2363

PARLIAMENT OF LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

1999-2000-2001

SECOND SESSION OF THE FIFTY-SECOND PARLIAMENT

______

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

No. 85

TUESDAY 10 APRIL 2001

______

(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.) 2364 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

PUBLICATION OF QUESTIONS ANSWER TO BE LODGED BY Q. & A. No. 76 4 April 2001 (Including Question Nos 1585 to 1635) Q. & A. No. 77 10 April 2001 (Including Question Nos 1636 to 1662) Q. & A. No. 78 11 April 2001 (Including Question Nos 1663 to 1681) Q. & A. No. 79 12 April 2001 (Including Question Nos 1682 to 1714) Q. & A. No. 80 1 May 2001 (Including Question Nos 1715 to 1746) Q. & A. No. 81 2 May 2001 (Including Question Nos 1747 to 1784) Q. & A. No. 82 3 May 2001 (Including Question Nos 1785 to 1815) Q. & A. No. 83 8 May 2001 (Including Question Nos 1816 to 1851) Q. & A. No. 84 9 May 2001 (Including Question Nos 1852 to 1880) Q. & A. No. 85 10 May 2001 (Including Question Nos 1881 to 1908) 2365 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

Notice of Question given on the date shown 28 FEBRUARY 2001

(Paper No. 76)

*1595 SECURITY ON TRAINS IN THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS—Ms Seaton to Minister for Police— (1) Can the Minister confirm the transit police patrol all trains from Central to Moss Vale? (2) If not all trains, how many trains from Central to Moss Vale (a) do transit police patrol? (b) which services are they? (3) At which station do transit police board the trains on this route? (4) At which station do they disembark?

Answer— (1) to (2) The trains which are patrolled vary depending on police intelligence, targeted activities and commuter concerns. Intelligence has identified certain trains as warranting attention and these are patrolled using uniformed police and plain clothes officers for covert surveillance. (3) to (4) Various stations.

*1628 CONSULTANTS FEES—Mr Richardson to Minister for Public Works and Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—

(1) What are the names of the consultants that have been employed on the Conservatorium of Music projects? (2) What work has each consultant carried out, how much has he or she been paid for that work, and how many hours did he or she work for their fees? (3) Which of these consultants were formerly employed by your Department and when did they cease working for your Department?

Answer— (1) The table below lis ts the consultants employed by DPWS on the project. (2) The attached table also provides details of amounts paid and, where applicable, hours worked. These figures also include overheads. It is important to note that where the engagement is a lump sum contract Department of Public Works and Services (DPWS) is not privy to the hours worked. (3) DPWS staff are not aware of the employment history of every staff member of the consulting firms engaged on the project. However, the following individuals are known to have been formerly employed by DPWS: · Mr John Malone (JDM Group) – ceased employment with DPWS on 30 June 1995; and · Mr Bruce Hassall (Hassall Project Management) – ceased employment with DPWS on 31 January 1996. CONSULTANTS FEES Name Work Carried Form of Amount Paid Hours Worked Average Out Engagement to Date Hourly Rate Daryl Jackson # Principal Lump Sum $9,045,961 Not applicable Robin Dyke Architect/design development and documentation Casey & Lowe Archaeology Hourly $547,309 5761 $95 Tracey Programming Hourly $365,352 3262 $112 Brunstrom Hammond 2366 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

Kirkegaard Acoustic advice Lump Sum $304,361 Not available Page Kirkland Quantity Hourly $284,137 2583 $110 Partners surveying Hassall Project Contract review Hourly $31,476 238 $132 Management The Rice Membrane/ Lump Sum $6,000 Not applicable Daubney waterproofing Group advice Ove Arup & Vibration Lump Sum $4,250 Not applicable Partners review Natural and Archaeological Lump Sum $25,000 Not applicable Cultural Interpretation Heritage Pty Plan Ltd JDM Group Project Hourly $702,825.77 6502 * See Management explanatory Services note below * November 1997 to September 1998 - $1,950 for first 20 hours - five day week then $95/hr thereafter 1 October 1998 to 30 September 1999 - $2,050 for first 20 hours - five day week then $100/hr thereafter 1 October 1999 to 30 September 2000 - $2,250 for first 20 hours - five day week then $110/hr thereafter # Details of the nature of work performed is listed in the following table: Primary Subconsultant Nature of Work Performed Consultant Daryl Jackson 1. Design development – the development of preliminary design Robin Dyke concepts into a comprehensive and functional design; 2. Contract Documentation – the production of working drawings and specifications for all the work necessary to construct the building broken up into some ninety trade packages; 3. Construction inspection – inspection of the works during construction to ensure quality objectives are met and to provide supplementary design advice; Lincoln Scott Building code of Australia and Place of Public Entertainment advice and certification. Kirkegaard Specialist acoustic design advice, testing and supervision Associates Tanner Associates Specialist heritage architectual design and documentation.

Arup 1. Structural engineering design, documentation and quality inspection. 2. Mechanical engineering design, documentation and quality inspection. 3. Fire engineering design, documentation and quality inspection. 4. Hydraulic services design, documentation and quality inspection. 5. Lift design and documentation. 6. Traffic assessment and advice. Barry Webb Electrical engineering design, documentation and quality inspection Coulston Landscape design and documentation The Mack Group Kitchen design and documentation Tony Youldon Theatre design and documentation. Wilkinson Murray Vibration Control 2367 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

6 MARCH 2001

(Paper No. 77)

1637 SUPPLY OF ALCOHOL TO YOUNG PEOPLE—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Police—

1638 DRUG USE SURVEYS—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Health—

*1639 BLOWERING RESERVOIR—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and

(1) Is he aware of the significant environmental damage being done to the Tumut River by releases of water from the Blowering Reservoir? (2) What action will the Minister take to rectify the damage which is being caused to this river which the Fisheries Scientific Committee has described as ‘endangered’?

(1) and (2) As I have previously advised the honourable member, the Department of Land and Water Conservation is mindful of the effects of artificially high and variable flows on the ecology of the Tumut River. The Department is seeking to minimise these impacts within the flow limits currently observed and subject to commitments to downstream irrigators. The Department has also been active in developing a consultation process that provides the opportunity for representatives of a broad range of community stakeholder groups, together with relevant government agencies, to meet on a regular basis and discuss matters of concern related to the ongoing maintenance, rehabilitation and operational aspects associated with the Tumut River. Finally the Murrumbidgee River Management Committee has also been working towards redressing these problems. The Committee is in process of finalising a River Management Plan for the Murrumbidgee River system. The Plan will produce major environmental benefits by addressing such matters as fish management and habitat, the management of introduced species, wetland watering and riparian zone management.

1641 POLICE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION SQUADS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Police—

1642 ACADEMY RUNNING COSTS—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services and Minister for Sport and Recreation —

1643 NORTH COAST COMMUNITY HOUSING COMPANY—Mr Humpherson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

1644 FIRE DAMAGE TO PROPERTIES—Mr Humpherson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

*1645 COMPENSATION PAYMENT—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads— (1) Did Michael Knight pursue his claim against State Transit seeking compensation for alleged injuries sustained in an accident with a ministerial vehicle and a bus on 12 June 1998? (2) If so, has compensation been paid to Mr Knight? (3) How much did he receive? (4) What was the nature of the injuries sustained by Mr Knight for which he claimed compensation? 2368 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

Answer—

(1) No. (2) to (4) Not applicable.

*1646 CRONULLA—SUTHERLAND TRACK AMPLIFICATION—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

What is the estimated cost of the full amplification of the track between Cronulla and Sutherland to dual tracks?

Answer—

I am advised by the Rail Infrastructure Corporation that the current estimated cost is $85 million.

*1647 NPWS LEGAL COSTS—Ms Seaton to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) In the financial years 1995/96, 1996/97, 1997/98, 1998/99, 1999/2000, 2000/2001 what was the level of expenditure by NPWS on legal advice (internal and external) in each of the following categories; (a) Defending/representing NPWS in ICAC matters? (b) Defending/representing NPWS in coronial enquiries? (c) Representing NPWS in actions brought by NPWS against private individuals and landowners? (d) Representing NPWS in actions brought by NPWS against leaseholders and licence holders in National Parks? (e) Representing/defending NPWS in prosecutions brought against it by other parties eg. RSPCA? (f) Representing/defending NPWS in actions/prosecutions brought against it by EPA?

Answer—

The National Parks and Wildlife Service Legal Directorate does not bill its clients within the agency. In so far as fees paid for external advice can be identified as fees for advice, the following amounts have been expended: (a) Nil. (b) $15,475 in 1997/1998. (c) $375 in 1999/2000. (d) $800 in 1999/2000. (e) $2400 in 2000/2001. (f) $352 in 2000 /2001.

1648 LAND TAX ASSESSMENT NOTICES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

1649 TREASURY CIRCULAR NO. 00/22—Mr Debnam to Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

1650 POLICE ACTION—HARASSMENT AND INTIMIDATION—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—

1652 QUEANBEYAN AMBULANCE STATION WORKSHOP—Mr Webb to Minister for Health— 2369 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

1653 NAREMBURN AMBULANCE STATION—Mr Collins to Minister for Health—

1655 CAMMERAY PUBLIC SCHOOL—Mr Collins to Minister for Education and Training—

1656 DOCS INTERNET ACCESS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

*1657 HEALTHY RIVERS COMMISSION— SHOALHAVEN—Ms Seaton to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— (1) With regard to the Healthy Rivers Commission Consultations: (a) How many public hearings were conducted into the health of coastal lakes under the Healthy Rivers Commission Shoalhaven enquiry? (b) Where were the hearings? (c) How many people attended each hearing? (d) Were speakers limited to set times to ensure a fair process and opportunity to speak? (e) Was one speaker at an Ulladulla meeting allowed to speak for a period in excess of one hour while others were limited to 15 minutes? (f) What was the reason for this apparent inequity and bias?

Answer—

(1) (a) to (c) Public hearings were conducted in November and December 2000 at Ballina, Forster, Terrigal, Shellharbour, Ulladulla, Narooma, and Merimbula and were well attended. (d) Most presenters requested, and were allocated, 15 to 30 minutes for their presentations. (e) No. (f) Not applicable.

1658 CONTAINER DEPOSIT LEGISLATION—Ms Seaton to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

1659 ABORIGINAL OFFICERS—Mr Hazzard to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

*1661 CATCHMENT MAPPING—Mr Webb to Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and

(1) Has the Sydney Catchment Authority allocated in excess of $650,000 to your department to produce maps for a portion of the catchment? (2) Why wasn’t this work tendered in accordance with National Competition Policy? (3) How useful will these maps be for management or enterprise site selection for near horticultural, viticultural, forest plantation and agricultural industries? (4) Are you aware that there are other soil/landscape mapping methods which use radiometric gamma ray imaging which would provide far more comprehensive and useful data for the S.C.A? (5) Are you also aware that these methods could be used by the S.C.A for approximately one third of the cost of the $650,000 currently allocated to your department? 2370 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

Answer—

(1) No. The Sydney Catchment Authority allocated $450,000 to a joint project with the Department of Land and Water Conservation. (2) This question should be referred to the Sydney Catchment Authority. (3) The Department’s Soil Landscape mapping series provides fundamental information for land use and land management decision making and is utilised throughout the State as a tool for agricultural and plantation forestry management and site suitability assessment. (4) Radiometric imaging is being used where it exists within the Sydney Catchment Authority hydrological area. The NSW Soil Survey has used it where it is available in NSW, for over eight years. Radiometric imaging has limitations and should be used in conjunction with on-ground verification and other data sources. (5) As no Radiometrics information exists for the majority of the SCA hydrological catchments, the cost of acquisition via fixed wing aircraft would exceed $1.2 million.

*1662 DINGO BREEDING PROGRAMME—Mr Slack-Smith to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) What is the Minister’s policy on the proposed dingo breeding programme in the Sturt National Park? (2) What steps will be taken to ensure lease holders surrounding Sturt National Park are protected from wild dogs destroying their sheep?

Answer—

(1) The National Parks and Wildlife Service has prepared a submission to NSW Agriculture which proposes that dingoes would continue to remain in some core areas, such as Sturt National Park and that local management plans be developed aimed at preventing attacks on livestock on properties surrounding the park. (2) Any wild dog management plan for Sturt National Park will be negotiated with all local land managers including the Milparinka Rural Lands Protection Board and neighbouring lease holders. The NPWS envisages that the management plan would involve, at the very least, a continuation of the existing, very successful, dingo/wild dog control program. This involves some 340 km of bait lines in a 5-8 km buffer zone along the southern and eastern boundaries of the Park which adjoin private properties. Trapping and shooting are also utilised where they are effective, and watering points have been closed throughout the buffer zone and further into the Park.

7 MARCH 2001

(Paper No. 78)

1663 COUNTRY YOUTH ALCOHOL USE—Mr Armstrong to the Minister for Education and Training—

1665 WYANGALA SRA WEED CONTROL—Mr Armstrong to the Minister for Agriculture, and Minister 2371 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

*1666 BONDI STORMWATER—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

In relation to Sydney Water’s stormwater rubbish trap at the southern end of Bondi Beach: (1) Is the rubbish trap on the stormwater drain obviously inadequate as evidenced by the rubbish pollution on the southern end of the beach after rain? (2) When was the trap installed, how frequently is it inspected and how frequently is it cleaned? (3) What are the dates of cleaning since 1 July 2000? (4) Will he approve an urgent upgrading of the stormwater rubbish trap?

Answer—

(1) Sydney Water operates two gross pollutant traps on the stormwater systems located at the southern end of Bondi Beach. These traps are designed to capture litter and sediment. Sydney Water spends about $60,000 per year to operate and maintain each gross pollutant trap. After consideration of all the variables associated with this location, the installed traps were the best available at the time. Flood protection was an essential consideration in the design of these traps. The first flush in a rain event usually contains litter from the surrounding streets, which is trapped in the racks. This may form a dam and may prevent water from passing through the racks. Flooding of upstream private property would occur if the traps were not designed to overtop during high flows. (2) Since installation in October 1991, both traps are inspected weekly or after rain and cleaned as required. The traps have been very successful with the capture and removal of more than 2420 cubic metres of rubbish and 1250 tonnes of sediment. (3) Since 1 July 2000, both traps were inspected and cleaned on the following dates:

MONTH INSPECTED CLEANED

July 3, 6, 7, 14, 21 6

August 4, 7, 11, 14, 15, 18, 25, 28, 30 15, 30

September 1, 4, 8, 15, 22, 25, 26, 28 15

October 1, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 19, 21, 25, 27 1, 12, 21

November 1, 3, 6, 7, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27 6, 7, 20, 27

December 1, 2, 7, 8, 15, 22, 29 2, 22

January 12, 18, 24, 25, 29 24, 29

February 1, 6, 8, 9, 12, 16, 21, 22, 23 1, 22

March (to date) 2, 5, 7, 8 8 I am advised that Sydney Water is confident that the gross pollutant traps are performing to design criteria. However, as part of the proposed railway extension to Bondi Beach and the location of the railway station in Bondi Park, these traps will require relocation. Sydney Water has advised that the traps will be replaced with the best and most efficient design available at the time, subject to site constraints. 2372 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

1667 KING STREET WHARF DEVELOPMENT—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Transport, and Minister

1668 HOSPITAL BUDGETS—Mr Stoner to the Minister for Health—

1669 NORTHERN REGION AMBULANCE STAFF TRAINING CENTRE—Mr Stoner to the Minister for

1670 MAINTENANCE EXPENDITURE—Mr Humpherson to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

1671 MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR COSTS—Mr Humpherson to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

1672 SEXUAL ASSAULT COUNSELLOR TUMUT HEALTH SERVICE—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister

1674 CGC ASSESSMENTS—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

1675 EFFLUENT POLLUTION—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1676 PRE-QUALIFICATION OF CONTRACTORS—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Transport, and

1677 MANNING BASE HOSPITAL VMO—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Health—

1678 GOULBURN CORRECTIONAL CENTRE REPAIRS—Mr Humpherson to the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

*1679 COURT ACCOMMODATION, WAGGA WAGGA—Mr Maguire to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Have members of your department raised concerns with regard to the standard of accommodation provided to the judiciary and staff in Wagga Wagga? (2) If so: (a) What kind of concerns were raised? (b) Did they include occupational health and safety identified need for extra space including court- room administration space? (3) Does your department have a plan to address the inadequate accommodation of the courts and court administration staff in Wagga Wagga? (4) Will you submit details of plans to resolve the accommodation issue? 2373 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

Answer—

(1) Wagga Wagga Court is located in two buildings - the historic courthouse and the Old Post Office. The two buildings are separated by the National Australia Bank building. The Department is aware that the Court has limited accommodation. However, it is obliged to comply with the Heritage Act 1977 and is constrained by the fact that there is no room to expand on the current sites and that there is limited suitable alternative accommodation available in Wagga Wagga where the Court could be relocated. (2) Issues can arise which stem from the fact that Court operates from two locations. However, the Department is constrained by the fact that there is no room to expand on the current sites and that there is limited suitable alternative accommodation available in Wagga Wagga where the Court could be relocated. (3) Options are being investigated to remodel space within Wagga Courthouse in order to provide an additional courtroom. (4) The appropriate plans will be submitted to Wagga Wagga Council for approval if a decision is made to construct a new courtroom.

1680 QUEANBEYAN PRE-SCHOOL PLACES—Mr Webb to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

8 MARCH 2001

(Paper No. 79)

1682 MINING LEASE 1167—Mr Armstrong to the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs, representing the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—

1684 HEAVY VEHICLE SPEEDING—Mr Armstrong to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for

1685 OUTER MAITLAND CORRIDOR—Mr Hickey to the Minister for Transport, and

1689 THERAPY SERVICES AT THE CRESCENT SSP, GOULBURN—Ms Hodgkinson to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

1690 SUSTAINING THE CATCHMENTS—Ms Hodgkinson to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

1691 GRAFFITI - WAVERLEY BUS DEPOT—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for

1692 SURPLUS PUBLIC SECTOR ASSETS—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Education and Training , representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council —

1693 CCTV GUIDELINES FOR LOCAL COUNCILS—Mr Debnam to the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs— 2374 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

*1694 ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF THE EPA—Ms Seaton to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) (a) How many workers compensation claims were made by EPA staff for the period 1997-98? (b) How much did these claims cost? (2) (a) How many workers compensation claims were there among EPA staff for the period 1999- 2000? (b)How much did these claims cost? (3) (a) What is the NSW Government’s benchmark for motor vehicle insurance claims? (b) What was the EPA’s specific performance against this benchmark?

(1) The total number of workers compensation claims made by EPA staff for the period 1997-98 was 18. The total cost of these claims was $38,476. (2) The total number of workers compensation claims made by EPA staff for the period 1999-2000 was 11. The total cost of these claims was $24,809. (3) Details of the EPA’s insurance premiums compared to the funding benchmark for the last three years are set out below: Fund Year 1997/1998 Benchmark $232,823 EPA Premium (after claims adjustment) $117,623 Difference $115,200 Fund Year 1998/1999 Benchmark $174,313 EPA Premium (after claims adjustment) $125,362 Difference $ 48,951 Fund Year 1999/00 Benchmark $156,287 EPA Premium (before claims adjustment) $129,099 Difference (before claims adjustment) $ 27,188 The following details have been extracted from the premium invoice issued for the Fund Year 2000/2001. · Benchmark $130,423 · EPA's Premium (before claims adjustment) $ 99,819 · Difference (before claims adjustment) $ 30,604 It should be noted that the practice is for the insurer to make retrospective adjustments to the premium based on finalisation of claims in each year. This adjustment may take up to 24 months to be reflected in a particular year’s premium. In the above figures, premiums for 1997/98 and 1998/99 have been finalised. It is expected that actual premiums for later years will be lower than the figures shown once hindsight adjustments are received. In 1998/99, in addition to a substantially lower premium than the benchmark, the EPA was one of only six (6) agencies to be issued with a Letter of Commendation for outstanding performance in regard to Motor Vehicle Insurance cost reduction and control.

1695 NSW COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION—Ms Seaton to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

1696 NSW WATERWAYS—Ms Seaton to the Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— 2375 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

1697 DIOXIN CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS—Ms Seaton to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

1698 TICKET SALES—Mr O'Farrell to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1699 LEUMEAH STATION PARKING—Mr O'Farrell to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for

1700 STATION STAFFING - Mr Souris to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads-

1701 WEB SITE INFORMATION—Mr O'Farrell to the Minister for Transport, and

1702 CCTV—Mr O'Farrell to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1703 GORE HILL FREEWAY—Mr Collins to the Minis ter for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1704 WARRINGAH TRANSPORT CORRIDOR—Mr Collins to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

*1705 NORTHSIDE STORAGE TUNNEL—Mr Collins to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

(1) Did the NSW Government or one of its Departments or agencies propose the establishment of a body called “The Alliance” to facilitate construction of the Northside Storage Tunnel? (2) Did “the Alliance” consist principally of relevant government agencies and their contractors? (3) Was “the Alliance” intended to implement government policy on the Northside Storage Tunnel with minimal change and at no additional cost? (4) Can you provide details of major changes incorporated and additional costs incurred as a result of “Alliance” consultation with the local community? (5) Why were relatively simple changes such as those to the Switch Control Assembly at Tunks Park ignored by “the Alliance” and the Government?

(1) Yes. (2) Yes. (3) The Alliance was required to find the best solution to meet the community’s needs, and to meet the requirements of the EIS and REF. The Alliance has met all of its requirements to date. (4) Details of these changes and associated costs are contained in documents tabled in the Legislative Council on 8 August and 16 November 1999, and via the Inquiry conducted by the Legislative Council General Purpose Standing Committee No. 5 into the Northside Storage Tunnel last year. (5) The Government and the Alliance did not ignore changes to the Switch Control Assembly at Tunks Park. As the Member is well aware, the Alliance and the community came to a mutually satisfactory solution to resolve the concerns raised by the community. 2376 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

1706 RNSH PARKING CHARGES—Mr Collins to the Minister for Health—

1707 ENVIRONMENTAL LEVY—Mr Collins to the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs—

1708 PROPERTY REFURBISHMENTS, UNANDERRA—Mr Humpherson to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

1709 HELPLINE DELAYS—Mr Webb to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

1710 DENTAL TREATMENT WAITING LISTS—Mr J. H. Turner to the Minister for Health—

1711 STRESS - DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES—Mr Richardson to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

*1712 STRESS - STATE FORESTS—Mr Richardson to the Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

(1) How much has State Forests spent on the following forms of stress relief for its officers: (a) counselling (b) stress management courses (c) in-house therapeutic massages (d) outside therapeutic massages (e) alternative stress relief? (2) How many staff were the recipients of each of the above forms of stress relief? (3) How many staff went on stress leave during the year 2000? (4) How many person-days of work were lost as a result of stress leave?

Answer—

The NSW Government recognises that its employees are its most significant asset and is committed to providing a safe working environment in accord with the Occupational Health and safety Act 1983. Our goal is prevention of work related incidents, as opposed to cure. Obviously any decision as to the appropriate treatment for an individual will be a matter for the approved treating practitioner based upon the individual needs under the Workers Compensation Scheme.

1713 STRESS RELIEF - DEPARTMENT OF FAIR TRADING—Mr Richardson to the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

1714 SECURITY ALARM GRANTS—Mr Kerr to the Minister for Police—

27 MARCH 2001

(Paper No. 80)

1715 CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation— 2377 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

1716 TRANSFER OF PRISONERS—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

1717 ALUMINIUM SMELTER, LITHGOW—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

1718 TAHMOOR DRUG CONSULTATION—Ms Seaton to Minister for Health—

1719 NPWS STAFF FILES—Ms Seaton to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

1720 NPWS OFFICE RENT—Ms Seaton to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

1721 DOCS OFFICE KEMPSEY—Mr Stoner to Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

1722 SOUTH WEST ROCKS AMBULANCE STATION—Mr Stoner to Minister for Health—

1723 POLICE NUMBERS AT GOULBURN LOCAL AREA COMMAND—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for

1724 THERAPY SERVICES AT THE CRESCENT SSP, GOULBURN—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

1725 SOUTHERN AREA HEALTH SERVICE VACANCY—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

1726 CENTRAL SCHOOL STAFFING—Mr Souris to Minister for Education and Training—

1727 POLICE RESPONSE TO MINOR THREATS—Mr Collins to Minister for Police—

1728 COUNTRY OBSTETRIC SERVICES—Mr Piccoli to Minister for Health—

1729 BORDER TOWNS HEALTH CARE—Mr Torbay to Minister for Health—

1730 HIH INSURANCE COLLAPSE—Mr Torbay to Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation— 2378 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

1731 MACKSVILLE AND DISTRICT HOSPITAL—Mr Stoner to Minister for Health—

1732 FIREARMS LINKS—Mr Souris to Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

1733 AFFORDABLE HOUSING LEGISLATION—Mr Humpherson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

1734 PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES—Mr Humpherson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

1735 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES—Mr Kerr to Minister for Health—

1736 SALE OF RTA LAND—Mr Kerr to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1737 SPECIAL STATE SPORT GRANTS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Education and Training—

1738 RECOUPS PROJECT—Mr Debnam to Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

1739 SES GUIDELINES—Mr Debnam to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

1740 ADT REVENUE DIVISION—Mr Debnam to Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

1741 PRICING HOUSING DEPARTMENT PROPERTIES—Mr J. H. Turner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

1742 GLOUCESTER SOLDIERS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL—Mr J. H. Turner to Minister for Health—

1743 TRAFFIC COUNTS—Mr Webb to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1744 MONARO HIGHWAY TRAFFIC COUNTS—Mr Webb to Minister for Transport, and Minister for

1745 ALPINE WAY REMEDIAL WORKS—Mr Webb to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— 2379 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

1746 BRUNSWICK VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL—Mr D. L. Page to Minister for Education and Training—

28 MARCH 2001

(Paper No. 81)

1747 TAFE OLYMPIC TICKETS—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Education and Training—

1748 PRE APPRENTICESHIPS CARPENTRY COURSE—Mr Armstrong to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

1749 SOCIAL WORKERS, CONDOBOLIN AND LAKE CARGELLICO—Mr Armstrong to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

1750 COUNTRY ENERGY—Mr Stoner to Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

1751 PETROLEUM PRODUCTS SUBSIDY SCHEME—Mr Stoner to Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

1752 FISHING LICENCE ADVERTISING—Mr Stoner to Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs, representing the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—

1753 VALUATIONS OF OJD INFECTED PROPERTIES—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

1754 SYDNEY WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITIES—Ms Hodgkinson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

1755 FUTURE OF ADELONG TOWNSHIP—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

1756 BUILDERS REPORTS—Mr Maguire to Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

1757 WAGGA WAGGA BASE DENTAL SERVICE—Mr Maguire to Minister for H

1758 SALINITY FORUMS—Mr Maguire to Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs— 2380 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

1759 CABRAMATTA VISIT—Mrs Chikarovski to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for

1760 CABRAMATTA VISIT—Mrs Chikarovski to Minister for Police—

1761 SUNDAY TRADING—Mr Souris to Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Industrial Relations, Assistant Treasurer, Minister Assisting the Premier on Public Sector Management, and Minister Assisting the Premier for the Central Coast—

1762 DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES—Mr Souris to Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water

1763 POLICE ASSISTANCE LINE—Ms Moore to Minister for Police—

1764 CENTENNIAL SQUARE ACCIDENTS—Ms Moore to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1765 CROSS CITY TUNNEL—Ms Moore to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1766 TRAIN CANCELLATIONS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1767 PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS—Mr Hump herson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

1768 RAINBOW LODGE—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

1769 OAK AVE PROPERTIES—Mr Humpherson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

1770 INTEREST ON RENTAL BONDS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

1771 SBDC DEPOSIT ACCOUNT—Mr Debnam to Minister for Small Business, and Minister for Tourism—

1772 DUMPED VEHICLES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs— 2381 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

1773 ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY—BEGA—Mr R. H. L. Smith to Minister for Health—

1774 CSC INTAKE STAFF—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

1775 HELPLINE FAXES—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

1776 LAKE EUCUMBENE FISHING INDUSTRY—Mr Webb to Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs, representing the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—

1777 BEGA ORTHOPAEDIC SERVICES—Mr Webb to Minister for Health—

1778 LANDCARE AND RIVERCARE PROJECTS—Mr Webb to Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for

1779 KURNELL HISTORICAL ARTEFACTS—Mr Kerr to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

1780 GRIFFITH POLICE STATION—Mr Piccoli to Minister for Police—

1781 FINLEY HIGH SCHOOL—Mr Piccoli to Minister for Education and Training—

1782 TAMWORTH ROAD WORKS—Mr J. H. Turner to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1783 KHORIBAKH CREEK BRIDGE—Mr J. H. Turner to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1784 PROPOSED SYERSTON MINE—Mr J. H. Turner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

29 MARCH 2001

(Paper No. 82)

1785 BUILDING COURSE—FORBES TAFE—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Education and Training—

1786 FREIGHTCORP—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads— 2382 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

1787 FISHING LICENCES—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs, representing the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—

1788 FISHING LICENCE EXEMPTION—Mr Stoner to Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs, representing the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—

1789 FIRE LEVIES—Mr Stoner to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

1790 DEE WHY BUS INCIDENT—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1791 WORK RELEASE—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

1792 DEE WHY BUS INCIDENT—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police—

1793 CONTAMINATION OF THE MURRUMBIDGEE RIVER—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

1794 WOODLAWN MINERS ENTITLEMENTS—Ms Hodgkinson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

1795 STAPH INFECTIONS AT GOULBURN BASE HOSPTIAL—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

1796 INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES OFFICE—Mr Debnam to Minister for Small Business, and Minister for

1797 BACKPACKERS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development,

1798 RTA'S DRIVES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads

1799 LAND CONTAMINATION CLAIM—Ms Seaton to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

1800 POLLUTION CLEAN UP—Ms Seaton to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— 2383 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

1801 SCHOOL FACILITIES—Mr Webb to Minister for Education and Training—

1802 ROZELLE HOSPITAL SITE—CALLAN PARK—Mrs Skinner to Minister for Health—

1803 LANDCOM LOTS—Mr John Brogden to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

1804 INJECTING ROOM COSTS—Mr O'Doherty to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

1805 SEWERAGE PROVISION—Mr O'Doherty to Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

1806 HORNSBY HELP PROGRAM—Mr O'Doherty to Minister for Education and Training—

1807 BEROWRA POLICE STATION—Mr O'Doherty to Minister for Police—

1808 HORNSBY SCHOOLS—Mr O'Doherty to Minister for Education and Training—

1809 STUDENT TRA VEL CONCESSIONS—Mr O'Doherty to Minister for Transport, and Minister for

1810 KURING-GAI LAC—Mr O'Doherty to Minister for Police—

1811 DURAL INTERSECTION—Mr J. H. Turner to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1812 REGIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES—Mr J. H. Turner to Minister for Transport, and

1813 ANZAC PARADE CROSSING—Ms Moore to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1814 DOUGLAS STREET PARK—Ms Moore to Minister for Health—

1815 STRATA SCHEMES OFFICE—Ms Moore to Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation— 2384 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

3 APRIL 2001

(Paper No. 83)

1816 DISCIPLINARY ACTION—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

1817 POST—RELEASE OFFENCES—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

1818 POLICE COMMUNITY OUTREACH—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Police—

1819 JERILDERIE HOSPITAL—Mr Piccoli to Minister for Health—

1820 MARSHALLS CREEK FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT—Mr D. L. Page to Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs—

1821 MARSHALLS CREEK FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT—Mr D. L. Page to Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

1822 —Mr Collins to Minister for Education and Training—

1823 CHATSWOOD HIGH SCHOOL—Mr Collins to Minister for Education and Training—

1824 CHATSWOOD HIGH SCHOOL MAINTENANCE—Mr Collins to Minister for Education and

1825 APPIN SEWER LINES—Ms Seaton to Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

1826 ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICERS—Ms Seaton to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

1827 COUNTRYLINK SECURITY—Mr Torbay to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1828 ARMIDALE HEALTH SERVICES—Mr Torbay to Minister for Health—

1829 SCHOOL LIBRARIAN—Mr Stoner to Minister for Education and Training— 2385 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

1830 PROPOSED PRAWN HATCHERY—Mr Stoner to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

1831 RESERVATION OF HOMES—Mr Humpherson to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

1832 COOMA LANDS PROTECTION BOARD—Mr Webb to Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for

1833 TIMBER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT—Mr Webb to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1834 SURRY HILLS CLEARWAYS—Ms Moore to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1835 355 BUS ROUTE—Ms Moore to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1836 PICTON SEWERAGE SCHEME—Ms Seaton to Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and

1837 REGIONAL FORESTRY AGREEMENT—Ms Hodgkinson to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and

1838 INSURANCE OF COMMUNITY BASED ORGANISATIONS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

1839 TOURIST ROADS—Mr J. H. Turner to Minis ter for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1840 VISNET—Mr J. H. Turner to Minister for Small Business, and Minister for Tourism—

1841 WATER AND SEWERAGE WORKS—Mr Webb to Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

1842 CRONULLA TRAIN DELAYS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1843 MOTOR DEALER TRANSACTIONS—Mr Maguire to Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

1844 MOBILE BUSINESS ADVISERS—Mr Glachan to Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council— 2386 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

1845 HIGH SCHOOLS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Education and Training—

1846 LAND AND PROPERTY INFORMATION—Mr Debnam to Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

1847 BUS/TRAIN INTERCHANGE—Mr Debnam to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1848 COMPLAINANTS COSTS—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

1849 HENLEY PROPERTIES—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister for Sport and Recreation—

1850 EMERGENCY HOUSING—Mr Hazzard to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

1851 ADVOCACY—Mr Stoner to Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

4 APRIL 2001

(Paper No. 84)

1852 PUBLIC SCHOOLS CONTINUATION—Mr Collins to Minister for Education and Training—

1853 CHATSWOOD HIGH SCHOOL—Mr Collins to Minister for Education and Training—

1854 CHATSWOOD HIGH ANNOUNCEMENT—Mr Collins to Minister for Education and Training—

1855 MOBILE PHONE THEFT—Mr Debnam to Mini

1856 TAXATION GAMING REVIEW—Mr Debnam to Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

1857 JOINT AGREEMENT—Mr Debnam to Minister for Education and Training, representing the Treasurer, Minister for State Development and Vice-President of the Executive Council—

1858 ENGLANDS ROAD REZONING—Mr Fraser to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing— 2387 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

1859 COFFS HARBOUR ROAD PROJECTS—Mr Fraser to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1860 FLOOD RELIEF ASSISTANCE—Mr Fraser to Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and

1861 NSW ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTOR CEOS—Ms Seaton to Minister for Information Technology, Minister for Energy, Minister for Forestry, and Minister for Western Sydney—

1862 GREATER MURRAY AHS—Mr Maguire to Minister for Health—

1863 NOXIOUS SEAWEED—Mr Kerr to Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs, representing the Minister for Mineral Resources and Minister for Fisheries—

1864 CRONULLA—CITY TRAINS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1865 EMISSION WORKSHOP—Ms Seaton to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1866 BUS SAFETY—Mr Souris to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1867 AKABANE VACCINE—Mr Souris to Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

1868 POLICE SERVICE—Mr J. H. Turner to Minister for Police—

1869 FISHING LICENCES—Mr Webb to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

1870 KARABAR DENTAL CLINIC—Mr Webb to Minister for Minister for Health—

1871 DENTAL SERVICES—Mr Webb to Minister for Health—

1872 TRANSPORT CONTRIBUTION—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

1873 ILLAWARRA PROMOTION—Mr O'Doherty to Minister for Small Business, and Minister for

1874 FARE EVADERS—Mr O'Doherty to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads— 2388 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

1875 CONTAMINATION OF THE MURRUMBIDGEE RIVER—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for Land and Water Conservation—

1876 TESTING FOR OJD IN NSW FLOCKS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Agriculture, and Minister for

1877 DELAYED CORRESPONDENCE—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Transport, and Minister for

1878 POLICE FOOT PATROLS—Ms Moore to Minister for P

1879 POLICE SNIFFER DOGS—Ms Moore to Minister for Police—

1880 POLICE SNIFFER DOGS—Ms Moore to Minister for Police—

5 APRIL 2001

(Paper No. 85)

1881 CHATSWOOD HIGH SCHOOL—Mr Collins to Minister for Education and Training—

(1) If the enrolment at Chatswood High School declines because of the instability created by the recent announcement, will teachers be lost? (2) If the enrolment at Chatswood High School declines because of the instability created by the recent announcement, will courses be dropped and options for School Certificate and Higher School Certificate be reduced?

1882 CHATSWOOD HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES—Mr Collins to Minister for Education and Training—

(1) What will happen to the Intensive English and IM (moderately intellectually delayed) classes at Chatswood High School? (2) Were these children included in the student numbers quoted in the “Building the Future” document?

1883 CHATSWOOD HIGH ENROLMENTS—Mr Collins to Minister for Education and Training—

(1) Is it true that enrolments in year 7 at Chatswood High School, have grown in the last couple of years? (2) If so, why is Chatswood High School referred to as a school in decline? 2389 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

1884 NOISE BARRIER LANDFILL—Ms Seaton to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Did an officer of the EPA visit a property at Price’s Road, Douglas Park with an officer of Wollondilly Council, to inspect a property on which a roadside noise barrier had been constructed and allegedly contained fill items in breach of the consent? (2) What findings did the EPA officer make on this visit? (3) Were any breaches of state pollution statutes observed? (4) Were any fines or penalty infringement notices issued? (5) Will any court action be initiated? (6) Has any environmental damage including leachates into the Nepean waterway system been caused or likely to arise?

1885 MID NORTH COAST LAC—Mr Stoner to Minister for Police—

In relation to the figure of 153 “actual strength” for the Mid North Coast Local Area Command as at 30 June 2000, (1) How many of these officers were on long term leave for a period of three months or more (including sick leave, maternity leave, long service leave, leave without pay and other types of leave)? (2) How many of these officers were on restricted or partial duties?

1886 BEC FUNDING—Mr Debnam to Minister for Small Business, and Minister for Tourism—

In relation to Government policy on Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) funding: (1) Does the three year funding certainty referred to in your release of 8 March 2001, “State Government delivers certainty for small business providers”, apply to all government sponsored business advice and assistance including the services of the Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) network, the Industrial Supplies Office (ISO) and business incubator programs? (2) If not, will funding certainty be extended across the entire range of services offered by the Department of State and Regional Development? (3) What changed circumstances have prompted the Minister to introduce three year funding for BECs?

1887 ICU DATABASE—Mr Debnam to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—

In relation to the allocation of capital outlays: (1) (a) As outlined in Premier’s Department Annual report 1999/00, has the Infrastructure Coordination Unit (ICU) completed “preparing a comprehensive database of all major infrastructure development

(b) If not, when will it be completed? (2) What practical use will the completed information database have if all capital spending for the next three years has already been allocated as per his address given on 25 March 2001?

1888 KINGS CROSS LAC—Ms Moore to Minister for Police—

Concerning staffing numbers at the Kings Cross Local Area Command: (1) What was the actual number of police officers at the Command, as at: (a) 30/6/97? (b) 30/6/98? (c) 30/6/99? 2390 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

(d) 30/6/00? (e) 31/3/01? (2) For each of these answers in 1, how many of the officers were employed full-time (as opposed to part-time) in the Command? (3) For each of these answers in 1, how many of the officers were employed on a permanent (as opposed to a temporary or casual) basis in the Command? (4) For each of these answers in 1, how many of the officers were actually on duty (as opposed to on leave or acting in a position outside the Command)? (5) For each of the answers in 1, how many of the officers were placed permanently at the Command (as opposed to on temporary transfer from other Commands)? (6) For each of the answers in 1, how many of the officers were assigned to administrative duties in the police station: (a) Full-time? (b) Part-time? (7) During each shift on the dates in 1, what is the number of police officers that were on duty in the Kings Cross Local Area Command?

1889 REDFERN LAC—Ms Moore to Minister for Police—

Concerning staffing numbers at the Redfern Local Area Command: (1) What was the actual number of police officers at the Command, as at: (a) 30/6/97? (b) 30/6/98? (c) 30/6/99? (d) 30/6/00? (e) 31/3/01? (2) For each of these answers in 1, how many of the officers were employed full-time (as opposed to part-time) in the Command? (3) For each of these answers in 1, how many of the officers were employed on a permanent (as opposed to a temporary or casual) basis in the Command? (4) For each of these answers in 1, how many of the officers were actually on duty (as opposed to on leave or acting in a position outside the Command)? (5) For each of the answers in 1, how many of the officers were placed permanently at the Command (as opposed to on temporary transfer from other Commands)? (6) For each of the answers in 1, how many of the officers were assigned to administrative duties in the police station: (a) Full-time? (b) Part-time? (7) During each shift on the dates in 1, what is the number of police officers that were on duty in the Redfern Local Area Command?

1890 SURRY HILLS LAC—Ms Moore to Minister for Police—

Concerning staffing numbers at the Surry Hills Local Area Command: (1) What was the actual number of police officers at the Command, as at: (a) 30/6/97? (b) 30/6/98? (c) 30/6/99? (d) 30/6/00? (e) 31/3/01? (2) For each of these answers in 1, how many of the officers were employed full-time (as opposed to part-time) in the Command? 2391 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

(3) For each of these answers in 1, how many of the officers were employed on a permanent (as opposed to a temporary or casual) basis in the Command? (4) For each of these answers in 1, how many of the officers were actually on duty (as opposed to on leave or acting in a position outside the Command)? (5) For each of the answers in 1, how many of the officers were placed permanently at the Command (as opposed to on temporary transfer from other Commands)? (6) For each of the answers in 1, how many of the officers were assigned to administrative duties in the police station: (a) Full-time? (b) Part-time? (7) During each shift on the dates in 1, what is the number of police officers that were on duty in the Surry Hills Local Area Command?

1891 JERRAWA CREEK BRIDGE—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

(1) Is the Minister aware that the Gunning Shire Council has been urgently seeking funds to replace the timber bridge over Jerrawa Creek on MR 241 for the last six years? (2) Is the Minister aware that the bridge requires immediate replacement to protect public safety? (3) Will the Minister instruct his department, as a matter of urgency, to provide sufficient funds to allow the bridge to be replaced?

1892 THERAPY SERVICES AT THE CRESCENT SCHOOL GOULBURN—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

(1) Is the Minister aware that several applicants for the vacant Occupational, Physio and Speech therapy positions in Goulburn have taken other positions while waiting for over a month for an offer of employment by your department? (2) Is the Minister aware that the Department of Education and Training has a benchmark standard of 14 days between interview and offer of employment? (3) What is the benchmark standard for the Ageing and Disability Department? (4) What action have you taken to streamline the job application process to enable offers of employment to be made sooner?

1893 WAITING LISTS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—

(1) Is the Minister aware that patients requiring hip replacement surgery at Goulburn Base Hospital are being forced to wait for between 18 months and 2 years before their operations? (2) Is the Minister aware that the waiting list for similar surgery at the Rachel Forster Hospital in Redfern is only 4 months? (3) Why is the Minister forcing elderly patients in great pain to travel hundreds of kilometres for surgery when they could be treated for less cost at Goulburn Base Hospital if he approved more surgery? (4) Is the Minister aware that the only orthopaedic surgeon with visiting rights at Goulburn Base Hospital is restricted by the hospital to performing only one operation a week? (5) Will the Minister give a commitment to increase the number of operations that the surgeon is allowed to perform at Goulburn Base Hospital? 2392 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

1894 EMPLOYMENT ADVERTISING—Mr Richardson to Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

(1) How much did the following agencies within your portfolio spend in employment advertising in the 1999/2000 financial year: (a) Department of Community Services? (b) Ageing and Disability Department? (2) In which newspapers did the following agencies advertise: (a) Department of Commu nity Services? (b) Ageing and Disability Department? (3) Does each agency have an individual policy relating to the size and cost of positions vacant advertisements and, if so, what is that policy? For example, would an agency insert a significantly smaller advertisement for a junior clerical position than it would for a senior management position?

1895 EMPLOYMENT ADVERTISING—Mr Richardson to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) How much did the following agencies within your portfolio spend on employment advertising in the 1999/2000 financial year: (a) Environment Protection Authority? (b) National Parks and Wildlife Service? (c) Sydney Catchment Authority? (d) Waste Service NSW? (2) In which newspapers did the following agencies advertise: (a) Environment Protection Authority? (b) National Parks and Wildlife Service? (c) Sydney Catchment Authority? (d) Waste Service NSW? (3) Does each agency have an individual policy relating to the size and cost of positions vacant advertisements and, if so, what is that policy? For example, would an agency insert a significantly smaller advertisement for a junior clerical position than it would for a senior management position?

1896 EMPLOYMENT ADVERTISING—Mr Richardson to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for

(1) How much did the following agencies within your portfolio spend on employment advertising in the 1999/2000 financial year: (a) Art Gallery of NSW? (b) Australian Museum? (c) Historic Houses Trust of NSW? (d) Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences? (e) NSW Film and Television Office? (f) State Library of NSW? (g) State Records? (h) Sydney Opera House? (2) In which newspapers did the following agencies advertise: (a) Art Gallery of NSW? (b) Australian Museum? (c) Historic Houses Trust of NSW? (d) Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences? (e) NSW Film and Television Office? 2393 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

(f) State Library of NSW? (g) State Records? (h) Sydney Opera House? (3) Does each agency have an individual policy relating to the size and cost of positions vacant advertisements and, if so, what is that policy? For example, would an agency insert a significantly smaller advertisement for a junior clerical position than it would for a senior management position?

1897 PRE-SCHOOL FUNDING—Mr Maguire to Minister for Community Services, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Women—

(1) What steps have you taken to ensure that vitally important pre-schools are funded adequately? (2) Why haven’t pre-schools received extra funding in real terms since 1990? (3) With hundreds of pre-schools struggling to stay open how do you propose to assist them meet their financial needs? (4) Do you intend to lift the level of funding to pre-schools in the next financial year? (a) If so, by how much? (b) If not, why not?

1898 COMMUNITY CARE FUNDING—Mr Webb to Minister for Health—

With respect to accommodation needs of people with Mental Health problems: (1) What proportions of funds are spent on – (a) Institutional Care? (b) Community Care? (2) Have these proportions altered in recent years? (3) With respect to Community Care for Queanbeyan and its catchment, what are the budget allocations for: (a) Community Services delivery, Community nurses, crisis teams etc., and (b) Identifying community accommodation needs of Queanbeyan citizens?

1899 BLOOD PRODUCTS—Mr Webb to Minister for Health—

In light of your answer to my question about Red Cross Blood Banks, and inquiries made to the 13 14 95 telephone number you referred to: (1) Where can far south coast residents and those from Monaro, from towns and areas such as Berridale, Bombala, Dalgety, Cooma and Eden access blood donor facilities, bearing in mind that from the closest of these centres it’s a 200km round trip to Canberra, and over 600km round trip from the outlying areas? (2) Have you had any contact with the ACT health services or Red Cross about providing a mobile service for southern residents of Monaro and the far south coast? (3) In the year 1999/2000 where the number of blood products issued by ARCBS-NSW was a total of 15,310,250 AHF (IU) did the demand ever exceed product availability? (4) How long is the shelf life of blood and blood products under ideal and normal circumstances?

1900 ASBESTOS REMOVAL—Mr Webb to Deputy Premier, Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Housing—

(1) Are you aware that there are a number of houses in Queanbeyan, that the City Council has helped to identify, where there is asbestos present? 2394 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

(2) Does your Government provide any financial assistance to house holders wishing to have insulation asbestos removed from their house roof spaces? (3) If not, then why not? (4) Does the NSW Go vernment provide advice to Local Governments and house holders on the safe removal and disposal of asbestos insulating products? (5) If not, why not? (6) Has the NSW Government considered a program such as the recently completed ACT asbestos removal program supported by the ACT Government?

1901 TOURISM CONSULTANTS—Mr J. H. Turner to Minister for Small Business, and Minister for

(1) Is Tourism NSW or consultants conducting meetings or seminars in various parts of NSW under the banner of “Tourism towards 2020”? (2) If so, where are such meetings being held? (3) If so, who is conducting such meetings? (4) What is the cost of conducting such meetings? (5) Does such costing include costs paid to consultants, if any commissioned, for all or part of the strategy and meetings? (6) If so, who are the consultants? (7) If so, what is the purpose of such meetings? (8) If so, what qualifications do the consultants or people conducting such strategy or meetings have?

1902 BAT CONTROL—Ms Seaton to Attorney General, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) Are you aware of concerns of orchardists that release of names and addresses of orchardists by the NPWS could lead to orchard trees being poisoned or chopped down? (2) Will you and the Government pursue research into aversion methods and agents for the humane control of bats as advocated by the orchard industry? (3) What specific research will you pursue and what resources will be allocated?

1903 PRISON DRUG TRIAL—Mr Humpherson to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Corrective Services, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts—

(1) How many drug addicts will be participating in the tria l of buprenorphine at Silverwater Remand and Reception jail? (2) How long will the trial run for?

1904 CRONULLA TRAINS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

How many trains, which were meant to travel between Cronulla and the city, were late or cancelled between 1 February 2001 and 28 February 2001?

1905 LOCAL AREA COMMANDERS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Police—

What are the names of Local Area Commanders stationed at Cronulla Police Station since 1 August 1997? 2395 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

1906 MANLY—CBD TRANSPORT—Mr Hazzard to the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

In January, February and March 2001 specify which services between Manly and Sydney CBD were cancelled in the case of: (a) Sydney Ferries? (b) Sydney Buses?

1907 SPIT HILL BARRIER—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads—

When do you anticipate honouring your promise to put a barrier on to the lane separation median strip on Spit Hill, Mosman?

1908 CLOSURE OF HIGH SCHOOL—Mr Debnam to Minister for Education and Tr

In relation to the closure of Vaucluse High School: (1) Who prepared the Government’s presentation slides used by Mr P. Hourigan to brief the 3rd April meeting of the Vaucluse High P&C and will the Minister immediately make available the data upon which the slides were based ? (2) Will written submissions make a difference to the Minister’s proposal ? (3) What are the Department’s projections for student numbers at the combined Vaucluse / Dover Heights school for the next ten years ? (4) What process will be used to ensure teachers are retained based on merit ? (5) What is the planned student capacity of the Dover Heights site ? (6) How will the Department manage future expansion of student numbers beyond the capacity of the Dover Heights site ? (7) What is the effect of the Minister’s proposal on teacher/pupil ratios for each student year over the next ten years ? (8) Has the Minister considered a Senior / Junior school system for Vaucluse / Dover Heights and if so, what was the result of that review ? (9) Why is the Minister not attending community consultation meetings ? (10) What detailed information can the Minister provide about the conditions of proposed sale for the Vaucluse site and the process to be followed ? (11) What detailed information can the Minister provide about the budgets of each school over the period of transition and the budget of the proposed combined school over the following three years ? (12) What demographic data has been used to develop the Minister’s proposal ? (13) What is the capacity of the Vaucluse site during the transition period ? (14) Which students/years will be transferred from Dover Heights to Vaucluse during the transition period ? (15) What is the basis of allocation of announced funding to affected schools across Sydney, under the Minister’s proposal, and will the financial modelling be available to parents and the P&Cs? (16) Why have parents not been surveyed on their attitude to co-ed versus single sex schools and the issue of where to accommodate “challenging” students ? (17) Will consultation at public meetings make a difference to the Minister’s proposal ? (18) Has the Government considered retaining the Vaucluse High site as a second campus for future expansion ? (19) What is the detailed plan for facilit ies and services at each school over the transition period ? (20) Is it true the Minister has ruled out any negotiation over school closures ? (21) What is the announced $6 million funding to cover ? (22) What is the State Government’s allocation of funding to private versus public schools in the Vaucluse/Dover Heights area ? (23) Who is on the Minister’s project team and who is making the decisions ? 2396 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Tuesday 10 April 2001

(24) Which community groups are being briefed by the Minister’s project team ? (25) What will happen to “Pathways” courses during & after the transition period ? (26) What is the condition of the Vaucluse school buildings and, if repairs are required, is there an estimate of repairs costs ?

______Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales