affordability is the key issue facing people in New South Wales, how will young Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 36

people trying to buy a home in Australia's least affordable city ever get a chance to do that now that Malcolm Turnbull has not made concessions on capital gains tax or made any reforms to negative gearing? Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN (Willoughby—Premier) (14:37): Madam Speaker— The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Strathfield should not criticise members for referring to notes. It is a case of the pot calling the kettle black. I watched the member's speech about rail trails earlier today; she read her entire speech. The Premier has the call. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: That was an interesting question from the member for Keira—that expert in all matters economic. Mr John Barilaro: What about transport failures? Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: I know. To give an example on his commentary on housing affordability, last year when I was Treasurer I introduced the foreign investor surcharge— The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Summer Hill to order for the first time. Ms Jo Haylen: How about addressing policy rather than attacking individuals? Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: I am talking about the foreign investor surcharge. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Summer Hill to order for the second time. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: When this Government introduced the foreign investor surcharge the member for Keira said it would do nothing for affordability and he opposed it. Guess what? We agreed that it would not do anything for housing affordability—it was a revenue raiser. But wait, those opposite suddenly changed their tune. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Kogarah to order for the first time. I call the member for Kogarah to order for the second time. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: Labor went from opposing that measure last year to announcing: A Foley Labor Government will lift surcharges for foreign investors on residential homes—to dampen the pressure they exert on housing prices. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Kogarah to order for the third time. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: So those opposite have changed their tune from saying they do not support that because it does nothing for affordability. They have borrowed our policy—pretending it is theirs— and now they are saying that is their response to housing affordability. For someone who has a lot to say about housing affordability, the member for Keira does not have a single solution to put forward. The SPEAKER: Order! Members will come to order. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: When I became Premier, I identified housing affordability as one of the biggest challenges of our time. The SPEAKER: Order! Members who have been called to order are deemed to be on three calls to order. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: I am looking forward to the budget process and to announcing a package of reforms that we will bring forward. But look at what we have done in the meantime. Last year there were 73,000 approvals for new dwellings in New South Wales—a record high. When Labor left government, approvals for new dwellings were at an all-time low. The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Rockdale will come to order. This is his final warning. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: I recommend that those opposite go out to north-west Sydney, to Western Sydney, to south-west Sydney— The SPEAKER: Order! I remind the member for Fairfield that he is on three calls to order. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: —because with the billions and billions we are investing in infrastructure we are seeing houses spring up all over greater Western Sydney. On Monday as I stood on the deck of the skytrain with the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, it gave me great pleasure— Mr Ryan Park: Point of order: My point of order is taken under Standing Order 129. The SPEAKER: Order! The Premier has been relevant to the question. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 37

Mr Ryan Park: I should have asked the Minister for Education about negative gearing and capital gains. The Premier has not mentioned those two things. The SPEAKER: Order! The Premier has been relevant to the question. The member for Keira will resume his seat. There is no point of order. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: When I stood on the deck of the skytrain for the first time with the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure I was proud to see that, no matter what direction I looked at the horizon, housing was going up—housing that will be taken up by the hardworking residents of New South Wales. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Drummoyne to order for the first time. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: Everywhere you go in New South Wales you see infrastructure and construction, and that means more housing and downward pressure on prices. We are a government that has put downward pressure on prices through the number of dwellings being built. Those opposite had the opportunity to invest in infrastructure, they had the opportunity to build more houses, they had the opportunity to put downward pressure on prices, and they failed. Now they have no solutions whatsoever. Their response was to say that Sydney was full. It is about time those opposite stopped focusing on Bill Shorten and came up with some of their own policies for the State. They are the State Opposition; they should come up with some policies and stop trying to do Bill Shorten's bidding in New South Wales. I think I have said enough. The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Strathfield will come to order. This is her final warning. STATE ECONOMY Mr GARETH WARD (Kiama) (14:43): My question is addressed to the Treasurer, and Minister for Industrial Relations. Will the Treasurer update the House on how the New South Wales Government is leading the nation in economic and financial management, and is the Treasurer aware of any alternative approaches? Mr DOMINIC PERROTTET (Hawkesbury—Treasurer, and Minister for Industrial Relations) (14:43): I thank the member for Kiama for his question. I join him in welcoming students from the Kiama Secondary School Leadership Program. They are very fortunate to be mentored by one of the finest leaders to ever come out of Kiama. The SPEAKER: Order! Ministers will come to order. The Treasurer has the call. Mr DOMINIC PERROTTET: There is no doubt that New South Wales has the strongest economy in the nation—and that is no accident. The people of this great State have worked very hard to make our State number one, and this Government has been there to support them every step of the way. We have been relentless in our determination to rebuild this State after years of Labor neglect. Strong fiscal management has been the centrepiece of this Government. We have reined in the runaway expense growth of those opposite, we have been strategic in our investments and we have ensured that, unlike other States, we live within our means. The results of our efforts are there for all to see: a budget in surplus, near zero net debt, the lowest unemployment rate of all the States and we are leading the nation on nearly every economic indicator. But those numbers tell only half the story. The real achievement is that this Government is doing everything at once. We are growing the economy while cutting taxes; we are reducing waste while investing record amounts in health and education; we are controlling expenses while boosting the number of frontline nurses, teachers and police; and we are delivering surpluses while rolling out the biggest infrastructure agenda this State has ever seen. This is what good Liberal-Nationals governments do: They provide certainty, stability and opportunities for families and businesses across this State. I note that last night the Federal Government delivered its budget. The Federal Government announced a number of different initiatives in a range of different areas, but I believe the single biggest theme of the budget was addressing a single underlying problem: trying to fix up the financial mess that Labor left behind. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Cessnock to order for the first time. Mr DOMINIC PERROTTET: Whatever people think of the means, the purpose of the budget is to repair Labor's debt. As I have told this House before, it has been more than 28 years since Labor last delivered a surplus at a Federal level. That means that more than one-third of our population—those under the age of 28— have never witnessed Federal Labor deliver a surplus. The last time Federal Labor delivered a surplus was back in the days when it actually believed in something—the days of the great reformers. Look at what we are left with today. I ask the House: How many Labor Treasurers does it take to ruin the national economy? It takes just one: Wayne Maxwell Swan. Mr Greg Warren: Point of order— Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 38

The SPEAKER: Order! Members will come to order. I would like to hear the member's point of order— if he has one. Mr Greg Warren: It is under Standing Order 129. Wayne Swan has absolutely nothing to do with the question. The Treasurer hit his peak with his waffle about the member for Kiama and he has gone downhill from there. The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Campbelltown will resume his seat. There is no point of order. Mr DOMINIC PERROTTET: It takes a special kind of incompetence to turn zero debt and a $20 billion surplus into $150 billion of debt, and a deficit of $43 billion in just six years. The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Bankstown will come to order. This is her final warning. Mr DOMINIC PERROTTET: But that is exactly what he did. During his six-year reign— The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Kogarah will come to order. This is his final warning. Mr DOMINIC PERROTTET: —he promised nearly every year to deliver a surplus but he failed every time. The SPEAKER: Order! I direct the member for Kogarah to remove himself from the Chamber for a period of two hours. [Pursuant to sessional order the member for Kogarah left the Chamber at 14:48.] [Extension of time] Mr DOMINIC PERROTTET: For the information of visitors in the gallery, I will go through the history. In 2008-09 Wayne Swan announced a surplus of $21.7 billion. What did he deliver? A $27 billion deficit. In 2009-10 there was a $54 billion deficit; in 2011, a $47 billion deficit; and in 2012, a $43 billion deficit. In 2012-13 Wayne Swan announced a surplus but delivered an $18 billion deficit. On the way out the door, he left a $43 billion deficit for the taxpayers of this State. That is a deficit of more than $230 billion delivered by those opposite. But they are not just numbers on a page; they represent the broken dreams and aspirations of families, communities and businesses across the nation. That is what happens when you have a party without any values led by people without any vision who govern to no purpose. But make no mistake: This is what Labor does at every level of government, wherever it goes. On this side of the House, we strive for triple A; on the other side of the House, they strive for triple D— debt, deficit and destruction. This is why Labor—whether Federal Labor or New South Wales Labor—is a clear and present danger to the economic prosperity of this State. Labor has no financial credibility; it never has had. It is only a Liberal-Nationals government—whether here or at a Federal level—that can deliver economic prosperity. SCHOOLS FUNDING Ms PRUE CAR (Londonderry) (14:51): My question is directed to the Premier. Does the New South Wales Government support the Turnbull Government's new school funding plan that will deliver hundreds of millions of dollars less to public schools and low-fee systemic Catholic schools than was promised in 2013? Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN (Willoughby—Premier) (14:51): I covered this issue yesterday in answer to four different questions, but I am happy to reiterate for the benefit of the member for Londonderry. First of all, this State has seen, through the Liberal-Nationals Government, record investment in education. Secondly, we were the first State to sign up to Gonski. Thirdly, since 2014-15, when the Federal Government changed its position in relation to those matters, we have been absolutely committed to seeing those arrangements continue. Last night and this morning we went through the budget papers and, compared with last year, New South Wales will receive an extra $1.4 billion over four years in education funding. Compared with where we were last year, we have seen an increase of $1.4 billion. Of course, we would like to see the full amounts we signed up to but we appreciate that the extra $1.4 billion will make a difference. That is the result of the hard work we have done to make sure every time we speak to the Federal Government it is aware of our commitment in relation to education, health and infrastructure. We will always put New South Wales residents first, and we will continue to do that. The other way to do that is by having a strong government. Those opposite would not have been able to afford even to sign up to Gonski, because they did not have the money. They would not have been able to see their commitments through, because they did not spend the money. Look at how much the Government is spending on education compared with when Labor left office. Members opposite should hang their heads in shame. They did not invest enough in our classrooms. I am disappointed because the shadow Minister misled the House. The Government will never Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 39

ever increase class sizes, and I want people to understand that. Class sizes have fallen since we have been in government. Those opposite are so opportunistic that they change their rhetoric depending on the story of the day. We have stayed consistent in our support for public education. I am a student of public education—I am not sure how many of those opposite are. I went to a public primary school and I went to a public high school. Members on this side of the House have always argued for choice, and will continue to do so. Parents should be able to choose where they send their children to school. We enable that by making sure that all schools receive the funding they need. The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Maitland will come to order. This is her final warning. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: I regret that yesterday I did not remember this, but in the 2015 budget we increased by $50 million the number of dollars we put into non-government schools, including Catholic schools, to increase classrooms. I have a list of all the Catholic schools that got extra money to build more classrooms. When you are talking about record funding, when you are talking about supporting public education, and when you are talking about supporting choice for parents, supporting the Catholic system and the public education system, the Liberal-Nationals will win every day of the week. Those opposite can come up with all the lies and misleading statements they want, but school communities across the State know which side of politics delivers on its commitments and invests record amounts of money. On the eve of the 2011 election—and thank goodness those opposite did not get another turn at government—there was a New South Wales education blueprint, a Labor policy that proposed "closing more than 100 schools; axing 7,500 teachers; selling surplus land; and slashing costs to programs for disadvantaged students". The SPEAKER: Order! There is too much audible conversation in the Chamber. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: The Government is investing record amounts in education. Dollars matter but dollars are not everything—we have also lifted the performance of our students. Those opposite criticised us when we came to government and introduced a needs-based funding approach, but the Government is pleased that the nation has adopted our policies. I pay tribute to former and current education Ministers for the great work they have done. The Liberal-Nationals understand that the best hope you can give anybody is a strong education. The best choice you can give parents is to make sure you provide funding where it is needed most, and that is exactly what the Government will continue to do. PUBLIC TRANSPORT FUNDING Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (14:56): My question is addressed to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. How is the New South Wales Government helping taxpayers with cost of living pressures whilst ensuring sustainable funding for public transport? Mr ANDREW CONSTANCE (Bega—Minister for Transport and Infrastructure) (14:56): I thank the member for his question and for his text message, which reads, "I am asking you a question; do not forget to mention Narwee and Oatley train stations". I am very pleased to announce that the Gladys-Giovanni Government is the friend of the commuter. I am pleased to announce today that the New South Wales Government has rejected a wholesale 4.2 per cent price rise for public transport fares, as recommended by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal [IPART]. Labor has waged a fake fare scare campaign across electorates in Western Sydney, telling commuters that fares were going up by $1,000 and $700. But guess by how much fares are going to increase under our Government? It is not $1,000 or $700 but, on average, 50¢ a week. The SPEAKER: Order! There is too much audible conversation in the Chamber. Mr ANDREW CONSTANCE: Members opposite can do the maths and work out the increase on an annual basis. The Government has also announced that the Gold Opal—that magical card that seniors across the State love—is going to remain at $2.50. That is in recognition of the contribution that seniors make across our community, both as volunteers and in many cases as grandparent carers. The news today is that the Government is going to cap fare increases at inflation from 3 July. That is a fair way of funding public transport and it comes off the back of a government that has been keeping downward pressure on fares since we were elected in 2011. It also comes at a time when we have introduced some 19,000 additional weekly services across the transport network. It comes at a time when patronage on Sydney trains is growing at 10 per cent. The bottom line is that the Government is getting on with the big build: infrastructure with metro trains, light rail and 24 new Waratah trains. In order to deliver more and better services, the Government must ensure that it has the money to pay for it. When I attended this morning's press conference I was asked a simple question: "What do you think Labor would do in relation to fares?" It reminded me of 2010 when Labor was last in office and Premier Nathan Rees tried to tell commuters that an average 7.5 per cent increase in fares per year was a "good win" for customers. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 40

This Government remains the friend of commuters and families by putting downward pressure on the cost of living. Those opposite think that 7.5 per cent is a "good win" for the community. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Port Stephens to order for the first time. Mr ANDREW CONSTANCE: Only a few hours ago, the Leader of the Opposition gave a press conference at the back of Parliament House. The mendacious member for Strathfield was there, running a scare campaign. The Leader of the Opposition said something extraordinary: "I am glad they have done what I have urged on Opal pricing." He is now trying to claim credit for the Government's actions. What I was particularly interested in was the question, "What are you going to do with fares, Luke? Will they be kept at inflation?" Do members know what he said? He replied, "I trust IPART." The Government rejected IPART because it suggested 4.2 per cent; it is about half what IPART recommended. Keep up, flip-flop Foley. The Leader of the Opposition presents one position here and another position there. The bottom line is that he has been running around Western Sydney saying that fares will increase by $1,000 and then confirms in a press conference that fares would go up in Western Sydney under Labor by $1,000. Shame on him. As usual, the Leader of the Opposition is good at running scare campaigns. The bottom line is that commuters are getting a fair deal from this Government. The SPEAKER: Order! There is too much audible conversation in the Chamber. I will not call for another question until members come to order. HUNTER COAL SEAM GAS EXPLORATION Mr MICHAEL DALEY (Maroubra) (15:01): My question is directed to the Premier. Given that Drayton South has been sold to Malabar Coal and the neighbouring horse studs now face the prospect of yet a fifth Planning Assessment Commission application for mining on their doorstep, will the Government act and introduce buffer zones to protect the Hunter's critical thoroughbred breeding industry? Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN (Willoughby—Premier) (15:02): I thank the member for the question and note the change that occurred recently. I assure the community in the Hunter, and all communities, that when it comes to proposals of that nature this Government will ensure not only that communities are heard when concerns are raised but also that proper process is followed. The Government appreciates the sensitivities involved. In my previous role I visited the horse studs and looked at the potential impact on those facilities. I assure everybody that the Government always takes into account those matters that could adversely impact communities. In fact, this Government cleaned up the mess left by the Opposition, including the coal seam gas licences. The Government spent two or three years fixing that mess. We now have one of the strongest regulatory regimes in the nation. People know and appreciate that this Government respects resource-rich land, communities, and both water and agricultural land catchments that are critical to the future of communities and of New South Wales. In terms of updating the House, the transfer of the exploration licence is a matter for the resources and mining team within the Department of Planning and Environment. I know that team will give due consideration to the matters raised. They are ongoing issues. The Minister for Planning will ensure that he gives the issue close consideration. This gives me an opportunity to say that we appreciate— Mr Michael Daley: Point of order: My point of order is under Standing Order 129. There have been four applications. We are asking for help for the industry now, before there is a fifth one. The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Maroubra will resume his seat. There is no point of order. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: The member for Maroubra forgets—but he should remember—the absolute mess that was left for this Government in relation to planning systems regarding the protection— The SPEAKER: Order! Members will cease interjecting. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: —of key areas. I reiterate this Government's commitment. We appreciate the success that we have had in turning New South Wales around but we also appreciate that every community wants to be assured that it is getting stronger and is growing. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Port Stephens to order for the second time. Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: This Government will ensure the continued protection of key areas. That is in stark contrast to what we inherited from those opposite. I take this opportunity to thank the State Emergency Service volunteers who are in the gallery today. Members are wearing badges in support of their efforts. I also welcome the schools communities from Western Sydney, Kiama and other parts of New South Wales. I appreciate your coming to observe proceedings today. This Government has cleaned up Labor's mess and will continue to do so. We will also continue to protect those parts of New South Wales that deserve protection. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 41

The SPEAKER: Order! The Leader of the Opposition will come to order. NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME Mr GEOFF PROVEST (Tweed) (15:06): I address my question to the Minister for Multiculturalism, and Minister for Disability Services. The SPEAKER: Order! I remind Opposition members that many of them are on three calls to order. Those members who continue to interject will be removed from the Chamber. Mr GEOFF PROVEST: How is the New South Wales Government delivering vital services to support people with disability? The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Port Stephens to order for the third time. I cannot believe that she would interject during a question on this subject. Mr RAY WILLIAMS (Castle Hill—Minister for Multiculturalism, and Minister for Disability Services) (15:07): I thank the member for Tweed for his question. I know the member is looking forward to his electorate entering the National Disability Insurance Scheme [NDIS] in July this year. As Minister for Disability Services, it has been a great honour and a privilege to take charge of this Government's implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Every day I see the difference this innovative reform makes to people's lives across the country. I give full credit to my colleague Andrew Constance, together with former Premier Barry O'Farrell, who were not only great advocates for people with disability but also the architects of the scheme we now have. We on both sides of politics should pause for a moment to consider the joy someone feels when they become independent for the first time. The NDIS brings choice to people with disability, and with that choice comes independence, inclusion and the ability to participate in society. The SPEAKER: Order! I direct the member for Canterbury to remove herself from the Chamber for a period of three hours. [Pursuant to sessional order the member for Canterbury left the Chamber at 15:07.] Mr RAY WILLIAMS: I am disappointed in the shadow Minister. In the past many people with disability have relied on rationed services provided by a constrained State system. Those days are now gone. As many members know, the experience for families with disability across the State has to been to wait in a queue for respite, for appropriate housing, for home care and for many other supports that we take for granted. But no longer. Once the scheme rolls out, all eligible participants with lifelong disability will be able to choose the supports they need using funding contained in a plan they have designed with support from the National Disability Insurance Agency. The SPEAKER: Order! I direct the Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms to remove the member for Port Stephens from the Chamber under Standing Order 249 for the remainder of the day. [Pursuant to standing order the member for Port Stephens left the Chamber, accompanied by the Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms.] Mr RAY WILLIAMS: The scheme is on track and on budget, and it is changing people's lives. Last night's Federal budget removed all doubt about the future funding for NDIS in New South Wales. This financial year 43,000 people will transition into the NDIS, including 36,000 existing New South Wales clients and 7,000 new participants. A further 60,000 will transition next financial year, including 36,000 existing clients. The SPEAKER: Order! Opposition members who are not interested in the Minister's answer will leave the Chamber. Mr RAY WILLIAMS: By July 2018 the total number of NDIS participants in New South Wales is expected to be 115,000 people and there will be capacity for the scheme to grow to support 140,000, if required. New South Wales has led and will always lead the nation in delivering the NDIS. The transitioning of State services to the non-government sector is vital in providing participants with choice and was at the centre of our historic 2012 agreement with the Commonwealth. I have been proud to announce new service providers, following an extensive consultation with people with disabilities, their families, carers and guardians. These operators already have a local presence and experience in delivering a combination of services to people with disabilities. Since 2014, the Government has run an initiative called Ability Links to address the needs of people with disabilities, who often can be isolated and have problems accessing information. Ability Links is delivered by dedicated staff known as Linkers who work directly with people to increase their engagement with services, to improve their connection with their community and to access training and employment opportunities. I am proud Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 42

to say that Ability Links has proved to be a phenomenal success. It is estimated that more than 73,000 people with disabilities, family members and carers have been supported thanks to these Linkers. In the last budget the Government committed $44 million to this program for a total of 347 Ability Linkers who are now employed in New South Wales. Of these,74 are Aboriginal-identified positions. An independent cost-benefit analysis demonstrated that Ability Links delivers a $3 return on investment for every $1 spent and that this increases to $3.90 for Aboriginal communities. Since becoming Minister, I have travelled to Port Macquarie, Gosford and Penrith where I have met with Linkers and individuals who shared their personal stories of how they have benefited from Ability Links. Last Friday I was joined by the Minister for Western Sydney, Minister for WestConnex, and Minister for Sport, the Hon. Stuart Ayres, in his electorate of Penrith where we met a young man by the name of Rylee Lowe. [Extension of time] The SPEAKER: Order! I direct the member for Rockdale to remove himself from the Chamber for a period of three hours. [Pursuant to sessional order the member for Rockdale left the Chamber at 15:12.] Mr RAY WILLIAMS: I thought it was important to raise some of the successes of people with disabilities. The member for Rockdale and the shadow Minister for Disability Services do not care about this. Ms Jenny Aitchison: Point of order: My point of order relates to Standing Order 33. The members who have been kicked out of this Chamber are outraged by the Minister's inaccurate claim that he was an architect of the NDIS. The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Maitland will resume her seat. If the member continues to canvass my rulings she will be removed from the Chamber. Ms Jenny Aitchison: You are not upholding my point of order? The SPEAKER: Order! I direct the member for Maitland to remove herself from the Chamber for a period of three hours. [Pursuant to sessional order the member for Maitland left the Chamber at 15:12.] Mr RAY WILLIAMS: It is a sad day in the New South Wales Parliament. I refer to a young man by the name of Rylee Lowe who, with the help of his Linker, Paul, has achieved his 120 hours required practice to obtain his driver licence and soon will achieve full independence. With the support of Ability Links, he is a mentor at Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School. Ability Links is an incredible program that complements the principles of the NDIS. This story is a snapshot of the outcomes being achieved by this program. There are many more inspiring examples of people with disabilities gaining employment, furthering their education and running their own businesses. Today I thank all of the Linkers and I look forward to updating the House on the remarkable outcomes being achieved by people with disabilities through this program. People with permanent disabilities in New South Wales can count on the support of the New South Wales and Federal Coalition Liberal-Nationals parties. They cannot count on Labor. OXFORD STREET SHOPPING PRECINCT Mr ALEX GREENWICH (Sydney) (15:14): My question is directed to the Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight. Will the Minister work with me and the Woollahra and City of Sydney councils to improve the vitality, safety and amenity of Oxford Street? Mrs MELINDA PAVEY (Oxley—Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight) (15:14): I appreciate the question from the member for Sydney. This important issue has been raised also by Councillor Christine Forster, who is very motivated to improve the amenity of Oxford Street, Sydney. She knows how important it is to businesses within the Oxford Street precinct to be able to conduct their business well and to provide facilities for local residents and consumers. Oxford Street is a very popular tourist precinct, especially at that special time of year. Roads and Maritime Services [RMS] and I, as the Minister for Roads, will continue to work with the people of Oxford Street, from Paddington to Darlinghurst and Surry Hills. I was pleased to read in an article in commercialrealestate.com.au that Oxford Street is experiencing a bit of a second coming. Some time ago Robert Clerc, a jeweller, together with his business partner and ex-wife, Michelle, bought two old buildings in Oxford Street. Their friends thought they were stark raving mad. After having those properties for many years, things are turning around. Mr Clerc said: It's becoming vibrant all over again, people are coming back to the markets and Oxford Street is buzzing. It's now going through an amazing repositioning. And why not? On Oxford Street there are great retailers and businesses. However, there will always be traffic challenges. The bus lane cannot be removed as it is important for transport and the removal of the clearways Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 43

would mean constant traffic jams. It would be impossible to travel through the area and would totally destroy its amenity. It is important that we work together. In 2013, following talks between the RMS and the Hon. Shayne Mallard, who was an advocate for the area and is now a Liberal member of the Legislative Council, the RMS adjusted the clearway operations by an hour. The clearway used to come into operation at 3 p.m. We changed it to 4 p.m. to improve the amenity for consumers and shopkeepers. We will continue to work with businesses, whether they are in Oxford Street, Sydney, Belgrave Street in Kempsey, or anywhere in New South Wales. This Government is about assisting businesses in this State to keep New South Wales number one. The SPEAKER: Order! There is too much audible conversation from Government members. REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE Mr KEVIN ANDERSON (Tamworth) (15:18): My question is addressed to the Deputy Premier. Will the Deputy Premier inform the House of the benefits to regional New South Wales of last night's Federal budget? Mr JOHN BARILARO (Monaro—Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional New South Wales, Minister for Skills, and Minister for Small Business) (15:18): I thank the member for Tamworth for his question. He is a great local member who represents not only the electorate of Tamworth but also the great city of Tamworth. Yesterday I spoke about regional cities. Tamworth is one of those regional cities that is seeing growth from investment by the New South Wales Government in roads, rail and economic infrastructure. As one of the first acts of this Government's leadership, the first port of call for me and the then Premier was Tamworth where we announced funding of $4.5 million to improve sporting facilities in that community. We believe that regional communities should have fantastic amenities. Sport is part of the fabric of regional communities. Last night the Liberal-Nationals Federal Government made clear that it has the same vision for regional Australia and regional New South Wales as does the New South Wales Liberal-Nationals Government. We want to make sure that regional New South Wales gets its fair share of jobs, investment and infrastructure in order to grow the regional economy. Senator Nash announced a regional growth fund that will be used to build transport, roads, community amenities and inland rail. Inland rail will change the way freight is moved between the three eastern seaboard States and benefits will flow to Victoria, Queensland and regional New South Wales. An investment of $8.4 billion by the Federal Government will lift the gross regional product for the northern part of New South Wales in the vicinity of $470 million and for the rest of regional New South Wales by another $460 million. That is a significant boost for regional and local economies, especially those that have been impacted by the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and are looking for diversity and investment. This grant will create more jobs and opportunities. I welcome that announcement by the Federal Government. Closer to home is the Snowy Hydro 2.0. The Federal Government flagged that it wanted to increase pump storage and capacity at Snowy Hydro by 50 per cent. Last night the Federal Government put on the table an opportunity for the New South Wales and Victorian governments to look at surrendering their shares to the Federal Government so that it can pursue its vision of increasing pump storage and capacity. It wants to build on the legacy of Snowy Hydro, a scheme that is just as relevant today as it was decades ago when it was first envisaged. This will mean jobs in my region. If the States agree to shed our shares in Snowy Hydro, it will mean billions of dollars for this State for investment in infrastructure. More importantly, 30 per cent of any proceeds from that transaction will go to regional New South Wales. As the Minister for Skills, I acknowledge the Skilling Australians Fund, which was announced last night. For the first time, money will be focused on the key area of skills and especially apprenticeships. Importantly, $60 million has been allocated for an apprenticeship mentoring program, similar to this Government's $25 million pre-apprenticeship program, which is about improving completion rates for apprentices. New South Wales is bucking the national trend. Across the nation, there have been declines in apprenticeships. In 2016, New South Wales had 20,000 extra applications for apprenticeships, an increase of 17 per cent. The figures are on par with those in 2010. New South Wales is breaking the trend and leading the way. As we near the end of the National Partnership Agreement, I am pleased with the news from the Federal Government about the $471 million funding for New South Wales, leveraged off the 457 visa workers, to go towards training our young people for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Everything this Government does is about growing jobs, locally and for the State. New South Wales is the engine room of the national economy. We are punching well above our weight. In partnership with the Federal Government, we will continue to see investment in infrastructure that will provide young people with the opportunity to gain the skill set they need to be part of the workforce today and tomorrow. That is a far cry from what we saw under the former Labor Government. It withdrew money from regional New South Wales. [Extension of time] Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 44

When a Labor government runs out of money and has a budget deficit, it pulls money out of the regions and focuses on inner-city seats to shore up votes that may otherwise go to The Greens. NSW Labor has always been about the city. I tried to research the view of the Leader of the Opposition on regional New South Wales. Of the 251 press releases he has issued in the past two years, not one has been about regional New South Wales. The Leader of the Opposition is only interested in regional New South Wales when there is a by-election. At the recent Wollongong by-election, he shored up votes for the member for Wollongong by announcing a $200 million jobs action plan. When we look at the fine detail, we see that it was to shore up the position of the member for Keira, the shadow Treasurer, who is interested in the job of the Leader of the Opposition. The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Wollongong will come to order. Mr JOHN BARILARO: In relation to the Gosford by-election, the Leader of the Opposition announced a $100 million jobs action plan. It seems the people of Gosford are worth only half that promised to the people of Wollongong. Again, the fine print discloses that Labor's $100 million jobs action plan for Gosford would establish a Minister for the Central Coast. The only job those opposite are interested in is a job for one of them as the Minister for the Central Coast. The members opposite have no plans and no vision for regional New South Wales. The Liberal-Nationals Government, in partnership with the Federal Government, will continue to invest in regional New South Wales. We will continue to grow the communities, create more jobs, deliver more services and build more amenities so that our regional cities are not just surviving but are vibrant and thriving. Documents VARIATIONS OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ESTIMATES AND APPROPRIATIONS 2016-17 Mr DOMINIC PERROTTET: In accordance with section 26 of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983, I table the Variations of the Receipts and Payments Estimates and Appropriations for 2016-17, arising from the provision by the Commonwealth of Specific Purpose Payments in excess of the amounts included in the State's receipts and payments estimates—Department of Industry, Skills and Regional Development, dated 5 May 2017. Petitions PETITIONS RECEIVED The CLERK: I announce that the following petitions signed by fewer than 500 persons have been lodged for presentation: Pet Shops Petition opposing the sale of animals in pet shops, received from Mr Alex Greenwich. Powerhouse Museum Ultimo Petition requesting the retention of the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo and the expansion of museum services to other parts of New South Wales, received from Mr Alex Greenwich. Ferry Services Petition requesting new inner-city ferries, received from Mr Alex Greenwich. Surry Hills Light Rail Station Petition calling on the Government to build a second light rail station in Surry Hills at the Wimbo Park-Olivia Gardens site, using appropriate landscaping to minimise visual and noise impacts and provide a quality park for the local community, received from Ms Jenny Leong. Inner-city Social Housing Petition opposing the sale of public housing in Millers Point, Dawes Point and The Rocks, received from Mr Alex Greenwich. Social Housing Petition requesting that the Sirius building be retained and its social housing function be continued, received from Mr Alex Greenwich. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 45

Business of the House BUSINESS LAPSED The SPEAKER: I advise the House that in accordance with Standing Order 105 (3) General Business Notices of Motions (General Notices) Nos 1555 to 1572 and 1574 have lapsed and General Business Notices of Motions (General Notices) Nos 1575 to 1593 will lapse tomorrow. INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY Reordering Mrs LESLIE WILLIAMS (Port Macquarie) (15:27): I move: That the General Business Notice of Motion (General Notice) given by me this day [International Nurses Day] have precedence on Thursday 11 May 2017. Nurses are the backbone of our public health system. The SPEAKER: Order! Members who wish to have private conversations will do so outside the Chamber. Mrs LESLIE WILLIAMS: As members of this House, every one of us would know personally some of the 46,500 nurses who are employed by NSW Health. Nurses represent the single largest workforce group within NSW Health. As I and my colleague the member for Myall Lakes know from our frontline experience, they do an amazing job. It is important therefore that tomorrow this House reflects on our nurses' commitment, passion and professionalism and the around-the-clock care that they give to the more than 1.5 million patients in New South Wales public hospitals, at home and in the community. Nurses Day is celebrated each year on 12 May, the birthday of the most famous nurse Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. The International Council of Nurses leads the commemoration, with a theme every year, to celebrate the contribution of nurses. The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Bankstown will resume her seat. Mrs LESLIE WILLIAMS: This year the International Nurses Day kit and the accompanying website, video and social media campaign will raise awareness among the nursing profession, the broader population and policymakers about the importance of sustainable development goals. Nurses are at the front line of our health system. As patients and their families journey through our health system, nurses are there at every turn. They make a real difference to the experience of patients, family members and carers. It is for this reason that we should have the opportunity to recognise and honour them in this House and express our sincere gratitude to every nurse in New South Wales for the critical work they do. I hope the Opposition will join me in taking the opportunity tomorrow to support our amazing nurses. Mr JIHAD DIB (Lakemba) (15:30): The motion of which I gave notice earlier today should have precedence on Thursday 11 May 2017. Chronic underinvestment, deficiencies in asset planning and insufficient maintenance are the sorts of terms people would expect to hear members of the Opposition use. In fact, that is language used by the usually mild-mannered and independent Office of the Auditor-General, which was absolutely scathing of this Government in a report released last week. There is nothing new in the report. There are no mysteries and nothing should come as a surprise. An Auditor-General report in 2015 warned of the enrolment surge crisis that we are facing in our schools. This Government knew this was coming but unfortunately it is happening anyway. The Government knows its data but does not do anything about it; it suffers from analysis paralysis. Government members know what it is going on but they are doing nothing. Some members may shake their heads but they are the same members who sent press releases to their constituents saying, "Tell me a problem and I'll fix it." They will find plenty of problems in the Auditor-General's report. Government members know exactly what I am talking about; it is in the report in black and white. They keep interrupting because they do not want to hear the truth. The truth is that the department is overseeing a dog's breakfast and the new Minister has to clean up the mess that was left for him. It is nothing new and it is no surprise. We have had some big announcements from the Government. One was that it was going to build new schools and invest new money. It did that for one reason alone: as a smokescreen. The Minister knew what was in this report was so scathing that he tried to pre-empt its release by an announcement. The people of New South Wales will not be taken for mugs. They know the truth. Under this Government's watch the school maintenance backlog is at $775 million. The Premier talked about misleading the House. How many times have Government members said that Labor left a $1 billion maintenance backlog? The Minister's release says the backlog was $156 million. They should get their facts right. If they want to talk about increased class sizes, that is at page 33. We are not making these figures up; they are there in black and white in the Auditor-General's report. For the benefit of the Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 46

Minister, a sensitivity analysis prepared by the department shows that increasing class sizes by one student could reduce the funding gap significantly. [Time expired.] The DEPUTY SPEAKER: The question is that the motion of the member for Port Macquarie have precedence on Thursday 11 May 2017. The House divided. Ayes ...... 48 Noes ...... 28 Majority ...... 20 AYES Anderson, Mr K Aplin, Mr G Ayres, Mr S Barilaro, Mr J Berejiklian, Ms G Bromhead, Mr S (teller) Brookes, Mr G Conolly, Mr K Constance, Mr A Coure, Mr M Crouch, Mr A Davies, Ms T Dominello, Mr V Donato, Mr P Elliott, Mr D Evans, Mr L Fraser, Mr A Gibbons, Ms M Goward, Ms P Grant, Mr T Griffin, Mr J Gulaptis, Mr C Hazzard, Mr B Henskens, Mr A Hodgkinson, Ms K Humphries, Mr K Johnsen, Mr M Kean, Mr M Lee, Dr G Maguire, Mr D Marshall, Mr A Patterson, Mr C (teller) Pavey, Mrs M Perrottet, Mr D Petinos, Ms E Piccoli, Mr A Provest, Mr G Roberts, Mr A Sidoti, Mr J Speakman, Mr M Stokes, Mr R Taylor, Mr M Tudehope, Mr D Upton, Ms G Ward, Mr G Williams, Mr R Williams, Mrs L Wilson, Ms F

NOES Atalla, Mr E (teller) Barr, Mr C Car, Ms P Catley, Ms Y Chanthivong, Mr A Crakanthorp, Mr T Dib, Mr J Doyle, Ms T Finn, Ms J Greenwich, Mr A Harrison, Ms J Haylen, Ms J Hoenig, Mr R Lalich, Mr N (teller) Leong, Ms J Lynch, Mr P McDermott, Dr H McKay, Ms J Mihailuk, Ms T Park, Mr R Parker, Mr J Piper, Mr G Robertson, Mr J Scully, Mr P Smith, Ms T F Tesch, Ms L Warren, Mr G Zangari, Mr G

PAIRS Hancock, Mrs S Daley, Mr M Notley-Smith, Mr B Foley, Mr L O'Dea, Mr J Harris, Mr D Rowell, Mr J Hornery, Ms S Toole, Mr P Mehan, Mr D

Motion agreed to. Motions Accorded Priority MID NORTH COAST INFRASTRUCTURE Consideration Mr ANDREW FRASER (Coffs Harbour) (15:39): My motion should be accorded priority because today we need to demonstrate to the people of New South Wales the job that this Government has done in the past Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 47

six years not only in my electorate but also in regional New South Wales. Indeed, if I have one criticism of this Government it is that it does not claim credit for the things it has achieved. We need to take credit for what we have done and highlight what Labor did not do in the 16 long years it was in office. Since this Liberal-Nationals Government came to office in 2011 there has ben a rush in the delivery of infrastructure right across the North Coast. Labor saw the need for this infrastructure but failed to deliver it. In fact, the first thing Bob Carr did when Labor came to power in 1995 was to place an infrastructure freeze on all the development that had been budgeted for—the new hospital sorely needed at Coffs Harbour was delayed by six years; and a courthouse and police station complex was delayed until we again won government. We witnessed an abrogation of Labor's responsibility across regional New South Wales—whether in roads, health or education. The Labor Government was citicentric; it saw New South Wales as Newcastle, Sydney and Wollongong. We need to remind our constituents that if Labor is to be re-elected in New South Wales we will see more of what it gave us for 16 long years—nothing. I urge all members to give my motion priority to ensure that we spread this message across regional New South Wales. FEDERAL BUDGET Consideration Mr RYAN PARK (Keira) (15:41): My motion should be given priority because it has been less than 24 hours since the Federal budget was delivered. This morning at our tactics meeting I said to my colleagues, "I can tell you what will happen during question time today. They love the Federal budget so much they will ask five Dorothy Dixers about it." During question time I started counting, and then said to myself, "They must be asking four Dixers." I then thought it must be three, but still nothing was asked. We did not even get a Dorothy Dixer. What a great budget it was. That is fascinating because we all agree there is a housing affordability crisis in Sydney and in New South Wales. We all agree that is the number one priority of this Premier—tick. We all agree that is the number one priority of the Federal Treasurer—tick. I should have reworded that because the Federal Treasurer is actually reforming negative gearing. I want everyone to be clear that he is reforming negative gearing. This is what will help people in Sydney to purchase their first home— The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The member for Keira will direct his comments through the Chair. Mr RYAN PARK: If one has a unit on the Gold Coast one will no longer be able to claim transport. That is exactly the sort of policy that is going to help first home buyers. What about when it comes to schools? There is to be a $22 billion cut to schools across this country. This Government does not have a clue how to fix housing affordability or the crisis in our schools. This Government will not stand up to Canberra but it is supportive of cuts to schools and to ensuring that first home buyers in the most expensive city in Australia will never be able to afford their own home. What a disgrace. The DEPUTY SPEAKER: The question is that the motion of the member for Coffs Harbour be accorded priority. The House divided. Ayes ...... 48 Noes ...... 28 Majority ...... 20 AYES Anderson, Mr K Aplin, Mr G Ayres, Mr S Barilaro, Mr J Berejiklian, Ms G Bromhead, Mr S (teller) Brookes, Mr G Conolly, Mr K Constance, Mr A Coure, Mr M Crouch, Mr A Davies, Ms T Dominello, Mr V Donato, Mr P Elliott, Mr D Evans, Mr L Fraser, Mr A Gibbons, Ms M Goward, Ms P Grant, Mr T Griffin, Mr J Gulaptis, Mr C Hazzard, Mr B Henskens, Mr A Hodgkinson, Ms K Humphries, Mr K Johnsen, Mr M Kean, Mr M Lee, Dr G Maguire, Mr D Marshall, Mr A Patterson, Mr C (teller) Pavey, Mrs M Perrottet, Mr D Petinos, Ms E Piccoli, Mr A Provest, Mr G Roberts, Mr A Sidoti, Mr J Speakman, Mr M Stokes, Mr R Taylor, Mr M Tudehope, Mr D Upton, Ms G Ward, Mr G Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 48

AYES Williams, Mr R Williams, Mrs L Wilson, Ms F

NOES Atalla, Mr E (teller) Barr, Mr C Car, Ms P Catley, Ms Y Chanthivong, Mr A Crakanthorp, Mr T Dib, Mr J Doyle, Ms T Finn, Ms J Greenwich, Mr A Harrison, Ms J Haylen, Ms J Hoenig, Mr R Lalich, Mr N (teller) Leong, Ms J Lynch, Mr P McDermott, Dr H McKay, Ms J Mihailuk, Ms T Park, Mr R Parker, Mr J Piper, Mr G Robertson, Mr J Scully, Mr P Smith, Ms T F Tesch, Ms L Warren, Mr G Zangari, Mr G

PAIRS Hancock, Mrs S Daley, Mr M Notley-Smith, Mr B Foley, Mr L O'Dea, Mr J Harris, Mr D Rowell, Mr J Hornery, Ms S Toole, Mr P Watson, Ms A

Motion agreed to. MID NORTH COAST INFRASTRUCTURE Priority Mr ANDREW FRASER (Coffs Harbour) (15:51): I move: That this House: (1) Notes that only the Government can drive jobs growth and deliver the record investment in infrastructure and services that the mid North Coast needs and deserves. (2) Condemns the former Government for its failure to deliver for the people of the mid North Coast and its neglect of people in regional New South Wales. The first issue I raise is the upgrade of the Pacific Highway—a road on which there were hundreds of deaths. When we came to government, the member for Maroubra called on Anthony Albanese to fund only 20 per cent of the infrastructure cost for the Pacific Highway. Yet in the time of the Labor Government, when it did a bit of work on the Pacific Highway, the Federal Government funded 80 per cent. The Opposition denied that and lied about it. The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! I remind the member for Cessnock that he is on three calls to order. Mr ANDREW FRASER: But at the end of the day we received a letter from Mr Albanese, which confirmed that the Federal Government had been funding 80 per cent. All we have to do is look at the unemployment rates over the past 12 months. Unemployment in the Tweed is down 2.7 percentage points; in Coffs Harbour it is down 0.5 percentage points; on the mid North Coast it is down 2.5 percentage points; in New South Wales it is down 0.5 percentage points; and across Australia it is down 0.2 percentage points, which clearly demonstrates that the actions of the Liberal-Nationals Government in New South Wales over time have driven small business, have driven business generally and have given us an opportunity to increase the economic good in regional New South Wales. The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! There is too much audible conversation in the Chamber. Mr ANDREW FRASER: But that was driven in part by the fact that we were spending money on infrastructure. I spoke to the member for Port Macquarie, who said that she had lobbied three Labor education Ministers about the need for a school at Lake Cathie and that it was not until we came to government that that badly needed school was constructed and opened by the member for Port Macquarie. Three Labor Ministers failed to listen to the needs of the people in Lake Cathie in the Port Macquarie electorate. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 49

I would need probably an hour to go through the infrastructure that this Government has delivered on the North Coast and the mid North Coast, let alone the rest of New South Wales. For airport upgrades $5.1 million has been spent on the Coffs Harbour airside and terminal upgrade, $5 million on the Port Macquarie airport terminal upgrade and $400,000 on the Taree airport airside and lighting upgrade. Mr Deputy Speaker, you know the pressure that you were put under at the last election because of the coal seam gas exploration licences that were issued on the North Coast. The Greens and Labor blamed us as a government for that, but the reality was that Labor members sold coal seam gas exploration licences for peanuts to their mates and then they turned around and blamed us for it. We had to spend money to buy back those licences—money that could have been spent on additional infrastructure, which is very sad. Most members in this House, with the exception of the member for Liverpool, probably were not in this place for the 16 years of the Carr Labor Government and they are trying now to defend a fantasy— Mr Tim Crakanthorp: I think you're about it. Mr ANDREW FRASER: I was here and I saw it all. I saw what the Labor Party failed to do in Coffs Harbour. As I said before, Labor delayed the construction of a hospital in Coffs Harbour, it did not even begin the construction of a new courthouse and police station and it failed to plan for a bypass at Coffs Harbour. In Federal and State Labor's eyes because Coffs Harbour had four lanes of highway, it met a commitment of a four-lane dual carriageway between Hexham and the border. In reality we have 12 sets of traffic lights and trying to get traffic through Coffs Harbour, especially at peak holiday periods such as Easter and Christmas, is pathetic. The Labor Government never invested a cent. If the Hon. Duncan Gay and this Government had not provided the money that we have—$200 million for the Coffs Harbour bypass as well as hundreds of millions of dollars for the Pacific Highway—we would not have infrastructure that has not only driven jobs and the economy but also given us a safer road. I commend my motion to the House. Mr CLAYTON BARR (Cessnock) (15:56): I do not need any assistance with my contribution because every year for the past six years the member for Coffs Harbour has moved an almost identical motion, as he did in the last four years of the Labor Government. I have become well versed in much of the expenditure on the Pacific Highway on the North Coast, and what a beautiful part of the coast it is. I had the good fortune to be at Nambucca two weeks ago at a regional development conference, which the Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight attended, although no other Nationals members did. I will not spend a lot of time speaking about the Pacific Highway but I will note some of the comments made by the member for Coffs Harbour. The suggestion that Labor did not spend a cent on that road is a furphy. Mr Andrew Fraser: Don't mislead the House. Mr CLAYTON BARR: That was the parting comment of the member for Coffs Harbour. We can check Hansard, but I ask the House to indulge me and to accept that that was one of the member's final comments. Of course money was spent on the Pacific Highway, and that can be seen from the member's statement about the 50:50, 80:20 split. It does not matter whether it was a 50:50 split or an 80:20 split; it means that the State had to be putting in a significant amount. About $13.8 billion was spent on the Pacific Highway during the 16 years of the Labor Government. It might have contributed 20 per cent or 50 per cent, but billions of dollars of taxpayers money was spent on the Pacific Highway during that time. In relation to the 80:20 split and the 50:50 split I want the member for Coffs Harbour to acknowledge— he has not managed to do this in the six years I have been in this Chamber—that as a result of the global financial crisis a number of those initiatives were funded 100 per cent by the Federal Government. Earlier the Treasurer decried the expenditure and investment of the Federal Labor Government during the global financial crisis, but the member for Coffs Harbour now says that Labor did not do enough. Which is true? Was the expenditure on the Pacific Highway after the global financial crisis 100 per cent funded by the Federal Labor Government? Was that good for the North Coast and the mid North Coast or was it not? If it was good, the member for Coffs Harbour had better talk to his Treasurer about that good expenditure of Federal funds to build enabling infrastructure in regional New South Wales. If it was bad, Government members need to go to their communities and say that they despise the Federal Government for spending that money in their communities. They cannot have it both ways. There are logical and social deficiencies in the argument from that side of the Chamber. The Treasurer is a member of the Liberal Party, not The Nationals, but there are logical inconsistencies in the Coalition Government's argument. I turn now to the public servants who were assured by Premier Barry O'Farrell that they had nothing to fear from this Coalition Government. Twenty thousand public servants have been sacked since this Government came to power—the same Government that told them they had nothing to fear. One-third of the New South Wales population base is in regional New South Wales, so it is fair to assume that one-third of the public service that has been sacked is based in regional New South Wales. Let us do the maths. One-third of 20,000 represents 6,000 jobs that have been ripped out of regional New South Wales because of this Government's ideological attack on the Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 50

public servants of this State. Those wonderful public servants who are committed to building this State have lost 6,000 jobs in regional New South Wales. The member for Coffs Harbour crowed about the wonderful unemployment outcomes for his region but I know that the member for Newcastle will go into this in greater detail. When those opposite come into this Chamber and tell us that 20 per cent youth unemployment in their regions is a success, it might be time for them to check out of this place. Twenty per cent youth unemployment is not an acceptable number in any community and it is unacceptable for any member to say that that is a good thing. I do not commend this motion. Mr STEPHEN BROMHEAD (Myall Lakes) (16:01): I speak in support of the motion. The member for Cessnock, straight from Sussex Street just made a speech—the typical playbook from Graham Richardson— "Say whatever it takes and don't worry about the truth. Just say whatever needs to be said." Let us examine the comments made by the member for Cessnock. The maximum amount of money the Labor Government allocated for upgrading the Pacific Highway was 14 per cent. It delayed the upgrade of the Pacific Highway—a road with the greatest death toll in all of Australia. Labor did not fund the Pacific Highway upgrade. It cannot get around that fact as I have Labor's figures, which are a disgrace. Labor could not have cared less. As soon as the Liberal-Nationals Government came into office, the Pacific Highway upgrade was fast-tracked. Straightaway we increased State funding to 20 per cent and we said to the Federal Labor Government, "Where is your 80 per cent?" The Federal Government went running as it did not want to fund the Pacific Highway upgrade; it was not important to it. Regional New South Wales has never been important to the Labor Government. Before the 2000 Olympics Labor pulled all the money out of regional New South Wales which resulted in fewer court cases, fewer hospital operations and less money in regional New South Wales. Labor promised that, after the Olympics, it would reimburse the money and help regional New South Wales but it got nothing. What did Labor do with the 3x3 road funding levy? Sixty per cent of that money was taken away from regional roads and put into consolidated revenue. There was no money for regional New South Wales. The member for Cessnock said that 6,000 public service jobs were lost, which is simply not true. At the same time as this Government increased the number of jobs in New South Wales it decreased unemployment. No-one in this State lost their jobs; employment increased and unemployment decreased. This Government increased the number of jobs throughout regional New South Wales—in the areas of policing, nursing, doctors and teaching. There are more frontline jobs in regional New South Wales. Ms Yasmin Catley: What about TAFE? Mr STEPHEN BROMHEAD: The member for Swansea referred to TAFE. On the North Coast and the mid North Coast we have the best TAFE campus in Australia, more jobs and more apprenticeships. My local TAFE just opened up a new nurse education and training facility which will result in more jobs. A new mechanical workshop just opened with a multimillion dollar piece of equipment from Ford to help train apprentices to become mechanics. Unlike Labor, this Government is prioritising regional New South Wales because for 16 shameful years it was discriminated against by Labor which does not care about regional jobs or infrastructure. Mr TIM CRAKANTHORP (Newcastle) (16:04): I oppose this motion which reads in part, "Notes that only the Government can drive jobs growth …". Let us look at the unemployment statistics. Coffs Harbour-Grafton has the fourth highest unemployment rate in this State, so this Government is not driving jobs growth. As the member for Cessnock said, youth unemployment is an amazing 18.9 per cent—the third highest unemployment rate in New South Wales. How are the Liberal-Nationals driving jobs growth on the mid North Coast? Under Labor the unemployment rate was about half—at 7.3 per cent. The Government has a long way to go before it drives jobs growth. As an example of the Government's privatisation ideology, let us take Port Macquarie Base Hospital. The Government has not learnt its lesson because it wants to privatise another five hospitals. Those opposite never learn. Privatisation of that hospital, which received massive opposition from the locals, proved a monumental disaster—a huge miscalculation. The hospital has one of the worst records and the longest waiting lists but this Government wants to do it again; it wants to privatise five more regional hospitals. When will this Government learn? It cannot even run public hospitals. North Coast elective surgery waiting lists are getting longer. In the past 12 months the number of people on waiting lists increased by 276 patients. Under the Liberal-Nationals Government our health and hospital systems lurch from crisis to crisis. The Liberal-Nationals Coalition has dropped the ball on health and hospitals. There are growing elective surgery lists. It is unfair to make elderly patients wait for almost a year before they can have cataracts removed or their knees replaced. It is disgraceful. Is this Government paying attention to the North Coast? As at 2 April it was almost two years since a New South Wales Liberal Premier had visited the North Coast. That level of commitment to the North Coast raises serious questions about this Government's preparedness for floods. This Government is ripping the guts out Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 51

of regional New South Wales. Government agencies are closing. In Newcastle six agencies have closed and more have been closed on the mid North Coast. This Government's record is disgraceful. [Time expired] Mr ANDREW FRASER (Coffs Harbour) (16:08): In reply: I thank the member for Myall Lakes for his considered contribution and I acknowledge the contributions of the member for Cessnock and the member for Newcastle. Mr Mark Coure: It wasn't a contribution. Mr ANDREW FRASER: They were contributions. I remember being taught as a young man that the louder one speaks the less relevant one's argument. The member for Cessnock and the member for Newcastle believe that by shouting they can get people to believe their nonsense. In fact, there has been increase in jobs on the mid North Coast. Mr Deputy Speaker, I ask that you direct members opposite to cease interjecting. The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Members will come to order. Mr Tim Crakanthorp: Speak louder. Mr ANDREW FRASER: You child. In the past 12 months on the mid North Coast alone 6,400 jobs have been created. It is pure drivel for those opposite to cite the number of public service jobs that have gone. The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The member for Newcastle will come to order. Mr ANDREW FRASER: Those people walked away with a payout. Over the period of this Government we have seen a huge increase in jobs on the mid North Coast. I agree that there is high youth employment but that is due to people moving from Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and the Cessnock area to the North Coast because of jobs growth. The jobs growth programs on the mid North Coast and across the North Coast are attracting businesses and employees. As you would know, Mr Deputy Speaker, the horticulture programs are phenomenal. For the benefit of the member for Summer Hill, that includes blueberries. Horticultural crops are the growth industry in terms of growing, harvesting and value adding. I need more than eight minutes to list this Government's achievements. Those opposite list only excuses. I must correct the member for Cessnock; I said that the Labor Party did not put one cent into the bypass at Coffs Harbour; nor did it plan it. Mr Clayton Barr: I did not hear the second part of that; I do apologise. Mr ANDREW FRASER: I acknowledge the member's apology. It is annoying when I receive texts and emails from Labor members and others who are travelling through Coffs Harbour during peak periods saying, "For God's sake, I don't know why I voted Labor; we still have this bottleneck." I commend the motion to the House. The DEPUTY SPEAKER: The question is that the motion as moved by the member for Coffs Harbour be agreed to. The House divided. Ayes ...... 44 Noes ...... 28 Majority ...... 16 AYES Anderson, Mr K Aplin, Mr G Ayres, Mr S Bromhead, Mr S (teller) Brookes, Mr G Conolly, Mr K Constance, Mr A Coure, Mr M Crouch, Mr A Davies, Ms T Dominello, Mr V Evans, Mr L Fraser, Mr A Gibbons, Ms M Goward, Ms P Grant, Mr T Griffin, Mr J Gulaptis, Mr C Hazzard, Mr B Henskens, Mr A Hodgkinson, Ms K Humphries, Mr K Johnsen, Mr M Kean, Mr M Lee, Dr G Maguire, Mr D Marshall, Mr A Patterson, Mr C (teller) Pavey, Mrs M Perrottet, Mr D Petinos, Ms E Piccoli, Mr A Provest, Mr G Roberts, Mr A Sidoti, Mr J Speakman, Mr M Stokes, Mr R Taylor, Mr M Tudehope, Mr D Upton, Ms G Ward, Mr G Williams, Mr R Williams, Mrs L Wilson, Ms F

Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 52

NOES Atalla, Mr E (teller) Barr, Mr C Car, Ms P Catley, Ms Y Chanthivong, Mr A Crakanthorp, Mr T Dib, Mr J Donato, Mr P Doyle, Ms T Finn, Ms J Greenwich, Mr A Harrison, Ms J Haylen, Ms J Hoenig, Mr R Lalich, Mr N (teller) Leong, Ms J Lynch, Mr P McDermott, Dr H McKay, Ms J Mihailuk, Ms T Park, Mr R Piper, Mr G Robertson, Mr J Scully, Mr P Smith, Ms T F Tesch, Ms L Warren, Mr G Zangari, Mr G

PAIRS Barilaro, Mr J Daley, Mr M Berejiklian, Ms G Foley, Mr L Notley-Smith, Mr B Hornery, Ms S O'Dea, Mr J Harris, Mr D Rowell, Mr J Mehan, Mr D Toole, Mr P Watson, Ms A

Motion agreed to. Bills TRANSPORT ADMINISTRATION AMENDMENT (CLOSURE OF RAILWAY LINE BETWEEN ROSEWOOD AND TUMBARUMBA) BILL 2017 Second Reading Debate resumed from an earlier hour. Mr JAMES GRIFFIN (Manly) (16:18): Rail trails have proved to be a success in other States and internationally, and it is time for New South Wales to get on board. I commend the member for Albury on this initiative. There are more than 3,000 kilometres of non-operational rail lines across the State comprising 27,000 hectares of land. While not all of those lines are suitable for repurposing, the 21-kilometre line between Rosewood and Tumbarumba provides a prime example of how unused transport infrastructure can be reactivated for a new purpose that helps support the local economy and helps unlock the potential of the Snowy region. In 2015 the Government called for expressions of interest for new rail trail proposals and, following an independent assessment process, the proposed rail trail between Rosewood and Tumbarumba was selected as a pilot project that would set the example for potential future proposals—and what a fantastic proposal it is. The proposal put forward by the then Tumbarumba Shire Council demonstrated an effective plan for community consultation and a viable operating model. This showed the clear potential that the project provides for tourism, including ecotourism and broader economic benefits. The Government has committed $4.9 million from the Restart NSW Fund to support the establishment of the rail trail. The now Snowy Valleys Council has continued to take the project forward to a point where formal confirmation of an ability to commence work on the rail line is required. This bill provides that confirmation, and should be supported. In developing the project the council has been supported by a committee of relevant New South Wales Government agencies, including the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Infrastructure NSW, the NSW Department of Industry, Transport for NSW, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Destination NSW. All the agencies involved recognise the significant benefits that the rail trail can deliver to the local community—an important role the project will play as a pilot leading the way for other projects in the State. A number of other New South Wales rail trail proposals were submitted in the recent $100 million Regional Growth—Environment and Tourism Fund expressions of interest process. Importantly, consultation with the local community has been a key part of the process. The majority of the community sees the benefits that the project will provide through increased tourist visitations in the region, along with the health and wellbeing benefits that local residents will enjoy from having this great new facility on their doorstep. I understand that a small number of landowners have raised concerns about the risks involved in reactivating the rail corridor that runs adjacent to their land. The rail corridor has been inactive since 1974 and it Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 53

is understandable that reactivation of the land has been met with some level of trepidation. It was pleasing to hear earlier today of the experiences of the member for Ballina with farmers who are now reaping the economic and tourism benefits of nearby rail trails. However, it cannot be forgotten that the rail corridor is public land and the Government therefore has an obligation to ensure that the citizens of New South Wales gain most public benefit from it. I am confident that the proposed rail trail meets that objective. Most importantly, the corridor will remain in public ownership. Instead of being a dormant former piece of transport infrastructure reserved only for rail purposes, the bill will allow for the land to be used for a fantastic new use under the active care and control of the council. It is worth repeating that point because members opposite said today that they simply did not believe it would remain in public ownership. It is important that the corridor remains in public ownership. That is not to say the issues raised by adjacent landowners are being ignored. A comprehensive risk assessment has been undertaken by Murray Local Land Services, with some of the key risks being biosecurity issues, ensuring containment and protection of livestock within paddocks, and making sure that rail trail fences do not restrict livestock access to water. A range of activities has been identified to address the risks, and I am advised that Snowy Valleys Council has been engaging with adjacent landowners to seek their feedback on the risk assessment process and proposed mitigation strategies. There is no doubt that a lot of detail will need to be worked through to take account of the individual circumstances of different landowners, but these issues should not be unsurmountable. If other States such as Victoria can manage to establish rail trails successfully, then so can we. In the grand scheme of things the Rosewood to Tumbarumba Rail Trail is a relatively small project. But it has the potential to be a transformative project for not only Tumbarumba but also all of regional New South Wales by demonstrating how unused infrastructure can be reactivated and repurposed into something that benefits regional economies and regional communities. In March this year the Deputy Premier announced the Government's new $300 million Regional Growth—Environment and Tourism Fund. The expressions of interest process for the first $100 million to be allocated from the fund closed last month, and I have been advised by the Department of Premier and Cabinet that there were several strong rail trail proposals submitted that are currently being assessed as part of the shortlisting process before potentially moving to the detailed application stage. The tourism sector, regional councils and large sectors of the community in regional New South Wales will be watching the progress of this bill very closely and wishing Snowy Valleys Council the best of luck in establishing this pilot program. I join them in that regard. I thank the member for Albury for his hard work and commend the bill to the House. Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (16:25): This is great news for residents living in that part of New South Wales. The Transport Administration Amendment (Closure of Railway Line Between Rosewood and Tumbarumba) Bill 2017 is vital in many respects. The purpose of the bill is to authorise the closure of all or sections of the non-operational railway line between Tumbarumba and Rosewood in accordance with section 99A of the Transport Administration Act 1988 (NSW) to enable the development of this rail trail. Other States, such as South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria, have operational rail trails, with the Victorian rail trail program comprising more than 25 active trails. There are also rail trails overseas. We have seen large parcels of unused rail corridor transformed so that communities can benefit from much-needed open space. The bill before us is the product of the hard work of the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. Rail trails are recognised as being an alternative, adaptive use of redundant and non-operational rail corridors. Enabling the development of these rail trails in rural and regional New South Wales will allow more people to enjoy the great natural beauty of our regions and strengthen communities by building on their potential as attractive tourist destinations. Not just this rail trail but many others in the future will provide a huge boost to the regional and rural tourism market in New South Wales. That is a great win for those communities. It is also a great win for all the players in the tourism market, directly and indirectly, and for transport operators, regional aeroplane operators and small businesses. It is a great win for mums and dads as well. I encourage people to visit rural and regional New South Wales, not just Tumbarumba and Rosewood. Our regions have a lot to offer. I acknowledge the member for Myall Lakes and the great work of the Deputy Speaker, the member for Lismore. In January 2015 the New South Wales Government invited expressions of interest as part of the $110 million Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund for pilot rail trails on the Tumbarumba to Rosewood and Casino to Murwillumbah rail corridors. Following a competitive process overseen by Infrastructure NSW, in June 2015 the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail project was announced as the first pilot rail trail under this initiative, with the provision of a grant of $4.8 million from Restart NSW. That is a great win for rural and regional New South Wales. I am advised that a steering committee, chaired by the Snowy Valleys Council, led to preparations for the development of the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail. Transport for NSW, the Department of Premier and Cabinet's new Regional NSW Group, the Department of Industry—Lands, Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 54

Infrastructure NSW, the Department of Primary Industries and Destination NSW are all represented on the steering committee. The planning stage of the Tumbarumba to Rosewood project is now well advanced, with construction estimated to take approximately 18 months—which is a great win for local communities. The proposal has significant community support due to the economic and business development that I referred to previously in my contribution. It is a great win for small businesses in the area and for those in the tourism industry, both directly and indirectly, as well as delivering potential social benefits. The area is developing as a popular tourist destination—I refer again to the importance of tourism to rural and regional New South Wales—with a growing reputation as a premium cool climate food and winegrowing region. The rail corridor will remain the property of the New South Wales Government. The vesting arrangements will ensure that the corridor can be transferred back to Transport for NSW at no cost in the unlikely event that it is required for future freight or passenger rail services. I understand that those opposite will seek to amend this bill. The Tumbarumba to Rosewood rail trail is being progressed as a pilot initiative, with lessons learned to be used to inform potential future rail trail proposals in other areas of New South Wales, including the many rail trail submissions that have recently been received as part of the Regional Growth—Environment and Tourism Fund. Approximately 3,100 kilometres of non-operational railway line services exist across New South Wales. This is a crucial pilot project for New South Wales and as such it will pave the way for potentially more rail trails where needed across the State. The Rosewood to Tumbarumba Rail Trail will deliver much-needed tourism and regional investment in the area. Such development cannot occur and the railway line cannot be legally closed until this bill passes both Houses of Parliament. This is a great win for local regional and rural New South Wales. It will complement existing tourism attractions. With this region developing a strong reputation of premium wine and food experiences, the trail will encourage increased visitations to local wineries and quality food establishments, promoting much-needed economic development. I commend the bill to the House. Mr STEPHEN BROMHEAD (Myall Lakes) (16:33): I support the Transport Administration Amendment (Closure of Railway Line Between Rosewood and Tumbarumba) Bill 2017, and I commend the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure for introducing it. I also commend the member for Albury for working so hard to engage with and advocate for his local community to see this project come to fruition. He is an outstanding local member and the people of the Albury electorate should be very proud of the advocacy that he brings to this place on their behalf. The rail trail will be fantastic and a phenomenal benefit to tourism. The former member for Ballina, the Hon. Don Page, advocated strongly for rail trails because he could see the benefits for tourism in the region from developing the rail line from Casino to Murwillumbah. Tourism brings into an area people who spend money at local businesses, which creates jobs. The rail trail between McEachern Lane, Rosewood, to Tumbarumba will benefit small businesses and the local economy and create more jobs. The more we develop tourism in regional New South Wales, the better it is for local communities. I would love to have a disused railway line in my area. The DEPUTY SPEAKER: I'll sell you one. Mr STEPHEN BROMHEAD: You'll sell me one. I have a spur line that goes to two old, disused dairy factories but it runs straight; it is not circular, which is needed for a rail trail. That does not mean our minds are closed to the idea of a rail trail. The Myall Lakes community could explore the idea further. If the owner of the two dairy factories turned them into a tourist attraction incorporating the rail line it would be fantastic. In 2013 Taree celebrated the centenary of rail in the area, which has a tremendous rail history. It would be a great benefit to my area if we had heritage trains using that spur line. The last of the old, closed dairy factories is on the mighty Manning River, where development approval has been granted for marina facilities with jetties et cetera and a rail trail would be a boon to the area. I commend the member for Albury for bringing this project to fruition. I listened with interest earlier to the lies of Opposition members, who are running another scare campaign. It is typical Labor. This is a good-news story but members of the Opposition are trying to put a negative spin on it. They get out the old, tattered and dog-eared Graham Richardson Labor Party rule book that says to conduct a scare campaign and muddy the waters. They sling mud because they have nothing else to offer. This is not a case of selling off the railway line by stealth; ownership will be retained by the New South Wales Government. If the line is needed in the future for freight or passenger services, it will be transferred at no cost to Transport for NSW. In the meantime, the rail trail will create jobs and boost the regional economy. It is a shame that when Labor was in government for 16 years it turned its back on regional New South Wales, and the regional economy decreased and unemployment increased. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 55

We are doing many things to improve regional New South Wales. We have a provided a record amount of infrastructure, including highways and roads and new hospitals and schools. All those things are happening in regional New South Wales and they are creating more jobs. The Government is doing its bit by employing more nurses, teachers and police officers in regional New South Wales. At the same time it is doing what it can to boost the economy and tourism because tourism means jobs and opportunities. The most poorly educated through to the most sophisticated and highly educated people can find employment opportunities in tourism. Anyone can get involved serving tables, making coffees or opening and running businesses. There are phenomenal opportunities and this rail trail is another project that will help. Following the pilot, it is hoped this scheme will be extended to the North Coast. We can then look at other lines including the Spurline and the disused rail line in Taree in the Myall Lakes electorate. I commend the bill to the House. Debate adjourned. Private Members' Statements DIGGERS MIRANDA RSL Ms ELENI PETINOS (Miranda) (16:41): I bring to the attention of the House the situation surrounding the Miranda RSL club development. Diggers Miranda RSL has been an institution in the Sutherland shire since 1935 and a major supporter of its 6,400 members and our community, having actively contributed to organisations such as RSL Life Care, Defence Care, Legacy, Enough is Enough and multiple local sporting teams. It is home to the Miranda RSL Sub-Branch, and its strong relationship with the community is evidenced in the club welcoming more than 1,500 patrons through the doors on Anzac Day. The RSL is a partner in the Miranda Central Development. To correctly outline the current situation, I quote a letter signed by Mr John Rowan, Mrs Marjorie Wood and Mr Michael Colley on behalf of the club: After working closely with Council for 12 months, we have received a recommendation for approval from both Council's planning officers and IHAP. We have received minimal objection to our application with only one objector appearing before IHAP and we can report that we agreed to their requested amendment in the hearing to the satisfaction of both parties. The letter goes on to say: ... the financial security and future of the club rests on the outcome of this DA. Without an approval, we will not be able to refinance our existing debt obligations and the continued presence of the RSL becomes uncertain at best. This did not stop Brick Pit Barry Collier, the National Young Labor President Jack Boyd and Deputy Mayor Peter Scaysbrook. Those Australian Labor Party [ALP] hacks directed independent staff that the development application [DA] not be approved by professional officers. Rather, they sent it to the Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel [IHAP] for another level of review, then to committees and then to council for final determination. The subsequent delay increased financial hardship and uncertainty for the RSL, which would otherwise have had a decision at the beginning of March. It is now May and they are still waiting. I am not here to debate the issues or benefits of this development. What I am here for is to fight for our community, particularly when such cherished groups are unjustly under attack—and that is what is happening here. The seven ALP councillors are meddling in development applications, propping up their mates and penalising those who do not bankroll them. This is our local RSL asking the councillors for assistance. To add some more insight allow me to quote from a letter written by Michael Molloy, President of the Miranda RSL Sub-Branch: We feel that this development is crucial to the survival of the club and subsequently the RSL Sub-Branch. Yet Labor does not care. Can you believe it? One might ask who could potentially benefit from the demise of the local RSL. Based on previous examples, Tradies amalgamated with Caringbah RSL approximately eight years ago, according to an article in the Leader last week. The same article indicated that Tradies considered its options when it came to Bundeena RSL. Might the effect of the closure of the Miranda RSL be that Tradies, one of the closest competitors of the RSL, will be presented with an opportunity? It is on public record that these Labor councillors have been funded by Tradies over at least the past 15 years, funnelling more than $350,000 into their local campaigns. According to the NSW Electoral Commission website, some of these donations included $70,000 to Barry Collier's campaigns. Further to this, it is widely known that the Labor councillors declaring an interest on the Tradies development has caused much community concern. It is also important to note that during the consultation process conducted by council more than 130 objections were received from this small and otherwise quiet part of Gymea. It is clear that Labor is delivering for its donors in the shire. Brick Pit Barry, Jack Boyd and Deputy Mayor Peter Scaysbrook obviously provide value for money. They abstain from voting on the Tradies development application, creating massive community concern, and delay the competitor's DA without batting an eyelid. I say shame. I do not want the public to lose confidence in their elected representatives. We are here to Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 56

serve them. We are here to fight for them. Labor has forgotten that. I say to our local community, the RSL and the sub-branch that I will fight for them. The Liberal councillors will fight for them and together, as a community, we will fight for our shire. Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (16:46): I thank the member for Miranda for standing up for Miranda RSL and the many members, guests, diggers and families that frequent that establishment. It is in an amazing part of Sydney. Shame on Labor for getting in the way of a development application for this community asset. RSL clubs have been struggling over years. Many clubs in my community have been redeveloped or are in the process of being redeveloped, such as those at South Hurstville and Kogarah. Labor should stop playing politics and get out of the way of this community organisation. Shame on them. WESTCONNEX Mr RON HOENIG (Heffron) (16:47): On behalf of my constituents I express their very grave concerns about the widening of Euston Road, Alexandria, as a consequence of the St Peters interchange that forms part of WestConnex. Those residents were shocked to hear that Euston Road would be widened from four to seven lanes less than two metres from their homes. To illustrate the distance, the table in this Chamber is 2.1 metres wide. I want members to imagine that they are standing in their child's bedroom and on the other side of the wall there are seven lanes of traffic flying along at 70 kilometres or 80 kilometres an hour. It would have an appalling impact on their quality of life. My constituents are smart people. When they bought their homes they knew that Roads and Maritime Services had a reservation on land bordering their properties and they accepted that there would inevitably be road widening. They did not appreciate and do not accept that the road will spread to seven lanes and venture perilously close to their homes and families. I do not accept that either. It soon became apparent to me that Euston Road could not satisfy the Austroads Guide to Road Design minimum distance requirement of 4.3 metres between homes and an arterial road. I urgently wrote to the Minister for WestConnex and the Minister for Planning reminding them that these are the set of road design standards by which the Government is bound, by its own instrument of approval, to abide. The Minister for WestConnex arranged an urgent briefing with the Sydney Motorway Corporation and the Roads and Maritime Services, and the Minister for Planning met with me urgently. To their credit, they were sympathetic to my argument that the road as currently planned is neither appropriate nor consistent with the planning approval. As a result of my meeting with the Sydney Motorway Corporation and the Roads and Maritime Services, a commitment has been given to re-examine the road, either in width or alignment, to seek to comply with the conditions of approval. This will return metres of green space, footpath and verge to residents of Euston Road. I finish with a note about tact. Inside and outside this Chamber, people know that since day one I have been a ferocious critic of the Government's WestConnex proposal. Sadly, certain political groups in the inner city have, for their own political benefit, pursued a course of action that benefits a group or groups in the short term at the expense of other groups, with whom they may agree but such agreement has had no bearing on influencing the decisions of the government of the day. I deeply resent those who seek their own political gain at the expense of others who are suffering, especially when all reasonable approaches have not yet been explored. Media criticism and empty protest must not be the first response. They are the only sanctions available to those who are not in government. As members of Parliament, we have a duty to seek the best interests for our constituents. I have been doing that since WestConnex was first announced, and I will continue to do so as long as I am a member of this House. HUNTER REGION MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY Ms YASMIN CATLEY (Swansea) (16:51): Last week I attended a rally outside the Senate inquiry into train manufacturing in Newcastle, which was aimed at highlighting the importance of maintaining a local, highly skilled manufacturing workforce in the Hunter. Dozens of our local train builders, many from my electorate, gathered to tell State and Federal governments that when it comes to offshoring our local manufacturing jobs enough is enough. This Government's decision to offshore the $2.3 billion intercity train fleet to South Korea appals me. The new intercity train fleet will replace the existing NSW TrainLink V-set fleet, which links Newcastle, the Central Coast, the Blue Mountains and the South Coast to Sydney. The Senate inquiry heard firsthand how this decision has dealt a crushing blow to the local train manufacturing industry in the Swansea electorate, in the Hunter and in New South Wales. It is estimated that this decision has cost around 1,200 direct jobs in New South Wales and almost 600 jobs in the Hunter alone. Youth unemployment in our region currently sits at more than 12 per cent, and 12,000 additional downstream jobs could be jeopardised because of this decision. What a kick in the guts to our local workers, local businesses and Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 57

local families. They will all miss out on the benefits that hundreds of local highly skilled manufacturing jobs would bring to our regional economy. It appears that this Government could not care less about our local manufacturing industry. Take this local case in point. I was recently contacted by Comsteel. It is a world-renowned manufacturer at the forefront of train wheel and axle manufacturing. In fact, it told me that it is up there with the best in the world. I represented its interests in bidding for the contract to manufacture the wheels and axles for the intercity train fleet to the Minister for Transport. I have not received a response or even an acknowledgement of the request. But I have heard anecdotally that Comsteel missed out on the contract. So another opportunity for our highly skilled manufacturers has gone begging. To give the House some perspective, train wheels and axles are not manufactured in South Korea. The Government knew that. It also knew that the Korean manufacturer would have to look globally for these components. It could and should have required these wheels and axles to be manufactured in New South Wales. Comsteel already builds wheels and axles for the current Waratah fleet—go figure. One does not have to look far to see how taxpayers' money can be squandered when we offshore our train builds to overseas manufacturers. Queensland's $4.4 billion investment has been halted indefinitely after receiving 13 dodgy trains—that is, 13 of the 75 commissioned by the former Newman Liberal-Nationals Government. Queensland's new generation rolling stock has "significant design issues", including faulty brakes, dud air conditioning systems, poor ventilation, issues with disability access and even problems with sightlines for train drivers. This means that our cousins north of the border have spent a whopping $4.4 billion on 13 dodgy trains. Contrast that with our friends in Victoria who in September 2016 announced the creation of 1,100 highly skilled local jobs with the State's single largest order of trains to be built in Victoria for Victoria by Victorians. It is inconceivable that in light of the disaster in Queensland, the New South Wales Government is still willing to send $2.3 billion of taxpayer's money overseas to build trains that will service our local region. That is an insult to our workers, an insult to their families and an insult to the people of New South Wales. I call on the Government to reverse this decision and avert a disaster. It should reverse this decision and build our trains in New South Wales. The path forward for the Government is clear. Appearing before Monday's Senate inquiry in Newcastle, the managing director of Lovell's Springs in Carrington, Simon Crane, was adamant that all we need is the political will to bring rail manufacturing "back from the dead". Government members constantly criticise our workers and their representatives in this place, often labelling them "union thugs". The train manufacturing workers I met last week are not thugs. They are local workers in our community, with families, mortgages, bills to pay and the need to put food on the table. What they want is not much to ask: the dignity of a good local job. Like my Labor colleagues, I will always stand up to protect great, highly skilled local manufacturing jobs in the Swansea electorate, in the Hunter and in New South Wales. Sadly, the Premier and this Government cannot say the same. HORNSBY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Mr MATT KEAN (Hornsby—Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation) (16:56): Today I pay tribute to one of my favourite community organisations, Hornsby Historical Society. This completely volunteer-run group is a much-loved part of our community. It seeks to preserve and celebrate our rich colourful history in the Hornsby bushland shire. In February this year, the Hornsby Historical Society held a special afternoon tea in Normanhurst to mark the volunteer group's fiftieth anniversary. I thank all the volunteers for making this event such a memorable occasion. The guest speaker, Dr Carol Liston, President of the Royal Australian Historical Society, spoke about "what historical societies do to be relevant". Her speech was a great reminder to the volunteers of the vital work they do each and every week to showcase our shire's detailed history. The anniversary celebrations were also an opportunity to look back at the group's many achievements throughout the years, stretching back to the historical society's founding in 1966. The historical society commenced on Sunday 25 September 1966 at the home of Ralph Farrar, 24 Northcote Road, Hornsby. Before this, the group was formerly known as East Hornsby Progress Association. However, a dispute over development in the local area and the loss of historic landmarks caused the group to split, and following this split the Hornsby Historical Society was born. Shortly after that, Jim Minogue went on to become the historical society's first serving president and his wife, Mrs J. Minogue, the group's treasurer. They were assisted by Mr and Mrs Tom Morgan and Mr and Mrs Farrar, who filled research assistant and secretary roles. The society's first patron was the late R. Z. de Ferranti. Its early meetings were held at the former Country Women's Association building in Hornsby Park. These meetings continued to grow and attract large numbers of new enthusiastic supporters until Hornsby council exchanged land with the Education department, freeing up the disused drill hall at Hornsby. In 1972 the building was moved from Hornsby to its current location at Kenley Park, Normanhurst, where the group has remained ever since. The hall, on its present site, was officially reopened by then shire president Curby on Saturday 6 May 1972. Since then it has been renamed the Joseph Collingridge Hall. The building is used for regular monthly meetings Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 58

and its doors also are opened on set days each week for visitors and school groups to stop by and view the extensive range of historic collections on display. Since the historical society's inception, we have been blessed to have a small cohort of highly dedicated volunteers who have continued to carry on the group's original aims of collecting, preserving and exhibiting the history of the Hornsby shire. Today we are very fortunate to have Pennant Hills resident and my good friend Patricia Dewey serving as the historical society's president. Patricia was first elected to the president's role in the 1990s and has done a tremendous job for our community. Patricia, with the help of fellow members Julie DeBray, Joan Owen, Elizabeth and John Roberts, Joyce Miles, Jim Pike and Joan Webb, set about researching and promoting history important to the Hornsby shire, such as Jimmy Bancks, a locally based cartoonist who created the comic strip Ginger Meggs, and the protection of heritage items including the Old Man's Valley Cemetery, also known as Higgins Family Cemetery, which was established in 1871. Over the years there have been plenty of other contributors to share their research and findings with the historical society. They include 2011 Heritage Hero award winner and former Hornsby Shire Citizen of the Year nominee Mari Metzke for her work on the Convict Trail Project, Sarah Jenkins for her research on Laughtondale Cemetery at Wisemans Ferry, David Craddock for his restoration of an old cottage in Epping, and Joan Webb for her detailed research on the nineteenth century explorer and botanist George Caley. It would be remiss of me not to mention the amazing work and lasting legacy of Joan Edgecombe. Mrs Edgecombe was an inspiring member of the museum who was also a firm favourite with visiting school children. Her dedication and service to the museum throughout the years was recognised by her peers when she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for Community Service. Her friends are quick to point out that Mrs Edgecombe helped the shire in a variety of capacities as leader of the Normanhurst Red Cross and a member of both the Hornsby Conservation Society and the Coast and Mountain Walkers of New South Wales. For many at the historical society, the best part about being a part of this group is its camaraderie. Many group members have formed life-long friendships and have discovered a new way to give back to the community. The historical society regularly holds social day trips, organises various heritage festivals and hosts a range of special guest speakers at its monthly meetings. Having visited the society on many occasions, I know firsthand the valuable contribution it makes to our community. I commend all members of the Hornsby Historical Society, past and present, including former president Owen Nannelli, former patrons Ron Payne and Dorothy Evans, and committee members Norma Searle, Pam Neal, Pam Williams and Gwen Martin, for their tireless dedication to teaching others and to preserving our history. Tonight I congratulate the society on reaching its 50-year milestone and I thank the society's members for their tireless dedication in preserving the history of this important part of Sydney, the shire of Hornsby. Matter of Public Importance WEAR ORANGE WEDNESDAY Mr THOMAS GEORGE (Lismore) (17:01): Today is Wear Orange Wednesday, or WOW Day, a time when, as a nation, we pause to thank the men and women of the State Emergency Service [SES] for their unselfish dedication and commitment to their communities during times of disaster. On average, SES volunteers across Australia will collectively sacrifice close to one million hours of their time to serve their communities. In the worst of weather and at the hardest of times they have provided practical assistance and a helping hand to those affected by tragedy—from the widespread devastation of floods and storms to the personal trauma and sadness of road accidents and rescues. Only six weeks ago we saw the devastation of flooding in the State's north and the destructive thunderstorms that struck Sydney. Our SES volunteers were there to help those communities get back on their feet. Earlier in the year, thousands of households, mainly across Sydney's west, were devastated by a destructive hailstorm which smashed homes, cars and businesses. Despite the widespread destruction, NSW SES volunteers were quick to help those affected, responding to more than 1,800 emergency call-outs across Sydney and the Illawarra and Hunter regions. Of course we cannot forget the devastating impact of the Northern Rivers floods, which affected more than 25,000 residents in areas such as Lismore, Tweed Heads and Murwillumbah. To protect the impacted communities, NSW SES issued four evacuation warnings, 11 evacuation orders and 21 emergency alerts at various stages throughout this flood event. The NSW SES operational response was extensive, with the NSW SES State Operations Centre receiving 10,441 phone calls between 28 March and 6 April—in one week—and responding to 2,887 requests for assistance. Approximately 1,220 SES members were operationally active during this period, providing outstanding and tireless work across the State. NSW SES volunteers put their lives on the line to carry out more than 500 flood rescues, and many of those rescues involved people trapped in their vehicles by rising floodwaters. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 59

To support SES volunteers, the New South Wales Government activated the volunteer protection provisions under the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 for this event. The protection provisions ensured that emergency volunteers were protected from employer victimisation whilst engaged in flood operations. I note that in all my time representing the electorate of Lismore I have witnessed nothing but support from employers and families and friends of SES volunteers. The volunteer protection provisions came into effect on 30 March 2017 and were extended on 5 April 2017 for a further 14 days. On Wear Orange Wednesday the public is encouraged to wear something orange. Today a number of members have worn WOW badges and orange ties. As I look around the House, I can see that nearly every member in the Chamber is wearing an orange tie. This is a highly visible way for people to show their support for the men and women who give up their time from work and family to protect their communities. WOW Day is held every year during National Volunteer Week in May as a way for people to say thank you to SES volunteers across Australia. We are fortunate in this country to have such people who are freely prepared to make that sacrifice for their community. I encourage every member of this place if they see a NSW SES member amongst their constituents to take the time to thank them and to congratulate them on their courage, dedication and commitment to the people of New South Wales. I mentioned earlier that Lismore, the Tweed and Murwillumbah were affected by the floods. I should note also that the local government areas of Richmond Valley Council and Kyogle Shire Council as well as Byron, Ballina and other shires throughout the area were designated areas of natural disaster category A. Mr GUY ZANGARI (Fairfield) (17:06): I join the member for Lismore in acknowledging a day of great significance as we celebrate Wear Orange Wednesday, otherwise known as WOW Day, or #WOWDay. Today on WOW Day communities throughout Australia were transformed as town centres and landmarks were covered in orange to show support for our brave State Emergency Service [SES] volunteers. Over the years we have seen the likes of the Opera House and the Big Banana turn orange for WOW Day, as well as a plethora of homes, office buildings, bridges, lighthouses and even vehicles to show support for this great day. I hear there was an orange dinosaur on the M1 Pacific Motorway this year—possibly around Coffs Harbour. Local schools, community groups and workplaces have also been encouraged to get involved on WOW Day and to participate in the local community and workplace events taking place today. I can attest to the courage and dedication of our fine New South Wales SES volunteers who put themselves on the front line and make themselves available to our communities 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. On behalf of everyone in this House, I express our sincerest appreciation and thanks to New South Wales SES volunteers for their ongoing dedication to keeping our communities safe no matter the circumstances. Right across the State today NSW SES volunteers showed up to their workplace in their orange SES uniforms, and the NSW SES volunteers who work here in Parliament were no different. Members of this Chamber wore orange ties and scarves in support of WOW Day as each and every member of this House is incredibly proud of their hardworking constituents who give back to their community by volunteering with the SES. New South Wales SES volunteers have an undying passion for helping others through the good times and the bad. They have a sense of duty and respect for their community, their State and, of course, their country. Our volunteers do not respond only to local incidents; New South Wales SES volunteers may travel throughout the State and, in the event of a major disaster, they may be called interstate to assist in the recovery response. Our incredibly skilled SES volunteers do far more than respond to emergencies as they arise, and this is what keeps them so busy in all our communities throughout the year. Preparation and planning are crucial to avoiding widespread catastrophes when extreme weather hits. We can largely thank the SES for ensuring that our communities are prepared. Their duties also extend to providing logistical support in a range of community events, including festivals, gatherings, school fetes and more. They are jacks-of-all-trades. Wear Orange Wednesday [WOW] is a time for recognition and appreciation. I encourage everyone present today to reach out and connect with their local SES brigades to get a feel for what the SES is up against in their local communities. In Parliament today we had the great opportunity of hosting a number of New South Wales SES volunteers who were more than happy to have a chat and, of course, take the obligatory selfie, with some members of Parliament—an important aspect for the member for Kiama. More than 40,000 SES volunteers Australia-wide spend more than one million hours of their time each year supporting and assisting communities in need. There is no doubt why this day is such an important day in our calendar. Our courageous New South Wales SES volunteers have certainly earned our respect. I am honoured to have had an opportunity today to commend them for their dedication to our communities. I join the member for Lismore and Deputy Speaker in acknowledging the wonderful State Emergency Service volunteers on Wear Orange Wednesday—a special day dedicated to them and the great job that they do. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 60

The ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Mr Andrew Fraser): I acknowledge the presence in the gallery of Jillian Skinner, the former Minister for Health and former member for North Shore. I thank her for all her help over the years. Mr GARETH WARD (Kiama) (17:12): I also acknowledge my friend the former member for North Shore and former New South Wales Senator Chris Puplick in the gallery as well as friends, family and supporters of the new member for North Shore. As someone who has been her friend for many years I am proud that a friend, a champion, someone who will be an enormously successful advocate for her electorate, has been elected to Parliament—someone of whom we can all be proud. I look forward to hearing the member's inaugural speech and congratulate her on her wise decision. I turn now to the matter of public importance—Wear Orange Wednesday. I am proud to be wearing my orange badge in recognition of the men and women of the State Emergency Service [SES] and thank them for their tireless commitment to helping their communities during times of disaster. Across the nation there are about 40,000S SES volunteers in each State and Territory. We are justifiably proud of the fact that the 9,000 members of the New South Wales SES are among the best trained and equipped volunteers. I acknowledge some of the senior SES representatives from across the Illawarra and the South Coast, including New South Wales SES Commissioner Mark Smethurst. It is appropriate to note that the Illawarra plays host to the home of the SES. During a visit to the Illawarra on 6 March 2017, I together with my colleague the Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon. Troy Grant, undertook a tour of the new SES State headquarters in Wollongong where I had the pleasure of meeting our new SES commissioner. I acknowledge Chris Warren, the Local Controller of the Kiama SES; Warren Turner who has moved to manage the SES unit in Wingecarribee shire and who has served the Kiama SES for many years; and Terri-Ann Hurt, the Shellharbour SES unit controller. In November 2016, on behalf of the New South Wales Government, I was pleased to deliver a $250,000 funding boost to deliver a state-of-the-art facility to be built at the rear of the Shellharbour SES unit's existing facilities on Tongarra Road in Albion Park. I look forward to attending the official sod-turning ceremony later this month—on 22 May. Mark Kielly is the Nowra SES unit controller. In May 2019 Nowra SES received a $300,000 funding grant from the New South Wales Government for its new storage shed. I commend the member for South Coast, the Speaker, for her tireless advocacy for funding for that shed. The training and equipment of the SES has been put to the test on several occasions in the past 12 months with New South Wales SES volunteers responding to more than 44,000 emergency tasks. This has equated to around 390,000 hours of their time sacrificed from family and work to help people in their time of need. Whilst New South Wales SES volunteers were busy responding to storm and flood risks in recent months, they were also tireless in their efforts to retain their skills and professionalism. A total of 18 volunteers from the Nowra and Ulladulla units were on hand in Lismore, Tweed Heads and Murwillumbah in the past month to assist local units with flood recovery efforts. I join all members of the House in congratulating the State Emergency Service. We are proud of the work, dedication service and sacrifice of our SES volunteers. Mr ADAM MARSHALL (Northern Tablelands—Minister for Tourism and Major Events, and Assistant Minister for Skills) (17:15): By leave: I join my colleagues—the member for Lismore, the member for Kiama and the member for Fairfield—in acknowledging and paying tribute to the wonderful work that the men and women in orange—the State Emergency Service [SES]—do in communities across New South Wales. The SES has 40,000 volunteers across the State. The SES is an organisation that continues to give more and more to our communities. Supporting the SES is a vital part of our role as members of this place but in country areas it is doubly important because often SES volunteers assist the Rural Fire Service, Meals on Wheels and provide other essential community services. I pay tribute to and congratulate the Armidale SES unit local controller Josh Osborne who does a terrific job. I pay tribute to Sue and Arthur Vette. I acknowledge that Arthur is a bit of a larrikin, but Sue and Arthur are serious about volunteering and about the job that they do. I acknowledge Brian Parsons and Melanie Press who are associated with the Ashford and Namoi regions. I also acknowledge Graeme Moxey at Warialda who is a champion of that community and who wholeheartedly believes in serving his community. Congratulations and a big thank you to all members of the SES throughout the State, in particular, those across the Northern Tablelands. A huge thank you for what they do and for what they will continue to do in serving our communities in the future. Mr THOMAS GEORGE (Lismore) (17:16): In reply: I thank the shadow Minister and member for Fairfield, the member for Kiama and Parliamentary Secretary, and the Minister for Tourism and Major Events, and Assistant Minister for Skills and member for Northern Tablelands, for their contributions to debate on this matter of public importance—Wear Orange Wednesday. We thank all our volunteers. When we operate as a team we achieve great things—something we have witnessed over the past 12 months. As we clean up and make progress in the flooded areas in the north of the State, the SES is starting its debriefing. Andrew McPhee and Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 61

Geoff Spath from the Richmond-Tweed unit and Melinda Mapstone and Lindsay Matherson from the Lismore unit have worked hard to arrange the debriefing so that people can express their concerns and offer any ideas they may have. It is important that we learn from these natural disasters. The SES is giving people an opportunity to present their views and suggestions so we can learn more about dealing with natural disasters. On behalf of every member of this House, I pay tribute to the State Emergency Service in recognising Wear Orange Wednesday. I thank the House for its indulgence in this matter of public importance. The SPEAKER: I thank the member for Lismore for his efforts on the North Coast. They are much appreciated, as are the efforts of others and, of course, of our State Emergency Service volunteers. I also thank members for wearing orange today; it too is appreciated. I have already thanked all the volunteers who are with us today. I welcome to the gallery today all those who are here to listen to the inaugural speech of the member for North Shore. I welcome all her supporters, but particularly the former member for North Shore and Minister for Health, Jillian Skinner; former Senator for New South Wales Chris Puplick; the North Shore Conference President, Simon Moore; Reverend Craig Roberts from St Augustine's Anglican Church, Neutral Bay; Bronte Pollard of the North Sydney RSL Sub-Branch; and Peter Tinworth of the Middle Harbour 16 Foot Skiff Club, all guests of the member for North Shore. Members INAUGURAL SPEECH Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore) (17:19): It is with a profound sense of awe that I speak for the first time in this Chamber, in the mother of Australian parliaments. In itself 10 May is an historic day—it was on this day in 1787 that Captain Arthur Phillip gave the order for the ships of the First Fleet to assemble at the Mother Bank in Portsmouth prior to departure on 13 May. On that day began the excitement and the challenge that has defined the Australian nation that we know today. Equally, it was the start of our still unresolved proper relationship with the first peoples of this land. It was on 10 May 1901 that the first Commonwealth Parliament sat in the parliamentary buildings in Melbourne, its home for the next 26 years. Beyond our shores, but no less part of our history, it was on 10 May 1940 that Winston Churchill assumed the prime ministership at a time when we were fighting side by side in the defence of freedom. And on 10 May 1994 that freedom triumphed again when Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa's first democratically elected leader. I grow ever more cognisant of the great privilege and honour it is to undertake such a journey of public service and advocacy for my community and for the people of this State. It is my personal journey and the experiences of my life that have led me into this role. It is my personal journey that has instilled in me the drive to fight for equality of opportunity and liberty for all in our community. As the member for North Shore, representing my home is a deep honour and I will endeavour to meet the challenge with the highest levels of public service so long as I am in this Parliament. Like all of us, I am a product of my family's history. I count among my ancestors John Busby, a nineteenth century pioneer, builder of Sydney's water supply and whose sons, William and Alexander, served in the Legislative Council. My own grandparents both grew up on the land in country New South Wales. Each lost a parent as a young child, and then struggled—like so many others—through the Great Depression. When the war came, they both signed up. My grandmother, Edna, left her family home in Forbes at the age of 18 to serve in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. She met my grandfather, David, at Temora air base, they had one date at the picture show, and then courted via telegram throughout the war. My grandfather had never been in a plane before, but went on to fly 31 missions over Nazi Germany and Europe in World War II as a Lancaster bomber pilot alongside two of his brothers, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service. My grandparents were married one month after my grandfather's repatriation at St Augustine's Anglican Church in Neutral Bay. Almost 70 years later, my husband, Sam, and I were also married there, and we now live just down the street from their first home. My grandparents dedicated the next 50 years of their lives to their community—my grandmother to her church, the Lions Ladies and the Mothers' Union, and my grandfather to the Lions, Freemasons, and Rotary. I do not think we will ever see another generation so dedicated to sacrifice and service on behalf of their country and community. But I live every day in honour of their example, and strive to be the person they helped raise me to be. My own family's life was to take a different turn. My family was scarred by domestic violence and mental health issues and my mother, as a single mum, was forced to raise my two sisters and me. With very little, she did her very best, but it was tough. And then there is me. I am the product of the real sacrifices my mum and grandparents made. I was born in Cessnock, where mum and dad were working in a small business in town. I started my secondary education at a high school that did not perform well academically and that was known for Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 62

drugs and teen pregnancy. But my grandparents knew the capacity of education to change lives through their own lived experience. Neither my parents nor my grandparents had finished high school in their youth. But in his fifties, my grandfather studied for the Higher School Certificate at night, then studied law at the University of Sydney, and practised as a solicitor into his late seventies. With my family's encouragement, I was lucky enough to earn an academic scholarship and receive a great Christian education. Now, more than 15 years after completing school, my love of learning sees me close to completing my third university degree. My experience taught me early on about the ability for education to transform lives and disrupt intergenerational cycles of poverty and disadvantage. I believe too many kids across our State are not getting the educational opportunities they deserve. While my family's story is personal to me, it is not unique. There will be others in this place with a similar story. In the face of adversity, our families battled to make their own success. It is this story that brought me to the Liberal Party and now to the New South Wales Parliament. My values are Liberal values, and it is from those values that I understand that it is strong self-reliant individuals who build strong communities in which everyone can be given the opportunity to achieve their highest potential while ensuring that those who need special help and care are never left behind. That access to quality education is the most transformative thing in anyone's life. That each of us has a responsibility to contribute to public service and to build a better life for our families and our communities. I stand in this place as a staunch advocate of liberalism. Australia's core values are underpinned by liberty unfettered by the State or by collectivists who believe the individual cannot and should not determine his or her future. It is what my grandparents fought for, and it is what has given me the chance to be here today. Our liberty can only be assured by free speech, the right to participate at all levels of society, and a representative democracy where governments listen to the community and are guided by its voice. Our liberty demands no restriction of access to opportunities such as work, education, or to make a better life for ourselves and the next generation. In a country like ours, there are boundless opportunities for all and good government must enable the economic prosperity that underpins opportunity for each individual to fulfil his or her capabilities. I am a member of the Liberal Party because it enshrines those values and believes in individuals, their rights, their freedoms, and their opportunities. I would not be here today without the Liberal Party. The Berejiklian Liberal Government holds the promise of our generation. I have joined a government that has wiped out government net debt. It has created the economic environment within which business can flourish and it is now investing in the largest infrastructure program in our history—infrastructure that is making a difference to lives across our State and in my own electorate. It is funding the largest school investment program in New South Wales history to ensure the best start for kids; the largest road and rail investment program in New South Wales history, to bust the congestion that robs families of time at home and businesses of productivity; and it has made significant investment in hospitals and health care, including the world-class facilities delivered in my backyard at Royal North Shore Hospital. The Berejiklian Government truly is an infrastructure government. The work of government does not end with an economy that is thriving. A strong economy enables us to improve the lives of families affected by violence, mental illness and disadvantage. These are matters of my own lived experience and are close to my heart. A strong economy enables us to give our next generation the best start through a quality education. I bring to this place the belief that government has a responsibility to encourage social justice. When women continue to be murdered by their partners, our society is unjust. When children continue to suffer violence in their homes, our society is unjust. When people with mental illnesses are not given a chance to live a fulfilling life, our society is unjust. I have entered this place to speak for those who cannot access the opportunities of our prosperous and free society. I know the fracturing impact on a childhood of family violence and mental illness. I know the hardship of poverty; the struggle on welfare. I know the almost limitless power of education to cut through disadvantage. My parents' marriage broke down when I was three. In the 1980s there was not a lot of understanding of mental illness. Frankly, we still have a long way to go. My mum did not know at the time that her husband's behaviour was caused by schizophrenia. While he was a loving man, his illness led him to be violent, and my sisters and I suffered the brunt of his disease for a number of years. I know now, as an adult, what I did not know as a child; that my father's illness could have, and should have, been diagnosed earlier, and that this detection and subsequent treatment would likely have ensured he could live a fulfilling life. Even today, our society struggles to recognise, diagnose and treat many mental illnesses. Schizophrenia affects 1 per cent of our community and 50 per cent of those people will attempt suicide. Too many take their own lives and too many are left to live empty lives. The stigma attached to this illness destroys lives by discouraging help-seeking and diagnosis. As a society, we lose so much from mental illness We lose mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, grandchildren and grandparents. My sisters and I lost our father. My father lost his family. He lost his autonomy. He lost the chance Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 63

at a fulfilling life. I know now that he was stolen from me by a disease that should have been treated. Nearly half of all Australians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. Many are not even aware of the warning signs, and too many do not know how or when to seek help. Too many members of our community and their families continue to struggle without adequate support. It is no surprise that efforts and policies that champion children and families have correlated with the representation of women in our parliaments. As a former President of the Liberal Women's Council I have spent many years working with members of the Liberal Party championing policy issues of importance to women. In entering this Parliament as the seventy-third woman to sit in the Legislative Assembly I have reflected on the contribution of the first woman to sit in this place. Millicent Preston-Stanley's parliamentary career was highlighted by her staunch campaigns for an improvement in the rate of women's mortality in childbirth, child welfare reform, institutional care for people with mental illnesses and more equitable custody rights in divorce. In her inaugural speech, on 26 August 1925, she said: I want to make it clear that I am not here merely as the representative of one sex. I believe that women’s questions are national questions, and that national questions are women’s questions, and it may be shown that woman can take her place amongst the representatives of the people in the Parliament of the country and play her part in the political life of the nation. In echoing her statement, I am also here not merely as a woman; however, I will always be a champion for women, for our lives, our rights, our freedoms, our ability to determine our own futures, to compete on a level playing field, to access opportunities unconstrained by our gender. Growing up, my grandmother always encouraged me to beat the boys, a mantra that told me from the youngest age that there were no limits to what I could achieve because of my gender—and yet women remain underrepresented in our parliaments. The Legislative Assembly currently consists of 27 women out of 93 members—a total of only 29 per cent. When the population of our country and State is more than 50 per cent women, I find it hard to understand why more than 70 per cent of this Chamber are men. Sir Robert Menzies was ahead of his time when it came to female participation and representation. Menzies' declaration in 1944 that "men and women will, side by side, be members of this organisation" reflected his aspiration to create a party that was beholden to no-one and open to everyone. The Liberal Party has spent much of its energy since committing to the principle of merit in selection to Parliament. Today, only 22 per cent of the Liberal members in the Legislative Assembly are women, and it is only 15 per cent in the Legislative Council. No one can credibly make the argument that Liberal men are more than four times as meritorious as Liberal women and deserve more than four times the representation. That is why I made the case within our party for the introduction of targets for women's representation in our parliaments. I am proud to say that my stance, and that of Premier Gladys Berejiklian, has since been adopted by our division. Targets represent a commitment, an agreement from the party leadership and membership that things need to change. They do not impose equal outcomes but seek to level the playing field for equal opportunity. I would say that is a very Liberal approach to addressing our gender imbalance. As a party we must hold ourselves to account in meeting this commitment, and I will continue to work alongside our members on efforts to improve our party's culture and nurture more women into leadership positions. I acknowledge the work in this regard of Chris McDiven—a lion of our party—for a lifetime's commitment and for her personal mentorship and friendship to me. I now stand in this place as the representative of the electorate with the highest proportion of women of all 93 electorates. Until our parliaments reflect our communities we will continue to struggle to represent the diverse views of our society. I welcome the efforts already made by this Fifty-sixth Parliament. I am addressing this Chamber, which is presided over by the first female Speaker in its history, the Hon. Shelley Hancock, MP, a Speaker who has championed reforms to parliamentary business to make it more family friendly. The perceived inability to juggle a family and a career is a hurdle to many of my generation, particularly women. I want to recognise Madam Speaker's commitment and efforts to reducing this barrier. I have also joined a government led by the first female Liberal Premier of New South Wales, the Hon. Gladys Berejiklian, MP. Premier Berejiklian has long been an advocate for women and continues to champion women in our community and in our Parliament. During my election campaign countless women, young and old, approached us to tell her of their excitement at her election. It was particularly powerful for me to see the young women—often schoolgirls—who view her as a role model and know that they too can aspire to the highest offices in our land. The challenges facing women of our time may be different to those of Millicent Preston-Stanley's era, but they are no less in need of the attention and focus of our parliaments. In our digital age we see new challenges, including the rise of revenge pornography as a new tool that intimate partners use to subjugate and oppress women. With the pervasive influence of our 24-hour sensationalist media, young women are succumbing to mental illnesses, including eating disorders, in their aspirations to unattainable standards of beauty and value. Self-harm is all too prevalent, with suicide the leading cause of death Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 64

for young women, as well as young men. At the other end of the spectrum we see many women over the age of 65 living alone—and in my electorate that is 40 per cent of those women, and many of them struggle with isolation and the resultant health and wellbeing impacts. Every electorate in New South Wales, to a greater or lesser extent, is touched by the scourge of domestic and family violence, including my electorate of North Shore. I pay tribute to former Premier Mike Baird for creating the first ministerial portfolio to tackle such violence, and recognise the efforts made by the Minister, Pru Goward, to reduce the incidence of family violence across New South Wales. But more can—and must—be done to ensure that women and children in our society can live without fear of violence or death in their own homes. It is a great privilege to represent the electorate that has become my home after a childhood and youth spent searching for stability. I have been a resident of the North Shore electorate for the best part of a decade. It is where Sam and I were married and have made our home. We are genuinely representative of our community. Many of us are young, well-educated professionals, seeking to make a home in the most beautiful part of the world. Two-thirds live in apartments, and more than half of our residents move house every five years. There are also large numbers of people in our community who have contributed significantly to our society and settled into retirement locally. Our proximity to the Sydney central business district [CBD], coupled with our vibrant villages and beautiful harbour foreshore, attract the highest educated workforce in the State. North Shore is diverse and dynamic. It is home to some of Australia's biggest tourist destinations, including Taronga Zoo and Luna Park, but it also conceals many secret and quiet hideaways like Lavender Bay and Berry Island. North Shore boasts extensive natural bushland weaving along Sydney Harbour. Our natural environment is a hallmark of our identity and its beauty has inspired artists throughout our history, including Arthur Streeton and Brett Whiteley. I will continue to fight in this place and in our community for the preservation of our harbour foreshore. I am committed to ensuring the sustainable revitalisation of sites like Berrys Bay as places for the public to enjoy. My electorate is home to North Sydney CBD—one of the largest business districts in Australia. We are well connected to the city through a range of train, bus and ferry hubs. We are also the long-suffering users of one of the most congested roads in Australia, Military Road, which has for too long been a subject of concern and impassioned advocacy for local residents. I applaud the Premier, the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, the Hon. Andrew Constance, and the Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, the Hon. Melinda Pavey, for committing to delivering the tunnel, an investment in the quality of life of everyone who uses our local roads and is impacted by the daily impost of heavy traffic. I will work with the Premier, the Ministers, Roads and Maritime Services, and our community to see the project through. Early works have already started, and I pledge that for as long as I am the member for North Shore I will fight to make this tunnel a reality. Our community members are active and engaged. I have committed myself to listen to their views and to represent them. I know they will be vocal and share their extensive knowledge and experience with me as I seek to work for them. Equally, I will be vocal in expressing their concerns and standing up for them. I know that I will be able to work closely alongside my local Federal Liberal members of Parliament on a range of issues of importance to our community, and I look forward to continuing to work with the member for North Sydney, Trent Zimmerman, and the member for Warringah, Tony Abbott. For nearly a quarter of a century the electorate of North Shore was represented in this place by Jillian Skinner. I am honoured that she is in the gallery this evening. Our State has reaped the benefits of her personal dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of everyone across New South Wales as our longstanding Minister for Health. She achieved record spending, especially on much-needed health infrastructure; she empowered local communities to take leadership in health policy and delivery; she pioneered investment in medical research; and for the first time she put issues such as pain management, palliative care, HIV and AIDS prevention, and organ donation on the Government's agenda seriously. I pay tribute to her and her husband, Chris, and to their family for her extraordinary service and commitment to the electorate and the people of New South Wales As we all know, entry into this place is as a result of fierce campaigns—especially in by-elections. I would not be here without the support of the Liberal Party to whom I owe so much and to the individual members of that party who worked on the North Shore campaign. I pay tribute to the more than 300 volunteers who worked so hard for my election: conference leaders Simon Moore, Lisette Walsh, Marilyn Cameron and Neville Mitchell; key campaign team members Paul Maltby, Jessica Keen, Ralda Kirton, Bob Lawrence, Jonathan O'Dea and Shayne Mallard; Young Liberals from my own Mosman Branch—my alma mater—Joanna Howe, Lachlan Finch and Will Spence; and from further afield, especially David Nouri, David Tregenza and Joel Clark; from head office—though much maligned Chris Stone, Alicia McCunstie and Nick Westenberg; and all party members from across New South Wales who worked tirelessly on the campaign. Thank you. Wednesday, 10 May 2017 Legislative Assembly Page 65

Thank you to my now parliamentary colleagues, who travelled from as far afield as Kiama, Wagga Wagga, Gunnedah and all across Sydney. I was even blessed with the support of friends from The Nationals—as a country girl at heart, their generosity does not surprise me. It was a rare privilege that is seen only in by-elections to gain support from so many parliamentarians, and I am so grateful for their dedication. They say that there are no friends in politics, but you could not find a better friend or supporter than Luke Sikora. I cannot imagine anyone who could have managed this short-run, complex and intense by-election campaign better—or managed me better. I am blessed to have friends who have supported me throughout my involvement in the Liberal Party, including James Wallace, Morgan Forrest, Al Cameron, Matt Kean and Gareth Ward. I am grateful, too, for the longstanding friendships of people who continue to enrich my life, such as Katrina Riddle, Samantha Abeydeera, Elva Cruz, Elizabeth O'Brien and Patrick Wall. My by-election experience has left me with an even deeper respect for the Premier, Gladys Berejiklian. Her steadfast commitment to the community was apparent every day during the campaign, and I will set her standard of contribution as my benchmark. But today it is for her personal friendship and support that I acknowledge and thank her. I would not be here today without my family. As the youngest of three girls, I have been loved and cherished as the baby of the family since I was born. Whatever hardships we have faced, we faced them together. To my mother, Lesley: Thank you for always supporting me and believing I could achieve anything. To her husband, Steven: Thank you for being such a crucial part of my mother's life and supporting our family. To my sisters, Christiana and Alexia: Like all sisters we have fought big and small battles, but the battles I remember are the ones where we were on the same side. Thank you for having my back as a little girl, and for continuing to back me as an adult. To their husbands, Mario and Greg, and my nieces and nephew, Gabriella, Domenic, Lilly and Gracie: Thank you for being a part of my life. Our family is richer for your having joined it. I believe that politics is a team sport—although occasionally it seems more like a blood sport. Seven years ago I met a man in the Young Liberals who shared my ideals and my values; someone who cared about making a difference in this world. He was a man who believed in equality and was happy to share my feminist tag. So of course I married him before anyone else could. Sam and I are a team in all things, and his faith, courage and belief in me have propelled me here. Sam, I love you and appreciate all you are and all you do. With Sam, I have gained his parents, Steve and Debra, who not only have raised the finest son but also give their love and support to us both unconditionally. It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge and thank my grandparents, who I know watch over me and would be so proud to see me here. Women in politics, especially ones like me with strong views and strong opinions, often attract disapproving attention—a peculiar feature not found in relation to men. On taking office, Margaret Thatcher said, "To govern is to serve." I am here to serve. I am here to serve the Liberal Party, whose values I embrace and without whose support I would not have this unique opportunity in the first place. I am here to serve the Berejiklian Government, whose policies are the best guarantee for the progress of this State and every individual within it and whose leadership is an exemplar to the rest of the country. I am here to serve this Parliament. Being a parliamentarian is more important than being a politician because it is through the collective, and whenever possible cooperative, actions of this Parliament that the people of this State are best served. The sacrifices—often made in blood—to allow free Parliaments to provide democratic government require us to treat this place and this institution with honour and respect. Above all, I am here to serve the people of North Shore, who have honoured me with their mandate, imposed upon me the great responsibility to represent them and on whose behalf I will work tirelessly. Thank you. Members stood in their places and applauded. The SPEAKER: I congratulate the member for North Shore on her inaugural speech. The House adjourned, pursuant to standing and sessional orders, at 17:49 until Thursday 11 May 2017 at 10:00.