The Hon. D. E. OLDFIELD: My question is directed to the Minister for Mineral Resources, and Minister for Fisheries, representing the Minister for Transport, and Minister for Roads. What plans does the Government have to introduce appropriate legislation to protect drivers in the transport industry from prosecution on the basis of sole responsibility for activities where clearly drivers are scapegoats for the actions of others in such cases as the forced acceptance of loads of unknown or misreported weight, leading to overloading? If such much-needed legislation is to be introduced, when does the Government anticipate its introduction? Would any such legislation include plans not only to remove any unfair prosecution of drivers but also to target and prosecute companies or individuals who have actual responsibility for activities such as overloading? Where such companies or individuals may reside outside New South Wales, would such plans also make provision for liaison with other State authorities for them to prosecute appropriately?

The Hon. E. M. OBEID: The honourable member has asked a detailed question which I will convey to my colleague in the other House and seek an answer.