PARLIAMENT OF NEW SOUTH WALES LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

1993

THIRD SESSION OF THE FIFTIETH PARLIAMENT

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

No. 34

TUESDAY 19 OCTOBER 1993

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[The Questions and Answers Paper published for the first sitting day in each week 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. On subsequent days, new questions are printed, as are questions to which answers were received the previous day. Consequently the full text of any question will be printed only twice: when notice is given; and, when answered.]

[Pursuant to the Sessional Order adopted by the House on 24 February 1993, Members shall be permitted to lodge 3 questions on notice per sitting day accumulative over one sitting week, provided that the Leader of the Opposition shall be permitted to lodge 4 questions on notice per sitting day. Ministers shall lodge answers to questions on notice within 15 sitting days after the question is first published and such answer shall be published forthwith.] Page 2098

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF QUESTION ANSWER TO BE LODGED BY Q. & A. No. 19 19 October 1993 (Including Question Nos 1225 to 1261) Q. & A. No. 20 20 October 1993 (Including Question Nos 1262 to 1328) Q. & A. No. 21 21 October 1993 (Including Question Nos 1329 to 1345) Q. & A. No. 22 26 October 1993 (Including Question Nos 1346 to 1387) Q. & A. No. 23 27 October 1993 (Including Question Nos 1388 to 1463) Q. & A. No. 24 28 October 1993 (Including Question Nos 1464 to 1524) Q. & A. No. 25 9 November 1993 (Including Question Nos 1525 to 1575) Q. & A. No. 26 10 November 1993 (Including Questions Nos 1576 to 1623) Q. & A. No. 27 11 November 1993 (Including Question Nos 1624 to 1672) Q. & A. No. 28 16 November 1993 (Including Question Nos 1673 to 1688) Q. & A. No. 29 17 November 1993 (Including Question Nos 1689 to 1708) Q. & A. No. 30 18 November 1993 (Including Question Nos 1709 to 1756) Q. & A. No. 31 23 November 1993 (Including Question Nos 1757 to 1787) Q. & A. No. 32 24 November 1993 (Including Question Nos 1788 to 1816) Q. & A. No. 33 25 November 1993 (Including Question Nos 1817 to 1901) Q. & A. No. 34 30 November 1993 (Estimates Committee Day)

Page 2099 (Answers required to have been lodged by 19 October 1993)

Minister for Land and Water Conservation representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing—1237, 1252, 1259. Minister for Health—1238, 1243, 1258. Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—1235.

Notice of Question given on the date shown

11 MAY 1993

(Paper No. 18) *1203 RAILWAYSTAFF—ELECTORATEOF BATHURST—Mr Clough asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—

(1) How many redundancies have been achieved in railway staff since 1988 at: (a) Lithgow? (b) Bathurst? (c) Blayney? (d) Kandos? (2) What has been the total "payout" figure with regard to the redundancies? (3) As at 11 May 1993, what is the total railway staff employed in the electorate of Bathurst? (4) What was the total railway staff employed in the electorate of Bathurst in July 1988?

Answer—

(1) Redundancy figures are only available from 1989. The total number of redundancies from State Rail since 1989 are: (a) Lithgow 70 (b) Bathurst 130 (c) Blayney 3 (d) Kandos 6 (2) Based on the average redundancy package payment to State Rail staff, an estimated $16 million has been paid in the Bathurst electorate. Each redundancy payment includes leave entitlements and superannuation entitlements as well as a redundancy component. (3) The total number of railway staff employed in the Bathurst electorate at 11 May 1993 was 530. Since 11 May 1993, the decision has been made to decentralise the State Rail Authority's workshops. Up to 150 new jobs will be created in Bathurst and Goulburn, of which around half will be located in Bathurst. It is important to note that private sector jobs have replaced some State Rail Authority jobs in Bathurst. 129 jobs have been created in Bathurst through various contracts awarded to Clyde Industries. (4) Railway staff employed in the Bathurst electorate in July 1988 totalled 713.

*1206 TANGARA TINTED WINDOWS—Mr Davoren asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—

(1) Is he aware that difficulty is experienced by passengers in Tangara carriages to read station signs at night due to the tinted windows? (2) What steps are being instituted to solve this problem? Page 2100

Answer—

(1) Yes. (2) Lighting and signage at stations have been improved. In addition, it is proposed that train guards will make a short announcement prior to arriving at each stopping station during the heavily patronised period of the evening darkness until 9 p.m.

*1212 TRAIN SERVICE CO-ORDINATION—Mr Nagle asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—

(1) Is it the Government's policy as far as possible to co-ordinate train schedules so that when one train arrives at a station it can meet another train so that changing passengers can meet the connecting service? (2) If so, why could not the 8.45 a.m. Bondi Junction train connect up with the 8.46 a.m. train to St James Station from Central Station on 11 May 1993?

Answer—

(1) Yes. (2) The frequency of services on the City Circle makes it unnecessary to provide scheduled connecting services.

*1213 FARE EVASION—MrNagle asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—

(1) What revenue was gained through legal action against fare evaders from 1988 to 1993? (2) Is there a report and/or memoranda on fare evasion?

(3) (a) Does not this report and/or memoranda set out the estimated loss on fare evasion? (b) If so, what is the annual loss of revenue through fare evasion from 1988 to 1993?

Answer—

(1) $6 million. (2) Yes.

(3) (a) Yes. (b) $8 million. *1216 TANGARA RAIL CAR SEATING—Mr Price asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—

(1) What type of seating is proposed for the last 25 Tangara rail cars? (2) Is a fixed seat to be fitted? (3) If so, are the seats to be arranged facing one direction only or will they be placed in the same split configuration that exist on the Tangara cars already in service. (4) Is a revolving seat to be fitted? (5) Is a reversible seat to be fitted?

Answer—

(1) Seating will be high-backed, well padded and reversible in a 3 + 2 configuration. (2) No. (3) Not applicable. (4) No. (5) Yes.

Page 2101

12 MAY 1993

(Paper No. 19)

*1225 M4 OFF-RAMPS TO CUMBERLAND HIGHWAY—MsAllan asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—

(1) Is he aware of the inconvenience being caused to motorists due to the lack of directional signs to Wentworthville and Greystanes at the M4 off- ramps to the Cumberland Highway? (2) Is he further aware that the Roads and Traffic Authority excuse for not providing such signposting is that the Cumberland Highway is a Metroad and the Roads and Traffic Authority principles of signposting precludes installation of the required signs? (3) Why are there no signs to give motorists directions to their destination? (4) Will he instruct the Roads and Traffic Authority to erect directional signs at the M4 off-ramps at the Cumberland Highway? (5) If not, why not?

Answer— The honourable member may recall that the position concerning this matter was outlined to her in Ministerial correspondence dated 25 February last. As previously indicated, the Roads and Traffic Authority has determined that certain major roads should be specially designated as through-traffic corridors. The six routes of this kind which comprise the Sydney Metroad system include the M4 Motorway and the Cumberland Highway. The intersection of these two Metroads consequently assumes particular importance as a central point in the system. The signposting principle adopted for the Metroad system requires that where two Metroads intersect, a major Sydney metropolitan destination and select "route function" destinations be shown in each direction. Therefore, at the intersection in question, Hornsby and North Coast have been signposted to the north, with Liverpool and Canberra indicated to the south. Also, Westmead Hospital has been shown as a destination for eastbound traffic. Accordingly, the intersection has been correctly signposted. Nevertheless, the Authority is negotiating with Holroyd City Council on the question of providing direction signs to the Wentworthville/Greystanes area.

*1226 OLYMPICS 2000 PROJECT—USE OF RECYCLED COMPOST—Ms Allan asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—

(1) Can he verify that the Olympics 2000 project will use recycled compost products, soil and mulches? (2) Can he assure the House that he will seek an assurance that such recycled products will have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure the safety of the community and the environment? (3) Will he consult with his ministerial colleagues to ascertain whether problems have occurred through the use of recycled compost products utilising treated sludge? (4) If not, why not?

Page 2102

Answer—

The construction of sporting facilities at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush, remains the responsibility of the Public Works Department. Therefore, this question should be referred to the Hon. I. A. Armstrong, M.P., Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Ports. *1227 SEVEN HILLS RAILWAYSTATIONCOMMUTER CAR PARK—Ms Allan asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—

(1) Is he aware that a commuter car park is being built at Seven Hills Railway Station? (2) Is he further aware that no toilet facilities are to be provided in the development? (3) Is the lack of toilet provision a policy aimed at reducing costs due to vandalism?

(4) (a) Is possible damage to an amenities block considered more important than vandalism of commuter's vehicles and risk to commuters welfare through lack of security? (b) If so, why? (5) Will he intervene in the building process and insist that adequate toilet facilities are provided for commuters, bus passengers and drivers of buses and taxi cabs? (6) If not, why not?

Answer—

(1) Yes. (2) Yes. (3) No.

(4) (a) No. (b) Not applicable. (5) No. (6) There is no reason to interfere in this project. Commuters can access toilet facilities that are already freely available to them on the station.

*1231 M4 MOTORWAYSERVICE STATIONAND FAST FOOD OUTLET CONSTRUCTION— Mr Amery asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—

(1) Have any funds from the M4 toll been used for the construction of service stations and take-away food facilities along the M4 Motorway? (2) What arrangements have been entered into between the Government, Statewide Roads and other companies for the provisions of service facilities along this motorway?

Answer—

(1) No. (2) Twin service centres have been constructed on the Motorway at Prospect on land leased for 25 years to Statewide Roads Properties Pty Ltd (SWRP), which is a subsidiary of Statewide Roads Ltd. SWRP subleases parts of the land to McDonalds Family Restaurants, Caltex Oil (Aust.) Pty Ltd and Oak Restaurants.

Page 2103

Financial arrangements require SWRP to pay rent of $50,000 (CPI indexed) to the Roads and Traffic Authority for the first 10 years and then $100,000 per year (CPI indexed) plus additional rental based on gross sales for the following 5 years. Over the final 10 years of the term, SWRP will be required to pay 50 per cent of the net profit of the centres to the Authority. At the end of the 25-year term, ownership of the centres will pass to the Government at no cost to the State. All costs and risks associated with the centres are the responsibility of SWRP. There is no proposal to provide similar facilities on other sections of the Motorway.

*1232 M4 MOTORWAYMAINTENANCE WORK—Mr Amery asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—

(1) Is Statewide Roads contracted to maintain the M4 Motorway out of the toll? (2) Do persons serving community service/weekend detention sentences in the Department of Corrective Services undertake maintenance work along the motorway? (3) If so, are any funds received by the RTAfrom Statewide Roads for the provision of this service?

Answer—

(1) Yes, on the Motorway section between Silverwater Road and James Ruse Drive, and the section between Mays Hill and Prospect. (2) No. However, I understand that Statewide Roads Ltd has an arrangement with the Department of Corrective Services for prisoners to undertake litter collection during the week. (3) No.

*1239 PACIFIC HIGHWAY—NORTHGOSFORD—Mr McBride asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—

With reference to the widening, reconstruction and improvements of intersections on the Pacific Highway between 1.3 km and 7.9 km north of Gosford— (1) How much money has been spent on the roadworks in the 1992/93 financial year so far? (2) How much money does he anticipate will be spent on the roadworks in the rest of the 1992/93 financial year? (3) On what particular works will the money be spent?

(4) (a) Have there been any shortfalls in spending commitments announced in the 1992/93 Budget Capital Works Program? (b) If so: (i) By what amount has there been a shortfall? (ii) Why has there been a shortfall? (iii) What works will not be completed in the 1992/93 financial year as a result of the shortfall? (iv) Does he have any plans to fast-tract work in future years to ensure the road works are completed by the promised date of July 1994? (5) When will the roadworks be completed?

Page 2104

Answer—

(1) and (2) $2.092 million for the financial year 1992/93.

(3) Manns Road Roundabout. Completion of Henry Parry Drive Roundabout. Property Acquisitions. (4) (a) No. (b) Not applicable. (5) Current work will be completed by December 1993.

*1251 DARLING HARBOUR GOODS LINE TRACK REMOVAL—MsNori asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—

(1) Why is the second track on part of the Darling Harbour goods line being removed? (2) Will the track be relaid? (3) If not, why not? (4) If not, how is it proposed to run an effective light rail system if the second track is not relaid?

Answer—

(1) The section of the Darling Harbour line between the Powerhouse Museum (Ultimo) and the Fishmarkets (Western Pyrmont) is being handed over for the development of the Ultimo/Pyrmont Light Rail system, under the Government's City West Redevelopment Project. (2) Yes. (3) Not applicable. (4) Not applicable.

*1255 NEWCASTLE-MAITLAND RAIL SERVICES—Mr Price asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—

(1) Is the State Rail Authority considering removing local passenger services from the Newcastle-Maitland line between 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.? (2) Will there be a reduced frequency timetable serviced by buses, and not necessarily stopping at each railway station on route, implemented? (3) Does the State Rail Authority intend running coal trains and/or general freight on this passenger line during the 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. period?

Answer—

(1) No. (2) Not applicable. (3) There are no alterations proposed to the current arrangements.

Page 2105 13 MAY 1993

(Paper No. 20)

*1268 RAILWAYSTATIONSTAFFING—ELECTORATEOF LIVERPOOL—Mr Anderson asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—

(1) Which railway stations in the electorate of Liverpool will see a reduction in staff as a result of the installation of automatic ticket machines? (2) Where staff are retained, what shifts will they be required to work? (3) Will there be any periods where any station in the electorate of Liverpool will be unattended?

Answer—

(1) and (2) Staff reviews are to be carried out to determine staff levels and shifts required at Liverpool and Warwick Farm Railway Stations. (3) The hours during which stations are currently staffed will not change as a result of the introduction of automatic ticketing. *1271 SOUTH WESTERN SYDNEY AND LIVERPOOL—MENTAL HEALTH FUNDING AND FACILITIES—Mr Anderson asked the Minister for Health—

(1) In 1991/92, did the South Western Sydney Area Health Service (SWSAHS) receive less than $10 million in operating funds to provide Mental Health Services to a population of more than 600,000 people? (2) Why did the Central Sydney Area Health Service receive four times the funding of the SWSAHS to service only 300,000 people? (3) Why did the Northern Sydney Area Health Service receive more than four times the funding of the SWSAHS for approximately the same number of people? (4) Why does the Eastern Sydney Area Health Service receive more funding than SWSAHS for half the number of people? (5) Why does the Western Sydney Area Health Service receive more than three times the funding to SWSAHS for a slightly lesser population? (6) When and how will the above be redressed? (7) When will the Liverpool Mental Health Team be fully staffed to provide a 24-hour per day Mental Health Service? (8) When will the Liverpool Mental Health Team be provided with additional qualified bilingual resources to provide mental health services to the many people of various non-English speaking backgrounds?

Answer—

(1) Yes. The financial allocation to South Western Sydney Area Health Service under Program 2.8 (services mainly for the psychiatrically ill) in 1991/92 was $8.953 million. (2) The allocation to Central Sydney Area Health Service reflects the high morbidity of its population and the cross Area and statewide services provided from facilities such as Rozelle Psychiatric Hospital, Rivendell Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit and the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Psychiatric Unit.

Page 2106

(3) The allocation to Northern Sydney Area Health Service reflects the presence of two psychiatric hospitals within its boundaries and the current out of Area role of these facilities. (4) Eastern Sydney Area Health Service does not receive more than three times the funding of SWSAHS for mental health services. In 1991/92 the allocation to this Area was $13.082 million. The Area's allocation reflects the morbidity of its population and the existence of three hospitals with psychiatric units within its boundaries. It also administers the Neuropsychiatric Institute through Prince Henry Hospital, which provides a statewide service. (5) Western Sydney Area Health Service, in addition to servicing the mental health needs of its population, is funded to provide out of Area services through facilities such as Cumberland Psychiatric Hospital and the Redbank House Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit at Westmead Hospital. (6) The Government acknowledges that it inherited a mental health system with an inequitable distribution of services and resources. The problem is being addressed through the direction of enhancement funds for mental health to under-resourced areas of the State including SWSAHS.

Mental health enhancements to SWSAHS have included: Funding an Area Director of Psychiatry (an academic co-appointment) to provide leadership, to help develop services and to attract high calibre staff to the Area. Funding for the establishment of an Extended Hours Community Mental Health Team in the Area. Funding for the establishment of a Child and Adolescent Community Mental Health service in the Area. Funding for the provision of additional Supported Accommodation for the mentally ill in the Area. Funding for the provision of a work program for the mentally ill in the Area. Funding for the acquisition of a new Community Mental Health Centre in the Area. Funding ($450,000 in 1992/93) for the provision of an extended hours service to the southern zone of the Area. Additional funds will continue to be provided to the Area until its resourcing is brought up to a more appropriate and equitable level. This will be achieved through a redistribution of resources in accordance with Government policy of providing care in the least restrictive environment and is provided for in the State Mental Health Strategic Plan. (7) The Liverpool Community Mental Health extended hours service currently operates to 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekend and public holidays in addition to the inpatient service provided through Macquarie Clinic at Liverpool Hospital. A 24-hour call-back service in community mental health for the Liverpool sector is proposed for 1994/95. (8) The Liverpool Mental Health Team has access to four ethnic health workers and additionally to interpreter services to provide resources to the non-English speaking background clients in mental health. Enhancement to the service will occur during 1993/94 through a proposal for the development of a special team concentrating on mental health problems for people of non- English speaking backgrounds in terms of rehabilitation and those suffering from chronic trauma syndrome. *1273 POLICE SUFFERING NON-FATALGUNSHOT WOUNDS—Mr Anderson asked the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—

(1) What was the name, rank and station or branch of each member of the Police Service suffering a non-fatal gunshot wound between 1 January 1991 and 7 April 1993?

Page 2107 (2) Regarding each incident referred to above: (a) Who was the person who discharged the firearm? (b) Was the person discharging the firearm a member of the NSW Police Service and if so, what was the rank and station or branch of the person? (c) What was the date and location of the incident? (d) Who were the police in charge of any investigation? (e) What was the action taken, if any, and the outcome of any departmental or other proceedings? Answer— (1) (i) Detective Sergeant C. L. McDonald, Major Crime Squad, Region South. (ii) Constable P. B. Johnson, Ashfield Police Station. (iii) PC Constable S. P. Greig, Hornsby Police Station. (iv) Constable 1st Class A. J. Bourke, Frenchs Forest Police Station. (2) Relating to question (1) (i): (a) Mr Jim Tousanis. (b) No. (c) 22 July 1991___Hilton Hotel, Sydney. (d) Detective Senior Sergeant T. Shepherd, Region Crime Squad, South. (e) Armed hold-up investigation___offenders, Jim Tousanis and Fred Abdul Massih, charged___trial date pending. Relating to question (1) (ii): (a) Constable P. B. Johnson. (b) Constable Johnson, Ashfield Police Station. (c) 7 September 1991___Ashfield Police Station. (d) Detective Senior Constable W. Murray, Mount Druitt Police Station. (e) Internal investigation___Constable Johnson was paraded before his District Commander and reminded of his obligations under the provisions of Police Instruction 22.01. No departmental or criminal proceedings were commenced. Relating to question (1) (iii): (a) PC Constable S. P. Greig. (b) PC Constable Greig, Hornsby Police Station. (c) 17 February 1992___Glenorie. (d) Detective Senior Sergeant J. Tripp, Hornsby Police Station. (e) Internal investigation___no discipline action taken. Relating to question (1) (iv): (a) Unknown offender. (b) Unable to determine as at 27 September 1993. (c) 22 June 1992___Frenchs Forest Police Station. (d) Senior Sergeant Dennis O'Toole, Homicide Unit, Major Crime Squad, North Region. (e) Criminal investigation___unfinalised.

Page 2108 *1318 POLICE PURSUANCE OF DIRECTOR OF THE CASINO CONTROL AUTHORITY—Mr Face asked the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—

(1) Did a police officer, Ken Drew, have lunch with the former Director of the Casino Control Division? (2) At that lunch, did Drew intimate to the then Director of the Casino Control Division that he would like to have Sergeant Bob Clark as the Deputy of the Casino Control Authority? (3) Did officer Ken Drew do this with former Police Commissioner Avery's authorisation and knowledge? (4) If not, was he doing this bidding for Sergeant Clark of his own accord? (5) Did Drew tape the conversation? (6) Did the Director of the Casino Control Division at that time approach Assistant Commissioner, Col Cole, with complaints about Bob Clark? (7) Will he instigate inquiries by Police Commissioner Lauer and the Ombudsman into the matter of actions by police against the then Director of the Casino Control Authority as reported to Col Cole and of any action taken or not taken? Answer— (1) Chief Superintendent Drew has reported that an invitation was extended to him by Mr Shields who had been appointed Director of the Casino Control Division of the State Treasury. According to Mr Shields, the meeting was desirable in order to discuss Service co-operation with the Control Division away from office interruption. The Director had previously visited the Commissioner seeking Service co-operation and assistance to the Control Division. As Chief of Staff, Chief Superintendent Drew was left to follow-up and discuss logistics. Chief Superintendent Drew also advised that the lunch took place at the City Tattersalls Club which was equidistant between their offices. It was not in the dining room but in a small bistro area. He does not believe liquor was consumed and the cost was met by Mr Shields. Chief Superintendent Drew further states that he has never been a member of the City Tattersalls Club and as such, could not have been the meeting facilitator. (2) Chief Superintendent Drew denies intimating to Mr Shields that he would like to have Detective Sergeant Clark as the Deputy of the Casino Control Authority. (3) and (4) See answer to question (2). (5) Chief Superintendent Drew has reported that he did not tape the conversation. (6) Assistant Commissioner Col Cole is suspended from duty and is presently suffering an illness which prevents him being interviewed. Accordingly, this question is unable to be answered at this time. (7) The concerns raised in this question have been brought to the attention of Commissioner Lauer. See response to (6).

______Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales