LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

Friday, 21st May, 1993

______

Mr Speaker (The Hon. Kevin Richard Rozzoli) took the chair at 9 a.m.

Mr Speaker offered the Prayer.

PUBLIC FINANCE AND AUDIT (SPECIAL DIVIDENDS) AMENDMENT BILL

Bill introduced and read a first time.

Second Reading

Mr J. H. MURRAY (Drummoyne) [9.6]: I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

The aim of this bill is to end the Government's dividend raids, through its demands for payment of special dividends by various government trading enterprises, commonly known as GTEs. The object of the bill is to require dividends payable by the principal GTEs, such as the Maritime Services Board, State Rail Authority, State Transit Authority, ELCOM, the Water Board and county councils to be calculated in accordance with a predetermined formula prescribed by regulation. It also provides that asset purchases from the State by those authorities are to be referred to the Auditor-General and the Public Accounts Committee if the payment is in excess of $1 million and does not represent an official dividend or repayment of capital. Also, a report will be required to be made to the Parliament on whether the payment is a fair price for that asset.

The dividend of a GTE is not to exceed the dividend calculated in accordance with the formula prescribed by regulation. Under the provisions of the bill, different formulas may be set for different authorities, but the Government will not be able to camouflage special dividends through bogus asset sales or capital repayments. If the Government wants to draw additional funds from GTEs - these special dividends which are part of the Government's armour at the moment - it will have to do so by means of special taxing legislation that will need the approval of this Parliament. The GTEs should not be used as de facto tax collectors for the Government. Their charges in many cases are already far too high. Those charges are damaging the economic prospects of New South Wales and hurting hard.

Mr Hartcher: What rubbish!

Mr J. H. MURRAY: The Minister does not believe that our water prices which are the highest in Australia - and which, by world comparison, are extremely high - are not damaging small business in New South Wales. The Minister is out of touch. As Minister for the Environment he should know more about what is happening in the economy. High charges are damaging the State's economic prospects and hurting hard-pressed consumers. If the Government wants to raise taxes it must seek approval from Parliament. Honourable members will recall Premier Fahey's edict to Government business enterprises - to aim at a target rate of return on shareholders' funds and or to pay 50 per cent on their profit as dividend. Unfortunately, the Fahey Government has gone further and is making unheralded demands for special dividends. This has proved unsettling for GBEs, which are feeling the impact on the disruption of the business plans. Many such organisations, when established, were established with the good will of the Opposition. In fact, the Opposition set up plans for corporatisation of many of these organisations.

The House will also recall the actions of Mr David Harley, the Chairman of the Sydney Water Board. He was a Government appointee. When Mr Harley took on the Government he did so with some fervour. Last year he resigned when his organisation was directed to return $100 million to the Treasury. His resignation letter, which was obtained under freedom of information legislation and was not given readily by this Government, expressed concern that the $100 million approximated the funds raised by the Sydney Water Board's special environment levy. The Fahey Government's demand and receipt of a second $100 million from the Sydney Water Board has been overlooked. In other words, the Sydney Water Board has been stripped of $200 million in special dividends over two years.

This is totally outrageous. It has been done without the knowledge of Parliament. The only people who knew anything about it were the Minister in charge of the Water Board and the Treasury. The people of New South Wales and the pensioners who are receiving quarterly bills for $164 discovered, when they looked at their bills, that $160 was for infrastructure cost and only $4 was for water usage. Time and again I have explained to this House the process whereby the Water Board is nothing but a taxing authority. The bill introduced by the Opposition is aimed at protecting the interests of the families in western Sydney and the pensioners of New South Wales who are being ripped off unmercifully by this Government through its call for dividends from the major government trading organisations.

Mr Hartcher: You do not even believe that yourself.

Mr J. H. MURRAY: The Minister said that I do not believe it but I am here, when I would rather be at home, to protect the interests of small business, families and pensioners of New South Wales because of his Government's misuse of government trading enterprises. Though recent publicity has focused on dividends sought from the Water Board, the most notable example of the use of special dividends was the Greiner Government's 1990-91 demand that Page 2604 Elcom - now Pacific Power - pay a special dividend of $400 million. The GTE that faces the biggest hits in 1992-93 is Pacific Power, with projected payments in dividends and tax equivalents of $483 million.

The story of the Government's policy in dealing with the electricity industry must wait for another day. Eventually, the people of New South Wales will have to pay because there is no way in the wide world that county councils and Pacific Power can carry out their maintenance programs and pay dividends. It is an example of raiding the hollow logs for a short-term gain. In the long run, maintenance cannot be put off. Raids on Prospect Electricity will result in power facilities throughout the State blowing up regularly, and power cuts in the Riverina and western Sydney. No maintenance on infrastructure will be carried out because government business enterprises are being asked to rip out the heart of their industry and give it to Treasury.

If the Government's golden geese, the water and electricity authorities, are to operate as monopolies, they should be allowed to operate effectively. At the moment those monopoly industries are creating very strong cash flow and both are good little earners. New South Wales Government figures for the past two years reveal that the Sydney Water Board has produced rates of return on assets and shareholders' equity of 3 per cent to 4 per cent, but it must be remembered that not all Government accounting procedures show, in the real light, what the return is. In part, these low rates of return reflect the impact of write-ups which have increased the book value of Sydney Water Board's infrastructure asset from $6.5 million in 1990 to $12.2 million in 1991. Write-ups have increased the nomination on the rate of return on assets or equity and also affected many other areas, thus allowing the Government to introduce higher charges.

If the Sydney Water Board used private sector accounting techniques it would have reported an operating return in 1991 of approximately 12 per cent, which is higher than the average of 7.4 per cent for companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. On that basis the Sydney Water Board generated earnings, before interest and taxes, of approximately $57,000 per employee, which is close to nine times the average operating earning of the ASX listed firms established at only $6,624. This does not mean that the Water Board has to have its operating capital ripped out but, in the long run, when all water lines and underground sewerage connections in Sydney are to be renewed, no money will have been put aside to do that. It is part of the Government's rationale for privatisation. When it occurs the Government will come into the House and say, "We have to privatise the Water Board. We, as a Government, cannot afford to fund the capital works required to replenish and upgrade the water reticulation system in Sydney".

The reason the Government does not have funds and the reason it will want to privatise the Water Board is that it is ripping funds out of the Water Board to pay for the Eastern Creek fiasco of Premier Greiner and Premier Fahey of past years. And not only that. The new guru of the National Party comes into this place and tells honourable members that there is a new breed in New South Wales, the National Party now has accountants. Honourable members will assess how well the honourable member for Upper Hunter has performed as the Assistant Treasurer when the Budget is brought down this year, detailing the blowout in the deficit. The blowout is one of the reasons why special dividends are being ripped out of the heart of organisations that have world wide standing.

The Water Board dividend call was nothing but a subterfuge. The board was a taxable milch cow, used to cover the inadequacies of the Government's poor economic performance. This is best illustrated in correspondence between Premier Fahey and the Minister responsible for the Water Board, the Minister for Planning in another place. Minister Webster announced that he was transferring assets of the Sydney Water Board to the Government a week after the denial that the Government was ripping off special dividends from the Water Board. Eventually the Opposition obtained a letter from Premier Fahey to Minister Webster dated 10th September, 1992 which revealed that the Premier ordered the board to amend its accounts to ensure that the $100 million payment would not be linked to any purchase of assets. Originally Minister Webster said, "This is a transfer. It is not a special one-off dividend. With the dividend Treasury will buy some assets from the Water Board and charge it $100 million".

That transaction caused ructions within the Water Board, to the extent that its chairman resigned. The letter from Premier Fahey to Minister Webster clearly revealed that the $100 million paid by the Water Board was to be regarded as a special dividend and was not to be linked to any purchase of assets. The Fahey Government has denied suggestions that former Premier Greiner agreed to transfer assets of the Water Board in exchange for $100 million. Eventually Minister Webster was forced to come clean. He said, "There will be a transfer of assets but I am not going to give you any further information, and you will have to wait until the Budget comes through at the end of the financial year".

I shall deal now with the Government's rip-offs in the electricity industry. Honourable members will recall that the Government had already raided the Sydney County Council, now known as Sydney Electricity when it took $740 million. Before the State Government grabbed the money and the assets, Sydney Electricity's debt to equity ratio was 17 per cent. Honourable members who have been in private enterprise or in quasi government organisations will acknowledge that 17 per cent to 22 per cent is a fair ratio. After the Government ripped off $740 million, the debt to equity ratio blew out to 70 per cent. As a consequence, the liabilities of Sydney Electricity have increased from $143 million to $705 million.

The Curran report recommended that Prospect Electricity, which is also required to pay special dividends, should borrow $400 million to pay a Page 2605 special dividend to the Government, yet in his report to this Government in 1988 Mr Curran said that the State's debt was far too high. Shortland Electricity in the Hunter and Illawarra Electricity are the next in the firing line to be asset stripped. Following the State Government's $740 million raid on county councils, through innovative debt gearing and revaluing of assets the 70 per cent debt ratio has dropped to 29 per cent. In other words, this is another fiddle. County councils have been compromised by having to borrow money to pay the special dividends to Treasury. Maintenance will suffer. More important, the less advantaged in the community will have to finance this. The Government is desperate to acquire funds to prop up its failing budget. All of this must be set against two reports to the Parliament by the Regulation Review Committee. The committee reported on this very matter on 12th April, 1991, and in April 1992. The first recommendation of the committee, chaired by the honourable member for Murrumbidgee, reads:

That clause 5 of the Public Finance and Audit Regulation 1984 be amended so that it includes only those statutory authorities which operate on a commercial basis.

The second recommendation reads:

That guidelines be drawn up by the Treasurer setting out the criteria on which statutory authorities would be eligible to be prescribed for the purposes of the regulation.

This was a report from an all-party committee chaired by the honourable member for Murrumbidgee, a senior backbench member of the National Party who had such a vital impact in deciding the leadership of the National Party yesterday and who made sure that the Minister for Finance became the deputy leader. Such is the stature of the man, yet the Government ignores the recommendations of his committee. The Opposition seeks to ban sleight-of-hand taxes such as last year's $100 million rip off from Water Board consumers. This will offset the Fahey Government's planned $100 million raid on the Water Board this year. It is clear from the Government's forward projections of revenue, for which one only need look at Budget Paper No. 2, that the special Water Board dividend is locked in to the year 1995.

The Opposition supported the payment of normal dividends by government trading enterprises. However, these normal dividends are calculated on a complex but proper and well-accepted formula. The so-called special dividends are merely disguised tax rip offs. Higher water and electricity charges are being levied on consumers so that the Government can raise taxes by stealth. This legislation will specify in law the formula for normal dividends. If the Government wants to rip off any additional revenue it will have to do so by means of special taxing legislation that will need the approval of the Parliament. In conclusion I emphasise that this legislation, in future, will prevent access to the Water Board and similar government trading organisations being affected to the extent that the ratio of current assets to current liabilities of 34.1 per cent for 1992 will not worsen. The reduction in liquidity that is occurring in many of these organisations in the main is mostly the result of the increase in loans and advances during 1992 and 1993 brought about by the Government requirement that they pay these special dividends. I commend the bill.

Debate adjourned on motion by Mr Hartcher.

SOUTH EAST FORESTS PROTECTION BILL

Second Reading

Debate resumed from 20th May.

Mr HARTCHER (Gosford - Minister for the Environment) [9.30]: I am pleased to be able to speak in this debate and inform the House of solutions that have already been found to the problem of natural resource management in the southeast forests of New South Wales. Steps have already been taken to implement those solutions - steps, unfortunately, which this bill does not acknowledge. Every honourable member would be aware of the difficulties surrounding the whole issue of land use planning in New South Wales, but especially in the southeastern area. But, how many of us realise that there is a considerable history behind that land use allocation debate? In 1967 the Government of the day entered into an agreement with Harris Daishowa for the construction of a chip mill at Eden. The commencement of woodchipping operations near Eden on the South Coast in 1969 marked the end of more than 50 years of selective logging in the district's State forests by the Forestry Commission and the beginning of one of Australia's most prolonged land use conflicts.

Plans to establish a paper pulp industry based on the forests of the New South Wales South Coast existed as early as 1932, but it was not until late 1967 that Harris Daishowa, a subsidiary of the large Japanese paper manufacturer, Daishowa Paper Manufacturing Company, was selected by the New South Wales Government to establish a woodchipping industry at Eden. Australian equity, Harris Holdings, was to be 51 per cent, but within two years legislation was passed by the Federal Government to allow the company to become entirely Japanese owned. The supply of new material to the mill was to come, in large part, from the southeast forests. Logging practices changed dramatically from selective logging to integrated logging, which involves the intensive logging of large areas to supply logs for the new chip mill as well as timber for existing sawmills.

When the woodchip industry began, the concept of regional planning was still being formulated. Now it is a well-established principle and is incorporated into such legislation as the New South Wales Environmental Planning and Assessment Act. However, there were no regional species recovery plans. Such plans are needed for the Eden region. They should incorporate both the forests and farmlands so as to take into account the multiplicity of land use requirements and thereby ensure the integrated and viable maintenance and use of the region's natural and cultural resources. Recent co-operative work by the Forestry Commission and the National Parks and Wildlife Service with koalas shows Page 2606 the way ahead in this area. In 1969 there were few formal mechanisms for determining the issues of the debate. Now there is an array of procedures available to government, including: environmental impact assessments under both Federal and State legislation; public inquiries; and plans of management both for State forests and for the region.

From the following review of the woodchip debate it can be concluded that, if the results of all these formal mechanisms are fully utilised, governments will be in a stronger position to provide an imaginative solution to the conflict. The current bill of the honourable member for Bligh addresses only one of these options. It is no secret that the 1967 Harris Daishowa agreement led to a long and, at times, bitter debate between the State, the Commonwealth, the forest industry and the conservation movement. In October 1990 Prime Minister Hawke and New South Wales Premier Greiner announced that agreement had been reached on the future of the southeast forests of New South Wales. I will refer often to this landmark Commonwealth-State agreement because it is the cornerstone of the Government's solution to resource planning in the southeast forests. Make no mistake, the Commonwealth is intimately involved with this issue. From the very beginning it has been responsible for the issuing of export licences for the products of the Eden chip mill.

Latterly it has become involved in the assessment of the southeast forests for inclusion on the register of the National Estate, the Resource Assessment Commission's forest and timber inquiry, the development of the intergovernmental agreement on the environment, which this Government has signed, and the development of the draft national forests policy. The debate engendered by the establishment of the woodchip industry on the far South Coast of New South Wales has resulted in numerous reports and studies. Some studies have examined the environmental impact of the changed logging practices that accompanied the establishment of the chip mill. Some studies have closely examined the adequacy of conservation reserves in the region. About 16 studies were conducted, but I will not go into all of them. The vital point noted by the first major inquiry, a Senate inquiry from 1975 to 1977 entitled "Woodchips and the Environment", was that lack of information on the ecology of forest fauna prevents appropriate assessment of the risk from proposed impacts. In particular, that inquiry noted:

Much of the Australian fauna has yet to be described and named. The lives and needs of but a few forest creatures have been studied in any detail. The habitat requirements of most are no more than sketchily known.

The basic requirement for fauna surveys and ecological studies remains essential if the ever-growing number of findings and bills proposing new national parks and commenting on the fauna of the Eden forests are to be grounded in reality. All these studies have indicated, or at least lend support to the view, that there is a case for an increase in the area reserved for conservation in the southeast forests. The Government accepts that view. The Commonwealth-State agreement reflects that view. As a measure of the Government's commitment to this process I advise the House that the Government has supported a research and survey program - the southeast forests study - by the National Parks and Wildlife Service at a cost of more than $800,000. The Government has also introduced proposed arrangements in relation to natural resources management to address the need for a co-ordinated approach to resource survey and resolution of land use conflict.

I will now specifically address the bill introduced by the honourable member for Bligh. The Government finds the bill deficient in a number of respects. If there is comparatively little information on the biological aspects of the woodchipping industry there is even less information on economic impacts. The honourable member for Bligh has neglected also to undertake a thorough analysis to provide an objective position upon a which a reasoned case can be based. Fortunately, the Resource Assessment Commission undertook such an analysis of the forests of southeast Australia, which cover Eden and East Gippsland. This analysis can be found in Resource Assessment Commission research paper No. 5. The authors distinguish between a financial analysis, one carried out to determine the profitability of an enterprise, and an economic analysis, an examination of the costs and benefits from a community perspective. The Resource Assessment Commission's analysis included estimates of the cost of foregoing the logging of National Estate forests and the impact of a world-scale pulp mill at Orbost in Victoria, which would take 1.6 to 1.7 million tonnes of timber each year from the forests of southeast Australia.

The amount of pulpwood logs necessary to sustain a world-scale mill is more than three times that extracted from the State forests in the Eden woodchip agreement area. Currently, Harris Daishowa has an agreement with the New South Wales Forestry Commission for 530,000 tonnes per annum to be taken from the State forests of the Eden woodchip agreement area. As a result of the joint ministerial decision of October 1990 this amount will be reduced by 5 per cent to about 504,000 tonnes per annum. Among other things the Resource Assessment Commission concluded that a world-scale pulp mill at Orbost would just break even on profitability. The supply of 1.6 to 1.7 million tonnes will require a number of things. A one-off decision to commit all the remaining forests of southeast Australia to national parks would pre-empt any future requirement by the community for an expanded woodchipping operation in the region. What is so extraordinary in this bill is the relegation of long-term development options to a short-term political proposal, which requires such a large slice of the remaining resource to be converted into national parks. This would prevent maintenance of a viable regional timber industry.

Much of the recent debate has centred on the National Estate forests of the southeast, their nature conservation and cultural values and their worth in terms of income and jobs. The economic analysis by the Resource Assessment Commission has provided a much needed independent assessment. Its analysis has shown that the option of conserving National Estate Page 2607 forests from logging would have a net cost to society of $53 million, which takes into account the economic cost of the loss of 105 jobs. This bill is deficient in its treatment of wilderness. However, I will not debate the wilderness issue at this stage. The bill pays no attention to the established principle of representativeness. The principle, now widely accepted in the scientific community, states that a reserve system should provide an adequate example of the full range of environmental variation in a region, paying particular attention to biological diversity. The proposed reserves identified in the bill do not provide such a representative sample. They do sample old-growth forests. They do not sample the full range of forest types and pay no attention to the growing body of information on the distribution of threatened species of plants or animals from this region. These threatened species are not confined to the proposed reserves.

Extensive studies of the effects of the combined woodchip-sawlog operation on fauna in the coastal forests near Bega were undertaken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service between 1979 and 1984. The results of these studies are intriguing. They provide an insight into the complexity of habitat management not canvassed in the bill of the honourable member for Bligh. Those results, and other advice provided by the service on wildlife conservation in the region, have been properly considered as part of this Government's resolution of the southeast forests problem. Only this Government's proposal offers a long-term solution.

The approach taken in the National Parks and Wildlife Service studies, which centred on Mumbulla State Forest because it was the coastal forest being logged at the time of the studies, was to consider a range of species rather than only the rare and endangered, or presumed indicators, such as the greater glider or the yellow-bellied glider. This approach yielded a number of advantages. Studies of common species, such as Gould's long-eared bat, the bush rat, the grass and delicate skinks and the water skink, the swamp wallaby and red-necked wallaby, were found in sufficient numbers to allow complex studies to be undertaken. These common species demonstrate that a simple model of loss and return does not apply as each showed a different pattern.

Studies of common species reveal much about the complexity of the system because they offer statistically workable numbers. The studies of the common species provide also a framework for surveying the rare species. The location of a population of the rare white-footed dunnart during the census for small mammals enabled a detailed study of its habitat to be carried out. During the course of these studies parts of the forests burnt and or were subjected to severe drought. Both had major impacts additional to that of logging. Since both are regular hazards, it became clear as the studies proceeded that assessments of the impact of logging without the addition of drought and fire would not identify the times of greatest stress on fauna populations. [Extension of time agreed to.]

This extensive series of studies is an example of the commitment by government to unravel the truth of the matter and not simply respond to calls for more national parks. In 1989 attention was focused on the Commonwealth Government because of its role in the renewal of the 20-year woodchip export licence for Harris Daishowa (Australia) Pty Limited, due at the end of that year. The licence was renewed for 15 years amid acrimonious debate, followed by an unsuccessful court action by conservation groups. In mid-1989 the New South Wales Government and the Federal Government launched a joint one-year scientific study of the region. The report of that committee, commonly known as the joint scientific committee report, recommended that "the conservation reserve system should be expanded to provide adequate representation of all environments and their associated plant and animal species".

That report was progressive in that it applied new computer-based techniques for selecting a reserve system. However, the report was criticised for confining itself to its own environmental domain analysis in that the procedures adopted were limited by an over-emphasis on climate, soil nutrients and topographic data. The relationship of these environmental domains to the region's biota was not apparent. The information made a major contribution to the Commonwealth-State ministerial decision-making process that resulted, in October 1990, in a commitment to dedicate new national parks, nature reserves and flora reserves. Agreement made in 1990 was in the nature of a compromise. It is in the context of a compromise that these are reasonable starting points.

The bill of the honourable member for Bligh reveals a single-minded obsession with national parks and nature reserves and totally ignores the fact that reserving critical areas in national parks is only part of the answer. A recent book on the subject, The Conservation of Australia's Forest Fauna, identified this problem by noting that "some of the most controversial debates in recent years have centred on old growth forests on issues such as the establishment of bleach pulp mills for the utilisation of woodchips, logging of mature hardwood forests and resource security, that is, government guarantees to industry of given amounts of timber within a certain period". While fauna is potentially threatened by logging operations - all proposed habitat change must be viewed as a potential threat - the two could co-exist in many areas if stringent guidelines were prepared and rigorously implemented.

The achievement of such co-existence, however, is far harder in practice than arguing the case for establishing a large national park or nature reserve; hence, the conversation emphasis is on major reservation rather than on management plans which incorporate conservation programs within commercial forests. In the bill before the House the simple option is proposed out of the context of fauna conservation. It is far more realistic in 1993 to integrate proposals for national parks and nature reserves with other approaches, including proper environmental impact assessment and threatened species legislation. Threatened species of animals do not carry around Page 2608 maps with the honourable member's proposed park boundaries on them; they do not teach their offspring never to cross that boundary.

What a nonsense to pretend that drawing boundaries on a map will solve all wildlife conservation issues in the southeast forests of New South Wales. The only sensible thing is for all land management agencies to work together to ensure that the minimum possible impact is made on the environment. There should be minimal impact on the habitat of endangered or threatened species of plants and animals. The National Parks and Wildlife Service is already committed to working co-operatively with other land management agencies to address the issue of off-park conservation of the native plants and animals of New South Wales. In particular, it has been working with the Forestry Commission regarding wildlife management issues in the whole of the southeast forests area.

I would like to illustrate how the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Forestry Commission are working together in the southeast forests, on a wildlife conservation problem - the management of koalas. Although time is against me, honourable members would be aware of the report which came out with respect to joint studies carried out by the Forestry Commission and the National Parks and Wildlife Service on koala management. In July 1992 a draft management plan for the koala in southeast New South Wales was produced by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. It was a result of this unique and co-operative project. The southeast koala survey employed a questionnaire which sought to tap the collective memory of the whole community with respect to koala sightings. The draft plan of management, which is to be released later this year for public comment, summarises the current state of knowledge of koalas. It outlines details of their habitat and profile.

Wildlife conservation in State forests subject to intensive forestry operations has been an enduring issue of the land use debate which began in 1969 with the advent of a woodchip industry in the Eden region. The temperature of this debate rose in November 1990 with the confirmation of reports of regular sightings of koalas in areas earmarked for logging. In recognition of the importance of conserving this regional population of koalas, the then Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Natural Resources directed the service and the commission to convene a koala steering committee. That committee produced a valuable report to which I have already alluded. A similar story can be told with respect to co-operative measures between the agencies to protect the known habitat of the long-footed potoroo. Extensive potoroo surveys have been undertaken.

This bill, however, pays scant attention to the need for a balanced regional assessment of natural resources and land use planning. In particular, it boldly asserts in part 5 that the Forestry Commission can magically find new resources in the remaining State forests. It pays no attention to the impact this will have on long-term forest management, on water quality or on rare, endangered or threatened plants and animals in those areas which are subjected the more intense logging. There is no secret about the need for a balanced approach to resource planning, including land use planning. It is a matter of public record that, in drafting her bill, the honourable member for Bligh seems to have overlooked this need.

The State Government and the Federal Government, through the national forest policy, are working on these very issues - just as they worked in the Greiner-Hawke accord earlier - to establish a reasonably balanced approach to national parks and forest management in the southeast of the State. Only by acknowledging the fact that we need wildlife conservation as a general principle throughout the whole State, rather than simply saying that certain lands will be national parks, can we achieve our universally acknowledged objective which is to preserve our native flora and fauna. The State Government is committed to the agreement it reached with the Federal Government in October 1990. That agreement establishes a number of national parks and nature reserves. It seeks to maintain a correct balance between the need for conservation of our precious heritage and the need to develop an ecologically sustainable forest industry. The bill proposed by the honourable member for Bligh does not acknowledge that balance. It simply seeks to reserve certain areas of land regardless of the overall impact; it does not look at the economic impact upon the region, nor does it sensibly address the environmental issues which are the real concern of this House. [Time expired.]

Ms MOORE (Bligh) [9.50], in reply: I am the proud sponsor of the South East Forests Protection Bill, not only on behalf of the environment movement of this State but also on behalf of the whole community of New South Wales, because the community of New South Wales cares about the southeast forests, not just those people represented by the Independents.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Monaro to order.

Ms MOORE: The bill will be voted on today, and I pay tribute to those who have been involved in the processes that have brought it to this stage, particularly the South East Forest Alliance -

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Monaro to order for the second time.

Ms MOORE: - and Jeff Angel for his contribution to the legislation committee, which includes members opposite. I appreciate the efforts of the honourable member for Moorebank and the Leader of the Opposition, who have worked very hard to ensure that the Prime Minister meets his end of the bargain to provide the finances for the employment package. Some extraordinary contributions have been made to the debate. I agree with previous speakers that National Party members are intent on looking backwards and not forwards. The speeches made by them seem to have been pulled out of the bottom drawer and do not apply to the bill and its amendments. They have shown not much brain but plenty of bully brawn. Whenever I speak on any issue, those honourable members who are sitting opposite me on the Government benches interject, as they did last week.

Page 2609

The honourable member for Monaro was insulting when he said that all my constituents are gay, green, or dole bludgers. I am sure the former Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam, would like to know he is a gay, green, dole bludger. The former Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, and the former Premier, Neville Wran, are among my constituents, and I understand the most recent former Premier of this State is planning to move to Bligh. Other eminent Australians such as Joe Schipp, Ted Pickering and even the honourable member for Broken Hill are among my constituents. The gay people in my electorate are proud to be gay; the people in my electorate who are green are proud to be green; and the people who are on the dole are on the dole as a result of the policies of the coalition government that have caused them to be made redundant and sacked.

There is much weeping and gnashing of teeth about the loss of jobs in the timber industry, but day after day Ministers boldly and proudly announce that 52,000 public servants have been sacked or made redundant, or that 1,000 employees of the Water Board no longer have a job. Members of the Roads and Traffic Authority and the State Rail Authority boast that those people are no longer employed by those authorities. The Government boasts proudly that 1,900 workers in the Maritime Services Board are no longer employed. I ask the honourable member for Burrinjuck: what about the spouses and children of all those New South Wales people who have lost their jobs as result of policies of this Government? The South East Forests Protection Bill has undergone extensive review since its introduction last year. Since I made my second reading speech significant public discussion has taken place, including that which occurred in the legislation committee, which heard from all parties interested in this long running issue. A two-day visit to the southeast forests area included a day spent with conservationists and a day spent with timber workers.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Bega to order.

Ms MOORE: This process has been of the utmost importance in reaching the best solution to the forests dispute. It far outstrips that undertaken by the bureaucratically controlled environmental impact statement process whereby the Forestry Commission decides what it wants, not what is best for the community in the long term. It has been a far better process than the lead-up to the discredited 1990 decision, which only exacerbated the conflict of the forests. That decision has not stuck and was not even accredited in the national forests policy signed by the New South Wales and Commonwealth Governments at the end of last year. I hope that this bill will mark the end of one of the most bitter and contentious forest disputes in Australia. During discussions on the bill over the last several months, important compromises have been made, not the least of which is the reduction in area to be saved from the original plan of 140,000 hectares to about 90,000 hectares. The 90,000 hectares now proposed for protection is immeasurably important and because of logging planned by the Forestry Commission it is in dire danger of destruction.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Coffs Harbour to order.

Ms MOORE: I seek to table the South East Forests Protection Act 1993 national parks and nature reserves amendment map, which reflects the compromises made.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! A rule of this House is that a member who wishes to table material - and I appreciate the difficulties faced by the honourable member for Bligh - must, prior to seeking to table the material, approach the Speaker to ascertain whether the material is such that might be tabled. Material which is tabled in the House must be capable of being reproduced in Hansard as part of the record. I have not been extended the courtesy of being shown the material, but I cannot imagine that it can be reproduced in Hansard. I do not know what procedure can be used to overcome the dilemma. I will accept presentation of that material for the purposes of the carriage of the legislation, but whether it can be tabled in the strict sense is a matter which I will consider at a later hour of the day. The probability is that the material will not conform with the rules of the House.

Ms MOORE: It is the same as the map that has been in the Speaker's gallery for the past two days. I meant no discourtesy to you, Mr Speaker. I was not advised that I needed to speak to you first, which I would have done had I been so advised. Let us not pretend that the intensive logging practised in the southeast forests protects the beauty and the uniqueness of the old growth forests. It does not. That is very clear from the findings of the Resource Assessment Commission inquiry into Australia's forests and independent evidence presented to the legislation committee. Over the past 20 years enough compromises have been made concerning the old growth forests and a new direction is needed. The amendments to be introduced in Committee will provide this new direction. It will introduce changes to the area covered by the bill, improve wilderness provisions that can allow restoration of wilderness as proposed in the national forests policy signed by the Premier and Prime Minister at the end of last year, and support important amendments to be moved by the Opposition.

Many of the changes reflect the processes and objectives of the national forests policy signed by both governments, including the goal of a "comprehensive, adequate and representative system of conservation reserves over public old growth and wilderness forests by the end of 1995". The bill will adopt the vision of the forests policy, which is founded on ending conflict. By keeping to the spirit of the policy an end can be put to conflict. The objects of the bill reflect this goal. I accord particular importance to the southeast regional employment industry adjustment committee. The regional consultative committee formed in 1989-90 failed to produce an enduring solution, because there were no conservation representatives on the committee. They refused to attend because the national estate forests continued to be logged. This time such a farce cannot occur. The amendments provide a moratorium on the high Page 2610 conservation value of forests and extensive alternative timber supplies in other parts of the region, so no jobs will be under threat. All the parties can meet in a calmer atmosphere, and I hope this will lead to a rational solution for all concerned. That is our challenge, and I urge all members of this House and of the upper House to embrace it.

Question - That this bill be now read a second time - put.

The House divided.

Ayes, 46

Ms Allan Mr Markham Mr Amery Mr Martin Mr Anderson Mr Mills Mr A. S. Aquilina Ms Moore Mr J. J. Aquilina Mr Moss Mr Bowman Mr Nagle Mr Carr Mr Newman Mr Crittenden Ms Nori Mr Doyle Mr E. T. Page Mr Face Mr Price Mr Gaudry Dr Refshauge Mr Gibson Mr Rogan Mrs Grusovin Mr Rumble Mr Harrison Mr Scully Mr Hatton Mr Shedden Mr Hunter Mr Sullivan Mr Iemma Mr Thompson Mr Irwin Mr Whelan Mr Knight Mr Yeadon Mr Knowles Mr Ziolkowski Mr Langton Mrs Lo Po' Tellers, Dr Macdonald Mr Beckroge Mr McManus Mr Davoren

Noes, 44

Mr Armstrong Mr O'Doherty Mr Baird Mr D. L. Page Mr Blackmore Mr Peacocke Mr Causley Mr Petch Mr Chappell Mr Phillips Mrs Chikarovski Mr Photios Mr Cochran Mr Rixon Mr Collins Mr Schipp Mr Cruickshank Mr Schultz Mr Fraser Mr Small Mr Griffiths Mr Smiles Mr Hartcher Mr Smith Mr Hazzard Mr Souris Mr Humpherson Mr Tink Mr Jeffery Mr Turner Dr Kernohan Mr West Mr Kerr Mr Windsor Mr Kinross Mr Yabsley Mr Longley Mr Zammit Ms Machin Mr Merton Tellers, Mr Morris Mr Beck Mr W. T. J. Murray Mr Downy

Pairs

Mr Clough Ms Cohen Mr McBride Mr Fahey Mr J. H. Murray Mr Glachan Mr Neilly Mr Packard

Question so resolved in the affirmative.

Motion agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

In Committee

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr Chappell): Order! If there is no objection I propose to put the bill in clauses and schedules. There being no objection I shall proceed accordingly.

Clauses 1 to 19

Ms MOORE (Bligh) [10.11]: I move:

Page 2, clause 1, line 5. Omit "1992", insert instead "1993".

This is a simple change to make the bill current.

Mr COCHRAN (Monaro) [10.11]: I point out to the Committee that, despite the fact that this is a consequential amendment and involves an administrative matter, it highlights how little time was taken to prepare the bill in the original drafting. The process of consultation with the industry has been abysmal. On 5th March last year 5,000 people involved in the industry protested in Macquarie Street against the bill. The industry has not been consulted on these amendments. The honourable member for Bligh and the Australian Labor Party have not carried out consultation on the amendments. It will be upon their shoulders that these amendments will be made. They will wear the consequences of this legislation for years to come. People in the industry are not aware of what is going on. At least they should have been given the courtesy of being advised about the amendments.

The Government will reject all of these amendments on the basis that no process of consultation has occurred. Time after time the honourable member for Bligh claims in this House that consultation should be a part of the process of democracy. She is abusing her position in the Parliament by failing to allow the people of the southeast forests region and employees in the industry to participate in this debate. So far as she is concerned they have no rights in this Parliament. We will make sure they come back and deliver the message to the Australian Labor Party and the honourable member for Bligh that they have rights. Members opposite will hear throughout the debate that these people have been given no opportunity for consultation. Shame on members opposite.

Mr KNOWLES (Moorebank) [10.15]: Without wishing to delay the proceedings I must place on record that considerable consultation has taken place with the union movement. The genesis of the bill is the report from the legislation committee of which the honourable member for Monaro was the chairman. Page 2611 The committee took evidence from a wide range of groups. It is fair to say that we have a good and clear picture of the baseline position of the various interest groups. It is clear from comments made by the honourable member for Monaro that members on the Government benches did not listen to what I said yesterday. The intent of all the Australian Labor Party amendments is to establish a process that will be followed over the next two and a half years. More than enough time has been allowed for consultation and there has been more than enough legislative opportunity for all participants to have a say in the process, whether that process relates to the environmental assessment moratorium, the proposal to prepare an environmental impact statement to make the area available for logging without the need to have an EIS or an FIS, or for that matter whether it is part of structural adjustment committee negotiations for reporting mechanisms to the Parliament. I emphasise that this is not a snapshot or finite piece of work but rather it is the start of a process in which all parties should participate and make their views known.

Mr SMITH (Bega) [10.17]: I place on record that consultation has not happened. I quote from a letter received from the New South Wales Forests Products Association Limited, signed by Col Dorber:

Contrary to advice, no consultation has taken place with either the New South Wales Forest Products Association, the National Association of Forest Industries or any affected sawmilling or logging company in the South East.

The honourable member for Bligh certainly has not had consultation with the people of Bombala and Eden or with the wives and children of people in the industry. She is eager to displace employees and put them on the unemployment list. She was almost proud of the fact that she was going to put 500 or 1,000 people out of work. She is an absolute disgrace.

Mr YEADON (Granville) [10.18]: It is remarkable that the honourable member for Monaro should be admonishing people about failing to pay courtesies to people in the industry, given the content of his contribution to the second reading debate. He was totally incorrect when he said that there had been no consultation with employees in the industry. The Labor Party has had extensive consultation with representatives of employees.

Mr Cochran: Not on these amendments.

Mr YEADON: Yes, on all of this material. We have had consultation.

Mr Cochran: You are lying.

Mr YEADON: I am fully aware of the position in the industry, as are you. The other thing I find remarkable is the inconsistency of members opposite. Yesterday in the second reading debate they suggested to the Chamber that this issue had been done to death since 1967. Now they take the attitude that there has been no consultation. They need to change their schizophrenic position and be a little more consistent.

Amendment agreed to.

Mr KNOWLES (Moorebank) [10.20]: I move:

Page 2. After line 7, insert:

Objects of this Act

3. The objects of this Act are:

(a) to provide for a moratorium on roading and logging in certain high conservation value forests; and

(b) to provide for the establishment of a system of adequate, comprehensive and representative conservation reserves over old growth and wilderness forests; and

(c) to provide for extensive timber supplies during the moratorium period; and

(d) to produce a worker and industry assistance package in the event of new national parks and nature reserves; and

(e) to resolve the conflict over the south east forests.

Currently the legislation does not have specific objects. The five new objects clearly identify the purpose of the bill. The first two are directly compatible with the national forest policy statement which has been signed by the New South Wales Government. They provide for a moratorium over high conservation value forests and the establishment of a system of adequate, comprehensive and representative reserves over old growth forests and wilderness forests. I point out again that that is a direct use of the language in the national forest policy statement. The next two objects address the need for economic responsibility in regard to the effects of the moratorium in high conservation value forests and the need for worker and industry assistance in the event of new national parks should they be made after the processes outlined. The final objective is one that the New South Wales Government should have addressed when it signed the 1990 southeast forests agreement with the Commonwealth, and that is to resolve the conflict in the region. In my view the 1990 Hawke-Greiner agreement did not resolve the conflict; it exacerbated it. As I said yesterday, this bill is a genuine attempt to bring peace to the southeast. I re-state the Minister's words of yesterday, that there is a need for a balanced approach to the southeast forests issue. The amendments that will follow genuinely attempt to achieve that.

Mr COCHRAN (Monaro) [10.22]: Once again the Labor Party, inspired by the honourable member for Bligh, is putting forward a piece of legislation, presumably having been through the process of consultation, without even including the objects of the proposed Act. How can those in the industry possibly contemplate the outcome of the legislation without having a broad view of the objects? This amendment demonstrates how little attention was paid to detail, how little time was taken to consult with people and how little heed was given to the finer points of the drafting of the legislation. This is typical of the entire bill. It is flawed all the way through. Having to insert objects of the bill in an amendment highlights how little time was taken in preparing the legislation.

Page 2612 Mr KNOWLES (Moorebank) [10.23]: It is worth noting that the Parliament has established a process for assessment of legislation - legislation committees. The honourable member for Monaro was the chairman of the legislation committee that assessed the bill. Standing orders have been amended to provide that once a legislation committee has completed its assessment it reports to Parliament by way of continuation of debate through second reading and Committee stages to bring the bill as it was originally proposed into line with the findings of the legislation committee process and for there to be further investigation of matters in the report. That is what we are doing today. It is an ongoing process. The legislation committee report made it clear that the bill was deficient in a number of ways. The amendments being dealt with today seek to rectify the deficiencies. The minority report of the legislation committee signed by the chairman and the honourable member for Burrinjuck shows that, after having gone through an entire assessment process and a series of inquiries, little consideration was given to anything, other than continuing with a head in the sand approach and doing nothing. I thought that there would have been at least some recognition that the bill was flawed but that it was possible to make the bill a workable piece of legislation, and to move forward in the debate to resolve the serious issues of the southeast forests.

Mr SMITH (Bega) [10.25]: It is unbelievable that the objects of the bill could have been omitted. It shows the thought that has been put into the legislation. The objects proposed are totally contradictory. On the one hand they refer to providing for a moratorium on roading and logging in certain high conservation value forests; and on the other hand they refer to providing for extensive timber supplies during the moratorium period. One of the objects is to stop logging and another is saying to get on with it. That is totally contradictory. The last object of the bill relates to resolving the conflict over the southeast forests. I heard the comments of the honourable member for Bligh on the radio this morning. I assume that the bill will be passed by this Chamber. The results will be unbelievable. I invite the honourable member for Bligh to come to my electorate to speak to the forest workers. We will get her on the back of a truck again; she likes trucks so much.

Mr HARTCHER (Gosford - Minister for the Environment) [10.26]: The proposed objects are not consistent with true environmental principles. Opposition and Independent members are ignoring this. If the honourable member for Bligh had listened to my speech at the second reading stage, she would have heard the arguments about the unrepresentative nature of the proposals. Yet she uses the word representative. The bill is essentially unrepresentative. There has been no attempt to establish a truly representative system. That is what she is attempting to provide with proposed amendment No. 6, to try to identify -

Ms Allan: Stick to the one we are dealing with.

Mr HARTCHER: I simply point out to the honourable member for Blacktown that the proposed objects are not truthful, accurate or correct; nor are they in accordance with environmental principles. The unrepresentative nature of the legislation will be dealt with further in debate on the amendments. Proposed clause 3(c) refers to providing for extensive timber supplies during the moratorium period. The only way that this will be possible is to have more intensive logging in other areas.

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr Chappell): Order! I call the honourable member for Bligh to order.

Mr HARTCHER: Regardless of the impact on wildlife in other areas, honourable members opposite are embarking on a course of conduct which is anti-wildlife conservation in the southeast. The honourable member for Manly and the honourable member for Bligh may believe that they are doing something for wildlife conservation with these proposals but they are simply falling into a trap and doing very little.

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! I call the honourable member for Moorebank to order.

Mr HARTCHER: They are identifying certain areas for wildlife conservation on park but what are they achieving off park? They are saying to the timber industry that it should go out of these areas off park and log like mad. That would be the only way to provide for extensive timber supplies.

Dr Macdonald: Pull that bit out of the bill.

Mr HARTCHER: Yes, I would be doing that if I were you. Honourable members opposite are the ones inviting extensive logging. Will they pull that provision out of the bill?

Mr Knowles: No, we need a balanced approach.

Mr HARTCHER: You are not offering a balanced approach; you are providing for intensive logging in the off park areas. That is being put in the preamble to the bill. How does that fit in with object (e) in relation to resolving conflict? When more intensive logging is sought in the off park areas that will not be designated under the bill there will be a mass of section 120 applications, stopwork licence applications to protect the wildlife in those areas. The only way to handle this will be with a proper scientific assessment of the area. Honourable members opposite are saying, "There are the national parks, there are the nature reserves, but for the rest of it you can go to town". The honourable member for Blacktown is the Bambi killer of this Parliament. She wants to wipe out the deer population. That is her contribution to wildlife conservation in this State. "Kill the deer", she cries out, telling me to kill the deer in the national park. She will have every opportunity to participate in debate.

Page 2613

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! This is an emotional issue, and if it continues to be debated in the manner it has been, the Chamber will be delayed and the matter will not be resolved to the satisfaction of anyone. I call to order all honourable members who are transgressing. I ask each of them to seek to participate in the debate by seeking the call, and not otherwise.

Mr HARTCHER: I urge honourable members to consider what they are doing. I will raise the finger because I am making an emphatic point. If you believe in wildlife conservation -

Dr Macdonald: It depends what you do with it.

Mr HARTCHER: The honourable member for Manly makes these remarks and I will make no reply to them. If honourable members opposite really have a commitment to wildlife conservation, they will not set out on a course which simply forces the timber industry to log more intensively in other areas. We need to have a balanced approach which looks at the whole issue of wildlife conservation. What is the Opposition seeking to achieve? Is it simply seeking for the map to look nice with more national parks? Everyone wants more national parks. I love national parks.

Ms Moore: What are you doing about it?

Mr HARTCHER: Popran, Monday. Cudmirrah, Monday. Oh, they were already there!

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! I call the honourable member for Bligh to order for the second time.

Mr HARTCHER: Where could members get them from except from the list that we were working from. Where could the National Parks Association get them from except from our list. Of course they were on our list, and of course they were being referenced through, as the honourable member well knows. What about Harvey's Ranges, Long Neck Reserve, Ourimbah Creek? They were all announced on Monday. But the honourable member for Blacktown had nothing to say about them. The honourable member for Moorebank also had nothing to say. There was dead silence. The member for Manly was congratulatory and I accept his congratulations. If the Independents are trying to do something for the southeast forests, they should not think that drawing lines on maps is looking after wildlife conservation. What happens to all those animals off the park? That is what is being put by this bill - more intensive logging outside of the area.

Dr Macdonald: Does the Minister not want any protection?

Mr HARTCHER: I am urging honourable members opposite to look at the issue from a wildlife conservation point of view, and they are not addressing that. They are simply addressing the idea of making more land national parks. Rather than resolving conflict over the southeast forests, this bill will create it to an extent which the Australian Labor Party does not mind because it has put off its decision until June 1995. The ALP is playing the honourable member for Bligh for a sucker. It is simply saying that it will support her, but that is for that party's short-term political gain. In June 1995 if, heaven forbid, they are in government, they will have a special sitting of this Parliament, like they always do and like they have done on every issue they have ever faced, when they will rush the legislation through both Houses of Parliament. Members of the Opposition will not be proceeding with this. They are voting with the Independents now, saying that they want more national parks in the southeast forests. Then the Opposition can go to the unions and the people whose jobs are affected and say that it will not happen until June 1995. They will say that when June 1995 comes they will look after the workers. Everyone knows the way the ALP operates in this State and the way it has operated in the past.

Dr Macdonald: The Minister is getting cynical.

Mr HARTCHER: The honourable member for Manly says that I am getting cynical. He well appreciates that I know where the ALP is coming from.

Ms Moore: I am cynical.

Mr HARTCHER: The honourable member for Bligh is not cynical. I appreciate the sincerity of the honourable member for Bligh and the honourable member for Manly in this debate. Why I am speaking now is because of the objects. The objects are significant; they are what we are trying to achieve. I will go through the detail of the various other amendments. It is the objects of this bill that we are all looking at. The objects of the bill that the Independents are moving are (a) to preserve southeast forests land for national parks, and (b) to preserve wild life conservation. The Independents are not allowing that to be addressed within the framework of this bill, nor are they resolving the issue of conflict which will arise as more intensive logging is forced on areas, as cries come out from the environmental movement to save the species of animals affected in those areas, and as cries then come to the director for stop work orders. Yet the Independents have said, "No, go ahead and log, as long as we get more land for national parks". Consider what the bill is aimed at achieving.

Objective (d) is to produce a worker and industry assistance package in the event of new national parks and nature reserves. This Parliament can only put words on paper. That is all we can do at the end of the day. We cannot pass an Act of Parliament saying that the long-nosed bandicoot will live forever. As a society we have to actually do things to achieve that objective. Similarly, this House can pass a law creating a worker-employer assistance package, but where is the funding for that package to come from? Where will the money come from to achieve the objectives of that package? It can only come from the Federal Government. That issue is not addressed or developed. The Independents have simply said that they will put it all on paper. Canberra will not be Page 2614 bound by that, and the Government in June 1995 probably will have other economic priorities. The Independents will not have achieved any objective of worker industry assistance and no one in the industry will be fooled by the honourable member saying that it is all there in the Act. The industry will want to know where is the money coming from.

The Forest Products Association will simply go out to the workers and say, "The Parliament passed a law", but where will the money come from for jobs in June 1995? The money will not be there. Canberra will not provide for it, and the industry has made no provision for it. All that will be created is a phantom, an illusion. And that, of course, plays into the hands of the Australian Labor Party. The most important point I make is that the very objective which the Independents are seeking to achieve is the creation of new national parks. I commend the honourable member for Bligh for her zeal in that respect. But I ask her to consider what she is doing through this bill. She seeks to do that by simply creating an Act of Parliament. She is not trying to do it on the basis of community support or community endorsement.

Dr Macdonald: It is the only way to get it done.

Mr HARTCHER: No, it is not. How was Popran done? How was Cudmirrah done? What the Parliament gives, the Parliament can take away. Honourable members opposite are undermining the whole scientific integrity upon which national parks are created, because they are saying that a simple majority in this place on one day can rush legislation through, without regard to its long-term impact and consequences, in the realisation that a simple majority on another day will take it away. The whole strength of the national parks system in this State is the community support which underpins it. When everyone agrees that land should be designated as national park, that is it for ever more; we all respect it, and we all acknowledge it.

A system that creates national parks willy-nilly, against the wishes of a large section of the community, and without proper regard to the biological and environmental integrity which must underpin those parks, but simply based upon a parliamentary majority at any given time, will never secure the future of national parks in the long term. This can only be achieved if we, as a society, are united in that objective and can acknowledge each individual national park as being properly based. This proposal does not achieve that because it is dividing the community. It is not resolving conflict. It is simply saying that national parks depend upon the existence of a parliamentary majority at any given time. That is really playing with fire. The Independents may have the glow of satisfaction -

Dr Macdonald: You are drawing a long bow with that remark.

Mr HARTCHER: The honourable member for Manly thinks that is a long bow. It is not. Does the honourable member for Manly not realise that all that this is doing is saying that the existence of a national park depends on who has the majority on a given date, when he knows it can be deproclaimed at a future date?

Mr Yeadon: It will not be you next time.

Mr HARTCHER: The honourable member for Granville has really hit the nail on the head. He said, "It will not be you next time". Well, in making that remark he is wrong, but the underlying premise is right, because it points up the fact that the existence of a national park depends on who is in power on a given day. The national parks system in this State will depend upon who is in power, not on community support, because the Independents will divide the community on the issue. This bill will not resolve conflict. It will seriously undermine, in a way that is not intended, the whole integrity of the national parks system in this State. It is appropriate to consider the objects because, far from achieving these objects, the Independent members are working against them. They are working against a representative system by simply allocating areas en masse. They are working against wildlife conservation by forcing the timber industry into other areas and providing for intensive logging in those areas. They are working against worker-industry co-operation by not providing funding. They think that words on paper will achieve an objective. And they are working against the resolution of conflict, because they are creating conflict in a way which they do not intend.

The Australian Labor Party knows what is going on. The ALP will support this bill because they see it as meaning nothing, as simply putting off a decision until June 1995. The ALP will go to the environmental movement and say, "We backed you", because the ALP does not have to make a decision until June 1995, at the earliest. Come June 1995 the people representing the Nature Conservation Council will be sitting here and will be watching in horror as the honourable member for Granville and the member for Newcastle troop down to the Chamber for a division as the legislation is steamrollered through the House, should the ALP win on 25th March. This legislation will be steamrollered through, deferring this, putting it off, because there is no way the Labor Party will allow this to happen in June 1995. This is from the Opposition's a short-term political commitment. It is not a long-term contribution to the environment. The honourable member for Manly and the honourable member for Bligh are making a contribution; the ALP is not.

Ms MOORE (Bligh) [10.40]: The objects of the bill incorporate the best environmental decisions that can be made in relation to the most important environmental issue in this State. They relate to consultation and resolving conflict. They provide for a moratorium on roading and logging in certain Page 2615 forests with high conservation values. They provide for a system of comprehensive and representative conservation reserves over old growth and wilderness forests. This has been necessary because of the failure of the Government and the Minister for the Environment to take action. Honourable members have heard a great deal about the impact of this bill on the timber industry in the southeast forests.

It has taken so long to reach this point because the majority of honourable members in this place have tried to resolve the conflict. Uppermost in their minds has been the continuation of jobs in the area. The Prime Minister and the Federal Government have been lobbied aggressively by members of this Parliament, including the Leader of the Opposition - not the Premier, I am sorry to say - to try to ensure the continuation of employment in the area. After months of negotiation that strategy failed. We did not give up on the old growth areas in the southeast forests, in relation to which the Government has failed to take responsible action. Instead, compromises have been reached.

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr Chappell): Order! I call the honourable member for Burrinjuck to order.

Ms MOORE: The proposed area has been dramatically reduced from 140,000 hectares to 90,000 hectares. There will be a moratorium on that area, but an opportunity will be provided for extensive logging in other areas. The House is certainly divided on the Government side, as it was divided on the vilification legislation that passed through this House recently. The majority of members of this place have worked for months to try to find solutions and have finally agreed to compromise. Many citizens of New South Wales, as well as members of the conservation movement, are not totally happy about the compromise because opportunities will be provided for extensive logging in other important areas. However, the most important areas needing protection have been identified. Those areas were under threat from the Forestry Commission.

Provision will be made for timber supplies. In the event of new national parks being proclaimed, an opportunity will be provided to produce a worker and industry assistance package. An opportunity will be provided to resolve the conflict that has continued for far too long. The bill is about resolution and overcoming conflict. I understand why honourable members opposite are so distressed electorally. This is their issue electorally. They can jump up and down and talk about jobs. The issue gives them a platform. The honourable member for Bega has now appeared for the first time in this place in relation to this issue. He was not there when we visited the southeast forests.

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! I call the honourable member for Bega to order.

Ms MOORE: The honourable member for Bega has not participated in any way in this debate. I received a telephone call from Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Bega, this morning. He insisted I talk to the ABC because he was scheduled to speak on radio. I am pleased he has come into the debate at this late stage to represent his electorate. I understand that his most important electoral redneck issue will be taken away from him if the conflict is resolved. He does not care about the old growth forests, but we are pleased they will be saved.

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! I call the honourable member for Burrinjuck to order for the second time.

Mr KNOWLES (Moorebank) [10.44]: It is probably worth spending a little time at the front end of this process. That may clarify the intent of the Opposition's amendments. I hope that while doing that I can address one or the two of the points made by the Minister for the Environment. He first talked about logging in non-moratorium areas and the damage he believes that may do to environmental values in those areas. I concede there is a risk of that in terms of the trade-off between an attempt to assess high conservation areas that have been mapped out and the need to ensure timber supplies. I want to address that issue because it is important. It is a matter to which I referred in the second reading debate yesterday. Because of a lack of time I was unable to do much more than that.

The issue of more intensive logging in non-moratorium areas has been addressed by Pike and O'Connor in the Australian Museum technical report No. 5 which dealt with wildlife conservation in the southeast forests of New South Wales. That was the specific point to which the Minister was referring. Pike and O'Connor make the point on page 17 of their report that there appears to be considerable scope for postponement of logging in the remaining undisturbed forest areas. Roughly half, about 50,000 hectares, of the forest that is presently planned to be logged occurs as unlogged coupes left after the first cutting cycle in areas already subject to integrated logging. They provided the source for that information. That information was provided by the Forestry Commission and Harris Daishowa. The South East Forest Alliance confirmed those areas. The report states:

At the present rate of logging, which is about 5,000 hectares a year -

That information was also provided by the Forestry Commission:

- and ignoring for a moment constraints on logging imposed by weather and narrow roads, this should last about 10 years. After logging constraints are taken into account, postponement of logging of remaining undisturbed areas might only be possible for a slightly shorter time. In any case, there should be ample time for information to be gathered and alternatives to be evaluated. Commencing the second logging cycle now would require reducing the originally planned interval of about 20 years between the first and second logging cycles, but would not Page 2616 require abandonment of the basic idea of logging alternative coupes during each cycle.

When members of the legislation committee visited the southeast forests, they received detailed information from the Forestry Commission about its alternate coupe process and the way in which it manages State forests. The legislation committee report acknowledged the efforts made by the Forestry Commission to manage the forests in that way. The scientists dealing with the concerns of the Minister for the Environment found that for a limited period of time it is certainly feasible from the conservation perspective to compress the rate of cut between the first and second cycles. That information must be noted because, like the Minister, I am concerned about giving up so many of the present environmental controls over State forests. However, we make the point that we view this as a trade-off and an attempt to make a balanced approach.

In attempting to find that balanced approach I must make the point that the bill will not create national parks. That will not be done unless a number of things happen. The first thing that must happen is that the National Parks and Wildlife Service must carry out an assessment. That is all the legislation requires. It only establishes a framework for assessment. The bill is entirely consistent with the agreement signed by the Premier of New South Wales in December last year. The words from the national forest policy statement are used to require that work to be done. No flamboyance or trickery is involved. The words are there to be read and they are incorporated into the bill to ensure that a framework is available for that work to proceed.

If, at the end of the process, it is found, based on environmental values and assessment procedures, that there is no need to create national parks of that size, it will be the responsibility of the government of the day to make those recommendations. The bill does not require the gazettal of national parks. The other inherent point in the Opposition's amendments - and I made this clear in the second reading debate yesterday - falls back to the question of where the money will come from, a question that was asked by the Minister for the Environment. If no money is available as a result of the work done by the structural adjustment committee, there will be no national parks. It is as simple as that.

The Opposition has made a genuine attempt to establish a process of assessment - a process agreed to by the Government in December last year when the then Premier signed the national forests policy statement - which, when formalised in legislation, will send very clear messages to all concerned with this debate that there is a rational and balanced approach to the issues. That is all it does. When setting up that framework for assessment the Opposition was conscious of the need to ensure timber supply and adequacy of resource in order to protect jobs. To achieve that, it will be necessary to make supplies available without disrupting the operations of the timber industry.

To ensure supplies in those circumstances, the Opposition proposes the removal of the various legislative environmental controls from the remaining State forests within the Eden management area to allow that work to take place. In saying that, I note the advice that the Forestry Commission's alternative coupe strategy can be maintained and will continue. However, based on the scientific evidence, the time frame between cycles would be reduced and supply would be guaranteed. The Opposition makes those points in good faith and in an attempt to find a balanced approach to this issue. To suggest we are making national parks, to suggest we are writing cheques and that type of thing, is wrong. It is, if not mischievous, certainly misleading.

Mr SMITH (Bega) [10.51]: I will respond briefly to some of the comments made by the honourable member for Moorebank. The operations of the timber industry will be restricted to a smaller area as a result of the passage of this legislation. That fact has been verified by members on both sides of the House. Honourable members know what happens when timber workers are pushed into an unsustained yield situation, which will be the result of this legislation until 1995. There is no doubt about that. We are all aware of what will happen when the peak conservation groups get hold of this information. If the legislation goes through, the debate will change and the Government will be accused of destroying the remaining unaffected forest, because operations in those remaining areas will be unsustainable on a long-term basis. It is obvious what will happen if timber workers are pushed into half the area they previously occupied. Regardless of what emerges from these reports, the area will be decimated as a result of the Opposition's proposal. The timber industry will not regard that as a sustainable resource, which the Government has been attempting to ensure. Because bits and pieces have been whittled away from operation areas over the years, the industry response will be that the resource is unsustainable on a long-term basis.

Another very relevant issue is the message to the industry conveyed by this legislation. If this Parliament is not going to make a decision on the new national parks until June 1995, those in the industry will say, "We are not going to value-add, or buy new machinery". The industry will ask, "Is it worth keeping this mill open? We have had this battle for 20 years. Is anyone going to help us? Do we just linger on and suffer a slow death, or should we close up because we have had enough and cannot stand any more?" I believe those in the timber industry are at that point now. They have had enough. If this legislation is passed, I will be extremely worried as to the action that the timber companies might take. That will reflect on all the people who work in forest industries. I believe the bill could absolutely decimate the southeast forests timber industry.

Page 2617 Mr COCHRAN (Monaro) [10.53]: I want to clarify one matter for the benefit of the House. I believe it needs to be stated quite clearly that there are constant claims by members of the Opposition and the honourable member for Bligh that this bill will, in some way, render the whole issue to a passive state, where there will be no future debate and no conflict. They claim that the confrontation that has existed for the past 20 years will suddenly disappear. I assure honourable members that nothing could be further from the truth. We have a timber industry in the southeast which is absolutely seething because it was given an unequivocal undertaking prior to the Federal election by the honourable member for Port Stephens, the shadow spokesman on forests. He gave an undertaking, on ABC radio, that the Labor Party would not support this bill. As I stated in this House yesterday, the industry was told a barefaced lie by the Opposition spokesman. I notice he has not been present in the Chamber on one occasion while the debate has been taking place. Not once has he appeared. He is skulking about in his feral burrow somewhere -

Ms Allan: On a point of order. While I appreciate that it is appropriate for honourable members to talk to particular amendments in Committee, the honourable member for Monaro has acknowledged that he is repeating a contribution he made yesterday during the second reading debate. I ask that he be drawn back to the content of the amendment being debated.

Mr Cochran: On the point of order. In their Committee stage contributions both the honourable member for Moorebank and the honourable member for Bligh referred to the confrontational matters taking place in the southeast forests over a period of time. I am merely responding to the matters they raised.

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr Chappell): Order! It is the fact that all honourable members addressing this clause, which deals with the objects of the bill, have been broadly canvassing the issues. I will allow the honourable member for Monaro to do that. I expect that other honourable members who take part in this debate will address the broad objects of the bill. Beyond that, in regard to other specific details of the bill, members will be held to discussing the specific details.

Mr COCHRAN: I will read from a letter sent to the ALP yesterday by Mr Col Dorber on behalf of the Forest Products Association. I will refer to that letter in the context of the likely prospect of confrontation that will result from this bill. The letter says in part:

The continued support of the Independents, by the ALP, in respect of forest based legislation, is driving us toward a prolonged confrontation.

The letter bears yesterday's date. If honourable members think that any of the issues regarding southeast forests have changed since yesterday, they are wrong. The letter continued:

Unless a bipartisan and balanced approach to our problems is introduced, support within industry for the ALP is going to dissipate absolutely. We are prepared to bring the fight to metropolitan Sydney if we have to.

Let us be fair dinkum about this. I have referred to a letter from a body which represents a large number of workers. The honourable member for Port Stephens should listen to this because he is the one who perpetrated the lie of all lies prior to the Federal election. The letter continued:

The industry is not prepared to accept the amendments put forward today. The full Council of the Forest Products Association (representing over 87% of the native industry, employing 8,000 people and valued at $1.1 billion annually) is prepared to fight this bill to the bitter end.

It is a representative organisation. Mr Dorber, obviously representing the views of those people, speaks about confrontation, yet Opposition members keep telling us that there will be no further confrontation. Honourable members opposite should read the letter. You have declared world war three in the southeast forests, you goons. You have not got a brain between the lot of you.

Ms Allan: On a point of order. I take offence at the honourable member calling Opposition members "goons". I seek your direction that the honourable member withdraw that comment.

Mr Cochran: On the point of order. I recall a precedent set in this House when the Deputy Premier was called a "crook" by the Leader of the Opposition and an apology was not given by the Leader of the Opposition.

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! The honourable member for Monaro will address the specifics of his point of order.

Mr Cochran: The precedent has been set. The term "goon" should not offend members of the Australian Labor Party. They should regard it as a compliment. Therefore I will not withdraw my remarks.

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! The word "goon" is less offensive than other words that are used in the Chamber almost daily. The honourable member for Monaro will address the specific objects of the bill.

Mr COCHRAN: It is nonsense to constantly suggest that in some way confrontation in the southeast forests will diminish as a result of this bill. I predict that crowds at least the size of that which gathered in Macquarie Street on 5th March last year will protest once again against the Australian Labor Party and the honourable member for Bligh. Opposition members are on notice that their actions will provoke workers of the southeast forest industry to rebel against this legislation. By bringing this legislation forward after 20 years of debate they are inciting the workers to riot.

[Interruption]

Page 2618 It is interesting that the honourable member for Port Stephens cannot make any contribution to the debate other than to interject with abuse. He was kept out of the debate because he does not understand the issue. The honourable member for Moorebank, who has been sitting on the backbench waiting to take his slot, has had to carry the debate. There will be continued confrontation in the southeast forest. On Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio the Australian Labor Party deliberately deceived workers of the timber industry. Opposition members and the Federal member for Eden-Monaro, Jim Snow, will feel the wrath of the timber workers in the southeast forest before the year is out and for succeeding years.

Mr MARTIN (Port Stephens) [11.1]: I thank the Committee for the opportunity to redress the babblings of the honourable member for Monaro. His contribution was a disgrace. I hope that is not the best he can do for the well-being of New South Wales. The honourable member for Monaro has made all sorts of accusations. I issued a newsletter on the eve of the last election at a time when the honourable member was being totally mischievous. In that letter I said that the Opposition would not support the bill unless it contained appropriate compensation packages. This bill is about ensuring that there are appropriate compensation packages -

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! I call the honourable member for Monaro to order.

Mr MARTIN: Despite your ruling, Mr Temporary Chairman, I object to being called a goon. It is offensive and the honourable member for Monaro should be asked to withdraw his words.

Mr Cochran: On a point of order. The honourable member for Port Stephens has the call. He now seeks to take a point of order upon himself, presumably. Given that the honourable member for Port Stephens sought and was given the call after your ruling, I submit he is out of order.

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! The interjection referred generally to all members on the Opposition benches. The word "goon" means a stupid person. If that is to be the worst type of interjection made in the Chamber today, I will be most surprised. The word is not unparliamentary in the way it was used. There are much more offensive words.

Mr MARTIN: Honourable members opposite need to be enlightened on how to conduct themselves in a debate. Their behaviour should be above gutter tactics.

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! The honourable member for Port Stephens will address the clause or resume his seat.

Mr MARTIN: I am speaking to the objects of this bill, which are about protecting the high conservation values of the southeast forest. If the standard of debate in this Parliament is not lifted, we will all stand condemned. The honourable member for Monaro stands condemned for his appalling performance on this issue.

Question - That the amendment be agreed to - put.

The Committee divided.

Ayes, 46

Ms Allan Mr Markham Mr Amery Mr Martin Mr Anderson Mr Mills Mr A. S. Aquilina Ms Moore Mr J. J. Aquilina Mr Moss Mr Bowman Mr J. H. Murray Mr Carr Mr Nagle Mr Crittenden Mr Newman Mr Doyle Ms Nori Mr Face Mr E. T. Page Mr Gaudry Mr Price Mr Gibson Dr Refshauge Mrs Grusovin Mr Rogan Mr Harrison Mr Scully Mr Hatton Mr Shedden Mr Hunter Mr Sullivan Mr Iemma Mr Thompson Mr Irwin Mr Whelan Mr Knight Mr Yeadon Mr Knowles Mr Ziolkowski Mr Langton Mrs Lo Po' Tellers, Dr Macdonald Mr Beckroge Mr McManus Mr Davoren

Noes, 43

Mr Armstrong Mr O'Doherty Mr Baird Mr D. L. Page Mr Blackmore Mr Peacocke Mr Causley Mr Petch Mr Chappell Mr Phillips Mrs Chikarovski Mr Photios Mr Cochran Mr Rixon Mr Collins Mr Rozzoli Mr Cruickshank Mr Schipp Mr Fraser Mr Schultz Mr Griffiths Mr Small Mr Hartcher Mr Smiles Mr Humpherson Mr Smith Mr Jeffery Mr Souris Dr Kernohan Mr Tink Mr Kerr Mr Turner Mr Kinross Mr West Mr Longley Mr Yabsley Ms Machin Mr Zammit Mr Merton Tellers, Mr Morris Mr Beck Mr W. T. J. Murray Mr Downy

Pairs

Mr Clough Mrs Cohen Mr McBride Mr Fahey Mr Neilly Mr Glachan Mr Rumble Mr Packard

Question so resolved in the affirmative.

Amendment agreed to.

Page 2619

Ms MOORE (Bligh) [11.13]: I move:

Page 2, clause 3, lines 13-17. Omit all words on those lines, insert instead:

"the Map" means the map marked "South East Forests Protection Act 1993 - National Parks and Nature Reserves - Amendment" and presented to the Speaker for tabling during the second reading debate on the Bill for this Act by the member of the Legislative Assembly who introduced the Bill for this Act in the Assembly.

This amendment provides for the map to be attached to the bill. The new map will provide finer details than the original map. It is a reflection of the compromises made in discussions with interested parties. The map shows that the area has been reduced from the original 110,000 hectares to 90,000 hectares. That was the compromise.

Amendment agreed to.

Mr KNOWLES (Moorebank) [11.15], by leave: I move:

Page 2, clause 4, lines 21-27. Omit all words on those lines, insert instead:

Investigation of land for reservation as national parks

4. By June 1995, the land described in Schedule 1 shall be investigated by the Director for reservation as national parks.

Page 2, clause 5, lines 28-31 and page 3, clause 5, lines 1-3. Omit all words on those lines, insert instead:

Investigation of land for dedication as nature reserves

5. By June 1995, the land described in Schedule 2 shall be investigated by the Director for dedication as nature reserves.

Page 3. After line 3, insert:

Steering Committee

6.(1) In carrying out the investigations as required by sections 4 and 5, the Director shall:

(a) forthwith establish a Steering Committee comprised of:

(i) the nominee of the Australian Museum; and

(ii) the nominee of the Ecological Society of Australia; and

(iii) the nominee of the Australian Heritage Commission; and

(iv) the nominee of the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service; and

(v) the nominee of the Director; and

(b) examine, under the guidance of the Steering Committee, the following environmental attributes in the region enclosed by the Victorian border in the south, Bermagui in the north, west of Bermagui to Wadbilliga National Park and south of the southern boundary of Wadbilliga National Park to the western edge of Bondi State Forest:

(i) vegetation;

(ii) fauna and faunal habitat;

(iii) old growth forests;

(iv) wild and scenic rivers;

(v) national estate;

(vi) migratory birds;

(vii) world heritage;

(viii) wilderness;

(ix) species of flora and fauna endangered, vulnerable or rare in New South Wales and other parts of Australia;

(x) water catchments;

(xi) geological features;

(xii) aboriginal;

(xiii) cultural.

(2) The Steering Committee shall:

(a) establish the criteria for assessing the attributes described in subsection (1)(b); and

(b) agree to a timetable and procedure for undertaking the investigations; and

(c) establish a basis for co-operation with the Commonwealth Government during the investigations; and

(d) arrange for refereeing of each report on each attribute; and

(e) issue a draft report outlining the results of the investigations into the attributes and the basis for a reserve system; and

(f) call for and consider submissions from the public on the draft report; and

(g) oversee the production of and referee the final report produced by the Director under subsection (3) and the recommendations in the report for an expanded reserve system in the region.

(3) The final report prepared by the Director in connection with sections 4 and 5 shall be made public in June 1995.

These amendments establish the processes and structures for the National Parks and Wildlife Service to commence the further assessment of the 90,000 hectares in the event of the employment package being created and the identification of the conservation values by the end of 1995 being made into national parks. The first amendment simply specifies, in schedule 1, that the areas of land be investigated by the director for reservation as national parks. This amendment will bring the bill further into line with the national forest policy. It requires that the land described in schedule 1 be investigated by the director by June 1995. That is ample time to carry out the necessary research recommended under the 1992 national forest policy and by the Australian Museum in its 1991 study. The National Parks and Wildlife Service is the appropriate body as it is the prime conservation agency in New South Wales. It already has significant data on the southeast provided over the past year or so by a special team in the region, which has been given funding for that purpose. It is also a recognition of the 1990 joint scientific committee report on which the 1990 New South Wales-Commonwealth agreement - known as the Hawke-Greiner agreement - was based. That decision was inadequate, a conclusion reached by many independent agencies and scientists. It was the finding of a majority report of the legislation committee.

The second amendment deals with the same principles but requires that by June 1995 the land described in schedule 2 be investigated by the director for dedication as nature reserves rather than national parks. The third amendment establishes a steering committee and the process for investigation. The Page 2620 amendment outlines how the investigations into the forests are to proceed. It describes the establishment of the steering committee to oversee the research and to assist the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Only scientists are represented. The amendment deliberately avoids nominating interest groups, whether from the industry side or the environment movement. The Forestry Commission is also absent as it is predominantly interested in timber getting and is a proponent of this activity in its environmental impact statement.

Proposed section 6(1)(b) details what environmental values should be assessed; it comprises a more thorough assessment than that undertaken by the joint scientific committee. It also describes the region in which the research will be undertaken. I am advised that that is the appropriate scientific region to be defined. The second part of that amendment outlines the process by which the research will be undertaken, including public comment and co-operation with the Commonwealth. I understand that the Commonwealth has already offered funding to the New South Wales Government for such a study. The Commonwealth is therefore to be represented on the steering committee.

The first draft of Labor Party amendments dealing with the establishment of an area for investigation establishes a process, balanced and objective, and in conformity with the national forest policy statements signed by the Premier in December 1992. This Government has agreed that conditional upon satisfactory criteria agreed to by the Commonwealth and States, "Comprehensive, adequate and representative reservation systems to protect old growth forests and wilderness values will be in place by the end of 1995". That was stated in the national forest policy statement. It has been incorporated into the objects of the bill and is reflected in the intent of these amendments. Therefore, we are not doing anything that is at variance with Commonwealth and State policy, which was determined as recent as December 1992.

Mr PHOTIOS (Ermington) [11.20]: The Government supports the establishment of a South East Forests National Park now. The Government has signed a proposal with the Federal Government for the establishment of a 55,000 hectare national park right now. This clause, however, seeks to achieve a Clayton's national park. The clause seeks to establish a process that will take years following the creation of a moratorium on 50,000 hectares of land in the southeast. The determination point for the establishment of the park is June 1995. The reason the Opposition chose June 1995 is obvious; history speaks loudly. Prior to 1988, under the previous Labor Government there was a lot of talk about a park in the southeast, but that talk had no outcome. In June 1995, in the unlikely event of a Labor majority in this House, what happened before under Labor will be repeated: more talk but no action.

The Government suggests that the Federal Government should get serious about the agreement and compensation package so that a park can be declared in the southeast forests now. One of the real objects of the bill, though not included in the Opposition amendment, is to put off today what will not be done tomorrow. That object is incorporated in clause 4, which speaks about establishing a June 1995 deadline, and is repeated in clauses 5 and 6(3). It is a sinister proposal and amounts almost to a conspiracy to hoodwink the environment movement and the Independents into believing a national park will be created by 1995. The Government is willing to give them a park now. The scenario of what Carr did when he was the Minister for the Environment, when he talked about a proposal for a South East Forests National Park but did not deliver, could be repeated in 1995.

The Government opposes these amendments for a range of reasons, not least because they introduce a Clayton's proposal for a national park. I am a strong supporter of a national park in the southeast forests. I visited that area with the honourable member for Bligh on her first visit. The Opposition should adopt a more pro-active approach to have the Federal Government deliver on what it signed previously, so that the park can have a real start and people will not have to wait until 1995. I draw attention to the inconsistencies between the proposed amendment to clause 6 of this bill and the National Parks and Wildlife (New Areas and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill. These provisions will make a dog's breakfast for the National Parks and Wildlife Service when it attempts to make scientific and sensible administrative determinations on the establishment of national parks.

The existing system provides for the National Parks and Wildlife Service to give professional and scientifically based advice on boundaries and conservation value determinations. Clause 6 of the bill will establish a steering committee to do just that. The other bill currently being debated, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (New Areas and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill, gives that responsibility to the National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council. It is a dog's breakfast, with groups all over the place establishing systems for the establishment of national parks. How can there be any consistency when new bills, almost one a day, propose new systems. The steering committee is another example of an unfair, unwarranted and unjustified loaded approach.

Mr Cochran: And unbalanced.

Mr PHOTIOS: And an unbalanced approach, as the honourable member for Monaro said. Of the five nominees, only one will be nominated by the Government, that is, only one from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. But the committee will not just oversee. The clause makes constant use of the word referee. The committee will oversee production and referee the final report produced by the director. The committee, which will have one representative of the Director of National Parks and Wildlife, will sit in judgment. What an extraordinary shambles. It will not work. I say that honestly and sincerely to Page 2621 members of the Opposition, who obviously have not thought the process through. It is a stupid and goonish process and will not work.

The process calls for a nominee from the Australian Museum, the Ecological Society of Australia, the Australian Heritage Commission, the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service and the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service. The sensible expertise and advice of the National Parks and Wildlife Service would be appreciated, but that body, sitting alone in that context, is not the appropriate body to both oversee and referee. The National Parks and Wildlife Service should constitute an appropriate advisory panel, similar to the National Parks and Wildlife Service Advisory Council set up under current legislation passed in 1973 or 1974. They would constitute a group of concerned constituency bodies who could give the benefit of their advice and expertise. However, they should not sit in judgment like a kangaroo court on the Director of National Parks and Wildlife.

The service should be able to utilise its expertise to bring forward a park proposal. The Government supports a park in the southeast forests. I also support such a park. This Clayton's proposal will put off the establishment of a park to June 1995, with the unlikely possibility of the honourable member for Blacktown, an endangered species in this Parliament, being minister. Having listened to the honourable member for Moorebank, who spoke so articulately, lucidly and intelligently, after much research, I believe that when and if Labor gains office he will be the environment Minister.

I am concerned, however, that when the honourable member for Moorebank, who is a sincere person - unlike the current shadow minister - becomes the Minister he will do as Carr did and put off until tomorrow what can be done today. That is the object of the clause and the bill. The National Parks and Wildlife Service, with its currently constituted staff and resources, cannot achieve what the Opposition seeks to impose on it through these clauses. It is fundamentally impractical and, unfortunately, will be difficult to achieve, for two reasons. First, the resources are inadequate for the task. The service probably needs 40 more people, an additional $2 million to $3 million, and more experts, and additional support and administrative staff to put this proposal in place.

Secondly, it is an unworkable and poorly examined timetable. It is impractical and unworkable to achieve all the studies, particularly that with regard to migratory birds, in the timetable which is imposed on the service, by June 1995, which still has to take into account a period for receiving public submissions, putting them on display and the service reporting back within a two-year period. In fact, it is unachievable. It is an impossible time frame. It is unbalanced in that the steering committee seeks not to represent the local community or industry groups, which have every right to express their views on this matter. As an environmentalist and a member of the Wilderness Society, let me say that I, as a balanced environmentalist, believe that industry groups deserve to be involved in the preparation and presentation of any package such as this. The steering committee is not just left wanting; it is clearly a set-up job - to set up the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the local community and industry in the area.

A more appropriate amendment to the clause would incorporate the involvement of conservation groups, industry and the local community. If honourable members opposite are serious about what they propose in the objects of the bill about resolving conflict in the southeast forests, why would they not want to bring the relevant parties together? That is not what is being proposed. This proposal abrogates any responsibility to bring the parties around the table. I am opposed to the establishment of the steering committee per se because it will sabotage the National Parks and Wildlife Service's role and responsibilities. Even if it were to be established - having taken out the need for it to referee, which is a thoroughly inappropriate imposition - and to have an advisory role, surely there should be representation of the three constituent bodies that have most to gain and most to lose. As an environmentalist I support the establishment of the South East Forests National Park. But the environmentalists are not on the steering committee.

People who work in the area are concerned about their livelihoods and those of their families being decimated by the proposal for a moratorium. Yet industry and the local community would have no say. Apparently by June 1995 they will have the opportunity of providing public submissions to the steering committee so that a scientist from the Australian Museum can tell them whether they will have a job or a park. That is absolutely unfair. Proposed clause 6(2)(c) provides for the establishment of a basis of co-operation with the Commonwealth Government during the investigations. That is of particular interest to me. Honourable members on this side of the Chamber had difficulty in settling on the 55,000 hectare proposal for the southeast forests park. My views and those of the honourable member for Monaro differed. Neither of us may have been happy with the outcome. But the result was a proposal to establish a southeast forests national park and an agreement with the Federal Government, when Bob Hawke was Prime Minister, to proceed down that path. But nothing has come out of the process. How can we possibly expect that the Commonwealth Government, which at the moment is saying no to a 55,000 hectare park, like honourable members opposite, by seeking to put the proposal off, will co-operate with investigations into this proposal?

There will be no compensation funding or rescue package for New South Wales. The Federal Labor Government is an inert body. It talks and talks about protecting people's jobs; meanwhile we have a million unemployed. It talks and talks about having a southeast forests park; yet we have no South East Forests National Park, despite the willingness of this Page 2622 Government to have one. It talks and talks about providing a compensation package for families that will lose their livelihood. Where are the offers in writing? We do not have them. Where is the determination by the honourable member for Blacktown to make sure the Federal Government delivers? It is not there. The Opposition has no capacity to deliver. Bob Hawke became Paul Keating; Pam Allan will become Craig Knowles. That is what will happen in June 1995. There will be a new shadow minister for the environment, a change of deck chairs and a new policy. No doubt we will still have no national park in the area. That is the sorry outcome of this matter.

Ms Moore: What are you doing about it?

Mr PHOTIOS: I support the declaration of a park today. We want the Federal Government to deliver on its end of the bargain so that we can get on with the job. Let us not have a Clayton's proposal. These are Clayton's clauses - three clauses and three members opposite. The clauses should be rejected. [Time expired.]

Mr KNOWLES (Moorebank) [11.35]: It is interesting to hear that the honourable member for Ermington now supports the concept of a 55,000 hectare national park in the southeast. It was not that long ago that he spoke in debate with the former Minister for the Environment, Tim Moore. They described the national park proposals as the spaghetti parks or the poodle parks at Tantawangalo - an inconsistent and non-contiguous mish-mash of trade-offs and scrag ends. I think in Tim Moore's parting speech in the Parliament he made specific reference - just 12 months ago - to the paucity of common sense and environmental assessment and environmental value in the 1990 Hawke-Greiner agreement. If what we have heard today from the honourable member for Ermington is a repudiation of his previous position, he should have made it clearer. However, nothing in the bill would prevent the Minister for the Environment and the New South Wales Government from creating the proposed national park of 55,000 hectares. If they wanted to do it, they could do it, and we would support them. That would be a start. The Minister probably would not be able to get it through Cabinet. I suspect that is why the parks have not been declared.

In view of that, there is a degree of hypocrisy in the remarks of the honourable member for Ermington. First, he did a backflip on his historic position condemning the Hawke-Greiner agreement and the spaghetti parks as he called them. He is now saying that it is a good proposal. Second, to suggest that anything in the bill would prevent the Minister for the Environment creating those parks - the agreement has been in existence since 1990 - would be a lie. If the Government is committed to establishing the new park, one must assume it has had the resources to assess the 55,000 hectare proposal, which also gives the lie to the concept that the National Parks and Wildlife Service does not have the resources. The area has been studied to death. Part of the Opposition's amendments is setting up a structure to bring in a broader range of views and allowing proper assessment to take place over a structured time frame. If the Government wants to declare the 55,000 hectares and then deal with the remaining 35,000 hectares later, it should go right ahead - we would support that - but I do not see any amendments coming from the Government. I suspect that the reason is that the National Party would not allow the Government to do it even if it wanted to. At the end of the day I think the honourable member for Ermington, while he made a lot of noise in debate, really did demonstrate that he is now in line with the view of the National Party on this proposal, that of supporting the 1990 Hawke-Greiner agreement. I understand he is the secretary or chairman of the Government's environment committee. He should hang his head in shame and disgust.

Mr COCHRAN (Monaro) [11.40]: In the interests of enabling the honourable member for Murray to proceed with his bill later, I will not continue at any length with further debate on these issues. However, there are one or two matters I wish to raise. One matter that was drawn to the attention of the House was briefly alluded to by the honourable member for Ermington. In regard to the Labor Party's proposed section 6, the steering committee is obviously green; there is no question about that. As the honourable member for Ermington said, there is no proper representation. This steering committee has no charter whatsoever to take into account any of the social and economic values associated with this issue. The committee is merely interested in biological and ecological matters. The honourable member for Moorebank took a very clinical and heartless approach. Obviously he has taken the running on this issue. The Australian Labor Party has also taken a heartless and clinical approach to this human issue, which relates to people; but that is something that members opposite cannot get through their skulls.

At the southeast forests protection meeting no consideration was given to the human element. Members opposite will wear the brunt and the wrath of the people of the southeast forests. This matter is of great concern to me. The steering committee has no representation from the industry, and the Forestry Commission with more than 100 years' experience in forest management is not to be consulted at all. Proposed clause 6(2)(f) states that one of the steering committee's responsibilities is to "call for and consider submissions from the public on the draft report". The final report is to be made public in 1995. This amendment is an absolute disgrace, and the Independents will have to wear it for many years to come.

Mr HARTCHER (Gosford - Minister for the Environment) [11.42]: Proposed amendments to clauses 4 and 5 require the director - that is the service - to have a report ready by June 1995 assessing national parks and nature reserves in this area. It should be understood that the National Parks and Wildlife Service has an enormous number of Page 2623 responsibilities. It has 5 per cent of the area of the State to administer; it has legislation to administer, and it has, as all government agencies do, very limited resources. This extra obligation, which these particular amendments seek to impose upon it, has been roughly costed overnight at between $2 million and $3 million and will require the discrete dedication of between 20 and 30 staff for the two-year period. That is an enormous cost.

Extra resources over and above those normally given to the service will not be available. The honourable member for Bligh should understand that, having regard to the time limits imposed, these provisions will impact on other areas of operation of the service. As a result, the service will not be able to adequately undertake its charter and responsibilities in other areas. It is all very well to say the service can live with it, as I am sure the honourable member for Bligh will say - maybe it can - but it will have to make sacrifices somewhere else. The honourable member for Bligh and the honourable member for Blacktown, together with those sections of the conservation movement pressing these amendments, should understand that in the next two years when they wish more work to be done on national parks and on nature conservation - and when the Hon. R. S. L. Jones comes to the department and says it should be doing this and that and investigating this and pressing that - the resources will simply not be available. I place on record that when the Hon. Richard Jones, members opposite, and sections of the conservation movement make representations for resources the answer will be that they simply are not available. The conservation movement is telling the service, "Do not set priorities; we will do that for you". That will be the effect if these amendments go through the upper House. The service is being asked to re-organise priorities along the lines determined by the Independents.

Proposed clause 6, moved by the honourable member for Moorebank, is an insult to the integrity of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, as the honourable member for Moorebank well knows. It seeks to tell the service that it is not competent to do an evaluation without a committee watchdog. That message will go right through the service to the hundreds of dedicated staff who work for the community and who have developed nature conservation to such a high level in this State. The service will be told that it is not competent to carry out an assessment of the southeast forests, that it cannot be trusted, and the only way the Parliament will allow it to undertake this work is if a watchdog committee is set up to oversee the service. That committee will consist not of scientists or biologists, but Federal bureaucrats representating the Heritage Commission and the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service. The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service is regarded, and was so regarded under Mr Bob Carr in 1985, as one of the five best in the world. However, members opposite are saying that a service that runs 300 parks is a service not to be trusted. The Government will fight this clause and this insult. The Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service runs only one park - Jervis Bay - and has no expertise in running or assessing parks.

The integrity of the service is undoubted. The word will go out to all members of the National Parks and Wildlife Service that the Labor Party and the Independents do not trust them, and that Federal Government bureaucrats will be watching over what they do. They will also be told that Parliament thinks the service does not know what factors to take into account when making an assessment. Does the honourable member for Bligh believe that when the National Parks and Wildlife Service carries out an assessment for national parks, it will not look at vegetation, rivers or migratory birds? Does she think the service will not take wilderness into account? No one has ever disputed the integrity of the service until now. I realise that this is an unintended amendment on the part of the Opposition.

Ms Moore: It is not my amendment.

Mr HARTCHER: Exactly, but the honourable member is supporting it, as part of a deal.

Ms Moore: As belt and braces.

Mr HARTCHER: You are not supporting it as belt and braces. Your support is part of a deal with the Australian Labor Party to get support for the bill. It is a concession the honourable member is making to get Labor Party support. Of course, the member is not getting full Labor Party support - only that there be an assessment by June 1995. That is all the Labor Party is giving to the Independents. The Independents are not saving the southeast forests, but are merely solving a political problem for the Labor Party - not directly sacking anyone but putting up an illusory flag that by June 1995 something will happen. In the meantime, the Independents are prepared to insult the service and its 1,000 staff. As I have said, the Independents are ignoring the integrity of the service and saying they do not trust the service to do its job unless it is spelt out for it and a watchdog committee of Federal Government bureaucrats is set up to monitor it.

What does the Heritage Council know about national parks that the National Parks and Wildlife Service does not know? The amendment seeks to appoint a nominee of the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service to a watchdog committee. That service has one little park at Jervis Bay; New South Wales has 300 parks. The Opposition wants that service to tell New South Wales how to do the job. The amendment also seeks to appoint representatives from the Australian Museum and the Ecological Society of Australia to the watchdog committee. The honourable member for Bligh has been hoodwinked by the Australian Labor Party in a way she fails to realise. Hopefully one day she will understand. She seeks to impose obligations on the National Parks and Wildlife Service that it will not be able to meet from its resources. She is telling the service that it does not have the capacity or the means to undertake an Page 2624 investigation of national parks.

Does that mean that every other national park in this State that is to be investigated must have a watchdog committee? In this case, somehow it does. The conservation movement is well aware of that. The honourable member for Bligh does not represent the whole conservation movement, only part of it. The honourable member for Bligh is sending a message to the staff of the service that they cannot be trusted. That is exactly what she is doing. The Hon. R. S. L. Jones, who is in the gallery, can shake his head if he wants to, but that is exactly what the honourable member for Bligh is doing. That is exactly the message the service will get. The honourable member for Bligh has allowed the honourable member for Moorebank to move these amendments as part of her deal to secure Australian Labor Party support.

The honourable member for Bligh wants to conserve the southeast forests. The Labor Party wants to make a political point. That is the difference in the issue facing the Parliament today. Proposed clauses 4, 5 and 6 tell the National Parks and Wildlife Service that it cannot do its job. The honourable member for Bligh and the honourable member for Moorebank should understand that much of the information sought under the amendment to clause 6 is not within the resources of the service. Geological features are referred to in 6(1)(b)(xi). It is not a function of the service to assess geological features. It receives that information from the Department of Mineral Resources and the Department of Conservation and Land Management. Subparagraph (xiii) refers to cultural. What does that mean? These are just words thrown on paper without regard for their overall systematic impact. The honourable member for Moorebank is not interested in properly amending the bill. He only wants to deal with the amendments suggested to him by the environmental movement. What does "national estate" as referred to in subparagraph (v) mean? Does the honourable member for Bligh actually look at the amendments?

Ms Allan: Will the Minister amend it?

Mr HARTCHER: I am asking what the amendment means. The honourable member for Blacktown may be a dear person, but when she stops wanting to kill the deer and wipe out wildlife in this State, she should look at the amendments that have been moved.

Ms Allan: The Minister should amend it. That is why he is in government.

Mr HARTCHER: Does the honourable member for Blacktown support the amendment? Honourable members will see what she does. The information sought by the amendment is not held by the service. The information is held by other government agencies. The service has no way of compelling those agencies to make the information available in a useful form by June 1995. That is the problem the Labor Party does not understand. Different agencies do different jobs. The service does not assess geological features. How will the service do that? Will it engage consultants? What is it to do? Where will the resources come from? It is clear that these amendments are inappropriate and undesirable. They send out a message to the service, for the first time since its creation in 1967, that it cannot be trusted to assess land for national parks, that its integrity is at stake and that the Commonwealth Government needs to be involved in a watchdog committee to oversee the service. The Commonwealth Government has less expertise and experience than the New South Wales service. I do not intend to prolong the debate. The Government is totally opposed to the amendments. The time frame in clauses 4 and 5 is simply unworkable and will affect the management of the service in the two years ahead if the amendments are carried or promulgated into law. Clause 6 is unnecessary and insulting. If the honourable member for Bligh does not understand that she is being set up and used, she will never understand anything.

Question - That the amendments be agreed to - put.

The Committee divided.

[In Division]

Mr Schultz: On a point of order. The honourable member for Bligh is having a conversation with people in the public gallery. That is not permissible and is a gross insult to the traditions of this Parliament.

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr Hazzard): Order! Did the honourable member for Bligh hear the point of order?

Ms Moore: Yes, I did.

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! It is a longstanding tradition in this Chamber that there be no communication between members of the House and members of the gallery.

Ms Moore: I did point out to the spokesman that it was not allowed.

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! The honourable member for Bligh has said that the conversation was initiated by a member of the gallery. Members of the gallery should realise that there is a clear difference between members of the gallery and members of this Chamber and should desist from further communication.

Mr Schultz: On a point of order. The shadow minister for the environment has used what I regard as insulting language to me as a member of this House. It certainly does not become her status as a woman. I ask her to withdraw it.

Ms Allan: I do not intend to.

Ayes, 46

Page 2625 Ms Allan Mr Martin Mr Amery Mr Mills Mr Anderson Ms Moore Mr A. S. Aquilina Mr Moss Mr J. J. Aquilina Mr J. H. Murray Mr Bowman Mr Nagle Mr Carr Mr Newman Mr Doyle Ms Nori Mr Face Mr E. T. Page Mr Gaudry Mr Price Mr Gibson Dr Refshauge Mrs Grusovin Mr Rogan Mr Harrison Mr Rumble Mr Hatton Mr Scully Mr Hunter Mr Shedden Mr Iemma Mr Sullivan Mr Irwin Mr Thompson Mr Knight Mr Whelan Mr Knowles Mr Yeadon Mr Langton Mr Ziolkowski Mrs Lo Po' Dr Macdonald Tellers, Mr McManus Mr Beckroge Mr Markham Mr Davoren

Noes, 43

Mr Armstrong Mr O'Doherty Mr Baird Mr D. L. Page Mr Blackmore Mr Peacocke Mr Causley Mr Petch Mr Chappell Mr Phillips Mrs Chikarovski Mr Photios Mr Cochran Mr Rixon Mr Collins Mr Rozzoli Mr Cruickshank Mr Schipp Mr Fraser Mr Schultz Mr Griffiths Mr Small Mr Hartcher Mr Smiles Mr Humpherson Mr Smith Mr Jeffery Mr Souris Dr Kernohan Mr Tink Mr Kerr Mr Turner Mr Kinross Mr West Mr Longley Mr Yabsley Ms Machin Mr Zammit Mr Merton Tellers, Mr Morris Mr Beck Mr W. T. J. Murray Mr Downy

Pairs

Mr Clough Mrs Cohen Mr Crittenden Mr Fahey Mr McBride Mr Glachan Mr Neilly Mr Packard

Question so resolved in the affirmative.

Amendments agreed to.

Mr KNOWLES (Moorebank) [12.2], by leave: I move:

Page 3, clause 6 (as printed), lines 6-11. Omit all words on those lines, insert instead:

6.(1) In June 1995 the Director must propose new national parks and nature reserves over State forests and other crown lands to protect environmental and cultural values and cause to be prepared, as accurately as possible, metes and bounds or other appropriate descriptions of:

(a) such State forests or parts of the State forests referred to in Part 1 of Schedules 1 and 2 as are proposed by the Director; and

Page 3, clause 7, lines 18-23. Omit all words on those lines, insert instead:

7.(1) On 31 December 1995, the Director must cause to be published in the Gazette one or more notifications containing the descriptions referred to in section 6.

(2) The publication of a notification in the Gazette has the effect of:

(a) in the case of land investigated under section 4 - reserving the land identified in the notification as a national park from the date of publication; or

(b) in the case of land investigated under section 5 - dedicating the land as a nature reserve from the date of publication.

The amendment to clause 6 instructs the Director of National Parks and Wildlife to propose new national parks and nature reserves from June 1995 and prepare appropriate descriptions for their gazettal. It should be noted that such a proposal will be under the direction of the government of the day as the director is under the jurisdiction of the Minister for the Environment. The bill therefore does not oblige gazettal of the mapped areas. The amendment to clause 7 is consequential on the previous amendment to clause 6, dealing with reserve areas. I do not propose to prolong the debate. I understand the Government will oppose the amendments but the Committee will not divide. I make the point, in relation to comments made earlier by the honourable member for Ermington about the role of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, that these amendments reinforce the pre-eminence of the Director of National Parks and Wildlife as the person who will oversee the propositions for new national parks and nature reserves. The steering committee is merely to assist the director in his task.

Mr HARTCHER (Gosford - Minister for the Environment) [12.4]: The Government opposes the amendments.

Amendments agreed to.

Mr KNOWLES (Moorebank) [12.6]: I move:

Page 4, clause 9, line 3. Omit "section 4 or 5", insert instead "section 7".

This amendment brings into line other consequential amendments.

Amendment agreed to.

Mr YEADON (Granville) [12.6]: I move:

Page 4, clause 10, lines 8-15. Omit all words on those lines, insert instead:

10. No compensation or other consideration of any kind is payable, directly or indirectly, by the State or any instrumentality of the State or under the Act or any other Act:

(a) to the Forestry Commission, the Department of Conservation and Land Management or any other person for land reserved or dedicated under this Act Page 2626 or for any other purpose as a consequence of a revocation effected by section 8; or

(b) to any person as the result of the termination of a licence or other agreement under section 9; or

(c) to any person as the result of the operation of section 16.

It is important to include this provision in the bill because it relates to compensation. It is most important, from the Australian Labor Party point of view, that there be just and equitable treatment of the parties involved in this issue, particularly just and equitable treatment of the workers in the industry - those people whom honourable members opposite purport to represent. At present there are several long-term agreements between the Forestry Commission and the mill proprietors, including Harris Daishowa. In certain circumstances those agreements provide opportunities for claims of compensation by the mills in the event of loss of timber resource. Although only one timber mill will be affected, as well as a small proportion of Daishowa's input, the agreements have a potential to completely distort the assistance package if too much compensation goes to the mills and to Harris Daishowa.

The amendment will place workers in the industry on a level playing field so that there is not a money grab at the top end of town, and so that the timber workers, the people whom the Government purports to represent, are adequately and properly compensated. Honourable members opposite will support this amendment, I am sure. There should also be compensation for a lost resource, but assistance to generate long-term income. The point is that the Opposition is approaching this from the point of view of no compensation for the industry but to put them on a firm footing for the future so that once the conflict is resolved, industry can begin to move forward into the twenty-first century.

I am sure that the chairman of the committee and the honourable member for Burrinjuck will agree with me that there was too much evidence that the industry to date has not paid enough attention to value adding in this industry and that it is certainly time that took place. A recent Industries Commission report on the forest products industry outlines a number of measures, including industry assistance to the forest products industry. Hopefully, those measures can be introduced and the industry can go forward. The Opposition wants to ensure that the workers in the industry are looked after and adequately compensated as a result of the declaration of the national parks if and when that occurs.

Mr COCHRAN (Monaro) [12.10]: The amendment flies in the face of what I believe would have been a reasonable proposition, at some stage during debate - to provide compensation in a restructuring package. But that is not to be the case. This amendment specifically states that no compensation or consideration of any kind is payable directly or indirectly by the State or any instrumentality of the State or under the Act or any other Act. That includes the Forestry Commission. The Opposition claims to be concerned about the revenue base of this State and the supply to the community of social services in areas such as health and public housing. The honourable member for Bligh often bleats in this Chamber about public housing for her constituents

Let me provide some information that might make the honourable member realise how selfish she is to deny the State the income from the forest industry. The impact of the amendment on the Forestry Commission, and therefore the Government, would be an $18.4 million loss for quota saw logs and a $77.1 million loss for pulpwood. In addition to the loss of revenue, and this is important as it will result in costing the State Government more money, the clause will mean that current holders of long-term legally binding wood supply agreements such as Harris Daishowa and a number of saw mills will be left high and dry. I am advised by the Forestry Commission that this is a clear breach of contract and faith on the part of the Government and would have a flow-on impact on business investor confidence in the timber industry and other industries across the State.

The State Government has come to a contractual agreement with Harris Daishowa and the timber industry to supply a resource, but that agreement will be broken by this amendment, because no compensation will be paid. That loss of revenue will have to be replaced. It will have to come from some other section of the Budget. I advise the honourable member for Bligh and the honourable member for Moorebank that in the near future they can expect to read in newspapers a statement from me, the forest industry, and others that the constituents of Bligh and Moorebank will be denied public housing and health services because their sitting members proposed these amendments. The loss of those services will be on their conscience. That revenue will be lost forever under this amendment, and honourable members opposite will have to wear it. Families of workers in the industry have lived in the region for more than 100 years. They have established extended families throughout the area. They are the roots of Eden, Bombala, Nimmitabel and surrounding areas that supply the work force of the timber industry. They have invested solidly in the timber industry in the belief that the Government's contractual arrangements would stick. But under this amendment those arrangements will not stick.

The amendment will deny these people natural justice. Doubtless the matter will go before the courts. The honourable member for Bligh and members of the Labor Party will not have to bear the consequences. They are not responsible for the Budget. They will merely criticise the Government for the way in which it manages its Budget. The people of New South Wales will wake up to what is going on. The honourable member for Bligh, who controls less than 2 per cent of the vote with her unaligned Independent mates, is systematically destroying the revenue base of this State. She will be bleating for more services for her electorate, as will Opposition members. They will Page 2627 ask where the money has gone. Talk about Eastern Creek! The money is being handed out to the bludgers. On 25th March, 1995, the people of New South Wales will remember this. They will remember what Opposition members did to the workers of New South Wales. The honourable member for Granville - the young fellow - will cop it more than anyone else because he claims to represent the workers.

Where is Gavin Hillier today? He is not here because he is sick and tired of you lot. There will be no compensation for the industry and its workers. This will be disastrous for them. They want to work. They are not looking for compensation. If members opposite are going to systematically destroy the industry they have an obligation to provide some form of compensation to the people who have invested $250,000 on a truck, $180,000 on a skidder. That money will be written off. Are they expected to go on the dole, or face bankruptcy? What about the workers with chainsaws who contract out? These people have families. There will be no compensation for them. What will happen to the schools? What will happen to health services in the southeast? Honourable members are systematically destroying an entire community. They have no shame.

We continually hear the bleatings of the honourable member for Moorebank and the honourable member for Bligh who, time after time, ask for Government funding for their electorates, but they are prepared by this amendment to wipe out an entire industry which gives support to the Government's revenue base. That is the greatest case of hypocrisy we will see in this Chamber. It is a disgrace that the honourable member for Bligh, whose electorate has enormous social problems, is prepared to write off vast sums of money from the Government's revenue base. That money could be used in her electorate. I will ask her publicly how she will explain here actions to her constituents. The honourable member continues to read her book. She will not look at me.

Ms Moore: I am ignoring you. You are nothing short of a bully.

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr Tink): I call the honourable member for Bligh to order.

Mr COCHRAN: How will she explain to the people who are looking for public housing that she is wiping funds from the revenue base of this State? That is the question she will have to answer. The honourable member will have to explain to the people of the southeast who lose their homes, cars and other property that is being paid off. She is systematically destroying an entire community and industry. She will pay the penalty on 25th March, 1995, and I will be there to wave her farewell.

Mr KNOWLES (Moorebank) [12.18]: The honourable member for Monaro has taken this clause entirely out of context. I have outlined the three different sections of amendments. The third section deals with structural, economic and employment adjustment. I can only restate that if no funds are available for structural adjustment, compensation and a whole range of measures outlined in the bill, no parks will be created.

Mr SMITH (Bega) [12.18]: The Opposition has said that the amendment is equitable for everyone. The people in the timber industry are not being treated on an equal footing. There are mill workers, mill owners, and contractors out in the bush. They are not equal. Some people deserve compensation. The principle here is similar to that in the old Coal Acquisition Act - confiscation. People contracting out in the bush would have half a million dollars of equipment. If their livelihood is taken away, what will happen to them? Are they to be dumped from the employment market in a recessionary period? Mill owners who have contractual arrangements with the Forestry Commission and the Government will demand compensation through the courts or from the Government. They will get it one way or the other. The Forestry Commission has received legal advice to the effect that the 20-year agreement with Harris Daishowa would stand irrespective of this bill.

The honourable member has not thought out the consequences of this bill. As the honourable member for Monaro said, the reduction in the level of revenue to New South Wales will not only affect people in the timber areas, it will affect everyone in the State. If the industry collapses - it is centred in the southeast, particularly in the towns of Bombala and Eden - the mill workers will be dislodged and will have to move to other areas to get jobs. We will not be able to help them. Not one restructuring program introduced into the Parliament has been successful. It all sounds good while being debated but we are, in effect, dumping a lot of people from a small area on to the dole queue. If those workers can sell their houses - if they find jobs elsewhere - those houses will be worth absolutely nothing.

The mill owners have millions of dollars worth of equipment which has been built up and upgraded over a number of years - some pieces of machinery are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. There is no compensation; they will be left high and dry. That is the socialist philosophy: let's get into these people; we do not want profits in this country! There are so many debts in this country it is unbelievable. We are putting onto the scrap-heap and onto the unemployment queue the people who can get Australia out of its debt problems. If the legal advice with respect to Harris Daishowa is correct, where does it put this bill? If we have to pay Harris Daishowa for a 20-year agreement - regardless of what is in this bill - that will be at great cost to the people of this State. It will be deducted from the budgets of schools, police, and so on. This provision shows no compassion; there is no compensation regardless. It states:

10. No compensation or other consideration of any kind is payable, directly or indirectly, by the State or any instrumentality of the State or under the Act or any other Act . . .

If this amendment passes through this House the bill will be flawed. Those people have to be compensated. They have a right to get a return from their private possessions.

Question - That the amendment be agreed Page 2628 to - put.

The Committee divided.

Ayes, 45

Ms Allan Mr Markham Mr Amery Mr Martin Mr Anderson Mr Mills Mr A. S. Aquilina Ms Moore Mr J. J. Aquilina Mr Moss Mr Bowman Mr J. H. Murray Mr Carr Mr Nagle Mr Doyle Mr Newman Mr Face Ms Nori Mr Gaudry Mr Price Mr Gibson Dr Refshauge Mrs Grusovin Mr Rogan Mr Harrison Mr Rumble Mr Hatton Mr Scully Mr Hunter Mr Shedden Mr Iemma Mr Sullivan Mr Irwin Mr Thompson Mr Knight Mr Whelan Mr Knowles Mr Yeadon Mr Langton Mr Ziolkowski Mrs Lo Po' Tellers, Dr Macdonald Mr Beckroge Mr McManus Mr Davoren

Noes, 43

Mr Armstrong Mr O'Doherty Mr Baird Mr D. L. Page Mr Blackmore Mr Peacocke Mr Causley Mr Petch Mr Chappell Mr Phillips Mrs Chikarovski Mr Photios Mr Cochran Mr Rixon Mr Collins Mr Rozzoli Mr Cruickshank Mr Schipp Mr Fraser Mr Schultz Mr Griffiths Mr Small Mr Hartcher Mr Smiles Mr Hazzard Mr Smith Mr Humpherson Mr Souris Dr Kernohan Mr Turner Mr Kerr Mr West Mr Kinross Mr Windsor Mr Longley Mr Yabsley Ms Machin Mr Zammit Mr Merton Tellers, Mr Morris Mr Beck Mr W. T. J. Murray Mr Downy

Pairs

Mr Clough Mrs Cohen Mr Crittenden Mr Fahey Mr McBride Mr Glachan Mr Neilly Mr Jeffery Mr E. T. Page Mr Packard

Question so resolved in the affirmative.

Amendment agreed to.

Mr KNOWLES (Moorebank) [12.32], by leave: I move:

Page 5, clause 11, lines 1 to 6. Omit all words on those lines, insert instead:

(5) The Director shall grant a consent having regard to the environmental prescriptions set up in Schedule 6 so that the environmental integrity of the lands is protected to the fullest possible extent.

(6) The Director must report monthly to the Minister for the Environment on the operation of this section. The Minister, in turn, must cause a copy of each report to be tabled in each House of Parliament as soon as practicable after the report has been prepared.

Page 6, clause 13, line 3. Omit "declared to be a", insert instead "to be investigated for declaration or restoration as a".

Page 6, clause 14, line 10. Omit "Within 6 months after the date of commencement of this Act", insert instead "By 31 December 1995".

Page 6, clause 15, lines 17-22. Omit all words on those lines, insert instead:

15. On 31 December 1995, the Director must cause to be published in the Gazette one or more notifications containing the descriptions referred to in section 14.

Page 6, clause 16, lines 26-35. Omit all words on those lines, insert instead:

16.(1) Notwithstanding any consent granted by the Director under section 11, logging and roading operations on land described in Schedules 1 and 2 may only be engaged in for a period of 3 months after the date of assent to this Act and thenceforth shall be suspended until 31 December 1995.

(2) The Forestry Commission must, in view of the reduction in the supply of timber resulting from the enactment of this Act, and despite the provisions for the timetable of logging in any management plan or environmental impact statement determined prior to the date of assent to this Act, supply timber from other State forests within the Eden Management Area, consistent with annual quotas fixed by it for 1992, to the holders of licenses or other agreements adversely affected by the operation of section 16(1) until 31 December 1995.

(3) Land made available for the supply of timber under the preceding subsection (other than land described in Schedules 1 and 2) may be logged, burnt or roaded as if the requirements of part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 had been complied with by the Forestry Commission in respect of that logging, burning or roading.

Page 7, clause 16, lines 6 to 16. Omit all words on those lines, insert instead:

(4) The Forestry Commission must prepare and exhibit an environmental impact statement in June 1995 and receive representations and otherwise comply with Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in respect of logging, roading and burning that is proposed to be undertaken in the region after 31 December 1995.

(5) The environmental impact statement and representations must be lodged by the Forestry Commission with the Director of Planning no later than 1 September 1995.

(6) The Director of Planning must examine the environmental impact statement and representations, report the findings of the examination to the Minister for Planning as determining authority, make public that report and otherwise comply with the requirements of Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 no later than 1 December 1995.

(7) The Minister for Planning is to determine the proposed activity and issue a public report in relation to it within 21 days after the Minister has received from the Director of Planning the report on examination of the environmental impact statement and Page 2629 representations.

(8) The Director, the Director-General of the Environment Protection Authority and the Commissioner of the Soil Conservation Service must, as expeditiously as possible, amend relevant licenses held by, or issue new licences to, the Forestry Commission to include additional environmental protection measures to protect wildlife, water quality and soil if logging operations referred to in this section are proposed to take place in an area adjoining a coupe that has been logged in the last 12 years.

(9) The Director, the Director-General of the Environment Protection Authority, the Commissioner of the Soil Conservation Service and the Forestry Commission shall jointly issue a public report, every 3 months, detailing each licence (and any conditions) and proposed logging and roading for the following 6 months with reasons.

(10) Copies of the report shall be made available for purchase by members of the public at the Head and Eden region offices of the 4 agencies involved.

(11) The agencies responsible for the report may receive public comments.

(12) If an authority under the Act to take or kill protected fauna is required to enable the logging operations referred to in this section to proceed, an application must be made to the Director who may grant an authority for the purpose under section 171 of the Act. No appeal lies against the Director's decision on an application for an authority under this section.

(13) To avoid doubt, the Director is not a determining authority for the purposes of part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 when granting an authority pursuant to section 171 of the Act, under that section.

Page 7, clause 17, lines 19-39 and page 8, clause 17, lines 1-12. Omit all words on those lines, insert instead:

(1) The Premier is forthwith to appoint a regional economic committee, to be called the South East Regional Employment and Industry Adjustment Committee, consisting of:

(a) the two nominees of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union Forestry Division (NSW); and

(b) the nominee of the South East Timber Association Inc; and

(c) the two nominees of the South East Forests Conservation Council; and

(d) the joint nominee of the Bega and Bombala Shire Councils; and

(e) a nominee of the Premier of NSW; and

(f) a nominee of the Prime Minister who shall be the Chairperson.

(2) Schedule 4 has effect with respect to the members and procedures of the South East Regional Employment and Industry Adjustment Committee.

(3) The Committee is to develop and implement strategies to provide redundancy and/or alternative employment opportunities for up to 2 years after 31 December 1995 for timber and ancillary workers who have lost or may lose their jobs as the result of the revocation of the dedication of State forests effected by section 8.

(4) Matters to be considered by the Committee for the purpose of developing strategies to provide redundancy or alternative employment opportunities shall include and consider the following:

(a) a worker's adjustment package including redundancy payments, relocation assistance, income supplements, new skills programs and establishment of offices to provide information;

(b) soil conservation and salinity control;

(c) thinning of softwood plantations;

(d) recreational and interpretative facilities in national parks and historic sites;

(e) hardwood plantation development;

(f) local environment improvements;

(g) local road upgrading;

(h) acquisition of logging trucks and logging equipment no longer required.

(5) The Committee is to publish a draft report for public comment (over a period of 40 days beginning in May 1995) and it is to make arrangements for, and advertise in a local newspaper and a daily metropolitan newspaper circulating throughout the State, places for inspection of the draft report in Eden, Bega, Bombala and Sydney.

(6) The Committee is to report to the Premier by 1 August 1995.

(7) The Committee is to report to both Houses of Parliament on its activities every 3 months after the date of its establishment and furnish a copy of its report under subsection (6).

(8) The Committee is authorised to negotiate on behalf of the State Government with the Commonwealth Government in the formulation of the Committee's recommendation to the Premier.

This package of amendments deals with assurance of resource during the period of assessment of the 90,000 hectares under consideration as a national park, and also with environmental impact statement procedures that will take place in parallel with logging activities in non-moratorium areas of the management area. This is an important and critical feature of the bill and is a trade-off to ensure that the high conservation areas of the southeast forests are conserved for assessment, while allowing open access to the remainder of the state forest through the lifting of environmental impact statement and fauna impact statements controls, as contained in the amendment. That means that the Forestry Commission, logging crews and licence holders generally will have clear and open access to those forest areas for a period of two and a half years during the assessment period. It is in total conformity with the principles outlined in the Timber Industry (Interim Protection) Act, and actually adopts those principles in entirety by requiring an environmental impact statement to be conducted while logging continues.

I have already ready into Hansard the attitude of the Australian Museum to forestry practice in those areas where time frame compression would have to occur between the first and second rounds of logging. The Australian Museum regards that, in terms of the shortened time frame of two and a half years, to be an acceptable practice. That concern was raised earlier by the Minister for the Environment. The second area of concern that resulted in a division, after debate, is the creation of an economic, structural and employment package. A reading of those clauses would put paid to the lie sought to be disseminated through the Chamber that people will be thrown out of work without compensation. In fact, we have put in place a balanced and sensible structure to allow a process of assessment of employee needs and industry needs for compensation to be dealt with over the next two and a half years. It embodies principles outlined Page 2630 in the national forest policy statement. It requires co-operation between the State and Commonwealth. I repeat, if no funds are available, no parks will be created, and that will be an end to the matter. The Labor Party has made it clear, during the second reading debates, through its amendments and in press statements, that the participating rights of workers and their opportunities for compensation for loss of jobs through loss of resource have been pre-eminent. I repeat that, without availability of funding and a suitable package, parks will not be created at the end of this assessment process. That, simply put, is the fundamental premise of our bill and amendments. I commend them to the House.

Mr COCHRAN (Monaro) [12.36]: I again object to these amendments because of their effect on the Soil Conservation Service and accountability in forest management. Currently one licence covers the entire forest area. These amendments would require about 50 departmental areas to be individually attended to by the service. I am told by advisers to the Forestry Commission that the Department of Conservation and Land Management would need about six to 12 months to process such licences and, for that purpose, would need about five additional professional and clerical officers, at a cost of about $450,000. These amendments will cost the State about $90 million in revenue. In addition, bureaucratic processes imposed on the industry will cost exorbitant amounts of money. Soil conservation requirements will cost about $450,000. In addition, under the proposed amendment to clause 16(4), the Forestry Commission must prepare and exhibit an environmental impact statement by June 1995 and receive representations and otherwise comply with part 5 of the Environmental and Assessment Act 1979 in respect of logging, roading and burning.

The hazard production program in forest areas is an ongoing process. As a former fire control officer for the Cooma-Monaro Shire, I am well aware that it is vital to have access when conditions are right for burning to be carried out with least damage to the forest. Surely those opposite who are concerned about protection of the environment are aware that burning is necessary but should be done when it is likely to cause least damage to forests. The proposed amendments will cause incredible costs to the State through expansion of the bureaucracy, and will also reduce revenue. That is a sure prescription for sending any business broke. If it is the intention of the Labor Party, as I suspect it is, to make the balance of payment figures look as bad as possible before the next election, it is going the right way about doing just that. However, the Opposition is not doing the right thing by the people of western Sydney, who need funding for housing and additional health services.

I can see that the Australian Labor Party has a hidden agenda to destroy the economy of New South Wales. It will do whatever it can to gain office in 1995. But I suspect that the people of New South Wales are awake to Labor members, and nobody is more awake than the people in the southeast forests. This is the last opportunity I will have to say anything on the bill so I make a plea to those on the benches opposite who purport to represent the working people of this State. As I have said often before, on 5th March, 1992, they deserted the working people . If Opposition members want to reinstate any credibility they may have had, any of those who have any connection with the union movement or the working-class people of this State will reject the amendments, reject the bill and treat it as what it is: a cynical political exercise by the honourable member for Bligh.

Mr HARTCHER (Gosford - Minister for the Environment) [12.41]: I shall be brief. As to the tenth amendment of the Australian Labor Party relating to the director's schedule 6 considerations and his requirement to report monthly to the Minister, I can confidently say that this amendment would effectively make it impossible for the director to carry out his statutory responsibilities, including those imposed by the bill. It is farcical to use words such as "take all efforts to avoid" and "protect to the fullest possible extent" when dealing with the avalanche of consents during the four-week period after the assent to the bill. It would be well nigh impossible for the director to comply with the schedule 6 considerations and grant consents for logging. Amendment No. 11 moved by the Independents relating to the declaration of wilderness again creates the need for massive funds and resources to be available to comply with the December 1995 deadline. These resources will simply not be available.

The Australian Labor Party amendment No. 14 is unrealistic and a poorly veiled attempt to bring the forestry industry to its knees. ALP amendment No. 15, inserting proposed new subsection (8), in effect places the Director of National Parks and Wildlife and the Director-General of the Environment Protection Authority in the situation of de facto imposition of part 5 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act conditions without the benefit of the environmental impact assessment process. Proposed new subsection (13) does little to improve this impractical and unworkable range of responsibilities. The cost and human resources required to fulfil this amendment alone would be enormous. ALP amendment No. 16 is another recipe for the creation of a cumbersome structure whose functions in effect usurp the existing functions of the departments of planning, industrial relations, conservation and land management, the Roads and Traffic Authority, local government, the Forestry Commission, et cetera. Does the ALP want to abolish the existing government bureaucracy and replace it with this committee? The committee will have little expertise or support to perform the functions of all those government organisations. With the reporting requirements alone, the committee will not have time to do its work even if it had the capacity to do so. The time allocated for the committee's deliberations is simply laughable. The amendments are ill thought out, ill conceived and totally opposed.

Amendments agreed to.

Clauses as amended agreed to.

New clauses agreed to.

Schedules 1 to 5

Ms MOORE (Bligh) [12.43], by leave: I move:

Page 9, Schedule 1, lines 1-34, and page 10, Schedule 1, lines 1-15. Omit all words on those lines, insert instead:

Page 2631 SCHEDULE 1 - LAND TO BE INVESTIGATED FOR RESERVATION AS, OR AS PARTS OF, NATIONAL PARKS

(Sec. 4)

PART 1 - STATE FORESTS OR PARTS OF STATE FORESTS

The land comprised in the following State forests or parts of State forests, shown by black edging on the Map:

Part Yambulla and Nungatta State Forests, east of Nungatta National Park Part Bondi State Forest, south of Imlay Road Part Bondi State Forest, north of Imlay Road Cathcart State Forest Part Coolangubra State Forest Part Bombala State Forest Part Nalbaugh State Forest Part Tantawangalo State Forest Part Glenbog State Forest Bemboka State Forest Part Nullica State Forest, other than land east of Black Creek Road Part Nullica State Forest, east of Black Creek Road Part Mumbulla State Forest

PART 2 - OTHER LAND

The following land, shown by black hatching on the Map:

Crown land adjacent to the north west boundary of Mumbulla State Forest and west boundary of Murrah State Forest.

Crown land adjacent to the north west boundary of Bemboka State Forest and north east boundary of Glenbog State Forest (known as Bega Swamp).

Page 10, Schedule 2, lines 16-33. Omit all words on those lines, insert instead:

SCHEDULE 2 - LAND TO BE INVESTIGATED FOR DEDICATION AS, OR AS PARTS OF, NATURE RESERVES

(Sec. 5)

PART 1 - PARTS OF STATE FORESTS

The land comprised in the following parts of State forests, shown by black edging on the Map:

Part Nadgee State Forest Part Bondi State Forest

PART 2 - OTHER LAND

The following land, shown by black hatching on the Map:

Crown land west of Coolangubra State Forest

Page 11, Schedule 3, lines 4-7 and 13. Omit all words on those lines.

Page 15, Schedule 4, Part 2, clause 10, line 12. Omit "8", insert instead "5".

Page 17, Schedule 5, Clause 2(2) lines 7-8. Omit "in relation to a reservation under section 4,".

Page 17, Schedule 5, Clause 3(2) lines 17-18. Omit "in relation to a dedication under section 5,".

Page 18. After line 21, insert:

SCHEDULE 6 - ENVIRONMENTAL PRESCRIPTIONS

(Sec. 11)

General guidelines

1. The Director must make all efforts to avoid issuing consents for:

(a) compartments containing a significant proportion of old growth forest; or

(b) compartments of relatively high habitat value; or

(c) compartments known to contain populations of threatened or endangered species; or

(d) compartments which lie within areas which are relatively unfragmented by roads or integrated harvesting; or

(e) compartments which, if harvested, would compromise corridor values, but, if the Director decides to issue a consent for such a compartment, the Director must, where practicable, require the Forestry Commission to place harvesting of the area concerned at the end of the logging timetable for the period concerned in section 11.

Wildlife corridors in Nalbaugh and Cathcart Special Prescription Areas (as shown on maps prepared by the Forestry Commission)

2. Regional scale wildlife corridors:

(a) must have a minimum width of 700m; and

(b) must be chosen primarily for their high conservation value; and

(c) must, if possible, be a contiguous area of forest and should not contain roads or tracks; and

(d) boundaries should be adjusted with the aim of minimising the ratio of boundary edge to area and should follow major water shed boundaries, compartment boundaries, existing tracks or major breaks in slopes; and

(e) no roads or tracks should be constructed within a wildlife corridor; and

(f) fire control lines should not be constructed within a wildlife corridor; and

(g) no fuel reduction burns are to be carried out in a wildlife corridor.

Tree retention

3. For the purposes of this Schedule:

(a) habitat trees, with the largest tree having a minimum diameter of 60 cm dbh (variable with forest type) should be retained in evenly spaced clusters, with a minimum of 5 trees per cluster; and

(b) each cluster must contain at least one retained tree with hollows; and

(c) 3 clusters per hectare on average, together with associated understorey vegetation, should be retained unless varied by written consent of the Director; and

(d) the clusters and their canopies must not be damaged during harvesting operations.

Filter strips

4. For the purposes of this Schedule:

(a) filter strips must be a minimum of 50m on either side of a stream or where the fall into a drainage line is more than 18 degrees, and 20 metres on either side of a drainage line where the fall is not more than 18 degrees; and

(b) filter strips must connect areas of riparian vegetation to unlogged forest on ridges; and

(c) trees must not be felled into filter strips; and

(d) post logging fires must not damage filter strips.

General prescriptions

5. The Director should ensure that:

(a) fires lit to promote regeneration of logged areas must not damage or destroy adjacent unharvested areas; and

(b) only temporary logging tracks may be constructed; Page 2632 and

(c) no primary, secondary or feeder roads (class 1, 2 or 3 roads) will be constructed; and

(d) logging debris is moved away from retained clusters of trees to protect them from regeneration burns.

Amendment No. 17 is moved pursuant to compromises over the proposed reservation areas covered by the bill. Schedule 1 is amended by omitting certain forests. Amendment No. 18 amends schedule 2 by excluding predetermined names for the nature reserves. Amendment No. 20 changes the number of members to represent a quorum on the adjustment committee in view of the new and lower specification of membership of the committee. Amendment No. 21 inserts a schedule which has been prepared to assist the director in his decisions about logging that may take place in the moratorium area.

Amendments agreed to.

Schedules as amended agreed to.

New schedule 6 agreed to.

Bill reported from Committee with amendments.

Adoption of Report

Ms MOORE (Bligh) [12.45]: I move:

That the report be now adopted.

Question put.

The House divided.

Ayes, 45

Ms Allan Mr Martin Mr Amery Mr Mills Mr Anderson Ms Moore Mr A. S. Aquilina Mr Moss Mr J. J. Aquilina Mr J. H. Murray Mr Bowman Mr Nagle Mr Doyle Mr Newman Mr Face Ms Nori Mr Gaudry Mr E. T. Page Mr Gibson Mr Price Mrs Grusovin Dr Refshauge Mr Harrison Mr Rogan Mr Hatton Mr Rumble Mr Hunter Mr Scully Mr Iemma Mr Shedden Mr Irwin Mr Sullivan Mr Knight Mr Thompson Mr Knowles Mr Whelan Mr Langton Mr Yeadon Mrs Lo Po' Mr Ziolkowski Dr Macdonald Tellers, Mr McManus Mr Beckroge Mr Markham Mr Davoren

Noes, 43

Mr Armstrong Mr D. L. Page Mr Baird Mr Peacocke Mr Blackmore Mr Petch Mr Causley Mr Phillips Mr Chappell Mr Photios Mrs Chikarovski Mr Rixon Mr Cochran Mr Rozzoli Mr Collins Mr Schipp Mr Cruickshank Mr Schultz Mr Fraser Mr Small Mr Griffiths Mr Smiles Mr Hartcher Mr Smith Mr Hazzard Mr Souris Mr Humpherson Mr Tink Dr Kernohan Mr Turner Mr Kerr Mr West Mr Kinross Mr Windsor Mr Longley Mr Yabsley Mr Merton Mr Zammit Mr Morris Tellers, Mr W. T. J. Murray Mr Beck Mr O'Doherty Mr Downy

Pairs

Mr Carr Mrs Cohen Mr Clough Mr Fahey Mr Crittenden Mr Glachan Mr McBride Mr Jeffery Mr Neilly Mr Packard

Question so resolved in the affirmative.

Report adopted and bill passed through remaining stage.

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

Bills: Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders

Mr WEST (Orange - Minister for Conservation and Land Management, and Minister for Energy) [12.56], by leave: I move:

That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would preclude the consideration of orders of the day Nos 17 and 24 of General Business (for Bills) in place of private members' statements at this sitting.

I briefly indicate that as a result of an agreement made last night between the Government and the three non-aligned Independents an undertaking was given that the South East Forests Protection Bill would be completed in this House today. Subsequently the Opposition indicated that it wished notice of motion, general business, No. 24 to be dealt with. In accordance with the spirit of those negotiations both bills will be dealt with. I thank the honourable members for their assistance.

Mr WHELAN (Ashfield) [12.57]: The Opposition agreed because, basically, it was agreed that the private members' legislation of the National Parks and Wildlife (Emu Licence) Amendment Bill and the Industrial Relations (Contracts of Carriage) Amendment Bill would be considered together. I inform the Government, however, that though the position of the Opposition with regard to the Industrial Relations (Contracts of Carriage) Amendment Bill is known and certain, the National Parks and Wildlife (Emu Licence) Amendment Bill will be dealt with on the basis that the Opposition does not indicate consent or approval. The Opposition may in fact vote against it. The Government should not be under any misapprehension in that regard.

Page 2633

Mr WEST (Orange - Minister for Conservation and Land Management, and Minister for Energy) [12.58], in reply: I indicate to the honourable member for Ashfield that the same view is held in principle by the Government in relation to the Industrial Relations (Contracts of Carriage) Amendment Bill. I do not have any problems with those arrangements.

Motion for suspension of standing and sessional orders agreed to.

AUDITOR-GENERAL'S REPORT ON FORMER AGENT-GENERAL PICKARD

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I bring to the attention of the Parliament that in the past hour or so I have been made aware that a letter is in circulation from the Auditor-General regarding a report he presented to me on Tuesday dealing with his investigation into what may be termed the Pickard matter. For reasons I will outline, to date I have chosen not to table that report. However, I advise members at the outset that it is my intention to table the report forthwith. The history of the matter is that, prior to receiving the report, I received a letter from the solicitors for Mr Pickard, Lane and Lane, setting out in voluminous detail certain background matters to the case and asking me not to table the report. At that stage I had not received the report and had no idea of its contents. Immediately I wrote back to Lane and Lane and told them that I had nothing on which to base any decision. I suggested that the only course that might be of assistance to them was for them to contact the arbitrator to ascertain whether he had any views on the matter.

About an hour later I was advised that a preliminary conference with the arbitrator had been set down for 5 p.m. that afternoon. I undertook not to table the report until I had had the benefit of the arbitrator's views. Subsequently, I was advised that there had been a preliminary conference before the arbitrator and that a full transcript of the proceedings had been taken. The following morning I received advice from Lane and Lane in a form which had been cleared by Mr Samuels, the arbitrator. I will table the documents to which I have referred for the House's perusal. The letter from Lane and Lane contained the following information:

. . . during the course of the conference he -

That is, Mr Samuels:

- expressed the view in his role as arbitrator and without seeking in any way to convey any advice to you as Speaker, that in his respectful opinion it would be unfortunate if the report by the Auditor-General came into the public domain before the arbitration was concluded, other than in the context of any parts of that report being led by way of evidence during the course of the arbitration itself.

His reasons for forming this view are as follows:

1. If the report were tabled by you it would inevitably be debated.

2. That debate would immediately precede the opening of the arbitration, which is to be heard in public.

3. He was not concerned about the tabling of the report placing any pressure on him but it might place pressure on persons who might be named in the report and who might be required to give evidence in the arbitration.

4. If Mr Pickard is criticised in the report, which Mr Samuels has not seen, and wished to respond to that criticism, he would be required to fight a battle on two fronts, as it were. He would need to answer the report while he participated in the conduct of the arbitration. That would be an unfair burden.

Mr Samuels noted that the legal advisers for Mr Pickard requested that he should express a view to you, with all respect, that the report not be tabled until after the conclusion of the arbitration. He also noted that the Solicitor General, speaking as counsel for the Government, in its role as a party to the arbitration only and with the interest of the orderly conduct of the proceeding solely in mind, was also of the view that the interests of justice would best be served if the report were not tabled until the arbitration had been concluded.

Following receipt of that advice, I contacted the Crown Solicitor, Mr Roberts, who has had no personal involvement in the affair, to seek his advice as to my position in regard to whether I had power to act on the views expressed by Mr Samuels. I also questioned him regarding privilege, which might be raised, and whether the failure to table the report would in any way inhibit the course of the arbitration. I will also table that advice, which is quite long. One, it indicated that no matters of privilege were involved; two, it would not in any way inhibit the course of the arbitration as the report would be adduced in evidence in any event; and, three - which was of little assistance to me - that the Act was silent on whether the report had to be tabled in any time frame, as distinct from other Acts that indicate certain timetables. The inference was that there was no timetable and that it was a matter for my consideration alone.

As a result of that, I formed the view, based solely on the views expressed by Mr Samuels and the Solicitor General, not to table the report. The letter from the Auditor-General, which I understand has been widely circulated, suggested in the conclusion that matters of criminality may be involved on the part of Mr Pickard, or certainly that there were matters of corrupt conduct; and that the Auditor-General felt it would be unfortunate and wrong if it were not drawn to the attention of the Parliament immediately. Clearly my prime obligation in this matter is to the Parliament. Until now I have acted on the advice I received and in accordance with what I regarded as fairness and justice. However, my principal obligation is to the Parliament.

Therefore, without any hesitation, I have decided to table the report. However, I add that the only advice I have sought is the view of the arbitrator and advice from the Crown Solicitor. I have not received any other advice, nor have I sought any. Honourable members would appreciate that - although it is not always popular to adopt this attitude - I have sought to divorce myself from any involvement with the Government on the matter. Obviously if I did not raise the matter with the Government, I could not raise it with the Opposition. It is entirely my own decision, and I made that decision based on the views Page 2634 as expressed. Without further ado, I table the Auditor-General's report of an audit into the London Office of the Agent-General under the tenure of the Honourable Neil Pickard, dated 17th May, 1993.

BILLS RETURNED

The following bills were returned from the Legislative Council without amendment:

Local Government Bill Impounding Bill Local Government (Consequential Provisions) Bill Roads Bill Traffic (Parking Regulation) Amendment Bill

[Mr Speaker left the chair at 1.6 p.m. The House resumed at 2.15 p.m.]

MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

Mr Speaker advised the House that he had received from the Leader of the Opposition notice of a matter of public importance, which would be set down for debate at the conclusion of formal business, but following debate on the matter listed for urgent consideration, notice of which also had been given by the Leader of the Opposition.

AUDITOR-GENERAL'S REPORT ON FORMER AGENT-GENERAL PICKARD

Mr SPEAKER: Order! In accordance with the indication I gave earlier in regard to the report of the Auditor-General, I table copies of the correspondence in relation to the matter.

Ministerial Statement

Mr FAHEY (Southern Highlands - Premier, and Treasurer) [2.16]: I received a copy of the Auditor-General's Report for the purpose of assisting in the preparation of the Pickard mediation. It was immediately passed to the Director-General of the Premier's Department for any action required. I have not examined the report.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I am sure honourable members are very interested in this topic. They will learn much more about it if they remain silent.

Mr FAHEY: I am advised that it was passed to the Crown Solicitor's Office -

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Drummoyne to order.

Mr FAHEY: - to be used in finalising the Government's cost claim against the former Agent-General, which is subject to public mediation before former Supreme Court judge, Mr Gordon Samuels, and is to begin next month. Particulars of the cross claim had to be finalised by last Friday. In this I have acted on the advice of the Crown Solicitor, through the director-general of my department. Also, I asked the Attorney General to seek Crown law advice as to whether any other civil or any criminal action is required. I am further advised that last Tuesday the Speaker received a copy of the Auditor-General's Report for the purpose of its tabling in Parliament. On the same day, correspondence was received by the Speaker from solicitors acting for the former Agent-General, who raised concerns about their client's rights to natural justice being infringed if the report were tabled prior to the commencement of the public mediation.

I understand that the Speaker referred the matter to the Crown Solicitor for advice and that, as a matter of urgency, a meeting was set up between the affected parties. The Speaker received Mr Samuels' advice on the matter and sought further advice from the Solicitor General. The Speaker has stated that in this House today, and has tabled the report. I might add that I have been given also a letter from the Auditor-General addressed to the Minister for State Development, dated 22nd April, 1993, in which he clearly establishes his desire that his report on Mr Pickard be, "tabled through the normal mechanisms of delivering it to the Speaker of the House".

Further, I have been advised that the Auditor-General has referred his report to the Independent Commission Against Corruption. At no stage has the Government attempted to prevent the publication of the Auditor-General's Report. On the contrary, it was the Government that ensured that the Pickard mediation was to be held in public, so that nothing would be kept from the New South Wales public. I only add this, Mr Speaker: I closed the Agent-General's office shortly after I became Premier, because I believed it was an anachronism. I sacked Mr Pickard when it became clear that he had breached guidelines in the performance of his duty.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Campbelltown to order. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order. I call the honourable member for Ashfield to order.

Mr FAHEY: In doing so, the Government has refused Mr Pickard any compensation and he is availing himself of the right to a legal appeal. Further, it was my Government that asked the Auditor-General to investigate the London office of the Agent-General.

Mr CARR (Maroubra - Leader of the Opposition) [2.20]: The simple fact is that the Premier has had this report for one week - a damning report. The Premier sat on it. No one was more desperate than he in the past few days to have the Parliament not come back for another week. No one was more desperate. In all the negotiations that took place, the Premier was absolutely desperate that Parliament would not come back. Now we know the reason why. Corruption and criminality, says the Auditor-General.

[Interruption]

Any mention of corruption gets Wal excited.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Davidson to order. There is far too much interjection from both sides of the House.

Page 2635

Mr CARR: I quote:

I have concluded that I am not and cannot be a party to those arbitration processes. More than that, I believe that the possibility of corruption and the possibility of criminal offences should be quickly brought to the attention of the Parliament and there after and thereby to relevant officers.

That was the view of the Auditor-General, the independent Auditor-General. What did this apology for a Premier do with this unambiguous advice? He sought every reason to delay and sought every excuse not to bring Parliament back next week. Honourable members were bewildered by the Premier's determination to have us meet today and not have Parliament come back next week. The legal advice is not as the Premier put it; not as the Premier put it, at all. The legal advice is that he should have done the right and proper thing, put this report to the Parliament or, as I say in my motion for urgent consideration, at the very least indicated to this Parliament, and to the world, that he had the report.

The Premier claims credit for sacking Mr Pickard. The report says that the Premier gave Mr Pickard six months' notice instead of the three months that he was legally obliged to give him. The one person who is happy with all this - he is like the leprechaun who won lotto - is the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts. He is beaming like a cheshire cat - anything to embarrass the bloke who stole succession from him. It is a great day for the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts. This report does not only damn the Premier's former colleague and friend; it damns his Government and its processes. The Premier's failure to table the report, as he was duty bound by the codes of honesty to do, is a condemnation of him.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE ______

FORMER AGENT-GENERAL IN LONDON

Mr CARR: My question is directed to the Premier and Treasurer. In view of the Auditor-General's findings of corruption and criminality against Mr Pickard, will he halt the private arbitration and order the Attorney General to commence civil and criminal proceedings against this former colleague?

Mr FAHEY: The matter of criminal or civil proceedings is currently being investigated by the Solicitor General at my request. It concerns me that the Leader of the Opposition has so little regard for the processes that he seeks to draw conclusions that criminal or civil proceedings must be instituted at this stage.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order. I call the honourable member for Bulli to order.

Mr FAHEY: If proceedings must be instituted, they will be, and that is why I asked the Attorney General to refer the matter to the Solicitor General to fully examine such matters when I received the report. I have already said in the House today that the Auditor-General has referred the matter to the Independent Commission Against Corruption. All is being done to investigate this process.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Riverstone to order.

Mr FAHEY: The matter will be dealt with in the proper fashion. The Solicitor General will advise the Attorney General. If either civil or criminal action is to proceed, the Leader of the Opposition may rest assured that it will proceed.

RURAL AND ISOLATED AREAS CHILD CARE SERVICES

Mr MORRIS: My question without notice is directed to the Minister for Community Services and Assistant Minister for Health. What measures is the Government taking to ensure that children's services are provided to families in need, particularly in rural and isolated areas?

Mr LONGLEY: I thank the honourable member for Blue Mountains for his question and for his continued dedication in this area. Honourable members are aware that the Government is committed to helping people and families that the Federal Labor Government has hurt, deceived and abandoned. Each new day brings another broken promise from Canberra. Each new day brings another cruel and heartless backflip in a key social policy area that was ruthlessly and deceitfully promised in the election campaign. They add another chapter in the encyclopaedia of Labor lies. This week Keating attacked families, charities, people needing dental care, low-income earners and people who need child care.

Honourable members know that this Government is actively working to assist families in need, to help the disadvantaged and the vulnerable, and to restore the lives of the victims of Labor's recession. The Federal Labor Government's record on child care and treatment of families is disgraceful. This week's backflip has blown its cover. The lies about $60 fortnightly rebates, cash handouts to mothers in need, $362 million of assistance - all lies for the election campaign - have shown how cynically and callously Labor can deceive Australian families. This Government is not prepared to stand by and let Keating destroy the lives of families in need, families who are struggling to build their lives in the cities, towns and remote areas of the State, families who thought that in February Keating was holding out some hope and who this week have seen their hopes dashed.

This Government is committed to child care and will provide resources for child care. We will provide the services that families need. We honour our commitments. Today I am delighted to announce an innovative, new package of child care funding that Page 2636 will target low-income earners, families of children with disabilities, families of non-English speaking background, Aboriginal communities and families in rural and remote areas. More than $1 million of new funds in this package is being provided - money that will directly help people in need. A key element of the package is a boost of more than $500,000 to vacation care services to help parents in need at school holiday time. The vacation care services are available to children of school age, and provide not only an important respite for families, but also enable parents to continue to work or to seek work during school holiday periods. More than 300,000 new funds will be provided for vocational care services. These services are used by single mothers and low-income earners to provide good quality, short-term care for their children. It will especially help parents who are in part-time work or who are seeking work.

A new system of quality incentive grants to child care services will also come into effect. These grants will include professional support and quality of care services across a wide range of areas. In addition, $100,000 will be provided for the replacement and upgrading of mobile pre-school vans. These vans are especially important for families in the growing outer suburbs of Sydney - who are neglected by members opposite - and the remote rural areas of New South Wales. Mobile vans provide vital pre-school activities which enhance social and learning opportunities for children who would otherwise not have access to teachers and equipment. They also provide an important opportunity for respite time for parents.

This funding boost for mobile pre-school services is being provided immediately. We appreciate that Keating's recession is hurting and that those needs must be met now. The services announced today are especially designed to help families in need. Paul Keating abandoned those people this week; the New South Wales Government will not abandon those people. We will be giving them the services they need and are entitled to. Today's announcement is about bringing services to families in need; it is about improving the quality of child care available to the children of this State. It is a tangible and real recognition of the commitment of the New South Wales Government to innovative and responsive child care. One can only hope that the Federal Labor Government follows the example of the New South Wales Government and implements some of its promises.

BOOBERA LAGOON WATER USE

Mr AMERY: My question without notice is directed to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads. Earlier this year did the Minister ring the Barwon Regional Manager of the Department of Water Resources, Mr Tony Burgin, and order him to allow Mr Mick Thompson to continue to pump water from the Boobera Lagoon, in breach of his water licence? How is Mr Thompson known to the Minister? Is he a National Party supporter? How does the Minister justify ordering the Department of Water Resources to break the law?

Mr West: On a point of order. The standing orders of this House indicate quite clearly that members can only ask a Minister a question that is relevant to his portfolio. The question asked by the honourable member for Mount Druitt has nothing to do with the responsibility of the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads.

Mr Whelan: On the point of order. The question relates to comments with respect to the Department of Water Resources that were made by the Minister to whom the question was directed.

Mr W. T. J. Murray: It has nothing to do with it.

Mr Whelan: I know you do not want to answer the question.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! Under the standing orders and rules of this Parliament members are entitled to ask Ministers questions relating to their portfolios, but there are other ways in which matters can be raised with respect to conduct or statements of Ministers - indeed, any member of Parliament - outside those parameters. I rule that the point of order taken by the Minister for Conservation and Land Management and Minister for Energy is correct in the strict sense. I advise the honourable member who asked the question that there are other avenues available to him to raise this matter. If he wishes to seek advice, I am quite happy to talk to him about it later.

JUVENILE SMOKING

Ms MACHIN: My question without notice is directed to the Minister for Health. What action is the Government taking on juvenile smoking? Specifically, what community education programs are in place on this issue?

Mr PHILLIPS: I recently relaunched the New South Wales Quit campaign in this Parliament. A presentation given by Martin Palin, Director of the Quit campaign, at that launch showed just how far we have come in tackling smoking rates in the community. In 1983, 35 per cent of the population were smokers; that figure is now below 29 per cent, and falling. That achievement has been due to the commitment of both the Federal Government and State Government to programs such as Quit, which is a vital movement in the push to stamp out smoking. There is, however, much left to do, especially in regard to juvenile smoking. I recently announced a crackdown on retailers selling cigarettes to minors, which will be overseen by the Police Service and the State's public health units. This crackdown is being pursued under the laws against selling cigarettes to minors. Those laws were toughened in 1991. The age for people to whom tobacco can be sold was increased from 16 years to 18 years. It is a criminal offence to sell tobacco to young people and that Page 2637 offence carries a maximum penalty of $5,000.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is too much audible conversation in the Chamber.

Mr PHILLIPS: We have also ensured that warning notices are posted at each point of sale notifying young people under 18 that they cannot obtain tobacco products.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Cabramatta to order.

Mr PHILLIPS: I also announced recently, in conjunction with the Chief Secretary, that proof of age cards would be extended for use in purchasing tobacco products. Work is proceeding to implement that decision. The doubt factor will be removed. There will be absolutely no excuse for the retailer not knowing that the person he sold cigarettes to was a minor. These laws are necessary. However, it is important to remember that the whole thrust of this Government's recently launched tobacco and health strategy is consultation and education. We cannot stop young people from smoking by simply toughening the laws. We have to offer a balanced approach combining legislation with active consultation and education if we are to tackle this problem.

Research conducted by Dr Chapman in 1992 on juvenile access to tobacco products clearly showed that when retailers were first approached by minors seeking cigarettes more than 44 per cent of retailers sold them over the counter. Once those same retailers had been contacted by the department and fully educated as to their responsibilities under the law there was a significant reduction in the number who sold tobacco to juveniles. The display of warning signs and being aware of the maximum fine was associated with a reduction in selling. As a continuation of this consultative approach, I am pleased to inform the House that New South Wales will host a national workshop on the issue of reducing access to cigarettes for minors.

I have invited Dr David Altman, the Director of the Health Promotion Resource Centre at the Stanford University Medical School, to address this workshop. Dr Altman has considerable experience with this issue in the United States of America. The aim of the workshop will be to inform Australian researchers and policymakers in the area of tobacco control of recent developments in the United States. There will also be time to review current legislation around Australia to see which areas need to be tightened up. The workshop will be held in Sydney on 14th July this year. It will be an invaluable forum for researchers and service providers in this area to learn from overseas experiences.

The Government is totally committed to stamping out smoking. There is no question about that. That commitment fits importantly into the change of focus that must occur in health care. That change of focus was a positive result of the national health summit which we called in Sydney. We must have a national health policy based on outcome. We are directing resources on the basis of prevention, promotion, screening, good clinical care and also, if necessary, for instance, in relation to cancer and palliative care. We must have an overall approach targeting reduction of illness in the community, and concentrating on wellness rather than pouring money into health care. I ask all members to support the campaign of this Government and other governments around Australia to stamp out smoking.

SYDNEY CASINO LICENCE

Mr FACE: I direct a question without notice to the Premier and Treasurer. Will the Premier give an unequivocal guarantee that the Government will not have any dealings with former Premier Greiner over the tendering, issuing - or influencing - of a licence to the casino operator?

Mr FAHEY: Of all people, About-Face should know the tendering processes for the casino work. All those processes are through the Casino Control Authority, at arm's-length from government. We will go to great lengths to remain at arm's length on all matters relating to the casino. I or the Minister will not ask with whom the casino control authority deals. We will have absolutely nothing to do with the manner in which the authority will act. I have absolute confidence it will act beyond reproach and in the most objective and sensible way in all the steps that have to be taken in that process.

COUNTRY MAYORS ASSOCIATION STATE DEVELOPMENT REPORT

Mr SCHULTZ: I address my question without notice to the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts. Is the Minister aware of a report on State development in New South Wales released today by the Country Mayors Association? If so, has the Minister's department done a preliminary evaluation of the report?

Mr COLLINS: The Country Mayors Association has today released a detailed report entitled "Strategy for Balanced State Development", a study funded by the Commonwealth Office of Labour Market Adjustment. The cost of the report was about $100,000. Much of the report's findings are based on very old data. For example, infrastructure cost comparisons are based on 1970 data that was inconclusive. The Department of State Development, in a preliminary analysis of the work undertaken by Kinhill Engineering, has advised me that the consultant's investigation of infrastructure cross-subsidies has been poor. I am advised that the whole question of cross-subsidisation between metropolitan and non-metropolitan infrastructure and services needs much more work than that provided in today's report. There are relatively few new ideas in the regional strategy, with the report highlighting a perception that many activities across a range of government agencies can be more effective just by adding additional resources.

Page 2638 The Country Mayors Association strategy for achieving balanced State development includes: a balanced settlement and infrastructure plan; re-directing population from Sydney to regional centres; targeting the relocation of industries which do not rely on metropolitan services for their existence; improving competitiveness of costs associated with country centres, including amalgamation of councils; a new organisation to be the prime deliverer of regional development services; preparing a balanced State development plan; and co-ordinating infrastructure investment. The Country Mayors Association needs to be warned against using further bureaucracy as a means of achieving real improvements in regional development.

There is, however, a need for regional development activities among State, Federal and local government agencies to be co-ordinated to optimise efficiency and effectiveness of services delivered to clients. The Department of State Development, at my direction, has been taking a leading role in co-ordination of regional development activities. The department is committed to taking up the regional development challenge. I am conducting a series of regional forums across the State during this year to seek local views for building a practical regional development policy that is relevant to the current needs of country New South Wales. The new policy should be ready for release later this year. Forums have already been held at Taree, Tamworth, Wollongong, Deniliquin and Gosford.

We have circulated a document entitled "Developing Regional New South Wales - A Consultative Paper" to stimulate discussion on regional development issues. We have already identified a number of key priorities including: targeting of those industries which do not rely on city-based infrastructure; and assisting the competitiveness of existing country industries. While the Country Mayors Association report makes an important contribution to the current debate on regional development, many of the issues require more rigorous analysis. Nevertheless the important future contribution of country New South Wales to the State's economy cannot be overstated. It is clear that Sydney's urban sprawl and the pressures on physical and social infrastructure provide a real incentive for businesses, their employees and families, to consider relocation to country centres throughout the State. Rural and regional communities can play a greater role in providing a balanced growth, based on exploiting work force skills, lifestyle opportunities and the resources that are unique to each region of the State. We already have a very positive outlook forming about the future of country New South Wales which will see rural communities become more efficient, more productive and more diversified. Emerging industries will be more oriented to value-adding and will seek export opportunities into the Pacific Rim and South-east Asian countries.

Growth of resource-based industries in the regions will be reinforced by the relocation of support industries, like engineering, and the service sector - such as financial and consulting services - to country centres. Our regional development approach seeks to challenge traditional attitudes about business relocation by communicating the advantages and by unlocking previously untapped regional skills and resources. The findings of the Country Mayors Association report will be taken up by the Department of State Development, with a particular emphasis on seeking a "Whole of Government Approach" to regional economic development issues. I welcome the establishment of a Federal portfolio committed to pursuing regional development. However, the key element is that at Federal, State and local government levels we are co-ordinating efforts much better than they have been co-ordinated in the past.

BOOBERA LAGOON WATER USE

Dr REFSHAUGE: My question is directed to the Minister for Natural Resources. Has the Minister had concerns raised by his department that the Deputy Premier rang the Barwon regional manager of the Department of Water Resources and ordered him to allow Mr Mick Thompson to continue to pump water from Boobera Lagoon? Were his departmental officers concerned that they were being asked to break the law? Did he report this matter to the Premier?

Mr CAUSLEY: I dare say it was predictable that the Opposition would get it right and come back to ask the question of the Minister responsible for water resources. I think it is general knowledge that the Deputy Premier for some time has been concerned about the allocation of water resources and water rights in his electorate of Barwon. He has made those concerns clear in the press. He has made representations on Boobera Lagoon on behalf of Mr Thompson on a number of occasions going back many years. If honourable members check, they will see that the Minister's interest is genuine. He has asked that people be treated fairly.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Mount Druitt to order.

Mr CAUSLEY: So far as I am concerned, there is nothing in the correspondence that would substantiate the allegations that have been made.

ARMIDALE XPLORER TRAIN SERVICE

Mr CHAPPELL: I address my question to the Minister for Transport. Is it a fact that the new Xplorer trains will be operating to Armidale later this year? What action is the Government taking to improve other rail facilities in country New South Wales in preparation for the arrival of the trains?

Mr BAIRD: When the new Xplorer trains arrive in the northwest it will be the honourable member for Northern Tablelands -

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Ermington to order. I call the honourable member for Kogarah to order.

Mr BAIRD: - the Deputy Premier and the Minister for Finance who can take the credit for Page 2639 crusading for these trains.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is far too much interjection in the Chamber.

Mr BAIRD: The honourable member for Monaro has also been a strong crusader for these trains.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Blacktown to order.

Mr BAIRD: They are the people who pushed hard for the new rolling-stock.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time.

Mr BAIRD: The people of New South Wales will gain from the new Xplorer train service. I am delighted to advise that there will be a new Xplorer service to Armidale later in the year. When the coalition was elected to government there was a ramshackle rail service across the board. The rolling-stock was outdated and inefficient. The stations were drab and run down. The signalling system was close to collapse. The man that has been put in charge of running State Rail has his own problems in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Newcastle to order.

Mr BAIRD: No reforms of State Rail were being carried out by the previous Government. It did nothing to improve country services, to refurbish country railway stations or to maintain the signalling system, tracks and railway bridges. The previous Government allowing services to operate in such a state is nothing short of a disgrace. The Government is spending a massive $110 million on new rolling-stock for the country and $15 million on upgrading the existing fleet, which is a major investment. The amount of $60 million is being spent on new XPT trains, which will go into service on the Sydney to Melbourne and Sydney to Brisbane corridors later this year, and $50 million is being spent on new high speed Xplorer trains to service the Sydney to Canberra and Sydney to the northwest runs.

Mr Langton: This is announcement number 62 for this one.

Mr BAIRD: What are you saying? That you are opposed to these trains?

Mr Langton: Oh, don't be an idiot.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Kogarah to order for the second time.

Mr BAIRD: The honourable member for Kogarah just does not like to hear the changes that we are making to State Rail.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to order. I call the honourable member for Auburn to order.

Mr BAIRD: He has gone on, like many members opposite, about the reductions in staff numbers at State Rail - on and on and on. Many country members have heard him go on about it. If Opposition members so disagree with the Government's reform of State Rail, what would they do if they came to government?

Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is far too much conversation in the Chamber. I call the honourable member for Wollongong to order.

Mr BAIRD: The Opposition spokesman on transport, who should know, we would expect to say, "Let us go back to the days of good old David Hill with trains going out to the country at $40,000 a time, with trips out to the centre of Australia. Let us return to the days of 45,000 staff". But what did he say when he was in Orange recently? When the press asked him about staff cuts in State Rail he said -

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Ermington to order for the second time.

Mr BAIRD: I quote the Central Western Daily of Saturday, 8th May. He said there was no need to increase "the staff numbers under a Labor Government." There it is in black and white.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Eastwood to order.

Mr BAIRD: For all the rhetoric about staff reductions, when he was actually asked about what Labor would do about it he said absolutely nothing. We know that he will not have the chance to do anything. I hear that another member will take on the transport portfolio if Labor ever gets into government. We are spending $5 million on upgrading country railway stations. I am sure the honourable member for Northern Tablelands is delighted that we will spend $550,000 to revitalise Armidale railway station.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Auburn to order for the second time.

Mr BAIRD: The honourable member for Lismore can also enjoy the upgrading of his railway station. Casino and Lismore stations have been upgraded and Dubbo station is to follow. Grafton station will also be upgraded. Many stations were run down under the previous Government. Stations in the northwest - even at Moree - will be vastly improved.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is far too much conversation in the Chamber. Members who wish to converse will do so outside.

Mr BAIRD: A further $150,000 is to be spent upgrading the Albury railway station in preparation of the commencement of the new Sydney-Melbourne XPT service in November, which will cut three and a half hours off the service between Sydney and Melbourne, and replace the 30-year-old Sydney to Melbourne Express. This Government is reforming the railways in New South Wales. The honourable member for Northern Tablelands and the Minister for Finance would welcome these services to the northwest. I am sure when the train does arrive in the northwest that the people will enjoy the services Page 2640 and, of course, the upgraded stations.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Ermington to order for the third time.

Mr BAIRD: In Armidale, Albury, Tamworth and the other locations around New South Wales, this Government is getting on with the job.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Bligh to order. I call the honourable member for Smithfield to order. I have already said that members who wish to converse should do so outside the Chamber.

Mr BAIRD: I am glad for the opportunity to tell the House about the great reforms in transport under this Government.

PROSPECT WATER TREATMENT PLANT AND FORMER PREMIER GREINER

Ms ALLAN: My question without notice is to the Premier and Treasurer. Did you say this week that if former Premier Greiner had any conflict relating to the Government he would tell you? When did he tell you that his company CMPS and F has a pecuniary interest in the New South Wales Water Services Consortium, the preferred tenderer for Prospect Water Treatment Plant?

Mr FAHEY: If the honourable member for Blacktown wants to tell me what CMPS and F is, it would assist me.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Ashfield to order. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the third time. I call the honourable member for Illawarra to order.

Mr FAHEY: I repeat what I said earlier in the week, and that is that if Mr Greiner has any matter which he believes is in conflict with the Government, he will inform me. And I believe he will.

STORED VALUE CARD SCHEME

Mr TINK: My question is addressed to the Chief Secretary and Minister for Administrative Services. How will the State benefit from the introduction of the stored value card scheme which was announced recently? Will the Minister provide details of the administrative processes which will accompany this stored value card scheme?

Mrs COHEN: My thanks to the honourable member for Eastwood for his question and his interest in this important project which, indeed, should be of interest to anyone who cares about the advancement of the State of New South Wales. During the past two weeks advertisements for a stored value card scheme operator have been appearing in national and international newspapers. We are seeking people interested in investing in the financial technology of the future. The Government will tender for a private sector operator who will actually develop, implement and market the scheme. In so doing we are acting as the catalyst for a new multibillion dollar industry incorporating both private and public service providers. I am happy to inform the House that there has already been strong interest from substantial and reputable companies in the scheme.

The stored value card is similar in concept to a multipurpose phonecard, in that it is bought for a fixed value, which gradually decreases as it is used to purchase goods and services. Under the scheme, consumers will be able to use the same pre-paid card to buy a variety of low value goods and services ranging from fast food to transport services. Consumers will benefit from the ease and convenience of the card and from not having to carry around a lot of small change, while merchants will benefit from a reduction in cash handling costs and theft, and the ability to serve customers more quickly and efficiently. The transport authorities will also benefit from reduced cash handling costs estimated to save the transport authorities - and then the taxpayers of New South Wales - approximately $10 million a year.

One of the largest beneficiaries of the scheme will be the State of New South Wales. The Fahey Government has shown itself to be a government which is interested in stimulating the development of commercial opportunities which create jobs and may lead to export opportunities for Australian companies. This latest initiative certainly builds on that foundation. In selecting a scheme operator the Government will be looking towards a number of State development opportunities. These include the location of the headquarters of the scheme's management in New South Wales, as well as the local manufacture of the stored value cards and associated equipment, software development, and export and employment opportunities. In all, we expect that up to 100 direct jobs will be created with the scheme operator, with up to 500 flow-on jobs created with support services.

The Government has already identified a number of significant export opportunities from which Australian manufacturing and marketing companies could benefit. Honourable members may be interested to note that State development benefits actually make up one of the criteria to be used in selecting the winning tender. I must say I have been following with amazement the Federal Government's pay television fiasco, which appears to be a text book case of how not to go to tender. It is absolutely fascinating. This Government certainly will not be going down the Federal Government's path in selecting a stored value card scheme operator.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Blacktown to order for the second time.

Mrs COHEN: In the end, the success of the project will totally depend on the ability of the private sector to develop and market a scheme which is attractive to both consumers and service providers. The capability of the operator will therefore be critical, and that will be the focus of the tender evaluation process. The successful tenderer, I might add, will have to come up with far more than $500. Page 2641 I understand the $500 application fee for the pay TV bidders could have been in the form of a personal cheque and did not even have to be a bank cheque.

The evaluation of tenders and the selection of the stored value scheme operator will be conducted through a documented four-phase process which is expected to take between six and nine months. That is entirely in keeping with the scale and importance of the project. The stored value card tender is far different from a pay TV tender, but the need for responsible tendering procedures remains the same. Tenders for the scheme operator will be evaluated on detailed management, commercial, technical and legal criteria. Honourable members might also be interested to note that to obtain the stored card tender document - and that includes a detailed business case - potential scheme operators were required to pay $10,000. That means that only bidders of substance will be attracted to the scheme. The stored value card scheme is an innovative initiative which will be of enormous benefit to this State. I commend it to the House.

SYDNEY CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT BUILDING ACTIVITY

Mrs GRUSOVIN: My question without notice is addressed to the Premier and Treasurer. Did he claim in February this year that 21 holes in the ground in the Sydney business central district would become residential high rise under his changes to building codes? Is the World Square site, where he announced his policy, still devoid of activity? Is there no building activity in the central business district's empty holes?

Mr FAHEY: Earlier this year the Minister for Planning and I announced a change to the building code. The Government believes this alteration will encourage a change in the manner in which construction and occupation take place in the city. In the course of making that announcement, I indicated that something like 21 holes in the city were unoccupied.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Blacktown to order for the third time.

Mr FAHEY: The change in the code will provide an opportunity for the owners and developers of those sites to re-think their plans and to move away from commercial activity and, because of the greater densities that the changed building code will attract, to direct their interest and investments towards providing residential accommodation in the city. I am not aware of the position in relation to applications that may have been made since that time. Development applications take a great deal of time to be considered by councils. That is of great concern to the Minister for Local Government who has spent many weeks endeavouring to tidy up the Local Government Act to make sure there is a much smoother process of getting approvals through and to facilitate such things as changed intentions and applications in relation to opportunities on those sites. Unfortunately, because of the Federal Labor induced recession, building activity in the city has certainly come to a standstill.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for The Hills to order.

Mr FAHEY: I have every reason to believe that because of the changed building code, in the future far more residential accommodation will be available in the city of Sydney and, for that matter, in the business districts of areas like Chatswood, Parramatta and some of the larger suburbs. That is desirable. All honourable members would appreciate a greater mix of occupation in the city. That is desirable for a number of reasons - social economic, or otherwise. Certainly the incentive provided by the changed building code will allow that to occur at some time in the future.

REGISTER OF ENCUMBERED VEHICLES

Mr D. L. PAGE: My question without notice is to the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education. Has there been interest from other States in the New South Wales Register of Encumbered Vehicles? Could this lead to a national register which could benefit both consumers and the industry?

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Heffron to order. I call the honourable member for Heffron to order for the second time.

Mrs CHIKAROVSKI: I thank the honourable member for Ballina for his obvious concern for the consumers of New South Wales and the ongoing problems in relation to purchasing motor vehicles. It is with great pleasure that I inform the House that there is national interest in the register of encumbered vehicles, a register which has been operating in New South Wales since 1986.

Mr Newman: It does not work.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Cabramatta to order for the second time.

Mrs CHIKAROVSKI: The honourable member for Cabramatta knows well that the register does in fact work.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Smithfield to order for the second time.

Mrs CHIKAROVSKI: The reason the register has attracted such national interest is because of its outstanding success. The Government has been advised that in the seven years in which the register has been operating, millions of dollars have been saved by consumers, motor dealers and the finance industry, all of whom are clients of the service. The service is popular because it provides clients with easily accessible information on encumbered vehicles, unregistered vehicles, and vehicles that have been reported stolen to the police. Since its inception, more than 1.8 million encumbrances have been registered.

Page 2642

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Granville to order.

Mrs CHIKAROVSKI: More than 2.8 million inquiries have been made by clients.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Cabramatta to order for the third time.

Mrs CHIKAROVSKI: The service deals with 10,000 inquiries per week. It has been popular with both consumers and the finance industry. More than 3,000 stolen vehicles have been recovered and an estimated 81,000 registration cancellations recorded as a result of traffic and parking fine defaults. The number of search certificates issued by the register has now topped the 188,000 mark.

[Interruption]

The honourable member for Mount Druitt should remember that he is particularly supportive of the Government in relation to consumer affairs issues. Each time the Government does something in relation to consumer affairs -

Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Minister for Consumer Affairs will address her remarks through the Chair.

Mrs CHIKAROVSKI: I was merely drawing the attention of the House to the fact that the honourable member for Mount Druitt was making remarks about consumer affairs. I want to compliment and thank him for yet again issuing a press release saying what a wonderful job the Government is doing in relation to consumer affairs. This time the press release related to lay-by sales, in which he is encouraging consumers of this State to take part. He explained how wonderful the new system will be without explaining that it was the Government's initiative. The Government recognises that the Register of Encumbered Vehicles scheme has some rather obvious gaps. The most significant gap is the fact that the scheme is not a national one. That means, for instance, that vehicles that have been stolen interstate are not recorded in the New South Wales register and vice versa.

Because of territorial, legal and other limitations, clients have suffered considerable losses from the fraudulent movement of stolen or encumbered vehicles across State and Territory borders. The need for a national register to overcome these problems was recognised by Australian heads of Government in November 1991 when Premiers and Chief Ministers agreed to the development of a national vehicle security register. Under the leadership of my department, representatives of all State and Territories have been developing strategies to provide for this national system. I am pleased to inform the House that the national system is expected to be in place before the end of the year.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Wakehurst to order.

Mrs CHIKAROVSKI: Under the proposed system, the New South Wales register will be linked directly to the Victorian register, which will, in turn, be linked with Tasmania and South Australia. The New South Wales system already contains information from the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. At the same time, summary encumbrance data will be collected from both Western Australia and Queensland and stored in the New South Wales system. I emphasise that the costs of developing the national system are proposed to be met by industry contributions by way of user fees.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Ashfield to order for the second time.

Mrs CHIKAROVSKI: That already happens in New South Wales. As I said earlier, the Register of Encumbered Vehicles has been an outstanding success in New South Wales. I am sure members on both sides of the House will continue to support it. I am confident that the system will be equally as successful when it is introduced nationally.

______

PETITIONS

Newcastle Rail Services

Petition praying that the rail line between Civic railway station and Newcastle railway station not be closed, received from Mr Gaudry.

Hunter Valley Railway Line Privatisation

Petition praying that the House support the retention of the Hunter Valley railway line in public ownership and that the rail line between Civic railway station and Newcastle railway station not be closed, received from Mr Gaudry.

State Rail Authority Heritage Buildings

Petition praying that heritage buildings in the Newcastle region be allowed to be used by arts and crafts people and that Newcastle Contemporary Artists Incorporated be given approval to occupy a building on the Honeysuckle land for use as a gallery of contemporary art and cultural workshop, received from Mr Gaudry.

Public Housing Tenant Water Charge Liability

Petition praying that the House reject the proposed amendment to the Residential Tenancies Act to charge public housing tenants for water consumption, received from Mr Sullivan.

Hepatitis C

Petitions praying that the Government act to combat hepatitis C, received from Mr McBride, Mr Markham and Mr Smiles.

Newcastle Acute Hospital Beds

Petition praying that the House support the provision of increased funding for acute hospital beds in Newcastle, received from Mr Gaudry.

Multicultural Arts Centre

Petition praying that the House support funding for a multicultural arts centre in New South Wales, Page 2643 received from Dr Refshauge.

Caroline Bay Multi Arts Centre

Petition praying that the House order the establishment of a commission of inquiry under the Environmental Protection Act to consider the environmental and fiscal effects of the Multi Arts Centre proposed for Caroline Bay, East Gosford, order a half-term election for the 10 aldermen of Gosford City Council on 18th September, 1993, and order the council to cease expenditure on the centre until the results of the election become known, received from Mr McBride.

Capital Punishment

Petition praying that the Government will hold a referendum on the reintroduction of capital punishment in extreme cases of murder where there is absolutely no doubt that the offender committed the crime, received from Mr Windsor.

ELECTRICITY (AMENDMENT) BILL

Bill read a third time.

SOUTH EAST FORESTS PROTECTION BILL

Mr SPEAKER: Order! Pursuant to an undertaking I gave to the honourable member for Bligh regarding a map she presented to me earlier today, I formally place the map on the table for the perusal and information of members.

AUDITOR-GENERAL'S REPORT ON FORMER AGENT-GENERAL PICKARD

Consideration of Urgent Matter

Mr CARR (Maroubra - Leader of the Opposition) [3.11]: I move:

That this House deplores the failure of the Premier to table the Auditor-General's report on former Agent-General, Neil Pickard, or even announce to the House that he had received the report.

Now we know why the Premier did not want Parliament to sit next week. Now we know why, for two days, he has argued against Parliament coming back next week. The Premier had a little time-bomb ticking away in his office, and every morning he looked at the calendar and he thought, only three days . . . only two days . . . only one more day of Parliament to go. Today, the bomb went off and the Premier's attempt at a cover-up was blown sky-high. He did not even have the courtesy to tell the Parliament and the public that he had received this long-awaited report.

Mr W. T. J. Murray: When did you receive it?

Mr CARR: The Deputy Premier has a few problems on his plate on his last days in the Parliament. You should sort out your own problems, Wal. You started your ministerial career in trouble; you are ending it in trouble.

Mr W. T. J. Murray: I challenge you to say it outside. Do so and you will be issued with another writ.

Mr CARR: I have said it outside. Your writs are not worth the paper they are written on.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I ask the Leader of the Opposition to direct his remarks through the Chair, and I ask the Deputy Premier to remain silent.

Mr CARR: The Premier did not have the courtesy to tell this House that the report had arrived. The essence of this is the legal advice. Let me ask, first of all, what the Auditor-General himself said. The Auditor-General - this independent officer - was forced to write a letter to me, to the honourable member for Campbelltown and to the Independents, to tell us that he had sent the Premier a report - then one week ago - and that the Premier had resolved not to report to the Parliament. What a disgraceful state of affairs! It is beyond belief that former Premier Greiner would have behaved in this fashion. Whatever criticisms members on this side of the House would have of the former Premier, it is inconceivable that he, with his respect for this institution, would have behaved in that fashion. Mr Speaker, what did the Auditor-General say? The Auditor-General said in his letter:

I am aware that the Treasurer, to whom I reported, as I must under section 35(4) of the Act, over a week ago does not wish yet himself to table the report.

The Auditor-General was saying that the Premier and Treasurer did not wish to table the report. The report went into the Premier's bottom drawer, where it ticked away while this frightened, fumbling apology for a Premier -

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Blue Mountains to order.

Mr CARR: Mountain man has come to life. The Premier sat gazing at the calendar as the sitting days went by one after the other. "Let us meet next week," said some honourable members; "Let us finish the business of the House next week. Let us have another week in this Parliament". "Oh no," said the Premier, "There is a host of reasons for not doing that. We will not come back next week". This is the reason we are not coming back next week. The Premier did not want to have the activities of a Liberal Party mate, a former colleague, debated in this Parliament.

[Interruption]

The honourable member for Port Macquarie is getting excited. She has sold out her electorate and closed down its public hospital. She has betrayed the good people of Port Macquarie and they hold it against her.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Ermington to order. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order.

Mr Photios: On a point of order. In the very, very limited time that the Leader of the Opposition has left, I would ask you to direct him to reflect only Page 2644 on the matter before the Chair -

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I will hear the point of order in silence.

Mr Photios: - instead of canvassing broadly a host of issues from the Port Macquarie hospital to others which are not in any way germane to this issue, and are not relevant to the debate.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time in this debate. It was grossly disorderly of him to rise and walk to the table of the Parliament while another member was on his feet. I presume the honourable member for Ermington has concluded his point of order. The only comment I would make in regard to that is that the Leader of the Opposition has drawn a motion in reasonably specific terms. I ask him to return to the scope of the leave that he was given.

[Interruption]

In response to a remark made by honourable members about the number of calls to order, the calls to order during question time have lapsed. However, that is not an encouragement to members to become unruly. The honourable member for Blue Mountains is on one call to order, the honourable member for Ermington is on one call to order, and the Leader of the Opposition is on two calls to order in this debate.

Mr CARR: The Auditor-General went on to say:

More than that, I believe that the possibility of corruption and possibility of criminal offences should be quickly brought to the attention of Parliament and thereafter and thereby to relevant officers.

This is a grave charge against the Premier. Faced with the advice from the independent Auditor-General, "Bring this to the attention of Parliament", the Premier stuck the report in his bottom drawer. The Premier did not even have the courtesy to report to this Parliament. He received the report, but for some reason - whatever he imagined; whatever he conjured up - he could not release it. He did not even pay the House that courtesy. The legal advice is that the Auditor-General was right to say that this "should be brought to the attention of Parliament". They are the actual words of the legislation. They do not mean at some indefinite time in the future; they mean with appropriate promptness, as soon as possible.

In his letter of 20th May, 1993, to the Speaker, the Auditor-General made it crystal clear that there was no justification for diverting the report from the attention of Parliament for some weeks. The Government's legal advice, from Solicitor General Keith Mason, Q.C., suggested that the Auditor-General could, if he considered it appropriate, delay the presentation of his report to the Treasurer. He chose not to do so. He exercised his discretion to produce the report forthwith. He took the view, and said in his letter to the Speaker, that the matters of corruption and criminality ought to be quickly brought to the attention of the Parliament. But Old Fumbles did nothing. Fumbles sat on the report. Fumbles exercised no leadership. He did nothing in the face of the report from the Auditor-General.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Broken Hill to order.

Mr CARR: In these circumstances there was no basis for the Treasurer or the Speaker to delay the presentation of the report to Parliament given the advice attached to the correspondence to the Auditor-General from Keith Mason, the Solicitor General, and the Deputy Crown Solicitor. It leaves them no way out. They were backing up the Auditor-General in this conflict between the Premier and the Auditor-General. There are no grounds for not siding with the Auditor-General. The Parliament was entitled to know of this report. The Parliament, as my motion states, was entitled at the very least to know that the report had been handed to the Premier - not kept in the dark while this gutless Premier waited for the Parliament to adjourn -

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Blue Mountains to order for the second time.

Mr CARR: - and in fact to adjourn for the long period that this Government has planned. Like every frightened government in history, its reaction is to close down the Parliament for the longest period possible and bring it back for the shortest period in memory. There is no legal advice that bears out this Premier's monstrous proposition that he can receive a report from the Auditor-General - least of all on something as important as this, raised by the Parliament, something as publicly significant as this - and not alert the Parliament to the production of the report, and beyond that to actually present it to the Parliament.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for North Shore to order. I call the honourable member for North Shore to order for the second time.

Mr CARR: The person hurt by all this is not Mr Pickard; it is the Premier. [Time expired.]

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Ermington to order for the second time.

Mr FAHEY (Southern Highlands - Premier, and Treasurer) [3.21]: The motion suggests that I did not refer a matter to the Parliament - at the very least - or did not table the report. I ask all honourable members to consider the circumstances of Auditors-General reports and the circumstances of this report, which refers to what may be described as the Pickard matter. First, it was my colleague the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts who sought the report for a specific purpose from the Auditor-General. That purpose was to assist the Crown in arbitration proceedings instituted by the former Agent-General, seeking compensation for a contract that was terminated by me. The Auditor-General prepared the report and returned it virtually through the mailbox, which could be described as the Premier. Under Page 2645 section 35(4) of the Act, an Auditor-General reports to his nominal Minister, which in this instance is the Treasurer. That report, in turn, was given by me - or by my office - to the Office of State Development to comply with the initial request for information to prepare a defence and cross-claim to the proceedings brought by the former Agent-General. At the time that the report was received by me - or by my office - and passed on to the Minister for State Development only three days were left for the Crown Solicitor to prepare that cross-claim. The Auditor-General chose also to prepare a second report - the only difference being a letter attached to the front of that report addressed to you, Mr Speaker - and to deliver that second report to you for the purposes of informing the Parliament in the usual manner.

[Interruption]

The honourable member for Ashfield should not cast aspersions on the Speaker in regard to this matter.

Mr Whelan: You would not table it.

Mr FAHEY: I have never tabled an Auditor-General's report because the normal process under the Act is that the Auditor-General gives the report directly to the Speaker and the Speaker tables those reports. In my time, and to my knowledge before my time, in this place there has never been a report from the Auditor-General tabled by a Premier.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is far too much interjection. Debate cannot proceed in an orderly fashion if members continue to interject.

Mr FAHEY: I draw the attention of the House to the words of the Auditor-General in his letter of 22nd April to the Minister for State Development, who was inquiring about this report for the preparation of the cross-claim. The response was:

I would like to have the report tabled through the normal mechanisms of delivering it to the Speaker of the House of Assembly.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the Minister for the Environment to order.

Mr FAHEY: It is clear. I again asked when the letter was received today if I could be advised of my obligations in respect of reports received from the Auditor-General, in terms of their tabling. The answer I got from my officers was nil. But if I can take it further: when the report - not the report that was to be tabled but the report that was given to me - was received -

[Interruption]

Well, there are two reports: one to me and one to the Speaker. When I got my report, the matter was given to the director-general of my department and used, as I have said, for the preparation of the cross-claim in respect of the arbitration proceedings.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Smithfield to order.

Mr FAHEY: The report was returned on 14th May to my department and, in returning that report, the Deputy Crown Solicitor indicated to the director-general of my department:

It is the view of the State's legal advisers that it would hinder the process of the arbitration of the dispute between Mr Pickard and the State for the report to be tabled before a time which will serve the purposes of that arbitration. We are concerned at the effect which premature tabling and the inevitable publicity which would follow would have upon the orderly and fair conduct of the proceedings.

What we have, of course, are proceedings that will occur in arbitration. When I received a summary of the report I immediately contacted the Attorney General and asked him whether he would refer the report to the Solicitor General for a wide examination of what other action might be taken, might be contemplated or might be appropriate - civil and criminal. I spoke to the Attorney General before coming down to this Chamber this afternoon, and I am informed that that advice has not yet come back from the Solicitor General. But I again assure the House that these proceedings will occur in arbitration on 21st June.

This report was going to come out on 21st June. It was going to come out in the course of proceedings. And we have heard what the Speaker has had to say in relation to the view of the former Supreme Court judge Mr Samuels, who is the arbitrator in this matter, about prejudice to witnesses. Why would we have ever thought to hide this report, and why would we have wanted to in the first place? Why would we have wanted to? I sacked the man - he was not given six months' notice. When I found out that he had failed to -

[Interruption]

He was given six months' notice in the first instance, but when he failed to comply with directions not to go overseas on travel - when I caught up to him some hours later after finding that out, and it took a bit of chasing - he was sacked instantly and given a few days to get out of the place. It is as simple as that. He was sacked for failing to comply. The Government is defending proceedings for compensation; we are not paying. How would it be, in any shape or form, in the interests of the Government to seek to hide this report? It was going to come out.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Smithfield to order for the second time.

Mr FAHEY: The honourable member for Smithfield should not be so stupid. We have got to come back to the reality of this matter, and that is that the Auditor-General sent the report to the Speaker. And Mr Speaker, having regard to the explanation you have given, no one could argue that the action you took was anything but proper. From the point of view of my obligation to inform the Parliament, my obligation was to defend the case on behalf of the Crown through my Minister, and that is what the report was obtained for in the first place. It is fair to say to honourable members who have had a chance to read the report, that there is some considerable support in it for the Government's case against Page 2646 Mr Pickard. What you have to then ask yourself is, if you throw it into the public arena, what effect will that have on subsequent proceedings that may be laid following the Solicitor General's advice? What does this whole debate do to those proceedings - criminal or civil?

What effect will this debate - and again I go back to the Crown Solicitor's advice on the subject - have on the outcome of the arbitration proceedings. I am not going to give legal advice to people; it ought to be obvious that to some extent arbitration decisions are at risk at this point, and whatever other proceedings may be instituted on the advice of the Solicitor-General, by having this in the public domain, there is some risk. Mr Speaker, that does not concern me in the sense of your obligations and what you decided was appropriate with regard to tabling the report. I recognise the role of Parliament. I repeat: the report was available, or at least requested, for the purposes of preparing a case. It was used for that purpose. It was, in fact, given to the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts, through me, because I am the nominal Minister that the Auditor-General reports to.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Campbelltown to order. I call the honourable member for Wakehurst to order.

Mr FAHEY: When the report came to me it went straight to the Crown Solicitor, who had been instructed by the Department of State Development to prepare the case. It was in the hands of the lawyers. I do not believe that it even got to State Development itself because they had three days left to get their defence and cross-claim on. Let us be 100 per cent sure on this matter. It was in the interests of the Crown in some ways - although natural justice has to be weighed up very carefully - to have this in the arena long ago. It was used for a purpose - to prepare a cross-claim. It was always going to come out on 21st June during these proceedings. That is a fact. It is a fact that the Auditor-General would also acknowledge. Subsequent to that, this House would always have had the opportunity to consider it and debate it. It was going to be in the public arena. There has been no cover-up.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Gordon to order. I call the honourable member for Wakehurst to order for the second time.

Mr FAHEY: With the methodology and thinking that goes on over there, they draw these conclusions. [Time expired.]

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Gordon to order for the second time.

Mr WHELAN (Ashfield) [3.31]: This motion has been moved to deplore the Premier for his failure to table the Auditor-General's report on the former Agent-General, or to even announce to the House that he had received the report. Members of this Parliament are expected to believe the Premier. In answer to a question the Premier said, "I have not read the report". Can honourable members believe that? It is not possible. The Premier deliberately failed to analyse the report; he deliberately set about to mislead the Parliament; he deliberately disregarded the public and failed in his public duty. Premier, I could have believed you if it were not for the very letter that Mr Pickard's solicitors sent to the Auditor-General on 12th May. In that letter, Premier, they advise that you received the report on 11th May. Premier, you have not had it for seven days, you have had it for 10 days.

Mr Photios: On a point of order. The honourable member for Ashfield, as leader of Opposition business in the House, should be well aware of the fact that he should address his remarks through the Chair. On three occasions he specifically said "Premier". He is quite clearly flouting the traditions of the House.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! The honourable member for Ashfield will address his remarks through the Chair.

Mr WHELAN: On 11th May the Premier received a report - that is what Mr Pickard's solicitor says in his letter to the Auditor-General: " . . . you delivered a copy of your final report to the Treasurer yesterday pursuant to the provisions of section 354 of the Public Finance and Audit Act". The Premier has had the report since 11th May. If honourable members are worried that he may not have read the report, the advice that you tabled today, Mr Speaker, is dated 5th May. It was written by the Solicitor-General, Mr Mason. Copies went to the Auditor-General, to the Attorney-General, to the Director-General and to the Deputy Director-General.

The Solicitor-General said, "A report should be provided to the Treasurer, and we assume he will, in due course, table it in Parliament". This advice is addressed to the Speaker and is dated 5th May. The Premier has a copy. It continues, "In addition, you may if you think fit report it to Parliament in accordance with section 52(3)". The Premier did not table it; the Speaker tabled it. The Premier was told as early as 5th May by the Solicitor-General that he should have reported it. How can we expect the public to believe that the Premier had not read it? He has failed in his public duty; he has failed in his obligations under the Public Audit Act, section 52(3). No wonder he failed. Honourable members should not forget what is behind this charade and why we are in this present position: Nick Greiner and Neil Pickard did a swap for seats in the lower House following the redistribution. The swap was Pickard's seat of Hornsby for Greiner and that Pickard go to London. That was the issue.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Wakehurst to order for the third time.

Mr WHELAN: We all know that that is the level of corruption - under the provisions of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act - that could bring this Government down. That was the shoddy, shady deal that the former Premier - already Page 2647 found corrupt by the ICAC - did to get his seat. The Auditor-General says on page 9 of his report with respect to accounting:

Nevertheless, perhaps because of the nature of the appointment or of the appointee, that single channel of accountability was not always followed.

Pickard went there immune from any problems because he knew - and we know now - that at any time he could have blown the whistle on former Premier Greiner. We know he did the deal - the swap for the job; the swap that Greiner never learned of in relation to Metherell. That is exactly what happened in that instance. This report is compulsory reading. There has to be some refund of money. The Premier's office is filled with Liberal Party supporters, including Robert Maher. Page 75 of the report outlines that Mr and Mrs Meloy of Wahroonga were first prize winners in a raffle conducted by the New South Wales division of the Liberal Party. Part of the prize was a tour of the Houses of Parliament in London. Guess who paid for Mr and Mrs Meloy's lunch at the Footstool Restaurant, at a cost of 90 pounds? Who paid for the cabs? Who paid for the guided tour of the Houses of Parliament in London? The taxpayers of New South Wales footed the bill, not the Liberal Party of New South Wales. The Auditor-General has pointed that out. [Time expired.]

Mr COLLINS (Willoughby - Minister for State Development, and Minister for Arts) [3.36]: I am delighted to participate in this debate. At the outset, I inform the House that I stand 100 per cent beside Premier John Fahey on this issue.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Drummoyne to order.

Mr COLLINS: Apart from the -

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Ashfield to order.

Mr COLLINS: This is being done purely for political purposes. I address my remarks particularly to the crossbenches. I believe that we have to come to terms with what the Auditor-General is seeking to establish through his correspondence. I refer to the letter dated 20th May, 1993. The Auditor-General wrote to the Speaker saying:

I have considered a number of issues. Firstly, I am aware that the Treasurer to whom I reported, as I must under section 354 of the Act, over a week ago does not wish yet to table the report.

The letter, which is addressed to the Speaker, concludes:

Although my position on this is plain, I acknowledge that in the face of what we agree is deficient legislation under the conventions that guide us in this matter you have the independent function of coming to a judgment about the circumstances that you think would be appropriate for informing Parliament of the results of my audit.

There are two separate issues. The first is the obligation on the Auditor-General to report to his Minister, the Treasurer, and to provide a copy of a report to his Minister, the Treasurer, prior to it being tabled in this place. The second and very separate issue is that of tabling. The legislation provides for the tabling to occur through Mr Speaker. It is not up to an individual Minister or the Premier and Treasurer to say whether or not this report or any other report can be tabled. A clear mechanism under the Public Finance and Audit Act provides for the Auditor-General to report to this Parliament through Mr Speaker. That is precisely what the Auditor-General has always intended to do. In the letter to me dated 22nd April from the Auditor-General which the Opposition is working overtime to ignore in this debate - obviously after gathering that I was quite willing to table the report, as I had indicated to the honourable member for Campbelltown on 31st March - the Auditor-General said:

In this light and for other reasons I would like to have the report tabled through the normal mechanisms of delivering it to the Speaker of the House of Assembly.

The draft transmittal letter in relation to the draft report anticipates this approach:

I am aware that you [namely me] indicated to the Parliament on 31st March, 1993, that you yourself looked forward to tabling the report when it was received. I trust, however, that the approach outlined above is equally acceptable to you.

The Auditor-General made completely clear at all stages that from 22nd April this report was to be tabled directly through Mr Speaker's office and not by a Minister or the Premier. I address this in particular to the crossbenches through you, Mr Speaker. This is an attempt to undermine Mr Speaker's authority. It is you, Mr Speaker, and you alone who has control over whether or not reports of the Auditor-General are tabled, and you very properly took time to weigh up the legal debate which you were aware of before making your decision today. This underhand and veiled attempt to attack your authority, Mr Speaker, through this paltry attack on the Premier of New South Wales and the Government should be exposed for what it is. If the Labor Party is not willing to listen to that, I address my remarks to the crossbenches. It is clear that this is nothing more than a political exercise by the Opposition. [Time expired.]

Mr KNIGHT (Campbelltown) [3.41]: Earlier today I received a hand delivered letter from the Auditor-General's office; so did the Minister and also a number of other members of Parliament. Why did we get those letters? We got them from the Auditor-General because he was concerned that this Parliament would rise without his report being made public. Let us not have this humbug from the Minister about proper channels and the Auditor-General and procedures. He thought there was a rort going on and he took the unprecedented step of writing to members of the Opposition and to the crossbenches to tell them what was going on. Why did he write to me? He wrote to me, as the Minister for State Development well knows, because I first wrote to him saying, "Why don't you investigate this matter?" It was only after the press started clamouring in support of that call that the Minister himself made a similar reference to the Auditor-General. Let us get the sequence of Page 2648 events right. On 31st March the Minister for State Development told this House, in reference to the Auditor-General's report:

. . . as soon as that report is available I look forward to tabling it in this Parliament.

That is what he said. That is a different tune to the one he is singing today. The reason he got the question from me back on 31st March was that the Opposition at that stage anticipated the very sort of cover-up that we have seen today. Then Peter Collins got up and said no way would he be party to a cover-up. But today he is obliged to stand fair square beside his Premier. More than a week ago the report of the Auditor-General went to the Premier in his capacity as Treasurer. He should have tabled that report at that time. We get all this spurious so-called legal advice from members of the Government as to whether he had permission to do so. I shall refer to some real legal advice rather than the stuff conjured up by the Government. The letter is signed by Keith Mason, the Solicitor General, and by J. S. Withington, the Deputy Crown Solicitor - joint advice from the most senior legal advisers to the Government.

Mr Photios: On a point of order. Mr Speaker, over the past couple of weeks on a number of occasions you have had to ask members of the Opposition to detail the date and source of a letter or document from which they have been quoting. We have barely heard the author of the document that the honourable member for Campbelltown seeks to quote, or the date, and we do not know anything about the source or the document.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! The honourable member for Campbelltown might give those details.

Mr KNIGHT: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I was just about to get to the date, 5th May, 1993, before I was interrupted by the honourable member. It states:

The report [the Auditor-General's Report] you are compiling now, as indicated, should be given to the Treasurer. If that report is tabled in the House by the Treasurer presumably there would be little point saying anything further to the Parliament.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Eastwood to order.

Mr KNIGHT: This is the same Premier who dithered and dallied about whether to recall Neil Pickard in the first place, the same Premier who, when he tried to make a big fellow of himself by saying he would finally terminate the Agent-General's position, gave him twice the contractual notice that he was required to give. It was on that fateful day, 1st September, when the Premier made Neil Pickard his problem; and that has stuck to his office like a piece of dog turd to his shoe ever since. It was the Premier who said to Mr Pickard, "Come home early but not too early". It was the Premier who said, "The gravy train stops in six months but make the most of it while it lasts". It was this Premier who set the conditions in which Neil Pickard not only had every incentive to put the gravy train into top gear but also to turn it into the transcontinental express. When the Premier refused to table the Auditor-General's Report, the Auditor-General went to the Speaker, and when the Speaker would not table it he took the unprecedented step of coming to other members of the Parliament.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Eastwood to order for the second time.

Mr KNIGHT: The Pickard affair - or perhaps I should say affairs - began with a tawdry deal hatched in the wake of the last redistribution. Neil Pickard bartered his seat for a job. It was a grubby marriage of convenience which spawned what Government members now in the corridors are describing as this bastard of a report. This report condemns Neil Pickard, but John Fahey's arrogant failure to table it and attempts to deceive the Parliament condemn him for his behaviour in this despicable affair. [Time expired.]

Mr COLLINS (Willoughby - Minister for State Development, and Minister for Arts) [3.46], by leave: I table correspondence from the Auditor-General in this matter.

Leave granted.

Mr CARR (Maroubra - Leader of the Opposition) [3.46], in reply: The report does make beautiful reading. Through the pages of this report breathes the very spirit of the New South Wales Liberal Party. Indeed, members will chuckle over one of the items of expenditure, which was the first prize in a raffle conducted by the New South Wales Liberal Party. And what an insight that is. What a team of North Shore spivs and hand-wringing hypocrites they are. What a combination of the hand-wringing hypocrisy of Neil Pickard and the North Shore spivvery of all of them. That is them in essence. This report will be on the reading lists of all political science 1 courses, demonstrating the values that motivate the New South Wales Liberal Party.

Ms Machin: What about the National Party?

Mr CARR: The honourable member for Port Macquarie says, "We are missing out". Yes, and the National Party. I am sorry I missed that. They closed the public hospitals and denied public hospital access in their own electorates but they defend this package of rorts.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Port Macquarie to order.

Mr Photios: On a point of order. Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition is deliberately flouting your earlier ruling when you asked him to speak to the motion and not to issues that relate to the electorates of other members. I ask that you draw the Leader of the Opposition back to the motion so that we can get on with the business of putting the matter to a vote.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I advise the Leader of the Opposition that he is speaking in reply and therefore must speak to those matters raised by other members in the debate.

Page 2649

Mr CARR: In reply today the Premier relied on the lame and discredited excuse that it was not his responsibility to table the report. He said it had been delivered to the Speaker for his consideration. He also relied on the lame excuse that the premature tabling of the Auditor-General's report would affect the proceedings of private arbitration.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for North Shore to order for the third time.

Mr CARR: Mr Speaker, that is not the legal advice we have obtained, and our legal advice you will recall on the Greiner-Metherell affair was spot on. And it is spot on on this matter too.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Cronulla to order. I call the honourable member for Ku-ring-gai to order.

Mr CARR: The information is vital to these proceedings. The Premier was so confused in his reply today, old fumbles Fahey, that he was not sure whether he had the report of the Auditor-General. He fumbled: he said that there were two reports, one that he had received sent to the Director-General of the Premier's Department and another report, the Auditor-General's Report tabled today by the Speaker. Does this Premier know what is going on? Is anyone home up there? Is there anyone in charge of the State? The Premier also responded that he would not possibly seek to repress this report. He kept repeating, "I sacked the man". But he did not sack Neil Pickard; he gave him six months' notice. The only reason Neil Pickard does not have his job today is that the Opposition forced him from office and forced this weak Premier to sack him. We made an issue out of the matter. It was the Labor Opposition that sacked Neil Pickard.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Blue Mountains to order for the third time.

Mr CARR: The Premier claimed that he had already made a decision. He claimed that he would not be stupid enough to try to hide this report, to which we say, "Oh yeah?" What a defence for the Premier to invoke: he would not be stupid enough! That is an argument that really strains credulity. The former Premier - now there was a man - he could have used that argument, not the current Premier. Fumbling Fahey could not use that argument.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Gordon to order for the third time.

Mr CARR: None of the evidence, in particular the Auditor-General's letter released today, supports the Premier's claim. None of the evidence debated in this House today supports the Premier's claim. He was found out and he fumbled badly.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Davidson to order. I call the honourable member for Sutherland to order. I call the honourable member for Davidson to order for the second time.

Mr CARR: That is the reason we now all know that he did not want Parliament back next week. That is the guts of this debate. [Time expired.]

Question - The motion be agreed to - put.

The House divided.

Ayes, 49

Ms Allan Mr McManus Mr Amery Mr Markham Mr Anderson Mr Martin Mr A. S. Aquilina Mr Mills Mr J. J. Aquilina Ms Moore Mr Bowman Mr Moss Mr Carr Mr J. H. Murray Mr Clough Mr Nagle Mr Crittenden Mr Neilly Mr Doyle Mr Newman Mr Face Mr E. T. Page Mr Gaudry Mr Price Mr Gibson Dr Refshauge Mrs Grusovin Mr Rogan Mr Harrison Mr Rumble Mr Hatton Mr Scully Mr Hunter Mr Shedden Mr Iemma Mr Sullivan Mr Irwin Mr Thompson Mr Knight Mr Whelan Mr Knowles Mr Yeadon Mr Langton Mr Ziolkowski Mrs Lo Po' Tellers, Mr McBride Mr Beckroge Dr Macdonald Mr Davoren

Noes, 47

Mr Armstrong Mr W. T. J. Murray Mr Baird Mr O'Doherty Mr Blackmore Mr Packard Mr Causley Mr D. L. Page Mr Chappell Mr Peacocke Mrs Chikarovski Mr Petch Mr Cochran Mr Phillips Mrs Cohen Mr Photios Mr Collins Mr Rixon Mr Cruickshank Mr Schipp Mr Fahey Mr Schultz Mr Fraser Mr Small Mr Griffiths Mr Smiles Mr Hartcher Mr Smith Mr Hazzard Mr Souris Mr Humpherson Mr Tink Mr Jeffery Mr Turner Dr Kernohan Mr West Mr Kerr Mr Windsor Mr Kinross Mr Yabsley Mr Longley Mr Zammit Ms Machin Tellers, Mr Merton Mr Beck Mr Morris Mr Downy

Pair

Ms Nori Mr Glachan

Page 2650

Question so resolved in the affirmative.

Motion agreed to.

NORTH HEAD TREATMENT PLANT CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS

Matter of Public Importance

Mr CARR (Maroubra - Leader of the Opposition) [4.0]: I move:

That this House notes as a matter of public importance allegations of corruption at the Water Board's North Head Treatment Plant.

Last week I raised a range of issues concerning mismanagement, waste and corrupt practices within the Water Board. Honourable members will recall that I was supported in my general indictment with evidence on specific charges. Running true to form, the Ministers who spoke in the debate dismissed the charges out of hand. The Premier said he had no idea about the allegations and the Minister responsible denied them outright. We are witnessing with the Water Board, the replication of the pattern that has characterised the conduct of this Government from the beginning. The Opposition or the Independents raise a matter of serious concern, only to be met with blanket denial. Then the inevitable happens, the attempted cover-up; the production of further evidence; the denial of ministerial responsibility; and the running for cover when the cover-up has failed - another crisis in the Government.

This Government is wracked by crisis day after day, week after week, with defeats in the Parliament coming one on top of the other. Then there is the inevitable backdown, the admission of the truth in the face of overwhelming evidence. This happens time and time again from the consultancy rackets to the North Coast land deals right through to Eastern Creek, HomeFund, and now the Water Board. No amount of bluff and bluster will get the Government out of this one.

After my speech last week, I was approached by former employees of the North Head treatment plant. Three have come forward to provide information through the Opposition to the ICAC. I have sent that information to the ICAC this afternoon. The employees have said that others would also come forward if they were offered some protection. I will raise these matters with the honourable member for Manly, who chairs the committee. One of those former employees, those concerned citizens, worked temporarily as a secretary from early October to December 1991, which is about the time the Opposition first raised matters concerning North Head. This employee says she was sacked just days after she spoke out at a staff meeting about improper tendering procedures.

So concerned was she about the management of the plant and possible corrupt practices that she did what any civic minded member of the public would do. She went to her local member. This woman has provided the Opposition with a detailed statutory declaration - as has another former employee - containing allegations of gross and deliberate mismanagement and corrupt practices. The declaration also details her visit to and a subsequent phone call from her local MP. Who was the local member? Who was handed these grave allegations? It it was a member who had other preoccupations at the time. It was a member who at that time was defending the missing word "not" from a letter and talking about a black hole in the Government. This is another black hole. Details of this matter are all laid out in this statutory declaration. I have provided the ICAC with a copy of this document, but at the request of its author I will not disclose her name to this House.

The former Water Board secretary sets out in her statutory declaration that she visited the honourable member for North Shore after she had left North Head to raise her concerns about the administration of the plant. She states she also provided documents to the honourable member for North Shore to justify her claims. They were, capital works budget projections for that particular financial year and minutes of a meeting of consultants chaired by the consultants capital works manager, Graham Marles. She thought the honourable member for North Shore, as a former Public Accounts Committee chairman, would be as outraged as she was about these issues. The allegations are as follows: the plant consultants were told to describe themselves as contractors and not as consultants - after we raised the matter in October 1991. The plant consultants were told that it was better to over-spend the budget than to under-spend so as to preserve their jobs. As a result they were instructed to fast track spending in the second half of the financial year. But the author of the statutory declaration was told to show confidential tender documents to a rival tender by the plant manager's secretary because they are "friends of ours".

The days after this lady raised at a staff meeting her concerns about tender security she was sacked, despite being told her work was excellent. The allegations go on. A week after she was interviewed by the honourable member for North Shore she received a phone call from him - a phone call from the honourable member for North Shore. He told her he had raised the issues with the then Minister, the honourable member for Wagga Wagga - yes, the usual suspects. According to her statutory declaration, the honourable member for North Shore said that regrettably little could be done as "Joe Schipp was pretty unapproachable." That is about matters of corruption and maladministration. And wait for this. He told her that he believed that the honourable member for Wagga Wagga was "on the verge of a nervous breakdown or heart attack - one or the other - and that this was largely due to the monolithic monster called the Water Board". He said that the honourable member for Wagga Wagga "had a hard time controlling them and that the Water Board had such a sophisticated public relations machine in place Page 2651 they could twist anything." So we have the honourable member for North Shore, the hapless Minister, and the Water Board all out of control.

This lady was devastated by the response but would not give up. She then turned to the honourable member for Wakehurst - who no doubt just turned the colour of jade - and outlined her claims by phone. He dealt with her most briskly. He said he could only see her during office hours. Presumably his diary was booked out with home visits to elderly ladies. That was despite this lady's request for a meeting after work. Once again, she was given the flick. She wanted to talk about corruption in the Water Board, and no one in this Government would give her the time of day. She was told by the honourable member for North Shore that the honourable member for Wagga Wagga, the Minister in charge of the board at the time, was not capable of hearing her concerns. This lady, who provided this most detailed statutory declaration, is a life long supporter of a political party. Yes, the Liberal Party. She did not come to see the ALP; she did not even want to turn to the honourable member for Manly. She wanted her Government, the Government she had voted for in 1988 to fix this matter up, to put the cleaners through North Head. But she is still waiting. No one would help her, not the local Liberal members and not the Minister.

The contents of the statutory declaration raise the most serious matters; that the honourable members representing the electorates of North Shore, Wakehurst and Wagga Wagga turned their back on allegations of gross mismanagement and outright corruption because it was all too hard. A Minister of the Crown, a Minister who had taken an oath to serve the people of New South Wales, has turned his back on his statutory responsibilities. He was sitting trembling in his office. He was a Minister on the verge of a nervous breakdown. A movie could be made about it. Two years later the present Minister is refusing to take these matters seriously - look at his public statements in recent weeks. I have not had time to detail the full range of the allegations we forwarded to the ICAC. They go into details about contracting and about the use of consultants. Let it be said that every word of them confirmed the concerns raised by my colleague in this House in October 1991 when we were rubbished by the then Government for talking about excessive Water Board spending on consultants.

The fact is that we have seen an abandonment of ministerial responsibility. It is a disgrace. There is justification to reshuffle out of the Cabinet not only the honourable member for Wagga Wagga but also the present Minister for Housing, the would-be leader of the National Party. No wonder the public recognise a party of duds when they see them; and no wonder National Party support is at an all-time low. The man they call Addled Armstrong is no improvement. In the debate last week I drew attention to the central importance of the Water Board to the economic and social structures of this State. I pointed out the role it plays in family budgets and the provision of essential services. This is what makes waste mismanagement or corrupt practice in this area a doubly serious matter. These are not marginal matters; they are central. That is why we will not be deterred or diverted by the sort of performance put up last week by the Premier and the Minister. With the support of public spirited citizens we shall pursue this matter until the whole truth is exposed, as we have been forced to do repeatedly over the past five years.

Mr COLLINS (Willoughby - Minister for State Development, and Minister for Arts) [4.9]: In the debate in this place last week relating to this issue the Leader of the Opposition did a cowardly thing. He named a Water Board employee in this place and made serious accusations about a man who could not defend himself. That conduct is to be deplored. The man named by the Leader of the Opposition is in no position to fight back. Let us look at the allegations about this man, the plant manager at North Head. On 18th December, 1991, the Water Board received a letter from Mr Graham Mostyn of the Office of Public Management regarding allegations of waste and mismanagement at the Water Board's North Head treatment plant. Mr Mostyn's letter was prompted by a letter received by the Office of Public Management from the honourable member for North Shore. He had written on behalf of a person who approached him with information concerning expenditure at the North Head facility. That is the way it was put to the honourable member for North Shore.

My understanding from discussions with the honourable member for North Shore is that he spent two hours in discussion with that woman going through the detail of her claim. He conscientiously and vigorously pursued the claims she brought to him. He did that in writing and he did it by follow-up. He pursued it verbally and in writing. He did not dismiss this woman's claims. He put them to the appropriate authority. I am advised that since 1991 the board has introduced an extensive corruption prevention program called FACE, the fraud and corporate ethics program. That has involved the production of a code of conduct, the training of 1,200 employees at five levels of management, specific guidance to high-risk areas on controls to prevent corrupt conduct and advice being made available to management on an ongoing basis for dealing with specific corruption prevention matters.

That program was put together by a steering committee which included a senior investigator from the Independent Commission Against Corruption. The allegation against Mr Frank Gnanam relates to the issue of Marles purporting to act as an overseer in the construction of Gnanam's home, Marles also having been a contractor for the Water Board at North Head. I am advised that it has been established that Marles visited Gnanam's house during the construction phase on three occasions only to provide specific advice on problems encountered with foundations, roof trusses and drainage. That was by no means an overseeing role, but was purely advisory to Frank Gnanam. It is alleged that Gnanam directed staff from the North Head treatment plant to remove Page 2652 pre-formed concrete drainage pipes from the plant and take them to his house. On the advice provided to me by the Minister in another place, the material that was delivered to Gnanam's house was scrap and included a few concrete drainage pipes.

Basically the allegation refers to the removing of material that would have been taken to the dump. An officer of the board has personally inspected Gnanam's house and confirmed that it is material that would normally be regarded on construction sites as scrap. Internal auditors at the board are as tough as nails. They have grilled Mr Gnanam, because the board takes such matters very seriously. Their view is that Mr Gnanam, the man whose reputation was sullied by the Leader of the Opposition, is an honest man. The board suspects that the allegations are mischievous and stem from industrial problems that have been ongoing at North Head for some time. Mr Gnanam has suffered as a result of these allegations. He has been the subject of most unkind remarks relating to his ethnic background. Even his children have suffered embarrassment at school. I hope the Leader of the Opposition is pleased with what he has done to this man's reputation on such a flimsy pretext.

In addition to the matters to which I have referred, the board has established a committee of inquiry to investigate a union official named Roland Oliver concerning abuse of overtime. That may well be the motivation for the allegations against Mr Frank Gnanam. The committee has now completed its investigations and found that overtime had been claimed incorrectly and records falsified. Disciplinary action has been taken against the officer concerned. The Leader of the Opposition has associated himself with what could well prove to be a trumped up campaign of discrimination against Mr Gnanam. Yet it has been paraded before this Parliament as if it were some sort of indictable offence. I am advised by the Minister in another place that another allegation of an improper relationship between Gnanam, Kennedy and a firm called Damac Interiors concerning the refurbishment of buildings at North Head sewage treatment plant is under investigation.

With regard to Mr Gnanam's delegation, the audit and review team concluded that his actions were above board and honest, if somewhat naive from time to time, but the delegations were removed because of concerns about the procurement practices and controls at North Head. Corrective action was taken with an experienced officer being seconded to North Head to oversee contract management. The delegations were withdrawn to protect the Water Board while the extent of the problem was ascertained. Mr Gnanam's delegations were then reinstated on all matters except procurement. The procurement delegation was withheld bearing in mind the amount of major works being carried out at North Head and the move by the Water Board towards centralised procurement. So the claims made by the Opposition are false and damaging to an individual who is not in a position to protect himself in this place.

More general claims made by the Opposition in 1991 that the Water Board employed 750 consultants for $100 million in one year are also wrong. They are at it again. The truth is that the document tabled by the honourable member for Blacktown in 1991 listed Water Board consultancies covering a period of more than 10 years. Before the House votes on this important motion, all of the facts need to be taken into account. There are two sides to the story. Members of the Opposition have looked at only one side of the story before ripping a reputation to shreds and leaving in tatters the effort made by an individual over many years. On what pretext? With what justification? The Water Board, being a large organisation, has taken many steps to come to terms with problems that emerge from time to time.

The appropriate action is for members of Parliament like the honourable member for North Shore to get the necessary information to the responsible authority in a timely way and to try to follow it up and make sure it is dealt with. The honourable member for North Shore did that conscientiously. All of this nonsense from the Leader of the Opposition about this woman and her complaint being fobbed off is a lie. It is a complete lie. It is a distortion of what actually happened. On behalf of the Government I want to say that we hold in contempt this attack on an innocent individual. The word "naive" has been used, but he is basically an innocent individual in terms of the magnitude of the claim. The proceedings of Parliament were brought to a halt to rip an individual to shreds. There is no conceivable justification for that. This attack is unwarranted. I take the opportunity on behalf of the Minister in the Legislative Council to indicate that serious complaints about corruption will always be investigated thoroughly. For those reasons the Government totally rejects the Opposition motion.

Ms ALLAN (Blacktown) [4.19]: In the brief time available to me I want to detail some of the allegations that the Opposition has raised in the Parliament. I can indicate that not only does the Opposition propose to refer these matters to the Independent Commission Against Corruption but the Joint Select Committee upon the Sydney Water Board, chaired by my colleague the honourable member for Manly, will receive this information as well. With regard to the constituent of the honourable member for North Shore, the anonymous woman who worked as a temporary secretary at North Head during 1991, her allegations - as set out in the statutory declaration that she made this month - are that plant consultants were told to describe themselves as contractors and not as consultants, following the Opposition's allegations about consultants in October 1991.

The woman alleges that plant consultants were told that it was better to overspend the budget than underspend to preserve their jobs, and as a result were instructed to fast track spending in the second half of the financial year. She alleges that she was told to show confidential tender documents to a rival tender by the plant manager's secretary because, "They're friends of ours". She also alleges that days after she raised, at a staff meeting, her concerns about tender security, she was sacked, despite having been Page 2653 told that her work was excellent. She alleges that consultants were told by the consultant capital works manager to order equipment, even if they were uncertain of exact specifications, in order to spend the budget on time. She also alleges that capital works projections included excessive landscaping of $700,000, and plant security of $800,000, even though only one person was required at the main gate on a 24-hour basis. The woman further alleges that there were unnecessary plans to recarpet, refurnish and refurbish offices and install a sophisticated phone system, in order to spend the budget on schedule. She alleges that the plant manager's secretary told her that the head capital works consultant, Graham Marles, was the project manager for a home that Mr Gnanam was having built. As the Leader of the Opposition has already indicated, the contents of this anonymous woman's statutory declaration are very serious and she has taken the opportunity to raise it with a number of honourable members from the Government.

I refer, also, to the statutory declaration of Stephen Jackson of 14 Trade Winds Place, Kareela, one of the other statutory declarations which the Opposition proposes to refer to the Independent Commission Against Corruption. Mr Jackson says in his statutory declaration that he was employed as business support manager for the Water Board's pollution control division, located at North Head sewage treatment plant, from February to August 1991. His central task was to report on the financial aspects of the running of the plant, in terms of capital works and recurrent expenditure. The plant manager, Mr Frank Gnanam, had been appointed just prior to Mr Jackson's appointment to that position. Mr Gnanam told Mr Jackson that he had approached senior management to engage his own group of consultants, including Mr Graham Marles.

Mr Jackson was told by a Water Board employee that, prior to his appointment to the Board, Mr Gnanam and Mr Marles had worked together in Victoria. Mr Jackson was also told that Mr Gnanam was responsible for Mr Marles' appointment. As time went on, Mr Jackson observed that more and more consultants were engaged at the plant, in such large numbers that a series of demountable offices had to be constructed to house them. The consultants were supervised by Mr Marles as consultant capital works manager. It was Mr Jackson's belief, and he was also told this by other people, that those consultants, costing the Water Board millions of dollars each year, were unnecessary to its running and a waste of taxpayers' money. Mr Jackson was also told by certain plant employees that they believed that all consultant tasks could have been performed by existing employees.

In about April 1991 Mr Jackson was told by Mr Gnanam that he had begun looking for a house to buy in the peninsula area. Mr Marles told Mr Jackson that he would be the project manager for Mr Gnanam's house. Mr Jackson saw Mr Marles leaving the plant on numerous occasions during working hours. Mr Jackson also recollects that, at the time, Mr Marles was earning between $60 and $80 per hour as the plant's consultant capital works manager. The allegations by Mr Jackson and those made by the anonymous woman who served as secretary at North Head sewage treatment plant in 1991, are very serious allegations. The Opposition referred to some of those allegations in part several weeks ago when it attempted to bring some of these issues to light. Now, the Opposition has chosen to bring them forward in greater detail.

Mr SMILES (North Shore) [4.24]: I have some concern with the comments of the Leader of the Opposition in his introductory remarks. I believe that, as a member of the House, it is appropriate that I make some comment and clarification. I do so because, by attempting to embarrass me this afternoon, the Leader of the Opposition has, in fact, put all members who are conscientious about their duties as State -

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I apologise. I should not have allowed myself to be distracted. As I indicated earlier, this is a truncated debate and there is no opportunity for the honourable member for North Shore to speak on the matter. I will have to ask him to resume his seat. The member moving the motion may speak for ten minutes; a member may speak in reply for ten minutes, one member from the Opposition may speak and then the Leader of the Opposition may speak in reply. I cannot break the rule.

Motion agreed to.

WORKERS COMPENSATION LEGISLATION (FURTHER AMENDMENT) BILL

Message

Message received from the Legislative Council requesting that the Workers Compensation Legislation (Further Amendment) Bill transmitted to the Legislative Assembly for concurrence during a previous session of the present Parliament, not having been finally dealt with because of the prorogation of the Legislature, be now proceeded with under the Assembly's standing order in that behalf.

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

Bills: Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders

Motion, by leave, by Mr West agreed to.

That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would preclude the resumption of the adjourned second reading debates on the following bills:

Film and Video Tape Classification (Amendment) Bill Motor Accidents (Amendment) Bill Protection of the Environment Administration (Amendment) Bill Superannuation Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill

OMBUDSMAN (AMENDMENT) BILL

Page 2654 Bill introduced and read a first time.

Second Reading

Mr FAHEY (Southern Highlands - Premier, and Treasurer) [4.28]: I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

The main purpose of this bill is to provide for reports of the Ombudsman to be presented direct to the Parliament instead of to the Minister, to clarify the circumstances in which the Ombudsman and Auditor-General may obtain confidential information and to provide special reports of the Auditor-General to be presented to Parliament. The bill provides that the Presiding Officer of each House of Parliament is required to table the report on the next sitting day following the receipt of the report. If the Ombudsman recommends that a report be made public forthwith, the Presiding Officer may release the report, whether or not the House is in session. The report will still attract the same privileges and immunities as if it had been laid before the House.

At present the Ombudsman Act provides that where the Ombudsman is not satisfied with the action taken in response to recommendations he has made in a report, he may make a report to the Minister for presentation to Parliament. The bill now requires such a report to be presented to the Parliament and further requires the responsible Minister to make a statement in response within 12 sitting days. The bill makes clear that the Ombudsman and Auditor-General, when carrying out their duties, are to have access to the documents of a public authority except for Cabinet documents and documents the subject of legal professional privilege.

In relation to documents which are the subject of legal professional privilege, the Ombudsman will have access to those documents where he is reviewing a freedom of information determination which relies on legal professional privilege as a ground for exemption. The bill provides that the Ombudsman must not disclose the contents of any such document. This will enable the Ombudsman to perform a proper review role in relation to freedom of information determinations but ensure that legal professional privilege is protected.

The bill also contains a provision which permits the Ombudsman to disclose information obtained in discharging his functions to the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Commissioner for the Independent Commission Against Corruption where the information could be legally obtained by the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Director of Public Prosecutions. This provision reflects the public interest in the Ombudsman being permitted to provide information to the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to matters of relevance to their responsibilities. Finally the bill clarifies that the Auditor-General is required to furnish special reports under the Public Finance and Audit Act to the Legislative Assembly. The bill will enhance the ability of both the Ombudsman and the Auditor-General to carry out their functions. I commend the bill to the House.

Debate adjourned on motion by Mr Nagle.

CONSTITUTION (LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL RECONSTITUTION) SAVINGS BILL

Bill received and read a first time.

Second Reading

Mr WEST (Orange - Minister for Conservation and Land Management, and Minister for Energy) [4.32]: I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

This legislation was carried in the Legislative Council earlier this afternoon. It could be called the Marie Bignold memorial legislation, or some other term, but clearly the Government agrees to pass the legislation. The honourable member for Ashfield spoke to me and indicated the Opposition's support. I do not see any reason to delay the House any further on this procedure.

Motion agreed to.

Bill read a second time and passed through remaining stages.

PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT ADMINISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL

Second Reading

Debate resumed from 19th May.

Dr MACDONALD (Manly) [4.40]: I am concerned about this legislation. The Minister for the Environment is aware of my concern. I believe that this legislation is a clumsy response to a number of events that have occurred over the past two years, particularly within the past six months. This sweeping legislation has serious ramifications. The Environment Protection Authority, under the Environment Protection Authority Act, issues approximately 7,000 licences, essentially to polluting industries - up to 90 per cent of which require a development approval. In other words, they fall under part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act; they come under designated developments. They have to go through a process of development application and development consent with local government. Of the 7,000 licences, 90 per cent would not be covered by part 5.

Public authorities making applications must conduct an environmental impact statement under part 5. This debate comes down to 600 or 700 licences which are issued to existing use industries: those industries that commenced their activities prior to 1980, those 600 or 700 polluting industries that are having a significant effect on the environment. The Minister for the Environment has brought forward legislation - which would have the effect of exempting those 600 or 700 industries from conducting an environmental impact statement - which is not Page 2655 consistent with good environmental management.

Most people would argue that the existing use industries - the ones which have never come in under part 5 or conducted environmental impact statements - should be made to comply with environmental standards. Many of those industries have traditionally polluted our rivers, land and other bodies of water. They should be pulled into line - that does not have to be done in a harsh manner. There are mechanisms available to do that. I hope this bill can be amended to provide for that. There are mechanisms whereby those existing uses - the 600 or 700 licences - would be required to conduct an environmental impact statement. That can be modified in terms of the time frame. I have spoken to the Minister and his director-general with respect to this. These 600 or 700 licences would be captured under part 5. That is a flow-on effect of Brown v. The Environment Protection Authority of late last year. In an earlier case, which I am not familiar with, it was signalled that these existing uses would eventually have to come in under part 5.

The Government has claimed that this is unnecessary; that environmental impact statements do no more in terms of enforcing environmental standards than the current mechanisms for issuing licences. The director-general has said that there is rigorous environmental scrutiny and that an environmental impact statement would add no more to that process. An environmental impact statement sits quite comfortably with the current pollution licensing process. An environmental impact statement under part 5 of the planning laws provides for public participation. Under the existing mechanism for issuing pollution licences there is no public participation, there is no notification, there is no openness. That requirement for an environmental impact statement under part 5 could be phased in to comply with existing uses. It would allow a window on to those existing polluting industries; it would allow for a transparency and public participation in that process. It would allow those who are going to be affected by the existing uses to have some input and to make submissions at an appropriate time.

The Government has not only claimed that part 5 environmental impact statements are unnecessary in the process; it has also claimed - quite incorrectly - that they would be onerous. It has claimed that the world would fall in, that the wheels would fall off and that everything would stop. This would be an untenable situation. I argue that the Government is scaremongering. It is scaremongering through a discussion paper which was put out, I believe, to all Government members. It was a briefing paper; it was a "rah-rah" document to get them to support this bill. Much of the information is quite misleading. It said the implication of the Land and Environment Court finding means that industry could be required to provide an environmental impact statement every 12 months, given that licences are issued annually. Further, it would place an enormous workload on the EPA as approximately 7,000 licences are renewed each year.

I have put forward a case that the information with respect to the workload is not true; only 600 or 700 licences would be captured by the decision of the Land and Environment Court. The question of multiple environmental impact statements was also raised because there is an annual - that is, multiple - issuing of licences. That may well be the case. That fact has been acknowledged by the peak environment groups. That has been taken care of in an amendment which has been circulated. The amendment would meet the concern the Government has raised with respect to multiple and annual environmental impact statements. To say that it would be onerous in terms of the numbers - and referring to 7,000 licences - is quite misleading.

I do not believe that the environment movement or the ruling in the Land and Environment Court contemplated that there should be multiple environmental impact statements. That can be provided for in some amending legislation. Many industries already operate, having issued one environmental impact statement, and have continued to operate, year after year without having to review or re-order an environmental impact statement. The Forestry Commission operates on one environmental impact statement. In other words, an environmental impact statement has a life span. Since environmental impact statements became part of our planning process in 1980, it has not been evidenced that an industry closes down because of a need for multiple environmental impact statements. Provided there is no substantial change in the activity of a company, one environmental impact statement should be able to last for 10 or 20 years. Since the introduction of environmental impact statements many licences have been issued. The argument about multiple issuing of environmental impact statements is a furphy, and that needs to be clarified in the amending legislation. The Government misled its own members and many others about this being a matter of urgency. The so-called rah-rah document states:

An appeal in the APPM case is to be heard on 17th and 18th June, 1993. If that appeal results in a requirement for an environmental impact statement for all licence renewals issued by the EPA, legislative rectification of this situation could require the recall of Parliament.

What requires such urgency? The document states that if the appeal fails, an environmental impact statement may be required to be obtained, but not by the Environment Protection Authority. I say to the Government and the Minister that this is excessive overlegislation. Indeed, one of the ironies is that the primary pollution watchdog in this State, the EPA itself, will be exempted from public participation in the EIS process. This piece of legislation, if it were to get up, would send a very poor signal to the community that the EPA is not required under planning laws to demand environmental impact statements from proponents. The kernel of the bill is an attempt to protect the EPA from a court ruling. That could be achieved by much simpler legislation. Indeed, that is what I intend to support through amendments to this bill.

Page 2656 Only two provisions should be made: first, that through amendments to the bill multiple annual environmental impact statements are not required; and, second, a deferral arrangement or timetable for phased-in environmental impact statements for existing uses. I do not think the Minister could argue strongly that existing uses should be exempt from environmental impact statements, as required by the planning laws. In fact, if they all came on stream suddenly, problems would arise. A phased-in timetable is appropriate and I would support it. The Minister has overreacted in a heavy-handed way to a lot of misinformation. It may be that he will accept the proposed amendments, and I await his response to them. However, suggestions of thousands of lives being put at risk and everything grinding to a halt are heavy-handed. I do not think the urgency argument can be sustained on any detailed examination of the proposal. I am not happy about the legislation, but it can be improved with the necessary amendments.

Mr KNOWLES (Moorebank) [4.53]: The Labor Party does not support the bill in its present form but will support amendments which have been negotiated between representatives of the Labor Party - that is the honourable member for Blacktown and myself - the Minister's office and staff of the Environment Protection Authority. The purpose of the bill is to provide, in cases where environmental impact statements under part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act would not normally apply, for the granting by the Environment Protection Authority of a licence and approval or certificate of registration under the environment protection legislation administered by the authority. The bill does not affect the application of the environmental assessment provisions of part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act. As the Minister said in his second reading speech, the Justice Pearlman judgment in the APPM case highlighted a technical problem in the renewal of licences issued by the EPA, in that each licence at the time of application for renewal would have to be regarded as a discrete item in itself and, as a consequence, would need the provisions of part 5 applied to it in isolation of anything that may have occurred before or after.

That means that with every application for renewal or variation a discrete and independent assessment would be made by the EPA under part 5 of the planning Act to determine whether or not there would be a significant effect on the environment as a result of the proposed activity. A significant effect would necessitate preparation of an environmental impact statement. The Minister has pointed out quite fairly in his second reading speech that, given the costs associated with that often unnecessary process, in the event of activities that do not substantially change but just require annual licensing, an amendment to the Act is required. The Labor Party is concerned - hence the discussions over the past couple of days and yesterday afternoon, which led to some agreement by the Minister and his staff - that perhaps they were taking too broad a view of the need for amendment. I understand that these amendments will simply deal with exemptions for subsequent licences, renewals of licences or renewals of certificates of registration, including a grandfather clause that would regard existing uses to be deemed to have received approvals under the provisions of the Act. The Opposition supports that motion, contingent upon the points that were raised in our negotiations.

In the event of changes to an activity over time necessitating reassessment, reassessment will take place having regard to full environmental impact considerations. Whether or not assessments are made under the Pollution Control Act or other environmental legislation in the broader generic sense is irrelevant, provided assessments are made to pick up changes over time. If that occurs, that should be a satisfactory and workable procedure to adopt. The Opposition regards part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act as fundamental to environmental assessment in New South Wales. Though it is correctly regarded as an umbrella piece of legislation covering the broad issues of environmental impact, it is valuable in that it requires full consideration of any particular proposed activity. The problem the Opposition has in acknowledging the use by the Environment Protection Authority of the Pollution Control Act is that it is possible to imagine some circumstances where an assessment may be narrow in terms of the requirements of the Pollution Control Act and miss or leave out other environmental impacts that may be happening under the part 5 provisions.

However, in the limited terms of the bill and proposed amendments, which will ensure that renewals and existing uses will be regarded as having been satisfied in terms of environmental assessment as a result of the original environmental impact statement, the Opposition thinks that is a fair and reasonable balance between the intent of the legislation and the need for proper implementation. The Minister should be put on notice that the Labor Party will review its position in the budget session. We understand there is some urgency in this matter, because of the imminent parliamentary recess, with licences coming up for renewal and problems created by the Justice Pearlman decision for Government administration of the Act. However, the Opposition reserves the right, should it see the intent of the bill being flouted, thus opening up an opportunity for violation of environmental considerations, to introduce its own legislation by way of a private member's bill to rectify any anomalies.

Mr HARTCHER (Gosford - Minister for the Environment) [5.0], in reply: I thank the honourable member for Manly, the honourable member for South Coast and the honourable member for Bligh for making themselves available at short notice to discuss this issue. I also thank the honourable member for Moorebank and the honourable member for Blacktown for their co-operation and assistance in trying to resolve the difficulties. They also made themselves available to discuss the matter at short notice on several occasions. The honourable member for Manly expressed concern about what he considered was Page 2657 unwarranted urgency. As I said in my second reading speech, the urgency arises because of the expedited hearing by the Court of Appeal of the appeal lodged by Mr Brown and the cross-appeal lodged by Australian Pulp and Paper Manufacturers and the Environment Protection Authority, which is now to be heard on 16th and 17th or 17th and 18th June - I cannot be sure which. Should a decision be delivered during the parliamentary recess the result could be serious. The matter is as simple as that.

It has never been argued that 7,000 licences were at risk. The honourable member for Manly was in my room with Mr Tim Robertson and Mr James Johnson. The figure was 600 or 700 licences. There are 7,000 licences in the State. That is not a paper issue to the honourable member for Manly; that is a paper issue to other people. I confirm what the honourable member for Manly was told in conference in this House - it is 600 or 700 licences. The decision could have had a serious impact on industry, public authorities, sewerage and electricity throughout the State were the situation not rectified. As the honourable member for Moorebank has indicated, he, I and the honourable member for Blacktown have had discussions with the Director-General of the Environment Protection Authority. As a result the Government has agreed to move amendments in Committee. I foreshadow the moving of the circulated amendments, which will narrow the focus of the bill to deal specifically with the renewal of licences or certificates of registration. It will also provide that any approval that is in force at the date the provisions commence will continue to be in force. I thank all members for their contribution and commend the bill to the House.

Motion agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

In Committee

Clause 3

Dr MACDONALD (Manly) [5.5]: I move:

Page 2, clause 3, line 10. Omit "section", insert instead "sections".

The amendment is consequential to the anticipated passage of amendment No. 2.

Mr HARTCHER (Gosford - Minister for the Environment) [5.6]: As the Government does not accept the amendments proposed by the honourable member for Manly, there is no point in agreeing to the consequential amendment. The Government rejects the amendment.

Amendment negatived.

Dr MACDONALD (Manly) [5.7]: I move:

Page 2, clause 3, lines 11-18. Omit all words on those lines, insert instead:

Environmental assessment

12A. Despite section 112 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, if an approval (within the meaning of Part 5 of that Act) for an activity (within the meaning of that Part) is renewed by the Authority, there is no obligation to obtain or be furnished with an environmental impact statement if an adequate environmental impact statement has already been obtained by or furnished to the Authority (or another determining authority, within the meaning of that Part) for that activity and the Authority may rely on the previous environmental impact statement prepared for the activity, providing there has been no significant change in:

(a) the environment of the activity; or

(b) the nature of the activity,

since the preparation of that previous environmental impact statement.

Suspension of Part 5 of EPA Act for 2 years

12B.(1) In so far as the Authority is obliged to comply with Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the application of that Part to approvals renewed by the Authority is modified, in accordance with this section, for a period of 2 years from the date of assent to the Protection of the Environment Administration (Amendment) Act 1993 (in this section referred to as "the suspension period").

(2) If an environmental impact statement which has been obtained by or furnished to the Authority during the suspension period in relation to an activity is not considered adequate by the Authority, the Authority may call for further information to supplement the environmental impact statement.

(3) If such further information is given, the Authority may grant approval to the activity.

(4) The Director-General must, within 6 months after the date of assent to the Protection of the Environment Administration (Amendment) Act 1993, publish a program of environmental impact statements which the Authority will require to be completed during the suspension period.

(5) If an environmental impact statement is obtained by or furnished to the Authority, any approval granted subsequently by the Authority during the suspension period must comply with the provisions of Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

(6) The Director-General must, within 3 months after the date of assent to the Protection of the Environment Administration (Amendment) Act 1993, publish a discussion paper on the matters relating to the proposed program under subsection (4), including the classes of development which will require an environmental impact statement and the technical requirements to be addressed by the environmental impact statement.

The amendment deals with environmental assessment. It seeks to insert sections 12A and 12B, which I dealt with at the second reading stage. I will not go over that ground again. I am enormously disappointed that the Australian Labor Party has not sought to amend the bill further. What the Labor Party received from the Government in return for its inactivity in this regard is basically nothing. It has been hoodwinked by the Minister in the negotiations. There may be some agenda being worked out between them but I am sorry that the risks of this legislation have been lost on the Opposition. Proposed section 12A essentially provides that there will not be a need for multiple environmental impact statements unless there has been a change in activity. This would cover the concern of the Government that things would come to a standstill because of the requirement for so many environmental impact statements. Proposed section 12B provides for the suspension of part 5 of the Environment Protection Authority Act in the case of existing uses. This is a key part of the debate that has been lost on the Opposition. It has not covered the question of Page 2658 existing uses.

The amendment gives a timetable of two years, which will allow the collection of data for existing uses which would come under part 5. It would give the director-general an opportunity to publish a program of environmental impact statements. It also provides that there is not a suspension while more information is being furnished following an inadequate environmental impact statement. An existing use will be exempt as a result of this amendment. Clearly, this should be subject to an environmental impact statement and to much stricter processes of environmental scrutiny and public participation. The amendments which have been agreed to by the Australian Labor Party make no allowance for that, about which I am enormously disappointed. Perhaps the Government and the Minister have taken an open-minded approach and seen the wisdom of this amendment, notwithstanding the fact that there have been negotiations with the Labor Party behind closed doors.

Mr GAUDRY (Newcastle) [5.11]: The honourable member for Manly has missed the point. The Opposition has taken a very serious approach to this, as outlined by the honourable member for Moorebank. The Opposition is concerned about the effects that will flow from this legislation. The Labor Party will monitor what happens and, if necessary, will introduce a private member's bill to change the position. As mentioned by the honourable member for Moorebank, the Opposition is mindful of potential impacts of the Pearlman decision, and in negotiations with the Government has been prepared to accept the bill in the amended form. I make that point quite clear.

Mr HARTCHER (Gosford - Minister for the Environment) [5.12]: The Government does not accept the amendment moved by the honourable member for Manly. The only agenda the Government has - and I believe the Opposition has also - is to ensure that industry can continue to operate in this State and that thousands of people retain their jobs. That is the agenda. The honourable member for Manly may not acknowledge that, but it is the fact. The APPM mill is the perfect example of a workplace where hundreds of jobs would be at risk as a result of any adverse decision of the court. I thank the Opposition for its support and advise the House that the Government does not accept the amendment moved by the honourable member for Manly.

Amendment negatived.

Mr HARTCHER (Gosford - Minister for the Environment) [5.13]: I move:

Page 2, clause 3, line 15. After "legislation", insert "that consists of the renewal of a licence or the renewal of a certificate of registration".

The purpose of this amendment is to make clear that the bill deals with renewals of licences or renewals of certificates of registration.

Mr GAUDRY (Newcastle) [5.14]: The honourable member for Moorebank referred to the consultative processes undertaken between the Opposition and the Government in relation to this amendment. The Opposition was concerned about what it perceived to be a technical difficulty with the amendment. It was concerned that if substantial changes were to occur to an existing use, such changes needed to be looked at closely. The Government has moved this amendment to limit the renewal of a licence or renewal of a certificate and to remove the word "approval" contained in part 3. This will have the effect of limiting the part to the renewal of a licence or renewal of a certificate. Though the Opposition is concerned, as the honourable member for Moorebank said, it will closely monitor this matter. The Opposition expects the Environment Protection Authority to carry out its overriding responsibility of ensuring that all Acts under its purview are administered correctly. If this amendment is not satisfactory, the Opposition will introduce a private member's bill to correct that situation. At this stage the Government's amendment is accepted by the Opposition.

Dr MACDONALD (Manly) [5.15]: This amendment seeks to have the clause refer to renewals, not to new approvals. Renewals do not require an EIS, but what happens if there is a significant change in the nature of the activity? If the Government is fair dinkum about this, why did it not include the words, "except in the case of significant change in the activity". If the Government seeks to have this apply only to renewals, that is all right, but if the nature of the activity changes, the ball game changes as well.

Ms ALLAN (Blacktown) [5.16]: The honourable member for Manly is a little obtuse because the Opposition, the Government, and certainly the Environment Protection Authority, believe that, if there are significant changes of use in a particular process, there would be other parts of the process and other processes that could cover the issues raised by the honourable member for Manly.

Dr Macdonald: Such as?

Ms ALLAN: The honourable member well knows: with local government development applications, and other requirements under the Pollution Control Act, which the EPA also administers. It is not of the Labor Party's choosing that this matter should be rushed through the Parliament. That is not a suitable approach. However, that has been the approach the Government has chosen to take in the past two days in relation to this legislation. I and the rest of my party would have preferred to return next week, at least - if not later - to discuss this matter. I am convinced that the Government and the EPA believe quite sincerely that if the legislation is not amended in this way, they would face a real threat to their ability to exercise their normal functions.

The Opposition supports this amendment because it involves a minimal change to the legislation to allow the Environment Protection Authority to get on with its job and not to be hamstrung by various decisions Page 2659 that may be made over the next few months. I reiterate the point made by the honourable member for Moorebank: the Opposition will not walk away from this issue over the next four months but will maintain its interest in it. For example, it has been suggested by the conservation movement that a sunset clause should be included in this legislation. The Opposition considered that but chose not to support it. It wants the matter reviewed over the next few months; there may be other ways to deal with it when Parliament resumes in September. At this stage I believe the EPA is sincere in believing that it can use other mechanisms available to it to deal with the concerns that the honourable member for Manly and the conservation movement have raised.

Amendment agreed to.

Mr HARTCHER (Gosford - Minister for the Environment) [5.18]: I move:

Page 2, clause 3, lines 16-18. Omit all words on those lines, insert instead:

(2) This section applies in respect of such an approval in force (or purporting to be in force) at the commencement of this section or granted after the commencement of this section.

The purpose of this amendment is to preserve the validity of renewals of licences that are currently in force. Without the amendment, the Environment Protection Authority may have to reissue 600 to 700 renewals, thereby involving licence holders in unnecessary red tape and expense. Whether this is necessary depends on the outcome of the APPM case. This amendment will make it unnecessary, whatever the outcome of that case.

Dr MACDONALD (Manly) [5.19]: I certainly do not support this amendment. In fact, I am disappointed in the Minister, as I was this morning during debate on the South East Forests Protection Bill. I guess it is part of the discomfort of compromise that one has to go through when one is a member of a political party. Perhaps it is one of the luxuries and privileges that Independent members can be self-righteous, but at the same time a certain purity has to apply to debate. By moving this amendment, the Minister, who is in charge of the environment, has essentially become the Minister for protecting industries. Those industries are some of the major polluters. Proposed section 12A(2) will reinforce the exemption of existing uses. The Minister does not need to apologise for the argument that the amendment will cause a lot of red tape and expense. We are not talking about draconian measures. I proposed an amendment that provided for two years. The Minister may alter that to five years if he wants to. Red tape and some expense will have to be imposed on industry if we are serious about improving the environment. We are not talking about an environment that will improve over a short time. We should seek to improve the environment over a generation.

I would have thought that members of this place have a dual function. On the one hand we must have respect for industry and the fact that it is an employer. At the same time we have a duty to try to make things a little better for future generations. The Minister might argue that it is a question of the slope of the curve. I advocate that the slope of the curve is too steep. However, I believe that the steepness of that curve could have been negotiated to allow for existing uses to be subject to due process but, if necessary, implement a timetable. We could have asked the director-general to provide a list of the existing 600 or 700 uses and the impact red tape and expense would have on them. Those figures have been incorporated into a decent timetable and framework, and would at least have given a signal that we want to encompass existing uses. The amendment will send only the wrong signals.

Amendment agreed to.

Clause as amended agreed to.

Long Title

Mr HARTCHER (Gosford - Minister for the Environment) [5.22]: I move:

Omit ", approvals".

The purpose of the amendment is to make it clear that the bill deals with renewals, not with de novo matters. This amendment is consequential.

Amendment agreed to.

Long title as amended agreed to.

Bill reported from Committee with amendments, and report adopted.

NORTH HEAD TREATMENT PLANT CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS

Personal Explanation

Mr Smiles: I wish to make a personal explanation. Earlier this afternoon the Leader of the Opposition alleged, when referring to an affidavit or statutory declaration, that, first I failed to act with due diligence as a member of this House. In fact, I had a number of communications with the person associated with the statutory declaration. I had a lengthy meeting of about two hours with that particular person and undertook appropriate written and verbal representation with the Minister and the ministry concerned. Secondly it was alleged that I made defamatory allegations with regard to the mental health of a Minister. As best I can recall - and the conversation took place some time late in 1991 - I did not make such remarks. However, I discussed a process associated with presenting information to a Minister and the challenges of a personal and professional nature faced by all Ministers with large and often multidepartmental responsibilities. I cannot recall the person taking notes at the time of the conversation. To my knowledge the person was not a constituent. I saw her as a matter of courtesy in my role as a member of Parliament. The comments of the Leader of the Opposition were unfortunate and unnecessary.

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS (CONTRACTS OF CARRIAGE) AMENDMENT BILL

Page 2660

Second Reading

Debate resumed from 20th May.

Mrs CHIKAROVSKI (Lane Cove - Minister for Consumer Affairs, and Assistant Minister for Education) [5.25]: I oppose the Opposition's Industrial Relations (Contracts of Carriage) Amendment Bill. The Government, through the previous Minister for Industrial Relations, Premier Fahey, gave an undertaking to review the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act 1991, which regulate the operation of contracts of carriage and contracts of bailment in New South Wales. These provisions are found in chapter 6 of the Act and are entitled "Public Vehicles and Carriers". The 1991 Act did not change the arrangements for owner-drivers and bailee-drivers. Effectively it continued the provisions of the 1979 amendments to the Industrial Arbitration Act 1940 as they related to contract drivers in the transport sector. In keeping with the Government's commitment, Mrs Hylda Rolfe was appointed as commissioner to conduct the review.

As part of the review process, an issues paper was released in March 1993 for public comment prior to public hearings and preparation of a final report. That issues paper is titled "Driving Forces, Public Vehicles and Carriers in New South Wales: Issues in Industrial Relations". It is based on preliminary submissions received from 34 sources, encompassing the industry's peak employer and employee associations, individual companies, government agencies, academics and individuals. The issues paper is about the nature and consequences of the industrial regulation of contracts of bailment and contracts of carriage in New South Wales, which are contained in chapter 6 of the 1991 Act. Contracts of bailment are used in the engagement of bailee-drivers of taxis and hire cars, and contracts of carriage are utilised in the carriage of goods by lorry owner-drivers for principal contractors.

New South Wales has engaged in industrial regulation of contracts of bailment and carriage for many years. The reasons have been mainly social and have reflected concerns to prevent exploitation of individual drivers who have been regarded as having little bargaining power. New South Wales is the only State in Australia to have such detailed controls. An important rationale behind the review is to determine if the form of regulation covering contracts of bailment and contracts of carriage inflates business costs. Although regulation allows businesses to operate on the footing of common base costs for those contracts covered, it also removes some of the flexibility which would otherwise apply in contracted business, and among drivers.

The issues paper concludes with three possible options for change to chapter 6 which could be considered: one, industrial regulation under the mainstream of the Industrial Relations Act 1991; two, industrial regulation under a special contract framework based on chapter 6, modified as appropriate; and three, reliance on general commercial legislation without specific industrial coverage. The issues paper is not a settled statement of views. Those having any comment to make on it have been invited to do so and their submissions will be considered by the review commissioner before the final report of the review is written and presented to the Government. Public hearings in response to the issues paper commenced on Tuesday, 18th May, and will run until Friday, 28th May. The hearings are being held at the level 6 conference room of the Department of Industrial Relations, Employment, Training and Further Education, No. 1 Oxford Street, Sydney.

Coincidentally, at the same time this review is in progress the Federal Court has decided a matter which has ramifications for lorry owner-drivers covered by chapter 6. In a decision dated Friday, 26th February, Mr Justice Lockhart found against 13 applicants who sought goodwill payments in respect of their trucks. The action followed a decision by the employer company in 1991 to convert its operation to one which used own vehicles and employee drivers. The applicants asserted that the conduct of Pioneer constituted misleading and deceptive conduct under section 52 of the Trade Practices Act 1974 and harsh, unfair and unconscionable conduct contrary to the provisions of section 88F of the Industrial Arbitration Act 1940, now section 275 of the Industrial Relations Act 1991. The respondent, Pioneer, denied the allegations and brought a cross-claim against all 145 of the drivers alleging that they had engaged in conduct which contravened section 45(2) and section 45D(1) of the Trade Practices Act.

In other words, Pioneer claimed that the effect of the conduct of the drivers was to cause substantial loss or damage to their business. Mr Justice Lockhart dismissed all points of the LODs case, and found in favour of the cross-claim by Pioneer. An appeal has been lodged by Mr Gallagher, the first applicant, and other LODs involved in the case. The Pioneer decision has creation substantial concern to the drivers and a number of representations have already been made to members of Parliament on this issue. As a consequence of those representations, the Attorney General and Minister for Industrial Relations in another place wrote to Commissioner Rolfe and raised the Federal Court decision. The Minister did so on the basis that the review's issue paper, "Driving Forces, Public Vehicles and Carriers in NSW in Industrial Regulation" comments on the issue of goodwill in section 102 of the report. In the Minister's correspondence to the review commissioner, he states:

Notwithstanding that this decision is currently under appeal, a number of parties claim that there have already been ramifications arising from the decision. I understand they propose to raise such issues with you at the public hearings of the review, due to commence Tuesday, 18 May 1993. I also understand that some parties have views as to whether it would be appropriate to introduce measures designed to ensure that any process of transition does not unreasonably disadvantage particular sectors of the industries affected by the decision.

I would be grateful if you would give further consideration to the issue of capitalised rights and entitlement secured for owner drivers in preparing the final report of the review. In the event you find a process of transition is Page 2661 appropriate, I would welcome recommendations as to the nature of that process.

All parties who had made submissions to the review, or have expressed interest in doing so, were advised in writing by the review secretary of the Minister's correspondence. At the opening of the public hearings on Tuesday, 18th May, the commissioner formally advised all parties of the correspondence. I wish to emphasise that the Government, through the Minister's correspondence to Commissioner Rolfe, has taken the initiative of referring to Commissioner Rolfe the issue of goodwill. She has been requested to particularly address this matter in her final report and, depending on her recommendations in this area and or any outcome arising from the appeal from the Federal Court to the full Federal Court to advise on a process of transition and the nature of that process.

Accordingly, I make the point that the matters contained in the bill currently before the House are matters which should be reported on by the review commissioner. In this context it is relevant that the first parties to appear before Commissioner Rolfe at the public hearings were Mr Gallagher and others who represent the 145 LODs affected by the Federal Court decision concerned with the issue of goodwill. Apart from the fact that, firstly, the Federal Court's decision is currently under review and, secondly, the matters contained in the bill are properly matters to be reported on by the review commissioner, the Government has real and very great concerns over details of the proposed scheme contained within the bill.

There is no definition of "goodwill" in the bill. Mr Justice Lockhart, in the Pioneer Concrete decision, actually found that what was described as goodwill on the facts before him at the time was nothing more than the right to enter the market. It is also attributable to a restraint on competition imposed by arrangements which bar entry to potential competitors, and which effectively stop any erosion of opportunities for work. On page 123 of the decision, he held:

The practices and arrangements of and between the LODs of limiting truck numbers and equalising earnings are anticompetitive and substantially lessen competition in the relevant markets of concrete cartage services and the ready mixed concrete market itself. It has been established by the respondents that the LODs have contravened S.45(2)(a)(i) and S.45D(1)(a)(i)(B) and S.45D(1)(b)(ii) of the Trade Practices Act.

If indeed this decision by Mr Justice Lockhart is upheld by the full Federal Court and if the generation of goodwill in the concrete cartage industry is found to have been generated by undesirable practices, then this bill will do nothing to benefit concrete carters affected by the decision. In the alternative it may be that the bill would be offering compensation for loss of value for contracts founded on illegal behaviour. Clearly, this issue needs more consideration.

The issue of what is goodwill has also been raised in the public hearings before Commissioner Rolfe. A range of views has been put. It appears to be generally agreed that the term is not used with commercial precision when it relates to the purchase of a truck in work. For example, Mr Gallagher, in his discussion with Commissioner Rolfe at the public hearings, is recorded in the transcript of those hearings as saying, in relation to trucks working in the concrete industry:

. . . it's not goodwill in the true sense of the commercial term of goodwill, not by any stretch of the imagination. It is really a premium over and above the market value of the cab/chassis of the truck. It's a premium that's paid and I think primarily for the stability and continuity of the contract over a 30 year period.

At the same time, the hearings have discussed goodwill in relation to the taxi industry, where it is currently valued at about $200,000 per taxi plate. The issue arises in many other sections of the transport industry, and throughout the economy. It is of interest to note that the bill provides no protection of goodwill in the taxi industry or in those other sectors. Even within the transport sector, the proposed section 697A of the bill appears to exclude those contract carriers who are excluded from the definition of a contract of carriage by S.623(2) of the Industrial Relations Act 1991. Those exclusions include common carriers, carriers of mail, and carriers of bread and milk among others. Many of these businesses commonly engage in the transfer of goodwill when their businesses change hands. There seems to be no logical reason - if there were a scheme of compensation established - for such businesses to be excluded from that scheme.

The market for goodwill is not necessarily a formal one. The failure to define goodwill will lead to excessive litigation of those issues which may arise under the bill. Section 697D of the bill proposes that a barrister is to be the presiding member of the panel and may be nominated by the Bar Association in the event of disagreement between the parties. A major consideration of the Government when drafting the principal Act was to release the industrial relations system from unnecessary legalism and formality. The provisions of the bill in this regard are directly contrary to this philosophy. On this point it is curious that the Bar Association has the right to nominate the presiding member of the arbitration panel in the circumstances referred to above. The Bar Association is not the most appropriate body to recommend appointment to an industrial tribunal, in my view.

Perhaps more importantly, it is unclear from the provisions of the bill whether the presiding member has the casting vote in determining whether compensation is payable. This uncertainty could well give rise to further costly and undesirable litigation, which would not serve to benefit any of the parties. I further draw the attention of the honourable members to the very last provision of this bill. It is a transitional provision relating to the enactment of this amendment bill. It provides, quite interestingly, for the bill's substantive compensation scheme to apply to all terminations of contracts of carriage that occurred in the five years prior to the enactment of the bill.

Prior to the Federal Court's Pioneer decision, it was previously industry practice for there to be Page 2662 awarded compensation for termination of a relevant contract in relation to goodwill. There is nothing in the bill to bar contract carriers who have willingly sold their goodwill, at acceptable prices over the past five years, from having a second bite of the cherry. Honourable members should note that industry sources have estimated, in the very short time available to them, that this bill, should it become legislation, could result in liabilities to the affected industries of up to $1 billion. This would clearly constitute an intolerable burden to the customers of those companies which can survive, including such important industries as the home building industry. All New South Wales would pay the cost. Even if the already compensated contract carrier gets no further compensation on the lucky dip second time around, proposed new section 697G will require the principal contractor to always meet the fees and expenses of the arbitration panel in the panel's consideration of the application.

The scheme I have just recounted is improperly retrospective, hugely expensive and grossly discriminatory in its incidence. I would have thought that all members of this House would resile from the ogre of retrospective legislation. But, no. The honourable member for Auburn is quite unfazed by introducing legislation into the House, when it is clearly retrospective in regard to the possible imposition of harsh compensation judgments on principal contractors. Indeed, this odious element of retrospectivity is even greater in the case of this particular bill. There has been no industry comment or input in regard to the bill; there has been no studied industry financial assessment of the proposed scheme; indeed, the whole scheme is hastily considered and sloppily drafted. The Government opposes the bill because it believes that it is essential for the Parliament to have the opportunity of considering the recommendations of the review and the result of the full Federal Court appeal before any changes to legislation are determined. Once it has that information, the Government and members of the Parliament will be in a better position to consider whether a bill of the nature proposed by the honourable member for Auburn is appropriate. The Government opposes the bill.

Mr NAGLE (Auburn) [5.38], in reply: This matter concerns the rights of the citizens of New South Wales. One may wonder what a little matter of lorry owner drivers - small businessmen - has to do with our rights. If only once, through indifference, we fail to act, a slow poison of indifference could cripple and destroy the rights of people to be small businessmen and enter into their own contracts. The men sitting in the public gallery face the prospect of losing their homes. It matters not that they may have created this situation by entering into this type of business. The issue is the truth and honesty of big business, and that was mentioned by the Minister for Consumer Affairs in her contribution to the debate. What is important is that the businesses of ordinary people who are trying to earn a living will be destroyed. It is not the business abilities of these men that concerns us but something far greater - their right to be heard in defence of their homes and their businesses.

The situation with Hylda Rolfe is a red herring. It is similar to the egg corporation debate when it was suggested by the Premier, when he was Minister for Industrial Relations, that the egg carriers' problem be forwarded to the Independent Commission Against Corruption. Mrs Rolfe's inquiry would take years. By the time her inquiry was finished, even if she supported these people, they would be bankrupt. Mr Gallagher did appear before Mrs Rolfe but he got no joy from doing so. Hylda Rolfe's decision has already been made. She should be told not to drink red wine at dinner parties and discuss these matters, because her remarks might come back to haunt her. The agenda is bargaining power but not the bargaining power of the drivers. One of the drivers worked for Pioneer for 30 years. The reward for his loyalty and hard work was, "As at 30th June you are out. You are finished." In 1978-79 Sir Tristan Antico spoke to employees of Pioneer and said to them, "Here is your long service leave. Take the money, buy our trucks, become small businessmen and contract for us". In 1978-79 most of these people were employees of the company. When they argued with Sir Tristan he told them to either do it or to leave. Where was their bargaining power? That is similar to the situation today. The Minister said that the bill is retrospective. To the extent to which she understands the bill - obviously she has never read it - it is retrospective.

Proposed section 697E(c) reads, "any previous decision of a court or tribunal in respect of that loss". The arbitration panel would have an absolute discretion to determine the duration, type and nature of a contract, the likelihood of the contract being terminated and how it was terminated. These matters are discretionary and no one will be allowed to double dip. In 1991 Pioneer bought one of these trucks and also paid for the goodwill. Pioneer graciously made a without prejudice offer of settlement of $1.125 million for its 145 lorry-owner drivers. They each received $7,760. That was the reward for their loyalty to the company and its financial structure. Mr G. Sigelski suffered a fatal heart attack following the delaying of an operation due to the stress and financial burden placed upon him. The father of one of the carriers committed suicide. Four of them had to sell their homes because of their financial difficulties. However, Pioneer decided to keep on 40 of the 145 lorry-owner drivers. They were given a contract, with the proviso that they bought new vehicles from Pioneer. They had to put up their homes as security and their contract can be terminated at any time in accordance with section 11. Their current rate has to reduce by 15 per cent by 30th June and 5 per cent by 30th October. That is the extent to which Pioneer has shown its loyalty. In 1989 in this House the Minister for Local Government and Minister for Cooperatives, who was then Minister for Business and Consumer Affairs, said -

Mr Downy: On a point of order. I have some sympathy for the lorry owner-drivers, but the honourable member is in reply, and I do not remember the Minister for Local Government and Page 2663 Minister for Cooperatives ever taking part in this debate.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! It is correct that the honourable member cannot introduce new material or refer to anything other than what was raised during the second reading debate. I direct him back to those matters.

Mr NAGLE: The purpose of this legislation has always been to encourage lorry owner-drivers and principal contractors, in this case Pioneer, and other people who have seized upon the victory in the Federal court to enter into meaningful negotiations to stop the avalanche of financial loss to these carriers. Dr Schubert, the new head of Pioneer, said in today's Sydney Morning Herald, "Things cannot stand still". But they can stand still for these drivers. They are entitled to be compensated. If big business, of which Pioneer is an integral part, does not want to look after its employees and contractors who have shown them nothing but loyalty, hard work and dedication for many years, it claims that it is no longer economically viable or convenient to continue to employ the workers. These people have paid hundreds of thousands of dollars not only for the goodwill component of the business but also for their trucks. What about the 145 drivers who had to pay $250,000 to redesign their trucks so that Pioneer could obtain a Department of Main Roads contract? They will all end up in the Bankruptcy Court. This bill does not aim to delay compensation. It aims to speed up compensation so that the parties can mediate their dispute, enter into meaningful negotiations and resolve their differences in the interests of the drivers.

Question - That this bill be now read a second time - put.

The House divided.

Ayes, 47

Ms Allan Mr Markham Mr Amery Mr Mills Mr Anderson Ms Moore Mr A. S. Aquilina Mr Moss Mr J. J. Aquilina Mr J. H. Murray Mr Bowman Mr Nagle Mr Carr Mr Neilly Mr Clough Mr Newman Mr Crittenden Ms Nori Mr Doyle Mr E. T. Page Mr Face Mr Price Mr Gaudry Dr Refshauge Mrs Grusovin Mr Rogan Mr Hatton Mr Rumble Mr Hunter Mr Scully Mr Iemma Mr Shedden Mr Irwin Mr Sullivan Mr Knight Mr Thompson Mr Knowles Mr Whelan Mr Langton Mr Yeadon Mrs Lo Po' Mr Ziolkowski Mr McBride Tellers, Dr Macdonald Mr Beckroge Mr McManus Mr Davoren

Noes, 45

Mr Armstrong Mr O'Doherty Mr Baird Mr Packard Mr Blackmore Mr D. L. Page Mr Causley Mr Peacocke Mr Chappell Mr Petch Mrs Chikarovski Mr Phillips Mr Cochran Mr Photios Mrs Cohen Mr Rixon Mr Collins Mr Schipp Mr Cruickshank Mr Schultz Mr Fraser Mr Small Mr Griffiths Mr Smiles Mr Hartcher Mr Smith Mr Hazzard Mr Souris Mr Humpherson Mr Tink Mr Jeffery Mr Turner Dr Kernohan Mr West Mr Kerr Mr Windsor Mr Kinross Mr Yabsley Mr Longley Mr Zammit Ms Machin Tellers, Mr Merton Mr Beck Mr Morris Mr Downy

Pairs

Mr Gibson Mr Fahey Mr Harrison Mr Glachan Mr Martin Mr W. T. J. Murray

Question so resolved in the affirmative.

Motion agreed to.

Bill read a second time and passed through remaining stages.

NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE (EMU LICENCE) AMENDMENT BILL

Second Reading

Debate resumed from 13th May.

Ms ALLAN (Blacktown) [5.55]: The National Parks and Wildlife (Emu Licence) Amendment Bill was introduced into this House by the honourable member for Murray. The Opposition has given this legislation some thought. The Opposition is concerned, and I am disappointed, that this matter is of such urgency that we have to debate it this afternoon instead of leaving it on the table for a few months until the budget session. That would normally have happened in view of the parliamentary timetable. However, I have been persuaded that it is of great consequence that we pass this legislation today, mainly by the arguments with respect to the reproductive cycle of the emu. It will allow the fledgling chick industry to emerge over the next few months. Like a lot of other creatures, emus are at their most reproductive as they go into the winter months. That has resulted in the urgency with respect to dealing with this legislation.

There has been little, if any, public consultation - certainly in the metropolitan areas - with Page 2664 respect to this issue. I have not been monitoring the rural media over the last few weeks so I am not sure about the level of debate which is occurring in that area. There has been virtually no discussion of this legislation publicly. I think the honourable member for Murray should be aware that when the media realises that the Parliament has fast-tracked this legislation and agreed to support it there will be some community outcry with respect to the eating of emus, the other half of our national coat of arms. I remind the honourable member of the debate in this Parliament and in the community with respect to the eating of kangaroo meat. I presume that this legislation has come to us as a result of a decision made in this Parliament, following the initiative of the new leader of the National Party, Ian Armstrong, that we should eat kangaroo meat in this State. This legislation has come forward by a particularly zealous local member.

This legislation vindicates many of the concerns raised by the conservation movement, in particular, during the debate on the consumption of kangaroo meat. One of the arguments - one which I and other members used during debate on that legislation - was that once the Government decided that kangaroo meat should be able to be consumed and farmed legally in this State it would open the door for other native fauna to be thrown on to the tables of restaurants and homes in this State. To vindicate that position we now have legislation with respect to emus. I am an avid reader of the good living and good food pages of some of our newspapers. Those columns have stated that emus, like kangaroos, would be great eating and that we should join other States in the emu eating industry, such as South Australia and Western Australia. I do not share the enthusiasm of those columnists for consuming either kangaroo or emu meat. I do not support the enthusiasm of the honourable member for Murray, who has introduced this legislation. I read his second reading speech and listened to his representations. I appreciate his sincerity and earnestness in introducing this legislation.

Though I am not personally infatuated with the thought of eating emu meat, many people in the community will eat it. I am sure a considerable market for this fledgling industry will be created with the passage of this legislation. Rural colleagues in my own party or on the other side of the House may have more enthusiasm for the eating of emus. However, I should warn the Government that there will be some outcry about the pace at which this legislation will pass through the Parliament. I would have preferred a broader public debate about this measure, and I am somewhat surprised that the Government has been so anxious to bring it forward. The bill has a certain inevitability, given the passage of previous legislation on the consumption of kangaroo meat, and should pass. There may have been a substantial turnaround in attitude in some sections of the community towards a high level of acceptance for this type of food. I have real reservations about approving the bill at this time, though I congratulate the honourable member for Murray on his persistence in ensuring that the bill passes through this House this evening.

Mr RIXON (Lismore) [6.2]: I speak in favour of the National Parks and Wildlife (Emu Licence) Amendment Bill. Commercial emu farming has been occurring in Western Australia since 1976 and there are now about 39 farms operating there. There are two emu farms in Queensland and one in Tasmania, and approval was given recently to farm emus in South Australia. When the industry commenced in Western Australia, that State adopted housing and management standards and licensing conditions which have been adopted in other States. To protect wild populations and to establish a secure and viable industry consistent high standards must be maintained for emu farming in all States of Australia. The emu farming industry will not and should not operate by way of culling animals from the wild. Emus that are eventually slaughtered must be birds that have been bred on farms. Licences may be issued to permit the capture of some chicks from the wild to provide breeding stock, but only under carefully controlled circumstances.

Under the provisions of the bill emu farming will become an important industry providing products such as meat for human consumption, leather, oil for specialist uses, feathers and eggs. Already emu farming is developing as a valuable industry in other Australian States and in countries such as the United States of America, so we must help the emu industry to develop in New South Wales. Not only will it provide jobs and income for the people of New South Wales, but by developing the best husbandry practices in the world we will ensure the survival of emus as a species while ever human civilisation survives. However, there is one aspect of the proposal to establish a viable emu industry in New South Wales which I wish to question, and that is the licensing fee of $5,000 per annum, as spoken of in the introductory second reading speech. It appears this cost is based on the suggestion that an officer will need to be employed, whose sole job it will be to supervise the emu industry, at a cost of $95,000 in the first year.

A breakdown of the figures reveals that the expected costs are, in the first year: salary for one senior park ranger $45,000; on-costs such as insurance and superannuation $9,000; purchase of a vehicle $20,000; running costs of a vehicle $5,000; travel costs of officer $5,000; equipment required such as computer and printer $5,000; printing of licences and brochures $3,000; miscellaneous expenses $3,000 - total operating expenses for one year $95,000. In the second and subsequent years, because a vehicle would not need to be purchased, it is suggested that operating costs will be $75,000. However, these figures are based on the premise that an entirely new section will need to be set up by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to supervise the emu industry. I question that.

I must point out that there is already in place a Page 2665 comprehensive range of services to oversee livestock industries, and they include the raising of ducks, ostriches, fowls, geese, turkeys, quails, pheasants and other birds, as well as sheep, goats, cattle, horses, and a variety of other livestock. These services, provided by such diverse organisations as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, New South Wales Agriculture, Department of Health, Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service and others, cover any normal concerns which may be raised about husbandry practices, cruelty issues, health of birds, consumer health issues, control of processing works and other matters. The only thing which makes this industry different is the need to ascertain the origins of emus being sold or processed. Were they legally raised on a farm or were they illegally taken from the wild? In this aspect the emu industry is similar to that section of the caged bird industry which breeds protected native Australian parrots and other birds. Just as we must not let a breeder claim his pair of parrots to have had 200 or some other ridiculous number of offspring in a year, similarly the emu industry must be supervised.

There is already a system in place to supervise native bird breeding. That system could supervise emu breeding. So the fee charged for a licence to breed emus should be similar to that charged for breeding other native birds. The Fauna Protection Regulations 1949 under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1947, as amended on 19th March, 1993, clearly set out the regulations for caging birds and the licence and registration fees being charged. It is interesting to note the relevant charges are: fauna dealer's licence and certificate of registration of premises $300; registration of each additional premises of a fauna dealer $150; aviary registration certificate $30 - a total of $480 each year. This is very different from the $5,000 suggested in the second reading speech. In Western Australia, which has a well regulated industry, the licence fees set could be used for comparison with those being proposed in New South Wales

The Western Australian licence fees are: emu farming licence $250; emu processing licence $300; royalty per emu processed $1.25; export or import fees per consignment of emu product $20. When one compares the New South Wales licence fee being proposed of $5,000 with the current cost of licences in New South Wales for breeding native birds totalling $480 and the Western Australian emu farming licence fee of $250, one realises why we must look closely at the cost of the emu farming licence being proposed for New South Wales. Apart from this question of the licence fee, the proposals being put forward in connection with the National Parks and Wildlife (Emu Licence) Amendment Bill will assist the development of a very valuable industry. I support the bill.

Mr SMALL (Murray) [6.9], in reply: I express appreciation to the honourable member for Lismore and also to the honourable member for Blacktown, who spoke previously on the bill. I also express gratitude to this House for acknowledging the importance of having the bill considered and passed prior to the rising of the House for the winter break. If the bill had been delayed until the spring session, certain benefits would have been lost in establishing rights for those who wish to have an emu farming licence. A lot of enthusiasm has been shown for this measure. I am pleased that the honourable member for Blacktown, the shadow minister for the environment, acknowledged that in her contribution, for up until an hour ago I was not sure if the Opposition would support the bill. Opposition members said they had not had enough time to consider the bill, but then were willing to meet and acknowledge the need for the bill to be introduced.

I spoke with the four Independents on the bill. The honourable member for Tamworth and the honourable member for South Coast stated they would support the bill but it was uncertain whether the other two Independents would support it. However, I believe they have decided now to support it. I thank the people from the National Parks and Wildlife Service who have been involved in the preparation of the bill through the Minister for the Environment, the Hon. Chris Hartcher. The second reading speech of the bill was delivered only eight or nine days ago and it is pleasing that it will be passed without amendment today. Late last year there had been about 60 inquiries about emu farming, which was an indication of the need for this legislation. The honourable member for Blacktown said that the proposal had not been given publicity in the media. That may be true of the metropolitan area but in the south and southwestern areas of the State coverage has been given to my media releases on the subject. Only three weeks ago I did a media tour. At Mungo National Park I spoke on the matter and I have addressed many meetings in my area about the introduction of the emu farming bill. There has been enormous support.

Woolgrowers and other primary producers in western areas are hurting. Many are anxious to have a second way of earning an income. In Western Australia emu farming comes under the Western Australian Department of Conservation and Land Management. In other States which permit emu farming the relevant legislation comes under the department responsible for the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The honourable member for Lismore referred to licensing fees. In my second reading speech I referred to a licence fee of $5,000. In New South Wales only one licence will be required. In Western Australia five licences are required to cover all aspects of emu farming - from breeding to human consumption. The fee of $650 in this State is far less than the $5,000 suggested. I have had many discussions with the honourable member for Lismore on this matter at meetings of the agricultural backbench committee. The fee structure of licensing should be considered to take into account the cost in the first year of establishing an emu farm. The National Parks and Wildlife Service has had 101 inquiries about emu farming, which shows the enormous interest. Perhaps licensing costs could be adjusted to help the establishment of an industry which will be of value in the future. Only Western Page 2666 Australia and Tasmania allow slaughtering of emus. Western Australia has won a contract for the supply of $7 million worth of emu meat to France over the next three years.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! The honourable member for Murray is speaking in reply. He is not at liberty to introduce new material at this stage. He may only comment on matters raised by the other two speakers in the debate.

Mr SMALL: Qantas now intends to serve emu meat on its services. I thank those who spoke in the debate and those who helped in the development of the bill. I particularly thank the Minister for the Environment and staff within his department. The industry will be of huge benefit in the future. I thank the House for its acceptance of the bill.

Motion agreed to.

Bill read a second time and passed through remaining stages.

BILLS RETURNED

The following bills were returned from the Legislative Council without amendment:

Electricity (Amendment) Bill Cattle Compensation (Amendment) Bill Constitution (Fixed Term Parliaments) Amendment Bill Police Service (Complaints, Discipline and Appeals) Amendment Bill

MINES INSPECTION (AMENDMENT) BILL

Message

Message received from the Legislative Council agreeing to the Legislative Assembly's amendments.

[Mr Speaker left the chair at 6.17 p.m. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m.]

PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT ADMINISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL

Bill read a third time.

HOMEFUND SELECT COMMITTEE (SPECIAL PROVISIONS) BILL

Suspension of certain standing and sessional orders agreed to.

Bill introduced and read a first time.

Second Reading

Mr HATTON (South Coast) [7.31]: I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

This bill has had a long and tortuous path, but will facilitate the Auditor-General and the Ombudsman making inquiries and reporting to the Select Committee upon the Operations of HomeFund and FANMAC. A committee of the lower House of Parliament was established by resolution of the House on 21st April, and its terms of reference require:

That the Auditor-General and the Ombudsman separately and in co-operation, inquire into and report upon:

(a) Rationale for the establishment of HPAF (Home Purchase Assistance Fund),

(b) Rationale for the growth of Home Purchase Assistance Fund activities, and

(c) The likely exposure of the Government flowing from these activities.

The committee acknowledges that these independent officers, who have traditional and statutory reporting links to the Parliament, have a proper role in examining the administrative and financial reporting aspects of the HomeFund scheme. The committee is not asking the Auditor-General or the Ombudsman to do the work of the members who comprise the committee, but to provide the starting point, the fact finding, uncoloured by political considerations and only in the first instance. Then the committee will carry out its functions in the normal way. To be able to do their job, as envisaged by the House, the Auditor-General and the Ombudsman have advised the committee they need certain powers not available under the provisions of their respective statutes.

The Ombudsman was written to by the committee and asked how he foresaw his role in terms of the resolution. On 29th April the Ombudsman replied and advised that there were two areas of concern which might potentially impede his investigation and the provision of a report and documents to the committee. This bill will overcome these problems by empowering the Ombudsman to furnish information and documents, and to report to the committee and the Auditor-General. The bill also provides that the Ombudsman is able to investigate conduct of a public authority with respect to the investment of the funds of the Home Purchase Assistance Fund, and conduct of the Treasury Corporation with respect to the HomeFund scheme.

Under the Ombudsman Act the Ombudsman would be excluded from investigating some areas which are essential if the committee is to understand fully the development of the HomeFund scheme. I stress that the bill does not give the Ombudsman any new jurisdiction. There is a special clause in the bill that confirms that the Ombudsman is not authorised to investigate the conduct of a person who is not a public authority within the meaning of the Act. In regard to the Auditor-General, the bill extends his functions also, but not his jurisdiction, and empowers him to furnish information, documents and reports to the committee and the Ombudsman. The Auditor-General would otherwise be able to make a final report only to the Parliament.

Other provisions in the bill ensure that the powers, protections, and immunities which normally apply to the Auditor-General and the Ombudsman under their respective Acts will apply to the joint investigation they are undertaking for the committee. For example, they will have a protection against actions in defamation. The bill does not, and the committee never intended that it should, increase the Ombudsman's nor the Auditor-General's usual powers to investigate beyond those available in a normal Page 2667 investigation or special audit. Both the Ombudsman and the Auditor-General have existing powers to investigate HomeFund. The bill permits these two officers to share documents and information and to report to the committee. I reject any suggestion that the committee will attempt to direct the Auditor-General or the Ombudsman in the approach they take to their independent inquiry. I look forward to the Premier making available whatever provisions he can outside of this bill to facilitate that.

As chairman, I have made it clear to committee members from all sides of the Parliament that I will steer a course of inquiry that will not be diverted by irrelevant political point-scoring. There is a crying need for this bill. More than $1 billion of invested funds are involved. Exposure of taxpayers funds is already hundreds of millions of dollars. Losses of taxpayers' money, as long ago as 1991-92, were recorded by the Auditor-General as $200.5 million. On page 259 of the Auditor-General's Annual Report, volume 3, of that year he states:

The Home Purchase Assistance Fund supports the FANMAC operations by meeting any shortfalls of income which the various FANMAC Trusts may incur. FANMAC and its Trusts are not audited by the Auditor-General.

The significant increase in obligations to the Special Beneficiary (FANMAC Trusts) in 1990-1991 continued in 1991-1992 and confirmed that there is major cause for concern about the operations of the Fund with respect to its growing exposure. There is also concern about the extent to which relevant FANMAC trust moneys ought to be brought into Government accounts. This Office is currently considering these matters and that consideration will be completed when the "HomeFund Review" report . . . is finalised and released.

On page 264 the Ombudsman sets out the State's liability and then makes this most significant statement:

Overall, the State's equity in the HPAF and the HPAA/FANMAC Trusts has declined by $16.9 million since 1988-89 to $631.8 million at 30 June 1992. These figures have been arrived at after allowing for the Special Beneficiary's entitlements. At the same times the HPAA loan liability to the Treasury has declined by $47.5 million.

One of the most important things he said relevant to the inquiry is:

However, the cumulative total of income shortfall entitlements by the Special Beneficiary charged to the HPAF and all the various HPAA/FANMAC Trusts in the period 1986-87 to 1991-92 inclusive, has been $200.5m. This amount represents a considerable reduction to what would have otherwise been the State's equity.

The Ombudsman is clearly signalling that there is a major exposure of taxpayers' funds and that these off-budget items are beyond his jurisdiction because he does not have an automatic right of access to the accounts to conduct a special audit. On the one hand the Government has said that it has always wanted an inquiry into HomeFund. I have had difficulty following the logic of what has happened. Using the Crown Solicitor's advice, which was sought by the committee, the Government claimed that the HomeFund committee was fatally flawed as it did not have certain powers. That was recognised in the resolution of the House which established the committee and was the whole point of asking the Government to facilitate special legislation which would give power to the two officers concerned to perform the tasks requested of them - and I emphasise "requested of them" - by the resolution of this House.

My response to the claim by the Premier that the committee was fatally flawed was clear. The committee will get there one way or the other, but the important thing is to get there in the most efficient way. Giving the Ombudsman and the Auditor-General the necessary powers will accord with the resolution of the House and, at the same time, will allow them to conduct their inquiries, which they are empowered to do at present, and report to the committee from time to time. Duplication will be avoided and the committee will have a factual base provided by independent officers on which to stand. The committee will then be able to do what it has to do using the powers of a parliamentary committee.

However, things then became ridiculous. Government members of the committee suggested that the committee could not meet with the Auditor-General and the Ombudsman because the Crown Solicitor had advised that those officers could not report to the committee. Fortunately, the majority of the committee agreed that the Auditor-General and the Ombudsman should be asked to attend a parliamentary committee meeting, as they have done in relation to other parliamentary committees, including the Public Accounts Committee, for a discussion. We wanted them to tell us about their practical, legislative and administrative problems. Also, we wanted to know of their concerns and how the committee could work with their offices.

The Ombudsman and the Auditor-General responded with alacrity. I spoke with both officers on the telephone. They were delighted to be given the opportunity to work with the committee. They attended the meeting, which lasted for almost three and a half hours. The Deputy Ombudsman was subjected to a shocking cross-examination by the honourable member for Gordon. I was embarrassed. However, as chairman I took the view that all the anxiety should come out and that the matter should be settled after everyone had had their say. That is what happened. Government members of the committee had previously objected to me being the chairperson; they perceived a bias. I will not become involved in that political debate. I clearly stated in the public arena that the committee will not be a point-scoring exercise. If the reports of the committee prove I am wrong, I will apologise.

I made my decision and stated it on the floor of the House in relation to the motion concerning the former Minister for Housing, now the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing. I stand by that decision. But if the fact-finding mission on which the committee has been sent finds that the circumstances are different, obviously I will be called upon to take some action. Government members objected also to the honourable member for Heffron being a member of the committee. I was involved, in trying to negotiate the setting up of the police committee, in Page 2668 questions which arose about whether it was appropriate for the Hon. S. B. Mutch to serve on that committee. The distinction I made, which I want to put on the record now, is that I did that as a backbench member. I understand the reasons put forward by Government members on the committee; I am tolerant of that approach and respect them for it. As the chairman of the committee, I could see that the minute I accepted the submission of the Government members and called upon the Leader of the Opposition to ask the honourable member for Heffron to stand down, I would be in an impossible position. The Labor Party might then for some reason ask another member of the committee to stand down.

I was not prepared to become involved in that. I distanced myself from it and indicated that the place to resolve it was on the floor of the House because the resolution provided that the nominees to the committee would be chosen by the Leader of the Opposition. All of that has now passed. The committee has settled down to work harmoniously. I am grateful for the co-operation of all members in that regard. Hearing dates have been drawn up; a list of possible witnesses has been compiled. Two dates have been set in June for the committee to get on with its work. The Auditor-General and the Ombudsman have signalled their willingness to work with the committee. Prior to this legislation they had set up a task force; they had commenced work on their own. They have advised the committee of their plan of investigation, their limitations and their legal problems. It is now imperative that this legislation pass through the House so the committee can get on with its task.

The Premier responded by letter and agreed to facilitate the introduction of the necessary legislation to overcome the legal problems but, understandably, would not commit the Government to vote for the legislation. He has honoured that agreement. That is why I, as a private member, have introduced the legislation rather than the Government. An extraordinary thing then happened and there was an attack on the committee in the upper House. I will have a little more to say about that later. The Premier again offered to act as a post-box for the committee and to facilitate its work without the legislation. I gave that considerable thought overnight and pointed out the next day that certain key problems were involved. The committee would still not be able to obtain access to the Treasury Corporation and FANMAC. I sincerely thank FANMAC for letters offering full co-operation and for the documents already sent to the committee. However, if FANMAC had decided halfway through the investigation that it did not want to proceed further down the track, the committee could have been faced with a Supreme Court action. Halfway through its investigation it would have no power to continue and the whole thing would be a mess.

It would not facilitate the Auditor-General who needs power under this legislation to look at FANMAC; it would not protect the Auditor-General from defamation; it would not allow the Auditor-General or the Ombudsman to report to this committee; it would not allow them, because of the confidentiality provisions of the Ombudsman's Act, to work together in the way they wanted to work together, and to employ a common officer. One of the things the committee has done is to ask the Auditor-General to provide a senior member of his staff to act as a project officer for the committee. The Auditor-General has done that and the costs of that will be charged to the committee at a daily rate. It is a very cheap way of getting expert advice to the committee and of having a common bond between the Auditor-General's work and the committee's work. That is a very sound basis for the committee to work.

Concern was expressed in the upper House that in some way the resolution of this House would interfere with the independence of the Auditor-General and the Ombudsman. I take that very, very seriously. There is no way in the world that I would want to interfere with that independence. I considered that we had not done that and could not do that - and under this bill we cannot do it. I sought an assurance in writing from both officers. I will read the Auditor-General's response:

In respect of your telephone request today it is the opinion of this Office that the proposed Bill does not affect the independence of the Auditor-General nor could it be used as a means to direct the Auditor-General to conduct functions outside the definition of the Bill. The proposed Bill authorises the Auditor-General to conduct certain functions rather than perform such other functions on request or direction of the Select Committee.

The Ombudsman responded as follows:

I refer to your letter of 20 May, 1993, and provide the following advice to your specific questions:

1. There are no provisions in the above legislation which interfere with the independence of the Ombudsman's Office.

2. There are no provisions in the Bill which would allow the Select Committee, or any other body, to direct the Ombudsman in the exercise of his functions. In particular, I note that the effect of Clause 4 (1) of the Bill is, in part, to treat the Select Committee as if it were a complainant for the purposes of the Ombudsman's Act. A complainant is not able to direct the Ombudsman in the exercise of his functions and the discretions which the Ombudsman has under Section 13 of the Ombudsman Act are preserved.

They were very clear indications. Tonight the Government will move an amendment which I am happy to accept. It is a belt and braces amendment that, if there was any lingering doubt, puts the question beyond doubt. That amendment is headed "Independence not affected" and reads:

Nothing in this Act affects in any way the independence or any independent discretion of the Ombudsman or the Auditor-General or requires either of them to exercise any functions or to undertake any additional functions.

I hope that that will satisfy the very proper concerns that have been expressed in another place and elsewhere. The upper House debate quoted the late Hon. John Maddison, the Hon. Ron Mulock and the Hon. Frank Walker in regard to the independence of that office. I totally agree with those quotations and with the fact that they were made on a bipartisan basis. I want to deal with another matter: whether the Page 2669 Public Accounts Committee is the appropriate body. The fact is that we are acting under a resolution of the House and so the committee is involved in that process only. However, from my personal viewpoint, I was disappointed with the way the Public Accounts Committee dealt with the Port Macquarie hospital matter. I was personally of the view - and that is why I voted for the resolution in its present form - that it could be handled by another committee. It was tawdry for some members in another place to say that we were seeking to have the Ombudsman and the Auditor-General do our work for us.

The roles of the Ombudsman and the Auditor-General are to make use of their expertise, independence, reputation and standing, and to avoid duplication. The fact is that they are making inquiries anyway, and they want to work with the committee. It would be a long, tortuous, messy way to hold such a far-reaching inquiry if the committee were to conduct it totally on its own and not take advantage of those two offices. The way I see the situation is that the Ombudsman and the Auditor-General with their expertise - conducting this special audit, in the case of the Auditor-General; and investigation, in the case of the Ombudsman - can reach in, because they know what to look for, where to go, and whom to talk to. They do it all in a quiet, logical and non-political way. I believe that is to be preferred.

What the Ombudsman and the Auditor-General cannot do, we have to do in an open and, some might say, political way - for there are bound to be questions asked on both sides - in an open process when the parliamentary committee examines witnesses. There is already a considerable list of witnesses. The committee is in the process of scrutinising those witnesses to see which ones we should start the work of the committee with by examining immediately. I made it very clear - and I make it clear for the Hansard record, and I have said this to the committee - that a parliamentary committee must work harmoniously; and members of the committee are now doing that. If witnesses are subjected to political point-scoring, rather than being examined on the facts, I will do my best as chairman to intervene. However, it is a two-way process.

I warn the members of the committee that a witness also has privileges. If witnesses are subjected to tawdry point-scoring, to vilification or unfair tactics, the witness could bite back, and I will not intervene. I do not honestly believe that will happen. But I put that on the record because the game will be played straight. I believe everyone understands that that is what will happen. It happened with the police committee which examined many witnesses; there was some very tough questioning, and the process was carried out in the way that it had to be.

I emphasise that the Auditor-General and the Ombudsman need and want the protection afforded by this legislation. This legislation will put those questions beyond doubt. I believe that is important. I could go through the solicitor's advice and answer it point by point, but I will not do that. My objective was to put the history of this matter on record, so that people know exactly what the situation is. I welcome the offer that was made in private by the Premier: that he will give full co-operation. By his actions in facilitating the passage of this legislation through all stages he has honoured that commitment. I thank him for that. I believe people have nothing to fear from a parliamentary committee which is working in a professional and logical way within the terms of reference that have been set.

I turn now to the provisions of the bill. Clause 1 specifies the short title of the Act. Clause 2 provides for the commencement of the proposed Act on assent. Clause 3 reads: "defines certain expressions (in particular "Auditor-General's functions", "Ombudsman's functions", "Select Committee" and "Special Resolution")" for the purposes of the proposed Act. Clause 4 extends the functions of the Ombudsman with respect to matters within the select committee's terms of reference under the special resolution. The clause empowers the Ombudsman to furnish information, documents and reports to the select committee and to the Auditor-General, whose functions are being similarly extended as referred to in clause 5. The clause provides that, for the purposes of the proposed Act, conduct of a public authority with respect to the investment of the Home Purchase Assistance Fund, and conduct of the Treasury Corporation with respect to the HomeFund scheme, are taken not to be conduct of a class described in clause 14 of schedule 1 to the Ombudsman Act 1974, and that clause 14 of that schedule is taken to be amended accordingly. This provision is intended to allow the Ombudsman to investigate conduct of a kind that would otherwise be excluded from investigations under that Act.

The clause provides that it is to be read as if it formed part of the Ombudsman Act 1974, so that the functions and immunities conferred by the Ombudsman Act 1974 and the Defamation Act 1974 with respect to matters arising under the Ombudsman Act 1974 apply equally to any matter with respect to which the Ombudsman exercises the Ombudsman's functions under the proposed section. Clause 5 extends the functions of the Auditor-General with respect to matters within the select committee's terms of reference under the special resolution. The clause empowers the Auditor-General to conduct a special audit of all or any particular activities of an authority under division 2A and part 3 of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983, for the purpose of investigating any such matter and to furnish information, documents and reports to the select committee and the Ombudsman, whose functions are being similarly extended, as referred to in clause 4.

The clause also provides that it is to be read as if it formed part of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983, so that the functions and immunities conferred by the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 and the Defamation Act 1974 with respect to matters arising under the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 apply equally to any matter with respect to which the Auditor-General exercises the Auditor-General's Page 2670 functions under the proposed section. Clause 6 provides for the expiry of the proposed Act on 31st December, 1993. That is an important part of the record for the legal interpretation of this Act.

To ensure that we operate efficiently, I have had discussions with Justice Rogers and Helen Bower, his assistant, as to how best the HomeFund Commissioner can work with and separately from the parliamentary committee. In all matters privacy will be respected where necessary by the committee. Letters, cases and approaches more appropriately handled by Justice Rogers will be transferred to him, and similarly matters that he receives which could have an effect on the operations of the parliamentary committee will be transferred to it. There will be open lines of communication and full co-operation. The committee has held back its advertisement so that the special commissioner has an opportunity to establish his office. This will prevent the advertisement attracting potentially thousands of HomeFund borrowers to the committee only to be referred to Justice Rogers in his capacity as special commissioner. I have given the committee a report on that matter and arrangements are suitably in place for this close co-operation. There will be matters which the commissioner and the committee will have to deal with because they come within our responsibilities.

As I have said, I would not release a copy of the bill until the committee had seen draft copies of it and I would not release correspondence until the committee had seen that correspondence. That may have contributed to some of the misunderstanding in the upper House and some of the statements made. I hope that with the Premier's amendments and the statements I have made it is recognised that this bill is appropriate and does not cause problems for the Ombudsman and the Auditor-General and will facilitate the exercise of the functions of the committee as empowered by the resolution of the Leader of the House. I commend the bill.

Mr FAHEY (Southern Highlands - Premier, and Treasurer) [8.6]: I listened with great interest to what the honourable member for South Coast said in relation to the background of this bill. It is clear to all honourable members that the Government does not support the inquiry being conducted under the chairmanship of the honourable member for South Coast. This Government has been and will continue to be open and to ensure that the public is fully aware of matters that involve the Government and taxpayers' money. We do not support the inquiry because we believe that the Public Accounts Committee in an amended form would be eminently qualified, and there is precedent for it to conduct such inquiries. When this matter was argued on another occasion the honourable member for South Coast made it abundantly clear that he believed there was a need for a special committee. A resolution was passed by this House, and the Government acknowledges that resolution.

The honourable member for South Coast said that I believed the committee was fundamentally flawed. I believe it is fundamentally flawed because the role that one of the members of the committee plays as spokesperson for the Opposition, the honourable member for Heffron, and the role that she has taken upon herself in respect of HomeFund exposes her and her staff to being prime witnesses before the inquiry. I believe that an inquiry cannot have as one of its members someone who must be called at some point in time as a witness or where members of that person's staff who have a vital interest and who have in the past played a role in HomeFund might be called. In such circumstances one could argue, with a fair degree of logic and support from the community, that such a member of the committee could not support the findings of the committee as being impartial. The honourable member for South Coast said that there was some doubt or criticism of his chairmanship. I have told him that is a matter for him as chairman. It puts considerable pressure on him, but I am sure he is capable of accepting that pressure and working hard to overcome any suggestions that a decision previously made by him might impair his judgment in further deliberations.

It is in those circumstances that the Government does not support this inquiry. However, the Government recognises that the inquiry will take place. In discussions with the honourable member for South Coast and with my coalition colleagues I have always acknowledged that point. The question then arose as to how a committee of this House might conduct the inquiry. Was the work to be done by the members of the committee, with the aid of whoever might be appropriate? Or was the work to be done by some government statutory authorities - namely, the Ombudsman and the Auditor-General?

A precedent was set, as was the wish of the committee and the wish of the honourable member for South Coast. However, that precedent concerned the members of the other place. A debate took place in that Chamber one or two days ago with respect to this. A select committee was being changed in a way that the Parliament had never experienced before. Another concern of members, including those on the crossbenches, was that Parliament consists of both Houses and the term "the will of the Parliament" refers to a resolution of both Houses on most matters - and certainly on a matter involving the establishment of a committee. The fact is that this is a committee of only one House. I will not repeat the words of members of the other House. It is believed that the inquiry will be flawed because the honourable member for Heffron is a member. There will be considerable scrutiny of any of its findings.

I refer to the role that could have been played by the Ombudsman and the Auditor-General. Some reference has been made to Crown law officers and the advice that they provided. Whether that advice is accepted by members of the committee is irrelevant; it is up to all of us to accept or reject the advice of lawyers. The Parliament has the right to override such advice anyway, even if members of a committee Page 2671 have accepted it. There was a question in relation to advice that was provided to the committee and the Government. At the request of the Attorney General certain matters were raised by Government committee members. Those matters were discussed with me - the fact that the honourable member for Heffron was a member of the committee and the Crown law advice. No further issues were raised with me by committee members with respect to points made when the committee met.

Having made those points, it is my wish - as I have told Government members of the committee - that the committee proceed in the manner in which the honourable member for South Coast has indicated that it should; that is, in an orderly and constructive fashion. I believe that the three Government members - the honourable member for Coffs Harbour, the honourable member for Ku-ring-gai and the honourable member for Gordon - will contribute to ensuring that the committee finds the background to HomeFund. Whatever that may lead to, it is the wish of the Government to see that that occurs. There will be an inquiry. The Government does not fear that inquiry - it is inevitable. We are accountable, and we must always be accountable for the actions we take in government. There are no exceptions. It would concern me greatly if this committee was designed to deliver some form of evidence which simply added emphasis to the motion of no confidence moved against the former Minister for Housing. At the same time, if those facts emerge it is beyond my control. I do not seek to hide those facts. I was acting Minister for Housing for about a month shortly before becoming Premier and Treasurer.

From the outset the Government has been concerned that borrowers who experience difficulties are given some attention. That is why the McMurtrie and Mant inquiries were undertaken at my request. The findings of the McMurtrie inquiry are open and conclusive. I would have difficulty understanding how different findings could occur because of the effort and work of Mr McMurtrie and those who assisted him. If it is the wish of the committee, as it appears to be, to go back to the start - from 1986 onwards - of this funding for low income borrowers, so be it. The committee can look at the circumstances, including the economy and how it impacted upon the borrowers and lenders over that seven years. Again, that is a matter for the committee.

A select committee of the Parliament has been established to examine HomeFund. I believe that the Public Accounts Committee should have been the committee to investigate this matter. It is a shame that we have walked away from a committee which is part and parcel of this Parliament - there are only one or two which, in my view, have done an extremely good job. The honourable member for South Coast had a right to disagree on the Port Macquarie hospital issue. However, why was a committee which is established permanently in this Parliament ignored and a special committee established as a result of the concerns of the honourable member for South Coast? This bill seeks to do three things. It seeks to cover those who will be conducting the inquiry under the defamation laws. No one can argue with that. Those people are obviously working in an honest fashion and ought to have that protection. I would have thought that because they are employees of the Crown that protection would be automatic, irrespective of the independence of the -

Mr Knight: That is not what the Crown Solicitor said.

Mr FAHEY: I would have thought that might be the case. If there was any doubt about that, if they were doing their job honestly, I believe that the Government would have given an ex gratia coverage in such circumstances. The bill also relates to the reporting powers which seem to have been the subject of discussion today. The Auditor-General and the Ombudsman are responsible, in the first case, to the Parliament and, in the second case, to the Minister. The Ombudsman reports to the Minister whose portfolio responsibility is the subject-matter of the inquiry. In turn, the Minister is then obliged to table the report in Parliament. The Auditor-General reports directly to the Parliament.

This committee requires that dialogue and interface be much closer. It requires the opportunity and ability to go directly to the Auditor-General and to the Ombudsman instead of going through the roundabout process whereby the report would go from the committee to the Minister for Housing and then through the Parliament. I accept that that process will probably require legislation to ensure that there is no unnecessary delay. I have discussed this with the honourable member for South Coast. It was within that context that the Government agreed to allow the committee to get on with its work. The Government is concerned that the integrity of both the Ombudsman and the Auditor-General may have been affected by this one-off arrangement for one committee because there is a sunset clause in this legislation. It expires at the end of this year. It was within that context that the Government had concerns about supporting the legislation.

Nevertheless, on the basis of an amendment which I propose to move during the Committee stage, the Government is satisfied that that integrity can be maintained in the circumstances. Discretion - that is an important word - will be maintained at all times by the Ombudsman and the Auditor-General. They will not be the subject of directions if their discretions suggest that their roles, their powers and their responsibilities under their substantive Acts suggest that they should deny or disagree with any direction that may be given. In those circumstances I believe that the amendment the Government will move in the Committee stage will overcome the difficulty that the Government had in that regard.

I could comment on a number of issues raised by the honourable member for South Coast. I am pleased to hear that there has been liaison with former Mr Justice Rogers, who has a specific power as commissioner with respect to the HomeFund Page 2672 borrowers, to see whether matters can be looked at properly, expeditiously and relief given where there is a legitimate basis for such relief. That is the Government's concern; it has always been my concern. It is difficult to determine who is genuinely disadvantaged. There are perhaps those who have not made any effort to meet their payments and have got into difficulty. In many instances people have got into difficulty due to reasons beyond their control, such as loss of employment, et cetera - which applies to so many borrowers, particularly in a recession, whether they happen to be HomeFund borrowers or borrowers from any other bank or building society.

The Government does not wish to walk away from this. I should have thought it is clear, especially since I have had responsibility in this area, that the Government has tried to facilitate relief to those borrowers, recognising the capacity of the Government to come in and support one type of borrower, that is a HomeFund borrower, versus any other type of borrower. There are many out there who are in enormous difficulties for the simple fact they have lost employment due to the recession or other reasons. How does one judge whether one person is entitled to benefits as against others? That decision has always been extraordinarily difficult for a government to make, notwithstanding compassion and sympathy for people who get into difficulties. The Government, in the circumstances I have outlined, will not support the bill. I repeat that I do not believe this is the way to deal with the bill. The Government is fairly strong in the belief that this matter was always eminently eligible to have been dealt with by the Public Accounts Committee. But the House has spoken on that matter and we accept the reality that the inquiry will occur. In those circumstances the Government will honour its undertaking to the honourable member for South Coast.

Mr KNIGHT (Campbelltown) [8.22]: The bill gives effect to clause 5 of the original resolution, which this House carried on 20th April, setting up the Select Committee on HomeFund and FANMAC. This proposed legislation was essential to enable the inquiry to proceed properly and expeditiously. I am pleased that the Government tonight, albeit reluctantly, is acknowledging that reality and finally supporting the legislation. Clause 5 of the original resolution of the House referred to certain matters that are dealt with in the bill. Clauses 2, 3 and 4 of the resolution dealt with activities that the House charged the Ombudsman and Auditor-General with responsibility for. Clause 5 charged the committee:

To ensure the effectiveness of paragraphs (2), (3) and (4) that the Government sponsor legislation, if necessary, to have in place within two weeks the necessary measures for the Auditor-General and the Ombudsman to fulfil their obligations to the Committee.

That is what the bill does, albeit with twice as long a timetable as that envisaged in the resolution of the House. In recent weeks we have seen quite extraordinary behaviour from the Government in regard to this matter. First, the Attorney General, the Hon. John Hannaford, was waving around in the upper House a Crown Solicitor's opinion, which other members were waving around in other venues, saying it was impossible for the Ombudsman and the Auditor-General to work with the committee. Though I accepted the bona fides of his legal advice I was a little disappointed that the committee chairman on behalf of the committee wrote to the Crown Solicitor asking two questions: First, "Can you tell me are there any impediments?" and, second, "How do we get around fixing them?"

The Crown Solicitor was very good at setting out the impediments but provided no information or advice on how to get around them, though the committee has since been able to find its own way around them, with the help of the Parliamentary Counsel, the Ombudsman and the Auditor-General. Then we had the bizarre situation of the Premier maintaining for the past week that he would, in honouring clause 5 of the resolution of the House, facilitate the introduction of the legislation, but that he would oppose the legislation that he was going to facilitate the introduction of. That seemed quite bizarre in terms of the original clause of the resolution. Either he should go along with it or not, instead of employing this strange hybrid in saying, "I will help to get the bill in but then vote against it".

Perhaps the strangest piece of Government behaviour occurred on Wednesday in the upper House when there was a quite vitriolic debate by Government members opposing any involvement of the Auditor-General or the Ombudsman in the select committee set up by the lower House. Let me make this clear: the Auditor-General wants to conduct this inquiry and wants to work with the committee; the Ombudsman wants to conduct this inquiry and wants to work with the committee. Neither of these officers see any threat to their independence in the process which was put in place by this House on 20th April and which is facilitated by the bill now being considered. But they need this legislation to enable them to co-operate fully and to enable them to be protected in that process. There are at least four main reasons why they need this legislation. First, they need it to enable the inquiry to proceed. The chairman of FANMAC has indicated that FANMAC is prepared to co-operate with the inquiry. The Premier indicated that FANMAC is willing to co-operate with the inquiry, though I must say that the Premier on behalf of the Government is a minority shareholder in FANMAC, has no right to make that decision for FANMAC and indeed cannot force it to comply.

But if FANMAC finds, as the honourable member for South Coast indicated, that the inquiry gets a bit too hot half-way through, there is no basis on which the Auditor-General or the Ombudsman can continue their inquiries should FANMAC say it wants to call a halt to the inquiries. They need this legislation tonight to give them the power to conduct an inquiry. Second, they need the legislation to give them protection in conducting that inquiry. Even if an outside body such as FANMAC were to co-operate, the Auditor-General and the Ombudsman, based on Page 2673 the opinion of the Crown Solicitor, would be acting outside their charter, albeit with the co-operation of the organisation they are investigating. Once they are acting outside their charter, the Crown Solicitor argues, they no longer have the protections that apply when they operate within their charter. In crude terms, they could be sued by anyone in FANMAC for defamation, even though FANMAC agreed to co-operate with the inquiry.

Third, they need this piece of legislation so they can work together. As the Crown Solicitor says, they cannot even give a joint report to the select committee of Parliament under the present legislation. The Ombudsman and the Auditor-General have indicated to the committee, and quite publicly, that they have set up a task force jointly run by the Deputy Ombudsman, John Pinnock, and the Deputy Auditor-General, Dick Bible. They have a joint working group of various staff, they have a secure location, and they have a special safe to store the documentation in, yet they cannot report jointly to the committee without a change in the legislation. Finally, they need this legislation so that they can report to the committee. As the Premier mentioned in his contribution tonight, he does not accept that the two statutory officers cannot report to the committee that they are meant to be co-operating with, without a change in the legislation. That is farcical.

The bill is limited in scope, it is limited in time, and it is limited to this inquiry. It is therefore a most sensible piece of legislation. The only people who would oppose such an obvious and sensible piece of legislation are those who have something to hide. Earlier today we saw what happens to a government that attempts to cover up. In the end, not only does truth win out but someone suffers for the cover-up and pays a heavy price for it. I am pleased that the Government has had a change in heart on how it will vote tonight. However, as any person who listened to the Premier's speech would know, the Government has had no change of mind on how it thinks about this matter. The Premier's speech essentially was a repudiation of the legislation, though the Premier is going to vote for it and indeed will procure passage of it through the upper House. One wonders about the reason for that change of behaviour, especially when it is not accompanied by a change in attitude.

It is certainly, I must accept, not a result of my persuasive arguments tonight or on any other occasion in favour of the legislation. It comes down to one very simple factor. I thought the honourable member for South Coast was unduly modest in his contribution tonight, just as the Premier was unduly evasive. There is one reason and one reason only the legislation is passing through the Parliament. The three non-aligned Independents said to the Premier: "We can get this legislation through the lower House with the support of the Opposition, but unless you get this legislation through the upper House we will vote against the adjournment of the lower House. We will force the lower House to sit continuously unless you procure passage of this legislation through the upper House".

The Government was faced with either continuous sittings of the Parliament - something the Opposition would be very comfortable with - or defeat of the adjournment motion, which could easily precipitate an election. The Opposition would be even more comfortable with that. So for about 24 hours there was a stand-off between the Premier and the non-aligned Independents. The whole House waited. Business was disrupted while we waited to see who would blink first. I pay tribute to the non-aligned Independents for showing the courage of their convictions. I am happy - with reservations; I would not have minded the outcome being an election - that the Government caved in. I paraphrase the words of the honourable member for Vaucluse in the Australian earlier in the week: the Premier clearly decided it was better to live on his knees than die on his feet.

I turn to what the Premier said about the honourable member for Heffron. She is at a very important function that she must attend tonight. On her behalf I repudiate the comments by the Premier and his attack on her integrity. There would be no inquiry at all without the activities, the dedication and the persistence of the honourable member for Heffron. It was she alone, even within my own party, from the beginning who took up the cause of HomeFund borrowers. It was she who convinced us of the rightness of the case. It was she who convinced the media. It was she who first took the matter to the non-aligned Independents. It was she who brought the matter forward many times in the Parliament and suffered abuse from Ministers for doing so. Without her there would be no inquiry. It is outrageous for the Premier to say that the very person who brought about the inquiry, who knows most about it, who has the greatest conviction to solve the problem, should not be on the inquiry. He has said that she is biased.

Indeed, Government members have attacked the honourable member for South Coast chairing the committee, arguing that he is biased. I feel a little left out. I am on the committee and I am totally biased and I did not even rate an attack from the Government. I am biased against the Government in this Chamber, just as Government members are biased for the Government in this Chamber. But this inquiry will not be decided by bias. I make no apologies for hoping that the Auditor-General and the Ombudsman will uncover material that will bring the Government down; just as the honourable member for Ku-ring-gai and the honourable member for Gordon would make no apologies for hoping that there is no such information to find. That is our bias. But what this inquiry will turn on is not the biases of members of the committee but whether the information is there to be found. Tonight we have set in train a process which gives free rein to the Auditor-General and the Ombudsman to see what information is there. We will live with what is found and the Government will live or die by what is found. It is a matter of fact; not a matter of bias. Finally, in spite of a little bit of feet-dragging from the Premier, we hope there is a new spirit of co-operation, certainly after some of the tensions that there were in the committee to begin Page 2674 with. There has been a better working relationship over recent days. We look forward to co-operation from the Government and from committee members. We look forward to seeing a number of Government Ministers as witnesses, including the Premier.

Mr O'Doherty: And a few old faces as well: Frank Walker -

Mr KNIGHT: I hope that the Premier is as forthcoming when he is asked to appear before the committee as former Minister for Housing Frank Walker has indicated to me that he certainly will be forthcoming. He will be here with bells on. It has been a long week in a distressingly short session. I will not ask for an extension of time. The Opposition recognises that it is going out at the end of the week on a high. We look forward to the upper House putting into practice the Premier's commitment given to the honourable member for South Coast to pass the bill before the adjournment of the House.

Mr FRASER (Coffs Harbour) [8.35]: I wish to put a few things on record, as the honourable member for South Coast has said he wants to put a few things on record tonight. I reiterate what the Premier said this evening. I do not believe this committee was necessary. I have stated that in the committee. The process that was alluded to in the motion put to the House could have been carried out by the Public Accounts Committee, which would have had the authority to do what this committee has been established to do. This bill seeks to change the Acts relating to the Ombudsman and the Auditor-General to enable the committee to act. To me that is a conundrum because the committee does have the power in itself. That was admitted by the Ombudsman and the Auditor-General when they came to a committee meeting recently. The Public Accounts Committee could have done the job just as well as this committee, if not better, with its existing powers.

I reiterate to the honourable member for South Coast and the honourable member for Campbelltown that the resolution was of this House, not of the Parliament. The honourable member for South Coast put out a press release claiming that it was a resolution of the Parliament. I have been appointed to the committee and I intend to work for the benefit of the people who may have been disadvantaged by HomeFund. The political run scoring by the Opposition concerns me greatly. I raised my concerns with the honourable member for South Coast when I wrote to him on 28th April. That letter has been sent to the committee. It states in part:

It would appear that the member for Heffron may be called by the Committee to give evidence or, alternatively, two of her employees, Mr Peter O'Keeffe and Mrs Susan Kennedy, both of whom are former executives who negotiated HomeFund loans. On this basis, there would be a conflict of interest with Mrs Grusovin and I would therefore request that you seek advice of the Clerk as to whether this will alter the procedural nature of the Committee and whether this would invalidate the honourable member for Heffron's vote on any issue.

I also moved in the committee that the honourable member for South Coast approach the Leader of the Opposition to remove the honourable member for Heffron because I believe she will be called as a witness. I will be insisting that she be called. She has been heavily involved. The honourable member for Campbelltown may be called as well. The situation is a travesty of natural justice. I do not believe anyone in her position can hear evidence and deliberate and adjudicate on it and come up with a fair result - from her own evidence or from that of her employees and advisers. I believe that could bias the committee from the start. I believe the Independents intended the committee to be fair. We do not want bias. The Opposition is trying to score political points. I have given an undertaking to the Premier that I will not speak for long because the House's time is valuable. My colleague the honourable member for Gordon wishes to speak in the debate. I bring to the attention of the House concerns I have about the passing of information between the HomeFund Commissioner and the select committee and vice versa. We must be very careful with this. It was not intended in the motion establishing the select committee. It is the committee's role to adjudicate on the operations of FANMAC and HomeFund as set out in the motion. That is where we should head. If a problem is identified and brought to the attention of the House and the Government, it should be adjudicated on in a fair and just manner.

It is my belief that the Crown Solicitor's advice was that the Auditor-General and the Ombudsman did not have the power to act. I am concerned that we, as a Parliament, are seeking to pass legislation to allow the Ombudsman and the Auditor-General to act contrary to the provisions of the Acts that relate to them. We must be careful not to set such a dangerous precedent. We must ensure that select committees of this House do not ask public officials such as the Auditor-General and the Ombudsman to act contrary to legislation that governs them. Though I will co-operate fully with other members of the committee to do right by the HomeFund borrowers, I believe that it was not necessary to set up a select committee specifically for this purpose; another avenue was available to the Parliament.

Mr KINROSS (Gordon) [8.41]: This legislation is unprecedented in the history of this Parliament. It seeks to increase the powers of the Auditor-General and Ombudsman beyond those that the Parliament, after due consideration - in 1974 in relation to the Ombudsman - decided were relevant and adequate. Not only is the legislation unprecedented but so too are the structure and composition of the committee. I echo the concerns expressed by the Premier and the honourable member for Coffs Harbour about the involvement of the honourable member for Heffron on the committee. The fundamental concern is not only that her presence means that on the committee will be the prosecutor and a witness but that the prosecutor and the witness will also be the judge and jury. What does that say for the objectivity of the committee and the objectivity of the Opposition - if there be any. In Page 2675 1990 the Independent Commission Against Corruption set out in its annual report three fundamental tenets for those appointed as public officials - their integrity and understanding of community attitudes. I suggest the latter of the three is not being upheld by the honourable member for Heffron, who has insisted that she remain a member of the committee. It states:

The appearance of impartiality should be respected and maintained as well as impartiality in fact.

The commissioner saw fit to include reference to that in his annual report. The presence of the honourable member for Heffron on the committee is of fundamental concern to us all. I have taken the opportunity to discuss with the honourable member for South Coast clause 4(2) of the bill, which provides:

For the purpose of exercising the Ombudsman's functions under this section, the Ombudsman is further authorised to furnish information, documents and reports to the Select Committee and to the Auditor-General in connection with any such matter.

The Ombudsman has made many submissions to, and has already appeared before, the committee. In his submission of 11th May the Ombudsman said:

Accordingly the Ombudsman proposes that the report to the committee will take the form of a summary of evidence, a normal step in any investigation conducted by the Ombudsman together with all relevant documents and statements -

And I commend what follows to the honourable member for Bligh and the honourable member for Manly, who are not in the Chamber tonight:

- to take the form of a summary of evidence with all relevant documents and statements but without any commentary, findings or recommendations.

Those latter words will be for the committee to adjudicate upon. The Ombudsman, in his own words, has suggested that it would be entirely inappropriate for him to provide any "commentary, findings or recommendations to the select committee". I should have thought it would be appropriate if those words were included as an amendment to this bill - then at least the members of the committee would know that the Ombudsman is not expected to provide any commentary, findings or recommendations. After all, that is what his own submission to the committee states. The obvious reason is that the Court of Appeal in New South Wales found that a fundamental error existed in the way the Independent Commission Against Corruption similarly functioned. It found that the ICAC had erred.

I should have thought that this House and the taxpayers of New South Wales would demand that a bipartisan approach be adopted by members of parliamentary committees in their deliberations. I should have thought the appropriate recommendation to parliamentary committees would be to limit reporting to factual matter, and not to conclusions and findings in relation to which it is appropriate "for the committee to adjudicate". It seems that this legislation, should it be agreed to, will require the committee to give consideration to its role when it is trying to function in uncharted waters. It is unfortunate that the committee will be more uncertain of its role while the honourable member for Heffron remains on that committee.

Mr J. H. Murray: Those words will come to haunt you.

Mr KINROSS: The words, contrary to what the honourable member for Drummoyne has said, will come to haunt the member for Heffron. It is not necessary to spend large sums of money; it could have been done for free, for all intents and purposes. The Public Accounts Committee could have conducted an inquiry into this legislation. It would have been objective and impartial - to adopt the words used by the ICAC. A fundamental flaw does exist, and it will remain for so long as the honourable member for Heffron is a member of the committee.

Mr HATTON (South Coast) [8.48], in reply: I thank the Premier, the honourable member for Gordon and the honourable member for Campbelltown for their contributions. I look forward to this committee being up and running and working in a truly bipartisan and constructive way. It is quite clear that the committee will be efficient and economical. Even if the inquiry were to be conducted by the Public Accounts Committee, it certainly would not be done for free. The Auditor-General is to make no charge to the committee. There will be no charge for the special audit; however, there will be for the seconded officer. The Ombudsman has submitted his budget to the committee and negotiations are taking place about that. In response to the matters raised by the honourable member for Gordon: the Ombudsman and the Auditor-General believe that this legislation is appropriate. I will leave it to their good judgment as to how they will report to the committee, with all the principles of natural justice and propriety as they dictate.

Motion agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

In Committee

New Clause 6

Mr FAHEY (Southern Highlands - Premier, and Treasurer) [8.50]: I move:

Page 4, after line 22, insert:

Independence not affected

6. Nothing in this Act affects in any way the independence or any independent direction of the Ombudsman or the Auditor-General or requires either of them to exercise any functions or to undertake any additional functions.

I have already dealt with the purpose of seeking to have this amendment inserted in the bill. The amendment is designed to ensure that the independence of the Ombudsman and the Auditor-General is not compromised by their involvement in the select committee. It is important that they retain the right to act as they see fit in relation to their roles in the inquiry. The committee should not be able to direct these officers to do anything they regard as inappropriate or anything they consider might Page 2676 compromise their positions. It would be a cause for great concern if these officers were politicised in the process of assisting the select committee. The amendment is aimed at preventing that. I believe that is the intention of the honourable member for South Coast. The amendment will ensure that these officers retain their independence. It should be understood by all, not merely the committee, that that is the wish of the House in seeking the assistance of the Ombudsman and the Auditor-General in this inquiry. I commend the amendment.

Mr HATTON (South Coast) [8.52]: I totally endorse the comments made by the Premier. I welcome and accept the amendment. I hope it settles the question of the independence of both of these officers once and for all in relation to this bill.

Mr KNIGHT (Campbelltown) [8.52]: The Opposition also has no problem with this amendment. We did not believe it was necessary; we thought the bill dealt adequately with these matters. However, we certainly do not have any problem about them being spelled out. If it makes the whole package a little more digestible for the Premier and makes the humble pie that the Hon. John Hannaford will have to eat later tonight a little more palatable, the Opposition is certainly happy with that.

Mr HATTON (South Coast) [8.52]: I wish the honourable member for Campbelltown would resist the opportunity to score cheap political points. I do not endorse his comments.

Amendment agreed to.

New clause agreed to.

Bill reported from Committee with an amendment and passed through remaining stage.

OMBUDSMAN (AMENDMENT) BILL

Second Reading

Debate resumed from an earlier hour.

Mr J. H. MURRAY (Drummoyne) [8.54]: I lead for the Opposition in this debate. Recently a number of major reforms have been initiated in this Parliament. In the years to come those reforms will mean greater accountability to the elected representatives of the people - that is, this Parliament - rather than the Executive arm of Government. The amendment to the Ombudsman Act is part of that process. At the outset the Opposition pays tribute to the role played in this process by the non-aligned Independent members. The Opposition has not always agreed with everything the Independents have put to this Parliament. However, as a former chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and as one who has had a role in trying to define the independence of certain officers of the Parliament, I believe that the change in the role of the Ombudsman as provided for in the bill is of value.

The bill will give the Ombudsman greater independence. Today honourable members saw how an independent Auditor-General can exert his authority. The Opposition believes that it is better for governments to come clean rather than attempt a cover-up. The provisions of the bill will allow the Speaker and the Ombudsman to have much more independent roles. The Ombudsman Act provides that when the Ombudsman is not satisfied with the action taken in response to recommendations he has made in a report, he may make a report to the Minister for presentation to Parliament. The bill provides also for the Ombudsman to make reports to the Presiding Officer of each House of Parliament. The Presiding Officer will then be required to table the report on the next sitting day following its receipt.

That procedure is similar to the procedure that applies to the Auditor-General and a similar independent body, the Public Accounts Committee. The bill gives the Ombudsman a greater degree of independence. The Opposition applauds that. The bill makes clear that the Ombudsman and the Auditor-General, when carrying out their duties, are to have access to documents of public authorities, with the exception of Cabinet documents and documents the subject of legal privilege. Finally, the bill provides that the Auditor-General is required to furnish special reports to the Legislative Assembly under the Public Finance and Audit Act. If such provisions had been contained within the Act, the problem faced by the Speaker today when he had to make a decision in relation to a special report would have been overcome. The Opposition supports the bill.

Mr HATTON (South Coast) [8.58]: I thank the Government for facilitating the passage of this bill before the close of the parliamentary session. It is part of the charter of reform. The Premier has adhered to the charter, and I thank him for that. The bill is important legislation on which we agree. The bill will enhance the independence of the Office of the Ombudsman. It will allow the office to make special and other reports direct to the Parliament. Most of the pertinent remarks have already been made and I do not intend to take up any further time of the House other than to say that the chairman of the parliamentary committee, the honourable member for Eastwood, would realise that the role of the Ombudsman is extremely important to the integrity of government. Anything that enhances the independence of the functioning of that office will ultimately benefit good government and the interests of the people of New South Wales.

Mr FAHEY (Southern Highlands - Premier, and Treasurer) [9.0], in reply: I thank the honourable member for Drummoyne and the honourable member for South Coast for their brief but supportive contributions to the debate. This matter has been the subject of considerable discussion in relation to furthering the charter of reform and concluding another phase of that charter, with the Government coming to an agreement with the Independents. The concern of the Government in regard to this legislation related to the question of professional people such as lawyers, the privilege attaching to legal advice given and the confidentiality which should Page 2677 attach to such advice; and that making such legal advice available to all and sundry would jeopardise the obtaining of independent legal advice. That is something that honourable members would not want to see happen. In due course, and with persistence, a conclusion was reached in a manner which has enabled the Government to bring forward this bill. I am pleased to say it is another step on the road to reaching agreement on the charter of reform. I commend the bill.

Motion agreed to.

Bill read a second time and passed through remaining stages.

SUPERANNUATION LEGISLATION (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL

Second Reading

Debate resumed from 19th May.

Mr J. H. MURRAY (Drummoyne) [9.1]: The bill contains a number of miscellaneous amendments relating to public sector superannuation. Most of the measures in this bill were contained in the Superannuation Legislation Bill, which was passed in the Legislative Council in November 1992. Time constraints at the end of the last parliamentary session prevented its passing through this House. New measures in the bill will correct certain deficiencies in the first state superannuation legislation passed during the last session. Other amendments will more closely define the powers and legal relationship of the State Authorities Superannuation Board and the State Superannuation Investment and Management Corporation.

I understand that extensive consultation has been undertaken on the bill. The Labor Council of New South Wales has been consulted in regard to the proposed amendments, and has told me that it endorses them. It is also appropriate to note that several of the amendments regarding the powers of the State Authorities Superannuation Board reflect the specific input of the Labor Council. The majority of the amendments will adjust elements of the older, closed schemes to provide greater portability and flexibility of benefits and to enable these schemes to reflect current industrial relations arrangements and other government policy.

In particular, the bill will insert in the various superannuation Acts provisions to bring the legislation into line with existing Government policy on privatisation of Government enterprises, and reflect in those schemes major changes which have occurred in the public sector area in respect of enterprise agreements. It will also remedy a deficiency in current legislation governing superannuable salary applicable to senior executive service appointees. Finally, a number of miscellaneous changes will be made to schemes to clarify and extend existing provisions to ensure that the schemes operate in a fair and efficient manner. This is obviously a desirable amendment which the relevant Commonwealth authorities have demanded be implemented by the New South Wales Government. The legislation restates the previous closing of the State superannuation scheme, which honourable members - the Minister for Finance, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Ethnic Affairs more than most - will recall was a matter of contention. I am assured that the amendment will merely correct a technical defect. On behalf of the Opposition I commend the bill.

Mr NEILLY (Cessnock) [9.4]: I do not necessarily support the Superannuation Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, but I wish to speak to it. In doing so, I shall hark back to the comments of the honourable member for Drummoyne when he reflected on the fact that some of the legislation was before the House last November. To be quite frank, I was of the view that the legislation had successfully passed through the House. However, I believe that a couple of amendments incorporated in the legislation were not available at that time. When the Minister for Finance introduced this legislation he said that the need for public sector superannuation schemes to keep pace with changes in the wider superannuation industry was one of the innovations of the Government. He said that the introduction of the first state superannuation scheme has meant public sector employees have available to them a modern, flexible, accumulation- style scheme comparable to those in the wider superannuation industry.

In some quarters that comment could also be identified as meaning that we have an accumulation superannuation scheme providing minimum benefits, as prescribed by the Superannuation Guarantee Charge which has been implemented by the Commonwealth Government. I do not think it is handsome, by any means. I think it is a scheme which provides basic benefits and is of advantage in minimising the financial obligations of the Government.

Schedule 1 to the bill deals with the sale by the Government of commercial or trading enterprises, and it necessitates that those sales define whether there is a surplus or deficit outcome in the preservation of benefits of members of the superannuation schemes under the privatised or commercialised sector of government; and that the funds, whether they be surplus or deficit, go into the Crown reserve in the superannuation fund. The Crown reserve is susceptible to being fiddled. Depending how the Government is faring each fiscal year, it decides how much it wants to provide for its superannuation obligations.

If we make a commercial sale, I would prefer that any proceeds, be they surplus or deficit, be placed into the superannuation fund as the employees' contribution to the preserved benefit, so that the situation is defined. I would prefer that to be prescribed, rather than leaving it to the whim of Treasury or the Government of the day to decide. To illustrate that - a fairly crass illustration - if the Sydney Water Board were to be privatised, the preserved benefits, including the Crown reserve, would probably amount to a surplus. If the Government were to Page 2678 privatise the freight operation of the State Rail Authority, there would be a tremendous deficit. That deficit would have been taken into account in determining its sale price or commercial price. Quite properly, the net proceeds of that sale should be placed not in the Crown reserve but in the superannuation fund. The effect of that would be that there would not be held within the superannuation fund a reserve which could be altered or otherwise dealt with in conjunction with the ordinary fiscal policy of the Government.

According to the Minister, schedule 2 provides for the higher echelon of government employees. Their salary package comprises not only a cash payment; it is cash plus other benefits. The Government refers to the fact that the appropriate determination in relation to the level of contributions to a superannuation fund should be not under cash payments to individuals but in relation to their total salary benefit. The Labor Council of New South Wales has argued for some time that superannuation and salary benefit are one and the same thing; it is the total. What is achieved by way of superannuation plus salary is the total remuneration. To some extent that has not been recognised by the first state superannuation scheme but it is certainly recognised within this legislation so far as the upper echelon of the New South Wales public service is concerned. In the Minister's opening comments to this debate he said that the bill was brought in after consultation with the Labor Council of New South Wales. However, I remind the Minister that the advent of the first state superannuation scheme occurred without consultation with the Labor Council of New South Wales.

Schedule 3 obviates a fiddle. The upper echelon of the public service has the capacity to take certain emoluments by way of benefits other than cash. With superannuation schemes that are financed or based on final average salary, unless it is guarded by legislation there is an ability for individuals to take as much as possible in the form of non-cash payments in the early part of their working life and in the latter stages to convert the non-cash benefit to a cash benefit. It is possible for individuals to promote their final annual salary at the latter end of their working days, but in the meantime elect to pay minimum contributions in the earlier part of their working lives. The Government is to be commended for obviating that loophole. Schedule 4, inter alia, deals with the administration of superannuation funds. I have one comment to make in that regard. Administration of superannuation funds, whether it be directly through administrators or through persons appointed to administer superannuation funds, must take into account a time scenario.

In recent years State superannuation funds have not been able to return what most people would deem to be a prudent result. It has been suggested that the funds were overexposed to property. Another suggestion was that property valuations were somewhat suspect. The latest information that I have gleaned suggests that the funds have decided to rid themselves of some of their property investments but in so doing they have proceeded under the misapprehension that they must produce immediate results. Investors in superannuation schemes are looking at long-term results and I think the pundits suggest about eight years plus for averaging purposes. What I have been told of late is that superannuation funds are trading properties that are returning 12 per cent to 13 per cent. That is completely ridiculous in the context that shopping centre-type investments in the commercial property arena are at the bottom of the market now. Those investments could return considerably more in the future. The properties are being sold to appease some of the criticisms of superannuation boards. We have a long way to go in the administration of superannuation on behalf of the public servants of New South Wales.

Mr SOURIS (Upper Hunter - Minister for Finance, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for Ethnic Affairs), on behalf of Mr Hartcher [9.14], in reply: I thank honourable members for their contributions, and I commend the bill.

Motion agreed to.

Bill read a second time and passed through remaining stages.

FILM AND VIDEO TAPE CLASSIFICATION (AMENDMENT) BILL

Second Reading

Debate resumed from 19th May.

Mr J. H. MURRAY (Drummoyne) [9.16]: Of late the public has had some disquiet about modern film and television and its impact on the youth of New South Wales. As a consequence, prior to the last election Prime Minister Keating said that he would introduce Australia-wide legislation which would overcome some of the difficulties that families experience when they attend the cinema. As my electorate is situated in the inner city, I am able to go to the movies at least once a fortnight. Often I have found that the classifications published in the blue supplement of the Sydney Morning Herald do not reflect the true picture. The Opposition believes a more definitive classification is required. As a consequence of the Prime Minister's initiative the Film and Video Tape Classification (Amendment) Bill was introduced.

The object of the bill is to amend the Film and Video Tape Classification Act to introduce a new classification - MA. This classification also applies to videotapes that are unsuitable for children under the age of 15. Society's laws are changing rapidly but in many cases the emotional standing of youth in the age bracket 15 years and under has not changed at the same rate as many mature film makers would want us to believe, and that is why the Opposition supports this initiative. The new classification lies between the M classification - not recommended for persons under the age of 15 - and the R film classification - restricted to persons over the age of 18. At present there is that hiatus between the ages of 15 and 18. The Page 2679 amendment specifies the grounds for the MA classification - to prohibit the public exhibition of MA films if a child under the age of 15 is present; to prohibit the sale or the hiring of an MA film to a child under the age of 15, unless the child's parent or guardian consents to the sale of that product; and it sets out the defences available to persons who show, sell or hire MA films.

The bill also amends the Act to remove the need for the censor to formally refuse classification in New South Wales for a film that has been classified X in the Australian Capital Territory. An X classification will now automatically operate as a refusal of classification in New South Wales. There is no need to amplify that matter, but we know that the sex capital of Australia is the Australian Capital Territory. Under previous legislation, the Territory was able to provide pornographic material to New South Wales; New South Wales was not able to prevent that access to the market. This bill will change the current situation. On behalf of the Opposition, I commend the bill to the House.

Mrs CHIKAROVSKI (Lane Cove - Minister for Consumer Affairs, and Assistant Minister for Education), on behalf of Mr Hartcher [9.21], in reply: The Film and Video Tape Classification Amendment Bill will provide for a new classification for films and videos. New South Wales, along with other States and Territories, agreed to the introduction of the new MA rating of films and videos following a proposal put forward by the Commonwealth at the Council of Australian Governments meeting in December last year. Films considered to be unsuitable for viewing by people under 15 years would fall within the new MA classification and could not be sold, hired or delivered to persons under 15 years, other than by a parent or guardian; or be exhibited to persons under 15 years, unless they are accompanied by their parent or guardian.

The proposed amendments include penalties for the sale, exhibition or advertising of MA films and videos other than in accordance with existing requirements under the Act and the conditions applying to the new classification. Defences are available where MA films are sold or exhibited to persons under 15 years based on whether reasonable attempts have been taken to prevent the sale to or admission of unauthorised persons. Research undertaken on behalf of the Commonwealth Office of Film and Literature Classification and published in December 1992 revealed considerable public concern regarding the way that some material is currently classified.

The report, entitled "Exploring Attitudes Towards Film, TV and Video Classification", indicated widespread endorsement for the classification system. The majority of Australians use the classifications not only to select suitable viewing for children but also for themselves. Despite the general support for the classification system, the report also shows that there is some confusion regarding the difference between M and R film and video ratings and the reason for apparently similar films receiving one rating as opposed to the other. A total of 59 per cent of people interviewed agreed that it is often hard to tell the difference between M and R films.

The broad range of material currently qualifying for an M classification also creates a lack of discrimination. I note that the M classification has previously included such films as Cape Fear, Total Recall and Terminator 2 which contain high levels of violence. Under the amendments proposed, these films would be given an MA rating. The new MA classification has been introduced in response to community and, more particularly, parental concerns regarding the level of violence and material of a sexually explicit nature that is currently included in M classified material. The new classification will enhance the existing classification system by further delineating material which may be viewed by young persons, as well as placing restrictions on the availability of material which is of a more violent and sexually explicit nature. I thank the Opposition for its support. I thank the honourable member for Drummoyne for his keen and well researched speech with respect to this bill. I commend the bill to the House.

Motion agreed to.

Bill read a second time and passed through remaining stages.

SPECIAL ADJOURNMENT

Mr WEST (Orange - Minister for Conservation and Land Management, and Minister for Energy) [9.24]: I move:

That unless otherwise ordered, this House at its rising this day do adjourn until Tuesday, 7th September, 1993, at 2.15 p.m.

In moving this motion I take the opportunity to indicate to the House that the passing of this motion tonight will probably be the last occasion on which I will have the opportunity to address this House with respect to the current Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads. Wal Murray - affectionately known as Big Wal - has been Leader of the National Party of this State for eight years and the Deputy Premier for five years. He has provided enormous strength to this State, to this Parliament and, I say with the greatest respect, to the National Party.

There is a funny thing in the National Party. As everybody knew, there was to be this week a contest and a battle to decide the new Leader of the National Party. Members of the Labor Party, and even members of the Liberal Party, could not understand that this week National Party members were enjoying the friendship and camaraderie that only the National Party people know how to enjoy. We enjoy it because we know and believe in the importance of each other's friendship and each other's strengths. The Labor Party gets close to it.

This week will see the retirement of Wal Murray Page 2680 and the end of a great era of this Parliament. I have served as his Whip and as a Minister with him. I have the greatest of admiration for his service as a Minister. This is not the end of Wal Murray, as we all know. He will serve the party and the House on the backbench until the next election. It is with the greatest of appreciation that I stand here tonight and say, "A job well done, Wal". His wife, Daphne, has been a special friend to my wife, Libby, and to all National Party members. We admire the role that they have both played.

There is no doubt that at this stage of the week some would say that Garry West would have to be somewhat disappointed. Well, Garry West is saying congratulations to Wal but he is also saying congratulations to Ian Armstrong and George Souris, the new leadership team of the National Party. They will lead our party and provide guidance, support and co-operation to our coalition colleagues, John Fahey and Bruce Baird, for considerable years to come. I believe in the coalition. I have had the proud honour of serving this House for some 17 years. I think all members of this House would be aware that this is probably the longest serving coalition in Australia's history. I wish my colleagues well. I look forward to continuing to serve with them.

We always find that when we come to the end of a session nerves are frayed and tempers are short. Everybody - whether they be members of Parliament, members of staff or Presiding Officers - is on edge. I say to each and every one of you: thank you for bearing with us, thank you for being tolerant and getting through what is commonly called the democratic process. We live and die by democracy. Some would have said on Wednesday night when I went to bed, "Only democracy can take place now" - and it did! I can still stand here and smile. All honourable members can have their fun on me. I am happy about that. I believe in parliamentary democracy. I believe in the system. And I believe in what we have all come here to do, not for ourselves, but for our constituents. That is important.

We come to this place to work for our constituents and the State of New South Wales. I thank Government members for the co-operation they have given me in the running of this session. I thank also the manager of Opposition business. We have not always agreed but we have at least endeavoured to manage business to the best of our ability to enable some contribution by all honourable members. I thank also the non-aligned Independents and the honourable member for Tamworth, who likes to be often dissociated from the group, if I may refer to them in that way. Their co-operation is appreciated. I know that tensions rise in this place, but tensions are what Parliament is about, so long as we can resolve them. This place if often regarded as being a talkfest. If we can talk matters out, we can resolve our differences and we can do what is best for the majority of people. I can only say to all honourable members: keep talking, keep trying to discuss and negotiate, because ultimately we will resolve difficulties and provide the right result for those we represent. I trust that all honourable members will support this special adjournment tonight.

Mr HATTON (South Coast) [9.31]: I thank the honourable member for Orange for his relationship with the Independents. He is a person with whom you can deal with trust and understanding. I am very sorry that he did not realise his ambitions. I want to place that on record. That does not mean that I want in any way to interfere with the leadership of his party - I am just expressing a personal opinion. But there are a few matters I want to get off my chest. This House is rising today at the Government's request. I want members on the backbenches on both sides of the House to understand that it was not John Hatton, the member for South Coast, it was not the honourable member for Manly or the honourable member for Bligh who dictated what happened in this Parliament this week. I resent bitterly that a person I believe to be a senior Government source, after getting whinges from the backbench about sitting on a Friday, wanted to throw the bucket on us. If that happened, then all bets are off. Let me make that very clear. When the Labor Party wanted to extend the sittings of this House and safeguard private members' days for good reasons, we decided, individually, after a discussion, that the Government has the right to control the sittings of the House. That has been a tradition in this place that we respect.

I said to Bob Carr, "If you were Premier, you would expect that to happen in similar circumstances". That was said and it is in Hansard. We are very happy to sit this weekend, next week and the week after that. The Premier approached me at dinner last night for a discussion about the Parliament rising. Undertakings under the charter of reform in terms of certain matters and legislation had to be kept. The Government wanted to get certain legislation through. This Parliament could not have finished its business last night. It rose last night and had to sit another day. It was not the Independents who made it sit on Friday. The Government did not want this House, under any circumstances, to sit next week. In that discussion with the Premier - and I invite members to ask him about that - I said: "I am often accused of playing God but I do not play God. I have no right to tell any members on either side when this Parliament is going to sit or rise. That is the right of the Government".

I said also, "Before I say anything about the Government's request for the House to rise this week, I want to talk with the Opposition and with my fellow Independents about that and see if they will support it. But what will happen depends on what the Opposition and Independents want to do. Then we can negotiate and see if it is possible to do that". I spent quite some time discussing the matter with members on the Opposition side in the lower House and the upper House and with my fellow Independents. I asked them: "What do you want? How can we get this thing to work?" I do not think I will ever do that again. If members opposite want to accuse me of playing God and to accuse the Independents of trying to run this House, they should remember it would be Page 2681 a simple matter for the Independents to withdraw. Members could then forget about the 2 per cent party, as they like to call us. If members opposite want to run this House and want our co-operation so they can negotiate agreement with the Opposition, if they reach an agreement on the running of the House, that is just fine and we will fall into place.

The Government should think about that and about the consequences of what would happen if we did that and did not try to facilitate - as we have on many occasions over the past two years through an amicable agreement and arrangements - meeting every Tuesday with the Whips of this House, to try to ensure the place works in the difficult circumstance that chance has cast us in. Government members should think about that before rubbishing and dumping on us. I know it is late and I am tired. I have had one hour's sleep. If I had made this speech before dinner, perhaps it would have been quite an unreasonable one. I want to put that on record because we tried to facilitate what happened today. Private members' bills had to be facilitated because some members wanted their bills, quite rightly, to be dealt with, including the Independents with their South East Forests Protection Bill and the honourable member for Murray with his National Parks and Wildlife (Emu Licence) Bill.

We tried to facilitate time to get those bills through and dealt with. We wanted to do that. We wanted the Ombudsman Bill to be proclaimed. Some members wanted the vilification bill to be debated in the upper House. Others wanted the South East Forests Protection Bill to be debated, though they knew that, with the Niles and the Australian Democrats in the upper House, its passage is not in the hands of the Government. That is the way democracy takes its course. We hoped the HomeFund bill would pass through all stages. We wanted the fixed four-year term legislation, according to the agreement we had with the Government, to be dealt with this session and passed through the upper House with amendments, and we wanted Government bills to be facilitated. That agreement will be adhered to. We will be sitting, as we did earlier in the day, on that side of the House.

I and my colleagues have tried to facilitate the rising of this House, but I tell the Government that if I find that trust has been abused and a grenade is lying around somewhere undetonated, if it is sufficiently important - though it is a very expensive exercise - I for one will join with the Opposition to reconvene the House to discuss it. I will not be used. I said very firmly to the Premier today that it looks bad for me. I was the one who ran around trying to facilitate. Now we have the Auditor-General's report. Where the hell does that leave me? It compromises me. I am not attributing blame to either side, but at the very best it was an amazing lack of political acumen that a grenade was left lying around for 10 days. That report was not put before the House, and the Auditor-General had to take the unprecedented step of writing to members of Parliament to express his concern. That worried me.

Mr Smiles: You were not compromised.

Mr HATTON: The honourable member for North Shore says I was not compromised. How does it look if I and my Independent colleagues are combining with the Government, for what we think are fair dinkum reasons, and we are then accused of being involved with the Government in trying to adjourn the House today in case a grenade explodes next week. That sure does not make us look very good. There is no way in the world we are going to cop it. I signal this: all the running around I have done in the past two years is going to stop. As the honourable member for Ashfield, the Leader of the Opposition, the Leader of the House and my fellow Independents know, I do a lot of running around and talking to try to facilitate the running of the House. That is a position I am cast in. What is the alternative? It is that we do not facilitate at all. We will stand back and say, "You run the House. Do what you like". However, we still have to cast our votes. But if the Government wants the House to rise on a day such as today, the Opposition can simply filibuster and destroy the whole process. The Opposition has a right to get its bills through, to get what it wants out of the system. My fellow Independents and the Government have the same right. That is the only way the system can work. When it kept coming back to me from the back bench that the work that had been put in was not appreciated and we were being blamed for the House not sitting next week I said to myself: do not bother in future. And that is the clear message.

Mr WHELAN (Ashfield) [9.41]: This may not be the last occasion on which the Deputy Premier, Mr Murray, is in the Chamber but it certainly is the last occasion upon which he will have the opportunity to be heard in the Parliament as a Minister. I do not believe that Wal Murray will reside on the backbench. Equally, I do not believe that Joe Schipp will reside on the backbench. Equally I do not believe that Gerry Peacocke will sit on the backbench. The honourable member for North Shore and the honourable member for The Hills may not be here when we come back on 7th September. I do not know what happened at Mr Packard's court case today, when he strode before the courts of Australia to ask for an extension of time. Perhaps, from the surprise on the face of those opposite, they do not know exactly what happened today, but I will find that out and be happy to let them know. I thank the Leader of the House and his colleagues in the National Party. He ran the House very efficiently and well and I thank him for his courtesy. We had only one blemish.

Mr West: Only one?

Mr WHELAN: We had only one blemish, and that was last night. Running the program of the House efficiently is an administrative rather than a political function. I thank the Leader of the House for his co-operation. The Leader of the Opposition has directed me not to abuse the processes of the House just for the sake of doing it. We have not done that. We have been co-operative. We have taken speakers off speaking lists to facilitate the running of the Parliament. I hope that next session Page 2682 there will be a much better appreciation. We are the ones who have copped the punches. When the honourable member for Wakehurst was in the chair today he allowed members enormous largesse. I hope such practices cease. I applaud what the Leader of the House did last night when he directed informally that the parliamentary record should record that when I wanted to move a motion of dissent in relation to the behaviour as Temporary Chairman of committees of the honourable member for Wakehurst was grossly wrong, grossly in error, I should have continued to take -

Mr Hazzard: On a point of order.

Mr WHELAN: Why don't you sit down and thank your lucky stars that dissent was not moved.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Ashfield to order. I will hear the point of order.

Mr Hazzard: Mr Speaker, I do not want to be unreasonable but I think it is a little improper and totally out of order for the honourable member for Ashfield to be referring to matters that occurred while I was in the chair as Temporary Chairman. He is reflecting upon the Chair in doing that. If he wishes to reflect, he may do so at other times, not during this debate.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! It would not appear to be within the leave of the special adjournment motion to make such remarks. I ask the honourable member for Ashfield to come back to those matters which are the subject of special adjournments.

Mr WHELAN: Mr Speaker, as you would understand, it was a passing reference. I was talking about what might be a Utopian position: maybe the Government will wake up and replace him. But that will not be the case. I made it clear what the Government's program was: it wanted to get out last night. I do not have to re-state exactly what I said.

[Interruption]

You stick to wills. That is what you are good at - wills.

Mr Hazzard: I will do one for you.

Mr WHELAN: Stick to wills.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Wakehurst to order. If he cannot maintain dignity in the Chamber, he should leave the Chamber.

Mr WHELAN: Most people believe where there is a will there is a relative. The member for Wakehurst believes where there is a will there is a constituent.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! The honourable member for Ashfield will come back to the leave of the special adjournment; otherwise he will resume his seat.

Mr WHELAN: Mr Speaker, I was just replying to an interjection. I do not believe that anyone fair-minded could say that the Opposition has abused the processes of the House. The co-operative spirit on bills has been fantastic. I thank all members involved.

Ms Moore: Especially in relation to local government.

Mr WHELAN: There was a steep learning curve and a learning experience on local government. The Independent members might have thought it was an opportunity for me to suggest that they would lose their rights. The ability to do away with the seven minutes spent in calling and counting a division saved the Parliament a great deal of time. When there is an opportunity to use Standing Order 208 -

Ms Moore: Standing Order 208(c).

Mr WHELAN: The honourable member for Bligh remembers well. That procedure saved a great deal of time in the Chamber. Such procedures will have to be used more often. We must have a meeting of the Standing Orders and Procedure Committee to consider reform of the Parliament. It is not much use this Parliament reforming everything else - public service, business, regulation, et cetera - if the Parliament does not move into the twentieth century in 1994 and ensure that procedures are adopted in the Parliament that will lead the nation. Next session the proceedings will be televised. We must work out the format for that. There will be a changed Parliament. As I have said, there will be changed personnel on the other side. Many members opposite will not be here. I take this opportunity of thanking the Independent members. We do not necessarily get their support. We never take their support for granted. We like to argue cases on merit. And if we do not support the Independent members, they do not interpret that personally but philosophically. We are bound by our party principles.

The Independents probably know more about our party principles than we believe they know. I appreciate that the Independents have facilitated many things. I thank the Clerks and others for their assistance. I do not want to put it too highly but a warning has been given to the Government. The Opposition is striving towards the ultimate, namely, representing the people of the State. We look forward hopefully to having that opportunity. Given that opportunity, we will represent the people of New South Wales with greater affinity for the rights of members of Parliament than the present Government has.

Mr SMILES (North Shore) [9.50]: One thing I have learned in the nine years I have been a member of Parliament is that often the gibes of your friends on one side of the House are crueller than the gibes from the other side. I support the motion and contribute to the debate. It is an occasion for me to make some personal comments. As a humble backbencher I acknowledge the ministerial performance of Wal Murray, although we recognise he will be with us at least until the 1995 election. It would be Page 2683 inappropriate if I did not make some comment as I am one of the Government team who has enjoyed and appreciated Wal Murray as Deputy Premier of this State and in his ministerial capacity. Wal Murray distinguished and excelled himself as no other man or woman could, when I first ran into some controversy in my current argument with the Australian Tax Office. That is an issue of some pain to me but I will for ever remember the way Wal Murray handled the situation. I will for ever remember his courtesy, his kindness, his leadership, his understanding and effective management in liaising with me during a fairly difficult first month or two as my conflict emerged.

There may or may not be some air of uncertainty about positions in the Government changing or not changing. In what I am about to say I am not presupposing or prejudging something that may not even occur. However, the Leader of the House is often regarded by members of the backbench as a bit of a pain, but Garry West, as Leader of the House, has always treated backbench members with considerable dignity, and has always been patient in explaining what was going on. I personally hope he will continue in that role. I make it quite clear as we rise for this session that his performance as a human being and as Leader of the House has been much appreciated by all of us on the backbench.

In making my general comments now I do so without attempting a barb at anyone. I make these comments because I strongly believe that all of us, myself included, can be guilty of overlooking some of the issues I now intend to raise. The first is that there is a tendency for us to forget that this place becomes a hothouse; it is indeed an artificial environment; too often it is cruel; too often it is inhumane; yet ironically, it can be incredibly humane and incredibly kind in the most unexpected ways. Sometimes I think that if there is going to be a standing orders committee, it might be appropriate for that committee to structure into our time in this place a re-look at the world time period. Perhaps every several hours we could leave this place, which is so often a circus and a sham, and walk out into the city for 20 minutes or half an hour and see the real world that we are supposed to represent.

Too many of us - and I too have been guilty - take on a self-importance that is unjustified. That demeans those of us who make that mistake. That mistake is not often made; but when it is, great damage is done to the credibility of the human being or group of human beings who fall for that trap. By way of general comment, I say that I believe that, with rare exceptions, those of us who have chosen to serve our communities in this House have a great passion towards our fundamental duty of representing our constituents. I feel particularly saddened at times in this place when the great majority of us who share this duty and passion are the subject of a barb or criticism that really reflects most unfairly and most cruelly on this duty and passion. I hope that all of us from time to time would show a greater recognition of the competence, the concern and the professional ethics that I believe the vast majority of us take with us in our dealings with our constituents.

In the past several months, while I have endured my persecution, I have made a point of travelling extensively throughout the State of New South Wales. I have done so to maintain some feeling of sanity and to have a greater appreciation of the various communities that make up our State. Whether I have been to Bill Rixon's electorate, or Bill Beckroge's electorate, or passed by Peter Macdonald's electorate, John Hatton's electorate, or Alby Schultz's electorate - and the many others that I have passed by - at no time has anyone in any of those electorates been critical of the passion, the duty and the dedication of their local member. They may not always have agreed with the local member's view on a particular issue, or indeed the local member's allegiance or non-allegiance to a political party, but I can honestly say that not one of the hundreds of people I have talked to - community leaders and non-leaders - has criticised any member in this House for not having a duty and a passion towards our constituents. I must say, Mr Speaker, I am very proud of that.

I conclude with these thoughts. We forget the decency that is common to, I would like to think, all of us in this House. Too often we forget the commitment that I believe is common to all of us. We too often forget the hard work that is common to all of us in this House. I believe that the people of New South Wales and this Parliament would be served all the better if we made some attempt in the future to avoid devaluing ourselves, because that is not what our constituents want, and that certainly is not for the good and satisfactory Government in this State.

Mr BECKROGE (Broken Hill) [9.58]: I want to congratulate the honourable member for North Shore. What he had to say is very important to us all. We sometimes do forget how hard we work in our electorates. We work hard drubbing each other, but we also work long and hard for our people. What Phillip Smiles said was superb. We should never forget that although we might think we are all cunning people, in the final analysis we are really here to serve the people. Very few of us are guilty of doing something wrong. We are here for the Queen's shilling. We get paid for our work; we do it, and we never take someone else's shilling. When I listened to Phillip Smiles speaking I thought to myself that he has been to my electorate and met my people - the people who really matter. I entreat all members to come out to the western areas of New South Wales. I know members would enjoy themselves. I know members have a lot of fun and say that I do not often go out there. I know that is said in a bit of fun in this place. It is important that we never forget that the people who form this Parliament, who occupy the 99 seats in this Parliament, are dedicated to their jobs. Often we get carried away with issues, and although we see each other across the Chamber we sometimes miss the game. I had intended to confine my remarks to farewelling Wal Murray.

Page 2684 Today I received $4.1 million for western New South Wales roads. I wish Wal Murray would retire every year. I thanked him very much. Wal Murray as Minister for Roads has not done very much for Broken Hill; he has in his position as Minister for Public Works. Wal Murray has been an assiduous Minister. All members have been subjected to criticism from outside this place. All of us have had people from outside this place attack us, claim we are corrupt and all the rest of it. I will leave it to the tribunals to decide whether we are right or wrong. In all the dealings I have had with Wal Murray I have not found him to be other than a fair dinkum bloke. How much better can you get? Tonight I heard Garry West, who has just been dudded, say Wal Murray is a good bloke. You pay your penny and you take your chances. That is what it is all about. I do not want to preach to the House, but we all know that. People who have not experienced being here often do not know that we are all trying to work hard for the people we represent. We do our best, but because we are human beings we fail. As Phillip Smiles said a little while ago, we should never feel bad about doing that. I pay tribute to the people who help me with my job. If I am going to thank anyone, I will thank my secretary.

I know a former member for what was the electorate of Burwood will not be saluted by oodles of people, but he does his job. If he did not do his job, he would be sacked. Janice Crosio left this House some time ago and went to Canberra. I do not know how the Hansard staff handle her in Canberra, but our Hansard staff have obviously been given a bit of a break. I want to salute Paul Bower, Hansard secretary, who is sitting in the Hansard gallery next to Bob Davey, Editor of Debates. Paul is retiring after 20 years of service to the Parliament. Parliament should recognise his service. Unfortunately in these changing times, not many people are able to serve 20 years in the one establishment. I admire the loyalty involved in 20 years of service. I have been here only 11 years and nine months. People who have been here for 20 years should be saluted. I also want to say to Mr Speaker that I would love his job, but I do not know whether I will get it. I hope I could handle his job half as well as he does. Only the Liberals wear wigs. I know that on my side of the House members have a great deal of respect for Mr Speaker. We believe he does a good job under difficult circumstances. He presides over the sittings of the Parliament and the administration of the Parliament. I know many problems arise in relation to that and I congratulate him on the way he handles them.

Mr McManus: Even my wife likes him.

Mr BECKROGE: The honourable member for Bulli was formerly the honourable member for Burragorang, and was jokingly called the orang-outang from Burragorang! If the lifts in this building are not fixed by September I will recommend strongly when our administration comes to power that whoever is in charge of the lifts be removed. I believe I will have the support of both sides of the Parliament for that. Everyone who is employed here works hard. I understand that, but when the bells ring the staff must keep away from the lifts, because it is important that members be able to reach the House.

Mr Chappell: And the guests.

Mr BECKROGE: Yes, the guests. People who have guests here should tell them to keep away from the lifts. I have never spoken on the special adjournment and I have almost gone past my time, but I want to thank Mr Speaker for his indulgence. He has made many excellent rulings and he adds dignity to this House and that is important. I am not wrapping the trappings, but his dignity, fairness, understanding and caring for this place are important and should give a lead to us all. I hope the younger members take a lead from him because his is a difficult life. We should try to get on with each other - and most times we do.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I thank the honourable member for Broken Hill for his kind remarks. I assure him that a strategy is being investigated to try to make the lifts more sacred to members during divisions. It is hoped that strategy will be in place when the next session commences. It is a shame that the honourable member for Ashfield is not in the House because I hope he will be as enthusiastic as he was in the House tonight when I call abundant meetings of the Standing Orders and Procedures Committee during the recess.

Most importantly, before this debate concludes I want to add to the remarks of the honourable member for Broken Hill about the impending retirement of Paul Bower, who is in the Hansard gallery. He is the courteous and presentable gentleman at the Hansard counter. He sits in the Hansard secretary's chair behind me and has done so for the past seven years. As has already been said, Paul commenced working at Parliament House more than 20 years ago as an attendant on the staff of the Legislative Council. About seven years ago, when he was Senior Chamber Attendant in the Legislative Council, he accepted the position of Hansard Administrative Officer. Paul brought from the Legislative Council Chamber to the Hansard office his ability to attend to matters in great detail and his unquestioned efficiency. Both of those attributes have proven to be of great benefit to members and their staff. Aspects of people's personal lives are not generally known but Paul is something of an authority on Australian naval history. I have no doubt during his retirement Paul will spend more time pursuing this interest.

Page 2685

On behalf of the House I extend to Paul and his wife, Desma, best wishes for a long and happy retirement. Paul is a great one for organising interesting trips and I am sure he and his wife will enjoy their retirement to the full. Paul, through his excellent relationship with parliamentary and ministerial staff, has been invaluable and of great assistance to the Hansard reporters. I believe, therefore, that it is most appropriate to record his service in the pages of the parliamentary record.

Mr WEST (Orange - Minister for Conservation and Land Management, and Minister for Energy) [10.10], in reply: Mr Speaker, may I join with you in expressing to Paul Bower the best wishes for a very happy retirement from all members of the Parliament, but particularly from members of the Government. Honourable members probably do not see the side of proceedings that some of us do. When a member asks a question or makes a speech, Paul is often hovering in the background and asking the attendants, "Will you get his notes. We need some assistance upstairs". It is the nice way he goes about it. Often the member will say, "I will need them a little later. Can I keep them for a while?" Or, "Will you wait for a moment?". We appreciate his commendable and understanding approach.

We on the Government side, and members of the Opposition, know of the difficulties that Hansard experience in reporting the words uttered in this Chamber, and Paul is ever mindful and appreciative of the difficulties that members of Parliament have - having delivered a speech, we may need our notes to prepare a press release or to show a colleague what has been said. Paul has had a lengthy service in this establishment - 20 years in July - and I am sure he has made many friends and colleagues in that time. Honourable members join me in wishing him and his wife a very healthy and happy retirement in the years ahead.

There is no doubt that a special adjournment always brings out the best and the worst in this Parliament. I suppose to some degree we have seen it tonight. Some members have spoken about the fact that when we return next session the proceedings of Parliament will be televised. I feel sure my colleague the honourable member for North Shore has set something of a dress standard with a bit of colour and flair. Some of us have to take notice of that. His words tonight in respect of what our duties are were very salutary, as were the words of the honourable member for Broken Hill. It was also pleasing to hear the honourable member for Broken Hill say kind words about my retiring parliamentary leader, Wal Murray. He also encourages honourable members to visit his electorate. It will be somewhat of a change from the constant pressure that members of the Government receive from the honourable member for Murray, who keeps on insisting that we visit his electorate.

I know this session has been a difficult one. It has been an historic session with the passing of amendments to the Local Government Bill, probably the most significant amendments that have been seen in 30-odd years. It was a magnificent effort, not just by the Minister, Gerry Peacocke; everyone contributed. I believe we almost changed the rules when we had one late night sitting, which was not appreciated by some honourable members in the Chamber. I tried to bring a bit of civility to the debate. I acknowledged that we were tired. I could have relieved the Minister and given him a break from his duties in the Chamber, but I was mindful that members of the Opposition and those on the crossbenches were also tired from that late night sitting. To seek and get an arrangement to allow us a 20-minute break, a breather, or a cup of coffee, I think was a recognition that this place is a special environment. I know honourable members appreciate that. If I can co-operate with members to achieve that, I will continue to do so, because I believe that is the best way to get the business done in this House.

On a lighter side, I can well remember when I was debating the subordinate legislation, following the legislation this past week, someone said to me, "Have you seen the amendments that have been provided by the Independents?" There is always great anguish in this Parliament about whether we have seen each other's amendments under the new rule. Honourable members have an understanding, and endeavour to examine each other's amendments. A member said, "You must see the amendments that have been submitted by the Independents". I looked at them. I was speaking on the subordinate legislation and the next bill related to stamp duties, which I had not really looked at it. I read it and it said, "Special conveyancing provisions for homosexuals". I wondered what that had to do with subordinate legislation. I am pleased that, in this House, honourable members can continue to laugh. It did provide some mirth.

May I say finally that the honourable member for South Coast expressed some very strong comments tonight - not just to the Government but to all honourable members. Perhaps some members, particularly those in the Opposition, felt there was some agenda behind the Government adjourning the House today apart from the obvious. As a result of the election of the new Leader of the National Party, there will obviously be some reshaping of the ministry. I cannot say anything more than that; that is the prerogative of the Premier and the Deputy Premier. I am happy about the way I facilitated progression of the Government's program. Having reached agreement on what were the priorities of the session, we agreed on what important matters should proceed.

There was some suggestion that it was all about hiding something in respect of the Auditor-General's Report. Let me say that all honourable members Page 2686 know that if there is some concern, a majority of members can re-call the House. That must always be understood. Honourable members can recall the House. The evidence that has been presented in late afternoon letters from the Auditor-General indicates that he had no intention of the direction that these things have occurred; I believe the Premier indicated very clearly today what the Government's program was all about. I thank honourable members for their contributions to this special adjournment debate, and for their contributions to the smooth running of the program during this session of Parliament.

Motion agreed to.

BILLS RETURNED

The following bills were returned from the Legislative Council without amendment:

Superannuation Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill Ombudsman (Amendment) Bill HomeFund Select Committee (Special Provisions) Bill Protection of the Environment Administration (Amendment) Bill Film and Video Tape Classification (Amendment) Bill

House adjourned at 10.16 p.m. until Tuesday, 7th September, 1993, at 2.15 p.m.

______

Page 2687

QUESTIONS UPON NOTICE

The following questions upon notice and answers were circulated in Questions and Answers:

POLICE FINGERPRINT SYSTEMS

Mr Anderson asked the Minister for Police -

(1) Which police stations in New South Wales have a fingerprint work station enabling direct computerised access to the national fingerprint database? (2) How many officers, authorised to obtain fingerprints from crime scenes, are attached to each police district? (3) Are the officers referred to in Question (2) above all qualified for court purposes as experts? (4) How do such officers become qualified as experts? (5) Why do such officers have to be experts to take fingerprints from crime scenes as distinct from giving expert evidence in courts to identify fingerprints? (6) (a) Is the computerised fingerprint system not being used to its total capacity? (b) If not, why not?

Answer -

(1) and (2) See Annexure "A". (3) No. Fingerprint Section personnel are classified as either "expert" or "non expert". Those classified as "non expert" are attached to the Fingerprint Section, Parramatta for training to be classified as "expert". (4) "Non experts" undertake a training program prior to receiving a Police Service certificate of expertise. After certification the officer must provide evidence to the Court of their experience and skills to be recognised by the Judiciary as an "expert" witness. (5) Although only fully trained "experts" are attached to country locations, the Metropolitan Area has "experts" and "non-experts". It is an integral part of the Fingerprint Training Program that "non-experts" also attend crime scenes. "Experts" attend all serious crimes and the "non experts" attend less serious crime scenes to conduct fingerprint examinations. Generally, both the "expert" and the "expert-in-training" attend Court cases. The Fingerprint Section ensures that those giving evidence at Court have the expertise to provide the prosecution with the best evidence available. The "expert" must expand and support the evidence of the Technician. (6) (a) No. (b) Not applicable.

ANNEXURE 'A'

Personnel attached to Fingerprint Section, Technical Support Group and various country locations Unit Auth/Actual Strength Expert/Non Expert Latent Trace Terminal NSW Fingerprint 119/118 56/62 Total Section, Data Parramatta Base Central Coast 2/2 2/0 1993/94 Central West 2/2 2/0 1993/94 Coffs Harbour 2/2 2/0 1993/94 Hunter 4/4 4/0 27.3.90 Illawarra 4/3 3/0 9.1.90 Monaro 2/2 2/0 1993/94 Murray 2/2 2/0 30.6.93 Northern Rivers 2/2 2/0 30.6.93 Orana 2/2 2/0 18.9.90 Peel 2/2 2/2 30.6.93 Riverina 2/2 2/0 25.11.90 Southern Highlands 2/2 2/0 1993/94 Taree 2/1 1/0 1993/94 Upper Hunter 2/2 2/0 1993/94

RICHMOND ROAD SCHOOL BUS PASSES

Mr Aquilina asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

Page 2688

(1) Has he received representations from the Principal of St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School, Glendenning, requesting bus passes for all children residing in the Dean Park estate? (2) Is this because those children would be required to cross Richmond Road, designated by the Roads and Traffic Authority as a secondary road, during time of peak traffic? (3) Has he replied to the principal indicating that the Department does not consider safety to be a factor in this instance and that therefore free travel passes cannot be issued? (4) Is he aware that the Deputy Premier and Minister for Roads has stated that a number of safety management problems have been created in this area as a result of expanding residential and industrial development? (5) Is he aware that the Roads and Traffic Authority, in conjunction with Blacktown City Council, proposes to undertake a Traffic Management Study to determine the needs of motorists and pedestrians both in the short and long term? (6) In view of the safety conflict by the Department of Transport and the Roads and Traffic Authority concerning this area of Richmond Road, will he reconsider the issue of all bus passes to the affected children and issue these passes at least until such time as the safety and traffic management study has been completed? (7) How is it possible that the Department of Transport and the Roads and Traffic Authority have come to such different conclusions concerning the safety of this part of Richmond Road?

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) Yes. A recent review by the Department revealed that, as yet, Blacktown City Council has not provided a suitable walkway for pedestrians in Stone Street, between Richmond Road and the school entrance. Consequently, students were obliged to walk on the carriageway of Stone Street to and from the school. Therefore, pending the provision of a suitable pedestrian facility in Stone Street, travel passes were issued to the students concerned. (3) Not applicable. See above answers. (4) Yes. (5) Yes. (6) Not applicable. See above answers. (7) Not applicable

DEPARTMENT OF STATE DEVELOPMENT WESTERN SYDNEY BUDGET

Mr A. S. Aquilina asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts -

(1) How much has been expended in the State Development budget so far this year? (2) What proportion of this budget is expended for the benefit of Western Sydney?

Answer -

(1) As at 30 April 1993, the Department of State Development's total year-to-date recurrent expenditure amounted to $24.018 million. (2) It is not possible to quantify exactly what proportion of the Department's budget is expended for the benefit of Western Sydney because of the difficulty of accurately assigning the proportion of staff time allocated to matters relating to Western Sydney. The role of the Department of State Development is to promote economic development in New South Wales. The Department provides a wide range of services to industry across the State. Sydney's west is a key part of the State's economy, and it is estimated that the gross domestic product of the region amounts to $23 billion. This compares with the nation of Singapore, whose gross domestic product is $32 billion. Therefore, a large part of the Department's activities relate to the Western Sydney region, including business economic analysis, industry development and small business programs. I am advised by the Department that approximately one-third of the project facilitation assistance and procurement advice provided by Officers within its Investment Group relate to industry projects in Western Sydney.

BELMONT HOSPITAL LAND

Mr Bowman asked the Minister for Health -

Has any potential use, other than for health purposes, been identified for the currently unused part of the parcel of land owned by the Department of Health on which Belmont Hospital stands?

Answer -

No.

BATHURST GAOL INSPECTIONS

Mr Clough asked the Minister for Justice and Minister for Emergency Services -

(1) Is he aware of reports that prisoners in Bathurst Gaol are being physically abused on a regular basis? (2) Are regular inspections made of the prison? (3) If so, by whom? (4) Are prison chaplains allowed unrestricted access to prisoners at all times?

Answer -

(1) No. (2) Yes.

Page 2689 (3) There are a number of regular inspections of correctional centres conducted by various people and groups. At Bathurst, these include: * daily inspections by either the Governor or the Deputy Governor; * random weekly, fortnightly or monthly inspections by the Regional Commander and Regional Superintendent; * the Official Visitor attending for at least one full day per month to formally hear any inmate or officer complaints. Depending upon workload, the Official Visitor may attend more frequently; * inspections without notice are conducted by the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner or Assistant Commissioners; * as required, but normally twice per year, officers from the Office of the Ombudsman inspect the centre and deal with inmate or officer complaints; * informal visits are made by the Salvation Army and various religious groups, welfare organisations and Prison fellowship groups. Inmates have open access to visitors from such organisations. (4) Inmates are allowed unrestricted access to chaplains, but having due regard for the security and safety of inmates and staff.

STOCKTON FERRY WHARF

Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

Taking into account recent maintenance work on the Stockton Ferry Wharf - (1) Has a comprehensive survey been made of all piles on the wharf? (2) Has an estimate been made of the life of these piles? (3) If not, will he commission such a survey? (4) Are funds allocated with the State Transit Authority to allow for eventual replacement of the wharf?

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) Yes. (3) Not applicable. (4) This is unnecessary at this stage because of the projected life of the structure.

HUNTER PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYEES

Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) As at 24 March 1988, how many persons were employed in the Hunter area by: (a) The Department of Planning? (b) The Department of Housing? (c) Hunter Water Board (Hunter Water Corporation)? (2) How many persons are now employed in each of these organisations? (3) For each area where reductions have occurred, how many of these were by: (a) Voluntary redundancy? (b) Natural attrition without replacement? (c) (i) Redeployment? (ii) If so, to which Department or region? (d) Dismissal?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answer to the honourable member's question is:

(1) (a) 17. (b) 156. This figure includes the offices of Newcastle, Windale, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Raymond Terrace, Jesmond, Singleton, Hamilton and Toronto. (c) Responsibility for this matter rests with the management of the Hunter Water Corporation. The honourable member should contact the Corporation's General Manager directly for this information. (2) Department of Planning: 14 Department of Housing: 142 as defined in (1)(b) Hunter Water Corporation: Answer as for (1)(c) (3) (a) Department of Planning: 1 position Department of Housing: 7 positions Hunter Water Corporation: Answer as for (1)(c) (b) Department of Planning: 2 Department of Housing: 7 Hunter Water Corporation: Answer as for (1)(c) (c) Department of Planning: (i) Nil (ii) Not applicable Department of Planning: (i) Nil (ii) Not applicable Hunter Water Corporation: (i) and (ii) Answer as for (1)(c) (d) Department of Planning: (i) Nil (ii) Not applicable Department of Housing: (i) Nil (ii) Not applicable Hunter Water Corporation: (i) and (ii) Answer as for (1)(c).

HUNTER PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYEES

Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for Community Services and Assistant Minister for Health -

Page 2690

(1) As at 24 March 1988, how many persons were employed in the Newcastle area by the then Department of Family and Community Services in: (a) The Hunter Regional Office? (b) Each district centre in: (i) Cardiff? (ii) Cessnock? (iii) Charlestown? (iv) Gosford? (v) Maitland? (vi) Muswellbrook? (vii) Newcastle? (viii) Raymond Terrace? (ix) Taree? (x) Woy Woy? (xi) Wyong? (c) The following specialist facilities: (i) Hunter Child Protection Centre - Merewether, Muswellbrook? (ii) Mount Penang? (iii) Mount Hutton Hostel? (iv) Worenic? (d) Hunter Region Developmental Disability Service Centres at: (i) Kanangra Centre? (ii) Peat Island Centre? (iii) Stockton Centre? (iv) Tomaree Centre? (e) Hunter Valley Developmental Disability Service? (f) Central Coast Developmental Disability Service? (2) How many persons are now employed in each of these areas of employment? (3) For each area of employment, where reductions have occurred, how many of these have been by: (a) Voluntary redundancy? (b) Natural attrition without replacement? (c) (i) Redeployment? (ii) If so, to where? (d) Dismissal?

Answer -

(1) The honourable member requests information concerning staff employed in the Newcastle area by the then Department of Family and community services in March 1988. Figures for March 1988 are not available. I am however, able to provide information relating to November 1988. The honourable member requested information on the number of persons employed in various locations and facilities in the Newcastle area. Some of the locations identified are not in the Newcastle area although they were previously administered by the Hunter regional Office of the Department of Family and Community services. I understand that this has been discussed with the honourable member and he has indicated that his interest is in Newcastle services. In answer to the honourable member's questions, in November 1988 the then Department of Family and Community Services employed the following staff at: (a) The Hunter Regional Office - 48; (b) Each District Centre: (i) Cardiff - 25 (ii) Cessnock - 8 (iii) Charlestown - 21 (iv) Gosford - 24 (v) Maitland - 16 (vi) Muswellbrook - 7 (vii) Newcastle - 24 (viii) Raymond Terrace - 10 (ix) Taree - 15 (x) Woy Woy - 7 (xi) Wyong - 25 (c) Specialist facilities: (i) Hunter Child Protection Centre - 3 (ii) Mount Penang - 129 (iii) Mount Hutton Hostel - 6 (iv) Worimi - 43 (d) Developmental Disability Services personnel were employed by the Department of Health in 1988. (e) Developmental Disability Services personnel were employed by the Department of Health in 1988. (f) The Central Coast Developmental Disability Service is not a Newcastle service. (2)(a) Not applicable due to restructure. Given that in October 1991, there was a major restructuring of the Department, staff previously employed within the Hunter Valley Developmental Disability Service have been deployed to Community Services Centres and the group homes formerly associated with the Hunter Valley Developmental Disability Services which is now associated with Community Services Centres. (b) Each District Centre: (i) Cardiff 81 (ii) Cessnock 34 (iii) Charlestown 62 (iv) Gosford 71 (v) Maitland 44 (vi) Muswellbrook 9 (vii) Newcastle 111 (viii) Raymond Terrace 36 (ix) Taree 22 (x) Woy Woy 6 (xi) Wyong 61 (c) Specialist facilities: Hunter Child Protection Centre - 2; Mount Hutton - 0; Mount Penang and Worimi have transferred from the Department of Community Services, current figures are not available. (d) Hunter Region Developmental Disability Services - 1,034 Peat Island Centre - 174

Page 2691 (e) Hunter Valley Developmental Disability Service. This service has now been integrated with Community Services Centres. In addition, Department of Community Services Area Offices have been opened in Maitland and Newcastle, each employing nine staff. (f) Central Coast presently employs 109. (3)(a) Hunter Regional Office - 25 voluntary redundancy; (i) Toronto - 2 voluntary redundancy; (ii) Charlestown - 4 voluntary redundancy; (iii) Gosford - 2 voluntary redundancy; (iv) Maitland - 2 voluntary redundancy; (v) Muswellbrook - 1 voluntary redundancy; (vi) Newcastle - 3 voluntary redundancy; (vii) Raymond Terrace - 1 voluntary redundancy; (viii) Taree - 4 voluntary redundancy; (ix) Woy Woy - 3 voluntary redundancy; (x) Wyong - 1 voluntary redundancy; Specialist facilities: Mount Hutton - six staff transferred to Disability Group Homes; Peat Island Centre - two voluntary redundancy; Hunter Valley Developmental Disability Service - six voluntary redundancy. Central Coast - two voluntary redundancy; (b) Figures are not available on natural attrition without replacement. (c) Hunter Regional Office - 23 staff were redeployed to Newcastle Area Office, Community Services Centre, group homes or other Government Departments. Hunter Valley Developmental Disability Service - four staff were redeployed to Community Service Centres. Peat Island - one member of staff was redeployed to Gosford Community Services Centre and one member of staff to Cental Coast Area Office. (d) Figures are not available on dismissal.

HOMEFUND BORROWERS ARREARS

Mrs Grusovin asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

What is the number and dollar amount of all HomeFund borrowers 3 months or more in arrears?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answer to the honourable member's question is: 1908 borrowers $8,601,012.

HOMEFUND BORROWERS ARREARS

Mrs Grusovin asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

What is the current number and monthly dollar total of amounts being paid by HomeFund borrowers towards the shortfall resulting from the sale of their homes?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answer to the honourable member's question is: The amount repaid by HomeFund borrowers towards the shortfall from the sale of their homes varies markedly from month to month. In January 1993, 9 borrowers made repayments totalling $4,993.11. In February 1993, 14 borrowers made repayments totalling $18,608.60. These amounts include "lump sum" payments as well as periodic payments.

DEFAULTING HOMEFUND BORROWERS PROPERTIES

Mrs Grusovin asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

In view of the fact that the Department of Housing purchases between 3,000 and 4,000 housing units each year for its public housing stock, why are the homes of defaulting HomeFund borrowers being sold at an average loss of $15,000 to the State when they could be transferred to public housing stock at no loss to the Home Purchase Assistance Fund?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answer to the honourable member's question is: In cases where the sale of the home of a defaulting Homefund borrower results in a loss, the proceeds from the sale of the property are insufficient to cover the debt outstanding on the loan. In other words, the property is worth less than the amount owing under the mortgage. To acquire the property for public housing at the amount required to fully pay out the debt would effectively mean the property was being purchased at a level higher than its market value. It Page 2692 would be inappropriate for the Department to expend capital works funds on acquiring public housing for amounts higher than market price. To do so would diminish the number of new housing units which could be provided by the Department.

HOMEFUND BORROWERS ASSISTANCE

Mrs Grusovin asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

In view of the large number of subsidised HomeFund borrowers who are now on reduced repayments, will the Home Purchase Assistance Fund be able to meet all its financial obligations this year without a diminution in the States equity in the fund, or without a capital loan or grant payment from the Department of Housing or other State entity?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and the Minister for Housing that the answer to the honourable member's question is: Because of a combination of lower interest income and increased subsidy requirements, it is unlikely that the net equity of the Home Purchase Assistance Fund will be maintained in 1992/93 in the absence of a capital contribution to the Fund. A capital contribution of $25 million has been made by the Department of Housing and the Fund will be monitored to determine the extent of additional supplementation that may be appropriate.

DEFAULTING HOMEFUND BORROWERS PROPERTIES

Mrs Grusovin asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) Will HomeFund borrowers be required to pay for shortfalls on either forced or voluntary sale of their homes? (2) If so, under what circumstances?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and the Minister for Housing that the answer to the honourable member's question is: (1) and (2) Mortgagee sales may arise in 3 principal situations: * following Court Order after default by borrower * following Court Order where property abandoned * where borrowers surrenders property to mortgagee. Under the terms of the mortgage the borrower remains liable for any losses following the sale. These losses include outstanding principal, interest and all costs and expenses of the mortgagee properly incurred under the mortgage terms relating to the sale or otherwise. The FANMAC guidelines prescribe the following procedures for recovering losses from borrowers: The Seller/Manager is to canvass the borrower to determine whether they expect in the future to be able to repay the outstanding balance as required by the terms and conditions of loan approval. The Seller/Manager is required to implement a system to record and monitor all losses covered by the Home Purchase Assistance Fund. Regular contact is to be maintained with the borrowers to ascertain their financial standing - at least twice yearly for at least three years. In the case of a voluntary sale where a loss will occur, the Seller/Manager is expected to obtain a signed asset and liability statement of the mortgagors. The current policy is that each case is reviewed and where the borrower has the necessary income and/or assets to enable them to do so repayment arrangements are pursued. As identified in the McMurtrie report instructions and practices are not clear in this area and action is proceeding to review the current policy and issue concise guidelines.

HOMEFUND BORROWERS ASSISTANCE

Mrs Grusovin asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) What is the number of HomeFund borrowers who are 2 months or more in arrears who are in receipt of reduced repayments? (2) How many of those borrowers have had their files checked to determine whether or not they had previously been denied their rights to a reduction in repayments by their respective housing society?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) 606. (2) Housing Societies have been instructed to review all subsidised loans to ensure borrowers have received their entitlements.

WATER BOARD POLLUTION CONTROL BRANCH

Mr Knight asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

Page 2693

(1) How many professional officers are employed by the Water Board at the Technical Consulting Group of the Pollution Control Branch located at Burwood? (2) (a) What is the basis of employment of engineers in this branch? (b) If by contract, who are their agents? (3) (a) What is the nature of the contracts granted to the branch over the past 12 months? (b) What sums were paid to engineers for each job? (4) What is the hourly rate of pay for these "engineers"? (5) Have there been any complaints against any officer in relation to harassment of female staff? (6) (a) Are any of the contract engineers located at this branch former staff members of the Water Board? (b) If so: (i) How many? (ii) What was the total amount paid out on their retirement? (7) What is the nature of the work being undertaken by former Water Board employees now contracted to the branch? (8) What is the total cost of contract labour over the past 12 months: (a) At Burwood? (b) Overall at the Water Board? (9) (a) How many permanent Public Service employees have been made redundant in the past 12 months? (b) At what cost?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) There are 7 professional officers (engineers) permanently employed by the Water Board in the Technical Consulting Group (TCG). (2) (a) There are permanent engineers and engineers engaged through agency hire by the Water Board in the TCG. (b) The following is a list of agencies from which agency hire engineers have been engaged by the Water Board for the TCG since May 1992. Ad Hoc Executive Consulting Barrington Joyce Bligh Appointments Pty Ltd Caltec Pty Ltd Command Consulting Cord Consulting Pty Ltd Draft Hire Technical Services Eastern Environmental Consultants Ecco Personnel Entec Pty Ltd H.P.W. Consultings Pty Ltd Industrial Manpower Pty Ltd Kinhill Engineers Pty Ltd M.E. Services Pty Ltd Mitchell Hunt Group Morgan & Banks Pty Ltd Penrith Personnel Process Control Services Pty Ltd Professional Staff Services Sinclair Knight & Partners Pty Ltd Skilled Engineering Staff Aid Services Pty Ltd Tech Staff Pty Ltd Trasco Pty Ltd (3) (a) Not applicable. TCG operates as part of the Water Board's core business. (b) Not applicable. See answer to question (3) (a) above. (4) The hourly rates of pay to engineers engaged through agency hire are based on experience and specialist skills and reflect the needs of the project for which they have been engaged. The hourly rates of pay to engineers engaged through agency hire within the TCG range between $20.15 per hour to $88.75 per hour. (5) No such complaints have been reported to line management, to the Water Board's EEO Unit or to the Water Board's Human Resources Division. (6) (a) Some agency hire engineers are former Water Board employees. (b) (i) Two. (ii) Both retired at age 60. The amounts paid on their retirement were $66,195.09 and $10,753. (7) Electrical engineering. (8) (a) The cost of agency hire engineers in TCG (from 10 March 1992 to 9 March 1993) at Burwood was $3,290,000. (b) The projected estimated expenditure for agency hire staff at the Water Board in 1992/93 is $39 million. (9) (a) None. However under the Voluntary Redundancy Scheme, 399 staff have voluntarily left the Water Board in the past 12 months. (b) Payouts for voluntary redundancies over the last 12 months total $7,773,052.

EUROPEAN WASP CONTROL

Mr Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs -

(1) Does the Department of Agriculture provide information to the public on the control and eradication of the European Wasp? (2) If so, how is the information disseminated to the public?

Page 2694 (3) Is information provided by means of a 0055 telephone service? (4) If so, how much income was received by the Department of Agriculture from the operation of such a service since its inception? (5) Does the Government support the Department's practice in charging people for information vital to the eradication of this pest in our environment?

Answer -

(1) NSW Agriculture provides information on the identification, biology and control of European wasp and advice on first-aid in case of wasp stings. Eradication is not an option for this naturalised pest. (2) The information is disseminated by means of a 0055 recorded information service as well as by brochures, Agfact, direct face to face contact and by means of a Telephone Enquiries Officer. (3) The 0055 recorded information service is a vital part of the Department's European wasp awareness campaign. The Biological and Chemical Research Institute, Rydalmere has an Entomology Enquiries Officer who answers telephone enquiries from the public on all aspects of entomology. During the warm months of the year this officer is inundated with calls regarding wasps. The use of the 0055 facility means that people can get information immediately, 24 hours per day. The information is comprehensive and satisfies the needs of most callers. (4) NSW Agriculture receives payment quarterly from the 0055 service supplier. The revenue collected is placed into a special deposits account dedicated to fund the Department's responses to public calls for emergency assistance in treating wasp nests. NSW Agriculture will continue to destroy nests located in schools, homes for the aged and hospitals. As well, NSW Agriculture destroys nests on private land occupied by elderly, invalid or handicapped people or people with severe allergic reactions, who have no other means of treating the nests. The revenue earned for NSW Agriculture was $2,623.87 up to and including 20 April, 1993. During each of February and March close to 1,000 calls were made to the 0055 service. (5) The Government supports the Department's decision to provide comprehensive information to the public in the most efficient manner. A scientific appraisal of the European wasp in NSW by Departmental entomologists concluded that the wasp cannot be eradicated. It is a naturalised pest which occurs in NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. NSW Agriculture has responded to this situation by providing the public with information in a very accessible message. This was achieved by means of a 0055 recorded information service for which the caller is charged. The recorded message is part of a comprehensive information service on wasps which is provided by NSW Agriculture.

BUILDING SERVICES CORPORATION GOLD LICENCE QUALIFICATION

Mr Martin asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) Are tradespeople seeking a Gold Licence required by the Building Services Corporation to undertake courses in Accounts Management, Contract Management and/or Staff Management? (2) If so, what are the costs for attendance at each course? (3) What are the perceived benefits to the customer as a consequence of tradespeople attending such courses? (4) Is a self-employed tradesperson exempt from attending such courses if a qualified accountant is engaged to handle account and contract arrangements? (5) If not, why not? (6) Is experience gained from operating in the same trade in another State of Australia recognised when an application for a Gold Licence is received? (7) What criteria is used to assess the suitability of an applicant for a Gold Licence for a trade such as roof tiler?

Answer -

(1) Yes, if an applicant has not already completed an acceptable course or examination in business management. Applicants who do not meet this requirement have a period of 12 months after the issue of the licence to do so. Applicants can meet this requirement by either undertaking a course of study through TAFE (27 hours for Trade Contractors and 81 hours for Builders) or undertaking an examination conducted by the Building Services Corporation. Issues relating to the current business management requirement and the wider issue of the Corporation's licensing role in general, recently received consideration during the Inquiry by Dr P. Dodd into the Building Services Corporation. The report of that Inquiry was tabled in the House on 30 March 1993 and is expected to receive further consideration by an implementation Task Force in the coming months. (2) There is no charge by the Building Services Corporation to attend its tutorials (which includes the provision of a comprehensive study guide) and examinations. TAFE conducts a 27 hour course for applicants for a trade contractor's licence at a cost of $285 and an 81 hour course for applicants for a builder's licence at a cost of $780. These courses can also be undertaken by correspondence. Preparatory courses for the Corporation's examinations are also available through various industry associations and organisations on a fee for service basis.

Page 2695 (3) It was envisaged that consumers would benefit from this requirement through a likely reduction in the longer term in the number of liquidations and bankruptcies of building companies and tradespeople. The Report of the Inquiry into the Building Services Corporation has raised a question over the benefits arising from this requirement. (4) Applicants who employ a business manager such as a qualified accountant or financial controller are not required to complete the business management courses/examinations. Where an accountant is engaged on a periodic or annual basis only an application for exemption from the business management qualification requirement is considered by the Corporation on its individual merit. (5) Where an accountant is engaged only on an annual or periodic basis the extent of his or her input on the way the business is conducted is considered by the Corporation on its individual merit. (6) Yes. (7) Qualifications recognised by the Corporation include appropriate TAFE (or equivalent) courses, apprenticeship completion, craft certificates issued by the Department of Industrial Relations, Employment, Training and Further Education, completion of the recently introduced skills assessment co-ordinated by TAFE; and relevant industry experience.

SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT EFFLUENT

Mr Martin asked the Minister for the Environment -

(1) Does the Environment Protection Authority legislation restrict the discharge of effluent from sewage treatment plants into waters with a Class P classification? (2) If so, has this resulted in the delay or deferment of work on construction of sewerage facilities by the Public Works Department, Sydney and Hunter Water Authorities and local councils? (3) If so, what works are delayed as a result of this legislation within the State and what is the estimated total cost of the capital works affected? (4) Does the Environment Protection Authority consider any delays in construction of works deferred as a result of this restriction represents a risk to the health and safety of the communities affected? (5) When will the legislation be amended to ensure these essential works may proceed?

Answer -

(1) I assume the question refers to the Regulations under the Clean Waters Act. If so, yes. (2) Design of works is a matter for other authorities. It would be up to them to advise if any works have been delayed and the reasons for delay. (3) See Question (2) above. It cannot be assumed that the Regulations are the only possible cause of delays, as other environmental, economic and design considerations must be taken into account. (4) The Environment Protection Authority is working with the Water Boards, Public Health Department and Public Works Department to determine the extent of water quality degradation or public health risk that may be caused from the use of septic systems in these areas. (5) Options in relation to this are under investigation between the relevant authorities.

HERITAGE PROPERTY RESTORATION FINANCE

Mr Mills asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) How much is being spent in the current financial year by the Government on restoration of heritage properties? (2) How much was spent in each of the past 3 financial years on such restoration projects? (3) How much of each of the above sums of money was spent in the Hunter region? (4) On what projects was money spent in the Hunter region and how much on each?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answer to the honourable member's questions is set out below. The answer relates to funding assistance provided under the New South Wales Heritage Assistance Program administered by the Department of Planning which includes funding provided by both the State and Commonwealth Governments. The Program includes study, educational, promotional and restoration projects. These answers relate only to restoration projects which constitute 70 per cent of the Program funds over the last 4 years. The details provided relate to allocated amounts for projects as not all of the projects have been completed at this stage. (1) $7,750,450 has been allocated for restoration work on heritage properties in 1992/93 (this sum includes a special $6,808,000 provided by the Commonwealth Government under a one-off Heritage Properties Restoration Program). (2) $1,455,200 was allocated for restoration work on heritage properties in 1991/92, $1,140,900 in 1990/91 and $813,500 in 1989/90. (3) The following sums were allocated to Hunter region projects: $1,850,750 in 1992/93, $168,400 in 1991/92, $291,000 in 1990/91 and $125,700 in 1989/90. (4) The following 67 projects were allocated funding in the Hunter region in the current and three preceding financial years; five of these projects have not proceeded and these are marked with an asterisk below. The details of each project are as follows:

Page 2696

1992/93 Maitland Repertory Theatre $2,750 $ for $ Maitland Repertory Society Toronto Railway Station $5,000 Full Grant Lake Macquarie & District Historical Soc. Inc. Claremont House, Newcastle $400,000 $ for $ Newcastle Club Dungog Museum $5,000 Full Grant Dungog Historical Society Inc. Merriwa Cottage Museum $40,000 Full Grant Merriwa Historical Society National Trust Grossman House, Maitland $150,000 Full Grant National Trust of Australia (NSW) Newcastle Air Force Club $75,000 Full Grant The Newcastle Air Force Club Ltd Paterson Courthouse Museum $15,000 $ for $ Paterson Historical Society Inc. Tocal Homestead Outbuildings, Paterson $60,000 $ for $ C.B. Alexander Foundation Newcastle National Estate Urban Conservation Area $100,000 Full Grant Newcastle City Council (53 projects being assisted) Former Town Hall Cafe $20,000 Loan Mr. S. Berry Cintra House Verandahs, Maitland Stage II $10,000 Loan Mr Richard Long Earp Gillam Bond Store, Newcastle East $60,000 $ for $ Lahey Trustees Pty Ltd Bethel Hall, Cooranbong $30,000 $ for $ Avondale College Anglican Rectory, Raymond Terrace $8,000 $ for $ Raymond Terrace Anglican Parish Closebourne House, Morpeth, Rear Verandah $7,000 $ for $ Closebourne Anglican Conference Centre Muswellbrook Anglican Rectory Roof $16,000 $ for $ Muswellbrook Anglican Parish Newcastle Anglican Cathedral Tower $40,000 $ for $ Newcastle Cathedral Parish St. John's Anglican Church St II, Newcastle Cooks Hill $20,000 $ for $ Anglican Parish St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Singleton $5,000 Full Grant Maitland Catholic Diocese $20,000 Loan Burwood Colliery Headframe Newcastle Museum $24,000 $ for $ Newcastle Regional Museum South Maitland Railway Blacksmiths Furnaces $12,000 $ for $ Hunter Valley Training Company Pty Ltd Walka Water Station Site Works, Maitland $5,000 Full Grant Walka Water Works Trust Inc. $20,000 $ for $ Page 2697 Brough House, Maitland Maitland City Council Morpeth School of Arts $25,000 $ for $ Maitland City Council Paymaster's Cottage, Newcastle $72,000 Full Grant Newcastle City Council Stationmaster's Cottage, Newcastle Stage II $574,000 Full Grant Newcastle City Council Taree Neighbourhood Centre Building $30,000 $ for $ Greater Taree City Council TOTAL: $1,850,750 1991/92 Tanilba House, at Tanilba Bay, Pergola $2,000 Full Grant Ms Helen Taylor Paterson Courthouse Museum $6,000 Full Grant Paterson Historical Society Inc. Dalwood House, Branxton Stage IV $10,000 Full Grant National Trust of Australia (NSW) Wingham Museum Stage 11 $10,000 $ for $ Wingham Historical Society Tanilba House, Tanilba Bay, Roof Drainage $400 Full Grant Ms Helen Taylor Lance Villa, 80 Church St, Newcastle 000 Loan * Mr M. Scanlon Snr. Windermere House & Museum, Lochinvar $30,000 Loan Mr Peter Capp Wallsend Railway Goods Shed $25,000 $ for $ Newcastle City Council Stationmaster's Cottage, Newcastle Stage 1 $20,000 $ for $ Newcastle City Council Frederick Ash Building, Newcastle $15,000 $ for $ Newcastle City Council St. John's Anglican Church, Newcastle $20,000 $ for $ Cooks Hill Anglican Parish St. Peter's Parish Hall, East Maitland $10,000 $ for $ East Maitland Anglican Parish TOTAL: $168,400 1990/91 Newcastle Uni. Wetlands Rehabilitation St III $16,000 $ for $ University of Newcastle Scone Museum $1,500 $ for $ Scone & District Historical Society Dungog Museum $6,500 $ for $ Dungog & District Historical Society Scone Courthouse Blue Room $2,000 $ for $ Scone Amateur Dramatic Society Wingham Museum Stage I $12,000 Full Grant Wingham Historical Society $20,000 Loan Page 2698 Clift Cottage, Maitland Stage I Ms Elaine Carty-Salmon 76 High Street, Morpeth $5,000 $ for $ Dr Timothy & Mrs Jennifer McDonald Former Falls Hotel, Maitland $10,000 Loan Mr Michael Farmer Cintra House, Maitland, Verandahs Stage I $30,000 Loan Mr Richard Long Englefield House, Maitland $5,000 Full Grant Mr Peter Gibbs Paynes Crossing House Cons. Plan & Work $5,000 Loan Paynes Crossing Pastoral Company Old Rectory, Raymond Terrace $5,000 Loan Ms Angela Brady Former Mercury Newspaper Offices, Maitland $16,000 Loan * Mr Dion Ackland Former Town Hall Cafe, Maitland Stage I $10,000 Loan Maitland City Council Clarence Town Courthouse Purchase $30,000 Loan Dungog Shire Council Former Manse, Maitland $50,000 $ for $ Maitland Catholic Diocese Newcastle Baptist Tabernacle $15,000 $ for $ Newcastle Baptist Parish St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Newcastle $50,000 $ for $ Newcastle Presbyterian Parish Pickering House, Denman $2,000 $ for $ Mr N. Burling TOTAL: $291,000 1989/90 Newcastle Uni. Wetlands Rehabilitation St II $10,000 $ for $ University of Newcastle South Maitland Rail Tracks & Conveyor $10,000 $ for $ Hunter Valley Training Company Pty Ltd Newcastle Railway Buildings Stage I $40,000 $ for $ * Newcastle City Council Bourke Cottage, Maitland $15,000 Loan Ms Anne Emes St Paul's Church, Stockton $7,000 $ for $ Stockton Anglican Parish St. Alban's Church, Muswellbrook $10,000 $ for $ Muswellbrook Anglican Parish Uniting Church Residence, Scone $3,700 $ for $ Scone Uniting Parish Overdene Homestead near Muswellbrook $30,000 Loan * Mr George & Mrs Lea Carter TOTAL: $125,700

Page 2699

LAKE MACQUARIE FIRE BRIGADES CHARGES

Mr Mills asked the Minister for Justice and Minister for Emergency Services -

(1) What contribution to the fire brigades was charged to Lake Macquarie City Council in: (a) 1993? (b) 1992? (c) 1991? (2) What were the increases from: (a) 1991 to 1992? (b) 1992 to 1993? (3) Was the estimated gross expenditure of the fire brigades in 1993 4.3 per cent higher than in 1992? (4) What are the reasons for the increased charge for Lake Macquarie City Council compared with the statewide gross expenditure increase? (5) What were the real and estimated statistics of fire brigade activity levels in Lake Macquarie in each of the above 3 years? (6) What were the statewide statistics of fire brigade activity levels in each of the above 3 years? (7) How are the different statistics reconciled with increases in expenditures and charges? (8) What percentage rate revenue increase was allowed to Lake Macquarie City Council in each of the above years?

Answer -

(1) Lake Macquarie City Council contributes 12.3 per cent of the estimated net cost of the Lake Macquarie and Morisset Fire Districts. Lake Macquarie Morisset $ $ (a) 1993 Contribution 416,315 12,429 (b) 1992 Contribution 375,970 9,889 (c) 1991 Contribution 325,358 6,477 (2) The increases were Lake Macquarie Morisset $ $ (a) 1991/92 50,612 3,412 (b) 1992/93 40,345 2,540 (3) The estimated gross recurrent expenditure for calender year 1993 for the whole of New South Wales rose by 4.32 per cent to $190 million. The estimated net cost of recurrent expenditure for all 186 Fire Districts remained static at $180 million. (4) The Fire Brigades Act 1989 requires that individual estimates of the recurrent costs be established for each of the 186 Fire Districts in New South Wales. Recent improvements to the Department's capture of costs revealed that previous years' estimates did not fully reflect the infrastructure costs or levels of activity within the Lake Macquarie Fire District. Such anomalies when detected have been progressively adjusted over a three-year period, with 1994's estimate expected to finally correct the Lake Macquarie Fire District. (5) The real statistics of the fire brigade activity levels in Lake Macquarie in 1991 was 2,815. In 1992 it was 1,675 and 1993 (to date) is 376. (6) The statewide statistics for the fire brigade activity levels in 1991 was 82,352, 1992 was 72,333 and (to date) for 1993 is 13,705. (7) The New South Wales Fire Brigades are required to respond irrespective of incident levels, therefore there is no obvious correlation between incident statistics and costs. However let me assure Mr Mills that the New South Wales Fire Brigades are containing costs whilst improving the level of service available to the community. (8) The question of rate increases allowed to the Lake Macquarie City Council is a matter between them and the Minister for Local Government.

ORPHAN SCHOOL CREEK FLOODING

Ms Nori asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) What solutions are proposed to stop the damaging flooding that occurs every 12 to 18 months to Department of Housing premises on Wigram Road, facing Orphan School Creek? (2) Has the Department approached the Water Board to increase the height of the retaining to help alleviate the problem of the creek breaking its banks? (3) Were these premises inspected by the Department prior to their purchase from the builder? (4) Did such an inspection or documentation from Leichhardt Council indicate that these dwellings would be subject to 18-monthly flooding? (5) Did these dwellings have approval from Leichhardt Council? (6) Will tenants who have lost furniture and other valuables be recompensed?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answer to the honourable member's question is: (1) The Department of Housing has engaged a consultant to examine whether there are any short-term measures that could alleviate the flooding problem. Amplification of the stormwater channel adjacent to the Department of Housing properties in Wigram Road is subject to the findings of a catchment management study planned by the Water Board. This study will develop options to address the flooding and urban runoff pollution problems in the Johnstons Creek Stormwater System. (2) The department and the Water Board have agreed that this is one option that will be examined when the catchment management study is undertaken. (3) Yes. (4) No. (5) Yes. (6) Those residents who did not have household insurance have been advised to put their claims in writing for consideration by the Department's Legal Services Branch.

Page 2700

WARABROOK RAILWAY STATION PROPOSAL

Mr Price asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) What is the Government's proposal in relation to the establishment of a railway station at Warabrook? (2) How will the recent consultancy report influence the decision to proceed and call tenders for construction? (3) Is the $2.5 million allocated by the Federal Government adequate for the construction of Warabrook Station? (4) If not, what financial supplementation, in dollar terms, will be required to complete the project? (5) How will any additional funding be serviced?

Answer -

(1) The Government supports the development of a station to service the University of Newcastle. On 10 May I wrote to the Federal Minister reiterating to him my support for this project. (2) The consultancy report clarified the issues affecting access to the University and raised issues that needed to be considered by the Federal Minister. A copy of the report was provided to the Federal Minister for comment, he has not yet responded. (3) The $2.5 million is adequate for the site endorsed by the University to construct the station and overhead steps. (4) Not applicable. (5) Not applicable.

HEXHAM WETLANDS ALLIGATOR WEED INFESTATION

Mr Price asked the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs -

(1) What is the extend of alligator weed infestation in the Hexham Wetlands in terms of location and area affected? (2) What steps are being taken to reduce the quantity of this infestation? (3) Who is the responsible authority in terms of the requirement to eradicate this imported noxious weed?

Answer -

(1) A recent survey of the Hexham flood plain by the University of Newcastle found that while alligator weed is growing in Ironbark Creek (between Watkins Road, Elermore Vale and the floodgates at Maitland Road, Hexham) it has spread onto the flood plain at only one location. The area concerned is minimal and is adjacent to the Chichester Pipeline. The only other affected area adjacent to the Hexham Wetlands is on private property off Woodberry Road, Tarro. Despite treatment this area has increased over the past five years. It is estimated that alligator weed now infests approximately nine hectares of the Hexham Wetlands and adjacent areas. (2) Newcastle City Council regularly treats the alligator weed infestations in Ironbark Creek between Watkins Road and Minmi Road, Wallsend, and along the affected verge of Woodberry Road, Tarro. The alligator weed infestations in Ironbark Creek between Minmi Road and the floodgates at Maitland Road are under the control of the Department of Public Works. The owners of the land off Woodberry Road, Tarro have been served with a notice under section 473 of Part XXII of the Local Government Act 1919, to eradicate alligator weed. (3) Newcastle City Council is the responsible authority for control of alligator weed in the Hexham Wetlands.

AMBULANCE SERVICE BOARD POLITICISATION

Dr Refshauge asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Is Mr John Cowper a member of the NSW Ambulance Service Board? (2) Are there any members of the Ambulance Service Board who are members of a political party? (3) If so: (a) Who? (b) Do they hold any party office? (c) Are they actively involved in the current Federal election? (d) Why is he politicising the Ambulance Service?

Answer -

(1)Yes. Mr Cowper was reappointed to the Ambulance Service Board on 1 January 1993 to 31 July 1994. (2) Yes. (3) (a) Ms Beryl Ashe indicated in her application that she is a member of the Labor Party. Mr Warwick Wilkinson is a member of the Liberal Party. (b) Not relevant. (c) Not relevant. (d) Not relevant.

EAST HILLS TRAIN DELAYS

Mr Rogan asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Were extensive delays experienced on the East Hills line on Saturday 27 February 1993? (2) How many trains were delayed and what was the reason for this delay? (3) Why were commuters who were waiting on East Hills platforms between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. not told of these delays? (4) Are there standard instructions for rail staff to advise commuters waiting on railway stations of serious delays? (5) If not, why not?

Page 2701

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) Seven East Hills trains were delayed. Signalling cables were accidentally severed during track upgrading work between Redfern and Central, affecting the operation of train signals. (3) The Assistant Station Master on duty at East Hills until 3.00 p.m. made regular announcements to travellers. (4) Yes. (5) Not applicable.

ILLAWARRA MAMMOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT SERVICES

Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Does he agree with the decision of the NSW Cancer Council not to establish a mammographic assessment centre in the Illawarra? (2) If so, why? (3) Is he aware that it is an extremely difficult and lengthy process to travel by public transport from Wollongong to Kogarah? (4) Will he ask the NSW Cancer Council to reconsider its decision and establish an assessment centre in the Illawarra?

Answer -

(1) and (2) The NSW Cancer Council did not decide that a mammographic assessment centre was not to be established in the Illawarra. In 1989, an expert Ministerial Advisory Committee was appointed to advise the Cancer Council on the staged introduction of a population-based mammographic screening service in New South Wales. This Advisory Committee was made up of a number of leading experts in cancer services in the State, including four surgeons, two radiologists, two oncologists, a health economist, representatives of the NSW Department of Health, a general practitioner and others. The Advisory Committee recommended that seven Assessment Centres be established in the first instance. Selection of sites for these Assessment Centres was based on the geographic distribution of women requiring screening (those in the age group 50-69 years), the presence of existing expertise and expressions of interest from various institutions. The Advisory Committee did not support submissions from Wollongong services. (3) All women in the target group who participate in the NSW Program will have their initial mammogram done in the Illawarra using the mobile and static facilities to be established. Travelling between Wollongong and Kogarah will only be required by approximately 5 per cent of all women who have been initially screened in the Illawarra and have something suspicious in their mammogram which needs further investigation. (4) The decision on the location of assessment centres was made by the Ministerial Advisory Committee and implemented by the NSW Cancer Council. Access for women to screening is being carefully monitored by the Ministerial Advisory Committee to assist in the further development of screening and assessment services.

HUNTER MAMMOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT SERVICES

Mr Face asked the Minister for Health -

With reference to the mammographic assessment centres to be established by the NSW Cancer Council under contract from the Department of Health - (1) How many will be in the Hunter region and their location? (2) What are the terms and conditions of that contract? (3) What present and continuing involvement will the State Government have in the project? (4) Who is ultimately responsible for the establishment and operation of the project - the State Government or the NSW Cancer Council?

Answer -

(1) There is one Assessment Centre located in the Hunter region (the Hunter breast Cancer Screening and Assessment Service at the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Newcastle) with up to seven Screening Units to be introduced progressively over the next few years. (2) The terms and conditions of the contract are contained in a document negotiated between the NSW Cancer Council and the NSW Department of Health. A copy of the relevant sections of the contract can be obtained from the Executive Director of the NSW Cancer Council. (3) The State Government has ongoing involvement with the project. The NSW Government negotiates with the Commonwealth Government on the terms and conditions of this project, the cost-sharing arrangements and inter-governmental issues. Implementation of policy has been devolved through the NSW Department of Health to the NSW Cancer Council under the terms of a performance agreement. The Department monitors performance by means of explicit performance indicators. Service delivery is provided by Area and Regional Health Services through the public and private sectors to achieve the most cost-effective use of resources and expertise. (4) The National Program for the Early Detection of Breast Cancer has been planned at the Commonwealth level and the terms and conditions are negotiated with the NSW State Government. The NSW State Government and the NSW Cancer Council share the responsibility for the New South Wales component of the National Program for the Early Detection of Breast Cancer. This is defined through the performance agreement signed by both parties.

Page 2702

CLUBKENO IN BOWLING CLUBS

Mr Face asked the Chief Secretary and Minister for Administrative Services -

(1) How many bowling clubs in New South Wales have installed Clubkeno? (2) Of the total number of bowling clubs, how many of them are considered to be small clubs on the criterion of having less than 39 machines? (3) How many of those bowling clubs are in the Sydney metropolitan area? (4) How many of those bowling clubs are in the Hunter region? (5) How many of those bowling clubs are in the Illawarra region? (6) How many of those bowling clubs are in other country areas as distinct from the Hunter and Illawarra regions? (7) How many bowling clubs have had an application for Clubkeno rejected?

Answer -

(1) As at 20 April 1993, there were 84 bowling clubs in New South Wales which had installed Clubkeno. (2) As at 20 April 1993, there were 44 bowling clubs with Clubkeno considered to be small clubs on the criterion of having less than 39 machines. (3) As at 20 April 1993, there were 10 bowling clubs in the Sydney metropolitan area which had installed Clubkeno with less than 39 machines. (4) As at 20 April 1993, there were 6 bowling clubs in the Hunter region which had installed Clubkeno with less than 39 machines. (5) As at 20 April 1993, there were 3 bowling clubs in the Illawarra region which had installed Clubkeno with less than 39 machines. (6) As at 20 April 1993, there were 25 bowling clubs with Clubkeno in other country areas which had installed Clubkeno with less than 39 machines. (7) As at 20 April 1993, no bowling clubs had had an application for Clubkeno rejected.

CLUBKENO IN GOLF CLUBS

Mr Face asked the Chief Secretary and Minister for Administrative Services -

(1) How many golf clubs in New South Wales have installed Clubkeno? (2) Of the total number of golf clubs, how many of them are considered to be small clubs on the criterion of having less than 39 machines? (3) How many of those golf clubs are in the Sydney metropolitan area? (4) How many of those golf clubs are in the Hunter region? (5) How many of those golf clubs are in the Illawarra region? (6) How many of those golf clubs are in other country areas as distinct from the Hunter and Illawarra regions? (7) How many golf clubs have had an application for Clubkeno rejected?

Answer -

(1) As at 20 April 1993, there were 37 golf clubs in New South Wales which had installed Clubkeno. (2) As at 20 April 1993, there were 21 golf clubs with Clubkeno considered to be small clubs on the criterion of having less than 39 machines. (3) As at 20 April 1993, there were 6 golf clubs in the Sydney metropolitan area which had installed Clubkeno with less than 39 machines. (4) As at 20 April 1993, there were 2 golf clubs in the Hunter region which had installed Clubkeno with less than 39 machines. (5) As at 20 April 1993, there was 1 golf club in the Illawarra region which had installed Clubkeno with less than 39 machines. (6) As at 20 April 1993, there were 12 golf clubs with Clubkeno in other country areas which had installed Clubkeno with less than 39 machines. (7) As at 20 April 1993, only one golf club (Hume Country Golf Club) had had an application for Clubkeno rejected.

BLACKTOWN HOSPITAL AND MOUNT DRUITT HOSPITAL ORTHOPAEDIC PROCEDURES

Mr Amery asked the Minister for Health -

What is the average waiting time for public patients waiting for orthopaedic procedures at: (a) Mount Druitt Hospital? (b) Blacktown Hospital?

Answer -

(1) and (2) Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals are part of the Western Sydney Area Health Service. The Booking List Survey for November 1992, published in January 1993, details an average waiting time of 2.15 months for orthopaedic procedures.

PRISONER HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES

Mr Clough asked the Minister for Justice and Minister for Emergency Services -

(1) Has there been a reduction in the budget for provision of health and welfare services to prisoners? (2) Is the reduction in the vicinity of $1.6 million? (3) Will this mean a reduction in specialists visits to Lithgow and Bathurst Gaols? (4) Will an alternative plan be placed into position to ensure that prisoners needing attention receive it?

Answer -

(1) No. (2) Not applicable. (3) The level of medical and specialist services to Lithgow and Bathurst Correctional Centres has been maintained. (4) Not applicable.

Page 2703

HUNTER PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYEES

Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs -

(1) As at 24 March 1988, how many persons were employed in the Hunter Area by the following bodies under his administration: (a) Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Regional Office, Maitland? (b) Newcastle Office? (c) Potercon? (d) C. B. Alexander Agricultural College? (e) Fisheries inspection offices at Newcastle, Swansea, Nelson Bay, Toronto, Karuah and Tea Gardens? (f) Brackish Water Fish Culture Research Station? (g) NSW Dairy Corporation? (h) NSW Meat Industry Association? (2) How many persons are now employed in each of these bodies? (3) For each area of employment, where reductions have occurred, how many of these have been by: (a) Voluntary redundancy? (b) Natural attrition without replacement? (c) (i) Redeployment? (ii) If so, to where? (d) Dismissal?

Answer -

(1) As at 24 March 1988 the number of persons employed at the following locations were: (a) Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Regional Office Maitland Total: 32 (b) Newcastle Office Total: 18 (c) Potercon - I cannot identify this location. (d) C.B. Alexander Agricultural College Total: 73 (e) Not within this portfolio (f) Not within this portfolio (g) NSW Dairy Corporation Total: 12 (h) NSW Meat Industry Association: there is no such Association. (2) The number of persons now employed in each of these bodies: (a) NSW Agriculture Maitland Office Total: 30 (b) Newcastle Office Total: 10 (c) Potercon - I cannot identify this location. (d) C B Alexander Agricultural College Total: 73 (e) and (f) These questions should be referred to the Minister for Natural Resources (g) NSW Dairy Corporation Total: 5 (h) NSW Meat Industry Association: There is no such Association (3) For each area of employment, where reductions have occurred, the known reasons are as follows: NSW Agriculture: Maitland- Natural attrition without replacement: 2 positions. Newcastle Office - Voluntary redundancy: 1 position. Natural attrition without replacement: 7 positions. There has not been any redeployment and no dismissals have been identified at any location. NSW Dairy Corporation: (a) 2 (b) 5 (c) Nil (d) Nil

HOME CARE SERVICE APPLICATIONS

Mr Irwin asked the Minister for Community Services and Assistant Minister for Health -

(1) In determining the eligibility of Home Care Service applicants for housework services, does the Home Care Service, as a matter of policy, inquire as to the availability of other family members to perform the work? (2) Are applicants asked if they have sons or daughters who can perform the work? (3) Are applicants refused the provision of housework services where a daughter is deemed to be available to perform the work? (4) Do precisely the same guidelines apply requiring sons to perform housework?

Answer -

(1) When the Home Care Service determines a person's priority to receive service, it looks at a number of issues. These are: * the functional disability of the person applying for service; * the support the applicant has from family members, friends and other informal care networks such as voluntary agencies; * the applicant's financial ability to purchase the required service from a commercial source; and * the availability of suitable commercial services in the local community. The Assessment process used by Home Care does not seek information about whether or not particular family members are available to perform household work. However, applicants are asked a general question about the help they already get from family or friends, from voluntary groups or by paying someone and, in consideration of the help they already receive, whether or not they still need extra help. (2) Service providers such as Home Care do not seek to replace family support, whether it comes from daughters or sons or from informal care networks. The relationship an applicant has with these other individuals or organisations is important for a number or reasons, not least being the opportunity that contact with a family, friends and people from voluntary agencies has for the social life of the elderly person or younger person with a disability. When considering the ability of a family member to provide help, Home Care assesses the family member's availability to provide help, their willingness to do so and the nature of their relationship with the applicant. In taking this approach, Home Care finds that it is able to work in partnership with families in meeting the support needs of the frail aged person or younger person with a Page 2704 disability. This method has a dual benefit. It relieves the stress on carers in meeting the support needs of family members and allows an applicant to continue to live in his or her own home with dignity and independence. (3) No. See the answer to question (1) above. (4) The same guidelines as above are applied equally.

SYDNEY HARBOUR ISLANDS REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN

Mr J. H. Murray asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) What is the status of the Regional Environmental Plan for the Sydney Harbour islands? (2) What is the current status of the zoning for Rodd Island? (3) Are plans in place to rezone Rodd Island?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) Further work has been deferred on the draft Regional Environmental Plan for the islands of Sydney Harbour and Parramatta River. That decision was taken following advice from the Commonwealth of further delays to its disposal of Cockatoo and Snapper Islands, and no commitment on the future of Spectacle Island. However, Rodd Island and the other State owned Islands are to be included in Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No. 22 - Parramatta River and Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No. 23 - Sydney and Middle Harbour. (2) Rodd Island is not currently zoned. It is owned by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the service has complete control and management of the island. The Director of National Parks and Wildlife can carry out or approve the carrying out of any purpose authorised by the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. (3) It is proposed to zone Rodd Island as 8(a) National Parks in the draft amendment to Regional Environmental Plan No. 22 - Parramatta River. This will enable any purpose authorised by the Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 to be carried out without development consent. The National Parks and Wildlife Service will be the determining authority. The exhibition of the draft amendment is timetabled for public exhibition in May 1993.

RHODES RAILWAY STATION HOUSING STUDY

Mr J. H. Murray asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) Has Rhodes Railway Station been included in a housing study recently gazetted by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing? (2) Why has he not considered Rhodes as a suitable location for a detailed study in relation to housing? (3) Are there any other railway stations within the electorate of Drummoyne which are to be included in this housing study?

Answer -

(1) The Department of Planning engaged consultants to prepare a report which examines precincts around railway stations in the Sydney region, in which higher density housing was likely to make more efficient use of existing rail capacities. The Rail Nodes Study derived general planning principles for higher density housing based on an assessment of selected case study areas. Case study areas were selected from an initial list of forty seven stations based on an assessment of selected case study areas. Rhodes and Concord West were included in this initial list. No decision on implementation of the study's outcome has been made. (2) Rhodes was not selected as a case study, however, Concord Council and the Department of Planning are jointly preparing a strategy for the Rhodes-Strathfield corridor. This area comprises significant redevelopment opportunities as several industrial sites are redundant or are likely to become so in the near future. (3) As indicated in (1), case study areas were drawn from an initial list of forty seven stations which included Rhodes and Concord West. Twelve stations were selected as case studies. No railway station within the electorate of Drummoyne was included in the Rail Nodes Study.

BONDI JUNCTION PUBLIC HOUSING WAITING LIST

Mr Page asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

On an annual basis since 1987 what has been the average waiting time for people on the Department of Housing's public housing waiting lists at its office at Bondi Junction in the following accommodation types: (a) 1-bedroom pensioner? (b) 1-bedroom community? (c) 2-bedroom apartment? (d) 2-bedroom general? (e) 3-bedroom apartment? (f) 3-bedroom general? (g) 4-bedroom plus general?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answer to the honourable member's question is: The Department maintains a centralised computer file of data about applicants for public housing and has divided New South Wales into a number of geographical zones, termed "allocation zones". Applicants for public housing nominate the zone in which they require housing.

Page 2705 The Eastern Suburbs of Sydney was divided into three zones until 1988 when it was consolidated into a single zone. The information is therefore not available in the format sought as the Department does not maintain individual public housing waiting lists at each of its local offices. The Department also does not calculate average times, but can advise the length of time between application and allocation for a client who waited in turn for an allocation and was not given a priority allocation.

NEWSAGENCY PAPER RUNS

Mr Thompson asked the Minister for Community Services and Assistant Minister for Health -

(1) Under what law or regulation are females prohibited from carrying out paper runs for newsagents? (2) What is the reason for this law or regulation? (3) Is this law or regulation considered to be discriminatory? (4) If not, why not? (5) If so, what action is being taken to correct it?

Answer -

(1) and (5) The Children (Care and Protection) (Child Employment) Amendment Bill 1992 was introduced into the Legislative Assembly on 29 April 1992. This Amendment to the Children (Care and Protection) Act 1987 replaces the previous Children's Employment provisions of the Child Welfare Act 1939. Draft regulations have been prepared to replace the Child Welfare Regulations 1940 to enable the implementation of this Amendment to the Act. Community consultation on the draft Regulation is being developed by the Department of Community Services. This overcomes section 65(1) of the Child Welfare Act 1939 which provides for a licence to be issued to a male child to permit him to participate in street trading including the selling of newspapers.

ROCKDALE HOME CARE SERVICES

Mr Thompson asked the Minister for Community Services and Assistant Minister for Health -

(1) How many people are receiving Home Care in the Rockdale area? (2) How many clients are there in each of the priority groups 1 to 4? (3) How many clients have had their priority classification changed to a lower priority over the last 12 months? (4) How many clients have been removed from Home Care services in the Rockdale area? (5) What percentage of Priority 1 clients in the Rockdale area are: (a) Early respite cases from public hospitals? (b) Respite cases? (c) Potential nursing home cases? (6) For what reasons are persons removed from Home Care services?

Answer -

(1) 692. (2) Home Care no longer uses the method which placed people into priority groups of "one" to "four". (3) Not applicable. (4) Service hours provided by the Rockdale branch have increased by 1629 hours between February 1992 and February 1993. During the year 117 new customers commenced service. In the past twelve months, 186 customers left the service in the natural course of events. After re-assessment by service co-ordinators, 114 customers were assessed to be less in need of service than other people assessed. This trend reflects the growth in personal care and respite service being provided by the branch. Personal care and respite care services are more resource intensive to provide as they have to be provided on weekends and outside normal working hours. These people have not been placed in danger of institutionalisation, and in most cases assistance was provided in finding an alternative service. (5) (a) 41 per cent. (b) 4.95 per cent. (c) The majority of Home Care customers would be potentially living in nursing homes if they were left without service for a medium to long period of time. (6) Customers' Home Care Service are varied for many different reasons as listed below. The majority of people leave in the natural course of events. * a decision was made by the individual concerned that they could manage on their own; * service was provided on a short-term basis only; * the death of the customer; * the person receiving the service moved out of the area covered by the local branch; * a decision was made by the person to enter a nursing home; * a decision was made by the person receiving the service to enter into private arrangements for assistance; * functional disability and/or mobility had improved; * customer had developed independence in tasks; * special equipment had been installed to enable customer independence for themselves or their carers; * family or friends able to provide support; * financial resources had increased; * customer was receiving adequate income to afford private service; * customer's overall needs were assessed as lower priority than other requests currently received. Every effort is made to provide assistance in adjusting to changed circumstances and making alternative arrangements. Customers are advised to contact the branch should their circumstances change in the future.

Page 2706

COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANTS

Mr Amery asked the Minister for Community Services and Assistant Minister for Health -

(1) What is the amount of funds (granted through the Department of Community Services) that is tied up in accounts conducted by the Australian Association of Co-operatives? (2) What action is he taking to ensure that community service grants are maintained to the various non-profit co-operatives conducting social welfare operations in New South Wales?

Answer -

(1) On being advised of the voluntary liquidation of the Australian Association of Co-operatives (AAC), the Department of Community Services contacted all funded co-operatives to determine whether they had funds invested with the AAC. To date, 10 funded organisations have informed the Department that they have funds invested with the AAC. Total funds invested with the AAC by funded organisations is approximately $1 million. (2) An advance of funds on quarterly payments due 1 April 1993 was made for organisations that informed the Department that they were affected by the AAC freeze of funds, to allow them to continue operating until the situation with the AAC became clearer.

SMALL BUSINESS PAYROLL TAX

Mr A. S. Aquilina asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts -

(1) How many small businesses in New South Wales pay payroll tax? (2) How many pay payroll tax in the City of Penrith?

Answer -

My colleague the honourable George Souris, Minister for Finance and Assistant Treasurer, has provided the following information in response to this question. (1) If a small business is defined as one paying wages of less than $500,000 per annum, then no small businesses pay payroll tax in New South Wales. There are, however, 9,991 businesses in New South Wales who pay wages between $500,000 and $1 million per annum and are liable to pay payroll tax. (2) There are 101 businesses which pay payroll tax in the City of Penrith, of which 81 pay wages between $500,000 and $1 million per annum. Of greater relevance than the raw figures is the reduction that has occurred in the number of small businesses liable for payroll tax since this Government was elected in 1988. In the year ending 30 June 1988, there were 12,098 employers in New South Wales paying wages of $1 million or less per annum who were liable to pay payroll tax. They constituted about 81 per cent of the total number of employers liable for payroll tax. By the June 1992 year-end, due to the raising of the payroll tax threshold to acknowledge the contribution of small business to employment growth, only 8,487 employers with payrolls up to $1 million were liable for payroll tax. They constituted 58 per cent of the total number of employers liable for payroll tax. This change is a substantive demonstration of this Government's recognition of small business as the engine room of the State's economic life.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE NYNGAN BRANCH CLOSURE

Mr Beckroge asked the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs -

(1) Is he aware of the concerns of the Nyngan Branch of the New South Wales Farmers Association at the possibility of the closure of the Nyngan Branch of the Department of Agriculture? (2) If so, are the concerns justified?

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) No.

NEWCASTLE AND LAKE MACQUARIE SENIOR CITIZENS' WEEK FUNDING

Mr Bowman asked the Premier and Treasurer -

(1) What assistance to the funding of Senior Citizens' Week activities in the Newcastle-Lake Macquarie area was given by the Government in the years: (a) 1988? (b) 1989? (c) 1990? (d) 1991? (e) 1992? (2) Why is no assistance to be given in 1993?

Answer -

(1) The Government provides the Senior Citizens Grants Program to assist local government and community groups to organise programs in their local areas. The grants are intended as a resource to activities which may not be otherwise possible. Innovative programs which encompass a wide range of people are more likely to be favourably considered than routine programs. These are seeding grants and are not intended to provide total funding. All applications are processed by an independent Grants Appraisal Committee which includes representatives from bodies such as the Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association, the Older Women's Network, the Local Government and Shires Association, the Consultative Committee on Ageing and the Ethnic Affairs Commission. The Committee uses a set of assessment guidelines that are based on the aims of the Grants Program. The grants distributed before 1992 are archived and to provide the detailed information requested in the Page 2707 member's question would require significant resources and time of senior officers. As a consequence, it is not appropriate to meet this request. In 1992 there were fifteen applications funded in the Newcastle-Lake Macquarie area; one each in Cessnock and Port Stephens, two each in Lake Macquarie and Swansea, and nine in Myall lakes. (2) In 1993 nine grants were distributed to organisations in the Newcastle-Lake Macquarie area: two in Newcastle, two in Cessnock, two in Myall Lakes, and one each in Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie and Swansea. The Grants Appraisal Committee makes a conscious effort to achieve an equitable distribution of grant monies to projects which support the objectives in different parts of the State in recognition of the fact that senior citizens in rural areas do not have the same opportunities to attend functions as others in and near metropolitan areas.

PERIODIC DETENTION

Mr Rumble asked the Minister for Justice and Minister for Emergency Services -

How many persons, and for which offences, have been sentenced to periodic detention for the year ended 12 October 1991?

Answer -

1,365 offenders were sentenced to periodic detention for the 12-month period ending 12 October 1991. The following list indicates the offences for which periodic detention was imposed and the numbers of offenders sentenced to periodic detention for each offence type. Some offenders were sentenced for more than one offence, thus the disparity between the total number of offenders and the total number of offences: Offence Description Total Count Homicide - offences against life of a person 17 Assaults - excluding those of a sexual nature 204 Sexual offences 55 Robbery 13 Extortion 2 Break and enter 105 Fraud, forgery, false pretences and misappropriation 78 Receiving unlawful possession 44 Theft - other forms of 164 Property damage 21 Environmental Offices 1 Justice procedures - offences against 101 Prostitution 0 Behaviour - offensive 20 Weapons - offensive 3 Against good order - other offences 5 Drug related offences 28 Dealing and trafficking in drugs 100 Grow manufacture produce drugs 20 Offences involving driving a vehicle 198 Administrative offences regarding motor vehicles 246 Company legislation 2 Federal State Territory offences not elsewhere classified 2 Prison discipline 2 1,431

DEPARTMENTAL OFFICE REFURBISHMENTS

Mr Scully asked the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs -

In relation to each Department or Authority under his administration - (1) How much was spent on office fitouts or refurbishment in 1991/92? (2) What is the estimated expenditure for 1992/93?

Answer - (1) and (2) NSW Agriculture office fitouts or refurbishment in 1991/92 $1,100,100 including rentalised annual component of relocation fitout over 6 years (subject to CPI) $285,700 *Estimated expenditure for 1992/93 $530,600 including rentalised annual component of relocation fitout over 6 years (subject to CPI) $287,800

NSW Dairy Corporation * Office fitouts or refurbishment in 1991/92 $26,885 * Estimated expenditure for 1992/93 $12,870

NSW Meat Industry Authority NIL

Rural Assistance Authority * Office fitouts or refurbishment in 1991/92 $ 13,000 * Estimated expenditure for 1992/93 $106,000 (Note in respect of 1992/93, approximately 70 per cent of this amount represents work contracted in 1991/92.)

Sydney Market Authority * Office fitouts or refurbishment in 1991/92 $2,080 * Estimated expenditure for 1992/93 $3,000

FOOD VENDING VEHICLES

Ms Allan asked the Minister for Local Government and Minister for Cooperatives -

(1) Is he aware that food vending vehicles are ignoring Blacktown Council's Mobile Food Vending Vehicles and Stalls Code, and are trading illegally? (2) Will he take action to ensure that the local business community is protected from defiant and illegal vendors? (3) Will he further ensure that food vending vehicles comply with licensing and operating regulations.

Answer -

(1) The Blacktown City Council advised that it has been negotiating and liaising with all parties involved in a dispute concerning the operation of mobile food Page 2708 vending vehicles (the Council has clarified that these are mobile street vending vehicles - motor vehicles from which only ice cream, ice confection, chocolate or confectionary is sold) in the area known as Homeworld II. The Council received representations from a shop owner, the management of Homeworld II and mobile food vending operators (who claim to rely on this area for their income). The Council has in place a Mobile Food Vending Vehicles and Stalls Code which sets out certain requirements in relation to the operation of licensed street operators. In addition, the Council's licence application form sets out the general conditions under which licences will be issued. The situation at Homeworld II is that there exists an approved shop whose owner claims that operators of mobile food vending vehicles are "poaching" customers resulting in a severe loss of income. In an attempt to settle this matter amicably, the Council has been attempting to find a compromise suitable to all parties, however, this has not been possible. The Council recently issued all owners of mobile food vending vehicles operating in Homeworld II with a final warning, stating that should they continue to operate not in accordance with the conditions as set out in their licence, their licence will be revoked. Should they continue to operate after their licence has been revoked, the Council will be proceeding to issue summonses under Clause 12A of Ordinance 30 under the Local Government Act for operating a mobile food vending vehicle without a licence. The Council also advised that it has received one complaint from a shop owner who expressed concern about operators such as Kwik-Snacks selling food from a nearby factory site. This complaint was received recently and investigations including legal advice are being sought by the Council. (2) From the information furnished by the Blacktown City Council, it is apparent that the Council has in place procedures to take action against operators of mobile food vending vehicles who act contrary to the conditions set out in their licence.

LEGAL AID COMMISSION OUTSTANDING CLAIMS

Mr Anderson asked the Minister for the Environment representing the Attorney General and Minister for Industrial Relations -

(1) What amount of money is owed by the Legal Aid Commission as at 31 December 1992 to lawyers based in Liverpool? (2) How many firms and/or sole practitioners are owed money? (3) For what periods of time have the payments been owed? (4) What is the reason for the delay in payment? (5) When will the payments be made?

Answer -

(1) The Legal Aid Commission estimates that as at 31 December 1992, a total value of $163,106.73 was outstanding as a result of 129 claims by lawyers based in Liverpool. However, the Commission estimates that approximately $130,500 of this amount was actually owed.

The reason for this variation is the fact that accounts in many matters are calculated, and initially recorded by the Commission, on the bases that 100 per cent of scale fees is payable to the solicitor. In fact, 80 per cent of the scale fee is generally the percentage payable. (2) A total of 15 firms and/or sole practitioners were owed money at that date. (3) As at December 1992 * 46 claims (totalling $42,658.32) had been outstanding for 30 days or less; * 37 claims (totalling $27,976.65) had been outstanding for up to 60 days; * 29 claims (totalling $28,753.37) had been outstanding for up to 90 days; * 7 claims (totalling $11,205.14) had been outstanding for up to 120 days; * 10 claims (totalling $52,513.25) had been outstanding for over 120 days. (4) The Commission constantly monitors outstanding claims. In view of the fact that the Commission must operate within a budget and treat all practitioners equitably, it is essential that payments occur in an orderly manner. There is generally only a short delay between approval for payment and actual payment. Where payment of claims is delayed, it is generally because further information may be required from the practitioner or the claim may have to be reassessed. (5) By 29 March 1993, only 21 of the 129 claims remained outstanding. Those claims will be paid once they have been thoroughly investigated and approved.

CURRAN INQUIRY INTO PROSPECT ELECTRICITY

Mr Rogan asked the Minister for Conservation and Land Management and Minister for Energy -

(1) Why did he refuse to provide consultants' reports, which were prepared for the Curran inquiry into Prospect Electricity, to Professor Bob Walker who was preparing a report on behalf of Prospect Electricity? (2) Will he now agree to make these reports available? (3) If not, why not?

Answer -

(1) The report of the Inquiry into Prospect County Council, "Challenges in Prospect", was tabled in the Parliament on 24 September 1992. I then wrote to Prospect asking for a response to the report's recommendations by 16 October 1992. Council did not provide a response. The Council subsequently voted 10 to one to accept the Inquiry's recommendations in regard to improving its governance arrangements (that is, to accept the Schedule 2 proposals of the Electricity Corporations Bill which the Opposition proposed to remove from the Bill). It also agreed to participate in the two committees I established to deal with implementing other aspects of the Inquiry's report (the Prospect Inquiry Implementation Committee and the Huntingwood Task Force). Given the progress achieved and the active co-operation and participation of the Council in that progress, it was my view that the in-depth assessment of the Curran Report being conducted by Dr Walker Page 2709 was neither appropriate nor necessary. Prospect Inquiry Implementation Committee believe that as Dr Walker had already completed his report there was no point in providing the report sought. (2) No, however I am aware of a motion under Standing Order 54 standing in the name of the honourable member. (3) The Curran Report identified a number of problems in Prospect. The process for rectifying these is well advanced, driven by the construction intentions of the recommendations. I therefore believe that further examination of the consultants' reports prepared for the Curran Inquiry would be retrograde.

DEPARTMENTAL OFFICE REFURBISHMENTS

Mr Scully asked the Minister for Local Government and Minister for Cooperatives -

In relation to each department or authority under his administration - (1) How much was spent on office fitouts or refurbishment in 1991/92? (2) What is the estimated expenditure for 1992/93?

Answer -

(1) In 1991/92 the Department of Local Government and Co-operatives spent $49,785 on office refurbishments. This expenditure was incurred on general work found necessary following the occupation of new premises. (2) The estimated expenditure on office refurbishments which the Department of Local Government and Co-operatives is likely to spend in 1992/93 is $355,000. This amount includes $345,000 being the cost of relocating the Registry of Co-operatives from 1 Fitzwilliam Street, Parramatta to 66-72 Jacob Street, Bankstown to allow for both units to be housed in the same premises. The balance is on a few minor alterations which will occur.

CUMBERLAND HIGHWAY PEDESTRIAN OVERBRIDGE

Mr Ziolkowski asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) Will the RTA approve the construction of a pedestrian overbridge by a private company in the vicinity of the Wentworthville Housing Estate over the Cumberland Highway? (2) What terms and conditions will the RTA place on a private company in return for the construction of such a bridge? (3) When is it expected that the project will proceed?

Answer -

(1) The Roads and Traffic Authority would be prepared to approve the private construction of a pedestrian bridge at this location. (2) Generally, such structures are financed through the granting of advertising rights for a set period, usually not exceeding ten years. Advertising must be in accordance with Roads and Traffic Authority guidelines. (3) Expressions of interest to finance, construct and maintain a pedestrian bridge at the location will be invited in the near future.

SYDNEY CASINO SITE

Ms Nori asked the Chief Secretary and Minister for Administrative Services -

(1) Has any Government Department circulated or has caused to be circulated documents, form letters, petitions and the like for Pyrmont residents to sign indicating their support for Sydney's Casino to be located on the site of the Pyrmont Power Station? (2) If so, which Departments? (3) Why have Government Departments attempted to activate a community to support the development? (4) How much money has been spent on this exercise?

Answer -

(1) Not within my administration. (2) Not applicable. (3) Not applicable. (4) Not applicable.

POLICE SERVICE MEDIA UNIT ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Mr Anderson asked the Minister for Police -

(1) Has the NSW Police Service re-advertised the position of "Assistant Director, Media"? (2) Will this person be the manager of the Police Media Unit? (3) When originally advertised, were 33 applications received? (4) Were those applications culled to 15, then to a final 7 for interview? (5) Did the selection panel then determine to re-advertise the position? (6) (a) Were 3 of the final 7 people current members of the Police Media Unit? (b) If so, who were they? (7) (a) Were four of the applicants who did not make the final 7 current or former members of the staff of a Minister or Ministers? (b) If so, who were they? (8) (a) Who constituted the selection panel? (b) Of those persons, who was the convenor and who was the required independent member of the panel?

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) Yes. (3) Yes. (4) No. The applications were culled to 7 for interview.

Page 2710 (5) The position was re-advertised after the recommended applicant declined the offer. No eligibility list was created as the other applicants did not fulfil all the requirements and it was decided that previous applicants should be given the opportunity to re-apply for the position. (6) (a) Yes. (b) To nominate applicants would be a breach of confidentiality and could prejudice future applications. (7) (a) Five were current or former members of ministerial staff. Applications were sought from people with a proven background in journalism and issue management at an executive level and ministerial experience was not an essential requirement. (b) To nominate applicants would be a breach of confidentiality and could prejudice future applications. (8) (a) * Director, Marketing and Media Branch, NSW Police Service * Commander, Blacktown District, NSW Police Service * Executive Media Officer, Commissioner's Office, NSW Police Service * Deputy Director General, Ministry for Police. (b) The Director, Marketing and Media Branch, NSW Police Service, was the Convenor and the Deputy Director General, Ministry of Police, was the required Independent.

OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE

Mr Anderson asked the Minister for Community Services and Assistant Minister for Health -

(1) Has the Department of Community Services recently allocated occasional child care places throughout the State based on the recommendations of an independent committee? (2) Who were the members of the independent committee, when were they appointed and by whom? (3) On what basis was Liverpool not allocated any occasional care places under the program given the acknowledged backlog of, and need for, children's services? (4) What consultation was undertaken by the independent committee regarding Liverpool's needs and with whom? (5) (a) Will he urgently review the allocations or extend the program to include Liverpool? (b) If not, why not?

Answer -

(1) Yes. A total of 670 occasional care places were allocated to New South Wales as part of the 1989-92 National Child Care Strategy. (2) The organisations represented on the independent children's services planning committee were: * NSW Department of Community Services * Commonwealth Department of Health, Housing and Community Services * Local Government and Shires Associations * Child Care at Work * Ethnic Child Care Development Unit * Murrawina, Redfern * Lady Gowrie Child Care Centre * TAFE * Occasional Child Care Association of New South Wales * Network * Contact Outreach * Community Child Care * Early Childhood Association * A rural representative * An academic representative The committee was convened jointly by the NSW Department of Community Services and the Commonwealth Department of Health, Housing and Community Services, with meetings taking place regularly during the period 1989-91. (3) The occasional child care places allocated under the neighbourhood model have been targeted towards communities where the traditional model of medium sized, purpose built centres (averaging 28 places) may not be viable. (4) By analysing data based on Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data, updated with 1988 population estimates and the 1990 Department of Community Services Children's Services Register of all licensed places in New South Wales, the Department of Community Services produced an initial ranking of all local government areas across the State on the basis of factors such as: * the number of children 0-4 years with at least one parent not in the work force; * the number of existing occasional care places in each local government area; * the percentage of children in occasional care in each local government area; * the difference between the number of children in the target group and the number of existing places within the local government area. During the latter part of 1990 regional consultations were held to identify appropriate local information which would affect the initial rankings of local government areas. This information included knowledge about demand for services, supply of places and access to centres. (5) (a) and (b) As the allocation process is not yet completed, there is no reason to review the allocations.

MOUNT PIPER POWER STATION COAL HAULAGE

Mr Clough asked the Minister for Conservation and Land Management and Minister for Energy -

(1) When is it expected that the coal haulage road from Angus Place to Mount Piper Power Station will be completed? (2) Is Baal Bone Colliery to provide large amounts of coal to Mount Piper? (3) Will this coal be transported along the Mudgee to Lithgow road passing through the village of Cullen Bullen?

Page 2711 (4) How many truck movements per day will eventuate? (5) Will he now take steps to see that rail receival facilities are installed at Mount Piper?

Answer -

(1) The contract and financing aspects associated with this coal haul road are now largely finalised and, subject to their conclusion in the immediate future, completion of the road could be expected in December 1993. (2) A short-term contract was awarded to the Baal Bone Colliery for initial supplies to Mount Piper. This contract was for 300,000 tonnes for the period ending December 1994. While the contract contained options for increased tonnages, it is not planned at this time that these options will be exercised by Pacific Power. This contract will be around 40 per cent complete by the end of April, 1993. The present delivery level of 30,000 tonnes per month drops from 1 May 1993, to 9,000 tonnes per month over the remaining 20-month period of the contract. (3) Yes. (4) An answer to your question would depend upon factors such as the size of the trucks involved and the number of days per month the mine programs deliveries to Mount Piper. At 9,000 tonnes per month, and assuming an even daily delivery, the average rate per working week day would be around 18 truck loads. (5) The question of coal delivery methods in the Lithgow region is one of a number of issues being addressed by the Lithgow Regional Coal Transport Committee, which was constituted by the Minister for Planning. Of medium and longer-term contracted coal supplies to Mount Piper, however, it is planned that between 88 per cent and 95 per cent of coal deliveries will utilise private road or conveyor delivery methods. Rail receival facilities for Pacific Power's western area would only be able to be considered in the event of the awarding of further substantial coal supply contracts for the Mount Piper and/or the Wallerawang Power Stations.

EPPING ROAD FLOWER STALLS

Mr Face asked the Minister for Police -

(1) Have the police in the Lane Cove, Epping and Ryde areas given permission for a person or persons to operate flower stalls on Epping Road? (2) If not, why are flower sellers constantly allowed to operate in this location by police in Lane Cove, Epping and Ryde areas? (3) How many breaches of set-up stand have been issued against flower sellers by police in those locations in: (a) 1991? (b) 1992? (4) If there have not been any breaches issued for set-up stand, will he request the Commission to have Internal Affairs enquire as to why police are neglecting their duty?

Answer -

(1) No. (2) Commissioner Lauer has advised that whenever unlicensed flower sellers are detected the police and council Rangers have taken the appropriate action. (3) (a) Records destroyed in accordance with departmental procedures. (b) 14 breaches for set-up stand have been issued for the period February 1992-March 1993. (4) Not applicable.

DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION LEASING AND SALE POLICY

Mr Aquilina asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

(1) Has the Minister requested the preparation of a definitive policy and guidelines for the negotiation of the lease and sale of school property by units of the Department of School Education? (2) Has the preparation of this policy statement referred to by way of answer to question on notice (No. 851 of First Session, 50th Parliament) been completed? (3) What are the details of the policy?

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) There are clear policies in Treasury documents. Special approval has been given for the proceeds of the sale of assets to be reinvested in schools which are below entitlement. This has been tested against a number of actual cases which by their very nature take a considerable time to reach a conclusion. As a result a more detailed policy is circulating for discussion within the Department of School Education. (3) Details of the policy will be released once all the necessary approvals have been obtained including approval from a number of bodies outside the Department of School Education.

PENSIONER COUNCIL REBATES

Mr McBride asked the Minister for Local Government and Minister for Cooperatives -

(1) Did the New South Wales Government reach agreement with the Federal Government on a compensation package to reimburse pensioners eligible for Council rebates under the Health Benefit Card which came into effect on 1 April 1993? (2) Under this agreement, what funding arrangements were made with respect to: (a) The amount of money the Federal Government provided to the New South Wales Government as compensation? (b) How much of that money was to be passed from the New South Wales Government to Councils?

Page 2712 (c) Guarantees that would ensure the funding was passed on to Councils in the 1992/93 financial year? (d) Which pensioners would be eligible for rebates? (3) Has that money been forwarded to Councils to reimburse pensioners who were eligible for the rebates? (4) (a) If not, why not? (b) What action is he taking to ensure the money is passed on to pensioners in the 1992/93 financial year? (5) What adjustments have been made to the 1992/93 State Budget to allow for the funding arrangements?

Answer -

(1) No. It should be noted that very few of the people in New South Wales who obtained Pensioner Health Benefit Cards as a result of the Commonwealth's 1 April 1993 extension will be eligible for the mandatory rate rebates in the April-June 1993 quarter because of the legislative requirement that they must hold the PHB card at the time the rate is levied. (2) (a) The Commonwealth Government initially offered New South Wales $22.44M in compensation for the cost of extending all concessions for a full year. However, at the meeting of the Council of Australian Governments in December 1992 in Perth, States and Territories agreed to the extension for a three-month period only from 1 April 1993 to 30 June 1993. New South Wales has now received its share of the Commonwealth's compensation for the cost of extending for this period, i.e. $5.61M. (b) None. Estimates of the cost to New South Wales of extending its concessions relate only to the State Government's share of the mandatory rate rebates and not the Local Government share. Councils are to negotiate direct with the Commonwealth through the ALGA for compensation for their share of any cost of extending the mandatory pensioner rate rebates and other costs they incur as a result of the extension. (Note: New South Wales Mandatory Pensioners' Rates Reduction Scheme (section 160AA of Local Government Act, 1919) provides for annualised rates rebates on the basis of a number of criteria being satisfied by the applicant, including the possession of a PHB card, or comparable income threshold in the case of war widows and war widow mothers, on the date of issue of the rates notice. As councils' 1993 rates will have been levied prior to 1 April 1993, and there is no statutory authority for councils to provide rates rebates on a pro rata basis (i.e. from 1 April 1993 to 30 June 1993), the 1 April 1993 extension of PHB cards by the Commonwealth will not result in the grant of many additional concessions under the scheme). (c) The New South Wales State Government will support Local Government in its negotiations with the Commonwealth seeking full reimbursement of any costs incurred as a result of the extension. (d) Very few new pensioners will be eligible for pensioner rate rebates in the April-June 1993 quarter as a result of the Commonwealth's extension of eligibility for fringe benefits. However, should the extension continue past the April-June 1993 quarter, pensioners who became eligible as a result of the Commonwealth's extension will be eligible for the mandatory pensioner rate rebates in 1994. (3) No. (4) (a) No reimbursement has been forwarded to Councils for pensioner rate rebates because only very few of the people in New South Wales who obtained PHB cards as a result of the Commonwealth's 1 April 1993 extension will be eligible for the mandatory rate rebates in the April-June 1993 quarter. As a result, Councils are not expected to incur additional costs during that period. (b) No action is appropriate. (5) No adjustments have been made to the 1992/93 Budget for Local Government in relation to the cost of the Commonwealth's April-June 1993 extension as minimal costs will be incurred by Local Government as a result of this extension.

BROKEN HILL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT DEPOT

Mr Beckroge asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) Is the Public Works Department depot in Broken Hill to be closed after July 1993? (2) If not, what services will remain and how many staff will be required? (3) What arrangements are on hand for present clients to continue to be serviced?

Answer -

(1) There are no plans to close Public Works' Broken Hill Office after July, 1993. Public Works does have plans to move to smaller, more suitable premises from the large depot currently occupied. (2) (a) The services that will remain are those that have been offered for some years. These are: - Full project management services for maintenance and minor capital works. - Acting as agent for Departmental services which are more complex and are developed elsewhere. (b) Staff numbers in July 1993 are expected to be two salaried staff and eight wages officers. (3) Public Works will continue to be able to deliver a full range of project management services to all its clients including the Teacher Housing Authority and the Department of School Education.

Page 2713

BATHURST CITY COUNCIL GENERAL MANAGER

Mr Clough asked the Minister for Local Government and Minister for Cooperatives -

(1) Is Bathurst City Council currently considering appointing a General Manager to its staff? (2) If so, what is the salary range being considered? (3) Will this position replace the present Town Clerk position? (4) What other senior council officer position would be affected by the appointment of a General Manager? (5) What savings would occur?

Answer -

The comments of the Bathurst City Council have been sought and when its advice is received, I will further inform the House.

SHANNON SOCIETY

Mr Clough asked the Minister for Local Government and Minister for Cooperatives -

(1) Who or what is the "Shannon Society" located in Scone? (2) What is their role in the Scone district? (3) Have they recently applied to Scone Shire Council for an annual grant of $1,400? (4) For what purpose would this grant be used? (5) What promotional activity does Scone Shire undertake itself in the tourism field? (6) How much does this cost each year?

Answer -

(1) The Scone Shire Council has advised that the Shannon Society is the local economic development association in the Shire. It was formed in 1989 together with the Local Economic Development Associations in the adjoining Shires of Muswellbrook and Singleton. Following a downturn in the coal mining industry in late 1988 an Upper Hunter Local Economic Development Study was undertaken by the Rural Development Centre of the University of New South Wales with funding provided by the Federal Government under its Local Government Development Program. The Local Economic Development Associations were formed as a result. In the case of Scone the Association was named "Shannon Society" after the famous race horse Shannon, which was bred and owned in the Scone district and raced successfully in America. The name was chosen to highlight the areas dependence on the thoroughbred breeding industry, it being the second largest thoroughbred breeding area in the world outside Kentucky USA. The Shannon Society was incorporated as a body independent of the Council under the Associations Incorporation Act while similar organisations in Muswellbrook and Singleton were incorporated under the Local Government Act as section 527 Committees of those Councils. (2) The Scone Shire Council has advised that the role of the Shannon Society is generally to promote and foster economic development within the Shire and to promote, sponsor and encourage the industry of tourism. (3) The Scone Shire Council has advised that last year it made a contribution of $1,400 to the Shannon Society for secretarial help when the Honorary Secretary resigned. (4) The Scone Shire Council has advised that the grant was used for the purposes of providing secretarial services. (5) The Scone Shire Council has advised that its only involvement with tourism is the provision of a Tourist Information Centre which is leased as a commercial enterprise. Conditions of the lease are that the lessee fulfil the role of Tourist Information Officer for Scone, the Upper Hunter and as a gateway to the Hunter Valley. All other tourism promotion in the area is carried out by the Hospitality and Tourism Committee of the Shannon Society. The Council's Director of Corporate Services, who is accountable for tourism within the Council's organisation, is a member of this Committee. (6) The Scone Shire Council has advised that the net cost to the Council of all tourism activities is approximately $5,000 per annum.

NEWCASTLE PUBLIC SECTOR FIRE AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURE TRAINING

Mr Gaudry asked the Chief Secretary and Minister for Administrative Services -

(1) Has the Government contracted First Five Minutes Pty Ltd to undertake fire and emergency procedures and training in NSW Government offices in Newcastle? (2) Is this scheme undertaken in all NSW Government offices? (3) What is the cost of the contract in Newcastle? (4)(4) Who provided the training prior to it being contracted out? (5) Has this contract had an impact on public sector employment in Newcastle? (6) If so, have jobs been lost?

Answer -

I am advised that the matters referred to in Mr Gaudry's question do no fall within my portfolio and I am unable to provide him with an answer.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE STAFF EQUIPMENT

Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs -

With reference to the Director General of the NSW Department of Agriculture - (1) Does his immediate staff have the use of a photocopy machine? (2) If yes, what is the brand and model?

Page 2714 (3) Who is responsible for: (a) The selection of the photocopier? (b) Determining the time of replacement? (c) The payment of servicing and maintenance and other associated costs? (4) Does the present photocopier have: (a) Automatic document feeder? (b) Duplex document feeder? (c) Large capacity cassette - if yes, what capacity? (d) Duplex unit - if yes, what capacity? (e) Paper size selection - if yes, what range of paper sizes? (f) Magnification selector - if yes, is it automatic? (g) Reduction and enlargement? (h) Interruption capability? (i) Page by page copying? (j) Frame erasure? (k) Punch hole erasure? (l) Cover mode? (m) Image shifter? (n) Program memory? (o) Built-in editing? (p) Multiple sheet bypass? (q) Bin sorter - if yes, what capacity? (r) Other than black colour copying - if yes, what colours? (5) Does the Director General of the NSW Department of Agriculture have the use of: (a) A modular phone? (b) A car phone? (6) If yes, in each or either case, what is the brand name and model of the phone(s)? (7) If yes, in each or either case, who pays for: (a) The purchase and installation costs? (b) Each call made? (c) Repairs and maintenance costs?

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) Xerox 5026 (3) (a) NSW Agriculture (b) NSW Agriculture (c) NSW Agriculture (4) (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) No. (d) No. (e) Yes - A3, B4, A4, and B5. (f) Yes - no. (g) Yes. (h) Yes. (i) Yes. (j) No. (k) No. (l) No. (m) No. (n) No. (o) No. (p) No. (q) No. (r) Yes. Red, Blue, Green, Honey. (5) (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (6) Motorola Microtac (7) (a) NSW Agriculture (b) NSW Agriculture (c) NSW Agriculture

BATHURST CITY COUNCIL STONESTREET PLACE DEVELOPMENT

Mr Clough asked the Minister for Local Government and Minister for Cooperatives -

(1) Did Bathurst City Council recently deal with a development application seeking to build duplex homes in Stonestreet Place, Bathurst? (2) Was the application refused? (3) Has Bathurst City Council recently advised the developer that it requires a re-submission of the proposal? (4) If so, why? (5) Did the Minister for Planning recently visit the Council and have discussions with the Town Clerk and Mayor on the provisions of SEPP 25? (6) Were the discussions held in a confidential mode? (7) Is any elected member of Council employed in the office of the solicitor representing the developer? (8) If so, will he ensure that no conflict of interest has or will occur?

Answer -

The comments of the Bathurst City Council have been sought and when its advice is received, I will further inform the House.

OBERON HARD ROCK QUARRY COMMISSION OF INQUIRY

Mr Clough asked the Minister for Local Government and Minister for Cooperatives -

(1) Has the development application to establish a hard rock quarry been dealt with by Oberon Shire Council? (2) Did the Shire request the Minister for Planning to appoint a commission of inquiry into the matter? (3) On how many occasions has the Minister for Planning visited Oberon to discuss the proposal with elected representatives and officers of Council? (4) With whom did he meet and when? (5) On whose property is the development located? (6) (a) Is the owner an elected member of Council? (b) What is his role on Council? (7) Can he assure the ratepayers of Oberon that the commission of inquiry will not be subjected to influence from either the Shire or the Minister for Planning? (8) Is the Department of Local Government presently inquiring into the activities of Oberon Shire Council, or has it enquired recently? (9) Is he satisfied that the Councillor owning the property has observed the disclosure requirements of the Local Government Act in the matter?

Page 2715

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the honourable member's questions (1) to (7) are matters coming within the administration of the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing. These questions should therefore be directed by the honourable member to the Minister for Housing and the Minister for Planning for his response. The answers to (8) and (9) are as follows: (8) The Office of Local Government of my Department undertook certain enquiries of the Council in relation to the development application for a hard rock quarry at Langley Heights. (9) The enquiries undertaken by my Department indicate that the Shire President has observed the disclosure requirements of the Local Government Act in this matter.

PACIFIC POWER HUNTER REGION DONATIONS

Mr Mills asked the Minister for Conservation and Land Management and Minister for Energy -

(1) Has the Electricity Commission made donations during this financial year in the Hunter region (LGAs of Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Maitland, Cessnock, Singleton, Dungog, Gloucester, Great Lakes)? (2) To whom were the donations made and for what purpose? (3) How much was each donation?

Answer -

Pacific Power has made the following donations in the Hunter/Newcastle regions during this financial year:

HUNTER REGION: ORGANISATION PROJECT $ VALUE Westpac Rescue Helicopter Emergency Rescue 12000.00 Muswellbrook Little Athletics Sponsor a Hurdle 55.00 Muswellbrook High School Pacific Power Student Prize 50.00 St Catherines High School Publishing Biennial School Magazine 100.00 Singleton Family Day Care Provision of Equipment (two car seats) 236.00 Scone Recreational Circuit Committee Cycle/Walkway 100.00

Upper Hunter Pastoral "Prime" Upper Hunter Show and Agricultural perpetual Trophy - Secondary Association School Exhibition 150.00

Singleton Shire Junior Sports Person of the Sports Council Year - Singleton Shire 250.00

Singleton High School Presentation Night 50.00

Singleton College, TAFE Prize Night 50.00

Muswellbrook College, TAFE Prize Night 50.00

St Catherines High School Bayswater Science Award 50.00

Denman Public School Prize Night 50.00

St Brigids Primary School, Branxton Prize Night 50.00

Aberdeen Sporting Association Board Jefferson Park of Management Refurbishment 100.00

There is also a commitment to a $12,500 donation towards the Singleton 50 metre swimming pool project, with payment to be made in June, 1993.

NEWCASTLE, CENTRAL COAST REGION: ORGANISATION PROJECT $ VALUE Newcastle Industrial To assist with costs Safety Association associated with providing Health, Safety and Welfare information to the Workforce. 50.00 Department of Geology, University of Newcastle Annual Honours Year Prize 100.00

Royal New South Wales Institute Annual Teddy Bears Picnic, for Deaf and Blind Speers Point Park 100.00 Children, Tingara Heights

Avondale Primary School Basketball Equipment 100.00

Toronto and District Brass Band Musical Instruments 200.00

Morisset High School Citizenship Award 50.00

Central Coast Life Education Financial Support 395.00

Morisset Primary School Citizenship Award 50.00

Eraring Primary School Citizenship Award 25.00

Avondale SDA Primary School Citizenship Award 50.00

Arcadia Vale Primary School Citizenship Award 50.00

Dora Creek Public School Citizenship Award 50.00

Avondale SDA High School Citizenship Award 50.00

St John Viarney School Citizenship Award 50.00

Wangi Public School Citizenship Award 50.00

Rathmines Public School Citizenship Award 50.00

Awaba Public School Citizenship Award 50.00

Toronto High School Annual Log Book 200.00

St Vincents - Booragal Conference 30.00

Peninsula Volunteer Bushfire Brigade Radiator Purchase 100.00

Alta Fundraiser (SIDS) Breathing Unit 100.00

Macquarie District Soccer Clothing 200.00

Multiple Sclerosis Financial Support 50.00

National 125 Association Prizes 680.00

Toronto Country Club Prizes 1000.00

Nords Wharf School Book Prizes 200.00

Page 2716

Central Coast Life Education Sponsorship of Magazine 395.00

Department of Educa- tion, Lake Macquarie South Cluster Conference Sponsorship 400.00

HILL ROAD, BIRRONG, BUS TURNING BAY

Mr Nagle asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

What action has been taken in response to the recent request by Bankstown City Council for land from Birrong Public School for the purpose of providing a bus turning bay in Hill Road, Birrong?

Answer -

Birrong Primary School Parents and Citizens Association approached Bankstown City Council with numerous strategies to improve safety at Birrong Primary School. One of these strategies involved the construction of a bus bay. To date no formal request has been made by Bankstown City Council to the Department of School Education for the dedication of land for the construction of a bus bay at Birrong Primary School.

WALLERAWANG POWER STATION STAFFING

Mr Clough asked the Minister for Conservation and Land Management and Minister for Energy -

(1) Is the Electricity Commission offering redundancy to a further 78 employees at Wallerawang Power Station? (2) Has Wallerawang been generating power in the last 3 weeks? (3) If not, has this been because coal supplies were low? (4) If so, is ample coal available from Baal Bone Colliery? (5) Will maintenance staff at Wallerawang be reduced to a 7 x 1 shift arrangement, Monday to Friday, from 25 June 1993? (6) If so, who will be responsible for maintenance at night and weekends? (7) Have a number of senior officers applied for redundancy? (8) If so, why? (9) Are more redundancies planned? (10) Has he recently promised a $100 million upgrade for Wallerawang?

Answer - (1) No - voluntary redundancies have been offered to a number of classifications of employees at most sites in Pacific Power. These offers have been made in response to requests from employees themselves who have been expressing interest in early retirements from Pacific Power. No target for redundancy numbers was set at Wallerawang Power Station, and redundancy requests from staff required for ongoing operations are not being accepted by Pacific Power. (2) After several weeks of non-generation, Wallerawang Power Station recommenced generation on 25 April 1993. (3) Electricity generation at Wallerawang is arranged to suit times when the station is most competitive in terms of servicing Pacific Power's customers as well as to meet plant maintenance and other priorities. Sufficient coal was, however, stockpiled during the period of non-generation to meet any emerging power generation requirement. (4) Baal Bone Colliery is not a contracted supplier to Wallerawang Power Station. As Pacific Power holds adequate coal supplies statewide and is reducing rather than increasing supplies from contracted suppliers, stock levels held by Baal Bone or other non-contracted suppliers have no relevance to Wallerawang Power Station. (5) and (6) Over the next few months there will be a redistribution of maintenance staff at Wallerawang. The number of maintenance people on 7 x 3 shift (i.e. a 24 hour basis) will be increased and the primary maintenance shift arrangements will be changed from two shifts seven days per week to one shift seven days per week. There will be no loss of jobs. (7) It is difficult to determine what level you are referring to as a senior officer. However, one officer at section head level made an application for a voluntary redundancy package at Wallerawang, which was declined because the position is not redundant. (8) There is no requirement for reasons, personal or otherwise, to be stated by applicants for voluntary redundancy. (9) There are no further voluntary redundancies planned at Wallerawang. (10) Yes. This life extension upgrade was announced at the recent and highly successful Mount Piper Power Station opening activities. The upgrade is consistent with similar works carried out at Pacific Power's other power stations and is a cost-effective means of meeting future power needs.

MOUNT PANORAMA RACING CIRCUIT FUND

Mr Clough asked the Minister for Local Government and Minister for Cooperatives -

(1) Does Bathurst City Council operate a special fund with regard to Mount Panorama racing circuit? (2) Does the fund: (a) Pay for all maintenance and upgrading of the track? (b) Purchase land in the Mount Panorama area? (c) Have any other purchasing function? (3) Is the fund supplemented for maintenance purposes? (4) (a) Has the fund required additional input during the last 10 years? (b) If so, from what source? (5) To which sources are monies paid out of the fund?

Page 2717 (6) What has been the operating profit from a Council point of view, from 1984 to date, from motor racing on Mount Panorama? (7) For what purpose is Council purchasing land in the Mount Panorama area?

Answer -

The comments of the Bathurst City Council have been sought and when its advice is received, I will further inform the House.

ULAN COLLIERY COAL QUALITY

Mr Mills asked the Minister for Conservation and Land Management and Minister for Energy -

(1) What are the quality characteristics of coal being supplied from Ulan to Eraring Power Station? (2) What were the coal quality specifications in the tender (won by Ulan) for supply of coal to Eraring Power Station? (3) How do (1) and (2) differ in detail?

Answer -

(1) Ulan Coal supplies Eraring in accordance with its tender, i.e. moisture 8 per cent, ash 23 per cent and specific energy 23 Mj/kg. (2) The coal quality specified for Eraring is as above. (3) There is no difference.

DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COOPERATIVES STAFF EQUIPMENT

Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for Local Government and Minister for Cooperatives -

With reference to the Director-General of the Department of Local Government and Cooperatives - (1) Does his immediate staff have the use of a photocopy machine? (2) If yes, what is the brand and model? (3) Who is responsible for: (a) The selection of the photocopier? (b) Determining the time of replacement? (c) The payment of servicing and maintenance and other associated costs? (4) Does the present photocopier have: (a) Automatic document feeder? (b) Duplex document feeder? (c) Large capacity cassette - if yes, what capacity? (d) Duplex unit - if yes, what capacity? (e) Paper size selection - if yes, what range of paper sizes? (f) Magnification selector - if yes, is it automatic? (g) Reduction and enlargement? (h) Interruption capability? (i) Page by page copying? (j) Frame erasure? (k) Punch hole erasure? (l) Cover mode? (m) Image shifter? (n) Program memory? (o) Built-in editing? (p) Multiple sheet bypass? (q) Bin sorter - if yes, what capacity? (r) Other than black colour copying - if yes, what colours? (5) Does the Director-General of the Department of Local Government and Cooperatives have the use of: (a) A modular phone? (b) A car phone? (6) If yes, in each or either case, what is the brand name and model of the phone(s)? (7) If yes, in each or either case, who pays for: (a) The purchase and installation costs? (b) Each call made? (c) Repairs and maintenance costs?

Answer -

(1) The Director General has one immediate staff member who shares the Departmental centralised document reproduction facilities with all other staff. (2) Canon 6650 (3) (a) Manager, Corporate Services (b) Manager, Corporate Services (c) Manager, Corporate Services (4) (a) Yes (b) Yes (c) Yes - 1500 pages (d) Yes - 50 pages (e) Yes - A3 to B5 (f) No (g) Yes (h) Yes (i) Yes (j) No (k) No (l) No (m) No (n) No (n) No (o) No (p) No (q) Yes - 20 bin (r) Yes - Red, Blue (5) (a) Yes (b) Yes (6) (a) NEC P5 (b) NEC 11E (7) (a) The Department of Local Government and Co-operatives (b) The Department of Local Government and Co-operatives (c) The Department of Local Government and Co-operatives

SANDGATE ROAD FLOODING

Mr Price asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) What steps have been taken to resolve the flooding problem on Sandgate Road, Birmingham Gardens, on the drain adjacent to the Austral Soccer Club complex? (2) When will clearing and widening of the drain be commenced and is it intended to widen the drain through to Ironbark Creek?

Page 2718 (3) Is it intended to provide a concrete deck and side walling on the wetland side of Sandgate Road? (4) When is it envisaged that this project will be completed?

Answer -

(1) Flooding at the Austral Soccer Club complex may result from either local flooding of Dark Creek or mainstream flooding of the Hunter River. As a result, there is an overlap of responsibilities between the Hunter Water Corporation, Newcastle City Council and Public Works in the area. As part of its responsibilities under the Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Act 1956, Public Works undertakes minor maintenance of the unlined portion of Dark Creek below Sandgate Road, as required. This work is done to assist in the timely drainage of the Hexham Swamp area after inundation from occasional Hunter River flooding. The Hunter Water Corporation has undertaken to extend a flood study of Dark Creek downstream of Sandgate Road culvert to include the section adjacent to the Austral Soccer Club complex. (2) The most recent maintenance was carried out in the last 12 months. There is currently no proposal by Public Works to widen the channel. (3) There is currently no proposal by Public Works to concrete line the channel. (4) The results of the Dark Creek Flood Study (being carried out by Willing and Partners on behalf of the Hunter Water Corporation) are expected to be available in July 1993, at which time Public Works is prepared to consider the issue further through joint discussions with the Hunter Water Corporation and Newcastle City Council.

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES STAFF EQUIPMENT

Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for Natural Resources -

With reference to the Executive Policy Adviser of the Department of Natural Resources: (1) Does his immediate staff have the use of a photocopy machine? (2) If yes, what is the brand and model? (3) Who is responsible for: (a) the selection of the photocopier; (b) determining the time of replacement; (c) the payment of servicing and maintenance and other associated costs? (4) Does the present photocopier have: (a) automatic document feeder; (b) duplex document feeder; (c) large capacity cassette - if yes, what capacity; (d) duplex unit - if yes, what capacity; (e) paper size selection - if yes, what range of paper sizes; (f) magnification selector - if yes, is it automatic; (g) reduction and enlargement; (h) interruption capability; (i) page by page copying; (j) frame erasure; (k) punch hole erasure; (l) cover mode; (m) image shifter; (n) program memory; (o) build in editing; (p) multiple sheet bypass; (q) bin sorter - if yes, what capacity; (r) other than black colour copying - if yes, what colours? (5) Does the Executive Policy Adviser of the Department of Natural Resources have the use of: (a) a modular telephone; (b) a car telephone? (6) If yes, in each or either case, what is the brand name and model of the telephone(s)? (7) If yes, in each or either case, who pays for: (a) the purchase and installation costs; (b) each call made; (c) repairs and maintenance costs?

Answer -

(1) Yes (2) Konica 3532 (3) (a) Purchasing Officer, Department of Lands (b) Executive Officer (c) Minister's Office (4) (a) Yes (b) Yes (c) 1000 (d) No (e) A3, A4, A4R (f) Yes (g) Yes (h) Yes (i) Yes (j) No (k) No (l) No (m) No (n) No (o) No (p) No (q) Yes, 20 (r) No (5) (a) Yes (b) No (6) Motorola, Micro Tac II (7) (a) Minister's Office (b) Minister's Office (official calls) (c) Minister's Office

LIFE EDUCATION CENTRE FUNDING

Mr A. S. Aquilina asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Is he aware of the reduction in funding to the Life Education Centre of NSW? (2) Why has this occurred? (3) Will he give a commitment to restore appropriate funding to the centre?

Page 2719

Answer -

(1) I am aware of the reduction in funding of $115,200 to Life Education Centres in New South Wales. Following detailed advice from the Department of Health I approved a decision to implement this reduction in funding and advised Life Education Centres of the decision in a letter dated 14 January 1993. (2) and (3) The decision to withdraw $115,200 from Government funding to Life Education Centres (LEC) was taken as a result of the Commonwealth Government's decision to reduce the Commonwealth's share of funding under the national Campaign Against Drug abuse to New South Wales by 7.5 per cent in 91/92. The impact of the Federal Government's cut in funding has been substantial on funding available for non-government organisations. Efforts were made to limit the impact of the reductions on direct service provision. The Department of Health carefully assessed all options isolating those areas where a reduction in funding would have a minimal effect on the provision of services. The reduction in this year's funding to Life Education represents approximately 2 per cent of the organisation's total annual budget. Last financial year the Organisation had an operating profit of $81,539. The Organisation raises approximately $3.7 million each year by way of fees and donations. In addition, LEC receive the greatest contribution from the New South Wales Government of any non-government drug and alcohol program, close to $1.3 million annually. A review of Life Education Centres, carried out by Nicholas Clarke and Associates, found that $107,000 from Drug and Alcohol Directorate funding was being paid to the National Secretariat of LEC. This review is the most comprehensive information the Department has available to it on the operations and structure of LEC. Following receipt of a letter regarding the reduction, a meeting was held in March 1993 between the Drug and Alcohol Directorate and Life Education Centres to resolve any outstanding issues. The meeting served to clarify the positions of the Directorate and the Organisation, however the issue of transfer of funds remains unresolved. The Drug and Alcohol Directorate wrote to the Acting NSW Director of LEC on 30 March 1993, proposing that an independent audit of LEC, funded by the Directorate, be undertaken to resolve this issue. On 14 April 1993 KPMG Peat Marwick, LECs independent auditor wrote to the Directorate suggesting that it would be more efficient and less costly for the department for Peat Marwick to prepare a detailed report on this issue. The Directorate has written to KPMG Peat Marwick requesting specific information on the disputed matter. To date no response has been received from LEC or KPMG Peat Marwick.

BROKEN HILL PUBLIC SECTOR JOB CUTS

Mr Beckroge asked the Premier and Treasurer -

(1) Is it a fact that he received a facsimile letter on 3 February from the honourable member for Broken Hill urging a freeze on job cuts planned by Government Departments in Broken Hill? (2) If so, will he direct his Minister to reverse decisions to withdraw the regional offices of Tourism and of the National Parks and Wildlife Service? (3) Will he also prevent the losses of jobs at the Broken Hill Base Hospital, the Roads and Traffic Authority and the NSW Government Offices? (4) If so, when will he respond to the letter?

Answer -

(1) A letter dated 4 February 1993 was received from Mr Beckroge in which he requested a one year freeze on any public sector job cuts in Broken Hill. (2) Minister Baird has advised that no decision has been taken to withdraw the regional office of tourism from Broken Hill. In relation to the regional office of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Minister for Environment has not made any decision to withdraw the office from Broken Hill. (3) On the question of Broken Hill Base Hospital, the Minister for Health has advised that like other hospitals in the New South Wales Health System, Broken Hill Base Hospital is expected to provide its community with appropriate health services in an efficient and effective manner. Reviews of services not affecting patient care have been necessary as the number of beds required at the hospital has been identified as 100. Some of these reviews have indicated that there are excess staff in some areas of the hospital. However, there have been no forced redundancies at the Broken Hill Base Hospital. Voluntary redundancies are offered as a last resort after all avenues for redeployment, retaining and part-time employment are examined. In regard to the Roads and Traffic Authority, the Minister for Roads has advised that the work force of the Roads and Traffic Authority in Broken Hill currently equals 132.9 persons. This figure comprises 33 salaried officers, 78 wages staff and 21.9 casual or limited duration staff. Three salaried officers are excess to requirements. The Authority plans to reduce staff numbers to the necessary level by the process of natural attrition. The excess officers will be placed in substantive positions as those positions become available as a result of normal staff movements by transfer, promotion, retirement or resignation. (4) A letter was sent on 1 April.

BATHURST, ORANGE, DUBBO BASE HOSPITALS SERVICES

Mr Clough asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Will Base Hospitals at Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo be required to make savings this financial year? (2) What is the total anticipated cutback? (3) What services will be reduced and where?

Page 2720

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) 1992-93 efficiency targets for each hospital are: Bathurst Base $ 66,300 Orange Base $150,350 Dubbo Base $ 30,000 (3) There will be no reductions in services provided.

BALMAIN HOSPITAL SERVICES

Ms Nori asked the Minister for Health -

(1) If Balmain Hospital does become a geriatric palliative care and rehabilitation centre as currently proposed, will he guarantee that this is not merely a prelude to the eventual sale of the site? (2) Is he aware of any plans that would see a transfer of the geriatric/palliative care and rehabilitation services proposed for Balmain Hospital to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in 5 to 10 years time, possibly at Gloucester House? (3) If such plans exist, why were they not put before the public during the current Eversleigh/Balmain Hospital Consultative Committee process? (4) (a) Does he support such plans? (b) If so, why? (5) If these plans exist, will he revoke the current consultative process and institute a fresh consultative process in which all facts and agendas are put before the public?

Answer -

(1) A decision as to Balmain Hospital's future functions had not yet been taken. (2) No. (3) Not applicable. (4) (a) Not applicable. (b) Not applicable. (5) Not applicable.

HUNTER AREA HEALTH SERVICES

Mr Price asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Can he confirm the following reductions in available services in the Hunter Area Health Service: (a) Available beds - reduced by 1.1 per cent? (b) Operations - reduced by 2.4 per cent? (c) Occasions of service - reduced by 3.9 per cent? (d) Outpatient operations - reduced by 5.6 per cent? (e) Daily average - reduced by 2.8 per cent? (f) Admissions daily average - reduced by 3.7 per cent? (2) If not, what are the respective figures? (3) Why is the singular admission activity increase shown that of day only in the 1991/92 report of the Hunter Area Health Board?

Answer -

(1) and (2) The activity statistics referred to are taken from the 1991/92 Annual Report of the Hunter Area Health Service. The statistics are subject to an audit check prior to the printing of the Annual Report and had been reconciled by the auditors to available source documentation as at 30 September 1992. Changes in data collection methods have since then shown some minor variations. Further details of these variations can be provided by the Chief Executive Officer of the Area. (a) Available bed numbers showed a reduction as beds that had not been in use for many years were deleted from the count. (b) Surgical activity of the Area Health Service was constrained during 1991/92 due to continuing problems associated with the recruitment of anaesthetists. the closure of Wallsend Hospital temporarily reduced the number of operating sessions until the full commissioning of the John Hunter Hospital. Following the resolution of the Wallsend Picket Line dispute, the full operating theatre records for Wallsend Hospital have now become available. A further check of the number of operations reported for 1991/92 has now confirmed that the Wallsend Hospital operations for July-September 1991 were accidentally omitted as were the full total of operations on Medicare patients contracted to private hospitals in 1991/92. The revised total number of operations in 1991/92 is, therefore, 32,107 - a slight fall on 1990/91. The Area Health Service has been allocated an additional $1.75 million this year to further increase elective surgery operations. (c) The decrease in numbers of occasions of service reflects changed counting practices. (d) This decrease reflects the availability of alternative services for these minor treatments. (e) Daily average reflects the decrease in average length of stay. (f) This decrease follows the changed counting practices set out at point (c). (3) It is assumed that this question refers to the increase in the proportion of day only admissions in 1991/92. The trend to day only admissions is world wide and follows advances in clinical practice.

MENTAL HEALTH ACT AMENDMENTS

Dr Refshauge asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Will the following legislative amendments, as recommended by the Mental Health Act Implementation Monitoring Committee, be introduced into Parliament this session: (a) Executive discretion in the placement and release of forensic patients be removed? (b) Time limits be incorporated into the legislation governing the making, approval and implementation of recommendations? (c) The power of the Attorney General to object to the release of a forensic patient on the basis of further proceeding not extend to unrelated proceedings? (d) The power of the Attorney General to object to the release of a forensic patient on the basis Page 2721 of further proceedings not extend to unrelated proceedings? (e) The requirement to notify the Minister for Police of the proposed release date of a forensic patient be removed? (f) The court be allowed to continue bail following a finding of "not guilty by reason of mental illness" pending review by the Mental Health Review Tribunal? (g) Prisoners be subject to the same definition of "mentally ill person" as the general community for the purposes of involuntary hospitalisation and treatment? (h) The Mental Health Review Tribunal be the body empowered to order the apprehension of a forensic patient in breach of the terms of a conditional release? (i) A forensic patient suffering from a developmental disability be deemed capable of instructing a solicitor for proceedings before the Mental Health Review Tribunal? (j) An express power for further orders and an appropriate form to record those orders be given to magistrates to allow more effective transfer of mentally ill persons from the local court to a hospital? (k) A person serving a sentence of less than 3 years with an additional term not lose his or her entitlement to release at the expiration of the minimum term simply because he or she has been made a forensic patient? (l) The definition of forensic patient be expanded to include people who have been found unfit to be tried who are detained in custody pending a special hearing? (2) If not, why not?

Answer -

(1) and (2) The NSW Department of Health is currently preparing the necessary documentation to provide for proposed amendments to the Mental Health Act. These will be introduced into Parliament once approved by Cabinet.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL DIRECTORATE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT POSITIONS

Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Were Community Development Officer positions funded on a dollar-for-dollar basis by the NSW State Government and the Federal Government through the NSW Drug and Alcohol Directorate? (2) Was the Federal Government prepared to continue this funding arrangement for the Community Development Officer positions in New South Wales? (3) Did he decide not to continue the NSW State Government contribution to the funding of these positions? (4) Is that the reason why the Community Development Officer positions will cease to exist after 30 June 1993? (5) Why has he decided not to continue the NSW State Government contribution to the funding of these Community Development Officer positions?

Answer -

(1) The community development officer (CDO) positions form part of a project which was funded on a dollar-for-dollar basis by the NSW State Government and the Federal Government's National Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NCADA) and administered through the Drug and Alcohol Directorate. (2) The arrangement is that State Governments are responsible for administering the NCADA funds on a state-to-state basis. The Federal Government reduced its share of NCADA funding by 7.5 per cent. This equated to a reduction of almost $500,000 available for drug and alcohol services in New South Wales. (3) The Drug and Alcohol Directorate has maintained Drug and Alcohol services in an environment where some $800,000 was removed from its total pool of funding. Despite this funding situation, and mindful of the valuable role played by Community Development Programs, the NSW Directorate set an objective that the withdrawal of Federal funding should not effect services to the public with particular emphasis on treatment services. Currently negotiations are under way for the CDO projects to continue in a modified form. (4) The withdrawal of funding for the CDO positions was a consequence of the shortfall in Commonwealth NCADA funding. Faced with these cuts the Directorate was forced to look at alternatives that would achieve the project's statewide goals within the constraints of a reduced Commonwealth commitment to funding. Funding in its current form will continue until 30 June 1993, after which time funds will be available to be directed towards Community Development Programs rather than individual positions. (5) The NSW State Government contribution to Community Development Programs has not been withdrawn. In 1989 it was revealed that the CDO project was experiencing a number of difficulties in achieving its primary goal of providing an integrated community-based prevention service throughout New South Wales. More recently it was brought to the Directorate's attention that these difficulties had not been overcome. These facts, together with the added constraints upon the project caused by a reduction in the Commonwealth's commitments to NCADA funding, highlighted the need to consider alternatives to achieving the project's statewide goals. It was decided that the program's overall goals would be best served by withdrawing funding for specific CDO positions, to enable the limited resources to be channelled directly into services.

BLACKTOWN AMBULANCE SERVICE

Ms Allan asked the Minister for Health -

In relation to the Blacktown Ambulance Service - (1) What area is covered by the Blacktown Station? (2) How many people are serviced in this area? (3) (a) How many vehicles are currently stationed at the Blacktown facility? (b) What type and age are these vehicles?

Page 2722 (4) (a) How many staff are currently employed at the Blacktown Station? (b) What are their designations? (5) How many paramedics are currently stationed at Blacktown? (6) What is the average response time to emergency calls to the Blacktown Station?

Answer -

(1) The areas covered by Blacktown Station are Blacktown, Toongabbie, Seven Hills, Lalor Park, Kings Langley, Parklea, Marayong, Doonside, Quakers Hill, Riverstone, Rouse Hill, Kellyville, Schofields, Marsden Park and Vineyard. (2) As per Blacktown City Council the population is 211,742. (3) (a) The Blacktown Station has 8 General Duties ambulances and 1 bus. (b) 2 x 1983 F100 1 x 1984 F100 1 x 1985 F100 2 x 1988 F250 1 x 1989 F250 1 x 1990 F250 1 x 1985 Toyota Commuter Bus (4) (a) There are 20 officers on the Blacktown roster. (b) Officers 3 x Level 1 12 x Level 3 5 x Level 4 (5) There are no paramedics (Level 5) rostered to Blacktown Station. Paramedics are not rostered to every station. A Paramedic Intensive Care ambulance is rostered to nearby Colyton Station. The Paramedic officers rostered to that vehicle cover the Blacktown area. Blacktown station however has a complement of five level 4 Advanced Life Support officers. (6) The average response time for emergency calls to the Blacktown area is 8 minutes. This is based on 35 cases over 3 days randomly selected.

BLACKTOWN FIRE BRIGADE

Ms Allan asked the Minister for Justice and Minister for Emergency Services -

In relation to the Blacktown Fire Brigade - (1) What area is covered by the Blacktown Station? (2) How many people are serviced in this area? (3) (a) How many vehicles are currently stationed at the Blacktown facility? (b) What type and age are these vehicles? (4) (a) How many staff are currently employed at the Blacktown Station? (b) What are their designations? (5) How many rescue vehicles are currently stationed at Blacktown? (6) What is the average response time to emergency calls to the Blacktown Station?

Answer -

(1) Blacktown Fire Station area is bounded by Great Western Highway, Prospect; Fox Road, Doonside; Station Road, Quakers Hill; Lalor Road, Meurants Road, Parklea; Seven Hills Road; Great Western Highway. The Station area is to some extent an administrative definition; the Brigades State Communications Centre at Alexandria directs the response of fire brigades into and out of Blacktown and throughout the greater Sydney area. (2) The Brigades do not have population numbers for the Blacktown Fire Station area as such. The Bureau of Statics reported the population of the Blacktown Statistical Local area as 211,757 at the 1991 census. The Blacktown Statistical Local Area is serviced by both the Blacktown Fire Station and Mt Druitt Fire Station. (3) (a) Two (b) A skyjet/number: 11 years A salvage/rescue appliance: 12 years (4) (a) 35 (b) Station Officer - 4 Senior Firefighter Qualified for Station Officer - 6 Senior Firefighter - 9 First Class Firefighter - 10 Second Class Firefighter - 3 Volunteer Firefighter - 3 (5) One (6) 6.87 minutes in 1992

MOUNT DRUITT HOSPITAL ORTHOPAEDIC OPERATIONS

Mr Amery asked the Minister for Health -

(1) How many orthopaedic operations have been carried out at the Mount Druitt Hospital in each month, to the year ending February 1993? (2) What percentage of these procedures were for persons classified as: (a) Private patients? (b) Public Patients? (c) Other?

Answer -

(1) and (2) Orthopaedic procedures for period March 1992 to February 1993. March 1992 45 April 1992 45 May 1992 72 June 1992 68 July 1992 67 August 1992 62 September 1992 53 October 1992 35 November 1992 54 December 1992 57 January 1993 46 February 1993 46

TOTAL 653

Page 2723

From 1 March 1992 until 28 February 1993, 832 patients were admitted under Orthopaedic Surgeons (not all patients admitted under Orthopaedic Surgeons undergo a surgical procedure). Of those patients admitted, classifications were as follows: Private patients 14 per cent Public patients 81 per cent Other (Compensation cases) 5 per cent

LITHGOW NEW HOSPITAL PROPOSAL

Mr Clough asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Is a community organisation currently negotiating with the Department of Health for a new hospital at Lithgow? (2) Has a consultant been employed to report on the proposal? (3) Has that report been received? (4) Has another consultant been employed to report on the original consultant? (5) When is this report due? (6) What is the total cost of the project? (7) What State Government finance will be committed to it? (8) What funding will be required to be raised by the community? (9) Is any Federal funding involved? (10) What is the likely source of funding for the community?

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) Yes, the Minister endorsed the preparation of a feasibility study in August 1992 when he met the community delegation. (3) Yes, in February 1993. (4) Yes, the feasibility study showed the project to have marginal viability in the current economic climate and an independent review of key variables was commissioned. This is being carried out according to Treasury Economic Appraisal procedures and in conjunction with those who carried out the earlier work. (5) A workshop was held on 29 April with Departmental, Hospital and Community Group representatives to discuss the economic appraisal and identify what further analysis needed to be done. The final report is now under consideration and will be referred to the Cabinet Capital Works Committee shortly. (6) The project as conceived in the first study had a total cost of $28m including the public hospital, private hospital, nursing home and hostel. The public hospital component was estimated at $17.5m. (7) The funding issue is still under investigation. The Minister's endorsement of the feasibility study in August 1992 was made in full recognition by all parties that the Health Capital Works Budget was fully committed and that the Lithgow Hospital Promotions Committee was attempting to find an alternative source of funding. The intention was to bring construction of the hospital forward but leave control and management with the Lithgow community. (8) As above, the funding issues are still under review. (9) Limited Federal funding towards the aged persons hostel has already been approved and a further application for capital grants for the nursing home was proposed. (10) As above, the funding issues are still under review.

PRISON HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES

Mr Clough asked the Minister for Justice and Minister for Emergency Services -

(1) Has there been a reduction in the budget for provision of health and welfare services to prisoners? (2) Is the reduction in the vicinity of $1.6 million? (3) Will this mean a reduction in specialists visits to Lithgow and Bathurst Gaols? (4) Will an alternative plan be placed into position to ensure that prisoners needing attention receive it?

Answer -

(1) No. (2) Not applicable. (3) The levels of medical and specialist services to Lithgow and Bathurst Correctional centres have been maintained. (4) Not applicable.

WESTERN SYDNEY RAIL SERVICES

Mr Gibson asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Why was the City to Penrith train service late due to equipment failure on the afternoon of Tuesday 2 February 1993, afternoon of Thursday 4 February 1993, and morning of 5 February 1993? (2) Why do suburban trains with air-conditioning systems not have them in use, particularly in hot weather, such as the 4.12 p.m. express service from Wynyard to Penrith on Thursday afternoon of 4 February 1993? (3) (a) Why has the Ropes Creek line been abandoned? (b) Why has the line not been continued to join the Richmond line? (4) Why does Mount Druitt Station not have more ticket barriers to accommodate the hundreds of people filing through in single file during busy and peak hour periods?

Answer -

(1) On 2 February the 3.09 p.m. Berowra to St Marys service was delayed at Wahroonga due to a broken reservoir hose. This delayed other western Sydney services. Extreme heat on 4 February necessitated trains running at reduced speeds for safety reasons. The heat also caused the overhead wiring to sag at a number of locations throughout the CityRail network, delaying services.

Page 2724 An electrical track circuit failure at Penrith on the morning of 5 February caused signals to display stop signs thereby delaying services. (2) Enquiries have failed to reveal any record of problems with the air-conditioning on that service. (3) (a) The line was constructed to service the Commonwealth owned munitions factory. About two kilometres of the line is owned by CityRail and the remainder is owned by the Commonwealth Government. The decline in patronage and the reluctance of the Commonwealth Government to maintain the line on its property resulted in the decision being made to cease operations on the line. (b) The potential patronage would not justify the capital to upgrade and extend the line. (4) The introduction of the automatic fare protection system will incorporate the provision of electronic gates at Mt Druitt, which will improve platform egress facilities.

STATE TRANSIT AUTHORITY BOARD

Mr Langton asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Has Mr Max Moore-Wilton been appointed to the Board of the State Transit Authority to replace Mr Roger Graham? (2) Given the Department of Transport's role as an independent "watchdog" of Transport Authorities operations and programs, what policy mechanisms are in place to avoid conflict of interest between the Department of Transport and the STA?

Answer -

(1) No. The Transport Administration Act 1988 provides for the appointment of the Director-General to State Transit Authority Board. [Sec. 25 (2) (b)]. (2) The Transport Administration Act 1988 provides for the constitution of a Board for the independent management of the State Transit Authority. The Board, which consists of the Chief Executive of the STA, the Director-General of the NSW Department of Transport and between four and seven members appointed by the Minister, has the function of determining the policies of the STA. In exercising that function the Board must ensure that the activities of the STA are carried out properly, efficiently, safely and in accordance with sound commercial practice. The Act also provides for the functions of the Director-General of the Department of Transport. The Director-General has functions with respect to the policy and regulation of public passenger vehicles or ferries as set out in the Transport Administration Act 1988, the Passenger Transport Act 1990, or the Transfer of Public Vehicles (Taxation) Act 1969. By clearly setting out in the Transport Administration Act 1988 the constitution and functions of the STA Board and the Director-General, it ensures that the Department of Transport maintains it's independent role.

STATE TRANSIT AUTHORITY PUBLIC BUS SERVICES

Mr Langton asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Did the STA in July 1992 bid for, and win, a Government contract to run existing public bus services in the Sydney Metropolitan Area? (2) Has he, to date, signed those contracts? (3) If not, does he plan to renege on the agreement? (4) If so, why has it taken 8 months to ratify agreements between the Department and contractors?

Answer -

(1) No. Commercial contracts under the Passenger Transport Act 1990, have been offered to the existing operator(s) in the first instance. (2) No. The Passenger Transport Act requires the Director-General of the Department of Transport, or his delegate, to enter into contracts and not the Minister for Transport. As a large operator, STA will be offered 25 contracts in all (3 Newcastle; 22 Sydney). The three Newcastle contracts have been signed and a further 9 contracts have been issued. The remaining contracts will be issued as the information required for the contracts under the Passenger Transport Act is prepared and collated. (3) No (4) The Department is currently entering into contracts with all bus operators in NSW as a result of the Passenger Transport Act, 1990. There are over 2,000 contracts to be issued. All operators are given the opportunity to raise issues with the Department concerning their contracts before they are signed.

ILLAWARRA AND SUTHERLAND RAIL SERVICES

Mr McManus asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) How often have trains in the Illawarra/Sutherland regions skipped stations in the past 6 months? (2) How often have trains in the Illawarra/Sutherland region been cancelled in the past 6 months? (3) Does the SRA compensate commuters of these skipped and cancelled services by providing taxis to their respective destinations? (4) Is it a fact that $2,000 was recently allocated by SRA Illawarra for taxis to provide transportation of a work force to their destination because of train cancellations? (5) When will he provide an improved rail service to the Sutherland/Illawarra regions with no cancellation of services?

Answer -

(1) From 19 October 1992 to 2 April 1993, 0.3 per cent of the total number of scheduled station stops were skipped. This is as recorded on a 24-hour basis Monday to Friday.

Page 2725 (2) From 19 October 1992 to 2 April 1993, 0.4 per cent of the total number of scheduled services were cancelled. This is as recorded on a 24-hour basis, Monday to Friday. (3) In the outer areas of the rail system, such as the South Coast where services are not as frequent as in metropolitan areas, taxis may be used to convey customers to their destinations. (4) No. (5) The Illawarra/Eastern Suburbs suburban line has the highest on-time running performance of all the CityRail lines consistently achieving results above 90 per cent. South Coast intercity services are currently operating at over 93 per cent.

TAXIS FOR STRANDED RAIL COMMUTERS

Mr McManus asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Was the 5.09 p.m. train ex-Port Kembla cancelled without notice on 3 March 1993? (2) Were approximately 20 commuters stranded on Port Kembla Station as a result of this cancellation? (3) Did the SRA provide taxis for these stranded commuters to their destination? (4) How much did these taxis cost? (5) (a) Is this procedure common practice? (b) If so, how long has it been the practice? (6) What is the total loss to the SRA as a result of this practice?

Answer -

(1) No. (2) Not applicable. (3) Not applicable. (4) Not applicable. (5) (a) There are occasions in unforeseen circumstances in which taxis are provided to convey customers to their destinations where there is no convenient following rail service. (b) This has been a long-standing practice. (6) CityRail's Illawarra/South Coast budget provides for such contingencies.

CARDIFF RAILWAY STATION TICKET SALES

Mr Mills asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) In each of the years 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 and 1992, with regard to Cardiff Railway Station: (a) How many tickets were sold? (b) How many of these tickets were pensioner excursion? (c) What were the gross takings from ticket sales? (d) What were the gross takings from freight/parcel services, if any? (e) What were the activity levels of freight/parcel services, if any? (f) What were the staffing levels (EFT)? (2) What criteria were used to determine that Cardiff Station should not be manned after installation of ticket machines? (3) Approximately what proportion of 1992 ticket sales at Cardiff Station were made during: (a) Morning peak, 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. weekdays? (b) Afternoon peak, 3.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. weekdays?

Answer -

(1) (a) 51,131 - 53,759 - 51,600 - 64,061 - 89,331. (b) 3,862 - 4,465 - 6,028 - 8,827 - 15,655. (c) $125,943 - $152,815 - $202,851 - $269,340 - $435,653. (d) Revenue from the parcels business in 1988/89 was $3,539.87. Revenue in 1989/90 for the first five months was $458.00. The parcels business was discontinued at Cardiff after that time. (e) Information regarding the quantity of parcels handled is not available. (f) 1988, 1989 - three; 1990, 1991, 1992 - two. (2) Not applicable. Following the introduction of the automatic fare collection system, Cardiff Station will continue to be manned for the same hours of operation as currently occur. (3) (a) Approximately 70 to 80 per cent. (b) Approximately 15 to 20 per cent.

LAKE MACQUARIE CITY COUNCIL BUSH FIRE FIGHTING FUND CHARGES

Mr Mills asked the Minister for Justice and Minister for Emergency Services -

(1) What contribution to the Bush Fire Fighting Fund was charged to Lake Macquarie City Council in: (a) 1993? (b) 1992? (c) 1991? (2) What were the increases from: (a) 1991 to 1992? (b) 1992 to 1993? (3) What were the total contributions statewide to the Bush Fire Fighting Fund in: (a) 1993? (b) 1992? (c) 1991? (4) Was the increased levy on Lake Macquarie City 98.7 per cent over the 2 years 1991 to 1993? (5) Was Lake Macquarie Council restricted by Government to rate increases of 2.6 per cent maximum in these 2 years? (6) What are the reasons for the increased charges to Lake Macquarie Council? (7) What are the statistics of bush fire fighting activity levels in Lake Macquarie City in each of the above 3 years? (8) What are the statistics of bush fire fighting activity levels statewide in total in each of the above 3 years? (9) How are the different statistics reconciled with increases in charges?

Page 2726

Answer -

(1) (a) $184,655 (b) $101,596 (c) $ 69,884 (2) (a) $ 31,712 (b) $ 83,059 (3) (a) $29.480M (b) $21.364M (c) $20.328M (4) Yes. Because Lake Macquarie City Council sought allocations for the fiscal years 1990/91, 1991/92 and 1992/93, respectively of $713,406; $724,354; and $892,847 and received actual allocations of $315,863; $308,522; and $635, 716 respectively, the contribution by Lake Macquarie City Council to the New South Wales Bush Fire Fighting Fund increased on a pro rata basis as provided for in the Bush Fires Act 1949. Council's contribution rose therefore, at its own behest, by 164.2 per cent over the two years 1991 to 1993. (5) Not applicable to the administration of the Minister for Emergency Services. However, I am advised that in 1990/91 Council was able to increase its general rate by 6.7 per cent in line with the general rate increase approved by Government. No special consideration was sought by Council to go above that approved increase. Approval was also given to Lake Macquarie City Council in 1990/92 to increase its minimum general rate to a maximum of $300. The minimum general rate is generally that rate applying to vacant, unserviced land. In 1991/92 there was a NIL increase in the approved general rate. However, Council was given approval to lift its garbage rate by 6.857 per cent. It is of course important to recognise that general rate income is only part of the total income base of councils. In 1992/93, the general rate increase approved by Government was 2.6 per cent but, Lake Macquarie City Council was given approval to further increase its minimum general rate from $300 to a maximum of $350. (6) Contributions by Lake Macquarie City Council to the New South Wales Bush Fire Fighting Fund rose in proportion with the estimates of funding sought by Council from the Fund prepared and submitted annually by Council to the Department of Bush Fire Services. This process was outlined in the answer to (4) above. Section 30 of the Bush Fires Act establishes the process for preparing the estimates, which relate to each council separately. It is the general practice for the Department of Bush Fire Services to seek annually an initial estimate or "bid" of Fund requirements from councils. Based on this information invited annually from councils in accordance with section 31, the Department prepares an estimate or "bid", on a council-by-council basis, equal in total to the Fund for approval by the Minister for Emergency Services and separately by the State Treasurer. This "bid" process is done in full consultation with appropriate council officers in the respective councils and the Department's Regional Officers to determine the priority of the equipment etc. sought in the "bid" so that the best possible outcome can be achieved for the bush fire brigades and for the whole community, particularly in these times of very difficult budgetary conditions. (7) As required by the Bush Fires Act, the Co-ordinating Committee reports annually to the Parliament on estimated damage from Bush Fires in New south Wales during the period of twelve months, ending on the thirty first day of March each year. I refer the honourable member to the tabled reports of the co-ordinating committee. (8) See answer to question 7. (9) There is no correlation between statistics and contributions at either whole of State level or individual local government level. Bush fire fighting activity levels are determined by a wide range of factors varying from climatic conditions to technical imperfections or malfunctions to carelessness to human malfeasance. As indicated earlier in answer to part 6 of this question, contributions by all local government councils to the New South Wales bush Fire Fighting Fund rise or fall in direct proportion to the estimates of funding sought by local councils from the Fund prepared and submitted annually by councils to the Department of Bush Fire Services. It is also important to realise that the "bids" or estimates made by councils for funding and purchase of fire fighting vehicles and all associated equipment should in normal circumstances be in direct proportion to the hazard analysis or risk assessment made by councils' brigades for their own particular bush fire district. It would of course be expected that those "bids" or estimates are approved by councils, before submission to the Department, in keeping with sound management principle.

FAIRFIELD HOSPITAL X-RAY SERVICES

Mr Newman asked the Minister for Health -

(1) What is the extent of X-ray services available at Fairfield Hospital: (a) During normal day service hours? (b) After hours? (2) How many specialist staff are employed or contracted with the hospital during these periods?

Answer -

(1) (a) The service is offered during normal hours from Monday to Friday 8.45 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. A full range of general radiography and contrast studies is provided plus a comprehensive range of ultrasound studies. (b) A full range of general radiography services is provided after hours from Monday to Friday 5.00 p.m. to midnight, Page 2727 Weekends and Public Holidays 8.45 a.m. to midnight. From twelve (12) midnight to 8.45 a.m. an emergency on-call radiography service is provided. (2) One full-time Staff Radiologist, 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday. On-call staff are available at other times. There are seven full-time and two part-time radiographers employed. Four radiographers are on duty during the day, one in the evening and one on call at other times. Weekends and Public Holidays staffing is similar except during the day when two radiographers are on duty.

NEWCASTLE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

Mr Price asked the Minister for Conservation and Land Management and Minister for Energy -

With regard to the construction costs of the Newcastle Entertainment Centre - (1) What amount was paid by the Newcastle Showground Trust to the Sellers Group for the Entertainment Centre project in December 1990/January 1991? (2) Given the adjusted commencement contract price of $8,339,949 negotiated between the Trust and Doran Constructions, what was the final price paid to the contractor after the problem of the design fault was resolved in their favour after the apparent capitulation of the Trust? (3) Will he make the minutes of the Trust meetings, covering the negotiations relating to the decision to undertake the Entertainment Centre project from October 1990 to March 1992, available to the honourable member for Waratah? (4) (a) Which organisation directed the design fault in the building? (b) Will he make the subsequent engineering reports public? (5) What penalties applied to the construction contract in respect of the design performance and the overrun of construction time, including allowances for wet weather? (6) Why was this project allowed to proceed in spite of Treasury concern on the ability of the Trust to repay the original loans, let alone the subsequent loan to cover the contract overrun? (7) Who was the Minister finally responsible for approving the finance for this project? (8) What action has the Government taken to relieve the Trust of the debt? (9) What amount will the Government convert to: (a) Further grant? (b) Non-interest bearing extended loan?

Answer -

(1) In December 1990 $234 654.00 In January 1991 $234 654.00 Total $469 308.00 (2) The alleged "design fault" referred to does not pertain to the Entertainment Centre Building, but to a separate storage building in the service yard at the rear of the Entertainment Centre which was included as a variation in the building contract. The alleged design fault refers to a cracked reinforced concrete slab on the ground which was demolished and reinstated at a total cost of $69 014. The final contract sum paid to Doran Constructions Pty Limited was $7,658,236. (3) Should the honourable member wish to obtain this information, consideration will be given by my department to the request under the Freedom of Information Act. (4) (a) Killen and Doran, architects who acted for the Trust, were responsible for the supervision of the Entertainment Centre project (including the storage shed). (b) See question 3 above. (5) I am advised that the Trust's interpretation of the Building Works Contract JCC B 1985 between the Trust and Doran Constructions, and from advice of the Trust's architects, Killen and Doran, that: i) DESIGN PERFORMANCE - no penalties applied under the contract. ii) OVERRUN OF CONSTRUCTION TIME - under clause 10.14.2 for liquidated and ascertained damages $2,000 per day applied. iii) WET WEATHER - under clause 10.10 of the contract and point L5 of appendix no penalties applied. (6) The granting of loans is a matter for the Treasury Corporation and the Treasurer. (7) The Premier and Treasurer at that time (The Hon Nick Greiner). (8) The debt was incurred based on the proposed capacity to facilitate repayment by the Trust. The Entertainment Centre was officially opened on 21 June 1992 and is still in its first year of operation. The first year of operation for any enterprise is usually financially burdensome. At this point in time no action has been taken to actually relieve the Trust of debt, however, the Department has been in contact with both Treasury and the Trust on the need to conduct a review of debt servicing capacity. The Trust has been requested to submit in year and forward operating projections upon which to conduct the review. (9) This will depend upon the review referred to in response to question 8. No action on this matter will be taken until results of the above review are considered.

CANTERBURY HOSPITAL CHILDCARE CENTRE

Dr Refshauge asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Will the Government be closing Canterbury Hospital?

Page 2728 (2) If so, what measures are being taken to ensure children at the Children's Cottage Childcare Centre are placed in suitable centres?

Answer -

(1) The Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments have reached in principle agreement to integrate the Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, into the New South Wales health system. This will necessitate a reorganisation of neighbouring health services. Therefore, the Government has released a discussion paper, "A New Network of Hospitals for the inner West of Sydney", which outlines Department of Health proposals for a reorganisation of health services in Sydney's innerwest. The Department proposes that a new innerwest Hospital be built on either the Western Suburbs or Canterbury Hospital site. A community consultation process is currently reviewing the Department's proposals. After this process has been completed and the community's view have been considered I will announce the Government's decision on a new configuration of health services for the innerwest of Sydney. It is, therefore, not possible to indicate at this time whether Canterbury Hospital will be closed. (2) Should the Canterbury Hospital site need to be cleared to allow for the construction of the new innerwest Hospital, the Southern Sydney Area Health Service would consult with the management of the Children's Cottage Child Care Centre about suitable alternative arrangements.

ILLAWARRA ORTHODONTIST

Mr Rumble asked the Minister for Health -

(1) When will a full-time replacement be appointed following the resignation of the full-time orthodontist from the Illawarra Area Health Service? (2) (a) How many patients are on the orthodontist waiting list? (b) What are their ages? (c) What is the waiting time for each patient?

Answer -

(1) and (2) The Chief Executive Officer of the Illawarra Area Health Service, Mr Richard Gould, advises that a Strategic Plan for Dental Services is now being developed by the Illawarra Area Health Service for the next five years. In this plan, priority is given to demonstrably reduce the incidence of dental disease in schoolchildren, and thereby reduce the requirements for adult services in the future. This means that preventative programs related to dental care are given highest priority. The Illawarra Area Health Service provides acute and semi-urgent services to adult health care card holders and pensioners requiring dentures. Elective services, of which orthodontics is one, have a lower priority. However, orthodontic treatment has always been provided by the Area Health Service and will continue to be. Restructuring of the service will, however, take place. I am advised that treatment will be provided at the Port Kembla Clinic by a visiting orthodontist. The service will continue to provide for eligible children for problems with damage to gums or bones, difficult functional problems and in those situations in which there is severe psychological distress related to cosmesis. A review of the caseload over the past years, the complexity of clinical requirements and the quality of service provided have been evaluated, and the Illawarra Area Health Service believes that a cost-effective service can be provided to those who need it. I am advised that a locum service has been established to assess patients waiting for treatment while recruitment of a permanent orthodontist takes place.

PARRAMATTA RIVER FERRY SERVICE

Mr Ziolkowski asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) When will the Parramatta River Ferry Service be operational? (2) What has caused this latest delay? (3) (a) Has this latest problem added to the cost of the project? (b) If so, by what amount? (4) Will the ferry service proceed if Sydney is unsuccessful in its bid to host the 2000 Olympics?

Answer -

(1) Trials of the RiverCat vessels to Rydalmere have already commenced and the first service to the new wharf at John Street is expected to take place in early June. It is planned to extend the service to Parramatta later this calendar year. (2) There has been no "latest delay". (3) (a) Not applicable (b) Not applicable (4) It will have commenced before the result of Sydney's Olympic bid is known.

WESTMEAD HOSPITAL BEDS

Mr Ziolkowski asked the Minister for Health -

(1) How many beds are currently operational at Westmead Hospital? (2) What is the maximum number of beds that could be operational at this hospital?

Answer -

(1) and (2) The Department of Health has moved away from using available number of beds as a Page 2729 meaningful measure of the effectiveness of the health system. The Department now measures number of patients treated as in-patients, day-stay patients and patients who stay more than one day. These are far more useful measures of system capacity than bed numbers. In each of the categories mentioned, the Western Sydney Area Health Service is measuring the number of patients treated. The Department is also concentrating increasingly on the outcome of the treatment.

HUNTER WATER CORPORATION PRIVATISATION

Mr Bowman asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) Are investigations taking place to produce possible options for privatisation of the Hunter Water Corporation? (2) If so, is the report on these investigations to be made public? (3) If not, why not?

Answer -

(1) No. (2) Not applicable. (3) Not applicable.

DEPARTMENTAL OFFICE REFURBISHMENTS

Mr Crittenden asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

In relation to each Department or Authority under his administration - (1) How much was spent on office fitouts or refurbishment in 1991/92? (2) What is the estimated expenditure for 1992/93?

Answer -

(1) and (2)

Expenditure Estimated 1991/2 Expenditure 1992/93 Department of Transport $285,905 $27,300 Maritime Services Board $820,118 $248,430 State Transit Authority $208,000 $490,000 State Rail Authority $7.079M $5.872M Tourism Commission $20,779 $24,322

OFFICE REFURBISHMENTS

Mr Crittenden asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts -

In relation to each Department or Authority under his administration - (1) How much was spent on office fitouts or refurbishment in 1991/92? (2) What is the estimated expenditure for 1992/93?

Answer -

(1) and (2)

Organisation Expenditure Expenditure 1991/92 1992/93 Arts Ministry for Arts NIL 19,995 Opera House 607(*) 20,000 State Library 55,809 37,000 Australian 63,937 24,375 Museum Art Gallery 10,000 NIL Archives NIL NIL Authority Historic Houses 70,000 10,000 Trust Museum of 85,506 45,000 Applied arts and Sciences Film and TV 15,000 199,176(**) Office TOTAL 860,859 355,546 State Development Department of 14,565 124,973(***) State Development TOTAL 14,565 124,973

(*) The amount of $560,607 for the Sydney Opera House is a one-off component of the building's current major maintenance and upgrade program.

Page 2730 (**) The amount of $199,176 was for the re-location of the NSW Film and Television Office from rented premises to accommodation provided rent-free to the Office, and resulting in savings to the office and increased funds available for the film and television industry. (***) The amount of $124,973 is actual expenditure to 30 April 1993. The expenditure followed the restructuring process undertaken by the Department which involved rationalisation of office accommodation, relocation of staff and vacating premises formerly used at Stockland House.

DEPARTMENTAL OFFICE REFURBISHMENTS

Mr Crittenden asked the Minister for Community Services and Assistant Minister for Health -

In relation to each Department or Authority under his administration - (1) How much was spent on office fitouts or refurbishment in 1991/92? (2) What is the estimated expenditure for 1992/93?

Answer -

(1) In 1991/92 the Department of Community Services spent $799,500 across all 104 Departmental offices in New South Wales on office fitouts. The Home Care Service of NSW spent $1,096,000 across all 172 Home Care outlets in NSW. (2) Estimated expenditure for office fitouts in 1992/93 will be $1,195,000 for the Department of Community Services and $369,000 for Home Care Service of NSW.

COCKED HAT CREEK BLUE-GREEN ALGAE

Mr Mills asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

With regard to the outbreak of blue-green algae in Cocked Hat Creek at Edgeworth on 5 March 1993 - (1) What constituent substance or substances of the outflow from Edgeworth sewage treatment works caused the algal outbreak? (2) What were the concentrations of each such substance in the outflow water? (3) What were the coliform counts of the outflow into the creek on each day? (4) When did breakdown occur of the pump which transferred the sewage treatment works outflow to Rhondda Mine? (5) Why was a spare pump not retained? (6) When was the pump put back into service? (7) What pump spares will be retained in future? (8) What warning and cleanup measures were undertaken and by whom? (9) What was the cost of warning and cleanup measures and who paid for them?

Answer -

Responsibility for this matter rests with the management of the Hunter Water Corporation. The member for Wallsend should contact the Corporation's Managing Director directly for this information.

DEPARTMENTAL OFFICE REFURBISHMENTS

Mr Scully asked the Chief Secretary and Minister for Administrative Services -

In relation to each Department or Authority under her administration - (1) How much was spent on office fitouts or refurbishment in 1991/92? (2) What is the estimated expenditure for 1992/93?

Answer -

(1) Chief Secretary's Department - $81,880.00 Move and fitout of Women's Co-ordination Unit, including equipment NSW Lotteries - $553,684.63 Move/relocation and fitout, including equipment Commercial Services Group - $743,000.00 Moves, fitouts involving three Business Units and Head Office (2) Chief Secretary's Department - $413,800.00 Estimate Women's Co-ordination Unit - $ 30,000.00 Fit-out/equipment Domestic Violence Advisory Council (Estimate) Commercial Service Group - $201,000.00 Including - shelving - pallets - phones - computers - security (Estimate) The Casino Control Authority - $1.1 million (Estimate)

PUBLIC LIBRARY SUBSIDIES

Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts -

With reference to the NSW Government's subsidies for local public libraries - (1) Does the average country library have approximately 40 per cent of its bookstock older than 10 years? (2) Will he make a commitment to increase funding available for local public library services by $1 million per annum to 15.17m/per annum for 3 years and to maintain this real value by indexing the total amount to the CPI? (3) If not, how will he put into practice the principle, contained in the Library (Amendment) Act 1992, of library services to all?

Page 2731

Answer -

(1) Yes. This reflects the fact that under the Labor Government from 1976 to 1988 no new funding was allocated to libraries in New South Wales. The Coalition Government's funding initiatives since 1988 have attempted to redress the years of neglect suffered by the public library system under Labor. In this context, it should be acknowledged that, by 1991, over 60 per cent of bookstock in country public libraries represented purchases made within the last 10 years. (2) I have supported a submission for increased funding for public libraries in the 1993/94 Budget. This request will be considered as part of the Budget process. It should be noted that, from 1989/90, the Coalition Government introduced a staged enhancement of assistance to public libraries of $3m over three years. The Government's firm commitment to libraries stands in stark contrast to the previous Labor Government's record. The Coalition Government's enhancements have seen funding increase by 25 per cent, from $12.1m per annum to 15.17m per annum in 1991/92. This level of funding was maintained in 1992/93 despite universal constrictions on public sector funding. (3) The Government's record of reform and increased funding amply demonstrates its commitment to the public library system and its willingness to assist local councils to provide a high quality library service across the State. In addition to the substantially increased annual funding to libraries, the Library (Amendment) Act 1992 effectively secures the rights of the public to enjoy essential library services free of charge and the funding formula introduced in 1990 has significantly strengthened country libraries in New South Wales. The problems facing country libraries have been further addressed through the Library Development Grants program administered by the State Library of New South Wales. Priority has been given to support for buildings, technology and resource projects which promote access quality library services. It should be noted that, of $1,753,500 in grants directed to council libraries through this program in 1992/93, 75 per cent went to country areas. Country libraries are also assisted by Central Grants which provide direct funding to public libraries for upgraded computer hardware and training. Even the most geographically remote library now has rapid access to the State Library's resources, through the inter-library loan network and its information technology services. A further benefit of the Library (Amendment) Act 1992, which allows local libraries to charge for certain non-core services, is that local government authorities may now access new revenues to further develop local services.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL DIRECTORATE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER PROJECT

Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for Health -

With reference to the Community Development Officer project funded through the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse (CADA) and administered through the Drug and Alcohol Directorate - (1) What is the official title of the review conducted in 1989 of the Community Development Officer project? (2) When was a more recent review conducted? (3) What is the official title of this more recent review? (4) What are the specific recommendations contained in the reports of each of the above reviews?

Answer -

(1) The title of the 1989 review was "The Establishment of the Community Programs Section as Part of the Public Education Division of CEIDA. Prepared and written by Peter White, 16 June 1989. Section 6.2 of this document looked specifically at the Community Development Officer project. (2) The more recent review was conducted in April 1992 by Reid Harris and Associates. (3) The title of the more recent review is "A Review of CEIDA - Centre for Education and Information on Drugs and Alcohol". Chapter 5 of this review, entitled Prevention Programs, reviews and makes specific recommendations in relation to Community Development Officers (CDO). (4) In April 1989, White's report entitled, "The Establishment of the Community Programs Section as Part of the Public Education Division of CEIDA", made a number of recommendations in relation to the operation of the Community Development Officers Project and the management reporting structures under which they operated. Recommendation 1.8b of this report states that, "While the CDOs also carry out very good work, they do not operate in any particularly planned way. They do respond to campaigns if they are recruited, but in the main keep a relatively independent stance within their regional boundaries". It was further recommended that the professional direction for CDOs should be transferred to CEIDA, in order to overcome these difficulties. By 1992 the problems identified in the CDO Project had still not been overcome and the CEIDA review states, "There would appear to be little purpose for DAD (Drug and Alcohol Directorate) to continue to separately identify funding for employment of CDOs. More useful would be contracts between DAD and the Areas/Regions emphasising the importance of primary prevention strategies utilising community development approaches to AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs) strategies." Recommendation 5.2 - Funding arrangements between DAD and Regions should no longer specify the employment of CDOs as the mechanism to facilitate community development activities. Recommendation 5.5 - DAD contracts with Areas/Regions should ensure continuing emphasis is placed upon community development in AOD activities in line with the recommendations of the NCADA review.

Page 2732

ST GEORGE HOSPITAL BEDS

Mr Thompson asked the Minister for Health -

(1) How many beds are operational at St George Hospital? (2) What is the maximum number of beds that could be operational at this hospital?

Answer -

(1) The Department of Health has moved away from using the available number of beds as a meaningful measure of the effectiveness of the health system. The Department now measures number of patients treated as non-inpatients, day-stay patients and patients who stay more than one day. These are far more useful measures of system capacity than bed numbers. In each of the categories mentioned, the Southern Sydney Area Health Service is measuring the number of patients treated. The Department is also concentrating increasingly on the outcome of treatment. (2) Further development of services on the St George campus would include the commissioning of additional beds.

ROCKDALE FIRE BRIGADE

Mr Thompson asked the Minister for Justice and Minister for Emergency Services -

(1) What area is covered by the Rockdale Fire Brigade Station? (2) How many people are serviced in this area? (3) (a) How many vehicles are currently stationed at the Rockdale facility? (b) What type and age are these vehicles? (4) (a) How many staff are currently employed at the Rockdale Station? (b) What are their designations? (5) How many rescue vehicles are currently stationed at Rockdale? (6) What is the average response time to emergency calls to the Rockdale Station?

Answer -

(1) The Rockdale Fire Station area covers some 1250 hectares. The station area is to some extent an administrative definition; the Brigades State Communications Centre at Alexandria directs the response of fire brigades into and out of Rockdale and throughout the greater Sydney area. (2) 37,106 (3) (a) One (b) A pumper: 8 years (4) (a) 16 (b) Station Officer - 4 Firefighters - 12 (5) None (6) 5.1 minutes in 1992

GRANVILLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Mr Yeadon asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) What land holdings or sites have been included into the Urban Development Program in the electorate of Granville? (2) Which land holdings are in the 0 to 5-year program and the 5 to 10-year program? (3) On what dates were each of the land holdings or sites incorporated into the Urban Development Program? (4) What level of environmental assessment was conducted to justify the inclusion of each holding or site into the Urban Development Program? (5) When was the environmental assessment for such holding or site conducted? (6) If no environmental study was conducted, why not? (7) Who, bodies or organisations, sponsored each holding or site for inclusion into the Urban Development Program? (8) (a) For each land holding or site, did any Government agency or local council object to the inclusion of the land or site into the Urban Development Program? (b) If so: (i) Which organisation? (ii) Why did they object?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answer to the honourable member's question is: (1) There are no land holdings or release areas included in the Sydney Region Urban Development program in the electorate of Granville. The Urban Development program covers around 90 individual release areas in the 15 outer fringe local government areas of the Sydney Region, none of which fall within the boundaries of the electorate of Granville. (2) to (8) In view of the above question (2) to (8) do not apply.

CLUBKENO

Mr Face asked the Chief Secretary and Minister for Administrative Services -

(1) What were the capital and recurrent costs in the first year of operation for: (a) AWA? (b) Clubkeno Holdings? (c) The Government (inspectorial and administrative functions including oncosts example, accommodation)? (2) (a) From the figures supplied for the first year of operation, was the turnover of the order of $113 million? (b) On the scale of fees supplied in the recent answer, why was Government revenue not higher than the $1.632 million quoted?

Page 2733 (3) (a) What was the extent of substitution on Government poker machine revenues by Keno in its first year of operation? (b) What impact did the game of Keno have on poker machine revenues in the first year of operation? (4) Why has the return to players, given as 71.6 per cent in the first year of operation of Keno, been pitched at a level which is substantially lower than the return to players of poker machines? (5) Is there any provision to increase payouts to the club from increasing profits to Clubkeno Holdings which would arise out of higher levels of turnover? (6) On what basis are individual clubs reimbursed on the 10 per cent out of Clubkeno Holdings 14 per cent? (7) Is there any requirement for Clubkeno Holdings to distribute surplus funds, accumulating over payouts to clubs and administrative expenses? (8) What is the amount of fees or expenses for each individual director of Clubkeno Holdings each month since it commenced operation? (9) Who are the directors of Clubkeno Holdings? (10) How are the directors of Clubkeno Holdings appointed or elected and what is their term of directorship?

Answer -

(1) The capital recurrent costs during the period 1 July 1991 to 30 June 1992 were: (a) AWA Capital $ 5,773,412 Recurrent $ 16,289,746 (b) Clubkeno Holdings Capital $ 302,910 Recurrent $ 206,993 (c) The Government Capital Nil Recurrent $ 398,493 (2) (a) The turnover during the first twelve months of operations, i.e. from 9 September 1991 to 8 September 1992, was $112,649,828. The turnover during the first financial year of operations, i.e. up until 30 June 1992 was $79,997,194. (b) The figure of $1.632 million quoted in the recent answer is the government revenue received in the first year of operation ending 30 June 1992, but does not include the revenue generated from turnover in the month of June 1992, which was received in the month of July 1992. (3) (a) No substitution was identified of government poker machine revenues by Keno in its first financial year of operation. (b) It is impossible to determine whether Keno had any impact on poker machine revenues. However, poker machine revenues increased by $8,833,000 from the year ending June 1991 to the year ending June 1992. (4) Different forms of gaming, such as lotto, lotteries, keno and poker machines, have different player returns depending on the various overhead associated with operating the games. For example, poker machines are not as labour-intensive as keno, and hence a higher player return is possible. (5) I am advised that Clubkeno Holdings has recently distributed an additional commission to participating clubs for the first financial year of Keno. The additional commission payment was based on 0.75 per cent of subscriptions to the game, less cancellations and refunds, with the distribution of $599,979 to 279 clubs. It is anticipated that additional commissions will be paid in the future. (6) The 10 per cent commission is settled directly with each club on a daily basis, except for weekends and public holidays, through the operating company, Club Gaming Systems. The commission payment is based on the subscriptions to the game, less cancellations and refunds, received by the participating club. (7) Under the Keno licence issued to Clubkeno Holdings Pty Ltd and Club Gaming Systems Pty Ltd, Clubkeno Holdings is required to operate as a non-profit company. The Company's Memorandum of Association specifies the manner in which the surplus may be applied to the benefit of the Club industry of New South Wales. As well, no portion of the surplus is to be paid directly or indirectly to the benefit of the members of Clubkeno Holdings Pty Ltd. (8) I am advised that there is no provision for the payment of a fee to any person holding a position as a director of Clubkeno Holdings Pty Ltd. The directors do not receive any remuneration for services from Clubkeno Holdings Pty Ltd or any related entity. The re-imbursement of expenses to Directors on Company business is a normal business practice. Questions relating to the extent of any such reimbursement of expenses should be referred to Clubkeno Holdings Pty Ltd. According to the 1992 Annual Report of Clubkeno Holdings Pty Ltd, consulting fees were paid to a company in which one of the Directors, Mr R. K. Critchley, is an equity shareholder. These fees amounted to $113,116 for the year ending June 1991 and $133,753 for the year ending June 1992. (9) The Directors of Clubkeno Holdings Pty Ltd as approved by the Minister to be appointed are Messrs Jack Ball, A.M., Peter Bracher, Robert Critchley, Robert Ferris, John Stewart, John Wilson and John Whittle, O.A.M. Mr Bernard Harley, O.A.M. who has been elected as a Director, is awaiting the approval of the Minister prior to participation as a Director of the Company. (10) The Articles of Association of Clubkeno Holdings Pty Ltd require that: - no person shall be appointed as a Director of the Company unless approved to be so appointed by the Minister; - the Directors of the Company shall be (i) not more than six Directors who shall at all times be members of the State Council of the Registered Clubs Association of New South Wales, (ii) not more than two Directors who shall represent other interests independent to the operations of the Company. There is not set term of directorship.

Page 2734

RURAL LIBRARY SERVICES

Mr Martin asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts -

(1) Do other States spend over $5 per head of population on library services? (2) How much per head does New South Wales spend? (3) Is the New South Wales expenditure adequate? (4) Are rural areas worse off? (5) Will he review the library needs of rural New South Wales? (6) Will he make more funds available for libraries in rural New South Wales?

Answer -

(1) Figures provided by the State Library of New South Wales indicate that no State allocated over $5.00 per head for library funding in 1992/93 apart from South Australia. (2) $2.50 (3) Since its election in 1988 the Coalition Government has improved per capita expenditure from a low of $1.80 under Labor to $2.50 in 1991/92. The State's contribution of $15.17m is directed not only towards the provision of free library services but, through Library Development and Central Grants, aims to develop infrastructure, such as buildings and new technology, which allows resources to be utilised across the statewide public library network. (4) Library funding has been increased by 25 per cent (an additional $3 million per annum) since this Government came to office. In addition to a three-year program of funding enhancements, a new funding formula was introduced which recognises the difficulties faced by smaller library services particularly in rural areas. The population based component of payments automatically takes into account specific demographic disadvantages such as population distribution and geographical isolation. Of the $1.753m Library Development Grants component of the State's funding in 1992/93, 75 per cent went to country areas. The efficacy and equity of the new formula has been attested to by local councils and libraries alike. The State Library has also placed strong emphasis on upgraded computer hardware and training in public libraries. Even the most geographically remote library now has rapid access to the State Library's resources, through the inter-library loan network and its information technology services. (5) The State Library co-ordinates the public library network and provides comprehensive advisory and consultancy services to rural libraries. The Library provides advice to the Minister for the Arts about public library services, in addition to making recommendations for annual funding to public libraries through the Library Council. A Library Council Committee, which included representatives of peak country library and local government associations, undertook a review of the formula in 1992. There was general consensus that the formula had worked well. A further review will be undertaken at the end of 1994. The Country Public Libraries Association, which has been in close contact with the Minister for the Arts, has not requested a review. There are no plans for a review of country libraries at this stage, over these existing mechanisms. (6) I have supported a submission for increased funding for public libraries in the 1993/94 Budget. This request will be considered as part of the Government's budget deliberations. It should be noted that, from 1989/90, the Government introduced a staged enhancement of assistance to public libraries of $3m over three years. This has seen funding increase by 25 per cent, from $12.1m per annum to $15.17m per annum in 1991/92. This level of funding was maintained in 1992/93 despite serious pressure on public sector funding.

EAST HILLS PUBLIC HOUSING WAITING LIST

Mr Rogan asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) How many applications for public housing are current by persons residing in the electorate of East Hills? (2) What is the classification of these applicants? (3) What is the average waiting time for Department of Housing applicants for: (a) East Hills/Bankstown area? (b) Other Sydney metropolitan areas?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) The Department of Housing does not register applicants for housing by electorate. The electorate of East Hills forms part of the Department's Southern Metropolitan Regional Office's Canterbury/Bankstown Allocations Zone designated L1. As at 26 February 1993, the number of applications for housing from persons residing in the Canterbury/Bankstown Allocations Zone was 5,586. (2) The classification of the applicants referred to in (1) by bedroom and dwelling category is as follows: One bedroom pensioner accommodation 631 One bedroom community accommodation 1,335 Two bedroom apartment accommodation 553 Two bedroom general accommodation 823 Three bedroom apartment accommodation 245 Three bedroom general accommodation 1,538 Four bedroom general accommodation 420 Five bedroom general accommodation 41 (3) (a) and (b) Waiting times are variable depending on factors such as vacancy rates and construction activity in any one area. The eligibility date of applicants presently being offered accommodation determines the allocating date for any one area. The allocating date is used as a guide when determining waiting times. The following table shows the allocating dates by bedroom and dwelling category in the 18 Page 2735 allocation zones administered by the three regions in the Sydney Metropolitan area; the Southern Metropolitan Region, the Western Metropolitan Region and the Central and Eastern Metropolitan Region. (See table at page 1246 of Q & A No. 22.)

EAST HILLS PUBLIC HOUSING

Mr Rogan asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) How many Department of Housing pensioner units are located in the electorate of East Hills? (2) How many 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom units does the Department of Housing own in the electorate of East Hills? (3) How many units and homes are currently under construction or proposed to be constructed in the electorate of East Hills? (4) What is the location of these sites?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) 378 (as at 6 April 1993). (2) The Department has the following units of community accommodation in the electorate of East Hills as at 6 April 1993. 11 x 1 bedroom apartments 6 x 2 bedroom apartments 3 x 3 bedroom apartments 2 x 4 bedroom apartments 496 x 2 bedroom dwellings 591 x 3 bedroom dwellings 43 x 4 bedroom dwellings (3) As at 6 April 1993; Pensioner units - 95 Villas/Townhouses - 46 (4) Broe Avenue, East Hills - 20 Pensioner Units Cnr Lambeth and Cliffords Sts, Panania - 16 Townhouses/Villas Cnr Batchelor, Braesmere and Truscott St, Panania - 18 Townhouses/Villas Alma Road, Padstow - 10 Townhouses/Villas Wyatt Avenue, Padstow - 18 Pensioner Units Chamberlain Road, Padstow - 26 Pensioner Units Arab Road, Padstow - 16 Pensioner Units Howard Road, Panania - 15 Pensioner Units Cammarlie Street, Panania - 2 Duplexes

WEST DAPTO WATER AND SEWERAGE SERVICES

Mr Rumble asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

When will water and sewerage services be introduced to land at West Dapto to: (a) Proposed residential land? (b) Proposed light industrial land?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (a) The Water Board is involved in the Government's Urban Development Program to ensure that water and sewerage services are provided in a timely and economic manner, and in line with projected residential demands. The provision of water and sewerage services for urban development of the area known as West Dapto Stage 1 ("Horsley" Stage 1 Urban Release) is being funded by developers. It is expected that residential land in this area (up to 1,400 lots) will be available in early 1994 and additional urban releases in the West Dapto area are not required until after 1995/96 dependent on the progress of land take-up in the stage 1 release. The demand over time for both residential and industrial land in the Illawarra Region will be closely evaluated to schedule the provision of water and sewerage services accordingly. (b) The Illawarra Urban Development and Employment Lands Program (co-ordinated by Department of Planning) recognises that there is a limited supply of vacant industrial land and particularly of large sites in the Wollongong Local Government Area. The take up of industrial sites is currently low. Perceived demand for large sites currently cannot be substantiated. The zoned industrial land in West Dapto (Kembla Grange) is not expected to be serviced until after 1996 until industrial development which includes up-front servicing is proposed. At current take-up rates this is not expected to result in a shortage of land. To ensure shortages do not occur, the Water Board and Wollongong City Council are investigating servicing and financial packages to provide land to meet the perceived demand for large industrial sites. Should the issue of large lot industrial land be pursued, the Department of State Development would be the responsible State Government agency.

PUBLIC HOUSING WATER CHARGES

Ms Allan asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) Is an amendment to the Residential Tenancies Regulation 1989 under consideration whereby Department of Housing tenants will be subjected to user-pays water billing? (2) If such an amendment is under consideration, is he aware of the implications for Department of Housing and low income tenants? (3) How will tenants in multi-units, which are not individually metered, be billed for water charges? (4) Can he assure tenants of such multi-units, and other premises which are not individually metered, Page 2736 that they will not be disadvantaged by a system of dividing the water usage by the number of units or dwellings? (5) Will he instruct the Department of Housing to consider the plight of disadvantaged tenants as regards water billing so as not to further disadvantage these tenants? (6) If not, why not?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answer to the honourable member's question is: (1) and (2) Proposals to amend the Residential Tenancies Act Regulations to allow landlords to pass on the usage portion of water rates to tenants are under consideration. The proposed changes would apply to all tenants, public and private, and are based on the growing need to encourage wiser use of water. At present tenants have little incentive to conserve what is becoming an increasingly valuable resource. (3) In his current review of the Regulations relating to water usage, the Tenancy Commissioner in conjunction with the Residential Tenancies Consultative Committee, which includes public tenants' representatives, is considering the means by which costs in singly metered, multi-unit projects might be apportioned. (4) See (3). (5) In respect to any changes that may take place the Department will consider the financial impact upon poorer/larger households in any system where tenants may be charged for water use. (6) See (5).

CHARLESTOWN PUBLIC HOUSING WAITING LIST

Mr Face asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) What is the number on the waiting list for housing accommodation in the electorate of Charlestown? (2) Are applicants who decline one or two offers of accommodation taken off the waiting list and made to reapply? (3) Why is there such a policy? (4) Will he reconsider this policy to people seeking assistance through the Housing Commission?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) The Department of Housing does not register applicants for housing by electorate. The electorate of Charlestown is part of the Hunter and New England Regional Office's Allocations Zone designated N14. Part of the electorate of Swansea also forms part of this Zone. There were 989 applicants awaiting various types of public housing in the Zone N14 as at 13 April 1993. (2) Applicants who decline an offer of accommodation are requested to provide reasons for the rejection. If the reasons given meet the following specific criteria, a further offer is approved. * There is a medical problem or disability, which has a direct bearing on the accommodation or location offered. * Where there is a threat to the personal safety of the applicant or other household members. * There is racial discrimination which affects members of ethnic or racial groups. Applicants who do not meet these criteria are referred to the Housing Review Committee to determine if they should receive a further offer. Applicants whose names are removed from the waiting list following the Housing Review Committee's decision may re-apply for housing at any time. (3) The "one offer" policy was introduced in 1988 to rationalise the previous system which permitted applicants to elect five dwelling types within three locational areas. The net result of these fifteen choices per applicant was that the waiting lists became almost stagnant as applicants rejected a number of offers. This delay in housing people, while offers of housing were rejected, meant properties lay idle for months and were frequently vandalised, causing immeasurable costs for the Housing budget. Consequently, those at the top of the waiting lists remained there to the detriment of all other applicants. The Department had divided New South Wales into a number of geographical zones termed "Allocations Zones". Under the one offer policy, applicants are able to select the type of accommodation that best suits their needs in the Allocation Zone of their choice. Applicants are encouraged to change their dwelling type or Zone of choice at any time during the waiting period, in order to ensure that the Department can satisfy their needs. (4) Aspects of this policy are currently under review.

TREASURY STAFF EQUIPMENT

Mr Sullivan asked the Premier and Treasurer -

With reference to the Secretary of the Treasury - (1) Does his immediate staff have the use of a photocopy machine? (2) If so, what is the brand and model? (3) Who is responsible for: (a) The selection of the photocopier? (b) Determining the time of replacement? (c) The payment of servicing and maintenance and other associated costs? (4) Does the present photocopier have: (a) Automatic document feeder? (b) Duplex document feeder? (c) (i) Large capacity cassette? (ii) If so, what capacity? (d) (i) Duplex unit? (ii) If so, what capacity? (e) (i) Paper size selection? (ii) If so, what range of paper sizes?

Page 2737 (f) (i) Magnification selector? (ii) If so, is it automatic? (g) Reduction and enlargement? (h) Interruption capability? (i) Page by page copying? (j) Frame erasure? (k) Punch hole erasure? (l) Cover mode? (m) Image shifter? (n) Program memory? (o) Built-in editing? (p) Multiple sheet bypass? (q) (i) Bin sorter? (ii) If so, what capacity? (r) (i) Other than black colour copying? (ii) If so, what colours? (5) (a) Does the Secretary of the Treasury have the use of: (i) A modular phone? (ii) A car phone? (b) If so, in each or either case, what is the brand name and model of the phone(s)? (c) If yes, in each or either case, who pays for: (i) The purchase and installation costs? (ii) Each call made? (iii) Repairs and maintenance costs?

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) Not relevant. (3) Not relevant. (4) Not relevant. (5) (a) (i) Yes. (ii) No. (b) Not relevant. (c) The cost of official phones is met by the Government.

NORTH COAST TAFE AUTOMOTIVE COURSES

Mr J. H. Murray asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

(1) Why are the automotive sections at Casino, Grafton, Murwillumbah and Kempsey TAFE being downgraded? (2) Did the Minister promise that at the beginning of 1994, the Wollongbar Regional TAFE would open an Automotive Engineering Section? (3) Was it promised that brand new equipment would be used at Wollongbar Regional TAFE? (4) Why have the automotive sections at Casino, Grafton, Murwillumbah and Kempsey been requested to hand over specified items of their equipment to Wollongbar Regional TAFE? (5) Will the Casino, Grafton, Murwillumbah and Kempsey TAFE be feeder colleges to Wollongbar Regional TAFE after students have completed Stage 1? (6) (a) Will the loss of equipment at Casino, Grafton, Murwillumbah and Kempsey TAFE restrict and prohibit teaching of Stage 1 courses for young and unemployed people? (b) Will it also restrict the teaching of post-trade courses? (7) Has the uncertainty about these TAFE automotive sections been the cause of a head teacher's emotional breakdown? (8) Will the Minister given an undertaking that all equipment is to stay at their original TAFE college and that automotive sections remain open and available to local communities?

Answer -

(1) In December 1991, all teachers in the Institute were informed about the Automotive strategy which had been developed after consultation with staff and with TAFE's Transport Training Division. Submissions were received from staff in a number of colleges in the Institute and a full meeting of all automotive teachers was held at Coffs Harbour where the restructuring of the Automotive Training Division was discussed. The matter was discussed extensively with the Institute Executive and a decision was made to establish three major centres within the North Coast at Wollongbar, Coffs Harbour and Taree. Other centres at Casino, Grafton, Murwillumbah and Kempsey were to be maintained as general purpose workshops with automotive facilities capable of running JSST, LMP and short courses such as Certificate of Occupational Studies. In the long term these colleges would not run Stages 2 and 3 of the Trade course which required specialist equipment. This was consistent with the industry trend for the number of apprentices enrolling in centres such as Casino, Grafton and Kempsey to decline. This is consistent with a national trend. Over the past few years most students had been moving to the larger colleges. (2) It should be noted that Wollongbar is not a regional college. When completed it will be part of the Richmond Cluster of colleges. An automotive engineering section has always been planned for Wollongbar College of TAFE. The Minister's press release of 12 March announces automotive as one of the sections in the new college. (3) The Minister makes no mention of new equipment in the above mentioned press release other than in reference to the spending of "$4 million on equipment in the North Coast since 1988". New equipment will be used if appropriate. However, if there is surplus equipment at other colleges which is suitable and which can be renovated to an `as new' condition this may also be used at Wollongbar college. As an example, TAFE's Transport Industry Training Division has done an evaluation of equipment that exists at Casino college and has estimated that this equipment is no longer required for courses being conducted at Casino. A saving of approximately $30,000 could be made by transferring the equipment, renovating it and using it in the new Wollongbar complex.

Page 2738 (4) No colleges have been requested to hand over specified items of their equipment to Wollongbar TAFE college. However, an evaluation was carried out in some North Coast Institute colleges by the Acting Industry Specialist from TAFE's Transport Training Division to identify equipment which was surplus to requirements at colleges and which could possibly be transferred to Wollongbar. It is proposed that negotiations be carried out with staff in the colleges before any equipment would be moved. With regard to the proposed transfer of a dynamometer from Casino college, a decision was required urgently regarding the size of the pit in the Wollongbar Automotive section as the slab for the new college was to be poured. As a consequence, an interim decision was made to design the pit so that it could accommodate the existing dynamometer at Casino college. If the dynamometer is not transferred from Casino college a new model can be designed to meet those specifications. (5) No. It is unlikely that students from Kempsey would, in fact, travel to Wollongbar as they would probably transfer to either Coffs Harbour or Taree. Similarly students who are currently from Grafton would transfer to Coffs Harbour or to Wollongbar. Only Trade students from Murwillumbah and Casino would therefore travel to Wollongbar college after they have completed Stage 1. (6) (a) No. If Stage 1 of a course is conducted at any of these colleges (and it should be noted that there are, in fact, no Stage 1 apprentices currently at Casino college) equipment will be provided according to specifications determined by TAFE's Industry Training Division. In order to make the best use of equipment within the Institute, a decision has been made that centres should be equipped to the level of courses being conducted. (6) (b) No. A proposal is currently being considered to revise the conduct of Post Trade courses so that they can be conducted more widely across the whole of the North Coast Institute. It has been suggested that certain teachers become specialists in each Post Trade area and that they co-ordinate courses at a range of colleges to meet local demand. It is not appropriate to run the same post trade courses in every automotive workshop throughout the state. (7) A head teacher at Grafton has taken sick leave. The teacher has since returned to work. (8) No undertaking can be given to any local community as in order to maintain an efficient, effective training program across the whole of the North Coast, decisions will have to be regularly made to transfer equipment according to needs and demand. With regard to post trade courses it is proposed that equipment be transferred on a regular basis between all colleges with appropriate automotive facilities. The North Coast Institute plan is to ensure that all colleges have a flexible, appropriately equipped workshop which will enable local communities to have access to a wide range of courses.

BONGIL BONGIL NATIONAL PARK PROPOSAL

Ms Allan asked the Minister for the Environment -

(1) Is he aware of attempts by environmental groups to have a national park established at Bonville, near Coffs Harbour? (2) Is he further aware that this proposed Bongil Bongil national park is a unique ecological area? (3) Has the National Parks and Wildlife Service acknowledged the suitability of the land for a coastal park? (4) Has he been informed that the subject land is available for purchase? (5) Will he investigate the feasibility of acquiring this land for national park purposes? (6) If not, why not?

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) I am aware of the natural heritage values of this land. (3) Yes. However, the proposal has not been referenced to interested Government Departments. (4) I am aware that certain freehold land included in this proposal is for sale. (5) Yes. Limited acquisition funding and higher statewide priorities have precluded the National Parks and Wildlife Service from entering purchase negotiations. However, I have recently approached the Honourable Ros Kelly MP seeking federal assistance in the purchase of this land. (6) No answer required.

PORTLAND WATER SUPPLY

Mr Clough asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) Does the Department of Public Works provide water for the township of Portland through the Council of the City of Greater Lithgow? (2) Has the quality of water from this supply been extremely poor and the water severely discoloured? (3) Will he take the necessary steps to ensure that good clean water is supplied to the people of Portland?

Answer -

(1) The Fish River Water Supply Scheme (FRWS) is the source of water for Portland. The Scheme provides raw water to Pacific Power, Oberon, Water Board and Greater Lithgow City Council. Public Works operates the Fish River Water Supply on behalf of the Minister for Public Works. (2) FRWS water normally meets National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines. Each year for twelve weeks thermal mixing of water in Oberon Dam occurs with the onset of cooler weather in autumn, leading to temporary increases in colour, iron and manganese levels in the supply. Greater Lithgow City Council receives a considerable Page 2739 number of complaints and bad press reports about poor water quality, especially in Lithgow, at this time of the year. (3) Council has requested Public Works to undertake a study of options available to provide water treatment for the water provided through FRWS to Council. Public Works is currently determining the details of this study and what Government subsidy may be available.

BANKSTOWN AND LIDCOMBE TAFE COLLEGES COURSES

Mr Nagle asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

(1) What courses, available at Bankstown and Lidcombe TAFE Colleges in 1991 and then 1992, are not available at these colleges in 1993? (2) What reasons are advanced for cancellation? (3) How many students were enrolled in each of these courses in 1993? (4) How many students were enrolled in these TAFEs in the years 1991, 1992 and the present year? (5) How many courses were conducted at these TAFEs in the years 1991 and 1992? (6) How many courses are currently being conducted at these TAFEs? (7) How many teachers were employed at these TAFEs in the years 1991 and 1992? (8) How many teachers are currently employed at these TAFEs?

Answer -

The information requested by the honourable member for Auburn is lengthy, statistical and mainly tabular in nature. The material could be more efficiently obtained by direct reference to the Southern Sydney Institute of TAFE. The Director, Mrs Judith Steanes may be contacted on telephone No.790-7357. The address of the Institute office is Level 8, Bankstown Civic Tower, 66-72 Rickard Road, Bankstown.

WESTERN SYDNEY RAILWAY STATION STAFFING

Mr A. S. Aquilina asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) What is the current staffing level at: (a) Mount Druitt Railway Station? (b) St Marys Railway Station? (c) Werrington Railway Station? (d) Kingswood Railway Station? (e) Penrith Railway Station? (2) What was the staffing level at each of these railway stations in: (a) 1992? (b) 1991? (c) 1990? (d) 1989? (e) 1988?

Answer -

(1) (a) 11. (b) 15. (c) 2. (d) 5. (e) 29. (2) (a) 11, 15, 2, 5, 29 respectively. (b) 11, 15, 2, 5, 27 respectively. (c) 11, 14, 2, 5, 26 respectively. (d) 11, 14, 2, 5, 26 respectively. (e) 10, 14, 2, 5, 26 respectively.

BATHURST-OBERON PULPWOOD EXPORTATION

Mr Clough asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Is there a proposal by Boral Timber to utilise surplus pulpwood in the Bathurst/Oberon area for export purposes? (2) Is the restoration of the Oberon-Tarana rail link an integral part of the proposal? (3) Is he aware that a minimum of 661 tonnes per day, Oberon to ship, is envisaged by Boral, rising to 1,070 tonnes per day after 3 years? (4) Has the State Rail Authority been consulted by the company and despite indications of support, nothing has been achieved? (5) Does the Government still insist that the only way the Oberon-Tarana link will be restored will be by private involvement? (6) What is the total cost of rehabilitation of this line to permit Boral Timber, CRA and other users access to rail to port? (7) Will he now direct the SRA to consider the advantages of guaranteed freight of around $22 per tonne for at least 8 years and take the necessary steps to restore this rail link?

Answer -

(1) This question should be referred for reply to my colleague, the Minister for Conservation and Land Management and Minister for Energy. (2) No. (3) Yes. (4) On the basis of a consultant's report commissioned on reopening the line, State Rail considered that it was not commercially viable for it to reopen the line. (5) I believe that if State Rail does not wish to reopen the line, the private sector should be given the opportunity to do so and accordingly, expressions of interest have been called. (6) SRA's estimated total minimum cost is $7.6 million. (7) In the event that an agreement cannot be reached with a private sector operator, the Government would review the position from a broader economic perspective.

Page 2740

DEPARTMENTAL OFFICE REFURBISHMENTS

Mr Crittenden asked the Minister for Health -

In relation to each Department or Authority under his administration - (1) How much was spent on office fit-outs or refurbishment in 1991/92? (2) What is the estimated expenditure for 1992/93?

Answer -

(1) 1991/92 expenditure on office fit-outs or refurbishments totalled $995,948. The bulk of this figure related to fit-outs associated with finalising the Department's relocation to North Sydney. (2) It is estimated that 1992/93 expenditure on office fit-outs or refurbishments will total approximately $13,000. It is to be noted that the above details relate to capital expenditure incurred in respect of the Department's corporate accommodation at 73 Miller Street, North Sydney.

HUNTER TRANSIT POLICE

Mr Face asked the Minister for Police -

(1) Has a review been conducted by the NSW Police Service into the present and future role of Transit Police in New South Wales? (2) (a) If so, what were the recommendations of that review? (b) What action will he take regarding those recommendations? (3) (a) What is the current strength of Transit Police in the Newcastle/Hunter region? (b) Where are they located? (4) When will the Government honour its promise to recruit additional police to make up the shortfall between the actual and authorised strength of Transit Police? (5) Is he satisfied that Transit Police strength in the Newcastle/Hunter region is sufficient?

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) (a) The report contained options rather than recommendations. (b) These options are presently under consideration. (3) (a) Fourteen - 1 Sergeant - 11 Transit Patrol Officers (uniform) - 2 Transit Detectives (b) Uniform Police - Broadmeadow Railway Station Detectives - Newcastle (4) There is no plan to recruit additional sworn officers for deployment to Transit Police duty. I am advised that action is being taken to relocate authorised police positions from existing resources to create authorised positions for sworn officers engaged on Transit Police duty. (5) Yes.

HUNTER PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYEES

Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for the Environment representing the Attorney General and Minister for Industrial Relations -

(1) As at 24 March 1988, how many persons were employed in the Hunter area by the: (a) Building Services Corporation? (b) Conciliation Commissioner? (c) Department of Industrial Relations, Employment, Training and Further Education? (d) WorkCover Authority? (2) How many persons are now employed in each of these areas (or their 1993 equivalents)? (3) For each area of employment where reductions have occurred, how many of these have been by: (a) Voluntary redundancy? (b) Natural attrition without replacement? (c) (i) Redeployment? (ii) If so, to where? (d) Dismissal?

Answer -

(1) (a) Building Services Corporation - Not applicable. (b) Conciliation Commission - 2 (c) Department of Industrial Relations, and Employment - 40 (d) The Workcover Authority: As at 24 March 1988 the then State Compensation Board employed a total of 4 staff in the Hunter Area. On 1 July 1989 the Workers Compensation and Rehabilitation Authority was created by the amalgamation of the State Compensation Board and Occupational Health, Safety and Rehabilitation and services previously administered by the Department of Industrial Relations and Employment (DIRE). On 1 January 1990 the Workers Compensation and Rehabilitation Authority assumed the name "WorkCover Authority". (2) (a) Building Services Corporation - Not applicable. (b) Conciliation Commission - 2 (c) Department of Industrial Relations, Employment, Training and Further Education - 35 (d) The Workcover Authority: The WorkCover Authority now employs a total of 34 staff in the Hunter Area with offices in Newcastle (2), Cardiff and Singleton. (3) In relation to 1 (c) and 2 (c) i.e. the apparent reduction in the Department of Industrial Relations, Employment, Training and Further Education (DIRETFE) staff from 40 to 35, it is noted that as at 24 March 1988, 19 of the 40 staff were employed in the Department's Division of Occupational Health (DOH). All of the 19 were subsequently transferred to the WorkCover Authority in mid 1989.

Page 2741 Excluding former DOH staff, there has been a staff increase at DIRETFE from 21 as at 24 March 1988 to 35 currently. (The figure of 35 includes 4 temporary positions). DIRETFE representation in the region has actually increased form 21 to 35 staff. In relation to the WorkCover Authority, since the Workers Compensation and Rehabilitation Authority was created on 1 July 1989 and assumed the name "WorkCover Authority" there have been no reductions in staff employed in the Hunter Area. N.B. The Building Services Corporation is the responsibility of the Minister for Planning and Housing.

DEPARTMENTAL OFFICE REFURBISHMENTS

Mr Irwin asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

In relation to each Department or Authority under his administration - (1) How much was spent on office fit-outs or refurbishment in 1991/92? (2) What is the estimated expenditure for 1992/93?

Answer -

(1) 1991/92 expenditure for Roads and Traffic Authority $3,716,904 (2) 1992/93 estimated expenditure for Roads and Traffic Authority $8,377,000

STATE TRANSIT AUTHORITY BUS FLEET

Mr Langton asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Did he state on 10 August 1992 that: (a) Fifty diesel-powered stretch buses were to be delivered during 1993? (b) The first of Sydney's 250 natural gas fuelled buses would be delivered in February 1994? (2) Has the contracted company, Scania, experienced difficulties in developing the necessary technology? (3) Are senior Scania engineers currently working at Adelaide University in an effort to resolve these technical difficulties and produce an acceptable gas-powered bus prototype? (4) Is the STA contractually bound to Scania to accept 300 buses, either diesel or gas, if Scania fails to meet the technological requirements of the STA for gas-powered buses? (5) (a) Is the STA still committed to providing 250 gas-powered buses for Sydney? (b) If so, when will the first delivery take place? (c) At what intervals until the order is complete?

Answer -

(1) (a) Yes. 50 diesel-powered stretch buses will be delivered at the rate of one a week during 1993 up to January 1994. (b) Yes. (2) The STA and Scania have been trialing two natural gas fuelled buses at the Kingsgrove Depot for the past 7-8 months and are extremely pleased with their performance. They have, in fact, already proven to be the most efficient buses in the depot. Prior to the introduction of these buses, Scania had already developed the necessary technology. Although no difficulties have been experienced, gas engine technology is still being pioneered in Australia with these trials. Therefore, new developments in technology and further improvements in efficiency will be ongoing. (3) Mr Sam De Maria of Techsearch (South Australia) has been working with State Transit and Scania measuring the performance of natural gas fuelled engines. Mr De Maria is also evaluating the performance of the two CNG prototypes being trialed by STA. The valuable information obtained from experimentation and data analysis is being used to further develop existing CNG technology. (4) The contract provides for 300 buses to be ordered in batches of 50. Each order has to nominate the engine power eg. CNG or diesel. (5) (a) Yes. (b) First delivery will take place in February 1994. (c) State Transit will take delivery of one bus per week until completion of the order. Final delivery is expected to be around January/February 1999.

CENTRAL COAST 3 X 3 ROAD PROJECTS

Mr McBride asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) In each successive financial year since 1988/89, how much money has been spent on 3 x 3 road projects in the electorates of: (a) The Entrance? (b) Wyong? (c) Gosford? (d) Peats? (2) What was the cost, location and types of each of these projects? (3) How much money has been collected through the 3 x 3 petrol tax over the period from 1988 to 1993 in the electorates of: (a) The Entrance? (b) Wyong? (c) Gosford? (d) Peats?

Answer -

(1) Details of expenditure, in 1992/93 dollars and wholly within the Electorates, for the financial years 1988/89 to 1992/93 are:

Page 2742 (a) The Entrance 1988/89 nil 1989/90 $2.497 million 1990/91 $7.374 million 1991/92 $4.003 million (b) Wyong 1988/89 nil 1989/90 $1.140 million 1990/91 $4.255 million 1991/92 $4.164 million (c) Gosford 1988/89 nil 1989/90 $0.466 million 1990/91 $0.227 million 1991/92 $0.336 million (d) Peats 1988/89 nil 1989/90 $5.334 million 1990/91 $7.759 million 1991/92 $7.473 million (2) Details of project cost, location and type are provided below. The cost shown for each project is expenditure to date in actual dollars from all funding sources, including the 3 x 3 program. The Entrance Improvements to The Entrance Road between Gosford and Forresters Beach. - $ 0.430 million Roundabout at the intersection of the Entrance Road and Oakland Avenue. - $ 0.663 million Enhancement works on the Pacific Highway between Gosford and Ourimbah. - $5.868 million Enhancement works on Wyong Road. (Also in Wyong Electorate). - $13.959 million Wyong Enhancement works on Wyong Road. (Also in The Entrance Electorate). - $13.959 million Gosford General signposting. - $0.101 million Rehabilitation of Terrigal Drive between Erina and Terrigal. - $0.140 million Improvements to The Entrance Road between Gosford and Forresters Beach. (Also in The Entrance Electorate). - $0.430 million Peats General signposting. - $0.101 million (Also Gosford Electorate). Rehabilitation of Tapsott Road, Woy Woy. - $0.592 million Roundabout at Barrenjoey Road and Maitland Bay Drive, Ettalong. - $0.170 million Enhancement works on the Pacific Highway between Kariong and Gosford. - $26.116 million (3) Revenue from the 3 x 3 State fuel levy is collected on a state-wide basis and details are not available of amounts collected from a particular electorate.

TUGGERAH RAILWAY STATION AUTOMATIC TICKETING MACHINES

Mr McBride asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) (a) Does the State Rail Authority propose to install electronic ticket dispensers at Tuggerah Railway Station? (b) If so, when? (2) How many people each week: (a) Use Tuggerah Railway Station? (b) Purchase tickets at Tuggerah Railway Station? (3) If the ticket dispensers are installed at Tuggerah Railway Station, will the station be: (a) Staffed as at present? (b) Staffed only during peak hours? (c) Not staffed at all? (4) How will he ensure the safety of people using Tuggerah Railway Station?

Answer -

(1) (a) Yes. (b) The precise date is not known. However, it will be in the 1993/94 financial year. (2) (a) About 6,150. (b) An average of 1,330. (3) (a) (b) and (c) Following the introduction of automatic ticketing, stations will continue to be staffed for the same hours of operation as they are currently staffed. (4) Security of customers will remain a high priority for the Authority. Various measures are being implemented to maintain the security of travellers. These measures include the use of uniformed and plain clothed police, improved lighting and other station facilities and expanded communication systems.

OURIMBAH RAILWAY STATION AUTOMATIC TICKETING MACHINES

Mr McBride asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) (a) Does the State Rail Authority propose to install electronic ticket dispensers at Ourimbah Railway Station? (b) If so, when? (2) How many people each week: (a) Use Ourimbah Railway Station? (b) Purchase tickets at Ourimbah Railway Station? (3) If the ticket dispensers are installed at Ourimbah Railway Station, will the station be: (a) Staffed as at present? (b) Staffed only during peak hours? (c) Not staffed at all? (4) How will he ensure the safety of people using Ourimbah Railway Station?

Answer -

(1) (a) Yes. (b) The precise date is not known at this stage. However, it will be in the 1993/94 financial year. (2) (a) About 1,940. (b) About 295. (3) (a) (b) and (c) Following the introduction of the automatic ticketing system, all CityRail stations which are currently staffed will continue to be staffed for the same hours of operation.

Page 2743 (4) Various measures are being employed to maintain the security of CityRail passengers. These measures include patrols by uniformed and plain clothed police, improved lighting and other station facilities, and expanded communication systems. Security of passengers will remain a high priority for CityRail.

PENSIONER INTERSTATE TRANSPORT CONCESSIONS

Mr Mills asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Are there no reciprocal rights for pensioners from interstate, with transport concession cards from their State, to travel on public transport in New South Wales at concession rates? (2) If not, what reciprocal rights exist between the States? (3) If so, what steps is the NSW Government taking to secure reciprocal rights for interstate transport concessions?

Answer -

(1) All States have a reciprocal agreement to provide travel concessions to visiting pensioners in suburban areas. (2) As above. (3) As above. Reciprocal arrangements with other States are limited as other States are not prepared to ratify the very generous range of concessions made available to New South Wales pensioners and retired senior citizens.

WARABROOK RAILWAY STATION PROPOSAL

Mr Price asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) What progress has been made towards the calling of tenders for the construction of Warabrook Railway Station adjacent to the University of Newcastle? (2) Which site is the proposed site under consideration, given the recent consultant's report? (3) What provision is to be made for access to the proposed new platforms by the residents of Warabrook? (4) What provision has been made to accommodate handicapped university student access to the proposed new platforms? (5) What provision has been made to provide a trafficable road access, for safety purposes, from the proposed station to the nearby University Drive?

Answer -

(1) On 10 May 1993 I wrote to the Federal Minister reiterating my strong support for the station. The approval of the Federal Minister under the terms of the Urban Public Transport Program was received on 17 May 1993. Tenders will now be called as soon as possible. (2) There has been no alteration to the site selection made in agreement with the University administration, Student Council and CityRail. (3) The project as proposed by the Federal Government only addresses access to the University campus and does not make provision for access by the residents of Warabrook. (4) The site endorsed by the University for the station cannot, because of operational requirements physically accommodate the ramps necessary to provide disabled access. (5) All infrastructure within the University campus is to be designed and provided by the University.

SOUTH COAST DOUBLE-DECK SUBURBAN CARRIAGES

Mr Rumble asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

What are the details of all trains travelling to and from Sydney, in respect of the South Coast line, that are the suburban double-deck type?

Answer -

Of the 54 daily train services between Sydney and the South Coast, three trains consist of suburban double deck carriages as follows: 6.33 a.m. Port Kembla - Central/Bondi Junction 4.07 p.m. Sydney - Port Kembla 5.22 p.m. Sydney - Port Kembla

DAPTO DIESEL TRAIN SERVICES

Mr Rumble asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

Since the electrification of the railway to Dapto, why have commuters been forced to travel on diesel trains departing Dapto?

Answer -

On occasions diesel trains have been extended north from Dapto to Unanderra/Wollongong to minimise inconvenience to passengers when connecting services on the electrified line have been disrupted. In addition, diesel trains are used for the direct services which were introduced from Kiama/Dapto to the Port Kembla industrial area via the non-electrified Allens Creek triangle in the 25 January 1993 timetable.

SOUTH COAST RAIL SERVICES AIR-CONDITIONING

Mr Rumble asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

What are the details of all trains travelling to and from Sydney, in respect of the South Coast line, that are not air-conditioned?

Page 2744

Answer -

Of the 54 daily train services between Sydney and the South Coast, 44 trains are air-conditioned. Details of the non air-conditioned single deck intercity rollingstock are as follows: 3.50 a.m. Port Kembla - Sydney, 4 cars. 5.01 a.m. Dapto - Sydney, 6 cars. 7.22 a.m. Port Kembla - Sydney, 6 cars. 9.11 a.m. Dapto - Sydney, 6 cars. 4.43 p.m. Dapto - Sydney, 6 cars. 5.55 a.m. Sydney - Port Kembla, 4 cars. 7.01 a.m. Sydney - Dapto, 6 cars. 2.38 p.m. Sydney - Dapto, 6 cars. 3.08 p.m. Sydney - Wollongong, 6 cars. 9.38 p.m. Sydney - Wollongong, 6 cars.

GRANVILLE INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY SERVICES

Mr Yeadon asked the Minister for Health -

What facilities and services, provided by the Area Health Service, are operating in the electorate of Granville for people with intellectual disabilities?

Answer -

The provision of services for people with intellectual disabilities is the responsibility of the Department of Community Services under the Minister for Community Services and Assistant Minister for Health, the Honourable J. A. Longley, M.P.

GRANVILLE MENTAL ILLNESS SERVICES

Mr Yeadon asked the Minister for Health -

(1) What facilities, provided by the Area Health Service, are operating in the electorate of Granville to provide services for patients with a mental illness or people recovering from a mental illness? (2) Of these facilities: (a) How many are group homes? (b) How many residents are able to be housed in each group home? (c) How many residents are currently housed in each group home? (3) How many residents of the electorate of Granville are currently receiving treatment for mental illness, or are in supported accommodation as a result of mental illness?

Answer -

(1) Granville electorate is mainly within the Western Sydney Area Health Service, but Chester Hill residents are serviced by South Western Sydney Area Health Service. Both Area Health Services provide residents access to mental health, inpatient and community services. Facilities include: - Inpatient services at Cumberland Hospital - Living Skills Centre at Parramatta - Community extended hours team based at Merrylands Community Health Centre - Outpatient sessions at local health centres provided by medical and allied health staff from Cumberland Hospital - Westmead Hospital Community Mental Health Service provides: * Extended Hours Community Mental Health Crisis Service on a 24 hours, 7 days per week basis. * Community psychiatric service for people over 65 years of age. * Child/Adolescent/Family Health Service - outpatient assessment by Child Psychiatrist. (2) (a) There are no Area Health Service group homes operating in the Granville electorate. The Western Sydney Area Health Service has a group home in Parramatta and one in North Parramatta which is accessible to residents of the electorate. The Area is currently purchasing four group homes and electorate residents will have access to these when they are established later this year. The South Western Area Health Service has two group homes and access to another run by the After Care Association. All these homes are providing services to residents within the Bankstown Local Government Area. (b) Group homes are able to accommodate no more than 5 residents at any one time. (c) There are three electorate residents housed in group homes. (3) There are 271 residents of the electorate of Granville receiving treatment for mental illness from Westmead Hospital Community Mental Health Service. A total of 13 clients from Chester Hill have been serviced by Community Mental Health Teams in the last two months. There are 20 inpatients in Cumberland Hospital receiving treatment who reside in the Granville electorate.

TRANSIT POLICE

Mr Anderson asked the Minister for Police -

(1) Of the current 284 units deployed to Transit Police duty, how many are: (a) Sworn Police? (b) Transit Police? (2) What is the current distribution of the 284 units throughout New South Wales? (3) (a) Is the current authorised strength of Transit Police 300 units? (b) If so, when will the actual strength be increased to its authorised level? (c) If not, when and why was the authorised strength reduced? (4) (a) Have any Patrol Commanders placed restrictions on the rostering of Transit Police on weekends or night shifts? (b) If so, where and why?

Page 2745 (5) (a) Is there any difference in the amount paid to Transit Police compared to sworn police for shift allowances and/or overtime? (b) If so, what are the rates for each?

Answer -

(1) (a) and (b) 236 units are currently deployed to Transit Police duty. Of these, there are: Sworn Police- 148 Transit Police- 88 (2) Region Transit Police North 49 North West 56 South 84 South West 47 (3) (a) Yes. (b) There is no plan to recruit additional sworn officers for deployment to Transit Police duty. I have been advised that action will be taken to relocate authorised Police positions from existing resources to create authorised positions for sworn officers engaged in Transit Police duty. (c) Not applicable. (4) (a) No. (b) Not applicable. (5) (a) Yes. (b) Shifts Police - Morning - $1.25 per hour - Afternoon - $1.88 per hour - Night - $2.19 per hour Transit - Morning - $1.56 per hour - Afternoon - $1.56 per hour - Night - $1.83 per hour Overtime Police: Time and a half for first 2 hours, then double time. Transit: Time and a half for first 3 hours, then double time.

PACIFIC HIGHWAY CHARLESTOWN PEDESTRIAN SAFETY FENCE

Mr Face asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) What is the effectiveness or otherwise of the pedestrian safety fence positioned on the Pacific Highway, Charlestown? (2) Has there been any criticism of the type of fence placed on the Pacific Highway, Charlestown? (3) Has a review of its effectiveness and its safety been conducted?

Answer -

(1) The pedestrian safety fence is effective. Since its installation, mid-block pedestrian accidents have been eliminated. (2) Yes. (3) Yes.

APEX SCANDURA PTY LIMITED POLLUTION

Ms Allan asked the Minister for the Environment -

(1) Is the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) investigating complaints against Apex Scandura Pty Ltd at Girraween? (2) What is the nature of this investigation? (3) What does Apex Scandura produce and how? (4) Were gardeners working next door to Apex Scandura in February 1993 overcome by fumes emanating from Apex Scandura? (5) What complaints have been received by the EPA from Holroyd City Council and local residents concerning pollution from Apex Scandura? (6) What action has the EPA taken to stop the odours coming from Apex Scandura?

Answer -

(1) Yes, in conjunction with Holroyd City Council. (2) Site inspection and emission monitoring. (3) Conveyor Belting. A fabric is coated with paste, heated, cooled and wound on spools. (4) This alleged incident was not reported to the EPA. (5) Two complaints were received in February 1993. (6) As the premises are not scheduled under the Clean Air Act, responsibility for the control of air pollution from the premises is that of Holroyd City Council. In this matter, the EPA has acted as an adviser to the council.

NEWCASTLE 3 X 3 FUEL LEVY RECEIPTS

Mr Gaudry asked the Premier and Treasurer -

(1) How much money has been collected through the 3 x 3 petrol tax in the electorate of Newcastle over the period 1989 to 1992? (2) How much money has been collected in the Newcastle Local Government area through the 3 x 3 petrol tax over the same period?

Answer -

(1) and (2) Licence fees are paid on the first wholesale sale of petroleum products in New South Wales. As a result, most of the revenue is paid by a small number of wholesalers. These wholesalers are not required to report sales by location, except in the case of the concessional zones along the Queensland border. Therefore, no dissection of 3 x 3 petrol tax receipts is possible on the basis of electoral or local government areas.

SANDON RIVER OYSTER FARMING

Mr Martin asked the Minister for Natural Resources -

(1) Does the Sandon River form part of the Solitary Islands Marine Reserve and Yaraygir National Park? (2) Was the river closed to further oyster farming in 1990 for a period of 5 years?

Page 2746 (3) Is such closure order still in force? (4) Has SOLMAC, the advisory and management committee for the Marine Reserve, recommended against additional areas for oyster leasing being opened? (5) Will the Sandon River be opened to further oyster farming? (6) If so, why?

Answer -

(1) The Sandon River is included within the Solitary Island Marine Reserve. It is not part of the Yaraygir National Park. (2) The Sandon River was originally closed to further leasing in 1974 for a period of five years, and that closure has been renewed ever since. (3) Yes. If further leases were to be granted, this closure would need to be rescinded. (4) No. SOLMAC recommended against any further leasing until it had sufficient time to develop an aquaculture policy for the Marine Reserve as a whole. Their purpose was not necessarily to stop further aquaculture developments but to ensure a consistent decision making approach was taken to any applications received. I understand a draft policy is being discussed. (5) I have previously announced that I was prepared to rescind the ban on the issuing of new leases in the Sandon River, but whether or not new leases are issued will depend on planning procedures and a detailed assessment of any proposals received. (6) The Sandon, Brunswick, Wooli and Bellinger/Kalang Rivers are all ideal spat (juvenile oyster) catching rivers. They have the potential to take over the role once held by Port Stephens as the spat suppliers to the remainder of the Industry, and I would like to encourage this type of specialisation. For this reason I have agreed to stop movements of oysters into these rivers, in order to ensure they remain Pacific oyster free, and I am prepared to consider issuing new leases in these rivers (if required) to provide additional areas for spat catching.

PRIVATE PARKING SERVICES

Ms Nori asked the Minister for Police -

(1) Is he aware of the activities of an organisation using the name Private Parking Services? (2) Is he aware of the practices of this company in clamping and towing away vehicles? (3) Are these practices legal? (4) Will he conduct a review of this company's operations and examine complaints against them?

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) Yes. (3) The legality of impounding and/or towing away an unauthorised vehicles parked in private car parks will always depend on the circumstances of the individual case. Generally, where signs have been erected warning of the possibility of impounding or the towing away of unauthorised vehicles, a motorist arguably consents to the consequences of parking in contravention of those signs. A landowner, or person on the owner's behalf, acting in accordance with the stated intention of the signs is unlikely to commit a criminal offence and payment of any fee and reclamation of the impounded vehicle will usually be a civil matter between the parties. Acting outside the stated intention of the signs or impounding vehicles in the absence of signs may render the person doing so liable to an offence. (4) The NSW Police Service will always examine individual allegations or complaints of illegal operation by any company. Circular 93/16 advises police: "Do not seek to authorise any vehicle removal company to represent directly or generally indirectly that the Police Service endorses the firm's functions. Any complaint arising from a motor vehicle removal will be investigated and it is to not be (sic) assumed that a report of an imminent impounding will negate the possibility of the institution of criminal proceedings if appropriate circumstances exist".

ROCKDALE TRAFFIC

Mr Thompson asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

What are the most recent traffic counts on the following main roads: (a) Grand Parade at Bay Street, Brighton-le-Sands? (b) Grand Parade at Bestic Street, Brighton-le-Sands? (c) Princes Highway, Rockdale? (d) Princes Highway, Arncliffe? (e) Forest Road at Harrow Road, Bexley? (f) Stoney Creek Road at Forest Road, Bexley?

Answer -

Location Year AADT (a) Grand Parade at Bay Street, 1985 53,274 Brighton le Sands. (b) Grand Parade at Bestic 1991 78,950 Street, Brighton le Sands. (c) Princes Highway, Rockdale. 1991 37,163 (d) Princes Highway, Arncliffe. 1991 46,345 (e) Forests Road at Harrow Road, 1991 31,007 Bexley. (f) Stoney Creek Road at 1987 26,454 Forest Road, Bexley. Note: AADT - Annual Average Daily Traffic (combination of both directions of travel).

SOUTH WESTERN SYDNEY MENTAL ILLNESS SERVICES

Mr Anderson asked the Minister for Health -

(1) What facilities, provided by the South Western Sydney Area Health Service, are operating in South Page 2747 Western Sydney to provide services for patients with a mental illness or people recovering from a mental illness? (2) Of these facilities: (a) How many are group homes? (b) How many residents are able to be housed in each group home? (c) How many residents are currently housed in each group home? (3) How many residents of South Western Sydney are currently receiving treatment for a mental illness or are in supported accommodation as a result of mental illness? (4) What crisis teams or extended hours teams are located in South Western Sydney? (5) What are the staff numbers, location and availability of each team referred to in (4)? (6) How does this level of service in (4) compare to other Area Health Services?

Answer -

(1) Inpatient facilities currently provided by the South Western Sydney Area Health Service are at Bankstown, Liverpool and Campbelltown Hospitals. Community facilities are provided for mental health services in all local government areas. These include consultation, group and therapy rooms within community health centres. Living Skills Centres are provided in Bankstown, Campbelltown, Fairfield and Liverpool. These centres are available five days per week and provide training in activities of family living. Work therapy projects are being established by the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association. (2) (a) There are altogether 9 group homes. (b) and (c) The number of beds available for each group home and the current number of residents housed in each group home are as follows: Sector Beds Available Beds Occupied Bankstown Hilltop 88 VILLA 33 Fairfield/Liverpool Sweethaven 32 Ona 42 Restwell 31 Sulman 32 Mai House 33 Campbelltown Group Home A 34 Group Home B 34 TOTAL 3329 (3) Approximately 2000 residents of South Western Sydney are currently receiving treatment or support through the mental health services. (4) Extended hours teams currently operate in Bankstown, Fairfield land Liverpool. Recruitment is currently under way to establish and extended service in Bankstown, Fairfield and Liverpool. Funding was also provided this financial year for the establishment of an extended hours team to serve the Campbelltown/Camden area. (5) Twelve additional staff were added to the existing community Mental Health Service to establish the extended service in Bankstown, Fairfield and Liverpool. Staff for each extended hours service are contactable through the mental health inpatient units in Bankstown and Liverpool Hospitals. The service operates on weekdays until 10.30 p.m. in Bankstown and until 10.00 p.m. in Fairfield and Liverpool. On weekends and public holidays the service operates from 10.00 a.m. until 6.30 p.m. (6) The level of Mental Health Services in South Western Sydney are comparable with other growth areas of the State. The special health needs of the Area are recognised and are being addressed through annual enhancements to extend its community and hospital based services.

AUTOMATIC FARE COLLECTION

Mr A. S. Aquilina asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Is he aware of an internal memorandum to stationmasters and staff from the office of CityRail's Line West Manager which indicates proposed staff levels after the introduction of Automatic Fare Collection? (2) If so, can he verify that this proposed change in staff levels is to take place and when?

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) Following the introduction of automatic ticketing, stations will continue to be staffed for the same hours of operation as they are currently staffed.

WESTERN SYDNEY RAIL AUTOMATIC FARE COLLECTION

Mr A. S. Aquilina asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Is he aware of the variation in staff levels proposed for railway stations serving the people within the electorate of St Mary's after the introduction of Automatic Fare Collection? (2) Why are staff numbers in western Sydney railway stations being cut?

Answer -

(1) and (2) Following the introduction of automatic ticketing, stations will continue to be staffed for the same hours of operation as they are currently staffed.

WERRINGTON RAILWAY STATION STAFFING

Mr A. S. Aquilina asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Does he intend to accept the recommendation of CityRail's Line West Manager to reduce staffing at Werrington Railway Station from two to nil?

Page 2748 (2) If so, why? (3) If not, what staffing level does he propose?

Answer -

(1) No. (2) Not applicable. (3) Following the introduction of automatic ticketing, stations will continue to be staffed for the same hours of operation as they are currently staffed.

BLAYNEY PETROL CONTAINER RAIL TERMINAL

Mr Clough asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) What steps, if any, have been taken by the SRA to have petrol conveyed by rail to a distribution point in either the Bathurst or Blayney rail yards? (2) Has Blayney Shire Council a proposal currently before the SRA to establish a container rail terminal at Blayney? (3) What progress, if any, has been made in this matter? (4) Has the Highway Action Group made representations to you to have the cartage of petrol by rail introduced? (5) What has been your response? (6) If a rail terminal is established in the district for petrol, will he instruct the SRA to expand it to include cartage of wool, wheat and other heavy freight items?

Answer -

(1) The Freight Rail group of the State Rail Authority is exploring commercial options to make rail more attractive to customers. It operates a daily service to Bathurst and Orange and has met with the oil companies and advised them of the freight charges to both locations. Blayney is not likely to be an option for the oil companies as there is no infrastructure such as storage facilities and sidings established there. (2) and (3) Freight Rail has called for registrations of interest to lease Blayney Rail Yard and it will be discussing the matter with Blayney Shire Council. (4) I am aware of the concerns of the Highway Safety Action Group. (5) I have asked the Department of Transport and State Rail to examine all options available to improve the competitiveness of rail freight over road freight. (6) The State Rail Authority would give consideration to carrying any such heavy freight items if it was commercially viable for it to do so.

ILLAWARRA TAXI CAB COSTS

Mr Langton asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) How much has the SRA paid to taxi operators, 1991/92 financial year, in the Illawarra region for transporting passengers left stranded by: (a) Cancelled trains? (b) Timetable changes? (2) On how many occasions since June 1991 have taxi operators been requested to transport passengers left, for whatever reason, without scheduled rail services?

Answer -

(1) (a) and (b) The expenditure for taxi hire during 1991/92 amounted to $10,950. A breakdown for individual taxi use in lieu of rail services is not readily available, and would take considerable resources to produce. (2) This information is not readily available and would take considerable resources to produce.

GLENLEE TO GOULBURN RAIL ELECTRIFICATION

Mr Langton asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Is the SRA carrying out feasibility studies, either internally or through consultants, regarding the electrification of the Glenlee/Goulburn rail line? (2) If so, does this involve examination of existing grades and curves? (3) Would 25,000 volts a.c. be the appropriate basis for such electrification?

Answer -

(1) No. (2) Not applicable. (3) Not applicable.

TILT TRAIN PROJECT

Mr Langton asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) What is the current status of the "Tilt Train" project announced on 7 August 1992? (2) Who is carrying out the feasibility study into the project? (3) When will the report/reports be complete? (4) Will such documents be made public?

Answer -

(1) Expressions of interest were called from the private sector in October 1992 to invest in and operate express tilt train passenger services on a commercial basis between Sydney and Canberra. Two expressions of interest were received and are currently being evaluated by the Department of Transport. (2) A general pre-feasibility study was undertaken by the Department of Transport and the State Rail Authority, while George Dutch Consulting Pty Ltd undertook a pre-feasibility infrastructure study and Artcraft Research undertook a pre-feasibility market study. (3) The reports are completed. (4) The reports are commercially sensitive and it would therefore not be appropriate to make them public. Groups interested in bidding for the project had access to the reports subject to certain conditions.

Page 2749

"ONE NATION" RAIL PROJECTS

Mr Langton asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Did the SRA initially estimate the cost of the Enfield/Campbelltown freight trip to be approximately $78 million? (2) Was this estimate forwarded to the Federal Government for inclusion in the "One Nation" program? (3) Is the more realistic cost of the project approximately $240 million? (4) Which SRA officers or division is responsible for the developing and monitoring costs in relation to "One Nation" rail projects?

Answer -

(1) No. The estimate was derived from a consultant's report on the upgrade of the Sydney-Melbourne line prepared under the direction of the Victorian Public Transport Corporation during the mid 1980s. (2) Yes. The figure was provided to the Prime Minister as the best available estimate during the preparation of the One Nation Statement. (3) The current estimated project cost is approximately $200 million. (4) The National Rail Corporation has the prime responsibility for developing and managing "One Nation" rail projects. State Rail has appointed Co-ordination Managers in Freight Rail and CityRail to facilitate the task of the National Rail Corporation.

OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS BUS CONCESSIONS

Mrs Lo Po' asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Is he aware of the discrimination being practised against students travelling on private buses in Western Sydney? (2) Why cannot western suburbs students use their bus concessions out of school hours, in the same way that students using Government buses do? (3) Will he address this matter?

Answer -

(1) Children under 15 attending schools in New South Wales receive half fare concession outside school hours on all Government and Private transport services. While they remain at school, students over 15 receive half fare concession outside school hours on State Transit buses and ferries and State Rail. The private bus industry has always given half fare concession to students under the age of fifteen years outside school hours. The private industry does not receive any reimbursement from the Government for providing this concession. (2) If the private industry was required to extend the concession, to include travel at all times for all students, as currently offered on Government services, there would be a demand for the Government to reimburse them for the losses sustained. Any further extension of existing concessions when there are already significant competing demands on the State's resources cannot be adopted. (3) See (2).

CENTRAL COAST HOSPITALS TEACHING POSITIONS

Mr McBride asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Since December 1991, how many full-time teaching positions have been filled at: (a) Gosford Hospital? (b) Wyong Hospital? (2) Since December 1991, how many part-time teaching positions have been filled at: (a) Gosford Hospital? (b) Wyong Hospital? (3) Does the Department of Health have any plans to fill more teaching positions? (4) If so: (a) Over what period of time will those positions be filled? (b) How many full-time positions will be at: (i) Gosford Hospital? (ii) Wyong Hospital? (c) How many part-time positions will be at: (i) Gosford Hospital? (ii) Wyong Hospital?

Answer -

(1) to (5) The responsibility for the teaching (or education) of all health professionals (including medical, nursing and allied) lies within the role of Tertiary Education facilities. The location of appointments falls within their brief, in consultation with Area Health Services. For information regarding numbers and location of teaching staff, contact the relevant Universities of the Federal Department of Employment Education and Training. The Central Coast Area Health Service in conjoint appointment with the University of Newcastle purposes a part-time Clinical Dean position to be based at Gosford Hospital in 1993/94 financial year.

HUNTER HOSPITALS ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY ATTENDANCE

Mr Mills asked the Minister for Health -

(1) How many persons attended for treatment at the casualty/accident and emergency departments at each of the hospitals of the Hunter Area Health Service in each month from January 1991 to March 1993 inclusive? (2) How many such persons were subsequently admitted as inpatients at each hospital in each month over the same period?

Answer -

(See tables on pp. 1326 to 1328, Q & Q No. 24.)

Page 2750

CLINICAL WASTE AUSTRALIA'S SILVERWATER INCINERATOR

Mr Nagle asked the Minister for Health -

(1) What hospitals in the public system use Clinical Waste Australia's Silverwater incinerator to dispose of waste? (2) What weight of waste is put into this incinerator? (3) What waste is actually being burnt? (4) What system of supervision has been adopted by this company to protect the community? (5) What is the cost to the State of New South Wales for the use of Clinical Waste Australia's incinerator?

Answer -

(1) Medical waste is collected from public hospitals by a number of licensed contractors. Clinical Waste Australia provides the collection service for many metropolitan hospitals. Some hospitals use other licensed contractors, who may in turn use either the Silverwater incinerator or another authorised disposal facility. Medical waste from most public hospitals in the eastern Sydney, Southern Sydney, Central Sydney, South Western Sydney, Western Sydney, Northern Sydney, Wentworth, Hunter and Central Coast area Health Services is incinerated at the Silverwater incinerator. (2) I understand that the incinerator burns waste from the public health system and other sources. The Area Health service listed are currently participating in a joint tender for medical waste each year. (3) Medical waste from public health services which will included medical paraphernalia such as disposable appliances, sharps, dressings and certain discarded drugs. (4) The Silverwater incinerator is licensed by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for the disposal of medical waste. (5) It would be inappropriate, at this stage, to publish the amount paid to Clinical Waste Australia, one of the companies invited by Area Health Services to tender for waste disposal.

WOLLONGONG COAL HAULAGE COSTS

Mr Newman asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Has the Department of Transport examined and reported upon the findings of the Coal Resources Development Committee (1989) regarding road costs for coal haulage? (2) If so, is this report available for public discussion? (3) Arising from this report, has the Department of Transport made recommendations to the CRDC for various courses of action on how to lower such haulage costs? (4) Has the Department of Transport requested funds from the Federal Government to undertake a cost benefit analysis of Maldon-Dombarton rail link as recommended by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Transport, Communications and Infrastructure? (5) If not, will it now do so?

Answer -

(1) Questions on road haulage matters should be directed to the Minister for Roads. (2) See (1) above. (3) See (1) above. (4) No. (5) The report of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Transport, Communications and Infrastructure recommends that a detailed evaluation of transport of coal to Port Kembla be undertaken, not that the Maldon-Dombarton rail link be evaluated. The Illawarra Economic Development Council (IEDC) has been established through the Department of State Development to develop a regional economic strategy. The transport portfolio wishes to work through the IEDC to identify economically viable and financially sound rail projects in the region.

EAST HILLS HOME CARE SERVICE

Mr Rogan asked the Minister for Community Services and Assistant Minister for Health -

(1) In the electorate of East Hills: (a) How many people have been refused Home Care service? (b) How many people are receiving Home Care? (c) For the years 1989, 1990, 1991 and 1992, how many people received Home Care? (2) Has Home Care funding been reduced for the current year and in 1992? (3) What is the reason for this cutback?

Answer -

(1) (a) The average number of hours of service provided by Home Care in the East Hills electorate has increased 1,130 hours between February 1992 and February 1993. Residents in the electorate of East Hills receive Home Care from the City of Bankstown branch. In the past twelve months two hundred and forty six new customers commenced service with Home Care. Over the same period of time service has been discontinued to two hundred and fifty nine customers. Customers' Home Care Service are varied for many different reasons as listed below. Approximately two hundred and fifty people have left in the natural course of events. * A decision was made by the individual concerned that they could manage on their own; * Service was provided on a short-term basis only; * The death of the customer;

Page 2751 * The person receiving the service moved out of the area covered by the local branch; * A decision was made by the person to enter a nursing home; * A decision was made by the person receiving the service to enter into private arrangements for assistance; * Functional disability and/or mobility had improved; * Customer had developed independence in tasks; * Special equipment had been installed to enable customer independence for themselves or their carers; * Family or friends able to provide support; * Customer was receiving adequate income to afford private service; * Customer's overall needs were assessed as lower priority than other requests currently received. Every effort is made to provide assistance in adjusting to changed circumstances and making alternative arrangements. Customers are advised to contact the branch should their circumstances change in the future. (b) One thousand one hundred and twenty households as of February 1993. (c) In 1989/90, on average, 1,497 households were receiving 94,194 hours of Home Care Service. In 1990/91, on average 1,566 households were receiving 88,777 hours of service. In 1991/92, on 1,544 households were receiving 93,877 hours of service. (2) There has been an increase in the funding provided to the City of Bankstown branch of Home Care. In 1990/91 $1,783,908 was allocated to the Bankstown and Chester Hill Branches which subsequently amalgamated to form the current City of Bankstown Branch. In 1991/92, $1,924,779 was allocated. This was an increase of 7.9 percent. In the current year, 1992/93, $2,000,271 has been allocated for branch activities which is an increase of 3.9 percent over the previous year. (3) There has been an increase (as in question 2 above).

ILLAWARRA PENSIONER DENTAL SERVICES

Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for Health -

With reference to waiting times for social security recipients to receive dentures at New South Wales Public Hospitals/Area Health Services - (1) What is the statewide average time that such eligible clients must wait at present? (2) Is it true that eligible recipients in the Illawarra have had to wait up to 14 months? (3) Is it true that eligible recipients at the Royal North Shore Hospital have had to wait only 8 weeks? (4) Does this variation discriminate against social security recipients living in the Illawarra? (5) What does he propose to do to remedy this discrimination suffered by eligible recipients in the Illawarra?

Answer -

(1) The waiting times for dentures across the State vary between public hospitals and Area Health Services. Waiting times for elective care exceed twelve months in all Health regions and Area Health Services. Waiting lists for dental care have increased significantly in all areas, because the recession has caused double digit unemployment which, compounded by the problems caused by the ageing population, had led to rapid expansion of eligible recipients. (2) Yes. (3) and (4) The waiting times for dentures at the Royal North Shore Hospital are approximately the same as those in the Illawarra Area Health Service, that is approximately 15 months. (5) A Strategic Plan for Public Dental Services has now been considered by the Health Department and is to be released shortly. Although the Federal Government, as part of its election policy statement, announced a Commonwealth Dental Program to assist States to provide dental care for eligible persons, the States have not been advised of this program. However, it is understood from media reports that the introduction of the program will be delayed until 1994.

ILLAWARRA MEDICAL UNDERGRADUATES

Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for Health -

(1) How many medical undergraduate students will be undertaking part of their training in the Illawarra Area Health Service in 1993? (2) What were the comparable figures for 1991 and 1992? (3) How many postgraduate students and registrars will be receiving training in the Illawarra Area Health Service in 1993? (4) What were the comparable figures for 1991 and 1992? (5) In what medical specialties will postgraduate students and registrars be receiving training in the Illawarra Area Health Service in 1993?

Answer -

(1) 61 (2) In 1991 - 32 In 1992 - 32 (3) In 1993 - 41 Registrars, 10 Career Medical Officers, 22 Resident Medical Officers, 22 Interns. (4) In 1991 - 41 Registrars, 11 CMOs, 21 RMOs, 25 Interns In 1992 - 41 Registrars, 11 CMOs, 21 RMOs, 25 Interns (5) Internal Medicine, Renal, Cardiology, Nuclear Medicine, Oncology, Surgery, Orthopaedics, Urology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Psychiatry, Rehabilitation/Geriatrics, Palliative Care, accident and Emergency, Haematology, Microbiology, Anatomical Pathology, General Practice, Intensive Care Unit, Anaesthetics (non Accredited).

Page 2752

ROCKDALE INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY SERVICES

Mr Thompson asked the Minister for Health -

What facilities and services, provided by the Area Health Service, are operating in the electorate of Rockdale for people with intellectual disabilities?

Answer -

The provision of services for people with intellectual disabilities is the responsibility of the Department of Community Services under the Minister for Community Services and Assistant Minister for Health, the Honourable J. A. Longley M.P. However, people with intellectual disabilities who live in the electorate of Rockdale can access: (a) The services of the St George Hospital. (b) The specialist services in Developmental Disability Medicine provided by the Hospital's Department of Developmental Assessment, based at the Old Post Office Building, Kogarah. Clinics are held in the field of: * Developmental Paediatrics * Paediatric Neurology * Paediatric Psychiatry * School Medical: Special School and Support Classes * Rehabilitation: Orthotic and Seating * Nutrition * Dysmorphology/Genetics * Adult General Medicine * Adult Neurology * Adult Psychiatry * Neuro-Geriatrics. These services are run in close conjunction with the local Disability Services of the NSW Department of Community Services.

BEXLEY MOTOR VEHICLE EMISSIONS

Mr Thompson asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Will he authorise a study to be undertaken of the impact of motor vehicle emissions on the health of people residing, working or attending school in the suburb of Bexley, particularly in the vicinity of Forest Road, Harrow Road and Stoney Creek Road, Bexley? (2) If so, when will it commence? (3) If not, why not?

Answer -

(1) to (3) Control of air pollution from motor vehicle emissions is primarily the responsibility of the Environment Protection Authority, under the Minister for the Environment, the Hon C. P. Hartcher, M.P.. Air pollution from vehicles affects all of Sydney, including many parts of the city which have greater traffic flows than the roads in Bexley you have mentioned. The EPA and the NSW Health Department are presently jointly investigating air pollution and health in Sydney, for example under the Metropolitan Air Quality Study, an initiative following from the 1991 Air Pollution Summit.

ROCKDALE MENTAL ILLNESS SERVICES

Mr Thompson asked the Minister for Health -

(1) What facilities, provided by the Area Health Service, are operating in the electorate of Rockdale to provide services for patients with a mental illness or people recovering from a mental illness? (2) Of these facilities: (a) How many are group homes? (b) How many residents are able to be housed in each group home? (c) How many residents are currently housed in each group home? (3) How many residents of the electorate of Rockdale are currently receiving treatment for mental illness or are in supported accommodation as a result of mental illness?

Answer -

(1) One (1) Inpatient facility (18 beds) Three (3) Community Health Centres One (1) Living Skills Centre One (1) Psycho-geriatric Centre Two (2) Group Homes (2) (a) Two (2) Group Homes (b) Six (6) in one house Four (4) in one house (c) Five (5) in one house Four (4) in one house (3) Within the Rockdale electorate Community Mental Health cares for three hundred and ninety eight registered clients, having provided 11,285 occasions of service over the past six months. Pacific House (inpatient facility St George Hospital) cares for 18 inpatients (90 per cent occupancy) and 400 outpatients (approximately).

WESTMEAD RAILWAY STATION UPGRADE

Mr Ziolkowski asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Does the SRA have plans to upgrade Westmead Railway Station to recognise its increased patronage brought on by the soon to be expanded Westmead Hospital complex, local schools and the Westmead campus of the University of Western Sydney? (2) Will this upgrade provide improved access for the disabled? (3) When will this upgrade take place?

Answer -

(1) Westmead is included in CityRail's station upgrading program. (2) There are eleven stations, including Westmead, in the first stage of the "Easy Access" program for the provision of lifts or ramps and other facilities at selected Sydney railway stations to assist customers with disabilities. (3) It is expected that documentation work will be completed this financial year, and that the upgrading work will begin in the 1993/94 financial year.

Page 2753

COONABARABRAN KOALA HABITAT

Ms Allan asked the Minister for Conservation and Land Management and Minister for Energy -

(1) What is the content of a Lands Department assessment of a 26-hectare area in Coonabarabran? (2) Is he aware that concerned residents in Coonabarabran have endeavoured for over 12 months to have the area rezoned as open space due to the presence of koalas? (3) Will he release details of the Lands Department assessment? (4) If not, why not? (5) Will he intervene if the assessment is not favourable to rezoning with a view to ensuring that the koalas are protected?

Answer -

(1) The land assessment was on public display at the Coonabarabran Shire Council building from 8 April to 7 May 1993. (2) Yes. (3) Refer to (1). (4) Not applicable. (5) The Land Assessment is designed to establish the most suitable use(s) for Crown land, not to effect rezonings.

CHARLESTOWN ABORIGINAL LAND CLAIMS

Mr Face asked the Minister for Conservation and Land Management and Minister for Energy -

(1) How many land claims under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act were under consideration in the electorate of Charlestown as at 1 January 1993? (2) How many of these claims have been under consideration for: (a) More than 1 year? (b) More than 2 years? (c) More than 4 years? (3) How many land claims in the electorate of Charlestown were granted in each of the years 1991 and 1992? (4) How many land claims in the electorate of Charlestown were rejected during each of the years 1991 and 1992? (5) How many land claims were submitted in the electorate of Charlestown area during each of the years 1991 and 1992?

Answer -

(1) 16 (2) (a) 7 (b) 7 (c) 3 (3) Nil. (4) 3(1991); 4(1992). (5) Nil (1991); 9(1992).

EAST MAITLAND NEW ENGLAND HIGHWAY SURFACE RESTORATION

Mr Price asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) Why was surface restoration on the New England Highway being carried out on overtime on 28 March 1993 between Metford and Green Hills near East Maitland? (2) (a) Was a contractor engaged for this work? (b) If so, who? (3) (a) Was RTA day labour used? (b) If so, why couldn't casual labour have been engaged to expedite this maintenance work in lieu of overtime? (4) If overtime must be worked, why is 24-hour work not considered for major maintenance work of this nature?

Answer -

(1) To suit the availability of the key item of plant used on the work. (2) (a) Yes. (b) CSSR - Readymix and three owner driven contract lorries. (3) (a) Yes. (b) A skilled ganger was required. (4) It is, when considered appropriate. The decision is made having regard to overall efficiency, including that of traffic flow.

NEWCASTLE SHOWGROUND AND EXHIBITION CENTRE TRUST MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

Mr Price asked the Minister for Conservation and Land Management and Minister for Energy -

(1) Has the matter of the management agreement between the Newcastle Showground and Exhibition Centre Trust and International Facility Corporation (Newcastle) Pty Ltd (a fully owned subsidiary of International Facility Corporation Pty Ltd) been referred to the Solicitor General for advice? (2) If not, will he undertake to make such a reference given that the management fees for the first 10 months of operation exceeded $132,000? (3) Will he table any relevant documentation?

Answer -

(1) No. The Trust sought independent advice from Minter Ellison, Solicitors, regarding the agreement. That advice, inter alia, was- "We (Minter Ellison) are satisfied that the agreement in no way is a breach by the Newcastle Showground and Exhibition Centre Trust of Section 102(1) of the Crown Lands Act." (2) No. Based on the above advice the agreement is not defective in terms of the Crown Lands Act 1989. (3) A copy of the legal advice obtained from Minter Ellison, Solicitors, was tabled on 10 March 1993.

Page 2754

SANDHILLS ESTATE BYRON BAY ACCESS

Ms Allan asked the Minister for Conservation and Land Management and Minister for Energy -

(1) Has the Department of Conservation and Land Management closed access for local residents at Sandhills Estate, Byron Bay? (2) If so, why? (3) What consultation occurred with the local community? (4) What plans has the Department of Conservation and Land Management for this site? (5) What is the current use of the area?

Answer -

(1) No. (2) Not applicable. (3) To facilitate the future management and administration of the area, the Department of Conservation and Land Management initiated road closing action over the unformed part of Cowper Street within the "Sandhills Estate" site. The road closing proposal was preliminarily notified in the Government Gazette on 24 December 1992 and the Lismore Northern Star on 16 January 1993 in accordance with the provisions of the Crown and Other Roads Act 1990. Preliminary notification of the road closing proposal invited interested persons to submit in writing, to the Department, any objections to the proposal. A number of submissions were received concerning the proposal and as a consequence road closing action was discontinued. Subsequent to this decision, the Department advised each of the objectors and a press statement was issued assuring that the community's needs for public access would be taken into account when assessing future planning options for the "Sandhills Estate" site. (4) The Byron Shire Council has prepared a draft local environmental plan (LEP) for land within the "Sandhills Estate", which proposed to introduce a new 3(t) Tourism zone and revise the extent of the existing Environmental Protection 7(b) Coastal Habitat zone. Following this rezoning, the Department of Conservation and Land Management proposes to engage a planning consultant to investigate development and marketing options for the site and recommend a preferred option. Any proposal adopted by the Department of Conservation and Land Management will have regard to the preferred land uses identified in the Department's land assessment study, relevant Government policies and the final zoning of the area. (5) A licence has been issued by the Department of Conservation and Land Management to Byron Shire Council over an area of 1.5 hectares in the northwestern section of the site for the purpose of the "construction of youth activities centre and multipurpose sports centre". The remainder of the site comprising some 12.9 hectares is currently not used for any purpose.

MOUNT PIPER POWER STATION COAL HAULAGE TRAFFIC

Mr Clough asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) Is he aware that the Electricity Commission coal haulage roadway from Angus Place Colliery to Mount Piper Power Station is many months away from completion? (2) Does this mean that coal to be hauled to the power station will have to use the main road between Lithgow and Mudgee? (3) Is this roadway built to a standard to accommodate heavily loaded coal trucks? (4) (a) Will such coal trucks be restricted to the legal limits applied to all heavy vehicles in New South Wales? (b) Will they be permitted to grossly overload as currently practised on the private coal haulage road from Angus Place to Wallerawang Power Station? (5) Will the Electricity Commission be required to make a contribution towards road maintenance on the section between Wallerawang and Mount Piper Power Stations? (6) What will be the hours of operation of heavy trucks? (7) For how long will this be the route for conveyance of coal?

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) Yes. Coal from Angus Place Colliery is currently being hauled over a seven kilometre section of Main Roads, No.55 between Lidsdale and the Mount Piper turn-off. (3) Main Road No. 55 is already carrying about 400 heavy vehicles per day and can cope with the additional traffic. (4) (a) Yes. (b) Coal trucks using Main Road No.55 are required to comply to all legal axle loadings, and these are monitored by both Pacific Power and the Roads and Traffic Authority. Any overloading on the private haulage road would be a matter for the owners of the vehicles and of the private road. (5) Pacific Power will not be required to make a contribution towards the maintenance of Main Road No. 55. The coal trucks involved are registered for use on public roads within NSW and as such contribute to road user costs through registration charges and fuel levies. (6) Deliveries are currently being made to Mount Piper Power Station between 7.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m., Monday to Saturday. However these hours may be extended by mutual agreement between Pacific Power and the coal company. (7) The private haul road is scheduled for completion in December 1993, and it is expected that delivery vehicles from Angus Place Colliery will cease using Main hole No. 55 from January 1994.

Page 2755

ARNCLIFFE AND WEST BOTANY TRAFFIC

Mr Thompson asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

What action is being taken by the RTA to alleviate the traffic problems in the vicinity of Wickham, West Botany and Marsh Streets, Arncliffe?

Answer -

A number of options for improving traffic flow at the site are being evaluated in conjunction with Rockdale Municipal Council. The site is a candidate for inclusion in the RTA's Five Year Development Program.

CHARLESTOWN WEST BYPASS

Mr Face asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) What is the expected date for the commencement of earth works on the Charlestown West bypass? (2) What is the latest estimate of completion of this work? (3) Will the completion date be met?

Answer -

(1) Within five years. (2) Five years after commencement. (3) On current funding expectations - yes.

SYDNEY ELECTRICITY ACCOUNT PAYMENTS

Mr McBride asked the Minister for Conservation and Land Management and Minister for Energy -

(1) Has Sydney Electricity reduced the time of payment of accounts from 21 to 14 days? (2) When was this change introduced? (3) Why was this change introduced? (4) Was any consideration given to the financial impact of these changes on families and small business? (5) (a) If so, what was the findings of those considerations? (b) If not, why not?

Answer -

(1) Yes, Sydney electricity has reduced the period of settlement of electricity bills from 21 days to 14 days. (2) This change took effect from 1 April 1993. (3) It was introduced in order to improve the cash flow of the organisation in line with other government instrumentalities thus enabling continued economies in operating expenses. This, in the longer term, benefits all of Sydney Electricity's customers in reduced bills. (4) Consideration was given to the impact of the decision upon Sydney Electricity's customers. (5) In view of the safety net available through account deferments to extend the time for payment to assist genuine cases of hardship together with the availability of Energy account Payment Assistance vouchers, this was thought to be sufficient. Furthermore, staff at Sydney Electricity were instructed in the procedure to be adopted to deal with requests for deferments of accounts in light of the new policy. Following the introduction 12 months ago, few complaints have been received in relation to the reduced time for payment. It should also be noted that the vast majority of our customers pay their accounts within the period of 14 days even prior to the implementation of the policy.

SYDNEY ELECTRICITY CHARGES

Mr McBride asked the Minister for Conservation and Land Management and Minister for Energy -

(1) With the exception of instances involving the disconnection or reconnection of a service, why has Sydney Electricity introduced the following charges: (a) $80 to replace a service fuse? (b) $80 to replace a service neutral link? (c) $30 to install a temporary service link? (d) $39 to replace a light switch? (e) $32 to replace a three-pin plug top or socket? (2) When were these changes introduced? (3) Does the imposition of these new charges fall outside Sydney Electricity's general electricity tariff structure? (4) Was any consideration given to the financial impact of these changes to families and small business? (5) (a) If so, what was the findings of those considerations? (b) If not, why not?

Answer -

(1) The first two items were introduced to standardise procedures with other electrical authorities. At the same time, contractors were authorised to carry out this work. This provides the customer with the option of using a contractor for these items. The remaining items are part of a new service for domestic customers called "Emergency Service Plus". This is an extension of the existing free 24-hour Emergency Service, which continues to be provided to rectify problems with Sydney electricity's supply to customer premises. (Note that the charge for Item (e) is $22 not $32). Under Emergency Service Plus, the Sydney Electricity Officer who calls to restore the power supply will also make minor repairs to the customer's installation on the spot, if requested. This is an immediate service, which is convenient for customers who would otherwise have to arrange for an electrical contractor to make the repair. The customer is given a fixed price quote, and is under no obligation. No payment is required until the item appears on the next electricity account. Previously, the Sydney Electricity officer, on ascertaining that the problem was not Sydney Page 2756 Electricity's responsibility, would locate the faulty circuit in the customer's installation, isolate and label it as defective, and advise the customer to obtain the services of a licensed electrical contractor. This caused delay and inconvenience to customers. The new service covers only minor repairs which can be carried out in less than 30 minutes. While these include most of the problems encountered, the officer will assist the customer by notifying the customer's choice of electrical contractor when major repairs beyond the scope of the service are required. (2) Items (a), (b) and (c) were introduced on 1 January 1992. Items (d) and (e) were introduced with Emergency Service Plus on 23 March 1993. Items (d) and (e) introduced with Emergency Service Plus also include the first two items. (3) All of these charges are for work on the customer's installation, as defined in Clause 4 of the Sydney Electricity Act 1990 - Regulation. They are therefore the customer's responsibility, and outside the general electricity tariff structure. (4) and (5) Prior to 1 January 1992, there was no charge for the first two items. However, other authorities were already charging for these services, and this changed the arrangement. Because contractors already at the premises are now authorised to rearrange service, delays are minimised for the benefit of customers. Also, the supply authority needs to attend on fewer occasions, improving staff productivity. For the remaining items, there will be no impact on cost to the customer, because these repairs were always the customer's responsibility. Furthermore, the customer is given a choice of using a contractor and Sydney Electricity's prices are competitive. However, the added convenience to the customer and immediate repair are significant improvements in customer service.

ON-SITE CARAVAN SALES

Mr Mills asked the Minister for Conservation and Land Management and Minister for Energy -

(1) How many complaints have been received by him and his Department from or on behalf of people who have been prohibited from selling caravans on-site at tourist parks on Crown land? (2) Which trustees (local government councils) have permitted a moratorium period of 3 months or more before strict enforcement of the prohibition? (3) Which trustees enforced the prohibition without a warning period? (4) What attempts are being made by the Department of CALM to monitor for cases of individual hardship occasioned by enforcement of this policy? (5) What action will be taken regarding the policy when the required number of permanent vans (not more than 50 per cent) is reached in each park?

Answer -

(1) 11. (2) Port Stephens Council introduced a three-month moratorium at Bardouroka Caravan Park, Fingal Bay, but not over other caravan parks under their control. (3) I am unaware which trustees, if any, enforced the prohibition without first advising of their intent to do so. (4) The policy on the sale of Movable Dwelling within a park was circulated in November, 1991. Incidental to the policy some Trust Managers (Councils) introduced By-laws prohibiting the sale or assignment by gift of caravans/annexes. Clause 74 of Ordinance 71 requires that caravans be kept in a registrable condition. This clause is reinforced by some Council By-laws which contain similar provisions. These Council consider that when owners propose to sell their vans, it is then an opportune time for the van to be removed from the park. This is also a common practice adopted by private enterprise in the management of caravan parks. (5) Each case is considered on it merits with regard given to land management objectives and to the needs of the community. There is no intention that every park will have 50 per cent long term/holiday vans and 50 per cent tourist sites. Some parks will have near zero holiday vans and specialise in satisfying the travelling tourist market while other parks will contain a greater number of holiday vans than the 50 per cent of sites to satisfy the market by achieving a variety of sites to serve the different types of market requirements.

POWER STATION APPRENTICES

Mr Rogan asked the Minister for Conservation and Land Management and Minister for Energy -

How many apprentices have been engaged in each of the following power stations for the years 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1993: (a) Eraring? (b) Bayswater? (c) Wallerawang? (d) Vales Point? (e) Munmorah? (f) Liddell?

Answer -

June June June '88 '89 '90 Eraring 17 10 12 Bayswater 12 11 32 Wallerawang 71 63 64 Vales Point 20 6 11 Munmorah 48 48 41 Liddell 57 61 38

Page 2757

June June June '93 '91 '92 Eraring 12 21* Bayswater 46* 45* 45* Wallerawang 79* 75* 67* Vales Point 12 13* 17* Munmorah 55* 43* 44* Liddell 36 39* 45*

*Includes adult apprentices.

PARRAMATTA RIVER DREDGING

Mr Amery asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

What is the total budget for the dredging project on the Parramatta River?

Answer -

The total anticipated budget for the dredging project on the Parramatta River is $9.6 million.

LIVERPOOL HOSPITAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

Mr Anderson asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Why, in answer to Question 1068 on 27 November 1992, did he indicate that forward estimates for capital expenditure at Liverpool Hospital have not yet been determined? (2) Why, in answer to Question 829 on 28 October 1992, was he able to provide similar information regarding Nepean Hospital? (3) Has the Department of Health projected cash flows for capital expenditure at Liverpool Hospital? (4) Will he now provide the projected capital expenditure at Liverpool Hospital for the financial years: (a) 1993/94? (b) 1994/95? (c) 1995/96? (d) 1996/97?

Answer -

(1) The answer provided to Question 1068 on 27 November 1992 describes the normal capital works process, whereby actual allocations of funds are determined on an annual basis according to progress of the projects and general funding considerations. Although details of forward estimates were not provided in answer to question No. 1068, I am happy to provide them in response to this question with the proviso that they are estimates subject to determination of allocations according to the annual capital works process. (2) There is nothing "sinister" in having provided proposals for capital expenditure for the upgrading of Nepean Hospital in my response to Question 829 on 28 October 1992. As stated in my response to Question 1 above, I am happy to provide similar information for Liverpool. (3) Yes, the Department of Health has projected cash flows for capital expenditure at Liverpool Hospital in its Forward Capital Works Program for 1993-1996. (4) The projected capital works expenditure at Liverpool Hospital is as follows: (a) 1993/94 - $41 million (b) 1994/95 - $49 million (c) 1995/96 - $41 million (d) 1996/97 - $22.152 million All values are expressed in June 1992 prices and are estimated likely allocations only. In accordance with normal practice, determination of actual funds to be allocated will be made on an annual basis, and will have regard to progress on building works and actual annual total capital works and budget allocations.

FIRE BRIGADE APPLIANCE TENDER

Mr Anderson asked the Minister for Justice and Minister for Emergency Services -

(1) Did the NSW Fire Brigade let a tender in 1992 for a number of fire appliances? (2) (a) Who was the successful tenderer? (b) What was the schedule for delivery of the appliances? (3) Was the successful tenderer then in receivership? (4) How many appliances have been delivered? (5) (a) What is the value of the contract? (b) How much has been paid so far? (c) For what has this money been paid?

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) (a) Austral Specialised Vehicles. A division of Austral Group Limited which is a wholly owned subsidiary of JRA Limited. (b) The tender documentation foreshadowed the delivery of thirty pumpers between December 1992 and September 1993, subject to completion of contractual documentation including mutual confirmation of the proposed delivery schedule, related progress payments and acceptance testing aspects. (3) No. The Receivers and Managers were appointed for the parent company on 13 October 1992 at which time some $190,000 had been paid representing the first of four instalments on two pumpers. No further instalments were paid until February 1993, at which time the Receiver and Manager had signed the contractual documents including a revised delivery schedule and given undertakings that once the first instalment on each appliance was paid the unit would be completed and the property vested in the Fire Brigades.

Page 2758 (4) The first vehicle was delivered to Sydney on Monday 5 April 1993 after being driven fully laden from Brisbane as part of the acceptance trial. Since then the vehicle has been subjected to a very extensive acceptance test, three detailed progress inspections having already been carried out to ensure that all specifications, standards and quality were being met during construction as contracted. Subject only to any rectification issues arising out of the acceptance testing, the remaining 29 units are being progressed and will be delivered on an approximately weekly basis up to the end of October 1993. (5) (a) The value of the contract is approximately $7.9 million. (b) Progress payments to 30 April 1993 are $1,689,000. (c) These progress payments represent the 40 per cent first instalment on ten units and the 40 per cent second instalment on six of those units consistent with the predetermined production stages reached. Under any scenario the receiver and manager must complete these ten units.

HARNESS RACING AUTHORITY AND GAMBRILL INQUIRY

Mr Aquilina asked the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing -

(1) Has he received correspondence from Mr D. A. Gambrill of Lot 10, O'Connell Street, Vineyard 2765, concerning an incident involving his son at the Bulli harness racing meeting on 30 August 1991? (2) Did Mr Gambrill allege that there had been a cover-up by Mr B. Judd, General Manager, Harness Racing Authority of New South Wales, concerning this incident? (3) Did Mr Gambrill also maintain that the Harness Racing Authority's steward at the race, Mr R. Bottle, had a casual attitude towards Mr Gambrill senior's complaint? (4) Did the inquiry, which took place on 24 September 1991 at Bankstown, concerning this matter only include the steward, Mr Bottle? (5) Was the transcript ever produced as evidence of what allegedly occurred in the preparation of responses to Mr D Gambrill senior by him or his predecessor? (6) Has a copy of the transcript ever been provided to either Mr Gambrill senior or his son? (7) If not, would this be readily available to them on request? (8) Was it alleged at a meeting held with Mr D. A. Gambrill senior on 21 May 1992 that the transcript had been lost? (9) Has this vital transcript been lost? (10) If so, how was the transcript lost? (11) Has the Harness Racing Authority been able to provide explanations as to why Mr Gambrill senior's son came to have whip marks on his back? (12) What circumstances justified the dismissal of the video showing the whipping of Mr Gambrill senior's son as being an accident? (13) Was it agreed that the photographs of Mr Gambrill senior's son's back verified that he had in fact been whipped? (14) Was the whipping incident confirmed by the Harness Racing Authority in response to correspondence to his predecessor from Mr D. A. Gambrill senior dated 22 October 1991? (15) In view of Mr Gambrill's objections to the inquiry only being conducted by a single steward, why was there no attempt to conduct a fresh inquiry into this incident? (16) Will he consider conducting a fresh inquiry and re-examination of the video, photographs and medical certificate currently held by the Harness Racing Authority? (17) Does the video confirm that the manner in which the whip was being used was in direct contravention of the rules? (18) In view of the various anomalies relating to this matter, will he order a review of this incident by the holding of a fresh inquiry involving stewards and senior members of the Harness Racing Authority?

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) No. However, doubts were raised over the non-receipt of a letter from Mr Gambrill Senior by the General Manager. (3) Yes. (4) Yes. (5) No. (6) No. (7) No. (8) The inquiry was recorded by a shorthand writer. Advice received indicates that the shorthand notes were not transcribed and that the shorthand notebook is unable to be located. (9) It is not customary for shorthand notes or taped proceedings to be transcribed following the conclusion of an inquiry of this nature unless further action is to be taken by the stewards. In this particular case it was not anticipated that the matter would be resurrected and accordingly, the notes were not transcribed. (10) See answer (9). (11) No. (12) I am advised that the official video of the race provided by the Authority and a further video supplied by Mr Gambrill Senior were inconclusive that Mr Gambrill Junior had been whipped deliberately. During the course of inquiries Mr Gambrill Junior could produce no evidence to substantiate his claims nor could the Steward arrive at a standard of proof required to lay a charge. Mr Gambrill Junior made no mention of the incident when he attended an inquiry on the day of the race meeting in question on 30 August 1991 when the Stewards inquired into other matters relating to that particular race. (13) No. However it was acknowledged that the photographs produced by Mr Gambrill Senior indicated a mark on his son's back which could have been caused by, amongst other things, a whip.

Page 2759 (14) Records indicate that Mr Gambrill's first correspondence to my predecessor was on 4 December 1991. Nevertheless, the Stewards have never denied that Mr Gambrill Junior could have been hit with a whip. However, they are not required to explain the mark on Mr Gambrill Junior but rather they are required to determine whether in fact he was deliberately hit during the race. (15) Mr Gambrill Senior's complaint was discussed by the full Authority at its meeting held on 26 March 1992 and subsequently at a separate inquiry opened by the Chairman of the Authority on 23 April 1992. This inquiry was adjourned to 21 May 1992 to allow further evidence to be considered. The inquiry was concluded on that date. (16) In light of the actions already taken, no. (17) The contravention of whip rules is one for the Stewards in charge of the race meeting to address and is a separate issue to the allegation that Mr Gambrill Junior was deliberately struck with the whip. No action was taken by the Stewards against the driver under these rules. (18) In light of the actions already taken, no.

SCHOOLS CENSUS 1992

Mr Aquilina asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

In relation to the mid-year census of government schools in 1992 - (1) What was the mean enrolment in primary classes? (2) What was the proportion of primary classes with 31 or more students? (3) What was the number of composite primary classes? (4) What was the average class size in those composite classes? (5) What proportion of all classes were made up by composite classes? (6) What proportion of composite classes enrolled 30 or fewer students? (7) What was the mean class size in secondary schools?

Answer -

(1) The mean enrolment in primary classes has been stable since 1989. In 1992 the mean enrolment was 27.4 students and 38 per cent of all primary classes had 25 or less students. (2) Classes with 31 or more students represented 14.9 per cent of all primary classes in 1992. This represents a decrease from 1991, when 15.0 per cent of classes enrolled 31 or more students. While there have been slight variations from year to year the proportion of classes with 31 or more students has not changed significantly since 1988 when 15.4 percent of all classes had 31 or more students. (3) In 1992 there were 4,700 composite primary classes. This represents 29.5 per cent of all primary classes. There has been no significant change in the proportion of composite classes since 1989. (4) The average class size in composite classes has been stable since 1989. In 1992 the average class size in composite classes was 25.5 students compared to 27.4 students for all primary classes. 38 per cent of all composite classes had an enrolment of 25 or less students and 15 per cent of composite classes had 20 or fewer students. (5) Composite classes represented 29.5 per cent of all primary classes in 1992. Since 1989, there has been no significant change in the proportion of primary classes that are composite classes. (6) Composite classes with 30 or fewer students represented 92.8 per cent of primary composite classes. This is unchanged from 1991. Composite classes have a lower average enrolment than non-composite classes. (7) The mean class size in secondary schools has declined each year since 1989. In 1992 the mean class size in secondary schools was 22.9 students. In junior secondary (Years 7-10) the mean class size was 25.0; in senior secondary (Years 11-12), 18.8. Secondary class sizes are based on English classes.

OBERON HARD ROCK QUARRY

Mr Clough asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) Is the President of Oberon Shire the owner of land in Oberon upon which a hard rock quarry development application is currently before Oberon Council? (2) (a) Has he visited the site of the proposed quarry recently? (b) Who attended this visit with him? (3) Has he stated publicly that he supported a commission of inquiry into the project? (4) Did Oberon Shire Council pass a resolution recommending that he be asked to institute a commission of inquiry? (5) Who will appoint the commissioner and members? (6) Will provision be made for people who oppose the development to be represented on the commission of inquiry? (7) Will appeals against the commission's findings be possible?

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) (a) No. (b) Not applicable. (3) The Minister has established a Commission of Inquiry under s. 119 (1) (b) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. (4) Yes. (5) The Minister has appointed Commissioner Mr Kevin Cleland to conduct the Inquiry. (6) Any person who wishes to lodge submissions, relevant to the Inquiry, will be able to do so. Notices will be published in appropriate newspapers setting out where and by when primary submissions must be lodged. Opportunities will be available for persons who lodge submissions to be heard by the Inquiry.

Page 2760 (7) There is no appeal against the Commissioner's findings. The Act provides that the Minister's decision on the application is final.

PROPERTY SERVICES GROUP SENIOR MANAGERS

Mr Clough asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) Was he the minister responsible for the Property Services Group when it was established? (2) (a) What year was it established? (b) How long was he the responsible minister? (3) Did he appoint the Board of Management? (4) Were Mr Mervyn Shearman and Mr Bill Hayes-Williams senior managers? (5) What Senior Executive Service grading did each officer have? (6) What was the value of the total package to: (a) Mr Shearman? (b) Mr Hayes-Williams? (7) Did his successor dispense with the services of several Property Services Group managers? (8) Who were they? (9) (a) Did Mr Shearman and Mr Hayes-Williams leave the Property Services Group during his predecessor's tenure? (b) What was the total severance payout to: (i) Mr Shearman? (ii) Mr Hayes-Williams? (iii) Others? (10) What is the annual cost of leasing the Property Service Group headquarters in Westfield Towers in William Street, Sydney? (11) (a) How long is the lease for? (b) Are there to be any increases in lease costs during the tenure of the lease? (12) How much are these increases in: (a) Dollar terms? (b) Percentage terms? (13) Who negotiated this lease? (14) Who was the minister at the time? (15) How much was spent on renovating and refurbishing the office accommodation of the Property Services Group at Westfield Towers? (16) Is the minister's office in the same building? (17) How much has been spent on refurbishing the minister's office?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) Yes. (2) (a) 1989. (b) 24 January 1989 - 6 June 1991; and from 3 July 1992 to date. (3) Yes. (4) Yes. (5) Mr Hayes-Williams - SES Level 3, with financial loading. Mr Shearman - SES Level 3, with a financial loading. (6) (a) When Mr Shearman was appointed, the range of value for the total remuneration package for SES Level 3, Financial was $99,750 to $105,000. Mr Shearman's commencing package was $105,000; $110,000 at the time of ceasing duty. This increase was as a result of movements in rates, not a personal increase. (b) When Mr Hayes-Williams was appointed the range of value for the total remuneration package for SES Level 3, Financial was $99,750 to $105,000. Mr Hayes-Williams' commencing package was $102,000; $105,000 at the time of ceasing duty. This increase was as a result of movements in rates, not a personal increase. (7) No. Commencing in February 1992 a total organisational restructure of the Property Services Group was undertaken. As a result of that restructure, a number of positions were deleted and numerous officers identified as excess. (8) In that restructure two senior positions were deleted, those of Mr Shearman and Mr Hayes-Williams. (9) (a) Yes. (b) (i) and (ii) No "severance" payment was made to either Mr Shearman or Mr Hayes-Williams. However, in accordance with section 42S of the Public Sector Management Act 1988, each officer prepared a submission to the Statutory and other Officers Remuneration Tribunal for independent determination of any compensation. The Property Services Group also provided material to the Tribunal. The decision by the Tribunal was that each officer would receive $110,000 compensation, equivalent to one year's remuneration. (b) (iii) Numerous other staff, at various hierarchical levels, exercised their option for voluntary redundancy vide Premiers Memorandum 91-23. None of these officers were at SES level. (10) The annual rent is $1.12 Million, including provision of outgoings such as electricity, cleaning and operating costs of the building. However, taking into account both the rent free period and the sub-lease of floorspace to the Women's Co-ordination Unit (representing approximately an effective 17.45 per cent per annum reduction in rental over the lease), the effective total annual rental is therefore $0.92 million. (11) (a) This question has previously been answered when asked by Mr Page. (b) Any increase in lease costs is determined by a rent review, which is held every two years, and which has reference to movements in both the level of operating expenses and outgoings, and the market level of rents. (12) (a) and (b) There has been no rent increase for Level 11. For Levels 16 and 17 the rent was Page 2761 increased on 1 December 1992 by $3,631.58 per annum per floor, that is 1.04 per cent. (13) Paul Chaston. Preston Rowe Property Services Pty Ltd provided advice relating to the valuation of the lease. (14) The Hon. R.J. Webster. (15) This question has previously been answered when asked by Mr Page. (16) At this time, yes. (17) As a result of portfolio changes a rationalisation of the Minister's Office occurred in 1992, following which floor space was reduced by approximately 127 square metres or approximately 26 per cent, resulting in minor refurbishment. $37,687 was spent, and is more than compensated by the $54,550 per annum reduction in rent.

PROPERTY SERVICES GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR

Mr Clough asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) Did he appoint Mr Paul Chaston as Managing Director of the Property Services Group? (2) If so: (a) What year was he appointed? (b) For what period was his contract? (c) What was his Senior Executive Service grade? (d) What was his salary and total package? (e) Was a car provided for Mr Chaston's wife as part of his package? (3) Did Mr Chaston resign in September 1991? (4) If so: (a) Was this after he ceased to be minister responsible for the Property Services Group? (b) Did his successor insist on Mr Chaston resigning? (c) Upon what basis was the resignation insisted upon? (d) Did Mr Chaston received severance payments? (e) If so, how much? (5) (a) When Mr Chaston was first appointed, what accommodation arrangements were made for him at public expense? (b) How long did these arrangements last? (c) How much did these accommodation arrangements cost? (d) From which budget line items were these costs paid? (6) (a) As the Managing Director of the Property Services Group, did Mr Chaston employ Mr Mark Gell as an adviser? (b) How much has Holt P.R. been paid for work for the Property Services Group? (c) Did Mr Gell work for Holt P.R. at the time of employment by the Property Services Group? (d) Over what period of time was Holt P.R. engaged by the Property Services Group? (7) (a) Has Mr David Reid also been employed as a consultant by the Property Services Group? (b) Did Mr Reid work for Strategic Communications when engaged by the Property Services Group? (c) What was the total amount paid to Strategic Communications? (d) Over what period of time was this money paid? (e) What was the monthly retainer paid to Mr Reid and/or Strategic Communications? (8) (a) Are Messrs Gell, Reid and Kortlang currently employed in any capacity by any of the departments or authorities within his administration? (b) If so, what level of remuneration is paid to: (i) Mr Gell? (ii) Mr Reid? (iii) Mr Kortlang? (c) What are their job specifications?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) Mr Chaston was recruited by, and his remuneration package set by the Office of Public Management, Premier's Department. (2) (a) 1989. (b) Mr Chaston's employment and remuneration were interpreted as per Chief Executive Service arrangements, although a written SES/CEO contract was never signed. (c) Level 7 General Management. (d) $167,500 to start; $184,000 at the time of resignation. (This increase was as a result of movements in rates, not a personal increase). (e) Yes. A second motor vehicle was a standard option available to Chief Executive Officers under Chief Executive Service arrangements. (3) Yes. (4) (a) Yes. (b) No. (c) Not applicable. (d) No. (e) Not applicable. (5) (a) Hotel and rental expenses. (b) Hotel expenses - from 7-9 November 1989 inclusive. Rental allowance - from 14 December 1989 to 15 April 1990. (c) $9,400. (d) The Property Services Group does not receive a Consolidated Fund allocation for the majority of its recurrent services. As such, no specific line item within the State Budget can be identified. Notwithstanding the above, the accommodation expenses (rental allowance) incurred on Paul Chaston were reflected in Page 2762 the 1989/90 Annual Report of the Property Services Group against the line item Salaries and other staff costs. Such expenditure is a staff cost as it is classified as a relocation cost. (6) (a) No. (b) Details appear in Property Services Group's Annual Report for 1989/90, but for Mr Clough's benefit the amount paid to Holt Public Relations was $105,266.41 for Public Relations advice and $264,227.96 for Paddington/ES Marks. (c) Mr Gell was employed by Holt Public Relations when engaged by Property Services Group. (d) The period in which Holt P.R. was engaged was between January to July 1990. (7) (a) David Reid was not employed as a consultant by Property Services Group. (b) David Reid was employed by Strategic Communications when engaged by Property Services Group. (c) The amount paid for 1989/90 was $102,740.40; $259,360.43 for 1990/91, and $41,511.80 for 1991/92. These amounts relate to a number of consultancies undertaken over the reporting period. (d) The period in which Strategic Communications was engaged was January 1990 to September 1991. (e) A monthly retainer was paid to Strategic Communications from June to September 1991 of $7,000. (8) (a) No. (b) (i) to (iii) Not applicable. (c) Not applicable.

DEATH OF PRISONER DEAN PISANI

Mr Clough asked the Minister for Justice and Minister for Emergency Services -

(1) Why has no cause of death of Dean Pisani, who died in Bathurst Gaol, been determined? (2) Have earlier suggestions that he died of an overdose of methadone or other drug been investigated? (3) How is it considered he could have obtained supplies of such drugs? (4) Have allegations that Mr Pisani and other inmates were assaulted on the night before his death, been investigated? (5) Did other inmates report screaming in the gaol on the night preceding his death? (6) On the morning of his death, were other inmates warned to keep quiet about the incident? (7) (a) Have some inmates been transferred to other gaols in New South Wales? (b) If so, why? (8) Why was the family not informed of the death until after the body had been taken to Sydney for examination? (9) (a) What were the results of this examination? (b) Was there any bruising to the body? (10) Why did it take over a week to disclose his death? (11) Why, after all this time, has his family received no explanation of his death? (12) Was a special unit from Malabar present in the prison the evening prior to Pisani's death? (13) Was any liquor consumed by these and other officers during the evening and what time did the gathering break up?

Answer -

(1) The circumstances surrounding Mr Dean Pisani's death are being investigated by the State Coroner who has the duty and function to determine the manner and cause of death. (2) See answer to (1). (3) This question presupposes the cause of death, which is the duty of the State Coroner to determine. It is therefore inappropriate to comment on this matter. (4) An investigation into all circumstances surrounding Mr Dean Pisani's death is being carried out by the State Coroner. There is no evidence available to the Department of alleged assaults upon Mr Dean Pisani or other inmates at Bathurst Correctional Centre on the night before his death. (5) If any such allegations are made, they would be investigated by police on behalf of the coroner. However no inmates have made statements to the Department reporting screaming in the correctional centre on the night in question. (6) It is contrary to departmental policy to give such warnings, and there is no evidence of any such warning having been given in relevant departmental records. This is a matter which would be covered in the investigation by police on behalf of the Coroner. (7) (a) Yes. (b) The transfer of inmates between correctional centres as a consequence of changes in their security classification is an integral part of the classification process and it occurs regularly. In addition, there are a number of other reasons for which an inmate may be transferred to another correctional centre. For example, the need of an inmate to attend court. (8) The Department disclosed details of Mr Dean Pisani's death to police at 6.55 a.m. on 23 December 1992, 5 minutes after his body was discovered. It is the responsibility of police to notify next of kin. (9) The post mortem report is provided to the State Coroner. The Department does not have access to this information. (10) See answer to (8). (11) See answer to (1), (3) and (4). (12) Yes. Normal routine searches for drugs and contraband were conducted. (13) No. Not applicable.

HUNTER DENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Mr Face asked the Minister for Health -

(1) With regard to dental health services provided by the Hunter Area Health Service, is consideration being Page 2763 given to redirecting the funding for dental health services towards priority for services to primary schoolchildren? (2) If so: (a) Will dental officers be required to spend more of their time on administration and personnel management than is currently the case? (b) Will persons receiving unemployment benefits or pensions have the same access to dental health services as schoolchildren? (c) Will there be an overall reduction in the funding of dental health services?

Answer -

(1) No direction has been given to redirect dental funding within the Hunter Area Health Service to increase services to primary schoolchildren. (2) Not applicable.

HUNTER HOSPITALS GOLDEN STAPH OUTBREAK

Mr Face asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Are statistics available as to the frequency of occurrence of the Golden Staph disease within Hunter area hospitals? (2) Have any recent outbreaks of the infection reached unacceptable levels within Hunter area hospitals?

Answer -

(1) Yes. All hospitals in the Hunter Area have designated infection control staff and committees which maintain a close surveillance on hospital-acquired infection. (2) No.

HUNTER AREA HEALTH SERVICE BUDGET ALLOCATION

Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for Health -

(1) What percentage of the budget of the Hunter Area Health Service was allocated for the years: (a) 1988/89; (b) 1989/90; (c) 1990/91; (d) 1991/92; (e) 1992/93; to the following outpatient services: (i) Physiotherapy? (ii) Occupational Therapy? (iii) Speech Pathology? (iv) Dental Services? (2) How many professionals were employed in each of the services in each budget year? (3) How many clerical positions were employed in each service area in each budget year?

Answer -

(1) (i) to (iii) The current accounting systems with the Hunter Area Health Service are unable to extract this information. The Area Health Service is currently implementing a new financial software system (Oracle) and it is anticipated that this type of information will be available through the new system. (iv) The Department of Health has allocated a separate budget for dental services since 1990/91 (Program 2.5), the majority of which is expended on outpatients. Expenditure on dental services since that time has been: 1990/91 $3,940,336 1.13 per cent 1991/92 $4,156,000 1.16 per cent 1992/93 $4,163,499 1.20 per cent

(2) Physio- Occ. Speech Dental therapist Therapy 1988/89 41.4 26.8 15.6 34.1 1989/90 42.0 26.1 15.4 32.5 1990/91 41.2 26.5 14.6 32.5 1991/92 41.6 26.5 15.7 28.8 1992/93 44.8 23.7 18.7 34.6

(3) In the majority of units clerical staff are not specifically allocated to outpatient services and the clerical support is provided from within general hospital resources. Specific clerical positions allocated to these outpatient services were:

Physio- Occ. Speech Dental therapist Therapy 1988/89 0.5 0.5 0.2 2.0 1989/90 0.5 0.5 0.2 2.0 1990/91 0.5 0.5 0.2 2.0 1991/92 1.5 1.5 0.5 2.0 1992/93 1.5 0.5 0.5 0.2* * John Hunter Hospital Dental Services were reviewed and restructured in 1992. As a result of this review, in keeping with the principle of structural efficiency and multi-skilling, the clerical staff were replaced by dental assistants.

HUNTER REGION PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for Health -

(1) How many physiotherapy positions existed in the Hunter Area Health Service prior to the closure of Wallsend Hospital? (2) What was the breakup of these positions between: (a) Inpatient? (b) Outpatient? (c) Community client service? (3) What was the breakup of these positions at Wallsend Hospital prior to its closure? (4) Where were physiotherapists from Wallsend Hospital transferred when the hospital closed? (5) How many of these transferred positions went to: (a) Inpatient? (b) Outpatient? (c) Community client service?

Page 2764 (6) How many physiotherapists are currently employed by the Hunter Area Health Service? (7) What is the breakup of these positions between: (a) Inpatient? (b) Outpatient? (c) Community client service? (8) What is the current shortage of physiotherapists at each hospital in the Hunter Area Health Service?

Answer -

(1) 73.3 (2) (a) 42.5 (b) 29.8 (c) 1 (3) 1.6 fte Outpatients. 1.4 Medical and Surgical Wards, Coronary Care Unit. 0.8 Buchanan Ward (geriatric ward). (4) John Hunter Hospital 2 Rankin Park Hospita l 0.8 Royal Newcastle 1 (5) Physiotherapists are appointed to provide services as required to both inpatients and outpatients. (6) Seventy eight. Funding for 2 additional positions to increase outpatient access to physiotherapy at Royal Newcastle and Belmont Hospitals was allocated in the 1992/93 budget for these hospitals. (7) With the exception of one physiotherapist at the Nelson Bay Community Health Centre, all physiotherapists within the Hunter Area Health Service provide both inpatient and outpatient services. (8) Three physiotherapy positions are currently vacant.

STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING POLICY

Mr Knowles asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) Is the proposed SEPP for Major Economic and Employment Generating Projects announced in the Governor's Opening Speech the same SEPP that was introduced in 1992? (2) If so, why was the SEPP announced as a new initiative? (3) If not, what will be the differences between the current SEPP for Major Economic and Employment Generating Projects and that SEPP proposed?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) No policy was introduced in 1992. A draft State Environmental Planning Policy on Major Employment Generating Industrial Development (SEPP) was placed on public exhibition from 27 November 1992 until 19 February 1993. The Governor's Opening Speech signalled the Government's intention to make the SEPP in 1993. This has now been done. The SEPP was gazetted on 26 March 1993 and will take effect on 27 April 1993. (2) Refer to the answer to question (1). (3) Minor changes were made to the exhibited draft SEPP.

SPEECH PATHOLOGY SERVICES

Mr Knowles asked the Minister for Health -

For each health service region in New South Wales - (1) How many speech pathologists are employed? (2) How many are employed in hospitals in each region? (3) How many are employed at the area health service in each region? (4) What is the population of each region? (5) What is the population of children aged between: (a) 0-5 years old? (b) 5-10 years old? (c) 10-15 years old? (6) What is the average time period between the identification of a need for assessment and the actual assessment in each region? (7) What policies are in place to ensure an equitable distribution of speech pathology services through the regions? (8) What additional speech pathology resources are made available in highly transient populations (such as families of army personnel on a 12-month to 2-year rotation)?

Answer -

(1) A total of 75.6 FTE (full time equivalent) Speech Pathologists are employed in the Regions. (2) The responsibility to organise services in a way that most effectively meets the needs of their population lies with each Regional Office. Consequently, in each region the delivery of speech pathology services is organised differently to suit local needs. As these services are provided in both community health centres and hospitals it is more useful to consider the total number of speech pathologists employed in the region. (3) There are no speech pathologists employed to work in the Regional Office in any region. However, in each region an experienced speech pathologist functions as a Regional Adviser. (4) See attached Table. (5) See attached Table. (6) Waiting time for speech pathology services is dependent on several variables including the type of service, for example, Paediatric or Geriatric and Rehabilitation, organisation of service delivery and distance. Within regions, speech pathology services have developed criteria against which client's needs are assessed to ensure that "at risk" clients access services quickly. (7) The NSW Health Department is currently engaged in a Rural Allied Health Workforce Project, including speech pathologists, to develop strategies to ensure the access of people in rural areas, to allied health services. (8) If a referral is known to be from the Defence Forces, the child/adult is offered an earlier appointment. Priority is given to those who were receiving therapy at the time of posting/transfer.

Page 2765

SYDNEY SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE

Mr Langton asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Is the STA currently holding discussions with the Sydney City Council regarding the possible implementation of a "shuttle bus" service for Sydney's CBD, utilising a fleet of new or specially adapted low floor buses and intended as part of Sydney's Olympic bid? (2) Does this concept involve: (a) A separate service to existing route buses? (b) Replacing existing route buses in the CBD? (c) The provision of bus interchange stations at various locations at the fringe of the CBD? (3) What fuel is intended for use by the shuttle buses? (4) Will they be totally accessible to the disabled? (5) What is the estimated cost of the project? (6) When will these discussions be made public?

Answer -

(1) The Central Sydney Integrated Transport Strategy is being developed by the Central City Transport Committee. A range of options is currently being considered to improve bus access and movement into and within Central Sydney. The shuttle bus options need to be considered in this context. (2) The preferred option for service development is not yet determined. (3) State Transit continues to monitor fuel technologies and is considering alternative fuel sources such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Dieshol (a blend of diesel and ethanol) for use on its entire fleet. (4) Access for the disabled is a key priority for all public transport services in New South Wales. (5) Not applicable. (6) The Integrated Transport Strategy for Central Sydney will be subject to public comment when drafting is complete.

CENTRAL COAST RAIL COMMUTERS

Mr McBride asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) What has been the average daily number of rail commuters to the Sydney metropolitan region from: (a) Gosford Railway Station in: (i) 1987? (ii) 1988? (iii) 1989? (iv) 1990? (v) 1991? (vi) 1992? (vii) 1993? (b) Wyong Railway Station in: (i) 1987? (ii) 1988? (iii) 1989? (iv) 1990? (v) 1991? (vi) 1992? (vii) 1993? (c) Tuggerah Railway Station in: (i) 1987? (ii) 1988? (iii) 1989? (iv) 1990? (v) 1991? (vi) 1992? (vii) 1993? (2) What has been the average number of seats available to rail commuters on trains from the Central Coast (i.e., stations from Morisset to Hawkesbury River) to the Sydney metropolitan region in: (a) 1987? (b) 1988? (c) 1989? (d) 1990? (e) 1991? (f) 1992? (g) 1993?

Answer -

(1) (a) Information on the average daily number of rail commuters from the Central Coast to the Sydney metropolitan region is not readily available for the years requested. However, CityRail has undertaken passenger counts on Central Coast trains in 1990 and 1992 and these counts showed 13,730 passengers in trains crossing the Hawkesbury River towards Sydney on a typical weekday (over 24 hours) in 1990 and 12,730 in 1992. (b) and (c) Again, the information sought is not readily available. However, statistics relating to the sale of weekly tickets in a typical week at Wyong and Tuggerah stations show: Wyong Tuggerah 1988 608 503 1989 695 476 1990 645 389 1991 665 365 1992 611 331 (2) The total number of seats on all trains from the Central Coast arriving at Sydney between 6.30 a.m. and 8.30 a.m. Mondays to Fridays has been calculated as: 1987 6,900 1988 7,200 1989 7,200 1990 7,200 1991 8,000 1992 8,000 1993 8,000

CENTRAL COAST TRAIN DELAYS

Mr McBride asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) What has been the number of trains which have not run to schedule to and from Gosford Railway Station in:

Page 2766 (a) 1987? (b) 1988? (c) 1989? (d) 1990? (e) 1991? (f) 1992? (g) 1993? (2) What has been the number of trains which have not run to schedule to and from Wyong Railway Station in: (a) 1987? (b) 1988? (c) 1989? (d) 1990? (e) 1991? (f) 1992? (g) 1993? (3) Of those trains which have not run to schedule, what has been the cumulative time for delay in: (a) 1987? (b) 1988? (c) 1989? (d) 1990? (e) 1991? (f) 1992? (g) 1993? (4) During 1992, what percentage of trains were delayed by more than 3 minutes that ran to and from Gosford Railway Station between the following hours: (a) 5 a.m. and 8.30 a.m.? (b) 3.30 p.m. and 7 p.m.? 5) During 1992, what percentage of trains were delayed by more than 3 minutes that ran to and from Wyong Railway Station between the following hours: (a) 5 a.m. and 8.30 a.m.? (b) 3.30 p.m. and 7 p.m.? (6) What percentage of carriages used on trains running between the Central Coast and Sydney were suburban carriages in the following years: (a) 1987? (b) 1988? (c) 1989? (d) 1990? (e) 1991? (f) 1992? (g) 1993? (7) What percentage of carriages used on trains running between the Central Coast and Sydney were interurban carriages in the following years: (a) 1987? (b) 1988? (c) 1989? (d) 1990? (e) 1991? (f) 1992? (g) 1993?

Answer -

(1) & (2) Information in the form requested is not readily available. However, the following information is provided in regard to the performance of Central Coast intercity services. The percentage of Northern intercity services arriving Central between 6.00am and 9.00am that ran to time is as follows: 1987/88 86.4% 1988/89 78.7% 1989/90 81.4% 1990/91 91.2% 1991/92 93.0% 1992/93 93.9% (up to 6/3/93) The percentage of Northern intercity services departing Sydney between 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm that ran to time is as follows: 1987/88 84.7% 1988/89 77.8% 1989/90 72.5% 1990/91 78.2% 1991/92 89.1% 1992/93 89.5% (up to 6/3/93) (3) (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) Information is not readily available in this format. (4) (a) (b) and (5) (a) (b) Refer to answer No. 1. The reliability of Central Coast morning commuter services is recorded for trains arriving at Central between 6.00am and 9.00 am and evening services departing Central between 4.00pm and 6.00pm. (6) and (7) The operation of suburban double deck trains on the Central Coast since 1989 has allowed CityRail to provide approximately 2700 seats on direct services via the North Shore to the CBD during peak hour. The existing suburban double deck trains running from the Central Coast to Sydney will be replaced by new design intercity air-conditioned Tangara trains, commencing in 1994.

CENTRAL COAST SPORTING PROJECTS

Mr McBride asked the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing -

(1) Have there been any submissions for regional sporting projects in the Central Coast region in: (a) 1990? (b) 1991? (c) 1992? (d) To date in 1993? (2) If so, what are the locations and nature of such applications? (3) (a) Has there been any study of the Central Coast's need for regional sporting projects? (b) If so, what are the details? (4) If there has not been a survey through the Department for the long-term needs of regional sporting projects in the Central Coast region, will the Department consult with Wyong and Gosford Councils to evaluate the long-term needs and strategy for such facilities?

Answer -

(1) (a) No. (b) No. (c) No. (d) No. (2) Not applicable. (3) (a) Arrangements are in hand for a study to be undertaken.

Page 2767 (b) The Department of Sport, Recreation and Racing's Hunter Regional Office has released a discussion paper to all related sectors of the community which aims to achieve a more co-ordinated and consultative approach to the planning of regional sporting facilities within the region, which includes the Central Coast, through the formation of a Hunter regional facility development committee. (4) See (3) (b). (5) With the input of the Department, Gosford and Wyong Shire Councils have commenced 20 year recreation needs studies which take into consideration the need for regional sporting facilities on the Central Coast.

HUNTER FRINGE AREA SEWERAGE SCHEME

Mr Martin asked the Minister for the Environment -

(1) Has the Hunter Fringe Area Sewerage Scheme been delayed because the Environmental Protection Authority cannot advise on the design criteria for Karuah sewerage? (2) Will he intervene and immediately address the issue?

Answer -

(1) The clean waters regulations do not allow the Environment Protection Authority to approve sewage discharges to class P waters. Class P waters would be affected by the proposal. (2) Options to enable sewerage schemes such as the one at Karuah to comply with the requirements of the Clean Waters Act are currently being examined.

METAL INDUSTRY WORKERS PROPOSED STRIKE

Mr Nagle asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts -

(1) How was the figure of $20 million, as being the loss to New South Wales if the metal workers strike goes ahead this month, obtained? (2) What is the basis of the calculation? (3) What is the break-up of the figure?

Answer -

(1) The figure of $20 million was obtained by estimating the nation-wide loss due to metal workers strike and attributing 34 per cent of that loss to New South Wales. (2) The calculation was based on the latest annual ABS statistics on manufacturing value-added (ie. output) and employment for Australia. "Metal trades industry" is not a standard ABS category. In the absence of such a category, value-added per manufacturing worker was used as a proxy for value-added per metal trades worker. Moreover, a significant number of metal trades union members work in industries other than the metal trades industry. (3) The break-up of the calculation is as follows:

Manufacturing =$69,215.5 million (A) Value-added (annual) (Source: ABS) Manufacturing = 1,006,100 (B) Employment (annual) (Source: ABS) Manufacturing = $68,796 (C) = (A) Value-added per worker divided by (B) (annual) Manufacturing = $299.11 (D) = (C) value-added per worker divided by 230 per working day, (assuming 230 working days in a year *) Total Manufacturing = $59.82 million (E) = (D) value-added lost in a multiplied by day due to strike by 200,000 200,000 workers The loss to New South = $20.33 million (F) = (E) Wales due to strike multiplied by (Since New South 0.34 Wales accounts for around 34 per cent of the national manufacturing production, the loss to New South Wales is assumed to be around 34 per cent of the national loss)

*This figure of 230 working days was obtained after deducting weekends (104 days in a year), annual leave (20 working days per annum), and public holidays (assuming 11 days in a year) from the total number of days in a year (365 days).

HOSPITALS CLOSURES AND INJURED WORKERS

Mr Nagle asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Is the closure of any hospitals in New South Wales going to affect injured workers in obtaining satisfactory medical and hospital treatment? (2) If so, will he stop all closures? (3) If not, will he guarantee that injured workers will not be placed on public hospital waiting lists?

Answer -

(1) No.

Page 2768 (2) Not relevant. (3) Injured workers are covered by the workers' compensation provisions. No person requiring emergency treatment - for example, a worker suffering a serious industrial injury - is placed on a waiting list for treatment. In cases of elective surgery, the waiting time for admission will be based on the relative clinical priority for treatment. There is no differentiation based on the insurance status of the patient.

GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT AGREEMENT

Mr Price asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts -

(1) Has the interstate agreement to abandon policies of State preference been observed in each State? (2) How is this policy and agreement policed? (3) Is observance of this policy currently disadvantaging New South Wales? (4) What procedures are observed when evaluating tenders for Government projects and supply items where only marginal price differences exist between local firms and those from interstate? (5) What has been the effect of this agreement in terms of forced retrenchment on New South Wales companies in general and on small employers in particular?

Answer -

(1) The interstate agreement to abandon state preference formerly known as the National Preference Agreement (renamed the Government Procurement Agreement) is being observed by all States, Territories, the Commonwealth and New Zealand Governments. (2) The Government Procurement Agreement contains monitoring principles and procedures to deal with alleged breaches to the Agreement. Alleged breaches are investigated by the Designated body appointed in each State, Territory or within the Commonwealth Government. The Designated body in New South Wales is the Department of State Development and it investigates complaints relating to purchasing decisions made by all New South Wales Government agencies. (3) In accordance with the agreement, the Department of State Development, as the designated body, would request the designated body in another State to investigate a purchasing complaint made by a New South Wales supplier against a Government agency in that State. Based on the lack of complaints from New South Wales suppliers concerning purchasing decisions made by Government agencies in other States, there is no evidence that New South Wales is being disadvantaged by observance (or non-observance) of this policy. (4) The selection of a successful tender relies on a value for money criteria after the appropriate application of relevant preferences and ensuring that other requirements of the Government's purchasing policies, where applicable, are met. (5) Neither the Minister nor the Department of State Development has any evidence that the effect of this Agreement has led to forced retrenchment on New South Wales companies in general and on small employers in particular.

HUNTER HOSPITALS ACUTE CARE BEDS AND NURSING COMPLEMENT

Mr Price asked the Minister for Health -

(1) What is the total number of acute beds available to the Hunter Area Health Service? (2) Of this total, how many acute care beds are available in the following Hunter institutions: (a) John Hunter Hospital? (b) Mater Misericordiae Hospital? (c) Royal Newcastle Hospital? (d) Belmont District Hospital? (e) Maitland District Hospital? (3) What is the total nursing complement for each of these hospitals in the following categories: (a) Permanent? (b) Permanent part-time? (c) Casual?

Answer -

(1) and (2) The Department of Health has moved away from using the available number of beds as a meaningful measure of the effectiveness of the health system. The Department now measures number of patients treated as non-inpatients, day stay patients and patients who stay more than one day. These are far more useful measures of system capacity than bed numbers. In each of the categories mentioned, the Hunter area Health Service is measuring the number of patients treated. The Department is also concentrating increasingly on the outcome of treatment.

(a) (b) (c) (d) Perman Perman Casual Temp ent ent P/T John 609 250 369 82 Hunter Mater 217 93 147 29 Royal 159 46 110 11 N'cle Belmont 103 33 13 8 Maitland 159 71 54 2

Page 2769 (a) Full-time equivalents (b) Number of staff employed (c) Number of persons in casual pool available to be called in at short notice if required. (d) Full-time equivalents on temporary contracts.

POLICY ON SEWERAGE PROVISION

Dr Refshauge asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Does the Department of Health Policy on sewerage provision for new subdivisions require any subdivision that: (a) is serviced by reticulated water; and (b) involves lots of less than one hectare; or (c) is within 400 metres of a water course; or (d) is within 2 kilometres of a reticulated sewerage system; must be connected to the sewer or referred to the Department for review? (2) Have local councils lobbied to change this policy? (3) Will the Government maintain this policy?

Answer -

(1) The current Policy on Sewerage Provision is essentially as outlined except that subclause (c) reads: "Proposed subdivisions within 400 metres of a watercourse or likely to contaminate an aquifer;". The Policy allows for the review of alternative proposals. (2) Some Councils have approached the Department with concerns. In most cases discussions with the councils have clarified the issues of concern. (3) The Policy is currently being clarified in consultation with Local Government and other interested Government agencies. The Government is committed to the protection of the public health and, as with all policies, will monitor the outcomes and modify the policy if necessary.

FEDERAL HOSPITAL ACCESS PROGRAM FUNDING

Dr Refshauge asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Did the Federal Government provide $16.5 million to New South Wales to decrease waiting lists? (2) Was $1 million of this used for a new computer system? (3) Is the Department of Health already spending $34 million this year on a new computer system? (4) Has the Department of Health already spent $21 million on a new computer system? (5) Why is the waiting list reduction money being used to buy more computers?

Answer -

(1) and (2) Yes. As part of the Medicare Agreement, $16.5 million was received from the Federal Government under the Hospital Access Program. Of the funding provided, $15.5 million was targeted to reduce waiting times in problem specialties and was distributed to those area Health services and Regions in most need. The remaining $1 million was applied to improve the management of booking lists and to provide a central fund to assist other Areas/Regions identified as having special needs. (3) The Department of Health has a projected expenditure for this year of $34 million on implementing the Public Health System Information Strategy. (4) The Department of Health has spent a total of $25.4 million to date on the implementation of the Public Health System Information Strategy. (5) None of the Hospital Access Program funding is being used to buy computers.

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME

Dr Refshauge asked the Minister for Health -

(1) How many people are there suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome in New South Wales? (2) What is the estimated loss of earning potential by chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers? (3) What hospital resources are provided specifically for chronic fatigue syndrome patients? (4) What new hospital resources are planned specifically for chronic fatigue syndrome patients? (5) What community health resources are available for chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers?

Answer -

(1) The number of people with chronic fatigue syndrome in New South Wales is in the order of 2,200 although this is only an estimate. (2) The estimated loss of earning potential by chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers in New South Wales is in the order of $16,700,000 per annum. (3) Chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers have access to a wide range of diagnostic, therapeutic, support and rehabilitation services provided both by hospitals and in community settings. The management of chronic fatigue syndrome is usually more appropriate to the community setting rather than the hospital setting. (4) Chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers have access to all new and existing hospital resources and community health resources according to clinical need. (5) Chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers have access to a wide range of community-based care including social work services, community nursing and meals on wheels. In addition, they have access to a range of outpatient services such as physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. General practitioners manage specific medical complications if and when they arise. In addition, specific services are provided by the M.E. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Society which receives financial support from the New South Wales Health Department. The Society provides various services to sufferers including a counselling service and social work services.

ARMIDALE HOSPITAL

Dr Refshauge asked the Minister for Health -

(1) What is the 1992/93 budget for Armidale Hospital?

Page 2770 (2) What is the "productivity" cut required of Armidale Hospital in 1992/93? (3) How many staff work at the Hospital? (4) Does he plan to reduce staff numbers at Armidale Hospital in 1992/93 or 1993/94? (5) Does he plan to reduce any services provided by Armidale Hospital in 1992/93 or 1993/94?

Answer -

(1) $19,754,000. (2) The 1992/93 efficiency gain was $422,240. (3) 367 staff equating to 321 full-time equivalent staff. (4) Staff numbers will not be reduced in 1992/93. In 1993/94 the New England District Health Service will be established. The Armidale Base Hospital will be included in this District. The District Health service Board may wish to introduce administrative reforms resulting from the establishment of the District Health Service. There will be not forced redundancies. Some staff may wish to apply for voluntary redundancy across the District Health Service. (5) No.

ST VINCENT'S HOSPITAL, BATHURST, FUNDING

Dr Refshauge asked the Minister for Health -

(1) How much was paid to the St Vincent's Hospital, Bathurst, by the Department of Health for treating uninsured patients during 1990/91 and 1991/92? (2) Was any other funds provided by the Government to the hospital? (3) If so, how much and for what? (4) What is the expected public funding to the hospital for 1992/93 and 1993/94? (5) On what basis are these figures determined?

Answer -

(1) Funding provided is not specified as to whether it is for insured or uninsured patients. Allocations were: 1990/91 1991/92 Gross Operating 5,673,000 5,398,000 Payments (2) No. (3) Not applicable. (4) 1992/93 1993/94 Gross Operating 5,989,000 not yet determined Payments (5) 1992/93 Estimated actual results (based on results as at 31/1/93).

SELECT COMMITTEE UPON THE ADMINISTRATION OF STATE OWNED COAL MINES RECOMMENDATIONS

Mr Rogan asked the Minister for Conservation and Land Management and Minister for Energy -

What steps have been taken to implement the recommendation of the Parliamentary Select Committee upon the Administration of State Owned Coal Mines?

Answer -

The Report of the Select Committee Upon the Administration of State Owned Coal Mines, which was tabled by the Chairman, Mr Ray Chappell M.P. on 23 December 1992, made five recommendations with regard to those mines. Actions which have been taken in relation to these recommendations are summarised as follows: Recommendation 1 "The committee recommends that ENC establish a formal process of consultation to see that the long term viability of the mines is assured." ENC (Management) Pty Ltd, the company with responsibility for managing Pacific Power's mines, consults regularly with union officials and employees about the need to improve productivity/profitability to assure the long term viability of the mines. Senior management reinforces this in regular discussions with District Officials. Joint Working Parties were established at each mine in 1991 to introduce structural efficiency reforms under the Coal Industry Award Restructuring Agreements. These Working Parties have been successful consultative mechanisms for introducing work practice reforms. In addition ENC has commenced discussions with union officials to establish Consultative Working Committees at each mine with agreed constitutions and objectives to improve the competitive position of the mines. Emphasis with regard to these discussions has been given to mines with 5-year contracts to ensure those mines are in the most competitive position for the next round of coal supply tenders in 1996. The Automotive Metals and Engineering Union (AMEU) and Electrical Trades Union (ETU), the unions with wider industry coverage have responded positively with this consultative approach. The United Mineworkers Union has publicly stated reservations about Consultative Working Groups. Working Parties are also operating at mines on a regular basis to address specific safety and productivity issues to ensure consultation input. Recommendation 2 The Committee drew attention to training programs now adopted in the private sector for both mine management and workers. "The committee recommends that a high priority be given to the implementation of this (training) program." ENC has rationalised and improved work practices over the last two years under the coal Industry's 1990 Award Restructuring Agreement. The vehicle for further fundamental workplace reforms will be the coal industry's underground work models which are nationally agreed work models to implement greater cross skilling and flexibility including setting of competency standards and training programs. ENC has made significant and independent submissions to the work models via the Coal Industry Tribunal, and has committed a colliery manager on a full time secondment to facilitate the introduction of the new work models at ENC mines. ENC has held meetings with District Officials of the Page 2771 United Mineworkers Union in January, February and March 1993 to discuss implementation of these work models. Further meetings are planned. It is planned that the Consultative Working Groups being set up at each mine will facilitate the introduction of workplace reforms consistent with the new work models. The constitution of the Working Groups have as their prime objective effective implementation of these reforms. ENC is adopting a systematic approach to work model implementation to ensure the reforms are introduced effectively at each mine with emphasis on workforce involvement and understanding. The AMEU, ETU, Staff and Deputies Union have reacted positively to this approach. The United Mineworkers Union has expressed reservations publicly about this consultative approach to work reform implementations. Recommendation 3 "The Committee recommends urgent discussions take place between Pacific Power, ENC and UMW to further assess the feasibility of the leasing of Newvale to another operator." Pacific Power sent a letter to the United Mineworkers Federation on 24 December 1992, the day following the release of the Committee's report, proposing a meeting on 5 January 1993 to discuss a lease. A number of meetings and offers ensued which became the subject of a second Select Committee Inquiry. The report of this second Inquiry was tabled in Parliament on 29 April 1993. This Committee recommended that: "....the offers to lease Newvale mine by Mr Ron McCullough of Alliance Investments Pty Ltd be rejected." The Committee concluded that it was not possible, on the financial data put before it, for Newvale to operate under the proposed leasing arrangements without a significant subsidy by the tax-payers. Recommendation 4 "The Committee recommends the fullest possible implementation of redundancy and re-training benefit provided by ENC in order to lessen the impact of job losses on the miners and their families." Retrenchment seminars and Job Search Workshops were conducted for Awaba and Newvale employees up to 22 December 1992. Overall, the training was assessed as being effective by the consultants who conducted the seminars. Some training was poorly attended, however. Many employees declined the Company's training offer as they had taken payment in lieu of notice and had immediately left the Company's employment. Additionally, the miner's sit-in and associated strike at Newvale Colliery served to delay the Company's training programs, thus making them less effective. Recommendation 5 "It therefore recommends that the Minister urgently seek advice from the Department of Minerals and Resources as to the most appropriate action to protect these resources, including undeveloped resources and coal in pillars in the developed areas, such as putting the mines on a care and maintenance basis until longer term plans are determined." This recommendation is the subject of a detailed strategic review presently being undertaken by ENC to determine the optimum resource utilisation to ensure the future viability of these mines.

DAPTO RAIL SERVICE CARRIAGES

Mr Rumble asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Why was the 9.08 a.m. train from Dapto to Sydney on 27 January 1993 running a 4-carriage single deck non air-conditioned train instead of the normal double deck air-conditioned train? (2) Why was the 2.38 p.m. train from Sydney to Dapto on 27 January 1993 running a 4-carriage single deck non air-conditioned train instead of the usual double deck air-conditioned train?

Answer -

(1) and (2) The extension of the electrification to Dapto necessitated alterations to services and allocation of rolling stock in accordance with the patronage offering at particular times. Since the introduction of the new timetable on 25 January 1993, the 9.11 a.m. service from Dapto to Sydney has been scheduled to be formed by single deck non air-conditioned carriages. Similarly, the 2.38 p.m. service from Sydney to Dapto has been scheduled to be formed by single deck non air-conditioned carriages since 25 January 1993. All non air-conditioned trains providing services from Sydney to Dapto will be replaced with new design interurban air-conditioned Tangara carriages, commencing in 1994.

ILLAWARRA REGION HOSPITAL CLOSURES

Mr Rumble asked the Minister for Health -

Will he give a categorical assurance that the Coledale Hospital, Bulli Hospital and the casualty section of the Port Kembla Hospital will not be closed?

Answer -

I have received no proposals to close the Coledale Hospital, Bulli Hospital or the Port Kembla Accident and Emergency Department of the Illawarra Regional Hospital.

WATER BOARD SPECIAL DIVIDEND

Mr Scully asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

When the $100 million was paid by the Water Board as a special dividend, were any monies held in the Special Environmental Levy accounts used in any way for that purpose?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answer to the honourable member's question is: No. The $100 million payment made by the Board in Page 2772 January 1993 represents the purchase of Crown land assets which are of strategic importance to the Board in its operations. This payment is in no way related to SEL revenue.

SPECIAL ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY SMITHFIELD PROJECTS

Mr Scully asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) How much of the Special Environmental Levy has been expended in the electorate of Smithfield? (2) (a) How much of the levy has been expended in South Western Sydney? (b) On what projects was this money expended and where are they located? (c) What are the future projects designated for New South Wales, Sydney, South Western Sydney and the electorate of Smithfield? (3) How much money is deducted for administrative expenses from levy funds in respect of: (a) Total funds for the period commencing from when the levy was first imposed? (b) Funds expended in South Western Sydney? (4) Is interest earned on levy funds paid back into fund accounts and credited as part of the total amount held under the levy?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) The aims for Special Environmental Levy (SEL) projects, which were determined at public forums in 1989, are undertaken on a programmed basis to achieve optimum benefits. The community did not determine the aims for SEL projects on an electoral basis as SEL projects transcend electoral boundaries. For example, the inflow/infiltration project undertaken at Orphan School Creek ultimately improves the water quality of not only the Smithfield electorate, but all electorates within the catchment. The SEL adopts an holistic approach to addressing the pollution problems in all of the Board's area of operations with projects being complementary to each other. (2) (a) $58.9 million has been expended in the Water Board's South Western Region as at 6 February 1993. In addition to projects in the South Western Region, it should be noted that effluent from the Liverpool area is diverted to Malabar Sewage Treatment Plant. To date over $24 million of Special Environmental Levy funds has been spent on process and reliability upgrades at this plant. In essence upgrades of the Malabar Sewage Treatment Plant benefit the residents of South Western Region. (b) The following projects have been and are being undertaken wholly within the Water Board's South Western Region. (See table on page 982 of Q & A No. 18).

(c) The SEL is only collected and spent within the Sydney Water Board's area of operations. All SEL funds are committed to projects in line with the aims established by the community. (3) (a) No funds are deducted from the Special Environmental Levy for administrative purposes. (b) See (a) above. (4) Interest that accrues on the unspent Special Environmental Levy funds is added to the levy fund.

BANKSTOWN HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT

Mr Shedden asked the Minister for Health -

Does the Department of Health have a detailed plan for the redevelopment of Bankstown Hospital or only a functional brief at this stage?

Answer -

A functional brief is currently under development in consultation with medical and other staff.

LIDCOMBE HOSPITAL AND BANKSTOWN HOSPITAL POSITIONS

Mr Shedden asked the Minister for Health -

With the closure of Lidcombe Hospital and the redevelopment of Bankstown Hospital, what would be the net reduction of employment positions?

Answer -

No decision has been taken with respect to the closure of Lidcombe Hospital and the redevelopment of Bankstown Hospital.

LIDCOMBE HOSPITAL AND BANKSTOWN HOSPITAL RECURRENT BUDGETS

Mr Shedden asked the Minister for Health -

What is the current recurrent budget for: (a) Lidcombe Hospital? (b) Bankstown Hospital?

Answer -

As at 28 February 1993 the gross operating budget for the 1992/93 year at Bankstown and Lidcombe Hospitals is as follows: (a) Lidcombe $47.2m (b) Bankstown $35.6m

PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYMENT OF FORMER MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

Mr Thompson asked the Premier and Treasurer -

(1) How many ex-members of Parliament are employed by NSW Government ministers?

Page 2773 (2) (a) Who are they? (b) What are their positions? (3) How many ex-members of Parliament are employed by NSW Government departments or instrumentalities? (4) (a) Who are they? (b) What are their positions?

Answer -

(1) One. (2) (a) Mr Phil White, former Member for Earlwood. (b) Adviser to the Minister for Health. (3) Employment of staff by Departments and New South Wales instrumentalities is devolved to the individual organisations and no central records are maintained. The amount of work which would be involved in ascertaining from all agencies whether they employ any one who has ever been a member of Parliament would not be justified by any public interest to be served. However, I have been made aware that there are four former members of Parliament employed full-time by Government Departments and Instrumentalities. (4) (a) Mr Ralph Brading, former ALP Member for Camden. Mr Allan Andrews, former Liberal Member for Heathcote. Mr Ken Gabb, former ALP Member for Earlwood. Maurie Keane, former ALP Member for Woronora. (b) Mr Ralph Brading - Town Planner/Specialist Grade 8, City West Planning Team Department of Planning. Mr Allan Andrews - Policy Analyst, Planning and Marketing Division, Water Board. Mr Ken Gabb - Senior Supervising Solicitor, Crown Solicitors Office. Maurice Keane - Director of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council.

ST GEORGE-SUTHERLAND RADAR SPEED CAMERAS

Mr Thompson asked the Minister for Police -

(1) What is the present number of radar speed cameras in the St George-Sutherland Police District? (2) Will this number be increased during 1993? (3) If so, how many more radar speed cameras will be introduced in this district?

Answer -

(1) One. (2) No. (3) Not applicable.

DISORDERLY HOUSE DECLARATIONS

Mr Thompson asked the Minister for Police -

(1) How many attempts to have premises declared under the Disorderly Houses Act 1943 have been brought by police before Kogarah Court in the years: (a) 1989? (b) 1990? (c) 1991? (d) 1992? (2) How many have been successful? (3) How many such actions have been brought elsewhere in New south Wales in the same years? (4) How many have been successful?

Answer -

(1) (a) to (d) Nil. Action to declare premises as disorderly houses is a civil proceeding and applications are lodged with the Supreme Court of New South Wales, Sydney Registry. (2) Not applicable. (3) 1989 - 2 1990 - 8 1991 - 1 1992 - Nil (4) 1989 - 1 (premises closed after case commenced) 1990 - 6 (in 3 cases, the premises closed after the case commenced) 1991 - Nil 1992 - Not applicable.

NORTH WESTERN WATER BOARD REGION

Ms Allan asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) How many residential properties are contained in the north western Water Board region? (2) How many of these properties have received excess water accounts in the past 12 months? (3) How many owners of residential properties in the above region reported difficulty in payment of accounts in the past 12 months? (4) In response to a plea of difficulty in making payment, what arrangements are available to owners of residential properties to pay off the water account? (5) What amount of revenue was collected in the above region in the past 12 months? (6) How much of this revenue related directly to water service charge and to water usage?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are:

Page 2774 (1) The number of residential properties served by the Water Board in the North Western Region including the Blue Mountains totals 257,702. (2) None. The Water Board's pricing policy was changed in July 1989, where water allowances were replaced by a pay-for-use system. (3) 2,597 applications for assistance were granted to property owners in the North Western Region from January 1992 to December 1992 (approximately 1 per cent of property owners). This figure may represent property owners that have made more than one application during the year. (4) Every opportunity is given to customers to pay their accounts. Arrangements are made over the telephone, at Water Board Business Offices and by correspondence. Arrangements for payment are tailored to suit the individual customers according to their circumstances. The Water Board has in place a Social Welfare Policy which operates to assist cases of genuine hardship. The policy includes an accounts accrual scheme, extended payment plans as well as the "Water Board Accounts Payment Assistance" scheme which is administered by community agencies such as the Smith Family and St Vincent de Paul. The Water Board also grants rebates to eligible pensioners. (5) The total amount of revenue collected in the last 12 months (as at week ending 7 March 1993) relative to the North Western Region was $216.2 million. (6) Of the $216.2 million of revenue collected in the last 12 months, water service charge and water usage made up the following amounts: water service charges $39.7 million water usage $32.2 million $71.9 million

FAIR TRADING ACT PROSECUTIONS

Mr Amery asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education -

(1) How many prosecutions were launched by the Department of Consumer Affairs, for the year ending 31 December 1992, for breaches of the Fair Trading Act? (2) How do these numbers compare with the years ending: (a) 31 December 1991? (b) 31 December 1990? (c) 31 December 1989? (d) 31 December 1988? (e) 31 December 1987?

Answer -

The Department's statistics are collated on a financial year basis. The following statistics demonstrate prosecution activity by the Department under the Fair Trading Act 1987 and the former Consumer Protection Act 1969 for the financial years in question.

Prosecutions Under Fair Year Trading/Consumer Protection Acts Prosecutions commenced: Defendants No. of offences from 1/7/92 12 17 1991 - 1992 7 13 Pre-1/7/91 Prosecution Results 1990 - 1991 8 15 1989 - 1990 19 43 1988 - 1989 6 15 1987 - 1988 23 79 1986 - 1987 9 (*Note: 1 defendant charged with 30 offences)

In 1991 the Department prosecuted a company in the Supreme Court. The Court fined the company $25,000 and awarded the Commissioner $30,000 costs. Prosecution is only one of the measures used by the Department to achieve compliance with Fair Trading laws and principles. There are other options available to the Department, including non-litigious ones such as mediation, requests for voluntary compensation, oral or written warnings to individual traders, trader education programs, development of codes of conduct, and public warnings naming unsatisfactory traders. Litigation may include prosecution or civil action for injunctive relief and/or compensatory orders, whilst other formal processes include disciplinary action against licensees or the issue of penalty notices under the system soon to be implemented. In terms of benefit to the community prosecution is not always the most effective option. The Department seeks to maximise remedial action through injunctive proceedings which seek to obtain compensation for affected consumers and restrain further unlawful conduct by the traders concerned. The most recent example was action taken in February 1993 against Bona Fide Consultants (orders restraining the trader from certain conduct in relation to an introduction agency). The Department has also formed special task forces to investigate major consumer issues, such as country of origin labelling and misleading employment advertisements, and a number of prosecutions and civil proceedings have already resulted. The success of non-litigious options is illustrated by the case of Mahmoud Mahmoudi, who had his motor dealer's licence cancelled and was disqualified for 7 Page 2775 years. Instead of prosecution, the Department negotiated refunds totalling $30,000 to consumers who had been affected by his interference with motor vehicle odometers. The Commissioner for Consumer Affairs has also intervened on behalf of affected consumers in several major cases before the Commercial Tribunal where credit providers have sought reinstatement of credit charges for thousands of contracts which did not comply with the credit legislation. Prosecution does however remain a serious and effective option for certain matters. The stigma of conviction in a court and any subsequent publicity may well be as important as any direct penalty the court might order. In some cases a court may order direct compensation to consumers, as highlighted by a recent conviction for unlicensed motor dealing with odometer interference where the defendant was ordered to pay compensation totalling more than $3,900 to the current vehicle owners. These statistics clearly demonstrate that a simple count of the number of prosecutions launched for breaches of the NSW Fair Trading Act does not provide a meaningful performance measure of the Department's compliance strategy.

PRICES COMMISSION REFERRALS

Mr Amery asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education -

(1) How many matters has she referred to the NSW Prices Commission since becoming Minister for Consumer Affairs? (2) What matters were referred? (3) What are the result of these referrals?

Answer -

(1) to (3) No matters have been referred to the Prices Commission. Under the Prices Regulation Act 1948, I have the power to declare a good or service (other than Government monopoly services). The Prices Commission has the power to fix and declare the maximum price at which that good or service can be sold. I believe that the declaration of a good or service should only be done in extraordinary circumstances. The former Labor Government recognised that the declaration and price fixing of goods and services should be done by exception. During its last five years of government, the only matters acted on related to concert and sporting events. The Prices Commission fixed and declared a maximum ticket price, in order to dissuade the practice of "scalping". During the 1980s, the former Labor Government moved away from price control, revoking the declaration in regard to bread pricing and withdrawing from retail and wholesale petrol price control, handing that responsibility over to the Prices Surveillance Authority.

MILK PRICE INCREASES

Mr Amery asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education -

(1) Did the Minister for Agriculture refer the last round of milk prices to her for comment? (2) Did these increases amount up to eight times the rate of inflation to 31 December 1992? (3) What actions did she take? (4) (a) Was this matter referred to the NSW Prices Commission? (b) If not, why not?

Answer -

(1) Correspondence regarding price changes for milk (called a Price Order) is received directly from the NSW Dairy Corporation and not from the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs. In his letter, dated 15 January 1993, the General Manager of the NSW Dairy Corporation, Mr G.R. Davey notified the Minister for Consumer Affairs of the Dairy Corporation's intention to make a Price Order (Price Order No. 148). (2) The price increase was above the inflation rate. However it should be noted that the price of milk is calculated according to industry costs and not by the normal forces of demand and supply. (3) to (5) Under the Dairy Industry Act, the Minister for Consumer Affairs may not refer an order to the Prices Commission unless the Minister is satisfied that there are sufficient objections to the order to warrant the holding of an investigation. After consideration, the Acting Minister for Consumer Affairs, the honourable C. P. Hartcher was satisfied that there were not sufficient objections to the order and therefore did not refer the matter to the Prices Commission. The current mechanism for setting milk prices has been in place since 1984. While in Government between 1984 and 1988, the Opposition never referred milk price changes to the Prices Commission.

FUNERAL OF PRISONER DEAN PISANI

Mr Clough asked the Minister for Justice and Minister for Emergency Services -

(1) In the case of the death of Dean Pisani at Bathurst Gaol, was the body buried or cremated? (2) Was the funeral arranged by the relatives or the Department of Corrective Services? (3) Did the relatives opt for cremation? (4) Was any influence used to encourage the cremation of the body by the Department?

Answer -

(1) Mr Dean Pisani was cremated. (2) The funeral was arranged by the family of the deceased. (3) Yes, the family chose to cremate the body. (4) No. The Department of Corrective Services was not involved in discussions concerning the funeral arrangements. Mr Dean Pisani's father discussed the funeral arrangements with the Police and instructed them that his son was to be cremated.

MOOREBANK URBAN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Mr Knowles asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

Page 2776

(1) What land within the electorate of Moorebank, currently not included in the Urban Development Program, is being assessed for inclusion? (2) (a) Do any proposals exist to incorporate either land zoned "non-urban 1C" or any Commonwealth holdings between Voyager Point and Sandy Point into the Urban Development Program? (b) If so, which properties? (3) What consultations and environmental assessments have been conducted in respect of any land referred to above?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answer to the honourable member's question is: (1) There is currently one area being investigated for possible inclusion in the Urban Development Program within the electorate of Moorebank. This is land adjoining Macquarie Fields House. At this point in time, the Urban Development Committee has not made a decision on whether or not to include this land in the program. (2) There are no current proposals to incorporate land zoned 1(c) or any Commonwealth holdings between Voyager Point and Sandy Point into the Urban Development Program. However, land to the north of Sandy Point at Pleasure and Voyager Points is included in the current program. (3) In respect of land adjoining Macquarie Fields House, a range of Government agencies involved in servicing urban development, including the Water Board, Roads and Traffic Authority, South West Area Health Service and Department of School Education have been consulted. A local environmental study had been prepared in connection with a previous proposal for a tourist/education development on the site.

LAND REZONING

Mr Knowles asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1)(a) Has the Minister been briefed by consultants or any representatives of the following organisations in relation to land holdings: (a) Australian Land and Housing Group - Non-urban land at Pleasure Point? (b) Tullichewan Pty Ltd - Non-urban land at Pleasure Point? (c) Monarch Homes Pty Ltd - Land adjoining Macquarie Fields House? (d) Monarch Investments Pty Ltd - Land adjoining Macquarie Fields House? (e) Devine, Erby and Mazlin - Land adjoining Macquarie Fields House? (2) If not, has any officer of the Department of Planning or member of his staff met with or been briefed by consultants or any representatives in relation to the properties and companies listed above? (3) If so, when did the meetings/briefings take place? (4) Who attended? (5) What commitments, if any, were given by the Government in relation to any requests for rezoning?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) (a) No. Briefings have not been given to the Minister by representatives from Australian Housing and Land in relation to land at Pleasure Point. It is noted that question 1(a) refers to Australian Land and Housing Group and the Minister assumes this should be a reference to the company Australian Housing and Land, which owns land at Pleasure Point. (b) No. Briefings have not been given to the Minister by representatives from Tullichewan Pty Ltd in relation to land holdings at Pleasure Point. (c), (d) and (e) Yes. The Minister has been briefed regarding proposals for development of land adjoining Macquarie Field House by representatives of the Monarch Group of Companies and its consultants Devine Erby Mazlin. (2) Departmental officers have not met with Australian Housing and Land to discuss its land at Pleasure Point. Yes. Departmental officers have discussed various aspects of the proposed urban development of land at Pleasure Point with representatives from Tullichewan Pty Ltd. Yes. Departmental officers have been briefed on a number of occasions by representatives of the Monarch Group of Companies and Devine Erby Mazlin consultants concerning a proposed development of land adjoining Macquarie Field House. (3) The meeting between the Department of Planning and Tullichewan Pty Ltd was in April 1992. A number of meetings have been held between the Department of Planning and the Monarch Group of companies and Devine Erby Mazlin consultants between December 1992 and March 1993. (4) The Regional Manager for the Western Region of Sydney of the Department of Planning and Directors of Tullichewan Pty Ltd attended the meeting regarding lands at Pleasure Point. At the Minister's briefing by the Monarch Group of companies and Devine Erby Mazlin consultant the Department of Planning's regional Manager for the Illawarra/Macarthur Region also attended. The Department of Planning's Assistant Director and Regional Manager and Deputy Regional Manager of the Illawarra/Macarthur region and planners from both the Illawarra/Macarthur and Western Sydney regions have at various times attended meetings with the Monarch Group of Companies concerning the land adjoining Macquarie Field House. (5) Land at Pleasure Point in which Tullichewan Pty Ltd holds an interest has been identified as being environmentally significant and this was discussed at the April 1992 meeting. No commitments have been given to representatives of either Australian Land and Housing or Tullichewan Pty Ltd by Departmental officers in regard to the rezoning of land at Pleasure Point.

Page 2777 At the meeting with the Monarch Group of Companies and its consultants the Minister acknowledged the opportunities for urban development east of the freeway. The Minister gave no commitment to the companies and suggested that they continue to liaise with the Department of Planning concerning their rezoning application. The Department of Planning has given no commitment to the Monarch Group of Companies. The meetings were arranged to clarify various aspects of the proposal and the likely timetable for the Department's assessment of a draft local environmental plan submitted by Campbelltown City Council. The Department is assessing the Council plan to determine whether to issue a certificate to enable the draft local environmental plan to be placed on public exhibition.

MOOREBANK URBAN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Mr Knowles asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) What land holdings have been included into the Urban Development Program in the electorate of Moorebank? (2) Which land holdings are in the 0-5 year program and the 5-10 year program? (3) On what dates were each of the land holdings incorporated into the Urban Development Program? (4) What level of environmental assessment was conducted to justify the inclusion of each holding into the Urban Development Program? (5) When was the environmental assessment for each holding conducted? (6) If no environmental study was conducted, why not? (7) What bodies or organisations, sponsored each holding for inclusion into the Urban Development Program? (8) (a) For each land holding did any Government agency or local council object to the inclusion of the land into the Urban Development Program? (b) If so: (i) Which organisations? (ii) Why did they object?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answer to the honourable member's question is: (1) The current Urban Development Program incorporates two release areas and part of one release area within the electorate of Moorebank. Namely, Pleasure Point (incorporating lands at Pleasure Point and Voyager Point), Wattle Grove (refers to land at Holsworthy) and part of the Campbelltown Combined Areas. (2) All three areas mentioned in (1) are included within the current five year program. The Urban Development Program is updated annually for the following five year period. Currently there is no five to ten year component of the program. (3) All land in the Campbelltown Combined Areas was incorporated in the first Urban Development Program prepared in 1981, having been initially "released" and zoned between approximately 1973 and 1980. Pleasure Point was approved for inclusion in the Urban Development Program by the Urban Development Committee of Cabinet in November 1988. Wattle Grove was approved for inclusion in the program by the Urban Development Committee of Cabinet in October 1989. (4) The Campbelltown Combined Areas were released and rezoned following the Sydney Region outline Plan (1968) proposals, which were subsequently translated into the Three Cities Structure Plan (1973-1976). The areas' urban capability would have been assessed during these planning exercises. Planning investigations were prepared for both Pleasure Point and Wattle Grove release areas prior to their inclusion in the Urban Development Program. The reports addressed a number of issues including natural features, physical infrastructure, human services and economic aspects. (5) The assessment of the Campbelltown Combined Areas potential was undertaken during the planning exercises mentioned in (4) between 1968 and 1976. The planning investigation reports for Pleasure Point and Wattle Grove were prepared by the Department of Planning in 1987 and 1989 respectively. (6) The decision to release the land now known as Campbelltown Combined Areas for urban development predated the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and as such no environmental study was required. In relation to the Wattle Grove release area, a formal environmental study was not considered necessary as part of the rezoning process in view of the nature of the land and previous investigations. Liverpool Council had advised the Department of Planning that an environmental study was not required to support the proposed rezoning. In respect of Pleasure Point, a formal environmental study pursuant to section 57 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, was prepared and exhibited by Liverpool Council from 11 January 1989 to 1 February 1989. Following the exhibition, reports were prepared by the National Herbarium in 1989, which indicated significant vegetation was present on part of the Pleasure Point release area. Subsequently, of the 290 hectares of land placed on the Urban Development Program in 1988, 135 hectares of non urban zoned land was removed from the program because of its high conservation value identified in the Herbarium reports. (7) The Campbelltown Combined Areas were part of the Macarthur region identified as a major new growth area in the Sydney Region Outline Plan (1968). These areas were included in the Urban Development Program in recognition of the need to plan and service the areas and the role they would play in accommodating new housing developments. The inclusion of the land at Voyager Point (part of Pleasure Point release area) and Wattle Grove was Page 2778 initially requested by the Defence Housing Authority. The inclusion of land at Pleasure Point was initiated by Tullichewan Pty Ltd. (8) (a) This question does not apply to the Campbelltown Combined Areas in the view of the advanced planning of these areas when placed on the Urban Development Program. No objections were received for either Wattle Grove and Pleasure Point prior to the inclusion of these areas into the Urban Development Program from any government agency or Liverpool Council. (b) In view of 8 (a) this question does not apply.

THE ENTRANCE LANDCOM LAND

Mr McBride asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) How many blocks are currently held by Landcom in the electorate of The Entrance? (2) Where are they located? (3) How many of those blocks available can be released in the next 12 months? (4) (a) How many blocks are able to be released in the next 10 years? (b) What is the schedule for the release of these blocks and their location? (5) (a) How many blocks that are zoned residential are held up for any reason? (b) What is the reason for the delay and their location?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) 108 Landcom lots as at 1 April 1993. (2) Killarney Vale - 2 lots. Bateau Bay - 101 lots (1 lot is to be utilised for pensioner development). Wyoming - 5 lots. (3) 2 lots at Killarney Vale and 67 lots at Bateau Bay, including the Pensioner Housing site. (4) (a) All lots should be able to be released in the next 10 years. (b) Bateau Bay - 66 lots are anticipated to be able to be released in December 1993. Bateau Bay - 34 lots are anticipated to be released in December 1994. Bateau Bay - The Pensioner Housing site is anticipated to be able to be released to Public Housing for development in November 1993. Wyoming - 5 lots are capable of being released almost immediately; however, the existing cottage is being utilised for emergency accommodation and its demolition is required prior to release. (5) (a) and (b) All lots are currently zoned residential. Road, drainage and pathway construction is yet to be finalised for 2 lots at Killarney Vale. Bateau Bay (66 lots) - Tender for development about to issue. Bateau Bay (34 lots integrated housing) - Tender for development about to issue. Bateau Bay - Pensioner Housing site - Tender for development about to issue. Wyoming (5 lots) - The existing dwelling is being utilised for emergency accommodation and the lots cannot be released until alternative accommodation is found.

PUBLIC TENANTS APPEAL BOARD

Ms Allan asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) Who are the present members of the Public Tenants Appeal Board handling appeals from the electorate of Blacktown? (2) When were these members appointed? (3) How are members of this panel selected and who is responsible for their appointment? (4) How many appeals from the electorate of Blacktown were considered in the years 1991 and 1992? (5) How many of these appeals were successful? (6) What is the average length of time between a successful appeal and a determination?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) The Public Tenants Appeals Panel considers appeals from public housing tenants in New South Wales and comprises: Convenor - Mrs C. Pitchford City Tenants Representative - Mrs V. Cooke Country Tenants Representative - Mr R. Sharkey Department of Housing Representative - Senior Housing Services Officer (2) The Convenor was appointed to the Panel in January 1991. The City and Country Tenant Representatives were appointed in July 1992. (3) The Convenor is directly appointed by the Minister for Housing. The Tenants Representatives are selected from nominations received from various Tenants Associations and submitted to the Minister for Housing for approval and subsequent appointment. (4) In the Blacktown electorate 14 appeals were considered in 1991 and 13 appeals during 1992. (5) 4 appeals were successful in 1991 as well as 4 in 1992. (6) The average length of time from when an appeal is received and the tenant notified of the outcome has been from 6 to 8 weeks, dependent upon the nature of the appeal and the complexity of the matters raised.

BLACKTOWN AND SEVEN HILLS POLICE PATROLS

Ms Allan asked the Minister for Police -

(1) (a) What area is covered by each of the Blacktown and Seven Hills patrols?

Page 2779 (b) How many people are contained in each patrol area? (2) (a) How many police vehicles are stationed at Blacktown and Seven Hills Stations? (b) What type of vehicle are they? (3) (a) How many police officers are stationed at Blacktown and Seven Hills Stations? (b) What are their designations? (4) How many beat police are currently stationed at Blacktown and Seven Hills Stations? (5) Are the current staffing levels at Blacktown and Seven Hills Stations greater or lesser than the authorised staffing levels? (6) If so, by how much? (7) What are the latest crime figures for the Blacktown and Seven Hills areas?

Answer -

(1) (a) Blacktown Patrol - West to Eastern Creek, north to Schofields Road, east to Old Windsor Road, Sunnyholt Road, Blacktown Road, South to Prospect Reservoir and Water Pipeline. Seven Hills Patrol - Includes Kings Langley, Lalor Park and Seven Hills. (b) Blacktown Patrol - 112,000 Seven Hills Patrol - 55,000 (figures from 1986 census) (2) (a) Blacktown Patrol - 19 vehicles Seven Hills Patrol - 4 vehicles (b) Blacktown Police - 3 caged wagons 1 station wagon 7 sedans (2 marked) 6 sedans (5 marked Highway Patrol) 1 solo cycle (Highway Patrol) 1 community bus (supplied by community) Seven Hills Patrol - 1 caged wagon 3 sedans (2 marked) (3) (a) Blacktown Patrol - 137 authorised/144 actual as at 16 April 1993 Seven Hills Patrol - 28 authorised/34 actual as at 16 April 1993 Authorised Actual Blacktown Patrol - 1 1 Superintendent 3 3 Inspectors 1 1 Senior Sergeant 21 23 Sergeants 111 116 Constables. Seven Hills Patrol- 1 1 Inspector 1 1 Senior Sergeant 5 5 Sergeants 21 27 Constables (4) Blacktown Patrol - 29 Beat Police as at 16 April 1993 Seven Hills Patrol - 6 Police as at 16 April 1993 (overstrength awaiting authorisation) (5) to (6) Blacktown Patrol - 7 units over strength as at 16 April 1993 (pending outcome of workload assessment and relocation of boundaries) Seven Hills Patrol - 6 units over strength as at 16 April 1993 (pending authorisation of Beat Police) (7) The honourable member should address this question to the Attorney General for advice from the Bureau of Crime Statistics.

TREGEAR TAB AGENCY

Mr A. S. Aquilina asked the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing -

(1) Will he ensure the provision of a TAB agency at Tregear? (2) If so, when will this be allowed? (3) If not, why not?

Answer -

(1) No. (2) Not applicable. (3) The TAB considers the Tregear area to be well serviced with 8 outlets within a four kilometre radius. In addition, it is considered that an additional agency in the area would not generate sufficient new business to make the operation economically viable at this time. However, the TAB will continue to monitor residential and business development in the area and will continue to expand its cash outlet facilities wherever new business opportunities are identified and an additional service outlet can be economically sustained.

MACQUARIE FIELDS LAND REZONING

Mr Knowles asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

(1) Is the Minister aware of a rezoning proposal relating to land held by the Department of Education adjacent to the Macquarie Fields House at Macquarie Fields? (2) What authorisation has been given, either by the Minister or an officer of the Department, for the land to be included in the application for rezoning, or for subsequent works (particularly drainage and flood mitigation) should the rezoning proceed? (3) Should the rezoning proceed, what does the Minister propose to do with the land? (4) In the section 62 consultation required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, what advice did the Department give to Campbelltown Council or, alternatively the Department of Planning, in relation to the proposal to prepare a draft LEP.

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) With the closure of the former Glenfield Veterinary Research Station land was exchanged to benefit the Hurlstone Agricultural High School. In the exchange arrangements were made to sell part of the school site which became surplus to requirements as a consequence. This arrangement was one part of a series of conditional contracts negotiated with the owner of the historic Macquarie Fields House who had a proposal for extensive development. Circumstances prevented the development from proceeding and in order to finalise the contracts the Department agreed to the property being on-sold and Page 2780 fresh development applications being lodged. Part of the land involved was previously designated for flood mitigation works. The Department of School Education land has now been purchased by Scots College. (3) Not applicable since the land has been sold. (4) In s. 62 consultation the Department of School Education advised the Department of Planning that Curran Public School and James Meehan High School would serve to provide additional student places for the proposed development in the vicinity of the Macquarie Fields House.

CENTRAL COAST PUBLIC HOUSING LISTS

Mr McBride asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) How many people are on the Department of Housing's public housing waiting lists at its office at Gosford in: (a) 1987? (b) 1988? (c) 1989? (d) 1990? (e) 1991? (f) 1992? (g) 1993? (2) How many people are on the Department of Housing's public housing waiting lists at its office at Wyong in: (a) 1987? (b) 1988? (c) 1989? (d) 1990? (e) 1991? (f) 1992? (g) 1993? (3) What has been the average waiting time for people on the Department of Housing's public housing waiting lists at its office at Gosford in: (a) 1987? (b) 1988? (c) 1989? (d) 1990? (e) 1991? (f) 1992? (g) 1993? (4) What has been the average waiting time for people on the Department of Housing's public housing waiting lists at its office at Wyong in: (a) 1987? (b) 1988? (c) 1989? (d) 1990? (e) 1991? (f) 1992? (g) 1993? (5) On an annual basis since 1987, what has been the average waiting time for people on the Department of Housing's public housing waiting lists at its office at Gosford in the following accommodation types: (a) 1-bedroom pensioner? (b) 1-bedroom community? (c) 2-bedroom apartment? (d) 2-bedroom general? (e) 3-bedroom apartment? (f) 3-bedroom general? (g) 4-bedroom plus general? (6) On an annual basis since 1987, what has been the average waiting time for people on the Department of Housing's public housing waiting lists at its office at Wyong in the following accommodation types: (a) 1-bedroom pensioner? (b) 1-bedroom community? (c) 2-bedroom apartment? (d) 2-bedroom general? (e) 3-bedroom apartment? (f) 3-bedroom general? (g) 4-bedroom plus general?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and the Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) to (6) The Department maintains a centralised computer file of data about applicants for public housing and has divided New South Wales into a number of geographical zones, termed "allocation zones". Applicants for public housing nominate the zone in which they require housing. The Gosford and Wyong Local Government Areas constituted a single allocations zone until 1988, although they are now separate zones. The information is therefore not available in the format sought as the Department of Housing does not maintain individual public housing waiting lists at each of its local offices. The Department also does not calculate average waiting times, but can advise the length of time between application and allocation for a client who waited in turn for an allocation and was not given a priority allocation.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RESEARCH GRANTS

Dr Refshauge asked the Minister for Health -

(1) How much is allocated for research grants from the Department of Health's budget for 1992/93? (2) How much of that total was given to the researchers in: (a) July 1992? (b) August 1992? (c) September 1992? (d) October 1992? (e) November 1992? (f) December 1992? (g) January 1993? (h) February 1993?

Answer -

(1) The Department of Health's 1992/93 budget includes $6.3M for research grants. (2) The amount by month given to researchers is as follows:

Page 2781 $ (a) July 1992 140,000 (b) August 1992 1,011,899 (c) September 1992 329,147 (d) October 1992 1,180,539 (e) November 1992 230,280 (f) December 1992 1,403,104 (g) January 1993 84,243 (h) February 1993 90,307

ISOLATED PATIENTS TRAVEL AND ASSISTANCE SCHEME

Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Why is assistance with travel costs through the Isolated Patients' Travel and Assistance Scheme (IPTAS) not available to cancer patients needing to travel to Perth, Western Australia, for Microwave Therapy? (2) Is assistance available through any other scheme administered by the New South Wales Government?

Answer -

(1) The National Health and Medical Research Council appraised Microwave Therapy in the 1970s and found it to be of no therapeutic benefit to cancer patients. Expert opinion remains unchanged since that time. Given that microwave therapy is not a recognised form of medical therapy for cancer patients, assistance with travel costs to Perth, Western Australia is not available through IPTAS. (2) There are no other schemes administered by the New South Wales Government which would provide assistance with travel costs to allow patients to receive an unproven method of medical treatment.

BELMONT HOSPITAL BIRTHS

Mr Bowman asked the Minister for Health -

How many births were there in Belmont Hospital in: (a) 1990? (b) 1991? (c) 1992?

Answer -

(1) (a) 919 (b) 889 (c) 863

HUNTER AREA HEALTH SERVICE COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

Mr Bowman asked the Minister for Health -

(1) What program for community consultation has been devised by the Hunter Area Health Service? (2) When will it commence?

Answer -

(1) and (2) Since the appointment of an Administrator in August 1991 there has been an ongoing process of consultation between the Hunter Area Health Service and the community of the Hunter. The consultation is achieved in a number of ways including: * community involvement in Health Services Advisory/Patient Care Committees in many of its hospitals; * community involvement in Service Development Groups which provide advice to the Area's Strategic Planning Committee; * community input being sought on discussion documents issued by the Area Health Service, including the "Future Directions of Clinical Services" and the "Draft Strategic Plan for Mental Health Services"; * the Chief Executive Officer regularly accepting invitations to attend meetings of local community groups.

MUNMORAH STATE RECREATION AREA

Mr Bowman asked the Minister for the Environment -

What was the total expenditure on the Munmorah State Recreation Area by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in: (a) 1988? (b) 1989? (c) 1990? (d) 1991? (e) 1992?

Answer -

(a) 1987/88: $63,000 supplied by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). Revenue generated by Munmorah State Rail Authority ($62,803) was retained by the trusts in this period and used to supplement expenditure. (b) 1988/89 : $191,385 Supplied by National Parks and Wildlife Service (c) 1989/90 : $172,743 Supplied by National Parks and Wildlife Service (d) 1990/91 : $186,224 Supplied by National Parks and Wildlife Service (e) 1991/92 : $205,000 Supplied by National Parks and Wildlife Service These figures include both capital and recurrent expenditure in the subject years. Not costed in these figures is the value of organisation support provided for the management of the State Rail Authority from the other function areas of the service.

HUNTER PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYEES

Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for the Environment representing the Attorney General and Minister for Industrial Relations -

(1) As at 24 March 1988, how many persons were employed in the Hunter area by: (a) Court Houses at Newcastle, Belmont, Cessnock, Childrens Court at Broadmeadow, Dungog, East Maitland, Kurri Kurri, Maitland, Raymond Terrace and Wallsend?

Page 2782 (b) Births, Deaths and Marriages Registries? (c) Legal Aid Commission of NSW? (2) How any persons are now employed in each of those areas (or their 1993 equivalents)? (3) For each area of employment where reductions have occurred, how many of these have been by: (a) Voluntary redundancy? (b) Natural attrition without replacement? (c) (i) Redeployment? (ii) If so, to where? (d) Dismissal?

Answer -

(1) (a) As responsibility for court employees is now within the administration of the Minister for Justice and Emergency Services, this matter should be referred to the Minister for Justice. (b) In 1988, 7 full time staff and 3 part time staff were employed in the Newcastle Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. (c) 16 people were employed by the Legal Aid Commission in the Hunter area in 1988. (2) There are currently 9 full time and 2 part time staff employed in the Newcastle Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. The Legal Aid Commission currently employs 21 people in the Hunter area. (3) There have been no reductions in staffing levels at either agency.

UNIVERSITY TARGETED GRADUATES

Mr J. J. Aquilina asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

(1) How many targeted graduates have been allocated to each region of the Department of School Education for 1993? (2) How many targeted graduates came from each of the universities and/or colleges?

Answer -

(1) 600 targeted graduates were allocated across the State. The allocations were based on projected vacancies in each region. (2) Graduates were given targeted status from 14 Universities. The Universities were located in both country and metropolitan areas throughout the State.

TOTALIZATOR AGENCY BOARD SALE

Mr Face asked the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing -

(1) (a) Has the Government at any time since 1988 considered the possibility of the sale of the New South Wales TAB? (b) If so, was it for partial sale or for sale? (2) What would have been the percentage return to the Government on taxation from such a sale? (3) (a) If the Government, through its Treasury or any other department, did not consider the TAB for sale, has the TAB itself conducted any feasibility studies into any sale, partial sale, joint venture or restructure? (b) If so, what were the particulars? (4) (a) Has the Government had any discussions with either the Victorian or the former or present West Australian Government about the possible sale of their TAB? (b) If so, were the discussions about any involvement by the TAB in New South Wales in their operations or the likely effects of the sale of those TABs to non-Government ownership?

Answer -

(1) (a) No. However, a number of unsolicited proposals have been forwarded to the Government by various parties. (b) Not applicable. (2) Not applicable. (3) (a) No. (b) Not applicable. (4) (a) No. (b) Not applicable.

DEPARTMENTAL OFFICE REFURBISHMENTS

Mr Irwin asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education -

In relation to each Department or Authority under her administration - (1) How much was spent on office fit-outs or refurbishment in 1991/92? (2) What is the estimated expenditure for 1992/93?

Answer -

The following expenses related to expenditure (or estimated expenditure in 1992/93) on office fitouts or refurbishments: 1991/92 Premises Expenses ($) Belmore 17,700 Parramatta 19,900 Albury 3,500 Total 41,100 City premises at Stockland House, 175 Castlereagh Street, Sydney were refurbished at the expense of the landlord as an incentive to re-lease the premises. This involved the floors occupied by the Consumer Claims and Commercial Tribunals, the Registration and Licensing Division and the City Service Centre. 1992/93 Premises Expenses ($) Belmore 32,000 City 14,500 Gosford 146,500 Liverpool 16,750 Parramatta 315,000 Total 524,750

Page 2783

CENTRAL COAST DEPARTMENTAL PRE-SCHOOLS

Mr McBride asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

(1) How many departmental pre-schools are in the electorates of: (a) The Entrance? (b) Gosford? (c) Peats? (d) Wyong? (2) Will she give a commitment to increasing the number of pre-schools attached to Department of School Education schools? (3) If so, when will the increase take place? (4) If not, why not?

Answer -

(1) There are currently 60 Departmental pre-schools. One of these pre-schools is in the Peats electorate. (2) The Department of School Education earlier this year sought expressions of interest from the private sector to provide child care centres and/or pre-schools on existing school sites. Expressions of interest received are currently being considered by the Department. I have also given a commitment for the establishment of 7 Aboriginal pre-schools. (3) During 1992, work commenced on Enngonia and Cummeragunja Aboriginal pre-schools. Mungindi and Broken Hill Aboriginal pre-schools are expected to be established in 1993/94. The Department plans to establish an Aboriginal pre-school on the Central Coast and one each in the Metropolitan West and Metropolitan South West Regions.

DEPARTMENTAL OFFICE REFURBISHMENTS

Mr Scully asked the Minister for the Environment -

In relation to each Department or Authority under his administration - (1) How much was spent on office fit-outs or refurbishment in 1991/92? (2) What is the estimated expenditure for 1992/93?

Answer -

(1) I am advised that expenditure in 1991/92 was as follows: Environment Protection Authority $119,311.20* National Parks and Wildlife Service $ 40,858.00 Zoological Parks Board of New South Wales $34,000.00 Waste Recycling and Processing Service $11,000.00 * Includes $14,400.00 expended by the former State Pollution Control Commission. (2) I am further advised expenditure for 1992/93 is estimated as follows: Environment Protection Authority $3,465,000.00 National Parks and Wildlife Service $112,547.00 Zoological Parks Board of New South Wales $Nil Waste Recycling and Processing Service $25,000.00 It should be noted the bulk of the Environment Protection Authority expenditure is "one-off" establishment costs for a new agency.

BLAYNEY HIGH SCHOOL HEATING

Mr Clough asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

(1) Will the Department of School Education in its rebuilding program for Blayney High School take into account the need to provide proper insulation within the school to overcome freezing winter temperatures in classrooms? (2) Will appropriate improvements to heating be also included? (3) When is it expected that the school will be fully restored?

Answer -

(1) A partial rebuilding program is necessary at Blayney High School due to a fire on 5 March 1993. Damage was contained within the Administration Building and adjacent enclosed walkway. The proposed rebuilding program is restricted to these fire damaged areas and therefore does not include the rebuilding or redesigning of any other areas of the school including classrooms. All restoration work undertaken within the fire damaged areas will meet Secondary School Building Code requirements and all costs will be met through the Managed Fund. (2) Improvements to heating at Blayney High School were undertaken in June 1992. The Assistant Director-General, Department of School Education Western Region, approved funding to replace all defective heaters in demountable classrooms at the school. The replacement heaters have been installed and the Public Works Department also undertook all repairs necessary to all gas heaters in permanent buildings. At the request of the school, the thermostat controls of all gas heaters were adjusted above the usual 22°C setting to enable increased room temperatures. The Public Works Department also prepared a Heating and Temperature Monitoring Report. Results of this report showed that temperatures in all classrooms were within the Department of School Education's guidelines. The issue of heating enclosed walkways at the school was also raised in 1992. It was pointed out that covered walkways were enclosed at the school in recognition of the harsh winter conditions often experienced in Blayney. As walkways are intended as circulation areas only, they are not provided with heating.

Page 2784 (3) At present plans for the restoration work to the fire damaged Administration Building and adjacent enclosed walkway are being prepared by Public Works Department architects in consultation with the school community. On completion of this planning process, work will commence as soon as possible and is scheduled to be completed by the end of term 4, 1993.

WORLD EDUCATION CONFERENCE FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

Mr Markham asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts -

(1) What support will he give to promote the World Education Conference for Indigenous Peoples to be held in Wollongong in December 1993 and to assist conference organisers? (2) What form will this support take? (3) Will an Arts program be initiated to highlight the achievements of Australia's indigenous people during the conference?

Answer -

(1) To date, the Ministry for the Arts has not received a request for support. Unless there is a specific arts component, it is considered that the matter would usually fall within the province of the Department of School Education. (2) Any support provided by the Ministry for the Arts will depend upon the nature of the request and will be assessed at the appropriate time. (3) The Ministry for the Arts has developed a number of initiatives to mark the year of Indigenous Peoples, including a program of five fellowships, valued at $10,000 each for artists of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, and a $50,000 program of special grants. In addition, the various cultural institutions within the arts portfolio have developed a program of activities to celebrate the Year. A copy of the proposed program of activities is indicated below. (See information on pp. 1005-1008 of Q & A No. 18).

HUNTER PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYEES

Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

(1) As at 24 March 1988, how many persons were employed in the following Departments in the Hunter Region now under your administration: (a) Department of Education (School Education): (i) Regional office and inspectorate? (ii) Secondary teaching staff? (iii) Infants and Primary teaching staff? (iv) Special education? (v) Ancillary staff? (vi) Cleaning staff? (b) Department of Technical and Further Education: (i) Regional office - managerial and administrative staff? (ii) Teaching staff? (iii) Ancillary staff? (2) How many persons are now employed in each of these areas? (3) For each area of employment where reductions have occurred, how many of these have been by: (a) Voluntary redundancy? (b) Natural attrition without replacement? (c) (i) Redeployment? (ii) If so, to where? (d) Dismissal?

Answer -

(1) As at 24 March 1988: (a) Department of Education (School Education): (i) Regional office and inspectorate 88.500 (ii) Secondary teaching staff 2340.400 (iii) Infants and Primary teaching staff 2145.164 (iv) Student Support (Special Education) 222.493 (v) Ancillary staff 914.428 (vi) Cleaning staff - Not employed by the Department of School Education. (b) The TAFE Commission of New South Wales: (i) Regional Office - managerial and administrative staff 38.50 (ii) Teaching staff 709.80 (iii) Ancillary staff 34.04 (2) (a) Department of Education (School Education): (i) Regional Office and Directors 144.000 (ii) Secondary teaching staff 2381.650 (iii) Infants and Primary teaching staff 2183.355 (iv) Student Support (Special Education) 310.386 (v) Ancillary staff 908.730 (vi) Cleaning staff - Not employed by the Department of School Education. (b) The TAFE Commission of New South Wales: (i) Regional Office - managerial and administrative staff 84.00 (ii) Teaching staff 714.82 (iii) Ancillary staff 71.41 (3) Department of Education (School Education): (a) Nil - All areas. (b) 5.698 - Ancillary staff. (c) (i) Nil - All areas. (ii) Not applicable. (d) Nil - All areas. (ii) The TAFE Commission of New South Wales: There are no decreases in any of the areas.

Page 2785

PRIMARY SCHOOL MAINTENANCE

Mr McBride asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

(1) How much was spent on maintenance at each primary school in the electorate of The Entrance in: (a) 1989/90? (b) 1990/91? (c) 1991/92? (2) How much was spent on maintenance at each primary school in the electorate of Gordon in: (a) 1989/90? (b) 1990/91? (c) 1991/92? (3) How much was spent on maintenance at each primary school in the electorate of Lane Cove in: (a) 1989/90? (b) 1990/91? (c) 1991/92?

Answer -

(1) to (3) When this Government came to office in 1988 the maintenance of schools had deteriorated to a disastrous level and estimates of arrears of maintenance were placed somewhere between $400 million and $800 million. The level of expenditure was significantly increased in 1988/89 and it has been held at that higher level for the last four years. The condition of our schools is improving and they are now leading the nation. In the study carried out by the Australian Teachers Union in 1992 the schools sampled in New South Wales ranked with the best in the nation. This Government does not seek to make comparisons between electorates as requested by Mr McBride. In the overall context of cyclic maintenance it is not reasonable to sample only 3 years out of a cyclic program of 5 (external) and 10 (internal + external) years. You can be assured that the standard of school maintenance is consistently applied according to the school's needs, not according to the political complexion of the electorate concerned.

NARARA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Mr McBride asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

(1) How much money has been spent on the proposed Narara Valley High School in the 1992/93 financial year so far? (2) How much does the Minister anticipate will be spent on the school in the rest of the 1992/93 financial year? (3) (a) Have there been any shortfalls in spending commitments announced in the 1992/93 budget? (b) If so: (i) To what amount has there been a shortfall? (ii) Why? (iii) Does the Department have plans to fast track work in future years to ensure it is completed by its promised date of July 1994? (4) When does the Minister anticipate the new school site will be operational? (5) What will be the school's expected student capacity? (6) What price did the Department pay for the land on which the school will be built?

Answer -

(1) As at 14 April 1993, $185,000 has been spent on the project. (2) The above figure represents the total amount which will be expended on the project in the 1992/93 financial year except for the cost of land, the timing of which cannot be precisely determined. (3) (a) There has been a shortfall in spending on the Narara Valley High School project from the amount listed in the Treasury Budget Papers. (b) (i) $151,000. (ii) Delays were experienced in the acquisition of the site. The Department finally acquired the site through compulsory acquisition. (iii) Planning for the project has proceeded on a fast track during site negotiations and the project is due to go to tender in the first week of May 1993. The buildings have been designed for rapid construction. All buildings are single storey. Extensive consultation between the Department and the school community has taken place at all times during planning. (4) The anticipated hand-over date for the completed project is in July/August 1994. This is contingent upon the project being uninterrupted by matters which are beyond the control of the Department of School Education. (5) Narara Valley High School is being constructed to meet an enrolment of 800 students in accordance with Departmental planning procedures which construct permanent accommodation for projected long-term enrolments. (6) The Department has owned a 2.91 hectare site in Fountains Road since 1983. Additional land was needed to provide a site suitable for a high school. As the additional land was eventually acquired by compulsory acquisition after protracted negotiations, the final settlement amount was determined by the Valuer General under the Land Acquisition Just Terms Compensation Act 1991. The matter has yet to be finalised, as the period in which the owners can appeal the amount of compensation has not yet elapsed.

Page 2786

AUBURN POLICE STATION

Mr Nagle asked the Minister for Police -

(1) When will a new police station at Auburn be built? (2) Will the Government increase police in the Auburn region? (3) Will the Government rent temporary premises to assist the station in reducing the overcrowding?

Answer -

(1) There are no plans to build a new police station for the Lidcombe area. (2) I am advised that policing for the Auburn area is adequate. (3) Auburn Patrol is on the Police Service's priority list for a new police station.

DOOR-TO-DOOR SALES ACT REVIEW

Mr Amery asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education -

(1) Has the Department conducted a review of the Door-to-Door Sales Act? (2) If so, when did this take place? (3) Has she received an analysis of any submissions? (4) When will she act on these proposals?

Answer -

(1) and (2) During 1991/92 the Department of Consumer Affairs reviewed the Door to Door Sales Act 1967, and issued a Discussion paper in May 1992 for public consultation. (3) Submissions were analysed and a Draft Report and Recommendations referred to the Minister in November 1992. (4) The proposals are in draft form only and further research and consultation is required before they can be finalised and implemented. This work is now being undertaken and a report is scheduled for July 1993.

JUNCTION REEF MINING

Mr Nagle asked the Minister for Natural Resources -

(1) Why has mining been permitted at Junction Reef via Blayney? (2) Has this mining operation polluted the nearby river and/or caused the closure of Junction Reef as a recreational and picnic area? (3) What role did the Member for Orange play in the granting of this mining lease? (4) Will he table all the documentation on the lease?

Answer -

(1) Mining has been carried out in this area on and off for the past 120 years, more recently in the late 1940's and early 1950's. The present leases were granted in 1987 and 1991 after the mining company had obtained development consents from Blayney Shire Council, which required the lodgment and public display of Environmental Impact Statements. All the necessary agreements/consents were obtained from the affected landowners including the Canobolas Regional Parkland Trust. The Junction Reefs Gold Project has stimulated growth in the region particularly in the villages and nearby towns. Economic benefits from the mine include over 65 personnel being employed over the past six years. Financial benefits include over 150,000 ounces of gold being recovered and exported with a value in excess of $90 million. Direct injection of funds in the region is in excess of $6 million per annum with an annual payroll of $2.5 million. State royalty payments and local, State and Federal taxes are also paid. (2) The mining company regularly monitors the river to ensure that the Clean Waters Act and Regulations are complied with. Historically no problems of a significant nature have been detected. Water sample analysis is carried out by the Department of Mineral Resources Development Laboratory. The mining company reports results of all its monitoring and other environmental work to the Blayney Shire Council and State Government Departments annually under the Mining Rehabilitation and Environmental Management Plan requirements in the leases. Closure of part of the Junction Reefs Reserve has occurred in the interests of public safety by agreement between the mining company, the Department of Mineral Resources and the Canobolas Regional Parkland Trust (who are responsible for the administration of the reserve). The mining company has opened a previously inaccessible section of the reserve to the public whilst the other portions are closed to public access. The new section of the reserve, called Bakers Shaft Reserve, has been provided with an all-weather access road, barbecue, garbage and toilet facilities. (3) The Member for Orange, the Honourable G. B. West, MP, made representations on behalf of concerned persons and presented a petition prior to the grant of the leases in 1991. These matters were considered before a decision was made to grant the leases. (4) No. Mining Lease documents are available for public inspection at the Department of Mineral Resources.

DISORDERLY HOUSES LEGISLATION

Mr Harrison asked the Minister for the Environment representing the Attorney General and Minister for Industrial Relations -

Will he give a firm assurance that the Government will not proceed with the disorderly houses legislation introduced into the Parliament by the former Attorney General?

Answer -

Consideration is presently being given to the deficiencies in the law concerning disorderly houses and as part of that consideration the terms of the Page 2787 Disorderly Houses (Amendment) Bill are being reviewed. As the review is still proceeding it is not appropriate to give the assurance sought.

DEPARTMENTAL OFFICE REFURBISHMENTS

Mr Knight asked the Minister for Natural Resources -

In relation to each department or authority under his administration - (1) How much was spent on office fit-outs or refurbishment in 1991/92? (2) What is the estimated expenditure for 1992/93?

Answer -

In relation to the Department of Mineral Resources in 1991/92 $61,694.00 was spent on relocation and office fit outs. In 1992/93 it is estimated that the Department will spend $135,354.00. This does not include proposed work at the new Orange Office. This cannot be estimated until a lease has been negotiated. There was no expenditure incurred by the Coal Compensation Board in 1991/92. The Board has no estimated expenditure for 1992/93. The Mine Subsidence Board spent $11,238.00 in 1991/92 and has no estimated expenditure for 1992/93. The Department of Water Resources' expenditure in 1991/92 was $211,374.00. However, $105,000.00 of this was provided by the Property Services Group to assist the department in the cost of returning a floor of Macquarie Tower, Parramatta, to its original condition, following vacation of that floor for occupation by another government department. The Department's estimated expenditure for 1992/93 is $189,050.00. There was no expenditure incurred by the Dams Safety Committee during 1991/92. The Dams Safety Committee has no estimated expenditure for 1992/93. In relation to the Broken Hill Water Board there was no expenditure incurred and the estimated expenditure for 1992/93 is nil. New South Wales Fisheries spent $193,463.00 in 1991/92. In 1992/93 New South Wales Fisheries spent $246,004.00 and the Fish Marketing Authority on behalf of New South Wales Fisheries spent $960,000. The financial year of the Fish Marketing Authority ends on 31 March. For the year ended 31 March, 1992, the Fish Marketing Authority did not spend any funds on the fit-out or refurbishment of offices. For the financial year ended 31 March, 1993, the Fish Marketing Authority did not spend any funds.

LAURIETON FISHERMEN'S CO-OPERATIVE LAND ACCOUNT NOTICES

Mr Martin asked the Minister for Natural Resources -

What is the total Land Account Notices received by Laurieton Fishermen's Co-operative Ltd?

Answer -

This question does not come under the responsibility of my portfolio and should be addressed to the Minister for Conservation and Land Management.

DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES GUARANTEE OF SERVICE BROCHURE

Mr Mills asked the Minister for Natural Resources -

Regarding the Department of Water Resources Guarantee of Service brochure circulated last month by the Director General - (1) For how long has the document been in preparation? (2) Were any consultants involved in the preparation? (3) If so: (a) Who? (b) How much was each paid? (4) How many copies were printed? (5) To whom were copies distributed? (6) What were the costs of: (a) Printing? (b) Distribution? (c) The project overall?

Answer -

(1) The process of preparation of the document took approximately two months. (2) No consultants were involved in the preparation. (3) Not applicable. (4) 4,000 copies were printed. (5) The copies were distributed in the first instance to customers who receive the Department's Annual Report. These would typically be: peak irrigator bodies, interest groups, academic and research institutions, water industry agencies and businesses, other interested Government agencies and businesses and private citizens. In addition, bulk copies were sent to the Department's regional offices to be made available to interested clients. Copies were also distributed to all departmental staff. (6) Costs are as follows: (a) Printing - $1,630 (b) Distribution - $1,228 (c) The project overall $3,532 (including an additional cost of $674 for design and courier).

DARLING RIVER WATER VOLUME

Mr Beckroge asked the Minister for Natural Resources -

(1) Are statistics kept showing the volume of water in the Darling River at Bourke, Louth, Tilpa and Wilcannia? (2) If so, what do these records show over the last 3 months? (3) Is the Darling River facing a critical water problem upstream of Wilcannia because of large amounts of water taken out by pumpers? (4) What action is Water Resources taking to ensure the river flows and that blue-green algae does not reappear?

Page 2788

Answer -

(1) Yes, daily flow data is available for Bourke, Wilcannia and Louth. However, since Tilpa is primarily a flood warning station, flow data is not available for Tilpa. (2) Records show that, for the first thee months of this year, the following monthly flows (in megalitres) have been recorded at Bourke, Wilcannia and Louth.

Jan '93 Feb '93 Mar '93 Bourke 46,970 13,460 7,070 Wilcannia 69,110 18,330 7,270 Louth 30,370 8,170 5,160 Records indicate that in the past these three stations have stopped flowing for months on end. (3) No. The Darling River is not facing a critical water supply problem upstream of Wilcannia because of large amounts of water being taken out by pumpers. In fact, because of the current drought, flows in the Darling River would be even lower at present were it not for water which has originated from State-constructed dams. That is, under natural conditions (with no irrigation development along the Darling River and its tributaries), flows would have actually ceased by now. (4) In June 1992, an interim unregulated flow management plan for the north-west was released, which is currently under review. The main thrust of the plan was to revise the management of unregulated flows to achieve immediate gains in the health of our river system without causing severe consequences for water users. The management plan focused attention on: the management of unregulated flows; the need for Queensland to participate in the integrated management of the catchment; the necessity to regard this plan as part of a package of actions to reduce the blue-green algae threat; and the need to avoid the further planned expansion of the use of unregulated flow for irrigation, at least until the outcomes of the development of Valley Management Plans are known. Continued growth of water usage along the unregulated streams in the north-west is reducing water available to downstream users and the environment. The interim plan advises of the decision to introduce restrictions on tributaries and effluents of the Boarder Rivers, Gwydir, Namoi, lower Macquarie and Barwon-Darling river systems. Consequently, an embargo was imposed on 12 March 1993 on the issue of irrigation licences greater than 10 hectares on unregulated streams in the Border Rivers, Gwydir and Namoi Valleys. An embargo on the issue of licences on regulated streams has been in place for some 10 years.

KEIRA SCHOOLS COMPOSITE CLASSES

Mr Markham asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

(1) Are schools in the electorate of Keira operating classes containing more than 30 pupils? (2) If so, which schools? (3) Are schools in the electorate of Keira operating composite classes? (4) If so: (a) At which schools? (b) Which schools operate composite classes containing more than 25 students? (c) Which schools operate composite classes containing kindergarten students? (d) How many students are in kindergarten composite classes at these schools? (e) How many of these students are kindergarten students?

Answer -

(1) to (5) The Department of School Education has a clear commitment to excellence in New South Wales Schools, providing for more than 750,000 young people currently enrolled in the Government School System. The Department's efforts are directed to improving educational standards in schools, improving parental choice and participation and increasing learning opportunities for all. To provide the detailed information requested in the Member's question would impinge on the resources and time of Senior Departmental Officers. As a consequence, I am not willing to move resources from the Department's core responsibility to meet this request. General statistical information on the Department of School Education is available in the Department's Annual Report.

PORT STEPHENS PUBLIC SCHOOL MAINTENANCE

Mr Martin asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

(1) How much was spent on maintenance at the following public schools in the electorate of Port Stephens in 1990/91 and 1991/92: (a) Tea Gardens Public School? (b) Booral Public School? (c) Karuah Public School? (d) Irrawang Public School? (e) Irrawang High School? (f) Raymond Terrace Primary School? (g) Raymond Terrace High School? (h) Salt Ash Public School? (i) Tanilba Bay Public School? (j) Nelson Bay Primary School? (k) Nelson Bay High School? (l) Shoal Bay Public School? (m) Anna Bay Public School? (n) Bobs Farm Public School? (o) Soldiers Point Public School? (p) Mayfield East Public School? (q) Mayfield West Public School? (2) How much over and above the annual maintenance grant was the expenditure in respect of each school? (3) Is there a waiting list for funding of major maintenance items at these schools?

Page 2789 (4) If so: (a) Which schools are wait-listed? (b) What are the maintenance items awaiting funding? (c) Which items will be funded in 1992/93?

Answer -

(1) and (2) When this Government came to office in 1988 the maintenance of schools had deteriorated to a disastrous level and estimates of arrears of maintenance were placed somewhere between $400 million and $800 million. The level of expenditure was significantly increased in 1988/89 and it has been held at that higher level for the last four years. The condition of our schools is improving and they are now leading the nation. In the study carried out by the Australian Teachers Union in 1992 the schools sampled in New South Wales ranked with the best in the nation. It is not satisfactory to report on individual schools for three years out of a five year (external) and 10 year (internal/external) cyclic maintenance. It would give the impression of distorted expenditure even though all of the schools in the electorate of Port Stephens are listed for maintenance in a five year period. (3) There is no waiting list other than that the schools have been listed for cyclic maintenance over a five year period and some are not scheduled until 1993/94 and 1994/95. Emergency matters will be dealt with if they arise. (4) Not applicable.

WALLSEND SCHOOLS COMPOSITE CLASSES

Mr Mills asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

(1) Are schools in the electorate of Wallsend operating classes containing more than 30 pupils? (2) If so: (a) Which schools? (b) How many classes at each school? (3) Are schools in the electorate of Wallsend operating composite classes? (4) If so: (a) At which schools? (b) How many classes at each school? (c) Which classes are composited in each case? (d) Which schools operate composite classes containing more than 25 students? (e) Which schools operate composite classes containing Kindergarten students? (f) How many students are in Kindergarten composite classes at these schools? (g) How many of these students are Kindergarten students?

Answer -

(1) to (4) The Department of School Education has a clear commitment to excellence in New South Wales schools, providing for more than 750,00 young people currently enrolled in the Government School System. The Department's efforts are directed to improving educational standards in schools, improving parental choice and participation and increasing learning opportunities for all. To provide the detailed information requested in the Member's question would impinge on the resources and time of Senior Departmental Officers. As a consequence, I am not willing to move resources from the Department's core responsibility to meet this request. General statistical information on the Department of School Education is available in the Department's Annual Report.

DEPARTMENT OF MINERAL RESOURCES STAFF EQUIPMENT

Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for Natural Resources -

With reference to the Director-General of the Department of Mineral Resources - (1) Does his immediate staff have the use of a photocopy machine? (2) If yes, what is the brand and model? (3) Who is responsible for: (a) The selection of the photocopier? (b) Determining the time of replacement? (c) The payment of servicing and maintenance and other associated costs? (4) Does the present photocopier have: (a) Automatic document feeder? (b) Duplex document feeder? (c) Large capacity cassette - if yes, what capacity? (d) Duplex unit - if yes, what capacity? (e) Paper size selection - if yes, what range of paper sizes? (f) Magnification selector - if yes, is it automatic? (g) Reduction and enlargement? (h) Interruption capability? (i) Page by page copying? (j) Frame erasure? (k) Punch hole erasure? (l) Cover mode? (m) Image shifter? (n) Program memory? (o) Built-in editing? (p) Multiple sheet bypass? (q) Bin sorter - if yes, what capacity? (r) Other than black colour copying - if yes, what colours? (5) Does the Director General of the Department of Mineral Resources have the use of: (a) A modular phone? (b) A car phone? (6) If yes, in each or either case, what is the brand name and model of the phone(s)? (7) If yes, in each or either case, who pays for: (a) The purchase and installation costs? (b) Each call made? (c) Repairs and maintenance costs?

Page 2790

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) Xerox 5046 (3) (a) Director Administration, in consultation with Director General/Executive Assistant. (b) Director Administration. (c) Department has a Service Agreement with Rank Xerox (4) (a) Yes (b) Yes (c) Yes, one ream (d) Yes, 50 sheets of A4 (e) Yes, size selection A3, A4 (f) Yes (g) Yes (h) Yes (i) Yes (j) No (k) No (l) Yes (m) Yes (n) Yes (o) No (p) Yes (q) No (r) No (5) (a) No (b) Yes (6) Re (b) Car Phone Brand - Uniden (7) (a) Department of Mineral Resources (b) Department of Mineral Resources (c) Department of Mineral Resources

CHARLESTOWN SCHOOLS COMPOSITE CLASSES

Mr Face asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

(1) How many schools in the electorate of Charlestown have in excess of 30 pupils in classes? (2) (a) How many composite classes currently exist in the electorate of Charlestown? (b) At what schools are these classes operating? (3) (a) How many composite classes existed in the electorate of Charlestown in the years 1991 and 1992? (b) At what schools were they operating? (4) (a) How many composite classes in the electorate of Charlestown have more than 25 pupils? (b) At what schools are they operating? (5) (a) How many composite classes in the electorate of Charlestown contain kindergarten children? (b) At what schools are they operating?

Answer -

(1) to (5) The Department of School Education has a clear commitment to excellence in New South Wales Schools, providing for more than 750,000 young people currently enrolled in the Government School System. The Department's efforts are directed to improving educational standards in schools, improving parental choice and participation and increasing learning opportunities for all. To provide the detailed information requested in the Member's question would impinge on the resources and time of Senior Departmental Officers. As a consequence, I am not willing to move resources from the Department's core responsibility to meet this request. General statistical information on the Department of School Education is available in the Department's Annual Report.

LIVERPOOL TRAIN DELAY

Mr Anderson asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Did the train which departed from Liverpool Railway Station at 10.25 a.m. on Saturday 27 February 1993, not arrive at Central until 12.30 p.m.? (2) If not, what are the actual times according to the SRA? (3) What was the reason for the lengthy delay? (4) Why were passengers not fully informed of the reasons for the delay? (5) Why was the train held between stations instead of at a station so that passengers could make other arrangements? (6) Why didn't the SRA make arrangements to bus passengers around the area of delay?

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) Not applicable. (3) Signalling cables were accidentally severed during track upgrading work between Redfern and Central, affecting the operation of train signals. Unfortunately this resulted in services being extensively disrupted with trains running late and out of timetable order while staff controlled train movements using hand signals and repaired the cables. (4) Announcements were made at stations and passengers in trains were kept informed as fully as possible. (5) Trains were not held at stations because they were being advanced slowly under hand signalling conditions in accordance with safe working rules and regulations. (6) Buses replaced some services between Blacktown and Penrith and between Liverpool and Macarthur. As other services closer to the City were still advancing slowly, it was considered at the time that there would be little benefit in arranging for buses to convey passengers to their destinations.

STATE RAIL AUTHORITY LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEMEN ROSTERING

Mr Clough asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Is a new rostering system to encompass Port Kembla, Lithgow and Enfield locomotive enginemen being introduced by the SRA?

Page 2791 (2) If so, will this result in redundancies at Lithgow and Port Kembla? (3) Will it also mean reclassification upwards of rostering staff at Enfield? (4) Is the proposal the brainchild of the rostering manager at Enfield? (5) Is Enfield's future threatened by the newly formed National Freight Corporation?

Answer -

(1) Yes. Freight Rail will be implementing the first stage of a strategy to attain optimum efficiency in train crew rostering with the introduction of centralised rostering at Enfield for train crews located at Port Kembla, Lithgow, Enfield, Botany and Nowra. (2) All positions affected by the changes will be reviewed under the Staff Review Guidelines as agreed to by State Rail management and unions. Should the number of positions in certain areas be reduced as a result of the review, employees affected will be advised of their opportunities for either redeployment, retraining or, if requested, voluntary redundancy. There will be no forced redundancies. (3) As part of the review process, all positions affected by the changes will be reviewed and graded on the basis of workload and responsibility. The classification of rostering staff at each location will be decided by the Staff Review Committee, which has union representation. (4) No. Freight Rail conducted a study of its train control and train crewing activities and as a result of that study it was recommended that train crewing be consolidated at a central location in Sydney. (5) No. Enfield Depot is the centre of the Metropolitan Region train crewing function and will continue to operate after the commencement of National Rail Corporation operations.

HUNTER TRANSPORT AUTHORITIES EMPLOYEES

Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) As at 24 March 1988, how many persons were employed in the Newcastle area by: (a) CityRail Newcastle? (b) CountryLink Newcastle? (c) TrackFast North (d) Freight Rail North (e) Newcastle Buses? (f) Newcastle Ferries? (g) State Tourism Commission? (2) How many persons are now employed in each of these sections? (3) For each section, where reductions have occurred, how many redundancies have there been by: (a) Voluntary redundancy? (b) Natural attrition without replacement? (c) Redeployment? (d) Dismissal?

Answer -

(1) (a), (b), (c) and (d) At 24 March 1988, the State Rail Authority had not been separated into the business groups of Freight Rail, CityRail and CountryLink. Staff numbers at that time were recorded manually on a statewide basis and it is not possible to obtain separate totals for each group in the Newcastle area. However Trackfast was a separate group in 1988 and the number of staff employed in the Newcastle area as at 24 March 1988 was 75. (e) 610 (f) 13 (g) Nil (2) CityRail 675 CountryLink 10 Trackfast-North 15 Freight Rail-North 1064 Newcastle Buses 354 Newcastle Ferries 13 State Tourism Commission 2 *CityRail 76 *Countrylink Nil *Freight Rail 160 Trackfast 42 Newcastle Buses 207 Newcastle Ferries Not Applicable State Tourism Commission Not Applicable (b) *CityRail 26 *Countrylink Nil *Freight Rail 160 Trackfast 10 Newcastle Buses 49 Newcastle Ferries Not Applicable State Tourism Commission Not Applicable (c) *CityRail No statistics available. *CountryLink Nil *Freight Rail 2 Trackfast 7 Newcastle Buses Nil Newcastle Ferries Not Applicable State Tourism Commission Not Applicable (d) *CityRail 2 *CountryLink Nil *Freight Rail 9 Trackfast 1 Newcastle Buses Nil Newcastle Ferries Not Applicable State Tourism Commission Not Applicable * As State Rail had not yet separated into business groups, figures are unavailable prior to 1 January 1990.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE DEVELOPMENT, HUNTER STAFFING

Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts -

(1) What is the staffing strength of the Department of State Development?

Page 2792 (2) What is the staffing strength of the Department of State Development in Newcastle? (3) Is this staffing adequate to meet the development needs of Newcastle and the Hunter Region? (4) Will he increase the staff of the Department in Newcastle to reflect the contribution of the Hunter regional economy to New South Wales?

Answer -

(1) At 30 April, 1993, the total number of staff in the Department of State Development was 252. However, it should be noted that the Department is in the process of implementing its fundamental review of programs which involves a reduction in total staff numbers. It is also noted that the current ALP Opposition policy proposes a 40 per cent cut in size of the Department of State Development. (2) The Department of State Development has eight officers based in Newcastle. Staff based in the Sydney and Parramatta Offices of the Department also service the industry support and development needs of, and major projects in the Hunter Region. (3) Yes. (4) The Department of State Development recognises the economic importance of the Hunter Region and considers that the current staffing of the Newcastle office with eight officers reflects the contribution of the Hunter Region to the New South Wales economy.

ROADS FUNDING FOR THE ENTRANCE

Mr McBride asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) How much did the RTA allocate in the electorate of The Entrance for road funding in: (a) 1988? (b) 1989? (c) 1990? (d) 1991? (e) 1992? (f) To date in 1993? (2) (a) How much was from traditional sources each year? (b) To what projects was this money allocated? (3) (a) How much was from the 3 x 3 levy? (b) To what projects was this money allocated? (4) How much was allocated in each local government area of the electorate of The Entrance in: (a) 1988? (b) 1989? (c) 1990? (d) 1991? (e) 1992? (f) To date in 1993?

Answer -

(1) Details of allocations for the financial years 1988/89 to 1992/93 are: (a) 1988/89 $2.270 million (b) 1989/90 $5.738 million (c) 1990/91 $9.202 million (d) 1991/92 $5.315 million (e) 1992/93 $4.505 million (f) See (1)(e) above. (2) (a) 1988/89 $2.270 million 1989/90 $3.278 million 1990/91 $1.828 million 1991/92 $1.312 million 1992/93 $0.463 million (b) The funds were allocated to "Blackspot" accident reduction projects, maintenance works on State and Regional Roads and Natural Disaster restoration works. (3) (a) A total of $17.879 million was provided from 3 x 3 funds. (b) The 3 x 3 funds were allocated for: * Enhancement works on Wyong Road; * Enhancement works on the Pacific Highway between Gosford and Ourimbah; * Improvements to The Entrance Road between Gosford and Forresters Beach; * Roundabout construction in Wyong Shire at the intersection of The Entrance Road and Oakland Avenue; * 3 x 3 Program works determined by Gosford City Council; * 3 x 3 Program works determined by Wyong Shire Council; (4) Parts of the regions of Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils form The Entrance Electorate area. Details of total expenditure and allocations from all sources (Federal, State and 3 x 3 Program funds) for all works in each of the Council areas from 1988/89 to 1992/93 are: Gosford City Wyong Shire $ million $ million (a) 1988/89 15.224 8.298 (b) 1989/90 20.938 16.378 (c) 1990/91 24.518 21.535 (d) 1991/92 20.095 11.475 (e) 1992/93 23.316 7.229 (f) See (4)(e) above.

ILLAWARRA MAMMOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT CENTRE

Mr Markham asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Are about 120 new cases of breast cancer detected in the Illawarra each year? (2) In view of the fact that the Illawarra Cancer Clinic met the criteria of the NSW Cancer Council to establish a mammographic assessment centre and that 50 out of every 1,000 Illawarra women tested for breast cancer would be forced to travel to Kogarah or Sydney for further treatment if no assessment centre is established, will he reverse the decision not to establish a mammographic assessment centre in the Illawarra region? (3) If not, why not?

Answer -

(1) Based on data for 1988, 1989 and 1990 an average of 113 new cases of breast cancer are detected each year.

Page 2793 (2) In 1989, an expert Ministerial Advisory Committee was appointed to advise the Cancer Council on the staged introduction of a population-based mammographic screening service in New South Wales. The Advisory Committee recommended that seven assessment centres be established in the first instance. Selection of sites for these assessment centres was based on the geographic distribution of women requiring screening (those in the age group 50-69 years), the presence of existing expertise and expressions of interest from various institutions. The Advisory Committee did not support submissions from Wollongong services. All women in the target group who participate in the New South Wales program will have their initial mammogram done in the Illawarra using the mobile and static facilities to be established. Travelling between Wollongong and Kogarah will only be required by approximately 5 per cent of all women who have been initially screened in the Illawarra and have something suspicious in their mammogram which needs further investigation. (3) The decision on the location of assessment centres was made by the Ministerial Advisory Committee and implemented by the NSW Cancer Council. Access for women to screening is being carefully monitored by the Advisory Committee to assist in the further development of screening and assessment services.

YOUTH HOUSING SERVICES EVALUATION

Mr Markham asked the Minister for Community Services and Assistant Minister for Health -

(1) Has he directed that a State evaluation on future funding options for SAAP funded Youth Housing Services be conducted? (2) If so: (a) What is the estimated cost of the evaluation? (b) Why is the evaluation being conducted: (i) While a national evaluation is occurring? (ii) When reports are available from State Government paid consultants, Nicholas Clarke, and the Employers' Federation who wrote reports in late 1992 following investigations into future funding options? (4) Will the evaluation duplicate the national evaluation? (5) What was the final cost of: (a) The 1992 Nicholas Clarke Report on Award Implementation? (b) The 1992 Employers' Federation Report on Award Implementation?

Answer -

(1) to (3) These questions were answered in Question Upon Notice number 404, pp 732 and 733 on 22 April 1993. (4) (a) $30,000. (b) $8,475.

CARDIFF RAILWAY MAINTENANCE CENTRE

Mr Mills asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) (a) Has engineering and workshop equipment formerly used for training purposes at Cardiff Railway Maintenance Centre been dismantled and trucked away on 2 March 1993? (b) Where was the equipment delivered? (2) What is the description, book value, and age of each such item of equipment dismantled and removed? (3) Have negotiations been conducted between State Rail and any organisations involved in training (for example, CES, TAFE, Hunter Valley Training Company) with a view to retaining the equipment in the Hunter region for training? (4) Does State Rail intend to train any apprentices in the Hunter region in future? (5) If so, what are the expected numbers of trainees? (6) What other equipment has been dismantled and removed from Cardiff Railway Maintenance Centre since 1 July 1992? (7) What is the schedule for removal of equipment from Cardiff Railway Maintenance Centre prior to its closure? (8) What equipment removed from Cardiff Railway Maintenance Centre before or after closure will be disposed of by sale? (9) What equipment from Cardiff Railway Maintenance Centre will be retained by State Rail, at which locations and for what purpose?

Answer -

(1) (a) Equipment located in the disused training section of Cardiff Maintenance Centre will be relocated on 2 March 1993 and will be completed by 31 March 1993. (b) The equipment is being relocated to the State Rail training facility at Chullora. (2) The equipment to be relocated consists of fitting and turning machines including lathes, grinders, drills and metal working machines. There are a total of 32 machines varying in age from 10 to 30 years within an estimated value of about $100,000. (3)and(4) No. Apprentices from the Hunter Region will be trained at the Chullora training Centre during the first two years of apprenticeship training. (5) Not applicable. (6) Useable equipment such as welders, grinders, drills and hand tools is currently being transferred to other State Rail facilities. (7) Surplus equipment will be offered for sale by public auction. Advertisements will be placed in the local and national press within the next five weeks for the first sale. (8) All surplus equipment is to be sold by public auction. (9) Before equipment is offered for sale by auction it is first offered to other State Rail facilities for use. Equipment such as welders, grinders and drills are currently being transferred. The predominant relocation site has been the new One Spot Wagon Maintenance facility at Port Waratah.

Page 2794

MEADOWBANK FERRY SERVICE

Mr J. H. Murray asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Are advertisements appearing on Government buses urging commuters to use ferries? (2) Are advertisements appearing on rail stations urging commuters to use ferries? (3) What is the cost of this campaign? (4) Did RiverCats servicing the Meadowbank route refuse to take on board passengers at Abbotsford and Wolseley Street Wharves on 25 February 1993? (5) Did RiverCats servicing the Meadowbank route refuse to take on board passengers at Abbotsford and Wolseley Street Wharves on 26 February 1993? (6) Was the 7.56 a.m. RiverCat stopped at Wolseley Street Wharf for a period of time on 25 February 1993 whilst the crew threw two passengers off whilst there were large numbers of vacant seats? (7) Why are potential passengers being turned away from using the RiverCats when there are vacant seats on board?

Answer -

(1) and (2) Yes. (3) The "On Reflection" campaign will cost approximately $120,000. (4) and (5) Yes. On both occasions the vessel was loaded to its licensed capacity. (6) Two passengers were asked to leave voluntarily as the vessel was loaded beyond its licensed capacity. (7) No more than 150 passengers could be carried by the RiverCat because this was the MSB's licensed capacity. However, from 11 March 1993, Sydney ferries obtained permission to carry 230 passengers.

LONG NOSE POINT FERRY FACILITIES

Ms Nori asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Does he support ferry services to Balmain as a means of keeping cars off the road? (2) When will the ferry facilities at Long Nose Point (Balmain) be repaired so that ferry services can resume? (3) Why is the State Transit Authority refusing to accept responsibility for the repairs? (4) Will he intervene to ensure that the many commuters who rely on the ferry service are not inconvenienced any further?

Answer -

(1) Provision of ferry services is supported where they can be justified. (2) Ferry services resumed on 26 March 1993. (3) State Transit did not refuse to accept responsibility for the damage caused by a ferry to this wharf. Compensation for damage to the wharf was paid to Leichhardt Council by State Transit's insurer. Leichhardt Council is responsible for maintenance due to normal wear and tear. (4) Not applicable.

CENTRAL SYDNEY AREA HEALTH SERVICE BOARD SENIOR CLINICIAN

Ms Nori asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Has the Board of Central Sydney Area Health Service in recent years always had a senior clinician from Royal Prince Alfred Hospital represented on it with full voting rights? (2) (a) Will the new board have a senior clinician from Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on it? (b) If not, why not?

Answer -

(1) and (2) All appointments to the Board of the Central Sydney Area Health Service comply with the statutory requirements of the Area Health Services Act 1986. The Act does not require the appointment of senior clinicians to a Board. The Board of the Central Sydney Area Health Service has been fortunate to have senior clinicians from Royal Prince Alfred Hospital as Board members. It currently has two members who, although not practising clinicians, are closely affiliated with Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

CENTRAL SYDNEY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FUNDING

Mr Price asked the Minister for Health -

(1) What is the total budget funding for the financial year 1992/93 for mental health services carried out by non-Government organisations in the Central Sydney Area Health Service? (2) What are the criteria for such funding? (3) Do the non-Government organisations receiving funding from the Government provide an annual report to the Government? (4) Who is responsible for auditing the non-Government organisations expenditure of such funds?

Answer -

(1) A total of $514,400 was allocated in 1992/93 to three non-government organisations providing four distinct mental health services within Central Sydney Area. There are other non-government organisations funded for the provision of mental health services which either have a statewide role or whose operation is within Central Sydney Area and extends over other Health Areas. The proportion of the allocation actually expended in service delivery in Central Sydney by these organisations is not available. (2) The criteria for funding non-government organisations are: * That the service to be funded must fall within the health portfolio and be consistent with the identified priority health needs. Additionally the organisation providing the services must: * comply with legal requirements;

Page 2795 * be capable of providing the service within acceptable standards; * enter into a formal contract with the Minister for Health to sign a performance agreement as a condition of funding; * agree to acknowledge the support of the Government in all published material; * provide performance reports on activities on a regular basis and at least annually (quarterly where annual grants exceed $100,000); * provide audited financial statements at least annually, the auditing procedure complying with normal accounting standards; and * be a non-profit organisation established under the Associations Incorporation Act 1984, the Companies Act or the Co-operatives Act 1923. (3) The organisations provide an annual report to the Department of Health. (4) The organisations are required to submit audited financial statements at least annually. These statements, the performance reports and the services themselves are reviewed by officers of the Department of Health.

HUNTER AREA HEALTH SERVICE EFFICIENCIES

Mr Price asked the Minister for Health -

With regard to the Hunter area Health Service - (1) If the region's mortality and need index is 3 per cent higher than the State average, why is the admission ratio for public hospitals within the Hunter Area Health Service region 5 per cent lower? (2) If the Hunter Area Health Service administration has done so spectacularly well in improving job efficiency (including reducing total staff numbers by 800), why is the reported improvement in efficiency only 0.8 per cent between 1990/91 and 1991/92 compared to higher levels in almost every other area/region in New South Wales? (3) (a) Why did waiting times within the Hunter Area Health Service increase so substantially between November 1990 and November 1991? (b) What is the current situation? (4) If the Hunter Area Health Service is now so efficient, why is the "admissions per bed" (case flow rate) the lowest of all areas? (5) Why is the cost per admission so high? (6) Why is the cost per bed day so high?

Answer -

(1) The Hunter's total admission ratio of 103.4 is consistent with the standardised mortality ratio of 103.2 and need index of 103.3. (2) Costs associated with excess staffing levels were still being incurred in 1991/92. The 1992/93 figures will demonstrate a significant improvement in efficiency as these costs will no longer be incurred. (3) (a) The recorded increase in waiting times for elective surgery within the Hunter reflects, in part, an improved collection process to accurately identify waiting lists. The area also experienced difficulties with a shortage of anaesthetists. (b) The area has implemented action to improve the management of lists for booked surgery and conduct regular audits of booking lists. An external review of anaesthetic services was undertaken to December 1992, to allow increased surgical throughput. An additional $1.7M has been allocated to the Hunter to allow it to reduce the waiting times for elective surgery. (4) When metropolitan services in the Hunter are considered separately from its rural services, the case flow rate is similar to other Area Health Services. Across the State the case flow rate for rural services is lower than for metropolitan services. (5) and (6) These figures are based on 1991/92 where expenditure levels were higher than necessary due to excess staffing and commitments incurred in the previous financial year.

IVANHOE COMMUNITY NURSE MOTOR VEHICLE

Dr Refshauge asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Does the community nurse working in the Ivanhoe area have to use her own car to make home visits? (2) Are there any plans for her to be provided with a car?

Answer -

(1) No. (2) Funds were provided five or six years ago by the Orana and Far Western Health Region for the purchase of a four wheel drive vehicle by Ivanhoe Hospital. It was purchased to convey a trailer load of flares to the airstrip in the event of emergency night landings by the Royal Flying Doctor Service and for use by the community nurse.

IVANHOE HOSPITAL NURSES

Dr Refshauge asked the Minister for Health -

(1) How many nurses are there at Ivanhoe Hospital? (2) Has there been a recent reduction in the number of nurses at the hospital? (3) Are there any reductions in nursing numbers planned for the future at the hospital?

Answer -

(1) There are five nurses at Ivanhoe Hospital as at 10 March 1993. (2) There have been no recent reductions in the number of nurses at the hospital. (3) In 1993/94 the Far West District Service will be established and Ivanhoe Hospital will be included in this district. The District Board will have responsibility for the future staffing of the hospital.

Page 2796

ST VINCENT'S HOSPITAL ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION ORDERS

Dr Refshauge asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Has St Vincent's Hospital been issued with two orders from the Environment Protection Authority? (2) Do the orders require St Vincent's Hospital to: (a) Reduce noise from its boilerhouse? (b) Overhaul or replace its emission control system? (3) Has St Vincent's Hospital requested government funding for the required improvements? (4) If so, how much? (5) Has the Department of Health agreed to provide extra funding?

Answer -

(1) and (2) A draft order from the Environment Protection Authority has been lodged with St Vincent's Public Hospital and it is likely that pollution control programs as identified in the draft order will be confirmed as conditions of licensing when the Hospital's boiler system is inspected in July, 1993. (3) No. (4) Not applicable. (5) Not applicable.

BANKSTOWN HOSPITAL BEDS

Mr Shedden asked the Minister for Health -

With the proposed upgrading of Bankstown Hospital from 321 beds to 454 beds, what will be the allocated bed services for the Hospital?

Answer -

No decision has yet been made by the Government in respect of the proposal to consolidate and redevelop the Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital on the Bankstown site. That proposal is still the subject of public discussion and consultation.

BANKSTOWN HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT

Mr Shedden asked the Minister for Health -

If a decision is made to close Lidcombe Hospital, what would be the estimated time of completion of construction of Bankstown Hospital?

Answer -

No decision has been taken with respect to the closure of Lidcombe Hospital and the redevelopment of Bankstown Hospital. A timetable for completion of any proposed redevelopment would be dependent upon funds being available.

BANKSTOWN HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT

Mr Shedden asked the Minister for Health -

With the closure of Lidcombe Hospital and the redevelopment of Bankstown Hospital, what will be the capital funding arrangements for this development and where will this funding come from?

Answer -

No decisions have yet been made by the Government in respect of the proposal to consolidate and redevelop the Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital on the Bankstown site. That proposal is still the subject of public discussion and consultation.

AUTOMATIC TICKETING MACHINES

Mr Thompson asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Does the State Rail Authority propose to install electronic ticket dispensers at Banksia, Turrella or Bardwell Park Railway Stations? (2) If so, when? (3) How many people each week: (a) Use Banksia, Turrella and Bardwell Park Railway Stations? (b) Purchase tickets at these stations? (4) If ticket dispensers are installed at Banksia, Turrella or Bardwell Park Railway Stations will the station be: (a) Staffed as at present? (b) Staffed only during peak hours? (c) Not staffed at all? (5) How will he ensure the safety of persons using these railway stations?

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) It is expected the machines will be installed at Banksia in November and at Turrella and Bardwell Park in October this year. (3) (a) Banksia 12,201, Turrella 2,698, Bardwell Park 7,028. (b) Banksia 1,800, Turrella 1,000, Bardwell Park 2,000. (4) (a), (b)and(c) Following the introduction of automatic ticketing, stations will continue to be staffed for the same hours of operation as they are currently staffed. (5) Various measures are being employed to maintain the security of CityRail passengers. These include the use of uniformed and plain clothes police, improved lighting, upgraded station facilities and expanded communications systems. Security of passengers will remain a high priority for CityRail.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BATHURST OFFICE

Mr Clough asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Does the Department of Health intend to transfer the Bathurst regional office to Dubbo in the near future? (2) Has this decision been kept secret and will it not be announced until after the Federal election? (3) When is it expected that the Bathurst office will be closed? (4) How many employees will lose their jobs as a result of the closure?

Page 2797

Answer -

(1) A restructure of Country Health Services has been announced which will result in the gradual devolution of the six Regional Office functions to 22 District Health Services in rural New South Wales. It is not intended to transfer the Bathurst Regional Office to Dubbo. (2) No. (3) The administrative functions of the Regional Office in Bathurst will cease after the District Health Boards have been established in the Central West Region. The Public Health Unit of the Regional Office will continue to exist. (4) No employees will be retrenched as a result of these changes. Staff will be redeployed in the District Health Service, the remaining Public Health Unit, other Government agencies or, if all other options are exhausted, be offered voluntary redundancy.

JAAPALPA BAIL HOSTEL

Mr Doyle asked the Minister for Justice and Minister for Emergency Services -

Is the future of the Jaapalpa Bail Hostel at Redfern dependent upon the continuing operation of the Yasmar Juvenile Justice Centre?

Answer -

The future of the Jaapalpa Bail Hostel is not in any way dependent on the continuing operation of Yasmar.

JUVENILE JUSTICE CENTRES

Mr Doyle asked the Minister for Justice and Minister for Emergency Services -

(1) How many offenders are presently accommodated at each of the State's Juvenile Justice Centres? (2) Are there plans to close any Juvenile Justice Centre? (3) If so, which centres will close and when? (4) Where will the offenders presently resident at these centres be accommodated?

Answer -

(1) As at 9 May 1993 there were a total of 376 juvenile offenders in Juvenile Justice Centres housed in the following locations: Broken Hill 1 Cobham 36 Kariong 23 Keelong 22 Minda 31 Mt Penang 146 Reiby 61 Riverina 15 Worimi 21 Yasmar 20 (2) to (4) The overall thrust of dealing with juvenile offenders is to provide community based sanctions leaving detention as the sanction of last resort. This approach in dealing with juvenile offenders offers the best chance of rehabilitation as well as being the least costly, both in economic and human terms. Given these propositions, if numbers in detention decrease, and resources expended on detention programs are diverted into effective, appropriate community based programs, there may not be a need to retain nine Juvenile Justice Centres. Decisions as to which centres, if any, will close have not yet been made.

HUNTER AREA HEALTH SERVICE PROJECT FUNDING

Mr Mills asked the Minister for Health -

(1) What projects of the Hunter Area Health Service received Federal Government funding in: (a) 1991/92? (b) 1992/93? (2) How much for each such project, in each of the years 1991/92 and 1992/93, was derived from: (a) State funding? (b) Federal funding? (c) Other sources? (3) Has the New South Wales Department of Health withheld any Federal funds received for any of these projects prior to 31 January 1993? (4) If so, for which projects and why were such funds withheld?

Answer -

(1) (a) Campaign Against Drug Abuse AIDS Medicare Day Surgery Medicare Post Acute Care Medicare Palliative Care Women's Health Project Aged Care Assessment Home and Community Care Mammographic Screening Working Women's Centre Family Planning (b) As above with the addition of the Hospital Access Program to reduce waiting lists for booked surgery. (2) (a) to (c) See attached schedule. (3) and (4) A small amount of unspent funds in 1991/92 were not fully allocated until March 1993. The delay was mainly due to obtaining the necessary approvals from the Commonwealth. See attached schedule.

Page 2798

HUNTE R AREA HEALT H SERVIC E FUNDING PROJECT 1991/92 1992/93 STATE C'WLTH TOTAL STATE C'WLTH TOTAL Campaign 1,111,9 56,900 1,168,8 1,211,0 85,000 1,296,000 00 00 00 AIDS 1,009,5 1,570,6 2,580,2 982,400 1,536,6 2,519,000 87 13 00 00 Medicare Day Surgery 0 359,731 359,731 0 380,000 380,000 Medicare Post Acute 0 226,097 226,097 0 365,000 365,000 Care Medicare Palliative Care 0 222,190 222,190 0 237,000 237,000 Women's Health Project 76,375 76,375 152,750 27,500 27,500 55,000 Hospital Access Program 0 0 0 0 1,750,0 1,750,000 00 Aged Care Assessment 0 1,051,9 1,051,9 0 976,000 976,000 08 08 Home and Community 1,108,1 1,662,1 2,770,2 1,397,9 2,096,8 3,494,821 Care 12 67 79 28 93 Mammography Screening 399,000 399,000 798,000 1,135,0 1,135,0 2,270,000 00 00 Working Women's Centre 0 227,600 227,600 0 227,600 227,600 (N.G.O.) Family Planning (N.G.O.) 0 30,000 30,000 0 30,700 30,700 TOTAL 3,704,9 5,882,5 9,587,5 4,753,8 8,847,2 13,601,121 74 81 55 28 93

Hunter Area Health Service

1991/92 Unspent Commonwealth and Commonwealth/State Cost Shared Projects. Program Amount National Better Health $1,000 National Campaign Against Drug Abuse $56,000 Medicare-Post Acute Care $130,000 National Women's Health $29,000 ______Total $216,000

PAMBULA HOSPITAL PRIVATISATION

Dr Refshauge asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Is Pambula Hospital to be privatised? (2) Are any services provided by Pambula Hospital to be contracted out?

Answer - (1) There are no plans to privatise Pambula District Hospital. (2) There are no plans at this time for services provided by Pambula District Hospital to be contracted out.

Page 2799

NEW ENGLAND HEALTH REGION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Dr Refshauge asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Is the community development officer program in the New England Health Region being abandoned? (2) If so, what measures are being put in place to provide drug awareness services to the area?

Answer -

(1) The funds for this position will be withdrawn as of 1 July 1993. This is a consequence of a 7.5 per cent shortfall in Commonwealth funding to the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse, a reduction of $495,000 per annum over 3 years. This equates with a reduction in funding for drug and alcohol services in this State of more than $1 million. (2) Officers from the Drug and Alcohol Directorate and the New England Region are currently negotiating to continue the program in a modified form with the objective of providing a more effective and co-ordinated response to local issues whilst ensuring an integrated approach to community-based programs, both at a local and State-wide level.

ILLAWARRA ELECTIVE SURGERY TRANSFERS

Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for Health -

With reference to the decision of the Illawarra Area Health Service to transfer routine elective surgery from the Illawarra Regional Hospital to Bulli and Shellharbour Hospitals as of 1 March 1993 - (1) To what extent will the implementation of this decision increase the workload on staff employed at Bulli and Shellharbour Hospitals? (2) Will additional staff be employed?

Answer -

(1) The decision to transfer routine elective surgery from the Illawarra Regional Hospital to Shellharbour and Bulli Hospitals will increase workload at those hospitals. (2) Additional staff may need to be employed and this matter will be assessed taking into account the actual workload increases. The decision has been taken from an Area perspective and is consistent with the delineated roles of the respective units.

ST GEORGE HOSPITAL NURSING POSITIONS

Mr Thompson asked the Minister for Health -

(1) How many effective full-time nurses are employed at St George Hospital? (2) What is the split between full-time and part-time nursing positions? (3) How many nurses are employed and how many beds are open in each section of St George Hospital for each shift on each day of the week?

Answer -

(1) 739.4 (2) 620 full-time nursing positions and 119.4 part-time nursing positions. (3) The efforts of Area Health Service and Hospital staff are directed toward the provision of efficient and effective health care services. To provide the detailed information requested in the Member's question would impinge on the resources and time of senior Hospital staff. As a consequence I am not willing to move resources from the Hospital's core responsibility to meet this request.

BLACKTOWN PUBLIC HOUSING

Ms Allan asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) How many people in the Blacktown housing zone are awaiting accommodation from the Department of Housing? (2) How many of the above are waiting for: (a) 1-bedroom apartments? (b) 1-bedroom pensioner apartments? (c) 2-bedroom apartments? (d) 2-bedroom general? (e) 3-bedroom apartments? (f) 3-bedroom general? (g) 4-bedroom general? (h) Bedsitter? (2) What is the current waiting period for Department of Housing accommodation for the following categories: (a) 1 bedroom apartments? (b) 1-bedroom pensioner apartments? (c) 2-bedroom apartments? (d) 2-bedroom general? (e) 3-bedroom apartments? (f) 3-bedroom general? (g) 4-bedroom general? (h) Bedsitter? (3) How many housing developments have been completed in the Blacktown zone since 1988? (4) What type of development are they?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answer to the honourable member's question is: (1) The Department has divided NSW into a number of geographical areas termed "Allocations Zones". The Western Metropolitan Regional Office's Blacktown/Mt Druitt Allocations Zone is designated P2. As at 20 March 1993, there were 2,827 applicants awaiting various types of public housing for this Zone. (2) As at 20 March 1993: (a) 698 (b) 312 (c) 116 (d) 665 (e) 8

Page 2800 (f) 881 (g) 147 (h) 111 Applicants listed for bedsitter accommodation are also included on either the one bedroom apartment or one bedroom pensioner apartment lists. (3) The eligibility date of applicants presently being offered accommodation determines the allocating date for any one zone. The allocating date is used as a guide when determining waiting times. In relation to the Blacktown/Mt Druitt Allocations Zone as at 7 April 1993, the approximate waiting periods are: (a) 74 months (b) 37 months (c) 22 months (d) 24 months (e) 28 months (f) 25 months (g) 13 months (h) 21 months (4) Between 1988 and 7 April 1993, 898 units of accommodation and 1 childcare centre have been completed in the Blacktown/Mt Druitt Allocations Zone. (5) The developments comprised the following: Villas 56 units of accommodation Townhouses 216 units of accommodation Walk-up apartments 27 units of accommodation Detached houses 281 units of accommodation Pensioner housing 254 units of accommodation Aboriginal housing 39 units of accommodation Community Housing 5 units of accommodation (General) Medium term Housing for psych. affected women and families 1 unit of accommodation Community Housing for the disabled 3 units of accommodation Medium term Housing for women 5 units of accommodation Medium term Housing for Aboriginal youth 1 unit of accommodation Short term Housing for youth 1 unit of accommodation Medium term Housing for youth 7 units of accommodation Long term Housing for youth 2 units of accommodation Child Care Centres 1 unit of accommodation

WATER BOARD RATE PAYMENTS

Ms Allan asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) How many domestic ratepayers were disconnected by the Water Board because of inability to pay water rates in: (a) 1991? (b) 1992? (2) How many domestic ratepayers had "water restrictions" applied by the Water Board because of inability to pay water rates in: (a) 1991? (b) 1992? (3) How much water is made available to a household under "water restrictions"? (4) What assistance does the Water Board currently provide for ratepayers who face difficulty in paying their water bills?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the Honourable Member's questions are: (1) None. It is not Water Board policy or practice to disconnect or restrict water to customers who are in genuine financial difficulty and are unable to pay their accounts. The Water Board has a number of schemes available to assist customers in these circumstances. The Water Board will restrict (not disconnect) water supply to customers who refuse to pay or refuse to enter into an arrangement to pay off their account. (2) None. Some customers had restrictions imposed because of refusal to pay and failure to advise the Water Board of financial hardship and enter into suitable agreements: (a) In 1991/92 4,264 properties had restrictions imposed because of refusal to pay and failure to advise the Water Board of financial hardship and enter into suitable agreements. (b) In 1992/93 as at April, 1993, 3,197 properties had restrictions imposed because of refusal to pay and failure to advise the Water Board of financial hardship and enter into suitable agreements. (3) As a minimum, the volume of water available to a household under water restrictions is sufficient to perform routine domestic tasks such as cooking, washing, bathing and toilet use. (4) The Water Board has in place a comprehensive Social Welfare Policy which operates to assist cases of genuine hardship. The policy includes an accounts accrual system, extended payment plans as well as the "Water Board Accounts Payment Assistance" scheme which is administered by community agencies such as the Smith Family and St Vincent de Paul. The Water Board also grants rebates to eligible pensioners. The Water Board encourages customers to confidentially discuss their particular financial circumstances and makes appropriate arrangements to assist these customers to pay off their accounts.

HEAVY VEHICLE ENGINE BRAKES REGULATIONS

Mr Bowman asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

Page 2801

What are the regulations governing the use of engine brakes by trucks: (a) Where a speed limit of 100 or 110 kilometres/hour applies? (b) Where a speed limit of 80 kilometres/hour applies? (c) Where a speed limit of 60 kilometres/hour applies?

Answer -

There is no specific regulation governing the use of engine brakes in New South Wales or any other part of Australia. I understand that this is also the case in the rest of the World. A Heavy Vehicle engine Brake Noise Study has been initiated through AUSTROADS, and a report is currently being finalised for submission to the National Road Transport Commission.

MOTOR VEHICLE EMISSIONS

Mr Knowles asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) What facilities does the Roads and Traffic Authority have to monitor and test vehicle emissions? (2) What are the standards set for vehicle emissions? (3) What is the cost to have a vehicle tested? (4) What requirements does the Roads and Traffic Authority place upon modified vehicles in respect of vehicle emission testing? (5) What requirements does the Roads and Traffic Authority place upon engines imported for installation into New South Wales registered vehicles in respect of vehicle emission testing?

Answer -

(1) The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) monitors and tests vehicle emissions under its Vehicle Inspection Program. Vehicles emitting excessive smoke or noise are checked to ensure they meet acceptable standards. During inspection, basic checks are conducted to ensure that equipment and emission systems fitted to vehicles are the same or equivalent to those used when the vehicles were originally manufactured and certified. (2) Vehicles must comply with the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) applicable in their year of manufacture. New motor vehicles must comply with emissions levels detailed in ADR-37. Additionally, the EPA has ambient air quality goals that should be adhered to. (3) Emission checks are not separately charged for. (4) A modified vehicle needs to comply with the requirements of the relevant Australian Design Rules (ADRs) as originally certified for the vehicle. Modified vehicles with emission systems upgraded to meet requirements of the latest ADRs are acceptable. Vehicles manufactured prior to the advent of ADRs are subject only to the relevant provisions of Schedule F of the Motor Traffic Regulations. (5) Imported engines must comply with the relevant standard required under the ADRs originally certified or with the latest ADRs. Imported engines to be fitted to vehicles manufactured prior to the advent of ADRs are subject only to the relevant provisions of Schedule F of the Motor Traffic Regulations.

STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING POLICY

Mr Knowles asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) (a) How many councils have objected to the introduction of the SEPP? (b) Which councils? (c) What was the basis of the objections? (2) How will section 94 be administered for applications made under the SEPP? (3) (a) Will the Department of Planning use and abide by a council's adopted section 94 Contribution Plan? (b) If not, what methodology will be used to assess developer contributions? (4) If the Department of Planning chooses to use a local council to carry out development assessment on its behalf, will the council be able to charge the Department for the cost of such assessment?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) (a) 56 submissions were received from councils during the public exhibition period of the draft State Environmental Planning Policy on Major Employment Generating Industrial Development (SEPP). A further 12 submissions were received from councils after the exhibition period. The majority of these submissions raised a number of concerns about the Policy, but not all of the submissions objected to the SEPP. In view of the nature of the responses, the honourable member is invited to view all council submissions. This may be arranged by contacting the Manager, Executive Unit, Department of Planning. (b) Refer to the answer to question (1)(a). (c) Refer to the answer to question (1)(a). (2) Under s. 94AA (6) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979, any monetary contribution imposed as a condition of consent under s. 94 by the Minister must be paid to the relevant council. The management and use of any land that must be dedicated as a condition of consent will be determined according to the circumstances of the case. (3) (a) Under s. 94AA (4) of the Act, the Minister must have regard to any approved contributions plan applying to the area in which the relevant land is situated, before imposing any condition under s. 94. Therefore, full regard will be given to any Page 2802 such contributions plans when development applications are being determined. However, s. 94AA (5) provides that the Minister may impose a s. 94 contribution not in accordance with a contributions plan. The final decision on what contributions will be imposed will depend on the circumstances of the case, having regard to the restrictions imposed by s. 94. (b) Refer to the answer to question (3)(a). (4) Councils will not be expected to carry out the full range of assessment that they do now on development applications which will be subject to the SEPP. Consideration may be given to reimbursing councils for providing assistance.

JUVENILE JUSTICE CENTRE CLOSURES

Mr Markham asked the Minister for Justice and Minister for Emergency Services -

Can he give an assurance that no Juvenile Justice Centres will be closed while the Government is awaiting responses from the community to the Green Paper on Future Directions for Juvenile Justice in NSW?

Answer -

No Juvenile Justice Centre will be closed during the period of community consultation.

ABORIGINES IN JUVENILE JUSTICE CENTRES

Mr Markham asked the Minister for Justice and Minister for Emergency Services -

(1) What has been done to increase the opportunities for the families of Aboriginal juveniles to visit their relatives in Juvenile Justice Centres in New South Wales? (2) Are there any restrictions on such visits? (3) Are there are restrictions on other forms of contact with the Aboriginal community? (4) Are there any restrictions on any organisations which could assist the rehabilitation of these young detainees?

Answer -

(1) (a) Community Juvenile Justice staff in country areas provide liaison between families and Juvenile Justice Centres providing greater assistance with travel arrangements to the Centres. Needs such as these are identified and included in each child's case management plan. (b) A small remand centre is being established in Dubbo to cater for the needs of juvenile offenders from Western New South Wales. (c) Mount Penang, Reiby and Riverina Centres provide some accommodation for family members from country areas. Local hotel/motel accommodation assistance as well as some private accommodation can be arranged. (d) Assistance with fares or petrol costs is provided for families in need. (2) Each centre has two designated visiting periods each week but out of hours and extended visits can be arranged with Superintendents if families come from a long distance away. (3) There are no restrictions on other forms of contact with the Aboriginal community. On admission of an aboriginal child, the aboriginal Medical and Legal Services are advised. Various Aboriginal groups are invited to visit and an Aboriginal chaplain is available. Each Centre has a number of designated positions of Aboriginal Youth Worker. Schools and Centres encourage Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Groups and most Centres offer programs of aboriginal Arts and Crafts. Mount Penang conducts an Aboriginal Safari through New South Wales annually to encourage Aboriginal juveniles contact with their families and communities. A number of non Aboriginal boys participate to learn about Aboriginal culture. Worimi Juvenile Justice also conducts some excursions to the Taree/Kempsey area to assist in reintegration. (4) The suitability of the organisation for dealing with juveniles is assessed prior to approval being given.

WATER BOARD SOUTHERN REGION RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES

Mr Thompson asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) How many residential properties are contained in the southern Water Board region? (2) How many of these properties have received excess water accounts in the past 12 months? (3) How many owners of residential properties in the southern region reported difficulty in payment of accounts in the past 12 months? (4) In response to a plea of difficulty in making payment, what arrangements are available to owners of residential properties to pay off the water account? (5) What amount of revenue was collected in the above region in the past 12 months? (6) How much of this revenue related directly to water service charge and to water usage?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) The number of residential properties served by the Water Board in the Southern Region totals 340,148. (2) None. The Water Board's pricing policy was changed in July, 1989, where water allowances were replaced by a pay-for-use pricing system.

Page 2803 (3) 1,103 applications for assistance were granted to property owners in Southern Region from January 1992 to December 192 (approximately 0.3 per cent of property owners). This figure may represent property owners that have made more than one application during the year. (4) Every opportunity is given to customers to pay their accounts. Arrangements for payment are made over the telephone, at Water Board Business Offices and by correspondence. Arrangements for Payment are tailored to suit the individual customers according to their circumstances. The Water Board has in place a Social Welfare Policy which operates to assist cases of genuine hardship. The policy includes an accounts accrual scheme, extended payment plans as well as the "Water Board Accounts Payment Assistance" scheme which is administered by community agencies such as the Smith Family and St Vincent de Paul. The Water Board also grants rebates to eligible pensioners. (5) The total amount of revenue collected for the last 12 months (as at week ending 7 March 1993) relative to the Southern Region was $424.9 million. (6) Of the $424.9 million revenue collected in the last 12 months, water service charges and water usage made up the following amounts:

Water service charges $ 85.0 million Water usage $ 40.2 million

$125.2 million

PUBLIC TENANTS APPEAL BOARD, CHARLESTOWN

Mr Face asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) Who are the present members of the Public Tenants Appeal Board handling appeals from the electorate of Charlestown? (2) When were these members appointed? (3) How are members of this panel selected and who is responsible for their appointment? (4) How many appeals from the electorate of Charlestown were considered in: (a) 1991? (b) 1992? (5) How many of these appeals were successful? (6) What is the average length of time between a successful appeal and a determination?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the Honourable Member's questions are: (1) The Public Tenants Appeals Panel considers appeals from public housing tenants in New South Wales and compromises: Convenor - Mrs C Pitchford City Tenants Representative - Mrs V Cooke Country Tenants Representative - Mr R Sharkey Department of Housing Representative - Senior Housing Services Officer. (2) The Convenor was appointed to the Panel in January 1991. The City and Country Tenant Representatives were appointed in July, 1992. (3) The Convenor is directly appointed by the Minister for Housing. The tenants representatives are selected from nominations received from various tenants associations and submitted to the Minister for Housing for approval and subsequent appointment. (4) (a) 3 (b) Nil. (5) There were no successful appeals from the Charlestown electorate in 1991 or 1992. (6) The average length of time from when an appeal is received and the tenant notified of the outcome has been from 6 to 8 weeks, dependent upon the nature of the appeal and the complexity of the matters raised.

SPECIAL ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY BLACKTOWN PROJECTS

Ms Allan asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) What amount has been raised from the Water Board's special environment levy in the financial years: (a) 1990/91? (b) 1991/92? (2) What portion of this levy was collected in the Blacktown area in those years? (3) How much was spent on projects in the Blacktown area in those years? (4) What specific projects are presently being funded from the levy in the Blacktown area? (5) What specific projects will be funded in the next financial year in the Blacktown area?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) The following amounts were raised from the Special Environmental Levy in the following financial years: 1990/91 $91.3 M + $6.9 M interest = $98.2 M 1991/92 $95.8 M + $4.4 M interest = $100.2 M (2) The following amounts were raised in the Blacktown Local Government Area: 1990/91 $4,856,000 1991/92 $5,060,000 (3) The aims for SEL projects, which were determined at public forums in 1989, are undertaken on a programmed basis to achieve optimum benefits. The community did not determine the aims for SEL projects on an electorate basis as SEL projects transcend electoral boundaries. For example, projects undertaken upstream of the Blacktown area will ultimately improve not only the environment of the Blacktown area, but all electorates downstream. In addition, sewage from the Blacktown area is treated at North Head Sewage Treatment Plant and upgrades at North Head indirectly benefit the Blacktown area. The SEL adopts a holistic approach to addressing the Page 2804 pollution problems in all of the Board's area of operations with projects being complementary to each other. (4) As mentioned in (3) above, SEL projects are not carried out on an electorate basis. The following projects, being undertaken in the Water Board's North Western Region, will benefit the electorate of Blacktown. (See tables on pp. 1056 to 1058 in Q & A No. 19).

ROCKDALE ROAD PROJECTS

Mr Thompson asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) How much has been collected through the 3 x 3 petrol tax in the electorate of Rockdale in the years: (a) 1989/90? (b) 1990/91? (c) 1991/92? (2) How much money has been spent on 3 x 3 road projects in the electorate of Rockdale in the years: (a) 1989/90? (b) 1990/91? (c) 1991/92? (3) What was the cost, location and type of each of these projects?

Answer -

(1) The Office of State Revenue is responsible for the collection of the three cents per litre levy, and this question should be addressed to the Treasurer. It is my understanding that the Office does not distinguish between Electorates or Local Government areas in the collection of the levy. (2) (a) $1,567,912 (b) $ 369,416 (c) $ 213,000 (3) 1989/90 $940,000 - Rehabilitation of the Princes Highway at Arncliffe. $552,667 - Rehabilitation of General Holmes Drive at Kyeemagh. $59,555 - Provision of traffic control signals at Flora and Marsh Streets, Arncliffe. $8,165 - Upgrading pedestrian crossing signals at the Princes Highway - Bay Street intersection at Rockdale. $4,851 - Provision of traffic control signals at Bexley Road and Reginald Street, Bexley. $2,674 - Provision of traffic control signals at Forest Road and Highworth Street, Bexley. 1990/91 $250,000 - Rehabilitation of the Princes Highway at Tempe. $53,652 - Provision of traffic control signals at Bexley Road and Reginald Street, Bexley. $26,350 - Local area traffic management works at Bexley. $14,842 - Upgrading roundabout at Bayview Avenue and Reginald Street, Bexley. $10,807 - Provision of pedestrian crossing signals at Stoney Creek and Forest Roads, Bexley. $7,000 - Rehabilitation of General Holmes Drive at Kyeemagh. $4,972 - Provision of traffic control signals at Forest Road and Highworth Street, Bexley. $1,569 - Upgrading pedestrian crossing signals at the Princes Highway - Bay Street intersection at Rockdale. $224 - Provision of traffic control signals at Flora and Marsh Streets, Arncliffe. 1991/92 $84,000 - Provision of traffic control signals at Forest Road and Highworth Street, Bexley. $75,000 - Provision of pedestrian crossing signals at the Princes Highway and South Street, Kogarah. $50,000 - Provision of pedestrian crossing signals at Stoney Creek and Forest Roads, Bexley. $4,000 - Provision of traffic control signals at Bexley Road and Reginald Street, Bexley.

BLACKTOWN COMMERCIAL BUSINESS DISTRICT NORTH-WEST SECTOR DEVELOPMENT

Ms Allan asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) What is the projected role for the Blacktown Commercial Business District in the development of the North-West sector? (2) What retail opportunities will exist for residents in the North-West sector? (3) What provision is being made for public transport to shops for residents?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the Honourable Member's questions are: (1) The blacktown Central Business District was identified in the Department of Planning's Metropolitan Strategy as a sub-regional centre. Under the policy the CBD would strengthen its role as a retail, commercial and employment centre, a role which will expand in the future with growth in the North-West Sector. Blacktown is also a major node on the public network and has been identified in the transport strategy for the North-West sector as the main focus of train-based trips. (2) A sub-regional shopping centre is to be developed at Mungerie Park. It is envisaged that the Page 2805 centre will integrate retail, commercial, residential and community activities to provide services for a potential population of 250,000 in the Rouse Hill Development Area and the population in the wider region over the next 30 years. The centre will be developed in such a way so that there will be sufficient retail and other facilities to meet the needs of the residents of the area. A number of smaller district and neighbourhood centres will also be established to provide local and convenience retail facilities. (3) A Public Transport Implementation Task Force has been established to oversee and ensure the implementation of appropriate public transport initiatives for the Rouse Hill Development Area. The Task Force is chaired by the Department of Transport and comprises representatives of Baulkham Hills, Blacktown and Parramatta Councils, the Roads and Traffic Authority, City Rail and the Bus & Coach Association.

NORTHERN ROAD UPGRADING

Mr A. S. Aquilina asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) How much has been spent on the upgrading of The Northern Road in the Kingswood and Kingswood Park areas? (2) When will the upgrading works be completed?

Answer -

(1) $7 million. (2) The work is scheduled to be completed in 1994/95.

BELMONT MOTOR REGISTRY LEASE

Mr Bowman asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) What is the annual lease rental on the premises occupied by the Motor Registry Office in Macquarie Street, Belmont? (2) When does the lease expire? (3) Is there any intention to consider leasing alternative premises when the current lease expires?

Answer -

(1) $51,828 per annum. (2) 18 September 1994. (3) All aspects of lease arrangements will be reviewed towards the end of the current lease period.

HUNTER REGION LAND ACQUISITION

Mr Bowman asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

What funds were allocated in the 1992/93 New South Wales budget to fund acquisition of land in the Hunter region for open space purposes?

Answer -

None.

SWANSEA PUBLIC HOUSING LAND

Mr Bowman asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) How many residential blocks are there held by the Department of Housing in the electorate of Swansea? (2) Where are they located? (3) How many of these blocks can be released in the next 12 months?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) 401 undeveloped lots. (2) They are all within Site 12818 San Remo and Site 12773 Blue Haven. (3) 85 of these lots will be released in May 1993, 24 in February 1994 and a further 626 after May 1994.

BATHURST ROAD SEALING

Mr Clough asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) Is there forward planning for the sealing of the following roads in the electorate of Bathurst: (a) Between Rockley and Burraga? (b) Between Sofala and Ilford? (c) Between Trunkey and the Abercrombie River? (d) Oberon to Jenolan Caves via Edith? (2) (a) From what source would funding originate? (b) When will the programs be announced?

Answer -

(1) (a) This is a Regional Road with 9.7 kilometres of unsealed pavement. Because of recession induced funding constraints, the preservation of assets on the Regional Road network is being given priority for funding on those roads. At present, there are no plans to extend the length of sealed pavement on the road. (b) This is a regional Road with 10.6 kilometres of unsealed pavement. As is the case with the Rockley - Burraga Road, maintenance works are being given priority Page 2806 for funding and there are no current plans to extend the sealed pavement. (c) This is a State Road (Main Road No. 54) with 17.1 kilometres of unsealed pavement. An allocation of $675,000 has been made available under the extended 3 x 3 program to Evans Shire Council for the reconstruction and sealing of the approaches to Belmore Creek. This work will extend the length of sealed pavement by 2 kilometres. Progressive sealing of the road as far south as Abercrombie Caves is proposed under future programs. (d) This is a Regional Road with 13.2 kilometres of unsealed pavement. Priority is being given to asset preservation works on Regional Roads, and there are no current plans for further sealing works on the route. (2) (a) It is expected that future funding for enhancement works on Main Road No. 54 will be made available under the State Base Program. (b) At this stage, a timetable for future works can not be indicated. State Base Program funding is always subject to review and project funding is not indicated until the relevant State Budget is announced.

DRIVER'S LICENCE INSTRUCTION BOOKLET

Mr Clough asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) Has the RTA issued a revised booklet of instruction for persons seeking to obtain a driver's licence? (2) Does the booklet indicate that knowledge of the facts in the booklet is sufficient to gain a driver's licence? (3) Does it also state it is not the law? (4) (a) Does it indicate that whilst it is courteous to indicate if one is proceeding straight ahead out of a roundabout, it is not compulsory to indicate a left turn? (b) Is this the law? (5) (a) Does it state that persons may not park on a taxi rank, but setting down of passengers is permissible? (b) Is this the law?

Answer -

(1) Yes. A revised version of the Road Users' Handbook was issued in March 1993. (2) With reference to the knowledge test for licence applicants, the publication states "All of the information that you need to answer the questions is included in this handbook". (3) The title page of the publication clearly states that the handbook is only an interpretation of the law, made easy to understand by using plain English. (4) (a) The handbook states that "It is courteous to signal a left turn when leaving a roundabout". (b) It is not compulsory for drivers to signal when leaving a roundabout. This includes drivers proceeding straight ahead out of a roundabout. (5) (a) No. The handbook indicates that only taxis may stand at a taxi rank. (b) Yes.

CHARLESTOWN ROAD FUNDING

Mr Face asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) What amount of expenditure has there been in the electorate of Charlestown on Government road projects in the years 1989, 1990, 1991 and 1992: (a) 3 x 3 funding? (b) Any other classification of funding? (c) The location, the amount of money, and description of the project? (2) (a) What projects are proposed for the years 1993 and 1994 for the electorate of Charlestown? (b) Under what categories of New South Wales road funding?

Answer -

(1) (a) and (b) Details of expenditure, in 1992/93 dollars and wholly within the Electorate, for the financial years 1989/90 to 1991/92 are:

3x3 Other Total 1989/90 $0.609M $1.083M $1.692M 1990/91 $1.216M $1.936M $3.152M 1991/92 $0.888M $0.643M $1.531M

(c) Details of expenditure, in actual dollars, on particular projects for 1989/90 to 1991/92 are provided below. (Note: Some of the projects may not be located wholly within the Electorate).

Page 2807

Project 1989/90 1990/91 1991/92 Roundabout Nil $0.300M $0.138M at Violetown Road, Tingira Drive, Floraville Road. Roundabout Nil $0.210M $0.170M at Warners Bay Road and King Street, Warners Bay. Widening King Nil Nil $0.420M Street at North Creek, Warners Bay. Dual $0.400M $0.740M $0.557M carriage-way on Warners Bay Road. Widen Nil $0.045M Nil Warners Bay Road, Pacific Highway to Lake Macquarie. Pedestrian Nil $0.093M $0.120M signals at Pacific Highway/ Oakdale Road, Windale. Roundabout $0.200M Nil Nil at Dudley Road, White- bridge. Signposting $0.040M $0.192M Nil Main- $1.000M $1.152M $0.428M tenance

(2) (a) and (b) The project proposals and associated funding arrangements for the Charlestown Electorate for 1993/94 have not been confirmed at this stage.

DEPARTMENTAL OFFICE REFURBISHMENTS

Mr Irwin asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

In relation to each Department or Authority under his administration - (1) How much was spent on office fit-outs or refurbishment in 1991/92? (2) What is the estimated expenditure for 1992/93?

Answer -

(1) 1991/92 $12.535M (2) 1992/93 $10.121M During 1991/92 a total of $10.9M was spent by Public Works department on fit-out costs associated with the McKell Building. The project was approved to commence during that year at an estimated total cost of $21.351M, with the balance of funds proposed to be spent during 1992/1993 and 1993/94. These funds have been provided through the Capital Works Budget as a cash contribution to the McKell Building fit-out in lieu of a 30 month rent free period negotiated by Public Works on a commercial basis. In addition to the Mckell fit-out, Public Works spent $1.635M on a number of minor rationalisation projects (mainly in the country), following restructure of the Department. The rationalisation projects which mainly resulted in the amalgamation of a number of offices have been undertaken, in order to improve efficiency, reduce rental costs, and to present a single co-ordinated office for the Department in each location. Rationalisation projects other than the McKell project have been funded from proceeds generated from the sale of government surplus assets. During 1992/93 it is estimated that Public Works will spend an additional $8.327M on the McKell Building project, and a further $1.794M on minor office rationalisation projects.

THE ENTRANCE PUBLIC HOUSING

Mr McBride asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) How much money has been spent so far in the 1992/93 financial year in the construction of 11 units of accommodation for public rental housing at The Entrance? (2) How much money will be spent in the rest of the 1992/93 financial year in the construction of 11 units of accommodation for public rental housing at The Entrance? (3) If there have been any shortfalls from budget projections on spending on this construction, for what reason did they occur? (4) How much money has been spent so far in the construction of the 11 accommodation units referred to above? (5) What is the estimate of: (a) When this construction will be finished? (b) When the accommodation will be available to tenants?

Page 2808 Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) Nil. (2) It is estimated that $30,000 will be spent by 30 June 1993. (3) There have been no shortfalls. (4) Nil. However, the land cost was $278,000. (5) (a) 1 November 1993. (b) Mid-November 1993.

TOOWOON BAY PUBLIC HOUSING

Mr McBride asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) How much money has been spent so far in the 1992/93 financial year in the construction of 16 units of accommodation for public rental housing at Toowoon Bay? (2) How much money will be spent in the rest of the 1992/93 financial year in the construction of 16 units of accommodation for public rental housing at Toowoon Bay? (3) If there have been any shortfalls from budget projections on spending on this construction, for what reason did they occur? (4) How much money has been spent so far in the construction of the 16 accommodation units referred to above? (5) What is the estimate of: (a) When this construction will be finished? (b) When the accommodation will be available to tenants?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) $830,490. (2) It is estimated that $151,155 will be spent by 30 June 1993. (3) There have been no shortfalls. (4) $830,490. The land cost was an additional $368,000. (5) (a) Late April 1993. (b) Late April 1993.

AUBURN PUBLIC HOUSING WAITING LIST

Mr Nagle asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) What is the number on the waiting list for housing accommodation in the electorate of Auburn? (2) Are applicants who decline one or two offers of accommodation taken off the waiting list and made to re-apply? (3) Why is there such a policy? (4) Will he reconsider this policy to people seeking assistance through the Housing Commission?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) The Department of Housing does not register applicants for housing by electorate. The electorate of Auburn falls within the Department's Western Metropolitan Region's Allocations Zone designated P1-Parramatta General. There are 5,332 applicants awaiting various types of public housing in the Parramatta-General (P1) Zone as at 5 April 1993. (2) Applicants who decline an offer of accommodation are requested to provide reasons for the rejection. If the reasons given meet the following specific criteria, a further offer is approved. * There is a medical problem or disability, which has a direct bearing on the accommodation or location offered. * Where there is a threat to the personal safety of the applicant or other household members. * There is racial discrimination which affects members of ethnic or racial groups. Applicants who do not meet this criteria are referred to the Housing Review Committee to determine if they should receive a further offer. Applicants whose names are removed from the waiting list following the Housing Review Committee's decision, may re-apply for housing at any time. (3) The "one offer" policy was introduced in 1988 to rationalise the previous system which permitted applicants to elect five dwelling types within three locational areas. The net result of these fifteen choices per applicant was that the waiting lists became almost stagnant as applicants rejected a number of offers. Consequently, those at the top of the waiting lists remained there to the detriment of all other applicants. The Department has divided New South Wales into a number of geographical zones termed "Allocations Zones". Under the one offer policy, applicants are able to select the type of accommodation that best suits their needs in the Allocation Zone of their choice. Applicants are encouraged to change their dwelling type or Zone of choice at any time during the waiting period, in order to ensure that the Department can satisfy their needs. (4) Aspects of this policy are currently under review.

AUBURN PUBLIC HOUSING

Mr Nagle asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) How many new units, townhouses and houses have become available to people seeking accommodation in the electorate of Auburn since 1988? (2) How many units are 1, 2 and 3 or more bedrooms and likewise townhouses?

Page 2809 (3) (a) How many units have been built in Regents Park, Berala, Lidcombe, Auburn, Sefton, Yagoona, Birrong and Silverwater over the past 5 years? (b) How does that compare to the 5 years prior to 1988? (4) Is it intended to build further Housing Commission units, townhouses and/or houses? (5) What effect will this have on the waiting list in the electorate of Auburn?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: As at 5 April 1993: (1) 158 (2) 1 bedroom units 26 2 bedroom units 78 3 bedroom units 12 3 bedroom townhouses 39 4 bedroom townhouses 3 (3) (a) 1988 to 5 April 1993. Regents Park 12x2 bedroom Berala 12x2 bedroom Lidcombe 6x2 bedroom Auburn 26x1 bedroom 40x2 bedroom 12x3 bedroom Sefton 8x2 bedroom Yagoona Nil Birrong Nil Silverwater Nil Total 116 (b) The Department's records date only to 1985. 1985 to 1987 Regents Park 28x1 bedroom, 26x2 bedroom, 4x3 bedroom Berala Nil Lidcombe Nil Auburn 26x1 bedroom, 64x2 bedroom Sefton Nil Yagoona 4x1 bedroom Birrong Nil Silverwater Nil Total 152 (4) It is proposed to construct 560 apartments, townhouses and houses in the P1 zone over the next 3 years. (5) The Department of Housing Capital Works Program is designed to meet the current and future accommodation needs of its clients, at the same time getting the best value for the construction dollar. It is envisaged the substantial building program planned for the P1 zone will reduce the waiting time for clients particularly in the area of pensioner housing.

WOLLONGONG EXPRESSWAY GRASS VERGES

Mr Sullivan asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

With reference to grassed verges alongside expressways through the Wollongong area - (1) How frequently are these grassed areas mowed? (2) How much was spent on mowing these areas in the financial years ended: (a) 30 June 1992? (b) 30 June 1991? (c) 30 June 1990?

Answer -

(1) The areas are currently mown three times per year. (2) (a) $38,560. (b) $27,053. (c) $95,012. This high cost was incurred because a large area needed to be mown on frequent occasions. The area has since been reduced by additional tree planting and the provision of landscaped median mounds.

MANT REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS

Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) Has the Government adopted all the recommendations of the Report of Commissioner John Mant? (2) If not, which recommendations have been adopted? (3) What is the timetable for the implementation of these recommendations?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1)and(2) The broad directions of change recommended by the Mant Report have been accepted by the Government. The Premier has established a Task Force chaired by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing to assess the recommendations of the Report and develop a strategic plan for reform. Mr Mant and representatives from the Office of Public Management, Cabinet, Treasury and the Department of Housing are on the Task Force. A Community advisory Committee meets regularly providing appropriate consultation with interested client, community and industry groups and the Director of Housing is overseeing the development and implementation of changes to service provision. (3) The Mant Report recognised that a program of change could take 2 to 3 years to implement. To this end, a framework for achieving a detailed program of change has been planned. It is intended that new Regional Managers be in place by 1 October 1993 and a new policy and research structure by 1 June 1993. Consultations are being held with the Treasury on the appropriate future role of Landcom and options for its commercial reform. In addition, discussions are underway on establishing a separate Homefund Authority.

Page 2810

PUBLIC HOUSING SECURITY SCREEN DOORS

Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

With reference to the Department of Housing properties, apartments and units in Zones 115 and 116 of the Illawarra and South East Region - (1) Has the Department ever had a policy of fitting security screen doors to these properties? (2) Is the current policy not to fit security screen doors? (3) If so, how can tenants in high-risk areas secure themselves and their belongings whilst, at the same time, allowing adequate flow-through ventilation?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) In recent years the Department has identified all pensioner accommodation (i.e. accommodation specially for aged and invalid pensioners) in Zones 115 and 116 and implemented a program where all these units were fitted with security screen doors to front and rear entries. Whilst the Department has fitted security doors to some apartment blocks in 115 and 116 there are a number of blocks that do not have security screen doors as the existing screen doors are in a satisfactory condition. (2) The Department's policy is to replace screen doors with lockable type safety screen doors when the existing doors are considered to be no longer serviceable, in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act. (3) The Department set aside funds each financial year for a security program which is formulated after consultation with the South East Region Public Tenants Advisory Council (SERPTAC). Following these consultations which take into account the input by SERPTAC and senior Departmental representatives, a security program is formulated and included in the Region's Capital Improvements Budget for the financial year. In addition to this, it is the Department's policy to provide additional security to individual tenants through the provision of deadlocks to entry doors and keyed locks to windows, where it can be demonstrated that there is a security risk involved. The Department would of course give favourable consideration to any request from a tenant to install a security screen door to their property at their own cost.

M4 MOTORWAY VEGETATION

Ms Allan asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) Is he aware of any degradation which has occurred to the vegetation planted along the M4? (2) Who is responsible for the maintenance of the vegetation? (3) What obligation is Statewide Roads Pty Ltd under to maintain this vegetation? (4) When will work be done to groom these areas?

Answer -

(1) Yes. However, the honourable member should be aware that where major landscaping work has been carried out it is inevitable that some vegetation will die during the early stages of establishment. (2) Statewide Roads Ltd is responsible for the maintenance of landscaped vegetation between Mays Hill and Prospect, and between Silverwater Road and James Ruse Drive. The Roads and Traffic Authority is responsible for vegetation adjacent to other sections of the road. (3) Contractual obligation. (4) Statewide Roads has an on-going program for the weeding, maintenance and replacement of vegetation. The areas under the care of the Authority are well established and will continue to be regularly maintained.

WOLLI CREEK VALLEY

Ms Allan asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) What recommendations has he received from environmental officers within the RTA on the protection of the Wolli Creek Valley? (2) Has the RTA environmental section recommended protection of the valley? (3) If so, why? (4) If not, why not?

Answer -

(1) The environmental sensitivity of the valley has been recognised by the Government, as evidenced by its 1988 decision to lift the road reservation through sensitive areas of bushland. The Roads and Traffic Authority is preparing a new Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the extension of the M5 Motorway from Beverly Hills to Tempe. Any measures that might be necessary to mitigate the effects of roadworks will be discussed in the EIS, which will be publicly available later this year. The Authority is obliged to comply with all relevant legislation, including the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act. (2) See (1) above. (3) See (1) above. (4) See (1) above.

MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION REFUNDS

Mr Anderson asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) What is the official policy of the RTA regarding refunds of motor vehicle registration where the vehicle is written-off and the plates handed in?

Page 2811 (2) Why did a constituent of the Member for Liverpool, having registered a vehicle on 17 November 1992 at a cost of $185 (being registration fee of $35, motor vehicle tax of $110 and fund levy of $40), only receive a refund of $86 (for part of the motor vehicle tax only) when the vehicle was written-off on 23 November 1992? (3) What action is the RTA prepared to take to provide a more equitable refund in similar situations?

Answer -

(1) In accordance with section 13 of the Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, motor vehicle tax is refundable pro rata, on the basis of whole months remaining until the registration expiry date. Neither the registration fee nor the fund levy component of a registration charge is refundable. The RTA charges a fee for registration cancellation. (2) Assessment of the refundable amount would be as follows: Registration to 17 November 1993 cancelled on 23 November 1992 - 11 full months of registration remaining. Refund of 11/12 of weight tax paid. 11/12 of $110 = $100.80 Less cancellation fee = $ 14.00 Less rounding factor = $ 0.80

Net Refund $ 86.00 (3) There is no proposal to change the current refund policy, which is considered to be equitable. The registration is a fee for processing the registration transaction. The fund levy charge is the compulsory third party insurance (short fall) levy which is collected by the RTA. This revenue is held in a fund maintained for the purpose of subsidising accident claims prior to the privatisation of compulsory third party insurance. There are no regulations for levy refund. The only registration charge component available to the RTA for refund is the weight tax component, and this is refundable on a pro-rata basis.

PUBLIC HOUSING FOR FORMER HOMEFUND BORROWERS

Mrs Grusovin asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) What is the number of people currently on the waiting list for public housing? (2) How many of those people previously had a HomeFund home loan?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's question are: (1) 77,353 applications for public housing as at 28 February 1993. (2) The Department does not record this information.

DRIVING TESTS FOR OVERSEAS LICENSEES

Mr Langton asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) Does the RTA have a policy which insists that persons holding overseas licences must pass a driving test before they can obtain a New South Wales licence? (2) If so, why has a Dr Michael Newton of Faulconbridge been exempted from taking the required test? (3) How many exemptions from driving tests have been granted in the past 12 months? (4) Does the RTA plan to alter its current policy allowing exemptions?

Answer -

(1) Generally, holders of overseas licences are required to pass driving, knowledge and eyesight tests to obtain a New South Wales licence. However, different arrangements, which include provisions for exemptions from driving tests, apply to overseas licence holders who previously held New South Wales licences and to New Zealand licence holders. (2) Dr Michael Newton was issued with a New South Wales licence on 12 November 1992. At that time, he held a current United Kingdom licence and RTA records indicated that he had previously held a New South Wales licence which expired on 7 April 1990. In accordance with current arrangements, Dr Newton was not required to pass a driving test. (3) RTA records do not include details of driving test exemptions granted to overseas licence holders who previously held New South Wales licences which expired more than two years ago. (4) No.

PUBLIC HOUSING MEDIATION

Mrs Lo Po' asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) What is the current mechanism for mediating disputes in public housing areas? (2) Is this mechanism adequate? (3) Does he propose any improvements to this disputes mechanism?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) Department of Housing staff involved in property management functions and those in the roles of Housing Support Officers are trained and experienced in interviewing clients involved in disputes. Where disputes cannot be resolved for whatever reasons there are provisions for rehousing to another area if warranted, unless such a dispute involves a breach of the tenancy agreement where a different course of Page 2812 action is then opened for resolution. Tenant Associations and Community and Cultural Agencies have also, from time to time, found themselves in the role of mediator, but in most cases refer the parties involved to the Community Justice Centre or if appropriate, the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. (2) Yes. (3) Greater use of Community Justice Centres is being promoted.

MOUNT OUSLEY ROAD BREAKDOWN LANE

Mr Markham asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) Is he aware that there is an increasing number of heavy vehicles travelling north on Mount Ousley Road which use the breakdown lane as a climbing lane thus restricting access for other vehicles on the two other northbound traffic lanes? (2) How many heavy vehicles are using the breakdown lane as a climbing lane over a 1-week period? (3) What is the law in relation to drivers who move into the breakdown lane to allow traffic to pass if an accident is caused? (4) Are there any plans to widen the northbound lanes of Mount Ousley Road to accommodate three full lanes as are already in place for southbound traffic? (5) If so when will this work commence? (6) If not, will he investigate the present situation for northbound traffic with a view to having these lanes widened in the interests of safety?

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) The Roads and Traffic Authority does not have traffic counts of vehicles using the lane for this purpose. (3) The driver of a vehicle which comes into collision with another vehicle, either stopped or moving would be liable to a penalty in accordance with the traffic regulations. (4) There is no current proposal to widen the carriageway. However, the feasibility of changing the linemarking on the road to provide three northbound lanes is being given consideration. (5) At this stage, it is not possible to indicate if the provision of three northbound lanes will be feasible. (6) See (4) above.

ROADSIDE STALLS

Mr Martin asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) Is there a policy on roadside stalls on: (a) State highways? (b) Main roads? (c) Council roads? (2) If so, will he publish the policy for enforcement purposes?

Answer -

(1) Yes. Ordinance 30 made under the local Government Act, and the General Traffic Regulations, were recently amended to remove certain inconsistencies regarding street vending, including roadside stalls. The amendments took effect from 1 February 1993. In brief, they provide that street vending is not permitted, except with the approval of local Councils after taking into account guidelines issued jointly by the Roads and Traffic Authority and the Department of Local Government and Co-operatives. The guidelines set out the policy as it applies to various classes of roads. (2) The "Guidelines for the Control and Operation of Street Vending" have been issued to all Councils, the Police and Authority offices.

ST HILLIERS ROAD WIDENING

Mr Nagle asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) Is the delay in the Government completing the Silverwater-St Hilliers Road, Auburn, road widening project resulting in the sale of a number of home units in St Hilliers Road? (2) Will the road widening be completed before July 1993?

Answer -

(1) The Roads and Traffic Authority is not aware of details of property sales. The roadworks are unlikely to have a major influence on sales. (2) The work is programmed for completion in 1995/96.

CABRAMATTA TRAFFIC

Mr Newman asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

What are the most up-to-date traffic counts on the following main roads: (a) Hume Highway Lansvale Bridge location (North and South)? (b) Cabramatta Road (East and West)? (c) Cumberland Highway/Cabramatta Road intersection?

Answer -

(a) Northbound - 3,100 vehicles per hour during AM peak period. Southbound - 3,400 vehicles per hour during PM peak period. (b) Cabramatta Road - east: Eastbound - 1,000 vehicles per hour during AM peak period. Westbound - 1,170 vehicles per hour during PM peak period. Cabramatta Road - west: Eastbound - 1,150 vehicles per hour during AM peak period.

Page 2813 Westbound - 1,220 vehicles per hour during PM peak period. (c) Northbound - 1,450 vehicles per hour during both AM and PM peak periods. Southbound - 1,360 vehicles per hour during both AM and PM peak periods. Eastbound - 1,150 vehicles per hour during AM peak period. Westbound - 1,220 vehicles per hour during PM peak period.

CABRAMATTA ROAD FUNDING

Mr Newman asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) How much did the RTA allocate in the electorate of Cabramatta for road funding in the years: (a) 1988? (b) 1989? (c) 1990? (d) 1991? (e) 1992? (2) How much of this funding was from the 3 x 3 petrol tax? (3) How much was spent overall in the Local Government area of Fairfield City?

Answer -

(1) Details of allocations for the financial years 1988/89 to 1992/93, in 1992/93 dollar terms, are: (a) 1988/89 $4.640 million (b) 1989/90 $3.936 million (c) 1990/91 $1.359 million (d) 1991/92 $1.102 million (e) 1992/93 $1.779 million (2) $1.378 million (1992/93 dollars). (3) Details of overall funding for works in Fairfield City Council area for the financial years 1988/89 to 1992/93 (1992/93 dollars - rounded amounts), are: (a) 1988/89 $13.805 million (b) 1989/90 $17.833 million (c) 1990/91 $13.940 million (d) 1991/92 $11.665 million (e) 1992/93 (allocation) $13.934 million

CABRAMATTA MIGRANT HOSTEL SITE DEVELOPMENT

Mr Newman asked the Minister for State Development and Minister for Arts representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing -

(1) What has been the extent of re-development of the old Cabramatta Migrant Hostel acquired by the Government? (2) What land remains undeveloped? (3) What profit has been made up to date?

Answer -

I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are: (1) On the 23 September 1991, Fairfield Council granted development consent for a subdivision proposal that allowed the reaction of serviced lots for both public and private housing on the entire former Cabramatta Hostel Site. The site subdivision works are now substantially completed. This involves all road and drainage works, water and gas services. Sewer and electricity are still to be completed and it is expected that the bulk of the lots will be fully serviced by May with the remainder being fully serviced by September. 44 residential lots are expected to be marketed shortly for residential development by the private sector. In addition 3 super lots capable of producing about 45 medium density and small lot dwellings will be marketed to builders under the Department's Integrated housing program. The site set aside for public housing has a total yield of 50 general housing units and 28 pensioner units. (2) All land development is substantially complete. No building development has yet commenced. The Department has programmed the public housing site for development in the 1993/94 Capital Works Program. (3) As no land has yet been marketed, there has been no profit made to date.

COUNTY ROAD, EASTWOOD, ROADWORKS

Mr Langton asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) Did you immediately prior to the May 1991 elections give the member for Gladesville a commitment that $90,000 would be reserved from the 3 cents a litre fuel levy to implement the County Road between First Avenue, Eastwood, at its intersection with Blaxland Road and Epping Road? (2) Are such funds currently available? (3) When will work on this section of the County Road commence?

Answer -

(1) In May, 1991 it was announced that the eastern section of the County Road proposal through Eastwood linking Blaxland Road and Epping Road at North Ryde would be considered for inclusion in the Extended 3 x 3 Program. (2) See (1) above. (3) Having regard to the current economic situation, it is not possible at this stage to indicate when construction will be commenced. The priority of the project will be reviewed following determination of the Environmental Impact Statement for the North West Transport Links. A determination is expected in the near future.

WYOMING FIRE BRIGADE

Mr McBride asked the Minister for Justice and Minister for Emergency Services -

(1) What area is covered by the Wyoming Fire Station?

Page 2814 (2) How many people are serviced in this area? (3) (a) How many vehicles are currently stationed at the Wyoming facility? (b) What type and age are these vehicles? (4) (a) How many staff are currently employed at the Wyoming Station? (b) What are their designations? (5) How many rescue vehicles are currently stationed at Wyoming? (6) What is the average response time to emergency calls to the Wyoming Station?

Answer -

(1) Wyoming Fire Station area covers the developed districts from North Gosford to Lisarow. (2) The brigades estimate the population numbers in the Wyoming Fire Station area as 21,000. (3) (a) Two. (b) A pumper: 9 years. A watertanker: 13 years. (4) (a) 15 (b) Captain. Deputy Captain. Engine Keeper. 12 Volunteer Firefighters. (5) None. (6) 7.4 minutes in 1992 (This is average response time which is the time from when the alarm was received by the NSWFB to the time of Brigade arrival at the incident).

CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOL

Mr Page asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

(1) Did the Correspondence School relocate from William Street to Dover Heights High School at the end of July 1992? (2) Were considerable renovations undertaken to accommodate that facility? (3) What was the total cost? (4) Has computer cabling recently been installed throughout the school? (5) What was the total cost of this and the cost of the upgrading of the computer hardware? (6) Is cyclical maintenance currently in progress involving inter alia, new carpeting and complete painting? (7) What is the total estimated cost of this work? (8) Is it contemplated that the school will be closed in the foreseeable future? (9) If so, when? (10) Have negotiations been carried out with a private education institution for the sale to it of the school complex?

Answer -

(1) The Correspondence School, as such, ceased to exist at the close of the 1990 school year. It was replaced by a number of distance education teaching units, one of which relocated to Dover Heights High School on 20 July 1992. (2) Considerable renovations were undertaken at Dover Heights High School to accommodate the 50+ staff who transferred to that location. (3) The total cost was $272,000. (4) The school has installed a computer cabling network. This has been jointly funded by the school ($19,500) and the Department, on behalf of the Distance Education Unit ($10,000). (5) Apart from the figures noted above, the school itself has been responsible for upgrading its computer systems and has committed $39,160 to this task. (6) Cyclic maintenance is currently in progress at Dover Heights High School which will include repairs and painting of internal areas and the external areas of the school. New carpets will be laid where old floor coverings are worn and unsafe. (7) The estimated cost of the cyclic maintenance at the school is $350,000. This work is 20 percent complete at this present stage. (8) The Department of School Education has no plans to close the school in the foreseeable future. (9) Not applicable. (10) No discussions have been held with a private education institution for the sale to it of the Dover Heights school complex.

M4 MOTORWAY OFF-RAMP NOISE BARRIERS

Mr Ziolkowski asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) Is he aware of the traffic noise problems being suffered by residents living along and in the vicinity of the M4 off-ramp at Church Street, Parramatta? (2) Will he authorise the erection of noise barriers in this area to protect the residents from this traffic noise? (3) If so, when will this work commence?

Answer -

(1) The Motorway between Church Street, Parramatta and Mays Hill was provided with an open grade asphalt surface as part of the work associated with the construction of the toll road. This significantly reduced the level of road noise previously experienced by nearby residents. (2) There are no immediate plans to provide noise barriers in the vicinity of the off-load ramp at Church Street. However, the Roads and Traffic Authority advised a public meeting held on 27 March 1993 that noise levels are being examined, in accordance with the Authority's traffic noise policy. Should it be determined that noise levels are excessive, the site will be included on a priority list with a view to undertaking appropriate noise attenuation works as the availability of funds permits. (3) See (2) above.

Page 2815

SCHOOL VIOLENCE

Mr Anderson asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

(1) On how many occasions since February 1989 have police been involved in dealing with allegations of violence, at schools in the electorate of Liverpool, to pupils, staff or property by: (a) Other pupils? (b) Staff? (c) Other persons? (2) Of each such incident, what was the: (a) Date? (b) Location? (c) Nature? (d) Outcome? (3) (a) Were there any such incidents not reported to police in the same period? (b) If so, for each case, what was the: (i) Date? (ii) Location? (iii) Nature? (iv) Outcome? (v) Reason for non-reporting to police?

Answer -

Responses to questions (1) and (2) are provided from school records. Of twenty seven schools in the Liverpool electorate, twenty three report no incidents requiring police involvement for matters of violence. (1) (a) four (b) none (c) four (2) Miller Technology High School (a) 8 May 1991 (b) and (c) Group of outsiders assaulted 2 students outside the school at the end of day. (d) Police interviewed the victims. (a) 16 December 1992 (b) and (c) Fight outside the school gate involving 3 students after school. (d) Police called, but incident had already ended. (a) 8 April 1993 (b) and (c) Physical aggression against 2 students by intruders. (d) Police interviewed/cautioned 4 intruders and 1 student. Lurnea High School (a) 1 December 1992 (b) and (c) Attack by a 19 year old male (non-student) on a female year 11 student in the playground. Later assault by this male on two teachers defending the girl. (d) Restraining order now applies to the male. Assault charges laid and court case pending. Liverpool Boys High School (a) 7 August 1992 (b) and (c) One student stabbed another in the street outside the school and after school hours. (d) The offender was charged and also expelled from the State Education System. Ashcroft High School (a) 1 March 1989 (b) and (c) Student assaulted relieving deputy principal. (d) Police interview of student involved. (a) 7 June 1990 (b) and (c) Two students riding trail bikes after school hours assaulted a staff member when challenged by him. (d) Police charged students. Long term suspensions. (a) 26 July 1990 (b) and (c) Parent assaulted student following a fight involving the parent's daughter and a student. Deputy also assaulted. (d) Police interviewed and cautioned parent.

CHARLESTOWN DEPARTMENTAL PRE-SCHOOLS

Mr Face asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

(1) How many departmental pre-schools are in the electorate of Charlestown? (2) Will she give a commitment to increasing the number of pre-schools attached to Department of Education schools? (3) If so, when will the increase take place? (4) If not, why not?

Answer -

(1) There are currently 69 Departmental pre-schools. None of these pre-schools is in the Charlestown electorate. (2) The Department of School Education earlier this year sought expressions of interest from the private sector to provide child care centres and/or pre-schools on existing school sites. Expressions of interest received are currently being considered by the Department. I have also given a commitment for the establishment of 7 pre-schools in Aboriginal communities. (3) and (4) During 1992, work commenced on Enngonia and Cummeragunja Aboriginal pre-schools. Mungindi and Broken Hill Aboriginal pre-schools are expected to be established in 1993-94. The Department plans to establish an Aboriginal pre-school on the Central Coast and one each in the Metropolitan West and Metropolitan South West Regions.

WOLLONGONG WEST TAFE FASHION COURSES

Mr Markham asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

Page 2816

(1) How many students are enrolled in fashion courses at the Wollongong West TAFE in 1993? (2) What is the projected enrolment for 1994? (3) Will funding for fashion courses at the School of Fashion at Wollongong West TAFE be cut in 1995? (4) Will the School of Fashion close in 1995? (5) If so: (a) Will students be able to complete their fashion courses in Wollongong? (b) Will students be able to complete courses elsewhere in the region? (c) If so, where? (d) If not, where will these fashion courses be offered?

Answer -

(1) As at 3 April 1993, 110 equivalent full-time students were enrolled in fashion courses at Wollongong West TAFE. (2) Based on enrolment trends since 1990, the projected enrolment in 1994 is 76 equivalent full-time students. (3) Funding for fashion courses in 1995 will be commensurate with equivalent full-time student numbers. (4) No. (5) (a), (b), (c) and (d) Not applicable.

ROADS AND TRAFFIC AUTHORITY STAFF EQUIPMENT

Mr Sullivan asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

With reference to the Chief Executive, Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW - (1) Does his immediate staff have the use of a photocopy machine? (2) If so, what is the brand and model? (3) Who is responsible for: (a) The selection of the photocopier? (b) Determining the time of replacement? (c) The payment of servicing and maintenance and other associated costs? (4) Does the present photocopier have: (a) Automatic document feeder? (b) Duplex document feeder? (c) (i) Large capacity cassette? (ii) If so, what capacity? (d) (i) Duplex unit? (ii) If so, what capacity? (e) (i) Paper size selection? (ii) If so, what range of paper sizes? (f) (i) Magnification selector? (ii) If so, is it automatic? (g) Reduction and enlargement? (h) Interruption capability? (i) Page by page copying? (j) Frame erasure? (k) Punch hole erasure? (l) Cover mode? (m) Image shifter? (n) Program memory? (o) Built-in editing? (p) Multiple sheet bypass? (q) (i) Bin sorter? (ii) If so, what capacity? (r) (i) Other than black colour copying? (ii) If so, what colours? (5) (a) Does the Chief Executive, Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW, have the use of: (i) A modular phone? (ii) A car phone? (b) If so, in each or either case, what is the brand name and model of the phone(s)? (c) If yes, in each or either case, who pays for: (i) The purchase and installation costs? (ii) Each call made? (iii) Repairs and maintenance costs?

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) Toshiba BD 3810. (3) (a), (b) and (c) Executive Assistant to Chief Executive. (4) (a) No. (b) No. (c) (i) No. (ii) Not applicable (d) (i) No. (ii) Not applicable. (e) (i) (ii) Not applicable. (f) (i) No. (ii) Not applicable. (g) No. (h) No. (i) No. (j) No. (k) No. (l) No. (m) No. (o) No. (p) No. (q) (i) No. (ii) Not applicable. (r) (i) No. (ii) Not applicable. (5) (a) (i) and (ii) A hand held (car kit) mobile phone. (b) Motorola 9800 with 6800XL. (c) (i) The RTA. (ii) The RTA for business calls and the Chief executive for private calls. (iii) The RTA.

OYSTER FARMERS ASSISTANCE

Mr Martin asked the Minister for Natural Resources -

(1) Did he, on 9 February 1993, request the Minister for Agriculture to provide assistance to oyster farmers through the Rural Assistance Authority for the loss of an estimated $6 million caused by low tides and heat to oysters? (2) Has the Department of Fisheries also written to the Authority seeking this assistance?

Page 2817 (3) What has been the response of the Minister for Agriculture to the requests? (4) How many oyster farmers have been affected? (5) If the Minister for Agriculture has agreed, what is the total amount allocated for assistance? (6) How many claims does he estimate will be made for funds? (7) How much does he estimate the average payment will be?

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) Yes. (3) The Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs replied stating that, under the rules of the current schemes administered by the Rural Assistance Authority, oyster growers are not eligible for assistance for losses incurred from either winter mortality or heat-kill. (4) Not known at this stage. (5) Not known at this stage. (6) Unknown. (7) Unknown.

CENTRAL SYDNEY AREA HEALTH SERVICE OFFICERS

Mr Price asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Is any officer or are any officers currently working in the Central Sydney Area Health Service holding office in any of the non-Government organisations currently funded by the Government for the provision of mental health services? (2) If so: (a) Who are the officer or officers? (b) What offices do they hold in both the Central Sydney Area Health Service and the non-Government organisations?

Answer -

(1) The Central Sydney Area Health Service does not keep official records of this information. Provision of the details of officers currently working in the Central Sydney Area Health Service holding office in non-government organisations, currently funded by the Government for the provision of mental health services, has been compiled from the personal knowledge of the Area Chief Executive Officer and verified with the relevant people. (2) (a) and (b)

NAME SUBSTANTIVE NGO POSITION POSITION Dr A. Campbell Director of Clinical Richmond Fellowship Chairperson Services Rozelle Schizophrenia Fellowship Member Hospital ARAFMI Member Dr C. Cullen Psychiatrist Rozelle Richmond Fellowship Honorary Board Member Hospital Ms J. Faddy Senior Psychologist Alzheimers Association of Vice President & National NSW Committee Member

NSW Association of Mental Vice President Health Ms J. Jones Clerk Aftercare Association Executive Committee Member Mr A. Robertson Area Co-ordinator Richmond Fellowship Board Member Mental Health Services (CSAHS) Ms H. Ma Clinical Psychologist Sydney Indo-Chinese President Refugee Youth Support Group Inc

BLACKTOWN HOSPITAL

Ms Allan asked the Minister for Health -

In respect of Blacktown Hospital - (1) How many people are currently employed at the hospital? (2) What is the break-up of staff currently employed at the hospital? (3) How many beds are currently available at the hospital?

(4) How many people are currently awaiting surgical or medical admission to the hospital in each speciality? (5) What is the maximum waiting time for admission in each speciality including services administered through the outpatient's department?

Answer -

(1) Blacktown Hospital has a total of 956 employees.

Page 2818 (2) Administration 288 Medical 173 Nursing 495 In addition, there are some 70 Visiting Medical Officers attending the Hospital. (3) The Department of Health has moved away from using the available number of beds as a meaningful measure of the effectiveness of the health system. The Department now measures number of patients treated as non-inpatients, day stay patients and patients who stay more than one day. These are far more useful measures of system capacity than bed numbers. In each of the categories mentioned, the Western Sydney Area Health Service is measuring the number of patients treated. The Department is also concentrating increasingly on the outcome of treatment. (4) and (5) The Blacktown Hospital is part of the Western Sydney Area Health Service. At the last Booking List Survey for November 1992, published in January 1993, the Areas total core booking list of people awaiting admission for treatment was 3,373. Average waiting times in months for each speciality in the Area were: Cardio Thoracic 1.35 ENT 2.47 General Surgery 1.13 Gynaecology 1.24 Neurosurgery 0.59 Ophthalmology 0.63 Orthopaedics 2.15 Paediatric Surgery 0.98 Plastic Surgery 0.64 Urology 2.66 Vascular Surgery 0.35 Other Surgery 0.00 Other Medical 0.25

SENIORS CARD RURAL BUSINESS SUPPORT

Mr Amery asked the Premier and Treasurer -

(1) How many business have indicated that they will be supporting the seniors card system in the electorates of: (a) Burrinjuck? (b) Albury? (c) Monaro? (d) Orange? (e) Barwon? (f) Lismore? (g) Clarence? (h) Oxley? (i) Northern Tablelands? (j) Wagga Wagga? (2) How many of these businesses have their address in the electorates mentioned?

Answer -

The Minister for Community Services has advised me that: (1) The New South Wales Seniors Card is the largest scheme of its kind in Australia both in terms of the number of businesses participating and the number of card holders. There are 349 businesses listed in the 1992/93 State directory, which is mailed to all card holders, representing thousands of outlets across the State. Many of these businesses may have outlets within the electorates specifically named. There will be even more providers listed in the 1993/94 State-wide directory which will be distributed to over half a million card holders during July 1993. In the specific electorates the numbers are: (a) Burrinjuck 5 (b) Albury 27 (c) Monaro 16 (d) Orange 13 (e) Barwon 13 (f) Lismore 3 (g) Clarence 6 (h) Oxley 5 (i) Northern Tablelands 4 (j) Wagga Wagga 6 (2) These numbers relate to businesses which have their address in the electorates mentioned. In addition, there are several State-wide providers which chose to be listed in the local directories.

ST MARYS RAILWAY STATION PLATFORM RAMP ACCESS

Mr A. S. Aquilina asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Will he give a commitment to the provision of full ramped access to each platform of St Marys Railway Station? (2) If so, when will the ramps be built? (3) If not, why not?

Answer -

(1) St Marys station has been identified in Stage 1 of the Easy Access Program as one of the locations to be equipped with facilities to assist customers with disabilities. Ramps will be constructed from the street area on both sides of the station to the overhead footbridge with steps and lifts providing access between the footbridge and both island platforms. (2) Construction of the ramps, lifts and steps is scheduled to commence this financial year and be completed during the 1993/94 financial year. (3) Not applicable. Lifts are to be provided which will provide easier access to the platforms than ramps.

SYDNEY TO LITHGOW FREIGHT TRAIN SERVICE

Mr Clough asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) How many instances of overloaded freight trains, blocking the Sydney-Lithgow rail line, have occurred in the last 6 months? (2) Are the freight trains assembled on the basis of tonnage per locomotive? (3) What is this tonnage per locomotive? (4) Is the New South Wales electrical system AC or DC?

Page 2819 (5) What is the voltage? (6) What is the approximate voltage drop when: (a) One locomotive is used? (b) Two locomotives are used? (c) Three locomotives are used? (7) What is the highest level of voltage drop that can be sustained before insufficient power is available for freight trains? (8) Will he give consideration to replacing some of the present advisers with experienced locomotive enginemen so that trains are kept running on the western line?

Answer -

(1) None. (2) Yes. (3) The maximum tonnage permitted for each locomotive is:

Locomotive Tonnage Type

86 class 600 ) 85 class 600 ) Electric locomotives 46 class 410 )

80 class 550 ) Diesel locomotives 81 class 750 )

(4) The New South Wales overhead electrical system is DC. (5) The nominal voltage is 1500. (6) Locomotive design specifications assume a voltage drop of 550 volts to be the maximum expected during operation. Guidelines outlining allowable throttle combinations have been issued to enginemen operating electric locomotives to ensure that this voltage drop is not exceeded in practice, regardless of whether one, two or three locomotives are used. The actual voltage drop is dependent upon train location in relation to the electrical substation and other trains operating in the same electrical section. (7) The highest level of voltage drop sustainable by a freight train is considerably greater than the design specification of a 550 volt drop. (8) Train operations over the western line are controlled and regulated by qualified Train Controllers. The opportunity to be selected to the position of Train Controller is open to all suitably qualified State Rail staff and vacancies are advertised in State Rail's Job Opportunity Booklet. In the most recent intake, one locomotive engineperson was appointed to the position of Train Controller.

LITHGOW TO BROKEN HILL RAIL SERVICES

Mr Clough asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) When is it expected that the National Rail Corporation will transfer its Adelaide and Perth bound services away from the western lines between Lithgow and Parkes? (2) If interstate freight travels by another route, will the NSW Government continue to maintain and operate a rail link between Lithgow and Broken Hill? (3) Will this be for freight and/or passenger services? (4) What plans, if any, has the SRA made for rerouting freight and the Indian Pacific through Cootamundra to Parkes? (5) When is it expected that this will occur? (6) Is Brisbane to Adelaide and Perth freight currently being directed through Dubbo to Parkes, and will this require upgrading of the track between Parkes and Broken Hill? (7) If so, who will pay for this maintenance? (8) What Commonwealth funds were offered to New South Wales under the One Nation statement and how much of the funding was taken up and used? (9) In view of the constant demand for reinstatement of passenger rail services from the central, mid and far west, will the SRA reintroduce passenger services, apart from the Dubbo XPT, west of Lithgow?

Answer -

(1) The National Rail Corporation has made no indication to State Rail of its timing or intentions for Adelaide and Perth freight traffic. (2) Although the plans of the National Rail Corporation are not known, Freight Rail is continuing to invest in the Lithgow-Broken Hill line to make the corridor attractive to the National Rail Corporation. (3) Both. (4) None. (5) Not applicable. (6) Yes. No upgrading of the track is required. (7) Maintenance of the line between Parkes and Broken Hill is currently being paid for by Freight Rail. (8) No Commonwealth funds were offered to New South Wales under One Nation Statement for the Lithgow-Broken Hill Rail Link. (9) Given the current level of patronage, Countrylink has no immediate plans to introduce additional passenger services west of Lithgow. However, Countrylink is constantly monitoring patronage on the western line.

CORRECTIVE SERVICES OFFICER SELECTION CRITERIA

Mr Doyle asked the Minister for Justice and Minister for Emergency Services -

What are the selection criteria and qualifications required for: (a) Prison Governors and Superintendents? (b) The Commissioner and Assistant Commissioners of Corrective Services? (c) Regional Superintendents of Corrective Services?

Answer - (a) Prison Governors and Superintendents Essential

Page 2820 * Satisfactory attendance and completion of all Primary Training segments and Recall Weeks where applicable. Merit and efficiency as prescribed in Section 26 of the Public Sector Management Act 1988. * Senior Management experience in correctional administration and ability to manage an institution consistent with the Department of Corrective Services Strategic Plan. * High degree of self motivation and the ability to develop positive attitudes in personnel. * Ability to develop, monitor and control operational, budgetary and administrative plans at an institutional level. * High level of personal and professional integrity and the ability to develop and implement anti-corruption plans. * Commitment and ability to positively promote corporate policies, programs and services. * Commitment and capacity to implement Equal Employment Opportunity. Ability to promote Occupational Health and Safety in the workplace. * Nomination of two referees who can provide current information relating to suitability of applicant for position. Desirable * Successful completion of an Associate Diploma, Diploma or Degree in the fields of Administration, Human Relations, Behavioural Science, Correctional Studies or related discipline.

(b) The Commissioner of Corrective Services Ability to: * direct the development of plans, policies and strategies consistent with the objectives of the Government to achieve desired goals in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of custodial services, parole service and other support and ancillary services of the NSW Department of Corrective Services; * contribute to the development of financial plans including capital expenditure programs to provide the appropriate prison infrastructure and operational services compatible with the short, medium and long term corrective service requirements for NSW; * provide leadership, guidance and counsel to the Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioners and subordinate Directors as appropriate to ensure the effective delivery of all Corrective Services programs; * overview the performance of the administration functions of the Department to ensure initiatives are taken to improve the administrative effectiveness of the Department; * develop and implement strategies and programs appropriate to the training and development needs of the Department's workforce with particular reference to correctional officer training to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of this group; * ensure compliance with Government policies in respect to staff arrangements emphasising, in particular, effective industrial relations, implementation of EEO programs and occupational health and safety matters; * ensure the Department's financial arrangements are effectively managed, that budgets are appropriately formulated and financial plans implemented and that the physical assets of the Department are appropriately valued and protected to ensure the Department remains a viable entity; * maintain effective relationships with Government Departments and relevant external bodies, media and interested welfare and community groups to facilitate the achievement of departmental objectives; * undertake special projects or investigations as directed by the Minister and ensure that the Minister is alerted to crisis emergency situations to ensure decisions are made against as fully briefed background as possible; and * authorise expenditure and approve inmate classification and release recommendations within authority limits to ensure compliance with Government policy and regulations.

Assistant Commissioner (Personnel and Education) The Assistant Commissioner (Personnel and Education) is responsible to the Deputy Commissioner for the effective development of policies for inmate education and support, for the management of the staff development and training program and for the development and implementation of the human resource management strategy. The successful applicant will possess high level managerial skills and leadership ability with proven performance in the management of inmate programs and support services, a sound background in staff development and training and knowledge and experience in human resource management. Ideally, the successful applicant will have tertiary qualifications in education or social/behavioural science. Applicants should have an interest in and an appreciation of correctional issues. This position is part of the senior management of the organisation and it is therefore essential that the successful applicant can operate in the senior management team.

Assistant Commissioner (Operations) The Assistant Commissioner (Operations) is responsible to the Deputy Commissioner for the effective management of the correctional institutions and Periodic Detention centres in New South Wales. The operational field is divided into four regions each under the control of a Chief Superintendent who reports directly to this position. The successful applicant will possess high level managerial skills and leadership ability with proven performance in the management of correctional institutions and the determination and skills to implement change. This position is part of the senior management of the organisation and it is therefore essential that the successful applicant can operate in the senior management team. Relevant tertiary qualifications and an appreciation of correctional issues are highly desirable.

Page 2821

Assistant Commissioner (Support Services) The Assistant Commissioner (Support Services) is accountable to the Deputy Commissioner for the administrative functions of the Department including financial, legal, and building services. This position is also responsible for the planning and delivery of the capital works program. The position requires a highly motivated and talented manager who has outstanding conceptual and analytical ability, a record of effective management and leadership and the determination and skills to implement change. Knowledge and experience in financial management, legal services or capital works planning is essential. This position is part of the senior management of the organisation and it is therefore essential that the successful applicant can operate in the senior management team. Ideally the successful applicant will have tertiary qualifications in management or related discipline.

(c) Regional Superintendents (Chief Superintendents) - 4 Four key management positions responsible for the regional operation of a number of correctional institutions and Periodic Detention centres. The Chief Superintendents should be highly innovative and performance orientated administrators with experience in an institutional environment and possess the determination and skills to implement change. Applicants should have high level negotiation, liaison and planning skills and possess an understanding of public administration, human resource and financial management. Tertiary qualifications in management or social science/criminology are highly desirable. The positions are located at Parramatta, Long Bay, Muswellbrook and Goulburn.

It is to be noted that with respect to all Department of Corrective Services Senior Executive Service positions, including those identified in responses (b) and (c), it is expected that the following general characteristics would also be required in addition to any designated specific skill requirements: * highly developed communication skills; * demonstrated ability to manage people and resources effectively; * superior line general management skills and/or policy formulation skills; * conceptual and analytical ability; * initiative; * strategic management skills, including the ability to understand and balance short and long term perspectives; * achievement orientation, including a capacity to accept responsibility and be accountable for any risk taken or managerial decision made; and * leadership skills, including effective supervision and delegation skills and the ability to create a cohesive working group.

MACQUARIE FIELDS LAND REZONING

Mr Knowles asked the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs -

(1) Is he aware of a rezoning proposal relating to land held by the Department of Agriculture adjacent to Macquarie Fields House at Macquarie Fields? (2) What authorisation has been given, either by him or officers of the Department, for the land to be included in the application for rezoning, or for subsequent works (particularly drainage and flood mitigation) should the rezoning proceed? (3) Should the rezoning proceed, what does he propose to do with the land? (4) In the section 62 consultation required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, what advice did the Department give to Campbelltown Council or, alternatively the Department of Planning, in relation to the proposal to prepare a draft LEP.

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) The Department has consented to an application for rezoning. (3) The land is subject to a contract for sale. (4) The Department advised Devine Erby Mazlin, consultant planners to the Campbelltown Council, that since the proposal did not involve agricultural land the Department had no further interest in the proposal apart from consideration being given to any likely impact on the nearby Hurlstone Agricultural High School.

CITYRAIL EQUIPMENT CENTRE

Mr Langton asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

(1) Will he make public the recently completed report by Endac Consulting Pty Ltd regarding the operations of the CityRail equipment centre signals division? (2) Further, will he guarantee consultations with relevant unions regarding any restructuring of the centre?

Answer -

(1) It would be inappropriate to release the report before it has been reviewed by State Rail management and unions and staff have been consulted. (2) The Australian Services Union has been informed that unions and staff will be briefed following the completion of the review.

LONG JETTY HOSPITAL UPGRADE

Mr McBride asked the Minister for Health -

(1) Has the Department of Health given any consideration to Long Jetty Hospital being upgraded to have a casualty section and a full-time doctor in attendance at all times? (2) If so, what were the findings of those considerations? (3) If not, when will the Department make such considerations given patients now have to wait to be transferred to Gosford or Wyong Hospitals?

Page 2822

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) and (3) The Master Control Development Plan commissioned by the Central Coast Area Health Service which led to the major capital developments at Gosford and Wyong Hospitals did not recognise or support the need to upgrade Long Jetty Hospital or to include a casualty section with a full-time doctor in attendance at all times. It is rare for patients attending this section to require transfer to Wyong or Gosford Accident and Emergency Departments. Those cases which may require more immediate attention and which require emergency management have been adequately managed and rapidly retrieved to Gosford Hospital within a time period which has not compromised patient safety. Local ambulances are under a standing instruction to bypass Long Jetty Hospital.

MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS OFFICIAL DINNER

Mr Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs -

(1) Did he recently host a dinner in the Casuarina Restaurant, Cessnock, for official purposes? (2) If so: (a) What was the purpose of the dinner? (b) Were selected vignerons invited to attend? (c) How many attended the dinner? (d) Was any entry fee or donation fee sought? (e) How much did the function cost? (f) Which vote did the expenditure get charged to? (g) Did the National Party candidate for the Federal seat of Hunter, Mr Bruce Crossing, attend? (h) (i) Did Mr Crossing speak at the dinner? (ii) If so, in what capacity?

Answer -

(1) and (2) No.

LIDCOMBE HOSPITAL SPECIALISTS

Mr Shedden asked the Minister for Health -

(1) How many visiting and staff specialists are currently attached to Lidcombe Hospital? (2) What specialised services do these specialists cover?

Answer -

(1) 108. (2) These doctors cover an extensive range of clinical specialties.

MAMMOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT CENTRES

Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for Health -

With reference to the mammographic assessment centres to be established by the New South Wales Cancer Council under contract from the Department of Health - (1) What are the terms and conditions of that contract? (2) What present and continuing involvement will the State Government have in the project? (3) Who is ultimately responsible for the establishment and operation of the project - the State Government or the New South Wales Cancer Council?

Answer -

(1) The terms and conditions of the contract are contained in a document negotiated between the NSW Cancer Council and the NSW Department of Health. A copy of the relevant sections of the contract can be obtained from the Executive Director of the NSW Cancer Council. (2) The State Government has ongoing involvement with the project. The NSW Government negotiates with the Commonwealth Government on the terms and conditions of this project, the cost-sharing arrangements and inter-governmental issues. Implementation of policy has been devolved through the NSW Department of Health to the NSW Cancer Council under the terms of a performance agreement. The Department monitors performance by means of explicit performance indicators. Service delivery is provided by Area and Regional Health Services through the public and private sectors to achieve the most cost-effective use of resources and expertise. (3) The National Program for the Early Detection of Breast Cancer has been planned at the Commonwealth level and the terms and conditions are negotiated with the NSW State Government. The NSW State Government and the NSW Cancer Council share the responsibility for the implementation of the NSW component of the National Program for the Early Detection of Breast Cancer. This is defined through the performance agreement signed by both parties.

ROCKDALE MILK HOME DELIVERIES

Mr Thompson asked the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs -

(1) How many residents in the Rockdale Local Government area receive home-delivered milk? (2) What percentage of the total milk sales in this area does home delivery represent? (3) Has there been a reduction in this figure in recent years? (4) What percentage of home-delivered milk in Rockdale is contained in: (a) Plastic containers? (b) Cartons? (c) Glass bottles? (5) How do these figures compare with sales from retail outlets?

Page 2823

Answer -

(1) No specific data is available for home delivered milk in the Rockdale Local Government Area. (2) No demographic data specific to the Rockdale Local Government area is available. Estimates for the Sydney metropolitan area place the percentage of home delivered milk between 15 and 20 per cent. (3) In 1980 a survey indicated that home delivered milk in Sydney accounted for 37.11 per cent of all white milk sales. (4) No specific demographic data is available for the Rockdale Local Government Area. Overall State figures for sales on respective containers for retail and home delivered milk are: (a) Plastic containers 59 per cent. (b) Cartons 38 per cent. (c) Glass Bottles 3 per cent. (5) See (4).

ROCKDALE AMBULANCE OFFICERS

Mr Thompson asked the Minister for Health -

(1) How many ambulance officers are stationed in the electorate of Rockdale? (2) What formula is used for deciding staff numbers? (3) How many ambulance vehicles serve the electorate of Rockdale? (4) How many ambulance vehicles are stationed within the electorate of Rockdale?

Answer -

(1) For the 1992 calender year the electorate of Rockdale had ambulance coverage from Rockdale Station comprising 22 officers. (2) It is necessary to have a minimum staff level module of 11 officers to provide a 24 hour coverage 7 days a week. Rockdale has two such modules in place. This is complemented by the support of the neighbouring stations of Hurstville, Campsie and Caringbah and mobile ambulances traversing the area. (3) and (4) Two Intensive Care ambulances and four General Duties ambulances are stationed in the Rockdale electorate.

MERRYLANDS TO CITY TRAIN DELAY

Mr Yeadon asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

What was the reason for the 10.19 a.m. service from Merrylands Station to the City being delayed by 18 minutes on Wednesday 3 March 1993?

Answer -

The carriages making up the train were found to be defective and it was necessary to obtain replacement carriages.

GRANVILLE HOME CARE SERVICES

Mr Yeadon asked the Minister for Community Services and Assistant Minister for Health -

(1) (a) How many people residing in the electorate of Granville have had Home Care Services withdrawn in the past 12 months? (b) How many of these people live alone? (2) (a) How many new clients who reside in the electorate of Granville have been added to Home Care lists in the past 12 months? (b) How many of these new clients were released from hospital immediately prior to being added to the list?

Answer -

(1) (a) The Home Care Service has increased the number of hours of service it provides to the electorate of Granville from 8502 hours in January 1992 to 9026 hours in January 1993. During the same period 152 people with high needs received assistance from Home Care for the first time. 147 customers had their services withdrawn for one or more of the following reasons: * a decision was made by the individual concerned that they could manage on their own; * service was provided on a short term basis only; * the death of a customer; * the person receiving the service moved out of the area covered by the local branch; * a decision was made by the person to enter a nursing home; or * a decision was made by the person receiving the service to enter into private arrangements for assistance. Fifty eight people had service withdrawn because their need for Home Care was not as great as that of new customers requesting service. (b) 39. (2) (a) 152. (b) 41.

TOONGABBIE CREEK EFFLUENT

Ms Allan asked the Minister for the Environment -

(1) What industries are currently licensed to discharge effluent into Toongabbie Creek? (2) What is the nature and quantity of the discharges? (3) What improvements have been identified by the Environment Protection Authority as necessary for the environmental well-being of Toongabbie Creek?

Answer -

(1) and (2) The Environment Protection Authority's licence records show that there are currently five premises licensed to discharge effluent to Toongabbie Creek and its tributaries. These premises are as follows:

Page 2824

NAME OF COUNCIL DISCHARGE NATURE DISCHARGE QUANTITY Baulkham Hills Shire Council Swimming pool filter back wash to (War Memorial Swimming Centre) stormwater drain. 40 kilolitres per day. Licence No. 01621 Blacktown City Council Swimming pool filter back wash to the (Blacktown Swimming Centre) stormwater system. 270 kilolitres per day. Licence No. 01663 Evenfont Pty Ltd Treated stormwater with less than 10 T/A MA-Refine Oils milligrams per litre of oils and grease. 2200 kilolitres per day. Licence No. 01346 Holroyd City Council (Wentworthville Swimming pool back wash to the Memorial Swimming Centre) stormwater system. 40 kilolitres per day. License No. 01563 CSR Limited T/A Filtered stormwater pumped from The Readymix Group bluemetal quarry to Greystanes 1728 kilolitres per day. Licence No. 02200 Creek, a tributary of Toongabbie Creek.

(3) Toongabbie Creek has been assessed as a sub-catchment probably requiring a Total Catchment Management (TCM) Group to prepare an Environmental Management Plan, co-ordinate works and monitor progress. However, it has not yet been determined how this should proceed. The upper Parramatta River conservation trust has some water quality responsibility for the creek, and its role could be enlarged. Alternatively a separate TCM Group could be formed.

ST MARYS MILK PRICES

Mr A. S. Aquilina asked the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs -

(1) Is he aware that there are some grocery stores in the electorate of St Marys which are over-charging for the sale of milk? (2) What will he do to ensure that over-charging for milk does not occur?

Answer -

(1) In the past 12 months, there has only been one complaint received from the St Marys electorate concerning overcharging of milk. (2) When a problem with overcharging occurs, it should be brought to the attention of the New South Wales Dairy Corporation. The District Officer responsible for that area is informed and the following action is taken: * A visit is made to the shop to confirm the overcharging. * If the overcharging has occurred, the shop owner is issued with a Remedial Notice to comply with the current price schedule for milk. A price list is also issued to the shop owner. * A follow-up purchase is then made by another District Officer to ensure that the Remedial Notice has been complied with.

* If overcharging still occurs, further inquires are made by the District Officer who submits a written report to the New South Wales Dairy Corporation. * The Corporation considers the report and decides on the action to be taken. Depending on the facts of any particular case, the Corporation may send a strongly worded warning letter or may prosecute.

HUNTER PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYEES

Mr Gaudry asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Roads -

(1) As at 24 March 1988, how many persons were employed in the following Departments in the Newcastle and the Hunter region: (a) Roads and Traffic Authority (Department of Main Roads and the Traffic Authority)? (b) Public Works Department? (c) Maritime Services Board? (2) How many persons are now employed in each of these Departments or their 1993 equivalents? (3) For each area where reductions have occurred, were they by: (a) Voluntary redundancy? (b) Natural attrition without replacement? (c) (i) Redeployment? (ii) If so, to which Department or part of the region? (d) Dismissal?

Answer -

(1) (a) As at 24 March 1988, the Department of Main Roads employed 474 persons in the Newcastle and Hunter Regions. The Traffic Authority of New South Wales had no employees in either of the Regions. Department of Motor Transport staff numbers prior to its amalgamation with RTA in January 1989 are not available.

Page 2825 (b) As at 24 March 1988, 267 persons were employed by the Public Works Department in the Newcastle and Hunter region. (209 staff working from the Newcastle Regional office, 34 staff at the Hunter Sewerage Project and 24 staff at the John Hunter Hospital Project). (c) Questions relating to Maritime Services Board are matters for the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism. (2) Roads and Traffic Authority As at the end of March 1993 the Roads and Traffic Authority employed 593 persons in the Newcastle and Hunter Regions. Public Works Department As at the end of March 1993, 203 persons were employed by the Public Works Department in the Newcastle and Hunter region. (156 staff working from the Newcastle Regional Office and 47 staff in the Hunter Sewerage Project). (3) Roads and Traffic Authority (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (c) (i) No. (ii) Not applicable. (d) Yes. Public Works Department (a) 46 staff from the Newcastle Regional Office and one person from the Hunter Sewerage Project. (b) Natural attrition without replacement has accounted for the balance of the staff reductions in the region after voluntary redundancy, dismissals and resignations have been taken into account. (c) (i) Yes. (ii) Redeployment of staff after the completion of the John Hunter Hospital Project in mid 1991 included redeployment to other projects in New South Wales and the redeployment of 8 staff to the Newcastle Regional Office and the Hunter Sewerage Project. (d) Dismissal (two persons) and resignation (two persons) from the Newcastle Regional Office as a result of disciplinary action.

PREMIER'S GALA CHRISTMAS CONCERT TRAIN SERVICES

Mr Martin asked the Premier and Treasurer -

(1) Were additional train services provided from Newcastle for senior citizens to attend the Premier's Gala Christmas Concert last year? (2) Were additional services provided for senior citizens and regular commuters to alleviate overcrowding on the afternoon services following the completion of the concert, or additional carriages provided on the regular services? (3) If not, why not? (4) Will additional services or carriages be provided for the comfort and safety of attendees and regular commuters on return journeys after future Premier's concerts? (5) If not, why not?

Answer -

The Minister for Transport has advised me that: (1) One locomotive hauled train was provided and was poorly patronised. (2) One additional four car train was provided at short notice when it was determined additional accommodation was required. (3) Not applicable. (4) The Minister has undertaken to give close consideration to the accommodation requirements of senior citizens travelling to special concerts closer to the event when likely numbers are known. (5) Not applicable.

HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS STUDY

Mr Mills asked the Minister for the Environment representing the Attorney General and Minister for Industrial Relations -

(1) Has the WorkCover Authority taken part in a study of workplaces using hazardous chemicals? (2) How many breaches of the law were detected regarding failure to notify "significant incidents" involving dangerous chemicals? (3) Will any of the offenders be prosecuted? (4) Is so, how many? (5) What other steps will the Government take both to enforce the law and to improve safety of workers and the public?

Answer -

(1) The WorkCover Authority regularly conducts research studies and surveys in order to facilitate its inspection program. A 1992 research survey was conducted of sixteen workplaces in Western Sydney and dealt with toxic incident identification. (2) In the 1992 research survey 5 incidents should have been notified to WorkCover in accordance with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety (Notification of Accidents) Regulation 1990. (3) No. The purpose of WorkCover's research studies and surveys is to obtain information on specific occupational health and safety problems which will assist WorkCover in fulfilling its statutory responsibilities. As this research is conducted in accordance with standard academic principles of confidentiality, enforcement action is limited to verbal advice when a breach of the legislation is disclosed. However, in many cases, the results of these research studies and surveys lead to targeted inspection projects dealing with a specific issue (e.g. accident notification; pesticides and weedicides; machine guarding). During these inspection projects WorkCover inspectors use appropriate enforcement action when breaches of the legislation are disclosed. This action can range from verbal and written advice, to On-the-Spot Fines, Prohibition and Improvement Notices and finally prosecution. (4) None.

Page 2826 (5) WorkCover administers a comprehensive range of occupational health and safety legislation dealing with hazardous chemicals in the workplace which lays down a minimum standard of health and safety for workers and which is supported by research projects and enforced through a range of punitive measures, as detailed in the answer to question (3).

WOLLI CREEK VALLEY

Ms Allan asked the Minister for the Environment -

(1) What was the content of the submission made by the National Parks and Wildlife Service concerning the Environmental Impact Statement for the M5 Freeway between Alexandria and Beverly Hills? (2) Has the NPWS recommended to you that the Wolli Creek Valley is worthy of environmental protection? (3) If so, why? (4) If not, why not? (5) What action will he take to protect the Wolli Creek Valley?

Answer -

I am advised by the Acting Director, National Parks and Wildlife Service that the answers to these questions are: (1) The contents of the submission focus on the impacts of the development on the natural and cultural values of the Wolli Creek Valley as a remnant bushland area. (2) Not under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. (3) No answer required. (4) Reservation of the Wolli Creek Valley under the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974 is not considered to be appropriate in terms of identified criteria. (5) I have accepted the advice of the National Parks and Wildlife Service as set out in answers (4).

WORLD EDUCATION CONFERENCE FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

Mr Markham asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

(1) What forms of assistance and funding is the Government giving to support the World Education Conference for Indigenous Peoples to be held in Wollongong in December 1993? (2) Will support be provided by the Education Department to promote the conference and assist organisers? (3) If so: (a) What support will be provided? (b) What form will this support take? (4) Will educational programs be put in place to assist organisers of the conference? (5) If so, what areas will these programs cover?

Answer -

(1) and (2) The Department of School Education, the NSW TAFE Commission and the Board of Studies have all indicated their support in principle for the World Education Conference for Indigenous Peoples and have agreed to facilitate the involvement of their officers in the planning and organisation of the Conference. The Department of School Education will provide relief for teachers and support for students to attend the World Education Conference for Indigenous People in Wollongong during December 1993. The Department of Industrial Relations, Employment, Training and Further Education has recently appointed a Senior Project Officer (Aboriginal) in the Department's Wollongong Regional Office. The Officer's role includes the delivery of the Aboriginal Employment and Training Programs in the Southern Region. The Officer will be prepared to provide any advice, assistance or support to the conference organisers, if requested. The Department can also display and distribute informational material about its program at the Conference. As part of the activities planned for the International Year for the World's Indigenous People, the Department is also participating in the organisation of an Aboriginal employment and training conference, to be held at the University of Western Sydney, Nepean Campus between 19-21 July, 1993. The TAFE Commission of NSW upon the recommendation of its Aboriginal Education and Training Policy Advisory Committee has established a Sub-Committee with the following terms of reference: * To co-ordinate the Statewide promotion of 1993 as the International Year of Indigenous People (IYIP) throughout all TAFE Institutes. * To determine ways and means by which the NSW TAFE Commission can give practical support, as a marketing and promotion strategy, to the World Council of Indigenous Peoples (WCIP) Education Conference in December, 1993. Internally, the IYIP/WCIP Sub-Committee will actively promote the Conference throughout all Institute Colleges and their staff. (3) (a) and (b) The Department of School Education will support the organising Committee and its sub-committees with co-ordination of information and distribution of relevant materials to promote the conference. The Department has submitted a proposal to the National Organising Committee seeking copyright exemption over the use of the conference logo for use within the Department of School Education system to help promote the conference to all staff and students. The Department of School Education will have representatives from its Aboriginal Education Unit to attend all relevant meetings of the National Organising Committee and its sub-committees. The South Coast Region of the Department will also liaise closely with the Secretariat of the National Organising Committee to assist in the Page 2827 planning and coordination of the involvement of Aboriginal parents and students from the local Wodi Wodi people, the traditional owners of country where the Conference is to be held. The Board of Studies has released one Aboriginal Education Officer, for 2-3 days a month, to assist in the organisation of the Conference. All of the Board's Aboriginal education staff will be released to assist in the operation of the Conference through December 12th - 17th. Some printed material and printing facilities will be provided by the Board. The NSW TAFE Commission has offered support to the Conference by: * The provision of Conference venues at TAFE campuses in Wollongong; * Support in the provision of College buses to assist transportation of delegates during the Conference; * The provision of trainee waiters and waitresses to assist in catering at the Conference; * The provision of the Conference Dinner through the use of trained Aboriginal Hospitality students as a component of their work experience associated with students study. (4) The Department of School Education will be operating a broad range of educational and cultural programs within NSW schools to promote the United Nations' International Year for the World's Indigenous People. Whilst these programs are not directly aimed at assisting the Organising Committee, they will create interest and raise the level of awareness about Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples and focus on issues relating to all the indigenous peoples of the world. (5) All ten regions of the Department of School Education have indicated that they will be implementing a broad range of activities which celebrate the International Year for the World's Indigenous People. Some examples of programs are: * literacy and numeracy programs through 40 Priority Schools Programs; * workshops to support the introduction of the Anti-Racist Policy; * linking with Aboriginal community groups to organise activities for a continuous program of events throughout the year; * provision of relief for teachers and support for students to attend the Conference; * programs for schools using indigenous speakers to address staff and students about indigenous cultures and environmental issues.

MONIER CONCRETE GOODWILL DECISION

Mr Nagle asked the Premier and Treasurer -

(1) (a) Is he aware of the decision in the Federal Court of the Monier Concrete company's decision in relation to its owner/drivers? (b) What is the impact of this decision on small businesses such as owner/drivers and franchised businesses? (2) What will the Government do to help small business to protect the concept of "goodwill"?

Answer -

(1) (a) Presumably the question is meant to refer to the Pioneer Concrete Decision, handed down in the Federal Court by Lockhart J. on 26 February 1993. (b) The decision was to the effect that Pioneer Concrete did not have to pay "goodwill" to its owner drivers in respect of their trucks following the company's decision last year to convert to a system using its own vehicles with employee drivers. As an appeal has been lodged against this decision, it is not possible to answer this question further until a final decision is made in the matter. (2) The Hon. J.P. Hannaford, M.L.C., Minister for Industrial Relations, has commissioned an independent Review into Chapter 6 of the Industrial Relations Act, 1991, which regulates the operation of contracts of carriage and contracts of bailment in New South Wales. Some of the parties have made submissions to the Review on the issue of "goodwill". The Government will be looking to the Review's recommendations for the manner by which the issue can be best addressed. The Commissioner for the Review, Mrs Hylda Rolfe, will complete the final report by July 1993.

SCHOOLS TEACHER-PUPIL RATIOS

Mr McBride asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

(1) What is the teacher-pupil ratio in primary schools in the electorates of: (a) The Entrance? (b) Gordon? (c) Lane Cove? (2) In the years of 1991 and 1992, what was the teacher-pupil ratio in primary schools in the electorates of: (a) The Entrance? (b) Gordon? (c) Lane Cove? (3) What is the teacher-pupil ratio in Years 7 to 10 in high schools in the electorates of: (a) The Entrance? (b) Gordon? (c) Lane Cove? (4) In the years of 1991 and 1992, what was the average number of students for each teacher in Years 7 to 10 in high schools in the electorates of: (a) The Entrance? (b) Gordon? (c) Lane Cove?

Page 2828

Answer -

(1) and (2) Primary schools are allocated teaching staff by way of formula so that an equitable distribution of finite resources across New South Wales can be made. This formula is such that no class need exceed 30 students in regular schools. Extra funding is provided by the Commonwealth that allows schools classified as disadvantaged to be staffed so that no class need exceed 29 students. This is known as the Disadvantaged Schools Program. There are no primary schools classified as disadvantaged in the electorates of Gordon or Lane Cove. In the electorate of The Entrance, Brooke Avenue Primary School, The Entrance Primary School and Wyoming Primary School are classified as disadvantaged and receive additional teaching resources. The staffing formula for general teaching resources in primary schools has not altered from 1991 to the present. Wyoming Primary School was reclassified as a disadvantaged school for 1993 and the school's staffing entitlement was adjusted. (3) and (4) The teacher entitlement for secondary schools is also determined by formula. This formula determines the teaching establishment so that no Year 7-10 class need exceed 30 students and no Year 11-12 class need exceed 25 students. To this is added staffing allowances that cover such things as the number and type of executive positions, a library allowance, a career education allowance, a concessional allowance that covers Home Economics accounting, scripture supervision, sports organisation etc and an allowance for Support Teacher (Learning Difficulties).

KEIRA PUBLIC SCHOOLS MAINTENANCE

Mr Markham asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

(1) How much was spent on maintenance at the following public schools in the electorate of Keira in 1990/91 and 1991/92 over and above the annual maintenance grant: (a) Balgownie Public School? (b) Bellambi Public School? (c) Corrimal Public School? (d) Corrimal High School? (e) Corrimal East Public School? (f) Fairy Meadow Demonstration School? (g) Figtree Public School? (h) Figtree Heights Public School? (i) Figtree High School? (j) Keira Technology High School? (k) Keiraville Public School? (l) Lindsay Park Public School? (m) Mount Keira Public School? (n) Mount Ousley Public School? (o) Naroona Hills Public School? (p) Para Meadows Special School? (q) Pleasant Heights Public School? (r) Russell Vale Public School? (s) Tarrawanna Public School? (t) Towradgi Public School? (u) Wollongong High School? (2) Is there a waiting list for funding of major maintenance items at these schools? (3) If so: (a) Which schools are wait-listed? (b) What are the maintenance items awaiting funding? (c) Which items will be funded in 1992/93?

Answer -

(1) When this Government came to office in 1988 the maintenance of schools had deteriorated to a disastrous level and estimates of arrears of maintenance were placed somewhere between $400 million and $800 million. The level of expenditure was significantly increased in 1988/89 and it has been held at that higher level for the last four years. The condition of our schools is improving and they are now leading the nation. In the study carried out by the Australian Teachers Union in 1992 the schools sampled in NSW ranked with the best in the nation. It is not satisfactory to report on individual schools for 3 years out of a 5 year (external) and 10 year (internal/external) cyclic maintenance. It would give the impression of distorted expenditure even though all of the schools in the Keira electorate are listed for maintenance in a 5 year period. (2) There is no waiting list other than that the schools have been listed for cyclic maintenance over a 5 year period and some are not scheduled until 1993/94 and 1994/95. Emergency matters will be dealt with if they arise. (3) Not applicable.

TOURISM COMMISSION STAFF EQUIPMENT

Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism -

With reference to the General Manager of NSW Tourism Commission - (1) Does his immediate staff have the use of a photocopy machine? (2) If so, what is the brand and model? (3) Who is responsible for: (a) The selection of the photocopier? (b) Determining the time of replacement? (c) The payment of servicing and maintenance and other associated costs? (4) Does the present photocopier have: (a) Automatic document feeder? (b) Duplex document feeder? (c) (i) Large capacity cassette? (ii) If so, what capacity? (d) (i) Duplex unit? (ii) If so, what capacity? (e) (i) Paper size selection? (ii) If so, what range of paper sizes?

Page 2829 (f) (i) Magnification selector? (ii) If so, is it automatic? (g) Reduction and enlargement? (h) Interruption capability? (i) Page by page copying? (j) Frame erasure? (k) Punch hole erasure? (l) Cover mode? (m) Image shifter? (n) Program memory? (o) Built-in editing? (p) Multiple sheet bypass? (q) (i) Bin sorter? (ii) If so, what capacity? (r) (i) Other than black colour copying? (ii) If so, what colours? (5) (a) Does the General Manager of NSW Tourism Commission have the use of: (i) A modular phone? (ii) A car phone? (b) If so, in each or either case, what is the brand name and model of the phone(s)? (c) If yes, in each or either case, who pays for: (i) The purchase and installation costs? (ii) Each call made? (iii) Repairs and maintenance costs?

Answer -

(1) Yes. The General Manager's immediate staff share the photocopier with the Finance Branch, Computer Services Branch and other senior staff of the Commission. (2) Xerox 5028Z. (3) (a) Corporate Services Division of the Commission (b) Corporate Services Division of the Commission (c) Corporate Services Division of the Commission (4) (a) Yes (b) No (c) (i) Yes (ii) 250 sheets (d) (i) No (ii) Not Applicable (e) (i) Yes (ii) A5 to A3 (f) (i) Yes (ii) Yes (g) Yes (h) Yes (i) Yes (j) No (k) No (l) No (m) No (n) No (o) No (p) Yes (q) (i) Yes (ii) The sorter holds up to 10 sets at one time. Each bin holds up to 40 copies. Top sorter bin holds up to 99 copies in unsorted mode. (r) (i) No (ii) Not Applicable (5) (a) (i) Yes (ii) Not Applicable (b) NECP3 (c) (i) General Manager's cost centre (ii) General Manager's cost centre (iii) Corporate Services Division of the Commission

ST GEORGE TAFE ENROLMENTS

Mr Thompson asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

In respect of St George TAFE College, what were the enrolment numbers in each school for each year from 1985 to 1993?

Answer -

The figures sought by the honourable member are contained in a table which is presented for his information.

ROCKDALE SCHOOLS TEACHER-PUPIL RATIO

Mr Thompson asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

(1) What is the teacher-pupil ratio in primary schools in the electorate of Rockdale? (2) What was the teacher-pupil ratio in primary schools in the electorate of Rockdale in: (a) 1988? (b) 1989? (c) 1990? (d) 1991? (e) 1992?

Answer -

(1) and (2) Teachers are allocated to schools on the basis of student enrolments so that no class need exceed 30 students (29 in DSP Schools). It is the responsibility of a school to adopt, within the staffing formula entitlement, the form of organisation that is most appropriate. Decisions with regard to class sizes and composition are made for sound professional reasons at the school level, taking into consideration such factors as the needs of students, the educational programs to be implemented, the aims and objectives of the school and the resources available. Although the teacher/student ratio need not exceed 1 to 30, (29 in DSP Schools) principals may decide to form classes in excess of 30 (29), while others may be significantly less.

Page 2830 In addition to classroom teachers, schools have additional support through the provision of teacher/librarians, release from face to face teachers, part-time teachers, Computer Education Teachers, and in some schools ESL Teachers, Support Teachers (Learning Difficulties) and Community Language Teachers. These positions need to be included to determine the functional teacher/student ratio. In 1993, primary schools in the Rockdale Electorate have an effective teacher/student ratio of 1 to 18.04255.

DANGEROUS PRODUCTS STORAGE

Ms Allan asked the Minister for Justice and Minister for Emergency Services -

(1) Does the NSW Fire Brigade have access to information giving details of which properties store inflammable, combustible or toxic products? (2) If such information is available, what procedures are in place to allow firemen on the job to obtain such information? (3) If such a register does not exist, will he take action to provide this fire fighting information to emergency services?

Answer -

(1) Yes. (2) The Brigades' standard operation procedures for hazardous materials incidents instruct firefighters on how to access this information through the Brigades' State Communications Centre. In addition, facsimile machines have been installed in all the Brigades' Communication Centres, Zone Offices and in some specialised vehicles such as the Brigades' command vehicle and hazmat and breathing apparatus vehicles, thus facilitating transmission of SCID's data to firefighters on the incident ground. (3) Not applicable.

CHARLESTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS MAINTENANCE

Mr Face asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education representing the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Minister for Employment and Training -

How much was spent on maintenance at the following public schools in the electorate of Charlestown in 1990/91 and 1991/92 over and above the annual maintenance grant: (a) Belair Public School? (b) Charlestown Public School? (c) Charlestown East Public School? (d) Charlestown South Public School? (e) Dudley Public School? (f) Gateshead Public School? (g) Gateshead West Public School? (h) Gateshead High School? (i) Kahibah Public School? (j) Kotara Public School? (k) Kotara South Public School? (l) Kotara High School? (m) Hillsborough Public School? (n) Redhead Public School? (o) Whitebridge High School? (p) Windale Public School? (q) Mount Hutton Public School? (r) Warners Bay Public School? (s) Warners Bay High School? (t) Glendon Crescent School?

Answer -

When this Government came to office in 1988 the maintenance of schools had deteriorated to a disastrous level and estimates of arrears of maintenance were placed somewhere between $400 million and $800 million. The level of expenditure was significantly increased in 1988/89 and it has been held at that higher level for the last four years. The condition of our schools is improving and they are now leading the nation. In the study carried out by the Australian Teachers Union in 1992 the schools sampled in NSW ranked with the best in the nation. It is not satisfactory to report on individual schools for 2 years out of a 5 year (external) and 10 year (internal/external) cyclic maintenance program. It would give a distorted impression of expenditure because only some of the schools in the electorate would be scheduled in the 2 years in question. The funds for maintenance grants are now incorporated as part of a schools operating budget and are not counted in reporting allocations for cyclic maintenance.