Questions and Answers

1787 PROOF

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

No. 96

TUESDAY 14 AUGUST 2012

(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.)

Notice given on date shown 1788 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

Publication of Questions Answer to be lodged by

Q & A No. 84 (Including Question Nos 1512 to 1520) 26 June 2012

Q & A No. 85 (Including Question Nos 1521 to 1556) 27 June 2012

Q & A No. 86 (Including Question Nos 1557 to 1567) 28 June 2012

Q & A No. 87 (Including Question Nos 1570 to 1571) 03 July 2012

Q & A No. 88 (Including Question Nos 1572 to 1591) 04 July 2012

Q & A No. 89 (Including Question Nos 1592 to 1603) 05 July 2012

Q & A No. 90 (Including Question Nos 1604 to 1629) 17 July 2012

Q & A No. 91 (Including Question Nos 1630 to 1631) 18 July 2012

Q & A No. 92 (Including Question Nos 1632 to 1651) 19 July 2012

Q & A No. 93 (Including Question Nos 1652 to 1665) 24 July 2012

Q & A No. 94 (Including Question Nos 1666 to 1699) 25 July 2012

Q & A No. 95 (Including Question Nos 1700 to 1771) 26 July 2012

Q & A No. 96 (Including Question Nos 1772 to 1888) 18 September 2012 1789 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

22 MAY 2012 (Paper No. 84)

*1512 RESOURCES AND ENERGY—WALLERAWANG POWER STATION—Mr Donnelly asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, Special Minister of State, and Minister for the Central Coast— With respect to the land that is owned by Delta Electricity beneath and around Wallerawang Power Station, including buffer zones and public access areas, how many separate sites are located where asbestos or materials containing asbestos are buried? Answer— Two. One site was closed in the 1960s and the remaining site is managed in accordance with the Contaminated Lands Act. There is no public access to these areas.

*1518 PREMIER—GOVERNMENT'S USER CHARGES POLICY—Mr Primrose asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Premier, and Minister for Western Sydney— (a) Is the Government's User Charges Policy being reviewed by the Department of Premier and Cabinet's Community Engagement and Events Division? (b) If so, when is the review expected to be finalised?

Answer— The Protocol and Special Events branch in the Department of Premier and Cabinet is reviewing the Whole of Government Policy for the Application of User Charges for Major and Special Events and discussions with key stakeholders are ongoing.

*1519 POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES—NSW POLICE FORCE'S USER CHARGES POLICY—Mr Primrose asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice- President of the Executive Council— (1) In 2011, was the Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association levied under the New South Wales Police Force's User Charges Policy? (2) If so, what was the amount of the charges levied on the Association? (3) In 2012, was the Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association levied under the New South Wales Police Force's User Charges Policy? (4) If so, what was the amount of the charges levied on the Association? Answer— The NSW Police Force has advised me that the NSW Police Force's User Charges Policy complies with the NSW Government User Charges Policy which outlines criteria under which exemptions or waivers may be granted by Government agencies. I am advised that the Hawkesbury Agricultural Show has been levied under the NSW Police Force User Charges and Cost Recovery Policy in previous years and provided substantial discounts. The NSW Police Force does not make a profit from this policy and only recovers costs. These charges help to ensure that policing strength is maintained across a Local Area Command during the time an event is being run. Local Area Commanders review each application for policing services for the event and apply the NSW Police Force's User Charges Policy to determine any application from the organisation for a fee exemption or reduction. If the Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association wishes to query a quote received for the policing of their event, they may seek an internal review by writing directly to their NSW Police Force Local Area Commander. 1790 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

*1520 POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES—NSW POLICE FORCE'S CHARGES POLICY—Mr Primrose asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice- President of the Executive Council— (1) In 2011, which agricultural show societies were levied under the New South Wales Police Force's User Charges Policy? (2) What was the amount of the charges levied on each society? (3) In 2012, which agricultural show societies to date have been levied under the New South Wales Police Force's User Charges Policy? (4) What was the amount of the charges levied on each society? Answer— The NSW Police Force has advised me that its User Charges Policy complies with the NSW Government User Charges Policy, which outlines criteria under which exemptions or waivers may be granted by Government agencies. These criteria include whether an event is being run solely for the benefit of a charitable or community organisation. In accordance with this policy, agricultural shows are considered special events and may be considered for an exemption or reduction in user charges fees, depending on an assessment by the relevant Local Area Commander against particular criteria, including whether the event is free of charge to spectators or not.

23 MAY 2012 (Paper No. 85)

*1521 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—YIELD REVIEWS—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Small Business— (1) How frequently are yield reviews of state forests conducted by Forests NSW? (2) What are the 2012⁄2013 predicted yields for the following areas of state forest in New South Wales: (a) Central Region? (b) Northeast Region? (c) Southern Region? (d) Western Region? (3) What is the required yield from each of the following areas of state forest for 2012⁄2013 under the 2004 Wood Supply Agreement: (a) Central Region? (b) Northeast Region? (c) Southern Region? (d) Western Region? (4) What strategies are in place to adjust Wood Supply Agreements in light of yield reviews undertaken by Forests NSW? Answer— (1) As required for internal planning and external reporting purposes. The South Coast, Tumbarumba and Eden were recently reviewed and are available on Forests NSW website. The NSW Auditor General reviewed Forests NSW hardwood yield estimates in 2009 and published the results in its report "Sustaining Native Forest Operations". (2) Yield forecasts are usually modelled over a five year period and are published on Forests NSW website: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au⁄forests⁄management⁄reporting⁄audit. (3) This question cannot be answered in its current form, as there is not one "2004 Wood Supply Agreement" covering these regions. (4) With reference to the regions referred to in Questions (2) and (3), there are no strategies in place to adjust Wood Supply Agreements in light of the yield reviews undertaken by Forests NSW. 1791 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

*1522 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—FORESTS NSW TENDERING PRACTICES—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Small Business— (1) How many harvesting contracts were issued by Forests NSW for the following periods: (a) 2009⁄2010? (b) 2010⁄2011? (c) 2011 to date? (2) Of the harvesting contracts issued by Forests NSW during the following periods, how many were made available for public tender: (a) 2009⁄2010? (b) 2010⁄2011? (c) 2011 to date? (3) Of the harvesting contracts issued by Forests NSW during the following periods, how many were not made available for public tender: (a) 2009⁄2010? (b) 2010⁄2011? (c) 2011 to date? (4) For each of the tenders with harvesting contractors that were not made public between 2009 and 2012, what reasons were given by Forests NSW for awarding the contract without a public call for tender? (5) Of the tenders awarded to contractors over the following periods, how many tenders were awarded to operators working in Tasmania, or to operators who have worked in Tasmania within the last three years: (a) 2009⁄2010? (b) 2010⁄2011? (c) 2011 to date?

Answer— (1) (a) 10 (b) 24 (c) 34 (2) and (3) The majority of harvesting work for Forests NSW was made available through public tender at some stage. Due to reasons outlined in (4) below, the expiry of contracts or the withdrawal of services by contractors does not always coincide with the planned timeframes for tendering. The current harvesting work not under a long-term contract has been tendered recently and letting of contracts is expected by the end of 2012. (4) Forests NSW has over recent years engaged the services of contractors to undertake forest harvesting activities on a short term basis (6 months to 2 years) through direct negotiation. Short term engagement of contractors is essential pending the letting of long-term contracts by tender and has regard to: changing market conditions; required and available contractor capacity; and climatic conditions (ie wet weather). (5) (a) Nil (b) Nil (c) The current tendering processes have not yet been concluded.

*1523 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—FORESTS NSW WOOD SUPPLY AGREEMENTS—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Small Business— (1) Has the dispute between Forests NSW and Boral subsidiaries Duncan's Holdings and Allen Taylor 1792 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

and Company been resolved? (2) If the dispute between Forests NSW and Boral subsidiaries Duncan's Holdings and Allen Taylor and Company has been resolved, was Forests NSW: (a) Found to have breached its Wood Supply Agreement with either or both Duncan's Holdings or Allen Taylor and Company, or with Boral? (b) (i) Required to pay compensation to Duncan's Holdings or Allen Taylor and Company, or to Boral, for not meeting its Wood Supply Agreement? (ii) If so, how much in each case? (iii) If not, why not? (c) (i) Required to pay Duncan's Holdings or Allen Taylor and Company, or Boral, compensation for any other matter? (ii) If so, how much in each case? (iii) If not, why not? (d) (i) Required to deliver the deficit in timber that it owes either or both of the Boral companies, Duncan's Holdings or Allen Taylor and Company, or Boral? (ii) If so, by what date? (iii) If not, why not? (3) If the dispute between Forests NSW and Boral subsidiaries Duncan's Holdings and Allen Taylor and Company has been resolved, to what extent and in what manner was Forests NSW found to have breached its Wood Supply Agreements with any or all of the companies in question? (4) What measures has Forests NSW undertaken to ensure that it meets its Wood Supply Agreements in full for the rest of the period of the Wood Supply Agreements? Answer— (1) to (3) The dispute referred to is subject to arbitration under the Commercial Arbitration Act 2010 and it is not presently appropriate to disclose information in relation to arbitral proceedings. (4) Forests NSW has taken steps to ensure that it continues to have sufficient resources, particularly in terms of staff for planning and contractor capacity for harvesting and haulage, to comply with its contractual obligations.

*1524 POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES—SECURITY INDUSTRY ACT 1997 – POLICIES AND PROCEDURES—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council— (1) What consultation of the Security Industry Act 1997 do government departments undertake when building or installing security infrastructure? (2) What procedures are in place to inform departments and government authorities that they need to comply with the Security Industry Act 1997 when buildings or infrastructure are being commissioned? (3) Are there any reporting requirements regarding compliance with the Security Industry Act 1997 in relation to government buildings or infrastructure? (4) Are there any plans to change government policies and procedures regarding compliance with the Security Industry Act 1997? Answer— I am advised: (1) This is a matter for the individual departments. (2) Information on the requirements of the Security Industry Act 1997 is available on the NSW Police Force's website, under the Security Licensing and Enforcement Directorate's page at www.police.nsw.gov.au. In addition, the Security Industry Act 1997 ('the Act') can be viewed on the NSW Government's legislation website at www.legislation.nsw.gov.au. 1793 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

The Act clearly states that carrying on a 'security activity' includes installing, maintaining, repairing or servicing, by physical or electronic means, any security equipment. Installers of security equipment are required to be licensed under the Act. (3) No. However, under the Security Industry Regulation 2007, when an application for a master licence is made by a government agency or a public authority they must include certain information about the applicant, the person nominated for the licence and businesses related to the security activities to be authorised by the licence. (4) The Security Industry Amendment Bill 2012 was passed by the Parliament on 20 June 2012 and makes changes to the Act.

*1525 POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES—SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT PERIMETER FENCE—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council— (1) Who installed the perimeter fence around Sydney International Airport? (2) What was their Master Security Licence number? (3) How many employees were involved in this job? (4) How many employees had Class 2(e) Security Industry Licences? Answer— These questions are a matter for the relevant Federal authority.

*1526 POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES—ILLAWARRA REGIONAL AIRPORT—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council— (1) Who was responsible for installing the perimeter fence around the Illawarra Regional Airport? (2) What was their Master Security Licence number? (3) How many employees were involved in this job? (4) How many employees had Class 2(e) Security Industry Licences? (5) Were any concerns raised about a section of fencing along Station Street at the time of installation? (6) Is the fencing along Station Street positioned in the 'non-attack' position, in other words facing the wrong direction? (7) What measures have been taken to rectify this error? (8) Are any future changes to this perimeter fence planned? (9) Were the requirements of the Aviation Security Act 2004 met? (10) How much financial assistance was received from the Regional Aircraft Funding Program for these works? Answer— These questions are a matter for the relevant authority.

*1527 POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES—SOUTH NOWRA JAIL PERIMETER FENCE—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice- President of the Executive Council— (1) Who was responsible for installing the perimeter fence around South Nowra Jail? (2) What was their Master Security Industry licence number? (3) How many employees were involved in this job? (4) How many employees had Class 2(e) Security Industry Licences? Answer— I am advised: 1794 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(1) The perimeter fence at the South Coast Correctional Complex was installed by Greg Wheeler Contracting Pty Ltd. (2) The possession of a security industry licence was not a condition for the awarding of the contract to install the perimeter fence. Security Industry licences do not fall within the portfolio of the Minister for Justice. (3) There were approximately 10 employees of Greg Wheeler Contracting Pty Ltd on site during perimeter fence installation. (4) See (2) above.

*1528 POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES—STRATA BUILDING AND SECURITY—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council— (1) What mechanisms are in place to ensure individual strata bodies adhere to the provisions of the Security Industry Act 1997 in the maintenance of common property? (2) Are security companies required to be in possession of a Master Security Industry Licence or a Security Industry Licence as granted by the Security Industry Act 1997 before undertaking work on a strata property? (3) Have any security companies undertaken work for strata bodies when they were not in possession of a Master Security Industry Licence or a Security Industry Licence as granted by the Security Industry Act 1997? Answer— I am advised: (1) Information on the requirements of the Security Industry Act 1997 is available on the NSW Police Force's website, under the Security Licensing and Enforcement Directorate's page. In addition, the Security Industry Act 1997 ('the Act') can be viewed on the NSW Government's legislation website at www.legislation.nsw.gov.au. (2) Yes, if they are undertaking work to install, maintain, repair or service, by physical or electronic means, any security equipment or if they are undertaking work to patrol, protect, watch or guard property. (3) NSW Police is not aware of any such activity.

*1530 TRANSPORT—MARTIN PLACE TRAIN STATION—Ms Faehrmann asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Transport— (1) With regards to the recent works to provide better accessibility to Martin Place train station: (a) What was the total cost of the works? (b) What was the total cost for the installation of lifts?

Answer— I am advised: (1) (a) Approximately $8.5M. (b) Approximately $6.7M.

*1532 PREMIER, WESTERN SYDNEY—JAMES PACKER—Mr Whan asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Premier, and Minister for Western Sydney— In regard to meetings that have occurred since 27 March 2011 between the Premier or representatives of the Premier's Office and James Packer or representatives of Crown Limited: (1) How many meetings have occurred? (2) What were the dates of each of those meetings? 1795 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(3) Who from the Premier's office and other New South Wales Government officials were present at each meeting? Answer— As stated publicly, the Premier met with Mr Packer on 2 March 2012 to discuss his proposal for a world class hotel at Barangaroo.

*1533 ARTS, TOURISM, MAJOR EVENTS, HOSPITALITY AND RACING—JAMES PACKER—Mr Whan asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing, and Minister for the Arts— In regard to meetings that have occurred since 27 March 2011 between the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing or representatives of his office and James Packer or representatives of Crown Limited: (1) How many meetings have occurred? (2) What were the dates of each of those meetings? (3) Who from the Minister's office and other New South Wales Government officials were present at each meeting? Answer— (1) None. (2) See above. (3) See above.

*1534 POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES—CREDIT CARDS—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council— (1) (a) Since 27 March 2011 how many credit cards have been issued to staff in the Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Minister for Hunter's office? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards? (2) (a) How many credit cards are issued to departmental and agency staff within the Minister's portfolio? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards since 27 March 2011? (3) (a) Does the Minister have a department supplied credit card? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on this credit card since 27 March 2011?

Answer— In accordance with the Premier's Circular P1995-09 Corporate Credit Cards - Ministerial Use, Ministers and Ministerial Staff are not issued with corporate credit cards except in the case of overseas travel when temporary cards are issued. This circular is available at http://www.dpc.nsw.gov.au/announcements/ circulars/1995/p1995-09. In relation to departments and agencies, details regarding credit card use can be found using the Treasury publication, Credit Card Use Best Practice Guide; Policy and Guidelines Paper 2005 available at http:// www.treasury.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/3962/tpp05-1.pdf

*1535 FINANCE AND SERVICES, ILLAWARRA—CREDIT CARDS—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra— (1) (a) Since 27 March 2011 how many credit cards have been issued to staff in the Minister for Finance and Services and Minister for the Illawarra's office? 1796 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards? (2) (a) How many credit cards are issued to departmental and agency staff within the Minister's portfolio? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards since 27 March 2011? (3) (a) Does the Minister have a department supplied credit card? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on this credit card since 27 March 2011?

Answer— In accordance with the Premier's Circular P1995-09 Corporate Credit Cards - Ministerial Use, Ministers and Ministerial Staff are not issued with corporate credit cards except in the case of overseas travel when temporary cards are issued. This circular is available at http:⁄ ⁄www.dpc.nsw.gov.au⁄announcements⁄circulars⁄1995⁄p1995-09. In relation to departments and agencies, details regarding credit card use can be found using the Treasury publication, Credit Card Use Best Practice Guide; Policy and Guidelines Paper 2005 available at http:⁄ ⁄www.treasury.nsw.gov.au⁄__data⁄assets⁄pdf_file⁄0020⁄3962⁄tpp05-1.pdf

*1536 PREMIER, WESTERN SYDNEY—CREDIT CARDS—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Premier, and Minister for Western Sydney— (1) (a) Since 27 March 2011 how many credit cards have been issued to staff in the Premier and Minister for Western Sydney's office? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards? (2) (a) How many credit cards are issued to departmental and agency staff in the Premier's portfolio? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards since 27 March 2011? (3) (a) Does the Premier have a department supplied credit card? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on this credit card since 27 March 2011?

*1537 ATTORNEY GENERAL, JUSTICE—CREDIT CARDS—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Attorney General, and Minister for Justice— (1) (a) Since 27 March 2011 how many credit cards have been issued to staff in the Attorney General and Minister for Justice's office? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards? (2) (a) How many credit cards are issued to departmental and agency staff within the Attorney General's portfolios? 1797 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards since 27 March 2011? (3) (a) Does the Attorney General have a department supplied credit card? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on this credit card since 27 March 2011?

*1538 HEALTH, MEDICAL RESEARCH—CREDIT CARDS—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Health, and Minister for Medical Research— (1) (a) Since 27 March 2011 how many credit cards have been issued to staff in the Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research's office? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards? (2) (a) How many credit cards are issued to departmental and agency staff within the Minister's portfolio? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards since 27 March 2011? (3) (a) Does the Minister have a department supplied credit card? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on this credit card since 27 March 2011?

*1539 HEALTHY LIFESTYLES, MENTAL HEALTH—CREDIT CARDS—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Healthy Lifestyles, and Minister for Western New South Wales— (1) (a) Since 27 March 2011 how many credit cards have been issued to staff in the Minister for Mental Health and Minister for Healthy Lifestyles' office? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards? (2) (a) How many credit cards are issued to departmental and agency staff within the Minister's portfolio? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards since 27 March 2011? (3) 1798 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(a) Does the Minister have a department supplied credit card? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on this credit card since 27 March 2011?

*1540 ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS, CITIZENSHIP AND COMMUNITIES—CREDIT CARDS—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Citizenship and Communities, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) (a) Since 27 March 2011 how many credit cards have been issued to staff in the Minister for Citizenship and Communities and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs' office? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards? (2) (a) How many credit cards are issued to departmental and agency staff within the Minister's portfolio? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards since 27 March 2011? (3) (a) Does the Minister have a department supplied credit card? (b) What was the total cost of all transactions made on this credit card since 27 March 2011?

*1541 SPORT AND RECREATION—CREDIT CARDS—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Sport and Recreation— (1) (a) Since 27 March 2011 how many credit cards have been issued to staff in the Minister for Sport and Recreation's office? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards? (2) (a) How many credit cards are issued to departmental and agency staff within the Minister's portfolio? (b) What was the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards since 27 March 2011? (3) (a) Does the Minister have a department supplied credit card? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on this credit card since March 27 2011? 1799 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

*1542 ARTS, TOURISM, MAJOR EVENTS, HOSPITALITY AND RACING—CREDIT CARDS—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing, and Minister for the Arts— (1) (a) Since 27 March 2011 how many credit cards have been issued to staff in the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing and Minister for Arts' office? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards? (2) (a) How many credit cards are issued to departmental and agency staff within the Minister's portfolio? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards since 27 March 2011? (3) (a) Does the Minister have a department supplied credit card? (b) What was the total cost of all transactions made on this credit card since 27 March 2011?

*1543 REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES, TRADE AND INVESTMENT—CREDIT CARDS—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Deputy Premier, Minister for Trade and Investment, and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services— (1) (a) Since 27 March 2011 how many credit cards have been issued to staff in the Minister for Trade and Investment and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services' office? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards? (2) (a) How many credit cards are issued to departmental and agency staff within the Minister's portfolio? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards since 27 March 2011? (3) (a) Does the Minister have a department supplied credit card? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on this credit card since 27 March 2011?

temporary cards are issued. This circular is available at http://www.dpc.nsw.gov.au/announcements/ circulars/1995/p1995-09. In relation to departments and agencies, details regarding credit card use can be found using the Treasury publication, Credit Card Use Best Practice Guide; Policy and Guidelines Paper 2005 available at http:// www.treasury.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/3962/tpp05-1.pdf

*1544 TRANSPORT—CREDIT CARDS—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Transport— (1) (a) Since 27 March 2011 how many credit cards have been issued to staff in the Minister for Transport's office? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards? (2) (a) How many credit cards are issued to departmental and agency staff within the Minister's portfolio? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards since 27 March 2011? (3) (a) Does the Minister have a department supplied credit card? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on this credit card since 27 March 2011?

*1545 EDUCATION—CREDIT CARDS—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— (1) (a) Since 27 March 2011 how many credit cards have been issued to staff in the Minister for Education's office? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards? (2) (a) How many credit cards are issued to departmental and agency staff within the Minister's portfolio? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards since 27 March 2011? (3) (a) Does the Minister have a department supplied credit card? (b) What was the total cost of all transactions made on this credit card since 27 March 2011?

Answer— In accordance with the Premier's Circular P1995-09 Corporate Credit Cards - Ministerial Use, Ministers and Ministerial Staff are not issued with corporate credit cards except in the case of overseas travel when temporary cards are issued. This circular is available at http:⁄ ⁄www.dpc.nsw.gov.au⁄announcements⁄circulars⁄1995⁄p1995-09. In relation to departments and agencies, details regarding credit card use can be found using the Treasury publication, Credit Card Use Best Practice Guide; Policy and Guidelines Paper 2005 available at http:⁄ ⁄www.treasury.nsw.gov.au⁄__data⁄assets⁄pdf_file⁄0020⁄3962⁄tpp05-1.pdf 1801 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

*1546 RESOURCES AND ENERGY—CREDIT CARDS—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, Special Minister of State, and Minister for the Central Coast— (1) (a) Since 27 March 2011 how many credit cards have been issued to staff in the Minister for Resources and Energy's office? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards? (2) (a) How many credit cards are issued to departmental and agency staff within the Minister's portfolio? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards since 27 March 27 2011? (3) (a) Does the Minister have a department supplied credit card? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on this credit card since 27 March 2011?

*1547 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, SMALL BUSINESS—CREDIT CARDS—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Small Business— (1) (a) Since 27 March 2011 how many credit cards have been issued to staff in the Minister for Primary Industries and Minister for Small Businesses' office? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards? (2) (a) How many credit cards are issued to departmental and agency staff within the Minister's portfolio? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards since 27 March 2011? (3) (a) Does the Minister have a department supplied credit card? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on this credit card since 27 March 2011?

Answer— In accordance with the Premier's Circular P1995-09 Corporate Credit Cards - Ministerial Use, Ministers and Ministerial Staff are not issued with corporate credit cards except in the case of overseas travel when temporary cards are issued. This circular is available at http:⁄ ⁄www.dpc.nsw.gov.au⁄announcements⁄circulars⁄1995⁄p1995-09. In relation to departments and agencies, details regarding credit card use can be found using the Treasury publication, Credit Card Use Best Practice Guide; Policy and Guidelines Paper 2005 available at http:⁄ ⁄www.treasury.nsw.gov.au⁄__data⁄assets⁄pdf_file⁄0020⁄3962⁄tpp05-1.pdf

*1548 TREASURER—CREDIT CARDS—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Treasurer— (1) (a) Since 27 March 2011 how many credit cards have been issued to staff in the Treasurer's office? 1802 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards? (2) (a) How many credit cards are issued to departmental and agency staff within the Treasurer's portfolio? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards since 27 March 2011? (3) (a) Does the Treasurer have a department supplied credit card? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on this credit card since 27 March 2011?

Answer— In accordance with the Premier's Circular P1995-09 Corporate Credit Cards - Ministerial Use, Ministers and Ministerial Staff are not issued with corporate credit cards except in the case of overseas travel when temporary cards are issued. This circular is available at http:⁄ ⁄www.dpc.nsw.gov.au⁄announcements⁄circulars⁄1995⁄p1995-09. In relation to departments and agencies, details regarding credit card use can be found using the Treasury publication, Credit Card Use Best Practice Guide; Policy and Guidelines Paper 2005 available at http:⁄ ⁄www.treasury.nsw.gov.au⁄__data⁄assets⁄pdf_file⁄0020⁄3962⁄tpp05-1.pdf

*1549 FAIR TRADING—CREDIT CARDS—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Fair Trading— (1) (a) Since 27 March 2011, how many credit cards have been issued to staff in the Minister for Fair Trading's office? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards? (2) (a) How many credit cards are issued to departmental and agency staff within the Minister's portfolio? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards since 27 March 2011? (3) (a) Does the Minister have a department supplied credit card? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on this credit card since 27 March 2011?

Answer— In accordance with the Premier's Circular P1995-09 Corporate Credit Cards - Ministerial Use, Ministers and Ministerial Staff are not issued with corporate credit cards except in the case of overseas travel when temporary cards are issued. This circular is available at http:⁄ ⁄www.dpc.nsw.gov.au⁄announcements⁄circulars⁄1995⁄p1995-09. In relation to departments and agencies, details regarding credit card use can be found using the Treasury publication, Credit Card Use Best Practice Guide; Policy and Guidelines Paper 2005 available at http:⁄ ⁄www.treasury.nsw.gov.au⁄__data⁄assets⁄pdf_file⁄0020⁄3962⁄tpp05-1.pdf

*1550 ASSISTING THE PREMIER ON INFRASTRUCTURE NSW, PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE—CREDIT CARDS—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Infrastructure NSW— (1) (a) Since 27 March 2011 how many credit cards have been issued to staff in the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and Minister Assisting the Premier on Infrastructure's office? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards? (2) (a) How many credit cards are issued to departmental and agency staff within the Minister's 1803 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

portfolio? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards since 27 March 2011? (3) (a) Does the Minister have a department supplied credit card? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on this credit card since 27 March 2011?

Answer— In accordance with the Premier's Circular P1995-09 Corporate Credit Cards - Ministerial Use, Ministers and Ministerial Staff are not issued with corporate credit cards except in the case of overseas travel when temporary cards are issued. This circular is available at http:⁄ ⁄www.dpc.nsw.gov.au⁄announcements⁄circulars⁄1995⁄p1995-09. In relation to departments and agencies, details regarding credit card use can be found using the Treasury publication, Credit Card Use Best Practice Guide; Policy and Guidelines Paper 2005 available at http:⁄ ⁄www.treasury.nsw.gov.au⁄__data⁄assets⁄pdf_file⁄0020⁄3962⁄tpp05-1.pdf

*1551 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, WOMEN—CREDIT CARDS—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, and Minister for Women— (1) (a) Since 27 March 2011 how many credit cards have been issued to staff in the Minister for Family and Community Services and Minister for Women's office? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards? (2) (a) How many credit cards are issued to departmental and agency staff within the Minister's portfolio? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards since 27 March 2011? (3) (a) Does the Minister have a department supplied credit card? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on this credit card since 27 March 2011?

Answer— In accordance with the Premier's Circular P1995-09 Corporate Credit Cards - Ministerial Use, Ministers and Ministerial Staff are not issued with corporate credit cards except in the case of overseas travel when temporary cards are issued. This circular is available at: www.dpc.nsw.gov.au⁄announcements⁄circulars⁄1995⁄p1995-09 In relation to departments and agencies, details regarding credit card use can be found using the Treasury publication, Credit Card Use Best Practice Guide; Policy and Guidelines Paper 2005 available at: www.treasury.nsw.gov.au⁄__data⁄assets⁄pdf_file⁄0020⁄3962⁄tpp05-1.pdf

*1552 DISABILITY SERVICES—CREDIT CARDS—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Ageing, and Minister for Disability Services— (1) (a) Since 27 March 2011 how many credit cards have been issued to staff in the Minister for Ageing and Minister for Disability Services' office? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards? (2) (a) How many credit cards are issued to departmental and agency staff within the Minister's portfolio? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards since 27 March 2011? (3) 1804 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(a) Does the Minister have a department supplied credit card? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on this credit card since 27 March 2011?

Answer— In accordance with the Premier's Circular P1995-09 Corporate Credit Cards - Ministerial Use, Ministers and Ministerial Staff are not issued with corporate credit cards except in the case of overseas travel when temporary cards are issued. This circular is available at http:⁄ ⁄www.dpc.nsw.gov.au⁄announcements⁄circulars⁄1995⁄p1995-09. In relation to departments and agencies, details regarding credit card use can be found using the Treasury publication, Credit Card Use Best Practice Guide; Policy and Guidelines Paper 2005 available at http:⁄ ⁄www.treasury.nsw.gov.au⁄__data⁄assets⁄pdf_file⁄0020⁄3962⁄tpp05-1.pdf

*1553 ENVIRONMENT, HERITAGE—CREDIT CARDS—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for the Environment, and Minister for Heritage— (1) (a) Since 27 March 2011 how many credit cards have been issued to staff in the Minister for the Environment and Minister for Heritage's office? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards? (2) (a) How many credit cards are issued to departmental and agency staff within the Minister's portfolio? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards since 27 March 2011? (3) (a) Does the Minister have a department supplied credit card? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on this credit card since 27 March 2011?

Answer— I am advised as follows: In accordance with the Premier's Circular P1995-09 Corporate Credit Cards - Ministerial Use, Ministers and Ministerial Staff are not issued with corporate credit cards except in the case of overseas travel when temporary cards are issued. This circular is available at http:⁄ ⁄www.dpc.nsw.gov.au⁄announcements⁄circulars⁄1995⁄p1995-09. In relation to departments and agencies, details regarding credit card use can be found using the Treasury publication, Credit Card Use Best Practice Guide; Policy and Guidelines Paper 2005 available at http:⁄ ⁄www.treasury.nsw.gov.au⁄__data⁄assets⁄pdf_file⁄0020⁄3962⁄tpp05-1.pdf

*1554 LOCAL GOVERNMENT, NORTH COAST—CREDIT CARDS—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Local Government, and Minister for the North Coast— (1) (a) Since 27 March 2011 how many credit cards have been issued to staff in the Minister for Local Government and Minister for the North Coast's office? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards? (2) (a) How many credit cards are issued to departmental and agency staff within the Minister's portfolio? (b) What was the total cost of all transactions made on these credit cards since 27 March 2011? (3) (a) Does the Minister have a department supplied credit card? (b) What is the total cost of all transactions made on this credit card since 27 March 2011? 1805 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

Answer— I provide the following details in response to your questions: In accordance with the Premier's Circular P1995-09 Corporate Credit Cards - Ministerial Use, Ministers and Ministerial Staff are not issued with corporate credit cards except in the case of overseas travel when temporary cards are issued. This circular is available at http:⁄ ⁄www.dpc.nsw.gov.au⁄announcements⁄circulars⁄1995⁄p1995-09 In relation to departments and agencies, details regarding credit card use can be found using the Treasury publication, Credit Card Use Best Practice Guide; Policy and Guidelines Paper 2005 available at http:⁄ ⁄www.treasury.nsw.gov.au⁄__data⁄assets⁄pdf_file⁄0020⁄3962⁄tpp05-1.pdf

*1555 ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS—ABORIGINAL LANGUAGES POLICY STRATEGIC PLAN—Ms Barham asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Citizenship and Communities, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) Have the targets under the NSW Aboriginal Languages Policy Strategic Plan 2006-2010 for increased Aboriginal languages programs in jails and detention centres been achieved? (2) (a) Have the 2010 targets to increase the number of correctional facilities where language and teaching resources are available from ten to twenty been achieved? (b) Has the increase from 25 per cent to 50 per cent of Aboriginal inmates with access to these programs been achieved? (c) If either of these targets have not been achieved, why not?

Answer— Responses to questions (1) and (2) should be referred to my colleague, the Hon Greg Smith MP, Attorney General and Minister for Justice.

*1556 ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS—DUAL NAMING—Ms Barham asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Citizenship and Communities, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) What progress has been made on the dual naming of places and features in New South Wales under the NSW Aboriginal Languages Policy Strategic Plan 2006-2010, specifically the following targets relating to: (a) Increasing the number of places and features to be dual named by the Geographical Names Board to fifty by 2010? (b) Encouraging dual naming by government agencies for Government buildings, public parks, roads and signage? (2) What measures is the Government currently undertaking to promote and support the process of dual naming across all government departments, as outlined in the NSW Aboriginal Languages Policy Strategic Plan 2006-2010? Answer— Responses to questions (1) and (2) should be referred to my colleague, the Hon Greg Pearce MLC, Minister for Finance and Services.

24 MAY 2012 (Paper No. 86)

*1557 LOCAL GOVERNMENT—BOND BANK—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Local Government, and Minister for the North Coast— 1806 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

In its submission to Destination 2036, the United Services Union has called for the creation of a bond bank to enable the "New South Wales local government sector to secure access to long-term private capital to tackle its infrastructure shortfall", has the Government investigated this? Answer— I provide the following details in response to your question: The NSW Government recently established an Independent Local Government Review Panel to review local government in NSW. The Panel's terms of reference require it to investigate and identify options for governance models, structural arrangements and boundary changes, taking into consideration for example the financial sustainability of councils and their ability to deliver efficient services. The Panel's remit is reflected in the Destination 2036 Action Plan. The final Destination 2036 Action Plan was only recently released after taking into account submissions on the draft Action Plan, including that from the United Services Union. Financial sustainability is one of the key directions in the Action Plan. Specific actions in the Plan for which the Panel is responsible for taking forward include (5b) 'examining the current local government revenue system to ensure the system is contemporary, including rating provisions and other revenue options'. This may include consideration of a bond bank. The Plan also includes establishing and implementing the Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme to assist in investment in infrastructure. The Division of Local Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet, is the coordinating agency for this action in the Plan. The Scheme has been established and the application process is well-progressed. The Action Plan also includes the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW being responsible for making representations to the Commonwealth Government to develop coordinated infrastructure strategies and funding.

*1563 HEALTH—PURCHASE OF PHARMACEUTICALS—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Health, and Minister for Medical Research— (1) For each calendar year between 2007 and 2012, what was the total amount of funding spent by each of the following hospitals on purchasing pharmaceuticals: (a) Royal Prince Alfred? (b) Royal North Shore? (c) Prince of Wales Hospital? (d) Sutherland Hospital? (e) Sydney Children's Hospital? (f) Wollongong Hospital? (g) St Vincent's? (h) Liverpool? (i) St George? (j) Westmead? (k) John Hunter? (l) Blacktown? (m) Bankstown Lidcombe? (n) Campbelltown? (o) Newcastle Mater Misericordiae? (2) For each calendar year between 2007 and 2012, what percentage of the budgets for the following hospitals was spent on purchasing pharmaceuticals: (a) Royal Prince Alfred? (b) Royal North Shore? (c) Prince of Wales Hospital? (d) Sutherland Hospital? (e) Sydney Children's Hospital? (f) Wollongong Hospital? (g) St Vincent's? (h) Liverpool? 1807 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(i) St George? (j) Westmead? (k) John Hunter? (l) Blacktown? (m) Bankstown Lidcombe? (n) Campbelltown? (o) Newcastle Mater Misericordiae?

Answer— (1) Expenditure on Drug Supplies is reported each year in the consolidated Financial Statements that are tabled to Parliament by the Ministry of Health for its reporting entities. Drug Supplies are contained at Note 4 of the Financial Statements. Financial statements prepared by Local Health Districts and the former Area Health Services as well as other reporting entities of Health are also tabled in Parliament each year. Expenditure is not reported at hospital level. Affiliated Health Organisations are organisations that are independent of Health and as such, they are not required to report their expenditure to Government. (2) The Ministry's Financial Statements that are tabled each year in Parliament as well as the Financial Statements of Health's reporting entities, including Local Health Districts but excluding Affiliated Health Organisations, also contain detail of total expenditure.

*1564 FINANCE AND SERVICES—REHABILITATION COSTS IN WORKCOVER—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra— (1) How much was paid by the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme for rehabilitation services for injured workers in each of the following financial years: (a) 1997? (b) 1998? (c) 1999? (d) 2000? (e) 2001? (f) 2002? (g) 2003? (h) 2004? (i) 2005? (j) 2006? (k) 2007? (l) 2008? (m) 2009? (n) 2010? (o) 2011 to date? (2) What were return to work rates for injured workers covered by the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme in each of the financial years: (a) 1997? (b) 1998? (c) 1999? (d) 2000? (e) 2001? (f) 2002? (g) 2003? (h) 2004? (i) 2005? 1808 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(j) 2006? (k) 2007? (l) 2008? (m) 2009? (n) 2010? (o) 2011 to date? (3) How much was spent on section 40 assessments in regards to injured workers covered by the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme in each of the financial years: (a) 1997? (b) 1998? (c) 1999? (d) 2000? (e) 2001? (f) 2002? (g) 2003? (h) 2004? (i) 2005? (j) 2006? (k) 2007? (l) 2008? (m) 2009? (n) 2010? (o) 2011 to date? (4) What was the total cost for the provision of services by private insurers as claims managers, agents or providers payable by WorkCover in each of the following financial years: (a) 1997? (b) 1998? (c) 1999? (d) 2000? (e) 2001? (f) 2002? (g) 2003? (h) 2004? (i) 2005? (j) 2006? (k) 2007? (l) 2008? (m) 2009? (n) 2010? (o) 2011 to date?

Answer—

Based on April 2012 data, payments to rehabilitation services and section 40 assessments and the average return to work rate are:

Financial Year 1. Rehabilitation 2. Average Return to 3. Section 40 4. Provision of Services Work Rate Assessments services 1997⁄98 $40,877,670 76.73% Not available until $146,653 2007⁄08^ 1998⁄99 $44,757,620 77.13% $163,400 1809 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

1999⁄00 $45,163,824 76.78% $134,654 2000⁄01 $59,855,373 77.41% $160,903 2001⁄02 $71,576,050 75.72% $214,690 2002⁄03 $89,284,640 72.18% $196,440 2003⁄04 $97,107,639 74.92% $172,392 2004⁄05 $90,255,900 78.78% $331,538 2005⁄06 $77,038,452 85.06% $683,676 2006⁄07 $66,846,860 91.73% $306,997 2007⁄08 $67,847,387 92.18% $4,791,571 $303,697 2008⁄09 $81,139,936 91.79% $5,669,580 $283,357 2009⁄10 $96,805,558 91.25% $6,404,880 $306,767 2010⁄11 $89,541,682 90.56% $6,633,684 $318,046 2011⁄12 $76,764,217* 90.30%* $6,722,316* $271,849** ^ Percentage of major injury claims (ie claims that result in 5 or more days incapacity to work) which returned to work within six months of the injury occurring.^^ Not separately reported until the 2007⁄08 financial year* Part year 1 July 2011 – 30 April 2012 The amounts shown in column four, provisions of services provided by private insurers as claim managers, agents or providers, are determined in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards that applied in the particular years. They relate to when the expense was recognised, NOT when the payment of these expenses was made. In 2005 and prior years, former licensed insurers provided fund management services to the Scheme and the remuneration they earned in respect of those services is included above. With the formation of the New South Wales WorkCover Scheme in 2005 these functions are now undertaken by the WorkCover Authority of New South Wales. Remuneration is partially based on the claims outcomes achieved by the insurers, which can only be accurately determined by the actuaries several years after the claim first arose. Accordingly the amount of expenses shown in the accounts does not just reflect the services provided by the insurers in the financial year shown in the table, but also changes in claims outcomes for prior years that had not previously been expensed. This can cause large fluctuations in expenses shown in the accounts for a particular year. For example the increase in the expenses for the year ended 30 June 2006, was due to additional fees relating to the years 2001 to 2005 and the transition from Licensed Insurers to Scheme Insurance Agents that had not been recognised in prior years.

*1565 FINANCE AND SERVICES—NSW HOUSING-CONTRACTORS—Ms Barham asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra— (1) What was the NSW Housing expenditure on building and maintenance contractors in 2010⁄2011? (2) What funds were budgeted for on building and maintenance contractors in 2011⁄2012? (3) Will the Minister for Finance and Services ensure that maintenance contract work is clarified in the 2012⁄2013 Budget papers? Answer— (1) to (3) Information regarding these items is contained in the Budget papers for that financial year and also in the relevant Family and Community Services (Housing NSW) annual reports.

*1566 LOCAL GOVERNMENT—CHILD CARE SERVICES—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Local Government, and Minister for the North Coast— What measures have been implemented by the O'Farrell Government to assist local councils in the provision of child care services to local communities? Answer— I provide the following details in response to your questions: The NSW Government is committed to improving child care services through genuine partnerships with the Council of Australian Governments, local councils, non-government organisations and private organisations. Under the integrated planning and reporting framework contained in the Local Government Act 1993, all councils in NSW are required to work with residents and State agencies to prepare a long term 1810 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

Community Plan and Resourcing Strategy. This opens the way for important discussions about funding priorities and service levels. As a result, councils in NSW will be better placed to secure Federal and State Government funding⁄resources to either directly or indirectly provide appropriate services tailored to the needs of children and families in their area. The Department of Family and Community Services is the lead agency for administering child care funding and coordinating the provision of services throughout NSW. The Member may therefore also wish to direct her question to the Minister for Family and Community Services, the Hon. Pru Goward MP.

*1567 ENVIRONMENT—MAITLAND CITY COUNCIL—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for the Environment, and Minister for Heritage— In its submission to Destination 2036, Maitland City Council stated that measures proposed to ensure councils' financial sustainability "cannot fully address the funding issues faced by councils across New South Wales", what support has the Minister for the Environment offered to her local council to address the funding issues it faces? Answer— I am advised that in 2011⁄12 financial assistance was provided in the form of waste and sustainability improvement payments through the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), funding through the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) and the Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme, and grants from the Environment Trust. I am further advised that the 2011–13 NSW Heritage Grants program is also providing funding to Council.

29 MAY 2012 (Paper No. 87)

*1571 HEALTH, MEDICAL RESEARCH—OUTSOURCING OF HOSPITAL SERVICES—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Health, and Minister for Medical Research— (1) For each of the following hospitals: (a) Royal Prince Alfred (b) Royal North Shore (c) Prince of Wales Hospital (d) Sutherland Hospital (e) Sydney Children's Hospital (f) Wollongong Hospital (g) St Vincent's (h) Liverpool (i) St George (j) Westmead (k) John Hunter (l) Blacktown (m) Bankstown Lidcombe (n) Campbelltown (o) Newcastle Mater Misericordiae, which private cleaning companies provide services including: (i) names of each of the private companies and their subcontractors? (ii) the total number of cleaning staff provided by private cleaning companies? (iii) the nature of the tasks and services provided by the private cleaning companies and their 1811 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

staff?

Answer— Local Health Districts ensure cleaning services at public hospitals meet all necessary hygiene standards. Generally cleaning contracts reflect desired services and do not stipulate staffing levels. The Ministry of Health does not centrally collate the level of information requested by the Member. All Local Health Districts use a standard proforma when preparing their financial statements. Information on cleaning is detailed under "Other Operating Expenses" in the financial statements of the respective Local Health District. The NSW Health Annual Report is available on the NSW Health website: www.health.nsw.gov.au

30 MAY 2012 (Paper No. 88)

*1572 TRADE AND INVESTMENT—REGIONAL RELOCATION GRANT SCHEME—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Deputy Premier, Minister for Trade and Investment, and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services— (1) What is the actual expenditure to date for the 2011⁄2012 financial year for promotion and advertising of the Regional Relocation Grant scheme? Answer— NSW Government advertising expenditure and reporting is available through the Department of Premier and Cabinet's Strategic Communications website.

*1573 RESOURCES AND ENERGY—DOYLES CREEK MINING EXPLORATION LICENCE—Mr Buckingham asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, Special Minister of State, and Minister for the Central Coast— (1) In relation to the Doyles Creek Mining's exploration licence 7270: (a) Is the $250,000 as required by special condition 56(b) of coal exploration licence 7270 being paid to the NSW Institute for Frontier Geosciences? (b) If so: (i) Is it being paid through the Department of Primary Industries as required in the exploration licence condition, or is it being paid directly to the Institute? (ii) How was it determined that this payment would be directed to the Institute for Frontier Geoscience as opposed to the InstItute for Carbon Sequestration as required by the licence? (iii) Is there a formal agreement between the Department of Primary Industries and Doyles Creek Mining or has there been an amendment to the exploration licence? (iv) How was this decision communicated to the parties involved? (c) If there has been no alteration to the licence conditions or an agreement for this change, is Doyles Creek Mining complying with its exploration licence conditions?

Answer— (1) (a)-(c) The payment has been made directly to Newcastle University since 2009.

*1574 RESOURCES AND ENERGY—INSTITUTE OF FRONTIER GEOSCIENCES—Mr Buckingham asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, Special Minister of State, and Minister for the Central Coast— (1) Is Mr Brad Mullard's position as the Chair of the Governance Board of the Institute of Frontier Geosciences a function of his professional position, or does he fill that role in a private capacity? (2) Is Mr Brad Mullard paid in relation to his position as the Chair of the Governance Board of the Institute of Frontier Geosciences? 1812 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(3) What agreements exist between the Department of Primary Industries and either the Institute of Frontier Geosciences or the University of Newcastle in relation to the Institute of Frontier Geosciences? (4) What monies have been paid by the Department of Primary Industries either directly to the Institute of Frontier Geosciences or to the University of Newcastle in relation to either: (a) an Insitute for Carbon Sequestration? (b) the Institute for Frontier Geosciences?

Answer— (1) Mr Mullard is Chair of the Advisory Committee not the Governance Board. Mr Mullard's position is a function of his professional position. (2) No. (3) There is a Funding Agreement in place between the Department of Primary Industries and the University of Newcastle. (4) (a) Nil (b) $1 million.

*1575 REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES, TRADE AND INVESTMENT—CANNES FILM FESTIVAL—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Deputy Premier, Minister for Trade and Investment, and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services— (1) (a) Since 1 April 2011, how many staff of Screen NSW, Sydney Film Festival, other government agencies or government staff travelled on overseas trips to attend film festivals and other film events? (b) What was the total cost of those trips? (c) (i) Did any staff attend the 2012 Cannes Film Festival? (ii) If so, what was the total cost of the trips, including airfare and accommodation?

Answer— The Sydney Film Festival (SFF) is a company limited by guarantee, not a government agency. The NSW Government provides grants funding for the operations of the SFF. Like other arts organisations funded by Arts NSW, the Government does not approve travel for staff of the SFF. All expenses for Screen NSW, including travel and accommodation, are listed in the Screen NSW annual report.

*1576 ENVIRONMENT, HERITAGE—KOALA INTERPRETATION CENTRE—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for the Environment, and Minister for Heritage— (1) How much has the Government set aside to fund a koala interpretation centre as advocated by the Member for Wollondilly in the Dharawal National Park? (2) What is the timetable for its completion? (3) How much is the Government spending on koala protection in the Dharawal National Park area and surrounds? (4) Since 31 March 2011, how much has the Government spent on koala protection in the Dharawal National Park, its surrounds and the Campbelltown City Council area? Answer— I am advised as follows: (1) Proposals from the community for facilities in the park will be considered as part of the plan of management process. 1813 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(2) See above. (3) The Government has committed $1 million over four years for the management of Dharawal National Park. This includes the management of fire, pests and weeds which contributes to the protection of koalas. (4) Expenditure on fire management and regulation of vehicle access and dogs averages around $30,000 annually.

*1577 ARTS, TOURISM, MAJOR EVENTS, HOSPITALITY AND RACING—KOALA INTERPRETATION CENTRE—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing, and Minister for the Arts— (1) How much has the Government set aside to fund a koala interpretation centre as advocated by the Member for Wollondilly in the Dharawal National Park? (2) What is the timetable for its completion? (3) What is the proposed location for the koala interpretation centre? Answer— (1) This question should be directed to the Minister for the Environment. (2) As above. (3) As above.

*1578 ARTS, TOURISM, MAJOR EVENTS, HOSPITALITY AND RACING—THE BIG KOALA—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice- President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing, and Minister for the Arts— (1) (a) Does the Government have any plans to support the creation of a "big koala" in Campbelltown as proposed by Campbelltown City Councillor Sue Dobson which will be similar to the Big Banana or Big Golden Guitar? (b) If so: (i) when will the "big koala" be constructed? (ii) how much will construction of the "big koala" cost? (iii) how will construction of the "big koala" be funded?

Answer— (1) Destination NSW does not operate funding programs through which funding could be provided for projects of this type. (2) Not applicable. (3) Not applicable.

*1579 POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES—POLICE TASERS—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council— (1) (a) Since 1 April 2011, what was the age of the oldest person to be tasered by the NSW Police Force? (b) Where did it occur? (c) When did it occur? (d) Was the person male or female? (e) Was that person injured? (f) After the incident, was the person charged with an offence? (g) If so, which offence? 1814 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(2) (a) Since 1 April 2011, how many people under the age of 16 have been tasered in New South Wales by the NSW Police Force? (b) What is the breakdown by sex? (c) Since 1 April 2011, what was the age of the youngest person to be tasered? (d) Where did the incident occur? (e) When did the incident occur? (f) Was that person male or female? (g) Was that person injured? (h) After the incident, was the person charged with an offence? (i) If so, what offence? (3) How many students, staff or others have been tasered in schools or school grounds? (4) How many students, staff or others have been tasered in TAFEs, universities or their grounds? Answer— I am advised that police information systems are operational, not statistical. The information requested by the Honourable Member is not readily available and its extraction would represent an unreasonable diversion of resources from frontline policing.

*1580 FINANCE AND SERVICES—REGIONAL RELOCATION GRANT SCHEME—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra— What is the actual expenditure to date for the 2011⁄12 financial year for promotion and advertising of the Regional Relocation Grant scheme? Answer— Any promotion undertaken by the Office of State Revenue has been conducted as part of its routine communication with key stakeholders, through electronic newsletters and via information and fact sheets published on its website. OSR also participated in a country and regional living expo in August 2011 which provided an opportunity to promote the Regional Relocation Scheme. The Department of Finance and Services has not undertaken any paid advertising or public awareness campaigns to promote the Regional Relocation Grant Scheme.

*1581 FINANCE AND SERVICES—PAYROLL TAX REBATE SCHEME (JOBS ACTION PLAN)—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra— What is the actual expenditure to date for the 2011⁄12 financial year for promotion and advertising of the Payroll Tax Rebate Scheme (Jobs Action Plan)? Answer— Any promotion undertaken by the Office of State Revenue has been conducted as part of its routine communication with key stakeholders, through electronic newsletters and via information and fact sheets published on its website. OSR also participated in a country and regional living expo in August 2011 which provided an opportunity to promote the Jobs Action Plan. The Department of Finance and Services has not undertaken any paid advertising or public awareness campaigns to promote the Payroll Tax Rebate Scheme (Jobs Action Plan).

*1582 FINANCE AND SERVICES—PAYROLL TAX REBATE SCHEME (DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT) —Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra— What is the actual expenditure to date for the 2011⁄12 financial year for promotion and advertising of the Payroll Tax Rebate Scheme (Disability Employment)? Answer— Any promotion undertaken has been conducted as part of the Office of State Revenue's routine communication with key stakeholders, through electronic newsletters and via information and fact sheets published on its website. 1815 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

The Department of Finance and Services has not undertaken any paid advertising or public awareness campaigns to promote the Payroll Tax Rebate Scheme for Disability Employment.

*1583 TRADE AND INVESTMENT—PAYROLL TAX REBATE SCHEME (JOBS ACTION PLAN)—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Deputy Premier, Minister for Trade and Investment, and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services— (1) What is the actual expenditure to date for the 2011⁄2012 financial year for promotion and advertising of the Payroll Tax Rebate Scheme (Jobs Action Plan)? Answer— Nil.

*1584 TRADE AND INVESTMENT—PAYROLL TAX REBATE SCHEME (DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT) —Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Deputy Premier, Minister for Trade and Investment, and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services— (1) What is the actual expenditure to date for the 2011⁄2012 financial year for promotion and advertising of the Payroll Tax Rebate Scheme (Disability Employment)? Answer— Nil.

*1585 WOMEN—LOCAL GOVERNMENT GRANTS—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, and Minister for Women— In its submission to Destination 2036, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal called on the Government to "allow smaller councils to access staff with particular skills in grants applications". (1) What assistance is available to smaller councils to access staff with particular skills in grants applications? (a) Was this assistance available during the application process for local government grants for International Women's Day? (b) If not, why not?

Answer— (1) Destination 2036 is the responsibility of the Minister for Local Government, therefore any questions should be referred to the Minister for a response. (a) and (b) International Women's Day grants closed on 10 February 2012, prior to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal submitting its response on Destination 2036.

*1586 LOCAL GOVERNMENT, NORTH COAST—LOCAL GOVERNMENT GRANTS—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Local Government, and Minister for the North Coast— In its submission to Destination 2036, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal called on the Government to "allow smaller councils to access staff with particular skills in grants applications". (1) What assistance is available to smaller councils to access staff with particular skills in grants applications? (a) Was this assistance available during the application process for local government grants for International Women's Day? (b) If not, why not? (2) Will the assistance be available to councils for future grants applications? Answer— I provide the following details in response to your questions: 1816 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(1) The Division of Local Government does not collect this information. I note that the final Destination 2036 Action Plan, which was released recently, includes a key action to enhance skills in rural and regional councils to better ensure that they secure grant funding from other levels of Government. Local Government Managers Australia (NSW) is the agency responsible for taking this action forward. The Implementation Steering Committee, chaired by the Chief Executive of the Division, will be monitoring progress on the implementation of the Action Plan and quarterly progress reports will be placed on the Division's website. (a) As this grants program is administered by the Office for Women's Policy, this question should be directed to the Minister for Women. (b) See response to previous question. (2) This is a matter for those Ministers who administer application-based grants programs for which local councils are eligible.

*1587 LOCAL GOVERNMENT, NORTH COAST—DESTINATION 2036—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Local Government, and Minister for the North Coast— (1) In its submission to Destination 2036, Marrickville Council has suggested that the Draft Action Plan could be improved by considering and making explicit "the role of engaging and working in partnership with the community in each of the Strategic Directions." (a) Will the Draft Action Plan be amended to address the suggestion raised by Marrickville Council in its submission? (b) If not, why not?

Answer— I provide the following details in response to your questions: The recently released final Destination 2036 Action Plan confirms my commitment to involving all interested stakeholders, including community members, in implementing the actions in the Action Plan. The Action Plan requires each agency responsible for progressing an action to develop a project plan. Project plans will be considered by the Implementation Steering Committee, chaired by the Chief Executive of the Division of Local Government, which will oversee the implementation of the Action Plan. Project plans, are to include, amongst other things, how stakeholders are to be engaged.

*1588 LOCAL GOVERNMENT, NORTH COAST—DESTINATION 2036—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Local Government, and Minister for the North Coast— (1) In its submission to Destination 2036, Blayney Shire Council notes that the Draft Action Plan "places heavy emphasis on the role of Regional Organisations of Councils as organisations that could act on behalf of its member councils...There needs to be caution to ensure that individual councils do not see this activity as a de facto amalgamation arrangement." (a) Will the Draft Action Plan be amended to address this concern raised by Blayney Shire Council in its submission? (b) If not, why not?

Answer— I provide the following details in response to your questions: I have stated publicly that I see the role of Regional Organisations of Councils (ROCs) as being complementary to local councils rather than an alternative. I see ROCs as having the potential to help councils become more efficient and as a way to make sure we don't keep reinventing the wheel 152 times over. The feedback from councils on the draft Destination 2036 Action Plan generally supports this view. The recently released final Destination 2036 Action Plan includes a key action to develop options and models to enhance collaboration on a regional basis through ROCs. 1817 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

As you are aware, the Government has established an Independent Local Government Review Panel to identify options to improve the effectiveness of local government in NSW. As the action relating to ROCs is relevant to the Panel's terms of reference, it has been referred to the Panel to take forward. The Review Panel will consult widely with the local government sector, the broader community and other key stakeholders. Blayney Shire Council is encouraged to participate in Panel consultation processes.

*1589 LOCAL GOVERNMENT, NORTH COAST—DESTINATION 2036—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Local Government, and Minister for the North Coast— (1) In its submission to Destination 2036, Marrickville Council has suggested that the Draft Action Plan could be improved by standardising "IT platforms, protocols, operational measures and community wellbeing indicators across the sector." (a) Will the Draft Action Plan be amended to standaradised "IT platforms, protocols, operational measures and community wellbeing indicators across the sector", as suggested by Marrickville Council in its submission? (b) If not, why not?

Answer— I provide the following details in response to your questions: 1.1 The final Destination 2036 Action Plan, released recently, does not include the suggestion from Marrickville Council. 1.2 Feedback on the draft Destination 2036 Action Plan was considered by the Implementation Steering Committee, established to oversee the development and implementation of the Action Plan. This was a decision of the Implementation Steering Committee.

*1590 LOCAL GOVERNMENT, NORTH COAST—DESTINATION 2036—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Local Government, and Minister for the North Coast— (1) In its submission to Destination 2036, Marrickville Council states that the focus of the Draft Action Plan "is on Council operations, for example to focus Strategic Direction 2(Quality Governance) only on corporate governance reform without any consideration of the essential linkages between governance, the democratic relationship between local governments and their citizens, and the ways local governments engage with and respond to their communities is limiting the possibilities for real reform." (a) Will the Draft Action Plan be expanded to address the concerns raised by Marrickville Council in its submission? (b) If not, why not?

Answer— I provide the following details in response to your questions: The final Destination 2036 Action Plan, under the Quality Governance Direction, states that governance includes how community members and stakeholders have their say in such decisions (p22). This Direction is linked with the Appropriate Structures Direction which includes a key action to examine the pros and cons of alternative governance models. The Independent Local Government Review Panel, established to identify options to improve the effectiveness of local government in NSW, is responsible for taking this action forward. I expect that this will include examining the relationship between councils and their communities, including identifying options to improve community engagement.

*1591 LOCAL GOVERNMENT, NORTH COAST—DESTINATION 2036—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Local Government, and Minister for the North Coast— (1) In its submission to Destination 2036, Mid-Western Regional Council stated that the Draft Action Plan "has not delivered strongly enough to support local government for better funding, particularly 1818 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

in regard to the large scale infrastructure developments in the State. Mining, power projects, wind farms and other large scale State significant projects do not contribute fairly or equally to local infrastructure upgrades that are needed as a direct result or impact of their establishment in a region." (a) What Government support is available to local councils required to deliver local infrastructure upgrades as a result of large scale State significant infrastructure developments? (b) (i) Has the Minister met with representatives from Mid-Western regional Council to discuss the concerns raised regarding local infrastructure? (ii) If not, will the Minister meet with representatives?

Answer— I provide the following details in response to your questions: 1. It is acknowledged that there are infrastructure challenges facing Mid-Western Regional Council consistent with many other councils and communities throughout NSW. As part of 'NSW 2021', the Government has established the Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme which provides interest subsidies to councils to enable them to fund the infrastructure backlog in their area. While this program is aimed at infrastructure backlog, there is also support for asset growth provided for infrastructure across the State. The Integrated Planning and Reporting framework aims to improve councils' long-term strategic, financial and asset management planning. It requires councils to discuss with their communities funding priorities and service levels, and to plan in partnership for a more sustainable future. 2.1 A meeting was held with Mid-Western Regional Council in March 2012 to discuss infrastructure and resource pressures faced by the Council due to current and projected high growth arising from mining activity. 2.2 See 2.1

31 MAY 2012 (Paper No. 89)

*1592 POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES—ELECTRONIC TAGGING DEVICE—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council— (1) How many electronic ankle tagging bracelets are currently in use in New South Wales in the criminal justice system? (2) How many electronic ankle tagging bracelets are currently used by the NSW Police Force? (3) How many electronic ankle tagging bracelets are used under the direction, control or supervision of the NSW Police Force? (4) Who provides these bracelets? (5) (a) Does the Government have a contract with the company⁄companies providing these bracelets? (b) If so: (i) When was this contract(s) entered in to? (ii) Was there a public tender for these contracts? (iii) When do the contracts conclude? (c) If not, how is the provision of these bracelets regulated? (6) What is the estimated cost per day of electronic ankle tagging bracelets met by the Government or Agencies? (7) What is the estimated cost per day of electronic ankle tagging bracelets met by the person who wears the ankle bracelet? (8) What is the average time that a person is required to wear such a bracelet? (9) What is the monitoring process for each electronic ankle tagging bracelet? (10) 1819 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(a) Have concerns been raised about malfunction or inadequate operation of these bracelets? (b) If so: (i) When? (ii) By whom? (iii) What was the nature of the malfunction or inadequate operation? (iv) What steps have been taken to address these concerns?

Answer— The NSW Police Force has advised me that it is not responsible for electronic monitoring and suggests that the Community Compliance Monitoring Group in the Department of Corrective Services may be able to provide advice on the use of these devices. I suggest the Member redirect his question to the Attorney General and Minister for Justice.

*1593 JUSTICE—ELECTRONIC TRACKING BRACELETS—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Attorney General, and Minister for Justice— (1) How many electronic ankle tagging bracelets are currently in use in New South Wales in the criminal justice system? (2) Where are these bracelets currently being used? (3) Who provides these bracelets? (4) (a) Does the Government have a contract with the company⁄companies providing these bracelets? (b) If so: (i) When was this contract(s) entered in to? (ii) Was there a public tender for these contracts? (iii) When do the contracts conclude? (c) If not, how is the provision of these bracelets regulated? (5) What is the estimated cost per day of electronic ankle tagging bracelets met by the Government or Agencies? (6) What is the estimated cost per day of electronic ankle tagging bracelets met by the person who wears the ankle bracelet? (7) What is the average time that a person is required to wear such a bracelet? (8) What is the monitoring process for each electronic ankle tagging bracelet? (9) (a) Have concerns been raised about malfunction or inadequate operation of these bracelets? (b) If so: (i) When? (ii) By whom? (iii) What was the nature of the malfunction or inadequate operation? (iv) What steps have been taken to address these concerns?

Answer— I am advised: (1) As at 1 June 2012, there were 391 offenders fitted with ankle bracelets monitored by Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW). (2) See table: Type of offender Number of offenders Metropolitan area Regional areas Home detention 76 52 24 Intensive correction order 16 9 7 Extended supervision ⁄ 38 37 1 parole order 1820 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

External leave program 261 247 14 Totals: 391 345 46 . (3) Bracelets are supplied by Abakus Elmotech Pty Ltd (4) (a) Yes. (b) (i) A 3 year contract (with 2 options to extend) commenced on 15 December 2008, and was extended for one year on 15 December 2011. (ii) Yes. The contract was organised by the State Contracts Control Board. (iii) The current contract concludes on 14 December 2012 but allows for a further extension of up to 12 months. (c) Not applicable. (5) The purchase price of a bracelet is $780 (excluding GST). There is a daily maintenance cost of $0.56 per day per bracelet. In addition, it is necessary to purchase items to fit and maintain the bracelets, such as replacement straps, strap holders, electronic keys, clips and pliers. In the 2011-2012 financial year, the cost of consumable items averaged $70.88 per day for all bracelets supplied. (6) Offenders subject to community based orders are not charged a cost for the bracelet. Inmates who wear a bracelet on the external leave program are required to contribute $38.50 per week towards the cost of the bracelet. (7) The period each offender is required to wear a bracelet varies according to the sentence imposed and (in the case of intensive correction orders and parole orders) the assessed risk level and the offender's compliance record. Home detention orders may not exceed 18 months and the offender will wear the bracelet for the entire length of the order. Offenders serving intensive correction orders wear a bracelet while on level 1 supervision, which to date has averaged up to 6 weeks; and may be required to wear a bracelet while on level 2 supervision. Extended supervision orders may not exceed 5 years, but may be renewed. Inmates may participate in the External Leave Program for periods from 3 months to 18 months depending on total sentence length. (8) The bracelet may be used alone or in conjunction with a Data Collection Unit (DCU) installed in the offender's home. The DCU communicates to a central monitoring system via a telephone (landline or cellular) and records the offender's movements via radio frequency transmissions. Officers from the Community Compliance and Monitoring Group (CCMG) also conduct compliance checking on a 24 hour, 7 day per week basis to ensure offenders are abiding by the conditions of their order. These checks may occur via face-to-face contact, sighting of the offender, electronic detection of the bracelet fitted to the offender or telephone contact. All Home Detention offenders wear a bracelet that is used in conjunction with a DCU, while offenders on intensive correction orders level 1 supervision must wear a bracelet to be used alone or in conjunction with a DCU installed in the offender's home. Extended supervision order and parole order offenders wear a bracelet that is used in conjunction with a DCU. These offenders may also be required to carry a Global Positioning System (GPS) Unit when they leave their residence to track their location and ensure compliance with approved activities. Inmates required to wear a bracelet are subject to compliance checking whilst absent from their correctional centre. Whilst on approved day or weekend leave, the inmate may also be monitored by a DCU installed in the sponsor's home. (9) (a) CSNSW is aware of the limitations of the bracelets, however the limitations are manageable. (b) The limitations of, and the malfunctions associated with, the GPS equipment have been reported to the supplier. CSNSW has minimised these issues by implementing special operating procedures and guidelines, and by facilitating monitoring services on a 24 hour, 7 day per week basis. 1821 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

*1594 ROADS AND PORTS—M2 DUST PREVENTION—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Roads and Ports— (1) What items of personal safety equipment are issued to people working on the widening of the M2 motorway? (2) Which items of personal safety equipment are mandatory for workers on the M2 motorway widening to wear onsite? (3) Which items of personal safety equipment issued to workers on the M2 widening project are worn at the discretion of individual workers? (4) What items of personal safety equipment issued to workers on the M2 are provided specifically to protect against dust by demolition and excavation? (5) What information and education sessions have been conducted to educate workers about the health risks assciated with inhaling dust from: (a) sandstone grinding and drilling? (b) concrete cutting and demolition? (6) What measures have been taken during the M2 widening to minimise the amount of dust created by vehicles and excavation equipment while drilling and grinding sandstone? (7) What measures have been taken during the M2 widening to minimise the spread of dust created by vehicles and excavation equipment while cutting and demolishing concrete structures? (8) What monitoring procedures are in place to detect and measure the amount of dust and particulate matter created by excavation and demolition associated with the widening of the M2 motorway? (9) How many times have excess levels of dust or particulate matter been detected on or around the site of the M2 widening since work on the widening began? (10) What action was taken to address excess levels of dust or particulate matter as a result of work on the widening of the M2? (11) How many complaints about dust have been received from residents by the Roads and Traffic Authority as a result of the widening of the M2 motorway? (12) What actions have been taken by the Roads and Traffic Authority as a result of complaints from residents about dust as a result of the M2 widening? Answer— I am advised: (1) The following items of personal safety equipment are issued to the workers on the M2 Upgrade project: * Safety helmet. * Safety glasses. * Steel capped ankle high lace up safety boots. * High visibility clothing. * Long sleeve shirts. * Long trousers. * Gloves as required. * Wet weather clothing as required. * Hearing protection where required. * Dust masks and other breathing apparatus where required. * Other equipment as required by safe work method statements (2) All items listed in (1) above are mandatory for workers on the M2 Upgrade project to wear onsite. (3) None of the issued items. (4) The following items of personal safety equipment are issued for protection against dust by demolition and excavation: * Dust masks and other breathing apparatus where required. 1822 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

* Other equipment as required by safe work method statements. (5) Project wide meetings and toolbox talks have been undertaken specifically about the health effects of dust inhalation from sandstone grinding and drilling, concrete cutting and demolition, and how the project and workers are to eliminate and⁄or control the risk of inhalation. (6) The M2 Upgrade Air Quality Management Sub Plan, which is part of the Construction Environmental Management Plan for the project, details how the contractor manages its works to minimise the generation of dust. This document is available on the project website at www.hillsm2upgrade.com.au. (7) Same as (6) above. (8) The M2 Upgrade Air Quality Management Sub Plan details the monitoring procedures (9) Dust from construction activities is visually monitored on a daily basis by construction supervisors and environmental officers throughout the project. Where high levels of dust are identified, measures to minimise dust generation are immediately implemented or, if this is not possible, the construction activity is immediately stopped until the appropriate measures are in place. The dust deposition gauges (DDGs) measure average monthly dust levels. DDG readings taken prior to the construction of M2 upgrade works indicated that the background average monthly dust levels exceeded the Government's target dust level of 4g⁄m2⁄month. This is not uncommon in the Sydney Basin where background levels are elevated due to a range of industry and land use practices. Thus the DDG readings taken during the construction period are of limited use in managing dust on a daily basis. (10) Where concerns are received regarding dust, the project team would: * review the activities that may have resulted in the dust complaint. * review what plant and equipment was being used. * review contributing meteorological conditions. * review dust mitigation and suppression measures. * consider alternative methodology and equipment to minimise dust. * consider additional measures that could be employed to further minimise dust going forward. If the review identifies any necessary improvements, these improvements will be implemented and then applied to other similar activities where appropriate. Updated dust awareness and mitigation training sessions will also be undertaken. (11) Seventeen dust complaints have been received since construction commenced on the project in January 2011. (12) See (10) above.

*1595 HEALTH, MEDICAL RESEARCH—COWRA HEALTH SERVICE—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Health, and Minister for Medical Research— (1) Is the Minister aware of community concern regarding the need for an additional full-time oncology nurse at Cowra Health Service? (2) (a) Are there plans to provide an additional full time oncology nurse at Cowra Health Service? (b) If so, when? (3) What is the projected cost to provide an additional fulltime oncology nurse at Cowra Health Service? Answer— I am advised by the Minister for Health and Medical Research: (1) to (3) Cowra Health Service currently provides an Oncology Outreach chemotherapy service under the direction of Orange Oncology Clinic. The service is co-ordinated by a locally based Community Nurse (CNS1) who is Oncology trained and accredited to administer chemotherapy. The Western NSW 1823 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

Local Health District is reviewing its oncology services plans and will make any further decisions about how best to continue to provide care to the people in the district.

*1596 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES—HOUSING WAITING LISTS—Ms Barham asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, and Minister for Women— (1) Are people on the waiting list for housing required to reapply in order to retain their position on the waiting list? (a) If so: (i) How often are they required to reapply? (ii) What are the consequences if people fail to reapply? (iii) What steps are taken by the Department to notify people that they need to reapply?

Answer— The NSW Government inherited Labor's housing waiting list of around 53,000 people. Social housing is a significant benefit for tenants. Applicants who do not keep their contact details up to date and do not respond to a request for updated contact details from Housing NSW or a community housing provider participating in Housing Pathways will be removed from the NSW Housing Register. This reform improves services by rewarding applicants who do the right thing. There is now a greater focus on the personal obligations of applicants to keep their contact details up to date on the NSW Housing Register. This is similar to the obligation of keeping personal details up to date with their bank, Centrelink, Medicare or any other service. Housing NSW officers contact people on the NSW Housing Register at least once a year to confirm that they still want to remain on the waiting list to receive social housing offers. If people do not respond to attempts to contact them, their name is removed from the Register. Applicants who are taken off the NSW Housing Register are formally advised by Housing NSW that they will need to reapply with a new application unless they can provide a valid reason as to why they were unable to reply to requests for contact at the time.

*1597 HEALTH, MEDICAL RESEARCH—GENERAL PRACTITIONER SHORTAGES—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Health, and Minister for Medical Research— (1) Does the NSW Department of Health maintain records of General Practitioner shortages in New South Wales? (2) What is the process for determining the number of General Practitioners required to adequately service a population? (3) (a) Is there a publically available list of General Practitioner vacancies in rural and regional New South Wales? (i) If so, how can members of the public access the information? (ii) If not, please provide a list of General Practitioner vacancies in rural New South Wales?

Answer— I am advised by the Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research: I am advised: (1) to (3) The Commonwealth Department of Health & Ageing is responsible for determining the population's need for General Practitioners. The NSW Ministry of Health maintains a list of vacant General Practitioner positions in rural and regional NSW that have been determined as an Area of Need by the Ministry. This list is available on the NSW Health's website: http:⁄⁄www.health.nsw.gov.au⁄aon⁄positions⁄gp_other.asp 1824 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

The NSW Rural Doctors Network maintains a list of General Practitioner vacancies in rural and regional NSW, including those that have not been determined as an Area of Need. The vacancy list is available on the Network's website: http:⁄⁄www.nswrdn.com.au⁄site⁄ index.cfm?display=57781

*1598 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—PIPIS MORATORIUM—Ms Faehrmann asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Small Business— (1) (a) During the official moratorium period for harvesting pipis ending 1 June 2012, how many official surveys were conducted by the Department of Primary Industries to establish pipi numbers on surf beaches on New South Wales? (b) If surveys were conducted: (i) On what beaches were these surveys conducted? (ii) On what dates were these surveys conducted? (iii) What were the full results of these surveys? (iv) How do the numbers of pipis found at these beaches compare to the numbers present prior to the moratorium on harvesting being putting in place? (2) What plans are there for the Department of Primary Industry to introduce a Total Allowable Catch quota system to ensure the sustainability of pipi numbers in the future? Answer— I am advised that surveys conducted at all beaches listed below showed a recovery in the State's pipi stocks since August 2011. South Ballina: 11 May 2012 – 8 locations tested Diamond Head Beach: 21 May 2012 – 6 locations tested Lighthouse Beach: 21 May 2012 – 6 locations tested North Port Beach: 22 May 2012 – 6 locations tested Goolwah Beach: 22 May 2012 – 4 locations tested Smokey Beach: 23 May 2012 – 6 locations tested Hungry Beach: 23 May 2012 – 3 locations tested Stockton Beach: 12 May 2012 – 13 locations tested; 20 May 2012 – 6 locations tested Gerroa (7 Mile) Beach: 22 May 2012 – 7 locations tested; 28 May 2012 – 6 locations tested The use of catch quota for managing pipis will be discussed with stakeholders in the course of implementing the recent review of commercial fishing arrangements. While there are positive signs that pipi numbers appear to be rebounding on many beaches, there are still some concerns for Stockton and South Ballina beaches. Large areas of Stockton and South Ballina beaches will therefore remain closed to commercial harvesting while additional monitoring occurs. Daily catch and effort records must be submitted for checking on a monthly basis, along with water sampling requirements under biotoxin management plans. A new NSW DPI research project, partially funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, has commenced to develop better techniques to assess pipi populations. This is one of the key ways to better understand factors affecting pipi abundance and allow more adaptive management.

*1599 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, SMALL BUSINESS—WATER EXRACTION FROM MAUDE AND REDBANK WEIRS—Mr Buckingham asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Small Business— (1) In the Water Year 1993⁄1994, what was the precise legal basis for water to be extracted from Maude and Redbank Weirs and applied to the properties commonly referred to as Nimmie Caira, although formally gazetted as the Lowbidgee provisional flood control and irrigration district? (2) If that extraction was unlicensed, what were the legislative instruments, orders, notices or other gazettals which approved and authorised: 1825 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(a) Extraction from Maude and Redbank Weir pools? (b) Other landholders not adjacent to these pools and regulators to benefit from the aforementioned extraction? (c) Works such channels and levees within the Lowbidgee provisional flood control and irrigation district? (3) (a) Were the extraction and works and measures deemed to be approved? (b) If so, what was the deeming instrument or document? (4) What action has been taken by the Minister for Primary Industries pursuant to section 276(2) of the Water Management Act 2000, over the last 11 years? Please provide details. (5) What action has been taken by the Minister pursuant to section 279(2) of the Water Management Act 2000 over the last 11 years? Please provide details. Answer— (1) to (3) The Lowbidgee flood control and irrigation district was constituted on 24 January 1945 in accordance with the provisions of Part 7 of the Water Act 1912. This gave the then Water Conservation and Irrigation Commission the statutory right to acquire, construct and use works, including Redbank and Maude weirs and other works within the district, for the purpose controlling or partly controlling floods, and for enabling lands within the district to be irrigated by flooding. In the 1993⁄1994 water year, water was diverted from both Maude and Redbank weirs and works and measures were used in accordance with Part 7 of the Water Act 1912 to enable flood irrigation of lands within the Lowbidgee district. (4) Section 276(2) of the Water Management Act 2000 states that the control of works within the Lowbidgee district, the arrangements for distribution of water for flood irrigation, and the order of supply or diversion of water for flood irrigation are entirely under the control of the Minister. There is no requirement for the Minister to take any action under this provision and none has been taken over the last 11 years. (5) Section 279(2) provides that the Minister may exempt from rating the lands which, without the provision of works for flood control and irrigation, would not be flooded at times of maximum floods. The Lowbidgee district has been in place now for 66 years and lands which would not be flooded at times of maximum floods were identified and exempted from being rated a long time ago and no action has been taken or required to be taken under this provision over the last 11 years.

*1600 ROADS AND PORTS—WINDSOR BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Roads and Ports— (1) As outline in the leaflet entitled "Windsor Bridge replacement project: Honouring the past and building for the future" (RMS May 2012) is "The principal concern [of the Bridge replacement project] preserving Thompson Square"? (2) Is the cover image of the brochure entitled "Windsor Bridge replacement project: Honouring the past and building for the future" (RMS May 2012) illustrative of the height, width and shape of the replacement bridge at Windsor? (3) How many trees adjacent to and inside the current boundaries of Thompson Square will be removed to make way for the construction of the proposed new bridge and approaches? (4) What modelling was undertaken by Transport NSW or independent experts in relation to high water levels on both approaches to the replacement Windsor Bridge? (5) Does the Government's modelling show that the approaches to the proposed new bridge are flood free? (6) To what extent will Bridge Street be widened between George Street and The Terrace during the Windsor Bridge replacement project? (7) How many square metres of land currently within the Thompson Square heritage precinct will be subsumed by the widening of Bridge Street during the Windsor Bridge replacement project? (8) If the proposed new bridge and roadworks are undertaken, will Thompson Square be returned to its original shape? 1826 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(9) What independent heritage assessments has been undertaken on the heritage impacts on Thompson Square and the heritage buildings surrounding it from the proposed new bridge and associated roadworks? (10) If an independent heritage assessments have been undertaken: (a) Is it publicly available? (b) If not, why not? (11) What modelling has been undertaken by Transport NSW or by independent experts in regard to traffic flow to the west of the river? (12) What measures are in place to protect and preserve areas where Aboriginal artefacts have been located, particularly near the intersection of George Street and Bridge Street? Answer— I am advised: (1) The Windsor bridge replacement project is being developed to satisfy multiple objectives. These include safety, traffic efficiency, flood immunity, cost effectiveness and minimising impact on the heritage and character of the local area. Thompson Square is recognised as one of the oldest public squares in Australia and is vital to Windsor's town layout. The square and many of the surrounding buildings are listed on the State Heritage Register. Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) recognises that the realignment of the bridge approach would have significant heritage impacts. RMS has been working with heritage specialists, government agencies and the local community to ensure that the impacts to Thompson Square are minimised wherever possible. While the new alignment of the bridge approaches along the Old Bridge St route would be within the heritage precinct, the overall road footprint on the square would be reduced. This will restore green space and reunify Thompson Square, while providing direct access to the river as originally intended. (2) The current concept design was used to develop a three dimensional model that can be viewed from any perspective. A snap shot was taken from this three dimensional model showing the perspective. The artist drawing on the cover replicates the perspective of the snap shot and is, therefore, an accurate representation of the current concept design, including the height, shape and width. (3) RMS is seeking to minimise the impact on existing vegetation in developing the Windsor bridge replacement. An integrated landscape plan is being developed that will include the planting of new large trees to replace the trees that are removed and complement the trees that remain. Any tree removal and planting of new trees will be done in consultation with Hawkesbury City Council and will be sympathetic to the local surroundings. It should also be noted that, due to their age and potential instability, some of the trees in the Thompson Square reserve may present a safety risk and need to be removed regardless of the new bridge and approach roads. Other trees are situated in the existing road cutting and are most likely to be lost when the cutting is backfilled and reshaped. While few of the trees have been assessed as being of heritage significance, input will be sought from a heritage specialist on how to avoid and minimise impacts. (4) RMS has commissioned hydraulic modelling and analysed the bridge for the five year and 100 year Average Recurrence Interval (ARI) design events. (5) It should be noted that in very large rainfall events, the town of Windsor requires evacuation and hence no bridge or location in Windsor is flood free. The new bridge is designed to provide a level of 'flood immunity' consistent with the approach roads on the northern bank of the river. This provides significant benefits with respect to flooding compared to the existing bridge. It was identified during the design development that setting the profile of the bridge higher than currently proposed would provide no practical benefits with respect to flooding, but would have greater impacts on both banks of the river. 1827 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(6) The current width of Bridge Street is variable. It measures approximately 11 metres between kerbs at George Street and then narrows as it approaches the bridge, where it measures approximately six metres between the kerbs. Based on the current design, the new approach to the bridge will measure approximately 12.9 metres between the kerbs at the George Street intersection and will narrow to approximately 11 metres between the kerbs at the new bridge. (7) As the existing Bridge Street is to be relocated on top of the existing Old Bridge Street, there will actually be a net reduction in the total square metres of road space in Thompson Square. This will provide the reserve with approximately 500 square metres of additional open space. The two parts of the reserve that are currently segregated by the existing roadway will be unified. (8) Thompson Square was originally conceived as a marshalling area for various agricultural and other activities adjacent to the wharf at Windsor. Throughout its history, Thompson Square has evolved in response to changing use, access requirements, development and technology. The form of Thompson Square will be finalised during the design process and will take into account the outcomes of consultation with various stakeholders including community groups, council, business groups and other government agencies. It is expected that the final shape of Thompson Square will conform closely to one of its earlier configurations. (9) RMS recognises the heritage significance of the township of Windsor and the Thompson Square precinct and is conscious of the importance of minimising the impact on items of heritage significance. Heritage specialists have been engaged to thoroughly investigate the significance of heritage items within the project area and to assess the impacts of the project on these items. Each of the heritage specialists that RMS has engaged has extensive experience working in the assessment of infrastructure projects. This includes Aboriginal and European heritage practitioners and archaeologists, as well as a maritime archaeologist. RMS also directly employs a number of industry recognised heritage advisors to assist with the managing of heritage issues. (10) (a)&(b) The reports from the specialists providing the results of the heritage and archaeological investigations will be completed in the coming months. They will be put on public display and made available for comment as part of the environmental impact assessment (EIS). The EIS will be exhibited later this year. (11) RMS has engaged independent consultants to undertake traffic modelling for this project. This modelling included various intersection configurations, using inputs such as existing traffic counts from December 2011 as well as future traffic flows. Assessments of future traffic flows through the project area, on both sides of the river, were estimated using the Sydney Strategic Travel Model. This Model is a world class tool operated by the Bureau of Transport Statistics (BTS) for projecting travel patterns in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong under different land use, transport and pricing scenarios. (12) The project is being designed to minimise impact on areas of heritage value. The recent archaeological investigations are helping to identify such areas. Where Aboriginal artefacts are encountered, the legislative requirements for their removal or other treatment will be followed. Any artefacts which are excavated would be offered to cultural institutions such as the Australian Museum. In the event the museum is unable to accept the objects they would likely be transferred to an Aboriginal community.

*1601 LOCAL GOVERNMENT—LOCAL GOVERNMENT TERTIARY EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Local Government, and Minister for the North Coast— 1828 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(a) Is the Government working with the local government sector to develop courses and investigate opportunities to increase the number of traineeships, graduate programs and cadetships available? (b) If not, what other action is the Government taking to address this issue? (c) Will the Government provide funding to assist councils in addressing this issue?

Answer— I provide the following details in response to your questions: The Division of Local Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet, provides support to councils to develop Workforce Management Strategies, as required under the Local Government Act 1993. The Workforce Management Strategy is a mechanism which councils utilise to plan for their current and future workforce requirements, including training and development considerations, to ensure that they are well placed to carry out the activities of their Delivery Program. The Division of Local Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet, has no discretionary funds available to further assist councils.

*1602 WOMEN—DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE GRANTS PROGRAMS—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, and Minister for Women— According to the Office for Women's website the Domestic and Family Violence Grants Program has been under review for many months: (a) When will the review be finalised? (b) Will the review be made public? (c) Will $2.9 million continue to be available to community groups to combat domestic violence?

Answer— (a) All Office for Women's Policy grants funding is subject to an extensive independent review. (b) Once the review's findings have been considered, a new strategic funding framework will be developed. The new framework will deliver improved services and lives through a coordinated and robust grants system which will fund areas of greatest need. (c) As outlined in the 2012/13 Budget, the amount of funding allocated to Domestic and Family Violence Grants Program is unchanged at $2.9 million.

*1603 WOMEN—LUCY MENTORING PROGRAM—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, and Minister for Women— In the 2010-2011 Annual Report of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, a grant of $104,000 was allocated to expand the Lucy Mentoring Program in February 2011, however these funds were not forthcoming and in response to Question on Notice no. 1289 the Premier advised that these funds had been transferred to the portfolio of the Minister for Women for administration. How are these funds being spent? Answer— The Lucy Mentoring Program is a leadership and mentoring program, administered across six universities, with a primary focus on linking employment opportunities for young women studying business, finance, economics, accounting, law engineering and IT. The Lucy Mentoring Program is to be congratulated that it has gone a long way to meeting and sustaining its goal since its establishment six years ago. Given this accomplishment, the NSW Government is now directing taxpayer funds to an area where the gender gap is greater, to build women's economic opportunities in less accessible fields. As outlined in the State Plan, NSW 2021, the NSW Government is committed to increasing women's participation in non-traditional trades.

12 JUNE 2012 1829 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(Paper No. 90)

*1604 PREMIER—MINISTERIAL OFFICE STAFF—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Premier, and Minister for Western Sydney— (1) How many ministerial staff, departmental liaison officers or other advisers in total have left government employment in a ministerial office or returned to their various departments or agencies between 1 April 2011 and 1 June 2012? (2) How many ministerial staff, departmental liaison officers or other advisers have left government employment in a ministerial office or returned to their various departments or agencies between 1 April 2011 and 1 June 2012 from each of the following ministerial offices: (a) Office of the Premier and Minister for Western Sydney? (b) Office of the Deputy Premier, Minister for Trade and Investment and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services? (c) Office of the Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research? (d) Office of the Minister for Education? (e) Office of the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter and Vice President of the Executive Council? (f) Office of the Minister for Roads and Minister for Ports? (g) Office of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and Minister Assisting the Premier on Infrastructure NSW? (h) Office for Resources and Energy, Special Minister for State and Minister for the Central Coast? (i) Office of the Minister for Transport? (j) Office of the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing and Minister for the Arts? (k) Office of the Treasurer? (l) Office of the Minister for Finance and Services and Minister for the Illawarra? (m) Office of the Minister for Primary Industries and Minister for Small Business? (n) Office of the Minister for Ageing and Minister for Disability Services? (o) Office of the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice? (p) Office of the Minister for Local Government and Minister for the North Coast? (q) Office of the Minister for Family and Community Services and Minister for Women? (r) Office of the Minister for Fair Trading? (s) Office of the Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Healthy Lifestyles and Minister for Western NSW? (t) Office of the Minister for the Environment and Minister for Heritage? (u) Office of the Minister for Citizenship and Communities and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs?

Answer— I am advised: During the ordinary course of employing staff it is reasonable to expect a level of turnover, reflecting changed needs and requirements in ministerial offices or employment opportunities for individual staff. 59 ministerial staff left government employment between 1 April 2011 and 1 June 2012. This includes staff changes during the establishment of new ministerial offices from the change of government in March 2011. Departmental Liaison Officers facilitate the effective communication between Ministers and agencies. These positions are often of a temporary nature, and may reflect changing priorities or needs. As such turnover in Department Liaison Officers reflects the temporary nature of the position as provided for under Circular 2010-35.

*1605 PREMIER—MOBILE PHONE INTERNATIONAL ROAMING CHARGES—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Premier, and Minister for Western Sydney— 1830 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(1) How much have any ministers, ministerial staff, departmental liaison officers or other advisers spent on international roaming mobile phone charges between 1 April 2011 and 1 June 2012? (2) Of these changes, how much was charged by staff from each of the following ministerial offices between 1 April 2011 and 1 June 2012: (a) Office of the Premier and Minister for Western Sydney? (b) Office of the Deputy Premier, Minister for Trade and Investment and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services? (c) Office of the Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research? (d) Office of the Minister for Education? (e) Office of the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter and Vice President of the Executive Council? (f) Office of the Minister for Roads and Minister for Ports? (g) Office of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and Minister Assisting the Premier on Infrastructure NSW? (h) Office for Resources and Energy, Special Minister for State and Minister for the Central Coast? (i) Office of the Minister for Transport? (j) Office of the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing and Minister for the Arts? (k) Office of the Treasurer? (l) Office of the Minister for Finance and Services and Minister for the Illawarra? (m) Office of the Minister for Primary Industries and Minister for Small Business? (n) Office of the Minister for Ageing and Minister for Disability Services? (o) Office of the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice? (p) Office of the Minister for Local Government and Minister for the North Coast? (q) Office of the Minister for Family and Community Services and Minister for Women? (r) Office of the Minister for Fair Trading? (s) Office of the Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Healthy Lifestyles and Minister for Western NSW? (t) Office of the Minister for the Environment and Minister for Heritage? (u) Office of the Minister for Citizenship and Communities and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs? (3) How many ministers, ministerial staff, department liaison officers or other advisers have had to re- pay their international roaming mobile phone charges between 1 April 2011 and 1 June 2012? (4) What is the total cost of those repayments? Answer— I am advised: In accordance with the Premier's Memorandum M2009-10 Release of Overseas Travel Information, Ministers are required to publish on an appropriate agency website, within 28 days of returning from an overseas trip, information concerning the travel undertaken by them or their staff, including the following information: • The portfolio to which the trip relates. • A detailed description of the purpose and benefits of the travel to the State of New South Wales. • The destinations visited. • The date of travel. • The number of persons who accompanied the Minister, including Ministerial advisers, agency staff and, in accordance with relevant guidelines, family members. • The total cost of airfares. • The total cost of accommodation. • The total cost of other expenses (including travel allowances). This Memorandum is available at: http:⁄ ⁄www.dpc.nsw.gov.au⁄announcements⁄ministerial_memoranda⁄2009⁄m2009-10_release_of_overseas_trave l_information-35. 1831 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

*1606 HEALTH—LIFE SUPPORT MACHINES—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Health, and Minister for Medical Research— (1) As of 1 June 2012, how many people are on life support machines in New South Wales? (2) As of 1 June 2012, how many of those people are residing in their own homes? (3) As of 1 June 2012, how many of those people are residing outside of Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle? (4) As of 1 June 2012 and from 1 April 2011, how many people have died in New South Wales due to: (a) electrical support problems? (b) power supply cuts? (c) disconnections?

Answer— This information is not routinely collected centrally. The data sought would include both public and private hospitals and nursing homes, as well as private homes, and its collection would unjustifiably divert the resources of the Ministry of Health from the exercise of its core functions.

*1607 HEALTH—CONDOMS—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Health, and Minister for Medical Research— (1) Since 1 April 2011, how much has the Ministry for Health spent on condoms? (2) Since 1 April 2011, how many condoms were distributed? (3) Where have they been distributed to? Answer— This information is not routinely collected centrally, and its collection would unjustifiably divert the resources of the Ministry of Health from the exercise of its core functions.

*1608 POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES—RACIST GRAFFITI—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council— (1) Since 1 April 2011, how many people have been arrested in New South Wales for graffiti offences? (2) Since 1 April 2011, what are the top 10 local area commands in terms of the number of arrests for graffiti? (3) Since 1 April 2011, how many people have been charged with selling aerosol paint to people aged under 18? (4) Since 1 April 2011, what are the top 10 local area commands in terms of the number of arrests for people selling aerosol paint to people aged under 18? (5) Since 1 April 2011: (a) how many incidents have been reported to the New South Wales Police Force in regard to graffiti attacks on Jewish places of worship or cultural institutions? (b) has anyone been charged with those offences? (6) Since 1 April 2011: (a) how many incidents have been reported to the New South Wales Police Force in regard to graffiti attacks on Islamic places of worship or cultural institutions? (b) has anyone been charged with those offences? (7) Since 1 April 2011: (a) how many incidents have been reported the New South Wales Police Force in regard to graffiti attacks on Buddhist places of worship or cultural institutions? (b) has anyone been charged with those offences? (8) Since 1 April 2011: 1832 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(a) how many incidents have been reported to the New South Wales Police Force in regard to graffiti attacks on African cultural institutions? (b) has anyone been charged with those offences?

Answer— I am advised: The NSW Police Force is unable to provide this information in the format requested. Questions on crime statistics should more appropriately be directed to the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.

*1609 ATTORNEY GENERAL—RACIST GRAFFITI—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Attorney General, and Minister for Justice— (1) Since 1 April 2011, how many people have been convicted in New South Wales for graffiti offences? (2) Since 1 April 2011, how many people have been convicted with selling aerosol paint to people aged under 18? Answer— I am advised: (1) Between 1 April 2011 and 31 December 2011 (the latest available court statistics) 112 people were convicted of offences under the Graffiti Control Act 2008 as their principal offence. The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research is unable to identify court statistics for all graffiti offences. (2) Nil as at 31 December 2011.

*1610 CITIZENSHIP AND COMMUNITIES—RACIST VILIFICATION—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Citizenship and Communities, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) How many complaints have been referred to the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board since 1 April 2011? (2) How many complaints have been examined by the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board since 1 April 2011? (a) How many matters related to racist graffiti since 1 April 2011? (b) What is the status of those investigations?

Answer— This is a matter for my colleague, the Hon Greg Smith SC MP, Attorney General and Minister for Justice.

*1611 SPORT AND RECREATION—DEPARTMENT OF SPORT AND RECREATION EMPLOYEES—Ms Voltz asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Sport and Recreation— (1) What is the number of full time equivalent employees at the division of Sport and Recreation, as part of the Office of Communities? (2) What is the net cost of these services? Answer— (1) The number of full time equivalent employees at the division of Sport and Recreation, as part of the Office of Communities as at 14 June 2012 is 318.45. (2) The net cost of all Sport and Recreation employees for the 2011⁄2012 financial year was $33,474,263.

*1612 SPORT AND RECREATION—JINDABYNE SPORT AND RECREATION CENTRE—Ms Voltz asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Sport and Recreation— 1833 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

How much has been allocated by the Government to upgrade the Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre water reticulation and sewerage system in the 2012-2013 Budget? Answer— The estimated total cost and 2012-13 expenditure for new works and work in progress cannot be disclosed at this time as it may compromise the tender process.

*1613 SPORT AND RECREATION—NSW INSTITUTE OF SPORT FUNDING—Ms Voltz asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Sport and Recreation— How much money has been allocated by way of a NSW Government Grant to the NSW Institute of Sport as part of the 2012-2013 Budget? Answer— The NSW Government allocated $9.4m to the NSW Institute of Sport as part of the 2012-2013 Budget.

*1614 SPORT AND RECREATION—SPORT AND RECREATION PROGRAMS—Ms Voltz asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Sport and Recreation— (1) Of the $125 million spending for a range of sport and recreation programs noted in Section 3-5 of Budget Paper No.3 2012-13, which includes providing grants to peak sporting bodies and managing government-owned or controlled sporting and recreation facilities: (a) What is the amount allocated by the Government? (b) What is the amount received through the sale of goods and services? (c) Does this spending also include the $47 million Community Partnership Program? (d) What amount has been allocated to major sporting venues?

Answer— (1) The Government allocated $85 million. (2) $36.7 million is received through the sale of goods and services. (3) No. (4) None of the $125 million is allocated to major sporting venues.

*1615 SPORT AND RECREATION—SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL REGATTA CENTRE—Ms Voltz asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Sport and Recreation— How much has been allocated by the Government for improvements to the Sydney International Regatta Centre in the 2012-2013 Budget? Answer— The estimated total cost and 2012-13 expenditure for new works and work in progress cannot be disclosed at this time as it may compromise the tender process.

*1616 SPORT AND RECREATION—PARTICIPANTS IN NSW SPORT AND RECREATION CENTRE PROGRAMS—Ms Voltz asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Sport and Recreation— What is the service measure for participants in NSW Sport and Recreation Centre programs? Answer— The service measure for participants in NSW Sport and Recreation Centre programs is the total number of individual participants that have participated in any program at a Centre in a financial year. 1834 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

*1617 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—PIPI HARVESTING ON BEACHES—Ms Faehrmann asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Small Business— (1) (a) Now that the moratorium on commercial harvesting of pipis has been lifted, on which beaches is the commercial harvesting of pipis allowed? (b) If harvesting is allowed, are any areas of any of these beaches not able to be harvested commercially? (c) How many commercial fishers have a licence to harvest pipis? (d) At what beaches are these fishers licenced to harvest pipis? (e) How many fishers are there with licences for pipi harvesting at each of the beaches at which fishers are permitted to harvest pipis? (f) What is the total bag limit per day per licenced commercial fisher of pipis? (g) How many officers of the Department of Primary Industries are involved in enforcement of the regulations regarding the harvesting of pipis? (2) (a) Are recreational fishers allowed to harvest pipis for bait? (b) If so, what is the bag limit per day per fisher? (3) (a) Are recreational harvesters allowed to harvest pipis for home consumption? (b) If so, what is the bag limit per person per day?

Answer—

(1) (a) On any NSW beach where the commercial harvest is authorised under the provisions of the Fisheries Management Act 1994 and the Marine Parks Act 1997 and is opened under a Biotoxin Management Plan. (b) Yes. (c) 75. (d) The beaches located in the Estuary General Fishery region for which they hold a hand gathering endorsement that authorises the harvest of pipis. (e) The number of endorsements that authorise the commercial harvest of pipis on beaches located within each Estuary General Fishery region is tabled. Region Latitude Endorsements 1 Queensland and 29°15'S 12 2 29°15'S and 29°45'S 1 3 29°45'S and 31°44'S 17 4 31°44'S and 33°25'S 30 5 33°25'S and 34°20'S 1 6 34°20'S and 35°25'S 10 7 35°25'S and Victoria 4 (f) 40 kilograms. (g) There are 70 Department of Primary Industries fisheries officer positions located on the NSW Coast that are involved in enforcement of fisheries legislation. In addition there are a number of Marine Parks Authority officer positions that enforce fisheries legislation. Additional fisheries officers are utilised as required. (2) (a) Yes, provided they are not removed from an area within 50 metres of the mean high water mark. (b) 50. (3) (a) No. 1835 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(b) N⁄A.

*1618 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—RECREATIONAL HUNTING LICENCES—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Small Business— (1) How many full time equivalent people are employed in policing recreational hunting licences? (2) What requirements must hunters fulfil in order to obtain an R-licence? (3) On what grounds can an R-licence application be refused? (4) How many R-licence applications were made in the following years: (a) 2005⁄06? (b) 2006⁄07? (c) 2007⁄08? (d) 2008⁄09? (e) 2009⁄10? (f) 2010⁄2011? (g) 1 July 2011 to date? (5) How many R-licence applications were refused in the following financial years: (a) 2005⁄06? (b) 2006⁄07? (c) 2007⁄08? (d) 2008⁄09? (e) 2009⁄10? (f) 2010⁄2011? (g) 1 July 2011 to date? (6) How many permits for game bird mitigation were issued in the following financial years: (a) 2005⁄06? (b) 2006⁄07? (c) 2007⁄08? (d) 2008⁄09? (e) 2009⁄10? (f) 2010⁄2011? (g) 1 July 2011 to date?

Answer— (1) In addition to 4.2 FTE Game Council NSW staff, under the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002 all NSW police officers are authorised inspectors. (2) Refer to Section 21 of the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002. (3) Refer to Section 21 of the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002. (4) (a) 967 (b) 2 311 (c) 2 735 (d) 3 465 (e) 4 252 (f) 4 155 (g) 5 398 (5) Total game hunting licences refused by Game Council NSW; (a) 50 (b) 82 1836 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

*1619 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—RUFOUS SCRUB BIRDS—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Small Business— Given the disputed records of their presence, are there plans to undertake a thorough, targeted search for Rufous scrub birds in the Styx River State Forest? Answer— Forests NSW could either conduct thorough, targeted searches for Rufous scrub-birds in Styx River State Forest or implement the species-specific prescriptions in lieu of those surveys, according to the requirements of the Threatened Species Licence for that area.

*1620 POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES—SYNTHETIC DRUG - "BATH SALTS"—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council— (1) (a) Since 1 April 2011, has the NSW Police Force reported or investigated the misuse of a synthetic drug called "bath salts"? (b) If so, (i) what are those details? (ii) how many arrests have been made? (iii) where did those arrests occur? (iv) how many kilograms have been confiscated?

Answer— The NSW Police Force has advised me that the COPS database is operational, not statistical, and cannot provide accurate figures in the terms requested.

*1621 ROADS AND PORTS—KOALA PASSOVERS AND UNDERPASSES—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Roads and Ports— (1) (a) What research has been undertaken on the koala passover 150 metres north of Overhead Bridge Road between Coffs Harbour and Bellingen? (b) Have the results of this research been made public? (c) If not, are there plans to make this research public? (2) (a) What research has been undertaken on the underpasses which were constructed to provide a safe animal corridor between Bongil Bongil Park across the Pacific Highway? (b) Have the results of this research been made public? (c) If not, are there plans to make this research public? (3) (a) Were koalas found to be using the passovers in the study period? (b) If so, how frequently? (4) (a) Were koalas found to be using the underpasses in the study period? (b) If so, how frequently? 1837 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(5) (a) Were any problems identified with the current operation of the passover and underpasses? (b) Are any changes proposed to the operation of the passover or underpasses?

Answer— I am advised: Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) commissioned a report on the impacts of roads on koalas. A copy of the report is available on the RMS website and contains the answers to your questions.

*1622 ENVIRONMENT—PINE CREEK KOALA PROTECTION PLAN 2000—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for the Environment, and Minister for Heritage— (1) What commitments has the Government made regarding the Pine Creek Koala Protection Plan 2000? (2) In light of the Pine Creek Koala Protection Plan 2000, what reviews are currently underway or planned? Answer— I am advised as follows: (1) The Pine Creek Koala Management Plan was prepared by the then Forests NSW, now part of the Department of Primary Industries, when the area was Pine Creek State Forest and was managed for timber production. In June 2003, the majority of the Pine Creek State Forest was added to Bongil Bongil National Park and is now managed under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. There is an existing plan of management for the park which includes management actions for native animals, including koalas. Around half the area remaining in Pine Creek State Forest is plantation and the Department of Primary Industries has statutory responsibility for the management of this resource. Therefore, this question should be referred to my colleague, the Minister for Primary Industries, the Hon Katrina Hodgkinson MP. (2) A review of the Bongil Bongil National Park Plan of Management has commenced recently and an amended plan is expected to be publicly exhibited for comment in 2013.

*1623 HEALTH—STAFFING OF COFFS HARBOUR BASE HOSPITAL—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Health, and Minister for Medical Research— (1) How many employees at Coffs Harbour Hospital were employed as casuals during May 2012? (2) Of the staff employed as casuals at Coffs Harbour Hospital in May 2012, how many had been working in their current roles for more than 13 weeks? (3) Of the staff employed as casuals at Coffs Harbour Hospital in May 2012, how many were filling a relief position? (4) How many part-time workers at Coffs Harbour Hospital in May 2012 were given extra duties, comprising of one or more days employment per week, for 3 months or more where they were filling vacant positions? (5) What strategies are in place at Coffs Harbour Hospital to convert staff employed long term in casual positions to permanent employees? Answer— (1) to (4) The requested data is not routinely reported on an individual health facility basis. The Ministry of Health provides workforce data in its Annual Report. (5) Systems and processes are in place to enable casual employees to apply to convert to permanency in accordance with their Industrial Award provisions. 1838 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

*1624 PREMIER—ETENDERING—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Premier, and Minister for Western Sydney— (1) In relation to Contract Award Notice Detail View - DPC1101128-11 as published on 16 December 2011 on the eTendering website for contracts, what are the details of the services which will be provided under the $20 million contract for the Department of Premier and Cabinet? (2) What is the timetable for the expenditure of the $20 million between 15 December 2011 to 14 December 2017? (3) Did Bendelta receive the contract through competitive tender? (4) How many other companies lodged submissions for the contract? (5) What penalties are in place for the Government if it withdraws or cancels the $20 million contract? (6) (a) Have any changes between made to the contact or the agreement since it was published on the website since 16 December 2011? (b) If so, what are those changes?

Answer— I am advised: (1) The Bendelta contract is for $1.1M - $2M over five years, not $20 million. The eTendering website contained a typographical error which has now been corrected. The contract is to design, deliver and evaluate a tailored management and leadership short course to build the capability of senior managers in the NSW public sector. The program is delivered in nine and a half days over five months. (2) The contract is for up to five years, commencing in 2012 with at least one program each year. In some years, subject to enrolment numbers, more than one program may be delivered. The estimated contract range is therefore $1.1M - $2M over five years. (3) Yes (4) Thirty-seven organisations submitted a quote. (5) The renewal of the contract annually is subject to a review of performance. No penalties apply if the contract is not renewed annually. (6) No changes have been made to the contract or the terms since 16 December 2011. It remains $1.1M- $2M over five years. The Government Contract Disclosure form was completed by the Public Service Commission on 15th December 2011, listing an estimated contract value of $1.1M - $2M over five years. A clerical error occurred when information was loaded to the Department of Finance and Services website, which incorrectly listed the contract as $20 million. The error was corrected on 14 June 2012.

*1625 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—LONG TERM HARDWOOD TIMBER SUPPLY ON THE NORTH COAST—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Small Business— (1) Who is undertaking the review of long term timber hardwood supply on the North Coast? (2) What is the timeframe for this review? (3) (a) Will this affect the North East Regional Forest Agreement? (b) If so, what plans are there to consult the Federal Government about any changes? (4) (a) What public consultation will be undertaken? (b) Will the outcomes be publicly exhibited? (c) If so, when and for how long? (5) Will the Government identify the long-term, 100 year sustainable supply of large high quality 1839 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

sawlogs available from public native forests in New South Wales? (6) Are there any plans to reduce commitments from native forests down to the estimated long-term sustainable yield before corporatising Forests NSW? Answer— (1) A Steering Committee of officials drawn from the Department of Premier and Cabinet, NSW Treasury, Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services, the Office of Environment and Heritage and Forests NSW. The Committee is chaired by Mr John Keniry and will report to the Government. (2) An overall timeframe is not yet determined. The Committee is developing an Action Plan, including timelines, for Government consideration. (3) (a) No. (b) Not applicable. (4) (a) and (b) No decisions on public consultation or exhibition have yet been made. (c) Not applicable. (5) The Committee will consider all aspects of the hardwood timber supply on the North Coast. (6) The Committee has not yet made any recommendations.

*1626 FINANCE AND SERVICES—ETENDERING—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra— (1) In relation to Contract Award Notice Detail View DPC1101128-11, as published on 16 December 2011 on the eTendering website for contracts, what are the details of the services which will be provided under the $20 million contract for the Department of Premier and Cabinet? (2) What is the timetable for the expenditure of the $20 million over 15 December 2011 to 14 December 2017? (3) Did Bendelta receive the contract through competitive tender? (4) How many other companies lodged submissions for the contract? (5) What penalties are in place for the Government if it withdraws or cancels the $20 million contract? (6) (a) Have any changes between made to the contact or the agreement since it was published on the website since 16 December 2011? (b) If so, what are those changes?

Answer— This question does not pertain to Finance and Services and should be directed to the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

*1627 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—FORESTS NSW ECOLOGICAL SURVEYS—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Small Business— (1) What training requirements are there for Forests NSW staff undertaking ecological surveys? (2) What qualifications are required for Forests NSW staff undertaking ecological surveys? (3) (a) Is Forests NSW able to amend threatened species' records? (b) If so, what consultation is required before doing so? (c) If so, is the Office of Environment and Heritage required to consent to such a change? (4) (a) Is Forests NSW able to remove threatened species' records? 1840 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(b) If so, what consultation is required before doing so? (c) If so, is the Office of Enironment and Heritage required to consent to such a change? (5) (a) Are any other Government agencies or departments able to amend or remove threatened species' records? (b) If so, please provide details?

Answer— (1) Forests NSW Threatened Species Licences require persons undertaking surveys to be suitably experienced and trained, including: • extensive experience with flora and⁄or fauna survey work; • extensive experience in field identification of flora and⁄or fauna; • surveyors must be able to identify threatened species relevant to the region and their habitats, as well as similar species that may be mistaken for these; • surveyors must be able to identify threatened and protected fauna features referred to in the licences; and • familiarisation of threatened species that require species-specific or site-specific conditions. (2) Threatened Species Licences require either relevant tertiary qualifications or experience, as outlined in (1). (3) (a) Yes (b) There are no formal requirements to consult on amendments to Forests NSW records where the amendment does not have the effect of rendering the record invalid. Amendments may occur for a variety of reasons that relate to the accuracy of the record. (c) No. (4) (a) Forests NSW has the ability to remove threatened species records. (b) Forests NSW and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) must both agree to a record becoming invalid for the purpose of the Integrated Forestry Operations Approvals that regulate Forests NSW native forest operations. (c) The EPA's consent is required if the removal of the record has the effect of rendering the record invalid. (5) (a) This question should be directed to the Minister for the Environment. (b) As above.

*1628 ATTORNEY GENERAL—RELIGIOUS CELEBRANTS REGISTER—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Attorney General, and Minister for Justice— (1) (a) What procedures are in place to ensure that the Catholic Church is fulfilling its obligations to report to the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages members of its denomination who are no longer fit and proper persons to act as celebrants under the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) because they have been found responsible for child abuse? (b) Have these procedures been reviewed in the last 20 years? (c) If so, what was the result of this review? (d) If not, why not? (2) Are there any changes proposed to ensure that the Catholic Church is fulfilling its obligations to report to the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages members of its denomination who are no longer fit and proper persons under the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) because they have been found responsible for child abuse? 1841 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(3) How many Religious Celebrants nominated by the Catholic Church were removed from the Register of Religious Celebrants due to no longer being fit and proper persons under the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) because they have been found responsible for child abuse in: (a) 2010 to date? (b) 2000 to 2010? (c) 1990 to 2000? (d) 1980 to 1990? (4) What information is collected by the Department of Attorney General and Justice to ensure that individuals on the Register of Religious Celebrants continue to be considered fit and proper persons under the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth)? Answer— I am advised: (1) (a) The Catholic Church is obliged to provide an annual list of its Ministers of Religion to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) each year under clause 36 of the Marriage Regulation 1963 (Cth). If a person is removed from that list, the Catholic Church must provide the reason for that person's removal. BDM must remove a Minister of Religion from the register if the Catholic Church notifies BDM that it no longer desires that the person be registered under section 33(1)(c) of the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth). Alternatively, if BDM is satisfied that a person is not a fit and proper person to solemnise marriages it must remove the person from the register under section 33(1)(d)(iii) of that Act. BDM could become aware of concerns about a person's fitness to solemnise marriages in various ways, including by notification from the relevant religious denomination that they no longer wish the person to be registered, by a complaint by a member of the public, or otherwise. BDM has, at times, contacted a denomination where such concerns have arisen. (b) to (d) The legislative basis for the Catholic Church's obligations to provide BDM with information relating to registered Ministers of Religion is contained in the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) and its associated regulations. The review and amendment of these instruments is a matter for the Commonwealth. However, BDM is currently seeking advice on the meaning of the phrase "a fit and proper person to solemnise marriages" under section 33(1)(d)(iii) of the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth). (2) The Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages is not aware of any proposed amendments to the Commonwealth legislation. (3) (a) to (d) BDM keeps an electronic register that records the stated reason for the removal of a Minister of Religion from the register from 2005 to date. This register does not disclose that any Minister of Religion of the Catholic Church was removed from the register because they were responsible for child abuse. (4) Refer to question (1).

*1629 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—INTEGRATED FORESTRY OPERATIONS APPROVALS—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Small Business— (1) Who is undertaking the review of the Integrated Forestry Operations Approvals? (2) What is the timeframe for this review? (3) (a) Will this affect the North East Regional Forest Agreement? (b) If so, what plans are there to consult the Federal Government about any changes? (4) (a) What public consultation will be undertaken? (b) Will the outcomes be publically exhibited? 1842 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(c) If so, when and for how long? (5) What safeguards are in place to ensure that existing levels of protection for rainforest and old growth forest will be maintained? (6) What plans are there to ensure that the general level of protection for habitat and key resources for threatened species is maintained or enhanced? Answer— (1) A Steering Committee of officials drawn from the Department of Premier and Cabinet, NSW Treasury, Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services, the Office of Environment and Heritage and Forests NSW. The Committee is chaired by Mr John Keniry and will report to State Cabinet. (2) No timeframe is specified for this aspect of the Committee's work. (3) (a) No. (b) N⁄A. (4) The IFOA's specify public exhibition and consultation requirements for proposed amendments before final consideration by Ministers. (5) The IFOA review recognises the requirements for levels of protection for rainforest, old growth forest, habitat and key resources for threatened species. (6) See (5) above.

13 JUNE 2012 (Paper No. 91)

*1630 HEALTH—COWRA HOSPITAL—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Health, and Minister for Medical Research— (1) What arrangements are in place at Cowra Hospital to replace the oncology nurse when the oncology nurse is on annual or sick leave? (2) (a) Did the oncology ward at Cowra Hospital close or shut down at any time during 2011⁄12? (b) If so, what were the dates and length of closure or shutdown? (3) During closures or shutdowns what arrangements are put in place to treat patients? (4) If the answer to Question 3 involves patients travelling to other hospitals, who covers the cost of that travel? Answer— Cowra Health Service currently provides an Oncology Outreach chemotherapy service under the direction of Orange Oncology Clinic. The service is co-ordinated by a locally based Community Nurse (CNS1) who is Oncology trained and accredited to administer chemotherapy. If the Community Trained Nurse is unavailable the Nurse Manager is accredited to dispense chemotherapy. The Oncology service at Cowra was closed from 23 December 2011 to 10 January 2012, from 13 January 2012 to 18 January 20112 and from 20 January 2012 to 1 February 2012. On the occasion the Nurse Manager is unable to provide treatments, arrangements are made for clients of the service to be treated by their referring centres. In such cases the client of the service usually arranges their own transport.

*1631 FINANCE AND SERVICES—SYDNEY MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL—Revd Mr Nile asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra— With regard to the answer to question no. 1126 published on Paper no. 69 on 22 March 2012— (1) Why has the Government claimed that details of public expenditure on the Sydney Mardi Gras Festival are "commercial in confidence"? 1843 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(2) Why would another city, state or nation bid for an event held annually in Sydney? (3) What is the total cost, being the fiscal value, of all Government support and funding offered to the Sydney Mardi Gras Festival? Answer— This question does not pertain to Finance and Services and should be directed to Minister George Souris, Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing and Minister for the Arts.

14 JUNE 2012 (Paper No. 92)

*1632 ROADS AND PORTS—NOISE WALLS IN QUEANBEYAN—Mr Whan asked the Minister for Roads and Ports— (1) What is the current status of the project to construct stage 2 of the noise walls on Canberra Avenue in Queanbeyan? (2) How much of the funding allocated by the previous Government has been expended? (3) When will construction of the noise walls be undertaken? (4) Is funding still available to complete the project? Answer— I am advised: (1) The noise walls in Queanbeyan project is currently in the detailed design stage. (2) To date the following has been spent: (a) 2009-10: $3,000 (b) 2010-11: $176,000 (c) 2011-12: $388,000 (3) Construction of the noise walls will commence in September 2012. (4) Yes.

*1633 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—HORTICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES FOR COWRA AND YOUNG—Mr Whan asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Small Business— In answer to question on notice 1311 you indicated "the Department of Primary Industries remains committed to supporting all agricultural sectors in NSW but must consider how to most effectively achieve this in light of a range of external pressures. Whether the industries are best served by local extension staff in each district or whether an alternative approach is needed is currently under careful consideration. As we move further down this planning path I have asked the Department of Primary Industries to seek the input of our industry partners to ensure we move towards providing the most efficient and effective service for our local industries." (1) What is the timeframe for the planning you have mentioned in the above answer? (2) Who will conduct the review of extension officers mentioned above? (3) What input from industry partners is being sought? (4) Who will be consulted and when will they be consulted? (5) Have farming groups and industry partners been notified of this review? (a) If so, when were they notified? (6) What public announcement has been made of this review? (7) Are any cuts proposed to extension officer positions (filled and unfilled)? (8) Will industry be asked to become the employer or primary funder of extension officer positions? 1844 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

Answer— (1) Financial year 2012⁄2013. (2) Senior executives in the DPI are engaged in the planning process. (3) Opinion has been sought from a number of stakeholders. (4) Stakeholders will be further consulted as planning progresses. (5) Refer to (3) and (4). (a) N⁄a (6) The planning process is progressing; public announcements will be made when plans are developed. (7) Decisions on staffing levels have not been made. (8) Decisions on funding have not been made.

*1634 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—PRIMARY INDUSTRIES SERVICE GROUP—Mr Whan asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Small Business— Budget paper number three for 2012⁄13 includes a budgeted amount of $978.9 million for expenses in the Primary Industries Service Group. (1) Of this allocation what is the budgeted expenses for: (a) Agriculture? (b) Fisheries? (c) Forestry? (d) Biosecuity? (e) Water Management? (f) Water Utilities? (g) Catchments and Lands? (2) Given that the 2011⁄12 budget papers listed 'Employees', what is the forecast full time equivalent (FTE) for the Primary Industries Service Group for 2012⁄13? (3) What is the budget forecast for FTE in each of the following areas: (a) Agriculture? (b) Fisheries? (c) Forestry? (d) Biosecurity? (e) Water Management? (f) Water Utilities? (g) Catchments and Lands?

Answer— (1) The formal allocation of resources to lower levels within the Primary Industries Service Group has not yet occurred. (2) The forecast 2012⁄13 FTE for the Primary Industries Service Group is 3,233 FTE. (3) Refer to (1).

*1635 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—LABOUR EXPENSES CAP—Mr Whan asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Small Business— (1) Will the Labour Expenses Cap apply to the Department of Primary Industries? (a) If so, what will the 1.2% Labour Expenses Cap mean for the Department of Primary Industries in dollar terms in: (i) 2012⁄13? (ii) 2013⁄14? (iii) 2014⁄15? 1845 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(iv) 2015⁄16? (2) Are there any areas of the Department of Primary Industries that will be exempted from contributing to achieving the Labour Expenses Cap requirements? (3) Will Agriculture extension officers be exempted from the Labour Expenses Cap? (4) Will scientists and technicians working in biosecurity be exempt from the Labour Expenses Cap? (5) Will researchers working for the Department of Primary Industry be exempt from the Labour Expenses Cap? (6) Will Department of Primary Industries staff working in Orange be exempt from the Labour Expenses Cap? (7) Does the budgeted expenditure of $978.9 million for the Primary Industries Service Group include or exclude the Labour Expenses Cap for 2012⁄13? (8) How many of the 5,000 voluntary redundancies announced in the 2011⁄12 budget have come from the Department of Primary Industries? Answer— (1) Yes (a) The calculation of the Labour Expenses Cap at Service Group level was completed by NSW Treasury based on estimated share of Principal Department total target; however the allocation to Divisions within the Department is at the Director General's discretion and still subject to further assessment as part of the internal budget process. The component allocated to Department of Primary Industries in dollar terms: (i) Internal budget process not yet completed for 12⁄13 year. (ii) Internal budget process not yet completed for 13⁄14 year. (iii) Internal budget process not yet completed for 14⁄15 year. (iv) Internal budget process not yet completed for 15⁄16 year. (2) Allocation of the cap to specific areas will be undertaken as part of the internal budgeting process. (3) Refer to (2). (4) Refer to (2). (5) Refer to (2). (6) Refer to (2). (7) The budgeted expenditure of $978.9 million has been adjusted for the impact of the labour cap based on an estimated share of Principal Department total, and may vary as per answer to question 1 above. (8) FTE figures will be released in the Annual Report.

*1636 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—PROGRAM SAVINGS—Mr Whan asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Small Business— (1) What program savings have been identified within the Department of Primary Industries? (2) What is the dollar amount of the savings for each program? (3) What is the total value of program savings in: (a) Agriculture? (b) Fisheries? (c) Forestry? (d) Biosecurity? (e) Water management? (f) Water utilities? (g) Catchments and lands? (4) What are the program savings for individual programs in: (a) Agriculture? (b) Fisheries? (c) Forestry? 1846 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(d) Biosecurity? (e) Water management? (f) Water utilities? (g) Catchments and lands?

Answer— (1) For the 2012⁄2013 financial year program savings have been identified in the contribution to the Murray Darling Basin Commission. The 2012-13 budget provides for the reallocation of some funds that will deliver positive benefits to Natural Resource Management programs in regional NSW. By NSW taking responsibility for the delivery of certain programs, better value for money will result through streamlined administrative processes. Essential functions such as river operations, asset management and flow gauging will continue. (2) The program savings to be realised from the contribution to the MDBA will be $12.6 million in 2012-13 (3) Refer to (1). (4) Refer to (1).

*1637 ENVIRONMENT—AT HOME SOLARIUMS—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for the Environment, and Minister for Heritage— I refer to a company called 'At Home Solariums'. (1) Has this company been the subject of an Environment Protection Agency audit? (a) If so: (i) when was that audit⁄s conducted? (ii) what were the findings? (2) Do either of the company's main products (ie. the hiring and selling of solariums) fall under the NSW Government's ban on commercial ultraviolet (UV) tanning unit services for cosmetic purposes from 2014? (a) If not, why not?

Answer— I am advised as follows: (1) The current restrictions under the Radiation Control Regulation 2003 apply only in relation to a tanning unit and a solaria business used to provide a tanning service for fee or reward, or used in connection with another service that is provided for fee or reward. Based on the definition of these terms in the Regulation, the company in question is not a solaria business as they do not offer a tanning service, either alone or in conjunction with another service. In other words, they are not offering any kind of service, they are hiring equipment. This is analogous to individuals who personally own solaria they use at home. As a consequence, this business is not be subject to Part 4A, and therefore is not regulated or audited by the EPA. (2) The draft Radiation Control Regulation, which includes the proposed ban has not yet been released for public comment. Full details of the proposal will be available when the draft Regulation is released and there will be opportunity for public comment.

*1638 FAIR TRADING—AUSTRALIAN HOME HEATING ASSOCIATION—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Fair Trading— (1) Is the Minister for Fair Trading aware of a claim made by the Australian Home Heating Association (AHHA) in a media release dated 10 May 2012 that 'Wood heating is the natural way to heat your home without harming our environment and emitting harmful gases'? (2) Does Australian and international research support this claim? (3) Has the Minister taken steps to determine the accuracy of this claim made by the AHHA? (a) If so, what was the outcome? 1847 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(b) If not, why not?

Answer— I am advised that recent research into greenhouse gas emissions undertaken by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and published in Atmospheric Pollution Research suggests that firewood is the heating fuel with fewest greenhouse gas emissions. In Australia, the management and assessment of greenhouse emissions is the responsibility of the Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities and state environment agencies. If the Department or state environment agencies identify that the claims made by AHHA are false or misleading, Fair Trading may consider action under the Australian Consumer Law.

*1639 HEALTH—BONALBO GENERAL PRACTITIONER—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Health, and Minister for Medical Research— With regard to the Bonalbo General Practitioner: (1) When did the General Practitioner at Bonalbo leave? (2) Was the General Practitioner providing Visiting Medical Officer services at Bonalbo Hospital? (3) Is the community of Bonalbo still without a General Practitioner? (4) What has the Department of Health and the Local Health District done to recruit a new General Practitioner? (5) What arrangements are in place to cover the vacant General Practitioner position until it is filled? (6) What is the daily cost of the interim arrangements? Answer— The Member is advised that the response to his earlier question on this issue (LC1456) is still current.

*1640 WOMEN—WOMEN IN NON-TRADITIONAL TRADES—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, and Minister for Women— The Minister for Women's budget media release dated 12 June 2012 refers to $200,000 to support women's initiatives with a particular focus on working across government, business and non-government organisations to provide increased opportunities for women to enter non-traditional trades. (1) What is the name of the program for this funding allocation? (2) Who will decide how this funding is allocated? (3) How can members of the public, businesses or non-government organisations apply for this funding? (4) When will applications for funding be open? (5) When will applications for funding be announced? Answer— (1) Community Initiatives Fund. (2) Existing financial delegations will be utilised as appropriate. (3) and (4) These funds are available to respond to project and partnership opportunities as they arise. (5) Announcements will occur as funding is approved.

*1641 LOCAL GOVERNMENT—LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE RENEWAL SCHEME—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Local Government, and Minister for the North Coast— (1) When will the successful applicants for funding from the Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme be announced? (2) Will all applications for funding from this scheme be made available on the Division of Local 1848 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

Governments website? (a) If not, why not? (3) Will all documents relating to the consideration of applications for funding from the scheme be made available on the Division of Local Governments website? (a) If not, why not? (4) What is the total amount that councils who have applied for funding from the scheme intend to borrow? Answer— I provide the following details in response to your questions: (1) Successful applicants for funding from the Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme will be announced in mid to late July. (2) A summary table of all successful projects will be made available on the DLG website. (3) As per the Local Government Infrastructure Renewal Scheme Assessment and Probity Plan, which was signed off by an independent probity advisor, documents relating to the consideration of applications for funding from the scheme are confidential records of the independent Assessment Panel and will not be made available on the Division of Local Government's website. (4) Information relating to the Local Government Infrastructure Renewal Scheme will be available once the application outcomes have been announced.

*1642 LOCAL GOVERNMENT—COUNCIL INFRASTRUCTURE AUDIT—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Local Government, and Minister for the North Coast— (1) When will the council-by-council audit of local infrastructure be completed? (2) Will this information be made available on the Division of Local Government's website? (a) If not, why not?

Answer— I provide the following details in response to your questions: (1) The planned completion date for the audit is 31 March 2013. (2) Information about the results of the audit will be provided on the Division's website.

*1643 TREASURER—MANAGING EXCESS EMPLOYEES POLICY—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Treasurer— (1) How many of the 1,282 redundancies that have occurred under the Government's Managing Excess Employees Policy as at the end of April 2012 were: (a) forced redundancies? (b) voluntary redundancies? (c) staff employeed part-time? (d) women? (2) What amount of funds have been paid to former employees in connection to these redundancies as at the end of April 2012? Answer— This question would be more appropriately directed to the Premier.

*1644 PREMIER—WAGES POLICY AND STATE OWNED CORPORATIONS—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Premier, and Minister for Western Sydney— 1849 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

How will the Government enforce the NSW Public Sector Wages Policy on employees of State Owned Corporations when these employees' wages and conditions are subject to the Commonwealth Fair Work Act 2009? Answer— I am advised: State Owned Corporations are required to comply with the terms of the NSW Public Sector Wages Policy 2011 when making offers to increase wages and conditions of employment to employees.

*1645 WOMEN—DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BUDGET—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, and Minister for Women— (1) How much funding has been allocated to the Domestic Violence Line for 2012⁄13? (2) How much funding has been allocated to the Domestic Violence Proactive Support Service for 2012⁄13? (3) The Minister's budget media release dated 12 June 2012 refers to $850,000 for specialists to work alongside NSW Police assisting victims of domestic and family violence with police and court processes, accommodation and counselling. What is the name of the program for this funding allocation? (4) How many projects were funded by the Domestic and Family Violence Grants program in 2011⁄12? (5) The Minister's budget media release dated 6 September 2011 refers to a funding allocation of $5.5 million for the Start Safely program to help victims of domestic and family violence to secure and sustain a safe home in the private rental market. How much funding has been allocated for this program in the 2012⁄13 budget? (6) As of 12 June 2012, the Office for Women's Policy website stated that the Department of Family and Community Services is currently reviewing the broader $2.9 million Domestic and Family Violence Grants program and that the results of the review will be considered by Government once it is complete in the next few months. (a) What are the terms of reference for this review? (b) When will the review be completed? (c) Will the review be made public? (i) If so, when? (d) Who is conducting this review? (e) How long is this review being conducted for? (f) Why did the Government not allocate funds through this program in 2011-12?

Answer— (1) The budget allocated to the Domestic Violence Line for 2012⁄13 is approximately $2.2 million. (2) A total of $850,000 has been allocated to each Domestic Violence Proactive Support Service for 2012⁄13. (3) This funding allocation relates to Domestic Violence Proactive Support Services. (4) Funding for major domestic and family violence projects was temporarily suspended while Women NSW (formerly the Office for Women's Policy) grants programs were under review. However, approximately 47 organisations funded in previous years of the grants program received final payments in the 2011⁄12 financial year. Two vital projects were also funded: • An evaluation of the Domestic Violence Pro-Active Support Service (DVPASS) and yellow card systems; and • Research by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research into under-reporting of domestic violence incidents, analysis of recent increases in intimidation offences and an overlay of crime statistics. (5) The Start Safely program will receive $6.6 million in 2012⁄13 to assist around 400 households. (6) 1850 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(a) The review focussed on an analysis of Women NSW grants and their effectiveness in supporting current government policy priorities for women. (b) The review of all Women NSW grants funding was completed recently. (c) Once the review's findings have been considered, a new strategic funding framework will be developed. The new framework will be the basis of a robust grants system which will see funding directed to areas of greatest need. When the new strategic funding framework is completed, it will be made public. (d) and (e) There were two stages, one internal and one external, conducted over six months. (f) See Q (4).

*1646 PREMIER—MINISTERIAL OFFICE STAFF AND OVERSEAS TRIPS—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Premier, and Minister for Western Sydney— (1) How many ministerial staff, departmental liaison officers or other advisers travelled overseas on government business or related activity with a financial contribution from Government between 1 April 2011 and 14 June 2012? (a) How much was spent? (b) How much was spent on hospitality and entertainment? (c) What cities or countries did they visit? (d) What were the exact dates for the following: (i) Office of the Premier and Minister for Western Sydney? (ii) Office of the Deputy Premier, Minister for Trade and Investment and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services? (iii) Office of the Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research? (iv) Office of the Minister for Education? (v) Office of the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter and Vice President of the Executive Council? (vi) Office of the Minister for Roads and Minister for Ports? (vii) Office of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure and Minister Assisting the Premier on Infrastructure NSW? (viii) Office for Resources and Energy, Special Minister for State and Minister for the Central Coast? (ix) Office of the Minister for Transport? (x) Office of the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing and Minister for the Arts? (xi) Office of the Treasurer? (xii) Office of the Minister for Finance and Services and Minister for the Illawarra? (xiii) Office of the Minister for Primary Industries and Minister for Small Business? (xiv) Office of the Minister for Ageing and Minister for Disability Services? (xv) Office of the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice? (xvi) Office of the Minister for Local Government and Minister for the North Coast? (xvii) Office of the Minister for Family and Community Services and Minister for Women? (xviii) Office of the Minister for Fair Trading? (xix) Office of the Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Healthy Lifestyles and Minister for Western NSW? (xx) Office of the Minister for the Environment and Minister for Heritage? (xxi) Office of the Minister for Citizenship and Communities and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs?

Answer— I am advised: In accordance with the Premier's Memorandum M2009-10 Release of Overseas Travel Information, Ministers are required to publish on an appropriate agency website, within 28 days of returning from an overseas trip, information concerning the travel undertaken by them or their staff, including the following information: 1851 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

• The portfolios to which the trip relates. • A detailed description of the purpose and benefits of the travel to the State of New South Wales. • The destinations visited. • The date of travel. • The number of persons who accompanied the Minister, including Ministerial advisers, agency staff and, in accordance with relevant guidelines, family members. • The total cost of airfares. • The total cost of accommodation. • The total cost of other expenses (including travel allowances). This Memorandum is available at: http:⁄ ⁄www.dpc.nsw.gov.au⁄announcements⁄ministerial_memoranda⁄2009⁄m2009-10_release_of_overseas_trave l_information

*1647 FINANCE AND SERVICES—NSW INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS BUDGET—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra— (1) In regards to NSW Industrial Relations: (a) What is its budget for 2012⁄13? (b) What reviews of industrial relations laws did it undertake in 2011⁄12? (c) What reviews of the national workplace relations system did it undertake in 2011⁄12? (d) What reviews of industrial relations laws will it undertake in 2012⁄13? (e) What reviews of the national workplace relations system will it undertake in 2012⁄13? (f) Why was the number of industrial relations complaints resolved within 180 days 35 per cent lower than forecast for 2011⁄12? (g) Why is the number of industrial relations complaints forecast to be resolved within 180 days 5 per cent lower for 2012⁄13 than the forecast for 2011⁄12? (h) How many full-time equivalent staff were employed in June 2011? (i) How many full-time equivalent staff are forecast to be employed in June 2013? (j) Will it review the Government's labour expenses cap policy? (k) Will it review the Government's public sector wages policy? (2) How many full-time equivalent staff are employed by the Office of Industrial Relations in June 2012? Answer— (1) (a) $16 million has been allocated to develop and implement industrial relations policy, review industrial relations laws and the national workplace relations system and provide compliance and information services. (b) to (e) NSW Industrial Relations maintains a watching brief on a number of issues arising from both state and federal industrial relations laws and provides support and advice as appropriate. (f) and (g) The decrease in the percentage figure can be attributed to a reduction in State complaints being received and an increase in complaint investigation work being undertaken in partnership with the Fair Work Ombudsman. (h) At June 2011, NSW Industrial Relations had a funded establishment of 157 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) staff. (i) The forecast FTE for NSW Industrial Relations for June 2013 is 127. (j) Review of the labour expense cap is not a current project for NSWIR. (k) NSW Industrial Relations maintains a watching brief on a number of issues arising from both state and federal industrial relations laws and provides appropriate support and advice. (2) As at June 2012, NSW Industrial Relations had a funded establishment of 109 FTE. In 2012-13 18 FTE will transfer from Department of Premier and Cabinet, Industrial Relations Branch into NSW 1852 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

Industrial Relations. This will bring the forecast FTE for NSW Industrial Relations for June 2013 to 127.

*1648 WOMEN—OFFICE FOR WOMEN'S POLICY BUDGET—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, and Minister for Women— (1) What is the budget for the Office for Women's Policy for 2012⁄13? (2) What was the final budget result for the Office for Women's Policy for 2011⁄12? (3) How many full-time equivalent staff are currently employed by the Office for Women's Policy? (4) How many full-time equivalent staff were employed by the Office for Women's Policy in March 2011? (5) How many full-time equivalent staff are forecast to be employed by the Office for Women's Policy on 30 June 2013? (6) What programs are the Office for Women responsible for? Answer— (1) The 2012⁄13 budget for Women NSW (formerly the Office for Women's Policy) is $6 million. (2) This will be finalised through formal annual reporting processes after 30 June 2012. (3) to (5) Staffing levels remain stable, and are expected to remain stable. (6) Following a restructure in 2008, Women NSW has a clearer focus on policy development, and no longer delivers programs. Women NSW administers $2.9 million in grants funding to non- government organisations for domestic and family violence projects.

*1650 FINANCE AND SERVICES—HOUSING IN MAITLAND—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra— (1) How much funding will be spent on housing in the electorate of Maitland in the 2012⁄13 Budget? (a) Which properties will benefit from this funding? (b) What will be the benefits for these properties from this funding?

Answer— (1) $1.42 million. (a) The NSW Land and Housing Corporation undertakes regular property condition surveys to guide planned maintenance work programs. The work programs are issued to head maintenance contractors in advance of each quarter. This is in addition to the regular day-to-day responsive repairs that are carried out as and when required. (b) Planned maintenance works bring all properties to a consistent condition; significantly reduce ongoing annual maintenance costs and limit more costly responsive repairs that may occur as a result of a property falling behind in maintenance.

*1651 PREMIER—PARENTAL LEAVE ENTITLEMENTS—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Premier, and Minister for Western Sydney— (1) Will the Government reverse its decision to remove parental leave entitlements from foster and surrogate parents? (a) If not, why not?

Answer— I am advised: There has been no removal of any parental leave entitlements from foster and surrogate parents.

19 JUNE 2012 1853 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(Paper No. 93)

*1652 HEALTH—YOUNG HEALTH SERVICE—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Health, and Minister for Medical Research— (1) On how many occasions since 1 July 2011 were the following services required to transport patients from Young Health Service to Canberra: (a) Helicopter? (b) Road ambulance? (2) What were the costs to the taxpayer for each of these services? Answer— (1) (a) 21. (b) 102. (2) Helicopter averaged $7,300 per trip and road transfers are $2403 per trip.

*1653 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES—OVERSEAS TRIPS—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, and Minister for Women— (1) How many departmental staff and ministerial staff within the Minister for Family and Community Services' portfolios have undertaken trips or attended conferences outside Australia including New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, between 1 April 2011 and 18 June 2012? (2) What is the total cost of those trips? (3) Where were the destinations of those trips? (4) What are the names, titles and salaries of those who undertook those trips? Answer— Information regarding overseas travel up to 30 June 2011 is available in the Family and Community Services 2010⁄11 Annual Report. Details for travel from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012 will be available in the 2011⁄12 Annual Report. All overseas travel is approved in accordance with Premier's Memorandum M2009-04 Official Travel within Australia and Overseas and the NSW public sector Policy on Official Travel within Australia and Overseas. The memorandum and Policy are available at: http:⁄ ⁄www.dpc.nsw.gov.au⁄announcements⁄ministerial_memoranda⁄2009⁄m2009-04_official_travel_within_aus tralia_and_overseas

*1654 FINANCE AND SERVICES—OVERSEAS TRIPS—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra— (1) How many departmental staff and ministerial staff within the Minister for Finance and Services' portfolios have undertaken trips or attended conferences outside Australia, including New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, between 1 April 2011 and 18 June 2012? (2) What is the total cost of those trips? (3) Where were the destinations of those trips? (4) What are the names, titles and salaries of those who undertook those trips? Answer— Information on overseas travel undertaken by staff of the Department of Finance and Services for 2010-11 is available in its 2010-11 annual report. Information regarding overseas travel for 2011-12 is currently being collated for inclusion in the Department's 2011-12 annual report. 1854 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

*1655 FINANCE AND SERVICES—OVERSEAS TRIPS—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra— (1) How many departmental staff within the Department of Housing have undertaken trips or attended conferences outside Australia, including New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, between 1 April 2011 and 18 June 2012? (2) What is the total cost of those trips? (3) Where were the destinations of those trips? (4) What are the names, titles and salaries of those who undertook those trips? Answer— This Question on Notice should be directed to the Minister for Family and Community Services, who has Ministerial responsibility for Housing NSW.

*1656 EDUCATION—SCHOOL EXPULSIONS, SUSPENSIONS OR EXCLUSIONS—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— (1) (a) How many students in kindergarten have been expelled, suspended or excluded from schools since 1 April 2011 as at 19 June 2012? (b) Of those students: (i) how many have been referred to the Department of Community Services? (ii) what is the longest expulsion, suspension or exclusion? (iii) how many were of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent? (iv) how many of those students or their families were provided with assistance or counselling? (2) (a) How many students in year one have been expelled, suspended or excluded from schools since 1 April 2011 as at 19 June 2012? (b) Of those students: (i) how many have been referred to the Department of Community Services? (ii) what is the longest expulsion, suspension or exclusion? (iii) how many were of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent? (iv) how many of those students or their families were provided with assistance or counselling? (3) (a) How many students in year two have been expelled, suspended or excluded from schools since 1 April 2011 as at 19 June 2012? (b) Of those students: (i) how many have been referred to the Department of Community Services? (ii) what is the longest expulsion, suspension or exclusion? (iii) how many were of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent? (iv) how many of those students or their families were provided with assistance or counselling? (4) (a) How many students in year three have been expelled, suspended or excluded from schools since 1 April 2011 as at 19 June 2012? (b) Of those students: (i) how many have been referred to the Department of Community Services? (ii) what is the longest expulsion, suspension or exclusion? (iii) how many were of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent? (iv) how many of those students or their families were provided with assistance or counselling? 1855 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

Answer— Information on suspension and expulsion is reported by the Department of Education and Communities on an annual basis. Data for 2012 is not yet available. Data is available for the 2011 school year. Information about individual students is not collected centrally by the Department but is retained in individual schools. Therefore, information is not available regarding referrals to the Department of Community Services, the lengths of suspensions or the number of students or their families provided with assistance or counselling. The data for the 2011 school year is located on the Department's website at www.det.nsw.edu.au⁄media⁄downloads⁄about-us⁄statistics-and-research⁄key-statistics-and-reports⁄long- suspension-expulsions-2011.pdf.

*1657 FAIR TRADING—SHOP-A-DOCKETS—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Fair Trading— (1) How many complaints has the Department of Fair Trading received between 1 April 2011 and 19 June 2012 involving Shop-A-Dockets? (2) What were the top five reasons for those complaints? (3) How many of those Shop-A-Dockets complaints related to petrol? (4) Is the Department of Fair Trading considering a possible investigation or review into Shop-A- Dockets? Answer— (1) A search of NSW Fair Trading's complaint database for the period 1 April 2011 and 19 June 2012 identified two complaints regarding Shop-A-Dockets. (2) The complaints related to overcharging. (3) One complaint related to petrol. (4) Fair Trading allocates its resources to where it can best address non-compliant conduct and maximise public benefit.

*1658 HEALTH—HARASSMENT CASE SETTLEMENTS—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Health, and Minister for Medical Research— (1) (a) Further to question on notice number 0793, answered on 22 November 2011 in Paper no. 57, is there any record of a harassment compensation claim involving amongst others, a communications and business development manager and the Hunter New England Area Health Service between the years 2003 and 2008? (b) If so: (i) what was the final settlement? (ii) was there a confidentiality agreement?

Answer— I am advised: The Hunter New England Local Health District is unable to identify the claim referred to by the Member.

*1659 PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE—BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO AUSTRALASIA—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Infrastructure NSW, Leader of the House— (1) (a) Has the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, his ministerial staff or departmental staff held any meetings with British American Tobacco Australasia regarding its plan to redevelop its Pagewood base, which is before the Sydney East Joint Regional Planning Panel? 1856 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(b) If so: (i) how many meetings have taken place? (ii) who attended those meetings? (iii) where did those meeting take place?

Answer— (1) (a) Neither my staff nor I have had any meetings with British American Tobacco Australasia. (b) I am advised: (i) Three. (ii) Representatives from the Department of Planning and Infrastructure and a range of external stakeholders. (iii) The NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure Bridge Street office and the City of Botany Bay Council office.

*1660 ROADS AND PORTS—ENTERPRISE AVENUE INTERCHANGE IN TWEED HEADS SOUTH—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Roads and Ports— (1) (a) Has the Government received any proposals from a private company to build an interchange to the Pacific Highway from Tweed Heads South connecting with Enterprise Avenue? (b) If so: (i) what are the details of that proposal? (ii) what is the timetable for its determination? (iii) what steps has the Minister for Roads and Ports or Roads and Maritime Services taken to ensure the probity of the process? (iv) are there any plans to change the direction of the road to re-direct traffic to local businesses?

Answer— I am advised: (1) (a) A private company made representations in March 2012 for interim on and off ramps on the western side of the Tweed Heads bypass, in advance of the future Kirkwood Road interchange. I have referred the matter to Roads and Maritime Services to examine the proposal and assess if it is technically feasible. (b) (i) The proposal is to provide an interim northbound off ramp from the Pacific Highway to connect to the northern end of Enterprise Avenue and a corresponding interim on ramp from Enterprise Avenue to the highway. I understand the arrangement is proposed to be 'interim' pending the future provision of separate connections of both the Pacific Highway and Enterprise Avenue to Kirkwood Road further north. This provision is part of the Lower Tweed and Pacific Highway Traffic Master Plan released by the Roads and Traffic Authority (now Roads and Maritime Services) and Tweed Shire Council in October 2006. (ii) There is no timetable for determination at this stage. (iii) The matter has been referred to Roads and Maritime Services to investigate and undertake a technical assessment. Roads and Maritime Services has consulted the Department of Premier and Cabinet and concluded that the proposal is not an unsolicited proposal in terms of the Government's 'Guide to Submission and Assessment of Unsolicited Proposals, January 2012'. Roads and Maritime Services is considering the proposal on its technical merits and these considerations will be subject to the review of a probity officer. While the proposal would provide an earlier alternative interim access from the Tweed Heads bypass to businesses in the Enterprise Avenue area, it must be assessed against the Lower Tweed and Pacific Highway Traffic Master Plan. (iv) The proposal does not involve changing the direction of Enterprise Avenue. 1857 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

*1661 ROADS AND PORTS—PORT WARATAH COAL SERVICES—Ms Faehrmann asked the Minister for Roads and Ports— In relation to the Environmental Assessment lodged by Port Waratah Coal Services for its proposed expansion of coal loading facilities at Kooragang Island, Newcastle, also known as the T4 development; and the related document known as the Capacity Framework Arrangements: (1) (a) When did the Minister for Roads and Ports become aware that the T4 development arose from the need to satisfy "legal obligations" as mentioned in the document called Capacity Framework Arrangements? (b) What are these legal obligations? (c) When did the Minister become aware that certain provisions of the Capacity Framework Arrangements document trigger these legal obligations to identify a capacity shortfall which is defined in Clause 6 (a)(i) as when the Port Waratah Coal Services "aggregate contracted allocations" exceed its existing capacity? (d) Which page number from the Environmental Assessment provides the specific figure for these "aggregate contracted allocations"? (e) Which page numbers from the Environmental Assessment describe the capacity shortfalls? (f) (i) How did the Port Waratah Coal Services calculate the capacity shortfall? (ii) On what date did this capacity shortfall arise? (2) (a) Will the Minister ensure that Port Waratah Coal Service is required to provide full information in its Environmental Assessment for T4 regarding aggregate contracted allocations and the capacity shortfall calculations prior to any further work by NSW Planning and Infrastructure to consider this proposal? (b) (i) Will this information be made public? (ii) If so, by what date will this information be made public? (c) Will the information include: (i) the names of the relevant companies or mines involved in the contracts that contribute to the "aggregated contracted allocations"? (ii) the specific contributions from each of these companies or mines which will contribute to the "aggregated contracted allocations"? (iii) the dates for each of these contributions? (3) (a) When did the Minister become aware that the Capacity Framework Arrangements document was authorised by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in December 2009? (b) When did the Minister become aware that the parties to this agreement included the Port Waratah Coal Services, the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group, and the Newcastle Port Authority? (c) When did the Minister become aware that the ACCC has indicated that its role in this matter is to provide Port Waratah Coal Service with an exemption from competition law? (d) When did the Minister become aware that the ACCC did not set up the trigger for future expansion of coal loading facilities as outlined in the Capacity Framework Arrangements document which were negotiated by the industry and that ACCC has no ongoing role in the matter? (e) (i) Is the Minister aware that Port Waratah Coal Services has not provided the ACCC with any information with which to substantiate its claims that current coal export contracts exceed its current export capacity? (ii) If so, when will the Minister instruct Port Waratah Coal Services to provide substantiating information to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure to justify its development application to expand its operations? 1858 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

Answer— I am advised: (1) (a) In late 2009 the media coverage about the development, authorisation and provisions of the Capacity Framework Arrangements was widespread however I do not recall a specific date in that year. (b) The documents associated with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) assessment and authorisation of the Capacity Framework Agreements are available on the ACCC website. (c) I refer you to my answer for (1) (a). (d) This information is available on the Port Waratah Coal Services website. (e) I refer you to my answer for (1) (d). (f) (i) I refer you to my answer for (1) (b). (ii) This information is available on the Port Waratah Coal Services website. (2) (a) to (c) Information required under the planning process is available on the Department of Planning and Infrastructure's website. (3) (a) to (d) I refer you to my answer for (1) (a). (e) (i) I am not aware of the nature or extent of correspondence between Port Waratah Coal Services and the Australia Competition and Consumer Commission about this matter. (ii) Port Waratah Coal Services is a privately-owned entity and is not subject to the direction of the Minister for Ports in this matter.

*1662 PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE—PORT WARATAH COAL SERVICES—Ms Faehrmann asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Infrastructure NSW, Leader of the House— (1) (a) When did the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure become aware that the T4 development arose from the need to satisfy "legal obligations" as mentioned in the document called Capacity Framework Arrangements? (b) What are these legal obligations? (c) When did the Minister become aware that certain provisions of the Capacity Framework Arrangements document trigger these legal obligations to identify a capacity shortfall which is defined in Clause 6 (a)(i) as when the Port Waratah Coal Services "aggregate contracted allocations" exceed its existing capacity? (d) Which page number from the Environmental Assessment provides the specific figure for these "aggregate contracted allocations"? (e) Which page numbers from the Environmental Assessment describe the capacity shortfalls? (f) (i) How did the Port Waratah Coal Services calculate the capacity shortfall? (ii) On what date did this capacity shortfall arise? (2) (a) Will the Minister ensure that Port Waratah Coal Service is required to provide full information in its Environmental Assessment for T4 regarding aggregate contracted allocations and the capacity shortfall calculations prior to any further work by NSW Planning and Infrastructure to consider this proposal? (b) (i) Will this information be made public? 1859 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(ii) If so, by what date will this information be made public? (c) Will the information include: (i) the names of the relevant companies or mines involved in the contracts that contribute to the "aggregated contracted allocations"? (ii) the specific contributions from each of these companies or mines which will contribute to the "aggregated contracted allocations"? (iii) the dates for each of these contributions? (3) (a) When did the Minister become aware that the Capacity Framework Arrangements document was authorised by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in December 2009? (b) When did the Minister become aware that the parties to this agreement included the Port Waratah Coal Services, the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group, and the Newcastle Port Authority? (c) When did the Minister become aware that the ACCC has indicated that its role in this matter is to provide Port Waratah Coal Service with an exemption from competition law? (d) When did the Minister become aware that the ACCC did not set up the trigger for future expansion of coal loading facilities as outlined in the Capacity Framework Arrangements document which were negotiated by the industry and that ACCC has no ongoing role in the matter? (e) (i) Is the Minister aware that Port Waratah Coal Services has not provided the ACCC with any information with which to substantiate its claims that current coal export contracts exceed its current export capacity? (ii) If so, when will the Minister instruct Port Waratah Coal Services to provide substantiating information to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure to justify its development application to expand its operations?

Answer— (1) (a) to (c) Questions relating to the Capacity Framework Agreement should be directed to the Minister for Roads and Ports, the Hon Duncan Gay MLC. (d) and (e) The Environmental Assessment for the project is available on the Department of Planning and Infrastructure's website. (f) (i) and (ii) This is a matter for the Proponent and the Newcastle Port Corporation. (2) (a) and (b) The information on capacity shortfall is already in the public domain and there is no impediment to the continued assessment of the T4 project. (c) (i) to (iii) These are matters for the Proponent and NPC. (3) (a) to (e) Questions relating to the Capacity Framework Agreement should be directed to the Minister for Roads and Ports, the Hon Duncan Gay MLC. The justification for the T4 project and expansion of coal export operations will be fully considered in the Department of Planning and Infrastructure and the Planning Assessment Commission.

*1663 PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE—EUROBODALLA LOCAL ENVIRONMENT PLAN—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Infrastructure NSW, Leader of the House— (1) 1860 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(a) Have any steps been taken by the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, or with the Minister's approval, to limit the consultation and exhibition process of the Eurobodalla Local Environment Plan? (b) If so, why?

Answer— (1) (a) No. (b) N⁄A.

*1664 PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE—BERRYS BAY MARINA—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Infrastructure NSW, Leader of the House— (1) Does Meridien Marinas have preferred tenderer status in relation to the redevelopment of Berrys Bay? (2) Is the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure aware of any concerns about operation of the Meridien Group in Australia? (3) (a) Has the Minister sought advice regarding four subsidiary companies encompassing major marine related projects of the Meridien Group which have been placed into receivership since August 2011? (b) If so, what advice was received? (c) If not, why not? (4) (a) Are there guidelines in place regarding dealing with companies which allow subsidiary companies to fail while the Group carried on business as usual? (b) If so, what are these? (5) Are there any plans to review preferred tenderer status for Meridien Marinas in relation to Berrys Bay? Answer— This question should be directed to the Minister for Roads and Ports.

*1665 ENVIRONMENT—PARRAMATTA FEMALE FACTORY—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for the Environment, and Minister for Heritage— (1) (a) What plans are there to give the Parramatta Female Factory national or World Heritage listing, given that it is the earliest existing convict women's site in Australia and it predates all but three United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation listed convict sites in Australia? (b) If there are no such plans, why not? (2) (a) What heritage funds have been allocated for the preservation and restoration of the Parramatta Female factory site and its buildings, as opposed to general maintenance funding? (b) If there are no funds currently allocated, what plans are there to allocate such funds? (3) (a) What two, five and 10 year plans have been created by the government or the Office of Environment and Heritage for the site that covers the female factory footprint 1818-1848? (b) If no such plans currently exist, why not?

Answer— 1861 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

I am advised as follows: (1) (a) and (b) World Heritage Listing is primarily a matter for the Australian Government and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. I am advised that the Parramatta Female Factory was considered for inclusion in the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage serial listing, inscribed on 31 July 2010. However, the Australian Government resolved not to include this site within the listing. The Australian Government is also responsible for the inclusion of sites on the National Heritage List. In April 2011, the Australian Government informed the NSW Government that it had received a nomination to the National Heritage List for the Parramatta Female Factory Precinct. I am advised that a decision on listing has not been made. (2) (a) The Parramatta Female Factory is a state-owned property, managed by NSW Health, and is therefore not eligible for funding under the NSW Government's Heritage Grants Program. (b) As the site is managed by NSW Health, questions relating to future funding should be referred to the Hon Jillian Skinner MP, Minister for Health. (3) (a) and (b) Any questions regarding future plans for the Parramatta Female Factory site should be referred to the Minister for Health.

20 JUNE 2012 (Paper No. 94)

*1666 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES—FORMAL APPLICATIONS TO ADOPT—Mr Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, and Minister for Women— (1) Regarding the Minister for Family and Community Services' answer to question on notice no. 0881 in Paper no. 57, as at 20 June 2012 how many formal applications to adopt were filed by: (a) single persons? (b) heterosexual de facto couples? (c) same-sex de facto couples? (d) married couples?

Answer— Community Services delivers three adoption programs. During 2011⁄12, around 100 applications for the three programs were received from married couples. Significantly fewer applications were received from single people, heterosexual de facto couples and same sex de facto couples.

*1667 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES—AUTHORISED CARERS—Mr Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, and Minister for Women— (1) Regarding the Minister for Family and Community Services' answers to questions on notice nos 0880 and 0882 in Paper no. 57, as at 20 June 2012 how many authorised carers were: (a) single persons? (b) heterosexual de facto couples? (c) same-sex de facto couples? (d) married couples?

Answer— Information about the relationship status of an authorised carer is gathered in the context of assessing an applicant's capacity and suitability to provide care for a child or young person. 1862 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

There are no eligibility criteria for Community Services' foster carers regarding relationship status (single, married or de facto) or sexual orientation. While such information may become apparent during the assessment interviews, it is not collated centrally. Any relationship information that is recorded is not held in a reportable format and would only be current as at the time of authorisation.

*1668 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—CLOSURE OF TRADE AND INVESTMENT OFFICES—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Small Business— (1) What are the savings created by the closure of the following Department of Trade and Investment Offices and associated employee reductions: (a) Broken Hill? (b) Coffs Harbour? (c) Tweed? (d) Goulburn? (e) Parramatta?

Answer— These questions should be referred to the Deputy Premier , and Minister for Trade and Investment and Regional Infrastructure and Services, the Hon. Andrew Stoner MP.

*1669 ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS—RESTRUCTURE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INVESTMENT—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Citizenship and Communities, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— (1) Is the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs aware that in the recent restructure of the Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services (NSW Trade & Investment), seven legal services positions were removed that dealt with Aboriginal Land Right Claims and Native Title Claims? (2) (a) Was the Minister or the Department consulted? (b) If so: (i) when? (ii) how? (3) What impact will this have on the processing of Aboriginal Land Right Claims and Native Title Claims? (4) What impact will this have on Aboriginal and Torres Strait people in New South Wales? Answer— (1) Yes. I am aware the Department of Primary Industries' Legal Branch has restructured to better provide integrated legal support for NSW Trade and Investment cluster and the Department of Primary Industries. I am also advised some non-legal operational positions (including the Aboriginal Land Claims team) have been moved out of Legal Branch and into the Catchment and Lands Division of DPI. (2) (a) Not applicable. (b) Not applicable. (3) None. Aboriginal Affairs is working closely with the Director General of the Department of Primary Industries and the Deputy Director General of the Catchment and Lands Division in the review of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act to develop new processes to address the backlog of 26,000 land claims that has arisen over the last 7 years (4) None. 1863 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

*1670 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—RESTRUCTURE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INVESTMENT—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Small Business— In relation to a recent restructure of the Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services (NSW Trade & Investment) can the Minister for Primary Industries advise: (1) (a) What jobs in legal services have been removed? (b) When did this occur? (c) Did any of these positions deal with: (i) Aboriginal Land Rights Claims? (ii) Native Title Claims? (d) If so, how does the department plan on processing: (i) outstanding Aboriginal Land Claims? (ii) outstanding Native Title Claims?

Answer— These questions should be directed to the Hon. Andrew Stoner MP, Deputy Premier, Minister for Trade and Investment, and Regional Infrastructure and Services.

*1671 ATTORNEY GENERAL—RESTRUCTURE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INVESTMENT—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Attorney General, and Minister for Justice— In relation to a recent restructure of the Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services (NSW Trade & Investment) can the Attorney General advise: (1) (a) What jobs in legal services have been removed? (b) When did this occur? (c) Did any of these positions deal with: (i) Aboriginal Land Rights Claims? (ii) Native Title Claims? (d) If so, how does the department plan on processing: (i) outstanding Aboriginal Land Claims? (ii) outstanding Native Title Claims?

Answer— I refer the honourable member to the response to question on notice no 1670.

*1672 EDUCATION—LOCAL SCHOOLS, LOCAL DECISIONS AND ITS EFFECT ON LEARNING OUTCOMES—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— Which reputable research studies indicate that the devolution of resources and responsibility to local schools results in superior learning outcomes for students? Answer— There is now a strong international evidence base that draws on results in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) that increasing school authority over resources is associated with better student outcomes. One example is the 2010 McKinsey and Company report, How the World's Most Improved School Systems Keep Getting Better. This report looked at a number of countries that have achieved sustained improvement by undertaking reforms to increase school-based decision making. Another is the OECD publication PISA 2009 Results: What Makes a School Successful? This report included findings of cross country analysis of the impacts of school-based management on student 1864 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

outcomes. The analysis suggests that school-based decision making tends to be associated with better student performance when good accountability measures are in place. The OECD recommends that countries develop a framework of accountability and local decision making that aims to improve student and school outcomes. That is what we are doing under Local Schools, Local Decisions. Additional research includes: (1) ARTD Consultants (2011) Independent Review of School Based Management Pilot, Summary Report for the NSW Department of Education and Communities, Sydney. (2) Caldwell, B. (2005) School Based Management. International Academy of Education and International Institute for Educational Planning, UNESCO. (3) Caldwell, B. (2007). Principal autonomy research project. Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Canberra. (4) McKinsey & Company (2010). How the world's most improved school systems keep getting better. London. (5) Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (2010). PISA 2009 Results: What Makes a School Successful? (Resources, Policies and Practices Volume IV). (6) Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (2009). Enhancing educational performance in Australia (Economics Department Working Paper No 678). (7) Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development 2011b, Education at a glance 2011: OECD indicators, OECD, Paris (8) The World Bank (2009). Directions in development : decentralized decision-making in schools the theory and evidence on school-based management (Human Development Series) Washington. D.C. (9) The World Bank (2011). Making schools work: new evidence on accountability reforms (Human Development Series) Washington. D.C. (10) Wößmann, L., Lüdemann, E., Schütz, G. & West, M.R. (2007). 'School Accountability, Autonomy, Choice, and the Equity of Student Achievement: International Evidence from PISA 2003'. Education Working Paper No. 13, Directorate of Education, OECD

*1673 EDUCATION—LOCAL SCHOOLS, LOCAL DECISIONS AND CURRICULUM GUARANTEE—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— (1) What steps has the Minister for Education taken to ensure the minimum curriculum is delivered to all students under Local Schools, Local Decisions? (2) Who is responsible for guaranteeing the minimum curriculum is delivered to all students under Local Schools, Local Decisions? Answer— (1) Mandatory hours of curriculum will not change. This obligation sits outside of Local Schools, Local Decisions and will not change as part of the reforms. (2) Mandatory curriculum requirements remain the responsibility of the NSW Board of Studies.

*1674 EDUCATION—PROMOTIONS POSITIONS AND LOCAL SCHOOLS, LOCAL DECISIONS—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— (1) What impact will the implementation of Local Schools, Local Decisions have on the number of promotions positions available? (2) Will the current number of promotions positions in each school be guaranteed if the student numbers remain the same following the implementation of Local Schools, Local Decisions? Answer— Under the Local Schools, Local Decisions reform, schools will choose the number and roles of promotion positions within their allocation to best meet local needs. School staff appointed to permanent positions will retain tenure. 1865 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

*1675 EDUCATION—CLASS SIZES AND LOCAL SCHOOLS, LOCAL DECISIONS—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— (1) Under Local Schools, Local Decisions: (a) Will maximum class sizes of 22 for Years K 2 be maintained? (b) Will maximum class sizes of 30 for Years 3 10 be maintained? (c) Will maximum class sizes of 24 for years 11 12 be maintained?

Answer— The current class size policy as detailed in the staffing agreement will remain in place.

*1676 EDUCATION—EQUITY AND LOCAL SCHOOLS, LOCAL DECISIONS—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— What steps are the Minister for Education and the Department of Education and Communities taking to maintain their commitment to equity in education under Local Schools, Local Decisions? Answer— As part of Local Schools, Local Decisions a resource allocation model is being developed that will ensure equitable funding of our schools. The new model will allow for funding to be more effectively directed to address equity, consistent with the principles of the Gonski Report.

*1677 EDUCATION—SPECIAL EDUCATION AND LOCAL SCHOOLS, LOCAL DECISIONS—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— (1) In schools that have experienced decreased funding for students with special needs: (a) will special education students be mainstreamed into larger class sizes? (b) will special education units be guaranteed? (2) Will equity programs including Aboriginal Education programs, equity programs for student from low socioeconomic status, English as a Second Language programmes and other identified areas of educational special needs, be guaranteed? Answer— (1) (a) and (b) Students in support classes are not being mainstreamed into regular classes through the Every Student, Every School initiative. The Every Student, Every School initiative has no impact upon support classes or support units. The establishment, disestablishment and relocation of support classes and positions are part of the annual process of regional planning to support students with additional learning needs. (2) Funding for students who benefit from equity programs will not be affected by the Every Student Every School initiative.

*1678 EDUCATION—STAFFING AND LOCAL SCHOOLS, LOCAL DECISIONS—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— (1) (a) Will the number of administrative staff and non teaching staff be guaranteed if student numbers remain the same in each school following the introduction of Local Schools, Local Decisions? (b) If not, what constraints will exist on any reductions? (2) (a) Will specialist teaching positions such as school counsellors, English as a Second Language teachers, learning support teachers and teacher librarians be guaranteed? (b) If not, what constraints will exist on any reductions? (3) Will there be a significant increase in temporary and casual teachers? (4) Will teachers displaced through falling enrolments be guaranteed appointment to a vacant position at 1866 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

their nearest school? Answer— (1) (a) All school administrative and support staff will continue to have tenure when they are appointed to a permanent position. Under the reform, schools will determine the mix of permanent and temporary staff to meet local needs. This education reform responds to the needs of students and places students at the centre of all decisions. (b) The NSW Government recognises and values the judgment of our schools and their communities. We will ensure that school principals are supported to make good decisions about everything that happens in their schools. (2) (a) Under the Local Schools, Local Decisions reform, schools will choose the number and roles of specialist teaching positions within their budgets to best meet local needs. School staff appointed to permanent positions will retain tenure. (b) The NSW Government recognises and values the judgment of our schools and their communities. We will ensure that school principals are supported to make good decisions about everything that happens in their schools. (3) Teachers, executive and principals will continue to have tenure when they are appointed to a permanent position. Should a vacancy occur in a school, then the school will determine the mix of permanent and temporary staff within its resources to meet local needs. (4) Nominated transfers will continue to be placed in the nearest suitable vacancy within the state-wide staffing policy framework.

*1679 EDUCATION—STAFF WAGES AND CONDITIONS AND LOCAL SCHOOLS, LOCAL DECISIONS—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— (1) Under Local Schools, Local Decisions will the following industrial award conditions be guaranteed? (a) Long Service Leave? (b) Leave Without Pay? (c) Sick leave? (d) Maternity leave? (2) Will staff agreements with the NSW Teachers Federation be negotiated in the future? (3) What are the efficiency targets of the Director General of Education? (4) What are the efficiency targets in the Director General of Education's enterprise agreement? Answer— (1) Yes. (2) Yes. (3) The Director-General is required to meet her Department's budget. (4) The Director-General does not have an enterprise agreement.

*1680 EDUCATION—PARENTS SEEKING LEGAL ACTION AGAINST THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— Will parents of students who commit suicide or teachers who claim they have been harassed by school principals now sue principals directly instead of the Government? Answer— No. Government school principals are employees of the Department of Education and Communities. As with all employers, the Department is required by the Employees Liability Act 1991 to indemnify its 1867 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

employees against tort liabilities in the course of their employment (unless there is serious and wilful misconduct by the employee). In those cases where an individual employee is named as a party in a law suit arising from the course of their employment, the Department will continue to seek to be named as the defendant.

*1681 TREASURER—COBBORA COAL MINE—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Treasurer— (a) Is Cobbora coal mine under consideration for privatisation? (b) If so, will it be sold with subsidies or other financial assistance?

Answer— (a) The Cobbora Coal Mine is under consideration for sale or lease as per the Premier's announcement "NSW Government to implement Tamberlin Inquiry recommendations" on 24 November 2011. (b) With the assistance of external advisers, the Government is scoping out how best to achieve a sale or lease of the coal mine. This will include consideration of delivering the best value for the State including optimal risk allocation.

*1682 TREASURER—COAL CONTRACTS—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Treasurer— (1) Regarding coal supply contracts for each of the State's power stations, what is: (a) The expiry date of the contract? (b) The size of the contract?

Answer— (1) (a) Information relating to the contracts with the Cobbora mine is publicly available on page 57 of the NSW Auditor General's Report to Parliament, Volume One, 2011. (b) The Cobbora Mine is contracted to supply up to 9.5 million tonnes per year to the State's power stations, including Gentrader stations.

*1683 EDUCATION—EVALUATION OF THE ONLINE TRAINING IN SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— (1) (a) Has there been a formal evaluation of the online training course used in the Illawarra trial by an Australian university? (b) If so what is the: (i) institution and the researchers who performed the evaluation? (ii) the date of the report? (iii) the outline? (iv) the methodology? (v) the results of the evaluation? (2) (a) Has there been any evaluation of these courses by any other institution? (b) If so what is the: (i) institution and the researchers who performed the evaluation? (ii) date of the report? (iii) outline? (iv) methodology? (v) results? 1868 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

Answer— (1) (a) The Department of Education and Communities is not aware of a formal evaluation being undertaken by an Australian University of any of the online learning courses that supported the Illawarra trial. (b) Not applicable. (2) The 4 online courses that supported the Illawarra trial are NSW Institute of Teachers registered professional learning courses. On completion of these courses, all departmental teachers who are new scheme teachers complete an evaluation through the NSW Institute of Teachers. In addition, the Department utilises a number of evaluative strategies. This includes a trial in 2008 of one online course with over 200 teachers and other education personnel from across the State and testing of other online courses with small groups of teachers and other education personnel with relevant backgrounds and experience. The Department continuously monitors an extensive range of evaluative data about course participants and the impact of the courses on their knowledge and practice through in-built feedback mechanisms in the courses. Current data from more than 10,500 courses taken by Department personnel since 2008 indicate that the courses rate continuously highly with participants and are directly impacting on their practice. A summary of the available data is updated regularly on the Department's website. These strategies have found that the courses are accessible for a wide range of participants with varying levels of training and experience, and increase participants' knowledge, confidence and skills. The Department is also aware that the effectiveness of one online course has been considered as part of a broader study by Charles Sturt University looking at student outcomes following speech and language assessments and interventions. The Department does not hold further information about this study.

*1684 EDUCATION—CRITICISM OF THE ONLINE TRAINING IN SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— (1) Is the Minister for Education aware of criticisms of the online training in special needs used in the Illawarra trial raised by Associate Professor Jennifer Stephenson of Macquarie University Special Education Centre during General Purpose Standing Committee No 2's inquiry into the provision of education to students with a special need in 2010? (2) What steps has the Minister or the Department taken to address these concerns and in particular those relating to the motor coordination and behaviour modules? (3) Is the Minister aware if Associate Professor Stephenson still holds the views she expressed to the Committee? (4) (a) Is the Minister aware of any other criticism of any of the modules? (b) If so: (i) Which individuals made those criticisms? (ii) What is the nature of the criticisms? (iii) What steps have been taken to address them?

Answer— (1) Yes, though he notes the General Purpose Standing Committee No 2's inquiry into the provision of education to students with special needs in 2010 preceded the current Government. More than 700 submissions were provided to this inquiry, including that of Associate Professor Stephenson, expressing wide ranging views. (2) The Department of Education and Communities has sought modifications to the online courses it is using to varying degrees as each course is adapted by the course developer for the Department's use and updates are sought on an ongoing basis. These modifications reflect feedback from tutors, course participants and from academics and other professionals, including consideration given to comments provided by Associate Professor Stephenson. 1869 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

In addition, the Department has developed a blended model of course delivery which includes direct support from a trained tutor. The Department provides course tutors with additional material to support the learning of participants in each subject area. Modifications to the online content of the motor coordination difficulties course include changes to wording and definitions, the addition of local resources, removal of some text, addition of an Australian case study and Australian research articles as well as corrections to some grammatical errors. Modifications have not yet been made to the online content of the managing behaviour course. (3) The Minister is not able to comment on Associate Professor Stephenson's current views. (4) (a) No. (b) Not applicable.

*1685 EDUCATION—ONGOING EVALUATION OF THE ONLINE TRAINING IN SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— (1) What steps has the Minister for Education taken to ensure that there is ongoing formal and independent evaluation of the online training for special needs education used in the Illawarra trial and now to be used in the Every Student, Every School program? (2) If no such steps are being taken, how does the Minister know that the online training program has the capacity to deliver improved outcomes and improved teaching practices? Answer— (1) These online courses are NSW Institute of Teachers registered professional learning and teachers are accredited for their learning through the courses. On completion of these online courses all Department of Education and Communities teachers who are new scheme teachers complete an evaluation through the NSW Institute of Teachers. The Department's accreditation of teacher professional learning is monitored by the Institute. (2) n⁄a

*1686 EDUCATION—LOCAL SUITABILITY OF THE ONLINE TRAINING IN SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— (1) On what basis was an overseas-developed online training course chosen for the Every Student, Every School program? (2) Were there no local providers who could develop the online package to address local issues? (3) Who made the determination that that an overseas model is suited to Australian schools? (4) On what basis was this determination made? Answer— (1) These online courses have been successfully used in NSW public schools since 2009 with more than 10,500 courses taken to date generating consistently high positive feedback data on their impact on extending teachers' confidence, knowledge and skills in working with students with additional learning needs. The Department of Education and Communities' decision to utilise the courses followed work in 2008 looking at the professional learning needs of teachers and other educational personnel around supporting students with additional learning needs together with high quality, cost effective and sustainable options for meeting those needs for a state wide staff population with diverse professional learning needs. A trial of one of the online courses with over 200 teachers and educational personnel across the State, and testing of other courses with small groups of education personnel with relevant backgrounds and experience, found that the courses are accessible for a wide range of participants with varying levels of training and experience, could provide consistent training across the State, and increase participants' knowledge, confidence and skills. 1870 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(2) In 2008⁄2009 the Department did not identify any locally developed product of sufficient quality that would meet its needs. (3) Following feedback from teacher practitioners and staff working in special education support roles, the Department determined that the online courses were suitable for local use. (4) The determination to utilise the online courses from the UK course developer delivered through a local model was based on a number of factors. This includes: the quality of the online materials; the success of a trial in 2008 and testing of courses with small groups of educational personnel with relevant background and expertise which identified the accessibility of the material and its impact on participants' confidence, knowledge and skills; the provider's partnership approach to course development; and the cost effectiveness for delivering training of consistent quality to educational personnel with varied knowledge and skills located across the State.

*1687 EDUCATION—ACCEPTED RESEARCH AND PRACTICES IN THE ON-LINE TRAINING IN SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— Are there any aspects of the online program for the Every Student, Every School program that are not based on accepted special education research and practices? Answer— No.

*1688 EDUCATION—COSTS AND USE OF THE ON-LINE TRAINING IN SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— (1) What has been the total purchase and servicing costs paid to the United Kingdom (UK) developer for the online training program for the Every Student, Every School program? (2) How long has it been available in New South Wales? (3) How long was it used in the UK? (4) (a) Has it been used in other jurisdictions? (b) If so, which jurisdictions and for how long? (5) How many teachers have completed the online training? (6) How many teachers have completed each of the modules? Answer— (1) The total cost paid to the UK developer for 6 online courses under license in 2012 is $174,043, which includes servicing costs. (2) Online learning courses that are currently licensed by the Department of Education and Communities have been made progressively available to Department staff since 2009. The latest course has been available to Department staff since late 2011. (3) The Department understands that the developer has provided courses to schools in the UK since 2001. (4) (a) and (b) Use of these online courses is under license from the provider. The Department is aware that subscribers locally include government and non-government education authorities in New South Wales, Northern Territory, South Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania and Victoria. The Department is not able to provide further information about other subscribers' arrangements. (5) A total of 6,559 individual teachers within the Department have taken one or more of the online learning courses, totalling 9,680 individual courses. (6) Numbers of individual teachers within the Department who have completed each of the available online learning courses are as follows: 1871 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

• Understanding autism spectrum disorders: 3,412 • Understanding and managing behaviour: 2,354 • Inclusion of students with speech, language and communication needs: 1,817 • Understanding motor coordination difficulties: 887 • Understanding dyslexia and significant difficulties in reading: 1,210

*1689 EDUCATION—MONEY SAVED ON SPECIAL NEEDS ITINERANT TRAVEL—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— (1) How much money will be saved each year by not having itinerant educators travelling between schools? (2) (a) Will this money be redirected to the Learning and Support Program? (b) If not, how will the money be used?

Answer— (1) Under the Every Student, Every School initiative there has been an increase of $69 million for support available directly in schools. In accordance with service delivery models developed by regions and schools, a number of specialist teachers will still be required to travel. (2) It is not possible to speculate on the redirection of funding.

*1690 EDUCATION—TEACHERS IN THE LEARNING AND SUPPORT PROGRAM—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— (1) How many teachers will be a part of the Learning and Support Program? (2) What percentage of these teachers have formal special education qualifications, other than, for example, the online training? (3) What steps is the Department of Education taking to provide formal training to teachers in the Learning and Support Program? Answer— (1) Learning and Support incorporates more than 1,800 full time equivalent (FTE) specialist teacher positions as well as 96 Assistant Principals, Learning and Support. (2) Permanent teachers working in Learning and Support have approval to teach in this area. (3) In addition to the existing retraining programs and professional learning activities supported by the Department of Education and Communities, more than 300 Learning and Support scholarships have been offered for teachers to undertake post graduate studies in special education.

*1691 EDUCATION—SCHOOL LEARNING SUPPORT OFFICERS IN THE EVERY STUDENT, EVERY SCHOOL PROGRAM—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— Will schools have the same capacity to employ School Learning Support Officers, formerly teachers' aides, under the Learning and Support program as they did prior to the Every Student, Every School program? Answer— Principals, through school learning and support teams, have responsibility to determine how each school's allocated learning and support resources are used to respond to local needs and priorities. Schools continue to be able to use their flexible funding allocation and other discretionary funds to engage additional teachers or school learning support officers to complement their specialist teacher support.

*1692 EDUCATION—MONITORING OF THE USE OF STAFF AND POSITIONS IN THE EVERY STUDENT, EVERY SCHOOL PROGRAM—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— (1) What steps will the Department of Education take to ensure that staff and positions in the Learning 1872 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

and Support program will be used appropriately? (2) What monitoring systems are being implemented to ensure that this occurs? Answer— (1) Role statements have been provided for Learning and Support Teacher and Assistant Principal Learning and Support positions. School principals are responsible for determining how staff in the school are utilised to meet the needs and priorities of students. An induction module for Learning and Support staff and principals early in Term 3, 2012 will support the positions as part of a professional learning program to be implemented progressively in Terms 3 and 4, 2012. School education directors have also participated in extensive briefings and professional learning to support them in their roles working with principals to understand the objectives and purpose of Learning and Support and its implementation. (2) Each Region has established an implementation team for Every Student, Every School, led by a senior officer responsible to the regional director. These teams play a central role in supporting and monitoring the implementation of Learning and Support and the needs of schools and students, particularly through its transitional phase in 2012 and into 2013. The annual Principal Assessment and Review Schedule provides a systematic opportunity for school education directors to identify with principals any areas of concern in the use of Learning and Support resources and areas for further support or development.

*1693 EDUCATION—ALLOCATION OF THE NAPLAN-BASED COMPONENT OF MONEY TO SCHOOLS UNDER EVERY STUDENT, EVERY SCHOOL—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— (1) What proportion of students with disabilities currently don't sit for the NAPLAN test? (2) (a) What steps has the Minister for Education taken to ensure the NAPLAN-based component of funding under Every Student, Every School: Learning and Support Program accurately reflects the needs of each school? (b) Do these steps rely on a high proportion of students with special needs taking the NAPLAN test?

Answer— (1) This information is not available. (2) (a) Learning and Support resource allocations for students with lower level support needs and learning difficulties are based upon the total number of students in regular classes and the number of students identified with additional learning needs through 3 years of NAPLAN data. (b) Only the results of students in regular classes are used to determine the learning needs in each school – this includes those students in regular classes with disability and students with additional learning and support needs.

*1694 EDUCATION—ALLOCATION OF THE BASE COMPONENT OF MONEY TO SCHOOLS UNDER EVERY STUDENT, EVERY SCHOOL—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— (1) (a) On what basis was the base allocation process for the Learning and Support Program under Every Student, Every School developed? (b) What is it supposed to reflect? (2) (a) Will a school with a student population of 159 receive a base allocation of 0.1 of a base position? (b) If not, then how much will that school receive? (3) 1873 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(a) Will a school with a student population of 162 receive a base allocation of 0.4 of a base position? (b) If not, then how much will that school receive? (4) (a) Will a school with a student population of 1,000 receive a base allocation of 0.4 of a base position? (b) If not, then how much will that school receive? (5) If the answers to 3 and 4 are 'yes', can the Minister for Education explain why the base allocation of a school with a student population of 162 is the same as a school with a student population of 1,000? Answer— (1) (a) The specialist teacher staffing base of 0.1 full time equivalent (FTE) or 0.4 FTE was established to ensure that every regular public school in New South Wales has a specialist learning and support teacher. As a result of the Every Student, Every School initiative more than 400 regular public schools will receive an allocation for the first time. (b) The staffing base allocations reflect the enrolment of students in regular classes – 0.1 FTE for enrolments up to 159 and 0.4 FTE for enrolments 160 and above. This is based upon the current staffing formulae which reflect a change in a school's grading at the enrolment level of 160 and above. (2) (a) Yes (b) Not applicable. (3) (a) Yes (b) Not applicable. (4) (a) Yes (b) Not applicable. (5) These are base allocations only. Each regular school is also considered for an additional specialist teacher allocation. This is determined by the total number of students in regular classes as well as the number of students identified with additional learning and support needs through the school's Student Learning Need Index. This additional factor ensures that allocations are equitable and reflect the relative level of need in each school.

*1695 EDUCATION—CUT-OFF FOR THE ALLOCATION OF THE NAPLAN COMPONENT OF MONEY TO SCHOOLS UNDER EVERY STUDENT, EVERY SCHOOL—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— (1) (a) In the NAPLAN component of the Every Student, Every School: Learning and Support Program, what was the percentile cut-off for including students in the counting for allocating additional support? (b) How was this percentile arrived at? (2) Is the Minister for Education certain that all students with learning difficulties are included? Answer— (1) (a) The Student Learning Need Index, which informs each school's additional specialist teacher staffing and flexible funding, is drawn from 3 years of NAPLAN data and the number of students in regular classes in each school who perform in the lowest 10%. 1874 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(b) This index has been used to allocate learning difficulties resources in NSW public schools since 2003 and was developed in collaboration with peak groups including principals, parents and the unions. (2) Learning and Support resource allocations for students with lower level support needs and learning difficulties are based upon the total number of students in regular classes and the number of students identified with additional learning needs. This is to ensure that allocations of specialist teacher positions and flexible funding to all NSW public schools are equitable and sustainable and will enable schools to make decisions about support for students with additional learning needs and provide that support expeditiously.

*1696 EDUCATION—MAKEUP OF STUDENTS IN THE EVERY SCHOOL, EVERY STUDENT—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education— (1) For the first year of operation, what percentage of students has been estimated to participate in the Every School, Every Student: Learning and Support Program in each of the following areas: (a) Autism? (b) Behaviour? (c) Physical disabilities? (d) Intellectual disabilities? (e) Mental illness? (f) Delayed language? (g) Reading difficulties?

Answer— Every Student, Every School, Learning and Support is being implemented from Term 3, 2012 to provide sustained high quality learning experiences and outcomes for all students with disability and additional learning and support needs in NSW public schools, irrespective of the type of disability. As parents, carers and schools are not required to seek a diagnosis or disability confirmation for those students supported through Learning and Support resources. Given that, it is not possible to estimate data about disability type.

*1697 TREASURER—COAL CONTRACTS AND POWER STATION PRIVATISATION—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Treasurer— (1) Can the Treasurer provide an assurance that the privatisation process for power stations will not leave the state with post-transaction liability, contingent or otherwise, on: (a) The supply of coal? (b) Availability liquidated damages? (c) Maintenance costs? (2) If not, can the Treasurer provide this assurance in respect of those power stations that are not subject to a gentrader contract? Answer— (1) With the assistance of external advisers, the Government is scoping out how to best undertake the transactions, noting the many challenges and liabilities left behind by the Gentrader transaction undertaken by the former Government. A clear objective is to limit ongoing liabilities and maximise proceeds for the State. (2) As above.

*1698 RESOURCES AND ENERGY—COSTS OF COBBORA COAL MINE—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, Special Minister of State, and Minister for the Central Coast— (1) How much money has been spent on developing Cobbora coal mine as at 20 June 2012: (a) in total? (b) in six monthly periods? 1875 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(c) by the activities on which it was spent, such as test drilling, preparation of plans, geological consultants and purchasing land? (2) (a) How much land has been purchased for the development of Cobbora? (b) What was the total amount of money paid to land owners? (c) How much has been spent in fees, charges and other ancillary costs? (3) (a) How much more land will need to be purchased to begin the operations of the mine? (b) What is the estimated total value of this land? (c) What steps are being taken to purchase this land?

Answer— This question should be directed to the Treasurer.

*1699 TREASURER—WARATAH BOND PROGRAMME—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Treasurer— (1) For the Waratah Bond Programme, from 1 April 2011 to 20 June 2012: (a) How much has the Government spent on advertising costs including print, internet and electronic? (b) How many employees are working on the programme? (c) How many consultants are working on the programme? (2) As of 20 September 2011, how many people have lodged applications for the Waratah Bond Programme? Answer— I am advised (1) (a) All advertising costs associated with the Waratah Bond Programme are included in the operating budget of NSW Treasury Corporation (TCorp). TCorp is a non-Budget Sector Agency which seeks to cover all its operational expenditure from its own profits and cash flows (b) Within TCorp, all work on the Waratah Bond Programme has been managed within existing headcount. (c) There are no consultants working on the Programme. (2) TCorp will provide an annual update on the Waratah Bond Programme in its Parliamentary Report.

21 JUNE 2012 (Paper No. 95)

*1700 FINANCE AND SERVICES—PAYROLL TAX REBATE SCHEME (JOBS ACTION PLAN)—Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra— Under the Payroll Tax Rebate Scheme (Job Action Plan): (1) How many employers have received assistance? (2) How many individual employees have received assistance? (3) What is the average hours worked by an individual employed using assistance? (4) How many employers have more than one employee assisted under the scheme? (5) (a) how many employers have applied for assistance? (b) of these, how many have been denied assistance because they did not meet the eligibility criteria? 1876 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

Answer— In the period from1 July 2011, when the scheme commenced, to 18 July 2012, 1,676 employers have registered 11,520 positions for assistance under the scheme. Businesses will be able to apply for the first part of the rebate after the first anniversary of their employment. Fifty-nine employers, covering 77 positions reached their first anniversary rebate instalment between 1 July and 18 July 2012. Nineteen applications have been declined as ineligible. Information regarding hours worked is not held by the Department of Finance and Services.

*1701 FINANCE AND SERVICES—PAYROLL TAX REBATE SCHEME (DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT) —Mr Veitch asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra— Under the Payroll Tax Rebate Scheme (Disability Employment): (1) How many employers have received assistance? (2) (a) how many individual employees have obtained employment? (b) of these, how many are supported in their work by a disability service provider? (3) What is the average hours worked by an individual employed using assistance? (4) How many employers have more than one employee employed under the scheme? (5) (a) how many employers have applied for assistance? (b) of these, how many have been denied because they did not meet the eligibility criteria?

Answer— Employers are eligible to claim the rebate from 1 April 2012. As at 19 July 2012: (1) Two employers have received assistance under the scheme. (2) (a) Two employees have obtained employment under the scheme. (b) This question falls within the responsibility of the Minister for Disability Services. (3) The average weekly hours worked is 21.25 hours. (4) None. (5) Two employers have applied for assistance under the scheme and no applications have been declined.

*1702 TOURISM, MAJOR EVENTS, HOSPITALITY AND RACING—MARDI GRAS—Mr Donnelly asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing, and Minister for the Arts— What was the amount in dollars of direct financial support by the Government to the 2009 Mardi Gras? Answer— Investment in events by the former Events NSW Pty Ltd (now Destination NSW) is commercial-in- confidence.

*1703 TOURISM, MAJOR EVENTS, HOSPITALITY AND RACING—MARDI GRAS—Mr Donnelly asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing, and Minister for the Arts— What was the amount in dollars of direct financial support by the Government to the 2010 Mardi Gras? Answer— Investment in events by the former Events NSW Pty Ltd (now Destination NSW) is commercial-in- confidence. 1877 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

*1704 TOURISM, MAJOR EVENTS, HOSPITALITY AND RACING—MARDI GRAS—Mr Donnelly asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing, and Minister for the Arts— What was the amount in dollars of direct financial support by the Government to the 2011 Mardi Gras? Answer— Investment in events by the former Events NSW Pty Ltd (now Destination NSW) is commercial-in- confidence.

*1705 TOURISM, MAJOR EVENTS, HOSPITALITY AND RACING—MARDI GRAS—Mr Donnelly asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing, and Minister for the Arts— What was the amount in dollars of direct financial support by the Government to the 2012 Mardi Gras? Answer— Investment in events by Destination NSW is commercial-in-confidence.

*1706 PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE—CALLAN PARK AND BROUGHTON HALL—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Infrastructure NSW, Leader of the House— (1) What is the status of the master plan for Callan Park and Broughton Hall? (2) What process is being used to review and develop this plan? (3) What are current Government plans for this site? Answer— (1) Leichhardt Council has prepared and submitted a draft master plan. I have asked for a review of the master plan to be undertaken prior to a determination. (2) Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority is undertaking a review with the assistance of external consultants. (3) Future plans for the site will be considered once Government has had the opportunity to review the master plan together with recommendations made by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority.

*1707 ENVIRONMENT—CURRAWONG ROAD, BEROWRA HEIGHTS—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for the Environment, and Minister for Heritage— (1) What is the official name of the reserve shown on UBD street directories, on the corner of Currawong Road and the road leading down to Berowra Waters Ferry which is marked with the words 'Aboriginal carvings'? (2) Is the reserve in question currently designated Crown Land? (3) Are the Aboriginal carvings at the site protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974? Answer— I am advised as follows: (1) While the Office of Environment and Heritage's records do not specify a name for the reserve, the Hornsby Shire Council Generic Plan of Management lists the reserve as Currawong Road Aboriginal Area. (2) Yes. (3) Yes. It is an offence under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 to cause harm or desecrate any Aboriginal site without an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit. 1878 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

*1708 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—JENOLAN KARST CONSERVATION RESERVE—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Small Business— Clear-fell logging of the pine forest adjacent to the Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve has recently occurred as part of the forestry cycle. (1) (a) Are there any plans to introduce a buffer zone between the Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve and the pine plantation? (b) If not, why not? (2) Are any other steps being taken to protect the reserve from clear-fell logging in the adjacent pine forest? (3) (a) Are there any plans to extend the Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve to include all the headwaters of the Jenolan River? (b) If not, why not? (4) (a) Are there any plans to extend the Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve to include Terrace Creek which is part of the current pine plantation and is due to be logged soon? (b) If not, why not?

Answer— (1) (a) No. (b) There is an existing buffer zone between the Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve (JKCR) and the Jenolan State Forest pine plantation adjoining the JKCR. A road runs along the eastern boundary of Jenolan State Forest and the buffer zone extends 20 metres from the middle of the road. The former parts of Jenolan State Forest broadly to the east of the boundary road, comprising about 4,600 ha, were transferred from Forests NSW to JKCR⁄NSW National Parks tenure in September, 2008. The existing Jenolan State Forest comprises about 5,000 ha of pine plantation broadly to the west of the road. Prior to the September 2008 changes in tenure, the native forest areas of Jenolan State Forests had been excluded from timber harvesting under the Forest Management Zoning system. Thus, the plantation and the original karst area were separated by 4,600 ha of non-commercial native forest even prior to the establishment of the formal Karst reserve. (2) Forests NSW manages its plantation operations to the standard of the Plantations and Reafforestation Act 1999 and Plantations and Reafforestation (Code) Regulation 2001, and is also accredited under the Australia Forestry Standard. These mechanisms provide on and off plantation protection for the JKC Reserve within the landscape. In addition, the Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve Draft Plan of Management July 2006 is still adhered to by Forests NSW in relation to its plantation activities. (3) These questions should be directed to the Minister for the Environment. (4) These questions should be directed to the Minister for the Environment.

*1709 PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE—"THE DRIP" AT ULAN—Mr Shoebridge asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Infrastructure NSW, Leader of the House— (1) (a) Was "the Drip", a piece of Crown Land at Ulan around 50 kilometres North East of Mudgee, sold by the Government? (b) If so: (i) when? 1879 Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 96— Tuesday 14 August 2012

(ii) who was it sold to? (iii) what price was obtained? (2) What consideration is being given to having "The Drip" included as part of the nearby National Park? (3) What consideration is being given to other forms of protection for this site? Answer— (1) to (3) This question should be redirected to the Minister for Primary Industries.

*1710 HEALTH—ARMIDALE HOSPITAL—Mr Donnelly asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Health, and Minister for Medical Research— (1) With respect to Armidale Hospital, in the period from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011: (a) In how many instances was the ethics committee(s) asked to consider the termination of a pregnancy that had a gestation period of 20 or more weeks? (b) In those instances where the ethics committee(s) was asked to consider the termination of a pregnancy that had a gestation period of 20 or more weeks, how many of those instances were supported, recommended or endorsed by the ethics committee(s)?

Answer— Decisions regarding late term abortions are made based on clinical need through discussion between the patient and the treating clinician. Under existing law the decision is based on the clinical assessment to 'preserve the woman from serious danger to her life, or physical, or mental health'. A hospital may not offer the procedure in view of its role or philosophy.

*1711 HEALTH—AUBURN HOSPITAL—Mr Donnelly asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Health, and Minister for Medical Research— (1) With respect to Auburn Hospital, in the period from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011: (a) In how many instances was the ethics committee(s) asked to consider the termination of a pregnancy that had a gestation period of 20 or more weeks? (b) In those instances where the ethics committee(s) was asked to consider the termination of a pregnancy that had a gestation period of 20 or more weeks, how many of those instances were supported, recommended or endorsed by the ethics committee(s)?