4597
PARLIAMENT OF NEW SOUTH WALES
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
2003-05
FIRST SESSION OF THE FIFTY-THIRD PARLIAMENT
___________
QUESTIONS
AND
ANSWERS
No. 126
THURSDAY 7 APRIL 2005
___________
(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.)
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LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
Q. & A. No. 120
(Including Question Nos 3630 to 3671)
Q. & A. No. 121
(Including Question Nos 3672 to 3719)
Q. & A. No. 122
(Including Question Nos 3720 to 3758)
Q. & A. No. 123
(Including Question Nos 3759 to 3799)
Q. & A. No. 124
(Including Question Nos 3800 to 3848)
Q. & A. No. 125
(Including Question Nos 3849 to 3883)
Q. & A. No. 126
(Including Question Nos 3884 to 3912)
6 April 2005
7 April 2005
26 April 2005
27 April 2005
28 April 2005
10 May 2005
11 May 2005
4599
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
Notice of Question given on the date shown
2 MARCH 2005
(Paper No. 120)
*3630 TOUKLEY AMBULANCE STATION—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Health—
(1) Has Toukley ambulance station been black-banned by the Health Services Union because of asbestos
in the building?
(2) What action is being taken to remove the asbestos?
(3) When will the building be safe for re-occupancy?
(4) Why was it necessary for the union to impose a black ban before your Department took any action?
Answer—
(1) I am advised that the Brisbane Water Sub Branch of the Health Services Union advised the
Ambulance Service of a staff ban on Toukley Ambulance Station on 23 February 2005, due to a
perceived asbestos problem.
(2) and (3) Remedial work at the station has been undertaken, including replacement of the roof. I am
advised that the building has been given an independent clearance certificate for the absence of loose
asbestos fibers and certification of the structural integrity of the building. Following additional minor
works, the building is expected to be ready for reoccupation in April 2005.
(4) The majority of the remediation work was completed in December 2004, before the ban was
announced. In the interim, ambulance officers have been operating from Wyong Ambulance Station
and paramedics from Doyalson 2005.
*3631 AMBULANCE OFFICER NUMBERS—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Health—
(1) Did the previous Minister for Health the Hon Craig Knowles pledge, prior to the 2003 Election, that
an additional 40 ambulance officers would be stationed on the Central Coast?
(2) How many ambulance officers were stationed on the Central Coast as at 31 December 2002?
(3) How many ambulance officers were stationed on the Central Coast as 31 December 2004?
(4) How many ambulances were stationed on the Central Coast as 31 December 2002? What type of
vehicles and how many of each type?
(5) How many ambulances were stationed on the Central Coast as 31 December 2004? What type of
vehicles and how many of each type?
Answer—
(1) The Ambulance Service have advised that it does not have any record of a pledge by the former
Minister for Health in regard to an additional 40 Ambulance Officers for the Central Coast.
The Government did make a commitment to appoint 230 new ambulance officers to areas outside
Sydney, including the Central Coast, over the four years from 2003-04.
(2) 121.
(3) 135.
(4) 31 ambulances and four patient transport vehicles.
(5) 30 ambulances and six patients transport vehicles.
*3632 WYONG AMBULANCE STATION—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Health—
(1) What is the present building condition of Wyong Ambulance Station?
(2) When was it erected?
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LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
(3) How many vehicles are based there?
(4) How many staff are based there?
(5) What plans does the Department have to upgrade or replace the station and in what time frame?
Answer—
(1) and (2) I am advised by the Ambulance Service of NSW that the Wyong Ambulance Station was
erected in 1952 and its condition is commensurate with its age.
(2) Three.
(3) Fourteen.
(4) A formal process is planned to determine current and future demand, service options and associated
infrastructure requirements. The timing for any works deemed necessary from this process will need
to be considered in the context of other state-wide capital funding priorities.
*3634 EMERGENCY CALLS—CENTRAL COAST—Mr Hartcher to Minister for Health—
(1) What is the target response time for emergency calls on the Central Coast?
(2) What percentage of calls had been met within this time for the Central Coast Ambulance Service to
be within its target as at:
(a) 31 December 2002;
(b) 31 December 2003;
(c) 31 December 2004?
(3) What is the target response time for emergency calls at Newcastle?
(4) What percentage of calls had been met within this time for the Newcastle Ambulance Service to be
within its target as at:
(a) 31 December 2002;
(b) 31 December 2003;
(c) 31 December 2004?
Answer—
I am advised by the Ambulance Service of NSW that there is no target response performance to
emergency 000 calls outside of Sydney because the variation in geography and population dispersal
across the State makes it difficult to set such benchmarks.
Information in relation to ambulance response performance within 10 minutes is available from the NSW
Health website, www.health.nsw.gov.au.
*3635 KOTTARAS CORRESPONDENCE—Mr Kerr to Minister for Transport—
When will the Minister answer my representations on behalf of Mr George Kottaras, 129 Caringbah
Road, Caringbah NSW 2229, which have been outstanding since 5 July 2004 (your ref: ML04/15840)?
Answer—
I have responded to your representations made on behalf of Mr Kottaras.
*3636 GRIFFITHS CORRESPONDENCE—Mr Kerr to Minister for Transport—
When will the Minister answer my representations on behalf of Mrs Aileen Griffiths, “Richmount”, 34
Richmount Street, Cronulla NSW 2230 which have been outstanding since 8 June 2004 (your ref:
ML04/16082)?
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LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
Answer—
I have responded to your representations made on behalf of Mrs Griffiths.
*3639 BATESMAN BAY HOSPITAL CONCERNED USERS—Mr Constance to Minister for Health—
Why hasn’t the Health Care Complaints Commission replied to and investigated the concerns raised by
the Batemans Bay Hospital Concerned Users Group?
When will you also respond to the correspondence that this group provided you in November 2004?
Answer—
I am advised by the Health Care Complaints Commission that on 4 January 2005 the then Acting
Commissioner wrote to the Honourable Member in relation to concerns raised by the Batemans Bay
Hospital Concerned Users Group. I understand that the Honourable Member has yet to respond to the
Commissioner’s invitation to provide additional information.
In relation to the correspondence referred to me in November 2004 I can advise that following an
extensive review of the issues raised, a response has been finalised and will be issued shortly.
*3640 SEPP14 WETLAND NO 47—Mr Constance to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister
for Natural Resources—
(1) Why was (SEPP14) Wetland No. 47 on Mr Alan Shand’s land at 2509 Princes Highway, Millingandi
created and why is it zoned 1A outside the criteria that determines a wetland?
(2) After 20 years can the Minister explain why the boundary has not been adjusted?
(3) Given the land is zoned SEPP 14 Wetland have any Development Applications (DAs) been
approved on the site? If this is so, where does the DA stand?
(4) What inspections have taken place at this site by the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and
Natural Resources?
Answer—
(1) While the land is zoned 1A, SEPP 14 is an overlay that identifies wetlands to be preserved and
protected. The wetland on Mr Shand’s land was included in SEPP 14 as it is considered to contain
environmental qualities worthy of preservation.
(2) An adjustment to the mapped boundary of a SEPP 14 wetland requires an amendment to the policy.
Mr Shand’s request for an adjustment has been investigated by the Department of Infrastructure,
Planning and Natural Resources and is part of a suite of amendments being prepared for my
consideration.
(3) I am not aware of any applications. Bega Valley Shire Council would generally be the consent
authority and the Director General of the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural
Resources may have a concurrence role.
(4) Officers of the Department have inspected the site in relation to the SEPP 14 boundary adjustment
on two occasions.
*3641 KEMPSEY HOSPITAL—Mr Stoner to Minister for Health—
In relation to the current review of the clinical services plan for the Kempsey District Hospital:
(1) What is planned in relation to the paediatric services?
(2) What is planned in relation to the Intensive Care Unit?
(3) Does the review take into account the latest demographic projections by the Department of
Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources for the North Coast?
(4) Will you give an assurance that paediatric and intensive care services will not be downgraded at
Kempsey District Hospital?
4602
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
Answer—
I am advised that the draft North Coast Area Health Services Plan (2005 – 2008) gives no indication to
vary paediatric services or intensive care services at Kempsey District Hospital.
The draft North Coast Area Health Services Plan has utilised the NSW Health Estimated Resident
Population, June 2003, which is based upon the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics population data and
projections.
*3645 BATLOW MULTI PURPOSE SERVICE—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—
(1) Will you confirm information provided to the Batlow Multi Purpose Service (MPS) Advisory
Committee on 7 December by staff from the Greater Murray Area Health Service that the NSW
Department of Health is currently unable to finance the building of the Batlow MPS?
(2) As the NSW Department of Health accepted and passed the Service Plan for a 24 bed MPS in
Batlow during 2003, why is funding not now available?
(3) Is the latest scheduled completion date of 2006-07 still secure or will it be moved further backwards
as has happened in the past?
(4) If the 2006-07 completion date is not secure, when will the MPS be completed?
Answer—
(1) to (4) inclusive
Funding for capital works programs will be considered as part of the 2005/06 Budget process.
*3646 WATER ALLOCATION FROM MURRUMBIDGEE RIVER—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for
Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Natural Resources—
(1) With reference to the 10 February 2005 statement by the Chief Minister of the ACT (Mr John
Stanhope) that the augmentation of Canberra’s water supply by pumping from the Murrumbidgee
River was scheduled to commence in late February, was the NSW Government consulted about this
matter before the announcement was made?
(2) As Mr Stanhope stated that the amount of water to be extracted is within the existing allocation and
licence, when and who issued this licence?
(3) How much water will be removed by the ACT Government from the Murrumbidgee River upstream
of Burrinjuck Dam?
(4) Does the Department of Natural Resources monitor flows in the Murrumbidgee above Burrinjuck
Dam?
(5) If so what is the current daily flow rate for the Murrumbidgee above Burrinjuck Dam?
Answer—
(1) No. Pumping is planned to occur wholly within the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). There is no
requirement for the ACT to consult with NSW regarding this matter.
(2) The ACT Electricity and Water utility (ACTEW) is licensed to extract water from ACT water
sources by Environment ACT. ACTEW hold an existing licence issued under the ACT’s Water
Resources Act 1998. Pumping is wholly within the ACT, and NSW has no authority to license
extractions occurring outside its jurisdictional boundary.
(3) Pumps have been installed within the ACT, and have the capacity to pump a maximum of 50
megalitres per day. However, the actual amount extracted will vary on a day to day basis subject to
the ACT Government’s environmental flow rules. It is unlikely that the maximum daily pump
capacity would be extracted for any extended period of time.
(4) Yes, in several locations. ACT also monitors flows upstream and downstream of its jurisdiction.
4603
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
(5) The current daily flow rate for the Murrumbidgee above Burrinjuck Dam varies on a daily basis. All
DIPNR flow information is available on the DIPNR website and is updated daily.
*3653 FERRY SURVEY—Mrs Skinner to Minister for Transport—
(1) On what dates and between what times were passengers waiting on North Shore ferry wharves
surveyed about their usage of ferries?
(2) What was the purpose of the survey?
(3) Will ferry services alter in the near future?
(4) Will ferry fares change in the near future?
(5) Will a copy of the survey be provided to the Member for North Shore?
Answer—
Sydney Ferries advises:
(1) The survey was conducted on vessels during operational times, between 24 February 2005 and 2
March 2005.
(2) Sydney Ferries Corporation is focused on improving ferry services for its passengers. The findings
of this survey will assist Sydney Ferries Corporation make informed decisions in regard to future
service improvements.
(3) Sydney Ferries Corporation currently has no plans to alter services.
(4) The regulation of passenger ferry fares is a matter for the Independent Pricing and Regulatory
Tribunal.
(5) The survey has been completed.
*3654 FENCED CROWN ROADS—Mr J.H. Turner 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) When a landowner decides to fence and not use a Crown Road fully or partly within or adjoining his
or her property, who is responsible for the maintenance of such enclosed land?
(2) How will such land be maintained?
(3) How often will such land be maintained?
(4) If the land is not to be maintained by any person or organisation, why won’t it be maintained?
Answer—
Responsibility for Crown roads that are not held under enclosure permit rests with the Department of
Lands. If such roads are required for access purposes by adjoining landholders, maintenance of the
access way rests with those landholders. Otherwise, for all other management issues, officers of the
Department of Lands would carry out routine inspection when in the locality or on a needs basis.
*3656 GRADE SEPARATION —Mr J.H. Turner to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State
Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for
Economic Reform, Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
(1) Is the Minister aware of the need for grade separation at the intersections of:
(a) Myall Way and the upgrade of the Pacific Highway
(b) Failford Road and the upgrade of the Pacific Highway
(c) Harrington turn-off and the upgrade of the Pacific Highway?
(2) If so, what does the Minister intend to do in relation to those intersections?
(3) Is work being carried out upgrading the Pacific Highway in the vicinity or adjacent to those
intersections?
4604
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
(4) If so, why would not any upgrade of the intersection to a grade separation standard occur in
conjunction with the upgrade of the Pacific Highway?
(5) If grade separation is warranted, will it cost more to put grade separation in after the current upgrade
of the Pacific Highway works have been concluded?
(6) If so, what justification does the Minister have for not providing grade separation in conjunction
with the current upgrade work of the Pacific Highway?
Answer—
I’m advised:
The NSW Government is contributing $1.6 billion over ten years to the $2.2 billion Pacific Highway
Upgrade Program.
The Government’s priority to improve safety on the Pacific Highway is delivering dual carriage way
from Hexham to the Queensland border.
As part of the $2.2 billion Pacific Highway Upgrade Program, around $357 million is being invested to
upgrade approximately 32km of existing highway to dual carriageway between Karuah and Myall Way,
Bundacree Creek to Possum Brush and Taree to Coopernook.
These projects were the subject of a detailed environmental impact assessment, involving significant atgrade improvements to a number of intersections that will allow traffic to safely enter, exit and cross the
highway.`
The design of the highway and the intersections will allow for a possible grade-separation at these
locations at a future date.
*3657 FEMALE TRAIN DRIVERS—Mr Amery to Minister for Transport—
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
How many train drivers are currently employed to drive electric trains on the suburban rail system?
How many of these drivers are women?
Is Cityrail encouraging women to be employed as train drivers?
Are women train drivers also employed in part-time and job share arrangements similar to other
female public sector employees?
Answer—
RailCorp has advised me:
(1) There were 1,249 CityRail train drivers as at 10 March 2005.
(2) Of the 1,249 CityRail train drivers, 48 or approximately 3.8% are female.
(3) Yes. For example employment advertisements for train drivers expressly state: “RailCorp is an equal
employment opportunity employer. Women are encouraged to apply for this position.”
(4) Part time work and job share options are not available to train drivers due to operational and
rostering requirements.
*3658 BEFORE COMMON ERA REPLACES BEFORE CHRIST—Mrs Skinner to Minister for Transport,
representing the Minister for Education and Training—
(1) When was the term BCE (Before Common Era) introduced in NSW schools as a replacement for BC
(Before Christ)?
(2) On what basis did the government decide to introduce BCE in NSW schools as a replacement for
BC?
(3) How and when were parents and teachers consulted about these changes?
Answer—
(1) and (2)The term “Before Common Era” (BCE) is widely used in professional texts and other
literature and is commonly used in the context of Ancient History.
4605
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
The terms “Before Christ” (BC) and “Anno Domini” (AD) are predominantly used in Board of
Studies syllabuses. However, some Board of Studies syllabuses make reference to the term “Before
Common Era” (BCE) or “Common Era” (CE).
I have advised the Department of Education and Training that they are not to change original texts
from BC and AD to BCE and CE when reproducing texts in Department of Education and Training
documents.
(3) Not applicable.
*3659 MUSWELLBROOK PUBLIC SCHOOL—Mr Souris to Minister for Transport, representing the
Minister for Education and Training—
(1) What is the list of uncompleted maintenance work, together with estimated cost of each item, at
Muswellbrook Public School, Roger Street, Muswellbrook?
(2) What maintenance is planned in respect of demountable classrooms?
Answer—
(1) and (2) Condition assessments have recently been undertaken at Muswellbrook Public School. The
maintenance works identified as part of this process will be considered in the context of the school’s
maintenance priorities.
Maintenance work was undertaken during January and February 2005 at Muswellbrook Public
School at a total cost of $28,885. This included painting, repairs to windows and new carpets in
demountables. The Department’s Asset Management Unit is investigating the scope for further
refurbishment of the demountables at the school.
*3660 MEMORIAL WALL HORNSBY—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Transport—
(1) In reference to the plans for the extra platform at Hornsby Railway Station, is the Memorial Wall
adjacent to the cenotaph going to be moved? How far?
(2) How much of the grass area between the cenotaph and the memorial wall will be lost?
(3) With whom has consultation been undertaken relating to this?
Answer—
The Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation has advised me:
(1) and (3) The project at Hornsby Station is currently in the design phase and the precise layout has not
been finalised. Consultation on the project at Hornsby Station has been undertaken with
representatives of the Hornsby RSL and Hornsby Council.
*3662 LAUNDRY ALLOWANCES—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—
(1) How many nurses in the Central Coast Northern Sydney Area Health Service do not receive a
laundry allowance?
(2) How long is it since they were last paid a laundry allowance?
(3) How much is owed across the area health service to these nurses?
(4) When will the nurses at Hornsby Hospital be paid back allowances as well as future laundry
allowances?
Answer—
(1) to (4) inclusive
I am advised that the Northern Sydney and Central Coast Area Health Service has negotiated a
settlement process and timetable with the NSW Nurses’ Association for review and payment of nurses’
4606
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
uniform and laundry entitlements. Claims from nurses at Hornsby Hospital are being considered as a
matter of priority.
*3663 SCHOOL BUS POLICY—Mr Stoner to Minister for Transport—
In relation to school bus transport policy:
(1) Can bus companies cut or alter school bus runs without advising your department?
(2) Can re-cap tyres be used on a steer axle of school buses?
(3) If so, how many re-caps is a tyre permitted?
(4) If short of drivers, can an operator use one bus to do two runs without notifying the department?
(5) In relation to bus contracts being negotiated between the Government and bus companies in Sydney,
will any subsequent wage rises for drivers apply also in country areas?
(6) Can Busways North Coast P/L send newer buses to update the present company’s Sydney fleet, thus
raising the average age limit of buses operating on the North Coast?
(7) Can a bus company register a bus in Queensland, use it solely in NSW and only carry between NSW
destinations?
Answer—
The Ministry of Transport has advised me:
(1) This depends on the type of contract the operator holds with the Ministry of Transport.
(2) Responsibility for tyres on school buses rests with the Minister for Roads. I would suggest that the
Honourable Member address his question to my ministerial colleague for response.
(3) See (2).
(4) See (1)
(5) This is a matter for the parties involved and the Industrial Relations Commission.
(6) All contracts held by the Busways Group require that the average age of the fleet does not exceed 12
years of age. The Ministry of Transport has determined that Busways North Coast Pty Limited is
complying with its contract.
(7) Responsibility for the registration of buses rests with the Minister for Roads. I would suggest that the
Honourable Member address his question to my ministerial colleague for response.
*3666 NOXIOUS WEEDS CONTROL—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 hectares are under your department’s control and are subject to the Noxious Weeds
Management Act?
(2) How much money is allocated for control, identification and suppression of weeds by your
department?
(3) How many operatives are engaged in weed eradication in your department?
(4) How many hectares were treated for noxious weed infestations on public lands under your
department’s control?
Answer—
The control and management of noxious weeds is regulated under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993. The Act
aims to reduce the cost of weeds to the NSW community by providing a framework for the management
of noxious weeds and powers to enforce control and restrict the spread or introduction of weeds.
The NSW Government allocates approximately $16 million per year on programs targeting the control,
identification and suppression of weeds. Agencies may also incur additional expenditure for weed
control and related activities on a needs basis.
The NSW Government provides grants to local control authorities, regional advisory committees and
State authorities from the Noxious Weeds Grants Program. These grants assist weed control coordination
4607
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
and fund operational programs, education and training and other measures to assist in the management of
noxious weeds on public and private land.
*3667 NOXIOUS WEEDS CONTROL—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—
(1) How many hectares are under your department’s control and are subject to the Noxious Weeds
Management Act?
(2) How much money is allocated for control, identification and suppression of weeds by your
department?
(3) How many operatives are engaged in weed eradication in your department?
(4) How many hectares were treated for noxious weed infestations on public lands under your
department’s control?
Answer—
(1) to (4) The control and management of noxious weeds is regulated under the Noxious Weeds Act
1993. The Act aims to reduce the cost of weeds to the NSW community by providing a framework
for the management of noxious weeds and powers to enforce control and restrict the spread or
introduction of weeds.
The NSW Government allocates approximately $16 million per year on programs targeting the
control, identification and suppression of weeds. Agencies may also incur additional expenditure for
weed control and related activities on a needs basis.
The NSW Government provides grants to local control authorities, regional advisory committees and
State authorities from the Noxious Weeds Grants Program. These grants assist weed control
coordination and fund operational programs, education and training and other measures to assist in
the management of noxious weeds on public and private land.
*3668 NOXIOUS WEEDS CONTROL—Mr Maguire to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the
Minister for Primary Industries—
(1) How many hectares are under your department’s control and are subject to the Noxious Weeds
Management Act?
(2) How much money is allocated for control, identification and suppression of weeds by your
department?
(3) How many operatives are engaged in weed eradication in your department?
(4) How many hectares were treated for noxious weed infestations on public lands under your
department’s control?
Answer—
The control and management of noxious weeds is regulated under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993. The Act
aims to reduce the cost of weeds to the NSW community by providing a framework for the management
of noxious weeds and powers to enforce control and restrict the spread or introduction of weeds.
The NSW Government allocates approximately $16 million per year on programs targeting the control,
identification and suppression of weeds. Agencies may also incur additional expenditure for weed
control and related activities on a needs basis.
The NSW Government provides grants to local control authorities, regional advisory committees and
State authorities from the Noxious Weeds Grants Program. These grants assist weed control coordination
and fund operational programs, education and training and other measures to assist in the management of
noxious weeds on public and private land.
4608
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
*3669 NOXIOUS WEEDS CONTROL—Mr Maguire to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State
Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for
Economic Reform, Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
(1) How many hectares are under your department’s control and are subject to the Noxious Weeds
Management Act?
(2) How much money is allocated for control, identification and suppression of weeds by your
department?
(3) How many operatives are engaged in weed eradication in your department?
(4) How many hectares were treated for noxious weed infestations on public lands under your
department’s control?
Answer—
I’m advised:
The control and management of noxious weeds is regulated under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993. The Act
aims to reduce the cost of weeds to the NSW community by providing a framework for the management
of noxious weeds and powers to enforce control and restrict the spread or introduction of weeds.
The NSW Government allocates approximately $16 million per year on programs targeting the control,
identification and suppression of weeds. Agencies may also incur additional expenditure for weed
control and related activities on a needs basis.
The NSW Government provides grants to local control authorities, regional advisory committees and
State authorities from the Noxious Weeds Grants Program. These grants assist weed control coordination
and fund operational programs, education and training and other measures to assist in the management of
noxious weeds on public and private land.
*3670 NOXIOUS WEEDS CONTROL—Mr Maguire to Minister for Transport—
(1) How many hectares are under your department’s control and are subject to the Noxious Weeds
Management Act?
(2) How much money is allocated for control, identification and suppression of weeds by your
department?
(3) How many operatives are engaged in weed eradication in your department?
(4) How many hectares were treated for noxious weed infestations on public lands under your
department’s control?
Answer—
(1) to (4) The control and management of noxious weeds is regulated under the Noxious Weeds Act
1993. The Act aims to reduce the cost of weeds to the NSW community by providing a framework
for the management of noxious weeds and powers to enforce control and restrict the spread or
introduction of weeds.
The NSW Government allocates approximately $16 million per year on programs targeting the
control, identification and suppression of weeds. Agencies may also incur additional expenditure for
weed control and related activities on a needs basis.
The NSW Government provides grants to local control authorities, regional advisory committees and
State authorities from the Noxious Weeds Grants Program. These grants assist weed control
coordination and fund operational programs, education and training and other measures to assist in
the management of noxious weeds on public and private land.
4609
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
*3671 AFTER HOURS STAFF ACCESS—Ms Seaton to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister
for Natural Resources—
With regard to information you have provided (Question No. 3344, point 2) about entry of staff to the
Department of Infrastructure and Planning office in Parramatta on the weekend of 6-7 November 2004,
on what evidence do you base your advice that staff did not undertake shredding of documents on that
weekend?
Answer—
All staff that entered the building that weekend, as recorded on the building access system, were
questioned and all advised that they had not undertaken any shredding of documents that weekend.
3 MARCH 2005
(Paper No. 121)
3672 BLOXHAM CORRESPONDENCE—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State
Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
3673 WHITE CORRESPONDENCE—Mr Kerr to Minister for Transport—
*3674 SAND MINING—KURNELL PENINSULA—Mr Kerr to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister
for Citizenship—
When will the Premier answer my letter dated 4 November 2004 that enclosed letters from 1115 people
requesting that you set a date for ending sand mining on the Kurnell Peninsula, identify a new source of
sand for Sydney and rectify the neglect of Captain Cook’s Landing Place?
Answer—
(1) The Government is committed to ending sand mining on the Kurnell Peninsula, and is continuing to
work towards this, including identifying alternative sources of sand for construction.
(2) The Government recognises the importance of Captain Cook’s Landing Place as the historic meeting
place between the crew of the Endeavour and Indigenous Australians. In 2003, the Government
announced $1 million for the ‘Meeting Place Project’ to enhance the site. This work has commenced
and will continue over the next four years.
3676 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH POLICY REVIEW—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Health—
3677 MINISTERIAL OFFICER REQUESTS—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police, representing the
Minister for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services and
Minister for Lands—
3678 FLUORIDATE IN WATER SUPPLIES—Mr Stoner to Minister for Health—
3679 NSW AMBULANCE SERVICE VEHICLES—Mr O'Farrell to Minister for Health—
4610
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
3680 CROWN LAND ENCLOSURES—Mr Stoner 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—
3681 GOODS AND SERVICES TAX PAYMENT TO NSW—Mr Amery to Deputy Premier, Treasurer,
Minister for State Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
*3682 MINE REHABILITATION PROJECTS—Mr Amery to Minister for Mineral Resources—
(1) How much money is currently held by the State Government trust from mining companies, for mine
rehabilitation projects?
(2) For each of the past five years, how much of these funds have been used for these projects?
(3) How many projects are currently being carried out?
(4) What is the location of these projects?
Answer—
(1) The State Government currently holds over $461 million to ensure that the people of NSW will not
have to meet the rehabilitation costs of current mining operations. This is a substantial increase on
the security held when the Government came to power. This demonstrates the strong action taken by
the Government to protect the community from the costs of mine site rehabilitation across the state.
The Government is committed to continual improvement in all aspects of environmental
management of the mining industry. We have recently trialled a new procedure to assist mining
companies calculate the cost of mine closure. These costs can then be used to ensure that the security
held is sufficient to deal with an unplanned closure.
(2) Over the past five years a total of $2,493,208 has been forfeited from leaseholders who have not
complied with the requirement to rehabilitate their activities. The money forfeited must be used to
rehabilitate the disturbance on that particular lease.
Year
Total
2000
561,288
2001
208,430
2002
67,230
2003
129,330
2004
1,526,930
Total
$2,493,208
*3683 WEED CONTROL NOTICES—PRIVATE LANDOWNERS—Mr Richardson to Minister for Mineral
Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—
(1) How many weed control notices have been issued to private landowners under section 22 of the
Noxious Weeds Act since March 31, 1995 and what weeds have they covered?
(2) How many fines have been issued to private landowners for non-compliance with a weed control
notice since March 31, 1995 and what has been the average size of those fines?
Answer—
(1) None. Local councils are the control authority for issuing notices to private landowners.
(2) None.
4611
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
3684 WEED CONTROL NOTICES—PRIVATE LANDOWNERS—Mr Richardson to Minister for Mineral
Resources, representing the Minister for Primary Industries—
*3685 WEED CONTROL NOTICES—Mr Richardson to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the
Minister for Primary Industries—
(1) How many weed control notices have been issued to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
under section 22 of the Noxious Weeds Act 10993 since March 31, 2003?
(2) Were these weed control notices (if any) acted on promptly?
(3) If you issued no weed control notices, are you satisfied that all weed infestations in NSW National
Parks are being dealt with effectively?
(4) How many weed control notices were issued to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service under
section 22 of the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 between March 31,1995 and March 31, 2003?
(5) Were these weed control notices (if any) acted on promptly and did the National Parks and Wildlife
Service deal effectively with the problems identified in the notices?
(6) How many weed control notices have you issued to State Forests under section 22 of the Noxious
Weeds Act 1993 since March 31, 2003?
(7) Were these weed control notices (if any) acted on promptly?
(8) If you issued no weed control notices, are you satisfied that all weed infestations in State Forest are
being dealt with effectively?
(9) How many weed control notices were issued to State Forests under section 22 of the Noxious Weeds
Act 1003 between March 31, 1995 and March 31, 2003?
(10) Were these weed control notices (if any) acted on promptly and did State Forests deal effectively
with the problems identified in the notices?
Answer—
(1) None.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) Yes. On occasion where there have been issues raised by Local Control Authorities regarding weed
infestations in National Parks, these have been resolved through informal processes.
(4) None.
(5) Not applicable.
(6) None.
(7) Not applicable.
(8) Yes. On occasion where there have been issues raised by Local Control Authorities regarding weed
infestations in State Forests, these have been resolved through informal processes.
(9) None.
(10) Not applicable.
3687 CANNABIS TRIAL—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister for Commerce,
Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, Assistant
Treasurer and Vice President of the Executive Council—
3688 NORMANHURST PUBLIC SCHOOL—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Transport, representing the
Minister for Education and Training—
4612
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
3689 HORNSBY ROAD MAINTENANCE—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State
Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for
Economic Reform, Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3690 STAFF NUMBERS—Mr Hartcher to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing
the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and
Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—
3691 MANAGEMENT SYSTEM COST—Mr Tink to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
3692 STOLEN NUMBER PLATES—Mr Debnam to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State
Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for
Economic Reform, Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3694 COMMUNITY HOUSING TRUST—ILLAWARRA—Mr Debnam to Minister for Housing—
3695 WORKPLACE FATALITIES BILL—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Regional Development, Minister
for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business—
3696 WEE JASPER BRIDGE—Ms Hodgkinson to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State
Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for
Economic Reform, Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3698 FUNDED ITEMS—Mrs Skinner to Minister for Transport, representing the Minister for Education and
Training—
*3699 WALLAGA LAKE—Mr Richardson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
(1) What is your Department’s view of proposals to make Wallaga Lake on the NSW South Coast an
aquatic reserve?
(2) Are you satisfied with current controls on pollution entering Wallaga Lake?
(3) Do you support the campaign by the National Parks Association to have the land around Meads Bay
on Wallaga Lake designated a nature reserve?
Answer—
The Department of Environment and Conservation supports protection of Wallaga Lake. This can be
achieved in a number of ways, including the creation of an aquatic reserve. Questions relating to the
establishment of such reserves should be directed to the Minister for Primary Industries.
I am advised that there are no Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) licensed premises
surrounding Wallaga Lake.
Under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, DEC regulates municipal Sewage
Treatment Systems and has been working with Bega Valley Shire Council, the Department of Energy,
Utilities and Sustainability and the community on the planned upgrade to council’s Sewage Treatment
network as part of the Bega Valley Sewerage Program. This includes an upgrade and expansion of the
4613
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
Bermagui Sewage Treatment plant to include the presently unsewered villages of Fairhaven, Beauty
Point and Wallaga Lake Heights located in or around the Wallaga Lake Catchment.
DEC has also made a preliminary investigation of the proposal for a Nature Reserve around Meads Bay
on Wallaga Lake. However, I understand that much of the land on the southern and eastern sides of the
bay is in private ownership and is not available for inclusion in a Nature Reserve.
3700 MEADS BAY DEVELOPMENT—Mr Richardson to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and
Minister for Natural Resources—
3701 GRAFTON BASE HOSPITAL—Mr Cansdell to Minister for Health—
3702 ROSEMEADOW FIRE TRUCK—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for
Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services and Minister for
Lands—
3703 VACANT HOUSES—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Housing—
3704 MEAL PROVISION—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Health—
3705 PATIENTS VALUABLES—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Health—
3707 HOUSING MAINTENANCE—Mr Hazzard to Minister for Housing—
3708 SUBSTATION MAINTENANCE—ENERGY AUSTRALIA—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—
3709 SUBSTATION MAINTENANCE—INTEGRAL ENERGY—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—
3711 WATER TRANSFER COST/BENEFIT—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—
3713 EFFLUENT DISCHARGE—Mrs Skinner 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—
3714 INFRINGEMENT PROCESSING—Mr J.H. Turner to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State
Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
4614
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
3715 TOTAL ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning,
and Minister for Natural Resources—
3716 SURF LIFE SAVING CLUBS—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the
Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business—
3717 PENSIONER EXCURSION TICKET—Ms Moore to Minister for Transport—
3719 RAILWAY INSTITUTE BUILDING—Ms Moore to Minister for Transport—
22 MARCH 2005
(Paper No. 122)
3720 SHEEP NUMBERS—Mr Armstrong to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for
Primary Industries—
3721 WIGLEY CORRESPONDENCE—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State
Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
3722 IRELAND CORRESPONDENCE—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State
Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
3723 F6 CORRIDOR STUDY—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform,
Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3724 KEMPSEY SHIRE COUNCIL DEBT—Mr Stoner 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—
3725 DINGOES IN THE HAT HEAD NATIONAL PARK—Mr Stoner to Attorney General, and Minister for
the Environment—
3726 CROWN LAND ENCLOSURES —Mr Stoner 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—
3727 POLICE INJURIES—MACQUARIE FIELDS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3728 POLICE NUMBER REDUCTIONS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
4615
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
3729 OPERATIONS SUPPORT GROUP—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3730 BATEMANS BAY HOSPITAL—Mr Constance to Minister for Health—
3731 DEBTS TO CREDITORS—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—
3732 WORKPLACE ADVICE UNIT—Ms Hodgkinson to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State
Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister
for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services,
Assistant Treasurer and Vice President of the Executive Council—
3733 POLICE STAFFING AT GUNDAGAI—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Police—
3734 SAFE FOOTPATHS/CYCLE-PATHS—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Transport, representing the
Minister for Education and Training—
3735 PEST INSPECTION LEVY—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the
Minister for Primary Industries—
3736 NSW SMALL TOWNS SEWERAGE PROGRAM—Mr Oakeshott 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—
3738 ENVIROCYCLE SYSTEMS—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—
3739 GALSTON GORGE BRIDGE—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State
Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for
Economic Reform, Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3740 BLACKOUTS—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—
3741 VEHICLE STATISTICS—MYALL WAY AND PACIFIC HIGHWAY—Mr J.H. Turner to Deputy
Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing
the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform, Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
4616
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
3742 GLARE REDUCTION—Mr J.H. Turner to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development,
and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform,
Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3743 VACANT POSITIONS—Mr Piccoli to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for
Primary Industries—
3744 LAND CLEARING ASSESSORS—Mr Piccoli to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister
for Natural Resources—
3745 TERRACE INTERSECTION—NORTH RICHMOND—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Treasurer,
Minister for State Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for
Roads, Minister for Economic Reform, Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3746 WILBERFORCE PUBLIC SCHOOL HALL AIRCONDITIONING—Mr Pringle to Minister for
Transport, representing the Minister for Education and Training—
3747 ANTIQUE PERCUSSION PISTOLS—Mr Pringle to Minister for Police—
3749 COMPENSATION CLAIMS—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment,
representing the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for
Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—
3750 WINDSOR ROAD INTERSECTION—Mr Merton to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State
Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for
Economic Reform, Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3751 ROAD MAINTENANCE—Mr Merton to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development,
and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform,
Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3752 MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES—Mr Aplin to Minister for Health—
3753 PENSIONER EXCURSION TICKETS—Mr Aplin to Minister for Transport—
3754 REDUCTION OF ALBURY LOCAL AREA COMMAND STAFFING —Mr Aplin to Minister for
Police—
3755 SINGLETON POLICE STATION—Mr Souris to Minister for Police—
3756 MUSWELLBROOK POLICE STATION—Mr Souris to Minister for Police—
4617
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
3757 ROAD SAFETY SPENDING—Mr Roberts to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State
Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for
Economic Reform, Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3758 ROAD MAINTENANCE—Mr Roberts to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development,
and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform,
Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
23 MARCH 2005
(Paper No. 123)
3759 LAND PURCHASE——Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Transport, representing the Minister for
Education and Training—
3760 NEW SCHOOL APPLICATIONS—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Transport, representing the Minister
for Education and Training—
3761 CORPORATE OFFICE LOCATIONS—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Health—
3762 ROAD MAINTENANCE—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform,
Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3763 VACANT HOUSES—Mr Kerr to Minister for Housing—
3764 ADDITIONAL PLATFORMS—Mr Kerr to Minister for Transport—
3765 ROAD SEALING—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform,
Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3766 AUSTRALIAN INLAND RAILWAY—Mr Pringle to Minister for Transport—
3767 INALA SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL—Mr Pringle to Minister for Transport, representing the Minister
for Education and Training—
3768 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT—Mr Stoner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for
Natural Resources—
4618
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
3769 MARIA RIVER BRIDGES—Mr Stoner to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development,
and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform,
Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3770 SERVICE STATION OFFENCES—Mr Stoner to Minister for Police—
3771 CROOKWELL I WIND FARM—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and
Minister for Natural Resources—
3772 COOLAC COMPULSORY ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY—Ms Hodgkinson to Deputy Premier,
Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister
for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform, Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3773 CITYRAIL SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS TIMETABLE—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Transport—
3774 MOUNT DRUITT PARKING—Mr Amery to Minister for Transport—
3775 PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3776 TASK FORCE GAIN RESOURCES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3777 INTELLIGENCE OFFICERS—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3778 GAOLED PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS —Mr Page to Minister for Housing—
3779 REHABILITATION WARD - ALBURY BASE HOSPITAL—Mr Aplin to Minister for Health—
3780 ROAD MAINTENANCE—ALBURY ELECTORATE—Mr Aplin to Deputy Premier, Treasurer,
Minister for State Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for
Roads, Minister for Economic Reform, Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3781 BED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM—Ms Berejiklian to Minister for Health—
3782 ‘RTA’ NUMBER PLATES—PRIVATE OWNERS—Mr Roberts to Deputy Premier, Treasurer,
Minister for State Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for
Roads, Minister for Economic Reform, Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
4619
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
3783 'RTA’ NUMBER PLATES—Mr Roberts to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development,
and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform,
Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3784 BUS/TAXI LANE AUTHORISATION—Mr Roberts to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State
Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for
Economic Reform, Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3785 MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES—Mr Merton to Minister for Health—
3786 YIRRA ROAD INTERSECTION—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State
Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for
Economic Reform, Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3787 SAFETY FUNDING—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development,
and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform,
Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
*3788 HALL CORRESPONDENCE—Mrs Hopwood to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
When will the Attorney General agree to meet with Major Tom Hall to address this constituent’s serious
concerns and requests conveyed to the Attorney’s office by way of written correspondence in 2004?
Answer—
I have already written to the Honourable Member addressing the issues raised in Major Hall’s
correspondence.
As these matters have now been dealt with, and an apology extended on behalf of my Department, it is
not appropriate to meet with your constituent.
3789 HEALTH CARE SERVICES—Mr Constance to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State
Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Special Minister of State, Minister
for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services,
Assistant Treasurer and Vice President of the Executive Council—
3790 BEGA PUBLIC HOUSING—Mr Constance to Minister for Housing—
3791 WESTBUS SERVICES—Mr Merton to Minister for Transport—
3792 CUMBERLAND HOSPITAL—Mr Merton to Minister for Health—
3793 CASUAL TEACHERS—Mrs Skinner to Minister for Transport, representing the Minister for Education
and Training—
4620
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
3794 SPECIAL SCHOOLS—Mrs Skinner to Minister for Transport, representing the Minister for Education
and Training—
3795 BOMBAH POINT ROAD—Mr J.H. Turner to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
3796 BULLOCKY WAY—Mr J.H. Turner to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform,
Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3797 MERGING LANE—Mr J.H. Turner to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform,
Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3798 WATER TANK REBATE—Mr Armstrong 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—
3799 ALSTONVILLE BYPASS—Mr Page to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—
24 MARCH 2005
(Paper No. 124)
3800 SAFETY CONCERNS—OLD NORTHERN ROAD—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Treasurer,
Minister for State Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for
Roads, Minister for Economic Reform, Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3801 FLOOD EVACUATION ROUTE—WINDSOR ROAD—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Treasurer,
Minister for State Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for
Roads, Minister for Economic Reform, Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3802 METROPOLITAN BUS REFORM—Mr Pringle to Minister for Transport—
3803 AQUATIC LICENCES—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for
Primary Industries—
3804 SEPP44 REPORT—Mr Oakeshott to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
3805 TRADE QUALIFICATIONS —Mr Oakeshott to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment,
representing the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for
Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—
4621
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
3806 GOULBURN ROADS AND TRAFFIC AUTHORITY LICENCE TESTING—Ms Hodgkinson to
Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs,
representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform, Minister for Ports and Minister for
the Hunter—
3807 NATURAL RESOURCES REFORMS—Mr Stoner to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and
Minister for Natural Resources—
3808 F6 CORRIDOR STUDY—Mr Kerr to Minister for Transport—
3809 CRONULLA LINE WORK—Mr Kerr to Minister for Transport—
3810 EFFLUENT DISCHARGE—Mr Kerr 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—
3811 OPERATION DRINK DRIVE—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3812 KINGS CROSS INJECTING ROOM—Mr Debnam to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State
Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
3813 POLICE LIAISON OFFICER POSITION—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3814 TRAINED DOCTORS—Mr Maguire to Minister for Health—
3815 WATER CHARGES—Mr Stoner 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—
3816 EATING DISORDERS—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—
3817 LOLLIPOP PERSONNEL—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State
Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for
Economic Reform, Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3818 OUTFALL QUALITY—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—
4622
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
3819 TENANCY RIGHTS—Ms Moore to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment, representing
the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and
Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—
3820 SEWAGE UPGRADE—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—
3821 WATER PATROL OFFICERS—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—
3822 WATER WASTE ASSESSMENT—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—
3823 CBD PARKING SPACE LEVY—Ms Moore to Minister for Transport—
3824 AIRCONDITIONER LEVY—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—
3825 "WHAT WORKS" REHABILITATION —Ms Moore to Attorney General, and Minister for the
Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the
Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—
3826 REDFERN OVAL SITE—Ms Moore to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—
3827 CIVIL UNION LEGISLATION—Ms Moore to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
3828 TENANTS ON GOOD BEHAVIOUR—Mr Page to Minister for Housing—
3829 STATION ESCALATOR—Mr Amery to Minister for Transport—
3830 GRAINS BOARD LOAN—Mr Amery to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for
Primary Industries—
3831 LAND REVOCATION—Mr Aplin to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
4623
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
3832 CORRECTIONAL OFFICER TRAINING —Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the
Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the
Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—
3833 DEATHS IN CUSTODY—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment,
representing the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for
Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—
3834 INCORRECT RELEASE DATES—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the
Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the
Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—
3835 PERIODIC DETENTION—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment,
representing the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the Minister for
Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—
3836 MARIJUANA IN NATIONAL PARKS—Mr Richardson to Attorney General, and Minister for the
Environment—
3837 SALE OF KENMORE HOSPITAL—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—
3838 FAILURE TO RESPOND TO LICENSING ENQUIRIES—Ms Hodgkinson to Attorney General, and
Minister for the Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister
Assisting the Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—
3839 HEARING DATE—Mr J.H. Turner 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—
3840 BEST PRACTICE QUALIFICATIONS —Mr J.H. Turner to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for
State Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Special Minister of State,
Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability
Services, Assistant Treasurer and Vice President of the Executive Council—
3841 NOISY TRANSFORMER—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—
3842 TRANSFORMER REPLACEMENT—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—
4624
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
3843 LAND RIGHTS ACT REVIEW—Mr Hazzard to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State
Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
3844 RURAL FIRE SERVICE—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police, representing the Minister for Rural
Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services and Minister for Lands—
3845 CHATSWOOD-EPPING RAIL LINE—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Transport—
3846 OLD TRANSFORMERS—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—
3847 AWABA AND HEATON FORESTS—Mr Richardson to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing
the Minister for Primary Industries—
3848 HARVEST PLAN GUIDELINES—Mr Richardson to Attorney General, and Minister for the
Environment—
5 APRIL 2005
(Paper No. 125)
3849 SPECIAL CONSTABLES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3850 VOICE RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
3851 ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FUNDING—KEMPSEY SHIRE—
Mr Stoner to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Minister for Aboriginal
Affairs—
3852 FLUORIDE WATER SUPPLIES—MID NORTH COAST—Mr Stoner to Minister for Health—
3853 ROADWORKS—WRIGHTS CORNER—Mr Stoner to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State
Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for
Economic Reform, Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3854 COUNCIL PROCEDURES—Mr Stoner 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—
3855 DEPARTMENT STAFF STATISTICS—Mr R.W. Turner to Minister for Mineral Resources,
representing the Minister for Primary Industries—
4625
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
3856 LEGAL AID REVIEW COMMITTEE NAMES—Mr O'Farrell to Attorney General, and Minister for the
Environment—
3857 MARINE AGGREGATE EXTRACTION—Mr Pringle to Minister for Mineral Resources—
3858 DEAD TREES—Mr Pringle to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Minister
for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform, Minister for
Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3859 SCHOOL LABORATORY ASSISTANTS—Mr Pringle to Minister for Transport, representing the
Minister for Education and Training—
3860 WOOLOOWARE RAILWAY STATION—Mr Kerr to Minister for Transport—
3861 GLOBAL WARMING —Mr Kerr to Premier, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Citizenship—
3862 SANDMINING AT KURNELL—Mr Kerr to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
3863 GOULBURN ROADS AND TRAFFIC LICENCE TESTING—Ms Hodgkinson to Deputy Premier,
Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister
for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform, Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3864 BREAST SCREENING—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Health—
3865 MILLENNIUM MARCHING BAND—Ms Hodgkinson to Minister for Transport, representing the
Minister for Education and Training—
3866 "E" TAGS—Mr Oakeshott to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Minister
for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform, Minister for
Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3867 AMALGAMATION AREA HEALTH SERVICE—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Health—
3868 TEETH FOR LIFE HEALTH PROMOTION—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Health—
3869 QX VIRUS—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the Minister for Primary
Industries—
3870 COMMITTEE MEMBERS—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—
4626
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
3871 WATER TANKS—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—
3872 ORTHOPAEDIC WAITING LIST—Mr Aplin to Minister for Health—
3873 COUNTRYLINK XPT SERVICE—Mr Aplin to Minister for Transport—
3874 ROLLING STOCK—Mr Slack-Smith to Minister for Transport—
3875 SCIENCE TEST—Mrs Skinner to Minister for Transport, representing the Minister for Education and
Training—
3876 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE—Mrs Skinner to Minister for Transport, representing the Minister
for Education and Training—
3877 TEACHERS SALARIES AND CONDITIONS—Mrs Skinner to Minister for Transport, representing the
Minister for Education and Training—
3878 ABERDEEN CITY RAIL STATION—Mr Souris to Minister for Transport—
3879 COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the
Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the
Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—
3880 INTERSTATE PRISONER TRANSFERS—Mr Humpherson to Attorney General, and Minister for the
Environment, representing the Minister for Justice, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister Assisting the
Minister for Commerce, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Citizenship—
3881 MOBILE COMMAND CENTRES—Mr Humpherson to Minister for Police, representing the Minister
for Rural Affairs, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Emergency Services and Minister for
Lands—
3882 TOM UGLY’S BRIDGE —Mr Page to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform,
Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
3883 WELDON STREET BURWOOD—Ms Judge to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State
Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for
Economic Reform, Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
4627
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
6 APRIL 2005
(Paper No. 126)
3884 SHARK'S SITE DEVELOPMENT—Mr Kerr to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister
for Natural Resources—
When will a decision be made on the development of the Shark’s site at Cronulla?
3885 SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT—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 is the service level agreement for Integral Energy concerning the maximum amount of time
allowed for power supply interruptions?
3886 POWER SUPPLY TO COLO HEIGHTS—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—
Noting that from January – March 2005 residents of Colo Heights experienced eleven days with
blackouts totaling 68 hrs (minimum 1.75 hours, maximum 27 hrs) will the Minister investigate providing
an additional/alternative supply from Kurrajong, direct access to the adjacent Transgrid system through a
substation or any other alternatives?
3887 RECYCLING OF WASTE WATER—Mr Pringle to Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, and
Minister for Natural Resources—
When will the Government make a decision as to the acceptance or otherwise of the innovative proposal
to recycle black and grey water from the towns of Medlow Bath, Mt Victoria and Blackheath and
contaminated mine water for use in the Mt Piper and Wallerawang Power Stations?
3888 PORT MACQUARIE AMBULANCE STATION—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Health—
What is the staff workload ratio at Port Macquarie Ambulance Station as compared to other stations with
similar staffing levels?
3889 ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM FUNDING—Mr Oakeshott to Minister for Transport,
representing the Minister for Education and Training—
(1) Have there been any cutbacks in funding or resourcing for the environmental education programs for
the Wingham Brush environmental learning resource centre?
(2) If so, why?
4628
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
3890 OYSTER INDUSTRY FUNDING—Mr Oakeshott to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State
Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
(1) Is the Treasurer aware of the campaign by the NSW oyster industry seeking a continuation of the
$900,000 funding assistance currently being provided to the NSW Shellfish Food Safety Program?
(2) Does the Treasurer agree that a 25% cost-sharing partnership with industry is a fair deal in light of
the "public interest" benefit achieved by the water testing done by the oyster industry in NSW?
(3) Will the Treasurer also consider an independent review to assess future cost-sharing arrangements?
3891 BOARD OF TICK CONTROL—Mr George to Minister for Mineral Resources, representing the
Minister for Primary Industries—
(1) Have any producer members of the Board of Tick Control been given approval to write articles for
any local media?
(2) If yes, who is the member or members?
3892 VEHICLE CONFISCATION—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
In relation to confiscation of vehicles:
How many vehicles were confiscated as a result of a second offence under the Traffic Amendment
(Street and Illegal Drag Racing) Act by month in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 to date?
3893 SHARE PURCHASES—Mr Debnam to Minister for Police—
In relation to share purchases by Chief Superintendent John Hartley:
(1) Was John Hartley appointed to act in the role of Superintendent Traffic Services in April 2003?
(2) Did Chief Superintendent Hartley confirm he purchased shares in speed camera company Redflex
Limited in June 2003?
(3) In October 2004 did the Premier describe the share purchase allegations as "serious" and the need for
an investigation as "urgent"?
(4) Did NSW Police Internal Affairs begin an investigation in October or in November 2004?
(5) Did the NSW Ombudsman Investigator Ruth Barlow oversight the NSW Police investigation?
(6) Did the investigation confirm that Chief Superintendent Hartley was warned of his conflict of
interest immediately before he purchased the Redflex shares?
(7) Did the investigation confirm that a June 2003 meeting between Chief Superintendent Hartley and a
friend discussed:
(a) Redflex Limited;
(b) Redflex cameras;
(c) speed and redlight cameras;
(d) related NSW Government contracts;
(e) transfer of police cameras to the RTA;
(f) Redflex's market positioning to eventually win subsequent RTA contracts; and
(g) the warning of the conflict of interest;
and preceded his purchase of Redflex Shares in June 2003?
(8) Did the investigation confirm that Chief Superintendent Hartley's discussion of the issues detailed in
Question 7 above at a meeting in June 2003, directly contradicted Hartley's public claims that he
only became aware of these issues in March 2004?
(9) Did the investigation confirm that from June 2003 Hartley knew Redflex Limited would likely
benefit from the NSW Government's increasing dependence on camera technology?
4629
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
(10) Did the investigation confirm that in October or November 2003, after his purchase of Redflex
shares, Chief Superintendent Hartley met with Ms Sue Sinclair of the RTA to promote the transfer to
the RTA of operating responsibility for NSW Police's red light and car cameras?
(11) Did the investigation confirm that Hartley's meeting with Ms Sue Sinclair continued the
implementation of Hartley's strategy to transfer police cameras to the RTA, as discussed in his June
2003 meeting with a friend ?
(12) Did the investigation confirm that Hartley's meeting with Ms Sue Sinclair was conducted without
any declaration by Hartley of share ownership or conflict of interest?
(13) Did the investigation confirm that Chief Superintendent Hartley sold the Redflex shares in March
2004 only after a friend gave a second warning of the conflict of interest?
(14) Did the investigation find any documented evidence that Hartley reported his conflict of interest to
senior officers before being approached by the Sun Herald newspaper in October 2004?
(15) Has the NSW Police investigation been completed?
(16) What was the result of the NSW Police investigation?
(17) Has Chief Superintendent Hartley been advised the investigation has been completed and there was
"no adverse finding"?
(18) Will you publicly release the investigation findings and if so, when?
(19) Will you release NSW Police conflict of interest registers for the years 2000 to 2005 and if so when?
3894 VAUCLUSE HIGH SCHOOL—Mr Debnam to Minister for Transport, representing the Minister for
Education and Training—
In relation to Vaucluse High School:
(1) What is the status of Government plans for Vaucluse High School in Laguna Avenue?
(2) What plans does the Government have for either the retention or disposal of the site?
3895 ROSE BAY SECONDARY COLLEGE—Mr Debnam to Minister for Transport, representing the
Minister for Education and Training—
In relation to Rose Bay Secondary College :
(1) What is the status of plans for the construction of the new site of Rose Bay Secondary College?
(2) What is the status of stage two of the construction process?
(3) What funding will be made available for stage two and what is the date of completion for the site?
3896 PHOTOCARD DATABASE —Mr Maguire to Minister for Transport—
(1) How much will it cost to implement a new database to maintain proof of identity cards by the Roads
and Traffic Authority?
(2) How much per year will it cost to maintain the database?
(3) How are the costs and cost recovery of providing photo cards determined and by whom?
3897 NSW FIRE BRIGADE RESPONSE TIME—FRENCHS FOREST —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) In relation to a house fire in Bennabra Place Frenchs Forest last year, what time did the first
responding brigade arrive at the scene?
(2) What time did the brigade receive advice from the emergency call centre? How long did it take to
respond to the call? How long did it take to travel to the fire?
(3) At what time was the first call placed to “OOO” emergency?
4630
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
3898 EAST LINDFIELD LAND—Mr Humpherson 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) What is the Government planning to do with land formerly leased by the East Lindfield Womens
Bowling Club?
(2) Will you favourably consider application from the community to rezone the land as recreation-open
space and placed in the control of Ku-ring-gai Council?
(3) Has the Rural Fire Service advised that no development would be allowed on the land due to its
topography aspect and proximity to a ational Park?
3899 NSW FIRE BRIGADE RESPONSE TIME—HUNTER VALLEY—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) At what time did 000 receive an emergency housefire call in the Hunter Valley in the week of 28
March 2005 which resulted in the loss of life?
(2) At what time did 000 advise New South Wales Fire Brigades of the fire?
(3) At what time was the first responding brigade advised of the fire?
(4) At what time did the brigade leave the station to attend the fire?
(5) At what time did the brigade attend the fire?
3900 COBAR WATER SUPPLY—Mr Stoner 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—
In relation to Cobar’s water supply, via the Albert Priest Channel, from the Macquarie River to the
Bogan River at Nyngan:
(1) What is the estimated loss of water entitlement due to evaporation, seepage and unmetered access to
the supply?
(2) How does the Government propose to address concerns about the security and quality of Cobar’s
current and future water supply?
(3) When will the report of the Sinclair Knight Merz study into these issues be released?
3901 SALE OF PROPERTY—Mr Stoner 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 Kempsey Shire Council:
(1) What council property and other significant assets have been sold by the Council in the 2000-01,
2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2004-05 financial years?
(2) What was the realised value of each of these assets?
(3) What were the reasons, if any, given for the sale of these assets?
3902 LAND RICH DUTY—Mr Stoner to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs—
In relation to “land rich duty”:
(1) To which category of taxpayer/s does this duty apply?
4631
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
How is this duty calculated?
When was this duty introduced?
Have there been any recent changes to this tax?
How does this duty relate to the vendor duty introduced in last year’s State Budget?
3903 ROAD UPGRADE—Mrs Hopwood to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for Economic Reform,
Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
What is the status of any planned upgrades of Old Northern Road, Dural and New Line Road,
Dural/Cherrybrook?
3904 ENDOSCOPY CLINIC—Mrs Hopwood to Minister for Health—
(1) How many staff work in the endoscopy clinic (procedures now performed in the operating theatres)
at Hornsby Hospital?
(2) What are their qualifications?
(3) Is special training conducted to assist and update staff working in this specialised area?
3905 HORNSBY BLACKOUT—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 was the cause of the blackout affecting the Hornsby area on Friday 1 April commencing
around 7.00pm?
(2) How many businesses were affected?
(3) How many residential homes were affected?
(4) How long was the duration of the blackout?
3906 LEASE PAYMENT—Ms Seaton to Minister for Health—
In relation to advice from the Minister that the details of the arrangements for lease or other payments
from the Southern Highlands Private Hospital in Bowral are commercial in confidence (see Question on
Notice 3621):
(1) Why is the allocation, if not the amount, of any lease payment not able to be publicly disclosed?
(2) On what authority was a determination made that these details may not be disclosed?
(3) Will the Minister acknowledge the fact of an agreement made relating to the use of the public
hospital land for the private hospital premises?
3907 BREAST CANCER SCREENING—Mr J.H. Turner to Minister for Health—
(1) When is the breast cancer screening unit due to be located in Taree and Forster/Tuncurry between
now and the end of 2005?
(2) Is there a waiting list for screening?
(3) If so, how long is the waiting list?
(4) If so, why is there a waiting list?
(5) If so, how do people that need to be screened, become screened?
(6) When are the units taking appointments for each of the times that the units are in Taree and
Forster/Tuncurry?
4632
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Thursday 7 April 2005
3908 TOM UGLY'S BRIDGE UPGRADE—Mr Kerr to Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State
Development, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representing the Minister for Roads, Minister for
Economic Reform, Minister for Ports and Minister for the Hunter—
When will work be completed on Tom Ugly’s Bridge?
3909 WEA AND ACE COURSES—Ms Seaton to Minister for Transport, representing the Minister for
Education and Training—
Regarding the funding of WEA and Adult and Community Education (ACE) courses in the Illawarra,
Southern Highlands, Wollondilly, Camden, Campbelltown and Southern Tablelands, what is the level of
reduction of NSW funding at each college in the above regions in the period 1 July 2004 – 30 June 2005?
3910 FUTURE OF MENANGLE BRIDGE —Ms Seaton to Minister for Transport—
Regarding the meeting held on 24 March 2005 with the Minister, the Southern Highland Rail User
Group (SHRUG) and the Member for Southern Highlands, when will questions taken on notice at that
meeting be answered regarding (a) the future of the Menangle Bridge and (b) resolution on the question
of whether or not buses will be provided to replace weekend rail services cut between Moss Vale and
Goulburn?
3911 SERRATED TUSSOCK—Ms Seaton to Attorney General, and Minister for the Environment—
(1) In 2003-04, 2004-05, what efforts have been made in National Parks in the Southern Highlands and
South Tablelands to eradicate Serrated Tussock?
(2) Which parks have been the subject of weed treatment?
(3) What were the dates of treatment?
(4) What was the cost of the treatment?
(5) Has infestation been mapped in these parks?
(6) What has been the effect of treatment, if any?
3912 THE OAKS POLICE STATION—Ms Seaton to Minister for Police—
(1) When did manning of The Oaks police station cease?
(2) When has the police station been manned in the period 1 July to present date, and for what times?
(3) What have been the hours of manning of Picton Police station in the period 1 January 2005 – to
present date?
_________________________________________
Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales