3935
PARLIAMENT OF NEW SOUTH WALES LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
2003-04
FIRST SESSION OF THE FIFTY-THIRD PARLIAMENT
______
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
No. 112
WEDNESDAY 8 DECEMBER 2004
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(The Questions and Answers Paper is published for each sitting day and will contain, by number and title, all unanswered questions, together with questions to which answers have been received on the previous sitting day and any new questions. Consequently the full text of any question will be printed only twice: when notice is given; and, when answered.)
3936 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Q. & A. No. 98 23 November 2004 (Including Question Nos 2895 to 2927) Q. & A. No. 99 24 November 2004 (Including Question Nos 2928 to 2972) Q. & A. No. 100 25 November 2004 (Including Question Nos 2973 to 3014) Q. & A. No. 101 30 November 2004 (Including Question Nos 3015 to 3045) Q. & A. No. 102 1 December 2004 (Including Question Nos 3046 to 3082) Q. & A. No. 103 2 December 2004 (Including Question Nos 3083 to 3125) Q. & A. No. 104 14 December 2004 (Including Question Nos 3126 to 3157) Q. & A. No. 105 15 December 2004 (Including Question Nos 3158 to 3176) Q. & A. No. 106 16 December 2004 (Including Question Nos 3177 to 3214) Q. & A. No. 107 17 December 2004 (Including Question Nos 3215 to 3225) Q. & A. No. 108 21 December 2004 (Including Question Nos 3226 to 3255) Q. & A. No. 109 22 December 2004 (Including Question Nos 3256 to 3292) Q. & A. No. 110 23 December 2004 (Including Question Nos 3293 to 3335) Q. & A. No. 111 24 December 2004 (Including Question Nos 3336 to 3346) Q. & A. No. 112 11 January 2005 (Including Question Nos 3347 to 3374)
3937 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Notice of Question given on the date shown
19 OCTOBER 2004
(Paper No. 98)
*2895 TEMORA AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH STATION—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—
(1) Following your announcement that the Temora Agriculture and Research Station will not be closed will you give a guarantee that all current positions will remain at the Temora Agricultural Research Station for the Budget year 2004-05? (2) Will you give a guarantee that the current positions will remain filled by existing staff or new appointees? (3) What funding was appropriated in the 2004-05 State Budget for the maintenance and running of the Temora Agricultural Research Station? (4) Will you guarantee those funds remain available to the Temora Agricultural Research Station for the 2004-05 financial year? (5) What was the total budget allocation for the Temora Agricultural Research Station for the 2003-04 financial year? (6) What is the total budget allocation for the Temora Agricultural Research Station for the 2004-05 financial year? (7) What research programs or trials are currently underway at the Temora Agricultural Research Station? (8) Were any research programs or trials terminated in the wake of your announcement the Temora Agricultural Research Station would be closed? (9) Has the Department of Primary Industries actively sought external funding to support research programs at the Temora Agricultural Research Station? (10) If so, name the funding sources and the nature of the research programs? (11) Have private enterprise companies approached the Department of Primary Industries to undertake research programs on their behalf on a commercial basis at the Temora Agricultural Research Station? (12) If so, identify the companies and the nature of the research programs? (13) Have NSW Government departments, Federal, Local or Inter-State governments or departments sought to have new research programs developed at the Temora Agricultural Research Station? (14) Have any other departmental programs been withdrawn?
Answer—
(1) See answer No. 8 in Question on Notice No. 2595. (2) See 1. (3) The Department’s 2004-2005 State Budget global appropriation does not determine the funding for Temora Agricultural Research Station. (4) Funds will remain available to the Temora Agricultural Research Station from the 2004-2005 global appropriation. (5) The total budget allocation for maintenance and running at Temora Agricultural Research Station for 2003-2004 was $72,753 excluding salaries. (6) A 2004-2005 budget allocation for Temora Agricultural Research Station has yet to be made. (7) See answer No. 9 in Question on Notice No. 2595. (8) No. (9) Yes.
3938 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
(10) The DPI has repeatedly and unsuccessfully sought funding support through Grains Research and Development Corporation, Meat and Livestock Association and Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. (11) No. (12) N/A. (13) Yes, but no funding has been forthcoming. (14) No.
*2896 POLICE ACTION—BORAMBLA—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Police—
(1) Do you acknowledge that NSW Police have taken appropriate action in response to a complaint about “undesirable and anti-social behaviour” at a camp held at Borambla by the Department of Sport and Recreation and attended by Police Citizens Youth Club members on 4 May 2003? (2) If so, would you detail the appropriate action that has been taken by NSW Police on this matter?
Answer—
NSW Police advise: The NSW Police Youth Clubs and Community Support Group Command Management Team conducted a full investigation into a camp held at Borambla. The outcome of the investigation was subsequently reported to the NSW Ombudsman who indicated his satisfaction with the action taken by NSW Police.
*2897 ALLOCATION OF RACE MEETING—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Gaming and Racing—
(1) In view of your previous statement that 12 to 14 starters is the minimum number in a race in order to satisfy the qualifications for a TAB race, what is your response to the fact that at the Canterbury TAB meeting on Wednesday 29 September 2004 five of the seven races had 9 or less starters? (2) Will you now consider the allocation of a TAB race meeting to the Grenfell Jockey Club?
Answer—
(1) See answer to Question No. 308(2) (2) The allocation of race meetings with TAB coverage, is a commercial matter for the controlling body of thoroughbred racing in this State, ie Racing NSW, in conjunction with TAB Limited. The Government has no involvement in the process.
*2898 INTERNET SCAM—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—
(1) Has the Office of Fair Trading issued any consumer warnings regarding the most recent internet scam where customers of financial institutions such as Citibank, Sun Trust Bank, CitiFinancial and Citizens Bank are asked to log on to a website that extracts their personal banking account details? (2) If so in what media and on what dates was this warning published? (3) Does the Office of Fair Trading have any ongoing programs to monitor and deter these scam emails?
Answer—
(1) to (3) The Office of Fair Trading and I regularly issue warnings in relation to internet scams. On the 6 March 2004 I issued an alert specifically regarding bank email scams. In addition, I have issued a further alert to the community regarding a variation of the Nigerian scam where consumers are sent an email request to provide their bank account and personal details.
3939 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
The Office of Fair Trading continues to monitor marketplace trends across New South Wales, to detect all types of scams, including on-line scams, and where appropriate takes action against unscrupulous operators. The Office of Fair Trading is liaising with Commonwealth agencies, who have specific and unique powers in relation to international co-operation and the regulation of the telecommunications sector, regarding Internet-based scams.
*2899 SCHOOL STUDENT ENROLMENTS IN THE ACT—Ms Hodgkinson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
(1) How many primary age students, who are residents of the Murrumbateman area, are enrolled in schools in the ACT? (2) Has the number of primary age students from Murrumbateman enrolled in ACT schools increased over the past 5 years?
Answer—
(1) and (2) Data on NSW residents enrolled in ACT schools is not held by the NSW Department of Education and Training.
*2901 INVESTIGATION INTO ABANDONED GIRL—GOSFORD HOSPITAL—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
In relation to calls for public assistance to identify a young girl abandoned at Gosford Hospital: (1) Was a two year old girl left at Gosford Hospital at 17:45 on Wednesday 13 October? (2) Did Gosford Hospital notify Gosford Police on the evening of Wednesday 13 October and did police commence investigations to locate the two year old's relatives on the Wednesday evening? (3) When was your office advised of the police investigation and when was your office advised of the plan to launch a public appeal? (4) When was the Commissioner's Office advised of the police investigation and when were they advised of the plan to launch a public appeal? (5) When was the NSW Police Public Affairs/Media Unit advised of the police investigation and when were they advised of the plan to launch a public appeal? (6) Why wasn't a public appeal for information launched through the media on Thursday 14 October? (7) Were legal approvals for release of publicity photos and video finalized by 5pm Friday 15 October? (8) Why wasn't a public appeal for information launched through the media on Friday 15 October? (9) Who made the decision to delay the public appeal for information for three days? (10) Did anyone in NSW Police contact any media outlet prior to 5pm Friday 15 October and if so which outlets, which members of those media outlets and who was the NSW Police contact? (11) Will you investigate whether media management took precedence over the child's welfare? (12) Will you ask the Police Integrity Commission to investigate whether media management took precedence over the child's welfare?
Answer—
(1) to (12) NSW Police advise that the investigation of this matter was undertaken in accordance with standard operating procedures. I am advised that the NSW Police Media Unit did not contact media in relation to this matter but received calls from a number of print media outlets. The decision not to launch the public appeal prior to Friday 15 October 2004 was made by the police investigation team which considered that premature publicity could jeopardise the success of the investigation and the safety of the child.
3940 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*2902 INVESTIGATION INTO ABANDONED GIRL—GOSFORD HOSPITAL—Mr Debnam to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—
In relation to calls for public assistance to identify a young girl abandoned at Gosford Hospital: (1) Was a two year old girl left at Gosford Hospital at 17:45 on Wednesday 13 October? (2) Did Gosford Hospital notify Gosford Police on the evening of Wednesday 13 October and did police commence investigations to locate the two year old's relatives on the Wednesday evening? (3) Did Gosford Hospital notify the Department of Community Services on the evening of Wednesday 13 October and was the Department notified that police would commence investigations to locate the two year old's relatives on the Wednesday evening? (4) When was your office advised of the police investigation and when was your office advised of the plan to launch a public appeal? (5) Why wasn't a public appeal for information launched through the media on Thursday 14 October? (6) Were legal approvals for release of publicity photos and video finalized by 5pm Friday 15 October? (7) Why wasn't a public appeal for information launched through the media on Friday 15 October? (8) Who made the decision to delay the public appeal for information for three days? (9) Will you investigate whether media management took precedence over the child's welfare?
Answer—
(1) and (2) These are matters for the Minister for Police and Minister for Health. (3) I am advised that an employee from Gosford Hospital made a report to the DoCS Helpline on the evening of 13 October 2004. The Police also informed the Helpline on the night of 13 October 2004 of steps being taken to try and identify the abandoned child. (4) The Department of Community Services provided information on this matter to my office on 15 October. (5) to (8) These are matters for the Minister for Police. (9) No. Emergency care arrangements were made for the child by the Department of Community Services. The child’s welfare took precedence over any other issue.
*2903 RADIO ROOM VISITS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
In relation to Radio Room Visits: (1) During 2003 or 2004 have you or the Police Commissioner spent two hours in the Sydney Radio Room on a Friday or Saturday evening? (2) During 2003 or 2004, have you or the Police Commissioner spent two hours in the Penrith Radio Room on a Friday or Saturday evening?
Answer—
(1) I have visited the radio room on two occasions. The Commissioner has visited on three occasions. (2) No.
*2904 DENMAN WATER SUPPLY—Mr Souris to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
(1) Have Denman residents been supplied with a sub-standard water supply for a number of years? (2) Are you aware that there is a high frequency of dirty water supply in Denman? (3) What is the full analysis of the departmental ranking of 5 out of 10 for the proposed capital works upgrade of the Denman water supply?
3941 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
(4) How much funding has been allocated for the Country Towns Water and Sewerage Scheme in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and for the 2005 Budget? (5) What percentage of funding for the Denman project would be from the NSW Government? (6) How many projects and what is the aggregate State funding for those projects that are ranked ahead of the Denman project? (7) At present rates, in which year is it expected that the Denman water supply upgrade would be: (a) commenced (b) completed?
Answer—
(1) Muswellbrook Shire Council is the responsible authority for the provision of water supply to Denman. (2) I have been advised that the water supply for Denman, at times, does not meet the aesthetic guidelines of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and that it is of variable quality and subject to occasional high turbidity and colour, particularly after heavy rain. However, I have no information to indicate that the water supply for Denman fails to meet the health requirements of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. I have also been advised that testing by NSW Health since 2001 has not detected any significant health concerns. (3) I have established an interagency prioritisation committee involving the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability, NSW Health, the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Department of Local Government to review the priority of all new projects to be funded under the Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program based on the criteria of health, environment and security of supply. This committee has assigned an initial ranking to all new projects. Muswellbrook Shire Council has been advised of its initial rank for Denman Water Supply and was invited, should it disagree with the initial rankings, to make a submission to the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability by 22 October 2004. I am advised that Muswellbrook Shire Council has made a submission to have the ranking of Denman Water Supply reviewed. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel comprising the interagency prioritisation committee and representatives from the Shires Association and the Water Directorate. Following deliberations by the review panel, Muswellbrook Shire Council will be advised of the final ranking of the Denman Water Supply Augmentation for this financial year. (4) 2000/2001 $56.8 million 2001/2002 $88.4 million 2002/2003 $62.2 million 2003/2004 $64.0 million 2004/2005 $36.2 million (5) Muswellbrook Shire Council has already been provided with government funding of up to $42,000 (being 50% of $84,000) for the preparation of an options report and initial environmental assessments for the proposed Denman water supply augmentation. The maximum level of assistance that Muswellbrook Shire Council can apply for is 50% of the cost of eligible backlog works. If council proceeds with works in advance of an offer, or includes non eligible works then such works will be at full cost to Council. (6) The initial priority rankings are to be reviewed so I will not be in a position to advise the final ranking of the Denman Water Supply Augmentation, or advise which projects have received a higher rank, or their aggregate State funding, until after the review of the rankings has been completed. (7) (a) and (b) I will not be in a position to advise when funding for the augmentation will be available until after the review of the rankings has been completed.
3942 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*2905 SYDNEY WATER SUPPLY AUGMENTATION—Mr Souris to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
(1) What studies have been undertaken to consider the potential harvest of fresh water from previous coal mining shafts and tunnels under Sydney Harbour and out to sea? (2) What would be the harvestable annual maintainable water supply to augment Sydney’s water supply? (3) What would be the capital cost of establishing such a water supply source? (4) What is the comparative cost of capital for an equivalent desalination plant? (5) What is the comparative recurrent cost structure for water per megalitre produced from these shafts and tunnels compared with desalination? (6) What is the comparative green house gas production for water obtained from these shafts and tunnels compared with desalination?
Answer—
(1) and (2) Within the Metropolitan Water Plan, $4 million will be spent in immediate investigations to establish whether groundwater can usefully provide supply augmentation in droughts. Water from mines will be assessed as part of this investigation though water from disused mines in saline environments is typically poor quality, making their use as a raw water supply difficult. (3) This investigation could yield up to 13 billion litres of water per annum to supplement dam supplies for immediate use. (4) and (5) The Government is undertaking a $4 million feasibility study into desalination which will include a detailed costing of a desalination plant in Sydney. (6) Depending on the quality of water in disused mines and the depth below sea level from which the water would be drawn, the amount of greenhouse gas produced by pumping the water to the surface and treating it to potable standards could be similar to that produced by desalinating seawater.
*2906 WATER REUSE FACTORIES—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— (1) Which water re-use factories/plants have you inspected in your role as Minister? (2) On which dates did you visit these factories or plants? (3) Have you or your department evaluated the processes used in the Singapore water reuse plants/factories and if so, what is the outcome?
Answer—
(1) and (2) I inspected the Rouse Hill Recycled Water Plant on 9 August 2004 when I announced Stage Three of the Rouse Hill Recycled Water Scheme. The Scheme will provide water and sewerage infrastructure for 10,000 new homes to be connected to a dual water supply and recycled water from the Rouse Hill Recycled Water Plant. I have inspected a number of rural as well as industrial re-use and conservation schemes. (3) The processes being used in Singapore are familiar to Sydney Water and my Department. They will be considered as required in the context of the implementation of the Metropolitan Water Plan.
*2908 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SASS SCHEME—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
(1) What was the Department of Education unreconciled SASS Superannuation balance at 30 June 2004? (2) Why has it taken years to clear up this unreconciled balance? (3) What is the Department doing to achieve reconciliation?
3943 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
(4) When does the Department expect that the account will be fully reconciled? (5) How many current Departmental employees that are members of the SASS scheme are affected by this issue? (6) How many former Departmental employees that are members of the SASS scheme are affected by this issue?
Answer—
(1) to (6) The Department of Education and Training is giving priority to this matter. Current and former Departmental employees who are members of SASS are not affected and receive their full benefit on exit from the scheme.
*2909 PERPETUAL LEASES—Mr Maguire to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—
(1) How many applications has your Department of Lands received seeking to convert perpetual leases, for the year to 30 June 2004? (2) How many applications were received from 1 July to 30 September 2004? (3) How many applications remain to be processed? (4) How many applications are awaiting process in the Wagga departmental office? (5) When will the embargo be lifted enabling applications to be processed?
Answer—
I am advised by the Minister for Local Government and Minister for Lands of the following response: (1) I am advised that the Department of Lands has received 349 applications seeking conversion of perpetual leases for the year to June 2004. (2) The Department received 954 applications for perpetual lease conversion between 1 July and 30 September 2004. (3) I understand that there are some 1303 applications waiting processing. (4) 91 of these 1303 applications are waiting processing in the Department’s Wagga Wagga Office. (5) The Department of Lands does not have an embargo on the processing of applications in its Wagga Wagga office nor any other Lands office. Processing of applications for conversion of perpetual leases will continue progressively. Due to the recent increase in applications for conversion, additional resources are being allocated.
*2911 FIRE BAN EXEMPTIONS—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—
(1) Are exemptions granted for specified open fires on days of total fire ban, granted by you or by any other authority? (2) How many exemptions have been issued to 30 September 2004, and to whom? (3) What checks are made by your department to ensure those exemptions comply with any conditions imposed?
Answer—
(1) The granting of exemptions during a Total Fire Ban is an authority given to the Minister under section 99 of the Rural Fires Act 1997. This authority has been delegated to the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service. (2) This information cannot be provided, as the time frame is not specified. (3) For any Total Fire Ban exemption that is issued, other than the standard exemptions which appear in the Government Gazette each time a Total Fire Ban is declared, the applicant receives a notice
3944 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
from the Commissioner detailing the specifics of the exemption. A copy of this notice is also sent to the fire service (Rural NSW Fire Service or NSW Fire Brigade) having jurisdiction in the local area. The applicant must then comply with all of the conditions contained within the notice. There are standard exemptions under schedule 3, Fire Works; under schedule 4 – Religious/Sacred Ceremonies; under schedule 9 – Disposal of Diseased Animal Carcasses; and under schedule 14 – Building Construction/Demolition – Urgent and Essential. There is a requirement for the responsible person to notify the fire service having jurisdiction of the proposed activity. The site would be inspected and the applicant would then be required to comply with any direction or additional conditions which may be imposed by an Officer of the relevant fire service and this may include a direction that the activity may not take place during a Total Fire Ban.
*2912 NELSON BAY ROAD—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
(1) What is the status of plans for the improvement of the Nelson Bay Road from the area known as the Sand Dunes that is currently a dual carriageway, to the roundabout at the turnoff to Salamander Bay and Anna Bay? (2) Have such plans been drawn and if so, where can they be inspected? (3) If they can’t be inspected, why can’t they be inspected? (4) Have any such plans that may be drawn altered in any way since the public last had the opportunity to view the plans? (5) If so, in what way have they altered? (6) Are there to be further resumptions of properties along the Nelson Bay Road between the areas mentioned in Question 1 above, and in particular, from the Marsh Road intersection to Trotters Road? (7) If so, how much further land is to be resumed? (8) If so, why is the land to be resumed? (9) If so, what compensation procedures will be undertaken for any land that is to be resumed? (10) Has any member of the Roads and Traffic Authority or the Minister’s staff advised property owners of the land to be resumed that they do not need to seek solicitor’s advice in relation to such resumption, and that the RTA will take care of all matters concerning the resumption? (11) If so, what does the RTA or you or your department base such comment upon? (12) Is there any home or property on the alignment of the proposed road that was previously to be partially resumed and is now to be fully resumed? (13) If so, how many properties? (14) If so, why has this necessity arisen? (15) If there have been changes to the alignment of the road or purchases of additional land, is the RTA to undertake a new EIS for the proposal? (16) If so, has that EIS been carried out? (17) If not, when will it be carried out? (18) If it is not proposed to do a new EIS, why not? (19) If there are proposed changes to the alignment of the road or purchases or resumptions of property, will your office or the RTA display any new plans for the road? (20) If so, when and where? (21) If not, why not? (22) Is there a proposal for a roundabout to be built on the road at the intersection of the Nelson Bay Road and Marsh Road? (23) If so, why? (24) If so, what road safety considerations have been given to the location of a roundabout at that site and by whom and when?
Answer—
The concept design is complete from the end of the existing dual carriageway to the roundabout at Port Stephens Drive. Detailed design for Stage 2 from the end of the dual carriageway to just east of Cromarty
3945 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Lane is complete. These can be inspected at the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) Hunter Regional Office, Level 1, 59 Darby Street, Newcastle.
*2913 HUNTER BREASTSCREEN NSW UNIT—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health—
(1) Is the Hunter BreastScreen NSW unit experiencing problems recruiting a Radiologist? (2) If so, what are the problems associated with recruiting a Radiologist? (3) If so, what action has been taken to expedite the recruitment of a Radiologist? (4) If so, when will the recruitment process for the Radiologist be complete? (5) Is the Hunter BreastScreen NSW unit experiencing problems recruiting a Radiographer? (6) If so, what are the problems associated with recruiting a Radiographer? (7) If so, what action has been taken to expedite the recruitment of a Radiographer? (8) If so, when will the recruitment process for the Radiographer be complete?
Answer—
(1) to (8) There is an Australia-wide shortage of radiographers and radiologists, particularly those with skills and experience in breast screening. The Federal Government, who has responsibility for the funding of university places, is not providing enough places in our universities to train radiographers and radiologists. I am advised that Hunter Are Health Service is in the process of recruiting a Radiologist. In the interim a locum Radiologist and Breast Physician have been appointed. The Hunter Area Health Service is also recruiting a Radiographer.
*2914 BREASTSCREEN NSW—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health—
(1) Has BreastScreen NSW, Hunter area suspended services for all clients in the Hunter catchment? (2) If so, why have the services been suspended? (3) If not, has BreastScreen NSW, Hunter area suspended services in the Manning and Great Lakes area? (4) If so, why have the services been suspended? (5) If so, when were services suspended? (6) If so, how many patients are waiting for follow up screening? (7) If so, when will reminder notices be sent to patients already registered with the scheme for follow- up screening? (8) If so, how many new patients are there waiting for appointments? (9) If so, is the unit taking appointments? (10) If not, why not?
Answer—
(1) to (10) I am advised that Hunter BreastScreen NSW, which services women in the Hunter and Manning/Great Lakes Area has recommenced breast screening services after a short break caused by the resignation of the service’s designated radiologist. During the suspended period, the screening unit continued to assess women who had been recalled following a screening mammogram. Reminder notices were sent to women in the Hunter Region from 19 October 2004 with appointments for those women commencing on 22 October 2004. The first appointments for women of the Manning/Great Lakes Area were due to recommence this month. There are 52 new women on the waiting list for the Hunter and Manning/Great Lakes Area combined.
3946 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*2915 RESPONSE TIME TO CORRESPONDENCE—Ms Seaton to Minister for Police—
(1) What is the usual response time, not including the acknowledgement letter, to correspondence received by the Minister from: (a) Members of Parliament (b) members of the public? (2) When can Mr Terence Rannard expect to receive a reply from the Minister in response to his personal correspondence dated 22 June 2004? (3) When can I expect to receive a reply to my correspondence to the Minister on behalf of Mr Rannard dated 12 July 2004?
Answer—
(1) to (3) A search could not locate correspondence from Mr Rannard direct to me dated 22 June 2004 or representations from you on behalf of Mr Rannard dated 12 July 2004. I have, however, replied to your representations to me dated 9 July 2004 by letter dated 19 November 2004. I apologise for the delay in responding.
*2916 WORKERS COMPENSATION—Mr Amery to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast—
(1) Was the high cost of workers compensation premiums, paid by employers in New South Wales, in comparison to their counterparts in other States, one of the reasons for the changes to the workers compensation scheme in NSW during 2001 and 2002? (2) How do employers in NSW now compare to their counterparts in other States in the following industries: (a) private bus operators (b) meat processing (abattoirs) (c) farm workers (d) metal work/manufacturing industries?
Answer—
Prior to the Government’s changes, the NSW workers compensation scheme was unviable. Premiums had already been substantially increased, but they hadn’t covered costs for a decade and costs were rising unsustainably. Reforms introduced by the Government since 2000 are designed to deliver: • fairer compensation for workers; • fewer disputes and quick resolution of those that occur; • better injury management and return to work outcomes; • fairer premiums for employers; • improved compliance by workers, employers and providers; and • a Scheme which is financially viable. At last count, the independent actuary found the changes had saved $1.8 billion, of which over 90 per cent came from legal and related costs. Damaging and unproductive disputes are down by 60 per cent, 75 per cent of workers now receive payments within a week, and the unfunded liability has reduced by $576 million in six months. The actuary names “better claims management” as one of the major reasons for the reduction. It is not possible to make direct rate comparisons between workers compensation schemes in each jurisdiction because of the differing workers compensation laws, premium calculations and coverage. However, I can say that the NSW scheme provides about the best benefits of any of the State schemes.
3947 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
We provide a wide range of assistance to injured workers including weekly income support; lump sums for permanent impairment and pain and suffering; payment of medical bills; provision of legal assistance to pursue a claim; and intensive rehabilitation assistance. In NSW, an injured worker has an entitlement to benefits until they are fit to return to work. WorkCover assists with vocational rehabilitation, including formal retraining for workers who cannot return to their previous jobs and incentives for employers to hire workers who have been injured. In the case of a severely injured worker who is unable to return to work, in New South Wales they remain entitled to workers compensation benefits until retirement age. In Queensland, the duration of benefits in many cases is limited to a period of two years. In Victoria, workers are required to undertake a work capacity test after two years, and if they are assessed as capable of undertaking any work, they lose their entitlement to benefits whether or not they actually have a job. While New South Wales’ workers are covered for journey claims to and from work and recess claims, Victorian workers are not. In addition, the Victorian cap on maximum weekly benefits is substantially lower than that in New South Wales. Victorian employers are also required to pay the first 10 days of weekly benefits and the first $495 of medical treatment, compared to the maximum excess in New South Wales of $500 for each claim. Another difference is that New South Wales published rates are inclusive of all charges, whereas Queensland published rates do not include the Goods and Services Tax of 10 percent. In addition, Queensland imposes fees on workplaces that are not imposed in New South Wales. These include workplace registration fees amounting to approximately $10 million per annum, and construction notification fees amounting to approximately $20 million per annum. These fees are in addition to workers compensation premiums paid by Queensland employers.
*2919 KU-RING-GAI LEP194—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
(1) Did the Roads and Traffic Authority provide advice to the Minister Assisting the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning (Planning Administration) in relation to the LEP 194 for Ku-ring-gai that was announced in late May? (2) Did that advice make any reference to the likely increase in traffic using the McLaurin Parade/Pacific Highway intersection by people accessing proposed medium density housing in that part of Roseville? (3) If yes, what plans were suggested to improve safety at the intersection? (4) If not, why not?
Answer—
I am advised the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) was requested to provide comments on the draft LEP 194 in October 2003 to Ku-ring-gai Council. The RTA has not been requested to provide further comments to the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources in relation to the LEP.
*2921 SECURITY MEASURES—BROOKLYN—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Police—
When will CCTV and better lighting be placed at Brooklyn (including Parsley Bay) to improve safety for residents and observation of parking areas?
Answer—
NSW Police do not provide CCTV or lighting services for public access areas.
3948 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*2922 FIRE CONTROL CENTRE—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—
(1) Is the site for the new Fire Control Centre, to be located at one of three locations in the Hornsby Shire, the old RTA truck stop at Berowra? (2) If so, when will construction commence; if not, where is the site to be located and when will construction be commenced?
Answer—
(1) One of the sites being considered for the new Fire Control Centre is the old RTA truck stop at Berowra. (2) The RFS is continuing to assist Council in selecting the most suitable site for the Centre. Council, which is responsible for the construction of the new Fire Control Centre, will commence construction following their final determination of the most appropriate site. The RFS is also finalising standard design concepts for new fire control centres, which will also apply to the new Hornsby fire control centre. These will ensure that all centres have the capability and equipment to effectively manage a severe fire event.
*2923 DESALINATION—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
(1) Which desalination plants/factories have you visited as Minister? (2) What is the relative use of energy by desalination plants as compared to water re-use plants or factories? (3) What is the rationale for considering desalination rather than reuse of sewage water?
Answer—
(1) Last week I sent two staff to Israel as part of a broader trade mission to examine desalinisation plants and the potential for joint research opportunities, particularly in water treatment. In September 2003, I inspected the Reverse Osmosis Pilot Plant at Broken Hill. (2) Energy consumption needs to be looked at holistically. For example, installing a dual reticulation network greatly increases the cost and energy use associated with re-use schemes. The desalinisation study is addressing, inter-alia, the energy consumption issues. (3) If the question means to infer that Government consideration is given to seawater desalinisation rather than sewage re-use, I can advise to the contrary. Sydney currently recycles 14 billion litres of treated sewage effluent every year. Furthermore, the NSW Government’s Metropolitan Water Plan includes re-use schemes such as those as BlueScope Steel, Liverpool Golf Course, Hoxton Park and in new release areas such as Rouse Hill which boasts the largest residential recycled water scheme in Australia. These initiatives are forecast to expand re-use to about 24 billion litres per year. In the longer-term, the Western Sydney Recycling Scheme will greatly expand re-use by up to 80 billion litres per year.
*2924 NEW CAPITAL WORKS—PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIP—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
Will all new capital works projects undertaken on behalf of the Department of Education and Training involving partnership with the private sector include private sector liability for maintenance and will penalties apply if the standards are not met?
3949 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Answer—
Under the present PFP contract the contractor’s performance is subject to detailed facility availability and performance requirements which are set out in the output specification and reinforced by a system of payment deductions for performance failures. It is intended that these arrangements would continue for future PFP projects.
*2925 POLICE STATION AUDITING—Mr Pringle to Minister for Police—
When will the program of auditing police facilities be completed?
Answer—
I refer the Honourable member to my answer to his previous question in relation to this matter.
*2926 SUPPORTED ACCOMMODATION—ALBURY ELECTORATE—Mr Aplin to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—
What plans have been developed to meet the demand for supported accommodation for disabled young people when they leave school, who are no longer able to remain in homes run by the Mercy Centre because of funding reductions in residential care?
Answer—
Some reconfiguring of service delivery has been negotiated with the Mercy Centre, resulting in some cost savings. However, these changes have not affected service quality or reduced the ability of the Mercy Centre to provide its current level of service delivery. The Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC) is committed to the provision of appropriate support for people with a disability and their families, including identifying ongoing supports for young people who are no longer eligible for children’s services, such as those offered by the Mercy Centre. This group of young adults who require supported accommodation are considered through the Department’s Vacancy Matching process. Placement in an adult service will be offered when an appropriate vacancy has been identified. Families in the Western Region who are seeking supported accommodation for their family member can contact the DADHC Western Region Reception and Referral line on 1300 134 450.
*2927 GOSFORD-WYONG JOINT WATER SUPPLY—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
What action are you taking to augment water storage on the Central Coast (Gosford-Wyong Joint Water Supply)?
Answer—
Responsibility for the augmentation of water supplies on the Central Coast lies with the Gosford-Wyong Council’s Water Authority, not the New South Wales Government. The Mayors and General Managers of both Councils have been keeping both myself and the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability advised of their proposals to augment water supplies on the Central Coast.
3950 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
20 OCTOBER 2004
(Paper No. 99)
*2928 ELECTRICITY UPGRADE—GROSE VIEW PUBLIC SCHOOL—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
Noting the occupational health and safety issues associated with the potential lack of drinking water and air-conditioning, when will the desperately needed electricity upgrade of Grose View Public School be completed?
Answer—
Funding for a project to upgrade the electricity supply at Grose View Public School will be considered in the context of future capital works priorities. All demountables at the school have been air cooled. The school has implemented measures to prevent tripping of the electrical supply until the upgrade is completed.
*2929 HAWKESBURY RIVER VEHICULAR FERRIES—Mr Pringle to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
For the Hawkesbury River ferries at Wisemans Ferry, Webbs Creek and Sackville: (1) When will improvements be completed? (2) What maintenance shutdowns are proposed for the ferries for the remainder of the 2004-05 year? (3) Will the Minister examine ways of protecting vehicle occupant safety whilst on the ferries without impacting on tourists?
Answer—
(1) and (2) A new ferry is expected to become available at Webbs Creek in early 2005. Work was completed on the Sackville Ferry on 19 November 2004 to repair the northern ramp for the Sackville Ferry. A larger ferry is being provided to Hawkesbury City Council to operate the Lower Portland crossing during this disruption period. Information is being distributed to local residents and advance signposting will advise tourists and infrequent users of the disruption. Monthly maintenance is carried out on all ferries maintained by the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) and the times for these short non-operating periods are signposted at each crossing. (3) The RTA recently introduced a requirement for passengers to remain within the vehicle during ferry crossings. This action, which has been supported by the NSW Police and Workcover, will prevent injury to persons who may attempt to move between vehicles on the ferry. A pedestrian area is provided on all RTA ferries, which separates vehicles from pedestrians. Tourists who may wish to use this option, are able to walk on and walk off the ferry prior to the loading and unloading of vehicles. However, drivers must remain with their vehicles at all times.
*2930 WINDSOR ROAD WIDENING—Mr Pringle to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
Noting that little work has been undertaken since April 2004, when will construction of the next section of dual carriageway on Windsor Road commence?
Answer—
An announcement is to be made on this project shortly.
3951 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*2933 NEWCASTLE/CENTRAL COAST RAIL COMMUTERS—Ms Seaton to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
(1) Does your department have research data regarding the destinations of commuters from Central Coast and Newcastle area, and the general purpose of their travel? (2) If so, what key information has been obtained? (3) What is the percentage of weekday rail travellers travelling for (a) employment, (b) tourism/recreational, (c) medical, and (d) discretionary/other? (4) What is the percentage of travellers who alight in the general areas of (a) the CBD, (b) Hornsby, (c) Chatswood, (d) Parramatta, (e) Liverpool or the south-west, (f) Sutherland Shire, (g) Southern Highlands, and (h) other?
Answer—
I am advised: (1) to (3) Information about the origin, destination and purpose of rail and road travel is available from the Transport and Population Data Centre in the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources. This information is derived from the ABS Census and the Centre’s Household Travel Surveys. (4) Ticket data for the AM peak indicate the following destinations for CityRail customers from the Central Coast and Newcastle areas: CBD/North Shore (Redfern to Chatswood) 49% Hornsby 6% Parramatta 3% Liverpool to Campbelltown < 0.1% Southern Highlands < 0.1% Sutherland Shire < 0.1% Central Coast/Newcastle 25% Other 17% Total 100%
*2934 NOISE TREATMENT PROJECTS—Mr Page to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
(1) Given your written advice on 1 September 2004 that “the NSW Government has allocated $660,000 for the investigation and implementation of appropriate noise treatments for the Sunnycrest Lane area near Bangalow and also at Newrybar, Knockrow, Tintenbar, and Ewingsdale to Tyagarah,” can you advise the scope and nature of works to be undertaken at each of these locations? (2) What priority is being given to these noise treatment projects at these locations and when is the work expected to be completed? (3) Will the $660,000 be enough to do the work at each location? (4) If not, will more money be allocated to enable work at all these locations to be completed in the near future?
Answer—
(1) In relation to Sunny Crest Lane, investigations into traffic noise associated with the adjacent rest area identified that the noise impacts generated from this area were not a significant contribution to the noise environment. Accordingly, the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) could not justify building noise walls at the rest area opposite Sunny Crest Lane. However, in response to local concerns about noise, roadside signage was changed from heavy vehicles to light vehicles to discourage use by heavy vehicles. The RTA is investigating an alternative heavy vehicle rest area site at Yelgun and will shortly place the proposal on display for community comment.
3952 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Following the completion of noise assessment in the Newrybar, Tintenbar and Knockrow areas, the RTA is implementing acoustic treatment to 17 houses between the two intersections of the Old Pacific Highway at Newrybar. In addition, the RTA proposes to construct a noise wall along the western side of the Pacific Highway at Newrybar. Acoustic treatment works commenced in August 2004 and are expected to be completed by June 2005. Noise assessment for the Ewingsdale to Tyagarah area was reviewed and resulted in the additional acoustic treatment of 6 houses. These works are expected to be completed by June 2005. (2) These works have been given a high priority, with expected completion dates as advised in answer (1) above. (3) and (4) Apart from the heavy vehicle rest area proposed at Yelgun, funding is being provided as part of the $18 million announced for noise mitigation works in September 2003.
*2935 DISCARDED RAIL LINE—Mr Maguire to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
(1) How much, in tonnage or metres, of 23 tonnes of discarded rail line has been sold by RIC or ARTC in the past 12 months? (2) Has the rail line been disposed of by: (a) tender (b) auction (c) private treaty? (3) How much rail line remains to be disposed of on the main line between Sydney and Melbourne? (4) How much is located between Wagga Wagga and Albury? (5) How much is being charged per tonne or metre for discarded rail line? (6) How much has been realized in sales to 30 September 2004 in dollars?
Answer—
I am advised by RailCorp: All surplus rail between Sydney and Albury is now the responsibility of the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) since taking up its 60-year lease of the NSW interstate track and Hunter Valley rail freight corridors on 5 September 2004. Questions about the sale of scrap rail and steel on these lines should now be directed to the ARTC. Rail removed from main lines is inspected and used as appropriate to maintain branch lines. In addition surplus rail is sold by contracts let by competitive tender. RailCorp and the Rail Infrastructure Corporation (RIC) have sold 4,417 tonnes of scrap rail and steel in the past 12 months. RIC no longer owns discarded rail. RIC and RailCorp earned $706,653 in the sale of surplus rail and other scrap steel in the last 12 months. Funds earned from the sale of surplus rail are used for the ongoing maintenance and upgrade of the rail network.
*2936 PURCHASES FROM EBAY—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—
(1) What was the result of the internal review, foreshadowed in your letter M04/4010 dated 24 September 2004, sought by the Office of Fair Trading to Ebay’s decision not to accept Mr Leon Oberg’s request for a payment under its Buyer Protection Program? (2) How many other complaints has the Office of Fair Trading received from consumers about refusals by Ebay to reimburse customers under its Buyer Protection Program? (3) What action has the Office of Fair Trading taken in these cases?
3953 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Answer—
(1) I am advised that following the intervention of the Office of Fair Trading, Ebay Australia Pty Limited’s executive management agreed to refund the maximum amount allowable under its Buyer Protection Program to Mr Oberg. (2) and (3) I am advised that since 1 January 2003, the Office of Fair Trading has not received any complaints which specifically relate to the Buyer Protection Program.
*2937 MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICES IN THE SOUTHERN AREA HEALTH SERVICE—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—
(1) Has the Minister, the Department of Health or the Southern Area Health Service received the recommendations from the Deputy State Coroner, Magistrate D Pinch, arising from the inquest into the death of Travis Murray following self inflicted wounds sustained in Goulburn on 6 August 2001? (2) Will you give an undertaking that these recommendations will be fully implemented as a matter of urgency? (3) If so, by what date will they be implemented?
Answer—
(1) to (3) I am advised that the Southern Area Health Service received the Deputy State Coroner’s recommendations from the inquest into the death of Travis Murray on 30 October 2003. Southern Area Health Service advises that it has already commenced processes involved in implementing all the recommendations made by the Coroner. The Area Health Service advises me that it expects all of the Coronial recommendations to be fully implemented by July 2005.
*2938 BOOROWA CENTRAL SCHOOL—Ms Hodgkinson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
(1) Did the Department of Education and Training’s Properties Service Unit in Newcastle contact the Principal of Boorowa Central School, during term two 2004, to determine priorities for future air cooling treatment in ‘hotspot’ permanent buildings at the school in accordance with your commitment in your letter RML 04/2437 dated 13 May 2004? (2) What was the outcome of these discussions? (3) Has a priority been allocated to air conditioning the School’s Library, Hall and Canteen? (4) When will these buildings be air conditioned?
Answer—
Funding for a project to provide air cooling in the nominated “Hotspot” facilities at Boorowa Central School will be considered in the context of future capital works priorities.
*2939 BUSINESSLINK OFFICES—Mr Stoner to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—
Regarding Businesslink offices in Armidale, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Gosford, Kempsey, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong: (1) What was the average number of staff employed in each of the above Businesslink offices for the 2003-04 financial year? (2) What was the average number of staff employed in each of the above Businesslink offices for the 2002-03 financial year? (3) What broad functions did each of these offices undertake in the 2003-04 financial year? (4) Where will the functions previously carried out in each of these offices now be undertaken?
3954 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Answer—
(1) I am advised that the average number of permanent staff employed in 2003-04: • Armidale – five • Coffs Harbour – four • Dubbo – 10 • Gosford – three • Kempsey – five • Wagga Wagga – nil • Wollongong – five (2) I am advised that staff were transferred into Businesslink at these locations on 20 June 2003, 10 days before the end of the 2002-03 financial year. Numbers of permanent staff transferred on that date were: • Armidale – five • Coffs Harbour – four • Dubbo – 10 • Gosford – eight • Kempsey – five • Wagga Wagga – nil • Wollongong – five (3) A range of human resource and finance related services for the Department of Housing, Department of Community Services, and Department of Disability, Ageing and Home Care. (4) I am advised that a range of human resources and administrative support functions will continue to be performed from regional Businesslink offices in Lismore, Newcastle, Orange and Queanbeyan. It is intended that finance-related positions be transferred to Liverpool. The detail of this proposal is the subject of further consideration by the Businesslink Board.
*2940 PUBLIC TRUSTEE CHARGES—Mr Amery to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
(1) Does the Public Trustee charge, on a sliding scale, a capital commission to administer an estate? (2) Does this scale amount to 4.4 per cent up to $100,000, 3.3 per cent from $100,000 to $199,000, 2.2 per cent from $200,000 to $299,000 and 1.1 per cent for amounts over $300,000? (3) Are these scales adjusted from time to time to address the increasing values of real estate in New South Wales? (4) When was the last time these scales were altered?
Answer—
(1) Yes. (2) The GST inclusive fee is: 4.4% up to $100,000 3.3% from $100,001 up to $200,000 2.2% from $200,001 up to $300,000 1.1% from $300,001 (3) Public Trustee commissions, fees and charges are reviewed from time to time and were last reviewed in 2001. This review included industry and community consultation. The commission scales were not amended at that time and have not historically been amended because of values of real estate. The fees reflect industry standards. The Trustee Companies Act allows a commission at a flat rate of 4.25%, which is significantly higher than the Public Trustee’s commissions. Regulation 29 allows for the reduction and waiver of fees, commission or charge, where the Public Trustee considers that it is just and reasonable to do so, usually on the grounds of hardship. (4) 1975.
3955 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*2941 REPLACEMENT SPECIALISTS AT BEGA HOSPITAL—Mr Constance to Minister for Health—
What is being done to find replacement specialists at Bega Hospital with the imminent departure of orthopaedic surgeon Dr Gareth Long and haematologist Dr Pitcock no longer servicing the Bega Hospital?
Answer—
I am advised that Southern Area Health Service has recently interviewed applicants for an orthopaedic position and an offer of appointment will be made shortly. Dr Pidcock conducts a private specialist clinic within the Oncology Service at Bega District Hospital. I am advised that the Southern Area Health Service is working with Dr Pidcock to address concerns he has raised in regard to his private clinic.
*2942 INVESTIGATION OF REGISTERED CLUBS—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Gaming and Racing—
Which clubs in the electorate of Hornsby have been investigated with regard to payment of poker machine tax?
Answer—
The Gaming Machine Tax Act 2001 requires the Centralised Monitoring System Licensee to calculate the amount of quarterly tax payable for gaming machines operated in each hotel and club and advise the Chief Commissioner of State Revenue of that amount. The Chief Commissioner then assesses the tax payable in accordance with that calculation. The collection of gaming machines taxes is the responsibility of the Chief Commissioner. I am advised no clubs, in the electorate of Hornsby have been investigated by the Department of Gaming and Racing with regard to the payment of gaming machine taxes this calendar year.
*2943 HORNSBY HOSPITAL FUNDING—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—
(1) In light of the newly created Northern Sydney and Central Coast Area Health Service merger, how much new funding will be directed to Hornsby Hospital? (2) How many new nursing or medical staff will be employed at Hornsby Hospital as a result of the merger?
Answer—
(1) and (2) The merger of Northern Sydney and Central Coast Area Health Services is expected to result in savings achieved through amalgamation of administrative and corporate functions. These savings will be redirected to patient care. Hornsby Hospital will receive a share of these savings based on the health care needs of its catchment population and the existing levels of service. In 2004-05 Hornsby Hospital received increased funding of $1.822 million to open an extra 4 acute beds and 6 high dependency beds. I am advised to open these beds an extra 19 nurses have been employed.
*2944 AFFORDABLE HOUSING—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
(1) How many houses in the new Affordable Housing project in Thornleigh are currently occupied? (2) What is the profession of each of the principal occupants? (3) What is their annual income? (4) What is the criteria for approval to occupy one of these Affordable Housing residences?
3956 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Answer—
(1) Four. (2) and (3) I am advised that without the written consent of the occupants, disclosure would contravene the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act, 1998. (4) The gross household income of the applicant must be within a range such that the rent payable on that property is affordable, applicants with household incomes between $46,600 to $59,100 per annum are eligible; the applicant must be employed in Thornleigh or nearby suburbs; the applicant must provide a service that contributes to the well being of the community; and the applicant must have derived all or part of household income from regular employment over the preceding twelve months.
*2945 VIDEO CONFERENCING FACILITIES—Mr Tink to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
(1) Which courts in New South Wales are currently fitted with video conferencing facilities? (2) How many times was the video conferencing system used by each court for the 2001/02, 2002/03 and the 2003/04 financial years? (3) What is the cost to fit out a courthouse with video conferencing facilities? (4) Which courthouses have been earmarked to receive video conferencing facilities in the 2004/05 financial year and what is the timeframe for the installation of facilities at those courthouses? (5) What is the timeline for rolling out video conferencing facilities to all courthouses across New South Wales?
Answer—
Video conferencing is available in 31 courts across the State, including: Bidura Children’s Court Burwood Court Campbelltown Court Child Sexual Assault Court Central Local Court Darlinghurst Supreme Court Downing Centre District and Local Courts Dubbo Court Dust Diseases Tribunal Goulburn Court John Madison Tower District Courts King St – Supreme Court Lidcombe Children’s Court Lismore Court Liverpool Court Newcastle Court Orange Court Parramatta Court Penrith Court Supreme Court – Queens Square Wollongong Court Woy Woy Court Industrial Relations Commission Land and Environment Court In 2001/2002, the facilities were used on 4,988 occasions, in 2002/2003 on 8,975 occasions and in 2003/2004, on 13,253 occasions. The cost to fit-out a court with video conferencing facilities is approximately $100,000 to $120,000. The Department intends to extend the availability of video conferencing facilities across the State as funds are identified.
*2948 ELECTRICITY REBATES—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
(1) Are certain people who are holders of Commonwealth benefits and entitlements entitled to rebates on household electricity accounts? (2) If so, how much is the rebate?
3957 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
(3) Is so, do the energy suppliers require such people to provide to them approval to access Centrelink records of these people? (4) If so, why? (5) If so, is this not a breach of privacy to these people? (6) If it is a breach of privacy, why is it allowed to continue? (7) If the Minister does not believe it a breach of privacy, why does he so believe?
Answer—
(1) Yes. (2) $112 per year. (3) and (4) In order to ensure public expenditure is managed responsibly and that funds continue to be made available to eligible recipients, the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability has commenced a verification process for the Pensioner Energy Rebate. This process involves retailers cross-referencing Rebate recipients with Centrelink records. The Department has consulted widely with key stakeholders through the course of implementing eligibility checking. These stakeholders included the NSW Social Justice Reference Group, the NSW Energy Concessions Steering Committee, the NSW Energy and Water Ombudsman and the Public Interest Advocacy Centre. These groups, through their membership, represent the interests of Pensioners. All relevant privacy considerations were taken into account during the development of the verification process. The approach adopted was one of passive consent whereby all customers are advised of the verification process and given the option of providing alternative forms of verification if they do not want their records cross-referenced with Centrelink. (5) to (7) The verification process does not breach privacy requirements.
*2950 DUAL ENERGY X-RAY ABSORPTIOMETRY SERVICES—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health—
(1) Are Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) services available for patients in the detection and monitoring of osteoporosis in the Manning Great Lakes area? (2) If not, why not? (3) If not, when will the service be available in the Manning Great Lakes area? (4) If not, where can patients access such services? (5) If no DEXA service is available in the Manning Great Lakes area what assistance is provided for travel expenses for inpatients to undergo such testing? (6) If no DEXA service is available in the Manning Great lakes area what assistance is provided for travel expenses for patients generally (not inpatients)?
Answer—
(1) Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry is available through Mayne Radiology in Taree. (2) to (6) Not applicable.
*2951 NSW POLICE FEES AND CHARGES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
In relation to NSW Police fees and charges: (1) What is the projected increase in revenue NSW Police will receive for the financial year 2004-05 for the additional $8 charged for deploying police to sporting or entertainment events? (2) What is the projected increase in revenue NSW Police will receive for the financial year 2004-05 for the additional $21 an hour charged for the provision of police dog and handler? (3) What is the projected increase in revenue NSW Police will receive for the financial year 2004-05 for the additional $10 charged for stolen vehicle checks? (4) What is the projected increase in revenue NSW Police will receive for the financial year 2004-05 for the additional $15 charged for the provision of photographs for case purposes?
3958 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
(5) What is the projected increase in revenue NSW Police will receive for the financial year 2004-05 for the additional $20 charged for the taking of fingerprints for copies of criminal histories? (6) What is the projected increase in revenue NSW Police will receive for the financial year 2004-05 for the additional $70 charged for visa applications adoption application processing service? (7) What is the projected increase in revenue NSW Police will receive for the financial year 2004-05 for the additional $9 vehicle impounding fee? (8) What is the projected increase in revenue NSW Police will receive for the financial year 2004-05 for the additional $27 charged for accident insurance reports? (9) What is the projected increase in revenue NSW Police will receive for the financial year 2004-05 for the additional $30 charged for the processing of subpoenas?
Answer—
On 16 October 2004, I issued a media release which included the following information: Minister for Police John Watkins said the NSW Police schedule of fees and charges for non-essential and commercially based services would be updated from November 1st – to ensure the force’s resources remained concentrated on the frontline. Mr Watkins said NSW Police engaged in a range of services with the public, other government agencies and commercial organisations that were unrelated to the business of catching criminals. “After a review this year, NSW Police has identified a need to increase around 30 fees and charges – to ensure we recover costs for this external work,” Mr Watkins said. “These fees and charges represent basic cost recovery – they are modest increases which represent the rise in the cost of providing these services over time. “NSW Police currently provides some services - like stolen vehicle checks for insurance companies - for free. This is an inappropriate use of resources,” he said. “I’m advised most of these fees and charges have not changed in several years.” Examples of the increases include: • Stolen vehicle checks, previously provided free to insurance companies, will now cost between $20 and $30; • Police deployed for commercial purposes like film shoots or transport escorts will rise from $74/hour to $84/hour; • Overnight accommodation charge for mounted police will rise from $132/night to $150/night; and • Provision of photographs for the legal industry will rise from $105 to $120 for the first print. Mr Watkins said it is a long established practice for NSW Police to charge for non-core services it provides at the request of commercial organisations or members of the public. “It is important that NSW Police recovers full costs for non-core services it provides to commercial enterprises and the public,” Mr Watkins said. “Otherwise the budgets of operational police would be affected,” he said. “This means NSW Police will have access to the funds previously tied up in providing that service and will be able to use it for operational policing.”
*2952 AVAILABLE POLICE RESOURCES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
In relation to available police resources: (1) In relation to your answer to Question 2544, is the Commissioner aware of the number of police officers who were: (a) On sick leave for each Local Area Command as at 31 August 2004, 30 August 2003, 30 August 2002, 30 August 2001? (b) On leave for each Local Area Command as at 31 August 2004, 31 August 2003, 31 August 2002, 31 August 2001? (c) At court appearances for each Local Area Command as at 31 August 2004, 31 August 2003, 31 August 2002, 31 August 2001?
3959 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
(d) Had training commitments for each Local Area Command as at 31 August 2004, 31 August 2003, 31 August 2002, 31 August 2001? (2) What steps, if any, are being taken to improve police information systems in relational to human resources management?
Answer—
I refer the Honourable Member to my previous response.
*2953 POLICE STRIKE FORCES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
In relation to Police Strike Forces: (1) In relation to your answer to Question 2687, does the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner have access to information on: (a) The number and names of NSW police strike forces in operation as at 20 October 2004? (b) Of the above strike forces in operation as at 20 October 2004, which strike forces have administrative support exclusively dedicated to that strike force and how many administrative staff in each? (c) Of the above strike forces in operation as at 20 October 2004, which strike forces have NSW Police exclusively dedicated to that strike force and how many in each? (2) How many strike forces can a police officer be attached to at any one time? (3) What ranks or positions can initiate the establishment of a strike force? (4) What rank or position is the approving authority for the establishment of a strike force?
Answer—
I refer the Honourable Member to my previous response.
*2955 CRONULLA POLICE STATION MAINTENANCE—Mr Kerr to Minister for Police—
What maintenance and structural work has been identified as requiring expenditure at Cronulla Police Station and what are the specific items requiring rectification or rebuilding?
Answer—
On the 22 June 2004 I issued a media release in relation to this matter: “Minister for Police John Watkins said the $2 billion 2004/05 NSW Police Budget would help deliver the Government’s plan to overhaul and rebuild the state’s substandard police stations. Mr Watkins said the strategic plan developed in consultation with industry experts Sinclair Knight Mertz (SKM) had been submitted to Treasury as part of this year’s budget proposal. “I’m pleased to say $700,000 has been allocated to finalise the highest priority sites for redevelopment or refurbishment,” Mr Watkins said. “That will allow us to put the finishing touches on the plans, before we move the bulldozers in the following year.” “And the Treasurer has estimated $40 million a year will be available for new stations from 2005/06.” Mr Watkins said the highest priority sites, developed in consultation with the Police Association and SKM, were: Bowral; Fairfield; Parkes; Burwood; Granville; Port Kembla; Camden; Gunnedah; Quakers Hill; Campsie; Leichhardt; Revesby; Coffs Harbour; Lismore; Tenterfield; Corrimal; Liverpool; Wagga Wagga; Cronulla; Macksville; Warilla; Dubbo; Moree; Windsor; and Ermington; Orange; Wyong.
3960 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Mr Watkins said this year’s budget also contained $33.5 million for new police stations in progress. “A number of important developments are already underway, ranging from the planning stage to significant construction work.” The budget has allocated: • $5.9 million for Chatswood Police Station; • $3.1 million for Griffith Police Station; • $1 million for Thirroul Police Station; • $5.9 million for Muswellbrook Police Station; • $4.8 million for St Marys Police Station; • $7.2 million for Armidale Police Station; • $5.6 million for Redfern Police Station; • $2.5 million to upgrade police holding cells throughout the state; • $3 million for additional building maintenance across NSW; and • $3 million for increased leasing costs. Mr Watkins said 2004/05 would also see a significant shift in the way police properties were managed. “We have abolished the Police Properties Branch and transferred its functions to the Police Ministry and the Department of Commerce, effective July 1st,” Mr Watkins said. “The reality is that while a small number of police have first-class accommodation, the majority languish in shoddy, run down stations. “It’s going to take a lot of time – and a lot of money – to bring police stations up to scratch. “But that’s why we asked industry experts Sinclair Knight Mertz to help. They have a track record in providing better police accommodation in Victoria. “It’s the strategic, prioritised properties plan that our police, the Association and the Government wants.”
*2957 SMOKING RESTRICTIONS—Mr Roberts to Minister for Gaming and Racing—
What business/economic modelling has been conducted to ascertain the affect on clubs’ or pubs’: (a) income (b) employment, with respect to restricting smoking?
Answer—
I advise that, as the Hon Morris Iemma MP, Minister for Health, is responsible for the Smoke-free Environment Act 2000, the question should be directed to that Member.
*2958 FAIR TRADING COMPLAINTS—Mr Roberts to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—
(1) How many complaints have been received by the Department with respect to businesses in the Lane Cove electorate for each year between 2000 and 2003? (2) If figures for the Lane Cove electorate are not available, how many complaints have been received by the Department with respect to businesses in the local government areas of: (a) Lane Cove (b) Willoughby (c) Hunters Hill (d) Ryde?
Answer—
(1) and (2) The Office of Fair Trading collects complaint statistics based on postcodes. The number of complaints received by the Office of Fair Trading in relation to businesses with postcodes for the following suburbs for the last year are:
3961 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
(a) Lane Cove - 75 (b) Willoughby - 39 (c) Hunters Hill - 4 (d) Ryde - 66
*2961 HEALTH CARE COMPLAINTS COMMISSION APPEAL—Mr Merton to Minister for Health—
When will the appeal against a finding of the Health Care Complaints Commission made by Mr Robert Crafter, a constituent of the Baulkham Hills electorate, be dealt with and receive a response?
Answer—
I am advised that Mr Raymond Crafter was notified of the outcome of the review of his appeal in a letter from the Health Care Complaints Commission on 22 October 2004. The letter invites Mr Crafter to contact an Investigation Manager with the Health Care Complaints Commission if he has any questions relating to the review.
*2963 CASE MANAGERS—BLIGH—Ms Moore to Minister for Health—
(1) How many case managers are employed to help people with mental illness in Bligh? (2) How many case managers does the Government plan to provide for residents of Bligh, according to population-based funding? (3) What services does the Government fund or offer to provide opportunities for people with mental illness in Bligh to socialise and be integrated into the wider community? (4) How many people with a mental illness in Bligh have been assessed as likely to benefit from social support services? (5) How many people with mental illness in Bligh are waiting for access to social support services?
Answer—
(1) and (2) There are currently 14.9 full-time-equivalent Case Manager positions employed at the St Vincent’s Hospital – Mental Health Service. (3) A comprehensive mental health treatment and support service is provided by the St Vincent Hospital Mental Health Service to the residents of Bligh. Clients are linked with the community by a collaborative process of assessment between consumers, carers and service providers. This assistance is driven by consumer needs and individual goals. (4) I am advised that the service averages nine referrals per week. (5) As at 1 November 2004, the Rehabilitation Service had 10 people on the high priority waiting list, 3 people on the low priority waiting list and a further 6 people waiting to be assessed.
*2964 BREEDERS OF COMPANION ANIMALS—Ms Moore to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—
In relation to companion animals, why is there no requirement for all breeders to be registered to ensure better monitoring of numbers of animals that are bred, given the high number of dogs and cats that are euthanised each year because no homes could be found for them?
Answer—
I am advised by the Minister for Local Government of the following response: The objects of the Companion Animals Act are to provide for the identification and registration of companion animals and for the duties and responsibilities of their owners. It is not a function of the Act to regulate the cat/dog breeding industry, but instead places an emphasis on owners to be responsible for the care and management of companion animals.
3962 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
In the development and review of its policies with respect of the management of companion animals, the Government consults with the key breeders’ organizations as well as with representatives of other interests. Many of these organizations have actively participated in the recent review of the Companion Animals Act following five years of its operation.
*2965 REVIEW OF COMPANION ANIMALS ACT—Ms Moore to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—
In relation to the report of the review of the Companion Animals Act: (1) How was the consultation process advertised? (2) Why were all people and organisations that made submissions to the review of the Act not notified of the opportunity to make further comments about the subsequent report of the review?
Answer—
I am advised by the Minister for Local Government of the following response: There have been three stages to the consultation process to date. Initially, the review was advertised in national, regional and selected Sydney suburban newspapers. In addition, letters were sent to key stakeholder organisations advising them of the review and inviting their and their members’ views. In the second phase of the review, representatives of various stakeholder groups met to discuss issues raised in submissions and to recommend options for legislative amendments. In the most recent part of the consultation process, the Department of Local Government developed a comprehensive comment form relating to the proposed amendments and other areas where further comments were sought. I tabled the report on the review in Parliament. The report, together with the comment form, has been placed on the Department’s web site for public comments. These documents were also sent to 152 NSW councils and 20 stakeholders’ organisations whose members participated with the bulk of comments in the first round of submissions to the review inviting further comments. The stakeholders included animal welfare groups, breeders’ organisations, government agencies, wildlife protection groups, vets’ and local government law enforcement offices’ peak bodies, and pet industry organisations. This has provided opportunity for these groups and their members to provide further comments on the proposed amendments to the Act and other issues of interest and concern. To date, the Department of Local Government has received 70 submissions in response to the tabling of the Companion Animals Act review in Parliament, making a large number of comments for further consideration.
*2966 NOISE CONTROL MEASURES—Ms Moore to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
In relation to noise impacts from major infrastructure projects: (1) What actions has the Government taken to comprehensively address noise complaints from major projects including beeping from reversing trucks? (2) What measures will the Government develop to ensure that all noise, including beeping from reversing trucks, is included in the noise trials for the approval of new activities of major infrastructure projects?
Answer—
The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) imposes strict licence conditions on major projects which stipulate noise controls, and include procedures for complaint management and resolution. Complaints are required to be investigated to determine the level of impact as well as any circumstances surrounding events that might inform future mitigation strategies.
3963 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
I am advised that the DEC has been liaising with a number of State agencies to investigate alternatives to reversing alarms. The DEC has successfully promoted the trial of less noisy alternatives to standard reversing alarms at several major infrastructure construction projects such as the Lane Cove tunnel and the Epping to Chatswood Rail Line.
*2967 IMPLEMENTATION TASKFORCE ACHIEVEMENTS—Ms Moore to Minister for Health—
(1) What has the Implementation Taskforce, set up to oversee the Government’s response to the Legislative Council Inquiry into mental health, achieved to date and what has it reported to the Government? (2) What statistics are Area Health Service Mental Health Directors reporting to Area Health Service CEOs? (3) What do these statistics show about the unmet need for mental health services? (4) What do these statistics show about the current provision of mental health services? (5) What do these statistics show about trends in mental health service provision? (6) What action has the Human Services Committee of Cabinet taken on mental health since this matter was added as a standing agenda item for its meetings?
Answer—
(1) to (3) The Implementation Taskforce oversees the implementation of the Government’s response to the Legislative Council Select Committee’s Inquiry into Mental Health Services in NSW. It is an Advisory Committee to the Minister for Health. I am advised that the Taskforce has agreed on the development of profiles of Area Mental Health Services as a baseline for analysis of changes in service provision over the life of the Taskforce. The service profiles have been designed as a foundation for analysis of performance against indicators of achievement, and to provide a basis for decisions on service enhancements. Statistics to be reported by Area Health Services will be established through this process. Finalisation of this process will occur once the new Area Health Services formally commence in January 2005. From 1 January 2005, Performance Agreements will be made between the Director General and the CEOs of the new Area Health Services. These Agreements will include specific Mental Health service indicators with agreed performance targets. Area Directors of Mental Health and the CEO in each Area will monitor these indicators on an ongoing basis as part of the process of managing mental health services. The NSW Government recognises mental health as an area of significant need and each year has substantially increased the mental health budget in real terms. The most recent increase has seen a record $783 million devoted to mental health services in NSW in 2004-05, a rise of $68 million (or 9.5%) over 2003-04. (4) and (5) A number of statistics will be included in the NSW Health Department Annual Report for 2003-04, which will be tabled in Parliament in late November. (6) The Human Services Committee of Cabinet has commissioned the Human Services Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) Forum to progress the whole-of-Government recommendations of the Select Committee Inquiry into mental health services in NSW. The Senior Officers Group on Mental Health, established by the CEOs Forum, will develop a cross- agency strategy to better support people with mental health problems and also examine specific recommendations of the Select Committee Inquiry on Mental Health Services with implications for a range of agencies. The Group is required to report back to the Human Services CEOs Forum by December 2004. In order to ensure NSW has a robust service system which adequately supports people with mental illnesses, the Group has identified the following necessary elements: • an effective cross-agency strategy, requiring agreement on the service and resource responsibilities that agencies bear in better supporting people with mental illnesses across the service system; and
3964 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
• a complementary Health-specific plan that sets out practical system-wide action for comprehensive mental health service delivery to be developed in parallel. There are also three main areas where there is an interface between mental health services and the services provided by other agencies that the Group intends to focus the cross-agency strategy. These areas are early intervention and prevention initiatives; community support services and emergency responses. In addition, a Results-Based Accountability Framework is being employed to assist in reaching agreement on the results sought for client groups, the indicators to measure those results, and the actions required across government in order to achieve them. A number of working groups have also been established to consider the issues identified by the Inquiry including: • ways to improve service provision for people with co-morbid substance abuse and mental disorders; • the provision of appropriate vocational education and training programs for people with mental illnesses; and • more appropriate mechanisms for transporting people with mental illnesses in emergency situations.
*2968 DUAL DIAGNOSIS—Ms Moore to Minister for Health—
(1) What action has the Government taken in relation to the need for specialist services to address the complex needs of people with Dual Diagnosis i.e. with both a mental illness and an alcohol/drug problem? (2) What action has been taken on the government’s proposed Dual Diagnosis pilots following the Alcohol Summit? (3) What training has been provided to mental health workers on drug and alcohol issues, in order to address the needs of people with Dual Diagnosis? (4) What training has been provided to drug and alcohol workers on mental health issues, in order to address the needs of people with Dual Diagnosis?
Answer—
(1) The Department of Health has advised that a range of initiatives have been put in place to meet the complex service needs of people with coexisting mental health and substance use disorders. These include the following: • The Department of Housing, in conjunction with NSW Health and the Department of Community Services is developing three supported housing projects to be trialled in 2004- 2006 for young people with coexisting mental health and substance abuse disorders who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. • NSW Health has committed funds to the Department of Housing for a two-year mental health position for the Homeless Action Team Support and Outreach Service in inner Sydney. The position will facilitate improved access to mental health services and secure housing services for homeless people with co-morbid problems. • NSW Health and the Department of Housing have funded the Housing and Supported Accommodation Initiative which provides high level support services in community based housing for over 100 people across NSW with complex mental health problems. In addition, Area Health Services undertake and fund local programs which specifically target people with a dual diagnosis, and NSW Health has established a Dual Diagnosis Steering Committee to oversee the system wide analysis of the management of persons with co-morbid substance use and mental health disorders in NSW. Further, the Advisory Committee on Best Practice Service Delivery for People with Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders was formed in 2002 to provide expert advice on the delivery of services and the development of proposals to meet the complex needs of persons with a dual diagnosis.
3965 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
(2) The Centre for Mental Health and the Centre for Drug and Alcohol are currently working together to develop an appropriate plan of action for the 8 dual diagnosis projects proposed at the Alcohol Summit. (3) and (4) I am advised that Area Health Services provide a wide range of training initiatives on dual diagnosis for Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Workers. To supplement this training the Centre for Mental Health and the NSW Institute of Psychiatry have developed a training manual on dual diagnosis. The manual Alcohol and Other Drug Issues: A guide for Mental Health Professionals has been developed to provide guidance to mental health clinicians working in mental health services. It is the intention that this document will be made widely available to mental health professionals. I am also advised that Hunter Area Health Service is in the process of developing an interactive CD-ROM on the complex needs of people with coexisting mental health and substance use disorders.
*2969 ALBURY WODONGA BIZFEST 2004—Mr Aplin to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business—
(1) Did you launch Bizfest in Albury and provide a foreword for the program? (2) Are you aware that WorkCover NSW was not represented at the Small Business Expo? (3) Did Victorian WorkCover Authority operate an information stand at Bizfest? (4) Was WorkCover NSW briefed on the importance of being present and appropriately resourced to assist regional business enquiries?
Answer—
(1) Yes. (2) to (4) Border Bizfest 2004 was organised by Regional Events Pty Ltd. Questions about the organisation of this event are best directed to Regional Events Pty Ltd.
*2970 PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE—Mr Stoner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
Regarding the announced single approval process for the remaining 235 km of non-upgraded Pacific Highway, what are the timeframes for commencement and completion of construction on the following stretches of highway: (a) Mooreland to Herons Creek (b) Kempsey to Eungai and (c) Macksville to Urunga?
Answer—
Construction on these projects is not scheduled to commence within the current 10-year upgrading program, which expires in 2006. Timing of all works beyond 2006, including these three projects is yet to be determined and will be the subject of negotiations between the NSW and Federal Governments. The NSW Government is committed to a continuation of funding. At this stage, however, the Federal Government has only indicated specific funding for the first three years beyond the current program.
*2971 JON BLACKWELL—TERM OF APPOINTMENT—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast—
(1) What is the term of appointment of Jon Blackwell of WorkCover? (2) When did the appointment commence? (3) What level is his SES contract?
3966 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Answer—
The employment of staff by Government departments is regulated by the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002. Section 19 of the Act provides that appointments are to be made on the basis of merit.
*2972 MICHAEL COUTTS-TROTTER—TERM OF APPOINTMENT—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast—
(1) What is the term of appointment of the newly appointment Director-General of Commerce Michael Coutts-Trotter? (2) What level is his SES contract? (3) Was he previously employed at any time in the NSW Public Service? (4) What model of car is assigned to him?
Answer—
The employment of staff by Government departments is regulated by the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002. Section 19 of the Act provides that appointments are to be made on the basis of merit. Ministerial staff are entitled to apply for positions in the public service subject to meeting the essential and desirable qualifications for the positions. As required by the Act, all appointments are made on the basis of merit and not political affiliation, otherwise former Minister’s office staff in the Greiner/Fahey Governments would not be working in the public service today. Chief Executives are entitled to access a motor vehicle as part of their remuneration package. The costs of the motor vehicle (lease and operational) are met out of the package. I have been advised that Mr Coutts Trotter will not be taking a motor vehicle as part of his remuneration package.
21 OCTOBER 2004
(Paper No. 100)
*2973 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION—Mr Cansdell to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—
Why has the Minister refused to hold the local government election for the newly formed Clarence Valley Council before March 2005?
Answer—
I am advised by the Minister for Local Government of the following response: In its report recommending the establishment of the new Clarence Valley Council, the Boundaries Commission envisaged that the amalgamation of the four former councils and the resolution of boundary adjustments with the adjoining councils would involve a period of approximately 12 months. The new council was constituted by proclamation dated 25 February 2004. This would have resulted in elections being held in February 2005. The State Electoral Office advised, however, that it would not be practical to conduct the election at that time, as it would have meant calling for nominations during the Christmas holiday period. It was therefore agreed that 5 March 2005 represented the earliest and most practical opportunity to hold the first election for the new Clarence Valley Council.
3967 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*2974 MACLEAN HIGH SCHOOL—STUDY ROOM—Mr Cansdell to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
(1) Is the Minister aware that Maclean High School does not have a senior student study room? (2) Given that there is no appropriate room for the senior students to study will the Minister prioritise Maclean High School’s need for a demountable classroom for this purpose?
Answer—
(1) and (2) The Department of Education and Training’s Asset Management Unit in consultation with the school Principal has identified suitable space within existing school accommodation for senior students to use during their study periods.
*2975 FORMER GROSE WOLD PUBLIC SCHOOL SITE—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
(1) Noting that the former Grose Wold Public School site was given to the community for the building of a school in 1903 and that in 2004 18 Western Sydney schools have expressed an interest in using the site for educational purposes, will the Minister reconsider the sale of the site? (2) Will the Minister also note the educational rationale for public retention—environmental, visual arts, leadership, gifted and talented, and potential use for writers camps?
Answer—
(1) and (2) The former Grose Wold Public School site is surplus to the Department of Education and Training’s educational requirements and disposal action will proceed.
*2976 LICENSING OF BUILDERS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—
(1) Was the application for Contractor Licence number 148919C, received by the Office of Fair Trading on 13 May 2003, fully investigated by the Department to ensure that the applicant was not disqualified from holding a licence under the provisions of the Home Building Regulations 2004? (2) If so, why did these investigations not show that the applicant and nominated supervisor was the subject of a complaint against him that subsequently led to his being fined by the Office of Fair Trading? (3) Why does the Home Building Licence Check web site still not show that one of the nominated supervisors of Licence 148919C has been fined for defective building work more than six months after this matter was brought to your attention?
Answer—
(1) Yes. All licence applications lodged with Fair Trading are fully checked in compliance with the home building legislation. (2) and (3) I refer the Member to the Answers provided to Questions on Notice 1960, 2185 and 2214.
*2977 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—
(1) How many full time equivalent positions for Mental Health Staff are funded by the Southern Area Health Service? (2) How many of these FTE positions are allocated to Mental Health Case Workers? (3) How many of the Mental Health Care Case Worker FTE positions are in fact filled?
3968 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
(4) How many Southern Area Health Service Mental Health Case Workers have resigned or left their employment in the last: (a) twelve months? (b) twenty-four months?
Answer—
(1) to (4) I am advised that the Southern Area Health Service funds 278 full time equivalent positions within their Mental Health Service. The Southern Area Mental Health Service provides inpatient, hospital-based, and community mental health services for all age groups across the spectrum of mental health care, from emergency response to less urgent mental health consultations. Community mental health services provide care for people with acute problems and people in crisis. Each service includes after-hours contact as well as long-term care. They also provide programs to promote mental health and prevent mental health problems. The Southern Area Health Service advises me that there are 99.6 full time equivalent positions funded for case managers. These case managers solely manage clients within the community, providing counselling, medication, financial management, housing assistance and other forms of support. Of these positions, 82.44 are currently filled with recruitment underway to fill vacant positions. I am further advised that 15 Mental Health case workers have resigned in the last 12 months and 30 in the last 24 months, although these staff may have taken up positions elsewhere in the Service.
*2978 MUNDOONAN RANGE REST AREA—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
(1) When will the septic systems at the north and southbound rest areas on the Hume Highway at Mundoonan Range be repaired to allow the areas to be reopened for use by the public? (2) Why did the RTA refuse permission for the Yass Valley State Emergency Service to provide a portable toilet to allow the Driver Reviver rest stop to be activated during the October 2004 long weekend? (3) Will the repairs be completed in time to allow Yass Valley State Emergency Service to operate the Driver Reviver rest stop at the Mundoonan Range rest area during the Christmas School Holidays? (4) If not, why not? (5) What alternate site will you allocate to the Yass Valley State Emergency Service to operate a Driver Reviver rest stop during the Christmas School Holidays if the Mundoonan Range rest area remains closed?
Answer—
I am advised the existing sewerage treatment systems are no longer capable of meeting current health requirements, and therefore need to be upgraded or replaced. In view of potential health issues and the odour associated with the existing system, it was not appropriate to locate portable toilets in the northbound rest area. Following agreement with Upper Lachlan Council, signposting has been installed to indicate the availability of toilets in Gunning. The Roads and Traffic Authority is holding discussions with the Yass Valley State Emergency Service regarding Driver Reviver operations during the 2004/05 Christmas School Holidays.
*2979 POLICE ON-LINE AND COPS EVENTS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
In relation to Police On-Line and COPS events: (1) Of the calls made to the Police Assistance Line during 2002-2003, 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 to date, how many were registered as COPS events?
3969 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
(2) What is the break down of the number of calls made to the PAL per Local Area Command, during 2002-2003, 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 to date? (3) What is the break down of the number of calls per offence, during 2002-2003, 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 to date?
Answer—
NSW Police has advised me: (1) to (3) All PAL matters are listed on COPS unless there is a specific reason not to.
*2980 TRANSIT POLICE STRENGTH—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
In relation to NSW Police Transit Police: (1) In relation to Question 2713, what is the actual and authorised strength for Transit Police as at 21 October 2004, 30 June 2004, 30 June 2003 and 30 June 2002? (2) What is the authorised and actual strength as at 21 October 2004, 30 June 2004, 30 June 2003 and 30 June 2002 of Transit Police at each of the local commands to which they are attached?
Answer—
I refer the Honourable Member to my previous answer on this matter.
*2981 HIGHWAY PATROL NUMBERS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
In relation to Highway Patrol numbers as at 1st October 2004: (1) What is the authorised number of Highway Patrol (HWP) police for the state? (2) What is the actual number of HWP police for the state? (3) How many HWP police are off duty on long-term sick report? (4) How many HWP police are on secondment and/or rotational duties away from HWP duties? (5) How many HWP police are relieving at higher duties away from HWP duties? (6) How many police are occupying HWP positions without having successfully completed all phases of the HWP course?
Answer—
NSW Police has advised me that Highway Patrol officers are allocated by individual Local Area Commands. Details of police numbers at Local Area Commands are posted on the NSW Police Internet site, www.police.nsw.gov.au
*2985 COMPANION ANIMALS FUND—Ms Moore to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—
In relation to the Companion Animals Fund, under the Companion Animals Act: (1) What is the allocation of funds since the Fund was established? (2) How is the effectiveness of the Fund evaluated? (3) What is the process for promoting the availability of funds?
Answer—
I am advised by the Minister for Local Government of the following response: (1) The allocation of funds to councils since the establishment of the Fund is $21,057,947 as at 30 June 2004.
3970 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
(2) The majority of companion animals registration monies (80%) are distributed to councils where the registered animals reside. Councils may use allocated registration fees for animal management purposes. Councils may commit funds, additional to lifetime registration fees revenue, to providing animal management services to their communities if there is a local need to do so. It is in this context that councils themselves determine the amount spent on animal management issues. The Department of Local Government uses the remainder of registration monies (20%) received in the Companion Animals Fund for ongoing Companion Animals Program education activities by councils and in the administration of the Act. (3) The 80% of registration fees allocated to councils are made available immediately via electronic transfer on a quarterly basis. The educational program funded by the Department from the remaining 20% of registration funds has been distributed in the following manner: • In 2001/02, the Department provided $166,000 to councils in response to a call for expressions of interest. • The 2002/03 Community Education Grants Program committed $217,143 to councils for various community education projects. • In 2003/04 and 2004/05 funding has been diversified to (a) expanding successful individual projects to all councils; (b) address areas of greatest need; and (c) develop partnership projects with other organisations and agencies.
*2986 COMPANION ANIMALS ACT—Ms Moore to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—
In relation to the Companion Animals Act: (1) What are the latest figures for the numbers of dogs and cats euthanised in NSW for 2002-2003 and 2003-2004? (2) How do these figures compare with other states? (3) Does the Government have any information on the number of dogs and cats that are euthanised outside council pounds and what are the estimated figures for this?
Answer—
I am advised by the Minister for Local Government of the following response: (1) I reiterate my response to LA Question on Notice 2881: The Department of Local Government is still receiving the pound data for the 2003-2004 period. However, I am advised that an examination of the data received from those 75 councils that have consistently returned figures for the last 3 years, shows that overall there has been a downward trend in the number of animals euthanased during this period, as a result of an increase in both the number of animals being reunited with their owners and in the number of animals being re-homed through breed or animal rescue organisations or being sold . (2) It is not possible to compare NSW statistics against other states as other states do not have a centrally co-ordinated collection of statistics on dog and cat euthanasia. (3) The administration and management of organisations that are not council pounds fall outside the scope of the Companion Animals Act. As such, the question should be directed to my colleague, the Minister for Primary Industries.
*2988 CABINET SUBMISSIONS—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast—
(1) Does he submit to Cabinet a Central Coast Impact Statement on Cabinet submissions? (2) If not, why not?
3971 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Answer—
The information being sought is cabinet in confidence.
*2989 CENTRAL COAST REPRESENTATIONS—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast—
(1) How many representations has he made on Central Coast matters since 30 June 2004 to the Ministers for (a) Health, (b) Education, (c) Police, (d) Transport, (e) Roads, (f) Emergency Services? (2) How many delegations has he taken since 30 June 2004 to the above Ministers on Central Coast matters?
Answer—
Since 30 June 2004 I have made more than 60 formal representations to Ministers about specific Central Coast matters. This does not include a significant number of informal representations to champion the cause of the Central Coast.
*2990 COST OF OCCUPANCY—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—
What is the cost of the position of the transmission tower or any other occupancy of Crown Land to the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol at Mooney SES and Rural Fire Service in the electorate of Hornsby?
Answer—
The Department of Lands has advised that there are no occupations on Crown land at Mooney Mooney by either the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol or the Rural Fire Service.
*2991 DRINK DRIVING EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION PROGRAM—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
How many young people in the electorate of Hornsby have been involved in the Roads and Traffic Authority led “drink driving education and rehabilitation program”, a key outcome of the Alcohol Summit?
Answer—
One of the key initiatives to come out of the Alcohol Summit was that “The Roads and Traffic Authority will develop a state-wide, whole of government drink driving education and rehabilitation program for young, high range offenders during 2004/2005”. It is expected that the program will be delivered on time.
*2992 CANCER INSTITUTE—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
(1) What research partnerships have been developed with the new Cancer Institute? (2) What is the relationship of the Cancer Institute with The Cancer Council NSW?
3972 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Answer—
(1) The Cancer Institute NSW has no current research partnerships. Research however represents a major component of the NSW Cancer Plan 2004–2006 which aims to develop, attract or retain outstanding cancer researchers in NSW, develop and support outstanding research teams, encourage collaboration or co-locations to attain critical scientific mass and enable significant research findings to be immediately translated into cancer control policy and practice. The Cancer Institute NSW will support NSW components of high quality international research collaboration, by: working with NSW cancer researchers to obtain overseas funding; establishing funding criteria that favour research programs with established overseas collaborations; evaluating a data linkage program consistent with the National Cancer Institute (US) Cancer Bio-informatics Grid and the National Cancer Research Institute (UK) research information program; and, developing systematic connections to key overseas cancer research groups (Program 30.2 of the NSW Cancer Plan). (2) The Cancer Institute NSW and the Cancer Council NSW are separate entities, constituted under separate legislation. The Cancer Council is an organisation with a remit to conduct research, provide information, education and training, conduct fundraising, collaborate with cancer bodies and provide advice to the Minister. The constitution of the Cancer Institute NSW in June 2003 provided for the repeal of the New South Wales Cancer Council Act 1995. The effect of this would be that the Cancer Council takes on a fundamentally advocacy and fundraising role. While some of the activities formerly undertaken by the Cancer Council have been taken over by the Cancer Institute — eg. the NSW Central Cancer Registry and the NSW Pap Test Register — a number of policy and program areas are to be negotiated for responsibility. While the Cancer Council still undertakes some research and delivers some research and prevention program funding, it is anticipated the Cancer Institute NSW will ultimately deliver these programs. The CEO of the Cancer Council, Dr Andrew Penman is a member of the Population Health and Screening Working Party of the Cancer Institute NSW and continues to provide advice and collaborates with the Cancer Institute on a range of activities.
*2993 SPORT AND RECREATION GRANTS—Mr Aplin to Minister for Tourism and Sport and Recreation, and Minister for Women—
(1) What was the total grant provided for sport and recreation activities in the Albury electorate for the financial years 2002-03 and 2003-04? (2) What was the largest grant in each of 2002-03 and 2003-04 and who was the beneficiary?
Answer—
(1) See answer to Question 2764. (2) Largest grant in 2002-2003 was awarded to Rennie Tennis and Netball Club who received a grant of $12,112 to assist with the cost to erect lighting to three tennis courts and two netball courts. Largest grant in 2003-2004 was awarded to Albury Wodonga Table Tennis Association who received a grant of $22,000 to assist with the cost of installation of an ace flooring and high bay lighting system.
*2994 SCHOOLS CAPITAL EXPENDITURE—ALBURY ELECTORATE—Mr Aplin to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
(1) What capital expenditure projects are being undertaken this financial year at the following schools in the Albury electorate: (a) Albury High School (b) James Fallon High School (c) Murray High School (d) Billabong High School (e) Corowa High School
3973 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
(f) Albury Public School (g) Culcairn Public School (h) Henty Public School (i) Albury West Public School (j) Lavington Public School (k) North Albury Public School (l) Thurgoona Public School? (2) What significant maintenance projects are being undertaken during 2004-05 at the schools listed above?
Answer—
(1) The following projects have been approved as part of Department of Education and Training 2004/05 capital works programs: • Albury High School: Industrial Arts room ventilation • James Fallon High School: Industrial Arts room ventilation • Murray High School: Canteen upgrade • Billabong High School: Air cooling to “hot spot” rooms • Corowa High School: Air cooling to “hot spot” rooms • Henty Public School: Air cooling to “hot spot” rooms and canteen upgrade. (2) The following maintenance projects have been approved as part of the Department of Education and Training 2004/05 Replacement Works Program: • Albury High School: replacement floor coverings in two rooms and roof works • James Fallon High School: replacement floor coverings in one room • Murray High School: replacement carpet in six rooms • Corowa High School: external painting • Albury Public School: stormwater works • Culcairn Public School: replacement floor coverings in two rooms and external painting of two buildings • Albury West Public School: replacement floor coverings in four rooms • Lavington Public School: stormwater works • Albury North Public School: replacement floor coverings in three rooms and fencing works.
*2995 INCREASED ELECTRICITY GENERATION—Mr Pringle to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— What are the Government’s current plans to increase electricity generation capacity across NSW over the next five years?
Answer—
The NSW Government is aware of over 4,845MW of new generation proposals currently underway, in the planning process or being investigated by proponents for feasibility, of which over 2000MW would be from non coal-fired sources. In addition the Government is developing a consultation paper on options for the future supply of electricity, which includes: • The greenhouse impact of generation • The role of emission trading and greenhouse benchmarks • Energy efficiency and demand management • Interconnection with other states.
3974 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*2996 UNDERGROUNDING OF ELECTRICITY CABLES—Mr Pringle to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
What are the Government’s current intentions concerning the undergrounding of electricity cables, as undertaken in other states and territories?
Answer—
After careful consideration and extensive public consultation, the Government decided not to mandate the undergrounding of electricity cables through either additional levies or increased electricity prices. The Government’s reasons for not mandating the undergrounding of the electricity network were announced in September 2002. Briefly, the cost of undergrounding the network (estimated by IPART to be between $3.6 billion and $5.9 billion over 40 years) is too high relative to the quantifiable benefits. The community would have to make up the difference if undergrounding of the existing network was to proceed. In its announcement, the Government undertook to develop better mechanisms for undergrounding cables and streamline processes for burying cables in new developments for those communities that are prepared to meet the costs on a beneficiary pays basis. Accordingly, the Government established a “Planning Measures for Undergrounding in Urban Areas” Working Group to examine measures that would encourage and facilitate undergrounding without imposing additional costs on electricity consumers. Measures investigated include: • enhancing government planning instruments (including local environment plans) so that undergrounding will occur in new residential and commercial developments as well as redevelopments; • payment options for those prepared to fund undergrounding; and • improved coordination of energy, telecommunications, water, road and rail infrastructure delivery.
*2998 INTEGRAL ENERGY—Mr Merton to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
How much has been spent on new capital works by Integral Energy in the Baulkham Hills Local Government Area during the financial years 1995-2003 inclusive?
Answer—
Integral Energy has advised: Between 1995/96 and 2003/04 inclusive, $12.6 million has been invested in the Baulkham Hills Local Government Area on major transmission and distribution construction projects. Integral Energy estimates that between $23-$28 million has been invested in smaller capital works project in the Baulkham Hills local government area between 1998/99 and 2003/04. This estimate is based on the relative extent of network infrastructure in the Baulkham Hills local government area. Integral Energy does not keep this data by local government area.
*2999 SYDNEY WATER—Mr Merton to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
How much money has been spent on new capital works by Sydney Water in the (a) Baulkham Hills and (b) Parramatta Local Government Areas during the financial years 1995-2003 inclusive?
3975 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Answer—
Sydney Water has advised: Nominal capital expenditure for the Baulkham Hills and Parramatta local government areas is shown in the table below. This table does not include unallocated expenditure on programs that occurred across numerous local government areas, such as main renewals and overflow abatement works. Capital Expenditure ($ Million) LGA 1995/96 1996/97 1997/981998/99 1999/00 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 Baulkham Hills 0.660 1.223 0.936 0.985 13.487 7.702 19.247 2.965 1.743 Parramatta 1.341 2.270 1.675 3.151 1.670 4.425 4.098 2.295 16.734
*3000 ENERGY AUSTRALIA—Mr Roberts to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
How much money has been spent on new capital works by Energy Australia, during each financial year between 1995-2003 in the following Local Government Areas: (a) Lane Cove (b) Hunters Hill (c) Ryde?
Answer—
EnergyAustralia’s network is not designed according to local government boundaries. Funding for the past five financial years in EnergyAustralia’s northern region is provided in the table below. 1999/2000 2000/2001 2001/2002 2002/2003 2003/2004 $1m $11.4m $23.4m $9m $12m
*3001 SYDNEY WATER—Mr Roberts to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
How much money has been spent on new capital works by Sydney Water during each financial year between 1995-2003 in the following Local Government Areas: (a) Lane Cove (b) Hunters Hill (c) Ryde?
Answer—
Sydney Water has advised: Nominal capital expenditure for the Hunters Hill, Ryde and Lane Cove local government areas is shown in the table below. This table does not include unallocated expenditure on programs that occurred across numerous local government areas, such as main renewals, overflow abatement works and the Northside Storage Tunnel.
3976 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Capital Expenditure ($ million) LGA 1995/96 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04
Hunters Hill 0.477 0.373 0.552 0.195 0.400 0.265 1.003 0.000 0.156
Ryde 3.568 2.453 4.733 4.306 1.509 4.868 7.019 5.196 2.282
Lane Cove 2.358 0.261 2.856 1.601 2.101 0.141 0.013 0.001 0.008
*3003 MCLAURIN PARADE-PACIFIC HIGHWAY INTERSECTION—ROSEVILLE—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
(1) Do you support the positions of your Parliamentary Secretary in his letter to me of 1 September 2004 M04/5383 M04/5552 that, instead of remedying the existing safety concerns at the McLaurin Parade/Pacific Highway intersection at Roseville, police will be asked to increase enforcement at the site? (2) Is this intersection the only available right hand turn for motorists heading south down the Pacific Highway who want to access their homes in that part of Roseville or for shoppers or club and cinema patrons wanting to access the Roseville shopping centre carpark? (3) Does the Minister and RTA accept that there are existing safety concerns at the intersection? (4) Will these safety concerns be exacerbated by the 200 units to be built in the area under the State Government’s decision on Ku-ring-gai LEP 194? (5) Why is the Minister and RTA insisting on a revenue raising, enforcement approach to a safety problem that needs improvements to the existing traffic signals, namely a right hand turning arrow for traffic heading south down the Pacific Highway?
Answer—
(1) I am avised the matter of increased Police enforcement was addressed as a direct result of your representations raising the issue of cars “accelerating through amber and red traffic lights”. (2) An alternative access for southbound motorists, although more circuitous, is available. (3) Site observations have shown that provided care and caution is exercised, the right turn movements from the Highway into McLaurin Parade can be negotiated safely. (4) The rezoning application referred to the RTA by Council was accompanied by a Traffic Impact Assessment Report prepared by GHD, an independent firm of traffic consultants. The RTA noted that the GHD report assessed the impact of a low density development scenario, while the draft LEP was recommending medium density development. As such, the RTA recommended that a revised traffic assessment be carried out and that the traffic impact of the proposal be considered in consultation with the RTA. Also, it was recommended that a Section 94 plan should be adopted to fund any proposed improvements. (5) See (1) – (3).
*3004 ELECTRICITY SUBSTATIONS UPGRADE—Ms Seaton to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
(1) Regarding the 23 electricity substations identified by Energy Australia as needing upgrade in their recent submission to IPART (2003), what is the address/location of each of these substations? (2) What is the address/location of the additional 31 substations identified in the same submission, as loaded above capacity?
3977 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Answer—
EnergyAustralia has advised: (1) For security reasons, it is not appropriate for EnergyAustralia to list the exact addresses of its substations. In its submission to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), made in April 2003, EnergyAustralia indicated there were 23 substations “at risk” (> 117% security capacity), however, this does not automatically mean customers face blackouts. Electricity networks are designed to have redundancy, which enables routine maintenance and other work to be carried out without interrupting supply to customers. The “firm rating” of a substation is less than its total capacity to supply power to an area. It refers to a substation that has spare capacity to allow for a major item of plant (such as a transformer) to be out of service, but still not affect supply to customers. The monitoring and forecasting of energy demand (load) against firm rating is the tool engineers use to plan investments for future growth. With more than 28,000 substations (260 major) on EnergyAustralia’s electricity network, it regularly identifies major substations that are approaching or have reached firm rating during short peak periods to help prioritise its investment. The list of substations where load exceeds firm rating can vary according to seasonal growth, overall load growth and as a result of infrastructure upgrades. On average, these substations are only above firm rating for less than two percent of the time. This is because the electricity network has peaks and troughs in demand. It is accepted industry practice to load substations above the firm rating to deal with peak demands, which occur once or twice a year. In EnergyAustralia’s IPART submission (page 14 of the Executive Summary), it said there were 23 substations on its network described as above “risk rating”. This means there is a probability of above one-in-100 of shedding electrical load to protect equipment, but only if two key and unusual events happen simultaneously. These are: • major element of the system is out of service (all major substations are built to allow this to happen without interruption during normal conditions); and • the loss of equipment happens at the same time as peak energy demand (which typically would only occur for a small percentage of the year). IPART and its expert consultants have accepted EnergyAustralia’s “risk rating” methodology as appropriate. In its revenue determination for EnergyAustralia for 2004-2009, IPART considered EnergyAustralia’s detailed submission and accepted the “base case” scenario to maintain current performance on the electricity network. The submission sets out for IPART the four different cases for capital expenditure and the customer outcomes expected to be delivered by each. EnergyAustralia referred to 23 substations in its IPART submission. They were: Bradford, Cessnock, City Main (Newcastle), East Maitland, Williamtown, Raymond Terrace, Kotara, Singleton, Mt Hutton, Salt Ash, Edgeworth, New Lambton, Toronto, Telarah, Cardiff, Mayfield, Hurstville North, Avondale, Wallsend, Terrey Hills, Pymble, Berkeley Vale, St Ives. Bradford and Kotara have since been removed from the list due to replacement or augmentation work. The remaining substations are included in EnergyAustralia’s capital works program. As outlined above, the list is a point in time and will change. (2) EnergyAustralia did not identify an additional 31 substations as loaded above capacity in its IPART submission. However, in answer to Question on Notice 2091, published on 23 June 2004, asked by Mr Brad Hazzard MP, EnergyAustralia listed by name the substations that exceeded firm capacity ratings.
3978 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*3005 SYDNEY WATER STAFF NUMBERS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
(1) Referring to Question on Notice 705 (Staff Numbers Sydney Water), why has Sydney Water stopped employing maintenance staff since 2002? (2) How many staff does/did Sydney Water employ either individually or through contractors or consultancies to maintain Sydney Water’s infrastructure for the following: (a) June 2003 (b) June 2004? (3) Does Sydney Water have any plans to increase or decrease these staff numbers? (4) If so how?
Answer—
Sydney Water has advised: (1) Sydney Water has not stopped employing maintenance staff. In fact the organisation employed an additional 31 Maintenance Workers in January 2002 and 32 in February 2004. Sydney Water is currently advertising for 7 new maintenance employees. In the period from July 2003, Sydney Water has also employed an additional 10 maintenance trades staff. (2) The number of full time equivalent staff employed for maintenance duties for the two dates specified in the question are: (a) June 2003 = 904 (b) June 2004 = 885 In addition to the maintenance staff employed directly by the organisation, Sydney Water also commissioned approximately $23.3 million worth of specialist contract maintenance services through its Water Services Division during the financial year to June 2003. In the financial year to June 2004, the figure for this additional specialist contract maintenance was approximately $25.9 million. Owing to technological advances, improved work practices, the creation of the Sydney Catchment Authority and the contracting of some specialist mechanical/electrical work there have been improvements in maintenance activities and productivity. An example of this, in 2003/04, Sydney Water renewed 8 kilometres more water mains than had been planned based on previous year’s outcomes. This additional productivity resulted from construction efficiency improvements. (3) and (4) Sydney Water regularly reviews its maintenance and capital works commitments to ensure that the best possible outcomes are achieved. Sydney Water regularly adjusts its maintenance staff numbers and specialist contract support to meet these needs as required.
*3006 SYDNEY WATER EXPENDITURE—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
(1) What was Sydney Water’s annual budget for capital expenditure for each year between 1995-96 and 2003-04? (2) What was Sydney Water’s annual actual capital expenditure for each year between 1995-96 and 2003-04? (3) What is Sydney Water’s annual forecast capital expenditure for each year between 2004-05 and 2008-09?
Answer—
Treasury has advised: (1) There are not publicly available State Budget numbers for 1995 to 2000 that are consistent with capital expenditure outcomes. Sydney Water’s annual budget for capital expenditure for 2001 and onwards is outlined in the Budget Papers.
3979 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
(2) Actual capital expenditure is found in the annual report (Sydney Water Annual Report 1996 to 2003). The 2003/04 annual report for Sydney water will be tabled shortly. Capital Expenditure 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 ($m) Annual Budget n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 415.5 456.6 511.6 515.0 Annual Actual 181.5 145.3 196.0 410.8 523.8 432.1 556.2 515.5 n/a (3) Sydney Water's annual forecast capital expenditure for 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07 will be contained in the 2004-05 Statement of Corporate Intent when it is tabled in Parliament.
*3007 SYDNEY WATER RESPONSE TIME—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
(1) What is the average response time by Sydney Water to fix burst water mains? (2) What is the average response time by Sydney Water to fix leaking pipes? (3) What is the target time set by Sydney Water to fix burst water mains? (4) What is the target time set by Sydney Water to fix leaking pipes?
Answer—
Sydney Water has advised: (1) to (4) Sydney Water manages a complex water supply network of around 21,000 kilometres of water mains. In order to manage faults in the system as efficiently and effectively as possible, Sydney Water uses information reported by customers to prioritise jobs based on the impacts to the customer, community and environment, with the aim of minimising disruption of supply, customer inconvenience and loss of water. In order to meet a diverse range of demands that relate not only to leaks and breaks, a Response Time Protocol is used to allocate priorities to enable the efficient scheduling of resources. I attach a copy of the protocols. Performance measures relate to the time taken to respond to a customer’s call. These measures are monitored regularly. I am advised that during 2003/04, Sydney Water’s response to all 4,5 and 6 priority water related tasks, which include water main breaks and leaks, was: Priority Response Target % Response 6 90% 80.7% 5 95% 94.2% 4 75% 74.5% Sydney Water is also working proactively to detect and fix leaks in the system. In 2004/05, Sydney Water’s total investment in leak detection and water main repair and replacement is $82.2 million. This investment consists of: • $48 million on water main renewals; • $2.5 million on underground leak detection; • $23 million on fixing visible leaks; and • $8.7 million on repairs to aboveground pipelines. Sydney Water has inspected 16,600 kilometres of pipeline since 1999. By mid 2005, Sydney Water will have inspected its entire water supply network.
3980 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*3008 STAMP DUTY—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—
How much stamp duty has been collected over the last three years including the amount to date from property transactions in the following suburbs: (a) Allambie Heights (b) Beacon Hill (c) Collaroy (d) Collaroy Plateau (e) Cromer (f) Dee Why (g) Forestville (h) Killarney Heights (i) Narraweena (j) Wheeler Heights (k) Curl Curl?
Answer—
I have been advised of the following answer: Stamp duty is collected with the postcode information for purchaser duty relating to land transfers. The Office of State Revenue has been unable to report on duty by postcode in the past, but recent system changes have allowed reporting back to 2002. Please note that the 2002-03 figures do not include transactions where postcode data was not captured. Please find a report below for the suburbs listed detailing the land transfer related duty collected from the requested suburbs for the years 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003, 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004 and 1 July 2004 to 31 October 2004 (year to date). Please note that if two or more suburbs have identified postcodes, we cannot differentiate between them and they have been grouped. In addition, the information is only as accurate as that provided by the client. Contract and Conveyance duty collected Financial Year Suburb Name Total 2002-03 Forestville/Killarney Heights $3,866,092 Curl Curl $6,861,633 Collaroy/Collaroy Plateau/Wheeler Heights $6,054,721 Cromer/Dee Why/Narraweena $15,892,658 Allambie Heights/Beacon Hill $17,710,034 Total $50,385,138 2003-04 Forestville/Killarney Heights $7,018,368 Curl Curl $11,323,184 Collaroy/Collaroy Plateau/Wheeler Heights $9,239,049 Cromer/Dee Why/Narraweena $22,067,668 Allambie Heights/Beacon Hill $11,869,591 Total $61,517,860
3981 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Contract and Conveyance duty collected Financial Year Suburb Name Total 2004-05 Forestville/Killarney Heights $1,759,851 Curl Curl $2,142,295 Collaroy/Collaroy Plateau/Wheeler Heights $2,209,834 Cromer/Dee Why/Narraweena $5,575,517 Allambie Heights/Beacon Hill $3,123,968 Total $14,811,465 Grand Total $126,714,463
*3009 SYDNEY WATER DIVIDENDS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
(1) How much did Sydney Water pay in dividends to the Government in 2003-04? (2) Is this information available in the latest Sydney Water annual report? (3) How much is Sydney Water forecasting to pay in dividends to the Government for each year for the next 5 years? (4) Is this information available in the latest Sydney Water Statement of Corporate Intent?
Answer—
(1) and (2) This information is available in Sydney Water's Annual Report, which will be tabled shortly. (3) and (4) The 2004-05 Budget Paper 2 (p3-22) provides dividend forecasts out to 2007-08 for the Water and Waste Services sector, which includes Sydney Water. Sydney Water's annual dividend is declared based on a recommendation from the Directors following each year's profit results and is reported in the annual Financial Statements and published in the Annual Report.
*3010 ENERGY COMPANIES EXPENDITURE—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
(1) What was the annual budget for capital expenditure for each year between 1995-96 and 2003-04 for the following energy companies: (a) Macquarie Generation (b) TransGrid (c) Delta Energy (d) Eraring Energy (e) EnergyAustralia (f) Integral Energy (g) Country Energy (h) Australia Inland’s electricity supply? (2) What was the annual actual capital expenditure for each year between 1995-96 and 2003-04 for the following energy companies: (a) Macquarie Generation (b) TransGrid (c) Delta Energy (d) Eraring Energy
3982 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
(e) EnergyAustralia (f) Integral Energy (g) Country Energy (h) Australia Inland’s electricity supply? (3) What is the annual forecast capital expenditure for each year between 2004-05 and 2008-09 for the following energy companies: (a) Macquarie Generation (b) TransGrid (c) Delta Energy (d) Eraring Energy (e) EnergyAustralia (f) Integral Energy (g) Country Energy (h) Australia Inland’s electricity supply?
Answer—
Treasury has advised: (1) Electricity State-Owned Corporations do not disclose forecast capital expenditure for the State Budget. Given the competitive nature of works undertaken by these businesses, individual details are treated as commercial in confidence. (2) Actual capital expenditure is found in the cash flow statements of each business's annual report. The 2003/04 annual reports for electricity State-Owned Corporations will be tabled shortly. Capital Expenditure for each of the businesses is shown below: $ million 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 Advance Energy 11.4 21.8 38.1 33.1 38.5 29.6 NA NA NA Australian Inland 1.2 3.6 4.0 5.3 3.5 5.0 6.7 9.3 8.7 EnergyAustralia 69 154.8 173.5 192.7 283.1 371.9 341.4 300.4 343.3 NorthPower 24 50.6 74.1 96.5 137.7 104.3 NA NA NA Great Southern Energy NA 37.0 39.3 48.4 53.6 81.3 NA NA NA Integral Energy 28 90.7 118.3 98.3 109.5 105.2 163.0 163.4 224.8 Macquarie Generation 18 13.0 10.5 23.3 11.7 13.8ª 20.0 34.9 36.6 Country Energy NA NA NA NA NA NA 236.9 297.5 324.8 Pacific Power 96 50.6 46.5 35.4 57.5 40.3 46.7 NA NA TransGrid 49 53.3 52.9 61.5 194.8 171.0 239.5 240.4 307.3 Delta Electricity 17 21.0 19.4 12.9 23.8 31.7 48.0 45.5 26.9 Eraring Energy NA NA NA NA NA 46.9 21.3 19.5 40.6 (3) Electricity State Owned Corporations do not disclose forecast capital expenditure where the Board of the State Owned Corporation believes that this information is commercially sensitive. However capital expenditure forecasts are readily available for parts of the business that are not subject to competition. For example forecast distribution capital expenditure for each business is disclosed in the IPART network determination and is as follows:
3983 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
$ million 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 Total EnergyAustralia 403 411 420 421 441 2,096 Integral Energy 285 304 282 291 258 1,420 Country Energy 240 245 248 257 264 1,254 Australian Inland 5 4 3 3 3 18 Total 933 964 953 972 966 4,788 Source: IPART final report on NSW Electricity Distribution Pricing 2004/05-2008/09
*3011 MANNING BASE HOSPITAL—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health—
(1) How many employees of the Manning Base Hospital have received a letter or notification from the Department of Health or related body requiring them to undergo a comprehensive review concerning any work related injuries that may have been received? (2) How many of such people have been able to continue to work in their positions with the Department of Health whilst undergoing such comprehensive review? (3) If people have not been able to work whilst the comprehensive review is being undertaken, why are they not allowed to continue to work?
Answer—
(1) Two. (2) None (3) The purpose of the review is to determine whether the two staff members concerned can safely continue to perform their present range of duties. In the interim they have been directed not to work, as there is concern that doing so may cause them further injury.
*3012 MAIN ROAD 111—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing— (1) What funding has been allocated to Main Road 111 between the intersection of that road and the Blackhead Road to the intersection of that road and the Pacific Highway at Rainbow Flat for the years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 to date not including funds for the proposed upgrade of the intersection of the Pacific Highway at Rainbow Flat? (2) Has any application been made by the Greater Taree City Council for additional funds for the upgrade of this section of the road? (3) If so, what was the outcome of that application? (4) What condition does the Roads and Traffic Authority ascribe to the state of the road? (5) If the Roads and Traffic Authority ascribe a condition of less than good for the road, what does it intend to do in relation to the condition of the road? (6) What is the average number of vehicles that travel on this section of road per day?
Answer—
This section of Main Road 111 (The Lakes Way) is a Regional Road for which Greater Taree City Council is responsible. Council is responsible for the allocation of any funding used under its annual Block Grant on this section of The Lakes Way. In 2004/05 Council receives a Block Grant of $1,193,000. NSW Government REPAIR funding of $207,000 for 2004/2005 has been provided for work on The Lakes Way between the intersection of that road and the Blackhead Road to the intersection of that road and the Pacific Highway at Rainbow Flat.
3984 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*3014 KOALAS AT ADI SITE—Mr Richardson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
(1) How many reports does the Department of Environment and Conservation have relating to evidence of koalas at or near the ADI site? (2) Did officers of the DEC discover koala scat at the ADI site at St Marys on 30 July this year? (3) Does the DEC intend to conduct a koala survey at the ADI site and in surrounding bushland corridors? (4) If not, why not?
Answer—
While there have been many sightings of koalas in Western Sydney over the last 20 years, the Department of Environment and Conservation’s Wildlife Atlas contains no records of koalas on the ADI site. The Department is aware of anecdotal reports suggesting that koalas are present on the ADI site. However, a recent inspection of the site by staff from the Department, in company with representatives of the landholder and local conservationists, resulted in no koalas being sighted. In recent years, intensive flora and fauna surveys have also been undertaken on this site and at no time have koalas been found. Of course, the presence of an additional colony of koalas in western Sydney would certainly be a significant find, and it would be welcomed. It would be yet another reason why the Government’s decision to create an 850 hectare regional park on this site is the right decision for Western Sydney.
26 OCTOBER 2004
(Paper No. 101)
*3015 CONFLICT OF INTEREST—Mr Debnam to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—
In relation to conflict of interest: Have you sought written assurances from your senior managers in Treasury that they have not invested in businesses related to their duties?
Answer—
I have been advised of the following answer: Treasury has not sought written assurances from senior managers that they have not invested in businesses related to their duties. Treasury’s Codes of Conduct however make disclosure of such issues mandatory, placing an obligation on all staff to immediately advise their manager of any potential conflicts of interest.
*3016 CHILDREN (PROTECTION AND PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY) ACT 1997—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
In relation to the Children (Protection and Parental Responsibility) Act 1997: (1) Further to your answer to question 2542, are you aware of any occasion since January 1998 that the Children (Protection and Parental Responsibility) Act 1997 has been used to bring parents before the courts, and if so, how many times, when and where? (2) What action have you taken to determine how many times, when and where the Children (Protection and Parental Responsibility) Act 1997 has been used to bring parents before the courts?
3985 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Answer—
(1) and (2) Question on Notice 2542 was asked of my colleague, the Attorney General. The Honourable Member should address this current question to the Attorney for response.
*3017 SPEED CAMERAS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
In relation to speed cameras: (1) Given the NSW Police Annual Report 2002-2003, says 594,000 speed camera infringements were issued in 2003 (page 145), is that number correct? (2) Does the number of 594,000 infringements include fixed speed cameras, police camera cars and hand held radar infringements and if so what is the break down of infringements by detection method?
Answer—
Statistical information relating to this matter is compiled by the Infringement Processing Bureau, Office of State Revenue. The Honourable Member’s question should be directed to my colleague, the Treasurer for response.
*3018 SERVICES TO DISABLED—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—
What is the full range of services available to disabled people in the Hornsby electorate?
Answer—
The range of services available to people with a disability in the Hornsby electorate includes the following: • Accommodation services including group homes and in-home accommodation support, • Early Childhood Intervention, • Learning and life skills development, • Recreation/holiday programs, • Other community access programs, • Centre-based respite/respite homes, • Host family respite/peer support respite care services, • Flexible /combination respite services, • Information/Referral services, • Home Care services, • Domestic Assistance, • Home modification and maintenance services, • Personal Care services, • Social Support services, • Centre Based Day Care services, • Meals Services, • Case Management, • Transport services, • Counselling/Support and advocacy services, • Other Support Services, including volunteer training and placement, outreach services for clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and • Allied Health Services, including podiatry and home nursing.
3986 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
A booklet named Home and Community Care Services in the Hornsby and Ku-ring-gai Local Government Areas with additional information about services in the area, is available from the Northern Sydney HACC Development Project, on 9415 4855.
*3019 RESPITE FACILITIES—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—
(1) Where are all respite facilities located in the electorate of Hornsby? (2) (a) Are there any plans for an increase in respite availability in the Hornsby electorate for people with a disability? (b) If so, how many?
Answer—
(1) The Department of Ageing, Disability and Homecare (DADHC) provides a mix of respite services both directly through its Regional Offices and through the non-government organisations it funds. There are currently no DADHC funded centre-based respite services for people with a disability located in the Hornsby electorate. Respite can however be accessed from centres located close to the electorate. For example eligible clients can access DADHC respite units for adults at Ryde, Belrose or Wheeler Heights or children’s units at Wahroonga, Frenchs Forest and Chatswood. Non-government organisations also provide other types of respite care that can be accessed by eligible residents in the Hornsby electorate. For example, Centacare – Archdiocese of Broken Bay, provides host family and flexible respite. Baptist Community Services also provides flexible respite. (2) In 2003/04, almost $200,000 from the Home and Community Care Program was allocated to providing new respite services in the northern suburbs of Sydney, including the Hornsby local government area. New statewide funds for respite under the Home and Community Care Program will also be available in 2004/05. The Department has just called for expressions of interest from service providers to provide additional respite services. This includes services in the Hornsby and Ku-ring- gai local government areas estimated at $80,000.
*3020 BUILDING QUALITY COMPLAINTS—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—
(1) How many complaints relating to the quality of building have been lodged with the department from the electorate of Hornsby? (2) What specific building problems have been highlighted in these complaints?
Answer—
(1) and (2) The Office of Fair Trading collects complaint statistics data based on postcodes. The number of building related complaints received by the Office of Fair Trading for last year for the postcode of Hornsby is 7.
*3021 TREATMENT OF NSW PATIENTS IN ACT—Mr Constance to Minister for Health—
(1) How many NSW patients are on waiting lists in the ACT health system? (2) What is the breakdown for surgical procedures? (3) What is the funding allocation to the ACT health system to cater for NSW patients?
3987 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Answer—
(1) and (2) I am advised that there were 1,247 NSW residents on the ACT waiting list as at the end of September 2004. The breakdown is as follows: Cardiothoracic surgery 10 Ear, nose and throat surgery 255 General surgery 67 Gynaecology 47 Neurosurgery 70 Ophthalmology 142 Orthopaedic surgery 313 Plastic surgery 85 Urology 95 Vascular surgery 86 Other 77 (3) Payments for both inpatient and non-admitted patient services between NSW and ACT are determined annually based on the type and number of medical and surgical services provided by the ACT. NSW pays both an operational and capital payment for all inpatient services. Payments vary from year to year dependent on usage.
*3022 BATEMANS BAY NURSES—Mr Constance to Minister for Health—
(1) How many nurses resigned from Batemans Bay Hospital in the financial year 2003-04? (2) How many nurses were employed at Batemans Bay Hospital in the financial year 2003-04? (3) How many nurses are employed at Batemans Bay Hospital and what is the breakdown between enrolled and registered nurses? (4) How many nurses are in the casual pool at Batemans Bay Hospital?
Answer—
(1) to (4) I am advised that during the 2003/04 financial year there were a total of 69 full time equivalent nurses employed at Batemans Bay Hospital, and 6 resignations during this period. Currently there are 65.5 full time equivalent nurses employed at the Batemans Bay Hospital. This consists of 1 Senior Nurse Manager, 1 Nurse Manager, 1.5 Nurse Unit Managers, 42 Registered Nurses and 20 Enrolled Nurses. Of the current nurses employed, 20 are listed on the casual pool at Batemans Bay Hospital. Of note, during this financial year four Registered Nurse Midwives chose to transfer from Batemans Bay Hospital to Moruya Hospital when maternity services were amalgamated across the Shire.
*3023 BEGA HOSPITAL OPERATING THEATRES—Mr Constance to Minister for Health—
When will you upgrade the operating theatres at Bega Hospital?
Answer—
I am advised that a Clinical Services Plan is to be developed by the Southern Area Health Service to assess clinical needs and the feasibility of providing additional operating theatre capacity at the Bega Hospital.
3988 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*3024 CROWN SOLICITOR ADVICE—Mr J.H. Turner to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
When will the Minister forward advice from the Crown Solicitor concerning RML AG 04/0317 concerning a letter forwarded on 5 April 2004 regarding RSL Welfare and Benevolent Institution?
Answer—
The issues surrounding Mr Turner’s correspondence are complex. I am advised that the Crown Solicitor is still preparing advice for my consideration.
*3025 REPLY TO CORRESPONDENCE—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice- President of the Executive Council—
When will the Minister reply to my letters of 22 March 2004, 19 May 2004, 1 July 2004, 15 July 2004 and 29 July 2004 concerning Mr Timothy Champion, regarding receipt of three notices from the State Debt Recovery Office?
Answer—
I have been advised that the matter concerning Mr Timothy Champion has been dealt with and replies have been issued.
*3027 SCHOOL CAR PARK—Mrs Hancock to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
What progress has been made with respect to the provision of a safe and sealed car park at Culburra Public School?
Answer—
A project to provide an additional car park at Culburra Public School will be considered in the context of future capital works priorities.
*3028 ADDITIONAL POLICE STATION—Mrs Hancock to Minister for Police—
What is your response to requests for an additional police station in the Bay and Basin area?
Answer—
I refer the Honourable Member to my answer to Question 2819 on this issue.
*3029 LAWBREAKING VEHICLE CONVOYS—Mrs Hancock to Minister for Police—
(1) What powers do the NSW Police have in respect of either motorcycle or heavy vehicle convoys which openly defy the law with regard to speeding etc? (2) Do the powers of the NSW Police differ from those in other states with respect to the abovementioned issue?
3989 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Answer—
NSW Police advises: (1) With regard to motorcycles, Rule 151 of the Australian Road Rules applies. With regard to long vehicles (7.5 metres or longer), Rule 127 applies. (2) Information from other jurisdictions should be sought from other jurisdictions.
*3030 CENTRAL COAST TEACHERS—“TARGETED GRADUATES”—Mr Hartcher to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
(1) How many teachers have been assigned to schools on the Central Coast in 2003/04 and 2004/05 as “targeted graduates”? (2) How many teachers have received service transfers to schools on the Central Coast in 2003/04 and 2004/05? (3) How many NSW teachers are involved in the “targeted graduates” program in 2003/04 and 2004/05? (4) How many teachers are there in Central Coast public primary and high schools?
Answer—
(1) to (4) In the Central Coast School Education Area, there are almost 2,500 permanent teachers. Vacant classroom teacher positions are matched on the computerised staffing system based on the subject, special aptitude and expertise codes requested by schools, with initial consideration given to permanent teachers who have priority transfer status. Where there are no available teachers with priority transfer status, vacancies are filled from a mix of service transfers, employment from recruitment programs such as the Graduate Recruitment Program and the Permanent Employment Program, and from teachers seeking employment.
*3031 RAIL TICKET SALES—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
How many tickets were sold in 2002/03 and 2003/04 at the following railway stations: (a) Morisset (b) Fassifern (c) Broadmeadow (d) Hamilton (e) Civic (f) Newcastle?
Answer—
I am advised: The total number of all tickets issued from CityRail stations, which is different to the total number of all journeys to and from these stations is: Tickets issued 2002-2003 Tickets issued 2003-2004 Morisset 163,210 155,082 Fassifern 118,526 113,632 Broadmeadow 175,916 171,124 Hamilton 114,414 123,480 Civic 61,265 61,687 Newcastle 170,472 171,837
3990 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*3032 CLASSROOMS—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
How many schools will have insufficient classrooms to accommodate smaller kindergarten classes next year?
Answer—
There will be no schools with insufficient classrooms to accommodate smaller kindergarten classes next year.
*3033 AIR-CONDITIONING—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
(1) What is the average cost of air-conditioning a classroom? (2) How is a classroom, other than a demountable, determined to require air-conditioning?
Answer—
Under the previous Coalition Government, only 167 schools in the temperature zone west of the 33 degree Celsius isotherm received air conditioning. With the election of the Carr Government, this policy was amended to extend air conditioning to all schools east of the 33 degree Celsius isotherm to include air conditioning of “hot spots’ in school buildings with mean maximum January temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius and above. Since 1995, more than $73 million has been spent by the Carr Government on air conditioning classrooms in our public schools. The Government is also delivering on its election commitment to air condition all demountable classrooms by June 2005. In fact, this commitment will be met ahead of time, with the air conditioning of demountables expected to be completed early next year. Now more than 800 schools in the hottest parts of the state are air conditioned.
*3034 DISCONTINUED TAFE COURSES—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
How many TAFE students attending TAFE in 2004 were advised that their courses would not be continuing in Semester 2?
Answer—
The decision to discontinue a course is a college decision which is avoided as far as possible. It is generally made in those small number of cases where there is insufficient student demand to make continuation of a class viable. I am advised that every attempt is made to accommodate affected students in another way such as by including them in another class or by providing the course online or in flexible delivery mode.
*3035 SCHOOL LIGHTS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
What 40km zones outside schools in the Cronulla electorate will be included in the flashing light trial?
Answer—
The school sites currently involved in the trial have been selected based on strict criteria including, but not limited to, significant pedestrian and traffic volumes, crash history in the school zone, sight distance of the school and evidence of excessive speeding in the school zone.
3991 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*3036 DRUG ARRESTS—Mr Kerr to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
How many arrests have been made for the supplying of illegal drugs in the following suburbs in each of the years 2002 and 2003: (a) Caringbah (b) Cronulla (c) Woolooware?
Answer—
No agency within the Attorney General’s portfolio collects information about drug arrests.
*3037 EMERGENCY NURSES—Mr Kerr to Minister for Health—
How many nurses are usually on duty at any one time in emergency at Sutherland Hospital?
Answer—
The numbers of nursing staff rostered on duty at the Sutherland Hospital Emergency Department varies according to the shift. A roster has been developed in line with the projected workload and the time of year. I am advised the maximum number of nurses rostered on duty at any one time in the Emergency Department at Sutherland Hospital is eleven.
*3038 CHEMOTHERAPY AT MUSWELLBROOK HOSPITAL—Mr Souris to Minister for Health—
(1) Have chemotherapy services at Muswellbrook Hospital temporarily closed (reported in the Singleton Argus 9 October 2004)? (2) Do patients throughout the Hunter Valley, from places such as Murrurundi, Merriwa, Putty, Scone, Aberdeen and Singleton, now have to travel to Newcastle, up to three hours journey, in a few cases up to five times per week? (3) How long will the temporary closure last? (4) Why was no notice of this closure given to patients other than when they were attending treatment days before closure? (5) Why wasn’t a replacement nurse, able to deliver the service, provided out of Hunter Area Health Service or Sydney for the temporary period? (6) Will you order the provision of a relief specialist nurse for the Muswellbrook chemotherapy service?
Answer—
(1) to (5) I am advised by the Hunter Area Health Service that the chemotherapy service at Muswellbrook has not been temporarily closed. I am advised that patients had to travel to Newcastle on two occasions due to unexpected staff leave at Muswellbrook and the Mater Hospital. No patients are scheduled for chemotherapy five times a week, all patients are either scheduled for weekly treatments or third weekly treatments only and as such any claims patients had to travel to Newcastle up to five times a week for treatment are incorrect. At no time have patients from Muswellbrook, Murrurundi, Merriwa, Putty, Scone, Aberdeen and Singleton been required to travel to Newcastle five times per week. (6) Several processes are in place to recruit additional staff and discussions between representatives of the Mater, Muswellbrook and Tamworth chemotherapy services have been initiated, with a view to implementing workforce and planning strategies across those services.
3992 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*3039 MULLENGANDRA SCHOOL ACCESS—Mr Aplin to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
(1) Has funding been obtained under the Safety and Urgent Minor Works (SUMW) Program for upgrading the access to Mullengandra School off the Hume Highway? (2) When will work commence on this project? (3) Are you aware that all 27 students travel on the school bus and there is no storage lane to permit a turn across oncoming highway traffic?
Answer—
The Federal Government’s Auslink announcement on 7 June 2004 included $5M in 2004/05 towards duplication and safety works on the Hume Highway. The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) proposes to utilise $250,000 of this funding to upgrade the intersection of the Hume Highway to Mullengandra Public School, and details have been forwarded to the Federal Department of Transport and Regional Services.
*3040 LAND REZONING—Mr Page to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
(1) How much did the Roads and Traffic Authority pay for the resumption of land zoned 9A in the Yelgun Flat area? (2) How much did it cost to build the Wildlife Corridor located near Tweed Valley Way in the Yelgun Flat area? (3) How long did it take to construct?
Answer—
The 9A zoned land at Yelgun was acquired following a Class 3 Action in the Land and Environment Court, requiring the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) to compulsorily acquire the land. The fauna overpass and underpass were built as part of the Yelgun to Chinderah Design, Construction and 10-year Maintenance (DCM), After the Yelgun to Chinderah Freeway opened, Byron Shire Council constructed an underpass under the Tweed Valley Way at Yelgun. The fauna overpass and underpass constructed as part of the Yelgun to Chinderah project took approximately two months. The underpass built by Council took about 4 months to complete.
*3041 TRUCK "PAD" AT OCEAN SHORES—Mr Page to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
(1) How much did it cost to build the “pad” to be used for Police to pull over trucks located north of the old Salad Bowl on the Pacific Highway at Ocean Shores? (2) Has it been used for the purpose of pulling over trucks? (3) If so, how many times?
Answer—
In consultation with the NSW Police, the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) constructed the pull over bay for use as an enforcement bay, not as a general stopping bay for trucks.
*3042 INVOICING OF INCOMPLETE WORK—Mr Page to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
(1) Are you aware of the practice by some Department of Housing contractors of invoicing the Department for jobs that are not actually completed in order to provide an impression that its workload is being carried out on time? (2) What is being done to stop this practice? (3) Will more departmental resources be provided to investigate this practice and ensure it does not continue?
3993 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
(4) How many primary contractors have been appointed to carry out works on behalf of the Department of Housing? (5) What is the number of backlog work orders for each of these contractors?
Answer—
(1) to (3) The Department manages over 1000 transactions per working day dealing with all levels of maintenance. For this reason, the Department has implemented a broad ranging raft of audit reforms including a risk based: • Desk top audit program; • Pre- and post-work inspection program; and • Impact audits based on contractor comparisons and trade comparisons. If the inspection process reveals systematic overpayments, an independent investigation is undertaken, with the Department able to remove contractors or subcontractors from further Departmental work, if inappropriate conduct is proved. In addition, the Department has recently established localised auditing positions and procedures to monitor contractor maintenance services delivery and performance to Contract requirements. (4) There are 14 primary maintenance contractors. (5) Of the 122,000 works orders issued in the past three months, approximately 0.04% remain outstanding.
*3043 COMPLAINTS AGAINST BUILDERS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—
(1) Since 7 May 2004 how many complaints has the Home Building Service received about defective work by builders? (2) How many of these complaints remain unresolved? (3) How many complaints against builders, that are more than six months old, remain unresolved? (4) Since 7 May 2004 how many: (a) building licences have been cancelled by the Office of Fair Trading? (b) prosecutions have been launched by the Office of Fair Trading? (c) Supreme Court injunctions issued to builders to stop work? (d) infringement notices issued by the Office of Fair Trading? (5) Will you provide me with the licence numbers of all builders covered by question (4)?
Answer—
(1) 1,208. (2) 408. (3) 27. (4) (a) 133. (b) 23. (c) 1. (d) 466. (5) Finalised disciplinary action is recorded on each licensee on the Fair Trading website.
*3044 BOWNING DEVIATION—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
(1) What is the current status of planning for the construction of Bowning Deviation? (2) When is construction of the Bowning Deviation planned to commence? (3) What is the total estimated cost of the construction of the Bowning Deviation?
3994 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Answer—
I refer the Honourable Member to my public statement of 7 March 2003.
*3045 CROOKWELL HOSPITAL—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—
(1) Has the Crookwell Hospital Budget for 2004-05 been finalised? (2) If so, what is the allocation for maintenance of equipment? (3) Are there any plans, or is any consideration being given, to closing the kitchen at the hospital? (4) Is the hospital’s heater operational or are staff and patients still required to use portable electrical heaters, a practice that caused the failure of the emergency generator at the hospital last year?
Answer—
(1) and (2) I have been advised by the Southern Area Health Service that the budgets for all facilities in the Area have been finalized. As for all Area health facilities, Crookwell Hospital is expected to manage its services within their overall approved budget. (3) The Southern Area Health Service has no intention of closing Crookwell Hospital’s kitchen, which has been recently renovated. (4) The Southern Area Health Service has advised that the activity centre heating system is currently listed as a priority on their capital works program.
27 OCTOBER 2004
(Paper No. 102)
*3046 CONFLICT OF INTEREST—Mr Debnam to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
Have you sought written assurances from your senior managers in the RTA that they have not invested in businesses related to their duties?
Answer—
There are measures in place to ensure that senior managers take appropriate action to avoid a conflict of interest in their performance of their duties within the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA). RTA staff who act as members of an assessment panel, reviewing tenders for RTA work are required to sign a declaration that they have no actual, or potential conflict of interest in relation to the tenders received for the work. All senior managers of the RTA who are employed under SES contracts sign, as part of their contract, an agreement to observe the “Code of Conduct and Ethics for Public Service Executives” published by the Public Employment Office, as well as the RTA’s own Code of Conduct and Ethics. Under Clause 8 of the Senior Executive Service Code of Conduct, senior managers are required to disclose in writing to the Chief Executive, or other appropriate senior officer, any financial or other interests immediately upon becoming aware that a potential conflict between personal interest and official duty, whether actual or apparent, has arisen or is likely to arise. The ultimate decision concerning the appropriate course of action is one for the Chief Executive. Should it arise, the Chief Executive is required to raise issues of any potential conflict of interest he may have with the Director-General of the Premier’s Department.
3995 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*3047 ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER BOB WAITES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
With regard to your answer to question 2725, will you undertake to provide precise answers to the issues raised in question 2725 (on policing in Redfern) to the Standing Committee on Social Issues Inquiry into Redfern?
Answer—
I refer the Honourable Member to my previous response.
*3048 CONFLICT OF INTEREST—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
Have you sought written assurances from your senior managers in NSW Police and the Ministry for Police that they have not invested in businesses related to their duties?
Answer—
I have asked NSW Police, in consultation with the Ministry for Police, to develop a register of interests for senior police officers.
*3049 BEROWRA TRUCK STOP—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
(1) How many trucks and other vehicles have used the newly created truck stop at Berowra? (2) Is the toilet open 24 hours per day? (3) Are there going to be any more additions to the truck stop?
Answer—
Truck rest areas such as the facility in Berowra provide heavy vehicle drivers with a place to stop and take a rest break. The Berowra has toilet facilities which are open 24 hours a day. There are no current plans to expand this facility.
*3050 SEWERAGE CONNECTION—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
(1) What is the revised timetable for connection of sewerage at Brooklyn and Dangar Island? (2) What is the Budget allocation for this?
Answer—
(1) The timetable for the Brooklyn and Dangar Island Sewerage Scheme is as follows: March 2005 Exhibition of the Supplement to the 2000 Environmental Impact Statement Early 2006 Commencement of Construction Early 2008 Availability for Connection The above is subject to negotiations with Gosford City Council and availability of funds. (2) Sydney Water anticipates the Brooklyn and Dangar Island scheme will cost about $40 million. Once the EIS supplement is complete, cost and timing for the delivery of the scheme will be confirmed.
3996 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*3051 FAMILIES FIRST PROGRAMS—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—
(1) What programs and services are planned for Families First programs in the Hornsby electorate? (2) What has the local community in Hornsby asked the Government to provide through this program? (3) What outcomes will the Government obtain as a result of these programs?
Answer—
(1) to (3) The answer is the same as the answer to Question No 2858 that appeared in the Question and Answer Paper No 103 on 9 November 2004.
*3052 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES—Mr Constance to Minister for Health—
(1) How many vacancies exist for mental health nurses in Greater Southern Area Health Service? (2) How many patients were transported to Chisolm Ross health facility in Goulburn from Batemans Bay, Moruya, Bega and Pambula Hospitals? (3) What strategies are in place to cater for mental health patients in the Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Shires in the future?
Answer—
(1) I am advised by the Southern Area Health Service that there are approximately 7 full time equivalent mental health nurse vacancies in the Chisholm Ross Centre and Kenmore Hospital. These vacancies are currently being covered by casual, temporary part-time or permanent staff working overtime pending recruiting to these positions. (2) During the 2003-04 financial year there were a total of 111 patients transferred from the Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Hospitals to the Chisholm Ross Centre. (3) Mental Health patients within the Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Shires will continue to have access to four special care suite beds, two at Bega and another two at Moruya. In addition, routine admissions of mental health patients to other wards at Batemans Bay, Bega, Moruya and Pambula Hospitals will continue.
*3054 COMPANION ANIMALS—Ms Moore to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—
In relation to the Companion Animals Act: (1) How many councils have developed proactive pet support and education programs? (2) How has support for owners improved in areas such as access to open space, public transport and apartments and rental properties? (3) Is there an improved rate of prevention of cruelty to animals or notification of nuisance animals?
Answer—
I am advised by the Minister for Local Government of the following response: (1) Approximately half of all NSW councils have developed some type of proactive pet support and education program such as responsible pet ownership and dog bite prevention school education programs. Since the establishment of the Companion Animal Community Education Funding Program in 2002, the Department of Local Government has funded 47 community education projects implemented by a number of councils. The results of innovative projects are made available to all other councils.
3997 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
This year the education program has developed and distributed companion animal education resources to all 152 NSW councils in addition to partnership projects involving the Department of Local Government, Department of Housing, local councils and the RSPCA, which will begin shortly. These projects are targeting areas identified as ‘high need’ and will provide reduced cost microchipping and desexing opportunities for pet owners along with proactive educational strategies that are intended to improve both responsible pet ownership and animal welfare outcomes. (2) Under the Companion Animals Act, dogs are allowed into a large number of public places provided they are under the effective control of a competent person by means of an adequate chain, cord or leash. This is in addition to the provision of off-leash exercise areas. Each council is required to at all times provide at least one public place in its area that is an off-leash area. The presence of dogs and cats on public transport and in housing units is not pertinent to the companion animals legislation, but to other relevant legislation. For example, I understand that under NSW Department of Housing policy, tenants of Department of Housing properties are allowed to have pets subject to conditions. Tenants of other properties must comply with conditions listed in the residential tenancy agreement as a private matter between tenant and landlord. (3) As the Minister for Primary Industries is responsible for administering animal welfare related legislation, I have no information regarding the rate of cruelty to animals. Since the commencement of recording companion animals on the NSW Companion Animals Register, approximately 0.01 and 0.05 percent of companion animals were declared a nuisance by local councils, mainly as a result of complaints from neighbours about animals straying or barking.
*3055 GAY AND LESBIAN LIAISON OFFICERS—Ms Moore to Minister for Police—
(1) How many Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers (GLLOs) have completed the six-month training course in 2004? (2) When was the last training program for GLLOs run? (3) When will the next training program for GLLOs be provided? (4) How many GLLO conferences have been provided for GLLOs over the last two years? (5) How many GLLO network meetings have been held each year since 1999? (6) How many fully trained GLLOs are available across NSW in 2004 compared to 1999? (7) How many GLLOs who have completed the six-month training are operating at Surry Hills Command in 2004 compared to 1999? (8) Why have you downgraded the Surry Hills GLLO position to a Constable, when this position has significant management and operational responsibility for major events and coordination in this Command?
Answer—
NSW Police has advised me : (1) to (3) The six month GLLO Course is currently being reviewed and updated. The updated course will be offered in 2005. (4) and (5) Meetings with GLLOs are held in relation to specific projects or as required. (6) GLLO numbers are not available for 1999. In 2004, 81 fully trained GLLOs are available across NSW. (7) 1999 figures are not available. In 2004, 6 fully trained GLLOs are operating at Surry Hills Local Area Command. (8) The position referred to has always been at substantive Constable level.
3998 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*3056 STREET LIGHTING WORKING GROUP—Ms Moore to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
(1) What action has the Street Lighting Working Group taken on concerns about street lighting repairs, efficiency, standards and pricing? (2) When will the report and recommendations of this Working Group be available?
Answer—
(1) On 10 September 2004, the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability (DEUS) released a draft Public Lighting Code for public comment. This draft Code was developed with the assistance of the Street Lighting Working Group, a group consisting of representatives of councils, energy companies, IPART and Treasury, and includes provisions relating to the following: • minimum maintenance standards and associated service level guarantees; • minimum requirements for inventories, management plans, performance reporting and billing; • a requirement that Service Providers consult with Customers in deciding which core lighting types they are going to offer; and • a mechanism allowing for connection of lighting types outside the core choices offered by Service Providers. In relation to pricing, the draft Code provides for charges to be negotiated between Service Providers and Customers in the context of a Service Level Agreement and provides that: Variations to charges for Public Lighting Services [as set out in a Service Level Agreement] must be in accordance with the regulation of the NSW electricity distribution networks with respect to Public Lighting Services by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) as detailed in the Determination NSW Electricity Prices 2004/05 to 2008/09 or as provided under the National Electricity Code from time to time. (2) I am expecting to be provided with a recommendation for a Public Lighting Code and a report from the Street Lighting Working Group within the next few months.
*3057 NURSE RESIGNATIONS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Health—
How many nurses resigned from Sutherland Hospital in the financial year 2003-04?
Answer—
South Eastern Sydney Area Health Service advises there were 113 resignations from nursing positions at Sutherland Hospital in the 2003-04 financial year. In the same period, a total of 132 nurses were recruited.
*3058 SERVICES TO DISABLED—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—
What is the full range of services available to disabled people in the Cronulla electorate?
Answer—
The range of services available to people with a disability in the Cronulla electorate is as follows: • Accommodation in group homes and community supported accommodation, both DADHC and non-government providers, • Day programs, both DADHC and non-government provided, • Respite services, both DADHC and non-government provided – overnight and community based,
3999 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
• Social support services through Cronulla Neighbour Aid, • Home Care Services, domestic assistance, personal care and respite, • Therapy services: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, DADHC provided and non-government provided for adults and children with a disability, • A home modification and maintenance service, • A gardening service, • Meals on Wheels and Community Restaurant, • Case management, both DADHC and non-government provided, • Parent to parent support, • Aboriginal development services and day programs, • Podiatry services, • Nursing and personal care services, • Community Options Program, case management and brokerage, • Day care services, • Multi cultural day care, • Shopping services, • Community nursing, • Recreation and peer support, • Community Transport, • Carer Support Project and Carers and Consumers Forum, • Community Development Officers at Sutherland Shire Council. A booklet named A Guide to Community Care in the Sutherland Shire with detailed information about services in the area, is available from the Sutherland Shire HACC Development Officer, telephone 9542 6244, or from the Sutherland Shire Community Care Network Website at www.ssccn.org.au
*3059 BUILDING COMPLAINTS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—
(1) How many complaints relating to the quality of building have been lodged with the Department from the electorate of Cronulla? (2) What specific building problems have been highlighted in these complaints?
Answer—
(1) and (2) The Office of Fair Trading collects complaint statistics data based on postcodes. The number of building related complaints received by the Office of Fair Trading for last year for the postcode of Cronulla is 9.
*3060 FORMER MULGRAVE STATION MASTER'S COTTAGE—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
What measures is the Minister currently instituting to protect the important heritage item, the former Mulgrave Station Master’s Cottage?
Answer—
I am advised by RailCorp: Over the past two years minor maintenance works have been undertaken at the former station master’s cottage at Mulgrave. RailCorp has secured the premises from the public while the future use of the property is under consideration.
4000 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*3061 HAWKESBURY-NEPEAN RIVER WEED HARVESTER—Mr Pringle to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—
What benefit/cost analysis has been undertaken into purchase of a weed harvester primarily for use on the Hawkesbury-Nepean River system?
Answer—
An analysis was undertaken in relation to the purchase of weed harvesting equipment for use on the Hawkesbury-Nepean River system. It was determined that more than one harvester was required to undertake the weed harvesting operation in a timely manner. In addition it was noted that the major cost associated with the harvesting operation is the ongoing operating expense as opposed to the leasing costs. It was determined that for this time limited operation the most cost effective option was the leasing of the required equipment.
*3062 REPORT ON AREA HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCILS—Mr Maguire to Minister for Health—
(1) What was the cost of the consultation process to produce the Report of the Clinical and Community Advisory Group on Area Health Advisory Councils, tabled in Parliament on 27 October 2004? (2) How much did each of the co-chairs receive for their work? (3) How much did each of the remaining Committee members receive? (4) How much in other costs, airfares, rent, hire costs and accommodation?
Answer—
(1) and (3) and (4) I am advised that payments to CCAG members were in accordance with Premier’s Department guidelines for sitting fees. Travel and other expenses are approved in accordance with NSW Health practices and procedures and reflect Premier’s Department policy. (2) The Health Administration Corporation entered into individual contractual agreements with both CCAG co-chairs. Payments were made in accordance with relevant public sector management guidelines.
*3063 EXPLORATION LICENCES—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Mineral Resources—
(1) (a) What extant exploration licences have been issued for methane gas exploration in Wyong Shire? (b) Under which Act? (2) To whom were they issued? (3) When were they issued? (4) When was each licence applied for? (5) What area is covered by each licence? (6) (a) What studies have been undertaken by his department into potential methane gas reserves in Wyong Shire? (b) Are the studies publicly available?
Answer—
(1) (a) Petroleum Exploration Licences 2, 5 and 441. (b) Petroleum (Onshore) Act 1991 (2) To Sydney Gas (Operations) Pty Limited (3) Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 2 granted March 1993. Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 5 granted November 1993 Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 441 granted January 2002.
4001 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
(4) PEL 2 application received September 1992. PEL 5 application received May1993. PEL 441 application received June 2001. (5) PEL 2 covers an area of 8,100 sq km. PEL 5 covers an area of 2,250 sq km. PEL 441 covers an area of 75 sq km. (6) (a) None (b) N/A
*3064 EAST GOSFORD BRIDGE—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
(1) When will the Pedestrian overpass bridge at East Gosford be opened? (2) What was the cost of the bridge?
Answer—
The York Street pedestrian overbridge, East Gosford is expected to be completed in the near future.
*3065 SAFE-T-CAM—Mr Souris to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
(1) How many detections of fatigue have been identified by Safe-T-Cam installations at Branxton and Coonabarabran for each of the last three years ending 30 June 2004, 2003 and 2002? (2) How many detections of unregistered vehicles have been identified by Safe-T-Cam installations at Branxton and Coonabarabran for each of the last three years ending 30 June 2004, 2003 and 2002? (3) How many successful prosecutions have occurred for the detections noted in questions (1) and (2) above?
Answer—
Safe-T-Cam is part of an overall enforcement program that consists of RTA inspectors, checking stations periodic vehicle inspectors and Police.
*3066 ALBURY WODONGA WOMEN'S REFUGE—Mr Aplin to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—
(1) Are you aware of the critical financial situation facing the Albury Wodonga Women’s Refuge? (2) What assistance has been provided by the Department of Community Services to the Albury Wodonga Women’s Refuge? (3) What funding was allocated to the refuge in 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2004-05?
Answer—
(1) On 4 November 2004 officers of the Department of Community Services examined the Albury Wodonga Women’s Refuge’s last audited statement, current balance sheet, bank statements and the Refuge’s projected budget to June 2005. I am advised that these documents showed that the organisation is within budget and is on track to be in surplus at the end of the current financial year. (2) and (3) The Department of Community Services provided funding assistance to the Albury Wodonga Women’s Refuge as follows: In 2002/03 – funding of $465,855 plus $10,826 one-off funding for capital upgrade for occupational health and safety, $20,613 adjustment for the new Social and Community Services Employees State Award plus $9,451 indexation. In 2003/04 – funding of $477,967 plus $12,112 indexation. In 2004/05 – funding of $477,967 with indexation yet to be calculated.
4002 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*3067 ABORIGINAL SPECIFIC PROGRAMS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Police—
(1) What was the budget in each Local Area Command for Aboriginal specific programs since 1995? (2) Which LACs have the programs referred to in Question (1), and what were/are these programs?
Answer—
NSW Police has advised me : (1) and (2) Local Area Commands (LACs) were not established until July 1997. LACs are allocated a protected and unprotected global budget, not program-based budgets.
*3068 ABORIGINAL SPECIFIC PROGRAMS—Mr Hazzard to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
(1) What was the budget in each NSW national park for Aboriginal specific programs, for each financial year since 1994-95? (2) What national parks received funding for specific programs, and what were/are the programs receiving funding in each park?
Answer—
(1) Since 1997 funding has been provided for a statewide Aboriginal Heritage Protection Program. Initially funding was $350,000 per annum and is now around $500,000 per annum. The Aboriginal Heritage Protection Program focuses on works outside of the reserve system. However, due to the holistic nature of Aboriginal cultural heritage, many projects conducted under the program have overlapped with areas reserved under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. For example, rock art conservation projects in which local Aboriginal communities participate have regularly taken place on reserves. (2) Prior to the 2003 election, the Government promised to work in partnership with local Aboriginal communities to protect cultural heritage, expand co-management of national parks and create extra jobs in Aboriginal communities. Specifically, the Government committed itself to: • finalising negotiations with Aboriginal communities over joint management of new reserves near Seal Rocks and Warrell Creek and existing reserves at Mount Grenfell Historic Site (now finalised), Gulaga, Jervis Bay and Biamanga national parks. • establishing an Aboriginal Tour Guide and Cultural Heritage Training facility at Wilcannia, based on the new Paroo-Darling National Park. • mapping oral histories to allow local Aboriginal communities to tell and record their own stories of ancestral connection to the land. • coordinating the repatriation of ancestral remains and other cultural objects to Aboriginal communities. • implementing Living Country, a new program that will encourage cultural heritage tourism initiatives in Aboriginal communities. • continuing to increase employment of Aboriginal people in the management of national parks and reserves, particularly those of significance to Aboriginal culture and heritage. • working co-operatively with local Aboriginal communities to declare Aboriginal Places and better protect sites of great cultural significance. An additional $6.5 million will be spent to assist in implementing these commitments.
*3069 ABORIGINAL SPECIFIC PROGRAMS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Health—
(1) What was the budget in each Area Health Service for specific Aboriginal programs, for each year since 30 June 1995? (2) Which Area Health Services received funding for the programs referred to in Question 1, and what were/are these programs?
4003 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Answer—
(1) and (2) Information relating to Aboriginal specific programs undertaken in each Area Health Service since 1995 is available in the Annual Reports for each Area Health Service for the years in question. The 2004-05 Aboriginal Health Service Program expense budget is $44.1 million, this is $6.2 million more than last year and represents an increase of $30.8 million or 290% since 1994-95. Apart from Aboriginal specific programs, people of Aboriginal descent are fully entitled to access the benefits available to all NSW residents through the general health budget and health services provided by Area Health Services.
*3070 ABORIGINAL SPECIFIC PROGRAMS—Mr Hazzard to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—
(1) What was the budget in each corrective facility for each year since 30 June 1995 for Aboriginal specific programs? (2) Which facilities have received funding for the programs referred to in Question (1), and what were/are these programs?
Answer—
(1) and (2) The Department of Corrective Services does not allocate budgets for Aboriginal-specific programs on a correctional centre basis.
*3071 ABORIGINAL INMATES—Mr Hazzard to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—
How many Aboriginal inmates were/are there in each Corrective Services facility as at 1 July each year since 1 July 1995?
Answer—
The Minister for Justice advises me: The Department of Corrective Services does not record the information requested by the Honourable Member on a correctional centre basis. The total number of Indigenous inmates as at 30 June each year can be found in the Department’s Annual Reports.
*3072 PEAK GROUP CONSULTATION—Mr Hazzard to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
Why was no formal consultation undertaken with any peak group representing Aboriginal people in the development of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority?
Answer—
The Hon Frank Sartor MP was recently given the role to oversee the renewal and regeneration of the Redfern-Waterloo area so the question should be directed accordingly.
4004 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*3073 COMPANION ANIMALS—Ms Moore to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—
In relation to the Companion Animals Act: (1) What are the recent statistics for pet ownership? Has it increased or decreased? (2) What information is available about the level of desexing of companion animals? Has this increased?
Answer—
I am advised by the Minister for Local Government of the following response: (1) The Department of Local Government does not collect data on the number of pets owned in NSW. Information collected and maintained by the Department relates only to companion animals (cats and dogs) that have been permanently identified by microchip and whose details are entered onto the NSW Companion Animals Register (“the Register”). Based on available data the number of permanently identified animals listed on the Register has increased five times, rising from 185,939 at 30 June 2000 (the end of the first year of operation of the Register) to 1,021,283 at 30 June 2004, comprising both registered companion animals and companion animals permanently identified by microchip (but not registered). (2) Available data on desexed companion animals is only captured at the time of registration and therefore relates to registered companion animals. The figures for desexed companion animals therefore do not take into account those cats and dogs that are permanently identified on the Register (but not yet registered) that may already be desexed. Nor do the figures represent those cats and dogs registered as entire but desexed at a later date. During the first year of Register operation (1999/2000 financial year) 63% of registration types recorded on the Register were desexed companion animals. This relatively high number of desexed registration types recorded resulted from the transfer of older, desexed dogs from the annual registration system (under the Dog Act 1966) to life-time registration under the current Act. In the 2003/2004 financial year 75% of registration types recorded were desexed companion animals. This represents an overall increase in the proportion of desexed registration types of 12%.
*3074 ACTION PLAN—Ms Moore to Minister for Police—
(1) What action has been taken to develop and implement the Action Plan identified in the Government’s Police Policy Statement on Gay and Lesbian Issues (2003-2006)? (2) How will the Government measure its success with this Action Plan and Policy Statement? (3) What action has the Gay and Lesbian Liaison Team Executive taken to monitor and review the Policy and Action Plan? (4) How will the Policy and Action Plan be examined at the review planned for November 2004? (5) What action has been taken to develop a Policy Statement and Action Plan on Transgender Issues?
Answer—
NSW Police has advised me: (1) to (5) The NSW Police Gay and Lesbian Action Plan (2003-2006) is a 'living document' that tracks the projects and achievements of NSW Police in relation to gay and lesbian issues in law enforcement; consequently, it is updated periodically as projects progress. A qualitative assessment of the achievements in this area will be undertaken at the conclusion of the period covered by the Policy and Action Plan.
4005 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*3075 REDFERN-WATERLOO AUTHORITY—Ms Moore to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
(1) How will the Government ensure community input into planning controls and planning decisions made by the Redfern-Waterloo Authority? (2) How will the Government ensure active local community participation, including Indigenous people, in the Redfern-Waterloo Authority Board? (3) What role does the Redfern Waterloo Partnership Project have in this new arrangement, and why are both the Partnership Project and the Redfern-Waterloo Authority needed? (4) When will the Government release the Morgan Disney consultant’s report on its Review of Human Services? (5) How will the Government ensure that the local community, including the Indigenous community, have input into plans for human services? (6) When will the Government begin its reform of human services in the Redfern-Waterloo area?
Answer—
(1) In accordance with the Redfern-Waterloo Authority Bill 2004, the Minister for Redfern-Waterloo will consult widely amongst the local community and all levels of Government in developing the Redfern-Waterloo Plan. The entire community will be invited to comment on the development of the statutory planning elements of the plan. In this regard, the Government’s guidelines for community engagement in the NSW planning system will be followed. (2) The Bill states that the Minister for Redfern-Waterloo is to ensure that at least one of the appointed members of the Board is an Aboriginal person. The Minister will establish advisory committees consisting of members of the local community to advise on the matters and strategies to be included in the Plan. (3) The Redfern-Waterloo Plan will be broad in range. Among other things, the Plan will make provision for the strategic vision for improvement of the area, urban design, infrastructure development, human services, employment opportunities, and the renewal and regeneration of public land and assets. Whilst the RWA and the Redfern-Waterloo Partnership Project (RWPP) will work cooperatively to meet the objectives of the Plan, their roles and functions will be separate. The RWA will manage public infrastructure, land and properties in the area and promote the social and economic development of the community. The key functions of the RWPP will be to coordinate Government agencies in relation to human services, employment, crisis management and crime prevention. (4) The Minister for Community Services, the Hon Carmel Tebbutt MLC, and I released the Morgan Disney Report on 10 November 2004. (5) The Government will seek Expressions of Interest from government, non-government and community representatives to be involved in the developing the human services plans. Once the plans are developed, public consultation will occur prior to finalisation. (6) As a first step in the development of the human services plans, the Government has scheduled information sessions for 15, 16 and 17 December 2004 to discuss the outcomes of the Human Services Review. It is expected that an implementation working group and working groups focussed on priority areas will be established before the end of the year. These groups will develop the Human Services Plan (2005- 2006).
*3076 JUSTICE OF THE PEACE APPLICATIONS—Mr Pringle to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
(1) What is the current median processing time for Justice of the Peace applications?
4006 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
(2) Does the Minister propose to hire additional permanent or casual staff to clear the backlog of applications?
Answer—
(1) There has been an outstanding response to the new regime, which has resulted in approximately 2000 applications for appointment and reappointment as a Justice of the Peace (JP) being received per month – a 600 per cent increase. New applications currently take approximately 8 weeks to process. Renewals take approximately twice this period due to the large numbers involved and the need, in most cases, for clarification of details and supporting documentation. Both existing and new applicants must undergo criminal history checks. Existing JPs can continue to undertake their duties while their renewal is being processed until such time as they are appointed under the new scheme by the Governor. (2) The Attorney General’s Department has employed additional staff to process applications.
*3077 RAILWAY LINE DUPLICATION—QUAKERS HILL-SCHOFIELDS—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
When will engineering plans for railway line duplication between Quakers Hill and Schofields as part of the Rail Clearways project be completed?
Answer—
I am advised: As part of the Government’s $1 billion Rail Clearways project, the track from Quakers Hill to Schofields will be duplicated, at an estimated cost of $80 million, to increase capacity and improve reliability for North West commuters on the CityRail network. As previously announced this project is due for completion by 2010.
*3078 REPLACEMENT RAILWAY CARRIAGES—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
When does the Minister expect construction of rolling stock to replace the 498 non-airconditioned carriages in the CityRail fleet will commence?
Answer—
I am advised: I again refer the Member for Hawkesbury to my previous answer on the notice paper, number 1915. RailCorp advise Expressions of Interest to enter into a Public Private Partnership to deliver 498 new air- conditioned rail carriages closed on 13 October 2004 and are currently being evaluated.
*3079 STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING POLICY 5—EXEMPTION—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—
When will the requests for exemption from SEPP5 (Seniors Living) Policy submitted by Hornsby and Baulkam Hills Councils in April and May 2003 be granted?
4007 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Answer—
The outcome of the requests for exemption is subject to discussions with councils, and in the case of Baulkham Hills Council the provision of further information by Council. The impact of the Metropolitan Strategy and the planning reform process also need to be taken into account.
*3080 CUTBACKS IN HOSPITAL SERVICES—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—
(1) Has the further advice sought from dieticians, regarding the recommendation in the Southern Area Health Service’s Efficiency Review to cease evening suppers for patients in acute facilities, been received? (2) If so, what was the recommendation of the dieticians? (3) If the advice has not been received, what was the response date required by the SAHS for the receipt of this advice? (4) If this recommendation is implemented, will it result in cost savings to the SAHS Budget?
Answer—
(1) to (4) I am advised that a meeting is scheduled for late November, involving dieticians, to consider the cessation of evening suppers for patients in Southern Area Health Service’s acute facilities. No decision will be made to cease the provision of evening supper until the matter has been discussed and outcomes endorsed by the dieticians.
*3081 HOME BUILDING SERVICE—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—
(1) What are the names of the companies that have had a complaint proved against them for breaching clause 65 of the Home Building Regulation 2004? (2) How many companies are currently under investigation by the Home Building Service for breaching clause 65 of the Home Building Regulation 2004?
Answer—
(1) Clause 65 of the Home Building Regulation 2004 relates to the procedures and time for lodgement for insurance appeals. It provides grounds for a consumer to appeal a claim to the CTTT. (2) Not applicable.
*3082 SALE OF KENMORE HOSPITAL—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast—
(1) What is the current status of the negotiations, to vary the conditions of the sale contract to allow the redevelopment of the site before the approval of the Kenmore Redevelopment Master Plan, between the preferred tenderer for the purchase of the Kenmore Hospital in Goulburn and the NSW Government? (2) When do you expect a resolution of these negotiations?
Answer—
Questions relating to this matter are more appropriately directed to my Colleague in the other place, the Minister for Health.
4008 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
28 OCTOBER 2004
(Paper No. 103)
*3083 MENTAL HEALTH TEAMS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Health—
(1) What number of responses has there been to mental health patients through after hours mental health teams in each year since 1995? (2) What was the budget for such services, for each financial year since 1994-95?
Answer—
I am advised by the Department of Health that there is no separately identified budget for after hours mental health teams. I am also advised that the number of responses to mental health patients through after hours mental health teams was not identified separately prior to 2003-04. Emergency mental health response has been a key strategic direction stated in NSW Government policy for mental health since 1998. The two key strategies are 24 hour access to mental health care and responding to people with acute mental health problems in the Emergency Department. Each Area Health Service has a 24 hour 1800 telephone access service which is staffed by skilled mental health professionals able to arrange or provide appropriate follow up. I can advise that the Government has made the improvement of health services across NSW a priority issue by boosting the States Mental Health Budget with an extra $68 million for 2004-2005. That’s an increase of 9.5% over last year, bringing the level of program expenditure for mental health services to a record $783 million in the current financial year. Funding for mental health services in NSW has increased by 121 per cent since 1994-1995. That’s $428 million in additional recurrent funding that has enabled significant development in mental health care throughout NSW.
*3084 MENTAL HEALTH PATIENTS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Health—
How many mental health patients have been: (a) treated at, and/or (b) admitted to Manly Hospital in each year since 1995?
Answer—
I am advised that data relating to Mental health patients treated at Manly Hospital has been identified in the Department of Health Reporting System since 1995/96. Since that time an average of 752 mental health patients have been treated annually at the Manly Hospital.
*3085 MENTAL HEALTH BEDS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Health—
How many mental health beds have been located at: (a) Manly Hospital, and (b) Mona Vale Hospital in each year since 1995?
Answer—
(a) I am advised that data pertaining to the number of mental health beds located at Manly Hospital from 1996 to 1998 is not available. I have been advised by the Northern Sydney Area Health Service that in 1995-96 there were an average of 20 Mental Health beds available at Manly Hospital. In 2003-04 the average number of mental health beds available was 28.3. (b) Mona Vale Hospital has never had designated mental health beds.
4009 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*3086 BERRIMA CORRECTIONAL CENTRE—Ms Seaton to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—
(1) How many prisoners are currently housed in Berrima Correctional Centre? (2) How many prison officers are employed at Berrima Gaol as: (a) full time employees (b) part-time employees (c) casuals? (3) How many ancillary staff are currently employed at Berrima Gaol as: (a) full time employees (b) part-time employees (c) casuals? (4) Can the Minister guarantee there are no existing plans to close Berrima Gaol?
Answer—
The Minister for Justice advises me: (1) As of 8 November, 70 inmates were housed at Berrima Correctional Centre. (2) As of 8 November 2004: (a) 37. (b) 2. (c) Nil. (3) As of 8 November 2004: (a) 9. (b) 5. (c) Nil. (4) Yes.
*3087 RETFORD ROAD LAND—EAST BOWRAL—Ms Seaton to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
(1) Can the Minister confirm that the land in Retford Road, East Bowral, previously set aside as the site for an additional primary school is still owned by the Department of Education? (2) If so, does the Minister have any plans to sell the land or use it for any purpose other than to build a primary school? (3) If the land has been sold will the Minister reveal the circumstances of that sale including: (a) when the land was sold (b) to whom the land was sold (c) the sale price of the land (d) how the money was spent by the Department of Education?
Answer—
(1) Yes. (2) and (3) There are no immediate plans to sell the land or develop it for other purposes.
*3088 WATER SUPPLY—Ms Seaton to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
(1) In relation to the Premier’s media release of 18 October 2004 that the Sydney Metropolitan Water Plan includes a plan to “renew equipment that has reached the end of its service life at Bondi, Cronulla, Glenfield, Liverpool, North Head, North Richmond, Picton, Bombo, St Marys and
4010 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Warriewood”, will you outline the date of commissioning of equipment at each of these plants, detail the items that need replacement, and the date on which they will need replacement? (2) (a) What equipment at Picton has reached the end of its service life? (b) Is any of this equipment at the new sewerage treatment plant at Picton? (3) Exactly what is to be included in “enhancements” at Tallowa Dam?
Answer—
Sydney Water has advised: (1) The equipment at each of Sydney Water’s 31 sewage treatment plants (STP) was commissioned between the years 1953 and 2000. Items that require periodic replacement include sedimentation tank scrapers, screening equipment, mixers, grit handling and sludge dewatering equipment, catch pond and chemical dosing pumps, valves and pipework, clarifiers, air diffusers, scrubbers, control panels, generators, power systems and waste gas burners. The appropriate timing of replacement of these items varies according to the date of their commissioning and other factors, such as the nature of the operating environment and the relative number of hours of operation at different STPs. The delivery of maintenance and renewal programs is monitored throughout the year and maintenance and renewal plans are reviewed on an annual basis. In 2003/04, all 31 STPs met the requirements for effluent quality as specified in the Sewage Treatment System Licences issued by the Department of Environment and Conservation. (2) (a) and (b) Picton STP was commissioned in 2000 and equipment is in very good condition. Some works are planned for reliability improvement or renewal in the next five years. These include relining of the inlet works concrete as part of odour mitigation measures, and upgrading of recycled water pumping equipment. (3) This question should be directed to the Minister for the Environment.
*3090 SPECIALIST SHORTAGES—Mr Torbay to Minister for Health—
Will the Minister outline details of specialist shortages within the former New England Health Services and in which areas these shortages exist?
Answer—
I can advise the Honourable Member there is a nationwide shortage of specialists. The Commonwealth Government’s failure to fund universities for additional medical positions is the major reason for this specialist shortage. I am advised by the New England Area Health Service that locums have been utilised at Tamworth and Armidale Hospital to ensure that clinical services are maintained, pending recruitment to the following specialties: • Medicine • Emergency Medicine/Intensive Care • Psychiatry • Urology • Orthopaedics • Paediatrics • Palliative Care • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
4011 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*3091 CAPITAL FUNDING—Mr Torbay to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—
Will the Treasurer outline details of capital funding (excluding roads) to regional and rural NSW (outside Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong) on a yearly basis each year since 1991?
Answer—
I have been advised of the following answer: Comparisons of population and capital expenditure patterns during the five years 1999-2005 show that even excluding the expenditure on roads, the rural areas of New South Wales continue to receive more than a per capita share of public investment. About 26 per cent of people live outside of Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle and the Central Coast and on average received about 29% per cent of public capital funding (excluding in roads) during 1999-2005. Expenditure data during 1991-99 is not readily available. State Capital Expenditure in Areas Excluding Sydney, Newcastle, 1999- 2004-05 2003-04 2002-03 2001-02 2000-01 Wollongong and the Central Coast 2000 (not including roads) Total Capital Expenditure $1,801 $1,971 $1,407 $1,015 $1,342 $1,231 (in $ m) Above as a % of the total 29% 33% 28% 23% 32% 28%
*3092 ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICERS—Mr Draper to Minister for Police—
Will the Minister provide additional resources so that the number of Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers can be increased particularly in rural areas including Orana, New England and Oxley Local Area Commands?
Answer—
The 2003-2004 Police budget was an increase of 3.5% from the previous year. Every Local Area Command had its total budget increased compared with last year.
*3093 DUBBO DELEGATION—Mr Draper to Minister for Police—
Following the recent delegation from Dubbo regarding policing and PCYC issues, will the Minister confirm his intention of visiting Dubbo and meeting police and community representatives?
Answer—
I visited Dubbo on 1 December 2004.
*3094 WOLLONGBAR RALLY—TAFE CUTS—Mr Page to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
(1) Are you aware that 150 students, employees and teachers rallied at Wollongbar on 27 October 2004 to protest cuts to TAFE courses on the north coast? (2) Are you aware that a motion of confidence in the Premier was lost unanimously? (3) What assurances will you give to ensure there are no more cuts to TAFE courses on the north coast and that proper resourcing of TAFE will take place in future?
4012 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Answer—
(1) to (3) In the 2004/05 financial year, the North Coast Institute has allocated an additional $0.75 million to skills shortage programs, of which approximately $0.4 million has been invested in apprenticeship programs. In addition, North Coast Institute’s recurrent budget allocation from the State Government increased by 4.13% compared with the previous financial year. The North Coast Institute is working with industry to increase the level of new entrant and existing worker traineeship programs and to attract and put to good use additional skill shortage and pre- vocational funding recently allocated by the NSW Board of Vocational Education and Training. These contestably funded programs increase the level of training effort, help to address skills shortages and generate extra resources for TAFE institutes to invest in other education and training programs. This financial year $1.6 billion in recurrent funding is being spent on TAFE NSW and related services, an increase of $72 million on the previous year.
*3095 MULLENGANDRA SCHOOL—STORAGE AND EXIT LANES—Mr Page to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
(1) Are you aware that the Mullengandra school bus has to turn off the Hume Highway in a 100km/h speed zone where there is no storage lane (travelling south) or exit lane (travelling north)? (2) Do you agree this is a very dangerous situation especially for the 27 children who travel on the bus, given that B-doubles and semi-trailers travelling at 100km/h have no safe way of avoiding the school bus as it turns into the school access road? (3) Has the Federal Government allocated funds to the State Government under the Federal Government’s Safety and Urgent Minor Works Program? (4) Has the State Government allocated money from these Federal funds to enable a storage and exit lane and any other appropriate works at the access road to Mullengandra School? (5) Do you agree this work is urgent? (6) When will work commence? (7) When will this upgrade be completed?
Answer—
The Federal Government’s Auslink announcement on 7 June 2004 included $5M in 2004/05 towards duplication and safety works on the Hume Highway. The RTA proposes to utilise $250,000 of this funding to upgrade the intersection of the Hume Highway to Mullengandra Public School, and details have been forwarded to the Federal Department of Transport and Regional Services.
*3096 HIGHWAY PATROL POLICE—F3 FREEWAY—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Police—
(1) Are Highway Patrol Police instructed not to patrol the F3 Freeway in peak traffic flow periods in the peak usage direction? (2) If no, why are there no patrols going south on weekday mornings and no patrols going north on weekday afternoons?
Answer—
NSW Police advises: (1) No. (2) N/A.
4013 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*3097 RETICULATED SEWERAGE—CENTRAL COAST—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
(1) Can the Minister advise when the suburbs of South Kincumber, Bensville and Empire Bay will benefit from the $135 million reticulated sewerage program announced by the Premier and then Minister for Energy, Kim Yeadon in December 2001? (2) Can the Minister further advise why the Central Coast suburbs of South Kincumber, Bensville and Empire Bay are no longer considered a priority for the provision of reticulated sewerage? (3) Why were funding arrangements for the provision of this service placed on hold from March - September 2004 by the Minister? (4) How much longer will residents of the Central Coast have to wait for this critical infrastructure?
Answer—
(1) On December 14, 2001 the Premier announced funding of $133 million for the sewerage program. I understand that the program funding for Gosford City Council to service areas within its jurisdiction, including Bensville, Empire Bay and South Kincumber is available as soon as Council decides to proceed. (2) The Department of Environment and Conservation (formerly EPA) carried out an environmental assessment of the nominated areas to help guide decisions about priority areas for new infrastructure and sewerage system upgrades on the basis of potential environmental and human health risks. Bensville, Empire Bay and South Kincumber received a high environmental ranking and I understand that this ranking has not been changed. (3) The funding has not been put on hold. (4) The timing of the provision of reticulated sewerage to Bensville, Empire Bay and South Kincumber is a matter for Gosford City Council.
*3098 RICHMOND SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANT—Mr Pringle to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
When will construction of the Richmond Sewerage Treatment Plant be completed?
Answer—
Sydney Water has advised: Richmond Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) Stage 2 will cater for future population growth and provide an enhanced level of recycled water to the area. Construction will be completed in December 2004 and commissioning is anticipated for completion in April 2005.
*3099 FORMER DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFICE—WINDSOR—Mr Pringle to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—
What are the Government’s intentions concerning the use of the former Department of Agriculture office at Windsor?
Answer—
The former Department of Agriculture office at Windsor is not owned by the Government.
4014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*3100 AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH STATIONS—Mr Pringle to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—
(1) What are the Minister’s current intentions concerning the State’s Agricultural Research Stations? (2) Would the Minister ensure that, should any existing research stations be closed, the University of Western Sydney Hawkesbury Campus be considered as an alternative due to its existing high standard of research and the synergy that would be achieved by co-location?
Answer—
(1) I have previously outlined my intentions concerning NSW Department of Primary Industries research institutes in my July 2004 announcement on reinvestment “Towards 2020”. Other details can be obtained from the “Primary Industries Science and Research Strategic Directions” statement that I have recently sent to key stakeholders and can be found on the NSW Department of Primary Industries webpage. (2) The NSW Department of Primary Industries is establishing alliances and partnerships with universities to increase its critical mass of scientific expertise, to share the costs of research investment and provide more attractive investment opportunity for external funding bodies. NSW Department of Primary Industries already has a research and extension facility located on the Hawkesbury campus of the University of Western Sydney.
*3101 M4 TRANSIT LANE—Mr Amery to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
(1) Is the transit lane on the M4 Motorway (between the Cumberland Highway and Parramatta) policed? (2) If so, how many motorists have been detected driving illegally in this lane in the past twelve months?
Answer—
This is a matter for my colleague, the Hon J A Watkins MP, Minister for Police.
*3102 NOXIOUS WEEDS—Mr Amery to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—
(1) What is the latest estimate given by the Department for Primary Industries to the effect of noxious weeds on lost agriculture production in the State of New South Wales? (2) How much money, by way of grants, have been made by the Department of Primary Industries (and formerly Department of Agriculture) to weed control authorities for the years: 1990-91 1995-96 2000-01 1991-92 1996-97 2001-02 1992-93 1997-98 2002-03 1993-94 1998-99 2003-04 1994-95 1999-2000 2004-05? (3) By what percentage have grants increased for noxious weed control since the election of the Labor Government in 1995?
Answer—
(1) The loss to agriculture in NSW due to weeds in estimated at $700 million per year. (2) Noxious weed grants made (in $’000) in each of the last fifteen years were: 1990-91 4,994 1995-96 5,000 2000-01 6,726 1991-92 5,000 1996-97 5,246 2001-02 6,887 1992-93 5,000 1997-98 6,246 2002-03 7,035 1993-94 5,000 1998-99 6,408 2003-04 7,232 1994-95 5,000 1999-2000 6,536 2004-05 7,377
4015 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
(3) Noxious weed grants increased by 48% since 1995 when the Labor government was elected.
*3103 PERPETUAL LEASE 62749—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—
(1) Will you confirm advice given by Department of Lands Staff on phone number 1800 641 596, in late August 2004, to Mr A Whipp of Taralga that the conversion of his perpetual lease to freehold would take approximately four to six weeks? (2) Will you explain why advice to Mr Whipp from the Goulburn Office of the Department of Lands in October 2004 indicates that there are currently no procedures in place to process these applications, which could take up to two years to finalise? (3) As, based on the initial advice from Department of Lands staff, Mr Whipp has already arranged finance to purchase this land will you as a matter of urgency ensure that this conversion is processed immediately?
Answer—
I have been advised by the Minister for Local Government and Minister for Lands of the following response: (1) As part of a standard response given by the Department of Lands on phone number 1800 641 596, Mr Whipp would have been advised that, if his application for conversion is approved, he would be expected to pay the full purchase price within six weeks of the date of approval. (2) In light of the anticipated number of applications to convert perpetual leases to freehold, the Department of Lands has allocated additional resources to processing these applications and put in place new processing arrangements. All Department of Lands offices are now aware of these arrangements. The arrangements also cover the process of consultation with the Department of Environment and Conservation on the conservation significance of affected land. Applications will be processed as they are received, and will be dealt with as quickly as possible. (3) Mr Whipp’s application will be processed as quickly as possible.
*3104 CHEMICAL SPRAYING—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
(1) Has the NSW Government mandated that State owned energy corporations adhere to a protocol to inform landowners of chemical spraying on their properties before the spraying of infrastructure such as power poles? (2) If not, why not? (3) If this protocol has been mandated, why was Mr G Lenehan of Tuena not informed of spraying on his property, which took place in a paddock in which he was holding stock intended for sale?
Answer—
(1) Energy Corporations are required to abide by all relevant Federal and State legislation, including the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997, the Noxious Weeds Act 1993, and the Pesticides Act 1999. (2) Not Applicable (3) On Wednesday 20 October 2004, a Country Energy asset inspector failed to secure a land owners consent before applying pesticide to a powerpole located on an organic farm at Tuena, in the State’s south east. On Thursday 28 October 2004, the landowner advised the Department of Environment and Conservation that he was satisfied with Country Energy’s response and requested that no further action be taken.
4016 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Country Energy has implemented measures to ensure that all land owners are asked for consent prior to the use of chemicals on properties in the future.
*3105 ASBESTOS IN SCHOOLS—Ms Hodgkinson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
(1) Has the Department of Education conducted a survey to determine whether there is any asbestos in any of the schools in the electorate of Burrinjuck? (2) If so, what were the results of the survey? (3) If not, why has this survey which is vitally important to the health of staff and students not been conducted?
Answer—
(1) Yes. (2) and (3) I am advised that as a result of the survey, three schools (Adelong Public School, Gundagai South Public School and Nangus Public School) in the Burrinjuck electorate identified asbestos cement sheeting (fibro) in school buildings. The asbestos cement (painted fibro) material was encapsulated and required no remediation works. Goulburn West Public School identified fibro fragments in the school grounds. A site pick up was undertaken and a clearance certificate was issued for the site. Work Cover guidelines were complied with at all times.
*3106 ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION—Mr Tink to Minister for Police—
In relation to a motor vehicle accident involving Justice Jeff Shaw in Louisa Road Birchgrove on or about the 13 October 2004: (1) At what time did the accident take place, and at what time did Police attend the scene of the accident? (2) Which Police attended the scene of the accident? (3) Given the extent of damage to Justice Shaw’s car and other vehicles in Louisa Road, did Police require Justice Shaw to undergo a breath test? (4) If not, why not? If so, what was the result? (5) If results of a blood test are/were obtained by Police, when will the outcome of their investigation be publicly available?
Answer—
(1) to (5) This matter is currently under investigation by the Police Integrity Commission. It is therefore inappropriate for me to comment at this time.
*3107 MEDICAL TREATMENT AFTER ACCIDENT—Mr Tink to Minister for Health—
In relation to a motor vehicle accident involving Justice Jeff Shaw in Louisa Road Birchgrove on or about the 13 October 2004: (1) (a) Was Justice Shaw conveyed to a hospital for treatment? (b) If so, which one? (2) (a) Was Justice Shaw examined by a doctor or nurse at the hospital? (b) If so, by whom and at what time? (3) (a) Did that doctor or nurse require Justice Shaw to give a blood sample? (b) If not, why not, given that s20 of the Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Act 1999 requires blood samples to be taken in hospitals from patients attending a hospital in consequence of an accident on a road? (c) If so, at what time was the blood sample given?
4017 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Answer—
(1) to (3) The circumstances surrounding Justice Shaw’s admission to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on 13 October 2004 and the blood sample obtained are subject to independent investigations and as such it is not appropriate for me to comment.
*3108 CONFLICT OF INTEREST—Mr Debnam to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—
Have you sought written assurances from your senior managers in your Department and agencies that they have not invested in businesses related to their duties?
Answer—
Senior Executive Officers are required to comply with the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Public Sector Executives which is available on the Premier’s Department web site (http://www.premiers.nsw.gov.au/our_library/ses/ses_code_of_conduct.html).
*3109 CONFLICT OF INTEREST—Mr Debnam to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—
Have you sought written assurances from your senior managers in your Department that they have not invested in businesses related to their duties?
Answer—
Senior Executive Officers are required to comply with the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Public Sector Executives which is available on the Premier’s Department web site (http://www.premiers.nsw.gov.au/our_library/ses/ses_code_of_conduct.html).
*3110 RANDOM BREATH TESTING—Mr Debnam to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
(1) During the period January 2003 to September 2004, what advertising campaigns were in place promoting Random Breath Testing and in which months were each of the campaigns operating? (2) Which bodies within the RTA and NSW Police are responsible for co-ordinating the advertising campaign? (3) What is the funding allocated to each campaign? (4) How much of that funding for each campaign is allocated to radio, television, print and billboard advertising?
Answer—
State-wide campaigns are run in March and November each year to promote the NSW Police operations Drink Drive 1 and Drink Drive 2. These typically use television, radio, print and outdoor advertising. Local level or regional campaigns are run to support the many Local Area Command (LAC) operations throughout the year.
*3111 EUTHANISED ANIMALS—Ms Moore to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—
In relation to the Companion Animals Act: (1) What are the latest figures for the numbers of dogs and cats euthanised in NSW for 2002-2003 and 2003-2004?
4018 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
(2) How do these figures compare with other states? (3) Does the Government have any information on the number of dogs and cats that are euthanised outside council pounds and what are the estimated figures for this?
Answer—
I am advised by the Minister for Local Government of the following response: Please see my response to Question on Notice 2986.
*3112 COMPANION ANIMALS FUND—Ms Moore to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—
In relation to the Companion Animals Fund, under the Companion Animals Act: (1) What is the allocation of funds since the Fund was established? (2) How is the effectiveness of the Fund evaluated? (3) What is the process for promoting the availability of funds?
Answer—
I am advised by the Minister for Local Government of the following response: Please refer to my answer to Question on Notice 2985.
*3113 BENNELONG HOUSING COMPANY—Ms Moore to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
When will the Bennelong Housing Company provide housing for “people with high and complex support needs, which are not met by existing housing options”, as the Department of Housing promised would be available by early to mid 2004?
Answer—
Bennelong Housing Company is currently in its establishment phase. To date 27 people have been accommodated and their tenancies are being managed on an interim basis by St George Community Housing until the company is formally incorporated.
*3114 MULTI RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—
(1) What is the protocol for managing patients with Multi Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) infections in Accident and Emergency, the EMU, the ICU and the wards? (2) If there is no policy or no admission of patients with this problem, why not?
Answer—
(1) and (2) I am advised that the NSW Department of Health Circular 2002/45, NSW Infection Control Policy, outlines the broad principles of infection control which should be used to develop locally applicable infection control policy. This Circular recommends use of a set of standard precautions, which includes handwashing and gloving. Isolation or cohorting of an MRSA patient depends on the practicality of such measures, the site of the infection, the patient’s level of personal hygiene and the ability to cover lesions with dressings. Patients are not precluded from admission to a health care facility on the basis of their infection.
4019 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*3115 DRIVER TESTS—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
(1) What random quality assurance checks are made by the RTA on the driving ability, crash and offence rate of truck drivers? (2) How effective are these checks in ensuring increased capabilities of truck drivers?
Answer—
The RTA has the most extensive heavy vehicle enforcement program of any jurisdiction in Australia. The RTA is the only road authority which uses sophisticated camera technology in the form of the Safe- T-Cam, to remotely monitor heavy vehicle speed and fatigue. The RTA has 7 Heavy Vehicle Checking Stations, located on the major freight routes throughout New South Wales. In addition, there are 300 Heavy Vehicle Inspectors located throughout New South Wales. The RTA also has 42 enforcement vehicles which are equipped with in-car Truck scan units.
*3116 HORNSBY HOSPITAL—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—
(1) What is the criteria for the type of patients admitted to the EMU in Hornsby Hospital? (2) (a) Has this criteria altered over time since this EMU opened? (b) If so, why?
Answer—
(1) and (2) There are a variety of criteria for admission to the Unit with the categories including emergency observation, and short stay medical and surgical admissions. The criteria have developed over time in order to provide comprehensive assessment for older persons with general medical conditions.
*3117 SPEEDING INFRINGEMENTS—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice- President of the Executive Council—
How many drivers have received infringement notices for speeding in the school zone in the vicinity of Great Lakes College, Tuncurry Campus during: (a) Term 1 2004 (17-1-04 to 8-4-04) (b) Term 2 2004 (27-4-04 to 2-7-04) (c) Term 3 2004 (19-7-04 to 24-9-04)?
Answer—
I have been advised of the following answer: There are no fixed digital speed cameras or vehicle mounted speed camera locations in the vicinity of the Great Lakes College, Tuncurry Campus.
*3118 RESEARCH FUNDING—Ms Seaton to Minister for Health—
(1) What level of funding does the NSW Government allocate to stem cell research in the current budget year? (2) What percentage of all NSW Government medical research funding does this constitute? (3) What public facilities/offices/laboratories does stem cell research occupy in NSW Health campuses? (4) What is the rental and maintenance costs of these facilities, and who covers the costs?
4020 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Answer—
Questions relating to medical research should be directed to the Hon Frank Sartor, the Minister for Science and Medical Research.
*3119 RENTAL CHARGES—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—
Why did you direct the Government’s Pricing Tribunal to review, to market rent, communications towers on public land resulting in Emergency Services volunteers facing the prospect of paying increased charges for voluntary work?
Answer—
The NSW Government has requested the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to review the rental arrangements for communication tower sites on Crown land in NSW. The aim of the review is to develop consistent government policy covering tenure, licensing and rental fees to apply to both primary and co-users of the sites. The Issues Paper relating to this matter, which is available on IPART’s website, www.ipart.nsw.gov.au, clearly indicates that the Tribunal is aware that its decision could result in significant budgetary impacts for emergency service agencies. However, it also indicates that the Tribunal is aware that there are alternative means of compensating such agencies, if necessary. As regards any Crown land tenant, the Crown Lands Act 1989 has always empowered the Minister to grant a rebate of rent to community service organisations and to waive or postpone any payment that is payable to the State. This latter provision is generally used in situations of hardship.
*3120 TANKER DEFECTS—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—
(1) How many RFS tankers were found to have chassis and/or tank mounting cracks in 2003 and 2004? (2) Have all tankers been properly checked?
Answer—
(1) As at 9 November 2004, sixty-nine tankers had been found to have minor chassis cracks. This figure includes the fifty-six Isuzu tankers, which were found to have minor chassis cracks, as referred to in my answer to a question taken on notice during the Budget Estimates hearing for my portfolios. All but eight of these vehicles have been repaired, and repairs to the remaining vehicles will be carried out as soon as possible. (2) Tankers undergo annual roadworthy inspections by the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) or by an RTA authorised Heavy Vehicle Inspection Station. Additional inspections are also carried out during routine maintenance when any required repairs can dealt with promptly.
*3121 OVERWEIGHT TANKERS—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—
(1) How many RFS tankers have been checked against their allowable weight? (2) How many tankers are overweight and what action did you take?
Answer—
(1) All RFS tankers must undergo a weight check on delivery.
4021 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
(2) One locally built Category nine tanker was found to be overweight and is being modified. Similar tankers are being checked as a precautionary measure.
*3122 VOLUNTEER RESIGNATIONS—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—
Why has there been inadequate consultation with SES volunteers in the organisational restructure with local Council boundary changes which has resulted in nine volunteers with 170 years of SES experience resigning from Grafton SES?
Answer—
As a result of Clarence Valley local government amalgamations, nine local SES units that had operated in four council areas have now combined. These units now are under the control of a single volunteer Local Controller, rather than four, as was previously the case. One of the three unsuccessful applicants for the new Local Controller’s position was offered a position as a Unit Controller but declined the offer and has since left the organisation, along with eight of his colleagues.
*3123 CORRECTIONS FUNDING—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—
(1) How much of the additional $7 million Corrections education funding announced during the 2003 election was allocated in 2003-04 and 2004-05? (2) How many extra education staff were to be employed? (3) How many extra education staff have been employed and at which locations?
Answer—
The Minister for Justice advises me: (1) to (3) I am advised that the additional funding will be expended commencing 2004/2005, with $1.22 million having been allocated in that year. I am advised that, over the additional funding period, 33.2 full time equivalent positions will be created at correctional centres across the state.
*3124 THE WAY FORWARD—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—
Did you direct the Commissioner to publish “The Way Forward” document including the statement that “centres will be mothballed”?
Answer—
The Minister for Justice advises me: No.
*3125 PRISON STAFF—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—
What guarantee will you give prison staff that there will be no job losses and no forced relocations of staff as a result of “The Way Forward” policy?
4022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
Answer—
The Minister for Justice advises me: The Commissioner of Corrective Services has guaranteed that no custodial officer will lose a position at their current substantive rank within the Department due to The Way Forward.
9 NOVEMBER 2004
(Paper No. 104)
3126 TABLING DATE OF REPORT—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3127 HIGHWAY PATROL NUMBERS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3128 POLICE RANK NUMBERS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3129 IPART INQUIRIES AND SERVICES SYDNEY—Mr Pringle to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
3130 CABLES DOWNUNDER REPORT—Mr Pringle to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
3131 WINDSOR SOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOL SECURITY FENCING—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
*3132 ARREST NUMBERS—Mr Armstrong to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
How many arrests have been made for supplying illegal drugs in the following towns in each of the years 2002 and 2003: (a) Cootamundra (b) Coolamon (c) Temora (d) Junee (e) Harden (f) Grenfell (g) Forbes (h) Condobolin (i) Lake Cargelligo (j) West Wyalong (k) Young (l) Barmedman (m) Ardlethan (n) Ariah Park (o) Quandialla (p) Caragabal
4023 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
(q) Greenethorpe (r) Tullibigeal (s) Ungarie (t) Ganmain (u) Tallimba (v) Stockinbingal?
Answer—
No agency within the Attorney General’s portfolio collects information about drug arrests.
3133 CONVICTION CHARGES—Mr Armstrong to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
3134 CONVICTION NUMBERS—Mr Armstrong to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
3135 MATERIALS HANDLING FACILITY—Mrs Hopwood to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
3136 HOSPITAL BEDS—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—
3137 ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY UNIT—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—
3138 ELECTRICITY BLACKOUTS—Mr Merton to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
*3139 JASPER ROAD PUBLIC SCHOOL—Mr Merton to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice- President of the Executive Council—
(1) How many motorists have been fined for exceeding the 40 kph speed limit outside Jasper Road Public School during the years 2000 to 2003 inclusive? (2) How much has been received in revenue for such offences during the period?
Answer—
I have been advised of the following answer: (1) There are no fixed digital speed cameras or vehicle mounted speed camera sites in any streets surrounding the Jasper Road Public School. As a result, there have been no infringements issued, either by fixed or vehicle mounted speed cameras, in respect of speeding offences for breaches of school speed limits in this area. (2) “On the spot” fines, issued by police using handheld units, do not capture the details needed in order to answer this question.
4024 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*3140 JUSTICE OF THE PEACE APPLICATIONS—Mr Merton to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
What is the present average length of time to process an application to become a Justice of the Peace?
Answer—
There has been an outstanding response to the new regime, which has resulted in approximately 2,000 applications for appointment and reappointment as a Justice of the Peace (JP) being received per month – a 600 per cent increase. New applications currently take approximately 8 weeks to process. Renewals take approximately twice this period due to the large numbers involved and the need, in most cases, for clarification of details and supporting documentation. Both existing and new applicants must undergo criminal history checks. Existing JPs can continue to undertake their duties while their renewal is being processed until such time as they are appointed under the new scheme by the Governor.
3141 FAMILIES FIRST PROGRAMS—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
*3142 HOSPITAL PARKING—Mr Kerr to Minister for Health—
What plans are in place to formalize car parking arrangements at Sutherland Hospital?
Answer—
I am advised that plans for the development of additional car parking spaces at Sutherland Hospital are currently at the design stage. It is envisaged that construction will commence early in the New Year, with completion projected for mid-2005.
*3143 MENTAL HEALTH PATIENTS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Health—
How many mental patients have been: (a) treated at, and/or (b) admitted to Sutherland Hospital in each year since 1995?
Answer—
I am advised by the South Eastern Sydney Area Health Service that on average there were 543 mental health patient admissions to Sutherland Hospital each financial year between 1995-96 and 2003-04 inclusive.
3144 SYDNEY METROPOLITAN PLAN—Mrs Hancock to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—
3145 SYDNEY METROPOLITAN PLAN—Mrs Hancock to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
4025 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
3146 CULBURRA SCHOOL CAR PARK—Mrs Hancock to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
3147 SPEED CAMERAS—Mr Souris to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—
3148 F3 SPEED LIMIT—Mr Souris to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
3149 NATIONAL PARK TRACK—Mr Richardson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
3150 HAZARD REDUCTION IN PARKS—Mr Richardson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
3151 MENTAL HEALTH BEDS—Mr Aplin to Minister for Health—
3152 RURAL FIRE SERVICE REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS—Mr Aplin to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—
3153 CASTLE COVE BUS SERVICES—Ms Berejiklian to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
3154 M5 EAST TUNNEL—Mr Page to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
3155 HEART OF THE COUNTRY BROCHURE—Mr Maguire to Minister for Tourism and Sport and Recreation, and Minister for Women—
3156 SPEED CAMERAS—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
3157 HIGH SCHOOL AT SOUTH WEST ROCKS—Mr Stoner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
10 NOVEMBER 2004
(Paper No. 105)
3158 RAIL CLEARWAYS PROJECT—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
4026 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
3159 OPERATIONAL LIFE OF XPT FLEET—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
3160 ALLOCATION OF MILLENNIUM TRAINS—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
3162 ACCIDENT/INCIDENT NOTIFICATION (P454 FORM)—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3163 POLICE DEPARTURES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3164 VACANT SITES—Mr Hartcher to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
*3165 JUSTICES OF THE PEACE—Mr Hartcher to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
How many Justices of the Peace are in the areas covered by postcodes 2250, 2251 and 2260?
Answer—
There are no accurate figures recorded of Justices of the Peace in NSW, however, since the introduction of the new Justice of the Peace Act, 2002 on 8 December 2002, Justices of the Peace appointed are recorded on a public register. The register assists members of the public to access the services of a Justice of the Peace in their local area. The Justice of the Peace register to date shows the following: Postcode Number 2250 88 2251 23 2260 12
3166 ASBESTOS IN SCHOOLS—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
*3167 MENTAL HEALTH PATIENTS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Health—
(1) What is the maximum number of beds available for mental health patients at Sutherland Hospital? (2) How many of these beds are currently available?
Answer—
(1) and (2) I am advised that all 28 mental health beds at The Sutherland Hospital are currently operational and fully utilised for mental health patients.
4027 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
3168 RAIL BRIDGE—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
3169 BUS INTERCHANGE—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
3170 ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY CARE—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—
3171 SPEECH PATHOLOGY SERVICES—Mr Stoner to Minister for Health—
3172 SPEED CAMERAS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
3173 SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS—ALBURY ELECTORATE—Mr Aplin to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—
3174 JOHN FOORD BRIDGE—COROWA—Mr Aplin to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
3175 NEUTRAL BAY BUS DEPOT—Mrs Skinner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
3176 TRANSGENDER INMATES—Ms Seaton to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—
11 NOVEMBER 2004
(Paper No. 106)
3177 RICHMOND HIGH SCHOOL AIR-CONDITIONING—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
3178 AIR-CONDITIONING IN HAWKESBURY ELECTORATE SCHOOLS—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
3179 DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE POLICY—Mr Pringle to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
3180 ST VINCENT'S CRISIS SERVICE—Ms Moore to Minister for Health—
4028 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
3181 COAL-FIRED ELECTRICITY—Ms Moore to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
3182 POLICE ABORIGINAL STRATEGY—Ms Moore to Minister for Police—
3183 ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION—Ms Moore to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
3184 MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS—Ms Moore to Minister for Police—
3185 MENTAL HEALTH PRESENTATIONS—Ms Moore to Minister for Health—
3186 CROWN LAND AT WUMBULGAL—Mr Piccoli to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—
3187 VACANT LAND—Mr Kerr to Minister for Health—
*3188 CITYRAIL PROPERTY—Mr Kerr to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
What plans does the Government have for property owned by CityRail in the Cronulla electorate?
Answer—
I am advised: I again refer the Member to the previous answer on the notice paper, number 985.
3189 VACANT LAND—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
3190 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
3191 SEWAGE CONNECTION PRIORITIES—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
3192 WATER CLEANLINESS—Mrs Hopwood to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
4029 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
*3193 PROBATION AND PAROLE—Mr Amery to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—
(1) How many clients does the Mount Druitt office of the Probation and Parole Office manage for the current period? (2) How does this number compare with previous years, namely: (a) 2003 (b) 2002? (3) For the abovementioned periods, how many of these clients are carrying out “Community Service” as part of their sentence?
Answer—
The Minister for Justice advises me: (1) 463 (as of 23 November 2004). (2) (a) 345 (November 2003). (b) 428 (November 2002). (3) 152 (as of 23 November 2004). 93 (November 2003). 96 (November 2002).
3194 774 BUS—Mr Amery to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
3195 TEACHER NUMBERS—Mr Amery to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
3196 DETECTIVE CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT BOB INKSTER—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3197 WEBSITE INFORMATION—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3198 SLASH RESISTANT GLOVES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3199 GREEN POWER—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
3200 UNDERGROUND LINES—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
3201 UNDERGROUND LINES—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
4030 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
3202 UNDERGROUND LINES—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
3203 EDUCATION OF SUSTAINABILITY—Ms Moore to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
3204 DEMAND MANAGEMENT FUND—Ms Moore to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
3205 BASIX PLANNING REQUIREMENTS—Ms Moore to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—
3206 AMBER HOUSE—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health—
3207 ARTS AND CULTURAL PROGRAMS—Mr J.H. Turner to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—
3208 PLATELETS—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health—
3209 ROAD OVER RAZORBACK—Ms Seaton to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
3210 PICTON ROAD—Ms Seaton to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
3211 CENTRAL COAST COMMUTERS—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
3212 AMBULANCE SERVICES—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Health—
3213 CENTRAL COAST VISITS—Mr Hartcher to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—
3214 ASBESTOS IN CENTRAL COAST SCHOOLS—Mr Hartcher to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
4031 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
12 NOVEMBER 2004
(Paper No. 107)
3215 E-TOLL OPTIONS ON HARBOUR BRIDGE AND TUNNEL—Mr Pringle to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
3216 NOXIOUS WEEDS ACT—Mr Pringle to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—
3217 CITYRAIL PATRONAGE 2004—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
3218 FIXED PIPES—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
3219 HORNSBY POLICE AND COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Police—
3220 BEROWRA STATION—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
3221 CT SERVICES—SHOALHAVEN HOSPITAL—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Health—
3222 PROVISION OF DIAGNOSTIC DATA—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Health—
3223 DONATED VEHICLES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3224 POLICE TASK FORCES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3225 POLICE TELEPHONE NUMBERS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
16 NOVEMBER 2004
(Paper No. 108)
3226 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION DIRECTIONS—Mr Hazzard to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—
4032 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
3227 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION APPLICATIONS—Mr Hazzard to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—
3228 OFF THE PLAN PROBLEMS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—
3229 BLUE MOUNTAINS SUPPLY AUGMENTATION CONSORTIUM—Mr Pringle to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
3230 MONA VALE HOSPITAL—Mr Pringle to Minister for Health—
3231 WINDSOR PRE-SCHOOL FUNDING—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
3232 ENDEAVOUR SPORTS HIGH SCHOOL—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
3233 ILLAWARRA LINE—Mr Kerr to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
3234 KYEEMAGH TRAFFIC—Mr Kerr to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
3235 M5 TRAFFIC—Mr Merton to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
3236 CAMPERDOWN TRAFFIC—Mr Merton to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
3237 M4 TRAFFIC—Mr Merton to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
3238 GLADESVILLE TRAFFIC—Mr Roberts to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
3239 CROSS-HARBOUR TRAFFIC—Mr Roberts to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
3240 BORONIA PARK PUBLIC SCHOOL—Mr Roberts to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
3241 CHATSWOOD TRAFFIC—Ms Berejiklian to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
4033 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
3242 ELECTRICITY OUTAGES—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
3243 HOSPITAL SERVICES—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Health—
3244 HOSPITAL SERVICES—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Health—
3245 GARNISHEE ORDERS—Mr Aplin to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—
3246 POLICE HOTLINES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3247 LANGUAGE SKILLS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3248 EASTERN SURBURBS BUS SERVICES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
3249 MANNING BASE HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health—
3250 SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES AWARD FUNDING—Mr J.H. Turner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—
3251 GEODYNAMICS LTD—Mr Richardson to Minister for Mineral Resources—
3252 THREATENED SPECIES—Mr Richardson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
3253 DEEP STORAGE WATER QUALITY—Mr Richardson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
3254 AMBULANCE BACKUP—Mr Maguire to Minister for Health—
3255 LUNA PARK DEVELOPMENT—Mrs Skinner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—
4034 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
17 NOVEMBER 2004
(Paper No. 109)
3256 FREEMANS REACH PUBLIC SCHOOL PLAYGROUND—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
3257 GALSTON GORGE HEAVY VEHICLES—Mr Pringle to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
3258 WINDSOR STATION SURPLUS LAND—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
3259 MANLY VISITS—Mr Hazzard to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—
3260 WAKEHURST VISITS—Mr Hazzard to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—
3261 SPONSORSHIP—Mr Constance to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—
3262 FERRY SERVICE—Mr Debnam to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
3263 BONDI JUNCTION RAIL LINE—Mr Debnam to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
3264 BONDI STORMWATER DRAINS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
3265 HORNSBY HOSPITAL—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—
3266 TICKET SALES—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
3267 STAMP DUTY—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—
4035 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
3268 ELECTRICITY OUTAGES—Mr Merton to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
3269 M2 TRAFFIC—Mr Merton to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
3270 AIR-CONDITIONED SCHOOLS—Mr Merton to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
3271 ROYAL NORTH SHORE HOSPITAL AIR-CONDITIONING—Mr Roberts to Minister for Health—
3272 AIR-CONDITIONING REPRESENTATIONS—Mr Roberts to Minister for Health—
3273 INCINERATOR PROPOSAL—Mr Roberts to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—
3274 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT—Mr Aplin to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business—
3275 AMBULANCE SERVICES—Mrs Hancock to Minister for Health—
3276 GREY WATER USE—Ms Moore to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
3277 WATER SAVING PROGRAMS—Ms Moore to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
3278 EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY—Ms Moore to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
3279 PERFECT COFFEE COMPANY—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—
3280 FLYOVER WORK—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
3281 MAKEHAM INVESTIGATION—Mr Stoner to Minister for Police—
4036 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
3282 SUTHERLAND HOSPITAL—Mr Kerr to Minister for Health—
3283 NURSES AT SUTHERLAND HOSPITAL—Mr Kerr to Minister for Health—
3284 GUYRA TOMATO GROWING—Mr Maguire to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—
3285 GRIEVANCE COUNSELLING—Mr Constance to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—
3286 PACIFIC HIGHWAY TRAFFIC—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
3287 HORNSBY HOSPITAL BEDS—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—
3288 THEATRE HOURS—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—
3289 TOWN WATER UPGRADE—Mr Maguire to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
3290 AIR-CONDITIONERS—Ms Moore to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
3291 WASTED WATER—Ms Moore to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
3292 WATER USE—Ms Moore to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
18 NOVEMBER 2004
(Paper No. 110)
3293 CHRISTLEY CORRESPONDENCE—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Health—
3294 MEDICAL STAFF—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Health—
4037 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
3295 ANOREXIA PROGRAM—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Health—
3296 NEW BUSES—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
3297 COUNTRY TOWNS WATER AND SEWERAGE SCHEME—Ms Seaton to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
3298 CREDIT RATINGS—Ms Seaton to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council—
3299 GLENFIELD RAILWAY STATION—Mr Lynch to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
3300 METHADONE TREATMENT—Mr Lynch to Minister for Health—
3301 WATER QUALITY PENALTY—Mr Richardson to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
3302 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION—Ms Moore to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
3303 GREENHOUSE OFFICE—Ms Moore to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—
3304 OPERATION AUXIN—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3305 ALBION PARK POLICING—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3306 STRICKLAND HOUSE—Mr Debnam to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—
3307 CITYBUS DIRECT SERVICE—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
3308 GULGONG PRIMARY AND HIGH SCHOOLS—Mr Souris to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
4038 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
3309 CHILD ABDUCTION ALERT SYSTEM—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Youth—
3310 NORTH WEST RAIL LINK CORRIDOR—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—
3311 MINING WATER USE—Mr Richardson to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
3312 METHANE EXPLORATION—Mr Richardson to Minister for Mineral Resources—
3313 WATER MONITORING—Mr Richardson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
3314 LICENCE ISSUE—Mr Richardson to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Lands—
3315 BUSHFIRES IN NATIONAL PARKS—Mr Richardson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
3316 SCHOOL AIR-CONDITIONERS—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
3317 KU-RING-GAI LOCAL AREA COMMAND—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Police—
3318 CLASSROOM AIR-CONDITIONING—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
3319 ANIMAL WELFARE—Mr Amery to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—
3320 PROPERTY CONVEYANCERS—Mr Amery to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce—
3321 WAKOOL SHIRE WATER PROJECTS—Mr Amery to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
4039 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
3322 OUTBACK EXPLORER TRAIN—Mr Amery to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
3323 BOWLING GRANTS—Mr Amery to Minister for Tourism and Sport and Recreation, and Minister for Women—
3324 SCHOOL AIR-CONDITIONING—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
3325 SUTHERLAND HOSPITAL—Mr Kerr to Minister for Health—
3326 TICKET SALES—Mr Kerr to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
3327 OFFICIAL VISITS—Mr Roberts to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—
3328 STUDENT FERRY TRAVEL—Mr Roberts to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—
3329 PRIVATE FERRY SERVICE—Mr Roberts to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—
3330 RAIL TRANSIT OFFICERS—Mr Souris to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
3331 VALLEY WATERTABLES—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
3332 LIGHT TRAFFIC—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
3333 EXPLORATION LICENCES—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Mineral Resources—
3334 PRE-UNLEADED VEHICLES—Mr Merton to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
3335 SCHOOL MAINTENANCE—Mr Merton to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
4040 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
19 NOVEMBER 2004
(Paper No. 111)
3336 HIGH VOLTAGE TOWERS—ROUSE HILL/RIVERSTONE—Mr Pringle to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
3337 CITYRAIL FLEET SAFETY DOORS—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
3338 PUTTY ROAD SIGNAGE—Mr Pringle to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
3339 NORTHERN BEACHES HOSPITAL—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Health—
3340 POLICE STATION ACCESSIBILITY—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3341 POLICE FACILITIES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3342 COMMISSIONED POLICE OFFICERS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3343 BRISBANE WATERS SECONDARY COLLEGE—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
3344 AFTER HOURS STAFF ACCESS—Ms Seaton to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—
3345 AREA HEALTH SERVICES AMALGAMATION—Mr Stoner to Minister for Health—
3346 AREA HEALTH SERVICES—Mr Stoner to Minister for Health—
7 DECEMBER 2004
(Paper No. 112)
3347 AIR COOLING PROGRAM—WINDSOR SOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOL—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
In view of the extreme temperatures recently in the Hawkesbury and the Minister’s commitment to air- conditioning schools with greater than 30°C mean January temperatures, will the Minister now fund the electrical upgrade required so that the Windsor South Public School P&C can install air-conditioners in all classrooms?
4041 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
3348 COLO HIGH SCHOOL AIR-CONDITIONING—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
Noting the Minister’s commitment to air cool classrooms in the hotter parts of the state down to “30 degrees Celsius mean January temperatures”, will the Minister now air-condition the classrooms at Colo High which had a mean January temperature in 2004 of 31.4°C and in February 31.6°C?
3349 HAWKESBURY-NEPEAN CATCHMENT AUTHORITY OFFICE—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—
Noting that the tenancy of the Windsor office of the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Authority has been under active consideration, what is the result of that consideration?
3350 AUTHORISED POLICE STRENGTHS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
In relation to authorised police strengths: (1) When was the last review of regional police stations’ strengths and in particular those in coastal areas which have experienced significant population growth? (2) If, as stated in the NSW Auditor-General’s Report Volume 4 on page 255, the number of NSW police staff and the percentage of operational staff are below the national average, by what rationale is this service adequate?
3351 STRICKLAND HOUSE—Mr Debnam to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—
What are the arrangements for an ongoing resident caretaker at Strickland House after December 2004?
3352 MENDOORAN WATER SUPPLY—Mr Souris to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
(1) When will the village of Mendooran in the Shire of Warrumbungle receive funding to construct water supply and treatment upgrades? (2) What is the present ranking for the project on a statewide basis under the Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program? (3) What is the present status of the village’s water supply in respect of meeting or failing national guidelines for drinking water? (4) Approximately how many days each year does the water supply fail to meet the guidelines?
3353 VALES POINT POWER STATION—Mr Souris to Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for Science and Medical Research, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—
(1) For how many days of the 2004 calendar year has Vales Point Power Station generated electricity? (2) What is the policy regarding the operation or non-operation of Vales Point Power Station? (3) If the use of Vales Point Power Station is determined by commercial consideration of Delta Energy, what are these or any other non-commercial considerations? (4) Does the NSW Government have a policy of zero particle emissions from coal-fired power stations in NSW?
4042 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
(5) When will electro-static particle precipitators be fitted to Vales Point Power Station? (6) What is the Government’s policy for the future of Vales Point Power Station?
3354 WORKCOVER INSPECTORS—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast—
(1) (a) How many inspectors were employed by WorkCover as at 30 November 2004? (b) How many inspectors were employed by WorkCover in 1995-96? (2) (a) What was the salary range applicable to WorkCover inspectors as at 30 November 2004? (b) What was the salary range applicable to WorkCover inspectors in 1995-96? (3) (a) What was the average number of daily inspections/workplace attendances by WorkCover inspectors for the year ending 30 November 2004? (b) What was the average number of daily inspections/workplace attendances by WorkCover inspectors for the year 1995-96? (4) (a) How many workplace inspectors took sick/stress leave in the year ending 30 November 2004? (b) How many workplace inspectors took sick/stress leave in the year 1995-96?
3355 WORKCOVER LEGAL SERVICES—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast—
(1) How much was spent on outsourced legal services by WorkCover NSW for the year ending 30 June 2004? (2) What was the total budget of WorkCover NSW legal department including employee-related costs for the year ending 30 June 2004? (3) How much was spent on outsourced legal services by WorkCover NSW for the year ending 30 June 2003? (4) What was the total budget of WorkCover NSW legal department including employee-related costs for the year ending 30 June 2003? (5) What were the total legal costs incurred by WorkCover NSW in respect of the application by Anne Gardiner to the Industrial Relations Commission?
3356 BLACKTOWN WORKCOVER OFFICE—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Fair Trading, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, and Minister for the Central Coast—
(1) How many staff are engaged at the Blacktown office of WorkCover? (2) How many staff are engaged at the Londonderry office of WorkCover? (3) Is there any proposal to close or downsize the Blacktown office?
3357 AIR-CONDITIONING—Mr J.H. Turner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
(1) Is it proposed to provide air-conditioning to Chatham High School Special Support Unit? (2) If so, has funding been allocated to provide such air-conditioning? (3) If not, why not? (4) If funding has been provided, when will the air-conditioning be installed? (5) If there is a delay in any installation, why is there a delay?
4043 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
3358 FAILFORD ROAD—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
(1) Is the Failford Road the preferred Roads and Traffic Authority access to the towns of Forster- Tuncurry? (2) Is it proposed to change the intersection of the Pacific Highway and the Failford Road at Failford? (3) If so, what are the specific plans for the intersection? (4) If so, will heavy vehicles, including articulated vehicles and B Double trucks be able to negotiate a right-hand turn from the Pacific Highway into the Failford Road? (5) If not, why not? (6) If not, how will such vehicles access Forster-Tuncurry?
3359 APARTMENTS ABOVE RAILWAY LINES—Ms Berejiklian to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
In relation to the recent report released to RailCorp raising concerns about the safety of apartments built above railway lines: (1) What action has been taken to analyse the recommendations of the report in relation to the three towers proposed at Chatswood? (2) What action will be taken to revise current plans in response to the concerns raised? (3) Will any analysis undertaken be released to the public to allay existing community concerns?
3360 BIKEPLAN 2010—Ms Berejiklian to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
In relation to Bikeplan 2010: (1) What progress has been made in the electorate of Willoughby in relation to the plan? (2) Will Bikeplan 2010 be delivered on time? (3) Will sections of Bikeplan 2010 within the electorate of Willoughby be completed on time?
3361 HOUSING PROPERTIES—Mr Stoner to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
In relation to Department of Housing properties in Broken Hill, Dubbo, Bathurst, Queanbeyan, Tweed Heads and Tamworth: (1) How many houses have been vandalised/burnt/damaged in each of these towns in the past 6 months? (2) What is the total cost of the repairs to these damaged properties in each town?
3362 HOSPITAL INCIDENTS—Mr Maguire to Minister for Health—
What plans do you have to address “critical incident stress management” after major incidents occurring at hospitals?
3363 MATERNITY UNIT—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—
(1) How many maternity beds and cots are currently available (not only those presently occupied) at Hornsby Hospital? (2) How many will be available in the new maternity unit on the Hornsby Hospital site? (3) When will these be available?
4044 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
3364 COMPUTER ROLL-OUT—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
(1) Will schools (including Asquith Boys High School) in the Hornsby electorate that did not receive new roll-out computers in 2004 but will receive new computers in 2005, receive both 2004 and 2005 computers and not just one year’s, i.e. the 2005, allocation? (2) If yes, which schools? (3) If not, which schools will not receive both years’ allocation?
3365 LICENCE ASSESSORS—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
Does the Roads and Traffic Authority monitor, for each accredited truck licence assessor, the crash record and offence record of each truck driver receiving a licence as a result of that assessor’s assessment and the personal crash and road offence record of the assessor?
3366 JUSTICE SHAW—Mr Tink to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
(1) Was there an agreement that former Justice Shaw should take leave for health reasons associated with his drinking problem before his car accident on 13 October 2004? (2) If so: (a) What were the terms of this agreement? (b) Who were the parties to this agreement? (c) When was this agreement entered into? (3) When did you or anybody who reports to you as Attorney General first know of this agreement?
3367 CRONULLA RAILWAY STATION—Mr Kerr to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources, representing the Minister for Transport Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Minister Assisting the Minister for State Development—
(1) Has the State Transit Authority (STA) held discussions with any external individual or organisation regarding the future of STA in Cronulla? (2) If so, with whom? (3) What are the Government’s plans in relation to Cronulla Railway Station?
3368 ROADS AND TRAFFIC AUTHORITY LICENCES—Mr Aplin to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
(1) Are you aware of the anomaly whereby marriage certificates issued by churches and celebrants in New South Wales are not accepted by the Roads and Traffic Authority for change of name purposes but similar certificates issued in Victoria are accepted? (2) When will steps be taken to remove this anomaly by reaching an agreement with the relevant Victorian agency to check records?
3369 DIALYSIS UNIT FOR COROWA DISTRICT HOSPITAL—Mr Aplin to Minister for Health—
(1) Are you aware that patients in the Corowa area have to access the dialysis unit at Wangaratta in Victoria when requiring regular treatment? (2) How many patients are required to travel to Wangaratta and other centres for dialysis? (3) Will consideration be given to establishing a dialysis unit at the Corowa District Hospital?
4045 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
3370 STUDENT/COMPUTER RATIO—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
(1) Under the current Government computer in schools program, what is the policy in relation to student/computer ratio? (2) What is the average student/computer ratio currently? (3) Under the Government’s new computer program what will the average student/computer ratio be in 2005, 2006 and 2007?
3371 EXAM ASSISTANCE—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
How many students required reader and/or writer assistance at the School Certificate and Higher School Certificate examinations in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004?
3372 TEACHERS' LEAVE—Mrs Skinner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
(1) How many teachers employed in NSW Government schools were: (a) granted stress leave in 2002, 2003 and 2004, and for how many days in each year? (b) granted sick leave in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and for how many days in each year? (2) How many made Workcover claims for sickness and injury relating to the workplace in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and how much were they awarded?
3373 MOTOR ACCIDENTS—ST HELENA HILL—Mr Page to Minister for Roads, and Minister for Housing—
(1) How many recorded accidents occurred on the section of Pacific Highway at St Helena Hill where the divider has now been installed: (a) in the 12-month period prior to 7 December 2003? (b) in the 12-month period following 7 December 2003? (2) How many fatalities occurred in that area: (a) in the 12-month period prior to 7 December 2003? (b) in the 12-month period following 7 December 2003? (3) Apart from the installation of “dividers” on 7 December 2003, has any work been carried out on the camber of road in the 12 months: (a) prior to 7 December 2003? (b) after 7 December 2003?
3374 MOTOR ACCIDENTS—ST HELENA HILL—Mr Page to Minister for Police—
(1) How many recorded accidents occurred on the section of Pacific Highway at St Helena Hill where the divider has now been installed: (a) in the 12-month period prior to 7 December 2003? (b) in the 12-month period following 7 December 2003? (2) How many fatalities occurred in that area: (a) in the 12-month period prior to 7 December 2003? (b) in the 12-month period following 7 December 2003?
4046 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Wednesday 8 December 2004
______Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales