PARLIAMENT OF NEW SOUTH WALES
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
1994
FOURTH SESSION OF THE FIFTIETH PARLIAMENT
___________________
QUESTIONS
AND
ANSWERS
No. 10
WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 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 458
| PUBLICATION OF QUESTION | ANSWER TO BE LODGED BY |
Q. & A. No. 5
(Including Question Nos 533 to 555) | 13 April 1994 |
Q. & A. No. 6
(Including Question Nos 556 to 610) | 14 April 1994 |
Q. & A. No. 7
(Including Question Nos 611 to 642) | 19 April 1994 |
Q. & A. No. 8
(Including Question Nos 643 to 671) | 20 April
1994 |
Q. & A. No. 9
(Including Question Nos 672 to 739) | 21 April
1994 |
Q. & A. No. 10
(Including Question Nos 740 to 781) | 17 May
1994 |
Page 459
(Answers required to have been lodged by 12 April 1994)
Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—521.
(Answers required to be lodged by 13 April 1994)
Minister for Land and Water Conservation—543, 547.
Minister for the Environment representing the Attorney General and Minister for
Justice—534.
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—553,
554.
Minister for Health—552.
Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—544, 555.
Minister for Community Services, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister
for the Ageing—548, 549.
Minister for the Environment—550.
Chief Secretary and Minister for Administrative Services—541.
Notice of Question given on the date shown
1 MARCH 1994
(Paper No. 1)
*5 PRISONERS PROTECTION—Mr Doyle asked the Minister for
Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for
Justice representing the Attorney General and Minister for Justice—
(1) In the metropolitan area, what accommodation exists for A, B and
C classification prisoners requiring protection?
(2) How many cells are available at each location for each
classification?
I am advised by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice that the
answers to the honourable member's questions are:
(1) Permanent accommodation is available for sentenced inmates requiring
protection at the Special Purpose Centre, Long Bay, and at the John Morony
Correctional Centre.
Unsentenced inmates seeking protection are accommodated at Parramatta
Correctional Centre and at the Remand Centre, Long Bay.
Inmates who are brought to Sydney for court or medical appointments are
accommodated in a wing of the Reception and Industrial Centre, Long Bay.
(2) Correctional Centre
Classification Accommodation
Special Purpose Centre Variable
Variable
John Morony C
20
Parramatta
Remand 50
Remand Centre Remand
68
Reception and Industrial Centre Variable
40
Page 460
*6 FINE DEFAULTERS—Mr Doyle asked the Minister for
Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for
Justice representing the Attorney General and Minister for Justice—
In relation to sentenced offenders—
(1) In 1992/93, how many were received into prison as a result of fine
default?
(2) What proportion of all sentenced prisoners did that group
constitute?
(3) What prisons received them?
(4) What was the per day cost of accommodating those offenders in each
of the prisons in which they were incarcerated?
I am advised by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice that the
answers to the honorable member's questions are:
(1) 4,157.
(2) 43.0867 per cent.
(3) Bathurst; Broken Hill; Cessnock; Cooma; Grafton; Goulburn; Maitland;
Mannus; Mulawa; Parramatta; Silverwater; St Heliers; Tamworth; Long
Bay—Hospital, Reception and Industrial Centre and the Remand Centre.
(4) The annual cost of keeping a fine defaulter in minimum security is
$34,000. This equates to $93.15 per day of which $8.04 is spent on clothing,
food and essential medical costs.
*8 INTERNATIONAL ATHLETIC CENTRE SCOREBOARD—Mr Knight asked the
Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Ports—
Regarding the tender for the scoreboard at the Sydney International
Athletic Centre—
(1) How many tenders were received?
(2) Who was the successful tenderer?
(3) At what price was the tender let?
(4) Was this the lowest price?
(5) Was the successful tender for a two-colour scoreboard?
(6) How many unsuccessful tenders were for full-colour scoreboards?
(7) What percentage of the successful tenderer's project will be
Australian made?
(8) Did the actual size of the successful tenderer's scoreboard conform
to the specifications in the tender documents?
(1) Ten firms submitted a total of 14 tender alternatives for the
Athletic Centre scoreboard.
(2) The successful tenderer was Krone (Australia) Technique Pty Ltd.
(3) The tender has two parts:
(a) The supply, installation, testing and commissioning of
the alternative offer of a 12-line, 32-character scoreboard was let at a
capital cost of $764,759.
(b) The tendered 10-year maintenance cost of $68,383 will be
recommended for acceptance by the building owner/operator in due course.
(4) No.
(5) Yes. The successful tender was for a two-colour scoreboard.
(6) Four tenderers offered scoreboards with full colour range. The costs
of these boards are in excess of the tender accepted and the budget for the
Athletic Centre scoreboard.
Page 461
(7) Krone (Australia) Technique Pty Ltd has formally stated that the
Australian content is 30 per cent.
(8) Yes.
*9 RAILWAY STATION STAFFING—Mr Knowles asked the Minister for
Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) What is the present staffing level at Glenfield, Holsworthy,
Macquarie Fields, Ingleburn and Minto Railway Stations:
(a) For each shift?
(b) In total?
(2) For those stations listed above where automatic ticket collecting
machines have been introduced, has there been any variation in staffing since
the introduction when compared with staffing levels prior to the introduction
of automatic ticketing machines?
(3) For those stations where automatic ticketing machines have yet to be
introduced:
(a) Will the machines be installed?
(b) When?
(c) Will there be any variation of staff numbers as a result of the
installation of the machines?
(4) What security arrangements are in place at each of the stations
listed?
(5) How many rail travellers use the stations listed each week?
(6) What facilities exist at each station for disabled rail
travellers?
(1) (a) Glenfield
Weekdays: Two staff on morning shift, two on afternoon shift
and one on night shift.
Weekends: One staff member on morning shift, one on afternoon
shift and one on night shift.
Holsworthy
Weekdays: One staff member on morning shift and one on
afternoon shift.
Weekends: Unattended.
Macquarie Fields
Weekdays: Two staff on morning shift and one on afternoon
shift.
Weekends: One staff member on morning shift and one on afternoon
shift.
Ingleburn
Weekdays: Two staff on morning shift and two on afternoon
shift.
Weekends: Two staff on morning shift and one on afternoon
shift.
Minto
Weekdays: Two staff on morning shift and two on afternoon
shift.
Weekends: Two staff on morning shift and one on afternoon
shift.
(b) Glenfield Eight.
Holsworthy Two.
Macquarie Fields Four.
Minto Five.
(2) No.
(3) (a) Ticketing machines have been introduced at each of the
stations.
(b) and (c) Not applicable.
Page 462
(4) Improved lighting has been installed at each station. Public
telephones are provided at each station. There are random patrols of each
station by private security guards, in addition to patrols by State police.
Closed circuit television surveillance is installed at Minto.
(5) There have been no passenger counts made at the stations for some
time. However, the average number of tickets sold at each station per 28-day
accounting period for the 1992/93 financial year is shown below:
Holsworthy 103,836
Ingleburn
319,821
Minto
382,105
(6) Glenfield: Access to
the Sydney bound platform from the street.
Holsworthy: Ramp
access.
Macquarie Fields: Access to the south bound
platform from the street.
Minto: Access
to both platforms from adjacent streets.
*10 SRA WORKSHOP FACILITIES—Mr Langton asked the Minister for
Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) What was the total cost of the report prepared by the
consultants GHD-Transmark Australia entitled a "Review of maintenance
needs currently provided by Freight Rail workshops and recommendations on the
future delivery of the these maintenance centres"?
(2) Did the brief provided to the consultants have as one of its
premises a reduced workload caused by privatisation and contracting out, that
is, remaining work calculated in 1994/95 to be about 50 per cent of the 1992/93
workload?
(3) Did it imply job losses at Chullora, Goulburn and Bathurst of at
least 523 positions over the next 3 years?
(4) How much capital funding will the SRA expend over the next 3 years
in expanding workshop facilities at Goulburn and Bathurst?
(1) $29,000.
(2) and (3) The brief specifically required the consultants to provide an
estimate of future maintenance workload and hence staffing requirements on a
year-to-year basis for each workshop, having regard to matters including:
•the National Rail Corporation's role;
•the introduction of "Power-by-the-Hour" contracts;
•the introduction of "One Spot" wagon depots.
(4) State Rail has already invested considerable funds in these
facilities and it is not expected they will require significant capital
expenditure over the next 3 years.
*11 NORTHERN REGION LOCOMOTIVE FLEET—Mr McManus asked the
Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
Have the 19 per cent of SRA locomotives for the Northern Region, serviced
and repaired at the Clyde Engineering Facility, accounted for over 55 per cent
of the Northern Region's Fleet downturn as at 20 September 1993?
Page 463
State Rail locomotives are not serviced or repaired at Clyde Engineering.
*17 SYDNEY ELECTRICITY—MIRANDA, FIVE DOCK AND BANKSTOWN
FACILITIES— Mr Rogan asked the Minister for Energy and Minister for Local
Government and Co-operatives—
(1) Is Sydney Electricity closing down its Miranda, Five Dock and
Bankstown facilities?
(2) Why has this decision been taken?
(3) How will the existing functions of these facilities be carried out
after closure?
(4) Will any employees' jobs be made redundant as a result of these
closures?
(5) What assurances can you give these employees on their future job
security?
(6) Has the decision to close these facilities followed a direction to
reduce costs by 30 per cent?
(7) What alternative arrangements will be made to provide customers with
the service they currently enjoy?
(1) and (2) A recent business process study, conducted by Sydney
Electricity, of its Southern Region, recommended rationalisation of the
facilities used by the Region. The facilities currently used by the Region were
designed and built to meet requirements prevailing decades ago, when demand for
electricity was growing at a rapid rate and Sydney Electricity was running
major capital works programmes. The scene today is one of low growth and very
modest capital works programmes.
This factor, together with the substantial productivity growth achieved in
Sydney Electricity in recent years, means that current staff numbers operating
from Southern Region facilities are now less than half of what the facilities
were designed and built to accommodate. The facilities are now grossly
under-utilised and some rationalisation is therefore warranted.
Following receipt of the study, Sydney Electricity put in place a process of
consultation with unions and the workplace. This consultation is now at an
advanced stage and it is expected that a decision on the nature and extent of
facilities rationalisation will be made in the near future, but, at this point
in time, no decision has been taken.
(3) Sydney Electricity's foremost objective when undertaking any
rationalisation of its operations is to provide better value for money and
improved services to its customers. The same objectives hold when considering
any rationalisation of facilities and for this reason, appropriate customer
research has been undertaken and the results of this research will be taken
into account before reaching a decision regarding rationalisation. The services
currently enjoyed by Sydney Electricity's customers will not be diminished.
(4) The impact of redundancies is one of the issues covered by the
current consultations with unions and staff. Any redundancies likely to flow
from the rationalisations will be comfortably met through the current voluntary
redundancy programme.
(5) Any redundancies associated with facilities rationalisation in
question will be met within the limits of this current voluntary redundancy
programme. Employees will not be subject to forced redundancy.
(6) Sydney Electricity has now established a record of price reductions
to its customers for 3 successive years in a row. It has achieved this through
improved management of its resources and massive productivity improvements.
Sydney Electricity will continue to pursue improvements in productivity and
resource utilisation and will strive to pass the benefits to its customers
through lower prices and better services.
(7) See answer (3) above.
Page 464
*19 HOSPITALS—RESTRICTED HOURS—Dr Refshauge asked the
Minister for Health—
Since June 1992—
(1) (a) Which hospitals have closed, restricted access or imposed
on the hours during which full accident and emergency services are available?
(2) Have any of these units refused access to ambulance borne patients
as a result?
(3) What has been the average monthly case load in each Accident and
Emergency unit?
(1) Information of this type is not collected centrally. No
hospitals close Accident and Emergency Services. Ambulances are occasionally
diverted to neighbouring hospitals to level peak loads.
(2) The Ambulance Service has the discretion to ignore restricted access
on clinical grounds (i.e., if the patient's condition is such that a transfer
to another hospital is not appropriate).
(3)
UNIT Year Total
Monthly Average
Areas
Central Coast
55,740 4,645
Central Sydney 45,189
3,766
Eastern Sydney 143,447
11,954
Hunter
81,759 6,813
Illawarra
172,276 14,356
Northern Sydney 95,639
7,970
South Western Sydney 98,500
8,208
Southern Sydney 65,870
5,489
Wentworth 56,200
4,683
Western Sydney 108,217
9,018
Subtotal
922,837 76,903
Regions
Central Western 81,621
6,802
New England
70,328 5,861
North Coast
117,502 9,792
Orana and Far West 43,324
3,610
South Eastern
60,960 5,080
South West
60,217 5,018
Subtotal
433,952 36,163
RAHC
27,401 2,283
TOTAL
1,384,190 115,349
*22 HOSPITAL BED FUNDING—Mr A. S. Aquilina asked the Minister
for Health—
(1) With regard to Mount Druitt and Nepean Hospital beds, does he
intend to allocate funds on the basis of the number of beds at hospitals within
each Area Health Service next year?
(2) If yes, why?
(3) If not, why not?
Page 465
(1) to (3) Funding for the NSW Health system is based upon the Resource
Allocation Formula that encourages the allocation of resources, primarily on a
population basis, to provide necessary health services. Each Area Health
Service receives funding in line with the targets determined by the Resource
Allocation Formula.
*26 CLASS 81 LOCOMOTIVES REFURBISHMENT—Mr Langton asked the
Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
Given the ultimate closure of Chullora Workshops, will the SRA honour the
contract awarded to the Chullora shops for the provision/refurbishment of 29
Class 81 locomotives?
Completion of the contract is not dependent on plans for the ultimate
closure of the Chullora Workshops. The workshops have already completed three
locomotives and are continuing with the 81 Class component change-out
programme.
*28 "LOOK AT ME NOW" OCEAN OUTFALL LEGAL COSTS—Mr J.
H. Murray asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for
Ports—
(1) How much has the Department spent in legal costs on the proposed
"Look At Me Now" ocean outfall at Coffs Harbour?
(2) Have any payments been made or agreed to be paid by your Department
under the ex gratia scheme for financial legal assistance?
(3) If so:
(a) How much?
(b) To whom?
(c) For what purposes?
(1) (a) Legal costs of administration of the project: $8,000.
(b) Legal costs of defending legal proceedings:
$13,000—additional costs item to project which is funded equally by
Public Works and Coffs Harbour City Council.
(c) Legal costs of Commission of Inquiry:
$29,000—funded equally as for (b).
(2) Public Works does not administer, nor has knowledge of, any
ex gratia scheme for financial legal assistance.
(3) Not applicable.
*29 NEWCASTLE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT—Mr
Price asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for
Ports—
(1) Is it the practice of the Department of Public Works to
oversight the preparation and execution of multi-million dollar building
construction contracts for Government departments?
(2) Is it usual to include performance penalty clauses in these major
contracts?
(3) Did the Department advise the Department of Lands in relation to the
contract and its supervision in the construction and fit-out of the Newcastle
Entertainment Centre?
(4) Why were penalty clauses not included?
Page 466
(5) Did the contract variation of $69,014 for remedial work
constitute rework at cost or a negotiated price?
(6) Who was responsible for replacing the failed floor?
(7) (a) Were any penalties or bonuses applied in any aspect of
this project?
(b) If so, what are the details?
(1) Public Works' Charter includes managing project risk for a range
of State Government agencies for projects valued greater than $500,000. This
service is carried out to minimise risk to Government.
When requested by Government agencies, Public Works will also
oversight the preparation and execution of major building construction
contracts.
(2) Performance Bonus or Penalty clauses are only included in those
contracts where specific benefits can be realised. Public Works, as is common
practice, utilises liquidated damages to safeguard against late completion and
security deposits to ensure the rectification of defects.
(3) Public Works was engaged by the Department of Conservation and Land
Management after the award of the contract to provide advisory services which
did not involve certification of any works or variations.
(4) to (7) These matters are not in my area of responsibility and should be
referred to my colleague the Minister for Land and Water Conservation, the Hon.
George Souris, M.P.
*30 HUNTER AREA NURSING HOME BEDS—Mr Price asked the Minister
for Health—
(1) How many nursing home beds are available in the Hunter Area
Health Board Region?
(2) How many beds are available through:
(a) The public sector and where are they located?
(b) The private sector and where are they located?
(3) What is the schedule of fees for each of these premises?
(4) What is the current waiting list numbers and approximate waiting
times?
(5) What is the current need numerically and what will be the need by
the year 2000?
(6) Where would be the most advantageous geographical locations for the
establishment of additional nursing homes, both public and private?
(1) 2,367 as at 24 September 1993.
(2) (a) 737.
(b) 1,630.
(3) If the facility receives Commonwealth benefits, a daily common
patient contribution of $24 is charged. The additional Commonwealth benefit
payment to the nursing home is based on the patient category and varies between
nursing homes.
(4) As at 31 October 1993, there were 192 people waiting for a nursing
home bed and 180 waiting for hostel accommodation.
Based on the five-category classification of the Commonwealth's Resident
Classification Index (RCI), the approximate waiting times by category for 1992
were:
Category 1 54 days
Category 2 99 days
Category 3 84 days
Category 4 94 days
Category 5 150 days
Page 467
The RCI categories above, provide a categorical grouping for the level of
nursing care required by a client. For example, Category 1 residents are those
which require the highest care needs or level of dependency; Category 5
residents are those who are least dependent.
(5) The Commonwealth formula of 40 beds/1,000 population results in a
target number of 1,577 nursing home beds. Based on 1991 census population
projections, the Commonwealth target number would be 1,918 by 1996.
(6) The establishment of additional nursing homes, both public and
private, is a responsibility of the Commonwealth Government. The Commonwealth
Government control the number of nursing home beds and approve the granting of
any additional beds.
*31 SURGERY CANCELLATIONS—Dr Refshauge asked the Minister for
Health—
How many patients scheduled for surgery have been cancelled in each area
and district during:
(a) 1989?
(b) 1990?
(c) 1991?
(d) 1992?
(e) To date in 1993?
It should be noted that cancellations are defined by the NSW Health
Department as those patients who no longer require care and who are removed
from a hospital waiting list for any reason other than admission, for example,
as a result of the patient or doctor electing to have treatment provided
elsewhere.
Some individuals may define cancellations in terms of patients who have their
admission delayed or rescheduled by the treating facility. Data on delayed or
rescheduled admissions have not been collected centrally to date. Differences
in collection methods and counting practices between Areas, as well as between
facilities within Areas, do not permit direct comparison from these sources.
However, overall it is possible to indicate that the NSW Health system admits
an enormous number of patients, with relatively few having their surgery
delayed or rescheduled by the treating facility.
In January 1994, almost 60,000 patients were admitted in the Area Health
Services and yet an estimated 0.7 per cent, on average across all Areas, had
their admissions delayed or rescheduled.
*32 PUBLIC HOSPITAL DENTAL CLINIC WAITING TIMES—Dr Refshauge
asked the Minister for Health—
What are the waiting times at each public hospital dental clinic for:
(a) Dentures?
(b) Basic dental work?
Persons who are eligible for public dental care and who seek care at dental
clinics at hospitals and community health centres are assessed by dental staff
and allocated a priority for dental care.
Those persons who require immediate or urgent care are given highest priority
and are provided care as soon as practicable. In the case of dentures they are
generally made appointments within 6 to 8 weeks.
Page 468
Where urgent care is required on natural teeth, such care is usually
provided within 24 hours.
Where the dental care required is not immediate, the waiting times for both
dentures and basic dental care vary between hospitals.
*33 SYDNEY ELECTRICITY SPONSORSHIPS AND PROMOTIONS—Mr Rogan
asked the Minister for Energy and Minister for Local Government and
Co-operatives—
(1) For the years individually 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1993, what has
been the expenditure on sponsorship or promotions by Sydney Electricity?
(2) What organisations have been sponsored or promoted by Sydney
Electricity?
(3) What has been the criteria for selecting each of these
organisations?
(4) Without detracting from the individual merits of these
organisations, what benefits are derived by sponsorship and promotion by Sydney
Electricity?
(1) Expenditure on sponsorships are as follows:
1990/91 $80,000
1991/92 $60,000
1992/93 $153,000
1993/94* $115,000
* Estimated.
(2) Sydney Electricity's sponsorships are focused on two areas, youth
and environment/heritage (as will be explained in (3)). A summary of the
current sponsorships in these two strands is as follows:
Youth
•Sydney Electricity sponsors the Young Achievement Australia (YAA)
Trade Fair held at Darling Harbour each July. The YAA movements helps students
develop employment-related skills by teaching them how to set up and operate
their own small business.
•The Sydney Electricity "Hot Shots" were the No. 1 Sydney team
in the National Superleague Netball Championships in 1993. Netball is
Australia's largest sport with more than 1 million players.
•Further extending the promotion of netball, Sydney Electricity will
sponsor the Anne Sargeant Netball Clinics for junior players 15 and under.
Environment/Heritage/Technology
•Sydney Electricity is the foundation sponsor of the University of
New South Wales' Solarch project. This project is dedicated to the development
of solar energy, assisting in an environmentally sound future for our
community.
•Sydney Electricity is a benefactor of the National Trust, as a result of
having carried out energy audits and implemented an energy management plan for
the Trust's Sydney properties. The National Trust Sydney Electricity Heritage
Awards, launched in 1993, will provide ongoing promotional opportunities.
•Sydney Electricity's sponsorship of "Australia's Night Life"
exhibit at Taronga Zoo is long standing and has enabled a number of endangered
species to be saved from extinction.
•Sydney Electricity's sponsorship of Fort Denison initially involves
preparing an energy management plan, replacing electrical fittings which are in
poor condition and significantly increasing the lighting of the island. Beyond
this, the sponsorship will enable increased public access and an improvement of
facilities.
Page 469
(3) Sponsorships are a means by which Sydney Electricity seeks to
generate favourable community and staff awareness, and enhance the image of
Sydney Electricity and, wherever possible, promote product and services.
One of the most important features of any sponsorship is the degree to which it
will generate favourable media interest and publicity. This is the cornerstone
of a successful sponsorship and it is the means by which the image of Sydney
Electricity needs a strong, positive identity as a pre-requisite to effectively
compete in the present energy market, let alone the deregulated electricity
market which is less than 2 years away.
The Corporate Image Survey, conducted annually by Reark Research, has provided
the direction for Sydney Electricity's sponsorships. This research establishes
the factors underlying customers' perceptions of Sydney Electricity's corporate
image and also establishes the relative importance of these factors.
Two key issues emerged that impact negatively upon corporate image and which
could be addressed to some extent by strategic sponsorships. The two key issues
were:
•Younger customers are less favourably disposed to Sydney Electricity
than older customers.
•Sydney Electricity should do more to protect the environment/heritage
and, as an adjunct, do more to promote alternative energy and new
technology.
As a consequence, the corporate sponsorship program has been focused on youth
and environment/heritage preservation.
(4) As the State's largest electricity distributor, Sydney Electricity
recognises the need to play a positive role in the community in which it
operates, and in which its employees live. Extensive customer survey work
(which is conducted annually) indicated that there is an overwhelming desire
from the general public for Sydney Electricity to be a more active participant
in community affairs. Obviously this comes with the qualification that the
involvement should not be extravagant and that it should focus on areas that
are appropriate.
Over the past few years, Sydney Electricity has changed from being a sleepy,
overweight, slow moving bureaucracy into a vibrant organisation. It has
increased profits, reduced prices, boosted productivity and taken on a role of
being a responsible corporate citizen.
Sponsorships are one way Sydney Electricity can help all of Sydney.
As an indication of the success of Sydney Electricity's sponsorships, customers
of the 1993 corporate image survey were asked whether they considered them
appropriate. 90 per cent of customers (who were aware of the sponsorships)
considered them to be either very appropriate or appropriate. 9 per cent did
not know and 1 per cent considered them inappropriate.
This is an excellent result and derives from the fact that the sponsorships
target areas of need, as perceived by the community, and are financially
modest, adding in total less than 1 cent to the average customer's account.
*41 CHILD PROTECTION OFFICERS—LIVERPOOL AREA—Mr Anderson
asked the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and
Minister for the Ageing—
(1) How many additional Child Protection Officers will be assigned
to the Liverpool area as a consequence of his recent announcement?
(2) How many additional District Officers will be allocated to Liverpool
as part of the same program?
Page 470
(1) The Child Protection Budget has been increased by $2 million for
the 1993/94 financial year to a record $38 million. In addition to this $2
million increase, there has been a 33 per cent increase in the Child Protection
Budget over the last 5 years.
From this allocation, 20 specialist child protection advisers are currently
being appointed across the State, including the South West Sydney and Macarthur
areas, to support and ensure the ongoing professional development of currently
employed District Officers.
(2) The 24 additional District Officer positions have been allocated on
a comparative needs basis resulting in increased staffing levels in some rural
areas where there has been a substantial increase in the proportion of young
vulnerable children in the population.
*42 VISION CARE PROGRAM—Mr Beckroge asked the Minister for
Community Services, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for the
Ageing—
(1) Under the Vision Care Program for spectacles for pensioners, are
monies they have invested in a funeral fund considered an asset?
(2) Does this preclude them from the benefit?
(3) If so, why, if the investment is not realisable during the lifetime
fo the pensioner, is it considered an asset?
(1) to (3) Only realisable assets are considered.
*46 SILVERWATER REMAND PRISON PROPOSAL—Mr Doyle asked the
Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the
Minister for Justice representing the Attorney General and Minister for
Justice—
In relation to the Silverwater Remand Prison proposal—
(1) What were the 10 sites examined as alternatives to Silverwater?
(2) (a) What advantages did each have?
(b) Why was each rejected?
(3) How will $80 million savings be achieved as a result of the
construction of the proposed 900 cell Silverwater facility?
I am advised by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice that the
answers to the honourable member's questions are:
(1) The 10 sites were:
•Bradmill Cotton Mills, Camperdown;
•Government Printing Office, Ultimo;
•Goulburn Street Carpark;
•Sydney Police Centre;
•The Hub Building, Ultimo;
•Silknit House, Surry Hills;
•Parramatta Hospital grounds;
•Outer grounds of the John Morony Correctional Centre, South Windsor;
•Long Bay Correctional Centre; and
•Silverwater.
Page 471
(2) (a) The advantages of the sites identified was their
availability at the time and their ability to service the metropolitan court
system.
(b) The Department considered the sites on the following criteria:
(i) Availability;
(ii) Proximity to public transport;
(iii) Services available (electricity, gas, water, sewer);
(iv) Ability to service metropolitan court system;
(v) Appropriate zoning or opportunity to change zoning;
(vi) Purchase price;
(vii) Size of site; and
(viii) Neighbouring developments.
The Bradmill Cotton Mills Building, Silknit House and The Hub Building were all
considered too expensive. Selection of any of these three sites would have
added $3 million to $5 million to the project cost.
Goulburn Street Carpark, the Government Printing Office and the Sydney Police
Centre were considered to be too costly to refit. These sites also had
transport access problems.
The John Morony and Long Bay Correctional Centres were considered to be too far
from the metropolitan court systems at both Parramatta and the Sydney CBD and
this would result in additional inmate transport costs.
Parramatta was dependent on the Health Department's future on the Parramatta
site and their timeframe for closure was not suitable to the Department of
Corrective Services. Parramatta is also further from the Sydney CBD courts than
Silverwater.
(3) The $80 million in savings referred to relates to an $8 million per
annum estimated savings through improved operational efficiency, that will
result once the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre project becomes
operational, based on an inmate to staff ratio of 3:1, over a 20-year period of
analysis.
*47 CITYRAIL INFOLINE SERVICE—Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for
Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) How many people are employed to take customer calls on CityRail
Infoline 131500?
(2) (a) Are there persons employed by CityRail or the private
sector?
(b) If private sector, which company?
(3) Has there been reductions in the staff of this service?
(4) What was the average waiting time for calls when the service was
first introduced?
(5) What is the current waiting time?
(6) Is this service meeting the goal of providing quick, timely travel
advice for CityRail passengers?
(1) 31.
(2) (a) They are employed by a private company.
(b) Serco Australia Pty Ltd.
(3) No.
(4) and (5) The average call waiting times are not comparable as the current
service provides information on bus, rail and ferry services while the initial
service provided information on CityRail services.
(6) The service is markedly better than the former Metrotrips
information service which had a waiting time from 3 to 15 minutes and further
significant improvements are imminent.
Page 472
*48 AUTOMATIC TICKET VENDING MACHINES—RAILWAY STATIONS—Mr
Gaudry asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) How many automatic ticket vending machines are now in use at
stations throughout New South Wales?
(2) What was the cost of these machines?
(3) What was the cost of installation?
(4) How many machines have required maintenance since their introduction
to service?
(5) In how many cases was this result of:
(a) Electronic failure or malfunction?
(b) Vandalism?
(6) What provision is made for ticketing at stations where the vending
machine is out of order?
(1) 610.
(2) $15.1 million.
(3) $834,680.
(4) and (5) All machines receive maintenance by the contractor on a monthly
basis in accordance with the terms of the contract.
(6) Most locations have multiple ticket outlets. At small stations where
only one machine is installed, customers may purchase their tickets at their
destination. A central computer records instances where a particular machine
has broken down.
*49 FRENCHS FOREST POLICE CHARGES—Mr Hatton asked the Minister
for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) When were criminal and departmental charges laid against each of
the officers associated with events at Frenchs Forest Police Station?
(2) Were these charges laid before 25 February 1993 when events at
Frenchs Forest became public by way of an article in The Sydney Morning
Herald?
Inspector N. Stewart
(a) Departmental Charges Neglect of Duty (4
counts)—served 8 April 1993.
Misconduct—served 8 April 1993.
Disobedience—served 8 April 1993.
Directed to proceed 8 April 1993.
(b) Criminal Charges Nil.
Sergeant C. Black
(a) Departmental Charges Misconduct (3
counts)—served 8 April 1993.
Directed to proceed 8 April 1993.
(b) Criminal Charges Nil.
Page 473
Constable A. J. Bourke
(a) Departmental Charges Misconduct (7
counts)—served 8 April 1993.
Disobedience—served 8 April 1993.
Directed to proceed 8 April 1993.
(b) Criminal Charge
"Supply Prohibited Drug"—Summons served 13 August 1993.
Date approval given 9 August 1993
(approximately).
Information laid 13 August 1993.
Constable 1st Class G. Hofmann
(a) Departmental Charges Misconduct (4
counts)—served 11 April 1993.
Directed to proceed 8 April 1993.
(b) Additional Department Misconduct—served 4 June
1993.
Directed to proceed 2 June 1993.
(c) Criminal Charge
"Larceny of Cannabis Leaf"—Summons served 30 August 1993.
Date approval given 20 August 1993.
Information laid 26 August 1993.
Constable C. Folbigg
(a) Departmental Charge Misconduct—served 8 April
1993.
Directed to proceed 8 April 1993.
(b) Criminal Charges Nil.
Constable 1st Class A. Neilson
(a) Departmental Charges Misconduct (4
counts)—served 8 April 1993.
Directed to proceed 8 April 1993.
(b) Additional Departmental Misconduct—served 4 June 1993.
Directed to proceed 2 June 1993.
(c) Criminal Charges Nil.
*50 MR 217 TRAFFIC COUNTS—Mr Hunter asked the Minister for
Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) Over the past 5 years, how many times have traffic counts been
undertaken along MR 217?
(2) (a) What were the locations of each traffic counting point?
(b) What was the traffic count at each point and when were the
counts undertaken?
(3) What is the actual or estimated traffic count on MR 217 at its
intersection with Victory Parade, Toronto?
(4) What is the cost for installation of traffic lights at a T
intersection, such as MR 217 and Victory Parade?
(5) (a) What is the actual or estimated traffic count on MR 217
at the Cockle Creek Rail Bridge?
(b) Is the bridge safe for this traffic volume?
(c) Are there plans to replace or upgrade the bridge?
(d) What interest does the SRA have in the bridge?
(e) Who is responsible for the safety of road users crossing the
bridge?
Page 474
(1) There are 2 permanent and 29 periodic traffic counting stations
on Main Road No. 217. The permanent stations record continuously and samples
are taken from the periodic stations as resources permit. The available data is
analysed on about a 2-year cycle, which enables annual average daily traffic
volumes to be determined.
(2) (a) and (b) Details of the locations and annual average daily
traffic volumes at the sites are available from the Newcastle Zone Office of
the Roads and Traffic Authority.
(3) There is no actual count for Main Road No. 217 at Victory Parade.
However, annual average daily traffic volumes in that vicinity and details of a
1990 count of vehicle turning movements at the intersection, which are too
voluminous to print, are available from the Authority's Zone Office at
Newcastle.
(4) Depending upon the extent of work required, the installation of
traffic control signals at the Main Road No. 217 and Victory Parade
intersection could cost in excess of $1 million.
(5) (a) Details are available at the Authority's Zone Office at
Newcastle.
(b) Safety at the bridge is considered to be adequate.
(c) No.
(d) Maintenance of the structure of the bridge is the responsibility
of the SRA.
(e) Lake Macquarie Council.
*51 HOME CARE—ELECTORATE OF MOOREBANK—Mr Knowles asked
the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and
Minister for the Ageing—
In the electorate of Moorebank for the financial years 1989/90, 1990/91,
1991/92 and 1992/93—
(1) How many people received Home Care?
(2) How many hours of Home Care were provided?
(3) Which branches of Home Care provided these services and what
proportion of the total hours of Home Care services originated from each
branch?
(4) How many people were refused Home Care services?
(5) What are the categories of services requested that have been
refused?
(6) What are the projections for 1993/94 for questions (1) and (2)?
(1) to (3) Residents of the electorate of Moorebank receive assistance from
the Macarthur and Liverpool branches of Home Care Service. These branches also
provide services to residents of other electorates and it is not feasible to
accurately isolate service provision to one electorate. The following
information relates to the total of the two branches:
1989/90 1,457 people
1990/91 1,733 people
1991/92 1,782 people
1992/93 1,563 people
1989/90 153,185 hours
1990/91 151,223 hours
1991/92 148,778 hours
Page 475
1989/90 $2,077,471
1990/91 $2,169,390
1991/92 $2,366,873
(4) Information on people refused Home Care Assistance is not
maintained.
(5) People who are assessed as eligible for assistance from the Home and
Community Care Program but for whom Home Care is not provided, are not at risk
of immediate institutionalisation.
(6) Home Care cannot project total customer numbers for the electorate
of Moorebank alone, however, 138,300 hours of assistance are projected for the
Macarthur and Liverpool branches of Home Care in 1993/94.
*55 RESOURCE ALLOCATION FORMULA—Mrs Lo Po' asked the Minister
for Health—
What changes are being considered or have been made to the Resource
Allocation Formula and what are the original and revised 1998/99 target shares
for each of the areas and districts?
The following changes have been made to the Resource Allocation Formula:
•2001 population projections used rather than 1996 projections.
•Inclusion of funding allowance for projected level of secondary service
cross-boundary flows.
•Development of a composite standardised
indicator of need blending data on mortality, socio-economic status and
geographic location. Rural isolation is incorporated into this factor.
•Removal of allowance for nursing home type patients in acute hospitals,
following the purification of budgets to include these patients in the Aged and
Disabled Services Program.
•Incorporation of revised flow matrices
for RGH Concord and Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children.
•1990/91
inpatient statistics and revised DRG cot weights used rather than 1988/89
statistics and 1986 weights.
•High cost, complex casemix activity
(previously referred to as tertiary) projections were recalculated taking
account of the Department's Tertiary Services Plan and the latest available
information on distribution of complex casemix workloads.
The
original 1998/99 target shares and the new 2000/01 target shares are:
| Area Health
Service | Original 1998/99
Target Share | New 2000/01
Target Share |
| Southern Sydney | 7.0 | 7.24 |
| Eastern Sydney | 9.8 | 9.30 |
| Central Sydney | 8.6 | 8.24 |
| South
West Sydney | 9.1 | 9.46
|
| Western Sydney | 9.9 | 10.35 |
|
| 4.2 | 3.95
|
| Northern Sydney | 9.7 | 9.19 |
| Central Coast | 4.0
| 4.02 |
| Hunter | 8.7 | 8.40 |
| Illawarra | 4.1 | 4.33 |
There were no original target shares for districts and new ones are still
being calculated.
*57 CAPITAL ASSET
SALES—Mrs Lo Po' asked the Minister for Health—
(1)
What is the value and timetable forthe sale of each of the capital assets
the Department is considering for disposal?
(2) What revenue was
collected over each of the last 5 years from asset sales?
(3) How
was it subsequently used?
(1) The estimated return from asset sales over the next 5 years is
$100 million. For commercial reasons, the estimated proceeds from individual
sites is not indicated.
(2) The following revenue was raised from
asset sales over each of the last 5 years: 1991/92
$3.48 million
1990/91
$7.44 million
1989/90
$13.27 million
1988/89
$9.89 million
(3) Revenue
raised over the last 5 years was used by the Department for major and minor
capital works in the Public Hospital System.
*60
MYALL RIVER DREDGING—Mr Martin asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for
Public Works and Minister for Ports—
(1) Are there
adequate funds for the dredging of the Myall River mouth and a short distance
upstream?
(2) Is the shallowness of the Myall River causing a
problem in the area for both boating access and business in Tea Gardens and
Hawks Nest?
(3) Will he make a special effort to review the needs of
the area?
(4) Will he ensure that the waterway is navigable?
(1) The NSW Government
meets the full cost of dredging navigation channels for the commercial fishing
industry. The Government offers a 50 per cent subsidy to councils under the
Waterways Infrastructure Development Program (WIDP) for dredging which benefits
recreational boating.
There is no significant commercial fishing industry
presence on the Myall River and any dredging would primarily benefit
recreational boating. Accordingly, a 50 per cent Government subsidy would be
applicable. Should council wish to undertake dredging of the Myall River,
Page 477
the Government would need to consider council's application
in light of other statewide priorities. (2) There are sections
of the Myall River where siltation is affecting the navigability of the
waterway for larger vessels, as indicated by representations to undertake
dredging in several places such as Corrie Island, Durness and in the National
Park.
(3) A review of the needs of the area is a matter for the
council. Should council decide to re-order its priorities after reviewing the
needs of the area, every effort would be made by the Government to accommodate
any application for assistance having regard to overall statewide
priorities.
(4) The Government cannot ensure the continued
navigability of this or other waterways. The Government is always prepared to
help councils in providing navigable waterways by offering assistance to
undertake the navigational dredging necessary subject to the availability of
funds and statewide priorities.
*63 BOOZ ALLEN
CONSULTANCIES—Ms Nori asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for
Roads—
(1) On how many projects has the firm Booz
Allen been used?
(2) On which articular projects?
(3)
Have the reports in relation to these projects been made publicly
available?
(4) If not, why not?
(5) Which ones are not
publicly available?
(6) How much has Booz Allen been paid for their
consultancy?
(7) Will he provide a breakdown of the various costs
into the following categories: (a) Fees?
(b) Travel costs
(domestic and international)?
(c) Accommodation costs?
(d)
Daily allowances?
(8) If not, why not?
(1) and 2) Thirty-one projects since
1988. These have included reports on a broad range of issues ranging from
strategic analysis of the State Rail Authority, International Road Pricing
Practice, and Road Transport future directions.
(3) The findings of
the State Rail commissioned reports were released while the reports themselves
have not been. The report of the assessment of US Light Density Line
expenditure related to abandonment or preservation of rail service to the grain
industry was made public to interested parties.
The draft system
specification for the Ultimo/Pyrmont Light Rail Transit project was provided to
any party that wished to purchase a copy of the Expression of Interest
documentation for the project.
The Road Transport Future Directions,
International Road Pricing Practice and Road Transport Beyond 2000 have been
made publicly available.
(4) Some of the reports were commissioned
for use in commercial negotiations and so not made public due to the
commercially sensitive information contained. Others were seen to be internal
matters to improve operations efficiency.
Page 478 (5)
The remainder, except for those reports detailed in answer (3), are not
publicly available.
(6) $8,112,636.92 from 1988 to 15 November
1993.
(7) A great deal of the consultancy/contract works carried out
by Booz Allen are on a fixed sum basis. The detailed examination of accounts
for the 31 consultancies involved would involve an unjustifiable diversion
allocation of resources by the authorities concerned to provide a detailed
breakdown of each project.
(8) Not applicable.
*72 ILLAWARRA REGIONAL HOSPITAL—Mr Sullivan asked the Minister
for Health—
(1) How many beds were in use at the
Wollongong and Port Kembla campuses of the Illawarra Regional Hospital as at:
(a) 1 July 1988?
(b) 1 July 1989?
(c) 1 July
1990?
(d) 1 July 1991?
(e) 1 July 1992?
(f) 1
July 1993?
(2) How many beds have been closed at the Wollongong and
Port Kembla campuses of the Illawarra Regional Hospital since 1 July 1993?
(3) Since 1 July 1988, which wards/medical treatment areas have had
their bed capacity reduced at the Wollongong and Port Kembla campuses of the
Illawarra Regional Hospital?
(4) What does the Department of Health
regard as the minimum number of beds the Wollongong and Port Kembla campuses of
the Illawarra Regional Hospital need to remain functional as a major referral
centre for the Illawarra?
(1) and (2) Admissions for the Wollongong and Port Kembla campuses of the
Illawarra Regional Hospital for years ended 30 June were: 1987/1988
20,751
1988/1989 21,317
1989/1990 22,489
1990/1991
23,466
1992/1993 27,374
The available number of beds is not a very
meaningful measure of the effectiveness of the health system. The Department
measures number of patients treated as non-inpatients, day stay patients and
patients who stay more than 1 day. These are far more useful measures of system
capacity than bed numbers. In each of the categories mentioned, the Illawarra
is measuring the number of patients treated. The Department is also assessing
the outcome of treatment.
(3) Bed numbers are not a measure of a
hospital's capacity to provide services. Advances in medical technology,
application of early discharge programs, patterns of service provision and
provision of many services on an outpatient basis enables increased services to
be provided with less beds.
(4) The Illawarra Regional Hospital is
operating with a sufficient number of beds at this time to provide referral
level services for the Illawarra.
Page 479
*73
HARNESS RACING BARRIER DRAWS—Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for
Sport, Recreation and Racing—
(1) Is he aware of
claims made by the Professional Trotting Horseman's Association that barrier
draws can be manipulated at New South Wales harness races?
(2) Has
this abuse of the racing system been known to the Harness Racing Authority?
(3) If so, for how long?
(4) Will the Government intervene to
ensure that such abuse of the harness racing system is stopped or
prevented?
(1)
Yes.
(2) There has been no evidence substantiated that the barrier
draw system has been manipulated.
(3) Not applicable.
(4)
Not applicable.
*75 HEALTH DEPARTMENT
STAFFING—Mr Yeadon asked the Minister for Health—
(1)
What is the description and location and what duties are undertaken by
staff occupying the 993 positions which Budget Paper 3 shows will be deleted in
1993/94?
(2) Why did payments for redundancies blow out from $5
million to $10.1 million in 1992/93?
(1) The staffing figures in Budget Paper 3 reflect a
projected average for 1993/94 and are only a guide for the average number of
staff who might be employed during that year.
The estimated average number
of staff to be employed during 1993/94 is 74,630, an anticipated reduction of
897 over the previous year. The estimated reduction represents only 1.2 per
cent of total staffing and is primarily within the Department's major program
2.3 "Support for Area Health Services and Public Hospitals".
The
reductions are expected to occur through the continuing program of cost
effective delivery of services, including the contracting out of support
service, without compromising or reducing direct patient care and services.
For pure comparability purposes, the estimated staff to be employed in 1993/94
does not include some 2,400 associated with the transfer of Concord Hospital to
the State.
(2) The $5 million indicated for 1992/93 redundancy
payments was only a nominal estimate of expected outlays.
Redundancy
payments in total reflect improved service provision through cost effective
methods, without affecting direct patient care or reducing levels of service to
the public.
*78 ORGAN DONORS—Mr Yeadon
asked the Minister for Health—
(1) Is he aware that a
recent advertisement in The Sydney Morning Herald, 28 October 1993, is
in breach of the Human Tissue Act 1983, section 23 (1) and 24 (1) in that the
advertisement clearly states that relatives may veto a donor's wishes.
(2)
Why has this been stated when taxpayers' funds have been expended to set
up a detailed database of donors through the Roads and Traffic Authority's
DRIVES computer.
(3) &bsp; Who authorised this advertisement?
Page 480 (4) Will he reassure the public that
signing a donor card, endorsing a driver's licence or some other clear
expression of intent is sufficient under the existing law to ensure organs are
donated according to the donor's wishes?
(1) and (2) The Human Tissue Act 1983, section 23 (1) (b),
clearly states that tissue can be removed if the person "had not withdrawn
the wish or revoked the consent". It is clear that the family can veto
formalised indications of wishes if a subsequent conversation had indicated
contrary wishes.
This advertisement was placed by ACCORD (The Australian
Coordinating Committee on Organ Registries and Donation). The intent of the
advertisement is to bring to the attention of the public the importance of
discussion with family members of one's wishes regarding organ/tissue donation.
It intends also, to indicate the policy of compassion in New South Wales
hospitals, in that staff will always discuss such sensitive issues with family
members, so that they can give effect to the deceased's wishes.
Hospital
staff find it very difficult to know what to do if grieving family members
object to the removal of organs/tissues from a deceased loved one, but they
will do what they feel will be the least disruptive to the family unit in the
circumstances.
The publication of the National Medical and Research Council
of Australia, An Australian Code of Practice for Transplantation of cadaveric
organs and tissues, 1990 is a set of basic guidelines which can be modified to
meet the legal requirements of particular States and Territories, or to suit
local circumstances. The document is intended for staff of hospitals involved
in organ donation and transplantation.
Section 4.2 of these guidelines
states that: "If a relative objects despite the known request of the
deceased patient, the hospital may, in all States and Territories, legally
ignore the relatives. However, in practice, the wishes of the next of kin, who
usually will uphold the known request of the patient, are respected."
Most New South Wales drivers (55 per cent) have made no indication whatsoever
on their driver's licence as to their organ donation wishes and since the
introduction of the 5-year licence, the Roads and Traffic Authority cannot
regularly update a person's organ donation wishes. Therefore, regular family
discussion is being promoted through this advertisement, in order to ascertain
subsequent withdrawal or addition of consent.
The Australian and New
Zealand Intensive Care Society (the medical practitioners most closely involved
with the issue of organ donation and grieving relatives) have published a
document entitled, Statement and Guidelines on brain death and organ
donation—1993. Under the section: The wishes of the patient and
discussion of organ donation, the following is stated: "When written
authority exists, those wishes legally take precedence over the wishes of the
next of kin. In practice, however, the wishes of the senior available next of
kin are always to be taken into account, firstly for their knowledge of any
subsequent withdrawal of consent, and secondly, for the sake of the family unit
and the good of the surviving relatives. Experience shows that the next of kin
rarely oppose the known wishes of the patient, and will even act contrary to
their own beliefs in order to fulfil them".
(3) The
advertisement was authorised by the Australian Coordinating Committee on Organ
Registries and Donation (ACCORD), a national body established by the Australian
Health Ministers' Advisory Council, to improve donor organ acquisition in
Australia.
(4) The public can be reassured that signing a donor
card, endorsing a drivers' licence and family discussion of one's intent, is
sufficient to ensure organs/tissues are donated, in the appropriate
circumstances, provided that subsequent family discussion has not indicated
that these wishes are rescinded.
Page 481
*80
MENTAL HEALTH—FORM 4—Mr Mills asked the Minister for
Health—
(1) When did the Mental Health Act
Implementation Monitoring Committee recommend that Form 4, Statement of Legal
Rights and Other Entitlements, under section 30 of the Mental Health Act 1990,
be simplified?
(2) Has the task of simplifying the form been
completed?
(3) If not: (a) Why not?
(b) When
will simplification be done?
(c) Will urgent priority be given to
this task?
(4) If so: (a) When will the form be
translated into community languages for the benefit of involuntarily admitted
NESB patients?
(b) Into which languages will the form be
translated?
(1)
20 August 1992.
(2) Yes.
(3) Not applicable.
(4)
(a) As soon as practicable following appropriate amendments to the
Act and consequential amendments to the Regulation. (b) The form
will be translated into 18 community languages namely: Arabic, Chinese,
Croatian, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Lao, Macedonian, Maltese,
Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese.
*81 LIVERPOOL HOSPITAL—DENTAL
SERVICES—Mr Anderson asked the Minister for Health—
(1) What is the current number of persons on the waiting list and
waiting time involved for each type of dental service provided at Liverpool
Hospital?
(2) What funding has been allocated to the dental service
at Liverpool Hospital for 1993/94?
(3) What funding was provided to
the dental service at Liverpool Hospital in: (a) 1988/89?
(b)
1989/90?
(c) 1990/91?
(d) 1991/92?
(e)
1992/93?
(4) How does the funding allocated in 1993/94 to the
dental service at Liverpool Hospital compare with the funding provided to other
dental services in New South Wales?
(5) Why have some constituents
been told they will have to wait up to 3 years for dental services?
(6)
What steps will he take to urgently address this matter?
(1) Patients requiring attention
are dealt with on a clinical priority basis. Those requiring emergency dental
treatment and relief of pain are usually treated on the day of presentation.
Patients requiring less urgent work are placed on a booking list. If at any
time the clinical condition of these persons deteriorates, they are reassessed
to determine if they should be treated immediately.
The
current number on the waiting list is 3,000.
Page 482 (2)
$366,429 for dental services and $229,276 for denture services, at Liverpool
Hospital, has been allocated for 1993/94.
In addition, the South Western
Sydney Area Health Service anticipates receiving $2,000,000 for emergency and
general dental services, under the Commonwealth Dental Health Program, between
1 January 1994 and 30 June 1996.
(3)
Dental Service Denture Service 1989/90 *
$307,621
1990/91
* $307,621
;
1991/92 *
$351,900 1992/93 $369,401
$351,900
* Allocation not disaggregated to program
or service level.
(4) The level of funding for South Western Sydney
Area Health Service is comparable to other metropolitan Area Health Services,
except for those with major Dental Teaching Hospitals.
(5) and (6) Booking
lists for dental care have increased because of the recession an the ageing
population; which has led to a rapid expansion of eligible recipients.
*84 CORRECTIVE SERVICES STAFFING—Mr Doyle asked
the Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the
Minister for Justice representing the Attorney General and Minister for
Justice—
In the Department of Corrective Services, for each
financial year 1988/89 to 1992/93 and in the year to date, what has been the
full-time equivalent staffing of each of the: (a) IIU?
(b)
SIU?
(c) Staff Discipline Unit?
(d) Other officers
investigating staff discipline?
(e) Custodial and non-custodial
officers?
I am
advised by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice that the answers to
the honourable member's questions are:
The following figures refer to
effective full-time positions. As the positions may vary during a year, for
comparison purposes, the figures have all been taken as at 1 July each year.
(a) Internal Investigation Unit 1 July 1988 25
(24 custodial + 1 non-custodial)
1 July 1989 24 (23
custodial + 1 non-custodial)
1 July 1990 24 (23 custodial +
1 non-custodial)
1 July 1991 30 (28 custodial + 2
non-custodial)
1 July 1992 30 (28 custodial + 2
non-custodial)
1 July 1993 28 (28 custodial)
(b)
Special Investigation Unit—established with 1 custodial officer on 17
May 1990: 1 July 1990 1
1 July 1991 1
1 July 1992 7 (1 custodial + 6 police on secondment)
1 July
1993 7 (1 custodial + 6 police on secondment)
Police
were seconded to the Department of Corrective Services prior to the
establishment of the Unit. The number of police seconded during the period 1988
to 1991 varied in accordance with the workload; on average up to 4 officers
were seconded each year.
Page 483 (c)
Staff Discipline Unit 1 July 1988 Nil
1 July 1989
1
1 July 1990 1
1 July 1991
1
1 July 1992 2
1 July 1993 6 (1
custodial + 5 non-custodial)
(d) Other officers investigating staff
discipline There is no record of other positions available for the
investigation of staff discipline.
(e) Custodial and non-custodial
positions Departmental staff are classified in three categories, custodial,
industrial and non-custodial. The custodial category includes custodial fficers
employed in the Department. The industrial category includes staff employed in
and with Corrective Services Industries. The non-custodial category includes
all other officers.
1 July 1988 2,236 custodial, 287
industrial, 1,245.23 non-custodial
1 July 1989 2,392
custodial, 295 industrial, 1,328.82 non-custodial
1 July 1990
2,288 custodial, 331 industrial, 1,273.36 non-custodial
1 July 1991
2,586 custodial, 420 industrial, 1,468.10 non-custodial
1 July
1992 2,879 custodial, 446 industrial, 1,053.02 non-custodial
1 July 1993 2,907 custodial, 446 industrial, 1,043.49
non-custodial
The decimal point/part numbers for non-custodial staff are
aggregates of positions which are less than full-time.
*85 PRISONERS—EARLY RELEASES—Mr Doyle asked the
Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the
Minister for Justice representing the Attorney General and Minister for
Justice—
Over each of the last 5 years—
(1)
How many prisoners have been erroneously released from gaol prior to the
correct date for release?
(2) From which institution was each
released?
(3) On what date were they released?
(4) What
was the most serious offence for which they were imprisoned?
(5)
What was the length of the sentence being served?
(6) How many
prisoners were to be erroneously released from gaol prior to the correct date
of release though subsequently not released?
I am advised by the Attorney General and
Minister for Justice that the answers to the honourable member's questions
are:
Diversion of departmental resources to obtain this information for the
last 5 years cannot be justified.
*86 CORRECTIVE
SERVICES INDUSTRIES—Mr Doyle asked the Minister for Multicultural and
Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for Justice representing the
Attorney General and Minister for Justice—
In relation to
Corrective Services Industries—
(1) How many projects
involving capital equipment valued at more than $100,000 have been commenced or
completed by DCSI since 1989?
Page 484 (2) What
has been the total cost of each project to date?
(3) What
feasibility studies were undertaken in each case?
(4) Did they
endorse the final level of investment?
(5) How many inmates does
each project currently employ?
(6) What connection is between these
projects and post-release employment programs?
I am advised by the Attorney General and
Minister for Justice that the answers to the honourable member's questions
are:
(1) 5.
(2)
Capital Equipment Purchased
from 1 January 1989
| Project | Cost to Date | No. of Inmates Employed |
| Upgrade of Glen Innes Sawmill to fulfil need for additional inmate
employment and OH&S considerations. | $690,000 | 53 |
| Provision of
Powder Coating Plnt, John Morony Correctional Centre. | $298,000 | 36 |
| Provision of
Plant to manufacture textile garments, Long Bay Correctional Centre. | $238,000 | 50 |
| Installation of Milk Processing and Packaging
Facility, Emu Plains Correctional Centre. | $431,000 | 30 |
| Provision of
Timber and Textile products workshops at Lithgow Correctional Centre. | $535,000 | 180 |
(3)
Feasibility appraisals and studies to determine the merits of proposed
levels of capital investment for each of the above projects were conducted by
Corrective Services Industries and/or the Capital Works Branch of the
Department of Corrective Services.
(4) Yes.
(5) See
answer (2) above.
(6) Correctional Industry programs are conducted
to provide opportunities for inmate development. The programs are designed to
provide inmates with an understanding of the value of work to society and the
habits and skills to enhance their opportunity to gain and retain employment
upon release.
*90 AUTOMATIC TICKETING
SYSTEM—CITYRAIL—Mr Knowles asked the Minister for Transport and
Minister for Roads—
(1) Does the new CityRail
automatic ticketing system prevent passengers from breaking their journey in
the event of them disembarking at a station prior to the station for which the
ticket was purchased?
(2) What instructions are given to station
staff in dealing with passengers who are incorrectly ticketed?
Page 485 (1) The
regulation has not been altered in that customers in possession of a single or
return ticket are not permitted to break their journey.
(2) Staff
are instructed to take appropriate action according to the circumstances. As an
example, should a customer inadvertently select the wrong destination station,
arrangements will be made for the ticket to be exchanged and for any adjustment
to be made to the fare paid.
*91 RAILWAY
STATIONS—REVENUES AND WORKS—Mr Knowles asked the Minister for
Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) What is the
monthly revenue from ticket sales from July 1991 to September 1993 inclusive,
at the following railway stations: (a) Holsworthy?
(b)
Glenfield?
(c) Macquarie Fields?
(d) Ingleburn?
(e)
Minto?
(f) Casula?
(g) Liverpool?
(h)
Campbelltown?
(i) Macarthur?
(j) Leumeah?
(2)
What are the other sources of revenue for these stations?
(3) What
amounts were received for the same period from these other sources?
(4)
What works have been carried out at the above stations during the same
period?
(5) How much did these works cost?
(1) The average revenue per
(28-day) accounting period to 6 October 1993 is as follows: 1991/92 1992/93
1993/94
$ $ $
Holsworthy 38,813
46 ,694 55,088
Glenfield 68,198 71,857
77,337
Macquarie Fields 63,281 62,912 64,078
Ingleburn 135,008 128,507 132,325
Minto 163,568
162,112 165,993
Casula Not applicable
Not applicable 104
Liverpool 299,750 272,135
266,566
Campbelltown 299,720 277,472 293,748
Macarthur 27,507 28,75 932,434
Leumeah 134,644
133,751 133,577
(2) Advertising, refreshment vending
machines and retail outlets.
(3) Advertising revenue cannot be
apportioned station by station. However, revenue from vending machines at
Liverpool, Campbelltown and Minto Stations was $62,352, $38,269 and $3,144
respectively, and rents from retail outlets at Ingleburn, Liverpool and
Campbelltown Stations were $5,535, $84,420 and $63,140 respectively.
Page 486 (4) and (5) Holsworthy:
Commuter carpark and lighting upgrade ($6,000).
Glenfield:
Station security fencing ($33,000).
Macquarie
Fields: Commuter carpark and lighting upgrade ($9,000).
Ingleburn: Commuter carpark, lighting upgrade
and station security fencing ($42,000).
Minto:
Station upgrade and commuter carpark
($144,000). Casula: Nil.
Liverpool: Platform and ramp resurfacing,
painting and enclosure of pedestrian ramp ($247,000).
Campbelltown:
Stage 1 of a major upgrade ($264,000).
Macarthur:
New seats, signs and bins, station security fencing ($52,000).
Leumeah: Commuter carpark ($163,000).
*94 WARABROOK PROPOSED RAILWAY STATION—Mr Price asked
the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1)
What progress has been made on the establishment of the proposed Warabrook
Railway Station?
(2) What is the planned completion date for this
project?
(3) Has there been any cost escalation in this project?
(4) If so: (a) What amount?
(b) Why?
(1) Council approval
has been obtained for the Development Application, design work has been
completed and agreement reached in regard to land acqisition.
(2)
Around May 1995.
(3) No.
(4) (a) and (b) Not
applicable.
*95 HUNTER REGION—RESPITE CARE
BEDS—Mr Price asked the Minister for Health—
(1)
What is the number of respite care beds in the Hunter Region for: (a)
Intellectually disabled children?
(b) Intellectually disabled
adults?
(c) Physically disabled children?
(d) Physically
disabled adults?
(2) Who are the contact organisations for each of
these categories?
(3) Where are each of the establishments
located?
(4) (a) Are any costs and charges incurred by the
carers when assigning their relatives to these beds? (b) If so, what
its the schedule in each case?
(1) to (4) Responsibility for the ongoing care of the
developmentally disabled was transferred to the Department of Community
Services in 1989. That Department falls within the administration of my
colleague, the Hon. J. A. Longley, M.P.
Page 487
*98 BATHURST-SYDNEY FREIGHT—Mr Clough asked the Minister for
Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) How many days a
week are freight and parcels transported from Sydney to Bathurst?
(2)
Is this traffic invariably carried by rail?
(3) If not, who carries
it?
(4) If carried by Omega Transport, have they any relationship
with Hills Transport, and what is Hills Transport's role in transportation of
SRA freight?
(5) Is it costing more to move fright and parcels from
Sydney to Bathurst by road?
(6) If freight is being forwarded by
road, are trains also operating to Bathurst?
(1) Rail transport of freight and
parcels from Sydney to Bathurst is available at least 5 days a week.
(2)
Yes.
(3) Not applicable.
(4) Omega Transport is a
unit of Hills Transport. Hills Transport has the TrackFast contract for
Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo.
(5) Neither TrackFast nor Freight Rail
use road transport between Sydney and Bathurst. Comparative costs of road and
rail transport cannot be made in the absence of details of the goods to be
transported.
(6) Not applicable.
*99
CONTAINER LIFTER—BATHURST RAILYARD—Mr Clough asked the Minister
for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) What is the
value of the container lifter presently stored in the Bathurst rail yard?
(2) Will TrackFast have any further use for the lift?
(3) Is
it intended to dispose of it?
(4) If so, how will it be
disposed?
(5) Is there any intention to give the lift to the new
operators of the Blayney Container Terminal?
(6) (a) Will the
lift be offered to the Blayney Terminal? (b) If so, will he give an
assurance that full market value will be obtained?
(1) An estimated $15,000 to
$20,000.
(2) No.
(3) Yes.
(4) By public
tender.
(5) No.
(6) (a) and (b) See answer to question
(4).
*104 PACIFIC POWER—SES
POSITIONS—Mr Rogn asked the Minister for Energy and Minister for Local
Government and Co-operatives—
What were the SES positions
and overall staff positions for Pacific Power for the years: (a)
1988 to 1990?
(b) 1992 and 1993?
Page 488
The number of SES positions and
total staff for the period 1988 to 1993 are set out below:
As
at 30 June No. of SES Positions No. of Staff
1988 - 10,488 1989 - 8,296
1990
1017,283
1991 1026,710
1992 996,482
1993
945,870* As at 28 February 1994, total SES positions in Pacific
Power had dropped to 86.
* Staff numbers based
on full-time equivalent staff.
*109
LIVERPOOL COURT HOUSE—CAPITAL WORKS—Mr Anderson asked the Minister
for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for
Justice representing the Attorney General and Minister for Justice—
(1) Is Liverpool the only major regional court complex in the
metropolitan area where major works have not been carried out since 1988?
(2) Where does Liverpool Court House appear on the current priority list
for capital expenditure?
(3) Where did Liverpool Court House appear
on the priority list for 1993/94?
(4) Which projects which appeared
on the priority list for 1993/94 ahead of Liverpool Court House were: (a)
Funded?
(b) Not funded in the 1993/94 budget?
(5)
(a) Which projects which appeared below Liverpool Court House on the
priority list for 1993/94 were funded in the 1993/94 budget? (b) Why
were those projects, if any, funded ahead of Liverpool?
(c) When
does he anticipate Liverpool Court House will receive funding for improvements
and what is the value and nature of the proposed improvements?
I am advised by the Attorney General
and Minister for Justice that the answers to the honourable member's questions
are:
(1) New South Wales Public Works defines major works a projects
costing more than half a million dollars. If this is the definition that the
honourable member is using, then the answer is no. Other major complexes such
as Blacktown and Bankstown have not had major works since 1988. Major works are
carried out with regard to need determined by the condition of the building and
operating requirements. However, although less than half a million dollars has
been spent, considerable work has been carried out at Liverpool Court House
this financial year.
(2) Liverpool Court House was seventh on the
priority list at the beginning of this financial year for capital works
expenditure and is being dealt with according to that priority.
(3)
As above.
(4) (a) Law Courts Building Bail Court and video
link, Manly Court House refurbishment and upgrading, and Hornsby, Moree,
Parramatta and Penrith Court Houses.
(b) None.
Page 489 (5) (a) Wagga Wagga, Bega and Goulburn
Court Houses were funded in the 1993/94 budget, as was Liverpool Court
House.
(b) They were not funded ahead of Liverpool. Work on
these three projects is continuing with plans being drawn for Bega and
Goulburn. Existing plans for Wagga Wagga were implemented but plans for the
remainder of the project are still under consideration.
(c) A
substantial amount of work at Liverpool has already been completed this year,
including refurbishing and extending both the Registry and general office,
expanding the Clerk of the Court's office, providing a new office for the
Assistant Clerk of the Court, a new Registry counter and security, and
relocating fixed public seating.
The work carried out at Liverpool Court
House has significantly increased office space in the Local Court Office, and
staff no longer have to share desks. The facsimile machine now has a set place
for installation which is accessible to all staff. The public foyer to the
Court office has been made more user-friendly, with a reduction in the overall
number of counters.
In the past, signage for the counters was not
sufficient to direct customers to the appropriate counter. Often, customers had
to be redirected to the correct counter after having waited for some time for
service. The renovation of the counter and erection of a workstation screen has
segregated staff from the public and those staff working in the public contact
area, thus improving efficiency.
The extension of the wall of the
Registrar's office to the ceiling has provided the Registrar with an office
where confidential interviews can now take place. In the past, if the Registrar
needed to interview a member of staff, he would leave his office and use the
legal profession interview room. Further, with changes to legislation, the
Registrar is conducting an increasing amount of legal work in his chambers. The
new chambers are of great benefit to customers.
The Callover room is used
by the Registrar 3 days per week. It previously consisted of a bare room with
chairs and tables. The renovations have made it resemble a miniature court
room, which is now suitable for the processes performed within. The room is
presently being used by an Arbitrator performing District Court arbitration
work, assisting in a reduction in civil delays.
The work carried out has
also greatly improved the District Court Criminal Registry, which is now
operating to capacity. Prior to the renovations, some staff of the District
Court Criminal Registry were still located at the Parramatta Registry. To
assist the District Court, after-court work such as recognisances, warrants and
community service orders were performed by Local Courts staff. As a result of
the renovations, the District Court now has a proper office from which to
operate fax facilities, a counter for processing work and answering enquiries
and, most importantly, a compactus to store court files. In the past, filing
cabinets were stored in the court's foyer area and in passageways and interview
rooms. The security of files was a major concern as were occupational health
and safety issues due to the blocking of emergency escape routes.
In
response to the New South Wales Ozone Regulations 1991, the R-12 reciprocal
chiller has been replaced in the air-conditioning system at a cost of $39,500.
The chiller now satisfies CFC legislation and will not require major
maintenance for the next 15 years.
Expenditure in the current year so far
on Stage 1 is $178,568 and approval has been given for a further $250,000 to
complete Stage 2, which includes upgrading of public facilities to provide
greater security and privacy for people being interviewed in family law matters
(including Shine Rooms), segregation of prisoners, upgrading of lighting and
provision of emergency lighting, improved jury accommodation and an electrical
upgrade for safety and efficiency reasons.
Page 490
*115 CENTRAL COAST TANGARA SERVICES—Mr McBride asked the
Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1)
When is it scheduled that Tangara carriages will be introduced to commuter
services between Central Coast railway stations and stations in the Sydney
metropolitan network?
(2) Will the introduction of Tangara carriages
include a trial period to allow for community consultation on the merits of the
new carriages?
(3) (a) If so: (i)
Over what period will the trial be held?
(ii) What form of
community consultation will be held?
(iii) If the community
demonstrates broad opposition to Tangara carriages, will he agree to a return
to interurban carriages for the said services?
(4) How long is it exected to take Tangara carriages
to completely replace interurban carriages on commuter services between Sydney
and the Central Coast?
(1) Delivery of the first of the modified cars is expected in April
1994. The date the cars will enter service is not known at this stage.
(2)
and (3) Community consultation has already taken place.
(4) The
outer suburban Tangara trains will allow the withdrawal from service of the
old, non-air-conditioned single-deck intercity rollingstock, and for the return
to suburban use of the sets currently operating between Sydney and the Central
Coast via the North Shore line. It is not intended that the existing
double-deck interurban cars be replaced.
*117
ENGADINE DISTRICT AMBULANCE SERVICES—Mr McManus asked the Minister for
Health—
(1) Is he aware that ambulance services are
required to leave the Engadine District unattended whilst being redirected or
assigned to other districts?
(2) Have these services been requested
to cover areas such as Vaucluse and North Shore?
(3) Have other
suburban ambulance services been required to attend urgent calls whilst the
Engadine staff have been redirected?
(4) If so, how often in the
last 3 years and under what circumstances?
(5) Is there any danger
to local residents as a result of these actions?
(6) Will he ensure
that Engadine is protected on a full-time basis?
(7) Will he ensure
that additional staff and vehicles will be allocated to the Menai
district?
(1) The
Ambulance Service is demand driven. On occasions there is a requirement for
officers to transport patients, on medical request, out of the local area.
(2) After transporting a patient to a facility out of the local area,
officers may be requested to transport other patients back to the Sutherland
Shire or other areas en route.
(3) If the Engadine officers have
already been despatched, the nearest available ambulance is despatched to the
emergency within the Engadine area.
(4) This information is not
collected.
(5) Local residents are not in danger as all emergency
cases are responded to immediately.
Page 491 (6)
The Engadine Ambulance Service provides 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
coverage.
(7) On 10 December 1993, my colleague, the Member for
Sutherland, the Hon. Chris Downy, M.P., and I announced that construction of an
ambulance station would commence at Menai during 1994. The ambulance station is
designed to accommodate four ambulances plus amenities and support facilities
for an 11-officer, 24-hour roster.
*118 GRAIN
RAIL FREIGHT RATES—Mr Martin asked the Minister for Transport and
Minister for Roads—
(1) What is the freight rate per
tonne for grain from Gilgandra?
(2) What is the freight rate per
tonne for grain from Trangie?
(3) Is wheat from Gilgandra and
Trangie both railed via Dubbo?
(4) Is the rail line from Dubbo to
Gilgandra in excellent condition and requires minimal maintenance?
(5)
Are growers on the eastern side of Gilgandra able to deliver their wheat to
the Mendooran silos and save $6.89 per tonne rail freight costs?
(6)
Are the inequitable rail freight charges costing Gilgandra wheat farmers an
additional $840,000 compared to Trangie wheat farmers in a good season?
(7)
Will he intervene to ensure the Gilgandra wheat farmers are not
discriminated against by setting rail freight charges from Gilgandra at the
same rate as those from Trangie?
(1) $29.10.
(2) $26.08.
(3) Yes, if going
to Newcastle for export.
(4) The Dubbo-Gilgandra branch is a medium
standard line. It is in average condition and requires normal maintenance for a
line of its standard.
(5) No.
(6) Any difference between
the rates for Trangie and Gilgandra is not considered to be inequitable.
(7) It is not considered that Gilgandra farmers are discriminated
against. Rates for all sites are set through commercial negotiations and take
into account costs and market conditions. The NSW Grain Industry Task Force,
which includes the NSW Farmers' Association, has negotiated the 1993/94 Export
Wheat freight rates with the agreement of all parties involved. If farmers from
the Gilgandra area are concerned about the level of local freight rates, they
may make submissions to the Task Force both direct and through the NSW Farmers'
Association.
*128 NATIONAL FORESTS
POLICY—Ms Allan asked the Minister for the Environment—
(1) What resources are presently being allocated within his
portfolio administration to the implementation of the National Forests
policy?
(2) Which officers have direct responsibility for
implementing this policy?
(3) What progress has been made in
determining agreed criteria for the protection of old growth forests and
wilderness in New South Wales?
Page 492 (1) The National Parks and
Wildlife Service's Deputy Director (Policy and Wildlife) is a member of the
Joint Implementation Subcommittee established between the Australian and New
Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) and Ministerial Council
on Forestry, Fisheries and Agriculture.
A Senior Research Officer of the
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is a member of the Technical Working
Group on Reserve Criteria. That officer is a recognised authority on reserve
selection techniques.
A Senior Officer of the Environment Protection
Authority (EPA) serves on the Technical Working Group on Forest Use and
Management.
(2) The officers directly responsible for the
implementation of the NFPS within my portfolio are the Director-General of the
National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Director-General of the
Environment Protection Authority. They may, from time-to-time, delegate certain
functions to subordinate officers.
(3) The Technical Working Group
on Reserve Criteria has recently completed a draft discussion paper documenting
its work so far in developing criteria for reserve selection for the protection
of wilderness and old-growth forests. It will be submitted to the next meeting
of ANZECC for review. The discussion paper, like the NFPS, takes an
Australia-wide approach. It is not restricted to New South Wales
*129 HOME CARE SERVICES—ELECTORATE OF
BLACKTOWN—Ms Allan asked the Minister for Community Services, Minister
for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for the Ageing—
In the
electorate of Blacktown for the financial years 1989/90, 1990/91, 1991/92 and
1992/93—
(1) How many people received Home Care?
(2)
How many hours of Home Care were provided?
(3) Which branches of
Home Care provided these services and what proportion of the total hours of
Home Care services originated from each branch?
(4) How many people
were refused Home Care services?
(5) What are the categories of
services requested that have been refused?
(6) What are the
projections for 1993/94 as to: (a) How many people will receive Home
Care?
(b) How many hours of Home Care will be provided?
(1) to (3) Residents of the
electorate of Blacktown receive assistance from the Holroyd and Prospect
Branches of Home Care Service. These branches also provide services to
residents of other electorates. It is not feasible to accurately isolate
service provision to one electorate. The following information relates to the
total f the two branches: Year People
Hours $
1989/90 1,804
132,613 2,807,791
1990/91
1,692 140,718 2,891,461
1991/92
1,593 144,751 3,178,180
1992/93 1,523 141,274
3,318,597
(4) Information on people refused Home Care
Assistance is not maintained.
Page 493 (5)
People who are assessed as eligible for assistance from the Home and Community
Care Program but for whom Home Care is not provided, are not at risk of
immediate institutionalisation. While no service category is identified as low
priority, it is typical for people refused assistance to be seeking low levels
of housekeeping or home maintenance only.
(6) Home Care does not
project total customer numbers for the electorate of Blacktown, however,
141,800 hours of assistance are projected for the Holroyd and Prospect Branches
of Home Care in 1993/94, with an increase of $114,799 in the Direct Services
Budget.
*130 LOCAL COUNCIL RATE PAYMENTS—Mr
Amery asked the Minister for Energy and Minister for Local Government and
Co-operatives—
(1) Will the requirement of the new
Local Government Act to have councils issue quarterly rate assessments prevent
the Blacktown Council from continuing its past policy of allowing ratepayers to
pay rates by seven equal instalments?
(2) Will he grant permission
to Blacktown, or any council, to continue with more frequent rate
payments?
(1) Yes.
A council may not automatically continue its past practice of allowing rate
payers to pay rates by seven equal instalments. However, once rates are due and
payable, a Council may, under section 564 (1), enter into an agreement with a
ratepayer to change the payment process from that legislated. These
arrangements can be initiated by ratepayers but are subject to council
approval.
(2) Where ratepayers and councils pursue special payment
arrangements through agreements under section 564 (1) of the 1993 Act, the
Minister's approval for such agreements is not required.
*131 BUILDING DISPUTES TRIBUNALS—Mr Amery asked the Minister for
Consumer Affairs, Minister Assisting the Minister for Roads and Minister
Assisting the Minister for Transport—
(1) How many
cases were heard by Building Disputes Tribunals in the 12 months to 31 October
1993?
(2) How many of these cases were resolved in favour of the
consumer?
(1) 717
claims were heard and determined in the 12 months to 31 October 1993 in the
Building Disputes Tribunals.
(2) Of the 717 building claims lodged,
481 were resolved in favour of the consumer, as defined by section 12B (1) of
the Consumer Claims Tribunal Act 1987 (as amended).
*132
CONSUMER CLAIMS TRIBUNAL CASES—Mr Amery asked the Minister for
Consumer Affairs, Minister Assisting the Minister for Roads and Minister
Assisting the Minister for Transport—
(1) Since the
jurisdiction of Consumer Claims Tribunals was increased from$6,000 to $10,000,
from 1 August 1992, how many cases have been heard each month by the Tribunals
up to 31 October 1993?
(2) How do these monthly figures compare with
the previous corresponding period?
Page 494
(1) Claims heard and determined
1 August 1992 to 31 October 1993:
August 1992 256
September
1992 347
October 1992 298
November 1992 231
December 1992 172
January 1993 10
February 1993
291
March 1993 425
April 1993 165
May 1993
342
June 1993 311
July 1993 285
August 1993
300
September 1993 284
October 1993 212
Total
3,929
(2) When the number of cases heard during the period from
August 1992 to October 1993 (inclusive) is compared with the number of cases
heard from August 1991 to October 1992 (inclusive), the result is a total
decrease of 15 per cent.
*133 CONSUMER CLAIMS
TRIBUNAL—COMPLAINTS AGAINST LEGAL PRACTITIONERS— Mr Amery asked the
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister Assisting the Minister for Roads and
Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport—
(1)
How many complaints have been received by the Department of Consumer Affairs
concerning unreasonable charges by either barristers or solicitors?
(2)
How many of these complaints were referred to a Consumer Claims
Tribunal?
(3) In whose favour were these complaints settled?
(1) In the year ending
31 October 1993, a total of 18 such complaints were received by the Department
of Consumer Affairs.
(2) Three of these were advised to lodge a
claim with the Tribunals and three were referred to the Tribunals, after
mediation had been attempted.
(3) It would appear that of these six
complainants, only two have lodged claims with Tribunals and both have received
partial redress.
*137 PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL
PATIENTS—Mr A. S. Aquilina asked the Minister for Health—
(1) How many patients were admitted to psychiatric hospitals
throughout New South Wales in each year since 1988?
(2) How many
psychiatric patients have been admitted, in the first instance, to the Mount
Druitt Hospital and Nepean Hospital in each year since 1988?
(3) How
many psychiatric patients were transferred from these hospitals each year since
1988 to psychiatric hospitals in New South Wales?
Page 495
(1) The number of admissions
to gazetted psychiatric hospitals under the Mental Health Act 1990, in each
year since 1988, is as follows:
| Year | Number of
Admissions |
| 1988/89 | 10,138 |
| 1989/90 | 9,053 |
| 1990/91 | 8,813 |
| 1991/92 |
8,618 |
| 1992/93 | 8,334 |
(2) The number of psychiatric patients
admitted, in the first instance, to Nepean Hospital and Mount Druitt Hospital
since 1988 is as follows:
| Year | Nepean Hospital | Mount Druitt Hospital |
| 1988 | Unit not open | * |
| 1989 | Unit not open | * |
| 1990 | Unit not open | * |
| 1991 | 283 | * |
| 1992 | 428 | * |
| 1993 | 383 | * |
| 1994 | 94 (to date) | * |
* Mount Druitt Hospital
does not have a specialist psychiatric inpatient unit. Patients who present
suffering from a psychiatric illness as the principal diagnosis are referred to
a specialist psychiatric treatment centre.
(3) The
number of psychiatric patients transferred from these hospitals each year since
1988 to psychiatric hospitals in New South Wales is as follows:
| Year | Nepean Hospital | Mount Druitt Hospital |
| 1988 | Not available | Not available |
| 1989 | Not available | Not
available |
| 1990 | Not available | 3 |
| 1991 | 18 | 11 |
| 1992 | 29 | 10 |
| 1993 | 16 | 19 |
| 1994 | 4 (to date) | Not
available |
p; *140 COMPLAINTS AGAINST WINDSOR CASTLE HOTEL—Mr Face asked
the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) Did a police operation take place to establish if antisocial
behaviour or crime was prevalent in the adjacent area to the hotel?
(2)
Was it alleged that these problems were caused by the hotel's operations and
its hours of trading?
(3) Who made such complaints?
(4)
Was there any validity in any of the complaints?
(5) If so, what
was established as the cause of trouble in proximity of the hotel?
(1) Although the Windsor
Castle Hotel has been included in a number of operations, this hotel has not
been specifically targeted for antisocial behaviour adjacent to the hotel.
(2) It has been alleged that problems have been caused by hotel patrons
in respect to malicious damage and summary offences, although this has not been
substantiated by police.
(3) Mr Douglas Clements.
(4)
Yes, although local residents in close proximity to the hotel have made no
complaints.
(5) The hotel has a large patronage on Friday and
Saturday nights. Patrons from the hotel loiter in the area, yelling and
shouting while waiting for lifts and taxi cabs, noise from departing motor
vehicles and patrons obstructing the roadway traffic.
*141 COMPLAINTS AGAINST WINDSOR CASTLE HOTEL—Mr Face asked the
Chief Secretary and Minister for Administrative Services—
(1) Has the Chief Secretary's Department received any complaints
from Mr Doug Clements concerning the operations of the Windsor Castle Hotel,
East Maitland, and its licensee, Clifford John Lopez?
(2) Has Mr
Doug Clements petitioned to have the licensed hours varied?
(3) Is
there any record of officers of your Department concerning threats that have
been made against hotelier Lopez?
(4) Will you instigate an
investigation as to whether the hotelier Lopez is subject to threats and
vexatious actions concerning his licensed premises so as to have it closed?
(5) If proof of vexatious behaviour by Mr Doug Clements exists, will
this be taken into account in future complaints brought by him against the
Windsor Castle Hotel?
(1)
All complainants names are received on a confidential basis by both the
Liquor Administration Board and the Chief Secretary's Department. On that
basis, I am not prepared to answer whether any named person has lodged a
complaint with the Liquor Administration Board or the Chief Secretary's
Department.
(2) As above.
(3) As above.
(4)
No. If threats have been made to the licensee, these should be referred to the
police.
(5) The Secretary of the Liquor Administration Board has
advised me that, as with any application to the Board, each application is
considered on its merits, having regard to the particular facts of the
case.
Page 497
*142 ILLAWARRA CARDIAC
CATHETER LABORATORY—Mr Hatton asked the Minister for Health—
(1) Is the Director-General of Health correct in stating that
Health Department policy as expressed in ". . . 2000", is that the
population of the Illawarra region does not justify cardiac surgery?
(2)
Are established cardiac catheter facilities associated with cardiac
surgical facilities available 1 hour's drive north of Wollongong?
(3)
(a) In the current economic environment, is public funding of cardiac
catheter laboratories at the Wollongong or Port Kembla campuses of the
Illawarra Regional Hospital, therefore inappropriate? (b) If so,
does this involve significant increased risk for patients?
(4) sp;
(a) Will the Health Department permit a private cardiac catheter
laboratory to open in the Illawarra region? (b) If so, will the
Health Department lend the money for such a facility?
(c) How much
money is being loaned by the Health Department?
(d) What are the
terms and conditions of the proposal?
(e) Will the money be loaned
to an individual or to a company?
(f) What is the set-up cost of the
cardiac catheter laboratory?
(g) How much of the set-up cost will be
provided by the lender?
(h) What security will be provided to the
lender?
(i) What staffing is required for such a facility?
(j)
What are the year costs (staff, consumables, etc.) of running such a
facility?
(k) How much is the Commonwealth rebate for cardiac
catheterisation?
(l) Does setting up of such a facility with State
funds and receiving payment from the Commonwealth in any way contravene the
Federal/State Medicare agreement?
(m) Is it a desirable option in
the public interest as regards:
(i) Cost to
patients?
(ii) Patient access?
(5) (a)
How many patients were referred from the Illawarra region for cardiac
catheterisation each year for the last 3 years (excluding patients from the
Shoalhaven)? (b) Are the Shoalhaven patients expected to continue to
be investigated at major centres in Sydney?
(c) Based on the number
of patients above and the Commonwealth rebate, how much revenue could be
generated per annum from a private cardiac catheterisation laboratory?
(d)
How far would this amount go towards repaying the loan made by the
Health Department?
(e) How would the Health Department ensure that
the public sector would not carry the cost of the loan, in the event the
private facility failed to earn enough to repay the loan?
(f) If the
number of patients in (e) above is not enough to generate sufficient income to
repay the loan, how many studies would need to be performed to achieve
this?
(g) If the loan is being made to a company, what guarantee is
there that the investors are "at arm's length", i.e., are in no way
connected with the ordering of services provided by the cardiac catheter
laboratory?
(6) (a) Do established diagnostic cardiac
catheter laboratories in Sydney have additional under-utilised available
capacity? (b) Is the under-utilisation capacity due solely to budget
restrictions?
Page 498 (c) If
so:
(i) Will provision of additional funds assist
patients from Shoalhaven?
(ii) In what ways?
(7) Before approving further public/private (in public
hospitals) cardiac catheter laboratories, will he undertake an audit of the
existing cardiac catheter laboratories within the public health system in
Sydney, and determine if they are: (a) Used to their maximum
capacity?
(b) If not, to what extent is their under-utilisation
associated with budgetary constraints?
(c) Viable, appropriate and
convenient or could be made available to cater for:
(i)
Illawarra patients?
(ii) Shoalhaven patients
specifically?
(1)
Illawarra residents requiring cardiac surgery receive this service at one
of the Sydney teaching hospitals because the population of the Illawarrais
insufficient to sustain a local service.
(2) The closest cardiac
catheterisation services are currently provided at St George Hospital.
(3)
(a) A Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) Unit will open by
mid-1994 at the Port Kembla Campus of the Illawarra Regional Hospital. The DSA
Unit will be used predominantly for vascular angiography and diagnostic cardiac
catheterisation. (4) (a) The
NSW Department of Health approved an application to establish a diagnostic
cardiac catheterisation unit at the Illawarra Private Hospital, Figtree, in
November 1993. (b) to (j) Not applicable.
(k) The Medical
Benefits Schedule fees vary according to the nature of the procedure and the
number of images required.
(l) and (m) Not applicable.
(5) (a)
Cardiac catheterisation may be performed as either an inpatient or
outpatient procedure. Only inpatient data is collected and the number of
Illawarra patients (excluding Shoalhaven) was: 1990
460
1991 503
1992 582
(b) Shoalhaven patients are referred by their medical practitioner
to any facility selected by the medical practitioner in consultation with the
patient.
(c) to (g) Not applicable.
(6) (a) No. (b)
Not applicable.
(c) Not applicable.
(7) (a)
The Health Department has recently reviewed cardiac catheterisation services.
The review concluded that it would be appropriate to provide diagnostic
services for low risk patients at the Illawarra Regional Hospital, Wollongong.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) The Illawarra Area Health Service
will be establishing a public diagnostic service for low risk patients at the
Illawarra Regional Hospital, and will maintain links to both the Prince Henry
Hospital and the St George Hospital for therapeutic and surgical services. This
service will be available for Shoalhaven residents should referring medical
practitioners make referrals to it.
Page 499
*143 POLICE DRUG SECURITY—Mr Hatton asked the Minister for
Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) Given
the lack of knowledge the Police Commissioner possessed concerning the Frenchs
Forest issues, as emerged during the recent Parliamentary Inquiry into Police
Administration, will he direct the recently appointed Assistant Commissioner,
Professional Responsibilities, to review all I.A./I.P.S.U. documents and
reports concerning police drug security issues for the 3-year period prior to
the establishment of the Parliamentary Committee?
(2) Will he then
provide full details, including dates, police stations, types of drugs, amounts
in quantitative and street value, of all and any reported irregularities
historically reported during that period?
(3) In each case, have any
police officers been charged with offences in relation to those matters?
(4) In each case, what were the recommendations of investigative police,
if any, to increase security of drug exhibits?
(5) What happened in
respect to those recommendations in each case?
(6) Were such
recommendations made known to the then Assistant Commissioner of Professional
Responsibilities?
(7) Did the Assistant Commissioner of Professional
Responsibilities provide any reports/memos to the Commissioner in relation to
any of the matters referred to above, if so, what were the dates of each
report, and content?
The
following advice has been provided by the Commissioner:
(1) to (7) No. The
honourable member was a member of the Joint Select Committee Upon Police
Administration, during which time he had ample opportunity to seek information
on drug security.
*145 COMMUNITY SERVICES—ELECTORATE OF MOOREBANK—Mr
Knowles asked the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Aboriginal
Affairs and Minister for the Ageing—
With regard to the
electorate of Moorebank— (1) What services and facilities
are provided by agencies which operate within his portfolio administration?
(2) How many staff are directly associated with the provision of those
services?
(3) What were the budget projections and actual
expenditures on services and facilities for: (a) 1990/91?
(b)
1991/92?
(c) 1992/93?
(4) What are the budget
projections for 1993/94?
(5) What new/additional services and
facilities will be provided during 1993/94?
(6) Where there has been
a decline in expenditure during the period nominated in question (3), why?
Page 500 (1)
Children's Services. Youth Services.
Family Support.
Services for
the Ageing and People with Disabilities.
Community Development.
Multicultural Projects.
Also, residents in the electorate of Moorebank
have access to services in other areas.
(2) Organisations that
receive funds determine their own staffing levels. However, the Department
estimates 26 staff are employed in services other than children's services in
the electorate of Moorebank.
Staffing levels to children's services are
determined by licensing requirements.
(3) Actual expenditures:
1990/91 $1,121,385
1991/92 $1,215,976
1992/93 $1,338,197
(4) $1,418,872.
(5)
Under the post-school options projects, school leavers who have an
intellectual disability with either moderate or high support needs have been
targeted for service provision.
Other recent initiatives that will be based
in Campbelltown are the Intensive Family Based Service, a service to families
at risk of break down and the Cottage Centre Community Caring Project a pilot
service aimed at identifying those families at risk of child abuse and
providing early intervention to reduce or eliminate this risk. The Department
of Community Services has also seconded a staff member to this service. Also a
one-off amount of $105,000 has also been provided to the area for services to
homeless youth.
The Liverpool Neighbourhood Centre will continue to provide
a 2-day per week co-ordination service at Moorebank Neighbourhood Centre.
(6) There has been no decline in expenditure in the electorate of
Moorebank.
*146 CITYRAIL FLEET—Mr Langton
asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1)
What percentage of the CityRail fleet is not in service at the present
moment?
(2) What percentage of the above will be maintained through
the MainTrain contract?
(1) 11 per cent of CityRail's carriage fleet was out of service on
an average daily basis during Accounting Period 9 (6 February to 5 March
1994).
(2) 7.4 per cent underwent repairs in that period under the
MainTrain contract.
*147 EAST HILLS RAILWAY LINE
QUADRUPLICATION—Mr Langton asked the Minister for Transport and Minister
for Roads—
(1) Does the State Rail Authority have any
plans, completed or under preparation, allowing for future quadruplication of
the East Hills line?
(2) If so, what is the timescale for
implementation?
(3) Will existing rail bridges be removed and
rebuilt as part of the expansion process or is there a more economic scheme
available?
Page 501
(1) Yes.
(2) Provision for the work has been made in the
State Rail Authority's forward capital works estimates for the next 6
years.
(3) Detailed design is not complete and the most cost
effective means of proceeding has yet to be determined.
*148 SCHOOL PEAK TRAIN SCHEDULING—Mr Langton asked the Minister
for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) Is he aware
of an incident at Pymble Railway Station at about 3.35 p.m. on Wednesday, 10
November 1993, where the cancelled 3.32 p.m. train sped through the station
without warning?
(2) As at this hour the station is crowded with
schoolchildren, will the State Rail Authority in future ensure that such an
incident is at least announced over the public address system to warn children
to stand back from the edge of the platform?
(3) Does the SRA have
any policies concerning school peak train scheduling?
(1) Yes.
(2) Yes.
(3) Yes. The needs of students, as well as other commuters, are taken
into consideration when timetable changes are contemplated.
*149 ROADWORKS RADIO ADVERTISEMENTS—Mr Langton asked the
Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1)
What is the cost of radio advertisements run in the last 2 months about
roadworks funded from 3x3 monies in Parramatta and the Central Coast?
(2)
What tendering process took place in connection with these
advertisements?
(3) How long are the advertisements expected to
run?
(1) The total
cost of the radio advertisements referred to was $158,775.
(2) The
RTA engaged a radio broker, at no cost to the Authority, to secure the
"best deal for the Authority".
(3) Paid advertising
concluded in the week ending 5 December 1993. Some bonus advertisements were
broadcast after that date.
*150 MURWILLUMBAH-
ROBINA PROPOSED RAIL LINK—Mr Langton asked the Minister for Transport and
Minister for Roads—
(1) What, if any, is the current
NSW Government commitment to the development of the Murwillumbah-Robina Rail
Link?
(2) Why has the release of the joint study of the Rail Link
been delayed?
(3) Have the joint study's yet to be published
conclusions been criticised by the member for Ballina?
Page 502
(4) Has $105,000 been allocated for a feasibility study for the
Rail Link in the 1993/94 budget?
(5) Will he give a commitment to
consult with relevant sections of the North Coast community regarding the terms
of reference and scope of the feasibility study?
(1) The Government is continuing
to investigate the Rail Link proposal to ensure that construction may proceed
when it is economically justified.
(2) and (3) I have written to the
Queensland Minister for Transport seeking his participation to extend the study
into the Rail Link and therefore propose to wait until this is completed before
public release is considered.
(4) Yes.
(5) Tweed Shire
Council, through the Member for Ballina, has been invited to advise of any
issue it considers should be included in the study.
*151
GONINANS MAINTRAIN CONTRACT—Mr Langton asked the Minister for
Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) What are the
conditions of contract regarding how long Goninans are required to maintain
individual rail cars and Tangara four-car sets?
(2) What inspection
procedures have been established by the State Rail Authority to ensure quality
control of all maintenance work?
(3) What monitoring procedures have
been established to differentiate works required under new vehicle guarantees,
i.e., Tangara rolling stock and scheduled maintenance of existing non-Tangara
stock?
(4) How are relevant staff informed of such procedures?
(5) What system of total quality management has been established as part
of the MainTrain contract?
(6) Is this system accepted by the
Australian Standards Organisation?
(1) The contract with A. Goninan and Co. is for a 10-year
period.
(2) State Rail Quality Assurance staff will monitor quality
on an on-going basis.
(3) State Rail's computer database holds
details of all new carriages and associated components which allows State Rail
to differentiate between warranty and overhaul work.
(4) Staff are
trained in the standard procedures which are in place.
(5) and (6) The
contract with A. Goninan and Co. requires MainTrain to become accredited to the
Australian Quality Standard AS 3902. MainTrain is to have a total quality
management system and continuous improvement program which can be externally
audited.
*163 PRIVATE HOSPITAL LICENSEES—Dr
Refshauge asked the Minister for Health—
(1) What
reservations does the NSW Department of Health hold in respect of Mr Dennis
Michael Brown, the Chief Executive Officer of Hospitals of AME, to be a
licensee of a private hospital?
(2) What reservations did the NSW
Department of Health express about NME Inc., or any subsidiary, or associated
company, or the officers, or employees of any of those organisations, in its
submission to Justice Yeldham in his consideration of the application of AME
Hospitals Pty Ltd for a licence in respect of a proposed private hospital to be
known as St George Private Medical Complex at Kogarah?
Page
503
(1) Mr Dennis Brown,
Chief Executive Officer of AME Hospitals Pty Limited, is not a licensee of a
private hospital. He however, is a director of a company that is a licensee of
a number of private hospitals. The Department of Health submitted certain
material to Mr Yeldham, Q.C., the Director-General's delegate, to determine
whether AME Hospitals Pty Limited should be granted an approval in principle
licence for St George Private Hospital complex. This included material
concerning an NME Inc. hospital in Singapore at which Mr Brown was then Chief
Executive Officer. This material related to circumstances surrounding the death
of an Australian citizen, Peter Wynne, at the hospital and questions raised by
the father of the deceased, Dr M. Wynne, about quality assurance practices and
business practices of the Singapore Hospital and Mr Brown's responses to Dr
Wynne in respect of those practices.
(2) The NSW Department of
Health submitted to the delegate, Mr Yeldham, Q.C., that based on evidence of
its activities as a provider of hospital and health services in the U.S., NME
Inc., as a majority shareholder in Australian Medical Enterprises Limited which
owns AME Hospitals Pty Limited, was in a position to influence AME Hospitals
Pty Limited as licensee. As a consequence of the material put before him
concerning NME Inc.'s activities in the U.S., Mr Yeldham imposed conditions on
the grant of a licence to AME Hospitals Pty Limited, designed to isolate AME
Limited and its subsidiary licensee from the influence of NME Inc.
*164 HYDROTHERAPY SERVICES—WENTWORTH AREA HEALTH
SERVICE—Dr Refshauge asked the Minister for Health—
(1) Has any provision been made for a pain clinic and hydrotherapy
servces in the redevelopment of Nepean District Hospital?
(2) What
resources are available for pain sufferers in Wentworth Area Health
Service?
(3) What is the waiting times for patients from the
Wentworth Area at the nearest pain clinic?
(1) No dedicated Pain Clinic is
planned at the Phase 1 upgrading of Nepean Hospital which will be commissioned
during 1994.
The Wentworth Area Health Service will monitor the need for
establishment of such a dedicated clinic in line with other health need
priorities of the community.
A modern and well-equipped hydrotherapy pool
is located at Governor Phillip Special Hospital and this facility adequately
caters for the needs of the local community and an additional pool at Nepean
Hospital is not justified.
(2) The resources available for pain
sufferers in Wentworth Area Health Service can be summarised as follows:
(a) ACUTE SHORT-TERM PAIN: This is managed
within the acute hospitals, usually through the Emergency Department. Methods
for dealing with this kind of pain include oral medications, parenteral
injections, suppositories, topical applications and patient controlled
analgesia through intravenous pumps under medical supervision.
Page 504 (b) ACUTE LONG-TERM PAIN:
This is usually associated with cancers, and can be managed in clients'
homes with the assistance of Oncology and Palliative Care specialists. Methods
for dealing with this kind of pain include self-administration or carer
administration of oral, topical parenteral, or rectal medications, use of a
syringe-driven pump to deliver a constant amount of analgesia parenterally; or
any additional methods which clients may choose including alternatives such as
relaxation techniques. Medication administration is taught and supervised by
nurse specialists on Palliative Care Teams.
(c) CHRONIC PAIN: This is often associated with back and neck
pain, and clients are usually referred for assessment to the Pain Clinic at
Westmead Hospital. In addition to the use of medications as outlined above,
clients can also use more physiotherapy, relaxation techniques, and may also
use trans-epidermal nerve stimulating (TENS) machines.
TENS machines are
freely available from large pharmacies and may also be requested through the
Program of Appliances for Disabled People (PADP) scheme.
(3) The nearest Pain Clinic for residents of Wentworth Area
Health Service is located at Westmead Hospital.
Those patients suffering
acute short and long-term pain are seen immediately. Other patients, at
present, are scheduled according to clinical need, as the process of treatment
is lengthy and thus only a limited number of patients can be accepted for the
available places.
*165 BUILDING
CONTRACTS—TIMBER SPECIFICATIONS—Mr Sullivan asked the Premier and
Minister for Economic Development—
(1) Does the
Government specify in building and other contracts it lets that only
plantation-sourced or renewable timber can be used?
(2) If not, why
not?
(3) Is the Government encouraging local government bodies,
State owned corporations and authorities and other organisations to specify
only plantation-sourced or renewable timber in building and other contracts
they let out?
(4) If not, why not?
(1) Where the order quantities
specified are large enough to make source certifcation viable, all tenders
issued by the State Contracts Control Board since November 1990 have required
that timbers not be used unless either plantation grown or timber from
sustained yield forests. Government bodies which contract independently of the
State Contracts Control Board rely on similar procedures where practicable.
(2) Answered in answer (1) above.
(3) In order to raise
awareness on timber utilisation issues, the National Parks ad Wildlife Service has published its policy to avoid and promote the avoidance
of the purchase or consumption of rainforest derived timbers of both Australian
and overseas origin.
(4) Answered in answer (3) above.
Page 505
*166 SKIN CARE CENTRE—Mr Sullivan
asked the Minister for Health—
(1) Has the Skin
Cancer Centre, which has "expanded its services to Bondi Junction",
any connection with the NSW Department of Health?
(2) If so, what
are these connections?
(3) Is it true that "the Skin Cancer
Centre has all the state-of-the-art detection and treatment equipment and is
linked to a specialised pathology laboratory and plastic surgery
services"?
(4) Are any of these specialised pathology
laboratory or plastic surgery services involved with or provided by any unit of
the NSW Department of Health?
(1) No.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) The NSW Health
Department is not in a position to comment on the facilities that a private
centre maintains, nor on the links that the facility claims to have with
laboratories or other services.
(4) Patients from any private
facility may be referred to facilities run by the NSW Health Department.
However, this would be through normal referral patterns and no formalised
connection exists between the Department and these centres.
*171 FIREARMS LICENCES—Mr Anderson asked the Minister for
Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) How
many people in each police district held: (a) pistol licences;
(b) shooters licences;
in: (i) 1990/91?
(ii) 1991/92?
(iii) 1992/93?
(2)
How many people in each police district currently hold: (a)
Pistol licences?
(b) Licences to possess longarms?
(3)
(a) Since 1 May 1992, how many applications have been received for
firearms licences in each category? (b) In each category, how many
applications were: (i) Approved?
(ii)
Refused?
(4) Since 1 May 1992, how many firearms licences
have been revoked?
I am
advised by the Commissioner of Police that:
(1) The dissection
requested by Mr Anderson is not available. However, the following details are
provided on a statewide basis: On 30 June 1991 there were 210,299 current
shooter's licences and 8,541 current pistol licences/permits.
On 30 June
1992 there were 171,630 current shooter's licences and 7,068 current pistol
licences/permits.
On 30 June 1993 there were 179,924 current shooter's
licences and 8,527 current pistol licences/permits.
Page
506 (2) (a) 10,203 current licences and permits for
pistols as at 28 February 1994. (b) 178,733 current shooter's
licences as at 28 February 1994.
(3) (a) Between 1 May 1992
and 11 March 1994, 162,391 applications for shooter's licences, 4,963
applications for pistol licences/permits, 104 applications for dealer's
licences and 538 applications for prohibited weapons permits have been
received. (b) (i) Between 1 May 1992 and 11 March
1994, 147,820 applications for shooter's licences, 4,047 applications for
pistol licences/permits, 90 applications for dealer's licences and 343
applications or prohibited weapons permits were approved. (ii) Between 1
May 1992 and 11 March 1994, 1,445 applications for shooter's licences, 174
applications for pistol licences/permits, 1 application for dealer's licence
and 16 applications for prohibited weapons permits were refused.
(4)
Across the variety of licences and permits a total of 1,410 revocations
have occurred as at 28 February 1994.
*173 PUBLIC
RELATIONS AND PROTOCOL STAFF—Mr Doyle asked the Minister for
Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for
Justice representing the Attorney General and Minister for Justice—
What are the duties of each of the 17 public relations and protocol
staff within the Department of Corrective Services?
I am advised by the Attorney General and
Minister for Justice that the answer to the honourable member's question
is:
There are seven positions only in the Department of Corrective Services
Public Relations Unit. Its role and responsibilities—which include the
handling of freedom of information requests—are set out in the
Departments annual report.
*174 PRISONS
JOBS—Mr Doyle asked the Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs and
Minister Assisting the Minister for Justice representing the Attorney General
and Minister for Justice—
(1) How many positions were
cut from New South Wales prisons: (a) In 1992/93?
(b) In
the present financial year to date?
(2) How many of those positions
were filled at the time?
(3) What savings will be achieved as a
result of the cuts?
I am
advised by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice that the answers to
the honourable member's questions are:
(1) Restructuring within the
Department continues, resulting in a number fo reclassifications and transfers.
For example, as a result of the opening of Junee Correctional Centre in July
1993, 600 inmates were transferred there from the publicly managed correctional
institutions and several correctional centres were subsequently restructured
and reclassified. Adjustments to the staffing levels were discussed with, and
subsequently endorsed, by the relevant union. The Department of Corrective
Services assumed responsibility for court security between
Page
507
April and June 1993, which resulted in the establishment of 119
positions in that area. A further 117 positions were established to enable the
Department to progressively assume responsibility for court transport from
November 1993 to January 1994. Departmental staff are classified in
three categories, custodial, industrial and non-custodial. The custodial
category includes custodial officers employed in the Department. The industrial
category includes staff employed in and with Corrective Services Industries.
The non-custodial category includes all other officers. 1 July 1988
2,236 custodial, 287 industrial, 1,245.23 non-custodial
1 July 1989
2,392 custodial, 295 industrial, 1,328.82 non-custodial
1 July 1990
2,288 custodial, 331 industrial, 1,273.36 non-custodial
1 July 1991
2,586 custodial, 420 industrial, 1,468.10 non-custodial
1 July 1992
2,879 custodial, 446 industrial, 1,053.02 non-custodial
1 July 1993
2,907 custodial, 446 industrial, 1,043.49 non-custodial
The decimal
point/part numbers for non-custodial staff are aggregates of positions which
are less than full-time.
(2) Officers who occupied positions which
were deleted were transferred to other positions within the Department.
(3)
Any savings from the deletion of positions have been allocated to other
programs.
*175 CORRESPONDENCE—Mr Doyle
asked the Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting
the Minister for Justice representingthe Attorney General and Minister for
Justice—
(1) Why has the Minister for Justice not
provided a substantive reply to the following correspondence: (a)
Re: Prisoner Gary John O'Brien, which was sent on 27 July 1993, receipt
acknowledged on 9 August 1993?
(b) Re: Prisoner Lance Chapman, which
was sent on 3 August 1993, receipt acknowledged on 20 August 1993?
(c)
Re: Prisoner David John Lewthwaite, which was sent on 3 August 1993, receipt
acknowledged on 20 August 1993?
(2) When will substantive replies
to these letters be forthcoming?
I am advised by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice that the
answers to the honourable member's questions are:
(1) and (2) A response to
the correspondence has been sent to the honourable member for Peats.
*176 SPEED CAMERAS—NEWCASTLE AND MAITLAND—Mr
Face asked the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency
Services—
(1) At what locations are speed cameras
used in the Newcastle and Maitland police districts?
(2) In what
patrols are each of the locations?
(3) What are the number of
infringements at each location since November 1992 until the year ending
1993?
(4) Of the locations where speed cameras are being used, what
are the number of accidents for each year 1991, 1992, and to December 1993, and
is this the basis for their locations?
Page 508 (5)
Are any more sites being considered in each patrol where speed is
prevalent and police are unable to chase speeding motorists because of the
danger?
(6) If not, why not?
(7) Are the present
locations of speed cameras predominantly on main roads or major arterial
roads?
(8) Will areas of high complaint and potential danger be
considered?
(9) What is the criteria for location of speed
cameras?
(1) to (4) Crash
Statistics form part of the criteria.
| Location | Patrol | Frames
Detected | Accidents
1991-93 |
| Darby Street, Cooks Hill (2
sites) | Newcastle | 12
2 | 25 |
| Lambton Road,
Broadmeadow (2 sites) | Hamilton | 622
340 | 25 |
| Lambton
Road, New Lambton (2 sites) | Hamilton |
85
43 | 24 |
| Hannell Street, Maryville (4 sites) | Newcastle | 132
28
Nil
Nil | 30 |
| Main Road 217,
Argenton (Lake Road) (2 sites) | Charlestown | Nil
36 | 15 |
| Main Road 217, Boolaroo (T.C. Frith Ave) (2 sites) | Charlestown | 42
173 | 1 |
| Main Road 217, Toronto (2
sites) | Toronto | 8
1,377 | 6 |
| Maitland Road,
Islington (Pacific Highway) (2 sites) | Hamilton | 69
26 | 20 |
| Maitland Road, Mayfield (Pacific Highway) (2 sites) | Mayfield | 86
319 | 143 |
| Main Road 223 (2
sites) | Wallsend | Nil
11 | 52 |
| Macquarie Road,
Cardiff (2 sites) | Wallsend | Nil
2 | 29 |
| King
Street, Warners Bay (2 sites) | Charlestown | 4
2 | 28 |
| The Esplanade, Speers Point (2 sites) | Charlestown | 112
12 |
19 |
| Burwood Road, Kahibah (2
sites) | Charlestown | 1
17 | 4 |
Page 509
Warners Bay Road (2 sites) | Charlestown | 12
8 | 34 |
| Pacific Highway, Gateshead (2 sites) | Charlestown | 40
232 |
38 |
| Pacific Highway Belmont (2
sites) | Belmont | 823
247 | 117 |
| Wommara Avenue,
Belmont (2 sites) | Belmont | Nil
1 | 6 |
(5)
At this stage, no additional locations have been identified by
supervisors. Highway Patrol Supervisors at each patrol monitor crash records to
identify any "black spot" locations which might meet the criteria for
speed camera operations.
(6) See response to (5).
(7) and (8)
Yes.
(9) These locations must have a crash risk factor exceeding 110
crashes per 100 million vehicular kilometres travelled per annum and; meet
either one of two severity index factors.
*177
SERVICES AND FACILITIES—ELECTORATE OF MOOREBANK—Mr Knowles asked
the Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Ports—
With regard to the electorate of Moorebank—
(1) What
services and facilities are provided by agencies which operate within his
portfolio area?
(2) How many staff are directly associated with the
provision of those services?
(3) What were the budget projections
and actual expenditures on services and facilities for: (a) 1990/91?
(b) 1991/92?
(c) 1992/93?
(d What are the
budget projections for 1993/94?
(4) What new/additional services
and facilities will be provided during 1993/94?
(5) If there has
been a decline in expenditure from 1990/91, why?
(1) NSW PUBLIC WORKS
As part
of the Floodplain Management Voluntary Purchase Scheme, Public Works has
provided grants to council for the voluntary purchase of Moorebank properties
in the Georges River flood zone.
Public Works is constructing the Chipping
Norton Lake Scheme, most of which is in the Moorebank electorate. The scheme
consists of foreshore parks and recreational waterway facilities.
PORTS
The MSB Waterways Authority is responsible for the safe navigation and
provision and maintenance of navigation aids on the southern shore of the
Georges River from Sandy Point to Warwick Farm.
The services and facilities
proved are navigation beacons and speed limit and advisory signs. The Boating
Service Officer for the Georges River patrols the river from Sandy Point to
Warwick Farm including the Chipping Norton Lakes Scheme.
Page
510
(2) NSW PUBLIC WORKS
Two staff from Public Works'
MetSouth Region have 50 per cent of their work time directly associated with
the provision of support to the schemes. The equivalent of one Head Office
staff member is also directly associated with work on the schemes.
PORTS
One Boating Service Officer.
(3) PUBLIC
WORKS DEPARTMENT
| Financial Year | Chipping Norton Lake
Scheme | Floodplain Management Voluntary Purchase
Scheme |
 | Budget
Projection ($000's) | Actual Expenditure ($000's)Budget
Projection ($000's)Actual Expenditure ($000's) |
| 1990/91 | 1,370 | 1,773600738 |
| 1991/92 | 1,125 | 750700709 |
| 1992/93 | 460 | 6547001,139 |
| 1993/94 | 370 | —
1,200— |
| 1990/91 | Nil | |
| 1991/92 | $2,000 | Replace
flood damaged pile. |
| 1992/93 | $1,000 | Replace signage at Sandy Point, Pleasure
Point and Voyager Point. |
| 1993/94 | $30,000 | Provision
of new navigation aids. |
(4)
NSW PUBLIC WORKS
No new/additional services and facilities are
foreseen.
PORTS
The provision of six new navigation beacons and piles
at Voyager Point and Deepwater at Hammondville at a cost of $30,000.
(5) NSW PUBLIC WORKS
There has been asteady decrease in
expenditure on the Chipping Norton Lake Scheme as development areas are
completed and then transferred to councils for ongoing management. There has
been an increase in the allocation of funds to Liverpool Council to allow it to
accelerate the implementation of its Floodplain Management Scheme.
PORTS
There has been an increase in expenditure since 1990/91.
Page 511
*178 SERVICES AND
FACILITIES—ELECTORATE OF MOOREBANK—Mr Knowles asked the Minister
for the Environment representing the Attorney General and Minister for
Justice—
With regard to the electorate of
Moorebank—
(1) What services and facilities are provided by
agencies which operate within the portfolio areas of the Attorney General?
(2) How many staff are directly associated with the provision of those
services?
(3) What were the budget projections and actual
expenditures on services and facilities for: (a) 1990/91?
(b)
1991/92?
(c) 1992/93?
(d) What are the budget
projections for 1993/94?
(4) What new/additional services and
facilities will be provided during 1993/94?
(5) If there has been a
decline in expenditure from 1990/91, why?
Legal Aid Commission
(1) The
Legal Aid Commission has two branch offices at Liverpool and Bankstown which
serve the constituents in the electorate of Moorebank. Free legal advice is
available, by appointment, to constituents wishing to see a solicitor at these
branch offices or from any other metropolitan branch office. Legal
representation is available to constituents who satisfy the eligibility
criteria for a grant of legal aid.
(2) Staff at the Liverpool and
Bankstown offices are directly involved in service provision. However, cases or
work conducted by private practitioners is administered by staff at head
office.
It is not possible to identify the number of staff directly
servicing the legal needs of the constituents of the electorate of
Moorebank.
(3) (a) to (d) The Commission does not break down
its expenditure by electorate or by office. It is therefore impossible to
provide this information.
(4) The Commission is maintaining its
level of service to Moorebank constituents. The Commission is currently
developing its corporate plan which will identify the Commission's functional
objectives over the next 3 years.
(5) Not applicable.
Public Trustee
(1) The Public Trustee provides a will
making, estate administration and power of attorney service within the
Moorebank area.
(2) There are 11 staff directly associated with the
provision of those services.
(3) (a) 1990/91
Projected $512,500 Actual $382,406 (b)
1991/92 Projected $399,150
Actual $380,514
(c) 1992/93 Projected
$420,775 Actual $422,802
(d) 1993/94
Projected $471,775
(4) There will be no
new/additional services and facilities provided during 1993/94.
(5)
There has been no decline in expenditure.
Page 512
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
(1) The Office of
the Director of Public Prosecutions has two regional offices which would serve
the electorates of Moorebank, Campbelltown and Liverpoo.
(2) The
Campbelltown office has 20 staff, Liverpool has 22.
(3) The Office
of the Director of Public Prosecutions does not break down its expenditure by
electorate or by office. It is therefore impossible to provide this
information.
(4) No new or additional services are planned for the
area in the current financial year.
(5) Not applicable.
*179 BUSH FIRES—Mr Martin asked the Minister for
Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) Has
there been an enquiry into the cause of near fatal bushfires in the Hawkes Nest
and Myall Lakes National Park?
(2) If not, will he commence an
investigation?
(3) If so, will he make the final report public?
(4) Will officers of his administration review the preparedness of that
community to cope with the fire?
(5) Are any monies owing to the
local fire authorities to ensure they have sufficient resources?
(1) Although the fires at
Myall Lakes, Pipers Creek and Hawks Nest gave rise to a suspicion that they
were deliberately lit, there is no firm evidence in this regard. Internal
investigations were conducted by the Services which had jurisdiction for those
areas.
Police inquiries were made into the fires which occurred near Hawks
Nest and Pipers Creek. However, no evidence was forthcoming which substantiated
claims that they had been deliberately lit.
(2) No, as there is
insufficient evidence to warrant an investigation.
(3) Not
applicable.
(4) Officers of the Department of Bush Fire Services
have spoken with the Fire Control Officer, Great Lakes Council, to ascertain
what local action is proposed as a result of these fires.
In relation to
the Myall Lakes area, the council intends to ensure that the fire trail system
which protects the area is maintained.
In relation to the Hawks Nest area,
a fire trail is to be established to protect the areas adjacent to the caravan
park from nearby forests and the fire trail will link to other already
maintained areas which have been established to protect the caravan park.
(5) There are no monies owing to Great Lakes Council. When the council
arranges the upgrade of three bush fire brigade stations and the construction
of two new fire stations the council will lodge a claim on the Bush Fire
Fighting Fund.
*180 SYDENHAM RAILWAY
STATION—Dr Refshauge asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for
Roads—
(1) When is Sydenham Railway Station to be
considered for funding as an "easy access" station?
(2)
Why was such a major interchange not on the Department's priority list in the
first 33 "easy access" stations?
Page 513 (1) and (2) Sydenham Station will be
considered for easy access when funding becomes available.
*183 LIVERPOOL TRAIN SERVICES—Mr Anderson asked the Minister
for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) How many
fast trains are scheduled for weekday mornings for Liverpool to Sydney services
between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.?
(2) How many all stations
trains are scheduled for the same period?
(3) What is the average
time of the journey for each type of service?
(4) How many fast
trains are scheduled for Sydney to Liverpool services between the hours of 4
p.m. and 7 p.m.?
(5) How many all stations trains are scheduled for
the same period of time?
(6) What is the average time of the journey
for each type of service?
(1) 14.
(2) .
(3) Approximately 48 and 57
minutes respectively.
(4) 12.
(5) 2.
(6)
Approximately 48 and 57 minutes respectively.
*186
SERVICES AND FACILITIES—ELECTORATE OF MOOREBANK—Mr Knowles asked
the Minister for Health—
With regard to the electorate of
Moorebank—
(1) What services and facilities are provided by
agencies which operate within his portfolio area?
(2) How many staff
are directly associated with the provision of those services?
(3)
What were the budget projections and actual expenditures on services and
facilities for: (a) 1990/91?
(b) 1991/92?
(c)
1992/93?
(d) What are the budget projections for 1993/94?
(4)
What new/additional services and facilities will be provided during
1993/94?
(5) If there has been a decline in expenditure from
1990/91, why?
(1) to (5)
Health services and facilities are not provided on an electorate basis. The
electorate of Moorebank is part of the South Western Sydney Area Health Service
(SWSAHS), and thus residents of Moorebank have access to all the services and
facilities provided by the South Western Sydney Area Health Service.
Page 514 In 1992/93 the South Western Sydney Area Health
Service:
• provided services in 6 public general
hospitals, 3 public nursing homes, 12 Community Health Centres and 22 Early
Childhood Health Centres; •employed, on average, 4,977 Full Time
Equivalent staff;
•expended just over $274 million on the provision
of health services (gross operating payments);
•provided 90,472
admissions and 1,289,640 non-inpatient occasions of service.
Recent
initiatives that have benefited all residents of the South Western Sydney Area
Health Service include:
•
enhancement of palliative care, dental, aged care assessment, mental health,
renal, oncology, coronary care and hospital nursing services;
• the opening of the Caroline Chisholm Unit for Mothers and
Babies;
• the new pathology building at Liverpool
Hospital;
• renovations to the Coronary Care and
Intensive Care Departments at Liverpool Hospital.
*189
COUNTY ROAD—EASTWOOD TO NORTH RYDE—Mr Langton asked the
Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1)
When will construction of the County Road between First Avenue, Eastwood, and
Herring Road, North Ryde, commence?
(2) Why is the RTA deliberately
diverting traffic from their arterial road network and placing large volumes on
to Lovell/Quarry Roads at Ryde which are local roads?
(3) (a)
Does the RTA adhere to its own traffic guidelines? (b) If so, why
is it breaching those guidelines on Lovell and Quarry Roads?
(4)
Will he direct the RTA to adjust the phasing of the traffic lights on Lane
Cove Road entering Quarry Road, and Blaxland Road entering Lovell Road, to
reduce traffic flow in those residential streets?
(1) The need for the proposed
County Road between First Avenue/Blaxland Road and Epping Road, which includes
the length in question, is being given consideration by the RTA.
(2)
The RTA is not diverting traffic to these local roads.
(3) (a)
Yes. Every effort is made to apply these guidelines consistently, having
regard to the varying conditions and circumstances at individual locations.
(b) Conditions at these locations have been assessed on their merits
with a view to providing traffic arrangements most appropriate to cope with
prevailing conditions.
(4) No. The RTA has reduced the time allowed
by traffic control signals to motorists wishing to enter Quarry Road from Lane
Cove Road.
*190 ERSKINEVILLE BARRACKS—Mr
Langton asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) Why is the State Rail Authority closing the barracks at
Erskineville Station which served country train drivers and guards?
(2)
Will these drivers and guards now be accommodated at a private motel in
Chippendale?
(3) Will taxi transport be provided from Central
Station to the motel?
(4) How does the cost of the new scheme
compare with the cost of keeping the Erskineville barracks open?
(5)
Were staff consulted about these changes?
(6) What will happen to
the support staff who serviced the Erskineville barracks?
Page
515
(1) Due to occupancy
levels below 50 per cent, the State Rail Authority is considering calling for
public expressions of interest to determine the cost of providing alternative
private accommodation.
(2) No.
(3) and (4) Not applicable.
(5) Yes.
(6) Two have already accepted voluntary redundancy
and the other has been selected to work in the XPLORER depot.
*191 ENDEAVOUR TRAINS—ILLAWARRA SERVICES—Mr McManus
asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1)
Will the new Endeavour trains be servicing the Wollongong/Nowra
line?
(2) If so, from what date is the service expected to
commence?
(3) If not, why not?
(1) The trains will operate
between Dapto and Bomaderry.
(2) June 1994.
(3) Not
applicable.
*192 PORT KEMBLA LOCOMOTIVE
MAINTENANCE DEPOT—Mr McManus asked the Minister for Transport and
Minister for Roads—
(1) Are there any plans to close
the Port Kembla locomotive maintenance depot?
(2) If so: (a)
Why?
(b) When would these plans take effect?
(1) No.
(2) (a)
and (b) Not applicable.
*193 APPROVED PLACES FOR
INSTITUTIONAL PATIENTS—ELECTORATE OF PORT STEPHENS—Mr Martin asked
the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and
Minister for the Ageing—
(1) How many licensed or
approved places are there for aged/infirmed or former institutional patients in
the electorate of Port Stephens?
(2) Are these establishments
required to have smoke and other forms of alarms?
(3) Do people who
reside in such places have access to a 24-hour telephone service in order to
summon help in an emergency?
(4) Do such establishments lock their
doors of an evening?
Page 516 (5) How many
former psychiatric patients reside in these establishments in the electorate of
Port Stephens?
(6) Are there elderly people residing in such
establishments that are considered to be at risk?
(7) Does the
Department conduct regulr checks and/or inspections of such establishments?
(8) If so, how
often have these checks and/or inspections been carried out in the past 2
years?
(9) Does the Department ensure that people in such
establishments are receiving adequate and suitable nutrition?
(10)
What other Government agencies carry out welfare and health standard
inspection of such establishments?
(11) Does the Department liaise
regularly with other Federal, State and local authorities?
(12) What
is the approximate rent paid per week for a room in such establishments?
(13) Are you satisfied that the health and welfare of people in such
establishments is adequate?
(1) There are 15 non-Government, licensed residential centres for
persons with a disability in the electorate of Port Stephens. These centres
include, Federally-funded aged hostels, unfunded aged hostels, funded hostels
and group homes for persons with a disability and privately operated
residential centres.
These centres are licensed to accommodate 429
residents.
(2) All licensed centres are required, as a condition of
the licence, to provide a safe environment which includes the provision and
maintenance of adequate fire safety equipment and procedures.
(3) It
is a requirement of licensing that all centres be adequately staffed. Where
appropriate, provision is made for emergency procedures including immediate
staff contact.
(4) Licensees of residential centres would be in
breach of the conditions of their licences if residents were restricted from
exercising their right to come and go as they please. However, centres may be
made safe at night by locking doors against entry without proper cause.
(5)
These figures are not available.
(6) Departmental guidelines
aim to protect residents at risk.
(7) Centres are inspected
regularly.
(8) The frequency of inspections is governed by the needs
of the residents of the centre and varies from centre to centre.
(9)
It is a condition of the licence that meals are adequate and nutritious.
Compliance with this condition is monitored during departmental
inspections.
(10) The Federal Government has responsibilities to
inspect funded aged hostels for compliance with funding conditions. Local
Government authorities inspect all centres for compliance with their building
and health ordinances.
(11) The Department has involvement with all
relevant Federal, State and Local Government authorities.
(12) It is
usual for residents of funded aged hostels and for funded residential centres
for persons with disability to pay up to 85 per cent of their pension (and
sometimes their rental allowance) for board, lodging and provision of services.
Residents in privately operated centres pay varying amounts for board and
lodging.
(13) The Department of Community Services, through the
implementation of its licensing program, seeks to ensure that the health and
welfare of the residents is appropriately safeguarded.
Page 517
*194 CARDIFF RAILWAY STATION—Mr Mills asked
the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1)
When is Cardiff Railway Station to be considered for funding as an "easy
access" station?
(2) Why was the station not on the
Department's priority list in the first 33 "easy access"
stations?
(1) and (2)
Cardiff Station did not meet the selection criteria for inclusion in the
initial programme but may be considered for future disabled access
programmes.
*196 TANGARAS—SYDNEY-NEWCASTLE
SERVICE—Mr Price asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for
Roads—
(1) On what date are the modified Tangara
trains due to commence service on the Newcastle-Sydney service?&t;br> (2)
How many 4-car trains are to be allocated to this service?
(3) Will
these trains be programmed as express (minimum intermediate stopping) services
between Sydney and Newcastle?
(4) If not, what is the intended
service roll in any revised timetable?
(1) to (4) Outer suburban Tangaras from Sydney will only operate
as far as Wyong on the Main Northern Line.
*201
ROCKDALE RAILWAY STATION—Mr Thompson asked the Minister for Transport
and Minister for Roads—
(1) When is Rockdale Railway
Station to be considered for funding as an "easy access" station?
(2) Why was such a major interchange not on the Department's priority
list in the first 33 "easy access" stations?
(1) and (2) Rockdale Station will be
considered for easy access when funding becomes available.
*203 USE OF SPEED CAMERAS IN NEWCASTLE AND MAITLAND—Mr Face
asked the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) What is the frequency and amount of time that speed cameras
are used at each individual location in patrols?
(2) Is there a set
criteria for frequency and time span of operation of such cameras?
(3)
Are any cameras used on high complaint areas?
Page 518
(1) On average, 2 to 4 hours
at each site, dependant upon the prevailing traffic and weather conditions.
(2) Yes.
(3) Yes.
*205 CRIME
COMMISSION REPORT ON FRENCHS FOREST—Mr Hatton asked the Minister for
Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) Will
he now table Inspector-General Wilson's report to him on the Frenchs Forest
matter?
(2) Did senior constable Pirani refuse to be interviewed by
the Crime Commission?
(3) Was the reason given that he was ill?
(4) As Constable Pirani is the central figure in the Frenchs Forest drug
investigation, why didn't the Crime Commission use its cohesive powers to
insist on an interview and/or cross-examine his personal psychiatrist?
(5)
Does the Crime Commission's failure in this line of inquiry mean that a
police officer simply has to report sick, refer the investigator to the
psychiatrist and then not give permission to the psychiatrist to discuss the
case to bring that line of inquiry to an end?
(6) Did this apply to
Assistant Commissioner Cole?
(7) Who were the officers who
investigated on behalf of the Crime Commission?
(8) Are they police
officers?
(9) Are they on secondment?
(10) If so, do they
need to return to the police force in order to further their career?
(11)
Did evidence from Assistant Commissioner Moroney, Detective Senior
Sergeant Smith and Detective Sergeant O'Toole show that information was
urgently required by Assistant Commissioner Cole for a report to Commissioner
Lauer?
(12) Does evidence show that these reports were required by
Assistant Commissioner Cole for a briefing on the shooting for Commissioner
Lauer on the morning of 2 July?
(13) Did that meeting between Cole
and Lauer take place?
(14) Where did it take place?
(15)
Was anybody else present?
(16) Are there any notes or records of
that meeting?
(17) Is it usual for records to be kept of such senior
meetings?
(18) Are there any missing records?
(19) Did
Cole have the Stuation Report dated 1 July?
(20) Does this report
make reference to: (a) The need for inquiries and auditing to be
conducted throughout the entire "D" district on drug and firearm
exhibits currently on hand?
(b) The possible commission of other
offences by serving police officers?
(21) If so, does the Minister
accept that a meeting between Cole and Lauer could not possibly have discussed
drug matters to do with the Frenchs Forest Shooting?
(22) Is there
evidence to show that Senior Constable Pirani lives in a million dollar
house?
(23) Did the Crime Commission investigate the origin of the
wealth of Senior Constable Pirani?
(24) What action did the Crime
Commission take, or what investigations were made with regard to: (a)
The stealing of 3 kilograms of cannabis from Frenchs Forest Police
Station?
(b) Allegations that drug squad detectives were involved in
the distribution of drugs?
(c) To follow-up and investigate the
Kirribilli premises that were a source of drugs?
Page 519
(25) Did the Police Department take action on these Kirribilli
premises after Constable Bourke refused to be involved with a controlled drug
buy?
(26) Did the Crime Commission pursue this matter with the
Police Department and, if so, what was the result?
(27) In the last
12 months, what personnel changes have occurred in the drug squads of the
North, North West and South West?
(28) Did any of these changes
result from: (a) Investigation of irregularities in the drug squads
above?
(b) If so, were concerns expressed about drug security and/or
irregularities by the Crime Commission or some other body, individual or
group?
(1) to (28)
These matters were the subject of a Report by the Crime Commission, which was
tabled in the Parliament. They also received detailed consideration by the
Joint Select Committee Upon Police Administration.
As a member of that
Committee, the honourable member had ample opportunity to ask questions about
these matters.
*206 RAILWAY TICKET
SALES—ELECTORATE OF LAKE MACQUARIE—Mr Hunter asked the Minister for
Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) What are the
average actual/estimated:
ticket sales for each of the past 5 years at each rail station in the
electorate of Lake Macquarie?
(2) What are the actual/estimated
ticket sales for each month of each of the past 5 years at each rail station in
the electorate of Lake Macquarie?
(3) What are the actual ticket
sales at each rail station in the electorate of Lake Macquarie on a daily,
weekly and monthly basis since the installation of automatic ticket machines at
each station?
(4) What number of staff are assigned to each station:
(a) Before installation of the ticket machines?
(b) After
installation of the ticket machines?
(1) to (3) The time taken to compile this
data is felt to be too great to justify such an exercise.
(4) (a)
and (b) The hours during which stations are staffed will not change due to
the implementation of AFC.
*207 COFFS HARBOUR
COMMISSION OF INQUIRY—Ms Allan asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for
Public Works and Minister for Ports—
(1) How much is
the Department of Public Works spending on legal representation at the
Commission of Inquiry into the proposed outfall at Coffs Harbour?
(2)
Has the Department employed any consultants to advise departmental officers
and/r legal representatives during the inquiry?
(3) If so, who are
the consultants and how much are they being paid?
Page 520
(1) $29,000—funded
equally by Public Works and Coffs Habour City Council.
(2) Yes.
(3) It should be noted that although Coffs Harbour Council requested
Public Works engage the consultants for the purposes of the Commission of
Inquiry, the bulk of the consultants' advices would have been required and
obtained in the normal course of administration of the Project
Public Works has made the following specific engagements relevant to the
Inquiry: Dr Helen Brayshaw (archaeology) and Dr Dennis Bryne
$9,000
Dr Timothy Hagan (effects
of blasting)
$8,000 Professor Rod Simpson and Dr Steve Smith (marine
fauna) $4,000
Mr A. Floyd (effect on vegetation)
$2,000
Dr David Fox via Department of Health (health issues)
$1,500 Mr Phil Anderson (marine hydrology)
$3,000
Dr David James (cost benefits of the proposal on options)
$3,000
*208 FUNDING OF ETHNIC
GROUPS—ELECTORATE OF MOUNT DRUITT—Mr Amery asked the Minister for
Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for
Justice—
(1) What financial assistance has the
Department provided to ethnic groups in the electorate of Mount Druitt?
(2)
What are the names of these organisations?
(3) What amount of
money was provided?
(4) How much of these funds came from Federal
sources?
(1) The
Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs has approved grants totalling
$64,000 during the 1993/94 financial year to ethnic community groups in the
electorate of Mount Druitt.
(2) The Western Sydney Turkish Islamic
Cultural Centre of Cnr Luxford Road and Hythe Street, Mount Druitt, is in
receipt of a grant of $14,000 for the 1994 calendar year under the Ethnic
Affairs Commission's Community Advancement Program. The grant is to assist the
Centre to provide community welfare services for Muslim communities in western
Sydney.
The Philippine-Australian Community Foundation Inc. of Lot 167, Cnr
Duke and Abraham Streets, Rooty Hill, has received approval for a capital grant
of $50,000 under the Ethnic Affairs Commission's Community Development Program.
The grant will assist the Foundation to build a new office, meeting room and
amenities to provide a centre for the social and cultural activities of the
Filipino community in the Western Sydney area.
(3) Western Sydney
Turkish Islamic Cultural Centre $14,000
Philippine-Australian Community Foundation Inc. $50,000
(4) Both the Community Advancement Program and the Community Development
Program are funded entirely by the NSW Goverment.
Details of grants in
previous years are contained in the annual reports of the Ethnic Affairs
Commission which have been tabled in Parliament.
Page
521
*209 ANGIOGRAPHY FACILITIES—Mr Anderson asked the
Minister for Health—
(1) Has Liverpool Hospital
ceased carrying out angiograms due to the poor quality of the equipment being
utilised?
(2) Will patients from South Western Sydney requiring an
angiogram now have to be transported to Prince Henry Hospital until such time
as proper facilities are provided to allow coronary angiograms to be
resumed?
(3) Have negotiations commenced to bring forward the
provision of a proper angiography suite?
(4) (a) Will he take
urgent action to provide the necessary funding to allow the angiography suite
to be provided during the current financial year?
(1) No.
Liverpool Hospital has ceased cardiac (heart) angiograms because the facility
being used, which was predominantly purchased for angiography of other parts of
the body, was not providing cardiac angiograms of sufficient quality. The
equipment is still being used extensively for angiograms of other parts of the
body, which are of excellent quality.
(2) There are current
arrangements, for which additional funding has been provided, for patients to
be transported to Prince Henry Hospital for cardiac (heart) angiograms. This
arrangement will continue until a purpose-built coronary angiography facility
is established at Liverpool Hospital.
(3) and (4) Planning is already
advanced for the establishment of a purpose-built coronary angiography suite
and it is anticipated that it will be commissioned around September 1994.
*210 VIOLENCE ORDERS—Mr Anderson asked the
Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the
Minister for Justice representing the Attorney General and Minister for
Justice—
(1) How many applications were made at each
court house in New South Wales for: (a) apprehended violence
orders;
(b) breaches of apprehended violence orders;
(i) in 1991/2?
(ii) in 1992/3?
(iii) in the financial year to date?
(2) How many of
these applications were sought by members of the NSW Police Service?
I am advised by the Attorney General
and Minister for Justice that the answers to the honourable member's questions
are:
(1) I am unable to supply information prior to September 1993
but information collected for the period September to December 1993 shows that:
(a) a total of 9,718 applications for Aprehended Violence Orders
were made in courts in New South Wales, being 2,667 applications for Personal
Violence and 7,051 applications for Domestic Violence.
(b) 1,274
breaches were listed.
Page 522 (2) 4,640
applications for orders were made by members of the NSW Police Service, being
3,774 complaints initiated by police and 866 applications made in conjunction
with charges. Figures for individual courts are detailed and are separately
available to the member.
*212 SENIOR SERGEANT
COLQUHOUN—ALLEGATIONS OF NUDE SUNBATHING—Mr Face asked the Minister
for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1)
(a) Were there any complaints other than the 1990 anonymous complaint
about nude sunbathing by Senior Sergeant Tom Colquhoun at the Newcastle Police
and Citizens Youth Club? (b) If so, what wasthe complaint, and by
whom was it made and by whom and what action, if any, was taken?
(2)
Why was no investigation made of the anonymous complaint about nude sunbathing
and to whom was this anonymous complaint sent?
(3) Who investigated
the anonymous complaint?
(4) What was the name, rank and location of
such person or persons?
(1) (a) No, there were no other complaints about nude
sunbathing.
(b) Not applicable.
(2) The anonymous
complaint was sent to seven members of Parliament including the previous
Minister and the Ombudsman. A preliminary investigation was made about the nude
sunbathing.
(3) Chief Superintendent P. E. Carter.
(4)
Chief Superintendent P. E. Carter, Regd No. 10000, Commander Police Citizens
Youth Club Command, Federation of Police Citizens' Youth Clubs, 169-175
Liverpool Street, Sydney.
*216 SENIOR SERGEANT
COLQUHOUN—ANONYMOUS COMPLAINT—Mr Face asked the Minister for Police
and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) Who
conducted the preliminary inquiries into the anonymous complaint against Senior
Sergeant Colquhoun?
(2) What was the name, rank and location of the
person or persons who conducted the preliminary inquiry?
(3) What
were the specifics of the complaint made against Senior Sergeant Colquhoun?
(4) Was the 1990 complaint similar in any way to complaints made by the
member for Charlestown and the Committee of the Lake Macquarie Police Citizens
Youth Club in 1991 to the Ombudsman?
(5) If there was some
commonality between both complaints, why was no action taken until the
subsequent complaints in 1992 by Constable Wright and Constable MacPherson?
(6) What was the basis of the reply in 1990 to the Ombudsman for not
proceeding?
(7) What was the basis of the reply to the 1991
complaint to the Ombudsman as to why no inquiry was held into the activities of
Senior Sergeant Colquhoun?
(8) Is it now evident that much of the
1990 and 1991 complaint is the basis of the charges and continuing
investigations into the activities of Senior Sergeant Colquhoun?
(9)
Why did Chief Superintendent Perce Carter continue to protect Senior Sergeant
Colquhoun?
Page 523
(1) to (2) Chief Superintendent P. E. Carter, Regd No. 10000, 169-175
Liverpool Street, Sydney.
(3) General allegations of lack of
ability, abuse of position, drinking on duty and illegal use of club
equipment.
(4) Yes.
(5) Action was taken to investigate
both matters.
(6) The Ombudsman decided in early 1991 not to take
any action because suitable means of redress was available to the anonymous
complainants through the proceedings of the Government and Related Employees
Appeals Tribunal.
(7) I am unaware of a further complaint to the
Ombudsman in 1991. Dealings with the Ombudsman on this anonymous complaint were
in late 1990 and early 1991.
(8) There is some overlap in that
earlier complaints were revisited and resulted in departmental charges. The
only charge admitted related to a 1992 event.
(9) Chief
Superintendent Carter acted on the evidence available to him.
*217 COURTS ADMINISTRATION MEMO—Mr Gaudry asked the Minister
for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for
Justice representing the Attorney General and Minister for Justice—
(1) Have staff of the Newcastle Court been advised by memo not
to release information or discuss issues relating to court administration with
the local members of Parliament?
(2) If so, when was the memo or
instruction issued?
(3) What were its contents?
(4) Given
concerns raised by a judge about security arrangements during sittings of the
Newcastle Court, would the Minister arrange for local members to be briefed on
the adequacy of current security measures at the court?
I am advised by the Attorney General and
Minister for Justice that the answers to the honourable member's questions
are:
(1) Yes.
(2) 9 November 1993.
(3) Local
Courts Circular 1993/17 issued by the Local Courts Administration on 9 November
1993 reminded all Local Courts officers of the longstanding tradition that
members of Parliament obtain information by writing to the responsible
Minister, or by contacting the Minister's staff. Attached to the Circular was a
copy of Premier's Direction 92-32 dated 22 September 1992 concerning the
"Provision of Information to Members of Parliament".
(4)
The Clerk of the Court at Newcastle may be contacted by local members for a
briefing on the adequacy of current security measures at the court.
*218 SENIOR POLICE PROMOTIONS—Mr Hatton asked the
Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1)
What is the current rank of the following police officers: (a)
Mr B. R. Harding, date of birth, 29 July 1944?
(b) Mr D. M.
Gilligan, date of birth, 13 February 1945?
(c) Mr J. W. Burke, date
of birth, 23 August 1940?
Page 524 (2)
(a) When were they promoted to the position of Inspector? (b)
What were their subsequent promotions?
(3) For each of these
promotions: (a) Who was Commissioner at the time?
(b) Did
the Police Board approve their promotions?
(c) What information was
before the Police Board when they approved the promotions?
(d) What
input was there from the then Commissioner?
(e) Was a selection
panel used?
(f) If so, who was on the selection panel?
(g)
(i) Was any information sought from outside the NSW Police
Service?
(ii) If so, what and from where?
(1) (a) Mr B. R.
Harding (date of birth, 13 February 1945) is a Superintendent. (b)
Mr D. M. Gilligan (date of birth, 29 July 1944) is a Chief Superintendent.
(c) Mr J. W. Burke is a Chief Inspector.
(2)
(a) Mr Harding was promoted from Senior Sergeant to Superintendent
on 15 March 1989. Mr Gilligan was promoted to Inspector on 27 April
1988.
Mr Burke was promoted to Inspector on 27 July 1988.
(b) Mr Harding has not been promoted beyond the rank of
Superintendent. Mr Gilligan has had two promotions to Superintendent and
Chief Superintendent.
Mr Burke is now a Chief Inspector.
(3) Mr Harding's promotion to Superintendent (a)
Mr A. D. M. Graham, Acting Commissioner.
(b) The Board
recommended the promotion to the Hon. E. P. Pickering, M.L.C.
(c)
Advertisement for position; written applications of the candidates and their
individual performances at interview; service histories; Internal Affairs
reports; referees comments.
(d) The Acting Commissioner was a member
of the Board which conducted the interviews for the position.
(e)
The Board was the selection panel.
(f) Sir Gordon Jackson, Sir
Harold Knight and Mr A. D. M. Graham.
(g) (i) and (ii) Unable to
determine from Board's records.
Mr Gilligan's
promotion to Inspector
(a) Mr A. D. M. Graham, Acting
Commissioner.
(b) The then Board, Sir Maurice Byers, Sir Gordon
Jackson and Mr A. D. M. Graham, recommended the promotion to the Hon. G.
Paciullo, M.P.
(c) Selection Committee report, Internal Affairs
report, referees comments and the Acting Commissioner's submission to the
Board.
(d) The Acting Commissioner advised in his submission his
intention to discuss the appointment at a Board meeting. The exact nature of
this advice is unknown.
(e) Yes.
(f) Chief Superintendent
D. W. A. Kelly (Convenor), Superintendent D. H. Jackson (second member) and Mr
D. Lee (third member).
(g) (i) and (ii) Unable to determine from
Board records.
Page 525
Mr Gilligan's
promotion to Superintendent
(a) Mr J. K. Avery.
(b) The
Board recommended the promotion to the Hon. E. P. Pickering, M.L.C.
(c)
Advertisement for position, the candidates' written applications and
performance at interview, service histories, Internal Affairs reports and
comments by referees.
(d) The Commissioner was a member of the Board
which conducted the interviews for the position.
(e) The Board was
the selection panel.
(f) Sir Gordon Jackson, Sir Harold Knight, Mr
J. K. Avery and Mr A. D. M. Graham.
(g) (i) and (ii) There is no
Board record of any such information being sought.
Mr Gilligan's promotion to Chief Superintendent
(a) Mr J. K.
Avery.
(b) The Board recommended the promotion to the Hon. E. P.
Pickering, M.L.C.
(c) Advertisements for the position, the written
applications of the candidates and their performance at interview, service
histories, Internal Affairs reports and comments by referees.
(d)
The Commissioner was a member of the Board which conducted the interview.
(e) The Board was the selection panel.
(f) Sir Gordon Jackson
and Commissioner Avery.
(g) (i) and (ii) There is no Board record of
any such information being sought.
Mr Burke's
promotion to Inspector
(a) Mr J. K. Avery.
(b) The then
Board, Sir Maurice Byers, Sir Gordon Jackson and Mr J. K. Avery, recommended
the promotion to the Hon. E. P. Pickering, M.L.C.
(c) Selection
Committee report and all applications received, Internal Affairs report,
referees comments and the Commissioner's submission to the Board.
(d)
The Commissioner endorsed the Committee's report and recommended, subject to
medical fitness, the appointment of Senior Sergeant J. W. Burke.
(e)
Yes.
(f) Superintendent V. F. Shaw (Convenor), Chief Inspector J.
P. Toohey (second member) and Ms M. J. Clark.
(g) (i) and (ii) There
is no Board record on any such information being sought.
Mr Burke's promotion to Chief Inspector
(a) Mr A. D. M.
Graham, Acting Commissioner.
(b) The then Board, Sir Gordon Jackson,
Sir Harold Knight and Mr A. D. M. Graham, recommended the promotion to the Hon.
E. P. Pickering, M.L.C.
(c) Selection Committee report and all
applications, Internal Affairs report, referees comments and the Acting
Commissioner's submission to the Board.
(d) The Acting Commissioner
endorsed the Committee's report and recommended that subject to medical
fitness, the appointment of Inspector Burke.
(e) Yes.
(f)
Superintendent W. J. Collins (Convnor), Superintendent R. J. Anderson (second member) and Mr P. Synott.
(g)
(i) and (ii) There is no Board record of any such information being
sought.
Page 526
*222 SERVICES AND
FACILITIES—ELECTORATE OF MOOREBANK—Mr Knowles asked the Minister
for Land and Water Conservation representing the Minister for Planning and
Minister for Housing—
With regard to the electorate of
Moorebank—
(1) What services and facilities are provided by
agencies which operate within the portfolio areas of Housing and Planning?
(2) How many staff are directly associated with the provision of those
services?
(3) What were the budget projections and actual
expenditures on services and facilities for: (a) 1990/91?
(b)
1991/92?
(c) 1992/93?
(d) What are the budget
projections for 1993/94?
(4) What new/additional services and
facilities will be provided during 1993/94?
(5) Where there has been
a decline in expenditure from 1990/91, why?
I have been advised by the Minister for
Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's
questions are:
(1) Department of Housing The
Department of Housing does not record its services by electorate. Until 31
October 1993, the electorate of Moorebank was part of the Department's former
Southern Metropolitan Region which comprised the local government areas of
Bankstown, Canterbury, Hurstville, Sutherland, Rockdale, Kogarah, Liverpool,
Campbelltown, Camden and Wollondilly.
The Department is currently being
restructured and as from 1 November 1993 the electorate of Moorebank falls
within the Department's South Western Sydney Regional Housing Office's area of
responsibility which includes the local government areas of Liverpool,
Fairfield, Campbelltown, Camden and Wollondilly.
The South Western Sydney
Regional Housing Office provides a range of housing services for Department of
Housing tenants and applications within the electorate of Moorebank.
These
services are provided by staff at offices located at Miller, Liverpool,
Macquarie Fields and Minto which are within reasonable access from all parts of
the electorate. The services provided from these offices include rental
collection, tenancy management, maintenance, rental assistance, applications
and allocations, general housing enquiries, community housing services,
priority housing, crisis housing, and so on.
Water Board
Water and
wastewater facilities.
Property Services Group
The Property Services
Group's Land Division comprises Landcom and the Business Land group (formerly
Macarthur Development Corporation). Landcom has supplied serviced residential
home sites. The Business Land Group (BLG) has had an ongoing role of developing
Government-owned industrial land in the Minto and Ingleburn Industrial Estates
since 1973. The BLG has constructed roads and extended service mains to provide
fully serviced industrial lots to promote economic growth in the region.
Page 527 (2) Department of Housing
The former Southern Metropolitan Region had a staff establishment of 250
staff providing these services as well as administrative support. The staff
establishment for the new South Western Sydney Regional Housing Office is being
finalised.
Water Board
Approximately 16 staff.
Property Services
Group
6 staff.
(3) Department of Housing
The following figures relate to the General Operating Budget, Maintenance
and Upgrading Budget and the Rental Assistance Scheme Budget for the
Department's former Southern Metropolitan Regional Office.
Approximate Projection Expenditure
(a)
1990/91 $30,002,414 p;
$29,102,873
(b) 1991/92 $32,449,703
$33,045,393
(c) 1992/93
$35,648,180 $35,533,917
(d) The new
figures below represent a pro rata distribution of funds to reflect the new
Regional boundaries and do not present a decrease in real items for clients in
the South Western Sydney Region. Approximate Projection
Expenditure
1993/94
$17,365,067 $17,365,067 (estimate)
Construction and acquisition works undertaken in the Moorebank electorate
during this period include: •Nuwarra Road, Moorebank—23
pensioner units, cost $1.2 million, completed March 1991.
•Cooper
Street, Moorebank—6 townhouses, cost $1 million, completed March
1991.
•Heathcote Road, Moorebank—122 townhouses, cost $1.4
million, completed May 1992.
Water Board
(a) 1990/91
$0.904 million
(b) 1991/92
$0.878 million
(c) 1992/93 $0.911
million
(d) 1993/94 $0.821 million
(Budget)
Property Services Group
The details for Landcom are as
follows: Budget Projections Actual
Expenditure
(a) 1990/91 $145,000
$1,300,604
(b) 1991/92 $1,415,000$366,909
(c)
1992/93 $5,000$857,141
(d) 1993/94 Nil
The
details for the Business Land Group are as follows: Budget
Projections Actual Expenditure
(a) 1990/91 $6,741,000$7,365,366
(b) 1991/92
$5,040,000$2,080,534
(c) 1992/93 $1,221,000$1,473,442
(d) 1993/94 $455,000$310,330*
* Year to date.
Page 528 (4) Department of Housing The
Department will continue to provide the full range of housing services
mentioned in answer (1) for the residents of the electorate of Moorebank.
The current restructuring of the Department is aimed at improving the provision
of client services and will lead to improved planning and co-ordination of
services to ensure they are more responsive to local needs.
Already,
alternative rent collection methods have been introduced through a voluntary
rent reduction scheme with the Department of Social Security and the
commencement of a pilot scheme with Australia Post.
Water Board
During
1993/94, the Water Board is installing water and sewer infrastructure to
service the Wattlegrove Development. This development is being completed in
stages with the final project not being completed until after 1994.
Also in
1993/94, the Water Board will be installing a 600 mm water main from Minto to
Ingleburn Reservoir to improve water quality.
Property Services Group
No new or additional services and facilities will be provided by Landcom. With
the present slow industrial property market, it is envisaged hat no new works
will be undertaken by the BLG as present demand for such sites can be met with
existing serviced stock.
(5) Department of
Housing There has been no decline in overall expenditure.
Water
Board
Expenditure in the Moorebank electorate has declined only marginally
since 1990/91. This occurred due to productivity improvements, not reduction in
services.
Property Services Group
Landcom's stock of serviceable land
in the electorate of Moorebank is almost exhausted. The remaining land
available is being investigated for development under the current planning
legislation.
A decline in expenditure by the BLG has been directly related
to reduced demand for industrial land since 1990/91.
*223 SERVICES AND FACILITIES—ELECTORATE OF MOOREBANK—Mr
Knowles asked the Minister for Energy and Minister for Local Government and
Co-operatives—
With regard to the electorate of
Moorebank—
(1) What services and facilities are provided by
agencies which operate within his portfolio area?
(2) How many staff
are directly associated with the provision of those services?
(3)
What were the budget projections and actual expenditures on services and
facilities for: (a) 1990/91?
(b) 1991/92?
(c)
1992/93?
(d) What are the budget projections for 1993/94?
(4)
What new/additional services and facilities will be provided during
1993/94?
(5) Where there has been a decline in expenditure from
1990/91, why?
Page 529
PACIFIC POWER
(1) Pacific Power's assets within the
electorate of Moorebank comprise a 330 kV substation (Ingleburn Substation)
situated off Kent Street, Minto, and a number of 330 kV transmission lines.
The Substation provides electricity at 66,000 volts to Prospect Electricity for
distribution in the local area.
(2) Maintenance staff attend the
substation and transmission lines from time-to-time. There are no staff located
in the area, however, and there are no external services or facilities
available.
(3) Not applicable.
(4) Not applicable.
(5) Nor applicable.
OFFICE OF ENERGY
(1)
The service provided is reticulated electricity supply by Prospect
Electricity. Associated with this service are concessions for pensioners and
users of life support systems to assist with the cost of the electricity
supply.
In addition, welfare agencies distribute (on behalf of the
Government) vouchers under the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA)
scheme. The EAPA scheme is targeted at underprivileged householders and allows
the agencies discretion to provide vouchers ($30 value) which can be redeemed
against electricity accounts.
(2) It is not possible to accurately
state the number of staff directly associated with the provision of the above
services at an electorate level.
(3) The cost of the provision of
electricity supply and discounts available to pensioners and life support
system users is not maintained by Prospect Electricity on an electoral area
basis.
The amount of EAPA assistance provided (or expected to be provided)
to residents of the electorate has been estimated as follows:
1990/91 1991/92 1992/93 1993/94
$90,000 $169,200 $192,600$205,200 (4) Apart from
providing electricity supply where requested, no new or additional services are
planned.
(5) Expenditure in providing
electricity supply is budgeted on a needs basis. It is therefore meaningless to
compare expenditure from year-to-year.
As can be seen from the above
figures the exenditure on the EAPA scheme has increased each year from
1990/91.
*224 MARITIME SERVICES
BOARD—ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT—Mr Langton asked the Deputy Premier,
Minister for Public Works and Minister for Ports—
(1)
Will the new enterprise agreement being drafted by the Maritime Services Board
lead to a reduction in emergency response personnel in the Port of Sydney and
Port Botany?
(2) If so, how many positions will be lost and what are
their titles?
(3) How will the MSB be able to guarantee a
continuation of current levels of safety?
(4) Will the same
agreement lead to a reduction in environment inspectors?
(5) If so,
how many positions will be lost?
(6) How will the MSB be able to
guarantee a continuation of current levels of pollution
control/monitoring?
Page 530 (1) The Enterprise Based Agreement leads to the combining
of three groups of people. They are the Support Service Officers who act as
land patrol within the port, the Environment Inspectors who attend to the
connections of dangerous goods and the Marine Service Officers who provide the
marine component of the Sydney Port Authority emergency response. In combining
these three groups of people, there will be a reduction in total staff however
it will increase productivity and enable cross training and greater skills to
be available within the newly designated position of Port Officer.
(2)
Currently in the structure, there are 9 Environment Inspectors, 24 Support
Service Officers and 46 Marine Service Officers. The combination of these three
groups will lead to a new designation of Port Officer consisting of 60
people—an overall reducation of 19 positions.
(3) The
combination of these groupings will enhance the Authority's ability to attend
to emergencies within the port as it will provide a level of personnel to meet
all contingencies.
(4) Although there is no longer a position of
Environment Inspector as such, the Port Officer will carry out inspections as
required.
(5) Refer to answer (2) above.
(6) With
combinations of these groupings, the Authority will retain five people in Port
Botany and five people in Sydney who will undertake all controlling and provide
the emergency response officer for both ports.
*225
M2 LAND ACQUISITION—Mr Langton asked the Minister for Transport and
Minister for Roads—
(1) Concerning Roads and Traffic
Authority acquisition of land for the proposed M2 tollway, does the RTA comply
with the Just Terms legislation?
(2) How are (if that is the case)
Just Terms guaranteed in the M2 acquisition program?
(1) Yes.
(2) The Roads
and Traffic Authority guarantees just terms by submitting terms of acquision in
accordance with section 55 of the Land Acquisition (Just Terms) Act 1991.
*228 GOVERNMENT CLEANING SERVICE—ELECTORATE OF
THE ENTRANCE—Mr McBride asked the Chief Secretary and Minister for
Administrative Services—
(1) How many staff are
employed by the Government Cleaning Service in the electorate of The
Entrance?
(2) How many are employed in cleaning: (a)
Schools?
(b) Police stations?
(c) Others?
(3)
Which police stations, schools and other Government offices do they
service?
(4) Have all cleaners in the electorate of The Entrance
been guaranteed employment if the service is privatised?
(5) Will
all recreation leave, long service leave and superannuation entitlements be
paid to them prior to transfer to a new employer?
Page 531
(1) There are 57 employees
employed by the Government Cleaning Service in the electorate of The
Entrance.
(2) (a) Schools54 (b) Police
Stations2
(c) Others1
(3) GCS employees service the
following locations:
Bateau Bay Public School
Berkeley Vale High School
Brook Avenue Public School
Chittaway Bay
Public School
Glenvale Special School
Glenvale Special School
North Entrance Annexe
Holgate Public School
Hunter Institute of
Technology
Killarney Vale Public School
Narara Valley High School
Ourimbah Public School Terrigal High
School
Terrigal Police School
Terrigal Public School
The Entrance
High School
The Entrance Police Station
The Entrance Public School
Wamberal Public School
Wyoming Public School
Valley View Public
School
(4) A condition of the sale is that all regular cleaners and
regional staff receive an offer of continuity of employment until 30 June
1995.
(5)
All leave entitlements will be paid to the cleaners on completion of
sale which is expected late in January 1994. Superannuation is administered by
the State Authorities Superannuation Board. All questions on this subject
should be referred to that organisation.
*232 BUS
SERVICES REPLACING RAIL SERVICES—Mr Moss asked the Minister for Transport
and Minister for Roads—
(1) How many private buses
were engaged in carrying passengers between railway stations, in lieu of
trains, on each metropolitan railway line between July 1992 and June 1993?
(2) Within that period, how many actual days were buses required on each
line?
(3) What was the total cost for hiring such buses?
(1) and (2) The information is not
readily available and to seek it would require a substantial diversion of
resources which cannot be justified.
(3) $9.822 million.
*235 AUBURN HOSPITAL—Mr Nagle asked the Minister for
Health—
(1) For what annual throughput of patients
was Auburn Hospital designed?
(2) What are the monthly figures for
admissions since the hospital opened?
(3) Do those figures suggest
any conclusions on the provision of public hospital beds and resources for the
electorate of Auburn?
(4) What is the rate of re-admission of
patients recovering from acute surgery?
(5) If the statistics are
not available, why not, and will the hospital now undertake to keep these
figures from now on?
Page 532 (1) Auburn Hospital was commissioned in March 1964 and
had 5,739 admissions in 1965, the hospital's first full year of operation. In
1993 the hospital had 12,327 admissions.
The increase in admissions has
been influenced by improved clinical technology and a comprehensive range of
domiciliary support services which has resulted in shorter length of stay of
patients in hospital whereby the patients can return home but still receive the
same degree of post-recovery care.
(2) Whilst the monthly figures
are not available back that far, the annual admission figures are provided
hereunder. Year Admitted
YearAdmitted 1964 3,065 1979 11,915
1965
5,739 sp; 1980 12,529
1966 6,746 1981
12,792
1967 6,905 1982 12,558
1968 7,430
1983 13,862
1969 8,190 1984 12,115
1970 9,419 1985 8,973
1971 9,584 1986
10,781
1972 10,868 1987 Lang Area Health
Services
1973 11,895 1988 }data not available
1974
11,672 1989 10,970
1975 11,862 1990
10,710
1976 11,678 1991 10,654
1977
11,929 1992 11,556
1978 11,924 1993
12,327
(3) The above data clearly
indicates the increased activity in line with the growth of the services being
provided by the hospital.
A significant feature is an increase in activity
with a reduction in beds brought about by improved medical technology, support
services, good bed management practices and overall better utilisation of
available resources.
(4) and (5) For the period covering the last 12 months
there were no re-admissions for acute surgery within 1 month.
*237 SPEED CAMERA LOCATIONS—ELECTORATE OF AUBURN—Mr
Nagle asked the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency
Services—
(1) At what locations are speed cameras
used in the electorate of Auburn?
(2) In what patrols are each of
the locations?
(3) What are the number of infringements at each
location since November 1992 until February 1994?
(4) Of the
locations where speed cameras are being used, what are the number of accidents
for each year 1991, 1992 and to December 1993 and is this the basis for their
locations?
(5) Are any more sites being considered in each patrol
where speed is prevalent and police are unable to chase speeding motorists
because of the danger?
(6) If not, why not?
(7) Are the
present locations of speed cameras predominantly on main roads or major
arterial roads?
(8) Will areas of high complaint and potential
danger be considered?
(9) What is the criteria for location of speed
cameras?
Page 533
(1) Parramatta Road between Duck Creek and Station Road for both
east and west bound traffic and along Olympic Drive between Church and Boorea
Streets for both north and south bound traffic.
(2) The relevant
section of Parramatta Road is within Auburn Patrol and Olympic Drive falls
within both Auburn and Flemington Patrols.
(3) 1,909 infringement
notices issued on Parramatta Road from November 1992 to February 1994 and 44
infringement notices issued on Olympic Drive for the same period.
(4) Year Parramatta Road Olympic Drive
1991
28 8 1992 48 8
1993 116 17
(5) No additional sites have been proposed at present.
(6)
There are no other sites in the area that meet the criteria for selection.
(7) Yes.
(8) nbsp; Yes, provided they fulfil the necessary
criteria for selection.
(9) In urban areas, the criteria is a crash
risk factor in excess of 110 (using the Roads and Traffic Authority database)
or 130 (using the Police Service database) and either 25 per cent severity (RTA
database) or 40 per cent (Police database) according to Severity Index 1 or 40
per cent severity (RTA) according to Severity Index 2 (RTA database).
*241 SLAG SAND—Mr Sullivan asked the Minister
for Land and Water Conservation representing the Minister for Planning and
Minister for Housing—
(1) Has the State Government
considered the use of slag sand (particularly "BF Crusher Fines")
rather than approve the underwater mining of fine sand from deposits offshore
of southern Sydney?
(2) If not, why not?
(3) Has the
State Government encouraged research or undertaken research itself into the
substitution of blast furnace slag sand for natural sand in the building
industry, particularly in Sydney?
(4) Has the State Government been
made aware of research which shows that "BF Crusher Fines" slag sand
has comparable qualities to Cattai Fine Sand and Premium Fine Sand?
I have been advised by the Minister
for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable
member's questions are:
(1) to (3) These questions would be more
appropriately directed to the Hon. Ian Causley, M.P., Minister for Agriculture
and Fisheries and Minister for Mines.
(4) A recently exhibited draft
Sydney Regional Environmental Plan (SREP) No. 9 (2) recommended that industry
investigate the feasibility of the use of blast furnace slag and quarry sand as
a substitute for extracting and from naturally occurring deposits. Submissions
on the draft SREP will be received to 31 March 1994.
Page
534
*247 FIRE BRIGADE UPGRADE—WOLLONGONG—Mr
Sullivan asked the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency
Services—
(1) Why did he defer and then later reverse
the decision to upgrade the Fire Brigade in the Wollongong/Illawarra area from
secondary accreditation to primary rescue accreditation?
(2) Did he
decide not to disband the Police Rescue Unit in the Wollongong/Illawarra area,
made while he was Police Minister but prior to taking over the role of
Emergency Services Minister?
(3) Why did he, when assuming
responsibility for Emergency Services, not honour the commitment of the
previous Minister to visit Wollongong and hold discussions with Fire Brigade
representatives?
(4) How much has been expended on training and
otherwise equipping the fully qualified rescue accredited members of the Fire
Brigade in the Wollongong/Illawarra area?
(1) Following my decision last
year to retain the Police Rescue Squad Unit at Wollongong as the accredited
primary rescue unit, I asked the State Rescue and Emergency Services Board
(SRESB) to review the rescue needs for the area.
The SRESB and I are
satisfied that the existing rescue accreditations are more than adequate to
cover the rescue needs of the Illawarra area.
(2) No.
(3)
An incoming Minister cannot necessarily be expected to carry out any visit
which may have been arranged by a previous Minister.
(4) $4,100 on
training and $6,277 on additional rescue equipment.
*251
PROSPECT RESERVOIR LAND—Ms Allan asked the Minister for Land and
Water Conservation representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for
Housing—
(1) Does the Water Board plan to dispose of
land it owns at Prospect Reservoir?
(2) If so, why and when?
(3)
Have the Department of Planning and/or the Water Board approached or
been approached by developers with a view to developing land around Prospect
Reservoir for reidential purposes?
I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for
Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are:
(1)
No.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) The Water Board was
approached by a consortium with a proposal to develop the land around Prospect
Reservoir in the late 1980s. This proposal was rejected at the time. The Board
has received more recent approaches from developers but there are no plans to
dispose of any land around Prospect Reservoir.
Page
535
*252 YOUNG WOMEN'S SPORT—Ms Allan asked the
Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing—
(1) What
specific programs is your Department funding to encourage young women's
participation in sport in New South Wales?
(2) What consultation
processes are in place so that this State works co-operatively with the
Commonwealth to maximise young women's participation in sport in the lead up to
the Olympics 2000?
(1)
Fair access to services by the community is State Government policy and
for the Department of Sport, Recreation and Racing it is one of the key
performance areas in its Corporate Plan. Outlined in its policy
"Opportunities in Sport and Physical Activity for Women", the
Department has made, and will continue to make, strategic decisions to improve
opportunities for participation and talent development for women and girls, and
to ensure the development of excellence in performance by female athletes.
The Department works co-operatively with the Ministry for the Status and
Advancement of Women to ensure key strategies are reflected in the recently
launched Government policy statement of women, titled "Working for
Women".
The following programs which are funded and implemented by the
Department, demonstrate the Department's commitment to encouraging young women
to participate in sport in New South Wales.
Active Girls
Campaign
Findings from various research projects over the past decade
indicate that teenage girls have fewer opportunities and more restricted access
to sport than boys. There is also a higher dropout rate of girls from sport and
physical activity in their teenage years than boys.
As a result, special
measures have been set in place to overcome gender bias in sport. The Active
Girls Campaign was established in 1991 to encourage teenage girls to become
more actively involved in sport and physical activity and to increase public
awareness of the social pressures and discriminatory practices that discourage
girls from fully participating in sport.
The campaign is directed at
teenage girls, schools, parents, coaches, sporting organisations and clubs and
the media. It comprises of promotional material, advertising campaigns,
community resources and specific programs.
The campaign is actively
supported in New South Wales by the Department.
One of the initiatives of
the Active Girls Campaign is the "Commonwealth Bank Active Girls Triathlon
Series". As a pilot program in 1993, the aim of the triathlon series is to
encourage teenage girls to participate.
Due to the success of the two
triathlons held in New South Wales last year, the Department is conducting four
such events this year.
The triathlons are funded by the Department, the
Commonwealth Bank and the Australian Sports Commission.
Aussie Sports Programs
This national sporting initiative is committed
to the development of young people through sport. Aussie Sport promotes
modified sports, with all sports being open to all young people. The program is
aimed at developing sporting skills, promoting fun and enjoyment and
encouraging participation and fair play. It is a joint initiative of the
Department, the Australian Sports Commission and the NSW Department of School
Education.
The Department of Sport, Recreation and Racing provides $120,000
as a direct contribution as well as providing considerable administrative
support and resources.
Page 536
Mums on the Go
The Department is targeting resources to encourage women with pre-school aged
children to become involved in sport and physical activity.
A market reseach program has been conducted by the Department to assess the needs of these
women and their barriers to participation. Resources and programs are currently
being developed in a program titled "Mums on the Go".
By
encouraging women with pre-school aged children to be physically active, they
in turn will be excellent role models for their daughters.
Towards Gender Equity
In achieving "co-operating federalism",
all State Departments of Sport and Recreation, in conjunction with the
Australian Sports Commission, are involved in a project titled "Towards
Gender Equity".
This project is aimed at ensuring women have fair
access to all aspects of organised sport, including participation, coaching,
sports administration and officiating. Encouraging teenage girls to continue
their participation as registered members of State Sporting Associations is a
key strategy of this project.
Sportswomen's Register
This resource booklet, produced by the Department, provides community groups,
schools and the media with female sporting role models who are available for
interviews, speeches, presentations and other public appearances.
The first
edition of this booklet was released in 1990. It is currently being updated and
the second edition is due to be distributed mid-year.
Sportswomen Speaking Out
In February 1991, a very successful pilot
seminar was conducted by the Department to skill individual female athletes and
sports administrators in the area of communication, media and sponsorship. With
the release of the Sportwomen's Register 1994–96, another
Sportwomen Speaking Out, seminar is planned for this year.
Ministerial Women in Sport Advisory Council
I established a
Ministerial Women in Sport Advisory Council in 1993 to advise on issues
relating to women's involvement in sport and physical activity in New South
Wales. To ensure the needs of teenage girls are met, there is youth
representation on the Council.
(2) The Department
recognises the importance of emplying a "co-operative approach" to
maximise young women's participation in sport. The following committees exist
to ensure the highest level of co-operation between the States, the Territories
and the Commonwealth.
Standing Committee on Recreation and
Sport, Special Subcommittee on Women in Sport and Recreation
With
representation from the Commonwealth, States and Territories, this Subcommittee
fosters and develops a unified national approach to issues pertaining to women
in sport and recreation. This includes issues relating to young women's
participation in sport.
A document titled Australian Strategy for Women
in Sport and Recreation has been developed by the Committee and is
currently being implemented, with progress being monitored. Projects such as
"Towards Gender Equity" and advances made in combating sex
discrimination in sport are examples of this Committee's achievements.
Page 537 Women in Sport State Delegates Forum
State and Federal delegates meet twice yearly at a "Women in Sport"
forum to co-operatively develop and implement programs and to exchange views
and information on matters pertaining to women in sport and recreation in
Australia.
*253 MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
EXAMINATIONS—Mr Anderson asked the Minister for Health—
(1) How many magnetic resonance imaging examinations were conducted
of inpatients within the boundaries of each Area Health Service in: (a)
1992/93?
(b) The financial year to date?
(2) (a)
Is each Area Health Service funded for magnetic resonance imaging
examinations in exactly the same way? (b) If not: (i)
How do they vary?
(ii) Why?
(3) (a)
Is specific funding received by any Area Health Services from the
Commonwealth Government for magnetic resonance imaging examinations? (b)
f so: (i) Which areas?
(ii) In what
amounts?
(4) (a) Will he, as a matter of urgency,
ensure equitable access to magnetic resonance imaging examinations for
inpatients and uniform funding arrangements for same?
(1) to (4)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a highly specialised diagnostic imaging
technique which has established value in examinations of the brain and spine
and growing applications in a number of other areas, including oncology and
cardiology.
Staff expertise, sufficient throughput of patients, and
appropriate clinical support services are each important factors in the optimal
provision of such specialty services and the development of clinical
excellence. As a result these types of services are located at a limited number
of sites, but serve all Area and District Health Services.
At present there
are two public units in New South Wales. However, three additional units are
currently being installed and all are expected to be scanning patients prior to
October of this year. These units are located at the following principal
referral hospitals: Royal North Shore, Royal Prince Alfred, Westmead, Prince of
Wales and John Hunter. In excess of 6,800 scans were performed at public units
during 1992/93. Following commissioning of all five public units, it would be
expected that over 17,000 scans per annum will be performed.
MRI scans are
more often performed as an outpatient procedure. As part of the
State/Commonwealth agreement for provision of MRI Services no distinction is
made between private and public or inpatient/outpatient classifications.
Funding for each of these units is, and will be, made under a specific purpose
grant arrangement agreed with the Commonwealth. Funding is based on throughput,
with the average maximum allocation from the Commonwealth being $1.03 million.
Additional funding is provided by the NSW Government toward full operating
costs of the units.
In addition to the specific purpose funding
arrangement, this Government has for a number of years, sought to improve
equity of access for the people of New South Wales through
Page
538
provision of between $300,000 and $400,000 each year to enable the
purchase of scans from the private sector. Allocation of these funds has been
provided to those centres providing statewide, specialised
neurological/neurosurgical services; this is consistent with National and State
guidelines for the provision of MRI units. Furthermore, negotiations
with the Commonwealth enabled the reallocation of funds during 1993/94 to a
number of Area Health Services, including Western Sydney and South Western
Sydney, to contract MRI scans from the private sector as an interim arrangement
until the three new units become operational.
New South Wales has commenced
discussions with the Commonwealth in order to propose the provision of an
additional four MRI units prior to the year 1999. The Department of Health's
Selected Specialty Services Plan indicates that Liverpool Hospital would
be considered a high priority for one of these units; site planning has taken
this into account.
*259 DRUG AUDIT—DEE WHY
DISTRICT—Mr Hatton asked the Minister for Police and Minister for
Emergency Services—
(1) What was the procedure for
the audit of all drug exhibits in the Dee Why Police District that was
undertaken in the aftermath of the Bourke drug allegations?
(2) At
what level must such a drug audit be approved?
(3) Is it a
requirement that the Commissioner be informed of such an extensive audit over
such a wide area in such extraordinary circumstances?
(1) Following an appraisal of the
allegations by Constable Bourke together with a meeting at Frenchs Forest
Police Station, Chief Superintendent McIntosh further conferred with the Region
Commander, North.
On the basis of these meetings the Chief Superintendent
decided to have an audit undertaken of all drug and firearm exhibits, including
weapons of police on leave, throughout the Warringah District.
(2)
The District Commander has thprerogative and ultimate responsibility to carry
out such an audit.
(3) No.
*260
CANNABIS PLANT EXHIBITS—Mr Hatton asked the Minister for Police and
Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) What action was
taken by the Police Service as a result of information contained in the Crime
Commission Report that cannabis plants were being stripped of their leaves in
the Frenchs Forest drug custody area and that this activity was common
knowledge amongst officers stationed there?
(2) Are such large
exhibits normally cut up and placed in sealed bags?
(3) Are these
bags tamper-proof?
(1) to
(3) Answers to these questions were provided by the Commissioner to the
honourable member on 25 August 1993 during evidence given to the Joint Select
Committee on Police Administration.
Page 539
*261 CONSTABLE BOURKE SHOOTING—Mr Hatton asked the Minister for
Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) When
was the Commissioner first briefed about Constable Bourke being shot and by
whom?
(2) Are there any records of this briefing?
(3)
Were the situations reports available?
(4) (a) Were there
any subsequent briefings to the Commissioner about the Bourke shooting? (5) Are there any records of these
briefings?
(6) Were situation reports on Frenchs Forest used at any
of these briefings?
(7) Was the Commissioner briefed about previous
injuries sustained by Bourke on duty, including a stabbing and a previous
shooting?
(1) to (7)
Answers to these questions were provided by the Commissioner to the honourable
member on 25 August 1993 during evidence given to the Joint Select Committee on
Police Administration.
*262 DRUG SECURITY
INSPECTIONS—Mr Hatton asked the Minister for Police and Minister for
Emergency Services—
(1) How many drug security
inspections has the Inspector General undertaken?
(2) Why did he
give 7 days notice of an inspection?
(3) What is the full list of
stations inspected by the Inspector General, the dates, and any anomalies
discovered?
(4) On how many occasions did the Inspector General
discover violations of Commissioner's Instruction 79.05 during his
inspections?
(5) (a) How many were violations of the two-key
security system? (b) On what dates and at which stations?
(6)
(a) How many were situations in which the same officer held both
keys? (b) On what dates and at which stations?
(7) Did
the Inspector General give 7 days notice of his inspection on these
occasions?
(8) What discipline followed from his discovery of these
violations?
(9) (a) Did the Inspector General ever inspect
Frenchs Forest Police Station? (b) If so: (i)
What are the details?
(ii) What were his findings?
(10) Did Constable Bourke walk into Inspector Stewart's office at
Frenchs Forest with one key, take the other key out of his unlocked drawer, go
to the drug exhibit safe, open it, and take exhibit A190754?
(1) The Inspector-General has
undertaken no drug security inspections as such.
From the commencement of
his work on 29 July 1991 through November 1992, the Inpector-General was
involved primarily in the inspection of NSW Police Service District commands.
That work was undertaken as a result of the mandate received from the Police
Board to:
Page 540 •monitor and review
the organisational structure of the NSW Police Service, its aims, objectives,
planning strategies, communication channels and management practices;
•consider and make recommendations to the Police Board regarding
priorities for organisational consolidation, change, revision or review;
•assess the senior management capabilities of the Police Service and
monitor and evaluate the performance of members of the Police Service Senior
Executive Service, within their contractual obligations.
(2) During a briefing from the Chairman, Police Board, on 29 July
1991, the Inspector-General was advised that he should give initial priority to
inspections designed to assess the quality of command at the District level,
and "in the absence of exceptional circumstances, 7 days notice of
inspection must be given to the officer concerned".
(3)
District
Dates visited Patrols visited
Penrith (now
Nepean/Blue Mountains)9-11 September 1991 St Mary's
Springwood
Penrith
South Penrith
Mount Druitt
Goulburn (now Southern Highlands)23-26
September 1991 and Goulburn 30
September 1991 Young
Cootamundra
Gundagai
Bowral
Bankstown (now Georges River)8-11 October 1991 Revesby
Lakemba
Flemington
Bankstown
Auburn
Campsie
Bass Hill
Lismore (now Northern Rivers)27 October 1991 to Lismore
2 November 1991 Casino
Kyogle
Tweed Heads
Byron
Bay
Ballina
McLean
Grafton
Wollongong (now Illawarra) 11-15 November 1991Wollongong
Corrimal
Dapto
Warilla
Port Kembla
Nowra
Milton
Page 541
Sutherland (now St George/Sutherland)25-29 November 1991
Sutherland Cronulla
Miranda
Engadine
Menai
Riverwood
Hurstville
Kogarah
Kingsgrove
Parramatta (now Cumberland)7-10 January
1992 Parramatta Windsor
Castle Hill
Granville
Ermington
Chatswood (now
Northern Suburbs)20-24 January 1992 Chatswood
Eastwood
Ryde
Pennant Hills
Gladesville
Hornsby
Lane Cove
Pymble
Wagga Wagga (now
Riverina)30 March 1992 to Narrandera 2
April 1992 and Leeton
9 April 1992Griffith
Hay
West Wyalong
Temora
Junee
Wagga Wagga
Ashfield (now Mid Western Suburbs)13-16 April 1992 Burwood
Enfield
Earlwood
Five Dock
Drummoyne
Ashfield
Central Coast (formerly
Gosford)27 April 1992 to Gosford 1 May
1992Wyong
The Entrance
Terrigal
Toukley
Woy Woy
Liverpool (now Macarthur) 11-15 May
1992Liverpool Campbelltown
Raby
Macquarie Fields
Moorebank
Camden
Picton
Green Valley
Page 542 Eastern
Suburbs 1-5 June 1992Maroubra
Malabar
Mascot
Bondi
Randwick
Rose Bay
Paddington
Waverley
Port Macquarie (now Mid North
Coast)22-26 June 1992 Bulahdelah
Forster
Taree
Port Macquarie
Kempsey
Macksville
Coffs
Harbour
Barrier (formerly Broken
Hill)14-18 September 1992 Wilcannia
Dareton
Broken Hill
Tibooburra (Sector)
Warringah (formerly Dee Why)9-13 November 1992
Collaroy North Sydney
Mosman
Manly
Frenchs Forest
Mona Vale
Dee Why
Broken Bay Water
Police
Orana (formerly Dubbo)
23-28 November 1992 andMudgee 30 November
1992 Wellington
Nyngan
Bourke
Brewarrina (Sector)
Walgett
Coonamble
Coonabarabran
Dubbo
* Anomalies relevant
to each District Command, consistent with the Inspector-General's terms of
reference, were documented by report to the Police Board.
(4) I am advised that the Inspector-General's inspections
did not include comprehensive coverage of Commissioner's Instructions, nor did
his terms of reference anticipate that they would. The Inspector-General did
not routinely inspect for breaches of Instruction 79.05.
(5) (a)
The Inspector General reports that relying on memory, there were three
occasions he discovered violations of the two key system. (b) Dates
and places not available.
(6) (a) There was no situation in
which the same officer held both keys. (7)
Yes. See response to (2).
Page 543 (8) I
am advised that the violations were discussed with the Patrol Commander and
verbally reported to the District Commander. Each was admonished to comply with
the Commissioner's Instructions. No formal report was made and no discipline
resulted.
(9) (a) ; I am advised that the Inspector-General
visited French's Forest Patrol on 11 November 1992 as part of his inspection of
the Warringah District. (b) I am advised that the Inspector-General
examined organisation, planning, the continuing impact of regionalisation,
intelligence-based rostering, community based policing and patrol management.
They appeared to be in order.
(10) This matter was the subject of a
Report by the Crime Commission and consideration by the Joint Select Committee
Upon Police Administration.
*263 FRENCHS FOREST
DRUG EXHIBIT—Mr Hatton asked the Minister for Police and Minister for
Emergency Services—
(1) Did five cannabis plants
disappear from the Frenchs Forest drug exhibit between 26 October 1991 and 8
July 1992?
(2) Were these plants replaced by Bourke, at the behest
of Sergeant Black, who was in charge of drug custody at Frenchs Forest?
(3)
If so, on what date (or between what dates) were they replaced?
(4)
Was this the Commission of a criminal offence by Black?
(5)
If so, was Black charged?
(6) If not, why not?
(7) Did
the Crime Commission find that this action by Black was an attempt to
"regularise" the exhibit system?
(8) Is this acceptable
practice for the "regularisation" of drug exhibits at New South Wales
police stations?
(9) Did the Crime Commission also find that Black
was genuinely concerned to properly administer an exhibits control system?
(10) Is the illegal replacement of stolen drug exhibits recommended as a
means of properly administering drug exhibits?
(11) Was Junior
Probationary Constable Folbigg instructed to accompany his supervisor,
Constable Bourke, to Davidson National Park to gather these replacement
plants?
(12) What mechanisms were in place for Folbigg to decline
his superiors and report them on this matter?
(13) What would have
been the consequences for his career?
(14) Have any subsequent
measures been introduced to guide a Probationary Constable in such a
situation?
(15) How was the disappearance and replacement of this
drug exhibit finally discovered and on what date?
(16) Did these
replacement plants, in turn, go missing?
(17) Was this exhibit
audited by Sergeant Black as part of the drug audit on 26 May 1992 during which
he discovered the loss of exhibit A190754?
(18) Was this exhibit
audited by Inspector Stewart and Sergeant Black during the drug audit on 18 or
19 June 1992?
(19) Are there any records of this audit?
(20)
If not, why not?
(21) Was this exhibit audited by Sergeant Black
during the drug audits of 1 July 1992 and 13 July 1992?
(22) When
was the next drug audit at Frenchs Forest carried out?
(23) What
were the dates of all subsequent drug audits at Frenchs Forest?
Page 544 (24) Were they internal or external audits?
(25)
Were any external drug audits of Frenchs Forest undertaken after the
Bourke allegations came to light?
(26) On how many occasions has
Frenchs Forest been audited by the Comprehensive Audit Branch from 1990?
(27) Was the audit of 13 January 1993 by the Comprehensive Audit Branch
a random audit?
(1) to
(27) These matters were the subject of a report by the Crime Commission, which
was tabled in Parliament. They also received detailed consideration by the
Joint Select Committee Upon Police Administration.
As a member of that
Committee the honourable member had ample opportunity to ask questions about
these matters.
*264 SPEED
CAMERAS—ELECTORATE OF LAKE MACQUARIE—Mr Hunteasked the Minister for
Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) How
many speed camera locations are there in the electorate of Lake Macquarie?
(2) Where are the locations?
(3) How many speeding fines have
been issued at each location for each year of operation?
(4) What
was the total amount in dollars of these fines for each year?
(5) If
accident incidents reduce in the areas of speed camera use, will the relocation
of cameras be considered?
(1) 4.
(2) Main Road, Boolaroo (2 locations). Main
Road, Toronto (2 locations).
(3) A breakdown of speeding fines
issued on a 2-yearly basis is not readily available. Total fines issued as at 2
February 1994 are as follows: Main Road, Boolaroo 1st location
42
2nd location 173
Main Road, Toronto 1st location
8
2nd location 1,377
(4) These figures are not
available.
(5) Yes.
*268 SERVICES AND
FACILITIES—ELECTORATE OF MOOREBANK—Mr Knowles asked the Minister
for Transport and Minister for Roads—
With regard to the
electorate of Moorebank—
(1) What services and facilities are
provided by agencies which operate within his portfolio area?
(2)
How many staff are directly associated with the provision of those
services?
Page 545 (3) What were the budget
projections and actual expenditures on services and facilities for: (a)
1990/91?
(b) 1991/92?
(c) 1992/93?
(d) What
are the budget projections for 1993/94?
(4) What new/additional
services and facilities will be provided during 1993/94?
(5) Where
there has been a decline in expenditure from 1990/91, why?
This information is not readily available
and to seek it would require a substantial diversion of resources which cannot
be justified.
*269 SERVICES AND
FACILITIES—ELECTORATE OF MOOREBANK—Mr Knowles asked the Minister
for Consumer Affairs, Minister Assisting the Minister for Roads and Minister
Assisting the Minister for Transport—
With regard to the
electorate of Moorebank—
(1) What services and facilities are
provided by agencies which operate within her portfolio area?
(2)
How many staff are directly associated with the provision of those
services?
(3) What were the budget projections and actual
expenditures on services and facilities for: (a) 1990/91?
(b)
1991/92?
(c) 1992/93?
(d) What are the budget
projections for 1993/94?
(4) What new/additional services and
facilities will be provided during 1993/94?
(5) Where there has been
a decline in expenditure from 1990/91, why?
(1) Resources within the Consumer
Affairs portfolio are allocated on the basis of statewide programs rather than
electoral boundaries.
Nevertheless, residents residing in the electorate of
Moorebank may avail themselves of a wide range of services offered by the
Department of Consumer Affairs and the Building Services Corporation at several
locations throughout the metropolitan area.
These services include:
Department of Consumer Affairs: •advice on fair trading
issues;
•mediation of maretplace disputes;
•advice/assistance in lodging Consumer Claims Tribunal/Building Disputes
Tribunal claims and processing of Business Name Registration/Association
Incorporation applications.
Building Services Corporation:
•advice on building matters;
•mediation of building
disputes;
•facilitating lodgment of insurance claims and applications
for owner-builder permits, contractor licences, qualified supervisor
certificates or registration and authorisations to purchase/use CFCs.
Page 546 (2) and (3) I refer the
honourable member to the Budget estimates papers and the relevant agency annual
reports.
(4) This financial year agencies within my portfolio have
continued to make available to residents of the electorate of Moorebank the
same comprehensive range of services outlined in answer (1) above.
I would
also draw the honourable member's attention to the important portfolio
initiatives outlined in the Governor's Speech and in other public agency
documents (e.g., corporate plans).
(5) See answers (2) and (3)
above.
*270 SERVICES AND
FACILITIES—ELECTORATE OF MOOREBANK—Mr Knowles asked the Minister
for Sport, Recreation and Racing—
With regard to the
electorate of Moorebank—
(1) What services and facilities are
provided by agencies which operate within his portfolio area?
(2)
How many staff are directly associated with the provision of those
services?
(3) What were the budget projections and actual
expenditures on services and facilities for: (a) 1990/91?
(b)
1991/92?
(c) 1992/93?
(d) What are the budget
projections for 1993/94?
(4) What new/additional services and
facilities will be provided during 1993/94?
(5) Where there has been
a decline in expenditure from 1990/91, why?
Details of services and facilities
provided by the Department of Sport, Recreation and Racing within the
electorate of Moorebank during 1990/91, 1991/92 and 1992/93 are provided
below.
(1) Capital Assistance Program—grants are provided
through this program to assist in the development of local sporting and
recreational facilities.
Sports Development Courses—accreditation
courses are conducted with the aim of improving standards of sports coaching
and administration.
Swimsafe Program—Learn to Swim Programs and
specialised instruction in the principles of water safety are provided for
preschool and school age children and adults during the summer months.
Vacation Activity Centre Program—Conducted during each school holiday
period this program offers a range of sporting and recreational activities to
primary school age children. The program is being replaced by programs
providing introductory sports skills and coaching in specific sports.
Introductory Sport and Recreation Opportunities—opportunities to try a
wide variety of sporting and recreational activities are offered to adults
through this program.
Aussie Sport Programs—"Sportsfund"
provides an after school sports program specifically for primary school
children with trained high school students as instructors. The
"Sportslink" program is a preseason skill development program
designed to introduce children to community sport.
Aussie Sport
Programs—"Sportsfun" provides an after school sports program
specifically for primary school children with trained high school students as
instructors. The "Sportslink" program is a preseason skill
development program designed to introduce children to community sport.
Page 547 (2) The electorate of Moorebank is serviced
by the Department's South West Metropolitan Regional Office. Staff levels at
this office have remained constant at six permanent staff since 1990/91.
In
addition, one staff member at the Department's Head Office is responsible for
administration of the Capital Assistance Program
(3) 1990/91 Capital Assistance Program—$20,000
provided towards one facility.
Swimsafe Learn to Swim Program—772
participants, total expenditure $16,366.
Vacation Activity Centre
Program—603 participants, total expenditure $6,657.
Introductory
Opportunities—20 participants, total expenditure $305.
Sports
Development Programs—Nil.
Aussie Sport Programs—251
participants, total expenditure $1,305.
1991/92 Capital Assistance Program—$35,000 provided towards
two facilities.
Swimsafe Learn to Swim Program—728 participants,
total expenditure $15,106.
Vacation Activity Centre Program—576
participants, total expenditure $6,451.
Introductory Opportunities—23
participants, total expenditure $295.
Sports Development
Programs—Nil.
Aussie Sport Programs—247 participants, total
expenditure $1,395.
1992/93
Capital Assistance Program—$32,000 provided towards three
facilities.
FootyTAB Funding—$37,500 provided towards sporting
facility at Fields Road, Macquarie Fields.
Swimsafe Learn to Swim
Program—679 participants, total expenditure $14,462.
Vacation
Activity Centre Program—615 participants, total expenditure $6,955.
Introductory Opportunities—26 participants, total expenditure $337.
Sports Development Programs—26 participants, total expenditure
$2,250.
Aussie Sport Programs—282 participants, total expenditure
$1,488.
1993/94 Capital Assistance
Program—$34,000 provided towards five facilities.
Swimsafe Learn to
Swim Program—675 participants, total expenditure $14,647.
Vacation
Activity Centre Program—175 participants, projected expenditure
$2,150.
Introductory Opportunities—50 participants, projected
expenditure $650.
Sports Development Programs—20 participants,
projected expenditure $1,000.
Aussie Sport Programs—325 participants,
projected expenditure $1,750.
International Shooting Facility Holsworthy,
studies undertaken—total expenditure $145,000.
International Sporting
Events Council (ISEC)—provision of $20,000 grant towards the staging of
the 1994 World Barefoot Water Ski Championships to be held at Helles Park,
Moorebank, March 1994.
(4) The following
new/additional services will be provided during 1993/94: Aussie Sport
Skill Development Program—Moorebank April 1994.
Sportslink
Program—Holsworthy June 1994.
Sports Administration
Program—Moorebank May 1994.
Australian Rules Talented Athlete
Program—Macquarie Fields April 1994—this program will provide
intensive training and coaching for children of school age with demonstrated
talent and potential in Australian Rules.
Page 548
(5) Expenditure in the following program areas within
electorate of Moorebank has increased since 1990/91: Capital Assistance
Program.
Introductory Opportunities.
Sports Development Programs.
Aussie Sport Programs.
A decline in enrolments has contributed to a
decrease in expenditure in the Swimsafe Program.
The Vacation Activity
Centre Program is being replaced by school holiday sports skill development
programs.
*272 NORTHERN PENINSULA LIGHT
RAIL—Mr Langton asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for
Roads—
(1) Has he announced on three occasions over
the past 18 months that the Government would see a light rail service running
on Sydney's northern peninsula?
(2) Have private sector companies
privately stated that the scheme is not feasible?
(3) When will the
next announcement be made?
(1) sp; Details of the proposed light rail system have been released
as required.
(2) Not to my knowledge.
(3) Details of
progress are released as required.
*273 AIRPORT
RAIL LINK—Mr Langton asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for
Roads—
(1) Did he claim in 1992 that the airport rail
link would be solely funded by the private sector?
(2) Has he
subsequently claimed the Government would part fund the project?
(3)
What is the likely extent of contribution required by the Government?
(1) and (2) The Government has
always sought to maximise the private sector contribution to the airport rail
link.
(2) This will depend on the outcome of the tender
process.
*279 LOBSTER FISHERS—Mr Martin
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and Minister for
Mines—
(1) Were lobster fishers advised in March 1986
to reduce and/or not increase effort?
(2) Did a large number of
lobster fishers embrace the spirit of that direction?
(3) Did a
number of lobster fishers ignore the direction and increase effort?
(4)
Was the period 1987 to December 1990 used to establish the criteria for
entitlement to a licence?
(5) Does the criteria period disadvantage
those lobster fishers who responded to the spirit of the direction in March
1986?
(6) Will he restore equity for those lobster fishers
disadvantaged?
Page 549
(1) On 12 March 1986, the Minister for Agriculture and
Fisheries, Jack Hallam, issued a press release which included a general warning
against investment in the fishing industry on the expectation of gaining entry
to a particular area or fishery.
(2) In general terms the spirit of
the direction was not embraced and there was an overall increase in fishing
effort in the lobster fishery.
(3) Individuals increased their
effort in the rock lobster fishery despite a number of warnings against doing
so. This situation has continued following declaration of a restricted lobster
fishery in 1993.
(4) Catch history for the period 1987 to 1990,
inclusive, was one of several criteria used to determine eligibility for a rock
lobster restricted fishery permit.
(5) Effort in the lobster fishery
continued to increase after 1986, placing even greater pressure on the
resource. It is apparent throughout the fishing industry that ministerial
warnings against investment based on the expectation of gaining entry to any
particular fishery have not been heeded.
(6) Under the present
fisheries property rights proposals, persons who recorded rock lobster catches
during the criteria period but did not qualify for a permit may be allocated
rights based on their catch history.
*281 SPEED
CAMERAS—ELECTORATE OF WALLSEND—Mr Mills asked the Minister for
Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) At
what locations are speed cameras used in the electorate of Wallsend?
(2)
What are the numbers of infringements at each location during 1993?
(3) What is the total value of fines imposed by infringement notices at
each location during 1993?
(4) What is the number of road accidents
for each of the years 1991, 1992 and 1993 at each location?
(5) How
many of these accidents caused: (6) Are each of these locations identified black spots?
(7)
If not, what are the reasons for choosing that location?
(8)
Are any more locations being consideed in the electorate of Wallsend for speed
cameras?
(1)
Macquarie Road, Cardiff 2 locations Main Road,
Argenton 2 locations
Main Road, Wallsend
2 locations
Lambton Road, New Lambton
2 locations
(2) Macquarie Road, Cardiff 1st location
No infringements issued
2nd
location 2 infringements
issued
Main Road, Argenton 1st location
No infringements issued
2nd location
36 infringements issued
Page 550 Main Road, Wallsend 1st location
No infringements issued
2nd location
11 infringements issued
Lambton Road, New Lambton 1st location
85 infringements issued
2nd location
43 infringements issued
(3)
These figures are not available.
(4) Macquarie Road, Cardiff
29 accidents Main Road, Argenton
15 accidents
Main Road, Wallsend 52
accidents
Lambton Road, New Lambton 24 accidents
(5)
(a) Nil. (6) Yes.
(7) Not
applicable.
(8) Not known at this stage.
*282
ETHNIC FUNDING—ELECTORATE OF WALLSEND—Mr Mills asked the
Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the
Minister for Justice—
(1) What financial assistance
has the Department provided to ethnic community groups in the electorate of
Wallsend?
(2) What are the names of these organisations?
(3)
What amount of money was provided?
(4) How much of these funds
came from Federal sources?
(1) Since no applications for assistance were received from groups
in the electorate of Wallsend in this financial year, no financial assistance
has been provided by the Ethnic Affairs Commission directly to ethnic community
groups in the electorate of Wallsend to date during the 1993/94 financial
year.
(2) Not applicable, refer to the answer to question (1).
(3) nbsp; Not applicable, refer to the answer to question (1).
(4)
Not applicable, refer to the answer to question (1).
Details of grants
in previous years are contained in the annual reports of the Ethnic Affairs
Commission which have been tabled in Parliament.
*286
TOOMELAH WATER SUPPLY—Dr Refshauge asked the Deputy Premier,
Minister for Public Works and Minister for Ports—
(1)
Has the Moree Plains Shire Council written to his predecessor asking for
assistance in ensuring that a maintenance and service contract be expedited for
the Toomelah Aboriginal Community?
(2) What action has the
Department of Public Works taken to assist the Toomelah Aboriginal Community
and the maintenance of their water supply?
Page 551 (1) Moree Plains Council made
representations to the Hon. W. Murray, M.P., in his position as local member.
Mr Murray pursued the matter, and continues to pursue it , in that role.
(2) Public Works is not responsible for maintenance at Toomelah and has
not been approached for assistance. However, Public Works had previously
arranged for the attendance of two Toomelah community residents at a sewerage
operators training course. While the fees were paid and all arrangements
completed for them to attend the course, they did not present themselves, and
have offered no explanation since.
I understand the NSW
Aboriginal Land Council is assisting the Toomelah Aboriginal community in
respect of arranging maintenance contracts for their water supply.
*287 PACIFIC POWER SES STAFF RATIO—Mr Rogan asked the Minister
for Energy and Minister for Local Government and Co-operatives—
(1) What are the overall staff and SES staff numbers in respect of
years 1991, 1992 and 1993 for the following Pacific Power Business Units:
(a) Pacific Power Hunter?
(b) Pacific Power Central
Coast?
(c) Pacific Power Western?
(d) Pacific Power
Grid?
(e) Pacific Power Services?
(f) Pacific Power
Subsidiary Companies?
(g) Pacific Power Business Units?
(2)
What are the respective ratio of SES to staff numbers for each of the
business units above?
(1)
and (2) Outlined below are overall staff numbers and SES positions in respect
of years 1991, 1992 and 1993 in the various business units, together with the
respective ratio of SES positions to overall staff numbers.
SES to overall staff
Hunter 1,110 6 1:185
Central Coast
1,629 13 1:125
Western 461 6 1:77
Supply/Grid 1,109 13 1:85
Services *
Subsidiary 7 3 1:2
Other Business Units 1,897
61 1:31
Apprentices, Cadets, Trainees 497 -
-
______ _______
sp;
6,710 1021:66
*
Services Business Unit created in November 1991.
Page 552 SES to overall staff
Hunter 1,119 7 1:160
Central Coast
1,439 9 1:160
Western 498 6 1:83
Grid 1,092 14 1:78
Services 1,605 34
1:47
Subsidiaries 16 3 1:5
Other Business Units
274 26 1:11
Apprentices, Cadets, Trainees 439
- -
6,482 991:65
Staff numbers as at 30 November 1993
SES to overall
staff Hunter 948 6 1:158
Central Coast
1,172 10 1:117
Western 430 6
1:72
Grid 1,047 13 1:81
Services 1,594
32 1:50
Subsidiaries 10 3 1:3
Other
Business Units 175 20 1:9
Apprentices, Cadets,
Trainees 432 - -
*288 PACIFIC POWER SALARY AND WAGE INCREASES—Mr
Rogan asked the Minister for Energy and Minister for Local Government and
Co-operatives—
(1) Was an Enterprise Agreement for
some 6,000 employees of Pacific Power recently rejected by a vote of these
employees?
(2) Have these employees not received any general wage
increase since 1991?
(3) Have any instructions been issued by him or
the Government to Pacific Power to restrict any productivity-based salary or
wage increases to 4 per cent despite reported production improvements of 30 per
cent for Pacific Power?
(4) Has there been any itervention or
directions given to Pacific Power in regard to this Enterprise Agreement which
would have been the largest negotiated with a State Government enterprise?
(5) What independence is permitted to Government trading enterprises
such as Pacific Power in negotiating Enterprise Agreements?
(6) What
is the Government position on wage and salary increases?
(7)
Following the rejection of the Enterprise Agreement, what steps will the
Government be taking regarding the salaries and wages of Pacific Power
employees?
(1) A
corporate enterprise agreement for all Pacific Power employees was rejected on
8 November 1993, following a ballot of employees.
(2) Although
employees have not received a general wage increase since 1991, many employees
have received wage increases as a result of job evaluation, reclassification
and promotion through skill development programs introduced as the result of
award restructuring.
Page 553 (3) The proposed
corporate enterprise agreement referred to in (1) above provided no increases
for past productivity. It did however provide a 4 per cent initial increase for
entering into an enterprise agreement for future and expected productivity
incentives and the rewriting of the award and conversion into the agreement.
The rewriting of the award was agreed to at the time of award
restructuring.
(4) There is a requirement of all Chief Executive
Officers to gain Ministerial approval of all proposed enterprise agreements,
and in Pacific Power's case this was obtained in May 1993.
(5)
Subject to Ministerial approval, the items for negotiation and the manner in
which negotiations proceeded remain with Pacific Power.
(6) Pacific
Power's negotiations on entering enterprise agreements conforms with Government
policy.
(7) Following the rejection of the corporate enterprise
agreement, Pacific Power has made the same document available to individual
business units or discrete sections of those units. This offer is currently
under review by employees and managers.
*289
GEORGES RIVER NATIONAL PARK—Mr Rogan asked the Minister for the
Environment—
(1) What has been the operating budget
for the Georges River National Park for the years 1990, 1991, 1992 and
1993?
(2) How much of this money was allocated by the National Parks
and Wildlife Service?
(3) How much money for the years 1990, 1991,
1992 and 1993 was received from entry fees into the park and hiring charges for
the use of parkland?
(4) What were the staffing levels for the years
1990, 1991, 1992 and 1993?
(5) Is the National Parks and Wildlife
Service proposing to install gates to prevent entry into the park after
hours?
(6) If so, when will these gates be installed?
(7)
Is he aware of concern regarding the cost of entry fees into the park?
(8)
Have these increased entry fees resulted in fewer visitors and
picnickers visiting the area?
(9) What steps does he propose to take
to reduce these charges?
(10) Will he consider establishing a
trustee system of community and departmental persons to administer and control
this community facility?
(11) If not, why not?
(1) $
1989/90 312,000
1990/91 310,000
1991/92 278,000
1992/93 338,490
Maintenance expenses and salary and wages for permanent and casual staff are
included in these figures. Not costed are the salaries of NPWS District Rangers
or the value of organisational support provided for the management of the area
fromother functional areas of the service.
(2)
$ 1989/90 312,000
1990/91
310,000
1991/92 278,000
1992/93 338,490
Page 554 (3) Park Use Fees
Ground Hiring 1989/90
168,000 17,000
1990/91
200,000 20,000
1991/92
180,000 14,000
1992/93 146,000
6,000
Revenues obtained through park use and other fees are included in
the Service's overall funding levels that are allocated to regions and
districts to meet operational costs. This situation also exists in relation to
other parks where park use and other fees apply.
(4) 1989/90
8 permanent staff 1990/91 7 permanent staff
1991/92 7 permanent staff
1992/93 6 permanent
staff
(5) Yes. The Director-General informs me that the service is
proposing to install gates because of vandalism which has caused thousands of
dollars damage to park facilities. Activities include break-ins and destruction
of park property, damage to grassed areas and trees, lighting of fires, car
dumping and drug taking (evidenced by the used syringes removed by park
workers). Support has been received from local police for the proposal.
(6)
The installation is subject to my approval. The Director-General advises
me the Service is currently preparing documentation for my consideration of the
proposal and I have not yet made a decision on the matter.
(7) Local
residents and patrons are encouraged to purchase annual entry permits which
enable unlimited vehicle entry to all service managed areas and provide
substantial savings for regular visitors.
It is also a long standing policy
of the service for holders of the pensioner health benefit card to be provided
free use of park facilities.
During week days there is a confessional entry
fee of $4 per car into Georges River National Park.
(8) The number
of vehicles paying daily entry fees to the park has decreased; however the
revenue from the sale of annual entry permits at the park has increased (from
$3,800 in 1989/90 to $12,000 in 1992/93).
(9) The current daily park
entry fee of $7.50 per car was introduced after a comprehensive pricing policy
review undertaken for the Service by independent consultants and is consistent
with all other national parks in New South Wales which charge an entry fee.
This fee applies only on weekends and public holidays. On weekdays there is a
confessional entry fee of $4 per car. Further fee reviews are tied to movements
in the consumer price index and in this regard there has been no increase since
the current fee was introduced in June 1992.
(10) and (11) Community input
into the management of Georges River National Park is already available via the
NPWS South Metropolitan District Advisory Committee. The former Georges River
SRA Trust is represented on this commitee.
*292
OMBUDSMAN REPORT—POLICE COMPLAINTS—Mr Scully asked the Minister
for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1)
What steps does he propose to take to bring to the attention of all New South
Wales police officers the recent report of the NSW Ombudsman into an alleged
assault in December 1990 by police officers from Cabramatta Patrol?
(2)
Would it be beneficial to police officers if they read this report?
Page 555 (3) (a) What steps does he propose
to deal with the suggestions in the report that there may be widespread
collusion and fabrication of evidence in the Police Service to frustrate
internal inquiries? (b) Will he bring this to the attention of
individual police officers?
(4) Does the contents of the report
explain the reason why so many police officers charged with criminal offences
are acquitted or why so many complaints against police are not sustained?
(1) In accordance with
the Ombudsman's recommendation, the Police Service, through the Training
Section of the Internal Affairs Branch, has included in its training of
investigators, information on this matter. In addition, a case study is to be
prepared for inclusion in the training of all police officers entering the
Service.
(2) Whilst the reading of sections of this report may be
useful to police, it is considered that greater benefit can be obtained by
addressing the issues raised in education and training material.
(3)
(a) The Police Service rejects the notion that there is widespread
collusion and fabrication of evidence to frustrate internal inquiries. However,
it is clear that additional checks and balances are needed to ensure that
wherever possible, investigations into police conduct are conducted in an
honest, efficient and professional manner.
All the
Ombudsman's recommendations in relation to this matter are to be implemented
pending legal advice.
(b) All individual police will be
advised and expected to become familiar with any procedural and policy changes
adopted.
(4) Criminal proceedings succeed and fail for a variety of
reasons. However, it is recognised that there are special problems associated
with the investigation of police. Internal training courses are designed to
equip investigators with the skills necessary to deal with these problems.
*293 GOVERNMENT CLEANING SERVICE—ELECTORATE OF
SMITHFIELD—Mr Scully asked the Chief Secretary and Minister for
Administrative Services—
(1) How many persons
employed by the Government Cleaning Service are employed in each school in the
electorate of Smithfield?
(2) What is the number employed in each
school?
(1) There
are 54 employees employed in school locations within the electorate of
Smithfield.
(2) They are employed as follows: Bossley Park
High School 6
Bossley Park Public School
3
Edensor Park Public School
3
Governor King Public School 3
Holroyd High
School 6
Prairie Vale Public School
3
Prairewood High School
8
Ringrose Public School p; 3
Page 556
Sherwood Grange Public School 2
Smithfield West
Public School 3
Smithfield Public School
4
St Johns Park High School 5
Widemere Public School 2
William Stimson
Public School 3
*294
ILLAWARRA REGIONAL HOSPITAL MAINTENANCE—Mr Sullivan asked the Minister
for Health—
(1) What is the total value of
maintenance and repair work required to be carried out on the major building
complex (Hickman House and the services building) at the Wollongong campus of
the Illawarra Regional Hospital?
(2) Has a program been prepared and
commenced by which these repairs and maintenance will be undertaken and
completed?
(3) If not, why not?
(4) What is the estimated
cost and priority being given to: (a) The waterproof sealing of the
roof of Hickman House and the waterproof sealing of the southern and south
western walls of Hickman House?
(b) The removal and replacement of
the concrete sunshades on the services building?
(c) The upgrading
of the lifts in Hickman House and the services building?
(d) The
completion of the window replacement program in Hickman House?
(1) Approximately $2.5
million is being spent this year on repairs and maintenance work for the
Illawarra Regional Hospital at its two campuses located at Wollongong and
Warrawong. The Wollongong Campus receives the bulk of these funds, which are
used in a continuous program of planned maintenance to the building's fabric,
engineering services and electromedical equipment. The long-term upgrade and
improvement needs of the buildings at the Wollongong Campus are consistent with
the size and age of the buildings.
(2) and (3) IAHS has an Asset Management
Pilot Program which will programme the detailed maintenance requirements of all
the hospital's assets and cross-link these to priorities for service delivery
in order to ensure that the greatest return from investment is achieved.
Additionally, the major elements have already been identified and included in
forward submissions for capital allocations.
(4) (a) The
waterproof sealing of the roof of Hickman House will cost in the vicinity of
$110,000 and it has been given a high priority by the hospital. A costing has
not been obtained for the sealing of the southern and southwestern walls of
Hickman House. A priority has not been assigned to this work due to the need to
assess the benefit of firstly waterproofing the roof.
(b) The
removal and replacement of the sunshades on the Services Building will cost
$2.2 million. This work has been given a high priority by the hospital.
(c) The upgrading of the lifts in Hickman House and the Services
Building will cost approximately $1.72 million and this also has been given a
high priority by the hospital.
(d) The completion of the
window replacement programme in Hickman House will cost around $0.75
million.
All of the above works will best be undertaken during the very
extensive decanting and renovation programmes now being planned for the
hospital's existing buildings which will follow the construction of the
Clinical Services Building.
Page 557
*298
ETHNIC GRANTS—ELECTORATE OF ROCKDALE—Mr Thompson asked the
Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the
Minister for Justice—
(1) What financial assistance has been provided to ethnic groups in
the electorate of Rockdale?
(2) What are the names of the
organisations involved?
(1) The Ethnic Affairs Commission of NSW has provided a total of
$60,000 for the electorate of Rockdale.
(2) The following
organisations received grants from the EAC: Organisation: Al
Zahra Muslim Women's Association Inc.
Amount: $12,000.
Year: 1993.
Project:
Muslim women's support and research program addressing issue of
social isolation.
Organisation: Al
Zahra Muslim Association.
Amount: $6,000.
Year:
1993.
Project: Raising community
awareness of social and economic issues.
Organisation: Al Zahra Muslim Women's Association Inc.
Amount:
$21,000.
Year: 1994.
Project: Muslim women against domestic
violence—education, referral and information.
Organisation: Coptic Orthodox Church of NSW.
Amount:
$21,000.
Year: 1994.
Project: Community development—aged,
women and youth, to achieve better integration with wider community.
*299 MARTYN McCABE—Mr Whelan asked the Minister
for the Environment representing the Attorney General and Minister for
Justice—
(1) Has Mr Martyn McCabe of Katoomba been
charged with murder?
(2) When was he charged?
(3) Was
bail sought?
(4) Where is Mr McCabe being held?
(5) When
will court proceedings commence?
(6) At which court?
(7)
What is the reason for the delay?
Page 558 (1) Yes.
(2) 4 April
1993.
(3) Bail has been sought and refused twice since Mr McCabe's
arrest.
(4) Mr McCabe is currently being held at the Remand Centre,
Long Bay Correctional Complex.
(5) 14 March 1994.
(6)
Darlinghurst Supreme Court.
(7) 14 March 1994 was the earliest date
after committal on 27 October 1993 that this matter could be listed for
hearing.
*300 LISMORE AND MURWILLUMBAH COURT
DELAYS—Mr Whelan asked the nistryMinister for Multicultural and Ethnic
Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for Justice representing the
Attorney General and Minister for Justice—
(1) How
many praecipes for civil action have been filed at: (a) Murwillumbah
District Court?
(b) Lismore Supreme Court?
(2) How many
are awaiing settlement?
(3) Is the backlog of civil matters at these
courts longer than at other courts in the State?
(4) If so, how much
longer?
(5) Have only 2 weeks of sittings been scheduled for the
Murwillumbah District Court to hear civil matters in 1994?
(6) How
long does it take from lodgement of a case until the matter is heard?
(7)
Can it take up to 3½ years for matters to be heard?
(8) Why are
delays of this magnitude allowed to occur?
(9) Will he increase the
number of sitting days in these courts during 1994 so as to reduce the backlog
of cases waiting to be heard?
(10) If not, why not?
I am advised by the Attorney General and
Minister for Justice that the answers to the honourable member's questions
are:
(1) (a) 39 praecipes for civil
action were filed at Murwillumbah District Court in 1993. (b)
118 Notices to Set Down for Trial were filed at Lismore Supreme Court in
1993.
(2) (a) After the last sittings in September 1993,
there were 42 matters pending at Murwillumbah District Court where praecipes
for trial had been filed.
(b) There are 75 matters awaiting
disposal at Lismore Supreme Court whether by settlement or hearing.
(3)
(a) The average time between the filing of a praecipe and
finalisation of proceedings in the District Court on a statewide basis as
compared with Murwillumbah is as follows: May 1993 175
weeks 120 weeks
June 1993
114 weeks
No sittings
July 1993
85 weeks
No sittings
August 1993
122 weeks No sittings
September 1993 83 weeks
91 weeks
October 1993
143 weeks
No sittings
Page 559 The
reason for the fluctuations in the statewide figure can be explained by the
number of very old matters being finalised in the paticular month, which
inflates the real waiting time for the majority of matters. Usually, whether it
be at Murwillumbah or elsewhere, these very old matters are due to the parties
not being prepared or ready to proceed. The above statistics are collated on a
monthly basis, and as there were only two sittings of the Murwillumbah District
Court in 1993, figures are not available for the other months shown.
(b) The 75 matters awaiting disposal at Lismore
Supreme Court compare with 177 matters at Wollongong, 104 matters at Wagga
Wagga and 54 matters at Bathurst.
There is only a small
proportion of matters at each country venue in which Notices to Set Down for
Trial were lodged prior to 30 June 1991. For example:
Wollongong 8 matters Wagga Wagga
1 matter
Bathurst 9 matters
Lismore
5 matters
(4) Refer to answer to
question (3).
(5) Yes.
(6) (a) Unknown in respect
of the District Court. No general statistics are maintained on time averages
from commencement of a matter to finalisation. As detailed in the answer to
question (3), statistics are maintained from the filing of the praecipe, which
is when the plaintiff informs the Court that the case is purportedly ready to
proceed to a hearing.
(b) In the Supreme Court, assuming the
matter is ready to proceed at the time of filing a Notice to Set Down for
Trial, it would normally be heard within 2 years of the date of filing such
Notice.
(7) (a) In respect of the District Court, yes, but as
mentioned in the answer to question (3), delays of this nature are rarely due
to the inability of the Court to accommodate the proceedings earlier.
(b) In respect of the Supreme Court, as can be seen from the answers
given to questions (3) and (6), if the matter is ready to proceed at the time
of filing the Notice to Set Down for Trial, it should not take 3½ years to be
heard.
(8) (a) In respect of the District Court, it is not a
question of the Court allowing these delays to occur. Until recently, the
management of cases was left to the parties, or more particularly, their legal
representatives. Often the Court had very little control over what has commonly
been referred to as "court delays" but which, in most cases, should
more accurately be called "case delays".
With the
Government's support, the Court is now moving towards judicial case management,
which is having a marked impact in caseload reduction. Indeed, with the
co-operation of the legal profession, the indications are that case delays
should continue to decrease.
(b) In respect of the Supreme
Court, as can be seen from the answers given to questions (3), (6) and (7), it
should not take 3½ years for matters to be heard.
(9) The allocation
of sittings of the Supreme and District Courts is not a matter for the Attorney
General to determine. Rather, it is the responsibility of the Chief Justice and
Chief Judge respectively.
(a) The Principal Courts
Administrator of the District Court has advised that there will be no increase
in the number of sitting days at Murwillumbah during 1994.
Page
560 (b) The Chief Executive Officer and Principal
Registrar of the Supreme Court has advised that there are normally sittings of
2 weeks at Lismore Supreme Court each year with 1 Judge in attendance. For the
sittings in 1994 at Lismore, there will be 1 Judge sitting for 4 weeks as well
as 1 Master sitting for 2 weeks.
This compares with only 2
weeks of sittings at Wagga Wagga and Bathurst and a totl of 6 weeks at
Wollongong, with 1 Judge in attendance.
(10) The allocation of
sittings of the District Court is a matter solely for the Chief Judge to
determine. In this regard, the Chief Judge must consider every venue throughout
the State and determine the best manner by which the needs of each individual
community can best be served, within the finite judicial resources available to
the Court.
In addition to the annual allocation the Chief Judge will
provide extra sittings as and when a particular need arises.
In relation to
Murwillumbah, it is not considered that additional sittings are warranted.
Although the "delay" at Murwillumbah was slightly higher than the
statewide average in September 1993, the backlog itself is due more to the
parties than the Court's inability to hear the cases.
*301 NORTH SYDNEY LOCAL COURT—Mr Whelan asked the Minister for
Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for
Justice representing the Attorney General and Minister for Justice—
(1) From 1 January 1994, will North Sydney Local Court only be
open 2 days per week?
(2) How many days is it open now?
(3)
How many cases does it hear each year?
(4) Where will these cases
be heard from 1 January 1994?
(5) Has the population of the area
decreased?
(6) If not, why the reduced sitting of this court?
(7) How much money will be saved by providing a 2/5th service?
(8)
How many kilometres will people have to travel to attend other courts?
(9) (a) Will restraining orders in domestic violence cases take
longer to arrange than under the current system? (b) Will this place
women and children at risk?
(10) Who supports the partial closure
of the court?
(11) Will he reverse the decision?
(12) If
not, why not?
I am
advised by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice that the answers to
the honourable member's questions are:
(1) No.
(2) 5 days
per week.
(3) In the 12 months ended June 1993, the North Sydney
Local Court finalised 3,361 general matters, 58 Family Law matters and 1,187
Civil Claims actions.
(4) North Sydney, except defended Civil Claims
actions which are adjourned to the Downing Centre.
(5) No. The 1991
Census for the North Sydney Council area indicated a population of 50,446,
whilst the preliminary 1992 figures indicate a population of 51,600
(source— Australian Bureau of Statistics).
(6) A Magistrate
will be available at North Sydney 5 days per week.
Page 561
(7) A full-time service is being provided.
(8) None.
However, the Downing Centre is located less than 4 kilometres from North Sydney
whilst Hornsby is 22 kilometres from North Sydney.
(9) (a)
No.
(b) No.
(10) It is not a partial closure of
the court.
(11) Not applicable.
(12) Not applicable.
*302 TRUSTS AND MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT—Mr Amery
asked the Minister for Land and Water Conservation—
(1)
What Conservation and Land Management Trusts have Members of Parliament been
appointed to?
(2) What are the terms of appointment?
(3)
When were they appointed and what is the duration of those appointments?
(1) Members of
Parliament have been appointed to the following Conservation and Land
Management Trusts: Tyalgum Pulic Recreation and Preservation of Native
Flora and Fauna Reserve Trust.
Kalianna Reserve Trust.
Lambton
Mechanics Institute Trust.
(2) The terms of appointment are
that a member of a trust is normally appointed for a period of 5 years and they
are bound by the Crown Lands Act 1989.
(3) The date of appointment
and duration of these appointments is as follows: Mr D. F. C. Beck,
M.P., Member for Murwillumbah, was originally appointed to the Tyalgum Public
Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve Trust on 27
February 1976. His most recent appointment was by Government Gazette of
3 July 1992 for a term expiring on 14 June 1997.
Mr I. A. Glachan, M.P.,
Member for Albury, was appointed to the Kalianna Reserve Trust in 1989 for a
term expiring 18 July 1994. Mr Glachan has sought reappointment for a further
term of 5 years.
Mr J. C. Price, M.P., Member for Waratah, was appointed to
the Lambton Mechanics Institute Trust on 1 January 1992, the term expiring 31
December 1997.
*303 LUNA PARK
TRUST—Mr Amery asked the Minister for Land and Water
Conservation—
(1) When was the Luna Park Trust
formed?
(2) Who are the trustees?
(3) Where and when were
the advertisements published seeking applicants for this Trust?
(4)
What are the terms of the trustees?
(5) Are any of the trustees
employed by the Trust or any of the commercial interests in Luna Park?
(6)
How many employees are there on the Luna Park Trust?
(7) What
positions do they hold?
(8) What is their salary?
Page 562 (9) How much has been allocated to the Trust in the
form of grants and on what dates were they approved and granted, and by
whom?
(10) Who prepared the submissions for these grants?
(11)
How much is by way of loan?
(12) Has the Crown Solicitor and
the Treasury approved the loan arrangements?
(13) When will Luna
Park be operating?
(1)
The Luna Park Trust was established by the Luna Park Site Act 1990. Assent
to this Act was given in September 1990 and it was proclaimed in October of the
same year.
(2) The current trustees of the Luna Park Reserve Trust
are: Mr J. Armstrong (Chairman).
Mr A.
Anderson.
Ms R. Crichton.
Mr S. Marshall.
Mr
G. Nock, A.M., O.B.E.
Ms R. Read.
(3) The above
individuals were appointed by invitation.
(4) All the Trustees were
appointed for a period commencing on 12 October 1990 and expiring on 11 October
1995.
(5) No.
(6) 2.
(7) General Manager.
Secretary.
(8) $110,000 p.a.
$30,000 p.a.
(9)
The following grants have been provided to the Trust for the management
and administration of Luna Park Reserve:
Amount
Approval Date
Purpose
$60,000 Minister for Lands
nbsp;17.10.90 Security.
$150,000 Minister for Lands
18.12.90 Ongoing site management.
$120,000 Premiers Department 25.3.91
Plan of Management.
$290,000 Premiers Department 6.8.91
Ongoing site management.
$216,000 Premiers Department 17.8.92
Ongoing site management.
$750,000 Premiers Department 1.10.93
Administration and ongoing site management.
$24.9 m Premier
19.11.91 Redevelopment costs. Staged
pay-ments based on completion of works. As at 31.3.94 a total of $20.1 million
has been paid to the Trust.
(10) Mr D. A. Sinclair, Assistant
Director, Crown Land Management.
(11) None
(12) Not
applicable
(13) It is currently envisaged that the Park will be
operational in late 1994.
Page 563
*304
PADDY'S MARKET LEASES—Mr Amery asked the Minister for Agriculture and
Fisheries and Minister for Mines—
(1) Did he tell
Paddy's Market stallholders at the opening of Paddy's Market at Haymarket on
Saturday, 11 December 1993, that he had negotiated the 99-year sublease of the
Sydney Market Authority down to a 25-year sublease?
(2) Did he
direct the Sydney Market Authority to forego its 99-year sublease in favour of
a 25-year sublease as foreshadowed by him in the House on 9 November 1993?
(3) Did the Sydney Market Authority in its Annual Report for 1992/93
value the 99-year sublease at $12.1 million on 1991 values?
(4) How
much has the asset of the 99-year sublease been devalued by the direction to
truncate the sublease to 25 years?
(5) What is the amount of
consideration given by the developer to the Government or the Sydney Market
Authority in return for the developer's obligation to provide a 99-year
sublease being reduced to a 25-year sublease?
(6) Did the developer
receive development incentives in return for offering a 99-year sublease and an
obligation to return Paddy's to the Haymarket site?
(7) (a)
Do those development incentives remain in place? (8) Will the Government compensate the Sydney Market Authority
for downgrading the value of the asset of the 99-year sublease?
(9)
Will the Government compensate the Sydney MarketAuthority for the subsequent
loss of income caused by the direction?
(10) Has he directed or
negotiated any other alterations to the original 99-year sublease?
(11)
Does the new sublease make a provision for, in any circumstances, the
sublease to be terminated prior to the 25-year period?
(12) Has he
at any time indicated to stallholders or the Sydney Market Authority that the
Government wished to sell its interest in Paddy's Markets?
(13) If
so, why did he participate in the renegotiation of the 99-year sublease to a
25-year sublease?
(14) Will the truncation of the sublease to 25
years adversely affect the value of the tradeable stand rights of Paddy's
Market stallholders at Haymarket?
(15) Will the Government offer
stallholders compensation as a result of the adverse effect on tradeable stand
rights because of the 99-year sublease being truncated to a 25-year
sublease?
(16) Were stallholders forced to accept the Sydney Market
Authority's terms and conditions of occupancy for Paddy's Haymarket before they
were allowed to return there to trade?
(17) Do those terms and
conditions include a provision that states permits in respect of stands subsist
only for so long as the Authority conducts the market?
(18) Do those
terms and conditions also indicate that upon the Authority ceasing for any
reason whatever to conduct such market, all permits then subsisting shall
terminate and the stallholders shall thereafter have no right of use or
occupancy?
(19) Who were the stallholders advised of some or all of
the alterations to be made to the sublease by him or his office?
(1) Stallholders were advised
that the term of the Authority's occupancy rights is now 25 years.
(2)
Yes.
(3) Yes.
Page 564 (4) $1
million.
(5) Nil.
(6) No.
(7) (a) Not
applicable. (8) This matter is under
consideration by the Government in the context of Community Service Obligation
policies.
(9) This matter is under consideration by the Government
in the context of Community Service Obligation policies.
(10)
Yes.
(11) The new agreement may be terminated prior to the 25-year
period only by the consent of both parties or through default or breach.
(12) I have mentioned this in statements to stallholders.
(13)
The new agreement incorporated a number of changes which were variously to
the advantage of the Government or the developer.
(14) This is for
the marketplace to determine.
(15) No, for the reason explained in
answer to question (14).
(16) All standholders were required to
accept the terms and conditions of occupancy as a condition of trade. All
standholders were provided the opportunity to comment on the new conditions
prior to their confirmation and the elected Paddy's Advisory Committee was also
consulted. As a result of these consultations a number of changes were made to
the conditions.
(17) Yes, a similar provision was also included in
the terms and conditions of occupancy for the Redfern Markets.
(18)
Yes. This provision is similar to the previous provision at Redfern.
(19)
Yes.
*310 PROMOTION TO SENIOR SERGEANT OF
THOMAS COLQUHOUN—Mr Face asked the Minister for Police and Minister for
Emergency Services—
(1) Were the circumstances of the
promotion to Senior Sergeant of Thomas Colquhoun sent to some members of the
Select Committee into Police Promotions by way of an anonymous letter?
(2)
(a) Were any investigations held as to where the anonymous letter
may have come from? &t;ul>(b) If so, by whom?
(3) Was the
matter drawn to the attention of the Ombudsman?
(4) If not, will he
as a matter of urgency, refer such document to the Ombudsman: (a) To
take into account any wrongdoing on Colquhoun's part along with other matters
being investigated by the Ombudsman?
(b) To see whether proper
procedures exist for checking the validity or otherwise of material contained
in applications for promotion?
(5) (a) Were the contents of
such letter disregarded because it was anonymous? (b) If not, what
aspects of it were taken into account?
(6) If there was an
anonymous letter, did it refer to Senior Sergeant Thomas Colquhoun directly or
were the circumstances described alluding to Senior Sergeant Thomas
Coloquhoun?
(1)
Yes.
(2) (a) No investigation was made as to the authorship
of the letter.
Page 565
(3) Yes. In a report dated 25 October 1990, the Assistant
Commissioner, Professional Responsibility, forwarded a copy of the complaint to
the Office of the Ombudsman as well as the Independent Commission Against
Corruption.
(4) (a) and (b) Not applicable.
(5) (a)
The contents of the letter were investigated by the Ombudsman who decided not
to take any action. (6) The
anonymous letter referred to Senior Sergeant Thomas Colquhoun by name and
position.
*311 PROMOTION OF DETECTIVE SENIOR
SERGEANT BOB CLARK—Mr Face asked the Minister for Police and Minister for
Emergency Services—
(1) Did Detective Sergeant Clark
recently win an appeal before GREAT in relation to a position of the rank of
Inspector in the police Liquor and Gaming Investigation Section?
(2)
In view of the precedent created when the Police Board and the then Minister
for Police refused to promote a Detective Sergeant Sellwood who had no charges,
civil or departmental, pending against him, does the Minister propose to adopt
a similar stand in relation to Detective Sergeant Clark?
(3) In
relation to the Deputy Ombudsman's Inquiry concluded earlier this year, wherein
findings clearly adverse to Detective Sergeant Clark were made, will a
completely independent counsel be engaged to advise the Police Service on the
Deputy Ombudsman's findings concerning departmental matters?
(4)
What advice was given by the barrister engaged by the Police Service in
relation to the Deputy Ombudsman's findings adverse to Detective Sergeant
Clark?
(5) Is that barrister employed by or otherwise retained by
the Police Service?
(6) Did the barrister concerned have his
chambers located in the Avery Building which is in fact police
headquarters?
(7) Is that barrister a member of the Independent Bar
acting as a general counsel?
(8) If so, why are his chambers located
in the Avery Building?
(9) What are the financial arrangements
between that barrister and the Police Service?
(10) On what basis
did the Police Service regard the barrister as being independent of the Police
Service when deciding to seek independent counsel in the matter of the Deputy
Ombudsman's findings relative to Detective Sergeant Clark?
(11) If
the barrister is employed or retained by the Police Service and has chambers in
the Avery Building, is he completely satisfied that proper processes of
obtaining independent legal advice in the Clark matter have been followed?
(12) In order to ensure fairness in relation to this matter, will he
order that a second advising be obtained from counsel truly independent of the
Police Service?
(13) Will he take steps to ensure that Detective
Sergeant Clarks promotion will be withheld until all court and departmental matters,
including a civil action still pending in the Supreme Court alleging a civil
conspiracy, are properly dispensed with, particularly in light of the precedent
created in the Sellwood matter?
(14) Is he aware that the former
Ombudsman found that Detective Sergeant Clark had previously breached Police
Regulations 50 and 51?
(15) What action was taken by the Police
Service in relation to that finding?
(16) Will he express confidence
in the suitability, fitness and propriety of Detective Sergeant Clark to be
promoted to the position of Inspector in the Police Service?
Page 566 (1) Yes.
(2) Each case is considered on its individual merits.
(3)
Yes.
(4) That is privileged information.
(5) The
barrister is a member of the NSW Bar retained as General Counsel for the Police
Service with a right of self practice.
(6) Yes.
(7) See
response to (5).
(8) For reasons of confidentiality and convenience.
The arrangement has the approval of the Council of the NSW Bar Association.
(9) Payment is on a fee per day basis.
(10) General Counsel
is an experienced and able member of the Bar and it is part of his retainer
that he should advise on disciplinary matters.
(11) The Ombudsman's
recommendation was a matter for decision by the Commissioner of Police.
(12) The Commissioner of Police has decided to seek a second
advising.
(13) Yes.
(14) The former Ombudsman recommended
that no action should be taken.
(15) See above.
(16) See
response to (2).
*317 MUDD CREEK—Mr Hunter
asked the Minister for Land and Water Conservation representing the Minister
for Planning and Minister for Housing—
(1) Is the
Hunter Water Corporation aware of the degraded state of Mudd Creek at Blackalls
Park in the electorate of Lake Macquarie?
(2) Has the Hunter Water
Corporation held discussions with Lake Macquarie City Council on the
rehabilitation of Mudd Creek?
(3) What was the outcome of these
discussions?
(4) (a) Will the Hunter Water Corporation
contribute to the rehabilitation of Mudd Creek?
I have been
advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the Hunter
Water Corporation is a State-owned corporation, fully accountable and
responsible for determination of operational matters such as this. All matters
concerning its operations should therefore be referred directly to the
Corporation.
To be of assistance, the Minister has referred the Member of
Lake Macquarie's questions to the Managing Director of the Hunter Water
Corporation for direct reply.
*318 ETHNIC
FUNDING—ELECTORATE OF LAKE MACQUARIE—Mr Hunter asked the Minister
for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for
Justice—
(1) What financial assistance has the Ethnic
Affairs Commission provided to ethnic community groups in the electorate of
Lake Macquarie?
(2) What are the names of these community
groups?
(3) What amount of money was provided to each group?
(4)
How much of these funds came from Federal sources?
Page
567
(1) Since no
applications for assistance were received from groups in the electorate of Lake
Macquarie in this financial year, no financial assistance has been provided by
the Ehnic Affairs Commission directly to ethnic community groups in the electorate
of Lake Macquarie to date during the 1993/94 financial year.
(2) Not
applicable, refer to the answer to question (1).
(3) Not applicable,
refer to the answer to question (1).
(4) Not applicable, refer to
the answer to question (1).
Details of grants in previous years are
contained in the annual reports of the Ethnic Affairs Commission which have
been tabled in Parliament.
*319 SERVICES AND
FACILITIES—ELECTORATE OF MOOREBANK—Mr Knowles asked the Premier and
Minister for Economic Development—
With regard to the
electorate of Moorebank—
(1) What services and facilities are
provided by agencies which operate within his portfolio area?
(2)
How many staff are directly associated with the provision of those
services?
(3) What were the budget projections and actual
expenditures on services and facilities for: (a) 1990/91?
(b)
1991/92?
(c) 1992/93?
(d) What are the budget
projections for 1993/94?
(4) What new/additional services and
facilities will be provided during 1993/94?
(5) If there has been a
decline in expenditure from 1990/91, why?
The Premier’s Administration covers
agencies such as the Auditor-General’s Office, Office of Economic
Development, The Cabinet Office and the Government Pricing Tribunal. They
operate on a whole-of-State basis and are not focused on electorates. Moorebank
receives comparable attention to other electorates according to need.
The
State Electoral Office does provide services which can be identified on an
electorate basis. For example, the conduct of State elections and by-elections
and for Local Government elections and by-elections in council areas.
Indirectly, it may also service electors in the electorate for statutory and
industrial ballots functions.
For the last State general election held in
March 1991 the Electoral Office would have spent approximately $100,000 in the
electorate of Moorebank and for the last Local Government general elections
held in September 1991, about $15,000.
The Electoral Office services to
electorates in the future will continue to be to: (a) prepare an
electoral roll for use in state elections and by-elections and Local Government
elections and by-elections.
(b) prepare the registration of
political parties in local council areas.
(c) provide information to
local council areas regarding electors and registration of political
parties.
Page 568
*321 SERVICES
AND FACILITIES—ELECTORATE OF MOOREBANK—Mr Knowles asked the
Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads representing the Minister for
Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Minister for Tourism and Minister
Assisting the Premier—
With regard to the electorate of
Moorebank—
(1) What services and facilities are provided by
agencies which operate within the portfolio area of the Minister for
Tourism?
(2) How many staff are directly associated with the
provision of those services?
(3) What were the budget projections
and actual expenditures on services and facilities for: (a) 1990/91?
(b) 1991/92?
(c) 1992/93?
(d) What are the
budget projections for 1993/94?
(4) What new/additional services
and facilities will be provided during 1993/94?
(5) If there has
been a decline in expenditure from 1990/91, why?
(1) Nil. The NSW Tourism
Commission does not operate on an electorate or Local Government area basis.
Its operations cover tourism marketing zones, anthe electorate of Moorebank
comes under the Greater Sydney Tourism Marketing Zone. Constituents of the
electorate of Moorebank have access to the Commission's normal services from
its Head Office staff such as international and domestic marketing advice,
product and development advice, research and statistical findings and tourism
planning advice.
(2) The Greater Sydney Product Development
Co-Ordinator and other specialist head office staff.
(3) (a)
Nil.
(b) Nil.
(c)
Nil. (d) $100,000 for Greater Sydney Tourism Marketing
Committee.
(4) Nil.
(5) Not applicable.
*323 INEBRIATES DETENTION—Mr Mills asked the Minister for the
Environment representing the Attorney General and Minister for
Justice—
(1) How many people were detained under the
Inebriates Act in 1992/93?
(2) What were the minimum, average and
maximum periods of detention?
(3) To which institutions were they
sent and how many to each?
(4) What are the catchment areas for each
of these institutions?
(1) to (4) This is a matter for the Minister for Police.
*326 NEWCASTLE SHOWGROUND AND EXHIBITION CENTRE TRUST—Mr
Price asked the Minister for Land and Water Conservation—
When will the 1992/93 Annual Report of the Newcastle Showground and
Exhibition Centre Trust be tabled?
Page 569
The Newcastle Showground and Exhibition
Centre Trust annual report was tabled on 17 March 1994.
*330 ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES—HOMEBUSH BAY—Mr Rogan
asked the Minister for Land and Water Conservation representing the Minister
for Planning and Minister for Housing—
(1) What
specific plans has the Government prepared for energy conservation measures to
be introduced in the construction program for the Olympic sporting facilities
at Homebush Bay?
(2) In particular, what plans does the Government
have for the application of solar energy measures for Homebush Bay?
(3)
What are the energy conservation measures for Homebush Bay?
I have been advised by the Minister for
Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's
questions are:
(1) The Government is committed to the principles of
ecologically sustainable development including a greater emphasis on energy
conservation. Flowing from these principles the Government, through its
agencies, will ensure that the Homebush Bay facilities fully address the
guidelines which apply within Australia.
(2) There is a clear
recognition within the Government that solar energy will play a significant
part in overall planning at Homebush Bay.
(3) The Government is
acting to ensure that energy conservation measures at Homebush Bay will
demonstrate the leading edge of practical technologies.
*331 BUILDING INDUSTRY TASK FORCE—Mr Sullivan asked the Minister
for the Environment representing the Attorney General and Minister for
Justice—
(1) Has the Building Industry Task Force
provided the Attorney General with regular reports in accordance with the
recommendation of the Royal Commissioner, Mr Roger Gyles, Q.C.?
(2)
If so, have the reports been tabled in Parliament in accordance with the
recommendation of the Royal Commissioner, Roger Gyles, Q.C.?
(3) If
not, why not?
(4) ; In the 1992/93 financial year, have unions sought
advice from the Building Industry Task Force?
(5) If so: (a)
On how many occasions did unions seek advice from the Building Industry Task
Force?
(b) What unions sought this advice?
(c) What did
this advice relate to?
(1) Royal Commissioner Gyles, Q.C., only referred to reporting by
the BITF in the Royal Commission's First Interim Report dated 4 March 1991.
This Report recommended the establishment of the BITF for a period of 12
months. Royal Commissioner Gyles said:
Page 570
"I would also recommend that the head of the Task Force be obliged to
report progress to the Premier and Attorney General as well as to the Director
(of Public Prosecutions) and the Commissioner (of Police) at the expiration of
the 12 months term. I would recommend that the Report be in a form that would
enable it to be tabled in Parliament, even if portions of it could not be made
public for fears of affecting current or proposed criminal
proceedings".
Hence, it is not correct to say that Royal
Commissioner Gyles recommended "regular reports" as the question
suggests. What was recommended was a final report at the expiration of the life
of the task force.
(2) No.
(3) At the time of Royal
Commissioner Gyles' First Interim Report in March 1991, it was envisaged that
there be only one report from the BITF at the expiration of its term on 30
September 1992. The term of the BITF has now been extended.
(4)
Yes.
(5) (a) In the period 1 July 1992 to 30 June 1993 there
were six separate occasions on which unions sought advice from the BITF. These
include matters where a union sought BITF investigation of its complaint.
(b) It would be inappropriate for the unions concerned to be named.
Those who approach the BITF to make a complaint or seek advice should be able
to do so secure in the knowledge that this information will not be made public.
It is possible to indicate, however, that the number of unions on behalf of
which approaches were made to the BITF in the period was four.
(c)
Given the concerns outlined in answer to part (b), of this question, it is
appropriate only to say that the advice related to criminal, civil and
industrial matters.
*332 BUILDING INDUSTRY
TASK FORCE COSTS—Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment
representing the Attorney General and Minister for Justice—
With regard to the expenditure by the Building Industry Task Force for the
1992/93 financial year—
(1) (a) Was a total of $527,849
expended on fees for service? (b) To whom were these fees paid?
(c) How much was paid?
(d) For what services?
(2)
(a) Was a total of $131,834 expended on a building fitout program?
(b) What specific fitouts were undertaken with this program?
(c)
What was spent on labour and what on materials?
(3) (a)
Was a total of $158,331 expended on security? (b) What
specifically was this sum expended on?
(c) Who received this/these
payment/s?
(4) (a) Was a total of $117,978 expended on
furniture? (b) What furniture was purchased with these funds?
(c) Into whose offices was this furniture placed?
(d) From
whom was the furniture purchased?
(5) How much money was recovered
for the State by the Building Industry Task Force in 1992/93 financial
year?
Page 571
(1) (a) sp;Yes. (b) to (d) As the fees for service
involve the retention of personnel associated with criminal investigations it
is not appropriate to identify such consultants.
(2) (a)
Yes. (b) During the Royal Commission the Government leased from the
State Authorities Superannuation Board 3½ levels of 109 Pitt Street. Following
the conclusion of the Royal Commission, the BITF released 1½ floors of office
space. As a result, $80,410 was paid to the State Authorities Superannuation
Board for the cost of "making good" the quit premises, as required by
the terms of the lease. A further $51,424 was expended in alterations to the
two retained floors in order to accommodate all BITF personnel on those floors.
For example, the former Royal Commission hearing room was adapted for document
storage. The net effect of these measures was a significant saving on
rental.
(c) The fitout was undertaken by the Department of Public
Works. PWD rendered an account to the BITF which it paid. The BITF was not
provided with an itemised account as to labour and materials.
(3)
(a) Since much of the work of the BITF involves sensitive criminal
investigation, security systems were installed for the amount specified.
(b) Provision of security personnel on-site at BITF premises at 109
Pitt Street between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 a.m. on weekdays and for 24 hours
on Saturdays and Sundays and public holidays.
(c) New South Wales
Police Service.
(4) (a) Yes. (b) From the time of
its establishment, the BITF had been leasing its office furniture. A decision
was taken to purchase the office furniture instead of continuing to lease it.
The type of furniture purchased included desks, chairs and bookcases.
(c)
Substantial part of both floors consists of open-plan offices. The
furniture is continuing to be used by the majority of BITF personnel. The net
effect over time of the purchase was a significant saving on rental.
(d)
Furniture placements.
(5) The total amount which was recovered
for the State with the assistance of the building Industry Task Force in
1992/93 was $5,316,000—funds being regarded as having been
"recovered" where a legally binding agreement to pay has been entered
into. With respect to unsuccessful tenderers fees alone, the BITF assisted the
Construction Policy Steering Committee and its members to secure agreements to
pay the Government $3,056,000. A refund of unsuccessful tenderers fees of
$2,089,000 was actually received by the Government in the financial year. In
addition, the Commonwealth Government secured from contractors, with the
assistance of the BITF, just under $6.1 million in unsuccessful tenderers
fees.
*333 BUILDING INDUSTRY TASK FORCE
INVESTIGATIONS—Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment
representing the Attorney General and Minister for Justice—
(1) What was the total number of investigations by the Building
Industry Task Force for the 1992/93 financial year: (a) For civil
matters?
(b) For criminal matters?
Page 572
(2) For each of the above, how many subjects of investigations
fall into the following categories: (a) Employers?
(b)
Union officials?
(c) Union members?
(d) Wage
employees?
(e) Contractors?
(f) Other?
(3)
(a) What is the breakdown into categories for civil investigations
(e.g., "no ticket no start")? (b) What is the breakdown
into categories for criminal investigations (e.g.,
"intimidation")?
(4) For each of the above categories,
how many subjects of investigation fall into the following sub-categories:
(a) Employers?
(b) Union officials?
(c) ; Union
members?
(d) Wage employees?
(e) Contractors?
(f)
Others?
(5) How many successful prosecutions initiated by the
Building Industry Task Force were completed in the 1992/93 financial year?
(6) Of the criminal charges laid in 1992/93 financial year, what is:
(a) Total number of charges made?
(b) Total number of
people charged?
(c) Total number of firms charged?
(d)
Total number of charges relating to matters raised, in respect to those
persons by the Royal Commission into the Building Industry?
(e)
Total number of charges related to matters canvassed in respect to those
firms, by the Royal Commission?
(7) Of the total of people charged,
what is the category of person, e.g., union officials, union members,
employers, wage employees, contractors, other?
(8) How many civil
proceedings were taken by the Building Industry Task Force on behalf of other
parties in 1992/93 financial year?
(9) How many civil proceedings
did the Building Industry Task Force assist other parties with in the 1992/93
financial year?
(1)
(a) As a 30 June 1993, there were 115 civil matters under current
investigation by the BITF with 163 further matters classified as
"non-current" (meaning that the matter had either been dealt with by
the BITF or a decision had been taken that there be no further action). (b)
As at 30 June 1993, there were 74 criminal matters under current
investigation by the BITF with 169 further matters classified as
"non-current" (meaning that charges had been laid or a decision had
been taken that there be no further action).
Page 573
Criminal
The BITF
utilises the following categories:
| Suspect/Offender Types | Current | Non-Current |
| Union official/delegate | 10 | 58 |
| Project Manager | 8 | 13 |
| Company Director or
Manager | 32 | 22 |
| Building contractor/construction company | 12 | 16 |
| Subcontractor | 5 | 12 |
| Scaffolding
contractor | 6 | 30 |
| Consultant | 3 | 2 |
| Employer organisation
(MBA/AFCC) | 10 | 11 |
| Reputed professional criminal | 7 | 31 |
| Employee (general) | 3 | 3 |
| Public
Official | 3 | 6
|
These figures total more than 74 + 169 respectively and some
matters have more than one offender type.
| Party Complained
About | Current | Non-Current | Total |
| Non-Union | 39 | 49 | 88 |
| Union* | 76 | 114 | 190 |
| 115 | 163 | 278
|
* Union includes
BWIU, CFMEU, AWU, FEBFA, OPDU, PGEU, FIMEE also includes complaints about
organisers and delegates.
| Category | Current | Non-Current | Total |
| Abuse of Right of
Entry | 4 | 7 | 11 |
| Abuse of Safety | - | 16 | 16 |
| Advice on awards | 2 | 8 | 10 |
| Breaching Dispute
Settlement Procedures | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| CERT/BUSS | 17 | 21 | 38 |
| Collusive Tendering | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Contempt of AIRC/Federal Court | - | 3 | 3 |
| Defective Building Works | - | 4 | 4 |
| Demarcations/amalgamations | 3 | - | 3 |
Page 574
Election Irregularities | - | 1 | 1 |
| Fraud | 9 | 5 | 14 |
| Insolvency | - | 1 | 1 |
| Intimidationlt;/td> | 8 | 15 | 23 |
| MBA Apprenticeship Scheme | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| No
ticket, no start (S481) | 30 | 34 | 64 |
| Payment for time
lost | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Predatory pricing | 2 | - | 2 |
| Price fixing | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Recovery of arrear of
union dues | - | 6 | 6 |
| Roping-in | 6 | - | 6 |
| Secondary boycotts/bans | 15 | 15 | 30 |
| Sector Agreements | 4 | 2 | 6 |
| Site Allowances | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Top-up | - | 4 | 4 |
| Union Restrictive Practices | 6 | 4 | 10 |
| Total | 115 | 163 | 278 |
| Offence Types | Current | Non-Current | Total |
| Extortion | 2 | 19 | 21 |
| Assault | 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Intimidation (including conspiracy) | 5 | 35 | 40 |
| Officer/solicit corrupt benefit | 27 | 51 | 78 |
| Conspiracy to cheat and defraud | 13 | 11 | 24 |
| Obtain money/benefit by deceptio | 13 | 18 | 31 |
| Forgery | 3 | - | 3 |
| Stealing | - | 8 | 8 |
| False testimony
(RCBI) | 8 | 13 | 21 |
| Malicious
damage | - | 2 | 2 |
| Trespass | - | 1 | 1 |
| Tax Offence | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| CTRA Breach | - | 1 | 1 |
| Trade whilst insolvent | - | 1 | 1 |
(4) (a)
to (f) Data not available.
(5) Between 1 July 1992 and 30 June 1993,
the BITF completed six successful prosecutions.
(6) (a)
Between 1 July 1992 and 30 June 1993, 27 offences were alleged either by way
of charge or summons. (b) The total number of people proceeded
against was 14.
(c) Nil (although four company directors and one
accountant were proceeded against).
(d) Between 1 July 1992 and 30
June 1993, 19 charge or summons matters were intiated with respect to matters
raised before the Royal Commission.
(e) Not applicable.
(7)
The people charged or proceeded by way of summons between 1 July 1992 and 30
June 1993 were: Horse Trainer.
Plumber.
Company Director.
Council Worker.
Company Director.
Machine Operator.
Stock
Buyer.
Company Director.
Accountant.
Site Supervisor (former
company director).
BWIU organiser.
Secretary, South Cost Labour
Council.
Area organiser, Australian Workers' Union.
Former BWIU
organiser.
(8) Between July 1992 and 30 June 1993, the BITF
did not initiate any civil proceedings. However, in early February 1993, as a
result of pickets on a NSW Government project (Richmond TAFE), BITF
investigators took statements from witnesses as to the prevention and hindering
of supplies to the site. Those statements were briefed, through the Crown
Solicitor, to counsel who advised that there was sufficient evidence to seek an
interlocutory injunction. The BITF prepared to take such proceedings. Just
before papers were filed in the Federal Court, Dennis Matthews of the CFMEU
gave an undertaking to the builder, Stuart Bros, which rendered such
proceedings unnecessary.
(9) On one occasion between 1 July 1992 and
30 June 1993, the BITF directly assisted other parties in civil proceedings. In
early November 1992, a site at Bulli was the subject of picketing. The builder
and developer instituted proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia and on 6
November 1992, Justice Einfield issued an interlocutory injunction against the
picketers.
In March 1993, guidelines were issued which apply specifically
to the following BITF functions. •applying for injunctions to
restrain unions and their officials from engaging in unlawful secondary
boycotts nd black bans. The Government can apply to the Federal Court for an injunction
to restrain actual or threatened breaches of the Trade Practices Act.
•facilitating actions by small businesses affected by bans or boycotts,
including the provision of advice.
Page
576
*337 OPERA HOUSE—Ms Allan asked the Treasurer and
Minister for the Arts—
(1) What financial problems
are currently being experienced by the Opera House?
(2) Why have
these problems occurred?
(3) What strategies are being put in place
to deal with them?
(1)
There are no financial problems being currently experienced by the Opera
House that are either outside the normal budgetary cycle or part of the
appropriate review process by management.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) Not applicable.
*341 OFFICE OF THE
AGEING—REDUNDANCY PAYMENTS—Mr Amery asked the Minister for
Community Services, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for the
Ageing—
(1) How many employees of the Office of the
Ageing have received redundancy payments in the financial years ending 30 June:
(a) 1988?
(b) 1989?
(c) 1990?
(d)
1991?
(e) 1992?
(f) 1993?
(2) How many
employees that have received redundancy payments have been re-employed in the
Office of the Ageing as: (a) Senior Executive Service?
(b)
Permanent?
(c) Casual/Temporary?
(d) Contract?
(e)
Consultants?
(3) What is the total payout for redundancies in
each of the financial years ended 30 June: (a) 1988?
(b)
1989?
(c) 1990?
(d) 1991?
(e) 1992?
(f)
1993?
(1)
There has only been one redundancy payment in 1992.
(2) Not
applicable.
(3) A redundancy payment of $15,690.80 was paid in
1992.
Page 577
*342 DEPARTMENT OF
CONSUMER AFFAIRS—REDUNDANCY PAYMENTS—Mr Amery asked the Minister
for Consumer Affairs, Minister Assisting the Minister for Roads and Minister
Assisting the Minister for Transport—
(1) How many
employees of the Department of Consumer Affairs received redundancy payments in
the financial years ending 30 June: (a) 1988?
(b) 1989?
(c) 1990?
(d) 1991?
(e) 1992?
(f)
1993?
(2) How many employees that received redundancy payments
have been re-employed in the Department as: (a) Senior Executive
Service?
(b) Permanent?
(c) Casual/Temporary?
(d)
Contract?
(e) Consultants?
(3) What is the total
payout for redundancies in each of the financial years ended 30 June: (a)
1988?
(b) 1989?
(c) 1990?
(d) 1991?
(e) 1992?
(f) 1993?
(1) (a) to (c) The present Department of Consumer Affairs
came into existence in 1991. (d) 10.
(e) Nil.
(f)
Nil.
(2) No employees from the Department of Consumer Affairs
who received redundancy payments from the Department have been re-employed by
the Department.
(3) (a) to (c) See answer (1). (d)
$538,000.
(e) Nil.
(f) Nil.
*346 PORT MACQUARIE RACECOURSE—Mr Face asked the Minister for
Sport, Recreation and Racing—
(1) Have any
applications been made in the last 5 years for additions or upgrading of
facilities at the Port Macquarie Racecourse?
(2) If so, what were
the applications for and what would they have achieved if monies from the
Racecourse Development Fund were to be expended?
(3) Has there been
an increase in business in the various aspects of racing at Port Macquarie in
the last 5 years?
(4) When was the last occasion that any
application for monies from the Racecourse Development Fund by the Racecourse
Development Committee were considered?
Page 578 (5)
Can the Racecourse Development Committee give an indication as to when
monies may be likely be expended on upgrading Port Macquarie Racecourse?
(1) Yes.
(2)
The following applications were received for projects intended to improve
convenience and safety for patrons and participants:
| 6/9/88 | Construct a machinery shed
Reconstruct and drain section of
course proper
Reconstruct and drain section of sand track | $
38,027
15,900
9,812 |
| 10/2/89 | Seal horse walkway | 8,876 |
| 31/5/89 | Sealing roadways and car parking areas on racecourse
grounds | 99,334 |
| 21/7/89 | Reconstruct sand training track
Construct Equitrack training track | 192,800
804,825 |
| 21/7/89 | Reconstruct No. 2 training track
Replace roof of dining
room
Construct access track to 1,200 metre chute
Drainage to course
proper
Drainage to machinery shed | 85,000
6,649
6,460
4,600
3,562 |
| 13/12/89 | Reconstruct irrigation system | 14,869 |
| 28/8/90 | Professional fees to commission a consultant to report on design
feasibility and cost estimates of major improvements to patrons'
facilities | Not advised |
| 6/12/90 | Professional fees for master plan
drawings, grandstand design drawings, D A drawings and preliminary budget
estimates | 60,000 |
| 15/4/91 | Preparation of sketch plans and
preliminary budgets
Sink a test bore for water | 10,000
5,900 |
|
7/8/91 | Costs associated with construction of a new
grandstand
Professional fees
Building alterations
Semaphore
Board
Furniture, crockery, cutlery, TV sets | 2,695,830
280,000
80,000
40,000
60,000 |
| 27/2/92 | Supply and install
electric water pump | 13,099 |
| 12/8/92 | Consultants fees for design development,
the co-ordination of consultants and authorities, D A drawings and publicity
associated with grandstand project | 160,000 |
| 3/5/93 | Chute guide | 1,040 |
| 5/11/93 | Additional fees for planning and design of amended proposal—
two-level grandstand instead of three | 33,000 |
Of these applications, a total of $351,240 has been allocated to the Port
Macquarie Raceclub through Racecourse Development Funds for the years 1988,
1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1993. These were as follows:
| 1/5/88 | Training tracks | $
14,000 |
| 1/10/88 | Improvements to
training tracks | 9,800 |
| 1/10/88 | Improvements to course proper | 17,000 |
| 1/10/88 | Machinery sheds and storage buildings | 26,000 |
| 1/3/89 | Paving, roads, carparks, footpaths, fences | 7,100 |
| 1/10/89 | Paving, roads, carparks, footpaths, fences | 127,000 |
| 1/2/90 | Improvements to irrigation and water supply | 12,000 |
| 1/5/91 | Improvements to irrigation and water supply | 2,000 |
| 1/5/91 | Preparation of sketch plans | 10,000 |
| 27/2/92 | Improvements to
irrigation and water supply | 5,300 |
| 1/8/93 | Consultants fees
associated with grandstand project | 120,000 |
| 12/8/93 | Improvements to running
rails | 1,040 |
(3) Results of meetings conducted at Port Macquarie over the last 5
years are as follows:
| Years</td?; | No. of Meetings | On-course Tote
Turnover | Bookmakers
Turnover |
| 1988/89 | 28 | $
2,176,627 | $
4,967,318 |
| 1989/90 | 25 | 1,113,451 | 5,236,129 |
| 1990/91 | 26 | 1,767,102 | 6,060,137 |
| 1991/92 | 27 | 2,011,089 | 4,947,471 |
| 1992/93 | 26 | 2,777,549 | 5,051,967 |
(4) 5 November 1993. (5)
Applications for financial assistance in respect of projects at Port Macquarie
with estimated costs of less than $100,000 will be considered on receipt.
However, major projects, viz., those in excess of $100,000, will not be
considered until the RDC's funding review in 1996/97.
Page
580
*347 RACECOURSE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
ALLOCATIONS—Mr Face asked the Minister for Sport, Recreation and
Racing—
(1) What was the amount of money made
available in each of the years 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1993 with regard to
allocation of funds from the Racecourse Development Committee from the
Racecourse Development Fund?
(2) What projects were funded from each
of those years allocations?
(3) How long had each project been
waiting for approval since their application was approved for each of those
years projects from previous years?
(4) (a) Was there a
reduction in the 1993 allocation of monies from the Racecourse Development
Fund? (b) If so, what was the reason for the reduction?
(c)
What was the percentage rate?
(5) (a) During the same
years, was there any allocation of monies for evaluation, for value management
studies, or any type of report for a particular project? (b) If so,
what were they and what was the money allocation and expended on each
project?
(6) (a) Were there any special applications and
subsequent approvals for evaluations, value management studies or feasibility
studies? (b) If so, where were they, who was the recipient, what was
the money approved and what was the subsequent expenditure?
(1) The amount of
funding approved was as follows: 1990/91
$16,345,285
1991/92
$16,936,714
1992/93
$5,288,424
(2) and (3) To provide the detailed information
requested in the member's question would impinge on the resources antime of
senior department officers. It is estimated that the work required to compile
the data requested would involve over 600 person hours. For this reason, I am
not willing to divert resources from the Department's core responsibilities to
meet this request. General statistical information is available in both the
Department's and the TAB's annual reports. These are freely available and the
member is welcome to inspect them personally.
(4) (a)
Yes. See table below.
| Year | Income to
Fund | Amount
Approved | Amount
Actually
Allocated* |
| 1991/92 | $28,049,299 | $16,936,714 | $27,566,623 |
| 1992/93 | $22,239,826 | $5,288,424 | $11,246,995
|
* Includes amounts brought forward from prior years
approvals.
Page 581
(b) Decisions on the allocation of finance to the Racecourse
Development Fund are based on recommendations from the TAB following
consultation with the racing industry generally. In this regard and so as to
lessen the effects of the 1993 economic downturn, the TAB and the racing
industry felt it more appropriate to maintain the level of distribution to the
various racing clubs by reducing payments to the RDF, thereby enabling the
clubs to meet their normal day-to-day expenses including the payment of prize
money rather than for the money to be paid into the Fund for Capital
Developments to Racecourses.
In approving of
this recommendation, I received assurances from the Racecourse Development
Committee that its level of funding during the current financial year would be
sufficient to meet its anticipated expenditure. To that end, it is pointed out
that projected expenditure from the Fund during the current financial year is
some $13.2 million compared to $11.2 million during 1992/93. The increased
level of expenditure from the Fund during 1993/94 has been made possible as a
result of savings during 1992/93.
(c) Income
to the RDF in 1992/93 was 20.7 per cent less than the previous year.
(5) (a) Yes.
(b)
Wentworth Park Trustees $3,441
Newcastle Harness Racing Club $7,000
NSW Harness Racing Club
$5,000
Sydney Turf Club
$6,600
Albury
Greyhound Racing Club $3,300
Goulburn
and District Race Club $5,410
Scone Race Club $3,200
Fairfield H R & Agric Ltd
$3,600
(6) (a) No.
(b)
Not applicable.
*348 GOULBURN RACECOURSE—Mr
Face asked the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing—
(1) Has there been an announcement recently for approval for the NSW
Department of Public Works being appointed Project Manager for the construction
of a new $6.5 million racecourse at Goulburn?
(2) Who appointed the
Public Works Department for this purpose?
(3) Will such Project
Manager be the first step in proceeding forwards to a development application
for the project?
(4) (a) Have any further monies been pledged
for the development application? (b) If so, by whom and for how much
and from what source was it funded?
(5) (a) Is the proposed
development at Goulburn a priority of the Racecourse Development Committee?
(b) If so, on what criteria?
(6) When was the Goulburn
project first committed for consideration to the Racecourse Development
Committee?
(7) What evaluations have there been for the construction
of the Goulburn Racecourse with regard to: (a) A racing-related
business point of view?
(b) A cost benefit impact statement?
(c)
Its ability to attract new non-racing related development?
(d)
Its ability to attract trainers into the area and other ancillary racing
activities?
(e) Additional nominations on race days?
Page 582 (f) Its extra turnover in comparison
to its present turnover as to whether or not it will affect other galloper
meetings in the racing calendar?
(g) Whether it will affect the
other racing codes in the region?
(2) The Racecourse
Development Committee.
(3) Yes.
(4) (a)
Yes.
(b) Following a recommendation by the RDC, I
approved in principle of an amount of $120,000 being provided from the
Racecourse Development Fund for costs associated with the preparation of the
Development Application.
(5) (a) Yes.
(b) The proposed development of a Racing/Training Complex at Goulburn
was announced by the then Minister, the Hon. R. B. Rowland Smith, M.L.C., in
May 1989 following a recommendation from the Racecourse Development Committee.
In making the recommendation, the RDC was acting on
advice received from the Australian Jockey Club and the Conference of Country
Racing Associations as well as on its own investigations. Both the Australian
Jockey Club and the Country Conference strongly supported the establishment of
a Racing/Training Complex in each Racing Association area of New South Wales.
Goulburn and District Race Club met the criteria established by the two bodies
and the RDC recommended the site as there was no other location in the South
East Racing Association that met the criteria. Other sites for
Racing/Training Centres approved by the then Mnister were at Bathurst, Ballina,
Dubbo, Muswellbrook, Tamworth, Taree and Wagga Wagga. With the exception of
Dubbo, all the other locations have had Racing/Training Centres established or
are now under construction.
(6) 1989.
(7) (a) to (g) A Value Management Study has been conducted
and economic appraisal is now in process.
All of the
matters raised in this question will comprise part of the economic appraisal
now being undertaken by Coopers & Lybrand.
*349 FERN
BAY REZONINGS—Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for Land and Water
Conservation representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for
Housing—
In view of the decision by Port Stephens Council to
reject the rezoning application for the 480 hectares of Department of Housing
and Howship Holdings Land at Fern Bay—
(1) Who made the
decision that tenders for the sale of the Department of Housing land at Fern
Bay close 5 days before the rezoning decision?
(2) Was this done
with Ministerial approval?
(3) Was a reserve price placed upon the
land?
(4) If so, was this reserve calculated under the present Rural
1A zoning or the potential residential zoning?
(5) How many tenders
have been submitted for the Department of Housing land?
(6) Have any
bids been submitted by any firm associated with the current rezoning
application?
(7) Given that a recession motion has ensured that the
rezoning will again be debated at a special meeting on 21 December, will he
clarify the status of the Department of Housing land before then?
Page 583
I have been
advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers
to the honourable member's questions are:
(1) Mr G. Hookey, Manager,
Commercial Properties, Department of Housing.
(2) No.
(3)
Yes.
(4) The reserve price was determined following advice from the
Valuer-General's Office. The valuation report describes the current and the
proposed zoning of the subject land.
(5) Two.
(6)
Yes.
(7) The Department of Housing is investigating its options for
the future use of the subject land.
*350
NEWCASTLE BIGHT—Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for Land and Water
Conservation representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for
Housing—
In view of the complexity of the issues and the
several jurisdictions involved in the management of the Newcastle
Bight—
(1) Does the Minister support the drawing up of the
management plan currently being organised under the direction of the Department
of Conservation and Land Management?
(2) Will the Minister assist in
providing funds for the completion of this plan?
(3) Does the
Minister support a moratorium on the alienation of any public land on the
Newcastle Bight pending the outcome of the Conservation and Land Management
Plan for Newcastle Bight?
I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing
that the answers to the honourable member's questions are:
(1)
Yes.
(2) No.
(3) It is inappropriate for me to respond
to this question in relation to public lands which are outside my portfolio
responsibility.
Part of the area included in the Draft Local Environmental
Plan prepared by Port Stephens Council for the Fern Bay locality is owned by
the Department of Housing. The Department has no interest in extensively
developing this site. The land is to be disposed of through the Property
Services Group in accordance with normal procedures.
nbsp;
*351 GLENROCK STATE RECREATION AREA—Mr Gaudry asked the Minister
for the Environment—
(1) What progress has been made
on the Management Plan for the Glenrock State Recreation Area?
(2)
When will the plan be released?
(3) What funds are available in the
current budget for works in the state recreation area?
(4) What
programs are planned to use these funds?
Page 584 (1) The plan of management for
Glenrock State Recreation Area has been completed and will be printed in
preparation for public exhibition.
(2) The plan of management will
be released on 25 March 1994 for a period of public exhibition extending until
11 July 1994.
(3) A total of $24,200 has been provided for works
programmes/maintenance.
(4) Radio construction/maintenance
$19,470
Gun Club road gate closure $600
Minor maintenance works (includes dune rehabilitation and $4,130
removal of bakers cottages). _______
Total
$24,200
Not costed in these figures are the salaries of NPWS District
Staff, including an additional Field Officer, or the value of organisational
support provided for the management of these areas from other functional areas
of the Service.
*352 MANAGEMENT
PROCEDURES—COMMITTEE OF REVIEW—Mr Langton asked the Minister for
Transport and Minister for Roads—
What management procedures
were put in place by SRA officials to overcome management and administrative
problems as identified in section 4 and 5 of the Report of the Committee of
Review established to examine the report by engineer Mr V. Neary, dated 19
May 1989?
Management
procedures were not changed as a direct result of the findings of the Committee
of Review. The need to tighten procedures had been identified by the State Rail
Authority's management consultants and auditors prior to Mr Neary's report.
However, Internal Audit, tendering and procurement procedures have been
strengthened and controls on hiring consultants tightened. A compliance and
review function has also been established. In addition, a Central Contracts
Group, formed in 1988, overcame some project management problems identified by
the Committee of Review.
*353 COMMITTEE OF REVIEW
TERMS OF REFERENCE—Mr Langton asked the Minister for Transport and
Minister for Roads—
With regard to the Report of the
Committee of Review finding no evidence of corruption or
maladministration—
(1) What terms of reference were given to
the Auditor-General in order to undertake the review?
(2) What
changes regarding contract administration did the Auditor-General recommend to
overcome the issues raised in section 4 and 5 of the review committee's
report?
(3) Will he make public the Auditor-General's examination of
the review committee's report?
(1) to (3) The Auditor-General did not undertake the review.
Page 585
*354 LOCOMOTIVE
MAINTENANCE—KELSO WORKSHOP—Mr Langton asked the Minister for
Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) Are locomotives
being repaired and/or maintained at the Kelso Workshop experiencing large scale
quality failure?
() What penalties are Clyde Industries Kelso
Workshops paying for late work and apparent warranty failures?
(3)
What quality control procedures are being put in place to avoid a continuation
of these problems?
(1)
No.
(2) and (3) There are currently no problems with the work
performance of Clyde Industries.
*358 MAINTRAIN
CONTRACT—Mr McManus asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for
Roads—
With regard to the MainTrain contract—
(1)
Does the contract stipulate that the SRA has to raise the capital to
upgrade the workshop facility?
(2) Did T-Corp grant the SRA a loan
facility of up to $27 million to upgrade the Clyde Workshop enabling the SRA to
meet its contractual obligations?
(3) Why is the New South Wales
taxpayer paying for the capital upgrading of the Clyde Workshop enabling
Goninans to carry out various rail maintenance projects?
(1) No.
(2) No.
(3)
The New South Wales taxpayer is not paying for the upgrade. A commercial
loan of $27 million has been made to Goninans by T-Corp. This loan is at
commercial rates and must be repaid in full.
*359
HEALTH OUTCOME COUNCILS—Mr Mills asked the Minister for
Health—
(1) Which Area Health Services and District
Health Services have established Health Outcome Councils?
(2) What
is the purpose of these councils?
(3) What health focus has been
chosen in each area?
(4) Who are the members of the Health Outcome
Council in the Hunter Area?
(1) The Chief Executive Officer of each Health Area has been asked
to establish at least one Health Outcome Council by 30 June 1994. General
Managers of District Health Services have also been encouraged to establish
Health Outcome Councils as soon as practicable, and will be required to do so
by 30 June 1995.
As of February 1994, the NSW Health Department had been
advised that the following Area and District Health Services had established or
were in the process of establishing Health Outcome Councils.
Page 586 Area Health Services: Central Sydney, Eastern Sydney, Hunter,
Illawarra, Northern Sydney, South Western Sydney, Western Sydney.
District
Health Services: Barwon, Castlereagh, Evans, Far West, Hume, Macquarie, Monaro,
Murray, Murrumbidgee, Orana, Richmond, Riverina, South Coast, Southern
Tablelands, Tweed.
(2) Health Outcome Councils constitute one of the
major initiatives to implement the NSW Health Outcomes Program, which seeks to
re-orient the planning, implementation and evaluation of health services and
programs towards health outcomes.
The overall purpose of each Health
Outcome Council is to deal with a specific health problem in a Health Area or
District, such as asthma, breast cancer or coronary heart disease. The Council
brings together clinicians, consumers, public health specialists and managers
in a forum to address five key questions and recommend action:
•What are the objectives of clinical and preventive services in the
Health Area or District for the identified problem topic?
•What
services are currently being provided?
•What indicators can be used
to measure the effectiveness and quality of these services?
•Is
information on these indicators being appropriately fed back to so that
services can be continuously improved?
•How much is being spent on
the services and could the same amount be spent differently to achieve the same
or better results?
(3) Individual Area and District Health
Services decide on priority health problems to be considered by Health Outcome
Councils. As of February 1994, Health Outcome Councils which have been or are
being established deal with the following topics: Aboriginal healt, aged care, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, immunisation, injury,
suicide, orthopaedics and tuberculosis.
(4) The members of the Heart
Health Outcome Council in the Hunter Area are: Dr T. Smyth
Chief Executive Officer
Dr R. Porter
Director, Clinical Services and Planning
Professor P. Fletcher Cardiologist
Dr B. Bastian
Cardiologist
Dr J. Siberberg
Cardiologist
Dr J. Stephenson
Director, Public Health Unit
Ms B. Coulter
National Heart Foundation
Professor R. Heller
Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Professor R.
Sanson Fisher Hunter Centre for Health Advancement
Dr P. Williams
Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences
Dr A. Sprogis Hunter Urban Division of
General Practice
Dr A. Dobson Centre
of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
*360
MS VIVIANA AUSTIN—Mr Mills 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) In what field of teaching
did Ms Viviana Austin (now of Kotara) first apply for accreditation to the
Department of Education (DOE) and for employment with the Department?
(2)
Was this application made about March 1980?
(3) What was the
Department's original response?
(4) Was the original recommendation
of the Classifiers Committee "specialist conditionally certificated"
for secondary teaching?
Page 587 (5) What
qualifications from Chile were recognised in this assessment by the Classifiers
Committee?
(6) Did the Committee on Overseas Professional
Qualifications assess Ms Austin's qualifications as "attracting graduate
status in Australia" (Certificate No. 81-35)?
(7) Who
challenged the Classifiers Committee recommendations on Ms Austin?
(8)
When was the challenge made?
(9) To whom was the challenge
made?
(10) Was the challenge made in writing?
(11) What
was the technical basis of the challenge to Ms Austin's Chilean
qualifications?
(12) With what documents was the challenge
substantiated?
(13) What were the reasons for the subsequent
rejection of Ms Austin's qualifications?
(14) Did the Classifiers
Committee change its assessment?
(15) If so: (a) On what
basis?
(b) Who were the members of the Classifiers Committee?
(16) If not, who rejected the qualifications?
(17) Why was Ms
Austin not advised then, or since, of the reasons for wihdrawal of the earlier decision to recognise her qualifications?
(18)
What are the differences between the qualifications of Ms Austin and those of
Ms Maria Luz Escudero from the same University in Chile?
(19) What
qualifications of Ms Escudero were recognised by DOE in 1980/81 in granting
accreditation?
(20) What was the assessment of the Committee on
Overseas Professional Qualifications in Ms Escudero's case?
(21) If
none, why was such assessment not obtained by DOE?
(22) When was Ms
Escudero employed as a permanent teacher?
(23) Have assessments of
Ms Austin's qualifications been made by TAFE?
(24) If so, what were
the results of these assessments?
(25) What subjects has Ms Austin
taught in TAFE?
(26) What accreditation was awarded to Ms Austin by
non-Government education bodies?
(27) What is Ms Austin's teaching
record in non-Government schools?
(28) What were the reasons for the
DOE's change of mind in reassessing Ms Austin's qualifications as at 1 May
1991?
(29) Why was accreditation given as at 1 May 1991 for
"Secondary Textiles and Design" (approval No. 80/134036)?
(30)
Why was accreditation not given as at 1 May 1991 for "Home
Economics"?
(31) What organisation in the Department of School
Education (DSE) accepted Ms Austin's qualifications in part in 1991?
(32)
Has the Home Economics Special Interest Group of the NSW Teachers
Federation determined that Ms Austin's qualifications are "more than
adequate to teach Home Economics"?
(33) Has Ms Austin been
accredited by DSE as a teacher of Community Languages (Spanish)?
(34)
Does this accreditation entitle Ms Austin to teach HSC Spanish in Saturday and
Community Language Schools?
(35) If so, why has Ms Austin been
denied accreditation for secondary school teaching of Spanish?
(36)
Do the rules of section 4.2.3 of the DOE document entitled "The
Requirements for Classification as a Teacher in the NSW Education Teaching
Service" still apply?
(37) If so, on what basis does DSE deny
that Ms Austin meets the requirement of one-ninth of a degree in spanish as a
second teaching subject area?
Page 588 (38) Did
Ms Austin's file in DOE contain a note stating only words to the effect of
"married to Robert Austin" when inspected by her in 1988?
(39)
Was Ms Austin accompanied by Mr Alan Bruce, Welfare Officer of the
Teachers Federation, at the time of inspection of her file?
(40) If
so: (a) Of what relevance to her file was the information about her
spouse?
(b) Was such a file entry about her spouse illegal under the
then Anti-Discrimination Act?
(41) Is that note still in her DSE
file?
(42) How many permanent teachers who qualified subsequent to 1
May 1991 have been appointed to positions in Textiles and Design ahead of Ms
Austin since she was accredited at 1 May 1991?
(43) What steps will
the Minister take, and when, to remove the discrimination suffered by my
constituent regarding: (a) Complete recognition of her
qualifications?
(b) Employment by DSE?
(1) Ms Austin sought appointment
to the permanent teaching staff with preferences for (1) Primary and (2)
Secondary. No secondary teaching subjects were listed by Ms Austin on her
application. Ms Austin also indicated that she had abilities in the Spanish
language that were appropriate to teaching.
(2) Yes, the application
was received by the Department of School Education on 3 March 1980.
(3)
The Department's original response to Ms Austin was a letter dated 29 April
1980, advising that Ms Austin was not eligible to each in the Primary area. The
Department also advised:
"The
(Classifiers) Committee felt that your qualifications should be further
reviewed in the light of recommendations of the Committee of Overseas
Professional Qualifications, in respect of teaching in the Secondary
area." (4) Yes.
(5) The qualifications
considered by the Classifiers Committee which led to the decision that she be
classified as Specialist Conditionally Certificated (Secondary) were:
• Diploma of Workroom Forewomen (Fashions).
•
Title of State Teacher of Manual Education and Special Techniques awarded
by the Technical State University.
(6) Yes.
(7) Concern
was raised over the decision of the Classifiers Committee by an Inspector (Home
Science). These concerns were supported by senior departmental personnel.
(8) Concerns were raised on 17 July 1980.
(9) Concerns were
relayed to the Officer-in-Charge Employment and the Director, Planning
Services, Head Office, Bridge Street, Sydney.
(10) The concerns were
relayed in writing.
(11) The Classifiers Committee regarded Ms
Austin as an applicant in the area of Needlework, and recommended Specialist
Conditional Certificated status in the Secondary area. This recommendation had
careful regard to the rather narrow vocational nature of the studies, both at
secondary and tertiary level, and was related to the Fashion Teachers'
Certificate in New South Wales.
Page 589 The above was
also considered in the light of the then Director-General's determination that
students who graduated from the Fashion Teachers' Certificate (East Sydney
Technical College) course could be accepted for employment with the Department
up to 28 February 1977.
(12) The documents were minuted
recommendations of an Inspector (Home Science), Staff Inspector (Secondary) and
Director Planning Services, as well as minutes from the Classifiers Committee
of 7 August 1974.
(13) The Director-General's determination that
Needlework specialists were not to be accepted for employment with the
Department of School Education after 28 February 1977.
(14) Yes.
(15) (a) The basis as detailed in (11) and (13).
(b)
The Classifiers Committee consisted of senior representatives from the
Department, the Teachers' Federation and tertiary institutions.
(16)
Not applicable.
(17) Ms Austin was advised, by letter dated 29
October 1980, that the Classifiers Committee had reviewed her qualifications
and that "teachers with similar qualifications were eligible for
employment prior to 28 February 1977, but eligibility lapsed after that
date".
(18) Ms Escudero qualified at the University of Chile as
a State School Teacher in Nutrition and Domestic Science with Mentions in
Manual Techniques, Special Techniques, Health and Wellbeing. Ms Escudero was
approved to teach Home Science only as the courses completed satisfied
requirements. The courses studied by Ms Austin compared to those studied by Ms
Escudero are quite disparate.
(19) State School Teacher in Nutrition
and Domestic Science with Mentions in Manual Techniques, Special Techniques,
Health and Wellbeing were the qualifications from the University in Chile.
(20) Departmental records do not reflect whether the Committee on
Overseas Professional Qualifications assessed Ms Escudero's qualifications.
(21) The assessment of qualifications provided by the Committee on
Overseas Professional Qualifications is a guide for general employment purposes
as to the level of general education reached by the bearer. It is not an
assessment of qualifications for purposes of employment as a teacher. Ms
Escudero's qualifications met the departmental guidelines for employment.
(22) 27 January 1981.
(23) The TAFE Commission of NSW has no
record of any assessment of Ms Austin's qualifications. (25) Ms Austin was employed at Granville College of TAFE
as an emergency part-time teacher for one only, 3-hour class in 1989. The
records do not indicate course/subject taught.
(26) Departmental
records pertain to employment in Government schools only.
(27)
Departmental records pertain to employment in Government schools only.
Information supplied by Ms Austin however, details her teaching record in
non-Government schools to be:
1980—Spanish Community School—Spanish teacher.
1986—Rosary High School—Spanish teacher.
1987—John Therry Catholic High School—Home
Science/Textiles and Design/Early Childhood teacher.
1989—St Joachim's Catholic Public School—Relief teacher.
1991—Private primary and secondary schools—Relief
teacher.
(28) The reassessment of Ms Austin's qualifications
occurred after a review of the Department's policy on employment of teachers
with overseas qualifications in 1991 and subsequent new criteria for
classification.
Page 590 (29) Ms Austin's
qualifications allowed accreditation under the new departmental policy.
(30) Ms Austin is not eligible for classification of secondary Home
Economics as she does not have academic qualifications and training for
accreditation in Home Economics.
(31) Personnel and Employee
Relations Directorate.
(32) Yes. This group within the NSW Teachers
Federation, however, is not accredited by the Department of School Education to
determine qualifications for employment as a teacher.
(33) Yes.
(34) The Saturday School, wherever possible, employs fully qualified
certificated language teachers to conduct classes. Where this is not possible,
Community Language teachers such as Viviana Austin are employed.
(35)
Ms Austin will be accredited for Spanish language upon completion of Spanish
II at Monash University.
(36) Yes, but "The Requirements for
Classification as a Teacher in the NSW Education Teaching Service"
document is currently under review. Ms Austin was assessed under the policy on
the employment of teachers with overseas qualifications.
(37) The
policy on the employment of teachers with overseas qualifications requires the
assessing of subjects as first teaching subjects only. In this regard, Ms
Austin is required to have 2/9 of a degree in Spanish. It is under this policy
that Ms Austin's initial approval for employment and her application for
accreditation for Spanish was processed.
(38) No, refer to answer
(40).
(39) Departmental records do not reveal who was present while
Ms Austin perused her file.
(40) (a) Following Ms Austin's
failure to contact the Department to arrange an interview, concern was raised
that the address listed for Ms Austin was incorrect. The reference to Mr Austin
states: "Mrs Austin is married to Mr R. W. Austin. Have we sent
the request to come to interview to the correct address. Please check Mr
Austin's address."
Mr R. W. Austin signed Ms Austin's initial
application for employment. It was only the concern that Ms Austin had not
contacted the Department that led to the notation about Mr Austin.
(41) Yes.
(42) It would be most
unlikely for any applicant for employment to have been appointed to a teaching
position, Textiles and Design only, subsequent to 1 May 1991.
(43)
(a) No discrimination has been suffered by Ms Austin. Her
qualifications have been assessed and appropriate teaching approvals issued
under guidelines and policies operating at the time. Information has been
provided o Ms Austin on the further studies required for approval as a Spanish
teacher. (b) Ms Austin is on the waiting list for employment as a
teacher with the Department of School Education and is being considered for any
position for which she is academically qualified. Ms Austin is also free to
apply for any positions advertised by the Department in her subject areas.
*361 GOVERNMENT CLEANING
SERVICE—ELECTORATE OF WALLSEND—Mr Mills asked the Chief Secretary
and Minister for Administrative Services—
With regard to the
sale of the Government Cleaning Service—
(1) Has the
Government guaranteed that all regular cleaning and supervisory staff will be
offered continuity of employment until July 1995?
(2) How many
full-time Government Cleaning Service staff are employed in the electorate of
Wallsend?
Page 591 (3) Will all the full-time
staff be employed after the sale?
(4) If not, what is the basis for
determining who will be separated?
(5) How many part-time Government
Cleaning Service staff are employed in the electorate of Wallsend?
(6)
Will all the part-time staff be employed?
(7) If not, what is the
basis for determining who will be separated?
(8) How many casual
Government Cleaning Service staff are employed in the electorate of
Wallsend?
(9) Will all the casual staff be employed?
(10)
If not, what is the basis for determining who will be separated?
(11)
Will service with the Government be recognised for determining award
entitlements such as sick leave, long service leave and in the event of future
redundancy?
(12) If so, why has she announced that unused annual and
long service leave will be paid out by the Government?
(13) Will
this payout be made at the time of sale?
(14) If not, when will the
payout be made?
(15) Will the performance of the private cleaning
companies towards staff transferred from Government Cleaning Service be
monitored after the sale?
(16) If so: (a) By which
department?
(b) For how long?
(17) What penalty action
does the Government envisage taking against private companies that breach their
commitments to staff transferred from Government Cleaning Service?
(1) Yes. All regular cleaning
staff and regional staff were offered employment as part of the contracts.
(2) This information is not readily available and to provide an answer
would require considerable dedication of staff time which is not warranted
within the priorities of the Commercial Services Group.
(3) It was a
requirement of the sale that all regular full-time cleaning staff were offered
employment by the successful tenderers.
(4) Not applicable.
(5)
See reply to question (2).
(6) Part-time regular staff were
offered employment by the successful tenderers.
(7) Not
applicable.
(8) See reply to question (2).
(9) The
Government Cleaning Service provided the new employers with a list of all
approved relief staff to use, if required.
(10) The decision whether
to use the relief staff is one for the successful tenderers.
(11)
Yes. Former public sector service will be recognised for sick leave, long
service leave and redundancy entitlement purposes.
(12) The Public
Sector Management Act under which the cleaners were employed, does not provide
for the transfer of unused leave from the public to the private sector. The
monetary value of entitlements therefore had to be paid. Government service
will continue to be recognised for future accrual purposes.
(13)
Yes. Paymentwas made at the time of sale of the Government Cleaning
Service.
(14) Not applicable.
(15) Yes.
Page 592 (16) (a) Commercial Services Group. (b)
For the duration of the contracts.
(17) The new employers are
required to have in place clearly defined grievance and dispute management
procedures for resolving any grievances or disputes within the organisation. If
a company fails to fulfil its commitments it will be in breach of its contract.
There is a $1 million per zone performance security deposit and contractual
provisions to delete sites or terminate the contract in part or full. In
addition, employees will be covered by the relevant private sector award and be
protected under normal industrial provisions.
*362
PREMIER'S CONCERTS—Mr Neilly asked the Premier and Minister for Economic
Development—
(1) Who were the groups allocated
tickets for the 1993 Senior Citizens Week concerts?
(2) Who were the
groups allocated tickets for the 1993 Christmas concerts?
My colleague the Minister for Community
Services, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for the Ageing advises
that:
(1) Tickets for the 1993 Senior Citizens Week concerts were allocated
to various groups totalling 189 in number.
(2) Tickets for the 1993
Christmas concerts were allocated to various groups totalling 138 in
number.
Copies of the two lists of groups have been supplied direct to the
honourable member.
*363 NORTHERN COAL HAULAGE
LINE—Mr Neilly asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for
Roads—
(1) Have negotiations to privatise the
Northern Coal Haulage Line reached heads of agreement stage?
(2) If
so, what are the heads of agreement?
(3) Is privatisation limited to
coal haulage?
(4) Will employment security be guaranteed for the
State Rail Authority employees concerned?
(1) No.
(2) to (4) Not
applicable.
*365 SHORTLAND—SH23 TRAFFIC
SOUND MONITORING—Mr Price asked the Minister for Transport and Minister
for Roads—
(1) Given the progressive increase in
traffic on SH23, when will the RTA conduct further sound monitoring tests,
particularly in the area between University Drive, Callaghan, and Sandgate
Road, Shortland?
(2) (a) Why has urgently needed sound
proofing along SH23, adjacent to the residencies facing Vale Street, Birmingham
Gardens, been denied? (b) When will this serious omission be
corrected?
(3) As the alleged sound reducing surface has proved to
be totally ineffective, when will hot mix resurfacing be applied in order to
reduce this problem?
Page 593
(1) At this stage, the RTA has not programmed additional
noise testing in this area. However, traffic volumes are constantly monitored
and should there be any significant change in volumes or traffic patterns,
arrangements will be made to undertake further noise testing.
(2)
(a) Testing carried out in July and October 1993 showed that noise
levels were below the minimum levels that warrant noise mitigation works.
(b) See answer (2) (a) above.
(3) See answer (2) (a)
above.
*367 ROTATIONAL TRANSFERS MODEL—Mr
Price asked the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency
Services—
(1) Did Mr Gill ever present a working
rotational trasfers model to a meeting of the Families and Friends Against
Rotational Transfers?
(2) (a) Was such a model ever presented
to Police Association representatives?
*368 FAIRFIELD RAILWAY STATION—Mr Scully asked the Minister for
Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) Is he
aware that the State Rail Authority has not provided separate points of ingress
and egress on Fairfield Railway Station?
(2) Is he aware that during
peak times passengers find it extremely difficult to enter Fairfield Station
when attempting to catch trains to Liverpool?
(1) and (2) A separate entry only
turnstile has been installed near the booking office on the City bound
platform. Installation of a separate entry only turnstile on the Liverpool
bound platform is planned by the end of March.
*370
ILLAWARRA PRIVATE HOSPITAL—Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for
Health—
(1) Will a Cardiac Catheterisation Unit he
established at the Illawarra Private Hospital at Figtree?
(2) If
such a unit is established, will it mean that a Digital Subtraction Angiography
(DSA) proposed for the Port Kembla campus of the Illawarra Regional Hospital
will not be established?
(3) Does the Illawarra Private Hospital at
Figtree have the necessary after hours for emergency back-up services and
facilities to cope with any complications from cardiac catheterisation?
Page 594 (4) What is the estimated number of
patients travelling each year to Sydney from the Illawarra for: (a)
Diagnostic angiography?
(b) Cardiac catheterisation?
(1) A Digital
Subtraction Angiography Unit (DSA) has been established at the Illawarra
Hospital, Figtree. This unit is capable of performing some cardiac
catheterisation procedures.
(2) No. A DSA Unit will be established
at the Illawarra Regional Hospital and has already been approved by the
Department of Health.
(3) Illawarra Private Hospital has 24-hour
on-site medical cover at a registrar level with on-call specialist cover for
intensive care. Illawarra Private Hospital has arrangements for transfer of any
patients with complications as part of their licence agreement.
(4)
(a) 80.
(b) 600.
*371
YOUTH LAWLINE—Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment
representing the Attorney General and Minister for Justice—
(1) Will the Government provide funds so that the Illawarra Legal
Centre's Youth Lawline can continue to operate throughout 1994?
(2)
If not, what are the reasons for withholding funding from this service which
will most likely lead to the service closing down?
(3) Is he aware
that the Youth Lawline Service dealt with 109 cases of young people between
January and August 1993?
(4) Is he considering any alternative
accessible source of legal advice for young people in the Illawarra
region?
(1) The
Legal Aid Commission has committed funding to the Illawarra Legal Centre in
1993/94. The Centre will receive $131,500 via the Community Legal Centre
Funding Program, and a further $70,000 under the Special Welfare Rights
Program, each administered by the Commission.
Discussions between the
Illawarra Legal Cenre and the Managing Director of the Legal Aid Commission
were held on Monday 28 February 1994. The Illawarra Legal Centre has since
applied for funding for Youth Lawline as part of their current funding
application under the Community Legal Centres Funding Program. The submission
will be reviewed by the Commission's Special Purposes Funding Subcommittee.
(2) Funding is not being "withheld", as per the answer to
question (1) above.
(3) The service of Youth Lawline accords with
the aims and objectives contained in the Greenpaper which was prepared by the
Juvenile Justice Advisory Council and released in February 1993. However, in
terms of the portfolio administered by the Attorney General and Minister for
Justice, the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Attorney General's
Department do not have separate budget allocations for funding community
groups, and the Legal Aid Commission has already committed funds as discussed
above for the 1993/94 financial year.
The decision of the Legal Aid
Commission in the allocation of funds is not a matter which is or can be the
subject of interference by the Attorney General.
(4) Per answer to
questions (1) and (3) above.
Page 595
*376
JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE UPON THE SYDNEY WATER BOARD—Ms Allan asked the
Minister for Land and Water Conservation representing the Minister for Planning
and Minister for Housing—
(1) Has the Sydney Water
Board provided direct assistance to Government Members of the Joint Select
Committee upon the Sydney Water Board?
(2) If so, how much
assistance, at what expense to the Board, and by which officers was the
assistance provided?
I
have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that
the answers to the honourable member's questions are:
(1) To give
the Joint Select Committee full support, the Sydney Water Board endeavoured to
provide every assistance by responding to every request by all the
members—Government, ALP, Democrat, Independent—of the Committee, by
the Committee's Consultant and by the Committee Clerks.
(2) In
giving this full assistance in supporting the Joint Select Committee, the Water
Board has incurred an expense of, at least, $283,000 comprising:
•labour costs;
•printing;
•production of
maps;
•cabcharges;
•costs of tours of Water Board
areas;
•couriers;
•legal services;
•production of
colour slides;
•production of the Board's very detailed
submission.
Assistance was provided by approximately 100 senior
board officers including the Managing Director.
*378
SLARKE'S ROAD DAM—Mr J. H. Murray asked the Deputy Premier, Minister
for Public Works and Minister for Ports—
Does the Government
still maintain as an option for the augmentation of the Coffs Harbour water
supply, the establishment of the Slarke's Road Dam drawing water from the
Bellingen River?
A
community consultation program is currently being conducted in Coffs Harbour
and neighbouring local government areas to obtain community views on the
alternatives.
Council's project team has short listed three alternatives:
Kangaroo River storage and Nymboida River.
Mirum Creek storage and Orara/Bobo Rivers.
Slarke's Road storage and Bellinger River.
Page 596
*380 INNER CITY CYCLEWAY—Mr J. H. Murray asked the Minister for
Land and Water Conservation representing the Minister for Planning and Minister
for Housing—
(1) Does the redevelopment of the
Pyrmont Penisula promote cycling as a transport option to the city?
(2)
Is the only viable bicycle access between Pyrmonand the Sydney Central Business District via Pyrmont Bridge?
(3) Has
this bridge been recommended as a cycleway in several studies?
(4)
Is he aware that the Darling Harbour Authority refuses to allow cyclists
access to Pyrmont Bridge and has removed the only ramp between the Bridge and
the City of Sydney?
(5) Will he ensure that bicycle access is
expedited between Pyrmont and the city?
I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister
for Housing that the answers to the honourable members' questions are:
(1)
Yes.
(2) No, there are several access routes between Pyrmont
and the CBD.
(3) Yes.
(4) Darling Harbour was developed
as a pedestrian precinct and current policy is that cyclists must dismount on
entering the Darling Harbour precinct. This policy is under review in light of
the redevelopment of Pyrmont. The ramp referred to was a temporary bailey
bridge. It has been replaced by a new bridge which combines ramps, escalators,
stairs and lifts.
(5) Yes, the Building Better Cities Program is
funding improvements to the bicycle and pedestrian links between Pyrmont and
the CBD. Several options have been identified and concept design work is
underway on a new bicycle link between Pyrmont Bridge and the CBD.
2 MARCH 1994
(Paper No. 2)
*381 WESTERN
CITYRAIL LINE—SIX CAR TRAINS—Mr Amery asked the Minister for
Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) What is the
reason for the use of "six car sets" on the western line during peak
hours?
(2) Is this contrary to assurances given at the time of the
last change to CityRail timetables, that only "eight car sets" will
be used on peak hours services?
(1) and (2) All CityRail western line trains arriving at Central
Station in the morning main peak period and departing Central in the afternoon
main peak period are scheduled to consist of eight cars.
However, in some
instances it is necessary to operate six-car sets due to maintenance
requirements.
Page 597
*382 COMMERCIAL
UNION INSURANCE—Mr Amery asked the Minister for the Environment
representing the Attorney General and Minister for Justice—
(1) Is the Commercial Union Insurance a licensed insurer in New
South Wales for the Compulsory Third Party Personal Injury Insurance
scheme?
(2) Has this company an arrangement with the National Party
that provides that part of the premium paid for "Green Slips"
insurance is redirected to the National Party by way of commission to party
members and branches?
(3) What is the policy of the Government in
allowing insurance companies to enter into such agreements with political
parties involving a compulsory scheme?
(1) Yes.
(2) and (3) With regard to Compulsory Third
Party Personal Injury Insurance premiums, it should be noted that New South
Wales has a privatised and largely deregulated Compulsory Third Party Personal
Injury Insurance scheme. The scheme is operated by 14 insurance companies,
licensed by the Motor Accidents Authority.
The Motor Accidents Act 1988
provides that the Authority must ensure that Compulsory Third Party Personal
Injury premiums, charged by the licensed insurers, are sufficient to fully fund
their liabilities.
This is managed through a "File and Write"
system. Insurers must propose the Compulsory Third Party Personal Injury
premium and provide independent actuarial advice on its adequacy. The Authority
then examines the insurers' proposals and must be satisfied that the premium
satisfies the test contained in section 15B of the Act.
This section
provides that the Authority can only reject a premium if it is of the opinion
that: •the premium will not fully fund the present and likely
future liabilities of the insurer;
•the premium is excessive, based on actuarial advice;
or
•the premium does not conform to the Authority's guidelines.
The Authority has no power to regulate or interfere with the means by
which a private company markets and distributes its products. Many companies
have established various means of distributing "Green Slips" and
these arrangements are not subject to any control or direction by the Authority
other than to ensure, that as far as practical, all costs incurred by the
insurer are taken into account in determining premiums.
*383 PROPERTY TRANSFER SERVICE FEES—Mr Amery asked the Minister
for Consumer Affairs, Minister Assisting the Minister for Roads and Minister
Assisting the Minister for Transport—
(1) What
penalties, if any, may apply to the practice, by solicitors and conveyancers
charging a service fee on property transfers?
(2) Is the Department
of Consumer Affairs aware that this is a common practice?
(3) If no
complaint has been received from the person charged this fee, would the
Department take any action, and, if so, what action would be considered
appropriate in the circumstances?
(4) If the Department were made
aware of a situation where this practice had taken place, but had since ceased,
would the Department consider any further action?
(5) Would the
Department consider conducting an inspection to ascertain if this practice has
ceased and report on the findings?
Page 598 (1) I am advised by the Department
of Consumer Affairs that this matter falls within the administrative
responsibility of my colleague the Attorney General, and accordingly, this
question should be directed to the Hon. J. P. Hannaford, M.L.C.
(2)
I am advised by the Department of Consumer Affairs that it is not aware that
this is a common practice.
(3) to (5) In the absence of specific details I
again refer the honourable member to the Attorney General.
*384 HOUSING APPLICANT T0781030—Mr Anderson asked the Minister
for Land and Water Conservation representing the Minister for Planning and
Minister for Housing—
(1) Has the Department of
Housing received representations from the honourable member for Liverpool on
behalf of applicant T0781030?
(2) What was the determination of the
Housing Review Committee regarding this applicant?
(3) How many
other applicants for priority housing are terminally ill and being denied
housing?
(4) What action does he propose to take in this
matter?
I have been
advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers
to the honourable member's questions are:
(1) Yes.
(2)
The Housing Review Committee is an independent committee comprising community
interest group representatives and a department officer. On 17 February 1994
the Housing Review Committee declined applicant T0781030 for priority housing
assistance. Although the applicant's severe medical problems were noted by the
Committee, it was considered that the applicant could be suitably housed in
other areas within the Sydney metropolitan area where his turn for
accommodation has been reached in the ordinary manner.
(3) There are
no statistics kept on terminally ill applicants who are declined for priority
housing assistance. All cases submitted to the Housing Review Committee are
considered individually and judged on their merit.
(4) A senior
departmental officer has contacted the applicant and his wife to discuss the
applicant's current circumstances. The applicant's wife advises they have
specific reasons for remaining in the Liverpool area and will submit documents
to this effect. Upon receipt of these documents, the applicant's case will be
resubmitted to the Housing Review Committee for further consideration.
*385 LIVERPOOL HOSPITAL ELECTICITY SUPPLY—Mr
Anderson asked the Minister for Health—
(1) What
arrangements are in place at Liverpool Hospital to maintain the electricity
supply in the event of a power failure?
(2) On how many occasions
has there been an interruption to the electricity supply at Liverpool Hospital
since 1 July 1993?
(3) On what dates did such interruptions occur
and for what duration?
(4) Why are such interruptions occurring and
what action has been or will be taken to reduce or eliminate such
occurrences?
Page 599
(1) In the event of a power failure, electricity supplies are
maintained by a 750 kVA diesel alternator.
(2) During the period 1
July 1993 till 27 February 1994, there were 16 interruptions to essential power
and 15 interruptions to non-essential power, being a total of 31 occasions of
interruption to the electrical power supply. All of these interruptions were
planned.
(3) During the period 1 July 1993 till 27 February 1994,
the following interruptions took place: Date Type of
Power Duration
18/7/93
Essential At 0800: 20 sec.
At 1130: 5 sec.
Non-essential No power
from 0800-1200. 8/8/93 Essential
Several interruptions:
0730-1230, each less than 30 sec.
Non-essential No power from 0730-1300.
22/8/93 Essential
Several interruptions:
0730-0900, each less than 30 sec.
Non-essential No power from
0730-0930.
18/9/93 Essential
&bsp; At 0730: 20 sec.
At 1035: 5 sec.
Non-essential No power from 0730-1100.
11/12/93 Essential
Several interruptions:
0800-1130, each less than 30 sec.
Non-essential No power from
0800-1200. 12/12/93 Essential
Several interruptions:
0800-1815, each less than 30 sec.
Non-essential No power
from 0800-1845.
19/12/93
Essential Several interruptions:
0700-1930, each less than 30 sec.
Non-essential
No power from 0700-2000. 22/12/93
Essential At 1800: 20 sec.
p; At 1820: 5 sec.
Non-essential No
power from 1800-1900. 23/1/94
Essential No power from 0700-0705.
Non-
essential No power from 0800-0820.
27/1/94 Essential
No power from 0700-0705.
No
power from 0730-0735.
Non-essential No power from 0800-0820.
29/1/94 Essential
Several interruptions:
0730-1400,
each less than 30 sec. Non-essential
No power from 0720-1400.
5/2/94 Essential
Several interruptions:
0720-1330, each less than 30 sec.
Non-essential No power from
0720-1400.
12/2/94
Essential Several interruptions:
nbsp;
0750-1405, each less than 30 sec.
Non-essential No power from
0750-1405.
Page 600 Date
Type of Power Duration
19/2/94 Essential
Several interruptions:
0730-1305, each less than 30 sec.
Non-essential No power
from 0845-1310.
26/2/94
Essential Several interruptions:
0830-1510, each less than 30 sec.
Non-essential
No power from 0830-1510.
27/2/94
Essential Several
interruptions:
0845-1310, each less than 30
sec.
(4) The reasons for the interruptions to the
electrical power were to:
(a) Test the essential alternate
diesel alternator. (b) Test the ability of the staff to operate
under managed emergency conditions.
(c) Check the present
supply switching procedures.
(d) Test all operations prior to
the installation of the new 1,500 kVA standby alternator in April 1994.
It is important to note that all of the interruptions were
planned.
*386 LIVERPOOL ATTACK—Mr Anderson asked
the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) Did a resident of Rotary Street, Liverpool, contact Liverpool
Police at approxmately 6 p.m. on Sunday, 27 February 1994, shortly after he and
his dog were attacked and injured by two German shepherd dogs?
(2)
At what time did police attend the residence?
(3) What was the
reason for the delay?
(4) What police action, if any, is proposed as
a consequence of the attack on the resident and his dog?
(1) Yes.
(2)
Approximately 11 p.m.
(3) A number of more serious incidents were
occurring at the same time and the shift supervisor allocated this incident a
low priority in comparison.
(4) The normal procedure in matters of
this nature in the Liverpool City Council area is to refer such complaints to
the local Dog Ordinance Inspector.
On this occasion, the Dog Ordinance
Inspector issued a warning to the owner of the two German shepherd dogs to
ensure that they are properly secured.
*387
BLACKSPOTS—Mr Beckroge asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for
Roads—
(1) Has the RTA established a list of
blackspots on New South Wales roads?
(2) If so, where are these
blackspots located?
(1)
Yes.
(2) At various locations throughout the State. The list
for 1993 is currently being finalised.
Page 601
*388 MENINDEE LAKES STORAGE SYSTEM—Mr Beckroge asked the Minister
for Land and Water Conservation—
(1) Is he aware that
the management of the Menindee Lakes Storage System has resulted in Menindee
Lake being left to dry out?
(2) Is he also aware that thousands of
fish of all species have been left to die as the water dries up?
(3)
If so, what action does he and his department intend taking to clean up the
mess that remains from tonnes of dead fish?
(4) Does the Government
intend releasing water from Lake Pamamaroo to flush the Menindee Lake?
(5)
If not, why not?
(1) Yes.
(2) Yes. However, the vast majority are not
native fish but European carp, an introduced aquatic pest.
(3) The
Department of Water Resourves undertook a small release of water from Lake
Pamamaroo to flush the dead fish away from the nearby foreshore area, thereby
removing the offending sight and odour. The Deparment also arranged for
Adelaide fishing contractor to harvest the live carp within Lake Memindee for
crayfish bait. In addition to this, NSW Fisheries and the RSPCA approved of the
use of electro-fishing by the contractor to take the remaining carp.
(4)
Other than the small relase mentioned in answer (3) there will be no
substantial water release from Lake Pamamaroo into Lake Menindee until a large
inflow to the storage system occurs.
(5) To release a quantity of
water to flush Lake Menindee would jeopoardise the long-term reliability of
supply of Broken Hill and residents of the lower Darling River.
*389 CLYDE ENGINEERING JOBS—Mr Clough asked the Minister
for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) How many
new jobs have been created at Clyde Engineering, Bathurst, through new
contracts allocated to them?
(2) When is it expected that the 223
new jobs referred to by him twice in 1993 will occur?
(1) Clyde advises that it has
created 110 new jobs at Bathurst.
(2) The figure of 223 was based on
Clyde's initial proposal to completely build the new Ready Power locomotives at
Bathurst.
Clyde took a commercial decision to build the 55 Ready Power
locomotives at its Braear facility, resulting in jobs planned for Bathurst
being transferred to Braemar.
*390 WOODFORD BENDS
UPGRADING—Mr Clough asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for
Roads—
(1) What financial involvement has the
Government, through its 3x3 program, in the upgrading of the area on the Great
Western Highway known as the Woodford Bends?
(2) How much
Commonwealth Government money has been made available for this project?
Page 602
(1)
$22.15 million.
(2) $7 million.
*391
GARDENS OF STONE—Mr Clough asked the Minister for Land and Water
Conservation—
(1) Is it the Government's intention to
include the Gardens of Stone area in a national park?
(2) If so,
when is it anticipated this will occur?
(3) Will this mean that some
landholders in the area will have their leases revoked?
(4) Will
compensation be payable to those landholders?
(1) to (4) During 1990 and 1991, the then
Ministers for Lands and the Environment conducted joint inspections and several
meetings were held in respect of various nature reserve and national park
proposals. However, as of this date, the proposal has not advanced
further.
*392 GUNNEDAH ABATTOIR—Mr Clough
asked the Minister for Energy and Minister for Local Government and
Co-operatives—
(1) Has he been approached by Gunnedah
Shire Council to grant them an exemption from advertising one of their senior
positions, the position of Abattoir Manager?
(2) (a) Did
Gunnedah Shire seek Loans Council approval to borrow $1.7 million for works at
the abattoir? (b) On what basis was the loan arranged?
(c)
Did it come from council funds?
(1) The Gunnedah Council has not yet approached me for an
exemption from advertising the position of Abattoir Manager. I understand,
however, that the council recently resolved to make such an application for
exemption. When received, the application will be considered on its merits as
all such applications are.
(2) (a) The function of
determining individual borrowing limits for local government authorities is a
State responsibility and not one for the Australian Loan Council. On
this basis, the Gunnedah Council approached the Director General of the
Department of Local Government and Co-operatives with a request for an
increased borrowing limit for the current financial year. It was recommended to
me that I approve of the council receiving an increase of $1,850,000 for the
purpose of carrying out improvements and extensions to the Gunnedah Abattoir.
The recommendation was subsequently approved.
(b) and (c) The
Gunnedah Council has arranged to borrow the funds from one of Australia's
leading financial institutions. I am not aware of the basis on which the loan
is to be raised as this is a matter of negotiation between the council and the
lender.
Page 603
*393 FARMING
FINANCIAL HARDSHIP—Mr Clough asked the Minister for Agriculture and
Fisheries and Minister for Mines—
(1) Does the
Government recognise the hardship being caused to many farming families through
the action of the banks and other farm lending organisations through
capitalisation of outstanding interest?
(2) Does the Government
intend to set up any form of compulsory mediation mechanism so that a bank may
not eject farmers from their land and sell their properties until some form of
mediation takes place?
lt;ul>
(1) The position regarding capitalisation of outstanding interest by
banks and other farm lending organisations is noted. It is, however, a matter
between the lenders and the farming families concerned and is an area in which
I do not propose to become involved as it relates to a commercial decision.
(2) The Government does not propose to establish any form of compulsory
mediation mechanism as the assistance and mediation measures currently
available to farming families are considered to be appropriate. These measures
include: •the Rural Counselling Network, which is partly funded
by this Government;
•the dispute resolution arrangements under the
Code of Banking Practice;
•the Rural Women's Network, an initiative
of NSW Agriculture; and
•the Farm Assessment Scheme, which is a joint
initiative of the Australian Bankers Association and the National Farmers
Federation.
In addition, farming families have the right to
investigate legal avenues if they so desire, without the need for Government
intervention.
*394 OBERON FIRE BAN—Mr
Clough asked the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency
Services—
(1) Were any restrictions on lighting of
fires in the open in force on 28 November 1993?
(2) If so, under
what conditions could fires be lit?
(3) Did Oberon police receive
any complaints regarding the lighting of at least one fire on 28 November
1993?
(4) If so, what was the result of their investigation?
(1) Yes.
(2)
The issue of a permit.
(3) No. The incident was initially reported
to the Fire Captain, Back Creek, near Oberon.
(4) On 30 November
1993, police received a complaint concerning alleged harassment and during this
interview, the complainant referred to a fire which had been lit on 28 November
1993 during the bushfire restrictions.
No further action was taken by
police, in this regard, as the Fire Control Officer for the Oberon Shire
Council had already issued a caution to the offender.
Page
604
*395 LISTENING DEVICES WARRANT—Mr Hatton asked the
Minister for the Environment representing the Attorney General and Minister for
Justice—
In regard to the matter concerning the charging
with certain offences of Mr A. Katsoulas, a former member of the NSW
Police—
(1) On 28 November 1986, did the NSW Police obtain the
grant of a warrant under the Listening Devices Act 1984, concerning offences
suspected of having been committed by the former member, Anthony Katsoulas?
(2) Was the warrant issued by Mr Justice Slattery on 28 November
1986?
(3) Was the warrant issued pursuant to section 16, Part
4—Warrants, Listening Devices Act of 1984?
(1) to (3) While advice of applications
for the issue of listening device warrants is provided to the Attorney General,
I am not at liberty to release the information sought.
As criminal charges
were laid against Mr Katsoulas by the police, I suggest that an approach be
made to the Minister for Police for this information.
*396 SPORT AND RECREATION CAPITAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS—Mr Hunter
asked the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing—
(1)
Under the Sport and Recreation Capital Assistance Grants Scheme, what funds
have been granted in each State electorate for the current year and each of the
past 2 years?
(2) (a) What other State funds have been
allocated for sporting facilities or to sporting groups in each State
electorate for the current year and each of the past 4 years? (b)
What was the source of the funds allocated as distinct from those under Sport
and Recreation Capital Assistance Grants?
(1) To provide an answer to
this question would require the diversion of significant time and resources of
my Department which is outside the core responsibilities of the Department.
Information relating to CAP applications may be found in the Department's
annual reports.
(2) (a) See above response to question (1).
(b) Regional Sports Facilities Program, Government Guaranteed Loans
Scheme and FootyTAB.
*397 SERVICES AND
FACILITIES—ELECTORATE OF MOOREBANK—Mr Knowles asked the Treasurer
and Minister for the Arts—
With regard to the electorate of
Moorebank—
(1) What services and facilities are provided by
agencies which operate within his portfolio area?
(2) How many staff
are directly associated with the provision of those services?
Page 605 (3) What were the Budget projections and actual
expenditures on services and facilities for: (a) 1990/91?
(b)
1991/92?
(c) 1992/93?
(d) What are the Budget
projections for 1993/94?
(4) What new/additional services and
facilities will be provided during 1993/94?
(5) Where there has been
a decline in expenditure from 1990/91, why?
Arts Portfolio
(1) The
majority of assistance offered by organisations within the arts portfolio is
provided through the Ministry for the Arts' Cultural Grants Program and the
State Library's Library Development Grants and public library subsidy, which
are offered statewide. Any eligible group may apply for a grant. Applications
are considered on their merits each year. It is not possible to guarantee that
any group or electorate will receive ongoing funding.
(2) 21.
(3) Figures statewide are as follows: Cultural
Library Development Public Library (a) $21,828,000
$2,259,680 $14,145,000
(b)
$35,464,000 $2,427,200
$15,170,000
(c) $37,556,000
$2,587,200 $16,170,000
(d)
Not applicable.
(4) Not applicable.
(5) Not
applicable.
Treasury Portfolio
(1) Nil. Treasury
is a central agency and, as such, does not provide services and facilities on a
local area basis.
(2) to (5) Not applicable.
*398
SERVICES AND FACILITIES—ELECTORATE OF MOOREBANK—Mr Knowles
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and Minister for
Mines—
With regard to the electorate of Moorebank—
(1) Wht services and facilities are provided by agencies which operate within his
portfolio area?
(2) How many staff are directly associated with the
provision of those services?
(3) What were the Budget projections
and actual expenditures on services and facilities for: (a) 1990/91?
(b) 1991/92?
(c) 1992/93?
(d) What are the
Budget projections for 1993/94?
(4) What new/additional services
and facilities will be provided during 1993/94?
(5) Where there has
been a decline in expenditure from 1990/91, why?
Page 606
NSW Coal Compensation Board
(1)
Nil.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) Not applicable.
(4) Nil.
(5) Not applicable.
NSW Fish
Marketing Authority
(1) Nil.
(2) Not applicable.
(3)
Not applicable.
(4) Nil.
(5) Not applicable.
NSW Fisheries
(1) A NSW fisheries office is situated
at 1 Water Street, Sans Souci, which provides a service to enforce the
provisions of the Fisheries and Oyster Farms Act/Regulations in the waterways
of Botany Bay, Port Hacking and the Georges River. Advisory information
services are also provided by the Sans Souci office to the commercial and
recreational fishing industries, the oyster farming industry and the
community.
Two vehicles and three vessels are stationed at the office
facilities which consist of a general office and public counter areas, with
storage garage and seized gear shed located under the office complex. Slipping
facilities and underground fuel storage are available on site and shared with
the Maritime Services Board and the NSW Water Police.
(2) The
following permanent staff stationed at Sans Souci are supervised by the Senior
Fisheries Officer, based at Wollstonecraft: 1 District Fisheries
Officer.
5 Fisheries Officers.
1 Clerical Officer (3 days per
week).
(3) (a) $27,200. (b) $51,430.
(c)
$51,425.
(d) $40,400 (maintenance and working) + $90,000
(salaries).
(4) A new telephone system is being installed at the
Sans Souci office to provide more efficient and effective communications for
public enquiries. Computer equipment is being upgraded.
(5) Not
applicable.
NSW Agriculture
(1) NSW Agriculture
provides a general enquiries service, district advisory service, diagnostic
service and research on horticultural and other projects applicable to the area
from: •Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Camden;
•Biological and Chemical Research Institute, Rydalmere;
•Windsor district office;
•University of Western Sydney—a
specialist unit investigating the recycling of organic waste for agricultural
purposes.
Further details on these services may be found on the
following pages of the 1992/93 Annual Report of NSW Agriculture: 9,
10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 28, 29.
Page 607 (2)
The following staff are directly associated with the provision of those
services:
| Position | Program | Location |
| District
Agronomist | Pastures and rangelands | Windsor |
| DistricHorticulturist (Vegetables) | Fresh and processed
horticultural products | EMAI, Camden |
| District Horticulturist (Cut Flowers) | Fresh and processed horticultural products | Windsor |
| Enquiries
Officer | Animal industries position | Windsor |
| Agricultural
Environmental Officer | Agricultural resource
management | Windsor |
| District Livestock Officer (Dairying) | Beef,
dairy and intensive livestock products | EMAI,
Camden |
| Entomologists and other
scientific officers | Quality assurance and plant
protection | BCRI, Rydalmere |
| General Manager, Organic Waste Recylcing Unit | | UWS, Richmond |
(3) The electorate is characterised by the Defence Forces
established and rapid urban expansion over the past 3 years.
Approximate
current annual expenditure by NSW Agriculture within the electorate is
estimated as follows: Overheads (including salaries)* $2,666
Operating costs† $150
______
$2,816 per year. * Salaries of eight
professional staff coupled with technical, clerical support and infrastructure
costs— approximately $640,000. Commitment by each officer to various
issues in the electorate 1 day in 240 or, 0.033 full-time equivalent of one
person.
†Operating costs for motor vehicles, telephones and stores
at 30 cents/km travelled at 500 km/year.
(4) The
Department of Agriculture's broad range of service for all members of the New
South Wales community will be continued.
(5) Declines in statewide
expenditure have been slight and been largely offset by improved
productivity.
Department of Mineral Resources
(1)
Nil.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) Not applicable.
(4)
Nil.
(5) Not applicable.
Page 608
*399 SERVICES AND FACILITIES—ELECTORATE OR MOOREBANK—Mr
Knowles asked the Chief Secretary and Minister for Administrative
Services—
With regard to the electorate of
Moorebank—
(1) What services and facilities are provided by
agencies which operate within her portfolio area?
(2) How many staff
are directly associated with the provision of those services?
(3)
What were the Budget projections and actual expenditures on services and
facilities for: (a) 1990/91?
(b) 1991/92?
(c)
1992/93?
(d) What are the Budget projections for 1993/94?
(4)
What new/additional ervices and facilities will be provided during
1993/94?
(5) Where there has been a decline in expenditure from
1990/91, why?
(1) to (5)
In regard to my portfolio of Chief Secretary, I have to advise that the Chief
Secretary's Department has no services or facilities in the electorate of
Moorebank. The NSW Lotteries appoints businesses throughout the State to sell
NSW Lotteries products. NSW Lotteries does not allocate staff or expenditure to
specific areas or electorates.
In regard to my portfolio of Administrative
Services, the Commercial Services Group operates facilities for printing,
supply, State Mail, fleet management, telecommunications and Government
information and advertising. These businesses provide common use support
services to New South Wales public sector agencies on a statewide basis. Only
the Government Information Service provides direct services to the public.
No services and facilities operate specifically in the electorate of
Moorebank.
*400 SERVICES AND
FACILITIES—ELECTORATE OF MOOREBANK—Mr Knowles asked the Minister
for Small Business and Minister for Regional Development—
With regard to the electorate of Moorebank—
(1) What
services and facilities are provided by agencies which operate within his
portfolio area?
(2) How many staff are directly associated with the
provision of those services?
(3) What were the Budget projections
and actual expenditures on services and facilities for: (a) 1990/91?
(b) 1991/92?
(c) 1992/93?
(d) What are the
budget projections for 1993/94?
(4) What new/additional services
and facilities will be provided during 1993/94?
(5) Where there has
been a decline in expenditure from 1990/91, why?
Page 609
(1) Services and facilities
provided by the Department of Business and Regional Development are not
targeted at electorates but at small and medium enterprises in metropolitan and
regional New South Wales.
Programs to assist new and existing small
business are available to businesses in the electorate of Moorebank at the
Parramatta and Sydney (City) locations of the Office of Small Business
(OSB).
Programs provided by the National Industry Extension Service (NIES)
are available to businesses in the electorate of Moorebank by NIES field
officers visiting the enterprise directly.
Programs provided by the Office
of Regional Development are not relevant, except in the case where a business
located in the electorate of Moorebank might be contemplating relocation in
regional New South Wales.
(2) The Office of Small Business has a
staff of 21 employed in three locations in the Sydney metropolitan
area—two locations in the Sydney CBD, and in Parramatta.
The National
Industry Extension Service has a staff of 31, including 17 industry advisers
who directly deliver NIES programs to businesses—typically small to
medium enterprises in manufacturing and service industries.
(3)
Disaggregated budget projections of OSB and NIES services to businesses in the
electorate of Moorebank are not available.
Actual expenditures of OSB
services to businesses in the electorate of Moorebank were: $1,500
(1990/91); $13,921 (1991/92); $16,380 (1992/93).
Offers of assistance
provided under NIES programs to businesses in the electorate of Moorebank
totalled: $412,056 (1989-93) (disaggregated annual figures are not
available).
(4) On 10 February 1994, I announced the membership of
the Greater Western Sydney Economic Development Board (GWSEDB).
The Board
will be a peak body championing economic development for the Greater Western
Sydney region. It will pursue opportunities for competitive and sustainable
economic development in the region by leading efforts to retain and expand
existing industry, co-ordinate regional efforts by the public and private
sector to establish new enterprises and advise the NSW Government on the
significant economic issues affecting Greater Western Sydney. The Board has a
budget of $400,000 for 1993/94 nd will be supported by a secretariat of
three.
(5) Not applicable.
*401
SERVICES AND FACILITIES—ELECTORATE OF THE ENTRANCE—Mr McBride
asked the Premier and Minister for Economic Development—
With regard to the electorate of The Entrance—
(1) What
services and facilities are provided by agencies which operate within his
portfolio area?
(2) How many staff are directly related and
associated with the provision of those services?
(3) What were the
Budget projections and actual expenditures on services and facilities for:
(a) 1990/91?
(b) 1991/92?
(c) 1992/93?
(d)
What are the Budget projections for 1993/94?
(4) What
new/additional services and facilities will be provided during 1993/94?
(5)
Where there has been a decline in expenditure since 1990/91, why?
Page 610
(1) to (5)
The Premier’s administration covers agencies such as the
Auditor-General’s Office, Office of Economic Development, The Cabinet
Office and the Government Pricing Tribunal. They operate on a whole-of-State
basis and are not focused on electorates. The Entrance receives comparable
attention to other electorates according to need.
The State Electoral
Office does provide services which can be identified on an electorate basis.
For example, the conduct of State Elections and By-elections and for Local
Government Elections and By-elections in council areas. Indirectly, it may also
service electors in the electorate for statutory and industrial ballots
functions.
For the last State General Election held in March 1991, the
Electoral Office would have spent approximately $100,000 in the electorate of
The Entrance. The last Local Government General Elections held in September
1991 and a by-election in January 1992 would have involved expenditure of about
$150,000.
The Electoral Office services to electorates in the future will
continue to be to: •prepare an electoral roll for use in State
Elections and By-elections and Local Government Elections and
By-elections;
• prepare the
registration of political parties in local council areas;
•provide information to local council areas regarding electors and
registration of political parties.
*402
SERVICES AND FACILITIES—ELECTORATE OF THE ENTRANCE—Mr McBride
asked the Treasurer and Minister for the Arts—
With regard
to the electorate of The Entrance—
(1) What services and
facilities are provided by agencies which operate within his portfolio
area?
(2) How many staff are directly related or associated with the
provision of those services?
(3) What were the Budget projections
and actual expenditures on services and facilities for: (a) 1990/91?
(b) 1991/92?
(c) 1992/93?
(d) What are the
Budget projections for 1993/94?
(4) What new/additional services
and facilities will be provided during 1993/94?
(5) Where there has
been a decline in expenditure since 1990/91, why?
Treasury Portfolio
(1) Nil.
Treasury is a central agency and, as such, does not provide services and
facilities on a local area basis.
(2) to (5) Not applicable.
Arts Portfolio
(1) The majority of assistance offered by
organisations within the arts portfolio is provided through the Ministry for
the Arts' Cultural Grants Program and the State Library's Library Development
Grants and public library subsidy, which are offered statewide. Anyeligible
group may apply for a grant. Applications are considered on their merits each
year. It is not possible to guarantee that any group or electorate will receive
ongoing funding.
Page 611 (2) 21.
(3)
Figures Statewide are as follows: Cultural
Library Development Public Library (a) $21,828,000
$2,259,680 $14,145,000
(b)
$35,464,000 $2,427,200
$15,170,000
(c) $37,556,000
$2,587,200 $16,170,000
(d)
Not applicable.
(4) Not applicable.
(5) Not
applicable.
*403 EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION—Mr
McBride asked the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency
Services—
With regard to the application by Mr James Justice
Bond (Jim) of [Redacted], for employment within the NSW Police Service as a
security officer—
(1) (a) How many positions of
security officer were available at the time of Mr Bond's application? (b)
How many placements have since been made?
(c) If there is a
shortfall in positions, for what reasons has this occurred?
(2) (a)
Has the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service advised the NSW Police
Service's Equal Employment Opportunity Section that assistance could be made
available to ensure Mr Bond could carry out responsibilities as a security
officer? (b) Has the Police Service chosen not to accept that
assistance?
(c) If so, why?
(3) What requirements were
placed on applicants for the position Mr Bond sought employment in?
(4)
(a) Did Mr Bond meet all of these requirements? (b) If
not, which requirements did Mr Bond not meet and why?
(c) If so, why
has he not been offered employment?
(5) (a) What duties of a
security officer, as referred to in the Minister's letter to the honourable
member of 25 January 1994, would have to be removed or adjusted to permit Mr
Bond's employment? (b) How would such and adjustment or removal be
of detriment to Mr Bond's ability to serve as a security officer?
(6)
Has Mr Bond's dyslexia been considered to impair his ability to effectively
serve as a security officer?
(1) (a) One position was filled on 24 May 1993. However, at
that time, there were some 30 to 40 other fully processed applicants within the
system awaiting possible acceptance on a competitive basis. (b)
Counting the position on 24 May 1993, there have been 14 placements made, the
last being 7 March 1994.
(c) If the term "shortfall" can
be considered as "vacanies", then vacancies occur as a result of such
things as seeking other employment, retirement and the like terms.
Page 612 (2) (a) The NSW Police Service EEO
Branch was aware at the time of Mr Bond's application of the services offered
by the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service (CRS) in the form of workplace
assessments for people with disabilities. (b) The Police Service has
not ruled out the use of the services of the CRS to carry out a workplace
assessment for Mr Bond.
(c) Enquiries with the Commonwealth
Rehabilitation Service reveal that its assessment process is flexible enough to
allow significant input from employers in order to assess the feasibility of
"reasonable adjustment".
Assistant Commissioner Moroney intends
to examine the matter of "reasonable adjustment" with the appropriate
authorities with a view to ensuring that Mr Bond's case is carefully reviewed
by an independent body such as the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service. Mr
Moroney will then give close consideration to Mr Bond's case in the light of
that advice.
(3) All applicants are required to undergo the
following:
• A traffic record
and criminal record check. •A "paper"
medical check, made on the medical form forwarded with the application.
•A written test.
•An interview, where a mark is recorded,
according to competitiveness.
•A general observation of the
application regarding competitiveness.
•Background checks, where
local police visit neighbours of the applicant and conduct other local
inquiries to verify character to be accepted as Security Officer for the Police
Service.
•Applicants are then placed in a "pool" of
prospective applicants according to their competitiveness.
•The
"pool" may consist of 40 to 50 applicants at any one time.
•Undergo a full medical examination by the Police Medical Officer.
•Even though an applicant might satisfy all requirements, they may not be
selected for employment due to the competitive nature of the "pool"
selection process. The best applicant always goes to the top of the
"pool".
•When a vacancy occurs within the Security Officer
ranks, the "best" applicant in the "pool" (according to
merit) is utilised to replace the vacancy.
Applications
for Security Officer positions are received on a continuous basis. The last
advertisement was placed on 22 September 1990.
Applications with the most
merit are accumulated within a system, numbered competitively, and held for
vacancies to occur. The unsuccessful applicants at all stages throughout the
process are informed by letter regarding their position. The acceptance rate of
applicants is approximately one in ten.
(4) (a) No. (b)
Mr Bond did not meet the medical and industrial requirements for the
position. Specifically, the neuropsychological assessment recommended by the
Police Medical Officer identified: Mr Bond cannot read or write, has impaired
memory skills, has difficulty with attention concentration and has below
average visual tracking and scanning abilities. Had Mr Bond satisfied all
aspects of the neuropsychological assessment, he would have then been assessed
on competitive merit with other applicants for his possible acceptance into a
"pool of applicants" and then considered for appointment when he
became "number one" in the pool.
As Mr Bond clearly could not
meet the required standards to sufficiently and capably discharge some of the
major and important tasks of a Security Officer position, his application was
not approved.
(c) Not applicable.
Page 613
(5) (a) The neuropsychological report identifies a
number of matters which would make it difficult, for Mr Bond to carry out most
of the functions of a Security Officer. For example: •Issue
temporary security passes to non-accredited persos and immediately make a
written record of such issue in the appropriate register.
•Make full
and contemporaneous written record of all incidents, breaches of security,
issue of passes, keys or other equipment as required, including maintaining a
personal notebook record in accordance with training precedents/orders.
•To check and verify such documentation as may be presented by way of
access authority, delivery dockets, authority to remove property, etc.
•To continually maintain security in strict accordance with training
manuals and standard operational procedures for that site.
(b) The importance of security at premises in the Police Service,
Government House, Parliament House and wherever else it is to be carried out,
and the professional manner in which it is expected to be carried out, speaks
for itself. If any individual is unable to carry out the required task in the
manner expected, then the quality and ability of that individual must be
questioned and better quality applicants encouraged and selected. The practice
of promotion and employment within the Police Service is selection on
competitive merit.
(6) Mr Bond was not successful with his
application on the grounds that he is considered to be not capable to
adequately discharge a number of major fundamental tasks peculiar to the
position of Security Officer in the NSW Police Service.
I am assured that
the basis for his unsuccessful application was not related to his dyslexia, but
rather to the overall need to effectively discharge the full range of the
duties of the position in the public interest.
Notwithstanding all of this,
the Assistant Commissioner responsible for recruitment of Security Officers, Mr
Moroney, has undertaken to specially review this matter in consultation with
the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service, the Equal Employment Opportunity
Branch and the Recruit Selection Review Committee of the NSW Police Service.
Mr Moroney recently had discussions with Mr Bond personally regarding this
review and I understand he is now aware of the action currently underway.
*404 SERVICES AND FACILITIES—ELECTORATE OF THE
ENTRANCE—Mr McBride asked the Minister for the Environment representing
the Attorney General and Minister for Justice—
With regard
to the electorate of The Entrance and the Attorney General portfolio—
(1) What services and facilities are provided by agencies which operate
within his portfolio area?
(2) How many staff are directly related
or associated with the provision of those services?
(3) What were
the Budget projections and actual expenditures on services and facilities for:
(a) 1990/91?
(b) 1991/92?
(c) 1992/93?
(d)
What are the Budget projections for 1993/94?
(4) What
new/additional services and facilities will be provided during 1993/94?
(5)
Where there has been a decline in expenditure since 1990/91, why?
Page 614 (1)
The Public Trustee operates a branch office at 1 Watt Street, Gosford, within
the electorate of Gosford. This office services an area covering the
electorates of Gosford, Peats, Wyong and The Entrance. The Gosford office
provides the full range of executor, administrator, attorney, agency and will
making services to the residents of all four electorates.
The office of the
director of public prosecutions operates a regional office at 107-109 Mann
Street, Gosford, to service the district court at Gosford and the local courts
that commit matters to that district court.
The Legal Aid Commission has
two branch offices at Gosford and Newcastle which directly serve the
constituents in The Entrance electorate. Free legal advice is available, by
appointment, to constituents wishing to see a solicitor at these branch offices
or from any other metropolitan branch office. Legal representation is available
to constituents who satisfy the eligibility criteria for a grant of legal
aid.
The eligibility criteria includes a means test (that assesses the
applicant's income and assets), policy guidelines (which specify the legal
matters for which legal aid is available) and in most cases a merit test(which
looks at the likelihood of success of the case and the benefit to the
applicant).
For most legal matters, constituents may also seek assistance
from local legal practitioners who do legal aid work.
(2) So far as
the Public Trustee Office is concerned, there are 10 staff directly related or
associated with the provision of those services.
The Office of the Director
of Public Prosecutions at Gosford is staffed by 10 persons, being 5 solicitors
and 5 administrative staff. There are also 2 crown prosecutors who have
chambers at Gosford.
Staff at Gosford and Newcastle Legal Aid Commission
offices are directly involved in service provision. However, legal aid matters
conducted by private practitioners are administered by staff at head office. It
is not possible to identify the number of staff directly servicing the legal
aid needs of The Entrance constituents.
(3) (a) The Public
Trustee's expenditure records for 1990/91 do not correspond with the demands of
this question. So far as the office of the director of public
prosecutions is concerned, budget projections and allocations are not assessed
on a regional basis. However, estimates of expenditure for each year are
provided below.
In 1990/91, it is estimated that $505,000 was spent on
services facilities of the Gosford office of the Director of Public
Prosecutions.
The Legal Aid Commission does not break down its expenditure
by electorate, however information of general expenditure is included in the
Commission's annual report.
(b)
Public Trustee 1991/92 projections $381,932
Actual
expenditure $333,177
Office of Director of Public
Prosecutions
1991/92 $576,000
(c) Public Trustee 1992/93
projections $334,963
Actual expenditure
$427,235
Office of Director of Public Prosecutions
1992/93
$616,000
Page 615
(d) Public Trustee 1993/94
$354,105
Office of Director of Public Prosecutions
1993/94
$636,000
(4) There are no new or additional services or facilities to be
provided during 1993/94.
(5) There has been no decline in
expenditure since 1990/91.
*405 SERVICES AND
FACILITIES—ELECTORATE OF THE ENTRANCE—Mr McBride asked the Minister
for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for
Justice representing the Attorney General and Minister for Justice—
With regard to the electorate of The Entrance and the Justice
portfolio—
(1) What services and facilities are provided by
agencies which operate within his portfolio area?
(2) How many staff
are directly related or associated with the provision of those services?
(3) What were the Budget projections and actual expenditures on services
and facilities for: (a) 1990/91?
(b) 1991/92?
(c)
1992/93?
(d) What are the Budget projections for 1993/94?
(4) What new/additional services and facilities will be provided during
1993/94?
(5) Where there has been a decline in expenditure since
1990/91, why?
I am advised by the Attorney General and Minister for
Justice that the answers to the honourable member's questions are:
(1)
An office of the New South Wales Probation Service is located at Long Jetty.
Services provided include pre-sentence reports on offenders for Local and
District Courts, the operation of the Community Service Orders and Fine Default
Orders Scheme, and supervision of offenders on Probation Orders and Parole
Orders. An Attendance Centre Program is provided at Toukley for offenders from
the electorate of The Entrance.
(2) Ten.
(3) Probation
Service expenditures, including salaries, rent, telephone, electricity and
cleaning, were approximately:
(a) $417,576.
(b)
$419,221.
(c) $429,463.
(d)
$430,199.
A motor vehicle fleet of five vehicles has been maintained at
the office during the whole of the relevant period.
(4) An
amalgamation of the Tuggerah Lakes office (based at Long Jetty) with the
Gosford district office will take place during 1993/94. This will rationalise
and improve the administration of services to the whole of the Central Coast
area. There will be no diminution of services to any part of the Central Coast,
and there will be an extension of some services, such as the Attendance Centre
Program, to new areas.
(5) There has been no decline in
expenditure.
Page 616
*406 SERVICES AND
FACILITIES—ELECTORATE OF THE ENTRANCE—Mr McBride asked the Minister
for Sport, Recreation and Racing—
With regard to the
electorate of The Entrance—
(1) What services and facilities
are provided by agencies which operate within his portfolio area?
(2)
How many staff are directly related or associated with the provision of those
services?
(3) What were the Budget projections and actual
expenditures on services and facilities for: (a) 1990/91?
(b)
1991/92?
(c) 1992/93?
(d) What are the Budget
projections for 1993/94?
(4) What new/additional services and
facilities will be provided during 1993/94?
(5) Where there has been
a decline in expenditure since 1990/91, why?
(1) to (5) To provide answers to the
honourable member's questions would impinge upon the time and resources of my
Department which is not warranted within the priorities of the Department.
General information relating to services and facilities provided by the
Department may be obtained from the Department's annual reports.
*407 BELLAMBI BOAT RAMP—Mr Markham asked the Deputy
Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Ports—
(1) Is he aware of the problem to boat owners of the heavy surge
caused by north-east swells at the Bellambi Boat Ramp which makes launching and
retrieving small boats a dangerous experience?
(2) Is he aware of
the suggestion put forward by experienced boat owners who use the Bellambi ramp
that floating pontoons moored on the edge of the existing ramp would alleviate
this safety problem?
(3) Will the Department of Public Works
investigate this suggestion?
(4) Will the Department of Public Works
initiate action to overcome this hazardous situation?
(1) The Illawarra coast is rugged
and exposed and lacks the sheltered boat launching locations commonly found in
estuary mouths on other sections of coast. When the Bellambi ramp and
breakwater was built some 14 years ago, it was recognised that there would be
some wave action at the ramp. The breakwater was designed using extensive
hydraulic model testing to minimise this wave action and to provie a much safer launching location than was otherwise available on the Illawarra
coast.
(2) NSW Public Works has advised that pontoons, by their very
nature of riding on top of long period waves, would not assist in reducing
ocean swell at the ramp. Furthermore, pontoons would experience a greater
degree of damage during storms than the fixed jetty currently in place
alongside the ramp as the breakwater has been designed to be overtopped under
storm conditions.
Page 617 (3) Responsibility
for the Bellambi facility rests with Wollongong City Council. Should council
wish to investigate modification to the design, financial assistance could be
provided under the Waterways Infrastructure Development Program and NSW Public
Works could provide technical assistance. As noted earlier, Public Works
believes that further reduction of wave action is not feasible.
(4)
As previously noted, responsibility for the facility rests with council.
Should investigation reveal that works were feasible, council could seek
further assistance under the Waterways Infrastructure Development Program for
their implementation.
*408 DIRTY
WATER—ELECTORATE OF KEIRA—Mr Markham asked the Minister for Land
and Water Conservation representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for
Housing—
(1) What is the Water Board payment policy
for customers in the electorate of Keira who experience dirty water
problems?
(2) Will the Water Board discount water bills to customers
in the electorate of Keira who use extra water to rewash clothes because of
stains sustained during washing due to dirty water?
(3) Will the
Water Board compensate customers whose clothing and linen, etc., are damaged by
the supply of dirty water by replacing damaged items?
I have been advised by the Minister for
Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's
questions are:
(1) The Water Board investigates the cause of the
dirty water with a view to reducing or eliminating the problem. It does not
reduce charges.
(2) No, because the Water Board has not been
negligent in the supply of water.
(3) No. The Water Board would
consider compensation if it were the direct cause of a dirty water event, but
as the cases referred to are the result of naturally occurring iron and
manganese in the water, no compensation will be given.
*409 DIRTY WATER—SODIUM DITHIONATE—Mr Markham asked the
Minister for Land and Water Conservation representing the Minister for Planning
and Minister for Housing—
(1) Does the Water Board
supply a powder (sodium dithionate) to customers in the electorate of Keira who
experience staining of clothing, etc., caused by dirty water?
(2) If
so: (a) What is the composition of sodium dithionate?
(b)
What tests have been carried out on the effectiveness of sodium dithionate in
removing stains?
(c) If not, why not?
(d) If so, what are
the results of these tests?
(3) Will sodium dithionate cause skin
irritations to babies when napkins are washed in this substance?
Page 618 I have been
advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers
to the honourable member's questions are:
(1) Yes.
(2)
(a) Sodium dithionate is a pure compound,
Na2S2O6.2H2O. (b) The
textile industry determined that sodium dithionate is the most effective
compound for removing iron and manganese stains from clothing. Sodium
dithionate is not effective in removing organic stains, so a combination of
detergent and sodium dithionate is recommended for dirty washing.
(c) and
(d) See answer (2) (b).
(3) As in all laundry compounds, skin
irritations to babies could occur if the compound is not removed either by
rinsing by hand or in the washing machine.
*410
WATERMAIN REPLACEMENT—ELECTORATE OF KEIRA—Mr Markham asked the
Minister for Land and Water Conservation representing the Minister for Planning
and Minister for Housing—
(1) Under the Old Watermain
Replacement Program how much watermain has been replaced in the electorate of
Keira in the years: (a) 1991/92?
(b) 1992/93?
(c)
1993/94?
(2) In what streets have the mains been replaced?
(3) What is the cost of replacement?
(4) What mains will be
replaced and where in 1994/95?
I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for
Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are:
(1)
(a) 4,644 metres.
(b) 1,602 metres.
(c)
2,230 metres.
(2) Balgownie Brokers
Road
Bellambi
Gladstone Street
Lavender Street
Albert Street
Dobbie Avenue Gwynneville
Gipps Road
Mount Kembla Cordeaux Road
Reidtown Steel Street
Russell Vale
Keerong Avenue
Tarrawanna
Harrigan Street
Keira Street Towradgi
Murranar Crescent
Juanita Avenue
Page 619
Belmore
Street
Corrimal Street
Smith Street
Staff Street
(3) Depending on local site conditions and pipe size, the cost of
installation of watermains varies between a rate of $167 per metre and $594 per
metre.
(4) No watermains will be replaced in the electorate of Keira
in 1994/95 due to other funding priorities.
*411
ABORIGINAL POLICE OFFICERS—Mr Markham asked the Minister for Police and
Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) How many
Aboriginal police officers are employed in New South Wales?
(2)
Where are Aboriginal police officers stationed?
(3) What are the
present ranks of Aboriginal police officers?
(4) What plans are
there to employ more Aboriginal police officers in 1994?
(1) The exact number of Aboriginal
police officers is not known. It is not mandatory for police to identify their
Aboriginal heritage. In 1990, the Office of the Director of Equal Opportunity
in Public Employment (ODEOPE) surveyed all NSW Public Sector organisations.
This survey revealed that 1 per cent of police officers identified as being
Aboriginal.
(2) Those police officers who have identified themselves
to the Police Service as being of Aboriginal descent are stationed at the
following locations: Sydney Police Centre, Lane Cove, Mayfield, Mount
Druitt, Penrith, Gulgong, Ashfield, Camden, North Sydney, City of Sydney,
Tamworth, Manly, Woy Woy, Campbelltown, Bourke, Lidcombe, Newtown, Police
Headquarters, Redfern, Grafton, Raymond Terrace, Revesby and Corrimal.
(3)
Those police officers who have identified themselves to the Police
Service as being of Aboriginal descent fall within the ranks of: Senior
Sergeant, Sergeant, Senior Constable, Constable 1st Class, Constable and
Probationary Constable.
(4) In July1991, the NSW Police Service
Aboriginal Employment Strategy was launched. This strategy reinforces the
Police Service's commitment to employ Aboriginals and attempts to overcome
employment barriers.
The identified position of Aboriginal Employment
Strategy Co-ordinator was created to facilitate the strategy objectives. EEO
Management Plan 1993/1994, project 4, objective 1, was to increase from 2.89
per cent to 4 per cent the proportion of persons recruited as police officers
who are Aboriginal. This was exceeded by 0.7 per cent.
Page
620
*412 ABORIGINAL POLICE LIAISON OFFICERS—Mr
Markham asked the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency
Services—
(1) How many Aboriginal police liaison
officers are employed in New South Wales?
(2) Where are Aboriginal
police liaison officers stationed?
(3) What means of transport is
provided for Aboriginal police liaison officers to carry out their duties?
(4) How many Aboriginal police liaison officers have left the Police
Service in: (a) 1991?
(b) 1992?
(c) 1993?
(5) What plans are there to increase the number of Aboriginal police
liaison officers?
(1)
The positions referred to are actually titled Aboriginal Community Liaison
Officer. There are presently 38 employed in the Service and there are 40
established positions.
(2) North Region Coffs
Harbour, Kempsey, Lismore, Macksville and Taree. North West Region
Boggabilla, Bourke, Brewarrina, Dubbo, Moree, Mount Druitt, Orange, Tamworth,
Walgett, Wellington and Lake Cargelligo.
South Region
Batemans Bay, Malabar, Nowra and Redfern.
South West Region Dareton,
Griffith, Broken Hill/Menindee, Narrandera and Wilcannia.
(3) Motor
vehicles are provided as required to the Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers
at the locations where they are stationed.
(4) (a) 1. (5) Aboriginal Community Liaison
Officers are recruited on a needs basis. Where work volume justifies the
establishment of additional positions, this is evaluated within the Human
Resources Command and recruitment action is taken.
*413
CROWN LAND TRANSFERS—Mr Martin asked the Minister for Land and
Water Conservation—
(1) How many hectares of Crown
land in the Central and Eastern Divisions has been transferred in the financial
years 1991/92 and 1992/93 to: (a) National Parks and Wildlife
Service?
(b) NSW Forestry?
(c) Department of Housing?
(d) Department of Water Resources?
(2) How many applications
for Crown land were approved in 1991/92 and 1992/93 within the Central and
Eastern Divisions?
(3) How many hectares of Crown land were
purchased during 1990/91?
(4) In which local government areas and
how many hectares were these purchases located?
(5) How many
hectares of Crown land were purchased by private individuals and organisations
in 1991/92 and 1992/93?
(6) In which local government areas were
these private purchases located?
Page 621 (1) 1991/92
1992/93
(a) 5,946 4,839
(b) p; 1,838 1,220
(c)
442 65
(d)
1.6 2.5
(2) 1,461 applications for Crown land in
1991/92 and 1,360 applications in 1992/93 were approved in the Eastern and
Central Division. The applications included sales, leases, licences and
conversions of leases.
(3) 250,768 hectares were purchased in
1990/91.
(4) No statistics are recorded on a local government area
basis.
(5) 163,128 in 1991/92 and 106,826 in 1992/93.
(6)
No statistics are recorded on a local government area basis.
*414 MANLY DAM CROWN LAND SALE—Mr Martin asked the Minister
for Land and Water Conservation—
(1) Does the
Department of CaLM intend to sell 3.94 hectares of Crown land within the Manly
Dam catchment?
(2) Is this land held in trust by the Spastic Centre
of NSW?
(3) Did CaLM waive the requirement for an environmental
impact statement prior to sale?
(4) Has the Environment Protection
Authority expressed concern over the rezoning of this land for medium-density
housing?
(5) Is the Department of CaLM responsible for
implementation of Total Catchment Management?
(6) If so, why has
CaLM decided to ignore the implications to the Manly Dam Catchment area as a
result of this proposed sale?
(7) Who will benefit from the proceeds
of the sale of this land and in what proportion?
(8) Will he
instruct CaLM to defer the proposed sale pending the completion of a full
EIS?
(9) Has the Government considered the long-term benefit of
incorporating this land in the Manly Dam Reserve?
(10) If not, why
not?
(1) No.
Presumably the question relates to an area of 3.64 hectares which is part of
Reserve 87651 for charitable organisations, notified 30 January 1970 under the
trusteeship of the Spastic Centre of NSW.
(2) The 3.64 hectares is
part of a larger area used for rehabilitation and training by the Centre.
(3) No.
(4) I am not aware of any concerns expressed by the
Environmental Protection Authority.
(5) The Minister for the
Environment has responsibility for control of Total Catchment Management in
urban areas.
(6) Not applicable.
Page 622
(7) The Spastic Centre is to retain 93 per cent of the proceeds of
the sale of the land which will be applied to the "Growth Point"
project. The sale will provide the financial resources to allow the Spastic
Centre to establish much needed facilities in Western Sydney.
The remaining
7 per cent of the proceeds will supplement the Public Reserves Management Fund
which benefits the general community by the provision of funding for public
reserve lands.
(8) The land is to be sold by the Reserve Trust to
provide funds for the "Growth Point" project. Future development of
the land will be subject to the usual planning controls.
(9) No. The
land was provided in 1970 as a reserve for Charitable Organisations under the
trusteeship of the Spastic Centre with the expectation that it would be
developed for that purpose.
The land is physically separated from the Manly
Dam reserve by a road and a Water Board pipeline.
(10) Not
applicable.
*415 SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
CHARGES—Mr Martin asked the Minister for Land and Water
Conservation—
(1) What was the hourly rate chared by
CaLM for soil conservation services prior to July, 1992?
(2) Was
there an establishment fee also charged?
(3) If so, what was the
amount?
(4) What was the hourly rate charged for soil conservation
services after July 1992?
(5) Was there a corresponding increase in
the establishment fee?
(6) If so, how much?
(7) What is
the current hourly rate for soil conservation services?
(8) What is
the current charge as establishment fee?
(9) What are the reasons
for any increase in these fees?
(10) Is he aware of complaints by CaLM
clients that increased hourly rates are seriously affecting the ability of
property owners to continue with soil conservation works?
(11) Will he
instruct CaLM to forego increased hourly rates where property owners have
already expended large amounts on soil conservation works and are merely
continuing established soil conservation programs?
(1) $84 per hour.
(2)
No.
(3) Not applicable.
(4) $85 per hour.
(5)
Not applicable.
(6) Not applicable.
(7) $87 per
hour.
(8) $100 for each job started.
(9) The increase in
the hourly rate was to account for the increase in the CPI (2.3 per cent) since
July 1992.
The establishment fee was introduced to recover part of the
bulldozer transport costs, thereby offsetting the need to further increase
hourly rates. By not absorbing all the transport costs in the hourly rate (as
was previously the case), the costs are spread more equitably over all
jobs.
(10) No.
(11) No.
Page 623
*416 OYSTER LEASES—Mr Martin asked the Minister for
Agriculture and Fisheries and Minister for Mines—
(1)
How many oyster leases have been abandoned or surrendered in New South
Wales?
(2) Are any of these abandoned or surrendered oyster leases
being utilised illegally?
(3) If so, where?
(4) What
action is being taken by the NSW Department of Fisheries to prevent the illegal
utilisation of abandoned or surrended oyster leases?
(1) 78 oyster leases have been
surrendered and 31 have been cancelled in the last 2 years in New South
Wales.
(2) Yes, there are two known cases of illegal use of oyster
leases.
(3) Both cases are located in Port Stephens.
(4)
The director of NSW Fisheries, Mr Paul Crew, has sent a letter to the
proprietor notifying the company to remove their osyters within 44 days or face
confiscation of the stock. Fisheries officers regularly inspect oyster farming
areas and a new computerised record system at NSW Fisheries head office will
stremline regular updates to field officers on the status of oyster leases in
their area.
*417 SMOKY VEHICLE ENFORCEMENT
POLICY—Mr Martin asked the Minister for the Environment—
(1) Did he announce a proposed 6-month trial by the Environment
Protection Authority (EPA) of a differential "smoky vehicle enforcement
policy"?
(2) When was the trial to commence?
(3) Has
the trial been completed?
(4) In which areas or regions were the
trials conducted?
(5) What was the classification of areas in which
trials were to be conducted?
(6) What classification was used to
determine the difference between private and commercial vehicles?
(7)
How many officers of the EPA were involved in conducting the trial/s?
(8)
; Were these EPA officers engaged full-time on the trials?
(9)
If not, what was the hours allocated to the trial/s by each EPA officer?
(10) Were officers of the NSW Police Service or any other authority engaged to
assist in the trial/s?
(11) If so, how many and in what areas or
regions?
(12) What was the total cost of the trial/s to the EPA?
(13)
Were any prosecutions launched as a result of the trial?
(14) What was the
total number of defects detected in vehicles of each classification in each
region or area?
(15) What action was taken in respect of the defects
detected during the trial/s?
(16) As a result of the trial, do you intend
to introduce a specific detection procedure by EPA officers?
(17) When will
the procedure commence?
(18) What are the intended penalties for a breach
of the EPA smoky vehicle enforcement policy?
Page 624 (1) Yes.
(2) The trial
commenced on 27 September 1993.
(3) The trial was scheduled to
continue to the end of March 1994 and a preliminary assessment was to be made
then. However, the Director-General of the EPA subsequently requested that the
trial be extended to allow for the intended training of additional EPA officers
across the state to be completed and to provide better information on the
success of the initiative.
(4) The trial was carried out across New
South Wales.
(5) The state is divided into two classifications. The
"City" region includes the metropolitan areas of Sydney, Newcastle
and Wollongong and their environs.
The "Country" areas includes
the rest of the state.
(6) Private vehicles are classified as
vehicles used substantially for private use.
Primary producer vehicles are
classified as vehicles used substantially for farm work.
Commercial
vehicles are classified as vehicles used substantially for business or
commercial purposes or are owned by a business or corporation.
(7)
At least 70 officers have been engaged on the trial. An additional 60 officers
were trained in February 1994.
(8) No officers are engaged full-time
on the trial. Smoky vehicle enforcement is a part of the range of duties
carried out by officers of the Environment Protection Authority.
(9)
No specific allocation of an officer's time was set aside for the trial. EPA
officers report smoky vehicles as a normal part of their duties when travelling
to or from work, inspections, meetings, etc.
(10) No other
authorities were involved in the trial.
(11) None.
(12)
The trial has not been completed, so the costs of the trial have not been
ascertained.
(13) In the period, 7 prosecutions have been initiated
in accordance with the policy.
(14) In the classes of private and
primary producer vehicles, 125 smoky vehicles were detected in the
"City" area and 30 smoky vehicles detected in the "Country"
area.
In the same period, 731 penalty notices were issued to owners of
smoky commercial vehicles.
(15) The owners of smoky private and
primary producer vehicles are required to take their vehicle to a licensed
motor vehicle repairer to have appropriate repairs effected.
Once the
repairs are effected, the owner is required to send a completed smoky vehicle
repair advice to the EPA within 30 days.
(16) The procedure for the
detection of smoky vehicles is specified in the Clean Air Regulations. I will
wait to assess the results of the full trial before considering any change in
procedure.
(17) Not applicable.
(18) In the
"City", an offence occurs if an owner does not repair a vehicle. A
$96 penalty notice is issued if after 30 days the smoke repair advice report is
not returned to the EPA. In the "Country", an offence occurs if the
vehicle is observed again emitting air impurities after the 30-day period of
grace has elapsed.
The owners of commercial vehicles automatically receive
a $96 penalty notice.
The maximum penalty for continuing offences is
$10,000 in a local court.&t;/ul>
Page 625
*418
STUDENT TRAVEL ON BUSES—Ms Nori asked the Minister for Transport and
Minister for Roads—
(1) Are students travelling by
concession fares on buses required to give up their seats for full-paying
adults who are standing?
(2) If so, why is this rule, along with
other rules about passenger travel such as no smoking, not displayed on
buses?
(3) Is the playing of radios, tape players, etc, permitted on
buses?
(4) If so, does this rule apply to bus drivers, excluding
base to bus 2-way radios?
(1) There is no regulation under the Passenger Transport Act 1990,
requiring students travelling by concession fares on buses, to give up their
seats for full paying adults who are standing.
Passes issued to students
for concession travel on buses, by both the State Transit Authority and the
Private Bus Industry, are endorsed on the reverse of the pass, under Conditions
of Issue, that "Pass holder must not remain seated whilst adults
stand".
(2) It is not displayed on buses because there is no
regulation to enforce this requirement, whereas the requirement for a no
smoking sign to be displayed is required under Regulation 16 (2) of the
Passenger Transport Act 1990.
(3) Yes. Providing the playing of
radios, tape players, etc., are not causing discomfort to other passengers or
the driver.
(4) Refer to answer (3).
*419
MOTOR VEHICLE NOISE—Ms Nori asked the Minister for the
Environment—
(1) For each of the past 3 years, how
many convictions have agencies under your administration received for
violations of excessive noise generated by motor vehicles?
(2) Of
these, how many have followed investigations based upon reports and complaints
from members of the public?
(3) Of the convictions, whether or not
they followed complaints from the public, for how many was the relevant
information passed along to the police and/or RTA leading to convictions for
performing the modification or passing the vehicle's annual inspection with
this defect?
(4) For each of the past 3 years, how many convictions
have been received for violations of excessive smoke generated from motor
vehicles?
(5) Of these, how many have resulted from complaints by
members of the public?
(6) Has he or his predecessors received
requests that he not prosecute operators of motor vehicles emitting excessive
noise and/or smoke?
(7) What efforts has the EPA undertaken to
promote its role of testing and prosecuting apparent violations of the Clean
Air Act and Noise Control Act concerning motor vehicles and encouraging members
of the public to report vehicles they perceive to be in violation of these
acts?
(8) What plans does he have to deal with this problem?
Page 626 (1)
For the period 1 January 1991 to 1 March 1994, 1,131 penalty notices have been
issued for offences relating to noisy vehicles and 133 prosecutions have been
instigated.
(2) Prosecutions and penalty notices are not initiated
by EPA officers merely as a result of complaints from the public. For
prosecutions or penalty notices issued by EPA officers, the offending vehicles
must be inspected and tested by an authorised EPA officer at the time of the
offence. However, information from members of the public have led to
enforcement operations being held in areas where a problem exists. These
operations have led to penalty notices and prosecutions being instigated
against the owner of offending vehicles.
(3) Officers take action
directly in regard to modifications to exhaust systems and require the vehicles
to be repaired.
Information from the EPA's vehicle inspections is not
normally passed to the RTA or police.
(4) For the period 1 January
1991 to 1 March 1994, 7,271 penalty notices have beeissued for offences relating to noisy vehicles and 88 prosecutions have been
instigated each year.
(5) As with noisy vehicles, prosecutions or
penalty notices are only issued if a vehicle is observed by an EPA officer.
(6) Representations have been made from time-to-time from the owners of
offending vehicles requesting leniency or prosecutions to be withdrawn. Any
representations have been forwarded to the EPA to be assessed on their merits
in accordance with the principles set out in the EPA's prosecution
guidelines.
(7) The EPA has initiated press releases regarding the
activities and enforcement operations in regard to smoky and noisy vehicles.
Television and radio reports on EPA motor vehicle activities have been
broadcast from time-to-time.
EPA publicity campaigns and press releases
were instigated on the introduction of unleaded petrol, environmental offences
and penalties act tier 3 penalty notices and the differential smoke enforcement
policy. The "dob in a dumper" scheme resulted in a number of smoky
vehicle reports due to the awareness of pollution problems by the general
public.
In the period 1 January 1991 to 1 March 1994, 3,003 complaints for
smoky vehicles and 263 complaints for noisy vehicles were made to the EPA.
The appropriate action was taken upon receipt of the complaints.
(8)
Additional EPA officers are being trained to detect and rectify motor vehicle
offences. The programs will continue to be publicised according to perceived
needs and overall environmental priorities.
*420
KURRI KURRI HOSPITAL—X-RAY FACILITIES—Mr Price asked the Minister
for Health—
(1) When is it intended to upgrade the
existing X-ray facilities at Kurri Kurri Hospital?
(2) Will 24-hour
availability, 7 days a week, be maintained once the new machine is
installed?
(1) At
an estimated cost of $220,000, a new general purpose X-ray room and a
significantly upgraded ultrasound service will be installed at the Kurri Kurri
Hospital. The new equipment will be installed early in the 1994/95 financial
year.
(2) Existing on-call arrangements which provide 24-hour, 7 day
a week availability will be maintained.
Page 627
*421 SYDNEY AREA HEALTH SERVICE—ELECTIVE SURGERY—Dr
Refshauge asked the Minister for Health—
(1) How many
operations classified as elective surgery were carried out at each of the
hospitals in the Southern Sydney Area Health Service in each month from January
1991 to December 1993, inclusive?
(2) How many of these, in each
month, were day surgery?
(1) and (2) Information by each hospital in each area by month on
operations is not collected centrally. Currently, the only centrally available
data on booking lists is provided in the Annual Booking List Survey.
To
provide this information over a 3-year period would require considerable staff
time which is not warranted within the priorities of the NSW Health Department.
*422 NORTHERN SYDNEY AREA HEALTH
SERVICE—ELECTIVE SURGERY—Dr Refshauge asked the Minister for
Health—
(1) How many operations classified as
elective surgery were carried out at each of the hospitals in the Northern
Sydney Area Health Service in each month from January 1991 to December 1993,
inclusive?
(2) How many of these, in each month, were day
surgery?
(1) and (2)
Information by each hospital in each area by month on operations is not
collected centrally. Currently, the only centrally available data on booking
lists is provided in the Annual Booking List Survey.
To provide this
information over a 3-year period would require considerable staff time which is
not warranted within the priorities of the NSW Health Department.
*423 ILLAWARRA AREA HEALTH SERVICE—ELECTIVE
SURGERY—Dr Refshauge asked the Minister for Health—
(1) How many operations classified as elective surgery were carried
out at each of the hospitals in the Illawarra Area Health Service in each month
from January 1991 to December 1993, inclusive?
(2) How many of
these, in each month, were day surgery?
(1) and (2) Information by each hospital in each area by month
on operations is not collected centrally. Currently, the only centrally
available data on booking lists is provided in the Annual Booking List
Survey.
To provide this information over a 3-year period would require
considerable staff time which is not warranted within the priorities of the NSW
Health Department.
Page 628
*424 EASTERN
SYDNEY AREA HEALTH SERVICE—ELECTIVE SURGERY—Dr Refshauge asked the
Minister for Health—
(1) How many operations
classified as effective surgery were carried out at each of the hospitals in
the Eastern Sydney Area Health Service in each month from January 1991 to
December 1993, inclusive?
(2) How many of these, in each month, were
day surgery?
Answer—
(1) and (2) Information by
each hospital in each area by month on operations is not collected centrally.
Currently, the only centrally available data on booking lists is provided in
the Annual Booking List Survey.
To provide this information over a 3-year
period would require considerable staff time which is not warranted within the
priorities of the NSW Health Department.
*425
CENTRAL SYDNEY AREA HEALTH SERVICE—ELECTIVE SURGERY—Dr Refshauge
asked the Minister for Health—
(1) How many
operations classified as elective surgery were carried out at each of the
hospitals in the Central Sydney Area Health Service in each month from January
1991 to December 1993, inclusive?
(2) How many of these, in each
month, were day surgery?
(1) and (2) Information by each hospital in each area by month on
operations is not collected centrally. Currently, the only centrally available
data on booking lists is provided in the Annual Booking List Survey.
To
provide this information over a 3-year period would require considerable staff
time which is not warranted within the priorities of the NSW Health
Department.
*426 CENTRAL COAST AREA HEALTH
SERVICE—ELECTIVE SURGERY—Dr Refshauge asked the Minister for
Health—
(1) How many operations classified as
elective surgery were carried out at each of the hospitals in the Central Coast
Area Health Service in each month from January 1991 to December 1993,
inclusive?
(2) How many of these, in each month, were day
surgery?
(1) and (2)
Information by each Hospital in each Area by month on operations is not
collected centrally. Currently, the only centrally available data on booking
lists is provided in the Annual Booking List Survey.
To provide this
information over a three year period would require considerable staff time
which is not warranted within the priorities of the NSW Health Department.
Page 629
*427 M5 CYCLEWAY—Mr Rogan
asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1)
Will the RTA seek to have the operators of the M5 Motorway provide a
cycleway for the benefit of pushbike riders?
(2) If not, why
not?
(1) There are
no restrictions on cyclists using the road shoulders of the M5 Motorway from
Moorebank Avenue to Fairford Road. For road safety reasons, cyclists are not
permitted on the two-lne section of the motorway between Fairford Road and King
Georges Road.
Representatives of the RTA, Canterbury Council and Interlink
Roads are currently discussing the provision of a cycleway/pedestrian path east
of Fairford Road on a route which passes partly within the motorway boundaries
and partly on land owned by Council.
(2) See answer (1) above.
*428 RURAL ELECTRICITY CUSTOMERS—Mr Rogan asked
the Minister for Energy and Minister for Local Government and
Co-operatives—
How will rural electricity customers be
protected from price increases when the national grid, together with a
competitive market for electricity, is introduced in 1995 given that these
customers currently enjoy a cross-subsidy which it is presumed will be
abolished when the national grid is introduced?
Currently the pricing of electricity
services in New South Wales is a matter for the Government Pricing Tribunal
which is responsible for setting maximum prices for all electricity supply
industry utilities.
The Government appreciates that rural electricity
customers are concerned with some of the trading arrangements which have been
proposed for the operation of the national electricity grid, this is
particularly so in respect to network pricing. As the process of developing
these arrangements continues, I intend to maintain the position that the NSW
Government would not be prepared to accept any reform proposals which may carry
with them the potential to impact severely on the financial position of the
State's electricity distributors and their customers, particularly those in the
rural sector.
*429 FAULTY TELEVISION SET
FIRES—Mr Rogan asked the Minister for Energy and Minister for Local
Government and Co-operatives—
(1) Has the Office of
Energy received reports regarding faulty television sets which, under certain
conditions, catch fire?
(2) What investigations have been carried
out on these reports?
(3) What is the reason for these fires?
(4) What action is being taken to address this problem?
(5)
What brands of televisions are involved in these fires?
(6) What is
the origin of/country of the manufacturers of these television sets?
Page 630 (1)
Yes.
(2) Investigations follow the general procedure: (a)
Establish the make and model number of the set(s) involved, and the address of
the manufacture or importer.
(b) Discuss with the owner, any other
investigators (e.g., Fire Investigation Unit of the NSWFB, police or insurance
investigator) and examine the set to determine the circumstances and the
possible cause of the fire.
(c) For New South Wales importer, or if
the set holds Office of Energy Certification, determine numbers sold,
compliance with safety specifications, cause of fire, and the action required
to ensure public safety both for similar articles already sold and for those
not yet sold, e.g., public recall.
(d) For interstate importer,
refer to interstate regulatory counterpart and monitor response.
(3)
In the majority of cases examined since January 1992, the source of the fire
is a manufacturing quality control problem whereby some soldered connections on
printed circuit boards show intermittent defects and eventually break down
causing localised heat and arcing. In one make of television, the ON/OFF switch
was found to be the source of fires. In one instance of a reported television
fire, the cause could not be established.
(4) Where it is
established that a particular model of television set may catch fire due to a
design fault, the Office of Energy will liaise with the manufacturer or
importer to conduct a recall or consumer awareness campaign, and then will
monitor the success of the recall. Additional publicity by way of media
information is obtained if possible.
Where a deficiency is identified with
the safety standard, future fire risks may be minimised by changing the
relevant standards, .g., AS3250. As a result of recent Office of Energy input,
fire tests on television switches and an improvement in fire properties of PCB
surrounds are expected to be introduced.
(5) and (6) The brands, model
numbers and countries of manufacture of the televisions in fires investigated
since January 1992 are as follows: Rover Models
NSW8109 and ACN8109 (Taiwan)
Samsung Models CB515F and CB515Z (South
Korea)
AWA Models C3420 and C3421 (South Korea)
Philips Model V6820 (Sweden)
Marantz
Model MTV750 (Sweden)
Akai Models CTK202, CTK207
and CTK108 (South Korea)
Sanyo Model CPP4012
(Singapore)
*430 PROPOSED TRANSMISSION
AUTHORITY—Mr Rogan asked the Minister for Energy and Minister for Local
Government and Co-operatives—
(1) Is the Government
proposing the complete separation of generating and transmission functions of
Pacific Power?
(2) If so, when?
(3) What conditions will
apply for transferred employees in relation to existing awards and
provisions?
(4) Will the transmission authority have a separate
board?
(5) What changes will be made to the existing business units
in Pacific Power and what structure is proposed for the transmission
authority?
(6) What name will the transmission authority trade
under?
Page 631
(1) and (2) Pacific Power is already structured so that the grid is a
separate business unit, financially ring-fenced from generation so that its
costs are separately reported from generation. I have also given a commitment
in September 1993 to form a separate subsidiary of Pacific Power's grid assets
by July 1994. This is currently proceeding to plan. Furthermore, I have
indicated a willingness to look at any further separation that may seem
appropriate in the lead up to the introduction of the competitive electricity
market by July 1995.
(3) Network subsidiary staff would initially
retain existing award/enterprise agreement coverage and all conditions.
(4)
Pacific Power's network subsidiary is intended to operate under its own
Board of Directors within Pacific Power's overall corporate structure.
(5)
At this stage, options for further changes to existing business units in
Pacific Power are yet to be developed, and no internal structure has been
finalised for the network subsidiary.
(6) The name has not yet been
determined.
*431 PORT KEMBLA COAL
TERMINAL—Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for Land and Water Conservation
representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing—
(1) Why did the Commission of Inquiry into the upgrading of the Port
Kembla Coal Terminal: (a) Fail to acknowledge the submission from
the member for Wollongong?
(b) Fail to deal with the transport
issues raised in the submission from the member for Wollongong?
(2)
Will the Government undertake to address the contribution of the
Maldon-Dombarton/ East West rail links and the matter of more coal cartage by
rail, as matters of urgency?
I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing
that the answers to the honourable member's questions are:
(1) (a)
The report prepared by the Commissioners of Inquiry acknowledged Mr
Sullivan's submission in appendix 3 of the report. The member for Wollongong
raised the issues of noise pollution, air pollution, community amenity and rail
and all of these matters are discussed ithe issues section of the report.
(b) The Commissioner's report was unable to provide a firm
recommendation on a solution to resolve the current problems associated with
coal transport, because of the absence of essential information such as
confidential financial information concerning Clutha's operations. The
Department of Transport has established a working group to specifically address
the transportation of coal from the Burragorang Valley.
The problem of
noise impacts along Mount Ousley Road could not be resolved through the
proposed Port Kembla Coal Terminal expansion. I have asked the Minister for
Transport, the Hon. B. Baird, M.P., to consider the erection of noise barriers
along Mount Ousley Road as a matter of urgency.
(2) The
option to increase the level of coal haulage from the Burragorang Valley via
the existing rail network will be considered by the working group. The
commission of inquriy was advised by Freight Rail that there is spare capacity
to transport coal via the existing network. There is therefore no requirement
for expansion of the rail network to accommodate increased haulage of
coal.
Page 632
*432 ILLAWARRA TAFE
PARKING FEES—Mr Sullivan 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) Does the NSW Department of
TAFE support the introduction of a parking fee at the Illawarra Institute of
Technology?
(2) If so, is the Department aware that the collection
of the fee was causing traffic congestion and delays on access roads to
TAFE?
(3) Is the new parking fee, in many cases, a doubling of fees
to Illawarra TAFE students?
(4) What steps can, or has the
Department taken, to abolish the fee?
(1) The introduction of charges for parking in TAFE
colleges has been a measure adopted at some TAFE colleges where specific
difficulties are experienced in restricting access to legitimate visitors. Some
typical examples would be where colleges are located in the vicinity of
universities, hospitals, shopping centres or railway stations or where specific
control measures are required to address specific local needs. The management
and control of parking at the Wollongong campus of the Illawarra Institute has
been a problem for some time.
(2) Details of the introduction of
parking charges at the Wollongong campus were provided to local police to
enable them to monitor and respond to any traffic problems that may have
arisen. While some minor delays were experienced in the first few days of the
introduction of the parking charge, these were quickly overcome. Appropriate
staffing is provided to accommodate any peak periods to obviate any delays in
entry to the premises or potential traffic difficulties.
(3) The
parking charge for students of the Wollongong campus has been set at $1. This
rate was set to cover the costs associated with the employment of additional
security staff who have been engaged to supervise the parking facilities.
In developing the parking policy, it was recognised that a form of exemption or
concession would be necessary to accommodate students with particular
disadvantages. Consistent with existing community practices, an exemption from
the parking charges has been granted to persons who hold a Disabled Persons
Parking Authority issued by the Roads and Traffic Authority.
The Campus Manager at Wollongong has also been given authority to grant
exemption from the charge on an individual basis to address short-term cases
where the issue of a Disabled Persons Parking Authority would not be practical.
The majority of TAFE students would attend classes on 1 or 2 days per
week. In those cases, the cost of parking would not be equivalent to "a
doubling of fees".
(4) The introduction of parking charges and
the provision of additional staff to supervise the parking of vehicles at the
Wollongong campus of the Illawarra Institute of Technology has satisfactorily
resolved the problems previously being experienced. Adequate parking is now
available for legitimate users and the safety and securitproblems have been
appropriately addressed. For these reasons, it is not intended that the parking
charges be abolished.
Page 633
*433
YOUTH LAWLINE PROJECT—ILLAWARRA—Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for
the Environment representing the Attorney General and Minister for
Justice—
(1) What budgetary restraints have been
imposed on the Legal Aid Commission which prevents it from providing funds for
youth legal education and the Youth Lawline Project in the Illawarra?
(2)
What budgetary restraints have been imposed on the Department of Juvenile
Justice which prevents if from providing funds for youth legal education and
the Youth Lawline Project in the Illawarra?
(1) The government has not placed
budgetary restraints on the Legal Aid Commission which is itself responsible
for its recurrent budget. The allocation made by the Commission for the
Community Legal Centre Funding and Special Welfare Rights Programs under which
the Illawarra Legal Centre has already received $201,500 during the financial
year, has been fully committed for the 1993/94 financial year.
(2)
The budget of the Department of Juvenile Justice is not "restrained"
in terms of providing funds for youth legal education and the Youth Lawline
project in the Illawarra.
The Department's budget does not have a separate
component to allow for consideration of applications/the grant of funds for
community projects.
*434 WOLLONGONG OFFICE OF
BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGES—Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for the
Environment representing the Attorney General and Minister for
Justice—
(1) Is the Wollongong Office of Births,
Deaths and Marriages to be restructured or reorganised?
(2) If so,
what are the details of the restructure or reorganisation?
(3) What
impact will these proposals have on the: (a) Issuing of records?
(b) Employees?
(c) Chapel and the marriage celebrants?
(d) Impact of costs to the public including fares, or additional
travelling time, or additional difficulties with communication?
(1) In 1993, both
regional offices of the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages were linked to
a new computer system. This provided an opportunity to: •improve
service for local clients; and
•evenly share processing workloads
between the regional offices in Newcastle and Wollongong and the Sydney
office.
Following a request from Wollongong for temporary
replacement staff, a comparative review of workload in all three offices was
conducted by the registry to identify the most efficient use of resources.
(2) No firm decision has been made in relation to a restructure. The
review suggests staff numbers in the Wollongong regional office are adequate
but supervisors appear to be engaged in routine tasks which are undertaken by
lower graded officers in Newcastle or Sydney.
Page 634
(3) (a) No impact. Introduction of the integrated computed
network provides improved services for Wollongong residents through faster
processing of registrations and greater access to certificates for events not
registered locally. (b) Further consultation with staff in
Wollongong is proposed to ensure that the daily duties of all officers are
consistent with those undertaken in Newcastle and Sydney. This may result in a
flatter supervisory structure in the Wollongong regional office.
(c)
No change proposed.
(d) No impact, as services will continue to be
provided locally.
*435 COMMUNITY LAW
SERVICES—ILLAWARRA—Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for Community
Services, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for the
Ageing— (1) What State Government funds are
presently provided for community law services in the Illawarra region?
(2)
What funds does the Department of Community Services provide for youth
education on the subject of civil rights and other aspects of the law in the
Illawarra region?
(1)
These programs are administered by the Legal Aid Commission of New South
Wales.
(2) This matter would be more appropriately addressed to the
Hon. Virginia Chadwick, M.L.C., Minister for Education and Youth Affairs.
*436 WOMEN'S INCEST SUPPORT HOUSE—Mr Sullivan
asked the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and
Minister for the Ageing—
(1) Is the Department of
Community Services taking any measures to assist and ensure that the Women's
Incest Support House (WISH) in Wollongong, finds or is provided with, secure
accommodation?
(2) If so, how?
(3) If not, why not?
(1) Yes.
(2)
The service has submitted an application through the Department to the NSW
Property Services Group which operates the Properties for Community Purposes
Program. Under this Government-wide program, surplus State Government premises
can be made available for use by eligible non-profit non-Government
organisations.
(3) Not applicable.
3 MARCH 1994
(Paper No. 3)
*437 HUNTER WATER CORPORATION TAX
ADVANTAGES—Ms Allan asked the Minister for Land and Water Conservation
representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing—
(1) What taxes are payable to the Commonwealth Government and to the
State Government by the Hunter Water Corporation?
Page 635
(2) How are these taxes levied and collected?
(3) Is the
Hunter Water Corporation exempt from sales tax on equipment, materials, fuel
and vehicles?
(4) If the corporation is not exempt from sales tax on
the aforementioned items, what rate of tax is applicable to such items
purchased by the corporation?
(5) How does this rate compare with
the rate paid by those working in the private sector?
(6) Is the
Hunter Water Corporation engaging in competition with private enterprise?
(7) Is this competition considered to be unfair due to the corporation's
lower overheads?
(8) Will he take steps to protect the interests of
those employers and employees whose livelihood is at risk due to the
corporation competing in the private sector?
(9) If not, why
not?
I have been advised
by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the
honourable member's questions are:
(1) The Hunter Water Corporation
pays: •To the Commonwealth Government—
Payroll
tax;
Fringe benefits tax;
Sales tax on external sales;
Financial
institutions duty;
Prescribed payments tax.
•To the State
Government—
Company income tax equivalent;
Sales tax
equivalent;
Land tax;
Stamp duties;
State debit tax.
(2)
Taxes are levied and collected in accordance with relevant legislation
and procedures by the Australian Taxation Office, Financial Institution, the
Office of State Revenue, etc.
(3) No. The Hunter Water Corporation
is levied sales tax in accordance with the Sales Tax Exemptions and
Classifications Act. Exemptions are granted in accordance with the Act for aids
to manufacturing.
(4) The rates of tax applicable to such items are
those established under the Sales Tax Exemptions and Classifications Act.&t;br> (5) The rates paid by the corporation under the Act are those
payable by the private sector.
(6) Yes.
(7) No. The
corporation is operating and competing on a level playing field basis.
(8)
No. As indicated above, the corporation is operating and competing on a
level playing field basis. It is therefore appropriate that the corporation
operate in the marketplace in areas where it is efficient. By so doing, it is
creating employment opportunities.
(9) Not applicable.
*438 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE INDUSTRIES SITE—Ms Allan asked
the Minister for Land and Water Conservation representing the Minister for
Planning and Minister for Housing—
(1) Is the
Government interested in residential development of the 1,535-hectare
Australian Defence Industries (ADI) site at St Marys?
(2) Is
residential development of about 10,000 lots planned for the site?
Page 636 (3) How will the existing infrastructure cope
with this increased loading?
(4) Will an upgraded St Marys sewage
treatment plant be able to cope with the increased input?
(5) Will
the water quality of South Creek—which feeds into the Hawkesbury/Nepean
System—be at risk from the sewage treatment plant?
(6) Is the
site prone to flooding from South Creek?
(7) Will the increased
run-off from residential development increase the likelihood of flooding in
other areas?
(8) Have the Blacktown and Penrith City Councils
intimated their willingness to rezone their respective sections of the site to
allow the residential development?
(9) If not, why not?
(10)
Will the land be developed by ADI in partnership with the private
sector?
(11) If so, will he ensure that all economic levels of
housing are catered for?
(12) Will he ensure that recreational,
cultural and multicultural facilities are incorporated in planning, funding and
provision of human services?
(13) If not, why not?
I have been advised by the Minister for
Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's
questions are:
(1) to (7) The Government incorporated the ADI site in the
Urban Development Program in 1993. Consideration is now being given to the
commencement of planning studies and preparation of a draft REP for the site,
in conjunction with Blacktown and Penrith City Councils. These studies will
address all of the critical issues, including the extent and form of
development for residential, employment and recreational purposes, water cycle
management (including drainage, flooding, stormwater and sewage effluent) and
the provision of physical and human services.
(8) and (9) Penrith City
Council resolved on 7 February 1994 that it was prepared to participate in the
preparation of a Regional Environmental Study and draft Regional Environmental
Plan for the ADI site, subject to several conditions. I am advised that it is
expected that Blacktown City Council will address this issue during April.
(10) and (11) I am not aware of the details of what arrangements ADI proposes
to enter into. The issue of housing provision will be addressed in the planning
studies.
(12) and (13) Refer to answers to question parts (1) to (7).
*439 NORTH OCEAN SHORES—Ms Allan asked the
Minister for Land and Water Conservation representing the Minister for Planning
and Minister for Housing—
(1) Is he aware of the
development proposal for North Ocean Shores on the New South Wales North
Coast?
(2) Is he aware of the environmental, economic, social and
heritage consequences of such a development?
(3) Was the area
referenced as a nature reserve proposal by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife
Service in 1990?
(4) Was most of the North Ocean Shores area
recommended for environmental protection zoning byCommissioner William Simpson
in 1990?
(5) Why has the Heritage Council twice failed to place an
interim conservation order on the land in 1993?
Page 637
(6) Are the designated wetlands in danger of being destroyed?
(7) Can he supply details of environmental studies carried out to assess
the impact of development on the native flora and fauna of the area?
(8)
Will he also supply details of how the wildlife corridors which reinforce
the regional biotic diversity of the area will be protected?
(9) Do
different archaeological sites exist in the area?
(10) Are sacred
Aboriginal sites endangered due to this proposed development?
(11) Will he
advise as to why he has neglected the North Ocean Shores area and allowed
illegal clearing activities to proceed?
(12) Will he issue an interim
conservation order on the North Ocean Shores area as a matter or urgency?
(13) If not, why not?
I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing
that the answers to the honourable member's questions are:
(1) There
are currently two development applications before Byron Council that affect
lands within the North Ocean Shores area. One is an application for a proposed
subdivision and the other deals with the clearing of noxious weeds.
(2)
More details are required to determine what proposed development is being
referred to in this instance.
(3) Yes.
(4) Yes, an LEP
Amendment No. 14 was gazetted on 8 January 1993 to give effect to this
recommendation.
(5) An interim conservation order was placed on the
land in 1985. It was allowed to lapse in 1987 because the area was considered
to be adequately protected by State Environmental Planning Policy No.
14—Coastal Wetlands and the draft local environmental plan being prepared
by Byron Council.
In September 1993, claims were received that illegal
clearing was taking place and action under the Heritage Act was requested. The
allegations were investigated, and the Heritage Council was advised that the
activities had ceased and that Byron Council had taken action against the
owners of the land in respect of clearing activities. It was also advised that:
•Council was intending to prepare an environmental study of the
area and a new local environmental plan to control development within it;
and
•National Parks and Wildlife Service was negotiating with the
owners to secure a Conservation Agreement.
In view of these factors,
the Heritage Council advised the Minister that it considered that action under
the Heritage Act was not necessary at that time, but that progress of the
various initiatives should be monitored
Further requests for an interim
conservation order have been received recently. The Department of Planning is
examining the requests and the matter will be considered by the Heritage
Council at its April meeting.
(6) Any development proposed for
wetlands designated under SEPP 14 will be addressed in accordance with the
provisions of that planning instrument which includes the preparation and
exhibition of an EIS, the consent of council, and the concurrence of the
Director of Planning.
Page 638 (7) Byron
Council has recently resolved to prepare a local environmental plan for the
whole of the North Ocean Shores area to try to ensure that the boundary between
the Rural and Habitat zones accurately reflects the vegetation distribution.
Because part of the land is within 1 kilometre of the coast, the NSW Coast:
Government Policy applies and Council has been advised than an environmental
study is required.
(8) The environmental protection zones included
in Byron LEP are intended to provide adequate protection for important natural
areas.
(9) The National Parks and Wildlife Service has identified a
bora ring and a number of other sites including several middens in the
area.
(10) The National Parks and Wildlife Service has temporarily
fenced the bora ring and is responsible for protecting Aboriginal sites.
(11) The owner agreed in writing at a meeting with council offices in
November 1993 not to carry out any further clearing of noxious weeds on the
land until a development application for such clearing and the rehabilitation
of already cleared areas has been approved by council. A development
application was lodged, placed on public exhibition, and is currently being
considered by the council.
(12) and (13) The Minister will consider whether
action under the Heritage Act is necessary on receipt of advice from the
Heritage Council and Byron Council.
*440 FLUORIDE
REFERENDUM—BLUE MOUNTAINS CITY COUNCIL—Ms Allan asked the Minister
for Health—
(1) Has the Health Department endorsed
the Local Government referendum on fluoride in Ward One of the Blue Mountains
City Council?
(2) Have in excess of 70 per cent of residents voted
against fluoridation?
(3) Why has the Health Department refused to
acknowledge its legal responsibilities to comply with majority wishes after a
referendum?
(4) Why were Blue Mountains residents never fully
consulted by the Health Department about fluoridating the water supply?
(5)
Why is the Department allowing fluoridation of Blue Mountains water
supplies to proceed against the wishes of the people?
(6) Will he
direct the Health Department to instruct the Water Board to cease fluoridation
of Blue Mountains water supplies?
(7) If not, why not?
(1) The Health Department
provided information for residents prior to the poll of residents conducted by
the Blue Mountains City Council at the time of a Council by-election. The
Department did not endorse the poll and indeed did not agree with the wording
of the questions asked.
(2) Yes.
(3) The poll that was
conducted by the Blue Mountains City Council does not have the legal status of
a referendum and the results are not binding on the City Council or the Health
Department.
The Water Board, in undertaking fluoridation of all water
supplies under its control, is acting in accordance with Cabinet directions of
former Governments. The issue of fluoridation also received bipartisan support
when the Act was debated in 1989.
Page 639 (4)
Blue Mountains residents have been informed that the water supplies would be
fluoridated since the Water Board was given responsibility for management of
the water supplies in 1980.
Further information was provided by the Board
in 1990 when upgrading of the water treatment plants was announced.
(5)
Blue Mountains water supplies were fluoridated in April 1992 over a year
before the poll was taken of the residents. Fluoridation, as a public dental
health measure, is to continue throughout all water supplies under control of
the Water Board.
(6) No.
(7) At the time of the poll in
May last year, the Department was undertaking a major survey of dental health
of children in both the Upper Blue Mountains and in the Hawkesbury Local
Government area, where children have had lifelong exposure to water
fluoridation.
Those who participated in the poll did not have full
knowledge of the dental health status of their children. The study has now been
published and has conclusively shown that children in the Blue Mountains had
approximately two and one half times as many teeth affected by dental decay as
their Hawkesbury counterparts. Not only were more teeth decayed but the extent
of decay was three times greater in Blue Mountains children.
The levels of
decay seen is cause for concern as it presents a major dental public health
problem in the Blue Mountains.
Water fluoridation continues to be the most
effective means of reducing the levels of dental decay and, I am advised, there
are no adverse general health effects at the levels of fluoride used.
The
Department is working with local residents through the council's fluoridation
committee to introduce an active health promotion campaign so that Blue
Mountains residents may make informed choices about their children's
health.
*441 SEVEN HILLS POLICE STATION—Ms
Allan asked the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency
Services̵
(1) Is a new police station to be built at
Seven Hills?
(2) When will the new police station be built?
(3)
What will be the location of the new station?
(4) What is the
estimated cost of the new premises?
(1) The recent construction of a new temporary police
station at Seven Hills has considerably improved conditions. A new permanent
station to replace the current demountables is listed on the NSW Police Service
Capital Investment Strategic Plan for Major Works.
(2) It is not
envisaged that construction of police facilities at Seven Hills can be
addressed in the next few years as other priorities are currently being
addressed in line with budget capacity.
(3) Two accommodation
strategies are currently proposed: (a) A new station constructed on
a new site at a location to be determined.
(b) Current premises
maintained (subject to agreement with Department of School Education) with
creation of a new sector station within the Seven Hills Patrol area, preferably
near Parklea.
(4) The current preliminary budget cost is $2.4
million with an additional $0.4 million for the purchase of a new site.
Page 640
*442 ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS
ASSAULT—Ms Allan asked the Minister for the Environment—
(1) How safe is the Royal Botanic Gardens for women walkers and
joggers?
(2) What safety precautions have been taken since the
sexual assault of a 25-year-old woman in broad daylight on 25 February
1994?
(3) How many assaults occurred in the gardens in 1992 and
1993?
(1) The
Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain are large public spaces and therefore
experience a range of problems common to the wider community. However, as the
figures below indicate, the number of incidents reported are very small as a
proportion of the average 3 million visitors to the sites each year.
(2)
Increased police bicycle patrols of the area.
(3)
Reported incidents Type of Incident
1992 1993
Bag
snatching 1
Nil Threatened assault
1 Nil
Spitting
Nil 1
Domain Area:
Bag snatching
&bsp; Nil 1
Male
assaulted by males 5
Nil
Fights between members of the public 2
Nil
Threatened assault
2 1
Assault with robbery
Nil 2
In terms of sexual
assaults none were reported in the years 1992 and 1993.
*443 MANLY SCENIC WALKWAY—Ms Allan asked the Minister for the
Environment—
(1) Is the Manly scenic walkway to be
extended through Reef Beach?
(2) Will a sum in excess of $150,000 be
spent on this project?
(3) Why is this extension necessary given
that the bypass track to Reef Beach is well cared for and signposted?
(1) Yes.
(2)
The Government has committed funds of $158,000 for the project subject to the
review of environmental factors (Ref) for the construction of the deviation in
the walking track being favourably determined.
(3) The walking track
is part of a package of measures involving the change of status of Reef Beach
which Cabinet decided should be developed to open up the area and make it more
publicly accessible.
Page 641
*444
AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE INDUSTRIES SITE—FAUNA AND FLORA—Ms Allan asked
the Minister for the Environment—
(1) Is, or was, the
Australian Defence Industries site at St Marys inhabitated by some 150
kangaroos?
(2) If so, what method or methods were, or will be,
utilised to remove these animals from the site?
(3) What will be the
likely disposal area for these kangaroos?
(4) Has any application
been received by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to cull the
kangaroos?
(5) If such an application has been received, what
decision has been reached relative to the application?
(6) What
other fauna is present on the site?
(7) Of the animals inhabitating
the site, are any considered to be in the endangered or rare category?
(8)
What flora is present on the site?
(9) Are any items of flora
to be found on the site considered to be rare or endangered?
(10) What
actions has, or will, he take to preserve any protected fauna and flora on the
site?
(1)
Australian Defence Industries has advised the Director-General of the National
Parks and Wildlife Service that between 150 and 500 kangaroos (consisting of at
least three species) inhabit the St Marys site.
(2) Australian
Defence Industries have proposed a number of options, including euthanasia of
those kangaroos which are deformed or suffering ill health as a result of
in-breeding and relocation of healthy kangaroos to suitable sites.
(3)
Australian Defence Industries must find an appropriate means of removing the
animals and suitable locations which are satisfactory to the Director-General
of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. If euthanasia is pursued, the
appropriate disposal of carcasses will be subject to licensing.
(4)
Yes.
(5) p;The matter is being considered by the Director-General
of the National parks and Wildlife Service.
(6) and (7) Australian Defence
Industries has advised that there are 15 to 20 emus on site.
Very little
information is available regarding other fauna which may be present as access
is restricted for defence reasons.
(8) and (9) A small area of the site has
been surveyed by the Service and botanists from the Royal Botanic Gardens. 37
species listed by the Royal Botanic Gardens as being of high conservation
significance were found.
Four species which are on the national list of
rare or threatened Australian plants were also found.
(10) At
present, Australian Defence Industries are conducting "defence related
activities" which come under Commonwealth law.
The National Parks and
Wildlife Service will liaise with Australian Defence Industries, the Department
of Planning and the Environment Protection Authority to ensure that the
conservation of flora and fauna on the site continues.
The Service has
informed the Australian Nature Conservation Agency and the Commonwealth
Environment Protection Authority of the presence of rare species and these
authorities are ensuring that the provisions of the Commonwealth endangered
species legislation are fully applied to defence related activities.
Page 642
*445 WINTER OLYMPICS MEDAL
WINNERS—Ms Allan asked the Minister for Sport, Recreation and
Racing—
(1) What recognition does he intend to give
to the members of the Australian ice-skating team who won Australia's only ever
medal at the Winter Olympics?
(2) Will he co-operate with Blacktown
City Council in celebrating the team's bronze medal victory?
(1) The Hon. J. J. Fahey, M.P.,
Premier, and myself will host a reception on Tuesday 12 April 1994 in the
Premier's Suite at Parliament House. This reception is in recognition of
Australia's Winter Olympics medal winners and Winter Paralympics medal
winners.
(2) My office has not received any approaches from
Blacktown City Council
*446 ROOTY
HILL—TRAFFIC COUNTS—Mr Amery asked the Minister for Transport and
Minister for Roads—
(1) What have been the results of
traffic counts conducted on the Rooty Hill Road South, between the Great
Western Highway and Eastern Road, in each month since the opening of the BHP
Steel Mill at Rooty Hill?
(2) What are the results of corresponding
surveys on Doonside Road?
(1) The Roads and Traffic Authority has not conducted traffic counts
on Rooty Hill Road South, between the locations specified by the member.
(2) Traffic counts have not been undertaken on Doonside Road.
*447 CONVEYANCERS LICENSING COMMITTEE—Mr Amery asked
the Minister for the Environment representing the Attorney General and Minister
for Justice—
(1) What is the name of each member of
the Conveyancers Licensing Committee?
(2) Which members represent
the NSW Law Society?
(3) Which members represent the Association of
Property Conveyancers?
(4) Who are the consumer representatives on
this committee and in which suburbs do they reside?
(5) What
consumer organisations were consulted prior to the appointment of the consumer
members?
(6) What credentials do these representatives have in the
consumer field to be so appointed?
(1) Mrs Hylda Rolfe, Mr John Marsden, Mr Edward Boyce, Mr Dale
Turner, Mr Alan West, Mrs Anna Boskovitz and Mr Stuart Jacobson.
(2)
Mr John Marsden and Mr Edward Boyce have been nominated by the Law Society of
NSW.
These members do not represent the Society but participate as members
of the Committee in the conuct of the Committee's statutory functions.
Page 643 (3) Mr Dale Turner and Mr Alan West have
been nominated by the Association of Property Conveyancers.
These members
do not represent the Association but participate as members of the Committee in
the conduct of the Committee's statutory functions.
(4) Mrs Anna
Boskovitz and Mr Stuart Jacobson are the consumer representatives on the
Committee. They reside at Mosman and Bondi respectively.
(5)
Expressions of interest were sought through press advertisements in relation
to the consumer representatives' positions on the Committee. No consumer
organisations responded.
(6) The background of each respondent was
examined to determine the most suitable for appointment. Mrs Boskovitz is a
consumer representative on the Commercial Tribunal and has completed courses in
mediation training, communication training and conflict resolution and is a
bilingual consultant with the Commonwealth Department of Multicultural Affairs.
Mr Jacobson's background has included extensive involvement in focusing banking
services to consumer needs at branch and head office level. Upon appointment,
Mr Jacobson communicated with the Executive Officer of the Australian Consumers
Association to establish a rapport and to obtain advice as to other consumer
organisations that should be contacted.
*448
LIVERPOOL HOSPITAL—NON-HEALTH PROFESSIONALS—Mr Anderson asked the
Minister for Health—
(1) How many staff, and in what
categories, are currently employed at Liverpool Hospital who are not health
professionals?
(2) How have those staffing levels changed in each
category for each financial year since 1988/89?
(3) How many nurses,
and in what categories, are currently employed at Liverpool Hospital?
(4)
How have those staffing levels of nurses changed in each category for each
financial year since 1988/89?
(1) to (4) Information regarding staffing numbers by categories is not
easily accessible in terms of full-time equivalents. To provide the information
in any other format is misleading, and to collect it for this purpose would
require considerable hospital staff time which is not warranted within the
priorities of the NSW Health System.
*449 BUSH
FIRE SALARIES COSTS—Mr Anderson asked the Minister for Police and
Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) Arising from the
bush fire crisis in January 1994, what amounts were expended by each police
patrol on: (a) Shift allowances?
(b) Overtime?
(2)
What amount had been allocated for the 1993/94 financial year to each
police patrol for: (a) Shift allowances?
(b) Overtime?
(3) What amount had been expended as at 31 December 1993, by each
police patrol on: (a) Shift allowances?
(b) Overtime?
(4) To each patrol, what amount of supplementation: (a)
Has been provided?
(b) Will be provided?
Page
644
(1) to (4) The information
requested would take considerable time and resources to collate and is not
warranted in view of the other priorities of the Police Service.
*450 PROSECUTION COSTS—Mr Anderson asked the Minister
for the Environment representing the Attorney General and Minister for
Justice—
(1) What has been the total cost per annum
of the Director of Public Prosecutions assuming responsibility for the
prosecution of committal hearings in New South Wales?
(2) (a)
Are any Local Courts in New South Wales not provided with such a service?
(3) (a) How many staff have been and are currently
required to fulfil this role? (b) How many are or were
solicitors?
(c) What annual salaries are applicable?
(4)
What is the estimated costs for the Director of Public Prosecutions to assume
the role currently undertaken by police prosecutors in New South Wales?
(1) The Office of the
Director of Public Prosecutions assumed responsibility for the prosecution of
committal hearings in 1990. The annual Treasury allocation for prosecuting
committal hearings has been $3,452,000 in 1990/91, $4,885,000 in 1991/92
(including $1,682,000 by way of allowance to witnesses), $4,992,000 in 1992/93
(including $1,731,000 by way of allowance to witnesses) and $5,019,000 in
1993/94 (including a $1,773,000 by way of allowance to witnesses).
(2)
The Director of Public Prosecutions assumes responsibility for prosecuting
all committals at all Local Courts in New South Wales.
(3) (a)
50. (4) There have
been no estimates prepared as to what the costs would be for the Director of
Public Prosecutions to assume the role currently undertaken by police
prosecutors in New South Wales.
*451 CENTRAL WEST
RAILWAY WORKS—Mr Clough asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for
Roads—
(1) Has the Government recently indicated it
will spend more than $4 million upgrading signalling between Lithgow and
Bathurst?
(2) Will this mean the loss of nine railway jobs at
Wallerawang, four at Tarana, and five at Bathurst West Signal Box?
(3)
Will the present double track link between Tarana and Bathurst be
retained?
(4) Will the work be carried out by railway personnel or
by contract?
Page 645
(1) Yes. The NSW Government is investing $7 million in signal
upgrading between Wallerawang and Bathurst.
(2) The positions will
become surplus and the State Rail Authority will offer staff redeployment,
retraining or voluntary redundancy.
(3) Yes.
(4) The work
will be performed by railway personnel.
*452
BATHURST RAILWAY WORKSHOP—Mr Clough asked the Minister for Transport and
Minister for Roads—
(1) Did Freight Rail, in a
memorandum from the Fleet Manger Coal Grain and Minerals to the General Manager
Coal Grain and Minerals, indicate that Bathurst workshop is repairing NHTF
waggons?
(2) Did he also indicate that 50 NHFF and 30 NHCF waggons
will go to tender on 16 February for repairs but this tender will not be let
until mid-March?
(3) Did he also cast doubts on whether Bathurst
would be still available to "undertake Level 4 waggon repairs"?
(4) Did he indicate that a lot more work outside after 1993/94 will need
to be placed and changed in budget allocation to accommodate industry
involvement in Level 4 repairs?
(5) (a) Does this mean that
there is doubt about the continued operation of Bathurst workshop as a waggon
repair unit? (b) If so, what happens to the current staff at
Bathurst workshop?
(6) Why is it necessary to seek outside
involvement when Bathurst workshop has proven it can do the work and do it at a
competitive price?
(7) (a) Where are the extra 100 jobs for
Bathurst workshop coming from? (b) When will they come into
place?
(1)
Yes.
(2) Yes.
() The Fleet Manager indicated he would continue to provide wagons to
Bathurst Workshop until it moved to undertaking locomotive maintenance.
(4)
Wagon maintenance work will continue to be given to State Rail workshops
to enable them to operate at full capacity. To overcome a backlog of wagon
maintenance, external contractors will be used to supplement existing workshop
capacity.
(5 (a) The Workshops Business Plan proposes that
Bathurst be progressively modified over several years to take on locomotive
repairs. This is expected to lead to an increase in jobs. (b) Every
effort will be made to retain and retrain the current staff at Bathurst
Workshop for its new role.
(6) Bathurst Workshop is currently
maintaining wagons at its full capacity. Outside involvement is necessary at
this time as a consequence of the wagon repair workload which significantly
exceeds the capacity at Bathurst Workshop.
(7) (a) About 100
jobs will be created with the transfer of locomotive work from Chullora to
Bathurst. (b) Over the next 2 to 3 years. Transfer of the locomotive
work from Chullora will occur progressively.
Page 646
*453 LITHGOW CORRECTIONAL CENTRE—PRISONER
ATTACK—Mr Clough asked the Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs
and Minister Assisting the Minister for Justice representing the Attorney
General and Minister for Justice—
(1) Was a prisoner
severely wounded in Lithgow Correctional Centre towards the end of January this
year?
(2) What is his current condition?
(3) Who were
responsible for the attack and was anyone else wounded?
(4) How many
prisoners were transferred to other gaols immediately after the incident?
(5) Why was this necessary?
(6) Has any report been made
public of the affair?
(7) Is it intended to publicise the
details?
I am advised by
the Attorney General and Minister for Justice that the answers to the
honourable member's questions are:
(1) Two inmates were wounded
during a fight at Lithgow Correctional Centre on 2 February 1994.
(2)
One inmate suffered a punctured lung and liver. He has been recuperating at
the Long Bay Hospital and it is anticipated that he will be returned to normal
routine before the end of March.
The other inmate suffered a punctured
bowel. He has been returned to normal routine.
(3) It has not been
possible to confirm exactly what occurred because the inmates involved in the
incident have refused to co-operate with the police. Only the two inmates were
injured.
(4) The two injured inmates were immediately transferred to
Lithgow Hospital. They were subsequently transferred to Prince Henry Hospital,
Little Bay. Four other inmates were subsequently transferred.
(5)
The injured inmates required urgent medical treatment.
Two of the four
inmates subsequently transferred may have been at risk if they had remained at
Lithgow. The other two inmates were transferred because they posed a threat to
the good order and discipline of Lithgow Correctional Centre.
(6)
No.
(7) No.
*454 HUNTER VALLEY COAL
LINES—Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for
Roads—
(1) Is the Government still in negotiations
over the sale of the Hunter Valley coal lines?
(2) If so, what is
the current assessed value of the coal lines?
(3) What is the amount
spent on these lines in the last 5 years in: (a) Maintenance?
(b) Track upgrading?
(c) Signals upgrading?
Page 647 (1) and (2) Coal
industry participation in rail haulage continues to be discussed but it is not
intended that any lines will be sold.
(3) (a) Maintenance
investment for the last 3 years to March 1994 is approximately $30 million.
Prior to this, the budget was not location specific. (b) $40.8 million.
(c) $9.3 million.
*455 FULLERTON COVE SAND
EXTRACTION—Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for Land and Water Conservation
representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing—
In relation to sand extraction at Fullerton Cove—
(1) Have
officers of your Department sighted the Development Consent issued by Port
Stephens Shire Council on 25 May 1976?
(2) If this consent is valid,
why is a further development application being lodged by Boral for its
operators on portion 3, County of Stowe, Cox's Lane, Fulleton Cove?
(3)
Has the Department sighted any management plan produced by Boral for its
operations on this land?
(4) Will the Department seek to have a
management plan prepared and placed on public exhibition to enable public
discussion on current developments taking place on portion 3?
I have been advised by the Minister for
Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's
questions are:
(1) No.
(2) This question should be
directed to Port Stephens Council.
(3) No.
(4) No. This
is a matter for Port Stephens Council.
*456 FERN
BAY REZONING—Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for Energy and Minister for
Local Government and Co-operatives—
(1) Is the
Department of Local Government investigating the processes involved in the
decision by Port Stephens Council to recommend rezoning of land at Fern
Bay?
(2) Were all the decisions in relation to approval and
recession made correctly in terms of section 372 of the Local Government Act at
the meetings of 14 December 1993, 21 December 1993, 25 January 1994, 27 January
1994 and 1 February 1994?
(3) If not, what impact does this have on
the decision of council?
(1) At this stage, the Department is conducting preliminary
enquiries on the matters raised by the complaints. I will await its assessment
prior to making a decision on what further action, if any, is warranted.
(2) While the Department has provided advice to council on section 372
of the Local Government Act, the validity of any decision made by council at
these meetings can only be tested before and determined by the Supreme
Court.
(3) Given the answer to (2) above, this would be a matter for
the Supreme Court to determine.
Page 648
*457
FULLERTON COVE SAND EXTRACTION—Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for
Agriculture and Fisheries and Minister for Mines—
In
relation to sand extracting on portion 3, Cox's Lane, Fullerton Cove—
(1) On what dates were schedules of mining operations lodged at the
Department of Mineral Resources following permission to commence mining
operations in May 1976?
(2) Which periods of operation did those
schedules cover?
(3) Which company supplied the schedules at each
date?
(4) When was the last schedule supplied?
(5) What
was the longest period in which no schedule was supplied?
(6) Did
consent remain valid if the company ceased lodging schedules or ceased mining
operations?
(1)
This sand extraction operation (currently operated by Boral Resources Pty Ltd)
was not required to have schedules by the Deartment of Mineral Resources. Sand,
as such, is not a prescribed mineral under the Mining Act 1973 or Mining Act
1992.
The operation came within our jurisdiction under the Mines Inspection
Act 1901 whereby we ensured compliance of the operation with the Health and
Safety legislation.
(2) to (5) Not applicable.
(6) Not
applicable. I have been informed by current operators, Boral Resources, that
the operation had not ceased nor been abandoned in that area since May
1976.
*458 BAYEH CASE—Mr Gibson asked the
Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1)
In the Louis Bayeh case, why did the ICAC refuse to call evidence in
relation to the $12,000 bribe which was paid to a certain detective?
(2)
Why did the ICAC not call or investigate the detective who was named?
(1) and (2) The honourable
member should address his question to the Independent Commission Against
Corruption.
*459 BAYEH WITNESSES—Mr Gibson
asked the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) In relation to a shooting episode which took place at
Bayeh's home on 12 July 1993, why did the police not use information which was
given to them about the people who conducted the shooting and also the motor
vehicle they were driving?
(2) Why have those witnesses, whose names
were given to police, not been interviewed?
(1) I am advised that police
conducted their inquiries from information received and two offenders were
arrested, interviewed and charged. Both offenders were committed for trial.
The offenders' motor vehicle was examined by Physical Evidence Police, however,
no evidence was obtained from the vehicle to link the offenders to the
shooting.
Page 649 (2) There were no eye
witnesses to the incident. At the time, all known witnesses were interviewed.
There were also a number of persons who offered information on the matter.
However, their evidence was hearsay or otherwise inadmissible.
*460 BAYEH—POLICE INQUIRY—Mr Gibson asked
the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) Has there been an inquiry into the police mentioned when on 24
June 1993 Mr Louis Bayeh was acquitted on drug charges on the basis that the
magistrate said the police had fabricated the evidence against him?
(2)
If not, why not?
(1)
Yes. An Internal Affairs investigation, under Part 4 of the Police
Regulation (Allegations of Misconduct) Act was conducted by Detective Inspector
Golowenko who, at that time, was attached to the Professional Integrity
branch.
(2) Not applicable.
*461 PEAK
HOUR TRAINS—FAIRFIELD—Mr Irwin asked the Minister for Transport and
Minister for Roads—
(1) Has the 7.45 a.m. train from
Fairfield to the City been reduced to four cars in recent weeks?
(2)
Has this train been unable to take on passengers at Yennora and Guildford due
to overcrowding?
(3) When will eight-car trains be restored to this
service?
(1) Yes,
twice.
(2) When reduced to four carriages, the train may become
crowded until Granville where many travellers alight.
(3) The train
is a scheduled eight-car service and is only reduced in unforeseen
circumstances.
*462 NIGHTRIDER BUS—RICHMOND
LINE—Mr Langton asked the Minister for Transport and Minister
foRoads—
(1) Does the Nightrider bus service the
Richmond line?
(2) If not, why not?
(1) The Richmond line (i.e.,
Blacktown to Richmond) is not serviced by Nightride. However, the N70 Nightride
service, which runs between the City and Penrith, does travel through
Blacktown.
(2) Nightride services were re-tendered in the second
half of 1993. Research undertaken in conjunction with the re-tendering process
showed that there would be insufficient patronage on the Richmond line to
justify the extension of Nightride services beyond Blacktown.
Page 650
*463 KILLARA RAILWAY STATION—Mr Langton
asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1)
Is he aware that Killara Station is identified on the Register of the
National Estate as having national heritage significance?
(2) Why
does the design prepared for the upgrading of Killara Station not take the
heritage significance into account?
(1) No. Enquiries of the Australian Heritage Commission
indicate that it is not on the register.
(2) The station's roof was
damaged by fire some years ago and subsequently altered, greatly diminishing
the heritage value.
*464 WAHROONGA RAILWAY
STATION—Mr Langton asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for
Roads—
(1) Has an SRA consultant, Paul Davies,
identified Wahroonga Station as having State heritage significance?
(2)
Why does the design prepared for the upgrading of the station not take the
heritage significance into account?
*465 DRIVER LICENCE TESTING—Mr Langton asked the Minister for
Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) Has the Roads
and Traffic Authority been instructed to privatise all facets of the Driver
Licence Testing program?
(2) Has the RTA recently retrained over 300
staff to carry out all classes of driver testing?
(3) How will
current driver testing standards be maintained in a privatised program?
(1) No.
(2)
About 300 RTA staff received additional training in January and February 1993
to implement the Driving Ability Road Test for car drivers. Testing officers
have not been re-trained to administer tests for other classes of vehicles.
(3) The Competency Based Training and Assessment Scheme for heavy
vehicle licence classes, the introduction of which I announced on 1 March 1994,
will replace about 9 per cent of the RTA's driver testing operations. In this
regard, strict auditing and monitoring systems will be implemented to ensure
that testing standards are maintained at a high level.
This Government
initiative prescribes training and experience under a variety of conditions,
and will ensure higher skill levels in new licence holders operating heavy
vehicles.
Page 651
*466 TRAIN
BRAWL—Mr Langton asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for
Roads—
(1) Was a City-bound train terminated at
Hurstville Station on the evening of Sunday, 16 January 1994, because a brawl
had broken out among a large group of passengers?
(2) Were any
Transit Police patrolling the Cronulla line at this time?
(3) Will
he ensure adequate policing of trains on weekends on all lines?
(1) p;No.
(2) Yes.
(3) The responsibility for this rests with my colleague, the Minister
for Police and Minister for Emergency Services. However, Transit Police closely
liaise with the State Rail Authority to ensure the best possible coverage of
the CityRail network.
*467 NIGHTRIDER BUS DRIVERS
BEHAVIOUR—Mr Langton asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for
Roads—
(1) Is he aware of a memorandum from the
station master Blacktown, to the line manager west, concerning the behaviour of
Nightrider bus drivers servicing the line?
(2) Is an investigation
underway into the passenger's allegations that drivers are overcharging fares
and not honouring valid City Rail tickets?
(3) What action will he
take to ensure the fair treatment of passengers?
(1) Yes.
(2) An
investigation has been undertaken with the assistance of the operator of the
N70 service, Westbus. No irregularities in fare collection have been detected
to date. However, drivers will continue to be monitored to ensure correct fare
collection practices are employed.
The passenger also advised that his full
fare single Blacktown to Emu Plains rail ticket was not accepted on Nightride.
Only return and periodical rail tickets are valid for use on Nightride and the
passenger has been advised of this policy.
(3) The provision of
Nightride services is monitored by the Department of Transport on an on-going
basis and passenger concerns investigated. If operators breach contractual
conditions their contracts may be terminated.
*468
SCHOOL ASSEMBLY HALLS—Mrs Lo Po' 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) In which
electorates has this Government built assembly halls in the last 6 years?
(2) Which established schools have been given assembly halls in the last
6 years?
(3) Which electorates will receive assembly halls in
established schools in the 1993/94 financial year?
Page
652 (1) and (2) The Department of
School Education has a clear commitment to excellence in New South Wales
schools, providing for more than 750,000 young people currently enrolled in the
Government school system.
The Department's efforts are directed to
improving educational standards in schools, improving parental choice and
participation and increasing learning opportunities for all. To provide the
detailed information requested in the Member's question would impinge on the
resources and time of Senior Departmental Officers. As a consequence, I am not
willing to move resources from the Department's core responsibility to meet
this request.
General statistical information on the Department of School
Education's capital works programs is available in the Budget Papers and the
Department's annual reports.
(3) Schools receiving halls in the
1993/94 financial year are Wallerawang Public School, Moruya High School,
Berinda Public School, St Helens Park Public School, Kurnell Public School,
Eastwood Public School, Fairfield Public School, Oakville Public School,
Comleroy Road Public School, Hannans Road Public School, Barnsley Public
School, Telarah Public School, Eden High School, Quakers Hill High School,
Bradfordville Public School, Dunheved High School, Castle Hill Public School,
Muswellbrook Public School and Cammeray Public School.
*469 SERVICES AND FACILITIES—ELECTORATE OF THE ENTRANCE—Mr
McBride asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
With regard to the electorate of The Entrance:
(1) What services
and facilities are provided by agencies which operate within his portfolio
area?
(2) How many staff are directly related or associated with the
provision of those services?
(3) What were the budget projections
and actual expenditures on services and facilities for: (a) 1990/91?
(b) 1991/92?
(c) 1992/93?
(d) What are the
budget projections for 1993/94?
(4) What new/additional services
and facilities will be provided during 1993/94?
(5) Where there has
been a decline in expenditure since 1990/91, why?
(1) to (3) The time take to compile this
data is felt to be too great to justify such an exercise.
(4) These
will be announced in the forthcoming State Budget.
(5) The time
taken to compile this data is felt to be too great to justify such an
exercise.
*470 SERVICES AND
FACILITIES—ELECTORATE OF THE ENTRANCE—Mr McBride asked the Minister
for Health—
With regard to the electorate of The
Entrance—
(1) What services and facilities are provided by
agencies which operate within his portfolio area?
(2) How many staff
are directly related or associated with the provision of those services?
Page 653 (3) What were the budget projections and
actual expenditures on services and facilities for: (a) 1990/91?
(b) 1991/92?
(c) 1992/93?
(d) What are the budget
projections for 1993/94?
(4) What new/additional services and
facilities will be provided during 1993/94?
(5) Where there has been
a decline in expenditure since 1990/91, why?
(1) to (5) Health services and facilities
are not provided on an electorate basis. The electorate of The Entrance is part
of the Central Coast Area Health Service (CCAHS), and thus residents of The
Entrance have access to all the services and facilities provided by the Central
Coast Area Health Service.
In 1992/93, the Central Coast Area Health
Service: •provided services in 5 public general hospitals, 7
Community Health Centres and 12 Early Childhood Health Centres;
•employed, on average, 2,415 Full Time Equivalent staff;
•expended almost $122 million on the provision of health services (gross
operating payments);
•provided 40,419 admissions and 598,455
non-inpatient occasions of service.
Recent initiatives, that have
benefited all residents of the Central Coast Area Health Service, include:
•enhancement of Dental, Aged Care Assessment, Mental Health, Renal,
Adolescent, Community Nursing and Specialist Medical Services;
•opening of a new and expanded Children's ward; and
•refurbishment of a number of medical wards at various hospitals in the
Central Coast.
*471 SERVICES AND
FACILITIES—ELECTORATE OF THE ENTRANCE—Mr McBride asked the Minister
for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for
Justice—
With regard to the electorate of The
Entrance—
(1) What services and facilities are provided by
agencies which operate within his portfolio area?
(2) How many staff
are directly related or associated with the provision of those services?
(3) What were the budget projections and actual expenditures on services
and facilities for: (a) 1990/91?
(b) 1991/92?
(c)
1992/93?
(d) What are the budget projections for 1993/94?
(4) What new/additional services and facilities will be provided during
1993/94?
(5) Where there has been a decline in expenditure since
1990/91, why?
Page 654
(1) to (5) With respect to the electorate of The Entrance, the Ethnic
Affairs Commission of NSW provides the same services and facilities as it does
to every other electorate in the State. However, none of its offices or
services are actually located in the electorate of The Entrance.
The
electorate of The Entrance falls within the Ethnic Affairs Commission's Hunter
Region and is serviced through staff of the Newcastle Regional Office and
through the Commission's head office located at Ashfield.
The Regional
Co-ordinator at the Newcastle office is part of the Commission's Policy and
Liaison Division and has primary responsibility for the Hunter region. This
position works closely with local communities and Government agencies to
implement the Commission's policies and to respond to issues of concern whilst
also co-ordinating seminars and consultations.
A number of liaison staff,
based at the Commission's head office, are responsible for liaising with
specific ethnic communities wherever they reside throughout the State and
regardless of electorate or other boundaries.
The electorate of The
Entrance also benefits from the operations of the Commission's Language
Services Division which provides professional interpreting and translating
services to the NSW Government and the public.
Seven staff operate from the
Commission's Newcastle office whilst the Head Office Policy and Liaison
Division currently consists of twenty-one officers. In addition, the
constituents of the electorate of The Entrance have access to the full
complement of Commission interpreters and translators.
Since none of the
EAC's offices or facilities are located in the electorate of The Entrance,
questions (3), (4) and (5) are not applicable.
*472
COACH TV 1681—Mr Harrison asked the Minister for the
Environment—
(1) Is he aware of a letter from the EPA
to Kiama Coachlines, dated 11 January 1994, advising of a suspension of
registration of TV 1681 until the coach had been repaired and/or inspected?
(2) Is he also aware that this notice was posted out 31 days after the
coach had been inspected and cleared by an officer of the EPA?
(3)
Can he explain why this letter was not delivered but was found by a shopper on
the floor of Coles Supermarket in Nowra on 17 January 1994, 6 days after it was
posted?
(4) Will any other such notices sent to operators of
coachlines be hand delivered or sent out by registered mail to ensure that they
reach their destination, thereby protecting bus operators from the possibility
of having unregistered (and therefore uninsured) coaches on the road?
(5)
Will he ensure that where vehicles are cleared by the EPA as roadworthy,
immediate advice of this is given to the Department of Motor Transport?
(1) Yes.
(2)
Yes. This occurred as the advice of the inspection, sent from the EPA
Wollongong, was not received by the motor vehicle branch at Lidcombe.
(3)
The letter was correctly posted by the EPA, so the reason it was not
delivered correctly is not known.
(4) The pollution Acts allow for
the service of notices to owners of offending vehicles by ordinary mail. It is
common practice for the EPA, RTA and other authorities to send notices by
ordinary mail.
Page 655 The question presumes a
problem that does not exist. As stated in the notice sent to Kiama Coachlines,
the suspension of registration does not take effect until it is received by the
owner of the vehicle.
The suspension of registration does not affect the
vehicle's compulsory third party insurance in any way.
(5) The
problems experienced by Kiama Coachlines are very infrequent. This problem was
immediately rectified and an apology was extended to Mr King of Kiama
Coachlines for any inconvenience caused.
Steps have been taken to prevent
such an occurrence in the future.
The RTA was advised of the clearance of
the registration suspension as soon as the problem was highlighted.
*473 NORTHERN DISTRIBUTOR—BULLI—Mr Markham asked
the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
<ul&t; (1) Is it intended to extend the Northern Distributor to
Bulli?
(2) If so: (a) When is this work expected to
commence?
(b) What is the planned timetable for this work to be
carried out?
(3) If not, why not?
(1) At this stage, there are no
plans to further develop the road project. However, the proclaimed road
boundaries shown on the Local Environmental Plan will be preserved.
(2)
(a) Not applicable. (3)
Extension of the distributor to Bulli, estimated to cost up to $20 million,
would be a major undertaking that could not be justified at this time, having
regard to the proximity of the Princes Highway and the many other high priority
works throughout the State which are awaiting funding.
*474 ILLAWARRA WATER BOARD REGIONAL CUSTOMER COUNCIL—Mr Markham
asked the Minister for Land and Water Conservation representing the Minister
for Planning and Minister for Housing—
(1) What is
the role of the Illawarra Water Board Regional Customer Council?
(2)
What are the names of the members of the Illawarra Regional Customer
Council?
(3) What is the nature of his relationship with the
Illawarra Regional Customer Council?
(4) What access does the public
have to the Regional Customer Council?
I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister
for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's questions are:
(1)
The role of the Illawarra Regional Customer Council is to provide an
opportunity for members of the community to have valuable input into the
services and programs of the Illawarra region of the Water Board.
Page 656 (2) Councillor Joyce Wheatley. Anne
Clark.
Warren Steele.
Dorothy Johnston.
Robert Astill.
Neville
Costello
Peter Costigan.
Victor Watts.
Shirley Massey.
Colin
Flanagan.
(3) I have no relationship with the Illawarra Regional
Customer Council beyond my normal relationship with the Water Board.
(4)
The public have access to all Regional Customer Council members either
directly or through the organisations they represent.
*475 ILLAWARRA STATE RECREATION AREA—Mr Markham asked the
Minister for the Environment—
(1) What is the current
area of the Illawarra State Recreation Area?
(2) Does the Government
intend to increase the size of the Illawarra State Recreation Area?
(3)
If so, what areas will be added to the Illawarra State Recreation Area?
(4) Has he approached coal companies in order to have redundant mine
lease sites on the escarpment included in the Illawarra State Recreation
Area?
(5) If not, why not?
(6) What is the Government
policy regarding redundant mine lease sites on the Illawarra escarpment?
(1) 1,266 hectares.
(2) Yes, as acquisition funds permit.
(3) Lands that are
deemed to have significant natural and/or cultural heritage conservation
values.
(4) It has not been the general practice to approach coal
companies to have redundant mine lease sites on the escarpment included in the
State Recreation Area, unless the sites have significant conservation
value.
(5) and (6) If the mine lease sites are deemed to be redundant by
the coal companies, they may offer such lands to the service. If this occurs,
the service would review the merits of including these lands on conservation
grounds having regard tstatewide priorities and the availability of funds.
*476
PORT STEPHENS COUNCIL—Mr Martin asked the Minister for Energy and
Minister for Local Government and Co-operatives—
(1)
Has the Department of Local Government received representations from
Councillor/s of Port Stephens Council expressing concerns with the Mayor of
Port Stephens?
(2) Have representations also been made by
Councillor/s of Port Stephens Council expressing concern at Council's handling
of a rezoning of land from 1a to 2d at Fern Bay?
Page 657
(3) Is the Department aware that at a Port Stephens Council meeting
on 14 December 1993 the Mayor declared an interest in the Fern Bay rezoning and
refrained from chairing or voting at the meeting?
(4) Is the
Department also aware that at a Special Meeting of Port Stephens Council on 21
December 1993 called as a result of a rescission motion regarding the earlier
decision on Fern Bay rezoning, the Mayor chaired the meeting and voted for the
rescission motion?
(5) Is the Department aware of accusations that
the Mayor approached certain councillors and intimated them with threats that
the developer intended to summons them?
(6) If so, will he instruct
the Department to investigate the complaints?
(7) If not, why
not?
(1) It is not
the policy of the Department of Local Government to identify complainants.
However, the Department has advised that it has received several complaints,
some of which relate to the conduct of the Mayor of Port Stephens Council.
(2) The Department has advised that several complainants have expressed
concern about Council's decision to rezone land at Fern Bay. The Department has
also advised that the merit of Council's decision to rezone land at Fern Bay is
ultimately a matter for the Minister for Planning pursuant to the Environmental
Planning and Assessment Act.
(3) Yes.
(4) Yes.
(5)
Yes.
(6) The Department is conducting preliminary enquiries on
the matters raised by the complaints and will provide its assessment to me. I
will await this assessment prior to making a decision on what further action,
if any, is warranted.
(7) Not applicable given the answer to (6)
above.
*477 OYSTER LEASES—WAGONGA
INLET—Mr Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and
Minister for Mines—
(1) Have Fisheries officers
issued 15 section 20E notices in respect of an oyster farmer's 17 leases in
Wagonga Inlet?
(2) Have Fisheries officers subsequently issued
section 78 letters in respect of four of those leases?
(3) Were
these notices issued in respect of an infestation of Pacific oysters?
(4)
What other action has the Department of Fisheries officers taken against
this oyster farmer as a result of the gigas outbreak?
(5) Have other
oyster farmers whose leases are also located in Wagonga Inlet suffered gigas
outbreaks?
(6) What action has been taken by the Department against
those leasees?
(7) Did Fisheries suggest to the Office of the
Ombudsman that the Pacific oyster is well established sub-tidally in large
numbers in various southern New South Wales waterways and that in those
estuaries the control program is a lost cause?
(8) If so, why are
departmental officers persisting in the persecution of one particular oyster
farmer?
Page 658
(1) Yes.
(2) Two Section 78 notices were issued on 7
October 1993. A further two were issued on 30 November 1993 and a further seven
on 29 December 1993.
(3) Yes.
(4) The oyster farmer
concerned satisfactorily cleaned up two of his eases. The remaining six leases
were not cleaned and each of these was cancelled.
(5) Yes, but these
leases all had relatively light infestations and clean-up action has been
undertaken. The leases which have been cancelled were all heavily affected and
contained most of the Pacific oyster broodstock present in Wagonga Inlet.
(6) Section 20E notices were issued, and follow up action
undertaken.
(7) No. The Department has concerns over the level of
subtidal infestation in the Crookhaven River and is currently surveying the
extent of these populations. The Department has no such concerns about other
estuaries.
(8) Any talk of persecution of an oyster farmer is
nonsense. This particular farmer has not complied with the conditions on his
leases and has not controlled the Pacific oyster. His leases contain most of
the Pacific oyster broodstock present in the inlet and these broodstock are
spawning and the spat catching on other farmers' leases. Other farmers'
livelihoods are being affected by this one farmer's mis-management. In the
circumstances, the Department had no choice but to apply the full letter of the
law.
*478 FISHERIES RESEARCH FUNDS—Mr
Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and Minister for
Mines—
(1) Did the Commonwealth, through the
Fisheries Research Development Corporation (FRDC), make available the sum of
$750,000 in a New South Wales trust account?
(2) Was this money to
be directed towards research that the New South Wales fishing industry
considered to be high priority?
(3) Is the only constraint on
spending that New South Wales establish a Fisheries Research Advisory Board
(FRAB) with a majority membership of New South Wales fishing industry
representatives?
(4) When was the offer made?
(5) Has a
FRAB been established in New South Wales?
(6) If so, what are the
names of the chairman and members and what sections of the industry do they
represent?
(7) Have there been any meetings of FRAB and if so, how
many since inception?
(8) Are minutes of meetings kept and
circulated to FRAB members?
(9) Is the chairman of the FRAB also a
member of FRDC?
(10) If so, does this constitute a conflict of
interest?
(11) Is he aware of complaints by members of the fishing industry
that they have been constantly frustrated in attempts to secure funding for
projects they feel are of high priority?
(12) Why are these much
needed research funds not being used for research on the estimation of total
allowable catch in the Government's proposed property rights program, e.g.,
snapper?
(1) The
sum made available was $700,000.
(2) The money is to be allocated to
quality research projects which are in line with priorities set by industry,
fisheries managers and researchers.
Page 659 (3)
In addition to recommendation from an appropriate NSW Fisheries research
advisory body, expenditure of funds requires the formal approval of FRDC on a
project by project basis.
(4) 15 October 1993.
(5)
Yes.
(6) Names of the chairman and members and their appropriate
affiliations are as follows: Dr John Kenny (Chairman)
Independent
Mr Ross Abercrombie NSW Commercial
Fishing Advisory Council
Mr Andy Derwent
Oyster Farmers' Association of NSW
Mr Peter Goadby
NSW Recreational Fishing Advisory Council
Dr
Bob Kearney NSW Fisheries Mr Vince
McDonall p; NSW Commercial Fishing Advisory Council
Mr Glenn Murray NSW Commercial Fishing Advisory
Council
Mr Paul O'Connor NSW Fisheries
Mr Martin Palmer Master Fish Merchants
Association
Mr Ron Snape NSW
Commercial Fishing Advisory Council
(7) Yes, two.
(8)
Yes.
(9) No.
(10) Not applicable.
(11) The
Chairman of the NSW/FRAB has advised that he is not aware of any such concerns
by members of the New South Wales fishing industry.
(12) Money from
the trust fund has not been spent to date because the advisory committee has
not yet indicated its priorities. Should this committee suggest that estimation
of total allowable catches is a high priority and FRDC agree that quality
projects have been put forward, then the NSW trust fund can be used for this
purpose.
*479 RECREATIONAL FISHING—Mr
Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and Minister for
Mines—
(1) Has the Australian Fishing Tackle
Association (AFTA) advised you that it rejects the principle of fisheries
property rights?
(2) Did he or the NSW Department of Fisheries
consult with members of AFTA or other recreational organisations about the
discussion document "Sharing the Resource"?
(3) If not,
why not?
(4) If so, who were the people or organisations
contacted?
(5) Were copies of "Sharing the Resource"
mailed to licensed fishers in the State?
(6) Were copies of
"Sharing the Resource" mailed to every fishing club and fishing
tackle outlet in the State?
(7) If not, why not?
(8) Were
public meetings organised throughout the State to discuss the Government's
property rights proposal with commercial fishers?
(9) Were similar
meetings organised with recreational anglers and other users of the
resource?
(10) If not, why not?
(11) What is the
Government's policy in respect of the rights of recreational anglers to the
fishing resources of this State?
(12) What scientific data will be
used to establish the share of resource allocated to recreational fishing under
the Government's proposal?
(13) On what resource impact statistics
is the proposed total allowable recreational catch based?
Page
660
(1) The Australian
Fishing Tackle Association (AFTA) has voiced some concern over selected aspects
of the proposal. These concerns have been addressed by NSW Fisheries in letters
to AFTA.
(2) Yes. Recreational fishing organisations were consulted
and John Dunphy, President of AFTA, met with senior Fisheries officers (Steve
Dunn and Gary Henry) on 29 March 1994.
(3) Not applicable.
(4)
Consultations were held with the peak recreational fishing body in New
South Wales (NSW Recreational Fishing Advisory Council) and with a number of
affiliated organisations.
(5) Yes.
(6) Copies of
"Sharing the Resource" were mailed to all affiliated fishing clubs,
all non-affiliated fishing clubs on NSW Fisheries mailing lists and all clubs
that requested copies.
(7) Not applicable.
(8) Yes,
public meetings were held in seven regions along the New South Wales coast
which were attended by commercial and recreational fishers.
(9)
p;Meetings were held to discuss property rights with recreational fishers and
senior fishing officers have been accepting all invitations to club meetings to
speak on the topic.
(10) Not applicable.
(11) The
Government will not restrict the recreational sector in favour of commercial
fishers. Recreational fishers will not be excluded from commercial fishing
grounds, anglers will not be excluded from taking commercial species and an
angling licence is not proposed. New South Wales recreational fishers will
continue to enjoy all the entitlements that are currently available to
them.
(12) The best scientific data that is available will be used
to establish the recreational catch. This will include omnibus surveys, tagging
studies and creel surveys undertaken by the Fisheries Research Institute.
(13) The responsible commercial and recreational fishers in New South
Wales are telling manager that fish catch rates are declining. A management
plan is required to address these allegations. It is necessary to have the
management plan in place as soon as possible, rather than wait until there are
no fish left.
*480 TAFE STUDENT BUS
PASSES—Mr Mills asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for
Roads—
(1) Is he aware that many high school students
undertake part of their HSC studies at nearby TAFE colleges?
(2)
What are the reasons why the Department of Transport refuses these students
eligibility for the free bus pass scheme for travel between school and TAFE,
and TAFE and home?
(3) Will eligibility for the scheme be reviewed
to remove the injustice for these students?
(1) Yes.
(2) The School
Student Transport Scheme provides free travel by eligible students between the
student's home and school only. The benefits of the scheme do not extend to
such school related activities as attendance at TAFE Colleges.
Page 661 The Joint Secondary Schools TAFE Program is available as an
elective for many senior school students. The Department of School Education
provides a subsidy in some instances, for Joint Secondary Schools TAFE students
attending State schools whose travel costs are excessive, and in some instances
schools also organise transport for these students.
Half fare concessions
are available to any of these students using SRA and STA services. The NSW Bus
and Coach Association also recommends that the private bus industry offer
concessions to Joint Secondary Schools TAFE students, though there is no
reimbursement to the operators by the Government for loss of revenue.
(3)
No. It is not possible to broaden the scope of the free travel scheme for
students attending these courses, particularly having regard to the concessions
already available to these students.
*481 FIRE
ENGINE FLEET—NEWCASTLE AND MAITLAND—Mr Mills asked the Minister for
Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) How
many "fire engines" are employed by New South Wales Fire Brigades in
each of the following regions: (a) Newcastle?
(b)
Maitland?
(2) What is the average age of the vehicles in each of
the above regions?
(3) What is the cost of maintenance of the fire
engine fleet in each of the past 3 years in each of the above regions?
(4)
How many motors required replacement during the recent bush fire
emergency in the 18 days from Boxing Day 1993, in each of the above
regions?
(5) What was the time out of service in each of the above
cases?
(6) Does he consider it satisfactory that reconditioned
motors from the manufacturer are not supplied as "pre-tested"?
(7) (a) Will policy be changed to allow NSW Fire Brigades regions
to keep pre-tested replacement truck and pump motors ready for emergencies?
(8) How many new ire engines were
commissioned by NSW Fire Brigades in each of the past 2 years?
(9)
How many of these new units were put into service as new in each of the
Newcastle and Maitland regions?
(10) If none: (a) Where
were the new engines put into service?
(b) What are the reasons why
none were installed in Newcastle and Maitland?
(11) Are new fire
engines now fitted with diesel motors for the truck and the pumps?
(12)
How many diesel motors for trucks and pumps are installed in fire engines in
each of the Newcastle and Maitland regions?
(13) What is the
breakdown rate for petrol motors compared with diesel motors?
(14)
What is the principal cause of failure of petrol motors?
(15) What
plans exist to upgrade the motors in the fire engine fleet in the NSW Fire
Brigades regions of Newcastle and Maitland?
(16) How many fire
engines were transferred into each of the Newcastle and Maitland regions during
each of the last 2 years?
(17) From what regions were they
transferred?
(18) What was the cost of repairs of such transferred
units before they could be put into service in the Newcastle and Maitland
regions?
Page 662
(1) (a) 37. (2) 10 years for
the Newcastle vehicles and 14.6 years for the Maitland vehicles.
(3)
| 1991/92 | 1992/93 |
| Newcastle | $686,335 | $413,345 |
| Maitland | $10,345 | $98,170 |
(4) One in the Newcastle region.
(5) 2
days.
(6) Yes. There is a relatively insignificant number of engine
failures, particularly of rebuilt engines of this type.
(7) No.
Equipment failures are monitored. Regional contractors provide service and
exchange parts. The pumps have traditionally been reliable. Spare units are
generally available.
(8) 1992 9 appliances. 1993
5 appliances.
1994 26 appliances as at 28 March
1994.
(9) None.
(10) (a) The Sydney Fire
District. (b) Installation priority is based upon a number of
factors, principally the number of incidents to which each station responds.
The priorities are regularly reviewed.
(11) New fire engines are
now fitted with diesel motors for the truck. Most are fitted with pumps that
are driven directly from the engine. Where separate pumps are employed, diesel
powered units are preferred, although not always practicable, as a vehicle may
be petrol-engined.
(12) Newcastle 5. (13) Petrol engines break down more often than diesel. The
overall reliability of the Brigades' petrol-engined appliances is nevertheless
high. The breakdown rate has decreased following a recent statewide upgrade
program.
(14) Electrical and fuel delivery problems.
(15)
There is a well developed reallocation program in place which includes
upgrading the fleet in Newcastle and Maitland.
(16)
«;tr valign="top"> | 1992 | 1993 | | Newcastle | 2 | 2 |
|
Maitland | None | None |
(17) The Sydney Fire District.
(18)
$22,372 for work carried out in Sydney on the four vehicles prior to
reallocation to Newcastle and Maitland.
Page 663
*482 ETHNIC AFFAIRS COMMISSION STAFF DEPARTURE—Mr Mills asked the
Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the
Minister for Justice—
(1) How many staff: (a)
Resigned; and
(b) Otherwise separated from the Ethnic Affairs
Commission during the—
(i) 6 months to 31
December 1992? (ii) 6 months to 30 June 1993?
(iii) 6 months to 31 December 1993?
(2) What are the
grades of these staff in each of the above periods?
(3) How many
have been replaced, and at what grades, from each of the above periods?
(1) (a) The
total Commission staff who resigned were:
(i)
6 months to 31 December 1992 7 (ii) 6 months to
30 June 1993 10
(iii) 6 months to 31 December 1993 6 (b)
The total Commission staff who otherwise separated were:
(i) 6 months to 31 December 1992 9
(ii)
6 months to 30 June 1993 7
(iii) 6 months to
31 December 1993 13
(2) The grades of Commission staff
departing is shown in columns 1 and 2 in Tables 1, 2 and 3.
(3) The
total number of Commission staff recruited were: (i)
6 months to 31 December 1992 22
(ii) 6 months
to 30 June 1993 11
(iii) 6 months to 31
December 1993 11
The grades of Commission staff recruited for each
of the requested periods is shown in column 1 of Tables 4, 5 and 6.
TABLE 1 Ethnic Affairs Commission
Staff Departures
Period: 1 July 1992 to 31 December 1992
Grade of Officer:
Resignation | Grade of Officer:
Otherwise Separated | Employment Status:
Permanent or Temporary |
| Clerical Officer, Grade 1 | «;td
width="196">Permanent |
| | Clerk, Grade 4 | Temporary |
| Clerical Officer, Grade 1/2 | Temporary |
| Clerical
Officer, Grade 3 | Permanent |
| P/T Interpreter, Grade 2 | | Temporary |
| P/T
Interpreter, Grade 2 | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade 1/2 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade 2 | Temporary |
| Page 664 | Clerk, Grade
2 | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade 5/6 | | Permanent |
| Clerical
Officer, Grade 1/2 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade 3 | Permanent |
| Interpreter, Grade 2 | Temporary |
| Clerical
Officer, Grade 1/2 | | Permanent |
| Clerical Officer, Grade 3 | Temporary |
| Clerical Officer, Grade 1/2 | | Temporary |
| Total Resign—7 | Total
Other—9 | Perm.—5 Temp.—11 |
TABLE 2 Ethnic Affairs
Commission
Staff Departures
Period: 1 January 1993 to 30 June 1993
Grade of
Officer:
Resignation | Grade of Officer:
Otherwise
Separated | Employment Status:
Permanent or
Temporary |
| Translator, Grade
4 | | Permanent |
| Clerk, Grade 6 | | Permanent |
| Australian Trainee | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade 7/8 | Permanent |
| Clerk, Grade
5/6 | | Temporary |
| Clerical Officer, Grade 1/2 | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade
6 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade 4 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade 5/6 | Permanent |
| Clerk, Grade 5/6 | | Permanent |
| | Clerk, Grade 7/8 | Permanent |
| Clerk, Grade 9/10 | | Permanent |
| Clerical Officer, Grade 1/2«;/td> | Temporary |
| Officer In Charge | Permanent |
| Clerical Officer, Grade 1/2 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade 9 | | Permanent |
| Clerk, Grade 9
| | Permanent |
| Total
Resign—10 | Total Other—7 | Perm.—10 Temp.—7 |
TABLE 3 Ethnic
Affairs Commission
Staff Departures
Period: 1 July 1993 to 31 December
1993
Grade of Officer:
Resignation | Grade of
Officer:
Otherwise Separated | Employment Status:
Permanent or Temporary |
| Clerical
Officer, Grade 1/2 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade
6 | | Temporary |
| P/T Interpreter, Grade 3 | Temporary |
| Clerical Officer, Grade 1/2 | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade 9/10 | | Permanent |
| Clerk, Grade 7 | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade 6 | | Permanent |
| Clerk, Grade 4 | Temporary |
| Officer In Charge | | Permanent |
| Clerical
Officer, Grade 1/2 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade 7 | Temporary |
| Interpreter, Grade 3 | Temporary |
| Australian Trainee | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade 7/8 | Temporary |
| Translator, Grade 4 | Temporary |
| Australian Trainee | Temporary |
| | Clerical Officer, Grade 3 | Permanent |
| Clerical
Officer, Grade 1/2 | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade 5 | Temporary |
| Total
Resign—6 | Total Other—13 | Perm.—4 Temp.—15 |
Page 666
TABLE 4 Ethnic Affairs Commission
Staff Recruitment
Period: 1 July 1992 to 31 December 1992
| Recruitment Grade | Permanent | Temporary |
| Clerical Officer, Grade 3 | | Temporary |
| Clerical
Officer, Grade 1/2 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade
4 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade 5 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade
5/6 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade 6 | Permanent | |
| Clerical Officer, Grade
3 | | Temporary |
| Interpreter, Grade 3 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade
4 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade 6 | | Temporary |
| Clerical
Officer, Grade 1/2 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade
6 | Permanent | |
| Clerical Officer, Grade 1/2 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade
5/6 | Permanent | |
| Clerk, Grade 4 | Permanent | |
| Interpreter, Grade 3 | | Temporary |
| Clerical Officer, Grade 1/2 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade
9 | Permanent | |
| Clerk, Grade 1/2 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade
5/6 | | Temporary |
| Clerical Officer, Grade 1/2 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade
4 | | Temporary |
| Total Recruited—22 | Total
Permanent—5 | Total
Temporary—17 |
Page 667
TABLE 5 Ethnic Affairs Commission
Staff Recruitment
Period: 1 January 1993 to 30 June 1993
| Recruitment Grade | Permanent | Temporary |
| Australian Trainee | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade
4 | | Temporary |
| Australian Trainee | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade
5/6 | | Temporary |
| Interpreter/Translator, Grade 3 | | Temporary |
| Australian
Trainee | | Temporary |
| Clerical Officer, Grade 1/2 | | Temporary |
| Australian
Trainee | | Temporary |
| Clerical Officer, Grade 1/2 | | Temporary |
| Clerical
Officer, Grade 1/2 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade
9 | Permanent | |
| Total Recruited—11 | Total
Permanent—1 | Total
Temporary—10 |
TABLE 6
Ethnic Affairs Commission
Staff Recruitment
Period: 1 July 1993 to
31 December 1993
| Recruitment Grade | Permanent | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade
9 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade 5/6 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade
7/8 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade 7/8 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade
8 | | Temporary |
| Clerical Officer, Grade 1/2 | | Temporary |
| Clerk, Grade
7/8 | | Temporary |
| Interpreter, Grade 3 | | Temporary |
| Translator,
Grade 4 | | Temporary |
«;tr
valign="top">Clerk, Grade 4 | | Temporary | | Interpreter,
Grade 3 | | Temporary |
| Total Recruited—11 | Total
Permanent—0 | Total
Temporary—11 |
Page
668
*483 ROAD FUNDING—ELECTORATE OF CESSNOCK—Mr
Neilly asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) How much of the State Budget funding allocations to each of the
Local Government areas in the electorate of Cessnock was expended in the
financial years ended 30 June:
(a)
1990? (b) 1991?
(c) 1992?
(d) 1993?
(2) How much of the funding referred to above was via
Federal Government grants?
(1) Expenditure totalled: (a) 1989/90 Cessnock
$7.635 million Muswellbrook $2.060 million
Singleton $8.082 million
(b) 1990/91 Cessnock $8.686 million
Muswellbrook $2.120 million
Singleton
$11.793 million
(c)
1991/92 Cessnock $4.985 million
Muswellbrook $0.984 million
Singleton $8.883
million
(d) 1992/93
Cessnock $5.819 million Muswellbrook
$1.571 million
Singleton $8.581 million
(2) Expenditure of Commonwealth funds
totalled: 1989/90 Cessnock $1.076 million
Muswellbrook $0.888 million
Singleton $5.578
million
1990/91
Cessnock $0.873 million Muswellbrook $0.553
million
Singleton $7.605 million
1991/92 Cessnock $0.154
million Muswellbrook $0.079 million
Singleton
$5.162million
1992/93
Cessnock $0.571 million Muswellbrook $0.126
million
Singleton $3.177 million
Page 669
*484 HUNTER AREA ASSISTANCE
SCHEME—Mr Neilly asked the Minister for Land and Water Conservation
representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing—
(1) What were the allocations from the Hunter Area Assistance Scheme
to each of the electorates covered by the scheme during each of the financial
years ended 30 June: (a) 1989?
(b) 1990?
(c)
1991?
(d) 1992?
(e) 1993?
(f) 1994 (to
date)?
(2) What were the allocations to each of the Local
Government areas covered by the scheme referred to above during the respective
financial years?
I have
been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing that the
answers to the honourable member's questions are:
(1) The
allocations from the Hunter Area Assistance Scheme to each of the electorates
covered by the Scheme during each financial year from 1989 to 1994 were:
Year Electorate
Amount
1989 Cessnock
$62,325 Lake
Macquarie $99,995
Maitland $98,930
Myall Lakes
$42,324
Newcastle $154,986
Port Macquarie $162,647
Port Stephens
$51,407
Swansea
$45,070 Waratah
$80,170
nbsp; Lake Macquarie
$135,045 Myall Lakes $36,712
Port Macquarie $164,310
Port Stephens $235,291
Swansea
$66,039 Waratah
$4,575
Wallsend $16,594
Page 670 Lake Macquarie
$203,115 Myall Lakes
$75,302 Port Macquarie
$21,000 Port Stephens $164,686
Scone $28,676
Swasea
$43,732
Upper Hunter $43,803
Waratah -
Wallsend
$29,606
Lake Macquarie
$126,174 Myall Lakes
$148,128
Port
Macquarie $6,662 Port
Stephens $54,964
Swansea
$61,252
Upper Hunter $108,132
Lake Macquarie
$53,187
Myall Lakes $31,480
Port Macquarie $66,605
Swansea $44,708 Waratah
-
Lake Macquarie
$145,762 p; Myall Lakes
$83,873
Port Macquarie $82,311
Swansea -
Upper Hunter $115,452
Waratah
$59,593
Wallsend $38,946
Page 671
(2) The allocations from the
Hunter Area Assistance Scheme to each of the local government areas covered by
the Scheme during each financial year from 1989 to 1994 were:
Year Local Government Area
Amount
Cloucester
$18,020
Lake Macquarie $264,825
Merriwa $7,950
Muswellbrook $22,446 Port
Stephens $51,407 Singleton
$10,948 Regional and Subregional
$340,611
1990 Cessnock
&bsp; $70,067 Gloucester
- Lake Macquarie
$209,636
Merriwa -
Murrurundi - Newcastle $91,976
Port Stephens $235,291
Singleton $43,500 Regional and
Subregional $344,747
1991
Cessnock $98,871 Gloucester
$5,374 Lake Macquarie
$280,087 Merriwa $4,554
Muswellbrook $18,874
Port Stephens $164686 Singleton
$39,000 Regional and Subregional
$191,064
Page 672
1992
Cessnock $69,326 Gloucester
$29,396 Lake Macquarie
$292,791 Merriwa $11,336
Muswellbrook $20,228
Port Stephens $54,964 Singleton
$16,000 Regional and Subregional
$101,584
1993 Cessnock
$51,694 Gloucester
$24,906 Lake Macquarie
$177,063
; Merriwa $11,000
Muswellbrook $2,922
Port Stephens $96,902 Singleton
$10,000 Regional and Subregional
$252,806
1994 Cessnock
$24,452 Dungog
$18,199
Gloucester $5,260
Great Lakes $62,680
Lake Macquarie $145,762
Maitland $34,409
Merriwa
$14,000
Murrurundi
$3,876 Newcastle $148,089
Scone $24,914
Greater Taree $66,421 Regional and
Subregional $157,642
Page
673
*485 SPORT AND RECREATION CAPITAL GRANTS TO THE HUNTER
REGION—Mr Neilly asked the Minister for Sport, Recreation and
Racing—
(1) How much was allocated to each of the
electorates in the Hunter Region by way of Department of Sport and Recreation
capital grants during each of the financial years ended 30 June: (a) &bsp; 1989?
(b) 1990?
(c) 1991?
(d) 1992?
(e) 1993?
(f) 1994 (to date)?
(2) What were
the allocations to each of the Local Government areas in the region referred to
above during the respective financial years?
(1) The detail requested in the
member's question would require the undue diversion of the Department's time
and resources from their core responsibilities. General statistical information
relating to CAP grants may be found in the Department's annual reports.
(2)
See answer to question (1)
*486 CABRAMATTA
TRAIN SERVICES—Mr Newman asked the Minister for Transport and Minister
for Roads—
(1) How many fast trains are scheduled for
weekday mornings for Cabramatta to Sydney between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9
a.m.?
(2) How many "all stations" trains are scheduled for
the same period?
(3) What is the average time for each journey for
each type of service?
(4) How many fast trains are scheduled for
Sydney to Cabramatta between the hours of 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.?
(5) How
many "all stations" trains for the same period?
(6) What
is the average time of each type of journey?
(1) 17.
(2) 3.
(3)
Approximately 44 and 52 minutes respectively.
(4) 19.
(5)
2 trains with an average journey time of 52 minutes.
(6)
Approximately 44 minutes for fast trains.
*487
LIVERPOOL HOSPITAL SERVICES—Mr Newman asked the Minister for
Health—
(1) To what extent has the Liverpool Hospital
had a staff increase in accordance with increased bed numbers and services?
(2) What new services over the past 10 years have received adequate
staff allowances to compensate for the extra work?
Page
674 (1) There have been
marginal variations from year-to-year associated with the Hospital's
redevelopment. Increased staffing has been related to the enhancement of
specialist services.
(2) New services introduced at Liverpool
Hospital over the past 10 years and associated with additional staff have
included: major trauma services, intensive and high dependency care,
ophthalmology, cardiology, oncology, aged care and rehabilitation, migrant
(refugee) screening, domiciliary midwifery, perioperative ward, renal services
and obstetrics and gynaecology. Each of these services has been enhanced with
appropriate staffing.
*488 AMBULANCE
SERVICES—CABRAMATTA—Mr Newman asked the Minister for
Health—
(1) What ambulance services are available to
the population of Cabramatta?
(2) What has been the total staffing
of ambulance officers at the Fairfield and Liverpool Ambulance Stations for
each year in the past 10 years?
(3) What number of ambulances are
available on day and evening rosters at each respective station?
(4)
What is the average waiting time for emergency and non-emergency call out to
the Cabramatta area?
(1)
Residents of the Cabramatta area are serviced by three ambulance
stations. These are Liverpool, Fairfield and Green Valley.
(2)
Fairfield Ambulance Station has had 13 ambulance officers since 1985.
Liverpool Ambulance Station had 22 officers from 1985 to 1991, and 13 oficers since the transfer of the Rescue module to Bankstown in 1991. Green
Valley Ambulance Station has 24 ambulance officers.
(3) Liverpool
and Fairfield Ambulance Stations generally have two ambulances available on day
shift and one ambulance on night shift over a 7-day period. Green Valley
Ambulance Station generally has four ambulances available on day shift and two
ambulances on night shift over a 7-day period.
(4) Emergency
response or waiting times in the Cabramatta area have been identified as 7.16
minutes. Non-emergency response or waiting times vary and are influenced by a
number of factors including the emergency workload.
*489
ETHNIC GROUP FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE—ELECTORATE OF
CABRAMATTA—Mr Newman asked the Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic
Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for Justice—
(1)
What financial assistance has the Department provided to ethnic groups
in the electorate of Cabramatta?
(2) What are the names of the
organisations and grants provided?
(3) How much of any financial aid
came from Federal sources?
(1) The Ethnic Affairs Commission has provided a total of $65,000
for the Electorate of Cabramatta during the financial year 1993/94.
Page 675 (2) (a) Cabramatta Electorate:
Organisation: Cabramatta Community Centre.
Amount:
$35,000.
Year: 1993, Community Advancement Program.
Project:
Fairfield language aid project.
Organisation: Khmer Community of NSW Inc.
Amount:
$14,000.
Year: 1994, Community Advancement Program. Project:
Khmer women support group to address issues of social isolation and
depression.
Organisation: NSW
Spanish and Latin American Association for Social Assistance.
Amount:
$16,000.
Year: 1994, Community Advancement Program. Project:
To produce a Spanish Speaking Employment Alternatives Resource
Manual.
(3) None of the financial aid
provided came from Federal sources.
Details of grants in previous years are
contained in the annual reports of the Ethnic Affairs Commission which have
been tabled in Parliament.
*490 FIREPAC
VEHICLES—Mr Price asked the Minister for Police and Minister for
Emergency Services—
(1) How many of the new
purpose-built Firepac vehicles will be located in the Sydney region for the NSW
Fire Brigades?
(2) Will any of these units be located in the Hunter
and the Illawarra region?
(3) If not, why not and when can these new
vehicles be expected to be located in these major industrial centres?
(1) 55.
(2)
No.
(3) Allocation of new appliances is based upon a number of
factors, principally the number of incidents to which each station responds.
The priorities are regularly reviewed.
The Brigades' program of cascading
fire engines from the busiest to the quietest stations will mean that stations
in the Hunter and Illawarra will have their appliances upgraded by vehicles now
being transferred out of Sydney. For the immediate future, the Firepacs will be
stationed in the Sydney area.
*491 HUNTER AREA
HEALTH SERVICE—ELECTIVE SURGERY—Dr Refshauge asked the Minister for
Health—
(1) How may operations classified as elective
surgery were carried out at each of the hospitals in the Hunter Area Health
Service in each month from September 1993 to December 1993, inclusive?
(2)
How many of these in each month were day surgery?
Page 676 (1) and (2) Information by
each hospital in each area by month on operations is not collected centrally.
Currently the only centrally available data on booking lists is provided in the
Annual Booking List Survey.
To provide this information over a 3-year
period would require considerable staff time which is not warranted within the
priorities of the NSW Health Department.
*492
WESTERN SYDNEY AREA HEALTH SERVICE—ELECTIVE SURGERY—Dr Refshauge
asked the Minister for Health—
(1) How many
operations classified as elective surgery were carried out at each of the
hospitals in the Western Sydney Area Health Service in each month from January
1991 to December 1993, inclusive?
(2) How many of these in each
month were day surgery?
(1) and (2) Information by each hospital in each area by month on
operations is not collected centrally. Currently the only centrally available
data on booking lists is provided in the Annual Booking List Survey.
To
provide this information over a 3-year period would require considerable staff
time which is not warranted within the priorities of the NSW Health
Department.
*493 SOUTH WESTERN SYDNEY AREA HEALTH
SERVICE—ELECTIVE SURGERY—Dr Refshauge asked the Minister for
Health—
(1) How many operations classified as
elective surgery were carried out at each of the hospitals in the South Western
Sydney Area Health Service in each month from January 1991 to December 1993,
inclusive?
(2) How many of these in each month were day
surgery?
(1) and (2)
Information by each hospital in each area by month on operations is not
collected centrally. Currently the only centrally available data on booking
lists is provided in the Annual Booking List Survey.
To provide this
information over a 3-year period would require considerable staff time which is
not warranted within the priorities of the NSW Health Department.
*494 EXPORT STEAMING COAL—Mr Rogan asked the Minister
for Energy and Minister for Local Government and Co-operatives—
(1) Is Pacific Power, or a representative of Pacific Power, involved
in the current price negotiations with the Japanese for the sale of export
steaming coal?
(2) Has any minimum price been set for the purpose of
such negotiations?
Page 677 (1) Powercoal Pty Ltd, the wholly-owned coal mining
company of Pacific Power, does not have any term contracts with Japanese power
utilities, and as such is not part of the current negotiations.
(2)
Not applicable.
*495 PACIFIC POWER EXPORT
COAL—Mr Rogan asked the Minister for Energy and Minister for Local
Government and Co-operatives—
(1) What was the
quantity of coal sold by each of the Pacific Power collieries on the export
market during 1993?
(2) Was coal exchanged between Pacific Power
collieries to accomplish exports in 1993?
(3) What was the
composition between contract sales and spot sales of the coal sold by each of
the Pacific Power collieries on the export market during 1993?
(4)
What are the forecast estimates for export coal sales by Pacific Power
collieries for 1994?
(5) How much of the forecast estimates for
export coal sales by Pacific Power collieries for 1994 is by contact
arrangements?
&t;ul>
(1)
Coal sold directly on the export market during 1993 was: Newstan
232,000 tonnes
Awaba 125,000
tonnes
Myuna 57,000 tonnes
(2)
Yes.
(3) Only 24,000 tonnes were sold under contract, the remainder
was by trial shipments, spot sales or coal sold to other coal companies for
blending to make a product suitable for export.
(4) The forecast for
1994 is one million tonnes. This tonnage is a mixture of contracted tonnage,
spot tonnage, trial shipments and coal sold to other coal companies for
blending to make a product suitable for export.
(5) 450,000
tonnes.
*496 NEWVALE COLLIERY—Mr Rogan
asked the Minister for Energy and Minister for Local Government and
Co-operatives—
(1) Subsequent to the closure of
Pacific Power's Newvale Colliery, what were the major items of equipment sold
at auction, sold by private treaty or transferred to other Pacific Power
collieries?
(2) What was the sale price for each item referred to in
(1) sold by auction or by private treaty?
(3) What was the transfer
value for each item referred to in (1) and to which Pacific Power collieries
has this equipment been transferred?
(4) How was the valuation
determined for each item of major equipment transferred to other Pacific Power
collieries?
(5) Has the equipment transferred to other Pacific Power
Collieries been installed?
(6) Was any major item of equipment
designated for sale or transfer written off following failure to attract a
bidder at auction or following further inspection?
(7) What are the
major items of equipment written off or remaining unsold?
Page 678 (1) Subsequent to
the closure of Newvale Colliery, all major items have either been sold at
auction or transferred to mines owned by Powercoal Pty Ltd. Major items
transferred included two remote controlled continuous miners, four shuttle
cars, four breaker line supports and one fan drive and control.
(2)
Mine equipment not transferred to other mines achieved $1.65 million at
auction.
(3) and (4) The transfer and installed value from the utilisation
of Newvale equipment in other Powercoal mines was $7.6 million. This was valued
in accordance with the formula tabled during the Parliamentary Inquiry.
(5)
Most transferred equipment has been installed at the respective sites.
Face production equipment including continuous miners, shuttle cars and breaker
line supports have been refurbished and are now part of improved and high
productivity mining systems.
Major items such as the drift conveyor and the
men and materials haulage winch (winder) require extensive pre-installation
works which are proceeding.
(6) No equipment has been written off
because it failed to be sold or transferred.
(7) There are no
remaining items of equipment written off or remaining unsold.
*497 SHELLHARBOUR HOSPITAL—CHILDREN'S WARD—Mr Rumble
asked the Minister for Health—
(1) What would be the
capital cost and the annual recurrent expenditure to reopen the children's ward
of the Shellharbour Hospital?
(2) What is the breakdown of the
expenditure?
(1)
The cost of opening a children's ward at Shellharbour Hospital cannot be
measured in dollars. Expert clinical opinion is that the cost of a children's
ward at Shellharbour would be staff who, as a result of an insufficient number
of children requiring care, would not be able to maintain the required clinical
expertise
The Shellharbour children's ward was closed by the previous Labor
Government. This Government supports that decision of the previous Labor Health
Minister, and has no intention of overturning his decision.
(2) Not
applicable.
*498 DEPARTMENT OF
HOUSING—BUDGETS—Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for Land and Water
Conservation representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for
Housing—
(1) What has been the budget surplus for the
Department of Housing for the financial years: (a) 1990/91?
(b)
1991/92?
(c) 1992/93?
(2) What were Department of
Housing maintenance budgets for the I15 and I16 regions for the financial
years: (a) 1990/91?
(b) 1991/92?
(c) 1992/93?
Page 679
I have been advised by the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing
that the answers to the honourable member's questions are:
(1) (a)
$43.156 million (b)
$105.421 million
(c)
$63.632 million
(These results refer to the Department's operating results after rental rebates
and before abnormal or extraordinary items).
(2) Budgets are not
allocated by Allocation Zone. The zones I15 and I16 fall within the
Department's South Eastern Regional Office. These figures refer to the repairs
and maintenance expenditure of the Region: (a) $6.598 million
(b) $7.325 million
(c) $5.483 million
*499 HOMEFUND BORROWERS COSTS—Mr Sullivan asked the Minister
for Land and Water Conservation representing the Minister for Planning and
Minister for Housing—
(1) Is the Department of
Housing asking HomeFund borrowers in category A to pay the following expenses
when they are forced to refinance their loans with a bank: (a) Bank
application fees of $600 or more?
(b) Title searches which can vary
between $30 and $100?
(c) Bank registration fees?
(2) Is
the Department of Housing asking HomeFund borrowers in category A to pay the
following expenses when they are forced to refinance their loans: (a)
Section 149 certificates from local councils costing $40 or more?
(b)
Solicitors fees for representation in cotract preparation and other legal
work of over $500?
(3) Is the Department of Housing asking HomeFund
borrowers in category A to pay a $211 building society discharge fee payable to
the co-operative building society through whom they borrowed their HomeFund
loan expense when they are forced to refinance their loans?
I have been advised by the Minister for
Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable member's
questions are:
(1) (a) to (c) HomeFund borrowers in Category
A are not being forced to refinance. They are given a choice. HomeFund
borrowers electing to refinance their loans with a bank are responsible for any
application fees, title searches and bank registration fees imposed by the
bank. The Home Purchase Assistance Authority will not reimburse borrowers for
these expenses. Actual fees charged vary widely from bank to bank. During the
past 2 years, over 26,000 borrowers have let the HomeFund Scheme, the majority
having successfully refinanced with banks.
(2) (a) and (b)
The costs of obtaining section 149 certificates and any legal representation
are payable by the borrower. Legal costs vary, but in many cases would be much
less than $500.
(3) HomeFund borrowers in Category A electing to
refinance their loans may incur a mortgage discharge fee payable to the
Co-operative Housing Society which manages their HomeFund loan. The maximum
amount that may be charged by a Co-operative Housing Society is $56. Any legal
costs incurred by the Co-operative Housing Society to discharge the mortgage
are also payable by the borrower.
Page 680
*500
ILLAWARRA HOSPITAL WAITING LISTS—Mr Sullivan asked the Minister
for Health—
(1) To what extent are hospital waiting
lists in the Illawarra caused by the $7.9 million budget cutback in the
hospital budgets in the Illawarra since 1990/91?
(2) What were the
official waiting lists as at November of the following years: (a)
1990?
(b) 1991?
(c) 1992?
(d) 1993?
(1) High levels
of quality care and the effects of the recession have brought more people into
public hospitals in the Illawarra and contributed to the decline in chargeable
patients. In 1990, 30.9 per cent of admissions were chargeable—this has
been reduced to 22.2 per cent as of November 1993. The number of admissions has
increased by 6,920 over the same period.
In 1992/93, the Area received
$800,000 and in 1993/94 $500,000 of Hospital Access Program funding to reduce
waiting lists.
(2) This information is available from the annual
Performance Survey, released at the beginning of each year.
*501 DESTRUCTION OF NEWCASTLE POLICE RECORDS—Mr Face asked the
Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1)
Is the destruction of records and culling of files at Newcastle Police
Station, since the publication of the article on 19 February 1994 by a Sergeant
Brian Finn, officially sanctioned?
(2) If not, why is such culling
taking place?
(3) If it is sanctioned, what is the purpose of such
cull prior to an audit on the departure of Superintendent Cleary to North
Region office?
(4) (a) Who gave such direction?
(b) What is the name, rank and location of duty of the person?
(1) Yes.
(2)
Not applicable.
(3) I am advised that it is a routine reduction of
accumulated, outdated records, in accordance with Commissioner's Instructions.
It has no relationship to any audit of the Patrol.
(4) (a) and (b)
Inspector Scaysbrook, Acting Patrol Commander, Newcastle.
*502 CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT MOELLER—Mr Face asked the Minister for
Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) Has
Chief Superintendent Moeller publicly stated that the manner in which the
arrest was handled as imprudent and the case is now before the Police
Commissioner and the Ombudsman to determine what action should be taken?
(2) As no inquiry was in train at that date, why did Superintendent
Moeller make this remark?
(3) Is it to be taken that Chief
Superintendent Moeller now speaks for the Commissioner of Police and has
authority to do so?
Page 681 (4) Did Chief
Superintendent Moeller have the authority of the Ombudsman to make such a
statement?
(5) (a) Has Chief Superintendent Moeller gone
outside his authority?
; (b) If so, what action is proposed by
the Commissioner and the Ombudsman's Office?
(1) to (5) The issues the questions
address are subject to a departmental investigation. It would not be
appropriate to speculate on the outcome of that investigation at this
time.
*503 SUPERINTENDENT CLEARY—Mr Face
asked the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) Has a direction been given to Superintendent Ian Cleary
that he must not under any circumstances speak to the media on any issue
concerning himself, the Police Service or anything?
(2) (a)
Why was this direction given?
(b) By
whom and on what date and in what form? (3) (a) Was
Chief Superintendent Moeller given the same direction in a written form?
(b) If not, why not?
(4) Since publication in the
Newcastle Herald of 29 February 1994, who in the Police Service has
given information to cause the Cleary family to be excluded from their home
because of TV media blocking their entry?
(5) What member of the
Police Service (name, rank and location of duty) issued a statement concerning
Superintendent Cleary being relocated from Newcastle to TV station NBN3?
(6) Will he refer the matter of media contact to the Commissioner for
immediate investigation as to double standards between the direction given to
Cleary and other members of the Police Service?
(1) Superintendent Cleary has been
directed not to have any contact with media representatives without prior
written approval.
(2) (a) To facilitate a proper and
unhindered departmental investigation of the issues. (b) At the
direction of the State Commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner Gibson, a
memorandum signed by the Region Commander, North, Assistant Commissioner
Donaldson, was served on Superintendent Cleary on 22 February 1994.
(3)
(a) Chief Superintendent Moeller has been personally directed by
the Region Commander, North, Assistant Commissioner Donaldson, not to make any
public comment on the issues. He has complied with this direction. (b)
See response (3) (a) above.
(4) If any member of the Police
Service did so, the identity of such person is unknown.
(5) If any
member of the Police Service did so, the identity of such person is
unknown.
(6) No. The prohibition against individual public comment
on the issues applies equally to Superintendent Cleary and other officers
concerned, pending finalisation of the departmental investigation.
Page 682
*504 CONSTABLE GREG CLEARY—Mr Face
asked the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) Was a threat made by Chief Superintendent Moeller that
Constable Greg Cleary would not graduate from the Police Academy if his father
did not drop off the incident of 13 November 1993?
(2) What was the
purpose of such threat to Superintendent Ian Cleary?
(3) Was
Constable Greg Cleary confirmed as a constable on 22 January 1994?
(4)
(a) Is there any investigation into Constable Greg Cleary as a result
of the incident on 13 November 1993?
(b) If not, why was such
a suggestion made?
(c) If so, why was not this matter raised
prior to his graduation?
(5) Was Constable Greg Cleary mentioned in
the Newcastle Herald on 19 February 1994 as being under
investigation?
(6) Were the actions of involving him by inference and
threat unwarranted?
(7) What action will be taken?
(1) The circumstances surrounding
this incident are the subject of investigation. This particular issue is
encompassed in the investigation being conducted.
(2) See response
(1) above.
(3) Yes.
(4) (a) The circumstances
surrounding the incident on 13 November 1993 is the subject of investigation.
Constable Cleary was at the scene of the incident. (b) See response
(4) (a) above.
(c) The focus of the complaint which had been
received was principally directed at Superintendent Cleary and at the relevant
time there was a strong prospect that the matter could be resolved by
conciliation.
In the circumstances then prevailing, it was not considered
appropriate to impede Constable Cleary's confirmation.
(5) Yes.
(6) As the matter is subject to investigation, it is not appropriate for
me to comment.
(7) As the matter is subject to investigation, it is
not appropriate for me to comment.
*505
CONCILIATION BY THE OMBUDSMAN—Mr Face asked the Minister for Police and
Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) Did the
Ombudsman conciliate in a matter involving a Udo Fries as a result of his
arrest at the South Steyne floating restaurant on 13 November 1993?
(2)
Did Inspector Bill Smith from North Region Internal Affairs undertake the
conciliation process?
(3) If this was a conciliation process, did it
constitute any investigation as well as conciliation?
(4) If it was
construed to be an investigation, what are the names and addresses of those who
were interviewed by Inspector Bill Smith for the purpose of investigation?
(5) If it was not an investigation, who did Inspector Bill Smith speak
to in relation to the conciliation process and their names and addresses?
(6) If it was only a conciliation process, what was the final outcome
and was there any document signed constituting a conciliation document and a
deed of release?
(7) What is the legality of such deed of
release?
Page 683
(1) to (6) The Ombudsman has not advised the Police Service that he
considers the complaint satisfactorily conciliated.
Detective Inspector
Smith, Internal Affairs, North, initially undertook the investigation of the
complaint. In accordance with normal practice, an attempt was made to
conciliate the complaint. Mr and Mrs Fries ultimately signed statements
withdrawing their complaints.
Pending a satisfactory resolution of the
complaint, the investigation of it continued. Some fifteen people had been
interviewed by Detective Inspector Smith, from most of whom statements had been
taken, prior to publication of an article in the Newcastle Herald on 19
February 1994 concerning the incident. The identification of these persons at
this time would be inappropriate.
The withdrawal of informations preferred
against Mr Fries was accompanied by the execution of a Deed of Release by
him.
(7) The Deed of Release was executed in respect of the charges
preferred against Mr Fries and not as part of the conciliation process. The
legality or otherwise of the document would be a matter for determination by a
Court of Law.
*506 POLICE
INVESTIGATION—SOUTH STEYNE—Mr Face asked the Minister for Police
and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) Was there no
Police Service inquiry whatsoever into the incident on 13 November 1993 until
22 and 23 February 1994 that is in contrast to an article that appeared on 19
February 1994 in the Newcastle Herald indicating that an inquiry or an
investigation at that time was taking place?
(2) Has Superintendent
Cleary complained repeatedly about the withdrawal othis matter and not having it dealt with by a magistrate would pervert the
course of justice?
(3) What action has the NSW Police Service taken
in this regard?
(4) Was Assistant Commissioner Donaldson, North
Region, advised correctly into section 103 of the Liquor Act 1982 especially
subsection (4)?
(5) If so, why did he not act in accordance with
this?
(6) Has Superintendent Cleary indicated to some senior police
that he had obtained several legal advice that his actions were correct in
regard to section 103 (4).
(7) If so, why has this been ignored?
(8) Why to date has Jane Cleary, who has been a victim of this incident,
never been interviewed or consulted at all with regard to the circumstances of
the withdrawal of the matter from the courts?
(9) Did a Sergeant
Phillip Lloyd, a prosecutor attached to Newcastle, have the passage of
withdrawal of proceedings against Fries?
(10) If so:
(a)
Who authorised him to act in that capacity?
(b) Is he
satisfied his legal advice was correct?
(c) Who instructed
him to deal with Fries?
(d) Has there been a stubborn refusal
by Lloyd to accept section 103 (4) of the Liquor Act?
(e)
(i) Did Sergeant Lloyd deal with any other persons surrounding this
incident? (ii) If so, what are the names and
addresses of the persons and the relevance to this incident?
Page 684 (1)
Detective Inspector Smith, Internal Affairs (North), initially undertook the
investigation of the complaint. In accordance with normal practice, an attempt
was made to conciliate the complaint. Mr and Mrs Fries ultimately signed
statements withdrawing their complaints.
However, pending a satisfactory
resolution of the complaint, the investigation of it continued. Some fifteen
people had been interviewed by Detective Inspector Smith, from most of whom
statements had been taken, prior to publication of an article in the
Newcastle Herald on 19 February 1994 concerning the incident.
(2) to
(10) These issues are currently the subject of investigation. I am therefore
not prepared to comment on these matters at this time.
*507 SOUTH STEYNE FLOATING RESTAURANT—Mr Face asked the Minister
for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1)
How many police were called to the incident on 13 November 1993 involving Jane
Cleary in addition to Superintendent Cleary and his son, Constable Greg
Cleary?
(2) What were the names, ranks and location of duty of the
police that came to the scene of this incident?
(3) Are all of the
police that came to the scene still in the Police Service?
(4) If
any police have left the Police Service by resignation, what is the name and
rank at the time of departure of that police person and why did the person exit
from the Police Service?
(5) Were is the resigned police person now
employed?
(6) In addition to a person arrested, Fries, were there
any other persons spoken to or dealt with that were not arrested and what were
their names and addresses?
(7) Were there female persons near the
incident and did they use extensive unbecoming language to Mrs Cleary and Miss
Cleary?
(8) If so, why were they not charged and what are their
names and addresses?
(9) Is the person Fries the same person Mr Udo
Fries that was involved in an incident at Singleton involving a threat of a
firearm?
(10) Was there police involvement in the Singleton incident
and what were the circumstances surrounding this matter?
(11) What
was the outcome of any such incident.
(1) 2.
(2)
Senior Constable Michael Pont and Constable 1st Class Karen Bush, both
attached to Newcastle Patrol.
(3) No.
(4) Senior
Constable Michael John Pont resigned on 1 January 1994. He did not indicate the
reason for his resignation.
(5) A Newcastle Insurance Company.
(6) to (8) Numerous other persons were spoken to at the South Steyne Restaurant
on the evening of 13 November 1993. The circumstances surrounding that incident
are the subject of the current investigation and it would not be appropriate to
publicly identify, by disclosure of names and addresses, the identity and
places of residence of those persons pending finalisation of the
investigation.
(9) Yes.
Page 685 (10) and
(11) On 24 December 1992, Mr Fries made a complaint to police at Singleton
concerning an incident at his workplace involving another employee. He was
directed to the Local Court where on his application an ex parte interim
Personal Violence Order was made against a fellow worker. Police later served
that notice on another person concerned and at that time took into their
possession a number of firearms.
When the matter came before the Court for
hearing on 27 January 1993, it was dismissed on terms the Court ordered not to
be disclosed. The Court also ordered police to return the firearms and that
order was carried out. Police had no further involvement in the matter.
*508 LIQUOR ACT ADVISINGS—Mr Face asked the
Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1)
Have any investigations been held by the Police Service either at a
local or Internal Affairs level as to whether any off-duty police person was on
the South Steyne floating restaurant on the evening of 13 November 1993?
(2) If no inquiries have been held at any level, will one be instigated
because of continued speculation within the Police Service locally that an
off-duty police person was on the South Steyne on that evening and has failed
to come forward with information surrounding the incident?
(3) (a)
Did Superintendent Ian Cleary on Monday 6 December 1993 speak with a
Senior Sergeant Brian Bourne and a Sergeant Phillip Lloyd about court
proceedings concerning Udo Fries? (b) Did Senior Sergeant Bourne
advise Superintendent Cleary that his actions were correct under section 103
(4) of the Liquor Act?
(c) Why did Sergeant Lloyd only act on
section 103 (1), (2), (3) and ignore (4)?
(4) Did Senior Sergeant
Brian Bourne supply to Superintendent Cleary a page of the Liquor Act 1982
concerning section 103, highlighting subsection (4) of the Act at the 6
December meeting?
(5) Who then was the police person, name, rank and
location of duty that gave an advising contrary to section 103 (4) of the
Liquor Act that proceeded towards the withdrawal of the charge of Udo Fries to
Assistant Commissioner Donaldson?
(6) Was any other legal
interpretations or advice sought by the prosecutors at Newcastle concerning the
matter of 13 November 1993 and the Liquor Act?
(7) If so, what were
the names, ranks and location of duty of any police person and in the case of a
public servant or indepentant advice, what were the names of those persons from
whom the advice was sought?
(8) What is the name, rank and location
of duty of the Principal Brief Handling Manager at Newcastle who would have
forwarded the brief concerning Udo Fries and forwarded it to the Legal Services
Section at Newcastle at the Commissioner of Police's instructions or
direction?
(9) If no brief was forwarded, why not?
(10) Whose
responsibility would it have been to do so?
(11) In the case of
police the rank, name and location of duty; if a public servant, their name and
position within the Police Service?
(12) Did Superintendent Cleary
ask a Senior Constable Ford of Newcastle, court process in the presence of a
witness for court papers concerning Udo Fries on 18 February 1994?
(13)
p;Did Senior Constable Ford produce those papers to Superintendent Cleary on
that date or any other date subsequent to and if not, why not?
(14)
Are the papers in this matter missing and will an urgent investigation as to
their whereabouts be instigated?
(15) Could these papers be
unlocatable as a consequence of the clean-up and culling of material by
Sergeant Brian Finn prior to Superintendent Cleary's transfer?
Page 686
(1) and (2) No
complaint or allegation has been received regarding the conduct of any
"off duty" police officer on the South Steyne floating restaurant on
13 November 1993, other than that relating to Superintendent Cleary and the
then Probationary Constable Cleary.
Nonetheless, as in any investigation,
efforts will be made to identify and interview all witnesses.
(3) to (11)
The circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of charges preferred against Mr
Fries is now subject to formal investigation. It would not be appropriate to
pre-empt the results of that investigation.
(12) Yes.
(13)
No. The file dealing with the withdrawal of charges preferred against Mr Fries
had been returned to the office of the Legal Services Branch, North Region,
located at Gosford.
(14) The file referred to is not
"missing".
(15) Not applicable.
*509 POLICE INQUIRY INTO SUPERINTENDENT CLEARY—Mr Face asked the
Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1)
What police involvement on an official level took place into the article
appearing in the Newcastle Herald on Saturday 19 February 1994 involving
Superintendent Cleary about an incident that took place on 13 November
1993?
(2) What are the names and rank and location of any police
officer who had input into the article?
(3) What is the name and
position of any public servant that had input into the article?
(4)
Did Chief Superintendent Moeller, District Commander, have input into the
article?
(5) Did an interview take place at police headquarters in
Newcastle on Thursday 17 February 1994?
(6) On what basis did that
interview take place and was official permission sought for such interview?
(7) Were any papers shown to a journalist or journalists from the
Newcastle Herald and on what basis were those papers shown to the
journalist or journalists?
(8) Were any of the papers of a
confidential nature, given or shown, that would not be for general distribution
outside police personnel?
(9) If not, what was the nature of the
papers shown or given?
(10) Were any sections of such papers a
contravention of the Privacy Act in regard to personal details about
anyone?
(11) If so, who were the persons named in the papers that
were police, their names, ranks and locations of duty?
(12) If they
were not police, what were their names and addresses and why were they so named
in the papers used by the Newcastle Herald?
(13) Was an
operational briefing sent to the Commissioner or State Commander concerning the
interview with the Newcastle Herald by Chief Superintendent Moeller?
(14) Was such briefing as a result of previously sought official
permission to be interviewed by the Newcastle Herald?
(15) If
not, was such briefing sent to acquaint the State Commander or Commissioner
that he had had an interview and acted on his own volition?
(16) Did
Chief Superintendent Moeller, or any other person, make notes or have somebody
present to take a transcript of any verbal conversation with the Newcastle
Herald in addition to the printed and other material that was either shown
or given to the Newcastle Herald?
Page 687 (17)
(a) Did a Sergeant Bill Patterson reveal to polce at Newcastle
headquarters on Friday 18 February 1994 that he had expected the article to run
that day? (b) What was his purpose in doing so?
(1) to (17) The circumstances
surrounding police involvement in the publication of the article specified is
the subject of the current investigation. It would be inappropriate to pre-empt
the outcome of that investigation.
*510 CENTRAL
RAILWAY STATION STALLHOLDERS—Mr Amery asked the Minister for Transport
and Minister for Roads—
(1) How many stallholders are
permitted to sell goods on Central Railway Station?
(2) Are these
stallholders required to display the registered address of their business or
residence?
(3) Is he aware of concerns that stallholders have
refused to supply their name and address to prospective customers?
(4)
What avenues are available for consumers to lodge a complaint or a claim
against the business?
(5) What are the details of the arrangement
that exists between the stallholders and the State Rail Authority?
(1) The State Rail Authority
currently has 47 retail outlets at Central Station/Sydney Terminal. In
addition, the private company which handles the authority's outdoor
advertising, Pearl & Dean, has granted three short-term leases at
Central.
(2) No.
(3) Yes, of one complaint.
(4)
Depending on the nature of the complaint, the State Rail Authority, the
Department of Consumer Affairs, Pearl & Dean, Sydney City Council or the
police.
(5) The authority's retail premises are subject to
registered leases. In order that details may be provided, the particular outlet
concerned would need to be specified.
*511
SENIORS CARDS—ELECTORATE OF MOUNT DRUITT—Mr Amery asked the
Minister for Community Services, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister
for the Ageing—
(1) How many Seniors Cards have been
issued to constituents in the electorate of Mount Druitt as at November
1993?
(2) At what date were cards first issued in the electorate of
Mount Druitt?
(3) (a) What is the most recent total of
Seniors Cards issued in the electorate of Mount Druitt? (b) On what
date was that figure reached?
(1) There are currently 6,896 people who live at
addresses with postcodes which fall within the Mount Druitt electorate who hold
seniors cards. While it is a good guide to the number of card holders in the
Mount Druitt electorate, it is not possible to provide an exact figure as some
electorates share postcodes.
Page 688 (2)
Seniors Cards have been issued progressively across the State since the
introduction of the scheme on 1 July 1992. The current total of card holders by
postcode is the only figure available.
(3) (a) 6,896.
*512 SENIORS
CARDS—GOVERNMENT CONCESSIONS—Mr Amery asked the Minister for
Community Services, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for the
Ageing—
What are the concessions offered by the State
Government to holders of Seniors Cards (who do not hold a Health Benefit Card
or receive Department of Social Security pension or part pension) in relation
to— (a) Car registration?
(b) Transport
concessions?
(c) Access to: (i) National
Parks?
(ii) Art Galleries?
sp; (iii) Museums?
(iv) Opera House?
(d) Any other service
offered by the Government or its instrumentalities?
(a) Discussion ideas about
this proposal are underway.
(b) The Seniors Card entitles holders to
Special Excursion Tickets and Half-Fare Travel as follows: •One
Dollar ($1) Excursion Ticket on Government rail, bus and ferry travel within
the Sydney suburban area.
•One Dollar ($1) Excursion Ticket for
Newcastle suburban area.
•Two Dollar ($2) Sydney and Outer
Metropolitan Excursion Ticket.
•Three Dollar ($3) Excursion Ticket
for travel within the area bounded by Sydney, Lithgow, Goulburn and
Wollongong.
•Two Dollar ($2) Country Excursion Ticket. This ticket
allows seniors to make a single return or economy class journey between any two
country stations or locations on any day of the week providing the journey does
not exceed 129 kilometres and is entirely outside the boundaries of the Sydney
and Newcastle suburban areas and the outer metropolitan area.
•Half-fare Travel—Government services. Half-fare travel within New
South Wales only on all State Rail train and coach services, Sydney and
Newcastle bus services, and Sydney Harbour and Stockton ferry services.
•Half-fare Travel—Private services. The Seniors Card may also be
recognised on privately operated bus and ferry services throughout New South
Wales for half the adult fare.
The Department of Transport pays a subsidy
to the operated bus and ferry services throughout New South Wales for half the
adult fare.
The Department of Transport pays a subsidy to the operators of
private services to reimburse fares foregone for providing half-fare
concessions to pensioners, retired seniors and other groups.
Page 689 (c) (i) Discussions about
this proposal are underway.
(ii) Art Gallery of New
South Wales—concession rate, varies with each exhibition.
(iii) Australian Museum $1.50 admission. Museum of
Contemporary Art—$4 ($3 between 2.30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday to
Friday).
Powerhouse Museum—$2 admission.
(d)
• Historic Houses Trust of Australia—$3 admission
except $2 for Justice and Police Museum. •Chinese Garden,
Darling Harbour—50 cents admission.
•Sydney Cove
Authority—10 per cent discount off The Rocks ticket.
•Taronga
Zoo—Free cup of tea or coffee at selected outlets.
•Public
Trust Office—Wills and Powers of Attorney prepared free of charge.
•NSW Agriculture—25 per cent discount off publications.
•NSW Government Information Bookshop—10 per cent discount off
legislation and publications.
8 MARCH
1994
(Paper No. 4)
*513 STATE MINE
GULLY—Mr Clough asked the Minister for Land and Water
Conservation—
(1) Was a promise recently made to a Mr
Joe Maginnes of Lithgow that an amount of $200,000 would be made available for
a project to rehabilitate State Mine Gully?
(2) Who made the
promise?
(3) What is Mr Maginnes role in the rehabilitation
project?
(4) Was the promise made as part of the Total Management
Catchment plan?
(5) If so, is the local committee aware of it?
(1) No. Support was
given to Mr Maginnes in preparing an application for $199,140 to the
Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation Trust by the Upper Cox's River
Catchent Management Committee, Greater Lithgow Council and the Departments of
Mineral Resources, Water Resources and CaLM.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) Mr Maginnes is President of the Greater Lithgow Mining Museum Inc.,
the applicant.
(4) Support was given to the application as the
project will address a major source of land degradation and sediment in the
catchment.
(5) Yes.
*514 LAND
INFORMATION CENTRE—BATHURST—Mr Clough asked the Minister for Land
and Water Conservation—
(1) Were employees of the
Land Information Centre at Bathurst recently told that they could not be
guaranteed employment past June of this year?
(2) If so, how
many?
(3) Has the Land Information Centre a national and
international reputation for excellence in its field?
(4) If so, why
are staff facing retrenchment?
(5) Will he guarantee that all jobs
will be maintained at the Land Information Centre until June 1995?
Page 690
(1) At a
staff meeting on 9 December 1993, in response to a question relating to the
employment of temporary employees, some temporary employees were told that they
could not be guaranteed employment past June of this year.
(2) 11
temporary staff are employed to fill vacancies caused by the extended absence
of permanent staff. 53 temporary staff are employed to accelerate the capture
of the Digital Cadastral Data Base.
(3) Yes.
(4) There
are no plans to retrench permanent staff at the centre. There may be a
reduction in the number of temporary staff as the projects from which they are
funded near completion.
Temporary staff employed to fill vacancies caused
by the extended absence of permanent staff will cease employment on the return
of the permanent employee.
Employment of temporary staff to accelerate the
capture of the Digital Cadastral Data Base is funded from a specific allocation
for that project. Staff are employed on a needs basis for the duration of the
project
(5) There are no plans to downsize the Land Information
Centre between now and June 1995.
*515 RURAL
ACTION MOVEMENT—Mr Clough asked the Minister for Agriculture and
Fisheries and Minister for Mines—
(1) Is he aware
that the Rural Action Movement in New South Wales represents a large number of
farmers who have debt problems with various banks and lending institutions?
(2) Are a number of rural counsellors located throughout New South Wales
offering advice to them?
(3) Would he be prepared to recommend to
the Premier and the Treasurer that provision be made in the Budget estimates
for funds to appoint a counsellor within the Rural Action Movement?
(1) I am aware that there are
a number of groups in New South Wales operating as the Rural Action Movement.
These groups do represent some farmers in financial difficulty but I am not
sure as to what extent.
(2) There are presently 26 rural counselling
services operating throughout New South Wales. These services are jointly
funded by the Commonwealth and State Governments, with the Commonwealth
providing 50 per cent, the State 25 per cent, and the community the remaining
25 per cent of the funds. The services are managed by the local community group
to ensure that the service continues to meet the needs of the local farm
families. These rural counsellors are available to assist individual farm
families with financial difficulties, including those represented by the Rural
Action Movement.
(3) The NSW Government, through my Department,
allocated $609,000 to the NSW Rural Counselling Service in 1993/94. A
commitment has been made to continue to provide funding for rural financial
counselling services operating in New South Wales on the basis of 50 per cent
in the first year of operation and 25 per cent in second and subsequent
years.<br&t; This funding is presently linked to that provided by the
Commonwealth Government, through the Department of Primary Industries and
Energy. I see no reason to change this system. If it wishes to form a community
group, the Rural Action Movement can make application for funding under this
scheme through the Department of Primary Industries and Energy.
Page 691
*516 CITY OF LAKE MACQUARIE CYCLEWAYS—Mr
Face asked the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) What plans exist for the Roads and Traffic Authority to design
and build connections to cycleways already in the City of Lake Macquarie?
(2) Will consideration be given to ensuring that proper cycleway
connections are made in the City of Lake Macquarie?
(3) What plans
exist to complete cycleways within the City of Lake Macquarie?
(1) Cycleways in the area are the
responsibility of Lake Macquarie Council. The Roads and Traffic Authority does
not design or construct new cycleways or connections.
(2) Yes.
(3) Council has a local cycleway network plan, and the Authority and
council have reached agreement on a regional cycleway network. Funding is made
available to councils for works on a needs basis, in accordance with the
priorities of councils. The Authority's 1993/94 program includes $213,000 for
works in the City of Lake Macquarie.
*517 FORMER
SENIOR SERGEANT THOMAS COLQUHOUN—FIREARMS—Mr Face asked the
Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1)
Has concern been expressed that the then Senior Sergeant Colquhoun being
given back his service pistol whilst under investigation because of fears for
safety?
(2) Will the Police Service object because of those
expressions of concern if Senior Sergeant Colquhoun applies for a gun licence
or any licence to have a firearm as a consequence of employment?
(1) During the latter period
of 1992, Senior Sergeant Colquhoun was interviewed by Detective Inspector
Hobden concerning his conduct after complaints by Constables Middlebrook and
MacPherson of the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Police Citizens Youth Clubs.
In January 1993, Constable MacPherson expressed concerns that Colquhoun may
harm her, although there had been no threats made by Colquhoun. At the time,
Colquhoun was on leave and Detective Inspector Hobden of North Region Internal
Affairs, arranged for Colquhoun's service revolver, which had been left at
Charlestown Police Station, not to be returned to him without the Detective
Inspector's authority.
It was ascertained on or about 29 January 1993 that
Colquhoun's revolver had been returned to him by a Constable at Charlestown
Police Station. Detective Inspector Hobden made immediate arrangements for
Colquhoun's revolver to be taken from him.
Senior Sergeant Colquhoun's
appointments were then placed in the safe of the Commander, Federation of
Police Citizens Youth Clubs. On a number of occasions approval was given for
the former Senior Sergeant to wear his appointments because of the necessity to
leave the Federation head office in full uniform. It was considered
inappropriate for Colquhoun to perform duty outside the office without his
appointments.
An inquiry was held into the return of the revolver and the
Constable involved denied that he saw the note attached to the revolver
indicating the action required. The Constable was counselled in respect of his
actions.
Page 692 (2) Former Senior Sergeant
Colquhoun has made an application for a licence under the Security (Protection)
Industry Act.
The application is still under consideration and I have
arranged for the Commissioner of Police to advise me as to his decision in
respect of the application.
*518 RACECOURSE
DEVELOPMENT FUND—Mr Face asked the Minister for Sport, Recreation and
Racing—
(1) When was the Racecourse Development Fund
established?
(2) nbsp;What is its source of income?
(3)
Since its inception, how much money has it allocated to galloping clubs either
by grant or loan?
(4) What have been the amounts so allocated to the
following clubs: (a) Australian Jockey Club?
(b) Sydney
Turf Club?
(c) Gosford Race Club?
(d) Wyong Race
Club?
(e) Murrumbidgee Race Club (Wagga Wagga)?
(f)
Clarence River Jockey Club (Grafton)?
(g) Bathurst Turf Club?
(h) Dubbo Turf Club?
(i) Port Macquarie Race Club?
(5)
Which of the above clubs have the following client facilities: (a)
Grandstands?
(b) Covered betting rings?
(c) Electronic
semaphoring?
(2) At the present time
the principal source of income for the Fund is:
(a) a
percentage of the annual surplus of the Totalizator Agency Board of NSW as
determined by the Board from time-to-time; and
(b)
repayment of principal and interest from outstanding loans.
N.B. In the event that the amount mentioned at (a) above is
not paid into the Fund, it would form part of the overall surplus and be
distributed to racing clubs in accordance with the approved scheme of
distribution. (3) to (5) The detail requested in the Member's
question would unduly impinge on the Department's time and resources and is not
warranted within the core responsibilities of the Department. I refer the
Member to the Department's and the Racecourse Development Committee's annual
reports.
*519 FULLERTON COVE—SAND
EXTRACTION—Mr Gaudry asked the Minister for Land and Water Conservation
representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing—
(1) Has the Department of Planning sighted the report to Port
Stephens Council contained in the report of the Manager Development and
Building in relation to sand extraction at Cox's Lane, Fullerton Cove
[3850—12 Pt 1]?
(2) If so, are the current operations on the
site proceeding with valid development consent?
Page 693
I have been advised by the Minister
for Planning and Minister for Housing that the answers to the honourable
member's questions are:
(1) and (2) The Department of Planning is not aware
of the report referred to.
*520 SCHOOL CLEANING
SPECIFICATIONS—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—
With regard to contract cleaning
companies specifications laid down by the Department of School
Education—
(1) What are the details of these cleaning
specifications?
(2) Are they the same as those applied to the former
Government Cleaning Service in terms of standard of cleaning?
(3) If
not, what variations have occurred?
(4) What activities are to be
carried out in each room on each day by cleaners?
(5) Does the
contract permit "spot cleaning of rooms, i.e., attention given only to
areas of obvious dirt or litter?
(6) What role are principles to
play in ensuring that the cleaning standards are maintained?
(1) to (6) This matter falls under the responsibility of the
Minister for Administrative Services, the Hon. Anne Cohen, M.P. I suggest that
you direct your questions to the relevant Minister.
*522
BILLINDUDGEL TO CHINDERAH MOTORWAY—Mr Martin asked the Minister
for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) What is the
total area of land to be acquired for the proposed Billinudgel to Chinderah
Motorway?
(2) How much of this land is existing or potential
caneland?
(3) How much existing or potential caneland will be
alienated as a result of the construction of the proposed Billinudgel to
Chinderah Motorway?
(4) Has an economic impact statement on the
future viability of the sugar industry, should this proposed motorway be
constructed, been completed?
(5) If so, what were the findings of
that study as regards the immediate and long-term economic effects on the sugar
industry of the motorway proposal?
(6) Have studies been undertaken
on the likely flood impact of the proposed motorway on the whole of the Tweed
Valley?
(7) If so, what was the result of that study?
(8)
Have the following reports been prepared: (a) Value Management
Study by Sinclair Knight/RTA?
(b) Hydrology Report by WBM
Oceanics?
(c) Economic Impact Study Report by Professor Abelson?
(d) Report on Acid Sulphate Soils by Dr Mike Melville and Dr Ian
White?
(9) If so, will he make unabridged copies available to the
NSW Sugar Milling Co-operative Ltd?
(10) If not, why not?
Page 694
(1)
Construction of the motorway would require the acquisition of approximately
240 hectares.
(2) Approximately 60 hectares would be existing cane
farming land.
(3) Farmland will not be denied access to the existing
road network.
(4) A statement on the sugar and other industries will
be completed in the near future.
(5) The study findings will be
available when the statement has been finalised. In this regard, the statement
will be included as a working paper in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
for the motorway, which will be publicly exhibited in April 1994.
(6)
Yes.
(7) The report will be included as a working paper in the
EIS.
(8) (a) The report is being prepared and will be
included as a working paper in the EIS. (b) As indicated in (7)
above, the report will be included as a working paper in the EIS.
(c)
As indicated in (4) and (5) above, the report is being finalised and will be
included as a working paper in the EIS.
(d) The report is not a
direct part of the motorway project. However, the EIS for the motorway will
comprehensively deal with any impact of the proposed road on acid sulphate
soils.
(9) The specialist reports completed for the motorway
project will be included as working papers in the EIS. The EIS will be
available to all members of the public.
(10) Not applicable.
*523 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE—WAGES AND
SALARIES INCREASES—Mr Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture and
Fisheries and Minister for Mines—
(1) Has the
Department of Agriculture sought advice from the Public Employment Industrial
Relations Authority (PEIRA) in respect of the application of the Industrial
Commission's decision of 24 December 1993 with respect to the 10 per cent award
applications lodged by the Public Service and Professional Officer Associations
of New South Wales?
(2) Does the new Award apply to employees who
are presently covered by Enterprise Agreements?
(3) Has the
Department of Agriulture concluded an Enterprise Agreement with the Public Service Association
and the Professional Officers Association as well as the Association of
Professional Engineers in respect of its scientific, veterinary, engineering
and library officers?
(4) If so, how long does the Enterprise
Agreement operate and what is its termination date?
(5) Does this
mean that in terms of the PIERA Circular No. 2 of 24 January 1994, those
agreement rates will not vary in line with the 4 per cent and 3 per cent
decision?
(6) Does the Industrial Commission's decision of 24
December 1993 apply to the industrial instruments previously applicable to
staff now covered by the Department of Agriculture Professional Officer
Enterprise Agreement?
(7) Will the Department of Agriculture's
failure to pass onto staff the Industrial Commission's judgement of 24 December
1993 jeopardise the prospects of concluding enterprise agreements in the
future?
(8) Has the Treasurer advised him that Treasury will not
provide extra funds to the Department for the 4 per cent and 3 per cent pay
increase awarded in December 1993?
(9) Did the Treasurer advise him
or the Department that extra funding of 3 per cent for 1993/94, plus 3 per cent
in July 1994 plus 3 per cent in July 1995 if the Department obtained enterprise
agreements to cover pay rates and which last for 3 years?
Page
695 (10) If so, how is the Department to fund the pay increases
awarded in December 1993?
(11) Has the Government indicated to the
Department that it will provide money for enterprise agreements and
redundancies?
(12) If so, why has the Government refused to provide
funds to pay for increases awarded in December 1993?
(1) Yes.
(2) In terms
of Circular No. 2 of 1994, the 4 per cent + 3 per cent decision to increase
salaries does not automatically apply to the Professional Officers Enterprise
Agreement or any other enterprise agreement. However, section 122 of the
Industrial Relations Act 1991, which provides minimum conditions of employment
including rates of pay, may impact upon the enterprise agreement. The
Department is currently considering the effect of section 122 on the
Professional Officers Enterprise Agreement.
(3) Yes.
(4)
12 months. The enterprise agreement expired on 2 March 1994.
(5)
Please see answer to question (2).
(6) Yes.
(7) No. The
Department has received advice from PEIRA in respect of strategies for the
future negotiation of departmental enterprise agreements which should satisfy
the concerns so far expressed by the PSA/POA.
(8) No.
(9)
Yes.
(10) Funding by way of a grant from Treasury if the Department
succeeds in placing staff on enterprise agreements by 31 December 1994, or by
way of a loan from Treasury if this is not possible.
(11) Yes.
(12) The Government has not refused to provide funds.
*525 WENTWORTH AREA HEALTH SERVICE—ELECTIVE SURGERY—Dr
Refshauge asked the Minister for Health—
(1) How many
operations classified as elective surgery were carried out at each of the
hospitals in the Wentworth Area Health Service in each month from January 1991
to December 1993, inclusive?
(2) How many of these in each month
were day surgery?
(1) and
(2) Information by each hospital in each Area by month on operations is not
collected centrally. Currently the only centrally available data on booking
lists is provided in the Annual Booking List Survey.
To provide this
information over a 3-year period would require considerable staff time which is
not warranted within the priorities of the NSW Health Department.
Page 696
*526 PAMBULA HOSPITAL—Dr Refshauge
asked theMinister for Health—
(1) Will the Director
of Nursing at Pambula Hospital continue to be employed at the hospital?
(2)
Are psychiatric, drug and alcohol related patients being referred to the
Community Health Centre, not the hospital?
(3) What is the current
waiting list for elective surgery at Pambula Hospital?
(4) Are there
any plans for the closure of Pambula Hospital?
(5) Why is Pambula
Hospital being told not to purchase any stores at present?
(1) The Director of Nursing at
Pambula Hospital will continue to be employed with an enhanced statement of
duties to include the overall daily management of hospital services. The
position will be known as Nursing Manager/Executive Officer.
(2) The
Community Health Centre provides an outpatient professional counselling service
for mental health patients and a drug and alcohol service. If any mental health
or drug and alcohol patients need overnight monitoring, they are admitted to
the hospital under the care of a medical practitioner.
(3) The
current waiting list for general surgery at Pambula Hospital is 4 weeks.
(4) There are no plans to close Pambula Hospital.
(5) I am
advised that Pambula Hospital has received no instruction informally or
formally to cease purchase of stores. Pambula Hospital is on budget and is
anticipated to be within budget at 30 June 1994.
*527
GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION—Mr Rogan asked the Premier and Minister for
Economic Development—
(1) What measures are being
introduced in conjunction with the Commonwealth Government to meet the agreed
targets of reduction of greenhouse gas emissions following the Commonwealth
Government's signing of the International Convention on Climate Change at the
Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit?
(2) What discussions have been held
with the Commonwealth and other State Governments on this issue?
(3)
What plan of management is in place to achieve the reduction in greenhouse
gases?
(1)
Measures
The NSW Government, in conjunction with the Commonwealth
Government and other State Governments, is actively participating in the
implementation of the National Greenhouse Response Strategy (NGRS). The
strategy was endorsed by all Heads of Government in December 1992, and
represents the principal means by which Australia will meet its obligations
under the International Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The NGRS
contains a suite of measures applying to all levels of Government and across
jurisdictions. A progress report on the implementation of measures under the
NGRS was endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments in February 1994 and
copies of the report may be obtained from the Commonwealth Department of the
Environment, Sport and Territories.
Page 697 (2)
Discussions
Discussions with the Commonwealth and other State Governments
on the complex and technical issues associated with greenhouse and climate
change matters are being conducted continuously in forums such as the
Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC), the
Australian and New Zealand Minerals and Energy Council (ANZMEC) and the
National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Committee. The principal forum for
discussions is the Intergovernmental Committee on Ecologically Sustainable
Development (ICESD), which meets regularly to monitor and progress both the
NGRS and the National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development (the
ICESD replaces the intergovernmental ESD and Greenhouse Steering
Committees).
(3) Plan of Management
The NGRS is the basis on
which greenhouse gas emission issues are addressed in New South Wales. The NSW
Government actively supports the NGRS, which is the agreed State and
Commonwealth policy position on greenhouse gas emissions. The NGRS provides a
timetable and implementation plan for Australia to mitigate greenhouse gas
emissions.
*528 POWER AND ATER SHARING
AGREEMENT—Mr Rogan asked the Minister for Energy and Minister for Local
Government and Co-operatives—
(1) Has agreement been
reached between the New South Wales, the Victorian and the Federal Governments
on power and water sharing from the Snowy River Hydro Electricity Scheme?
(2) (a) What progress can he report on? (b) What will
be the benefits to New South Wales of any agreement?
(3) What are
the details of the final or proposed agreement?
(1) Arrangements for the sharing
of power and the release of water from the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric
Scheme are provided for in the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Agreements Act
1958, No. 20.
(2) (a) An inter-government committee is
currently in the process of developing an agreed set of principles for Snowy
Reform. The determination of equity in the Scheme is the major issue in the
review. (b) The NSW Government supports the objective of improving
the financial management of the Scheme and rationalising the Scheme's
institutional arrangements for greater efficiency through corporatisation of
the Scheme.
(3) Final agreement on these issues has still to be
reached. However, the people of New South Wales may be assured that any final
agreement will not disadvantage the State with respect to its current position
regarding benefits from the Snowy Scheme.
*530
RTA OFFICE—WOLLONGONG—Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport
and Minister for Roads—
(1) Was the Roads and Traffic
Authority office in Burelli Street, Wollongong, closed on 24 February 1994
"due to staff shortages"?
(2) For each day that the office
has been open in the last 6 months, how many people transacted business at the
Burelli Street Roads and Traffic Authority office?
(3) What was the
cause of the "staff shortage"?
(4) How often has any of
the offices of the Roads and Traffic Authority in the Illawarra been closed due
to "staff shortages" in the last 6 months?
Page
698
(1) Yes. A notice was
displayed at the office directing customers to nearby motor registries at
Kembla Street, some 600 metres from Burelli Street, and at Corrimal.
(2)
An average of 220 transactions per day were processed at the office over
the 6-month period from September 1993 to March 1994.
(3) Sudden
illness of senior staff.
(4) No other offices have been closed.
*531 PORT KEMBLA POLICE STATION—Mr Sullivan
asked the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) What are the details of the damage caused to Port Kembla
Police Station by the recent storms on the night of Sunday and Monday, 6 and 7
March 1994?
(2) What is the current policy or decision with regard
to the report entitled Port Kembla Police Station Feasibility Study prepared by
the State Projects Public Buildings Group for the Properties Branch of the NSW
Police Service in March 1992?
(3) Does he intend to proceed with the
1993 recommendation of the Police Department Buildings Branch that the existing
Port Kembla Police Station be demolished and completely rebuilt?
(4)
If so, when will construction commence?
(1) Due to heavy rain and blocked stormwater pipes, some
internal flooding was experienced in the rear corridor and exhibit room. No
damage was caused to any property or equipment.
The flooding was primarily
caused by blocked guttering and downpipes. These have now been cleaned and
action taken to lop trees which are overhanging the guttering. An electric eel
has been used to ensure that he stormwater drains are clear and the total
drainage system is being investigated.
(2) As a result of the
report, this project has been included in the Capital Investment Strategic
Plan.
(3) The most favoured option in the feasibility study is for
the demolition of the existing police station and to build a new complex.
However, a formal decision has not yet been reached.
(4) I have been
advised that this project has been nominated for inclusion in the 1998/99
program in priority order behind other programs.
Should funding be
available to satisfy other projects, as per plan, then this program will
continue.
*532 ILLAWARRA ABORIGINAL MEDICAL
SERVICES—Mr Sullivan asked the Minister for Community Services, Minister
for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for the Ageing—
(1)
Has he been consulted and given endorsement to the current administrative
arrangements between the Illawarra Area Health Service and the Illawarra
Aboriginal Medical Service for the disbursement of funds from the NSW
Aboriginal Health Unit?
Page 699 (2) Do these
administrative arrangements entail the managers of the Illawarra Aboriginal
Medical Service access to funds from the NSW Aboriginal Health Unit by turning
up in person at the Illawarra Area Health Service administration building in
Military Road, Port Kembla, and personally presenting all accounts before
cheques will be issued and accounts paid?
(3) Have the financial
difficulties of the Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service been overcome?
(4)
Is he aware that: (a) The Illawarra Aboriginal Medical
Service has now cleared its former overdraft?
(b) That the
management of the Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service has arrangements in
place so that it is fully and regularly informed of the organisation's
financial situation?
(c) Will he press for a more appropriate method
of funding, such as i.e., the Aboriginal Health Unit's funds being paid
directly into the account of the Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service, being
established?
(6) If not, why not?
(1) to (6) This is a matter for the
Minister for Health. My Department has no responsibility for administration of
the funds between the Illawarra Area Health Service and Illawarra Aboriginal
Medical Service.
The administration of funds of the Illawarra Aboriginal
Medical Service is the responsibility of the Minister for Health and the
(Commonwealth) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, to whom this
question might be more appropriately addressed.
9 MARCH
1994
(Paper No. 5)
*533 CAR THEFTS—SEVEN
HILLS COMMUTER CARPARK—Ms Allan asked the Minister for Police and
Minister for Emergency Services—
How many cars have been
stolen from the Seven Hills commuter carpark since its opening?
*535 APEX SCANDURA PTY LTD AIR EMISSIONS—Ms Allan asked the
Minister for the Environment—
(1) Is he aware of
continuing complaints about air emissions from Apex Scandura Pty Ltd at
Girraween?
(2) Are local residents suffering health problems because
of these emissions?
(3) What hazardous chemicals, and in what
quantities, does Apex Scandura use in the production of conveyor belts on
site?
(4) What action has the EPA taken to deal with residents'
complaints?
Page 700
(1) Yes. The Environment Protection Authority received four
complaints in the month of December and four since production recommenced on 24
January 1994.
(2) This question should be referred to my colleague,
the Minister for Health.
(3) ; The company advises that the chemicals
used to produce conveyor belts are not regarded as hazardous.
(4)
The Environment Protection Authority has responded to complainants verbally
and as the Environment Protection Authority has suggested in meetings with the
company and its air consultants, there has been modelling, process review, air
ducting, stack testing and further consultation.
*536
BLACKTOWN POLICE STATION—VEHICLE THEFT CASES—Mr Amery asked
the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) How many motor vehicles were reported stolen at the Blacktown
Police Station for the years: (a) 1990?
(b) 1991?
(c)
1992?
(d) 1993?
(2) How many persons were charged
with car theft at the Blacktown Police Station for the years: (a)
1990?
(b) 1991?
(c) 1992?
(d) 1993?
(1) (a)
1,342. (b) 1,174.
(c) 935.
(d) 812.
(2)
(a) 37.
*537 MOUNT DRUITT POLICE
STATION—VEHICLE THEFT CASES—Mr Amery asked the Minister for Police
and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) How many
motor vehicles were reported stolen at the Mount Druitt Police Station for the
years: (a) 1990?
(b) 1991?
(c) 1992?
(d)
1993?
Page 701 (2) How many persons
were charged with car theft at the Mount Druitt Police Station for the years:
(a) 1990?
(b) 1991?
(c) 1992?
(d)
1993?
(1)
(a) 1,434. (b) 1,499.
(c) 1,277.
(d)
962.
(2) (a) 69.
*538 MOUNT DRUITT POLICE
STATION—BREAK, ENTER AND STEAL CASES—Mr Amery asked the Minister
for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1)
How many reports of break, enter and steal were made at the Mount Druitt
Police Station for the years: (a) 1990?
(b) 1991?
(c)
1992?
(d) 1993?
(2) How many persons were charged
with break, enter and steal at the Mount Druitt Police Station for the years:
(a) 1990?
(b) 1991?
(c) 1992?
(d)
1993?
(1)
(a) 2,200. (b) 2,120.
(c) 2,569.
(d)
1,397.
(2) (a) 70.
*539 SPEED
CAMERAS—ELECTORATE OF SWANSEA—Mr Bowman asked the Minister for
Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) At
what locations are speed cameras used in the electorate of Swansea?
(2)
What number of infringement notices were issued at each location during
1993?
Page 702 (3) What was the total value of
the penalties attaching to these infringement notices at each location during
1993?
(4) What number of road accidents occurred at and adjacent to
these locations in the years: (a) 1991?
(b) 1992?
(c)
1993?
(1)
(i) Pacific Highway Marks Point Road
and Avonlea Streets, both eastern and western sides of Highway.
(ii) Wommara Avenue Warrior and Nulkara Streets, Belmont, on
southern side of street.
The speed camera is not fixed at one
location but can be moved to any location between these cross streets.
(2)
It is assumed that the honourable member is referring to speed camera
infringements. (i) Pacific Highway
158.
(ii) Wommara Avenue Nil infringements.
(3) (i) Pacific Highway
$24,196. (4)
(a) to (c) (ii) Wommara Avenue 6.
Statistics of the yearly breakdown of accidents at individual intersections are
not kept.
*540 MUNMORAH STATE RECREATION
AREA INCOME—Mr Bowman asked the Minister for the Environment—
At Munmorah State Recreation Area, what was the total income derived
from: (a) Admission charges?
(b) Camping fees?
in the fiscal years:
(i) 1990/91?
(ii) 1991/92?
(iii)
1992/93?
Answer—
(a) and (b) Income derived from
admission charges which includes the purchase of annual entry permits:
1990/91 $111,080
1991/92 $107,711
1992/93 $112,933 Income
derived from camping fees:
1990/91
$27,290
1991/92
$39,977
1992/93
$46,280
Page 703
*542 WITNESSES
COMPENSATION—Mr Bowman asked the Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic
Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for Justice representing the
Attorney General and Minister for Justice—
I have been
advised by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice that the answer to the
honourable member's questions is:
(1) What is the daily compensation
(fees and any other entitlements) for witnesses in New South Wales courts?
(2) When was this last revised?
I am advised by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice
that the answers to the honourable member's questions are:
(1)
(i) CRIMINAL MATTERS—determined by the Governor
upon the recommendation of the Attorney General).
Ordinary Witnesses Loss of Working Time:
(a) Up to 4 hours, not
exceeding $23.00 per day
(b)
More than 4 hours
$46.00 per day
Members of Professions and Experts summoned to give expert evidence
(Period of absence from home,
office, etc.) (a) First 2 hours or part thereof
$49.50 per day
(b) Each
additional 1/2 hour or part $9.50 per 1/2
hour
(c) Note: Maximum daily fee
$100.00 per day
(d) In addition, where evidence is
expert $6.50 per case
Sustenance (all witnesses) (1)
All meals
$11.15 per meal
(2) Where distance
prevents travel to court and return on the same day:
(a) For each
day of 24 hours $109.50
per day
(b) Any additional part of day
$4.56 per hour
(c) sp; Where absent
overnight but less than 24 hours paid as for full day.
(3) Children:
As above if aged 5 years and over; nil if under 5 years.
(1)
Actual cost of public transport (not to be reimbursed for plane travel
unless prior approval given to this method). (2)
Private Vehicle where unable to travel by public conveyance: 10 c/km.
(ii) CIVIL MATTERS—determined by the Legal
Fees and Costs Board.
Note: This
Table specifies the maximum amount that a successful litigant may recover from
his unsuccessful opponent in respect of witness' charges, subject to s. 194 (3)
of the Legal Profession Act 1987. Section 194 (3) provides that any such
determination does not limit the powers of the court or taxing officer of the
court to determine, in any particular case, the amount of costs payable in
respect of any contentious business.
Page 704
1. Barristers, solicitors, accountants, medical
practitioners, surveyors, architects, pharmacists and other professional
persons attending to give evidence:
1.1 Whenever a barrister, solicitor,
accountant, architect, pharmacist, or other professional person not being a
medical practitioner prepares a report, the fee for the preparation of such
report shall be allowed at a rate per hour or part thereof: $125-$200.
2. Whenever the persons mentioned
in Item 1 are called to give expert evidence and not evidence of fact:
2.1 Attending to give expert evidence,
including travelling to court, where period from departure from home, hospital,
place of practice, office, place of employment or other place to return thereto
from attendance at court does not exceed one and a half hours: $250-$400.
2.2 For every full hour
after the first hour and a half or a proportion thereof if not for a full hour:
$125-$200.
2.3 The maximum
amount payable per day under items 1 and 2 above, shall be such a sum that is
the total of the number of hours that reasonably involved a witness at the rate
applicable in items 1 and 2. 3. Travelling and
other allowances: 3.1 Payment to be made at the rate of $1 per
kilometre one way after the first kilometre up to and including 80 kilometres,
plus reasonable parking fees.
3.2
Exceeding 80 kilometres: the reasonable costs thereof plus the costs of
reasonable accommodation, meals and parking. 4. Other
witnesses:
4.1 Such allowance as is commensurate with the witnesses'
remuneration or circumstances but not exceeding the allowances provided under
items 1 and 2.
4.2 Such additional
amount as is reasonable for travelling expenses and sustenance and in cases
where accommodation is required such further amount as having regard to all the
circumstances is reasonabland has been paid in respect thereof.
(2) (i)
In respect of criminal matters, March 1985, with the exception of the
sustenance allowances, which were last revised on 1 December 1991. (ii)
In respect of civil matters, 31 July 1992, with the exception of item 1.1
above, which is effective from 5 November 1993.
*545 GLENROCK STATE RECREATION AREA—Mr Face asked the Minister
for the Environment—
(1) Was a plan proposed to close
three roads into the Glenrock State Recreation Area?
(2) What was
this proposal aiming to achieve and prevent?
(3) Was a deferral
period put forward by user groups?
(4) What is hoped for by the
deferral?
(5) What percentage of the total monies expended each year
are used to clean up and repair this State recreation area because of dumping,
theft and vandalism?
(6) Will this matter be reviewed again?
Page 705 (1)
Yes.
(2) The prevention of the undesirable practices of rubbish
dumping, vandalism and drug abuse which are prevalent in the State Recreation
Area (SRA).
(3) After the initial meeting with user groups in
December 1993, all parties agreed to consider the matter and defer the decision
pending a further meeting in February 1994. Following the public meeting with
various interest groups in February, it was agreed to close the Gun Club Road
at night. The Service agreed to defer night closure of the Scout Camp and
Dudley Roads for another 12 months.
(4) Deferral will allow time for
a community caretaker group to be established to oversee various clean-up and
surveillance activities to supplement the Service's management of the SRA.
(5) Estimated percentage of 1993/94 budget for Glenrock SRA is 27.9 per
cent.
(6) Yes.
*546 GLENROCK STATE
RECREATION AREA PLAN MANAGEMENT—Mr Face asked the Minister for the
Environment—
(1) Are dogs allowed at present into the
Glenrock State Recreation Area?
(2) If so, under what
conditions?
(3) Is the issue of dogs being allowed into or to be
excluded from the Glenrock State Recreation Area addressed in the plan of
management?
(4) Are dogs considered a problem, especially
unregistered dogs, at Dudley Beach in the State Recreation Area?
(5)
Does Lake Macquarie City Council deal with unregistered dogs in the State
Recreation Area?
(6) If not, who does?
(1) Yes.
(2) Visitors
are expected to keep their dogs under control.
(3) Yes.
(4)
Yes.
(5) No.
(6) The National Parks and Wildlife
Service is responsible for the control of all dogs in the SRA.
*551 FORESTRY MINI-GRANTS PROGRAM—Mr Martin asked the
Minister for Land and Water Conservation—
(1) Did he
issue a memorandum dated 17 January 1994 to Government MP's and MLC's advising
them of the availability of Forestry Mini-Grants?
(2) Did he advise
all members of Parliament of the availability of Forestry Mini-Grants by
memorandum dated 24 February 1994?
(3) Why did he delay advising
other members of the availability of these grants?
(4) Will he
instruct State Forests to defer consideration of applications so that all MP's
and MLC's have been afforded equal time to bring the Forestry Mini-Grants
Program to their constituents attention?
Page 706 (5) If not, why not?
(6) How many years has the Forestry
Mini-Grants Program been operating?
(7) Which electorates were
recipients last financial year?
(8) What was the total amount of
grants in each electorate last financial year and who were the recipients?
(1) The memorandum of
17 January 1994 was directed to Government MP's & MLC's with forestry
interests.
(2) All members were advised of the program on 24 February
1994.
(3) The delay between memorandums arose through a regrettable
administrative oversight.
(4) The closing date for applications is 29 April
1994. This will afford ample time for all interested parties to submit
applications. These will then be forwarded to State Forests for unbiased
assessment and recommendation. This date similarly allows State Forests enough
time to accurately assess all applications and provide prompt recommendations
to ensure only a minimal delay in providing funding for deserving
applicants.
(5) Not applicable—see answer (4).
(6) This is the
first year of operation.
(7) Not applicable—see answer (6).
(8)
Not applicable—see answer (6).
10 MARCH 1994
(Paper No. 6)
*560 CO-OPERATIVES—Mr Amery asked
the Minister for Energy and Minister for Local Government and
Co-operatives—
(1) How many co-operatives were
established with financial assistance from the State Government during: (2) What are the names and
locations of these co-operatives?
(3) How much money was involved by
way of financial assistance?
(4) Are any requests for assistance
outstanding?
(1)
(a) During calendar year 1992, seven co-operatives were established
with financial assistance from the Co-operatives Development Fund.
(b) During calendar year 1993, five co-operatives were established with
financial assistance from the Co-operatives Development Fund.
(2)
(a) 1992: (i) Coonamble Wool Processing
Co-operative Ltd
(Coonamble 2829) (ii) Tweed Valley
Rural and Community Advancement Co-operative Ltd
(Breg Valley 2484)
(iii) The Yeoval Community Hospital Co-operative Ltd
(Yeoval 2868)
Page
707
(iv) Mount Druitt Food
Co-operative Ltd
(Emerton
2770)
(v) Shepherds Producers
Co-operative Ltd
(Wagga
Wagga 2650)
(vi) Australian
Pulse Co-operative Ltd
(Parkes 2870)
(vii) Murray
Grey Beef Marketing Co-operative Ltd
(Dubbo 2830)
(b) 1993:
(i) Mudgee Woolgrower's Manufacturing
Co-operative Ltd
(Mudgee
2850)
(ii) New England Wool
Marketing and Promotion Co-operative Ltd
(Armidale 2350)
(iii)
Ausgro Co-operative Ltd
(Mudgee 2850)
(iv) Coonamble
Feedlot and Beef Marketing Co-operative
(Coonamble 2829)
(v)
Australian White Cypress Sawmillers Co-operative Ltd
(Windsor 2756)
(3) (a) 1992
$206,653 (b) 1993 $240,650
(4) Yes. A
request for funding ($5,000) was received from the proposed Gloucester
Fisheries Co-operatives on 17 March 1994. The application is being
processed.
*561 BLACKTOWN POLICE
STATION—BREAK, ENTER AND STEAL CASES—Mr Amery asked the Minister
for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1)
How many reports of "break, enter and steal" were made at the
Blacktown Police Station for the years: (a) 1990?
(b)
1991?
(c) 1992?
(d) 1993?
(2) How many
persons were charged with "break, enter and steal" at the Blacktown
Police Station for the years: (a) 1990?
(b) 1991?
(c)
1992?
(d) 1993?
(1) (a) 1,581. (b) 1,393.
(c)
1,411.
(d) 1,045.
(2) (a) 83.
Page 708
*565 POLICE—HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS TRAINING—Mr
Anderson asked the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency
Services—
(1) What initial and ongoing training is
given to NSW Police in the identification of, and appropriate response to,
hazardous chemicals warning signs?
(2) What steps are taken to
ensure compliance with the instructions issued to police in this regard?
(1) Student police
officers undertaking the Police Recruit Education Program (PREP), receive
instruction in the identification of hazardous chemical warning signs during
Phase III of the training program. This instruction includes the correct use of
the NSW Police Service HAZCHEM card which is retained on personal issue to each
recruit.
This training, and the appropriate response to hazardous chemical
situations, is tested by participation in a major case study relating to a
serious accident involving a vehicle carrying a dangerous load (LPG cylinders)
and a loaded minibus.
A comprehensive debrief of this exercise includes
viewing a film on disaster psychology and a simulation during which students
re-enact their intervention in the case of the minibus and semi-trailer.
Assessment prior to attestation as probationary constables and confirmation as
constables includes testing on the correct response to incidents involving
hazardous chemicals/dangerous goods.
In-service training in the
identification of hazardous chemicals and the appropriate response to incidents
involving chemicals or dangerous goods are provided to a number of specialist
groups within the Police Service.
Training for police involved in traffic
management and operations is assisted by officers of the Environment Protection
Agency (EPA) which supplies educational material for distribution to
students.
Training for Highway Patrol officers includes instruction on the
identification of hazardous chemicals and response procedures and the personal
issue of the NSW Police Service Hazchem card.
Patrol Traffic Services
officers receive instruction from officers of the Environmental Protection
Agency and undertake a site inspection of a fuel storage depot as part of this
course.
The training of traffic police at local level is also supplemented
by the involvement of EPA officers in the delivery of Heavy Vehicle Seminars
which are conducted by trained police at District locations.
The Police
Service also conducts two in-service courses specifically dealing with
Emergency Management.
The Emergency Management Course is of 5 days
duration, conducted on a field-based format and concentrates on meeting the
needs of operational constables, supervisors and managers in emergency
situations, including the identification of hazardous chemical warning signs
and appropriate responses to incidents involving hazardous chemicals.
Page 709 The Senior Emergency Management Course is
a residential course conducted at the Police Academy, designed to meet the
needs of local and District Emergency Operations Controllers. This course
involves an examination and discussion of the HAZMAT PLAN—a sub-plan of
the NSW State Disaster Plan (DISPLAN) and other issues related to hazardous
chemical identification and management.
Additional ongoing training and
reference material is provided to serving police officers through the
publication and distribution of educational material throughout the Service.
Two existing on-the-job training packages on dealing with dangerous chemicals
have been supplemented by instructional material on natural gas emergency
procedures published in the Policing Issues and Practice Journal
(January 1993 Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 35-40) which was provided to each sworn
officer in the State.
(2) The efforts of the Police
Service are directed to the prevention of incidents involving hazardous
chemicals in collaboration with other emergency service agencies.
Local
Commanders are assisted in this regard by the completion of a threat assessment
for each Patrol and the development of on-the-job training plans identified as
a result of this assessment.
Should an emergency situation arise, the
responsibilities of police are clearly outlined under the State Rescue and
Emergency Management Act 1989 which nominates the senior member of the Police
Service pesent at an emergency operation to control and co-ordinate activities
of all responding agencies.
The training programs, previously described,
are designed to provide police officers with the skills and knowledge to
properly fulfil this legislative requirement.
As the majority of emergency
situations are responded to by a number of agencies, a debrief and analysis of
the incident is generally conducted as a matter of course. Any deficiencies in
the response which is identified through this process is addressed through a
review of the administrative, operational or training strategies involved.
*571 JOHN DAVID—Mr Anderson asked the Minister
for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for
Justice representing the Attorney General and Minister for Justice—
(1) When was inmate John David transferred from John Morony
Correctional Centre to Cessnock Correctional Centre?
(2) Why was he
transferred?
(3) (a) In view of the ill-health of his wife,
will consideration be given to transferring him back to John Morony
Correctional Centre?
I am advised by the Attorney General and
Minister for Justice that the answers to the honourable member's questions
are:
(1) 24 February 1994.
(2) The John Morony
Correctional Centre is a working institution with a strictly limited number of
places available for inmates participating in full-time education courses. Due
to Mr David's ill health and inability to work, and as there were no vacancies
in the education section, he was transferred from the John Morony Correctional
Centre.
Page 710 (3) (a) and (b) No.
Unfortunately there are many inmates with similar family situations as Mr
David, who wish to be placed in a metropolitan correctional centre. Whilst the
Department of Corrective Services attempts to place inmates at correctional
centres in close proximity to their families, this is not always possible due
to an inmate's security classification or there being no vacancy of
accommodation at a particular security level. As a result of the
representations from Mr David's family, it was decided that Cessnock
Correctional Centre was the most appropriate centre for Mr David at the present
time. Consideration will be given to transferring Mr David to a metropolitan
correctional centre at his next classification and placement review in June
1994.
*572 CHARLESTOWN AND BELMONT
POLICE PATROLS—Mr Face asked the Minister for Police and Minister for
Emergency Services—
(1) Are any administrative
changes contemplated to be made to Charlestown and Belmont Police Patrols?
(2) Are any manning change proposals being contemplated to Charlestown
and Belmont Police Patrols?
(3) If so, will the members for
Charlestown and Swansea be consulted before any proposals or changes are
made?
(1) Not at
this stage.
(2) Not at this stage.
(3) In the event that
any changes are planned, the members for Charlestown and Swansea will be
consulted.
*574 POLICE SERVICE REVIEW—Mr
Hatton asked the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency
Services—
(1) During the past 2 years, how many
police patrols have been reviewed by the NSW Police Establishment Control
Branch?
(2) Will he identify each patrol referred to, and of each
patrol, advise: (a) How many under authorised strength?
(b)
Over authorised strength?
(c) Recommendations for increase in
staff?
(d) Recommendations for relocation of over strength
staff?
(e) How many police ptrols (beyond the reviews of the patrols
referred to above by the Police Establishment Control Branch) are currently
overstrength/understrength?
(3) What is the current strength of the
NSW Police Service (excluding the Public Service component)?
(4)
What percentage of the NSW Police Service is: (a) On restricted
duties?
(b) On long-term hurt on duty leave?
(c) On long
term sick leave?
(d) Performing non-operational duties (i.e.,
administrative functions)?
(5) How does the analysis of the
information in question (4) compare with the same period in 1991/92?
(6)
How many applications were received in 1993/94 by the Service from police
seeking medical exit from the Service?
Page 711 (7)
How many applications referred to above were received from police
including and below the rank of Senior Sergeant?
(8) How many were
received from police above the rank of Senior Sergeant?
(9) Of the
applications within question (7) above, how many were: (a) Rejected
by the Service?
(b) Accepted on first application by the
Service?
(c) How many appealed to the Government and Related Appeal
Tribunal on the basis of rejection by the Service during 1993 and 1994 (to
date)?
(10) Will he provide similar data referred to in question
(9) for those police referred to in question (8)?
(11) In the case
of those applications that were accepted on first application by the Service,
will he nominate the rank the applicant held at the time of the
application?
(12) For those whose application was accepted upon
first application, what was the time period between lodgement of application
and approval, in each case?
(13) Will he review the workload of the
Nowra Crime Scene Police, versus similar statistical data recently released
concerning Queanbeyan and Goulburn, and determine the need for additional Crime
Scene Police and a Fingerprint Police officer for Nowra?
(14) What
are the names of the extra police officers that brought Nowra Patrol up to
authorised strength of 60, referred to in his ministerial advice dated 25
February 1994 (RML 26639)?
(1) to (14) The information requested would take considerable time and
resources to collate and is not warranted in view of the other priorities of
the Police Service.
*585 ETHNIC
FUNDING—ELECTORATE OF THE ENTRANCE—Mr McBride asked the Minister
for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for
Justice—
(1) What financial assistance has the
Minister's department provided to ethnic community groups in the electorate of
The Entrance?
(2) What are the names of these organisations?
(3)
How much money was provided?
(4) How much of these funds came
from Federal sources?
In
the current financial year, one application for financial assistance has been
received from an ethnic community group in the electorate of The Entrance. On
the recommendation of the Ethnic Affairs Commission of NSW, I have approved a
grant of $14,000 for the 1994 calendar year under the EAC's Community
Advancement Program to the Wyoming Community Centre Inc. of 147 Maiden's Brush
Road, Wyoming.
The grant is to assist the Centre to provide information to
people of non-English speaking background in the Central Coast area and to
encourage them to access mainstream services and become part of community
support and social groups.
The Community Advancement Program is funded
entirely by the NSW Government; no Federal money is involved.
Details of
grants to ethnic community organisations in The Entrance electorate which were
made prior to the 1993/94 financial year can be found in the annual reports of
the Ethnic Affairs Commission, which have been tabled in Parliament at the
conclusion of each financil year.
Page 712
*605
PORT KEMBLA POLICE STATION FLOODING—Mr Sullivan asked the Minister
for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1)
As a result of the storms on Sunday 6 March and Monday 7 March 1994, how many
ceiling leaks were identified at Port Kembla Police Station?
(2)
What was the extent of those leaks?
(3) Did police officers wear
raincoats inside the station?
(4) (a) Was there water in the
offices of the police station? (b) If so, to what depth?
(5)
Were court exhibits damaged?
(6) Were the toilets flooded?
(7) Was there sandbagging by emergency services personnel outside the
station to divert water?
(1) 27.
(2) The ceiling leaks were confined to the
hallway, toilet and meal room areas.
(3) No.
(4) (a)
No.
(4) (b) Not applicable.
(5) No.
(6)
Yes.
(7) The State Emergency Services were called to sandbag an
area in the rear yard of the station to stop stormwater entering the exhibit
room.
15 MARCH 1994
(Paper No. 7)
*613
CIBA-GEIGY SPILL—Ms Allan asked the Minister for the
Environment—
(1) Did Ciba-Geigy Australia Ltd at
Pendle Hill have a spill of a toxic chemical, Nucidol 200EC, over the weekend
of 12 and 13 March 1994?
(2) Did local residents complain about the
odour coming from the site over the weekend?
(3) What response did
the EPA give to residents' complaints?
(4) Will the EPA prosecute
Ciba-Geigy for the spill?
(5) If not, why not?
(1) Ciba-Geigy Australia Ltd
advised the EPA that, at some time over the weekend of 12 and 13 March 1994, a
spill of dog wash formulation called Nucidol 200EC occurred inside a building
on the premises.
(2) A total of five complaints were received
through the EPA pollution line from 11.05 a.m. on Monday 14 March 1994.
(3)
An EPA officer inspected the premises on the morning of Monday 14 March.
All complainants were contacted over the period Monday 14 March to Wednesday 16
March. Complainants were told that a dog wash formulation had been spilt and
that the EPA is conducting an investigation into the incident.
Page 713 (4) An investigation is under way and a decision
regarding prosecution will be made when the investigation is completed.
(5)
See answer (4) above.
*631 KURRI KURRI
POLICE PATROL—Mr Price asked the Minister for Police and Minister for
Emergency Services—
(1) What is the police patrol
strength in the Kurri Kurri area between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.?
(2)
What is the average response time for calls during these night hours to places
within the patrol area such as Heddon Greta?
(3) What are the
present station hours of the Kurri Kurri Police Station?
(4) When
will Kurri Kurri Police Station be available, fully manned, on a 24-hour, 7-day
week, basis?
(1)
Two police vehicles, each containing two police officers, patrol the Kurri
Kurri Sector on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Three police are
rostered nightly at Cessnock, two patrolling in a police vehicle and one
remaining in the Station. On Friday nghts, there is an additional police
vehicle on patrol with two police officers.
In addition, Highway Patrol
Police are rostered on late shift from 6 p.m. to 2.30 a.m. on a regular basis,
particularly on Friday and Saturday nights.
(2) Five minutes on
Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. On other nights, response time from
Cessnock is approximately 20 minutes.
(3) 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily,
with a mobile unit operating between 11 p.m. to 7.30 a.m. on Thursday, Friday
and Saturday nights.
(4) There are no plans for Kurri Kurri Police
Station to be operated on a 24-hour basis.
*635
LIDDELL STATE COAL MINE—Mr Rogan asked the Minister for Energy and
Minister for Local Government and Co-operatives—
(1)
What were the estimated coal reserves of Liddell State Mine when it was sold
by Pacific Power?
(2) Is he aware of recent reports in which Mrs
Helen Dalton, one of the joint owners of what is now Cumnock No. 1 Colliery,
stated that "in 2 years a mine that was going to die has become one with a
40-year lifespan"?
(3) What is his response to this
statement?
(4) Has the State disposed of a mine which might have
retuned good dividends to the State?
(1) Estimated coal reserves of Liddell State Coal Mine
which were sold by Pacific Power were 55.6 million tonnes recoverable. These
reserves were part only of the colliery holding.
(2) No.
(3)
This is a matter of conjecture and may be Mrs Dalton's view.
(4)
The mine was sold for a value within the range established by independent
consultants and the sales process was reviewed by the Parliamentary Select
Committee.
Page 714
*636 POWER
FAILURES—SYDNEY ELECTRICITY—Mr Rogan asked the Minister for Energy
and Minister for Local Government and Co-operatives—
(1)
What was the cause of a power failure which blacked out more than 15,000
homes and businesses for 35 minutes in inner Sydney on 31 January 1994?
(2)
How many blackouts, due to equipment or line failure, have occurred in
Sydney Electricity facilities over the past 12 months?
(3) Is this
an increase for similar failures over past years?
(4) Are records
compiled and kept as to the reason for these faults?
(5) In summary,
what are the reasons for the power failures and faults as referred to in (2)
above?
(6) How many of these failures are due to Sydney Electricity
pursuing a policy of risk management and the reduction of maintenance
procedures and staff?
(1)
An 11,000 volt underground cable in New South Head Road, Bellevue Hill,
failed in service interrupting approximately 15,000 Sydney Electricity
customers. The cable was installed in 1973.
Investigations carried out on
the cable revealed that the failure was due to galvanic corrosion.
Supply
was restored to customers in 35 minutes, which is well below the targeted
average of 70 minutes.
Customers affected on 31 January 1994, last
experienced an interruption to electricity supply in 1988. The Sydney
Electricity published service target for reliability of supply is an average
loss of supply time of less than 100 minutes per customer per year.
(2)
The number of interruptions due to equipment/line failure: 1 July
1993 to 28 February 1994 1,501 (includes New South Wales
bushfires)
1 July 1992 to 30 June 1993 1,827
1
July 1991 to 30 June 1992 1,988
1 July 1990 to 30
June 1991 2,499
There is a significant
downward trend in the number f interruptions, as a result of high voltage
undergrounding policy, the introduction of advanced overhead construction
technology (e.g., aerial bundled conductor, enclosed pole mounted switches and
fault indicators) and an extensive tree trimming policy.
(3) No. The
reliability index which is the minutes per year per customer interruption time
has steadily decreased. The reliability index for 1992/93 was 81 minutes and
for the previous period 1991/92 was 86 minutes.
This can be attributed to
the planning, construction and maintenance of Sydney Electricity's network. In
addition, the automated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system
provides sophisticated monitoring and remote switching capability of the
network.
(4) Sydney Electricity has a computerised faults, outages
and defectives system for recording the details and causes of all interruptions
and unusual occurrences that affect the supply system. These records are
entered daily.
These records ensure corrective action is carried out and
re-occurring incidents identified.
(5) Interruption classifications
indicate that equipment failure accounts for approximately 20 per cent of all
interruptions. The major cause of interruptions being the impact of weather on
the network.
Page 715 Equipment failures can be
further identified as follows: Overhead construction
.2 per unit of the total equipment failures
Underground
construction .25 per unit of the total equipment
failures
Switchgear .5
per unit of the total equipment failures
Transformers
.02 per unit of the total equipment
failures
Protection Equipment .02 per unit of
the total equipment failures
Miscellaneous
.01 per unit of the total equipment failures
Statistics
indicate that these figures have been similar over recent reporting periods,
i.e., 18 per cent for 1 July 1992 to 30 June 1993 and 21 per cent 1 July 1993
to 28 February 1994. The latter period includes the January 1994 New South
Wales bushfires.
(6) Of the 1,501 failures (1 July 1993 to 28
February 1994), 316 were due to equipment failures. These failures were spread
across a network which consists of 33,168 km of mains and 14,123
substations.
These statistics show the reliability of Sydney Electricity's
equipment and plant have improved although the network complexity has
increased.
16 MARCH 1994
(Paper No. 8)
*644 KANGAROO MEAT SALES—Ms Allan asked the Minister for
Agriculture and Fisheries and Minister for Mines—
(1)
Have sales of kangaroo meat to consumers fallen below industry and Government
expectations?
(2) If so, why?
(3) What is the average
price of a kilo of kangaroo meat compared to beef?
(4) What
subsidies, if any, does the kangaroo meat industry receive?
(1) Kangaroo meat first became
available for human consumption in New South Wales in June of 1993. After its
introduction, there was a steady increase in demand until the Christmas/New
Year period when it suffered from competition with traditional foods such as
pork and poultry.
Since February, the demand has again been steadily
improving to the pre-Christmas level.
There has been a significant increase
in the demand for kangaroo meat on the export market. This has been attributed
by industry to the acceptance of the product on the domestic marketfor human consumption.
(2) See above.
(3) It is difficult
to compare the price per kilo between beef and kangaroo. Obviously with beef
there is a greater range of cuts and prices can range from $7 for rump steak to
$17 for fillet.
With kangaroo the demand at the present is mainly for
fillets and rumps and these average about $13 per kilo.
(4) The
kangaroo industry receives no subsidies whatsoever. The only company in New
South Wales processing kangaroo for human consumption, Southern Game Meats, has
been extensively involved in promotion of the product entirely at its own
expense.
Page 716
17 MARCH 1994
(Paper No.
9)
*689 TRAFFIC FLOW PLANS—F3 FREEWAY—Mr
McBride asked the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency
Services—
(1) Do the NSW Police and Emergency
Services have management plans to minimise the impact on traffic flows
resulting from accidents or emergencies that partially block or otherwise
impede traffic flows on the F3 Freeway between Berowra and Wyong?
(2)
If so, what are the plans?
(3) If not, will he request the
respective services to examine such plans?
(1) Yes.
(2) Diversion
of traffic via alternative routes, off-ramps and turnarounds, to provide an
effective and free flow of traffic movement from the closed area of the
freeway.
The plans permit unrestricted movement of emergency vehicles to
the affected closure area, and are regularly updated. The District Emergency
Management Officer, Newcastle, is advised of any changes.
(3) Not
applicable.
*692 CORRIMAL POLICE
STATION—BREAK, ENTER AND STEAL CASES—Mr Markham asked the Minister
for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1)
How many reports of break, enter and steal were made at the Corrimal Police
Station in: (a) 1991?
(b) 1992?
(c) 1993?
(d) So far in 1994?
(2) How many persons were charged with
break, enter and steal at the Corrimal Police Station in: (a) 1991?
(b) 1992?
(c) 1993?
(d) So far in 1994?
| Year | Break, Enter and Steal
offences reported | Persons charged |
| 1991 | 881 | 63 |
| 1992 | 844 | 66 |
| 1993 | 1,048 | 66 |
| As at 22 March 1994 | 77 | 3 |
Page 717
*715
WOLLONGONG FIRE BRIGADE—RESCUE ACCREDITATION—Mr Sullivan asked
the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) Has he been requested to meet with a deputation from the NSW
Fire Brigade Union to discuss the issue of primary rescue accreditation of the
Wollongong Fire Brigade?
(2) If so, when will he meet with this
deputation?
(3) If he does not intend tomeet such a deputation, why
has he taken this decision?
(1) Yes.
(2) I don't intend to meet with the NSW Fire
Brigade Employees' Union on this issue.
(3) I have accepted the
advice of the State Rescue and Emergency Services Board that the rescue needs
of the Illawarra area are adequately serviced by the existing arrangements
whereby the Police Rescue Squad and Ambulance Service in Wollongong are
accredited as the primary rescue units and the Wollongong Fire Station as the
secondary unit.
In addition, I have also accepted the Board's
recommendation that a number of items of rescue equipment which had been
removed from Wollongong Fire Station be returned. Those items are now in place
at the Station.
*716 SRESB COMMITTEE—Mr
Sullivan asked the Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency
Services—
(1) When assessing recommendations from the
SRESB, does he attempt to gauge the degree of balance and appropriateness of
such recommendations?
(2) Will he confirm that when the SRESB was
reviewing the rescue accreditation for the Illawarra: (a) Some
members of the SRESB Committee were refused permission to vote on matters
relating to the rescue accreditation in the Illawarra?
(b) That this
was the Chairman's ruling?
(3) Why did the Chairman make this
ruling when the SRESB was reviewing the rescue accreditation in the
Illawarra?
(4) On how many occasions has the Chairman given a ruling
that some members of the SRESB are not to be permitted to vote on matters
relating to rescue accreditation?
(1) Yes.
(2) (a) No members of the
SRESB were refused permission to vote on matters relating to the rescue
accreditation in the Illawarra area. (3)
Not applicable.
(4) None.
Page 718
12 APRIL 1994
(Paper No. 10)
740
BUILDING SERVICES CORPORATION INSURANCE—Mr Amery to ask the Minister for
Consumer Affairs, Minister Assisting the Minister for Roads and Minister
Assisting the Minister for Transport—
(1) What is the
total amount collected by the Building Services Corporation by way of all
insurance premiums during the years: (a) 1991?
(b) 1992?
(c) 1993?
(2) What is the total amount paid out to
building consumers as a result of claims lodged during the years: (a)
1991?
(b) 1992?
(c) 1993?
741 HOUSEHOLD FINANCIAL SERVICES—Mr Amery to ask the Minister for
Consumer Affairs, Minister Assisting the Minister for Roads and Minister
Assisting the Minister for Transport—
(1) Is she
aware of pamphlets being distributed in various areas of the State by an
organisation called Household Financial Services?
(2) Has any
investigation been carried out into the operations of this company which offers
a personal line of credit up to $10,000 for which applications can be submitted
without any interest rate being quoted?
(3) Will the Department of
Consumer Affairs be taking any action against this company?
742 MRS DOROTHY SPENCE—Mr Beckroge to ask 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 Hospitl?
743 BROKEN HILL MINES REHABILITATION—Mr Beckroge to
ask the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and Minister for
Mines—
(1) Will the Minerals, Mining & Metallurgy
mining company relinquish its leases in Broken Hill in June or later this
year?
(2) If so, what rehabilitation of the area will be
required?
744 BOMBO QUARRY BALLAST—Mr
Clough to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) Is ballast from the railway quarry at Bombo being transported to
Lithgow by road?
(2) How many truck movements per day does this
represent?
(3) Why isn't the SRA using its own trains to transport
the ballast?
Page 719
745 MAYOR OF
BATHURST—Mr Clough to ask the Minister for Police and Minister for
Emergency Services—
(1) Did Bathurst police receive a
complaint that a shot or shots had been fired near the home of the mayor of
Bathurst?
(2) Was the complaint investigated?
(3) What
was the result of the investigation?
(4) Have all possible steps
been taken to safeguard the mayor and her family?
746
BANKSTOWN-CITY 7.50 A.M. SERVICE—Mr Davoren to ask the Minister for
Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) Is the 7.50
a.m. CityRail service to the City from Bankstown a four-car Tangara?
(2)
Will he direct the SRA to ensure that this service is always an eight-car
train?
747 ORIGINAL FILE—SOUTH STEYNE
INCIDENT—Mr Face to ask the Minister for Police and Minister for
Emergency Services—
(1) Where is the original signed
brief located concerning the incident at the South Steyne restaurant on 13
November 1993?
(2) (a) If there is no original, are there
only copies in existence now? (b) How many copies are there?
(c)
(i) Where are they located and in whose possession are
they? (ii) If police, what is the name and rank of the
police officer?
(d) If a public servant, their name?
(3)
(a) Is there a schedule of the document? (b) If so:
(i) Where is the schedule located?
(ii) Who are the
police or public servants who have been in possession of the document since the
events of 13 November 1993?
(4) (a) If the brief has
been destroyed or lost, when did such loss or destruction take place? (b)
Was it prior to the destroying and culling process undertaken prior to the
audit when Superintendent Cleary was transferred?
(c) Was it during
that period?
(d) Has it been since that period?
(5)
Whose responsibility has it been for such original signed document since the
period of 13 November 1993, name and location of duty?
(6) (a)
Have any requests or demands been made at any time since 13 November 1993 for
the original signed brief, document or its schedule? (b) If so:
(i) What is the name, rank and location of duty of any police
officer?
(ii) Any other person, public servant or
otherwise?
(7) If the original signed brief/document is
misplaced, lost or desroyed, would its non-availability enable a conviction to
be proceeded with before the courts against any person concerning the
circumstances of the South Steyne incident on 13 November 1993?
(8)
Will an urgent and extensive inquiry be held into the location of this
document?
Page 720
748 "OPERATION
CHOCKE" HELD BY HUNTER POLICE—Mr Face to ask the Minister for Police
and Minister for Emergency Services—
(1) Was an
operation conducted called "Operation Chocke" in the Hunter Region as
a consequence of the 1989 earthquake?
(2) What was the purpose of
such operation?
(3) At whose request was it set up?
(4)
What was the starting date of "Operation Chocke" and its completion
date or disbandment?
(5) What were the guidelines for
"Operation Chocke"?
(6) What was the total cost to the
Police Service of "Operation Chocke"?
(7) Were there any
costs attributed to any body or agency other than the Police Service?
(8)
What was the total personnel attached to "Operation Chocke"?
(9) Where were the personnel located throughout the duration of
"Operation Chocke"?
(10) What were the names, rank and
location of duty of those police involved in "Operation Chocke"?
(11) What length of time was each of these personnel involved in
"Operation Chocke"?
(12) Where are each of the police
personnel now located since the disbandment of "Operation
Chocke"?
(13) Has any person who was involved in
"Operation Chocke" left the NSW Police Service by resignation or
dismissal?
(14) What is the name of any person who has resigned or
been dismissed since "Operation Chocke"?
(15) If it is not
of a private or confidential nature, where are they employed, if known, since
leaving the Police Service?
(16) Did two of the personnel involved
in "Operation Chop" remove from the Newcastle Building Centre at
Broadmeadow a well-known and respected architect in the Newcastle area during a
prominent seminar involving the earthquake?
(17) If so: (a)
What was the purpose of his removal?
(b) Why was it chosen to do
it in that way?
(c) Is he a well-known person residing in the area
and would not have been difficult to locate?
(d) Who were the two
police officers involved in such removal, their names and location of duty?
(e) Are the police personnel involved still members of the Police
Service?
(f) Was any apology tendered to the architect and the
organisers of the gathering?
749 AUTOMATIC
TURNSTILES—Mr Langton to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for
Roads—
(1) Is he aware that the automatic turnstiles
on railway stations register bags and luggage as a person passing through the
gates?
(2) Is he aware that in cases were people put their bags
through the gates before themselves, the automatic gates in the turnstiles
closed on the person?
(3) What action will be taken to prevent this
occurrence?
Page 721
750 ROADWORKS
POLICY—NORTHERN REGION—Mr Langton to ask the Minister for Transport
and Minister for Roads—
(1) Is it Roads and Traffic
Authority policy in the Northern Region to contract out all road construction
services presently performed by RTA staff?
(2) Has the RTA Grafton
zone office announced that all future surveys for roadworks in the area will be
put out to rivate contract?
(3) Have RTA staff been barred from
tendering for this work?
(4) If so, why?
(5) Have RTA
staff been told to look for RTA jobs in other areas?
(6) Why were
staff not consulted on this decision?
751 RTA-
CONTRACTED OWNER/DRIVERS—ELECTORATE OF BARWON—Mr Langton to ask the
Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) Is
the Minister aware of the case of 15 RTA-contracted owner/drivers in the
electorate of Barwon who have been told they have been placed on a standby list
for 2 years, as the haulage work they used to do has been given to another
company?
(2) Does the company which won the contract against the
local haulage co-operative register their trucks in Queensland?
(3)
Were the Barwon owner/drivers specifically directed by the RTA to use rigid
body tippers that would cart between 5 and 11 cubic metres of material?
(4)
Has the contract now been awarded to a haulage company whose trucks do
not meet these criteria?
(5) Why were the Barwon RTA-contracted
drivers given a directive which subsequently precluded them from effectively
competing for roadworks in the electorate?
(6) Does the RTA pay the
Barwon contractors holiday pay, public holidays and long service leave?
(7)
If so, why doesn't the RTA recognise them as employees?
(8)
Is he aware that many of the Barwon contractors have had to seek assistance
from the Commonwealth Employment Service?
(9) When told by the CES
that they needed a clearance from the RTA stating they were no longer receiving
payments from the RTA, did the RTA refuse to issue Barwon contractors with a
termination clearance claiming the drivers were still on a 2-year standby?
(10) What action will he take to assist these people?
752 HOUSING DEPARTMENT CENTRAL COAST OFFICES—TENANTS RENTAL
PAYMENTS—Mr McBride to ask the Minister for Land and Water Conservation
representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for Housing—
With respect to the Gosford and Wyong offices of the Department of
Housing—
(1) Will the offices be subject to departmental
changes which will require rent to be paid direct from the bank accounts of
tenants if they so approve or at Australia Post offices?
(2) Will
tenants be able to pay rent at the respective offices?
(3) If not,
why not?
Page 722
753 HOUSING DEPARTMENT
CENTRAL COAST OFFICES—Mr McBride to ask the Minister for Land and Water
Conservation representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for
Housing—
With respect to the Gosford and Wyong offices of
the Department of Housing—
(1) (a) Has the Department
considered any proposals to reduce the administrative responsibilities of the
above offices? (b) If so, to what extent?
(2) Do these
proposals include transferring the administration of allocation of housing
accommodation to departmental offices at Maitland?
(3) Do these
proposals include transferring the processing of applications for tenancy to
departmental offices at Maitland?
(4) Should these proposals
proceed, would people currently applying for tenancy through the above offices
be included on waiting lists currently administered by the Maitland office?
(5) Will he guarantee that these proposals will not proceed?
(6)
If not, why not?
754 GORDON TOWNSEND HOME CARE
APPLICATION—Mr McBride to ask the Minister for Community Services,
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for the Ageing—
With respect to the application for assistance from the Home Care Service
of Mr GordoTownsend of 16 Waterview Street, Long Jetty—
(1)
Did the Wyong Shire Branch Manger, Mr Kevin Fiddock, state in a letter dated
22 September 1993, to Mr Townsend that "we recognise your need for service
and understand that your request for help with your housework is not
unreasonable"?
(2) Did Mr Fiddock also state in that said
letter that "Home Care does not have sufficient financial resources to
provide services to all those who require it"?
(3) Will he act
immediately to ensure that Home Care's Wyong Shire branch is allocated with
sufficient funds to provide Mr Townsend with his recognised need for
service?
(4) If not, why not?
755 RAIL
CONCESSION TICKET SALES—Mr McManus to ask the Minister for Transport and
Minister for Roads—
(1) On average, how many rail
concession tickets are being sold per week in Sydney following the introduction
of automatic fare collection?
(2) Prior to the introduction of
automatic ticket machines, on average, how many concession tickets were sold
per week?
756 SCONE FIRE DAMAGE—Mr McManus
to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1) Is he aware of correspondence from Mr Stuart Carter of Scone,
concerning a fire on SRA land which caused damage to Mr Carter's property?
(2) What action will he take to ensure that Mr Carter is adequately
compensated?
(3) What action will the SRA take to ensure this type
of situation does not occur again?
Page 723
757
SRA TRACKWORK—COMMUTER ARRANGEMENTS—Mr McManus to ask the
Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads—
(1)
When trackwork is being carried out on metropolitan lines, what steps are
taken to ensure the smooth transition of commuters on to buses?
(2)
Is he aware that on the Illawarra line on 12 January 1994, CityRail staff at
Town Hall and Central Railway Stations were unable to advise commuters of the
quickest way to reach Hurstville (indicator boards and staff giving conflicting
advice, notices not placed, etc.)?
(3) Given that such work is
planned, why is it not possible to better inform commuters of the alternative
arrangements?
(4) Who is responsible for co-ordinating commuters on
these days?
758 DEEP OCEAN OUTFALL MONITORING
PROGRAM—Mr Martin to ask the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and
Minister for Mines—
(1) Was the Deep Ocean Outfall
Monitoring (DOOM) program of the NSW Fisheries Research Institute (FRI) funded
by New South Wales taxpayers through the Water Board and the Environment
Protection Authority?
(2) Was the DOOM program to continue for 10
years?
(3) Was the program to include monitoring of the abundance of
fish species before the operation of the ocean outfalls and after the deepwater
outfalls had commenced discharging into the ocean environment?
(4)
Has the Environment Protection Authority announced that the program will be
cut short by half?
(5) If so, why?
(6) Have results to
date shown the deepwater ocean outfalls have created a detrimental impact on
the abundance and distribution of fish species?
(7) Have the study
methods been shown to be inappropriate and unable to detect differences?
(8) What was the total allocation of funds to the DOOM program?
(9)
How much of this amount was spent supporting administrative costs of the
FRI?
(10) Why has funding been stopped?
(11) (a)
Has the principal investigator been transferred?
59 ENDANGERED SPECIES
LEGISLATION—Mr Martin to ask the Minister for the Environment—
(1) When did he or the Department seek public comment in
respect of proposed endangered species legislation?
(2) Was a joint
submission prepared by Ocean Watch and the Commercial Fishing Advisory Council
(CFAC)?
(3) Did Messrs Vince McDonall and Duncan Leadbitter attend
an inquiry on the matter?
(4) What was the essence of the fishing
industry submission?
(5) Has he recently released a draft bill that
indicates the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be the agency
responsible for fish listed as endangered, rare, vulnerable or insufficiently
known?
(6) Is this in accordance with the submission by the fishing
industry?
(7) If not, why?
Page 724 (8)
Which authority does the Government consider has the greater scientific
expertise in respect of fish species and habitat, NPWS or NSW Fisheries?
(9) Has the Minister for Fisheries had any input in the formulation of
this bill?
(10) If so, which authority did the Minister for
Fisheries consider should be the agency in respect of fish listed as
endangered, rare, vulnerable or insufficiently known?
(11) Are
submission from the public and interested organisation currently being
sought?
(12) When was the proposed bill presented to Cabinet and
when did it receive Cabinet's approval?
760 DIRTY
WATER TESTING—Mr Markham to ask the Minister for Land and Water
Conservation representing the Minister for Planning and Minister for
Housing—
(1) When the Water Board receives a
complaint from a householder about dirty water, are tests carried out in every
case to: (a) Determine whether water is safe to drink?
(b)
Measure water colour?
(c) Measure turbidity?
(d)
Determine whether tap water meets the National Health and Medical Research
Council and Australian Water Resources Council guidelines?
(2) If
so: (a) What tests are carried out?
(b) How are these
tests implemented?
(c) Are householders advised of results of these
tests?
(3) If not, why not?
761
ILLAWARRA BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING—Mr Markham to ask the Minister
for the Environment—
(1) What tests are carried out
by the Environment Protection Authority at Bellambi Beach, Corrimal Beach,
Towradgi Beach, Fairy Meadow Beach and North Wollongong Beach to determine
possible levels of E.coli and faecal coliforms present in the water?
(2) How often were these tests carried out in: (a) 1992?
(b) 1993?
(c) So far in 1994?
(3) What were the
results of these tests in: (a) 1992?
(b) 1993?
(c)
To date?
(4) Are these tests carried out at Bellambi Creek and
Lagoon, Fairy Creek and Towradgi Creek, to measure possible levels of
E.coli and faecal coliforms?
(5) If so, how often were these
tests carried out in: (a) 1992?
(b) 1993?
(c)
To date?
(6) If not, why not?
Page 725
762 JUNEE PRIVATE PRISON—Mr Markham to ask the Minister for
Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for
Justice—
(1) How many prisoner inmates are there t
Junee Private Prison?
(2) What prisoner classifications are
incarcerated at Junee Private Prison?
(3) How many Aboriginal
prisoners are incarcerated at Junee Private Prison?
(4) From what
areas of New South Wales do these Aboriginal prisoners come from?
(5)
What criteria are used for Aboriginal prisoners to be incarcerated in Junee
Private Prison?
(6) If there are Aboriginal prisoners incarcerated
in Junee Private Prison who come from other areas of New South Wales where
prisons are located, why are they not placed in these prisons in line with
recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody?
(7) What provisions are made and assistance given to families and
friends of Aboriginal prisoners to visit and stay overnight in Junee?
(8)
What are the sentencing terms for Aboriginal prisoners in Junee Private
Prison?
(9) How many prison officers are employed at Junee Private
Prison?
(10) How many shifts are worked by prison officers employed
at Junee Private Prison?
(11) How many prison officers are employed
on each shift at Junee Private Prison?
763 SCHOOL
CROSSING SUPERVISORS—Mr Mills to ask the Minister for Transport and
Minister for Roads—
(1) How many volunteer (unpaid)
civilian school crossing supervisors are engaged in each of the RTA regions
across New South Wales?
(2) What are the guidelines covering their
engagement?
(3) How many sponsored civilian school crossing
supervisors are engaged in each of the RTA regions across New South Wales?
(4) What are the guidelines covering their engagement?
(5)
Which companies or organisations sponsor civilian school crossing supervisors
and how many each?
764 YOUTH WEEK GRANTS—Mr
Mills 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) What grants were made to which
organisations, for how much, and for what purpose, by the NSW Office of Youth
Affairs in connection with Youth Week 1994?
(2) What grants were
made by the NSW Office of Youth Affairs, to which organisations or persons, for
how much in the budget year 1993/94, other than for activities connected with
Youth Week 1994?
765 CARDIFF AND LAMBTON POLICE
STRENGTHS—Mr Mills to ask the Minister for Police and Minister for
Emergency Services—
(1) At each of Lambton and
Cardiff Police Stations, what are the: (a) Current staffing
strengths?
(b) Authorised staffing strengths?
(2) What
are the reasons for any shortfall in current staffing?
(3) When will
any shortfalls be addressed?
Page 726
766
PARRAMATTA RIVER—SWIMMING REPORT—Mr J. H. Murray to ask the
Minister for Land and Water Conservation representing the Minister for Planning
and Minister for Housing—
(1) Did Concord Council
receive advice from the Water Board relating to appropriate swimming areas in
the Parramatta River?
(2) Was this advice provided to councillors at
the council's meeting of 22 March 1994?
(3) Can he make this report
available to the Member for Drummoyne?
(4) If not, why?
767 CHEWING GUM—Mr J. H. Murray to ask the Minister
for Energy and Minister for Local Government and Co-operatives—
(1) Is he aware that chewing gum deposited on upgraded fotpath pavements in shopping centres is costing local government large sums of
money to remove?
(2) Is chewing gum banned from public school
buildings?
(3) Will he bring forward legislation banning the sale of
chewing gum in New South Wales?
768 TRAIN SERVICE
SYNCHRONISATION—Mr Nagle to ask the Minister for Transport and Minister
for Roads—
(1) Why can't the train services between
Martin Place be synchronised with the train services to Lidcombe, Auburn,
Parramatta, Granville and Liverpool via Regents Park?
(2) Similarly,
can these abovementioned western suburbs stations be synchronised with Town
Hall Station to Martin Place and to Bondi Junction?
769
INDUSTRIAL INSPECTIONS—Mr Nagle to ask the Minister for Industrial
Relations and Employment and Minister for the Status of Women—
(1) Does she support the enforcement of industrial agreements and/or
awards?
(2) Does she support officers of the Department of
Industrial Relations inspecting employment records?
(3) Does she
support union officials assisting departmental inspectors in inspecting
employment records?
770 SINGLETON POLICE
PATROL—Mr Neilly to ask the Minister for Police and Minister for
Emergency Services—
(1) Did the Regional Commander
North Region, Staff Officer Personnel North Region, District Commander
Maitland, and the Patrol Commander Singleton, meet with Singleton Council in
March 1992 to discuss manning requirements for the Singleton Police Patrol?
(2) As an outcome of the meeting referred to, was an undertaking
provided to Singleton Council to conduct a survey of the policing needs of the
Singleton Police Patrol?
(3) Was such a survey undertaken, and when
was it undertaken?
(4) What were the policing needs of the Singleton
Police Patrol indentified by the survey?
(5) How did the outcome of
the survey compare with the authorised and required strengths of the Singleton
Police Patrol at that time?
(6) When is the next evaluation of
workload and staffing levels of the Singleton Police Patrol due to take
place?
Page 727
771 MONEYS SPENT BY THE
DEPARTMENT OF SPORT, RECREATION AND RACING— ELECTORATE OF BLIGH—Mr
Neilly to ask the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing—
(1) What are the total amounts of Sport, Recreation and Racing
Capital Works moneys that have been made available to the electorate of Bligh
in the years: (a) 1990?
(b) 1991?
(c) 1992?
(d) 1993?
(e) To date in 1994?
(2) Were
there any special Sport, Recreation and Racing Capital Grants made over and
above the usual round of grants that are made each 12 months?
(3)
Were there any additional sporting grants made to the electorate?
(4)
(a) Were there any other grants or moneys, other than Gifted Sports
Persons and those type of allocations, made to the electorate in those last 5
years? (b) If so, what was each specifically for?
772 MONEYS SPENT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SPORT, RECREATION AND
RACING— ELECTORATE OF BAULKHAM HILLS—Mr Price to ask the Minister
for Sport, Recreation and Racing—
(1) What are the
total amounts of Sport, Recreation and Racing Capital Works moneys that have
been made available to the electorate of Baulkham Hills in the years: (a)
1990?
(b) 1991?
(c) 1992?
(d) 1993?
e) To date in 1994?
(2) Were there any special Sport,
Recreation and Racing Capital Grants made over and above the usual round of
grants that are made each 12 months?
(3) Were there any additional
sporting grants made to the electorate?
(4) (a) Were there
any other grants or moneys, other than Gifted Sports Persons and those type of
allocations, made to the electorate in those last 5 years? (b) If
so, what was each specifically for?
773
MONEYS SPENT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SPORT, RECREATION AND RACING—
ELECTORATE OF BEGA—Mr Price to ask the Minister for Sport, Recreation and
Racing—
(1) What are the total amounts of Sport,
Recreation and Racing Capital Works moneys that have been made available to the
electorate of Bega in the years: (a) 1990?
(b) 1991?
(c) 1992?
(d) 1993?
(e) To date in 1994?
(2)
Were there any special Sport, Recreation and Racing Capital Grants made
over and above the usual round of grants that are made each 12 months?
(3)
Were there any additional sporting grants made to the electorate?
Page 728 (4) (a) Were there any other grants
or moneys, other than Gifted Sports Persons and those type of allocations, made
to the electorate in those last 5 years? (b) If so, what was each
specifically for?
774 MONEYS SPENT BY THE
DEPARTMENT OF SPORT, RECREATION AND RACING— ELECTORATE OF
BURRINJUCK—Mr Price to ask the Minister for Sport, Recreation and
Racing—
(1) What are the total amounts of Sport,
Recreation and Racing Capital Works moneys that have been made available to the
electorate of Burrinjuck in the years: (a) 1990?
(b) 1991?
(c) 1992?
(d) 1993?
(e) To date in 1994?
(2) Were there any special Sport, Recreation and Racing Capital Grants
made over and above the usual round of grants that are made each 12 months?
(3) Were there any additional sporting grants made to the
electorate?
(4) (a) Were there any other grants or moneys,
other than Gifted Sports Persons and those type of allocations, made to the
electorate in those last 5 years? (b) If so, what was each
specifically for?
775 HEPATITIS C
PATIENTS—Dr Refshauge to ask the Minister for Health—
(1) What programs will the State Government be initiating this year
to respond to the present and imminent needs of Hepatitis C patients?
(2)
What public education programs are planned to alert GP's, specialists and
the general public to the presence of Hepatitis C and to help sufferers find
help?
776 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PAYOUTS—Dr
Refshauge to ask the Minister for Health—
(1) Over
the last 5 years, how many Department of Health SES Officers leaving the
Department have received payouts?
(2) How long had they filled the
position which they left?
(3) What was the payout in each case?
777 WOLLONGONG, PORT KEMBLA AND SHELL HARBOUR HOSPITAL
BEDS—Mr Rumble to ask the Minister for Health—
(1)
In respect of the Wollongong, Port Kembla and Shellharbour Hospitals, how
many beds are available to be occupied in all of the various wards?
(2)
&bsp;What were these figures for the last 4 years?
778
GARFORTH APPEAL COSTS—Mr Rumble to ask the Minister for the
Environment representing the Attorney General and Minister for
Justice—
(1) What was the cost of the appeal in the
Court of Criminal Appeal involving Andrew Garforth on 31 March 1994?
(2)
What is the breakdown of the components of the total cost?
Page 729
779 MONEYS SPENT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SPORT,
RECREATION AND RACING— ELECTORATE OF ALBURY—Mr Thompson to ask the
Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing—
(1) What
are the total amounts of Sport, Recreation and Racing Capital Works moneys that
have been made available to the electorate of Albury in the years: (a)
1990?
(b) 1991?
(c) 1992?
(d) 1993?
(e)
To date in 1994?
(2) Were there any special Sport,
Recreation and Racing Capital Grants made over and above the usual round of
grants that are made each 12 months?
(3) Were there any additional
sporting grants made to the electorate?
(4) (a) Were there
any other grants or moneys, other than Gifted Sports Persons and those type of
allocations, made to the electorate in those last 5 years? (b) If
so, what was each specifically for?
780
MONEYS SPENT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SPORT, RECREATION AND RACING—
ELECTORATE OF BALLINA—Mr Thompson to ask the Minister for Sport,
Recreation and Racing—
(1) What are the total amounts
of Sport, Recreation and Racing Capital Works moneys that have been made
available to the electorate of Ballina in the years: (a) 1990?
(b) 1991?
(c) 1992?
(d) 1993?
(e) To
date in 1994?
(2) Were there any special Sport, Recreation and
Racing Capital Grants made over and above the usual round of grants that are
made each 12 months?
(3) Were there any additional sporting grants
made to the electorate?
(4) (a) Were there any other grants
or moneys, other than Gifted Sports Persons and those type of allocations, made
to the electorate in those last 5 years? (b) If so, what was each
specifically for?
781 MONEYS SPENT BY THE
DEPARTMENT OF SPORT, RECREATION AND RACING— ELECTORATE OF BARWON—Mr
Thompson to ask the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing—
(1) What are the total amounts of Sport, Recreation and Racing
Capital Works moneys that have been made available to the electorate of Barwon
in the years: (a) 1990?
(b) 1991?
(c) 1992?
(d) 1993?
(e) To date in 1994?
Page 730 (2) Were there any special Sport, Recreation and
Racing Capital Grants made over and above the usual round of grants that are
made each 12 months?
(3) Were there any additional sporting grants
made to the electorate?
(4) (a) Were there any other grants
or moneys, other than Gifted Sports Persons and those type of allocations, made
to the electorate in those last 5 years? (b) If so, what was each
specifically for?
______________________________________________________________________
Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales
