PARLIAMENT OF NEW SOUTH WALES
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
1994
FOURTH SESSION OF THE FIFTIETH PARLIAMENT
___________________
QUESTIONS
AND
ANSWERS
No. 20
THURSDAY 12 MAY 1994
___________________
[The Questions and Answers Paper published for the first sitting day in each week will contain, by number and title, all unanswered questions, together with questions to which answers have been received on the previous sitting and any new questions. On subsequent days, new questions are printed, as are questions to which answers were received the previous day. Consequently the full text of any question will be printed only twice: when notice is given; and, when answered.]
[Pursuant to the Sessional Order adopted by the House on 1 March 1994, Members shall be permitted to lodge 3 questions on notice per sitting day accumulative over one sitting week, provided that the Leader of the Opposition shall be permitted to lodge 4 questions on notice per sitting day. Ministers shall lodge answers to questions on notice within 35 calendar days after the question is first published and such answer shall be published.]
Page 1024
| PUBLICATION OF QUESTION | ANSWER TO BE LODGED BY |
Q. & A. No. 10
(Including Question Nos 740 to 781) | 17 May 1994 |
Q. & A. No. 11
(Including Question Nos 782 to 798) | 18 May 1994 |
Q. & A. No. 12
(Including Question Nos 799 to 887) | 19 May 1994 |
Q. & A. No. 13
(Including Question Nos 888 to 902) | 24 May 1994 |
Q. & A. No. 14
(Including Question Nos 903 to 930) | 25 May 1994 |
Q. & A. No. 15
(Including Question Nos 931 to 1013) | 26 May 1994 |
Q. & A. No. 16
(Including Question Nos 1014 to 1027) | 7 June 1994 |
Q. & A. No. 17
(Including Question Nos 1028 to 1050) | 8 June 1994 |
Q. & A. No. 18
(Including Question Nos 1051 to 1093) | 9 June 1994 |
Q. & A. No. 19
(Including Question Nos 1094 to 1105) | 14 June 1994 |
Q. & A. No. 20
(Including Question Nos 1106 to 1122) | 15 June 1994 |
Page 1025
Notice of Question given on the date shown
12 APRIL 1994
(Paper No. 10)
*742 MRS DOROTHY SPENCE—Mr Beckroge asked the Minister for Health—
Will the Government investigate the circumstances surrounding the unsuccessful application of Mrs Dorothy Spence for the position of Health Services Manager, Level 2, at the Cobar District Hospital?
I have been advised by the General Manager of the Macquarie Health Service that the position of Health Service Manager at Cobar is in fact a Level 3 position not a Level 2. I have been further advised that this position was advertised along with other Health Service Manager positions in the Macquarie Health Service with a closing date of 4 March 1994.
A selection committee was duly convened comprising of two members of the Cobar Hospital Board (one of whom is also a member of the Macquarie District Board), one independent member of the Cobar community, the District Director of Nursing and the District General Manager.
Three applicants (including Mrs Spence) were interviewed by this committee on 24 March 1994 at the Cobar District Hospital. It was the unanimous decision of the committee that none of the applicants had demonstrated that they met the key selection criteria outlined in the advertisement and determined as the standard required of a Health Service Manager for Cobar District Hospital. It was decided that the position should be re-advertised and the applicants were notified accordingly.
14 APRIL 1994
(Paper No. 12)
*816 POLICE INCIDENT REPORTING—COMPUTER DATA ENTRY—Mr Anderson asked the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) Is it Police Service policy to enter all relevant information onto a computer concerning an incident reported to a station by a member of the public before responding a police vehicle by radio?
(2) Does this allow additional time for criminals to decamp from the crime scene?
(3) Why does such a policy exist?
(4) What steps will he take to expedite police response to the public?
(1) No.
(2) No.
(3) See response to (1).
(4) Expansion of the Computerised Incident Dispatch System (CIDS) outside the metropolitan area is being pursued.
Page 1026
*817 FIREARMS PHOTOGRAPHIC LICENCES—Mr Anderson asked the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) Which firearms or security licences involve the provision of a photograph of the licensed person on the licence?
(2) Which licences, either firearms or security, do not have a photograph of the licensed person on the licence?
(3) (a) Which licences, in question (2) above, have had the photographic requirement removed in the last 5 years?
(b) Why was the requirement removed in each case?
(4) (a) Does he propose to introduce the requirement for a photograph in any of the categories in question (2) above?
(b) If so, which licences and when?
(1) Shooter's Licence Class 1 and Shooter's Licence Class 2, issued under the Firearms Act.
(2) Licences (other than those referred to in answer (1)) issued under the Firearms Act and licences issued under the Security (Protection) Industry Act.
(3) (a) Class 1 and Class 3 licences issued under the Security (Protection) Industry Act.
(b) The requirement was removed following a review of the legislation by the Business Deregulation Unit of the (then) Department of Business and Consumer Affairs.
(4) (a) and (b) The Police Service is examining the question of photographic licences in respect of Class 1 and Class 3 licences under the Security (Protection) Industry Act.
*819 POLICE PATROLS—GREEN VALLEY AND LIVERPOOL—Mr Anderson asked the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) When did the Police Service last evaluate the workload and staffing levels at:
(a) Liverpool Patrol?
(b) Green Valley Patrol?
(2) What was the outcome of the evaluations?
(3) How do the results compare with other patrols in the Macarthur Police District?
(4) What actions has been taken, or is intended to be taken, to address any imbalance divulged by the evaluation?
(5) What is the current strength and caseload of detectives in the:
(a) Liverpool Police Patrol?
(b) Green Valley Patrol?
(1) (a) and (b) During the 1990 calendar year.
(2) The results of this evaluation are no longer available.
(3) See response to (2).
(4) Staffing levels for General Duties Police and Beat Police have been increased at both patrols.
(5) (a) 13 detectives, 100 inquiries presently being investigated or currently before the court.
(b) 6 detectives, 50 inquiries presently being investigated or currently before the court.
Page 1027
*830 INTEGRATION PROGRAMS—HUNTER SCHOOLS—Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for Industrial Relations and Employment and Minister for the Status of Women representing the Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Minister for Tourism and Minister Assisting the Premier—
(1) Which schools in the Hunter region offer integration programs?
(2) Which of these schools offer:
(a) Integration for students with physical disabilities?
(b) Integration for students with neurological disorders?
(c) Integration for students with other disabilities?
(3) What was the annual budget for integration programs over the following years:
(a) 1988/89?
(b) 1989/90?
(c) 1990/91?
(d) 1991/92?
(e) 1992/93?
(f) 1993/94?
(4) How many students in each of the categories received assistance in each of these years?
(1) All schools in Hunter region have students with special educational needs and support their integration. Many students integrated do not require ongoing support. Schools which require additional support to integrate students with special educational needs are provided with such assistance.
(2) (a) Schools enrolling students with physical disabilities are assisted with provision of access modifications or another school with easier access is recommended. Schools which require additional teacher or teacher's aide support are provided with such assistance.
(b) Students whose disabilities fall within categories as follows may be eligible for integration support:
• Physical disability.
• Sensory disability.
• Intellectual disability.
• Emotional disability.
Any of these disabilities may be caused by a neurological condition or disorder but the Department of School Education does not categorise students on the basis of neurological disorder or any other causal condition.
(c) Schools enrol students with all kinds of disabilities. Where special assistance is required for integration to be successful, schools are provided with such assistance.
(3) Until 1992/93 integration resources have been available as teacher and teacher's aide access. Specific allocations of funding for this support only became available in 1992/93. Thus the State integration resource has been as follows:
(a) 1988/89 5.4 teachers.
(b) 1989/90 7.4 teachers.
(c) 1990/91 11.5 teachers.
Page 1028
(d) 1991/92 12.2 teachers.
(e) 1992/93 12.2 teachers.
16.8 teacher's aides.
= $723,461.
(f) 1993/94 12.2 teachers.
16.8 teacher's aides.
= $798,733.
(4) Information about the number of students whose schools received integration funding between 1988 and 1993 in each of the categories mentioned is not available. In 1994, however, students are supported as follows:
147 students with physical disabilities.
247 students with other disabilities.
*851 ABORIGINAL EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES FUNDING—Ms Moore asked the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for the Ageing—
In view of the low access to early childhood services by indigenous children, what financial commitment has the Government made on recurrent funding to fund additional places for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in early childhood services?
I have provided this information in my recent statement "Programs for Aborigines" 1993/94.
I have passed your question on to my colleague the Minister for School Education and Youth Affairs to whom this question might be more appropriately addressed.
19 APRIL 1994
(Paper No. 13)
*895 TERRY DOOKER—Mr Martin asked the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) Did inspector Terry Dooker formerly command Hamilton Police Patrol?
(2) (a) How long was he employed by the Police Service?
(b) What was his last day of service?
(3) Were his services satisfactory?
(4) (a) Was he commended for his actions?
(b) If so, in what manner?
(5) Did he suffer from illness while employed?
(6) What illnesses did he suffer in his last 5 years of employment?
(7) Did he elect to retire early because of these illnesses?
(8) Did he die from causes related to stress?
(9) Will the provision of a police pension for Dooker's widow be reviewed?
Page 1029
(1) Yes.
(2) (a) and (b) Mr Dooker was attested as a Probationary Constable on 25 February 1963 and was appointed to the rank of Inspector on 6 July 1988. He died while on pre-retirement leave on 3 January 1994.
(3) Yes.
(4) (a) and (b) Mr Dooker's computerised personnel record indicates that he was awarded the National Medal in 1980 and the First Clasp to the National Medal in 1988. He was also awarded the Commissioner's Commendation for Outstanding Policemanship associated with rescue and recovery operations following the Newcastle earthquake on 28 December 1989.
(5) Yes.
(6) Several minor illnesses of short-term duration. Mr Dooker was also absent on sick leave for 133 days in 1990 but elected to maintain the confidentiality of this condition.
(7) Mr Dooker's formal notification of retirement does not indicate any reason for his decision to retire from the Service.
(8) It is understood that Mr Dooker's death certificate indicates that he died from a "cerebral haemorrhage".
(9) I have been advised that the Police Service is not in possession of any information which would suggest Mr Dooker's death is related to his duties as a police officer.
However, the Police Service will review this matter should further clarifying details be provided.
21 APRIL 1994
(Paper No. 15)
*932 TAFE FACILITY—VINCENTIA DEVELOPMENT—Ms Allan asked the Minister for Industrial Relations and Employment and Minister for the Status of Women representing the Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Minister for Tourism and Minister Assisting the Premier—
(1) Is the Department of Education negotiating to build a Technical and Further Education (TAFE) facility on property Lot 2, Colloden Avenue, Vincentia?
(2) Has a development application been lodged with the Shoalhaven City Counsel relative to this proposal?
(3) Did she write in correspondence to the Hon. Dr Meredith Burgmann, M.L.C., that no decisions would be taken prior to the release of the recommendations of the Jervis Bay Region Environment and Planning Committee?
(4) Why then is such a project to be commenced even though the Jervis Bay report is yet to be released?
(5) What community consultations have taken place in relation to this proposal?
(6) Will she await the Jervis Bay Report before proceeding with this TAFE project?
(7) If not, why not?
Page 1030
(1) The NSW TAFE Commission (not the Department of Education as indicated in the question) is proposing to build a college on land adjacent to the existing high school. The site was identified about 3 years ago in discussions with the Shoalhaven City Council.
A critical factor in the site selection was the location of the high school on the adjoining property. This offers advantages in terms of joint use of facilities and the educational benefits associated with joint TAFE/school programs. This will enable a broader range of programs to be offered to students. There are no other high schools existing or planned in the St Georges Basin/Sanctuary Point/Jervis Bay precinct. This is the only location where such a high level of integration can be achieved.
The proposal will involve a small TAFE facility which will offer a limited range of courses to the wider community. It will complement the broad range of courses available at Nowra College of TAFE.
(2) A development application has not been lodged with the Shoalhaven Council because no development is proposed at this stage.
The Crown Solicitor is currently handling the purchase of the land on behalf of the Commission. The actual construction of the college is still someway off. Prior to construction, a development application will be lodged with the Shoalhaven City Council. At that time discussions will take place with the council and public comment will be sought with the public as part of the approval process. It should be noted that prior to entering into negotiations for the land the Commission had discussions on the environmental significance of the area with the Department of Planning regional staff involved in the Jervis Bay Region Environment and Planning Committee. These discussions established the fact that the land in question is outside Habitat Corridor 4 identified in the "Jervis Bay—on Heritage on Future" discussion paper.
(3) The Minister for Education and Youth Affairs wrote to the Hon. Meridith Burgmann, M.L.C., in 1993 regarding this proposal. In the correspondence she did indicate that the TAFE Commission would await the outcome of the Government's decision on the committee's recommendations "prior to finalising its strategy for meeting needs of the local community and industry" (quotation from the Minister's correspondence).
The fact that the Commission is now negotiating to purchase the land is not inconsistent with this statement. The Commission needs to secure the land in question so that future planning can occur. The final design of the facility; the layout on the site and indeed the educational offerings will all take account of the sensitive environment surrounding Jervis Bay.
(4) As indicated above, the project has not yet commenced.
(5) The Commission's Illawarra Institute is constantly in contact with the South Coast community and it is out of these consultations that the need for the development at Vincentia has been identified. Consultations have also taken place with the Shoalhaven City Council and the regional staff of the Department of Planning.
(6) Yes.
(7) Not relevant given the answer to (6).
Page 1031
11 MAY 1994
(Paper No. 20)
1106 NATIONAL FOREST POLICY AGREEMENT—Ms Allan to ask the Premier and Minister for Economic Development—
(1) Is the Government a signatory to the National Forest Policy Agreement?
(2) If so, is logging being carried out in the old growth forests of the catchments of the Upper Deua River in contravention of the agreement?
(3) If so:
(a) Will he take immediate action to have these illegal activities in a nominated wilderness halted?
(b) If no action, why not?
1107 PROPERTY PROJECT BARRIER—BUNGARRIBEE ROAD, BLACKTOWN—Ms Allan to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) What are the intentions of the Roads and Traffic Authority in respect of a request for a double brick safety wall outside 117A Bungarribee Road, Blacktown, both as a safety and a noise barrier?
(2) If no brick wall is to be built, what steps does the Roads and Traffic Authority intend to take to protect the owners of this property?
1108 BUSINESS CATEGORY LAND—Ms Allan to ask the Minister for Energy and Minister for Local Government and Co-operatives—
(1) Under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993, does land which cannot be categorised as farmland or residential have to be categorised as "business" by default?
(2) Is such land zoned "business" simply because their exists no other category suitable for such land?
(3) Is he aware that members of the Shoalhaven Landowners' Association, who own land on which building rights are not available, are upset at having their land zoned "business"?
(4) Will he investigate the circumstances whereby land which cannot be included in a farmland, residential or mining category is categorised as "business"?
(5) Will he also investigate the feasibility of introducing a further category or sub-category to provide for land which is zoned Rural 1A but for which no building rights are available?
(6) If not, why not?
1109 DAVITT LEGAL REPRESENTATION—Ms Allan to ask the Minister for the Environment—
(1) Will he ensure that Chris and James Davitt of 18 Edinburgh Road, Forestville, receive equal legal representation to the National Parks and Wildlife Service in the forthcoming arbitration hearing regarding development in Garigal National Park?
(2) If not, why not?
(3) Why is it necessary for the National Parks and Wildlife Service to brief senior counsel on this matter?
(4) How much has the National Parks and Wildlife Service spent on legal representation to resolve this dispute with the Davitts to date?
Page 1032
1110 A. V. JENNINGS COMPLAINTS—Mr Amery to ask the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister Assisting the Minister for Roads and Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport—
(1) Has the Building Services Corporation received complaints about the marketing of A. V. Jennings homes concerning overcharging of homes in package deals supported by the State Government?
(2) Do these complaints relate to the lack of any cost breakdown between the cost of the house and the cost of the land?
(3) Has she carried out an investigation into this matter?
(4) If so, what was the result?
1111 SCHOOL FEES—ELECTORATE OF BROKEN HILL—Mr Beckroge to ask the Minister for Industrial Relations and Employment and Minister for the Status of Women representing the Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Minister for Tourism and Minister Assisting the Premier—
What school fees are charged for the following schools in the electorate of Broken Hill:
(a) Broken Hill High?
(b) Willyama High?
(c) Cobar High?
(d) Nyngan High?
(e) Bourke High?
(f) Walgett High?
1112 PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT—Mr Hatton to ask the Minister for Health—
(1) Specifically what services are being built, using public funds, in the overall redevelopment of the Prince of Wales site at Randwick?
(2) What services are being built using private funds, etc.?
(3) (a) Will the privately funded and operated services be available to public patients?
(b) What arrangements will be put in place to ensure this?
(4) How can he and the Eastern Sydney Area Health Service be assured that these proposals will be guaranteed in the light of the Federal Government's current examination of the Medicare scheme, or any future changes to health funding at the Federal level?
(5) What is the situation regarding ownership of equipment, which has been supplied in the normal way to the Prince of Wales Hospital over the years, if the public service for which it has been supplied is to be privatised and operated from a private building?
(6) If the radiology services, as part of a joint Federal/State project, provide medical resonance imaging equipment currently operated within the Prince of Wales Public Hospital are transferred to the clinic, what is the State Government's position on ownership of this valuable resource?
(7) (a) In what building of the overall development are theatres intended to be located?
(b) How will they be linked to the rest of the public hospital services?
(8) (a) Are there plans for cardiac surgery at Prince Henry Hospital to be privatised?
(b) If so, how does this fit in with the overall proposals for the redevelopment?
(9) (a) Are cardiac thoracic services to be located within the Acute Services Building?
(b) Will they be built with public or private funds?
(c) Who will be responsible for operating the service, the Eastern Sydney Area Health Service, or a private organisation?
Page 1033
(10) (a) Can he confirm if the discussions surrounding the proposal to privatise cardiac services at Prince of Wales have resulted in the Eastern Sydney Area Health Service staff working on the proposal being required to sign statements of confidentiality?
1113 SOUTH LISMORE DEMOLITION WORK—Mr Langton to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) Did the State Rail Authority investigate claims that building demolition work carried out on State Rail Authority land in South Lismore on Saturday 30 April 1994, resulted in particles of white dust, possibly asbestos, being dispersed in the area?
(2) Is the investigation completed?
(3) If so, what are the results?
(4) If not, when will the results be known and will he make them public?
1114 PORTABLE BRAKE TESTING UNIT TENDER—Mr Langton to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) Concerning Roads and Traffic Authority Tender No. 828 for a portable brake testing unit, is he aware of allegations that the tender process was not carried out properly?
(2) In the evaluation of tenders submitted, was the ongoing reliability of the product considered?
(3) Was the ongoing cost with regard to maintenance and repairs considered?
(4) Is the Roads and Traffic Authority aware of any complaints by customers of the successful tenderer with regard to the quality and maintenance of their product?
(5) Will the Roads and Traffic Authority recommence the tender process?
1115 MR EVANS' COMPENSATION—Mr Langton to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) Is he aware of the compensation claims against the State Rail Authority's former employee, Mr Ronald H. Evans of South Grafton?
(2) Is he aware that Mr Evans remains dissatisfied with the State Rail Authority's handling of the case?
(3) Is he aware that Mr Evans claims to have accepted the State Rail Authority's $40,000 redemption payment under pressure and is not happy with it?
(4) Will he take steps to negotiate an outcome acceptable to Mr Evans?
(5) Why were Mr Evans' payments removed from section 100B of the Compensation Act in 1990?
(6) Did the State Rail Authority fully and properly explain this to Mr Evans?
(7) Did the State Rail Authority discuss with Mr Evans the possibility of continuing employment with the State Rail Authority?
(8) If not, why not?
(9) Will he direct the State Rail Authority meet with Mr Evans and an independent arbitrator to discuss these issues and ensure that Mr Evans fully understands what action has been taken and why, and whether any course of appeal exists for Mr Evans?
Page 1034
1116 BEGA VALLEY COUNCIL COURT COSTS—Mr McManus to ask the Minister for Energy and Minister for Local Government and Co-operatives—
(1) Is he aware that the Minutes of the Council of Bega Valley, 12 April 1994, state that the member for Bega told the Deputy Mayor that council should use State road grant funds to pay for court costs relating to litigation over the Twofold Beach Caravan Park?
(2) Have State road grants been used by the council to pay for court costs relating to this matter or any other court action undertaken by the Council of Bega Valley?
(3) If so, how much?
(4) If so, what steps will he take to rectify this situation?
(5) Will he instruct officers of the Department of Local Government to investigate this issue as a matter of urgency?
1117 FLEXOGRAPHIC SECTION—SCHOOL OF GRAPHIC ARTS—Mr McManus to ask the Minister for Industrial Relations and Employment and Minister for the Status of Women representing the Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Minister for Tourism and Minister Assisting the Premier—
(1) Did a senior teacher of the Flexographic Section of the School of Graphic Arts collapse on 20 August 1987?
(2) If so, what is the recorded cause of his collapse?
(3) Was his collapse from chemical exposure?
(4) Were occupation health and safety authorities aware of the conditions within the Flexographic Section?
(5) Were proper precautions in place including safety dispensers, fireproof cabinets and extraction systems?
(6) Why did 10 months elapse from the time of initial collapse of the senior teacher before safety testing was conducted by the statutory authority?
(7) Would such a delay be a breach of the school supervisor's duties and obligations to staff and students under the Occupational Health and Safety Act?
(8) Were all precautions taken given the mildness of chemicals used?
(9) Why was safety equipment such as goggles, gloves, respirators and protective clothing (specified by the manufacturers) not supplied to staff or students?
(10) Would this action be a breach of the school supervisor's statutory duties under the Occupational Health and Safety Act?
(11) Was the only hazard to health, from the use of chemicals used within the Flexographic Section, possible mild skin and eye irritation on direct contract?
(12) Why were the manufacturers warnings on the use of such chemicals as being detrimental to health by lack of concentration, congestion of kidneys and liver, blood disorders and cardiac arrest, not reported?
(13) Why is the use of methylated spirits not mentioned as being used in the Flexographic Section?
(14) What are the possible health hazards of methylated spirits?
(15) Were all staff instructed in chemical safety and that student studies included the effects of chemical exposure as a main topic in the flexography theory syllabus?
(16) Why did DIRE/WorkCover recommend in 1988 that such instruction be put into operation?
(17) Did a flexographic teacher, Mr R. Williams, document the witnessing of a colleague's unsuccessful attempts to gain information regarding the health effects and dangers of the solvents used from all relevant school superiors on 23 March 1990?
Page 1035
(18) Were the predominant solvents used ethyl alcohol and some use of esters?
(19) Did the Dixon machine used for Stage 1 and shared with Stage 2 students use predominantly chemical-based solvents?
(20) If so, how many litres of solvent would be used during class by the Dixon machine?
(21) Was the Dixon machine used by Stage 1 and shared with Stage 2 students instruction fitted with on-board drying systems to facilitate demands for water-based inks during 1984/87?
(22) Did the Dixon machine have any extraction systems fitted to remove vapours emitted when using chemical solvent-based inks during 1984/87?
(23) Did the Department of Industrial Relations and Employment/WorkCover state on 7 July 1988 that water-based inks are used on the Dixon inline flexographic press?
(24) If so, was this the criteria used to negate the safety testing of this machine by the DIRE/WorkCover Authority on 26 June 1988?
(25) What is the current uses and applications of the Dixon press in the flexography syllabus?
(26) If the Dixon press is no longer in use, what has happened to the machine?
(27) If sold, to whom and at what price?
(28) Were the solvent sinks in the flexographic unit removed prior to safety testing by the DIRE/WorkCover Authority?
(29) If so, why?
(30) Does the DIRE report of 7 July 1988 indicate that nine students (Stage 3) carried out practical classes for approximately 16 hours per week using solvent-based paints?
(31) Is this true?
(32) If not, how many students normally carried out practical classes on a daily basis in the flexographic unit?
(33) Was health testing of teachers from the Flexographic Section carried out on 11 October 1988?
(34) Has TAFE recommended that teachers and staff undergo annual testing for chronic chemical exposure?
(35) Did teachers from the Flexographic Section test positive to chronic chemical exposure on 23 November 1988?
1118 MOBILE RADIO NETWORK—Mr Page to ask the Chief Secretary and Minister for Administrative Services—
(1) Was a 5-year contract with a 5-year option awarded to Telecom Australia and Motorola Australia for the installation and operation of a mobile radio network for the Government?
(2) Was it expected to save $40 million over the next 5 years and foster the development of the local communications industry?
(3) Would the system chosen, a proprietary system known as SmartZone, using an emerging digital APCO25 operating standard, allow equipment to be purchased from multiple suppliers?
(4) Has Motorola closed its only Australian plant and imported the necessary equipment, instead of it being manufactured in Australia?
(5) Has the promised second local supplier not yet set up operations?
(6) Now that the system has been introduced, has in fact another proprietary system ASTRO, been introduced which was not within the original tender guidelines?
(7) Are the prices being quoted to Government agencies for the ASTRO equipment significantly higher than those of competitive equipment?
(8) Is the additional cost to the Police Service alone estimated to be some $12 million?
(9) Is the Motorola SmartZone system used in only one place in the world, namely Florida, USA, by law enforcement authorities?
Page 1036
(10) Has it been largely criticised and has Florida's Secretary of State called for the continued use of the system to be fully reviewed?
(11) Does the Victorian Public Sector Mobile Radio network conform to the internationally accepted and widely used Open Protocol NPT1327 standard?
(12) Does this allow local manufacturers to supply most of the equipment at competitive prices well below those being quoted in New South Wales?
1119 F3 EXTENSION—EIS—Mr Price to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) What requirements will be applied by your Department to the application that will be made by the Federal Department of Transport through the Roads and Traffic Authority for the extension of the F3 from Seahampton towards Branxton?
(2) Which company is to be/has been retained to prepare the Environmental Impact Statement required for this project?
(3) What opportunity will be made for public participation in this process?
1120 LINEAR ACCELERATORS—ONCOLOGY CENTRE, WARATAH—Mr Price to ask the Minister for Health—
(1) When will a third linear accelerator be purchased, installed and staffed for the treatment of cancer at the Mater Hospital's Oncology Centre, Waratah?
(2) What is the current waiting list for patients requiring radiation treatment at the Mater?
(3) How many hours overtime has been worked by the staff associated with the use of the existing two linear accelerators over the period 1 January 1994 to 30 April 1994 in the following categories:
(a) Staff specialists?
(b) Registrars?
(c) Radiologists?
(d) Radiographers?
(e) Registered nurses?
(f) Assistants in nursing?
(g) Wardsmen?
(h) Any other categories?
(4) How many hours have each linear accelerator been out of service during this period as a result of:
(a) Lack of staff?
(b) Maintenance/breakdown?
(c) Lack of patient accommodation (beds)?
1121 BATHURST CITY COUNCIL INVESTIGATION—Dr Refshauge to ask the Minister for Energy and Minister for Local Government and Co-operatives—
(1) How widespread will be the investigation into Bathurst City Council?
(2) What input will the general public have into this investigation?
(3) If none, why not?
(4) Will he give an assurance that taped proceedings of council meetings will be safeguarded and made available to interested persons?
Page 1037
1122 RYDE LINEN SERVICE—Dr Refshauge to ask the Minister for Health—
(1) Has it been some 7 months since the Ryde Linen Service was burnt?
(2) What is the delay in reopening the service?
(3) Were workers initially told the laundry would be repaired and fully operational just 2 months after the incident?
(4) Is the Northern Sydney Area Health Service awaiting a decision from the Health Department as to the possible future privatisation of the service?
(5) Is the Government in favour of this privatisation proposal?
(6) Does the Government plan to close the service?
(7) When is it expected that the laundry will be fully operational again?
______________________________________________________________________
Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales