921
PARLIAMENT OF NEW SOUTH WALES LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
1997-98
THIRD SESSION OF THE FIFTY-FIRST PARLIAMENT
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
No. 41
WEDNESDAY 17 JUNE 1998
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[The Questions and Answers Paper is published for each sitting day and will contain, by number and title, all unanswered questions, together with questions to which answers have been received on the previous sitting and any new questions. Consequently the full text of any question will be printed only twice: when notice is given; and, when answered.] 922 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
PUBLICATION OF QUESTION ANSWER TO BE LODGED BY
Q. & A. No. 29 9 June 1998 (Including Question Nos 537 to 545)
Q. & A. No. 30 10 June 1998 (Including Question Nos 546 to 568)
Q. & A. No. 31 11 June 1998 (Including Question Nos 569 to 583)
Q. & A. No. 32 23 June 1998 (Including Question Nos 584 to 607)
Q. & A. No. 33 24 June 1998 (Including Question Nos 608 to 629)
Q. & A. No. 34 25 June 1998 (Including Question Nos 630 to 642)
Q. & A. No. 35 30 June 1998 (Including Question Nos 643 to 658)
Q. & A. No. 36 1 July 1998 (Including Question Nos 659 to 676)
Q. & A. No. 37 2 July 1998 (Including Question Nos 677 to 691)
Q. & A. No. 38 7 July 1998 (Including Question Nos 692 to 704)
Q. & A. No. 39 8 July 1998 (Including Question Nos 705 to 718)
Q. & A. No. 40 9 July 1998 (Including Question Nos 719 to 725)
Q. & A. No. 41 21 July 1998 (Including Question Nos 726 to 735) 923 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
(Answer required to have been lodged by 9 June 1998)
Minister for Local Government—541.
Notice of Question given on the date shown
5 MAY 1998
(Paper No. 29)
*537 OPERATION OF THE PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT—Mr Armstrong asked the Minister for Police representing the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Fair Trading—
(1) In which communities throughout New South Wales is the Parental Responsibility Act currently in operation and when did it come into effect in these communities? (2) Which communities are currently in the process of developing local crime prevention plans so as to allow the provisions of the Act to come into force? (3) Which communities have applied to the Crime Prevention Division of the Attorney General’s Department for training, information or advice on the application of the Act and what has been the outcome of these consultations? (4) Of the $1.15 million allocated to the Safer Community Development Fund in 1997/98, how much has been expended, for what purpose and in which communities?
Answer—
The Attorney General has advised me that the answers are as follows: (1) The Children (Protection and Parental Responsibility) Act 1997 came into effect throughout the State on 22 December 1997. (2) I am advised that the communities of Orange, Bega, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Gilgandra, City of Sydney, Woollahra, Hawkesbury, Liverpool and Wagga Wagga are currently in the process of developing local crime prevention plans. (3) The Crime Prevention Division is currently assisting more than ten councils with the development of applications. Specific training or consultancy advice has been provided to the following councils to assist them in the development of applications for an operational area or safer community compact: Gilgandra, Kempsey, Hastings, Ballina, Moree, Orange, Coonamble, Gosford, Hawkesbury, Dubbo and Bega. The division also provides general crime prevention seminars and training to local councils. In 1997 and 1998, this has been provided to the councils of Kempsey (2 occasions), Ballina (3 occasions), Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie (2 occasions), Lismore, Taree, Dubbo (3 occasions), Warren, Brewarrina, Wagga Wagga, Shoalhaven, Wollongong, Woollahra and Bankstown. (4) I am advised that the Crime Prevention Division has made the following allocations from the Safer Communities Development Fund: • Over $60,000 has been awarded to the communities of Kempsey, Dareton, Forster and Narrandera for the establishment of local Aboriginal Night Patrols in each community. A support and evaluation project is also being established to assist the local patrols. • $64,966 has been allocated to Bega Shire Council for the implementation of Year 2 of the Bega Youth Anti Violence Project. 924 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
• $54,032 has been allocated to Orange City Council for the implementation of Year 2 of the Prevention of Alcohol and Other Drug Related Youth Crime Project. The South West Multicultural and Community Centre has been allocated $62,050 for the implementation of the second year of the Juvenile Crime Prevention in a Culturally Diverse Society Project. • South Sydney Youth Services received $48,656 to work with Aboriginal young people who are at risk of offending, or are offending, because of family dysfunction, due primarily to death within the family. • The National Drug and Research Centre was awarded $15,000 for the Culture, Crime and Community Project. • Queer Screen was awarded $15,000 for the finalisation of the documentary “Mary’s Place”. • A contribution of $14,000 was made to the Local Government and Shires Associations to employ a Project Officer (Youth Affairs) for 12 months. The Project Officer will work with three rural councils to develop integrated models for involving young people in council decision-making, meet young people’s needs in relation to the use of public space, and address local youth crime issues and antisocial behaviour. The outcomes of this work will be documented and used to provide models which can be adapted for use in other rural communities. • A contribution of $15,000 was made towards the Woolloomooloo Crime Prevention and Safety Co-ordinator Project which will implement a program of activities over 12 months to reduce youth crime, improve public safety, and develop inclusive programs for young people and children in the area.
*538 MULTI PURPOSE CENTRE—METFORD—Mr Blackmore asked the Premier, Minister for the Arts and Minister for Ethnic Affairs—
(1) Is his Department currently considering the provision of a Multi Purpose Centre at an estimated cost of $1 million for Metford? (2) Has the media been invited to his Department’s consultative meetings regarding Metford? (3) If not, why not? (4) What is the level of community involvement with the consultative meeting? (5) Are these meetings only addressing perceived behavioural problems with Metford? (6) Have discussions taken place with the PCYC in Maitland to assist with youth programs with a view to catering for the needs of young people? (7) Are statistics on the incidence of crime currently higher in Metford compared to other areas in Maitland, Newcastle and the Central Coast?
Answer—
(1) No. (2) No consultative meetings have been held. There has been one administrative meeting. (3) It is not normal practice to invite the media to an administrative meeting. (4) Representatives of local government and community groups which receive Government support have been involved including Neighbourhood Watch and Mindaribba Aboriginal Land Council. (5) No. (6) My Department consults with the Police Service at the local level on an ongoing basis. (7) The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research is the official Government source of crime statistics. Requests for information from the Bureau can be directed to the Attorney General. 925 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
*539 SPEED RESTRICTION ZONES—Mr Schipp asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) What current range of speed limits apply on New South Wales roads and streets? (2) How are these restriction zones determined? (3) What community input is considered? (4) (a) Is there a process of review? (b) If so, how is this conducted: (i) locally? (ii) more generally? (5) (a) Has any recent general review been undertaken with an intent to test and possibly rationalise the current range of speed zones? (b) If so, when and what was the result? (c) If not, will such a review be considered?
Answer—
(1) Speed limits in New South Wales range from 10 km/h for Shared Traffic Zones to 110 km/h on freeways and some low volume rural highways. (2) Apart from the legislation necessary to set the General Urban Speed Limit and the General State Limit, which are 60 km/h and 100 km/h respectively, the speed limit of all other roads in New South Wales is zoned by the Roads and Traffic Authority. When the speed limit on a particular road is rezoned, factors such as road function, roadside development, the characteristics of the road, the accident history of the road, and community input are considered. (3) The Roads and Traffic Authority notifies councils when changes to speed zones are proposed. This provides councils with an opportunity to put the matter before their respective Local Traffic Committees. Local Council Traffic Committees provide councils with a mechanism for gathering local input from organisations such as the police and RTA, as well as from local community representatives. (4) (a) At a local level, councils will approach the RTA to recommend changes in the speed limit of local streets. These requests can be at the instigation of the council’s traffic engineering officers or as a result of an approach to council from within the local community. (b) The RTA has an ongoing program of review to consider the appropriateness of speed limits within New South Wales. To ensure that any review of speed zones within the State are consistent, the RTA uses guidelines within the Speed Zoning Traffic Engineering Manual and an expert system called NLIMITS that was developed by the Australian Road Research Board. (5) (a) Yes. (b) Most jurisdictions have been active in re-examining zoning policies and practices in recent years. An important thrust of these developments has been not only to have limits more suitable to road and traffic conditions, but also to make the overall speed zoning system more credible and acceptable to road users. This has led to greater choice in selecting values for speed limits (the addition of 40, 50, 70 and 90 km/h zones) and greater flexibility in applying speed zones, particularly on urban arterial roads. These changes to practice have been widely implemented in most jurisdictions and constant zoning review is generally a feature of road authority annual programs. (c) Not applicable. 926 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
*540 SECURITY GUARDS—CITYRAIL—Ms Seaton asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) What is the budget allocation for CityRail security guards commencing 1 July 1998? (2) How many guards will be in service and at what hours and on what services?
Answer—
The State Rail Authority has advised the following: (1) $25 million has been allocated in 1998/99 for security guard services on CityRail trains, stations, and stabling yards. (2) From 1 July 1998, there will be two security officers on every single train in the CityRail network from 7 p.m. until the time services close for the night.
541 LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVENUE—Ms Seaton to ask the Minister for Local Government—
*542 BUS-ONLY ROAD—LIVERPOOL AND PARRAMATTA—Mr Souris asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) What is the estimated completion date for the proposed dedicated bus-only road between Liverpool and Parramatta, recently announced by the Minister? (2) What is the estimated total cost of this project? (3) What is the estimated cost-benefit ratio of this project? (4) What are the proposed benefits (including estimated savings in journey times, safety benefits, etc.) for commuters and residents of Western Sydney of the proposed bus-only road? (5) (a) Is the project to be funded out of the “public transport infrastructure fund”? (b) If not, from which State Government agency budget and program is the project to be funded? (c) If so, which roads projects, presently included in the 3-year forward estimates, will now be deferred due to funding being made available from the existing roads budget? (6) When will the route be finalised for the Liverpool-Parramatta, bus-only road? (7) (a) Does the Government have a preferred route for the project? (b) If so, what is it? (8) How many residential properties will be affected by the Government’s proposed route? (9) How does the Minister reconcile the fact that no route has been finalised for the 20 km bus-only road between Liverpool and Parramatta, yet the Minister is able to announce that there will be 20 bus stops and 3 bus stations? (10) In which suburbs and streets will the 20 bus stops and 3 bus stations be located?
Answer—
(1) to (10) The Government is committed to completing the construction of the Liverpool-Parramatta Transitway by 2003. The transitway will connect Liverpool and Parramatta via localities that include Miller, Bonnyrigg and Merrylands West. Current studies are investigating ways in which the transitway can additionally serve Prairiewood, Wetherill Park and Smithfield. $100 million is the strategic estimate of the transitway’s construction cost. A detailed breakdown of the cost of the preferred transitway route alignment, including both construction and land acquisition estimates, will be contained in an Overview Report on the transitway which will go on public display later this year. 927 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
The Overview Report will collate the results of detailed feasibility studies—addressing corridor options, environmental impacts, economic evaluation and financial appraisal—that are currently underway. The Government will make a final decision on the transitway route alignment following the public display of the Overview Report. No projects currently identified for funding will be deferred. Part of the funding for the transitway will come from the Roads and Traffic Authority Public Transport Infrastructure Improvement Fund. International experience of the operation of bus-only transitway facilities has found that 1 km is the optimum spacing for transitway stations. The finalised route alignment that serves the indicative corridor for the transitway will be approximately 20 km long. Two or three key local centres, such as Bonnyrigg, will be served by the transitway and will warrant stations that are equipped to serve a particularly high level of passenger demand.
*544 DEPARTMENT OF FAIR TRADING—SYDNEY OFFICE—Mr Turner asked the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services and Minister for Women representing the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Fair Trading—
(1) Does the Department of Fair Trading operate in offices in Castlereagh Street, Sydney? (2) If so, at what address? (3) If so, how many floors in the offices are occupied by the Department of Fair Trading? (4) If so, what is the square metreage of the area occupied by the Department? (5) If so, what departmental operations occur at that address? (6) If so, how many staff or personnel are located at that office? (7) If so, what was the staff or personnel operating at those offices as at 27 March 1995? (8) If so, since 1995, have any services or staff been relocated from that office to other offices of the Department of Fair Trading? (9) If so, what operations were transferred and to where? (10) Were any of the operations or procedures transferred to the Department of Fair Trading’s offices in Penrith? (11) If so, what specific operations were transferred to Penrith? (12) What is the address of the premises in Penrith? (13) If so, what is the square metreage of the premises in Penrith? (14) If so, what is the rental paid of the premises in Penrith? (15) If so, how many staff or personnel were transferred from those offices? (16) What is the unexpired period of the lease on the premises in Castlereagh Street? (17) What is the rental being paid on the premises in Castlereagh Street?
Answer—
(1) Yes. (2) 175 Castlereagh Street. (3) The Department of Fair Trading occupies levels 4, 5, 6, 12 and 13 at 175 Castlereagh Street. Level 7 is occupied by the Consumer Claims and Building Disputes Tribunals and the Commercial Tribunal occupies level 8. The Department of Fair Trading provides administrative support only to the tribunals and whilst they fall within my portfolio responsibilities, the tribunals are not considered part of the Department. (4) 4,387.3 m2. This does not include 1,754 m2 for levels 7 and 8. 928 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
(5) Business Registration Services which administers five main types of business registrations and incorporation—Business Names, Associations, Solicitor Corporations, Limited Partnerships and Funeral Funds. Business Licence Information Service (BLIS), a one-stop information point for New South Wales and Commonwealth business licences. Licensing Branch which administers applications and renewals for more than 420 different licence and certificate categories. Sydney Fair Trading Centre which delivers a full range of the Department’s services. Home Building Unit which is involved in processing building licensing applications and renewals, investigation of matters concerning building licences, processing claims under statutory building insurance schemes, and debt recovery action over insurance claims. Policy Division, that part which is involved in research and equity issues and strategic policy. (6) 285 staff are currently located at the Castlereagh Street office. (7) On 27 March 1995, there were 111 staff located at 175 Castlereagh Street, Sydney. (8) and (9) Two staff attached to the Department’s Funding Programs Unit which is responsible for the Credit Counselling Program (CCP), the Tenants Advice and Advocacy Program (TAAP) and providing secretarial services for the Financial Counselling Trust Fund have been transferred to the Department’s head office at Parramatta as have four staff from the former Credit Section which was amalgamated into the newly formed Specialist Support Unit. (10) No. (11) None. The western Sydney Fair Trading Centre is a completely independent office. (12) 318 High Street. (13) 600 m2. (14) $15,102.08 per month. Total $181,224.96 per annum. (15) None. (16) The lease expires on 31 December 2000. (17) $120,565.41 per month. Total $1,446,784.90 per annum. The rent for levels 7 and 8 is $57,183.10 per month and $686,197.20 per annum.
*545 COAL ACQUISITION AMENDMENT ACT 1997—IMPLEMENTATION—Mr Turner asked the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—
(1) Have arrangements been drafted to implement the provisions of the Coal Acquisition Amendment Act 1997? (2) If so, what are the arrangements for the: (a) reacquisition of selected restored coal titles? (b) refusal of selected restitution applications? (c) recommendations to purchase restored coal titles offered for voluntary sale? (d) consequential claims from third parties as a result of the new provisions? (e) assessment of just and equitable compensation for eligible claimants, where coal is acquired for restitution, is refused?
Answer—
(1) Yes. (2) Before proceeding to answer the points raised in question (2) (a) to (e), I wish to remind the honourable member that the Coal Acquisition (Re-acquisition Arrangements) Order 1997 and the Coal Ownership (Restitution) Amendment (Preliminary Evaluation) Regulation 1997 came into force on 14 November 1997. I repeat what I said at the time: My colleague the Treasurer assured the Members in the other place that although the lack of a market in coal rights and the nature of compensation for coal precluded the application of the 929 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1990 the principles enshrined in that Act, of dealing fairly, justly and openly with claims, would be followed. To that end, the Government accepted amendments now forming part of the bill before the House. To set down the principles applicable to the determination of just and equitable compensation, I will now foreshadow the amendments to the arrangements which this bill now imposes on the Minister as his duty. Upon the revesting of each of the coal titles to be acquired the claimant will receive an interim payment of the sum originally determined as compensation. To ensure that just and equitable compensation is paid, the Coal Compensation Board will assess the current value of each significant coal title using present day factors in accordance with the procedures I have described. The Board has used these procedures for claims assessed to date and they are widely accepted as fair and appropriate. Turning now to the various subsections of the question, I advise: (a) The re-acquisition of coal titles is effected by proclamation under section 5A of the Coal Acquisition Amendment Act 1997. (b) The refusal of selected restitution applications is effected under the Coal Ownership (Restitution) Regulation 1995. (c) The recommendations to purchase coal titles offered for voluntary sale are made under clause 13 of the Coal Acquisition (Re-acquisition Arrangements) Order 1997. (d) The consequential claims from third parties are made under clause 7 of the Re-acquisition Arrangements. (e) The assessment of just and equitable compensation for eligible claimants, where coal is acquired or restitution is refused, is determined in accordance with the detailed provision of Schedule 1 to the Re-acquisition Arrangements. The detailed provisions of Schedule 1 set out the transparent and open steps for calculation of compensation.
6 MAY 1998
(Paper No. 30)
*546 OLYMPIC BOULEVARD—Mr Armstrong asked the Minister for the Olympics—
(1) Are the dimensions of the Olympic Boulevard, currently under construction, the same, greater or less than originally allowed for in the Homebush Bay Masterplan? (2) What are the reasons for any variations? (3) What will be the estimated peak Olympic crowds per square metre at high traffic points along the boulevard during the Games? (4) Are the dimensions of the Olympic Boulevard, currently under construction, adequate to cater for the estimated peak crowds during the Olympic Games? (5) Has the Government determined whether Sydney Olympic Park will be restricted to ticketholders only during the Olympics, or will non-ticketholders also have the ability to use the public domain? (6) Will motor traffic also be travelling along the Olympic Boulevard during peak Olympic periods, and if so, what are the estimated numbers of traffic movements, and how will these not conflict with pedestrian movements? (7) Will the incorrectly laid paving in front of the Indoor Sports Arena be repaved before the Olympics? 930 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
Answer—
(1) The overall length and width of the Olympic Boulevard are the same as indicated in the Homebush Bay Masterplan. However, the width of the verges on either side has been increased from 10 metres to 17.5 metres, while the median strip has been correspondingly reduced. (2) With the adoption of the Master Concept Design in February 1997, different landscape treatments along the boulevard were created in order to: (a) create a large pedestrian zone on the eastern edge of the boulevard, to be known as Olympic Plaza, to accommodate large crowds at major events; and (b) better accommodate bus services in the northern and southern zones of the boulevard by providing two 3-lane carriageways and wider kerbs for pick up, set down and bus operations. (3) The internationally-accepted system for describing crowd densities in public walkways, known as the “Fruin Levels of Service”, has been used as a guide to acceptable crowd densities in the Olympic Boulevard. At peak times, crowds in general circulation areas are expected to be at a density equal to “Level of Service D”, which represents between 0.9 to 1.35 square metres per person. In queues, the peak is expected to be “Level of Service F”, or 0.45 square metres per person. (4) Yes, the dimensions of the Olympic Boulevard are adequate to cater for estimated peak crowds. (5) No. (6) No, Olympic Boulevard will be closed to motor traffic during peak Olympic periods, apart from zones delineated for bus pick up and set down operations. (7) The paving outside the State Indoor Sports Centre has been correctly laid, apart from some minor defects which are currently being rectified at the contractor’s expense.
*547 TOXIC DUST—OLYMPIC SITE—Mr Armstrong asked the Minister for the Olympics—
(1) Is he aware of concerns that toxic dust from earthworks at the Homebush Bay Olympic site has been drifting across the Parramatta River and that a number of residents of Melrose Park have complained of ill health? (2) Does the OCA carry out any monitoring of the impact of toxic dust on neighbouring suburbs, and if so, what has been the result of these studies? (3) What measures does the OCA have in place to minimise these impacts?
Answer—
(1) The Lancaster Environment Group, which represents some of the residents of Melrose Park, has written to OCA expressing its concern regarding dust emissions. (2) OCA has been monitoring site-wide dust emissions at Homebush since the commencement of its construction activities. There is a comprehensive monitoring system comprising ten dust gauges located across the Newington and Auburn landfill areas. Two gauges were recently placed at the northern end of the site. Monitoring results for the northern end of the site indicate very low levels of dust emissions. OCA has recently forwarded dust monitoring results to the Lancaster Environment Group and will continue this practice. OCA also monitors the Newington site construction workers for potential exposure to toxic substances. Monitoring records to date verify that workers who are in constant contact with site materials during a standard working day have not been exposed to excessive levels of contaminants. (3) OCA employs dust suppression techniques including use of water to dampen dust, road sweeping and soil stockpile stabilisation. These methods are required by the Environment Protection Authority through the application of licence conditions under the Pollution Control Act.
*548 LOAD BASED LICENSING SCHEME—Mr Armstrong asked the Minister for the Environment— 931 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
(1) What is the outcome of the Government’s load based licensing scheme consultation program? (2) How many submissions were received, from what industry sectors and were the submissions generally in favour or against the proposed schedule of fees for the scheme? (3) What will be the impact of the proposed level of fees on rural-based intensive industries such as piggeries, feedlots, poultry farms and dairies? (4) What is the average cost to these intensive rural industries of installing the necessary pollution reducing mechanisms? (5) Will she consider case-by-case exceptions to the proposed feeds where a farmer can demonstrate hardship? (6) If not, why not?
Answer—
(1) Load based licensing is a proposed major reform of New South Wales’ environment protection licensing system. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) advises me that the system will control harmful discharges to the environment from approximately 3,500 activities with the greatest individual potential to pollute the New South Wales environment. The Government passed the Pollution Control (Load Based Licensing) Amendment Act late last year to enable the scheme to proceed. The 8-week consultation program was intended to ensure that all interests were considered in the development of regulations to the Act. 12 regional seminars were well attended and individual interviews were held with numerous industry representatives. The EPA is at present carefully reviewing each written submission received in order to identify desirable improvements to the proposed Regulation. Once the review is complete, the Government will consider each proposed change and make appropriate amendments. Implementation of the load based licensing scheme will see New South Wales emerge as the clear leader in integration of the environment and the economy in Australia, consistent with world’s best practice. (2) I am advised that 132 submissions have been received to date, although a small number of stakeholders have requested more time and may still lodge late submissions. The EPA has indicated that the majority of submissions were received from the following industry sectors: sewage treatment, pig production, coal mining and handling, electricity generation, tanning or fellmongery, miscellaneous chemical production, paper production, animal slaughtering, feedlot production, petrochemical production, and cement production. I am also advised the written submissions indicate that overall support for the polluter pays principle on which the scheme is based remains strong. (3) The first stage of implementation of the scheme as outlined during the consultation program sees only administration fees payable for livestock intensive activities. I am advised that load fees will be introduced via a subsequent future amendment of the regulation which will occur once the EPA and industry representatives have jointly developed load calculation protocols for these industries. The EPA informs me that once the protocol is developed, administration fees will be discounted by 50 per cent to provide greater rewards to those licensees who achieve low levels of emissions; the scheme also provides for discounts of up to 100 per cent on load fees where there is sustainable management of liquid wastes. I am told that industry representatives have indicated they believe that well managed operations in these industries are operating sustainably and will thus be eligible for these discounts. 932 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
Feedback from representatives of feedlots, poultry farms and dairies is that the scheme will only apply to larger operators and that impacts are moderate and broadly acceptable. Many in the industry are already committed to sound environmental management and this scheme will reward good environmental management. The Government has asked the EPA to consult widely with all affected stakeholders and to ensure that the final Regulation is fair and equitable. I understand the EPA has consulted with many farmers and representatives of NSW Farmers and the Pork Council. The EPA is currently revising the administration fees for piggeries and will be presenting revised administration fees for this activity category for consideration shortly. (4) I understand that for most rural industries, these costs are an integral part of sustainable production. Due to the very wide range of types and sizes of operations in the livestock intensive industries, and the integrated nature of pollution control measures with production processes, the EPA advises me that “average” cost data is not meaningful. (5) and (6) The community consultation period for the Regulations has recently been completed. The submissions are currently being looked at and an assessment will be made of the licensee requirements.
*549 LAND ACQUISITION—HEXHAM SWAMPS—Mr Blackmore asked the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—
(1) Does he recognise the importance of estuarine wetlands for fish and prawn production? (2) Does he acknowledge that the value of the Hexham Swamps has been reduced by flood mitigation works? (3) Is he committed to the rehabilitation of the Hexham Swamps? (4) Is he in agreement to having the flood gates at Hexham fully opened when the Hunter River is not in flood? (5) Does he support his Government in providing State funding for land acquisition for the purpose of a fish and prawn nursery at the Hexham Swamps? (6) Will State funding be made available this financial year for this project?
Answer—
(1) My Department, NSW Fisheries, is committed to the protection of estuarine wetlands and fish habitat as clearly outlined in the recently released NSW Fisheries Policy and Guidelines document. (2) Yes. My Department’s actions in supporting the reopening of the floodgates reflects the acknowledgment of the impacts of these works. (3) Yes. My Department is currently being funded under the National Heritage Trust to carry out a review of wetland rehabilitation in New South Wales, to prepare an issue paper and to make recommendations to Government after public consultation. The review is expected to be completed by October this year. My Department is also conducting surveys in a number of wetlands to assess the fish populations. (4) Yes. (5) My Department will continue to support the acquisition of land as shown in the letters of support to Hunter Catchment Management Trust in application for grant funding. (6) Reference should be made to the Budget Papers and refer above. 933 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
*550 PUBLIC HOUSING—KITCHEN STOVES—Mr Debnam asked the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning and Minister for Housing—
For each of the following time periods: (a) 1 July 1995 to 30 June 1996. (b) 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997. (c) 1 July 1997 to 30 April 1998. (1) How many kitchen stoves were purchased by the Department of Housing or contractors of the Department of Housing? (2) What is the total cost of kitchen stoves purchased? (3) What is the breakdown, by suburb, for the number of kitchen stoves installed in Department of Housing properties?
Answer—
(1) to (3) 1996/97 Number: 7,806 Cost: $4,757,050 1997/98 (to 22 May 1998) Number: 5,868 Cost: $3,956,182 Average life expectancy 19.53 years As a general rule, one kitchen stove is installed per house
*551 PUBLIC HOUSING—MAINTENANCE—Mr Debnam asked the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning and Minister for Housing—
In relation to maintenance for public housing— (1) Of the 24,000 homes painted by the Department of Housing last year: (a) What was the total cost to the Department of Housing? (b) What is the breakdown, by suburb, for the 24,000 homes painted? (2) For the 53,000 new locks replaced by the Department of Housing last year: (a) What was the total cost to the Department of Housing? (b) What is the breakdown, by suburb, for the 53,000 new locks installed? (3) In relation to the 31,000 heavy duty screen doors replaced by the Department of Housing: (a) What was the total cost to the Department of Housing? (b) What is the average cost of installing a new heavy duty screen door? (c) What is the breakdown, by suburb, for the 31,000 new heavy duty screen doors installed?
Answer—
(1) Painting: (a) The total cost of the painting work was $24,346,925 which included full painting and partial painting work on 24,000 individual homes. The number of painting works orders paid (16,240 internal painting and 7,195 external painting: total 23,435 orders) over a 12-month period (i.e., 1 November 1996 to 31 October 1997). Approved painting work performed by tenants under the rental credit scheme was not included. The painting programs summarised included: • Internal painting work on vacant dwellings. • Part and full internal painting following repairs and restoration. • The external painting program. 934 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
Individual works orders issued on internal, and to a lesser extent on external, painting do not always involve full painting work on a single house. Often the orders describe part work (particularly in vacants and occupied dwelling repair and restoration work, i.e., one room, or kitchen only, or around window, etc.) and hence the total number of houses actually fully painted would be far less than the number of orders issued. In respect of the external painting program it can be determined, however, that approximately 14,000 houses were painted externally. (b) Regional Breakdown of Costs: Internal Painting External Painting Total Region $ $ $
Central Sydney 1,098,649 1,278,590 2,377,240
Southern Sydney 696,705 471,404 1,168,109
Southern Western Sydney 1,490,229 886,136 2,376,365
Western Sydney 1,804,018 1,947,265 3,751,283
South Eastern 1,690,469 715,313 2,405,782
Western 1,504,865 2,030,324 3,535,189
Hunter 1,385,498 4,529,070 5,914,568
Northern 994,124 1,824,266 2,818,390
Total $10,664,557 $13,682,367 $24,346,925
(2) Locks: (a) 53,189 works orders were issued at a cost of $3,347,471 (period 1 November 1996 to 31 October 1997). The work performed included repairs to locks as well as lock installations. (b) Regional Breakdown: Cost Region No. of Orders $
Central Sydney 4,529 255, 514
Southern Sydney 4,011 223,987
South Western Sydney 9,453 590,835
Western Sydney 12,040 889,023
South Eastern 6,454 398,597
Western 5,609 261,221
Hunter 6,313 420,506
Northern 4,798 307,787
Total 53,189 $3,347,471 935 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
(3) Security Screen Doors: (a) and (b) 31,466 maintenance works orders were issued on security screen door work at a cost of $2,976,130. These orders included maintenance and repairs as well as full door installations. The total number of hinged and sliding screen doors actually installed or replaced during the period 1 November 1996 to 31 October 1997 was 12,234 at a cost of $2,447,557. The balance of the expenditure involved repair work to screen doors and totalled $528,573. (c) Regional Breakdown (total costs including repairs): Cost Region No. of Orders $
Central Sydney 1,430 118,355
Southern Sydney 2,478 195,485
South Western Sydney 4,684 422,310
Western Sydney 6,002 525,637
South Eastern 4,518 481,814
Western 3,794 343,792
Hunter 4,857 469,884
Northern 3,703 418,853
Total 31,466 $2,976,130
*552 PUBLIC HOUSING—VACANCIES—Mr Debnam asked the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning and Minister for Housing—
On the following dates: (a) 30 June 1996. (b) 30 June 1997. (c) 30 April 1998. (1) How many Department of Housing properties were vacant? (2) What is the breakdown, by suburb, of vacant properties? (3) What was the average period of vacancy for properties? 936 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
Answer—
(1) and (2) Number of Vacant Dwellings by Region 1995/96 1996/97 1997/98
Region 30 June 12-month 30 June 12-month 30 April 12-month 1996 average 1997 average 1998 average
Central Sydney 416 411 468 431 314 373
Southern Sydney 127 142 147 146 175 167
Western Sydney 324 278 309 357 291 260
South Western Sydney 373 277 324 359 349 335
Northern 166 133 125 146 132 141
Hunter 142 158 152 142 173 149
South Eastern 175 156 141 139 198 155
Western 240 242 208 224 286 218
State 1,963 1,799 1,874 1,960 1,918 1,798 Note: The 1997/98 figure is as at 30 April 1998 and the 12-month average for that period is the average for July 1997 to April 1998.
(3) Average period of vacancies 1995/96 1996/97 1997/98 (days) (days) (days) State 33 31.6 29.5 Note: The 1997/98 figure is the average time vacant over the 12-month period 1 May 1997 to 30 April 1998.
*553 PUBLIC HOUSING—HEADLEASING—Mr Debnam asked the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning and Minister for Housing—
In relation to properties headleased by the Department of Housing, on the following dates: (a) 30 June 1996. (b) 30 June 1997. (c) 30 April 1998. (1) How many properties were headleased by the Department of Housing? (2) What is the breakdown, by suburb, of the number of headleased properties? (3) What was the highest weekly rent paid? (4) What was the lowest weekly rent paid? (5) What was the average weekly rent paid? (6) What was the median weekly rent paid? 937 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
Answer—
30 June 1996 30 June 1997 February 1998 How Many 813 833 834 Regional Breakdown Central Sydney 111 122 122 Southern Sydney 72 92 92 South Western Sydney 141 141 141 Western Sydney 107 114 114 Hunter 102 102 102 Northern 171 172 173 South Eastern 89 89 89 Western 0 1 1
Average Weekly Rent For properties For properties For properties leased at leased at leased at 30 June 1996 30 June 1997 February 1998
Sydney LGA Nil leased Nil leased Nil leased Metropolitan $211 $212 $212 Non-Metropolitan $148 $148 $148 Regional Breakdown Central Sydney $271 $271 $271 Southern Sydney $221 $221 $221 South Western Sydney $174 $174 $174 Western Sydney $193 $193 $193 Hunter $164 $164 $164 Northern $139 $139 $139 South Eastern $146 $146 $146 Western $120 $120 $120
Highest and Median Rent—or Highest Rent Median Rent location
Regional Breakdown Central Sydney $460 p.w. for $470 p.w. for 4 B/R house, 4 B/R house, Randwick* Randwick LGA Southern Sydney $340 p.w. for $320 p.w. for 3 B/R house, 3 B/R house, Concord Concord LGA South Western Sydney $250 p.w. for $220 p.w. for 4 B/R house, 4 B/R house, St Johns Park Fairfield LGA Western Sydney $330 p.w. for $350 p.w. for 6 B/R house, 4 B/R house, Baulkham Hills Baulkham Hills LGA 938 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
Highest abd Median Rent—or Highest Rent Median Rent location
Regional Breakdown Hunter $215 p.w. for $240 p.w. for 4 B/R house, 4 B/R house, Kariong Gosford LGA Northern $230 p.w. for $175 p.w. for 4 B/R house, 3 B/R house, Suffolk Park Tweed area South Eastern $120 p.w. for $160 p.w. for 2 B/R apt, 2 B/R apt, Wollongong Wollongong LGA Western $120 p.w. for $130 p.w. for 2 B/R, Bathurst 2 B/R apt, Bathurst
* Property allocated to priority housing applicant. Mother and four children. Son with medical conditions.
Median Weekly Rent $175 $175 $175
Regional Breakdown Central Sydney $280 $290 $290 Southern Sydney $228 $228 $228 South Western Sydney $176 $176 $176 Western Sydney $190 $190 $190 Hunter $160 $160 $160 Northern $140 $140 $140 South Eastern $150 $150 $150 Western Nil $120 $120
The market rent paid consists of subsidised tenant rent and a subsidy paid by the Department of Housing due to CSHA funds which would total the market rent.
*554 PUBLIC HOUSING—CLIENT SATISFACTION SURVEYS—Mr Debnam asked the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning and Minister for Housing—
(1) Does the Department of Housing complete client satisfaction surveys? (2) If so, for the following time periods: (a) 1 July 1995 to 30 June 1996. (b) 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997. (c) 1 July 1997 to 30 April 1998. (i) How many client satisfaction surveys were completed by the Department of Housing? (ii) What were the results of such surveys? (iii) What is the breakdown, by suburb, of the results of the surveys?
Answer—
(1) and (2) Results of the National Customer Satisfaction Survey are contained in “Report on Government Service Provision”, Volume 1, 1997, page 244. 939 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
*555 POLICE BICYCLE PATROLS—Ms Ficarra asked the Minister for Police—
(1) What resources have been allocated to bicycle patrols throughout the State, specifically on a regional basis? (2) What has been the success of such programs in not only this State, but other States throughout Australia? (3) What resources have been allocated for the Hurstville Police Bicycle Patrol, specifically the number of officers involved and the amount of funding provided for uniforms, bicycles and community education? (4) When will the program be put in place?
Answer—
(1) This Government trialled bicycle patrols in 1996 as part of our commitment to making the community safer. After the successful trial, individual Local Area Commanders are now responsible for determining the appropriateness of establishing bicycle patrols in their Local Area Commands. (2) Clearly, the trial was successful—see (1). As to other States, I suggest the honourable member write to them to seek the information she requires. (3) The Hurstville Local Area Commander has advised me he regularly uses four bicycles for covert operations, targeting motor vehicle theft, robbery and break and enter hot spots. He has advised me some excellent intelligence has been obtained through such patrols. (4) Which program?
*556 POLICE STRENGTH—HURSTVILLE—Ms Ficarra asked the Minister for Police—
(1) In terms of resources available to the Hurstville Patrol Region, how many active duty officers and police patrol cars are allocated for night-time rostering purposes? (2) How does this situation compare with the Bankstown and Sutherland patrols?
Answer—
(1) and (2) There are no such entities as the Hurstville Patrol Region, the Bankstown patrol or the Sutherland patrol.
*557 SYDNEY CASINO—Ms Ficarra asked the Minister for Gaming and Racing and Minister Assisting the Premier on Hunter Development—
(1) How many incidents of drug abuse, assaults both physical and sexual, theft and robberies have occurred at the Sydney Casino since its commencement of operations? (2) What system of reporting and monitoring exists? (3) Does any emergency provision exist for those persons suffering from severe gambling disorders that have lost all liquid or fixed assets? (4) Does the Casino provide any counselling services for victims of the above circumstances?
Answer—
(1) I am advised that information on the number of incidents of drug abuse, assaults, thefts and robberies is not routinely kept by the Gaming and Racing portfolio. However, where an incident involves criminal activity and is detected by police, it is understood that a record of the incident is maintained by the NSW Police Service. (2) Reporting and monitoring requirements are those specified by the NSW Police Service from time-to-time. 940 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
(3) Yes. The Casino Control Regulation 1995 requires the Sydney Casino operator to at all times prominently display signs which identify, and provide the telephone number of, one or more counselling services for use by casino patrons. In keeping with this, the casino operator established its own Star City Help Line and provides a free counselling, assessment and referral service for its patrons. In addition, casino patrons may make use of the “G-line” telephone counselling and referral service established by the Government from moneys paid into the Casino Community Benefit Fund. The telephone number for this service is 1800 633 635. (4) See answer to question (3).
*558 F3 FREEWAY—DRIVER AID SYSTEM—Mr Hartcher asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) Why has the Roads and Traffic Authority not finalised the installation of the $10 million F3 Freeway Electronic Driver Aid System signage between Hornsby and Calga? (2) How much of the 1997/98 Federal funding allocation of $1.5 million has been spent by the RTA? (3) Will the RTA be spending in full subsequent Federal funding allocations currently listed in forward estimates at $2 million in 1998/99 and $1.5 million in 1999/2000? (4) What State funds have been contributed towards the project, and if so, why is further progress on the work not in evidence? (5) How many vehicles use the section between Mount White and the Calga Interchange of the F3 on a daily basis? (6) Will the installation of this driver aid system be a significant step towards improving road safety and reducing delays? (7) Does Gosford City Council support having the signage installed? (8) Has council demanded that the RTA state what the difficulties are in getting the work underway? (9) Why is the RTA finding it so difficult to get work underway on this project when the concept is similar to initiatives already completed and in use on the Sydney-Wollongong freeway?
Answer—
(1) to (9) The indicative funding for the F3 Driver Aid Scheme under the Federal Government’s National Highway Program provides for a total of $10 million over the 4-year period 1997/98 to 2000/01. Thus, it was never proposed to finalise the installation of the scheme prior to 2000/01. It is the RTA’s understanding that the revised forward allocations for the project are $1.5 million in 1998/99, $4 million in 1999/2000 and $4 million in 2000/01, not $2 million in 1998/99 and $1.5 million in 1999/2000 as stated in the question. The detailed concept design work initiated by the RTA in developing the F3 Driver Aid Scheme during 1997/98 will allow the project to be expedited to realise full expenditure over the 1998/99 to 2000/01 period upon receipt of Federal Government final approval. State funds have been allocated since 1996/97 and will continue to be allocated to 1999/2000 for the development of a $4 million Incident Management—Central Management Computer System (CMCS) and the provision of a new $28 million Transport Management Centre (TMC) at Redfern. The F3 Driver Aid Scheme will be connected to the CMCS which will be housed and operated from the TMC. As such, these facilities, funded by the State, are essential to provide the platform to develop and operate the F3 Driver Aid Scheme together with other Incident Management systems. The average annual daily traffic volume on the 5-km section of the F3 between the Mount White and Calga interchanges is 29,271 vehicles per day. The installation of the F3 Driver Aid Scheme will address the problems of accidents, incidents and associated travel time delays by: 941 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
• improving the overall safety of the road by providing reliable and timely information to road users, increasing driver awareness of possible problems and encouraging safer driver behaviour; • enabling the detection, confirmation and assessment of incidents via the CMCS; • enabling a fast response to incidents and aid in ongoing monitoring and traffic control during incidents and at other times; and • enhancing the cumulative body of data available on the route, from information collected, which will enable road conditions and driver behaviour to be studied over time which will, in turn, allow for long-term assessment of the effectiveness of the system and assist in future improvements and expansions beyond the initial scheme. Gosford Council supports the installation of the signage.
*559 RADAR SPEED CHECKS—SCHOOL ZONES—Mr MacCarthy asked the Minister for Police—
(1) In the year to 30 April 1998, on how many occasions have police conducted radar speed checks in school 40 km/h zones? (2) Near which schools were those checks carried out? (3) How many motorists were booked in that period for exceeding 40 km/h in a school zone? (4) In particular: (a) How many radar speed checks have been carried out near Middle Harbour Public School in the 40 km/h zone and how many motorists were booked? (b) How many such radar checks were carried out in 40 km/h school zones in the electorate of Strathfield and how many motorists were booked?
Answer—
(1), (2) and (4) I am advised by the Acting Deputy Commissioner that radar is generally unsuitable in school 40 km/h zones. Hand-held laser-based speed measuring devices are normally used in such situations. (3) I am advised by the Acting Deputy Commissioner that infringement notices and fines for exceeding the speed limit are grouped according to the prescribed amount by which the speed limit is exceeded, not by reference to specific location or the actual speed limit at a location.
*560 SECURITY SERVICES—SYDNEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY—Mr MacCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth Affairs—
(1) What categories of security guards (i.e., full/part-time, casual/permanent, etc.) provide security services at the Sydney Institute of Technology? (2) How many people are employed in each of those categories? (3) In what category was Mr M. Youssef originally appointed as a security guard? (4) What were the terms and conditions of his appointment? (5) Since 30 June 1993, how many other employees have been engaged on similar terms and conditions and when were they engaged? (6) Are Mr Youssef’s current terms and conditions different from those of his appointment and, if so, in what way? (7) How many of the employees covered by (5) above have been transferred to full-time employment? (8) What were the average hours worked per person per week during February and March 1998 by these employees? (9) What were Mr Youssef’s average hours per week rostered for work in that period? (10) Will Mr Youssef be given full-time employment on the same conditions as those covered by (7) above? 942 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
Answer—
(1) (a) Permanent. (b) Temporary. (c) Temporary/part-time. (d) Agency. (2) (a) 9. (b) 3. (c) 1. (d) 5. (3) Temporary Part-time Security Officer. (4) Temporary Part-time Security Officer—20 hours per week. (5) Seven from July 1993 to October 1994. (6) No. (7) None. (8) 44.5 hours per week. (9) 20 hours per week. (10) As no one was transferred from temporary to full-time employment (see answer to question (7)), this question is superfluous. In accordance with New South Wales policy, vacant permanent positions are advertised and then appointments made on a competitive merit selection basis.
*562 POLICE STRENGTH—Mr Oakeshott asked the Minister for Police—
In relation to the police stations at Port Macquarie, Laurieton, Kew, Coopernook, Comboyne, Ellenborough and Wingham as at— (a) 30 June 1997. (b) 31 October 1997. (1) What was the authorised strength at each station? (2) What was the actual strength at each station? (3) How many police officers at each station were on leave of any type? (4) How many police officers at each station were on restricted duties of any type?
Answer—
(1) to (4) It is impossible to accurately answer these questions in their current form as the Member for Port Macquarie has nominated a series of police stations rather than Local Area Commands.
*563 POLICE PUSHBIKE PATROLS—Ms Seaton asked the Minister for Police—
(1) How many pushbike patrols are planned for New South Wales police stations? (2) How many are operational and how many are waiting to be commissioned? (3) How many pushbikes have been purchased and at what cost? (4) What is the cost of outfitting an officer for pushbike patrol duty? (5) What tendering process was used and who was the successful tenderer? 943 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
Answer—
(1) to (3) This Government trialled bicycle patrols in 1996 as part of our commitment to making the community safer. After the successful trial, individual Local Area Commanders are now responsible for determining the appropriateness of establishing bicycle patrols in their Local Area Commands. (4) The Executive Director, Management Services, has advised me a bicycle and other necessary equipment costs approximately $1,000 to $1,500. (5) All tenders must be conducted in accordance with relevant legislation and applicable tendering policies of the NSW Government and the NSW Police Service.
*564 METHADONE PROGRAM—Mrs Skinner asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
(1) In relation to the Deputy New South Wales Coroner’s findings on 13 March 1997 following the death of Shane Saap, who received administered doses of methadone on 9, 10 and 11 May 1995 at the Kobi Clinic in Waverley, what action (outlined in full) has the NSW Department of Health taken in relation to each of the following recommendations calling for it to consider the content of its methadone program guidelines: (a) Assessment for the purposes of admission to the program? (b) Assessment and investigation of opioid tolerance? (c) Level of commencing dose? (d) Increments during the first week? (e) Reviews by medial practitioners during the first week? (f) The appropriateness of regime with increments during the first week and first assessment by a medical practitioner after 1 week? (2) What action, outlined in full, has the NSW Department of Health taken in relation to the following further recommendations: (a) Consideration of methods to highlight to medical practitioners and other persons involved in the methadone maintenance program the significance of the first week for persons admitted to the program in terms of the possibility of intoxication? (b) Consideration of methods of highlighting to patients and their contacts the significance of the first week for persons admitted to the program in terms of the possibility of intoxication?
Answer—
(1) and (2) The NSW Department of Health has advised that the Coroner made only one recommendation. The Coroner recommended that “the New South Wales Department of Health consider methods of highlighting to patients and their contacts the significance of the first week a person is admitted to the programme in terms of the possibility of intoxication”. The Department responded to the recommendation by advising the Coroner of initiatives it had already undertaken, or was undertaking, to address the risk of overdose on methadone maintenance treatment.
*565 HEALTH DEPARTMENT STAFF—CRIMINAL SCREENING—Mrs Skinner asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
In relation to the screening of Department of Health staff for possible criminal convictions— (1) When did the Staff Records Management Unit connect with the NSW Police Department via modem? (2) If it has not yet connected, when is it due to connect? (3) What is the current turnaround time for negative staff checks? 944 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
(4) What is the current turnaround time for returning results and notifying prospective employees of their suitability to the position for which they applied? (5) Does this represent an increase or a decrease in the time taken prior to the introduction of the criminal check policy following the recommendations of the Wood Royal Commission? (6) How many negative criminal checks have been returned? (7) How many employees have been dismissed after returning negative criminal checks? (8) How many of those dismissed have had their positions subsequently filled?
Answer—
(1) to (8) The Department of Health has instituted a criminal record check in line with the recommendations of the Wood Royal Commission.
*566 REVIEW OF DRIVING PENALTIES—Mr Souris asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) On which dates did the departmental committee, set up to review the range of driving penalties, meet and which officers were present at each of those meetings? (2) Did the committee consider expert evidence in making its recommendations, and if so, what were the sources of the evidence? (3) When did the committee submit its recommendations to the Minister and when did he make recommendations to Cabinet on this matter? (4) Will he table a copy of the committee’s report? (5) Of the new penalties recently announced by him, how many were based on recommendations of the committee and how many were based on recommendations from other sources? (6) What other sources were considered in developing the new driving penalties? (7) What measures will the Government put in place to ensure that motorists guilty of the more serious offences are not placed in situations similar to those that led to the death of Mr Jamie Partlic? (8) How do the proposed penalties compare with those in other states and how do they affect recent moves towards national road laws? (9) How much does the Government expect to raise from the new regime of penalties and fines? (10) Will double demerit points continue to apply on certain peak travel weekends?
Answer—
(1) to (10) Representatives of the RTA, Attorney General’s Department and Police Service constituting the Penalty Review Committee met throughout 1997 to examine traffic penalties and related issues. All the committee members are expert in their respective areas. The committee also received and considered a detailed submission from the Pedestrian Council of Australia. In addition, the committee referred to: • Staysafe reports, including Report No. 20 (Alcohol and other drugs on NSW roads) and Report No. 34 (A 50 km/h general urban speed limit for NSW); • a report from a Traffic Infringement Notice (TIN) Relativities Review, 1995; • a report from a further review of TIN penalties, 1996; and • the Australian Transport Council’s National Road Safety Package and penalties in other states. The proposed penalties do not conflict with the National road laws. The recently introduced Fines Act provides a fine defaulter with an opportunity to enter into a time-to-pay arrangement with the State Debt Recovery Office (SDRO). If payment is not received by 945 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
the SDRO, it can initiate other action in the form of licence or registration cancellation, possession of goods, or impose Community Service Orders. New traffic penalties are an important element in a co-ordinated strategy to improve driver behaviour and road safety. Increased penalties are expected to be a major deterrent to serious traffic offences. It is not possible to quantify the impact on revenue from this package of measures. The trial Double Demerit Points initiative ended at the termination of the 1998 Queen’s Birthday long weekend. The results of the trial are being further examined by the RTA and an announcement on this initiative will be made after completion of the examination.
*567 FISHING INDUSTRY COMPLAINTS—Mr Turner asked the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—
(1) What was the number of complaints received by the Field Service Branch of the Department of Fisheries from the fishing industry for the period 1 January 1997 to 31 December 1997 and 1 January 1998 to date? (2) How many officers were available to conduct investigations and check compliance in regard to the complaints for the periods mentioned in question (1)? (3) How many such complaints mentioned in question (1) were not investigated and why? (4) What was the number of complaints received by the Field Services Branch of the Department of Fisheries from the general public for the period 1 January 1997 to 31 December 1997 and 1 January 1998 to date? (5) How many officers were available to conduct investigations and check compliance in regard to the complaints for the periods mentioned in question (4)? (6) How many such complaints mentioned in question (4) were not investigated and why?
Answer—
(1) NSW Fisheries do not maintain a wide-ranging database to collate all reports received by the various Fisheries offices throughout the State, including those from the fishing industry. However, complaints via the statewide “Fisherman’s Watch” telephone service, established to report illegal activity, can sometimes be identified as originating from the fishing industry and figures were: 1 January 1997 to 31 December 1997 7 1 January 1998 to 13 May 1998 5 (2) There were 81 positions of Fisheries Officers in 1997 and the number rose to 87 in 1998. The number of officers available has fluctuated during the periods because of vacancies, leave and other factors. (3) All complaints are investigated as fully and promptly as circumstances allow. (4) NSW Fisheries do not maintain a wide-ranging database to collate all reports received by the various Fisheries offices throughout the State. However, complaints via the statewide “Fisherman’s Watch” telephone service, established to report illegal activity and identifiable as originating from the general public were: 1 January 1997 to 31 December 1997 447 1 January 1998 to 13 May 1998 194 (5) and (6) See (2) and (3) above.
*568 COAL COMPENSATION CLAIMS—Mr Turner asked the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—
(1) What strategies were in place to accelerate the processing of coal compensation claims and complete the scheme by March 1998 in line with Government policy? (2) Were the strategies in place by March 1998? (3) If not, why not? 946 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
(4) Has the Coal Compensation Scheme been completed? (5) If not, why not?
Answer—
(1) As a result of changes to the Coal Acquisition Amendment Act 1997 and its passage through Parliament towards the end of the last financial year, the cost of the reacquisition of coal increased significantly beyond what was originally anticipated. When combined with adverse court judgements and mine expansion both resulting in increased compensation beyond the budget allocation, it was apparent by July 1997 that the Coal Compensation Scheme could not be finalised by the end of March 1998. (2) Refer above. (3) As indicated above, increased compensation had meant that the scheme could not be concluded in March 1998. (4) No. (5) The extra funding needed to complete the scheme means that the payment of compensation, as announced in the Budget, will extend until the end of the financial year 2001.
7 MAY 1998
(Paper No. 31)
*569 RURAL COMMUNITIES CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL—Mr Armstrong asked the Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—
(1) Has the Government reviewed the report of the NSW Rural Communities Consultative Council? (2) What is the Government’s response to each of the 54 recommendations contained in the report? (3) What additional funds will be allocated to implement the committee’s recommendations?
Answer—
(1) to (3) This matter does not form part of my portfolio and should be referred to the Hon. R. J. Carr, M.P., Premier, Minister for the Arts and Minister for Ethnic Affairs.
*570 IRRIGATORS ENVIRONMENT LEVY—Mr Cruickshank asked the Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—
(1) Could he advise how money is collected from irrigators under the form of the $1.35 per megalitre environment levy? (2) Could he advise where this money goes and/or how it is spent?
Answer—
(1) The interim water management charge (on regulated streams known as the $1.35 per megalitre charge), applied only for the 1995/96 and 1996/97 years. It was applied to water users’ entitlements and was billed with the normal river operation charges. 947 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
(2) The additional revenue collected from the water management charges in 1995/96 was placed in a special deposit account known as the Water Management Fund. This revenue is being used to fund a program of projects designed to assist with minimising some of the potential impacts of river regulation or water extraction on rivers and groundwater, and moving the rural water management and supporting infrastructure to a more sustainable level. The fund concept was an interim measure only and was superseded by arrangements included in the August 1997 Water Reform Package. The new arrangements permit all income raised from water charges for the 1996/97 (including the $1.35/megalitre charge) and 1997/98 years to be retained by the Department of Land and Water Conservation as substitution revenue.
*571 POLICE RAID—OATLEY—Ms Ficarra asked the Minister for Police—
(1) Has the bungled police raid by 12 to 18 officers on the home of the Schepis family at 16 Russell Street, Oatley, on the night of 14 April 1998, been investigated? (2) Has the incident that was subsequently reported on the “Today Tonight” program on Channel 7 on 16 April 1998 been referred to the Ombudsman and/or the Police Integrity Commission? (3) Has he responded to the correspondence from Mr Schepis’ legal representative, Mr L. P. Marasco, from Cara and Company, Solicitors, Brookvale? (4) What disciplinary action is to be taken in relation to police officers in charge of this bungled raid? (5) Has an official apology been offered to the Schepis family—four children aged 13, 12, 10 and 8 years of age are still suffering from post-traumatic anxiety?
Answer—
(1) to (5) I am advised by the Assistant Deputy Commissioner that the allegations raised against members of the NSW Police Service in connection with the search of the home of Anthony and Michelle Schepis are subject to police investigation and have been referred to the Ombudsman. It would be completely inappropriate for me to make any further comments at this stage, as such comments might be seen to prejudice or pre-empt any finding the Ombudsman may make in respect of this matter.
*572 POLICE POWERS—CARRYING OUT SEARCHES—Ms Ficarra asked the Minister for Police—
(1) Is it the intention of the Government to conduct an inquiry into the law relating to police powers and conduct when carrying out searches? (2) What guidelines/criteria exist for requests for search warrants? (3) Were these upheld in the bungled raid on the Schepis family home at 16 Russell Street, Oatley, on the night of 14 April 1998? (4) Did the search warrant refer to “One Ocean Brand Computer”? (5) What justification was there in the authorisation of this raid?
Answer—
(1) The Attorney General has advised me that the Criminal Law Review Division of the Attorney General’s Department is presently reviewing the operations of the Search Warrants Act. (2) I refer the Member for Georges River to the Search Warrants Act 1985, the Search Warrants Regulation 1986, the NSW Police Service’s Execution of Search Warrant Procedures and Code of Practice for Custody, Rights, Investigation, Management and Evidence (CRIME) and the Guidelines as to the Execution of Search Warrants, agreed to by the NSW Law Society and the Commissioner of Police. Guidelines were also published in the Policing Issues and Practice Journal (Vol. 5, No. 1, January 1997). (3) to (5) I am advised by the Assistant Deputy Commissioner that the allegations raised against members of the NSW Police Service in connection with the search of the home of Anthony and 948 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
Michelle Schepis are subject to police investigation and have been referred to the Ombudsman. It would be completely inappropriate for me to make any further comments at this stage, as such comments might be seen to prejudice or pre-empt any finding the Ombudsman may make in respect of this matter.
*573 GRANTING OF SEARCH WARRANTS—Ms Ficarra asked the Minister for Police representing the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Fair Trading—
(1) What criteria or guidelines exist for the granting of search warrants by members of the NSW Judiciary to officers of the NSW Police Service? (2) What justification was provided in the issue of a search warrant on the home of the Schepis family at 16 Russell Street, Oatley, that led to a bungled and stressful police raid on the night of 14 April 1998? (3) What were the grounds for the issue of this warrant? (4) Is it the intention of the Government to conduct an inquiry into the law relating to search warrants and police powers and conduct when carrying out these searches?
Answer—
The Attorney General has advised me that the answers to the above questions are as follows: (1) Generally, search warrants are not issued by members of the judiciary, but rather by Chamber Magistrates and Clerks of Local Courts. The Search Warrants Act 1985 and the Search Warrants Regulation 1994 set out the criteria for the granting of search warrants. I am advised that the Local Courts Division of my Department also publishes a comprehensive manual on the issue of search warrants for the officers, as well as publishing additional information and advice in newsletters to courts staff. (2) and (3) Under clause 9 of the Search Warrants Regulation 1994, the documents produced to the authorised justice issuing the warrant in support of the application are not public records. It would therefore be improper for me to respond to these questions. However, I can advise the member that the occupier of the premises to which the search warrant relates, or any other person on the occupier’s behalf, is entitled under the clause to inspect those records. I am advised that Mr Anthony Schepis inspected the relevant documents following the execution of the warrant. (4) The Criminal Law Review Division of my Department is presently reviewing the operations of the Search Warrants Act.
*575 POLICE INVESTIGATION OF DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES CASES—Mr Humpherson asked the Minister for Police—
(1) Is Detective Sergeant Michael O’Donnell a member of the NSW Police Service? (2) If not, when did he leave the Service? (3) Under what circumstances did he leave the Service? (4) Is Detective Sergeant Peter Yeomans a member of the NSW Police Service? (5) Has he recently been demoted and, if so, why? (6) Were either of the above officers the subject of investigation for their management of any Department of Community Services cases? 949 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
Answer—
I have been advised by the Commander, Internal Affairs, that as at 11 June 1998: (1) Yes. (2) and (3) Not applicable. (4) Yes. (5) No. (6) No.
*576 STATE LIBRARY BUDGET—Ms Moore asked the Premier, Minister for the Arts and Minister for Ethnic Affairs—
(1) Is he aware that the acquisition budget of the State Library at a total of $3.9 million is less than half that of one university library, that of the University of Sydney, whose latest acquisition budget is $8.2 million? (2) Will he raise the budget to at least $10 million? (3) Is he aware that the State Library is under increasing strain due to the expansion in the use of the Internet which is leading more people to use libraries, necessitating increased funds for online computer services and Information Technology, and increased funds to transfer the card catalogues of the Mitchell Library and the General Reference Library to computer form to bring its cataloguing into line with the University and National Libraries, and funds to make up for poor collecting in the past which has led to large gaps in the library’s collection? (4) What is his future policy for the State Library at a time when Sydney seeks to be a leader in Information Technology?
Answer—
(1) The 1997/98 State Budget provided $3.9 million to the State Library of New South Wales to purchase resources for the library’s collection, including books, journals, pictures, maps, manuscripts, CD ROMs and other print and electronic materials. This represents an increase of $400,000 over the previous year. Funding for the University of Sydney is a Commonwealth Government matter. (2) The Budget provides $3.946 million to purchase resources for the State Library’s collection. (3) The State Library is in the process of implementing a new computer system that will greatly improve clients’ access to the resources in the library’s collection. In addition to the new system, the Mitchell Library card catalogue of resources, acquired prior to 1980, is being investigated for options for computerisation. This is the catalogue to the library’s most valuable resource, the Mitchell Library collection. This is a long-term and costly process and funding possibilities are being explored. Since 1980, all State Library resources have been catalogued onto a computer system and are available through the national bibliographic database. In relation to the collection, the State Library’s Collection Development Policy was first published in 1990. The policy was developed in consultation with clients and with libraries throughout New South Wales, other State libraries, and the National Library. It identifies the collecting priorities for the State Library and facilitates responsible use of the available budget. Library clients have access to information through the library’s collection, through the Internet, and via access to the National bibliographic database. (4) The State Library plays a leadership role in the support of the Government’s Information Management and Technology Blueprint. The library is a lead agency in the development of connect.nsw by creating innovative services and information technology solutions for the broader community through NSW.net. 950 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
The library has also brokered a partnership with Macquarie University in developing new and innovative approaches to tertiary education. In conjunction with the Department of Education and Training, the Independent Schools Association and the Catholic Education Office, the State Library has initiated Infocus, a specialist information service to Higher School Certificate students. Plans are in development for this service to go on-line which will further improve access to the State Library’s resources using the latest information technology.
*577 INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE ON POLICE FUNCTIONS—Ms Moore asked the Minister for Police—
Given that the Interdepartmental Committee on Police Functions is to report before he decides whether to release police officers from holding cell duties at the Sydney Police Centre, what is he doing in the meantime to increase the number of uniformed police on the beat in the Oxford Street/Taylor Square area following the dramatic increase in street violence?
Answer—
I am advised by the Assistant Deputy Commissioner of the NSW Police Service that Superintendent Tayler, of the Surry Hills Local Area Command, has implemented a range of strategies to increase uniformed police presence in the Oxford Street/Taylor Square area, including: • establishing a permanent 20-member Beat Intelligence Response Team to respond to crimes in the Oxford Street/Taylor Square area and other areas of identified need; • introducing smart rostering to ensure police patrolling of the area increases at times of peak need; • streamlining Charge Room staff numbers to allow additional officers to perform beat duties; • assigning detectives and police officers carrying out administrative functions to uniformed street duties; • instituting rostering arrangements for plain clothes personnel that enable the release of additional uniformed officers for street duties; • arranging for Community Safety, Gay and Lesbian, Homeless Persons and Youth Liaison officers to attend to their street duties in uniform; and • requiring member of the Tactical Action Group to wear uniform, where appropriate. These initiatives have had an impact on street crimes in the Surry Hills Local Area Command. Police crime statistics for January to April 1998 show that, compared to January to April 1997: • sexual assaults have fallen by 15 per cent; • robbery has fallen by 11 per cent; • assaults have fallen by 9 per cent; • car theft has fallen by 21 per cent; • stealing has fallen by 11 per cent; • malicious damage has fallen by 9 per cent; and • break and enters have fallen by 1 per cent.
*578 TEACHER APPREHENDED VIOLENCE ORDERS—Mr O’Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth Affairs—
(1) By district, how many teachers have been assisted by the Department in taking out apprehended violence orders each month since the policy was introduced in December 1995? (2) How many AVOs were taken out against: (a) Students? (b) Community members? (c) Teachers? Answer— 951 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
(1) The policy on the provision of legal support for teachers in the taking out of apprehended violence orders was announced in a memorandum to principals dated 29 October 1996. The Department of Education and Training has modified the way it collects data on AVOs since that time. Figures showing the number of times the Department has assisted teachers to take out an AVO by district per month have not been kept. Since April 1997, AVOs have been taken out in each of the following districts: Armidale, Bankstown, Blacktown, Bondi, Clarence/Coffs Harbour, Hornsby, Liverpool, Maitland, Mount Druitt, Parramatta, Penrith, Port Jackson, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga. Penrith (2) is the only district with more than 1 instance. There have been 32 instances in total where the Department has assisted with an AVO since 1996. (2) (a) There were 20 AVOs taken out against students or former students. (b) There were 12 AVOs taken out against parents or guardians or other members of the community. (c) There is no record of any AVO being taken out against another teacher.
*580 OPENING OF LAKE CONJOLA—Mr Turner asked the Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—
(1) Was Lake Conjola a lake that was previously open to the sea? (2) Has any work been done by his Department in the past that may have contributed to the closure of the lake? (3) If so, what was that work and when was it carried out? (4) What has been the effect on the environment of the lake as a result of any work carried out on it? (5) If the effect has been detrimental, what action is the Department taking to remedy this position? (6) What is the criteria for the manual opening of the lake? (7) How often has the manual opening of the lake occurred? (8) Will he open the lake if it is shown that any closure, either natural or man-made, is detrimental to the lake? (9) If not, why not? (10) If so, when will he instruct his Department to proceed with such work?
Answer—
(1) Lake Conjola has been closed for approximately the past 3 years and was open for about 25 years prior to this current closure. Previous closures occurred in the late 1940s and also in the 1960s. Closure is caused by natural processes and has been exacerbated by recent years of drought as there has been no significant freshwater discharges to unblock the entrance area. (2) No. (3) Not applicable. (4) I am advised that bare dunes have been planted and silt fences have been erected since the mid-1970s along part of the dune at the southern end to slow the rate of sand entering the entrance channel from wind and wave overwash. (5) There has been no work done by the Department of Land and Water Conservation that has been detrimental to the lake. Historical photographic records show that the entrance normally forms in a northerly location, while planting has occurred on the southern dune. (6) I am advised that Shoalhaven City Council’s Interim Opening Policy is to manually open the entrance when the lake water level reaches 1 metre AHD (Australian Height Datum [which is about mean sea level]) to alleviate flooding and water quality concerns. (7) I am advised that the lake has been artificially opened by Shoalhaven City Council approximately nine times in the past 5 years. (8) Any decision to open the lake rests with Shoalhaven City Council with input from State Government agencies. To develop the most appropriate management strategies for Lake Conjola, I 952 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
recently provided $40,000 funding to Shoalhaven City Council to match $40,000 being provided by council to undertake a study which will assess: • the nature and extent of the water quality and flooding problems; • the feasibility, benefits and costs of different entrance works to alleviate these problems; and • alternative viable options and strategies. (9) Shoalhaven City Council is the lead authority responsible for management of the lake entrance. Council will decide the most appropriate long-term course of action following the completion of the entrance management feasibility study outlined in question (8). Any outcomes of the study requiring financial assistance will be eligible for 50 per cent subsidy under the State Government’s Estuary Management Program. Funding will depend on statewide priorities. (10) Not applicable.
*581 SONAR SYSTEM TO HARVEST CARP—Mr Turner asked the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—
(1) Was a process designed to harvest carp by use of a sonar system and the use of a carp harvester disclosed to the Department of Fisheries in 1996? (2) Was a model of the harvester left with any officer at that time? (3) Did the Department disclose the technology of the sonar system and harvester to any person other than departmental officers? (4) If so, to whom? (5) If so, why?
Answer—
(1) I am advised a process designed to harvest carp involving a sonar system was outlined to my Department, NSW Fisheries, during 1996. This included design details of a simple harvesting trap which was to be used in conjunction with a newly developed sonic carp aggregating device. However, technical details of the sonic aggregating device were not disclosed to my Department. (2) A small aluminium model of the simple trap device was left with an officer of my Department to assist him with the assessment of a carp fishing permit application. (3) My Department did not disclose the technology of the harvester to any person other than departmental officers and was at no time in possession of details of the sonar system technology. (4) Not applicable. (5) Not applicable.
*582 FISHERIES MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE—Mr Turner asked the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—
(1) Has any money been paid to any person, body or organisation who may be directly or indirectly involved in the establishment of and/or participation in a management advisory committee, set up by the Fisheries Management Act and any Regulation arising therefrom? (2) If so, under what part of the Act or any Regulation was payment made? (3) If so, to whom was any such payment made? (4) If so, what was the amount of such payment? (5) If such payments were made to more than one person, body or organisation, what was the amount of each payment and the name of each recipient? (6) If other members of the management advisory committee did not receive payment or payment to the same level of those that may have received payment, why not?
Answer— 953 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
(1) Yes. (2) Sitting fees and travelling expenses are paid under the discretion given to me under clause 265 of the Fisheries Management (General) Regulation 1995 on page 237 of the 12 June 1997 reprint. The only other monies paid are to public servants in the form of their salaries and travelling expenses. (3) The Management Advisory Committees (MACs) were established with the assistance of the Electoral Commission. Industry members and the recreational fishing representatives of the MACs are paid sitting fees and travelling expenses. The conservation representatives do not normally receive sitting fees but are paid local travel costs. All the public servants involved were paid their salaries. (4) Sitting fees are paid at the rate of $150 per day. Travelling costs are refunded as per standard public service procedures and are obviously different for each person. Normal salaries were paid to public servants. (5) There are 8 MACs, with over 50 members, plus all the public servants involved in the process. Rates are paid in accordance with the responses to questions (3) and (4). A list of MAC members follows and is available upon request. (6) As indicated above, the conservation representatives do not normally receive sitting fees but are paid local travel costs. Conservation sector involvement in MACs is new. No budget has been provided for any payments and discussions on the issue are ongoing with this sector.
MAC MEMBERSHIP Estuary General Stephen Blackley, Conservation Representative Paul Murphy, NSW Fisheries (Chair) Jim Irvine, NSW Fisheries (Compliance) Ocean Trap and Line Charles Gray, NSW Fisheries (Research) Andrew Goulstone, Chairman Bruce Pease, NSW Fisheries (Research) Dale Gollan, NSW Fisheries Ian Bradley, Region 1 Jack Lavis, Spanner crab Karl Tesar, Region 2 Bob Howard, Demersal fish trap E. J. (Ted) Byrnes, Region 3 Neville Budge, Line fishing (eastern zone) Geoff Fidden, Region 4 Wayne Bramble, Line fishing (western zone) Don Campbell, Region 5 Paul Sullivan, Demersal fish trap Graham Byrnes, Region 6 Steven Drake, Line fishing (eastern zone) Brian Clifford, Region 7 Ron Innes, Line fishing (western zone) Julie Aitken, Conservation Representative Peter Goadby, Recreational fishing Bruce Schumacher, Recreational Representative Mark McKechnie, Conservation
Estuary Prawn Trawl Fish Trawl Steve Kennelly, Chairperson (NSW Fisheries, Mr Paul Thompson Research) Mr Ivan Lordanic (Johnny) William (George) Baker, Clarence River Mr Brett Bollinger Dennis Hyde, Hunter River Mr Peter Bell Graeme Hillyard, Hawkesbury River Mr Daniel Burns Frank Ilacqua, Port Jackson Ms Dianna Watkins (Chair) Filippo Dimento, Botany Bay David Harrigan, Recreational Representative
Ocean Prawn Trawl Ian Perry Dee McElligott (Fisheries Manager), Chair Chris Pont, Conservation Willis Sneesby, 1 Robert Toyer, 2 Ocean Haul Phillip Ward, 3 John Naughton, Chairman Barry MacBean, 4 Paul Gibson, Region 1 John Perry (Deputy), 5-7 Ron Prindable, Region 2 954 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
VinceDenis Brown, Purse seine Jordan,Dirk Hill, Recreation RegionStephen Blackley, Conservation 3 JeffAbalone ChalkelMr John Smythe y,Mr Richard Perese RegionMr Dennis Luobikis 4 Mr Robert Kershaw TedMr Glenn Edwards Allan,Mr Mel Brown (Recreation) RegionMr Ross Blick (Conservation) 5 Mr John Moore (Compliance) PhilMrs Dianna Watkins Byrnes, RegionLobster 6 Ross Abercrombie, Chairman JohnJohn Arblaster, Metropolitan BrierleRon Firkin, South Metropolitan y,Noel Gogerly, Tuncurry RegionPeter Jackson, Ballina 7 Mel Brown, Recreational Representative
583 COAL COMPENSATION—MR AND MRS GRIFFIN—Mr Turner asked the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—
(1) Were Mr and Mrs Griffin persons entitled to coal rights at a property in Wenham, Cox’s Road, Stratford? (2) Was the initial assessment of compensation appealed against by the Griffins? (3) Was a requirement set out in the judgement that the matter be referred back to the board to do a number of recalculations and remodelling on a geological basis? (4) If so, have the recalculations and remodelling occurred? (5) If not, why not? (6) If not, when will work necessary for the recalculating and remodelling occur? (7) Was a request to the registrar of the tribunal made for a Directions hearing to set out a timetable for the work to be done refused? (8) If so, why? (9) Was Louise Parsons, of the Coal Compensation Board, initially instructed to carry out such recalculating and remodelling? (10) Was any direction given at any time that Louise Parsons be removed from carrying out such work? (11) If so, who gave such a direction? (12) If so, for what reason was Louise Parsons removed from the work? (13) Has Louise Parsons been reinstated to carry out such work? (14) If so, by whom? (15) If so, when did the reinstatement occur? (16) If so, why was Louise Parsons reinstated? (17) If so, what is the current status of the recalculating and remodelling? 955 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
(18) If Louise Parsons has not been reinstated to do the work, why not? (19) If not, what is the current status of the recalculating and remodelling work? (20) If not finished, when will it be finished? (21) Was an interim payment of compensation of 75 per cent of the initial assessment recommended to be paid to the Griffins because of their hardships? (22) If so, who recommended that measure? (23) If so, has that money been paid to the Griffins? (24) If not, why not? (25) If not, when will it be paid?
Answer—
(1) On 23 May 1997, the board determined that Noel Laurance Griffin and Jill Marie Griffin were eligible claimants as tenants in common in equal shares to coal in 94 hectares in the Stratford North Coal Model Area near Gloucester and awarded each of them $29,000, a total of $58,000. No mining has taken place and the mining proposal is still in the exploratory stage. (2) Yes. (3) The appeal was largely unsuccessful except that evidence of a drilling program carried out after the board determination led the tribunal to direct that the results be taken into account, together with the up-to-date information to be incorporated into a geological remodelling, a production costs reassessment and variation to the production-based discount rate. (4) No. (5) The board has delayed remodelling the Stratford North Coal Model Area. (6) It is unlikely that the board will remodel the area before the end of 1998. Additional information must be obtained from the company holding the authorisation for the area. Also, a resolution of the start-up date for mining operations is uncertain at present because of current volatility in the coal industry. (7) Yes. (8) The registrar of the tribunal informed the appellants’ solicitors that it was not appropriate for the tribunal to reopen the appeals for the purpose of further directions. (9) No. (10) No. (11) Not applicable. (12) Louise Parsons co-ordinated the gathering of technical information from drilling referred to in the tribunal appeal. The investigations required for remodelling are ongoing and will be carried out before and during the modelling process. (13) to (19) These questions are based on the erroneous assumption that only Louise Parsons carries out geological modelling for the Stratford North Coal Model Area. Investigations and information gathering proceed as part of the ongoing work of the staff in the Modelling Division of the board but the remodelling process will not be rescheduled until the current uncertainty in respect of proposed mining in the area is resolved. (20) See (6) above. (21) No. The appellants’ solicitors were asked to provide details of hardship to support an interim application. The amount is in the discretion of the board and is being considered at the board meeting held on 19 June 1998. (22) The Manager/Assessment Division. (23) See (21) above. (24) See (21) above. (25) Payments are ordinarily made within 30 days of the board’s determination. 956 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
19 MAY 1998
(Paper No. 32)
584 STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT REPORT—Mr Armstrong to ask the Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—
585 STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT REPORT—Mr Armstrong to ask the Minister for the Environment—
586 AVAILABILITY OF CRIME STATISTICS—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for Police—
587 NOISE POLLUTION IN BEXLEY—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
588 NOISE POLLUTION IN BEXLEY—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for the Environment—
589 OPERATING HOURS—TERRIGAL POLICE STATION—Mr Hartcher to ask the Minister for Police—
590 TASK FORCE/OPERATION “DROENLO”—Mr Hartcher to ask the Minister for Police—
591 FUNDING FOR OVERSEAS TRAVEL—Mr Humpherson to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
592 PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TRAVEL—Mr Humpherson to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
593 BOARDING HOUSE FIRE SAFETY—Mr MacCarthy to ask the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning and Minister for Housing—
594 STAFFING AT BURWOOD RAILWAY STATION—Mr MacCarthy to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
595 THOMAS STREET, ASHFIELD—TRAFFIC COUNTS—Mr MacCarthy to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
596 SERVICES OF HAWKER-BRITTON PTY LTD—Mr Phillips to ask the Premier, Minister for the Arts and Minister for Ethnic Affairs—
597 ROADWORK—M4 MOTORWAY—Mr Phillips to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
598 “FEAST OF SYDNEY”—TOURISM NSW—Mr Phillips to ask the Minister for Energy, Minister for Tourism, Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Emergency Services and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
599 POLICE STRESS LEAVE—Mr Schipp to ask the Minister for Police—
600 STATE LIBRARY CATALOGUES—Ms Seaton to ask the Premier, Minister for the Arts and Minister for Ethnic Affairs— 957 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
601 RAPID OPIATE DETOXIFICATION—Ms Seaton to ask the Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
602 DEPARTMENT OF URBAN AFFAIRS AND PLANNING—CORRESPONDENCE—Mr Souris to ask the Minister for Energy, Minister for Tourism, Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Emergency Services and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
603 REDBANK DAM SAFETY—Mr Souris to ask the Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—
604 WATER FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION—Mr Souris to ask the Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—
605 WAITING TIME AT MANNING BASE HOSPITAL—Mr Turner to ask the Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
606 ISSUE OF INLAND FISHING LICENCES—Mr Turner to ask the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—
607 COAL COMPENSATION SCHEME—OUTSTANDING CLAIMS—Mr Turner to ask the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—
20 MAY 1998
(Paper No. 33)
608 AIR-CONDITIONING—YANCO AGRICULTURAL HIGH SCHOOL—Mr Cruickshank to ask the Minister for Education and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth Affairs—
609 CANCER SUPPORT SERVICES—Ms Ficarra to ask the Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
610 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT—CLIFF ROAD, WOLLONGONG—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning and Minister for Housing—
611 INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT PLANNING LEGISLATION—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning and Minister for Housing—
612 PARKING LAWS—LOCAL COUNCILS—Mr MacCarthy to ask the Minister for Police—
613 DRUG USE IN NEW SOUTH WALES SECONDARY SCHOOLS—Dr Macdonald to ask the Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
614 SOCOG OFFICE—HAYMARKET—Dr Macdonald to ask the Minister for the Olympics—
615 DRUG USE IN NEW SOUTH WALES SECONDARY SCHOOLS—Dr Macdonald to ask the Minister for Education and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth Affairs—
616 ELECTRICITY SALES/GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS—Dr Macdonald to ask the Minister for Energy, Minister for Tourism, Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Emergency Services and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— 958 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
617 M5 EAST PROJECT—Mr Phillips to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
618 BRICKPIT SITE AT HOMEBUSH BAY—Mr Richardson to ask the Minister for the Olympics—
619 CASTLE HILL PUBLIC SCHOOL—Mr Richardson to ask the Minister for Education and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth Affairs—
620 ROUSE HILL SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT—Mr Richardson to ask the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning and Minister for Housing—
621 UNION CARBIDE AND ICI AUSTRALIA SITES AT RHODES—Mr Richardson to ask the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning and Minister for Housing—
622 MAIN NORTHERN LINE—STRATHFIELD TO HORNSBY—Mr Richardson to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
623 DIOXIN CONTAMINATION AT HOMEBUSH BAY—Mr Richardson to ask the Minister for the Environment—
624 CRYPTOSPORIDIUM—Mrs Skinner to ask the Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
625 MORUYA MOTOR REGISTRY—Mr Smith to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
626 RISK ASSESSMENT—SYDNEY AIRPORT TUNNEL—Mr Souris to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
627 TRAFFIC FLOW—METROPOLITAN ROADS—Mr Souris to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
628 TRIPLE ROAD TRAINS—Mr Souris to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
629 ILLEGAL FISH SALES IN INLAND NEW SOUTH WALES—Mr Turner to ask the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—
21 MAY 1998
(Paper No. 34)
630 “OPERATION NOAH”—Mr Armstrong to ask the Minister for Police—
*631 DORAL MINERAL INDUSTRIES—Mr Armstrong asked the Minister for Regional Development and Minister for Rural Affairs—
(1) What is the nature of the State Government assistance being offered to Doral Mineral Industries to locate their mineral processing plant in Lithgow? (2) What conditions and preconditions are being put on this assistance? (3) How many meetings have taken place between representatives of the company and representatives of the Government and when did these occur? 959 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
Answer—
(1) Doral Mineral Industries proposes to establish a $120 million silicon smelter in the Minerals Processing Park at Lithgow. Once completed, the project will employ 150 people in Lithgow and a further 150 in rural New South Wales. An assistance package was negotiated with Doral but the details and conditions are commercial-in- confidence. (2) See (1) above. (3) There have been a number of meetings between representatives of Government and the company over a considerable period of time.
632 WORKCOVER BUILDING AND SAFETY REGULATIONS—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Forestry, Minister for Ports and Minister Assisting the Premier on Western Sydney representing the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Fair Trading—
633 CAPITAL LAND CORPORATION—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
634 LOCAL GOVERNMENT (APPROVALS) REGULATION—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for Local Government—
635 HORSE TRAIL—BELROSE TAFE—Mr Humpherson to ask the Minister for Education and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth Affairs—
636 MANLY WHARF INTERCHANGE—Mr Humpherson to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
637 CASINO COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUND—Mr Humpherson to ask the Minister for Gaming and Racing and Minister Assisting the Premier on Hunter Development—
638 OFFICE FITOUT COSTS—Mr Humpherson to ask the Minister for Regional Development and Minister for Rural Affairs—
639 HORSE TRAIL—BELROSE TAFE—Mr Humpherson to ask the Minister for the Environment—
640 CAPITAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS—Mr Humpherson to ask the Minister for Sport and Recreation—
641 VEHICLE REGISTRATION IN NEW SOUTH WALES—Mr Souris to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
642 TRUST ACCOUNTS—REAL ESTATE AGENTS—Mr Turner to ask the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services and Minister for Women representing the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Fair Trading— 960 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
26 MAY 1998
(Paper No. 35)
643 SYDNEY OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC LOGOS—Mr Armstrong to ask the Minister for the Olympics—
644 EUROPEAN CARP ERADICATION PROGRAMS—Mr Armstrong to ask the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—
645 “FAMILIES FIRST” PROGRAM—Ms Ficarra to ask the Premier, Minister for the Arts and Minister for Ethnic Affairs—
646 SYDNEY WATER’S GLENFIELD RESERVE—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning and Minister for Housing—
647 “FAMILIES FIRST” PROGRAM—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services and Minister for Women—
648 HORSE RIDING IN POPRAN NATIONAL PARK—Mr Hartcher to ask the Minister for the Environment—
649 STORAGE OF BUS STOP SEATS—Mr MacCarthy to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
650 TRESPASS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY—Mr O’Doherty to ask the Minister for Education and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth Affairs—
651 STUDENT EXCLUSION/EXPULSION—Mr O’Doherty to ask the Minister for Education and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth Affairs—
652 PENSHURST PUBLIC SCHOOL REDEVELOPMENT—Mr O’Doherty to ask the Minister for Education and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth Affairs—
653 POLICE SPECIAL BRANCH FILES—Mr O’Farrell to ask the Minister for Police—
654 POLICE PATROLS—RAILWAY STATIONS—Mr O’Farrell to ask the Minister for Police—
655 SAFE STATIONS PROGRAM—Mr O’Farrell to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
656 POLICE PRISON ESCORTS—Ms Seaton to ask the Minister for Police—
657 SEAMEN’S UNION BUILDING—Ms Seaton to ask the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning and Minister for Housing—
658 HEAVY VEHICLE INFRINGEMENT NOTICES—Mr Souris to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads— 961 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
27 MAY 1998
(Paper No. 36)
659 POLICE STATIONS IN THE LOWER HUNTER—Mr Blackmore to ask the Minister for Police—
660 DIESEL GENERATOR CONTRACTS—Ms Ficarra to ask the Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
661 RECYCLING TASKFORCE’S ROLE—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for the Environment—
662 REPORT “BENCHMARKING LOCAL GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE IN NSW”—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for Local Government—
663 QUESTION 361—REPUCOM—Mr Hartcher to ask the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning and Minister for Housing—
664 DRIVING SCHOOL ACCREDITATION—Dr Kernohan to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
665 STANDARDS FOR DRIVING SCHOOLS—Dr Kernohan to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
666 DRUG USE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS—Dr Macdonald to ask the Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
667 SCHOOL ISOLATION ROOMS—Mr O’Doherty to ask the Minister for Education and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth Affairs—
668 MOUNT DRUITT HIGH SCHOOL—Mr O’Doherty to ask the Minister for Education and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth Affairs—
669 RATIO OF STUDENTS TO COUNSELLORS—Mr O’Doherty to ask the Minister for Education and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth Affairs—
670 POLICE STRENGTH—GORDON AND HORNSBY POLICE STATIONS—Mr O’Farrell to ask the Minister for Police—
671 CIVILIAN PERSONNEL—GORDON AND HORNSBY POLICE STATIONS—Mr O’Farrell to ask the Minister for Police—
672 DETECTIVES—GORDON AND HORNSBY POLICE STATIONS—Mr O’Farrell to ask the Minister for Police—
673 RECYCLING—GREATER SYDNEY REGION—Mr Richardson to ask the Minister for the Environment—
674 “MILLENNIUM BUG”—HOSPITALS—Mrs Skinner to ask the Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
675 GOVERNMENT PRINTING SERVICE—Mr Souris to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads representing the Minister for Public Works and Services— 962 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
676 REVIEW OF DRIVING PENALTIES—Mr Souris to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
28 MAY 1998
(Paper No. 37)
677 LOCAL GOVERNMENT RECYCLING CO-OPERATIVE—Mrs Chikarovski to ask the Minister for the Environment—
678 WASTE MANAGEMENT PLANS—Mrs Chikarovski to ask the Minister for the Environment—
679 SMOKY CAPE LIGHTHOUSE—KUNDERANG HOMESTEAD—Mrs Chikarovski to ask the Minister for the Environment—
680 ACCOMMODATION EXPENSE—SMOKY CAPE LIGHTHOUSE—Mrs Chikarovski to ask the Minister for the Environment—
681 ABORIGINAL LAND COUNCILS—Ms Ficarra to ask the Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
682 RIVERWOOD “SHOPFRONT STYLE” POLICE STATION—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for Police—
683 RIVERWOOD POLICE FOOT PATROLS—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for Police—
684 STATE SCHOOL TEACHER NUMBERS—Mr Humpherson to ask the Minister for Education and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth Affairs—
685 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING ACCOMMODATION—Mr Humpherson to ask the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning and Minister for Housing—
686 BULAHDELAH BYPASS—Mr Humpherson to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
687 DETECTIVES—GORDON AND HORNSBY POLICE STATIONS—Mr O’Farrell to ask the Minister for Police—
688 POLICE STRENGTH—GORDON AND HORNSBY POLICE STATIONS—Mr O’Farrell to ask the Minister for Police—
689 CIVILIAN PERSONNEL—GORDON AND HORNSBY POLICE STATIONS—Mr O’Farrell to ask the Minister for Police—
690 RURAL AND REGIONAL OLYMPIC BUSINESS EXPO—Ms Seaton to ask the Minister for Regional Development and Minister for Rural Affairs—
691 COASTAL EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE SERVICES—Mr Turner to ask the Minister for Education and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth Affairs—
2 JUNE 1998 963 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
(Paper No. 38)
692 PUBLIC HOUSING—ASSET SALE—Mr Debnam to ask the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning and Minister for Housing—
693 PUBLIC HOUSING—ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN—Mr Debnam to ask the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning and Minister for Housing—
694 PUBLIC HOUSING SECURITY—Mr Debnam to ask the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning and Minister for Housing—
695 POLICE RAID ON 14 APRIL 1998—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for Police—
696 EPA MONITORING—PILKINGTON GLASS—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for the Environment—
697 SCHOOL CROSSING—HURSTVILLE SOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOL—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
698 FIRE FIGHTERS IN NEW SOUTH WALES—Mr Hartcher to ask the Minister for Energy, Minister for Tourism, Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Emergency Services and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
699 FIRE STATIONS CONSTRUCTION—Mr Hartcher to ask the Minister for Energy, Minister for Tourism, Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Emergency Services and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
700 INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES—NSW FIRE BRIGADES—Mr Hartcher to ask the Minister for Energy, Minister for Tourism, Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Emergency Services and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
701 RAILWAY SECURITY—Mr MacCarthy to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
702 DOMESTIC ELECTRICITY TARIFF—Mr MacCarthy to ask the Minister for Energy, Minister for Tourism, Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Emergency Services and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
703 NORTH SHORE RAIL SECURITY—Mr O’Farrell to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
704 CATERING—SYDNEY HARBOUR REGATTA OLYMPIC TEST EVENT—Mr Souris to ask the Minister for the Olympics— 964 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
3 JUNE 1998
(Paper No. 39)
705 NSW FIREARMS REGISTRY—Mr Armstrong to ask the Minister for Police—
706 DR DENNIS KING—ST GEORGE HOSPITAL—Ms Ficarra to ask the Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
707 COMPENSATION—POLICE RAID—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for Police—
708 TRAFFIC FLOW—SOUTH HURSTVILLE—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
709 BATEAU BAY—FIRE STATION—Mr Hartcher to ask the Minister for Energy, Minister for Tourism, Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Emergency Services and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
710 FIRE STATIONS STAFFING—Mr Hartcher to ask the Minister for Energy, Minister for Tourism, Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Emergency Services and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
711 CONTROLLED HAZARD REDUCTION BURNING—Mr Harrison to ask the Minister for the Environment—
712 KOALA HABITAT STUDIES—Dr Kernohan to ask the Minister for the Environment—
713 AUSTRAL COAL LEASES—Dr Kernohan to ask the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning and Minister for Housing—
714 CRONULLA POLICE STATION—Mr Kerr to ask the Minister for Police—
715 LANDSCAPE FUNDING—CAPTAIN COOK BRIDGE—Mr Kerr to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
716 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH POLICY—PATIENT DETAILS—Mrs Skinner to ask the Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
717 INTERIM ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES FOR NSW WATERS—Mr Smith to ask the Minister for the Environment—
718 CHILD DISABILITY ALLOWANCE—Mr Smith to ask the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services and Minister for Women—
4 JUNE 1998
(Paper No. 40)
719 TOXIC WASTE TESTING METHODOLOGY AND GUIDELINES—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for the Environment— 965 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
720 GOVERNMENT SPECTACLE PROGRAM—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services and Minister for Women—
721 SECURITY OFFICERS—AUBURN HOSPITAL—Mr Hartcher to ask the Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
722 POLICE STRENGTH—PORT MACQUARIE AND COFFS HARBOUR—Mr Jeffery to ask the Minister for Police—
723 DONATIONS—CENTRAL SYDNEY AREA HEALTH SERVICE—Mr MacCarthy to ask the Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
724 REPORT BY “GREEN GAMES WATCH 2000” AND NCOSS—Mr MacCarthy to ask the Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
725 REPORT BY “GREEN GAMES WATCH 2000” AND NCOSS—Mr MacCarthy to ask the Minister for the Environment—
16 JUNE 1998
(Paper No. 41)
726 SYDNEY YOUTH ORCHESTRA—Mr Collins to ask the Premier, Minister for the Arts and Minister for Ethnic Affairs—
(1) Is he aware of the concerns of members of the Sydney Youth Orchestra that the lack of a permanent practise and rehearsal space is having a detrimental effect on members of the orchestra and the quality of its performances? (2) When will the Sydney Youth Orchestra be provided with a permanent facility in which its members can practise and rehearse?
727 KING GEORGES ROAD—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) Can he outline the timeframe involved for completion of the widening of King Georges Road, especially through Beverly Hills and Penshurst? (2) Will there be any improvements to signalisation at any associated intersections? (3) What beautification works will be carried out?
728 SECURITY GUARDS—ILLAWARRA AND EAST HILLS LINES—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) Do security guards patrol the Illawarra and East Hills rail lines? (2) If so, how often and in what numbers? (3) What back-up exists for such guards? (4) How is the public being informed of such initiatives? (5) Have recorded incidents on trains operating on these two lines fallen as a result of such activity? (6) If so, what are the latest comparable figures? (7) What other initiatives are being undertaken in relation to these two lines to improve passenger safety?
729 SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS—ILLAWARRA AND EAST HILLS LINES—Ms Ficarra to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads— 966 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
(1) As part of the recently announced program of safety improvements, when will improved lighting, video surveillance and help points be installed at: (a) Mortdale? (b) Penshurst? (c) Oatley? (d) Beverly Hills? (e) Kingsgrove? (f) Hurstville? (g) Riverwood? (2) How will the security guard program operate to the benefit of passengers on the Illawarra and East Hills rail line?
730 METHADONE MAINTENANCE AND NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAMS—CROYDON— Mr MacCarthy to ask the Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
(1) Will the proposed community health facilities at the former Western Suburbs Hospital site at Croydon include a: (a) methadone maintenance program? (b) needle exchange program? (2) If so, what community consultations took place prior to the decision being made? (3) (a) What comments on the subject were made by the Burwood Council and local community groups? (b) If so, how many registered addicts are anticipated to use the programs? (4) How many needles are expected to be: (a) dispensed? (b) returned each year?
731 SUMMER HILL RAILWAY STATION—Mr MacCarthy to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) When was Summer Hill Railway Station last upgraded? (2) What was done and at what cost? (3) How many stairs must currently be negotiated by a passenger arriving at the north side of the station who purchases a ticket and catches a train to the city? (4) How many stairs must be negotiated by a similar passenger arriving at the south side? (5) What would be the cost of providing lifts at the station for those passengers who find it hard to use stairs?
732 MARINE SCIENCE SYLLABUS—Mr D. L. Page to ask the Minister for Education and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth Affairs—
(1) Does he intend introducing a 2-unit Marine Science course into the senior curriculum in New South Wales as promised? (2) Will he instruct the Board of Studies to form a Marine Science syllabus committee and issue a writing brief to write a 2-unit Marine Science syllabus? (3) Is he aware of the work being done in this field by the Marine Teachers Association of NSW and the pioneering role played by Ballina High School? (4) Will he move to include the expertise that exists within these organisations on any Marine Science syllabus committee?
733 STRICKLAND HOUSE, VAUCLUSE—Mrs Skinner to ask the Deputy Premier, Minister for Health and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— 967 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 17 June 1998
In relation to Strickland House at Vaucluse— (1) How many aged care respite beds are available (as at 31 May 1998)? (2) How many aged care respite beds are in use (as at 31 May 1998)? (3) How many aged care respite beds were available (as at 1 January 1998)? (4) What is the total number of aged care respite beds available in the South Eastern Sydney Area Health Service (as at 31 May 1998)? (5) What is the total number of aged care respite beds in use in the South Eastern Sydney Area Health Service (as at 31 May 1998)? (6) What facilities will be made available to the aged requiring respite care when Strickland House closes its respite care beds? (7) What will be the total number of aged care respite beds available in the South Eastern Sydney Area Health Service after the respite beds at Strickland House are closed?
734 WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS—Mr Turner to ask the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Forestry, Minister for Ports and Minister Assisting the Premier on Western Sydney representing the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Fair Trading—
(1) What is the procedure for a person that has been injured in a workplace accident to access the details of such accident from their employer or former employer? (2) Were regulations in place in 1994 requiring details of workplace accidents to be kept? (3) If so, what was the length of time that workplace accidents or accident reports were required to be kept? (4) What is the responsibility upon employers to: (a) keep such records? (b) report them to WorkCover?
735 TAREE TAFE CAMPUS—Mr Turner to ask the Minister for Education and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth Affairs—
(1) What was the total amount of all funds provided to the Taree TAFE campus for the financial year 1997/98? (2) Specifically, what was the amount received from the Federal Government from all sources? (3) As at 1 May 1998, were any funds received from the Federal Government unexpended? (4) If so, from what source did those funds come? (5) If so, what was the amount of those funds? (6) If so, why were they unexpended? (7) Were any TAFE courses refused to be run because of lack of funding? (8) If so, what were those courses? (9) If so, why were they not run if there was a surplus funding available as per question (3)? (10) What is the total amount of all unexpended Federal Government funding to TAFE as at 1 May 1998?
______Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales