Questions & Answers Paper No. 119 - Parliament of New South ...

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LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 

QUESTIONS 

AND 

ANSWERS 

No. 119 

TUESDAY 20 OCTOBER 2009 

(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.) 

Notice given on date shown


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Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 119— Tuesday 20 October 2009 

Publication of Questions 

Answer to be lodged by 

Q & A No. 109 (Including Question Nos 3302 to 3404) 06 October 2009 










Q & A No. 119 (Including Question Nos 3721 to 3751) 24 November 2009

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24 JUNE 2009 

(Paper No. 109) 

*3302 HOUSING—HOUSING IN WOOLLOOMOOLOO—Ms Hale asked the Minister for Primary 

Industries, Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State Development 

representing the Minister for Housing, and Minister for Western Sydney— 

(1) In relation to the Intercom System 7-41 Cowper Road Woolloomooloo: 

(a) Has the intercom⁄security system been smashed for 10 weeks? 

(b) If so, is there any plans to fix it? 

(i) If so, when? 

(2) In relation to the vacancy, Flat 8, 7-14 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo: 

(a) Why is Flat 8 empty after 10 months? 

(b) When will an eligible social housing tenant be moved in? 

(3) In relation to vacancies in Forbes Street, Woolloomooloo: 

(a) Does the Land and Housing Corporation own and⁄or manage social housing in Forbes Street, 

Woolloomooloo? 

(b) How many are currently unoccupied? 

(c) How many are privately rented, if any? 

Answer— 

(1) The intercom system was reported as vandalised on 23 June 2009 and made safe the same day. A 

replacement system was ordered on 24 June 2009 and installed on 9 July 2009. 

(2) The lease for Flat 8 commenced on 1 June 2009. 

(3) 

(a) Yes. 

(b) The number of vacant properties in any location changes on a daily basis as properties are 

vacated by tenants, cleaned and repaired ready for the next tenant, as is required under the 

Residential Tenancies Act and are then re-occupied. 

(c) Nil. 

*3303 CORRECTIVE SERVICES—ACCOMMODATION COST FOR CORRECTIONAL CENTRE 

MANAGER—Ms Hale asked the Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Public Sector Reform, 

Special Minister of State— 

In relation to the cost of accommodation for new Cessnock Correctional Centre General Manager: 

(1) 

(a) Is the new Cessnock Correctional Centre General Manager currently being accommodated in 

the officer's quarters of Cessnock Correctional Centre? 

(b) If not, why not? 

(2) What is the cost of accommodating the General Manager off site? 

Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 

(a) No. 

(b) The current general manager is temporarily seconded to Cessnock Correctional Centre and is 

being accommodated in line with the entitlements of the Crown Employees Public Service 

Conditions of Employment Award. 

(2) The cost is within the range stipulated in the Crown Employees Public Service Conditions of 

Employment Award. 

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*3304 TRANSPORT—CARBON ACCOUNTING SYSTEM—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Health, 

Minister for the Central Coast, and Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for 

Transport, and Minister for the Illawarra— 

(1) 

(2) 

(a) Does Cityrail have a carbon accounting system in place to monitor its own greenhouse 

emissions, as would be required under the proposed carbon trading scheme? 


(a) Does RailCorp have a carbon accounting system in place to monitor its own greenhouse 

emissions, as would be required under the proposed carbon trading scheme? 


Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) (a) – (b) Yes. CityRail's greenhouse gas emissions are monitored and included in RailCorp's 

greenhouse gas emissions inventory. 

(2) (a) – (b) Yes. RailCorp maintains an energy use and greenhouse gas emissions inventory. RailCorp is 

registered to report under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007. 

*3305 FINANCE—PRIVATE USE OF VEHICLES UNDER CONSENT AWARD—Ms Rhiannon asked the 

Treasurer representing the Minister for Finance, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Regulatory 

Reform, and Minister for Ports and Waterways— 

(1) 

(a) Is the Minister aware of the WorkCover Safety Inspectors Consent Award, which allows for the 

private use of vehicles provided as a tool of work? 

(b) For the vehicles provided under the Consent Award, how many kilometers of use are workrelated? 

(c) For the vehicles provided under the Consent Award, how many kilometers of use are private 

use? 

(d) What percentage of the kilometers used of the vehicles provided under the Consent Award is 

work-related? 

Answer— 

I'm advised the private use of fleet vehicles by WorkCover inspectors is an Award provision that has been 

in place since 1991 as part of an Enterprise Agreement under the then Industrial Relations Act. 

The Agreement brought together a variety of Inspectors working on safety related matters into one group 

and introduced a new set of pay and conditions, including the allocation of a motor vehicle as a tool of 

work with private use on payment of a fee. 

A new Award was made by the Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales on 23 November 

2007 following negotiations with the Public Service Association. 

The Award is supported by a Memorandum of Understanding between WorkCover and the Association 

that deals with a range of Award related matters including the private use of motor vehicles, the after 

hours response service and competency assessment. 

The private use of motor vehicles includes a new scale of fees based on the environmental rating of the 

motor vehicle with automatic increases in these fees based on salary increases. 


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*3306 FINANCE—2009 SAFETY SUMMIT—Ms Rhiannon asked the Treasurer representing the Minister for 

Finance, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Regulatory Reform, and Minister for Ports and 

Waterways— 

(1) Why was the 2009 Safety Summit canceled without further notice? 

(2) Can improvements in worker health and safety be sustained without the involvement of industry 

stakeholders? 

Answer— 

Significant progress has been made towards national occupational health and safety laws, with an 

exposure draft bill released on 25 September 2009 for a 6 week public consultation period. 

Harmonised occupational health and safety laws can deliver real benefits for New South Wales through 

increased productivity, lower costs and a healthier workforce. The Government therefore determined it 

would be inappropriate to consider hosting a further Safety Summit until the national harmonisation 

process has been finalised. 

WorkCover will continue to work with stakeholders and key groups to ensure the positive work that has 

already been implemented as a result of the previous summits, through such initiatives as partnerships 

and alliances, is maintained. 

*3307 FINANCE—WORKCOVER INSPECTORS—Ms Rhiannon asked the Treasurer representing the 

Minister for Finance, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Regulatory Reform, and Minister for Ports 

and Waterways— 

(1) 

(a) How many WorkCover inspectors are occupied in purely advisory roles in the advisory group of 

the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Division, where they do not exercise their 

inspector's authorities? 

(b) How many inspectors in the OH&S Division are in field-based positions and exercising their 

inspector's authorities ? 

(c) How many inspectors are in management roles in the OH&S Division? 

Answer— 

All 314 inspectors within WorkCover's Occupational Health and Safety Division undertake an advisory 

role as part of their function. 

In addition, there are fourteen Business Advisory Inspectors, who predominantly undertake an advisory 

role. If faced with a situation of serious or imminent risk they will notify an Inspector for action. 

However, a Business Advisory Inspector can also undertake after hours responses and exercise full 

Inspector authorities. 

*3308 FINANCE—RESTRUCTURE OF OH&S DIVISION—Ms Rhiannon asked the Treasurer representing 

the Minister for Finance, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Regulatory Reform, and Minister for 

Ports and Waterways— 

(1) The Minister disclosed in answer to a question about WorkCover's Safety Solutions Rebate Program 

that only 67 applications were successful coming to a total expenditure of $32,000 from a total 

budget allocation of $2,078,265 from 2006⁄07 to 2008⁄09. 

(a) Is the scheme underutilised? 

(b) If so, has an evaluation been conducted on why it is underutilised? 

(2) 

(a) Is a restructure of the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Division of WorkCover now 

required to serve the needs of industry, particularly the small business sector? 

(b) 



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Answer— 

(i) Will a future restructure of the OH&S Division of WorkCover provide additional resources 

to the compliance enforcement activities of the Inspectorate? 

(ii) If not, why not? 

I'm advised that small businesses have expressed significant interest in the Safety Solution Rebate 

Program concept, however it has not translated into a high number of applications to date. WorkCover is 

currently working to streamline and modify the initiative to make it more attractive to a wider target 

audience, including rural and regional areas across the State. 

WorkCover's Occupational Health and Safety Division implemented a Change Program in July 2008 and 

subsequently reviewed the changes to its structure and direct reporting responsibilities. The review 

findings indicated some refinements would further improve the effectiveness of business operations and 

service delivery to internal and external stakeholders. It is expected the refinements will be in place by 

the end of December this year. 

*3309 FINANCE—2009 INSPECTOR RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN—Ms Rhiannon asked the Treasurer 

representing the Minister for Finance, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Regulatory Reform, and 

Minister for Ports and Waterways— 

(1) 

(2) 

(a) Has WorkCover conducted a statewide media campaign to advertise the 2009 Inspector 

recruitment campaign? 

(b) If so, how much did it cost? 

(c) How many Inspectors will be recruited? 

(a) How much did the corresponding media campaign cost in 2008? 

(b) How many Inspectors were recruited in 2008? 

(3) Is the 2009 Inspector recruitment campaign a cost effective recruitment exercise? 

Answer— 

I'm advised sixteen new inspectors were appointed and commenced their duties on 13 October 2008. 

2009 recruitment is currently underway. 

The new inspectors join Australia's largest and most highly trained workplace safety Inspectorate. 

The new inspectors will play a pivotal role in helping employers and workers increase their capability to 

manage workplace safety risks and enhance understanding of their workers compensation 

responsibilities. 

*3310 ROADS—TRAFFIC MODELING FOR IRON COVER BRIDGE—Ms Rhiannon asked the Attorney 

General, Minister for Industrial Relations representing the Minister for Roads— 

(1) 

(2) 

(a) Does the Roads and Traffic Authority's traffic modeling for the project to duplicate the Iron 

Cove Bridge and widen Victoria Road take local traffic management issues into account? 

(b) If so, 

(i) what were the findings of the traffic modeling? 

(ii) What recommendations were made regarding local traffic management issues? 

(c) If no, why not? 

(a) Does the traffic modeling project an increase in the number of single passenger vehicles induced 

onto the additional road width?



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(b) If so, what are the specific details of this increase? 

(3) Has the impact of future major Victoria Road projects been factored into the traffic modeling? 

Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 

(2) 

(a) 

(b) 

The modelling takes account of the redirection of traffic resulting from the closure of Cary 

Street exit in the morning peak and closure of the right turn movements into both Evans 

Street (outbound) and Gordon Street (citybound). The modelling is primarily a corridor 

study which presents information relating to vehicles queuing on those roads directly 

joining Victoria Road. 

(i) The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) is currently undertaking a Victoria Road access 

study to investigate the effect of these closures in more detail. 

(ii) Not applicable. 


(b) Not applicable. 

(3) The project traffic model includes provision for known major land development. The inputs to the 

traffic model were based on traffic generation limits for developments agreed between the RTA and 

Leichhardt Municipal Council. The traffic model confirms that the Victoria Road project would not 

affect the traffic carrying capacity of Victoria Road nor would it induce traffic to the corridor and it 

would not impact upon the viability of potential developments. Furthermore, traffic from these and 

other potential developments would not affect the operation of the city bound bus lane through 

Rozelle. Consequently any contributions that these developments would make to traffic volumes on 

Victoria Road would have the same impact on general traffic irrespective of the project. 

*3311 ROADS—COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF IRON COVE BRIDGE PROJECT—Ms Rhiannon asked 

the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations representing the Minister for Roads— 

(1) 

(2) 

(a) Has the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) conducted or commissioned a cost benefit analysis 

of the project to duplicate the Iron Cove Bridge and widen Victoria Road? 

(b) If so, 

(i) what were the details? 

(ii) what were the findings of this analysis? 

(a) Does the cost benefit analysis include local environmental impacts and the measures to 

minimise their impact, for example, disturbance of contaminants, alienation of parkland, 

overshadowing of public land and facilities, loss of patron parking along Victoria Road? 

(b) Has the project been measured in accordance with the recommendations contained in the Parry 

Report: "All transport infrastructure projects must be compared and evaluated using rigorous 

cost benefit analysis which takes full account of economic, social and environmental costs and 

benefits"? 

(3) Why was the original plan to upgrade Victoria Road reduced from three general traffic lanes and a 

bus lane to two lanes and a bus lane? 

(4) 

(a) When was the provision of overtaking bus bays to allow limited stop services to overtake all 

stop services deleted from the project plan? 

(b) Why? 

Answer— 

The New South Wales Government is upgrading Victoria Road, one of Sydney's busiest transport 

corridors, including the construction of the Inner West Busway this Project will deliver significant


4074 


benefits for commuters. Once completed, it will improve bus travel times along the busy Victoria Road 

corridor. 

I am advised that the economic assessment of the project was undertaken in accordance with New South 

Wales Treasury and Roads and Traffic Authority Economic Analysis Manual investment appraisal 

guidelines. The economic evaluation identified that the majority of benefits will accrue to both bus and 

car users in terms of estimated travel time savings and improved bus reliability. 

I am further advised that a number of road safety and operational benefits can be achieved with a three 

lane bridge if built on the western side. In consultation with the community the Roads and Traffic 

Authority selected the western bridge option, reduced the number of lanes to three and will provide a 

considerably wider shared use path for the thousands of cyclists and pedestrians that will use it ever day 

as part of the popular Bay Run. I am advised that the provision of bus bays has not been deleted from the 

project. 

*3312 ROADS—IRON COVE BRIDGE MAINTENANCE REPORT—Ms Rhiannon asked the Attorney 


(1) 

(a) Is the Minister or the Roads and Traffic Authority aware of a maintenance report stating: 

(i) the condition of the existing Iron Cove Bridge including the clip-on? and, 

(ii) the projected reduced life of the Iron Cove Bridge arising from the projected increased use 

and the additional weight of goods-carrying vehicles as a result of the Victoria Road and 

Iron Cove Bridge upgrades? 

(b) If so, please provide details of this maintenance report. 

(2) Has the impact of future major Victoria Road projects been factored into the maintenance report? 

Answer— 

I am advised that the Roads and Traffic Authority has carried out a range of investigations into the 

existing Iron Cove Bridge. However the Roads and Traffic Authority has advised me that it does not have 

a maintenance report as per your question (1)(a)(ii). 

*3313 HEALTH—POLICY DIRECTIVE ON DENTURE PROVISION—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for 

Health, Minister for the Central Coast, and Vice President of the Executive Council— 

(1) Regarding NSW Health's Policy Directive on Denture Provision (dated 30 July 2008): 

(a) How much funding is attached to this directive? 

(b) How many people have applied to receive a denture through a public dental facility under this 

directive? 

(c) How many people have been successful in their applications to receive a denture through a 

public dental facility under this directive? 

(d) How many people have had dentures fitted under this directive? 

(e) What is the average waiting list time for people to receive a denture after their application has 

been successful under this directive? 

(2) Will additional funding for this policy directive be provided to ensure that eligible people are not 

waiting? 

Answer— 

(1) (a) (b) (c) (d) NSW Health does not separately fund denture services. The number of dentures 

provided by an Area Health Service is a local clinical and management issue. (e) The waiting times 

for dentures are difficult to measure statewide due to variations in demand and ability to supply 

services both in the public and private sector. Also there are different types of dentures which require 

varying amounts of treatment prior to denture provision.



4075 

(2) Funding is allocated for a range of oral health services, including emergency oral health care and 

specialist services. Funding of dentures is dependent upon the varying demands that are placed upon 

each Area Health Service. 

Denture services are also available for people with chronic conditions under the Commonwealth 

Government's Medicare Enhanced Primary Care Dental Scheme. 

*3314 HEALTH—THERAPEUTIC TRIAL OF MEDICINAL CANNABIS—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister 

for Health, Minister for the Central Coast, and Vice President of the Executive Council— 

(1) 

(2) 

(a) Is the Minister aware of the commitment made by former Health Minister Reba Meagher in 

May 2008 to hold a therapeutic trial of medicinal cannabis in New South Wales? 

(b) Will the current Minister follow through on this commitment? 

(a) Has the Minister sought and gained permission from the Federal Health Minister to import and 

trial a drug which delivers cannabis compounds? 

(b) If so, 

(i) when will the trial commence? 

(ii) How long is the trial expected to run for? 

(iii) Will the findings be made public? 

Answer— 

The New South Wales Government has had discussions on this issue with the current Federal 

Government. The specific terms of reference for further work and consultation are yet to be finalised. 

*3315 ENERGY—PETROLEUM SUPPLY DISRUPTION RESPONSE PLAN—Ms Rhiannon asked the 

Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State 

Development— 

(1) Has the Department finalised the update of the New South Wales Petroleum Supply Disruption 

Response Plan? 

(2) In the answer to Question on Notice no. 2059, the Minister stated that "a Discussion Paper seeking 

comment from interested parties is planned to be released later this year": 

(a) Has this discussion paper been released? 

(b) If not, when will it be released? 

(3) Why has there been a six month delay in making available a discussion paper on the New South 

Wales Petroleum Supply Disruption Response Plan for comment from interested parties? 

(4) Is the current New South Wales Petroleum Supply Disruption Response Plan available for interested 

parties? 

(5) If there is one, is the draft updated New South Wales Petroleum Supply Disruption Response Plan 

available for interested parties? 

Answer— 

(1) No. 

(2) No. As previously advised, the Discussion Paper will be made publicly available for comment when 

it has been completed. 

(3) The outcomes of two major projects by the National Oil Supplies Emergency Committee are still 

being progressed. Further research was also identified and conducted by Industry and Investment 

NSW. These projects relate to issues such as bulk allocations by industry, essential user definitions, 

rationing alternatives and communications during a liquid fuels emergency. These issues are core to 

the revised NSW Petroleum Supply Disruption Response Plan and are required before the Discussion 

Paper can be completed. 

(4) The current New South Wales Petroleum Supply Disruption Response Plan has not been publicly 

released. It contains details of sensitive government and industry arrangements as well as contact 

details for government and industry officers.

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(5) The revised draft plan will be available after the consultation paper responses are collated, 

considered and included. 

*3316 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—EXPENDITURE ON MARINE PARKS—Mr Gay asked the Minister for 

Primary Industries, Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State 


(1) What is the total expenditure on marine parks from 1 July 2003 to June 2009? 

(2) Please provide a data breakdown of expenditure by item that has been spent on all aspects of marine 

parks including all salaries and overheads for each of the following financial years: 

(a) 2003⁄04? 

(b) 2004⁄05? 

(c) 2005⁄06? 

(d) 2006⁄07? 

(e) 2007⁄08? 

(f) 2008⁄09? 

Answer— 

This information is published in the Annual Reports of the former Department of Primary Industries, now 

Industry and Investment NSW, for the periods 2003 to 2007. 

In 2007, all administrative staffing arrangements, including budgets, for marine parks were transferred to 

the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water. I therefore refer that portion of the question 

to the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, the Hon John Robertson MLC. 

*3317 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—EXPENDITURE ON MARINE PARKS—Mr Gay 

asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations representing the Deputy Premier, Minister 

for Climate Change and the Environment, and Minister for Commerce— 

(1) What is the total expenditure on marine parks from 1 July 2003 to June 2009? 

(2) Please provide a data breakdown of expenditure by item that has been spent on all aspects of marine 

parks including all salaries and overheads for each of the following financial years: 

(a) 2003⁄04? 

(b) 2004⁄05? 

(c) 2005⁄06? 

(d) 2006⁄07? 

(e) 2007⁄08? 

(f) 2008⁄09? 

Answer— 

The audited financial statements for the Marine Parks Authority (MPA) for the 2006-07 and 2007-08 

financial years are publicly available in the relevant Department of Environment and Climate Change 

Annual Reports. These statements provide a breakdown of Marine Park Authority operating expenses 

including for personnel services. The MPA's 2008-09 audited financial statement will be available in the 

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water Annual Report when it is published later this 

year. 

I refer you to Minister Macdonald's response to Question on Notice 3316 for information about marine 

parks expenditure for the 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06 financial years which correspond to the period 

in which NSW Fisheries and the Department of Primary Industries reported on Marine Parks Authority 

expenditure. 

*3318 ROADS—MAMRE ROAD OVERPASS OF M4 MOTORWAY—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney 



4077 


In relation to the duplication of the Mamre Road overpass of the M4 Motorway: 

(1) How much money has the Government spent, if any, to duplicate the Mamre Road overpass of the 

M4 Motorway for each of the following periods: 

(a) 2007⁄2008? 

(b) 2008⁄2009? 

(2) How much money, if any, is allocated in the 2009⁄10 Budget to the project? 

Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 

(a) $3.7 million. 

(b) $5.3 million. 

(2) Forecast expenditure for 2009⁄2010 is $200,000 

*3319 ROADS—MAJOR UPGRADE OF GLEMORE PARK—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, 

Minister for Industrial Relations representing the Minister for Roads— 

In relation to the major upgrade of entry and exits of Glemore Park: 

(1) How much money has the Government spent to undertake a major upgrade to the entry and exits of 

Glenmore Park at Mulgoa Road and The Northern Road for each of the following periods: 

(a) 2007⁄2008? 

(b) 2008⁄2009? 


Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 

(a) $426,580.18. 

(b) $1,063,230.30. 

(2) 2,000,000 These amounts relate to traffic studies and detailed design on the following projects: 

• Mulgoa Road⁄Glenmore Parkway; 

• Northern Road⁄Glenmore Parkway; and, 

• Mulgoa Road⁄School House Road⁄Spencer Street, Regentville. 

The $2 million allocation in 2009⁄10 is for construction of Mulgoa Road⁄School House Road⁄Spencer 

Street. 

*3320 TRANSPORT—URBAN TRANSPORT STATEMENT—Ms Ficarra asked the Minister for Health, 



In relation to the Urban Transport Statement corridors between Penrith and Blacktown: 

(1) How much money has the Government allocated to the fast-track bus priority work on strategic 

corridors between Penrith and Blacktown under the Urban Transport Statement for each of the 

following periods: 

(a) 2007⁄2008? 

(b) 2008⁄2009? 


Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 


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(a) $6.6 million. 

(b) $7.84 million. 

(2) $1.1 million has been allocated in the 2009⁄10 Budget to finalise the initial suite of projects, with 

work on various projects continuing across metropolitan Sydney. 

*3321 ROADS—IMPROVEMENT ON WESTERN SYDNEY ROAD CORRIDORS—Ms Ficarra asked the 

Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations representing the Minister for Roads— 

In relation to the improvement of intersections western Sydney Road Corridors: 

(1) What has the Government done since 2007 to improve intersections (pinch points) on western 

Sydney Road corridors: 

(a) Mulgoa Road? 

(b) St Marys Road? 

(c) Richmond Road? 

(2) How much money has the Government spent on each above mentioned intersection for each of the 


(a) 2007⁄2008? 

(b) 2008⁄2009? 


Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 

(2) 

(a) The extension from the existing right turn bay in Mulgoa Road to the M4 eastbound on-loading 

ramp was completed and opened to traffic on 16 December 2007. Intersection improvements at 

Mulgoa Road and Jamison Road, Penrith involve the removal of the existing roundabout and the 

installation of new traffic lights in Mulgoa Road at the Jamison Road intersection. Detailed 

design and community consultation have been undertaken and construction started 24 August 

2009. It is anticipated that this will be completed by December 2010 at a cost of $15 million. 

Intersection improvements at Glenmore Parkway and Mulgoa Road, Glenmore Park will 

involve removal of the existing roundabout and the installation of new traffic lights with 

pedestrian crossing facilities in Mulgoa Road at the Glenmore Parkway intersection. Following 

the outcome of extensive community consultation, the implementation of traffic lights at 

Mulgoa Road and Glenmore Parkway has been deferred. As an alternative to the new traffic 

lights, traffic improvement works are proposed at the intersection of Mulgoa Road, School 

House Road and Spencer Street, Regentville. The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) has 

developed a proposal to widen and provide right turn bays on Mulgoa Road at School House 

Road and Spencer Street, Regentville. The proposal includes the provision of dedicated right 

turn phasing at the existing traffic lights. Community consultation is ongoing and detailed 

design is in progress. It is anticipated that this project will be completed as part of the 2010-11 

program. 

(b) As part of the RTA's Pinch Point Program, the intersection of Richmond Road and St Marys 

Road was widened and a new set of traffic lights was installed to improve safety, efficiency and 

access for the community of Berkshire Park. The project commenced in June 2008 and was 

completed in May 2009 at a cost of $5.8 million. 

(c) Traffic lights at Richmond Road⁄Knox Road were turned on in July 2009 at a cost of $6.6 

million. 

(a) St Marys Road⁄Richmond Road - $550,000 for design and preliminary works. Mulgoa Road and 

the M4 - $268,000. Mulgoa Road and Jamison Road, Penrith - $134,000. Glenmore Parkway 

and Mulgoa Road, Glenmore Park - $145,000. 

(b) St Marys Road⁄Richmond Road - $5 million for construction. Mulgoa Road and Jamison Road, 

Penrith - $774,000. Glenmore Parkway and Mulgoa Road, Glenmore Park - $493,000. Mulgoa 

Road at School House Road and Spencer Street, Regentville - $53,000. 


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(3) St Marys Road⁄Richmond Road – the 2009⁄10 Budget has an allocation of $250,000 to complete 

some minor adjustment and enhancement works following the post project inspection. Mulgoa Road 

and Jamison Road, Penrith - $10 million. Mulgoa Road at School House Road and Spencer Street, 

Regentville - $2 million. 

*3322 TRANSPORT—302 BUSES FOR WESTERN SYDNEY—Ms Ficarra asked the Minister for Health, 



In relation to the purchase of 302 new buses for Western Sydney: 

(1) How many new buses have been purchased and allocated to western Sydney for each of the 


(a) 2007⁄2008? 

(b) 2008⁄2009? 


Answer— 

I am advised: 

The New South Wales Government made an election commitment in 2007 to purchase 302 new buses for 

Western Sydney over 7 years. 

(1) 

(a) In 2007⁄08, 139 new buses were purchased for regions 1, 2, 3 and 4 in Western Sydney. 

(b) In 2008⁄09, 41 new buses were purchased for regions 1, 2, 3 and 4 in Western Sydney. 

(2) The 2009⁄10 budget allows for capital expenditure of $49.2 million for the purchase of 119 buses for 

Western Sydney. 

I am advised that by the end of the current contracts in 2012 the Government will have delivered more 

buses than promised for Western Sydney at the last election. 

*3323 TRANSPORT—FITTING OF EMISSION CONTROL DEVICES ON BUSES—Ms Ficarra asked the 

Minister for Health, Minister for the Central Coast, and Vice President of the Executive Council 

representing the Minister for Transport, and Minister for the Illawarra— 

In relation to the fitting of Emission Control Devices on older buses: 

(1) How many buses since the 2007 election have been refitted with emission control devices to improve 

air quality? 

(2) How many older buses in the western Sydney area since the 2007 election have been refitted with 

emission control devices to improve air quality? 

(3) How much money has the Government spent for each of the following periods on refitting older 

diesel buses with emission control devices: 

(a) 2007⁄2008? 

(b) 2008⁄2009? 


Answer— 

This technology requires the completion of a testing phase prior to the refitting of emission control 

devices to older buses. I am advised that the total estimated cost of the project remains $808,000. 

*3324 TRANSPORT—STUDY ON INTERCHANGE AT ST MARYS—Ms Ficarra asked the Minister for 

Health, Minister for the Central Coast, and Vice President of the Executive Council representing the 

Minister for Transport, and Minister for the Illawarra— 

In relation to the feasibility Study Bus⁄rail interchange at St Marys: 

(1) How much money has the Government spent to undertake scoping and feasibility studies for a 


4080 


bus⁄rail interchange at St Marys for each of the following periods: 

(a) 2007⁄2008? 

(b) 2008⁄2009? 


Answer— 

I am advised in 2007⁄08 over $155,000 was spent on a scoping study for the St Marys Interchange and 

Commuter Car Park. The study identified opportunities to improve interchange facilities and commuter 

car parking on the northern and southern sides of the station. I am further advised that in 2008⁄09 over 

$17,000 was spent on survey works. I understand that the staged delivery of interchange improvements at 

St Marys Station is currently being investigated in the context of delivering the new Commuter Car Park. 

*3325 TRANSPORT—UPGRADE WERRINGTON TRAIN STATION—Ms Ficarra asked the Minister for 



In relation to the easy Access upgrade Werrington Train Station: 

(1) What has the Government done to honour its promise prior to the 2007 State election to deliver an 

Easy Access upgrade of Werrington Train Station? 

(2) How much has the Government spent on the project for each of the following periods: 

(a) 2007⁄2008? 

(b) 2008⁄2009? 


Answer— 

(1) – (3) 

Werrington Station Easy Access upgrade was completed in June 2008 at a cost of $5.4 million. The Easy 

Access upgrade included 2 new lifts, a new Family Accessible Toilet, refurbished concourse, replacement 

of existing ramps with 2 new stairs, new canopies to lift entries, stairs and platforms, tactile tiles, 

upgraded lighting and CCTV, upgraded car park and PV Solar cells (green energy). 

*3326 TRANSPORT—COMMUTER PARKING WERRINGTON TRAIN STATION—Ms Ficarra asked the 



In relation to the commuter parking Werrington Train Station: 

(1) What has the Government done to deliver on its promise prior to the 2007 State election to double 

the existing commuter car park at Werrington Train Station, on the southern side? 

(2) How much has the Government spent on the project for each of the following periods: 

(a) 2007⁄2008? 

(b) 2008⁄2009? 


Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) The Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation is finalising detailed designs for a new 

commuter car park at Werrington. The new commuter car park includes an expansion and upgrade of 

the existing commuter car park on the northern side of the station, providing 80 extra spaces for 

commuters. The Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation invited suitably qualified and 

experienced contractors to tender for the construction contract in late August. The construction 

contract is expected to be awarded in October, with construction due to commence in late 2009. The 

project is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2010. 


4081 


(2) - (3) The New South Wales Government has committed over $170 million for commuter car parks in 

2009⁄10. The budget for individual car parks, including Werrington, will be finalised as tender prices 

are received as part of the usual Government procurement process. 

*3327 TRANSPORT—UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN SYDNEY TRAIN STATION—Ms Ficarra asked the 



In relation to University of Western Sydney's new train station: 

(1) What has the Government done to honour its 2007 election promise to continue the development of 

the University of Western Sydney's new train station at Werrington in conjunction with the 

development of the adjoining town centre? 

(2) How much has the Government spent for each of the following periods on the project: 

(a) 2007⁄2008? 

(b) 2008⁄2009? 


Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) In October 2007, Dr Andrew Refshauge completed an independent review of the proposal for a 

new station between Werrington and Kingswood stations referred to as UWS Station. This review 

concluded that "planning for and construction of the proposed UWS station does not proceed". 

The Government adopted this recommendation in November 2008 and pursued a range of 

alternative strategies recommended by Dr Refshauge. These strategies relate to actions that would 

support existing stations and improve local bus services, pedestrian and cycle access and 

transport coordination within the precinct. One-off actions recommended by Dr Refshauge have 

been completed while recommendations requiring ongoing actions have been implemented and 

are being progressed on schedule, or as resources become available. 

(2) As a result of the above decision, the following projects have been undertaken through funds 

allocated in the 2007-08 and 2008-09 budget: 

• The Penrith Interchange Scoping Study was completed in August 2008 with funding of $83,000. 

• A combined scoping study for the Werrington and Kingswood interchanges was completed in 

April 2009 with funding of $60,000. 

• A safety and access audit for the Kingswood Station to UWS Campus route was completed in 

September 2009 with funding of $30,000. 

• Funding of $120,000 has been allocated for the hiring of a transport mobility manager to be 

housed at UWS. A suitable person has been selected and is expected to commence by mid- 

October 2009 

• The Penrith Interchange Scoping Study was completed in August 2008 with funding of $83,000. 

• A combined scoping study for the Werrington and Kingswood interchanges was completed in 

April 2009 with funding of $60,000. 

• A safety and access audit for the Kingswood Station to UWS Campus route was completed in 

September 2009 with funding of $30,000. 

• Funding of $120,000 has been allocated for the hiring of a transport mobility manager to be 

housed at UWS. A suitable person has been selected and is expected to commence by mid- 

October 2009 

(3) As a result of the above decision, a new bus service commenced operation in July 2009 which 

provides high frequency service (every 10-12 minutes during peak periods) linking the UWS 

Campus with CityRail services at Penrith and St Marys stations. Approximately $2.8 million was 

allocated for this service in the 2009⁄10 budget. 

*3328 TRANSPORT—NEW RAIL CARRIAGES—Ms Ficarra asked the Minister for Health, Minister for the 

Central Coast, and Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Transport, and 

Minister for the Illawarra— 

In relation to the 626 State-of-the-art new rail carriages: 


4082 


(1) What has the Government done to honour its election promise to purchase 626 state-of-the-art new 

rail carriages to replace the remaining 498 non-air-conditioned carriages? 

(2) How many new carriages have been purchased for each of the following periods: 

(a) 2007⁄2008? 

(b) 2008⁄2009? 


(4) How much money has the Government allocated to this project for each of the following periods: 

(a) 2007⁄2008? 

(b) 2008⁄2009? 


Answer— 

I am advised: 

Information on rollingstock, including the procurement of 626 new Waratah carriages, is available on the 

CityRail website. www.cityrail.info⁄news⁄projects⁄ppp 

Information on budget allocations can be found in the appropriate budget papers, available through the 

Treasury website. www.treasury.nsw.gov.au⁄Budget_Papers 

*3329 TRANSPORT—M4 PUBLIC OWNERSHIP—Ms Ficarra asked the Minister for Health, Minister for the 

Central Coast, and Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Transport, and 

Minister for the Illawarra— 

In relation to the returning M4 to public ownership: 

(1) What is the Government doing to honour its 2007 election promise to return the M4 to public 

ownership? 

Answer— 

I am advised: 

The M4 Motorway contract provides for it to return to public ownership after midnight on 15 February 

2010. 

*3330 COMMUNITY SERVICES—EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES FOR NEPEAN—Ms Ficarra asked 

the Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for 

State Development representing the Minister for Community Services— 

In relation to the early Intervention Services for the Nepean: 

(1) How much money has the Government spent to roll out early intervention services for families with 

young children in the Nepean for each of the following periods: 

(a) 2007⁄2008? 

(b) 2008⁄2009? 


Answer— 

(1) The Lead Agency for Early Intervention (Brighter Futures) in Nepean, which includes the Local 

Government Areas of Blue Mountains, Penrith and Hawkesbury, is Wesley Mission who were 

funded as follows. 

(a) 2007⁄2008 - $2.1 million. 

(b) 2008⁄2009 - $2.4 million. 

(2) The allocated budget for the Nepean in 2009⁄10 is $3.0 million. 


4083 


*3331 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—CLEAN WATER PROJECTS IN 

HAWKESBURY RIVER—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations 

representing the Deputy Premier, Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, and Minister for 

Commerce— 

In relation to the Hawkesbury River clean water projects: 

(1) How much money has the Government spent to fund clean water projects for the Hawkesbury River 

for each of the following periods: 

(a) 2007⁄2008? 

(b) 2008⁄2009? 


Answer— 

A number of government agencies administer programs to improve water quality in the Hawkesbury- 

Nepean catchment. These include: 

• the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Authority; 

• the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water; 

• Sydney Catchment Authority; 

• Sydney Water Corporation; and, 

• the Office of the Hawkesbury-Nepean. 

(1) Under the Estuary Management Program, the Government has provided grants for water quality 

projects in the Hawkesbury-Nepean River totalling $65,000 in 2007⁄08 and $52,500 in 2008⁄09. 

These grants are matched dollar for dollar by local councils. The Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment 

Management Authority implements a range of natural resource management projects in the 

Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment that either directly or indirectly target water quality issues. In 

2007⁄2008, the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Authority implemented projects valued 

at $10,697,939. In 2008⁄2009, this investment totalled $7,632,483. 

(2) Under the Estuary Management Program in 2009⁄10, the Government has made grant offers totalling 

$154,790 for projects relating to water quality in the Hawkesbury-Nepean River. In 2009⁄2010, the 

Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Authority will increase its investment to $11,091,877, 

which will include $5,923,000 for implementing the Water Smart program to target improved farm 

water use efficiencies and related water quality outcomes. Further information on NSW Government 

expenditure on water quality programs may be sought from the Minister for Water, the Hon Phillip 

Costa MP. 

*3332 WATER—WESTERN SYDNEY WATER RECYCLING INITIATIVE—Ms Ficarra asked the Treasurer 

representing the Minister for Water, and Minister for Regional Development— 

In relation to the Western Sydney Water Recycling Initiative: 

(1) What has the Government done to honour its 2007 election commitment to complete the Western 

Sydney Water Recycling Initiative to supply up to 27 billion litres a year to homes, industry and river 

flows to improve water quality? 

(2) How many litres were supplied for each of the following periods: 

(a) 2007⁄2008? 

(b) 2008⁄2009? 


Answer— 

(1) and (2) The Western Sydney Recycled Water Initiative will recycle wastewater for non-drinking use 

for the environment, in homes, industry and for irrigation. The Initiative is part of the Metropolitan Water 

Plan which will increase the volume of water recycled in Sydney to 70 billion litres a year by 2015. The 

Replacement Flows Project, part of the Western Sydney Recycled Water Initiative, will deliver up to 18 

billion litres of highly treated water flow into the Nepean River. Construction has commenced on this 

project. Wastewater from St Marys, Penrith and Quakers Hill sewage treatment plants will be treated at a 

new advanced recycling plant at St Marys, which is expected to be operating in mid 2010. Planning is 


4084 


also underway to provide recycled water, via dual reticulation, to 180,000 new homes in the northwest 

and southwest growth sectors. 

(3) $71.5 million is allocated in 2009⁄10 Budget for the Replacement Flows Project, part of the Western 

Sydney Recycled Water Initiative. 

*3333 ROADS—SAFETY UPGRADES OF PICTON ROAD—Mr Ajaka asked the Attorney General, Minister 

for Industrial Relations representing the Minister for Roads— 

(1) Why have no funds been allocated to implement safety upgrades to Picton Road under the 

Government's 2009-2010 Budget, despite the $12 million commitment that the Government made in 

February 2009 to construct these upgrades? 

(2) Why have no funds been allocated under the Government's 2009-2010 Budget to fulfil the 

Government's promise to construct the entry and climbing lane extension from Bulli Pass along the 

F6 at Bulli Tops? 

(3) Why did the Government cut the Princes Highway upgrade budget by 46%? 

(4) Will the Government now provide preliminary cost figures and a provisional timeline for the rollout 

of the following major infrastructure projects in the Illawarra that were omitted from the 2009-2010 

Budget? 

(a) F6 Freeway extension; 

(b) Bangor bypass extension to Heathcote Road; and 

(c) Princes Highway upgrade. 

(5) Why were there no funds allocated under the 2009-2010 Budget to the M4 East extension link to Port 

Botany, in spite of the need for supporting road infrastructure to accompany the construction of the 

second bulk liquids berth at Port Botany? 

Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) $12 million has been allocated to implement a two and a half year road safety strategy along 27 

kilometres of Picton Road. A number of works from this program have already been delivered and 

$1.1 million of funding has been spent. Completed projects include the installation of police 

enforcement bays, upgrades to signage and line marking. There are two sites where median strips are 

currently being constructed. $3.7 million has been allocated by the Federal Government's Nation 

Building Program as part of this strategy. The RTA has an additional $6.9 million dollars allocated to 

road safety improvements along the entire length of Picton Road. 

(2) The New South Wales Government has invested $3 million for the Roads and Traffic Authority 

(RTA) to construct an extension to the climbing lane on the F6 at Bulli Tops. This project was 

opened to traffic on 1 September 2009. 

(3) In 2008⁄09 almost $144 million was allocated to the Princes Highway including more than $110 

million to continue construction of the Wollongong Northern Distributor, the Oak Flats to Dunmore 

upgrade, widening at south Nowra and the Conjola Mountain realignment. The widening at south 

Nowra was opened in late 2008, the Wollongong Northern Distributor, the Oak Flats to Dunmore 

upgrade are expected to be opened around the end of 2009 and the Conjola Mountain realignment is 

scheduled for completion in early 2010. Consequently only $38 million was required in 2009-10 for 

these major projects. 

(4) 

(a) There are no current plans for the extension of F6 however the corridor has been retained for 

possible future use as a transport corridor. 

(b) There are no current plans for the extension of Bangor Bypass to Heathcote Road. 

(c) Current Princes Highway upgrade projects were included in the 2009⁄10 State Budget. The 

estimated cost and timing of projects in the planning phase have not yet been determined. 

(5) $2 million was included in the 2009⁄10 State Budget to continue planning for the M4 Extension. 




4085 

*3334 HOUSING—HOMELESS PEOPLE IN BONDI—Ms Hale asked the Minister for Primary Industries, 

Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State Development representing the 

Minister for Housing, and Minister for Western Sydney— 

(1) What arrangements can Housing NSW make in terms of temporary, or permanent, accommodation 

for homeless persons currently sleeping at Bondi Pavilion who have put in applications for housing 

assistance? 

(2) Is it the case that some short-term emergency accommodation (in the Supported Accommodation 

Assistance Program services) for periods of up to two nights has been offered to some of the 

homeless sleepers? 

(3) Will efforts be made with these homeless sleepers to move them into permanent social housing 

(either supported or semi-supported) accommodation, if any of the homeless people who have made 

applications are found to be eligible for priority housing? 

(4) Is the Minister liaising with Waverley Council and the NSW Police Force to ensure a nonconfrontational 

solution can be reached? 

Answer— 

(1) Housing NSW can provide temporary accommodation to clients who can show that they are unable 

to resolve their housing need by themselves. Housing NSW can provide permanent accommodation 

to clients who are eligible for assistance. 

(2) Housing NSW has organised temporary accommodation for the group on three different occasions. 

Housing NSW has not offered temporary accommodation in the Supported Accommodation 

Assistance Program. 

(3) Yes. 

(4) Housing NSW has been liaising with Waverley Council throughout the proceedings in this matter. 

*3335 PLANNING—SANDON POINT—Ms Hale asked the Minister for Police, Minister for Lands, and 

Minister for Rural Affairs representing the Minister for Planning, and Minister for Redfern Waterloo— 

In relation to Sandon Point: 

(1) 

(2) 

(a) Has the current or any former Minister for Planning or the Department of Planning signed any 

Agreements, Memoranda of Understanding or other documents involving Sandon Point with 

BHP, Ray Hannah Motors, Stockland, Anglican Retirement Villages, Cookson Plibrico 

(Vesuvius) or other public or private parties regarding the disposal, transfer or rezoning of 

public or private land at Sandon Point (Bulli-Thirroul) near Wollongong? 

(b) If so, 

(i) with whom? 

(ii) on what dates? 

(a) Did Stockland ask the then Minister or Department to intervene at Sandon Point anytime in 

December 2008, following a decision by Wollongong City Council not to buy back open space 

land at Sandon Point from Stockland? 

(b) If so, 

(i) on what date? 

(ii) what action did you take? 

(3) Did the then Minister or Department advise Wollongong Council or any of its three Administrators 

on action in this matter? 

(a) If so, 

(b) on what date(s)? 

(c) who was advised? 

(d) what was the advice? 

(4) Does the Department consider administrators are employed by the Department or by Wollongong 

City Council or both?


4086 


(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

(a) Did Member for Keira David Campbell facilitate and give assistance in the acquisition of 

Cookson Plibrico land at Sandon Point by Anglican Retirement Villages; on behalf of then- 

Minister Knowles for DOP? 

(b) If so, on what dates did meetings and actions take place? 

(a) Given that Stockland is a major donor to political parties, and that your Media Release (6⁄11⁄08) 

promised to "deliver the NSW public more transparency and accountability about planning 

decisions" do you now intend to send Sandon Point Major Project Plan MP07_0032 to the 

"Planning Assessment Commission"? 


(c) If so, when? 

(a) Was there an "agreement reached" between [Wollongong] Council and Stockland regarding 

acquisition of "some of the Section 94A open space lands and providing a license to construct 

the Wrexham Road connection on the reclassified portion of Thomas Gibson Reserve..." at 

Sandon Point? 

(b) Did P6 Don Fox document, Planning Website dated 21⁄5⁄2009 state that "Advice from Council 

"that it will not agree to the Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA)..."? 

(c) If so, does this agreement constitute a breach of the Concept Plan approval for Sandon Point 

that requires a VPA which should be publicly exhibited? 

(a) Was there an "agreement" between Stockland and Ray Hannah to enable "an access corridor 5 

metre wide will provide access to the Ray Hannah Motors P⁄L land. This was agreed to by the 

owner of that land and Stockland ...the potential of the small area of Residential zoned land 

could include infill multi-unit housing. Wollongong DCP49..."? (P7 Don Fox 32⁄5⁄2009) 

(b) If so, was the Department a party to this agreement? 

(c) If so, please give the date(s). 

(a) Was the above (Residential zoned) land in question recommended for rezoning to environmental 

protection by the Sandon Point Commission of Inquiry? 

(b) If so, why was this not done? 

(9) "The NSW Department of Planning engaged Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) to undertake a peer 

review assessment of the flood and climate change assessments undertaken for the Sandon Point 

development (MP07_0032)." (P1 Sandon Point Flood Study Addendum, Cardno Forbes Rigby 

18⁄5⁄2009) 

(a) Was this funded by public money? 

(b) If so, why was it? 

(10) 

(a) Did the Department engage a consultant "peer review" to benefit Stockland at Sandon Point 

when the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) was unable to provide 

funding for Wollongong City Council's "whole of catchment" flood study? 

(b) Did the engagement happen at a time whne DECC sea-level rise studies, relevant to Sandon 

Point, were not yet completed? 

(11) The same document states "A meeting was held on 27th February 2009 at the Department of 

Planning, attended by representatives from the Department of Planning, Stockland, Don Fox 

Planning, Cardno Forbes Rigby and SKM." 

(a) 

(i) Has Forbes Rigby done major work for both Wollongong Council and Stockland? 

(ii) If so, is there a long standing conflict of interest at Sandon Point? 

(b) Why was the local community not informed that this "peer review" was underway? 

Answer—



4087 

(1) 

(2) 



(a) I was the Minister in December 2008 and neither the Department nor myself were asked to 

intervene in this matter. Negotiations were between Stockland and Council. 



(a) Not applicable. 


(c) Not applicable. 

(d) Not applicable. 

(4) The administration of Wollongong City Council is a matter for the Minister for Local Government. 

(a) This question should be directed to the Member for Keira. 


(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

(9) 

(10) 

(11) 

(a) 

(a) The application has been referred to the PAC for review. 



(a) This is a matter for Stockland and Council. 

(b) Yes 

(c) No - the Planning Agreement is no longer being pursued. Contributions are being considered 

under Section 94 of the Act. 

(a) This is a matter between Stockland and Ray Hannah Motors Pty Ltd. 

(b) No. 


(a) Yes. However, these recommendations were subject to an independent review (the Hill report), 

which made alternative recommendations for the Ray Hannah lands. 

(b) There have been no changes to the zoning under Council's Local Environmental Plan since the 

release of the CoI report. This is a matter for Council to respond to. 

(a) No. Application fees are paid by the Proponent to the Department to cover the costs of 

assessment. 


(a) No. The Department engaged the consultant to review the reports submitted as a part of the 

project application in order to assist in the Department's assessment of the project. 


(b) 

(i) This is a question for Forbes Rigby, Wollongong City Council and Stockland to address. 


The review was part of the Department's major project assessment process that required 

technical expertise to independently review documents provided by the Proponent. The 

review was placed on the Department's website once complete.


4088 


*3336 POLICE—POLICE STATION ADDRESS—Mr Gallacher asked the Minister for Police, Minister for 

Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs— 

(1) In respect to each of the new police stations being funded in the 2009⁄2010 State Budget listed below, 

what is or will be the street address of the new station: 

(a) BOWRAL? 

(b) BURWOOD? 

(c) CAMDEN? 

(d) COFFS HARBOUR? 

(e) GLENDALE? 

(f) GRANVILLE? 

(g) KEMPSEY? 

(h) LAKE ILLAWARRA? 

(i) LEICHHARDT? 

(j) LIVERPOOL? 

(k) MANLY? 

(l) MOREE? 

(m) PARRAMATTA? 

(n) RAYMOND TERRACE? 

(o) RIVERSTONE? 

(p) TWEED HEADS? 

(q) WINDSOR? 

(r) WYONG? 

Answer— 

The NSW Police Force has advised me : 

(1) 

(a) Not yet determined. 

(b) 24 Burleigh Street, Burwood. 

(c) 278 Camden Valley Way, Narellan. 

(d) Not yet determined. 

(e) Not yet determined. 

(f) 2 Carlton Street, Granville. 

(g) 3 Elbow Street, Kempsey. 

(h) 50 Pioneer Drive, Oak Flats. 

(i) Not yet determined. 

(j) Not yet determined. 

(k) 3 Belgrave Street, Manly. 

(l) 60-62 Frome Street, Moree. 

(m) 98 Marsden Street, Parramatta. 

(n) 55-59 William Street, Raymond Terrace. 

(o) Cnr Railway Terrace and Elizabeth Street, Riverstone. 

(p) Not yet determined. 

(q) 13 Mileham Street, Windsor. 

(r) 6 Anzac Avenue, Wyong. 

*3337 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT 

OPERATIONS ACT—Mr Gallacher asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations 


Commerce—

4089 


(1) How many departmental officers are currently tasked to monitor complaints about noise under the 

Protection of the Environment Operations (POEO) Act 1997 and the POEO (Noise Control) 

Regulation 2008 as their major responsibilities? 

(2) How many departmental officers are able to issue infringement notices for excessive noise emissions 

under these two regulatory instruments? 

(3) How many penalty notices were issued by the Department in 2008 for breaching the Protection of the 

Environment Operations Act 1997 and the POEO (Noise Control) Regulation 2008 relating to noise? 

(4) How many penalty notices were issued by the Department between 1 January 2009 and 30 April 

2009 for infringements of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 and the POEO 

(Noise Control) Regulation 2008 relating to noise? 

(5) 

(a) What was the last date that departmental officers were in Kings Cross, Potts Point, Elizabeth 

Bay, Woolloomooloo or Rushcutters Bay after 5pm on a weekday or at anytime on a weekend to 

monitor noise levels emitted from motor vehicles? 

(b) How many officers were in attendance on that date? 

(c) On that date, how many infringement or compliance notices were issued by these officers? 

Answer— 

(1) The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water employs over 450 authorised officers in 

New South Wales. Authorised officers undertake regulatory activities across the range of 

environmental issues, not only in relation to noise pollution. 

(2) See response to question 1 above. 

(3) Departmental officers issued a total of 402 penalty notices between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 

2008 for breaches of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 and the Protection of 

the Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation 2008. 

(4) Departmental officers issued a total of 88 penalty notices between 1 January 2009 and 30 April 2009 

for breaches of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 and the Protection of the 

Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation 2008. 

(5) 

(a) The most recent joint operation with NSW Police was held on 5 September 2009 at Cowper 

Wharf Road Woolloomooloo. 

(b) Two departmental officers attended the operation. 

(c) The department issued 17 penalty notices for noise related issues. In addition, 18 Defective 

Vehicle Notices were issued, requiring vehicle owners to rectify problems with their vehicles 

and have them re-inspected to comply with legislative requirements. 

*3338 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—SEWERAGE DUMPING INTO GEORGES 

RIVER—Ms Rhiannon asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations representing the 

Deputy Premier, Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, and Minister for Commerce— 

(1) Is the Minister aware of an investigation in 2008 by NSW Maritime concerning alleged dumping of 

sewerage into the Georges River by Bass & Flinders Cruises? 

(2) 

(3) 

(a) Did the Department of Environment and Climate Change or any person(s) associated with your 

Department investigate this alleged dumping? 

(b) If so, what were the findings? 

(a) Was any evidence of the dumping of sewerage in 2008 in the Georges River obtained by your 

department(s)? 

(b) If so, what action was taken in response to these findings? 

Answer— 

(1)– (3) 



4090 


No. Under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, the Appropriate Regulatory Authority 

involving vessels in navigable waters is the NSW Maritime Authority. 

*3339 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—COST OF GAME COUNCIL ADVERTISEMENTS—Ms Rhiannon asked 


State Development— 

(1) In response to question 2871 regarding the advertising budget for the Game Council, the Minister 

answered "not applicable" to questions 1(b), 1(c), 4(c) and 4(d) regarding the percentage of the 

advertising budget that was funded by the Game Council licence and fines revenue and the 

percentage of the advertising budget that was funded by parliament. For each of these questions, why 

was the answer "not applicable"? 

(2) Further to the answer provided to Question on Notice 2871, 

(a) How many Game Council newspaper advertisements have been placed since 1 January 2009? 

(b) What was the cost of those ads? 

(3) 

(4) 

(a) How many Game Council radio advertisements have been placed since 1 January 2009? 


(a) How many Game Council television advertisements have been placed since 1 January 2009? 


Answer— 

The Game Council is funded by grants from NSW Treasury and proceeds of license fees, fines and 

merchandise sales. 

Since 1 January 2009 Game Council has placed a total of 194 newspaper and magazine advertisements at 

a cost of $339,615.62 and 451 radio advertisements at a cost of $6,085.99. The Game Council has not 

placed television advertisements during the specified period. 

*3340 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—CONSERVATION HUNTING LICENCES—Ms Rhiannon asked the 



(1) For each of the following periods: 

(a) 2007⁄2008. 

(b) 2008⁄2009 to date. 

(i) How many new conservation hunting licences were issued by the Game Council? 

(ii) How much money has the Game Council received from conservation hunting licences? 

Answer— 

Details of licences issued and revenue received by the Game Council in 2007-2008 are included in its 

annual report. It issued 4,934 licenses and received $930,148 during 2008-2009 to date. 

*3341 PORTS AND WATERWAYS—BASS & FLINDERS CRUISES—Ms Rhiannon asked the Treasurer 



(1) 

(2) 

(a) Is the Minister aware of an investigation in 2008 by NSW Maritime concerning alleged 

dumping of sewage into the Georges River by Bass & Flinders Cruises?



4091 

(3) 

(a) Did a spokesperson for NSW Maritime make public comments to the effect that further 

investigations would be undertaken following an additional complaint on 13 October 2008, after 

no evidence was found in the initial investigation? 

(b) What further investigations were undertaken? 

(c) What was the result of those investigations? 

(d) what action was taken by NSW Maritime? 

(e) Did NSW Maritime find any evidence in support of allegations regarding dumping of sewage 

into the Georges River by Bass & Flinders Cruises following the 13 October complaint or any 

subsequent complaints? 

(a) Did NSW Maritime consider the complaints regarding the dumping of sewage into the Georges 

River when deciding to award the Many Ferry contract to Bass & Flinders Cruises in January 

2009? 

(b) Did NSW Maritime take any action to inform the Minister of these complaints prior to awarding 

the Manly Ferry tender? 

Answer— 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 


(a) Yes. 

(b) - (e) I am advised an investigation was undertaken which included an inspection of the holding 

tanks of the vessel and the company was requested to provide records of their sewage disposal 

technique. There was no evidence to support the allegations regarding dumping of sewage. 

However, Notices were issued to ensure compliance. 

(a) - (b) Ferry contracts are a matter for the Minister for Transport. 

*3342 HEALTH—REGISTERED NURSES AT STOCKTON HOSPITAL—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister 

for Health, Minister for the Central Coast, and Vice President of the Executive Council— 

(1) 

(a) Is there a freeze on the appointment of registered nurses to permanent positions at Stockton 

Hospital? 

(b) If so, 

(i) when did it commence? 

(ii) how long has it run for? 

(iii) how long will it run for? 

(2) In the financial year 2007⁄08, 

(a) how many registered nurses resigned from Stockton Hospital ? 

(b) how many enrolled nurses resigned from Stockton Hospital? 

(c) how many additional nurses were employed at Stockton Hospital? 

(d) how many nurses at Stockton Hospital were appointed to full time positions? 

(3) How many nurses on Section 38 contracts are employed at Stockton Hospital? 

(4) What is the current total number of nurses employed at Stockton Hospital? 

(5) What was the total number of nurses employed at Stockton Hospital at the end of the 2007⁄08 

financial year? 

Answer— 

I refer the Member to my response to Question No. 3403 in the Legislative Council.


4092 


*3343 HEALTH—AMBULANCE IN HUNTER—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Health, Minister for the 

Central Coast, and Vice President of the Executive Council— 

(1) 

(2) 

(a) Are single ambulance crews still operating anywhere in the Hunter region? 

(b) If so, in what areas in the Hunter are single ambulance crews currently operating? 

(a) Is it government policy to phase out single ambulance crews? 

(b) If so, 

(i) what is the time line to phase out single ambulance crews in the Hunter region? 

(ii) what funding is attached to this initiative? 

Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) All stations in the Hunter currently have two-officer crews. There are occasions when, due to short 

notice of unplanned absences, officers may in exceptional circumstances respond as a single officer 

from their home or workplace to an emergency. 

(2) It is modern ambulance practice to use single officer responses in areas of low demand and if there 

are a small number of calls occurring after hours. Single officer responses are utilised as an initial 

response to a call, with support provided by a second crew. 

The Ambulance Service does not intend to reduce single officer response crews as these crews play an 

important role in Ambulance Service operations. The use of single officers can reduce response times as 

they do not transport patients to hospital. This enables them to become available for subsequent incidents 

more quickly than crews who transport patients. 

*3344 HEALTH—SINGLE AMBULANCE IN NSW—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Health, Minister 

for the Central Coast, and Vice President of the Executive Council— 

(1) 

(2) 

(a) Are single ambulance crews still operating anywhere in New South Wales? 

(b) If so, in what areas of the state are single ambulance crews currently operating? 

(a) Is it government policy to phase out single ambulance crews throughout New South Wales? 

(b) If so, 

(i) What is the time line to phase out single ambulance crews throughout New South Wales? 

(ii) What funding is attached to this initiative? 

Answer— 

It is modern ambulance practice to use single officer responses in areas of low demand and if there are a 

small number of calls occurring after hours. Single officer responses are utilised as an initial response to a 

call, with support provided by a second crew. 

There are a number of primary response crews that respond as single officers across New South Wales. 

The Ambulance Service does not intend to reduce single officer response crews as these crews play an 

important role in Ambulance Service operations. The use of single officers can reduce response times as 

they do not transport patients to hospital. This enables them to become available for subsequent incidents 

more quickly than crews who transport patients. 

*3345 PLANNING—NEWTOWN STATION REDEVELOPMENT—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for 

Lands representing the Minister for Planning, and Minister for Redfern Waterloo— 

(1) 

(a) Did the government select a tenderer to redevelop the government owned land beside Newtown



4093 

(2) 

Station over five years ago ? 

(b) If so, 

(i) Who was the tenderer? 

(i) If the tenderer cannot be named, on what basis was that decision made? 

(ii) What is the progress of the redevelopment? 

(a) Did the local member Ms Carmel Tebbutt state in The Glebe on 31 January 2008 that "there are 

issues to be resolved with potential developments adjacent to the station before the preferred 

option can be pursued"? 

(b) What are the issues that have to be resolved? 

(c) When will they be resolved? 

Answer— 

(1) This question is unrelated to the planning portfolio. It should be directed to the Minister for 

Transport. 

(2) This question should be directed to the Deputy Premier for clarification on her comments. 

*3346 PLANNING—LEVY ON COAL EXPORTS—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Police, Minister for 

Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs representing the Minister for Planning, and Minister for Redfern 

Waterloo— 

(1) 

(a) Considering the Expert Panel into the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG) Coal Export 

Terminal in Newcastle recommended a $1⁄tonne levy on new coal exports to fund sustainable 

development in the Hunter, what is the progress on implementing this recommendation? 

(b) If this recommendation is to be adopted, when will the levy be introduced? 

(c) If this recommendation will not be adopted, what are the reasons? 

Answer— 

(1) 

(a) The recommendation by the Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel convened in relation to 

the NCIG Coal Export Terminal to levy $1 per tonne of coal exported from the terminal was not 

adopted as part of the approval of the project because the Department of Planning considered 

that the issue was beyond the scope of the project application, and potentially beyond the scope 

of the planning system. Therefore, conditions of approval were not imposed to give effect to this 

recommendation. Full details of the reasons for not adopting this recommendation are provided 

in the Director-General's Assessment Report for the proposal, which is publicly available on the 

Department of Planning's website (www.planning.nsw.gov.au under "Major Project Register"). 

(b) Refer to 'a' above. 

(c) Refer to 'a' above. 

*3347 PLANNING—IMPACT STUDY ON COAL INDUSTRY—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Police, 

Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs representing the Minister for Planning, and Minister 

for Redfern Waterloo— 

(1) 


Terminal in Newcastle recommended that a cumulative impacts study of the Hunter coal 

industry be undertaken, what is the progress on implementing this recommendation? 

(b) If the study is not being undertaken, what are the reasons? 

(c) If this study is to be taken, when will it occur? 

Answer— 

(1)

4094 


(a) The broad study into the cumulative impacts of the Hunter coal industry recommended by the 

Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel for the NICG Coal Export Terminal has not been 

commenced at this time. The Department of Planning has, however, commissioned independent, 

qualified experts to undertake a review of cumulative dust and noise pollution in the 

Camberwell village resulting from mining. The Camberwell village is surrounded on three sides 

by mining operations, and there are four other new proposals in the vicinity of the village. It is 

therefore an important case study into potential cumulative impacts. The review will be 

completed shortly. Until that review is completed, and its results have been considered by 

relevant stakeholders, any broader study into cumulative impacts from mining is premature. 

(b) Refer to 'a' above. 

(c) Refer to 'a' above. 

*3348 MINERAL RESOURCES—IMPACT STUDY ON COAL INDUSTRY—Ms Rhiannon asked the 



(1) 


Terminal in Newcastle recommended that a cumulative impacts study of the Hunter coal 

industry be undertaken, what is the progress on implementing this recommendation? 

(b) If the study is not being undertaken, what are the reasons? 

(c) If this study is to be taken, when will it occur? 

Answer— 

This is a matter for the Minister for Planning. 

*3349 MINERAL RESOURCES—LEVY ON COAL EXPORTS—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for 



(1) 


Terminal in Newcastle recommended a $1⁄tonne levy on new coal exports to fund sustainable 

development in the Hunter, what is the progress on implementing this recommendation? 

(b) If this recommendation is to be adopted, when will the levy be introduced? 

(c) If this recommendation will not be adopted, what are the reasons? 

Answer— 


*3350 TRANSPORT—NEWTOWN STATION UPGRADE—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Health, 



(1) 

(2) 

(a) Are there plans to upgrade Newtown Station? 

(b) When will it commence? 

(a) Did the Government promise to build a life, toilet block and new canopies by 2011? 

(b) If so, will these plans be achieved in the time allocated? 

Answer— 

I am advised: 




4095 

The Deputy Premier announced plans for upgrading Newtown Station on 11 August 2009. The upgrade 

will include a new concourse over the station with lift and stair access, new toilets, a new ticket office, 

extended platform canopies and a new public entrance to the station. 

Construction works are due to begin in May 2010 and it is anticipated that the upgrade will be completed 

by the end of 2012. 

*3351 TRANSPORT—NEWTOWN STATION REDEVELOPMENT—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for 



(1) 

(2) 

(a) Did the government selecte a tenderer to redevelop the government owned land beside 

Newtown Station over five years ago ? 

(b) If so, 

(i) who was the tenderer? 

(i) If the tenderer cannot be named, on what basis was that decision made? 

(ii) what is the progress of the redevelopment? 

(a) Did the local member Ms Carmel Tebbutt state in The Glebe on 31 January 2008 that "there are 

issues to be resolved with potential developments adjacent to the station before the preferred 



(c) When will they be resolved? 

Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) - (2). In 2001 the Government commenced an Expression of Interest process for the redevelopment 

of RailCorp owned land beside Newtown Station. RailCorp has not proceeded with that particular 

tender process but instead is currently progressing the upgrade of Newtown Station. 

*3352 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—NEWTOWN STATION DEVELOPMENT—Ms 

Rhiannon asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations representing the Deputy Premier, 

Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, and Minister for Commerce— 

(1) 

(a) Are you aware that The Glebe on 31 January 2008 quoted you saying that "there are issues to be 

resolved with potential developments adjacent to the [Newtown] station before the preferred 



(c) When will these issues be resolved? 

Answer— 

(1) (a)-(c) These questions should be redirected to the Deputy Premier. 

*3353 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—ADVERTISING BUDGET FOR TARONGA 

ZOO—Ms Rhiannon asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations representing the 


(1) What was the advertising budget for Taronga Park Zoo in the last financial year? 

(2) What was the budget for public relations and promotional activities for Taronga Park Zoo in the last 

financial year? 

(3) How much of this money was allocated to consultants? 

(4) Which consultants were employed on public relations works and promotional activities for Taronga 

Park Zoo?

4096 


Answer— 

(1) - (3) Financial information relating to the Taronga Conservation Society of Australia's advertising and 

promotions budgets will be included in the 2008⁄2009 Annual Report. The Annual Report will be tabled 

in Parliament later in the year. 

(4) Libby Grieg Public Relations. 

*3354 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT BY TREE 

REMOVAL—Ms Rhiannon asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations representing 

the Deputy Premier, Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, and Minister for Commerce— 

(1) Are there any guidelines or legal requirements that local councils or the Roads and Traffic Authority 

(RTA) has to comply with in the case of tree removal with regard to treatment and protection of 

animals affected by the tree removal? 

(2) Are these guidelines or requirements overridden by the Telecommunications Act in the case that a 

tree is removed for the purpose of power supply? 

Answer— 

(1) Yes, there are guidelines and legal requirements that local councils and the Roads and Traffic 

Authority are required to consider. The specifics of the guidelines vary depending on the 

circumstances and the local government area in question. 

(2) The Telecommunications Act 1997 is Commonwealth legislation and does not cover power supply. 

*3355 ROADS—ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT BY TREE REMOVAL—Ms Rhiannon asked the Attorney 


(1) Are there any guidelines or legal requirements that the Roads and Traffic Authority has to comply 

with in the case of tree removal with regard to treatment and protection of animals affected by the 

tree removal? 



Answer— 

I am advised that the Roads and Traffic Authority is subject to the Roads Act (1993), the NSW 

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (1979), the Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995), 

and the National Parks and Wildlife Act (1974) where its activities may impact on native vegetation or 

native fauna. Where an activity may have an impact on a matter of national environmental significance, I 

am advised that the Roads and Traffic Authority is also subject to the Federal Environmental Protection 

and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999). I understand that the Roads and Traffic Authority guideline 

for environmental impact assessment covers the range of activities that the Roads and Traffic Authority 

may undertake, including tree removal. 

I am advised that the Telecommunications Act (1997) confers powers on telecommunication authorities 

and entities concerning telecommunication infrastructure. However power supply and other energy 

infrastructure (including power lines and poles) is, I am advised, generally governed by NSW legislation. 

From time to time, a road project may affect power supply and telecommunication facilities. However 

relocation of power lines and telecommunication facilities due to a Roads and Traffic Authority project 

may be carried out by State or Federal agencies other than the Roads and Traffic Authority. 

*3356 LOCAL GOVERNMENT—ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT BY TREE REMOVAL—Ms Rhiannon 

asked the Minister for Police, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs representing the 

Minister for Local Government, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health)— 

(1) Are there any guidelines or legal requirements that local councils and local council tree policies have 

to comply with in the case of tree removal with regard to treatment and protection of animals 

affected by the tree removal? 




4097 


Answer— 

I provide the following details in response to your questions: 

The powers used by councils in the management of trees are derived from the Environmental Planning 

and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act), which is administered by the Minister for Planning, the Hon 

Kristina Keneally MP. 

I therefore suggest you direct your questions to the Minister representing the Minister for Planning. 

*3357 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—ILLEGAL CONSERVATION HUNTING—Ms Rhiannon asked the 



(1) How many incidents of illegal conservation hunting is the Game Council aware of in: 

(a) 2007⁄2008? 

(b) 2008⁄2009 to date? 

(2) What action was taken by the Game Council in each of the incidents? 

(3) How many of these incidents were reported to the New South Wales Police? 

Answer— 

(1) 

(a) 13. 

(b) 20. 

(2) Game Council investigates and instigates appropriate legal action and⁄or assists Police. 

(3) 16. 

*3358 MINERAL RESOURCES—DRILLING PROGRAM—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Primary 

Industries, Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State Development— 

(1) 

(2) 

(a) What information is publicly available regarding government's drilling program on the Cobbora 

coal resource? 

(b) As of this date, why is there no information about this program, besides the Minister's media 

release of May 15, available on government websites? 

(a) Is the final report on the drilling program that the Minister maintains was released in April 

available for interested parties? 

(b) If so, where can this document be accessed? 

(3) What is the relationship between Webb Brothers and Macquarie Generators? 

(4) How did the Principle of Webb Brothers know what properties to approach for purchase on the 

Cobbora coal resource prior to the Government report being finalised? 

(5) Why are the same companies buying property in the Laheys Creek area, prior to an exploration 

licence tender, as operated in the Wilpinjong area near Wollar while Government drilling was 

underway? 

Answer— 

(1) 

(2) 

(a) The assessment is ongoing and final results are not yet available. 

(b) See answer to (1) (a). 

(a) I have no recollection of stating that a final report had been released on this program. No such 

report has been issued. 


4098 


(b) See answer to (2) (a). 

(3) I cannot comment on individual commercial arrangements of Government businesses. 

(4) See answer to (3). 

(5) See answer to (3). 

*3359 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—FUNDING FOR GAME COUNCIL—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for 



(1) How much funding has the government provided to the Game Council in 2008⁄209? 

(2) How much funding will the government provide to the Game Council in 2009⁄10? 

(3) Will the Minister make public the 2008⁄09 Business Plan for the Game Council? 

(4) 

(a) Will the Game Council become a self-funding body? 

(b) If so, when? 

Answer— 

The government provided $4.884 million in 2008⁄09 and has committed to provide $2.527 million in 

2009⁄10. The Government's position on the Game Council's Business Plan has been dealt with in the 

Legislative Council. The Game Council is not required to be self funding. 

*3360 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—GAME COUNCIL FINANCE—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for 



(1) What measures have been taken to ensure that the Game Council of NSW is able to continue as a 

going financial concern, considering this uncertainty was raised as an issue by the NSW Auditor 

General in his report to NSW Parliament in 2008? 

(2) Have you required a report from the Game Council of NSW in response to the above report setting 

out what positive measures are being taken to resolve the Council's ongoing financial viability? 

(3) Will you continue to recommend the Treasurer provide funding to the Game Council of NSW post 30 

April 2008, despite the fact that the government has publicly stated that it intends that the council 

will become self-sufficient? 

(4) Has the NSW Game Council paid back the $3million loaned by Tcorp in 2004⁄05 and 2005⁄06? 

(5) What are the interest rates and terms accompanying the above-mentioned loan from Tcorp to the 

NSW Game Council? 

Answer— 

Game Council has been provided with secure funding arrangements and there is no issue regarding 

ongoing financial viability. Game Council will continue to be funded and is not required to be self 

funding. The Tcorp loans to the Game Council no longer apply. 

*3361 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—COMPLAINTS ON SHOOTER CONDUCT—Ms Rhiannon asked the 



(1) How many complaints about the actions of shooters did the Game Council receive in: 

(a) 2007⁄2008? 

(b) 2008⁄2009 to date? 

(2) In response to Q1942 on 28 August 2009, the Minister advised that complaints were maintained on a 

database. Can the Minister make this database public? 

(3) 

(a) Has the Game Council assisted property owners whose property has been damaged by shooters? 

(b) If so, on how many occasions has assistance been provided in: 


4099 


(4) 

(5) 

(i) 2007⁄2008? 

(ii) 2008⁄2009 to date? 

(a) Has the Game Council revoked any conservation hunting licences as a result of those 

complaints? 

(b) If so, how many licences have been revoked in: 

(i) 2007⁄2008? 

(ii) 2008⁄2009 to date? 

(a) Have any complaints been forwarded by the Game Council to the NSW Police? 

(b) If so, how many complaints have been forwarded in: 

(i) 2007⁄2008? 

(ii) 2008⁄2009 to date? 

Answer— 

(1) 

(a) 9. 

(b) 10. 

(2) No, because of privacy provisions. 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 


(a) Yes in response to question 1, No in response to question 3. 

(b) 

(i) 8 in response to question 1, zero in response to question 3. 

(ii) 8 in response to question 1, zero in response to question 3. 

(a) Yes. 

(b) 

(i) 3. 

(ii) 6. 

*3362 MINERAL RESOURCES—COAL EXPLORATION PROGRAM IN LAHEYS CREEK—Ms Rhiannon 

asked the Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister 

for State Development— 

(1) How much has the government coal exploration drilling program in the Laheys Creek area of Central 

West NSW cost the NSW government? 

(2) What are the findings of the government coal exploration drilling program in the Laheys Creek area: 

(a) What is the predicted volume of the coal resource in the area? 

(b) What is the quality of the coal resource in the area? 

(c) Will the coal be accessible by open cut or longwall mining methods? 

(3) What information does the coal industry have access to in relation to the findings of the government 

coal exploration drilling program in the Laheys Creek area? 

(4) When is the government planning to put the coal resource up for tender or auction? Is the Minister 

aware that a coal company is attempting to purchase farms and properties in the Laheys Creek area? 

Answer— 

(1) Industry and Investment has spent $5.23M, this is expected to be recovered as part of the allocation 

process. 

(2) The assessment is not finalised. 


4100 


(a) See 2. 

(b) See 2. 

(c) See 2. 

(3) The government releases information during the public tender process for new coal allocation areas. 

(4) An Exploration Licence has been awarded to a joint venture representing the power generators 

Macquarie Generation, Delta Electricity and Eraring Energy. I am not aware of property related 

activities by any coal company in the Laheys Creek area. It is a matter of public record that a joint 

venture comprising Macquarie Generation, Eraring Energy and Delta Electricity, has held 

discussions with some landholders, and has subsequently entered into some land purchases. This is a 

commercial matter for the companies involved. 

*3363 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—FLOODPLAIN AND COASTAL HAZARD 

POLICY—Ms Cusack asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations representing the 


(1) 

(2) 

(a) Which agencies does your Department interract with, that have responsibility for managing 

floodplain and coastal hazard issues? 

(b) What are the roles of each of these agencies? 

(a) What is the framework for developing policy? 

(b) What policies are currently under review? 

(c) When are they due for completion? 

(3) How many floodplain management plans are 

(a) completed? 

(b) under review? 

(c) in development? 

(d) pending commencement? 

(4) 

(5) 

(a) What funding and staffing positions are committed to the Department's floodplain management 

unit for 2009⁄10? 

(b) How does this compare with funding and staffing for each of the following periods: 

(i) 2008⁄09? 

(ii) 2007⁄08? 

(iii) 2006⁄07 financial year? 

(a) Have you considered the Commonwealth Government's model of a single agency for managing 

natural hazard policy and support (ie consolidating technical expertise into a single agency)? 

(b) If so, what was the outcome of such deliberations? 

Answer— 

(1) 

(a) Local councils, the State Emergency Service, Department of Planning, the Land and Property 

Management Authority, the Department of Services, Technology and Administration 

(Commerce), and Emergency Management NSW. 

(b) Local councils have the primary responsibility for coastal protection and flood risk 

management. The State Emergency Service is the lead agency for flood combat and emergency 

response planning and is responsible for the emergency management of coastal erosion and 

inundation as a result of severe storms. The Department of Planning deals with the planning, 

policy and regulation of the natural and built environment and administers the Environment 

Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The Land and Property Management Authority has a role in 

the management of state-owned coastal land. The Department of Services, Technology and 

Administration plans, designs, constructs and maintains public infrastructure throughout NSW. 




4101 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

Emergency Management NSW manages Commonwealth funding for natural hazard 

management through the current Natural Disaster Mitigation Program. 

(a) The framework includes establishing objectives, undertaking research and analysis, identifying 

and evaluating potential options, consulting with key stakeholders, communicating and 

implementing approved outcomes, and periodic review. 

(b) The draft Sea Level Rise Policy Statement. 

(c) The Government will release the policy statement at the conclusion of the steps identified in 

(2.a). 

(a) 104 urban floodplain risk management plans have been adopted by local councils. 

(b) Under the 2009⁄10 State Floodplain Management Program, funding has been offered to local 

councils to assist them in updating some 20 floodplain risk management plans. 

(c) Under the 2009⁄10 State Floodplain Management Program, funding has been offered to local 

councils to continue development of up to 130 floodplain risk management plans or associated 

studies. 

(d) Under the 2009⁄10 State's Floodplain Management Program, funding has been offered to local 

councils to commence 25 new floodplain risk management plans or associated studies. 

(a) For 2009⁄10, 16.5 Equivalent Full Time staff are employed in urban floodplain management, 

and grant offers totalling $10.68 million were made to councils under the State Floodplain 

Management Program. 

(b) The number of Equivalent Full Time staff employed in urban floodplain management in 

2008⁄09, 2007⁄08 and 2006⁄07 were 16.5, 18.8 and 21.8, respectively. Grant offers to councils 

under the State Floodplain Management Program for 2008⁄09, 2007⁄08 and 2006⁄07 totalled 

$7.97 million, $7.97 million and $15.47 million, respectively. 



*3364 EMERGENCY SERVICES—COST OF NATURAL DISASTERS—Ms Cusack asked the Minister for 

Corrective Services, Minister for Public Sector Reform, Special Minister of State representing the 

Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Small Business— 

(1) Can you provide statistics as to the cost of natural disasters to New South Wales for each of the 

following years: 

(a) 2005? 

(b) 2006? 

(c) 2007? 

(d) 2008? (or in corresponding financial years - whichever is used for the purpose of collecting 

data)? 

(2) 

(a) What is the new funding model for the State Emergency Service (SES) effective 1 July 2009? 

(i) What percentage of this funding is provided by the insurance industry? 

(ii) What percentage by state Government? 

(b) How does this compare with the 2008-2009 financial year? 

(c) Are any changes proposed to better integrate flood management activities with work undertaken 

by the Department? 

(3) How many requests for advice does the SES receive annually from Government agencies on 

floodplain management and coastal hazard issues (please breakdown by agency if possible)? 

(4) 

(a) What staffing and funding is available in the 2009-2010 budget to enable the SES to plan and

4102 


advise government on floodplain management and coastal hazard issues? 

(b) How does this compare to the 2008-2009 financial year? 

(c) How does the SES interract with other agencies in the development of floodplain and coastal 

hazard policy? 

(d) Has consideration been given to consolidating these functions performed by other agencies into 

the SES? 

(e) If so, what was the outcome of such deliberations? 

Answer— 

(1) This question would be better directed to the Treasurer. 

(2) 

(a) Commencing 2009⁄10 the funding for the operation of the State Emergency Service (SES) 

included contributions from the insurance industry, local Councils and the State Government. 

The contributions are based on the following percentages: 

(i) Insurance industry 73.7%. 

(ii) State Government 14.6%. 

(b) In 2008-2009 the SES budget was fully funded by the State Government . 

(c) The new funding model does not alter the existing cooperative flood management arrangements 

between the SES and the Councils of Local Government Areas (LGA) or between the SES and 

key State agencies such as Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) 

and Department of Planning (DoP). 

(3) The two principle sources of requests in relation to floodplain management and coastal hazard issues 

are individual Local Government Councils and the Department of Planning. The following table 

shows the number of matters recorded for each source (note: recording only commenced in 

November 2007): 

Part 2007⁄08 (Dec 07 on) 2008⁄09 Part 2009⁄10 (to date) 

Councils 31 60 20 

Dept of Planning 20 23 7 

Total 51 83 27 

(4) 

(a) The SES has a State Planning Section with five staff. The core business of the Planning Section 

is meeting the legislated requirement for emergency management planning for floods, storms 

and tsunami. In addition to their planning work the Section responds to all floodplain and 

coastal hazard issues referred to the SES. 

(b) There has been no change in the staffing level of the SES Planning Section since 2008-2009 

financial year. 

(c) The SES has a strong working relationship with the urban flood and coastal experts within the 

DECCW, who consult the SES on a regular basis during the development of floodplain and 

coastal hazards policy. During the development of landuse planning policy by the DoP the SES 

is consulted in same way as other State agencies. The SES also has a sound working 

relationship with the Councils and this relationship is reinforced by the participation of the SES 

in the activities of the NSW Floodplain Management Authorities (FMA). The FMA is a group 

representing around 75 LGA's which have a particular interest in flooding. The SES also works 

with other bodies such the Sydney Coastal Councils Group and various catchment management 

authorities. 

(d) The SES is established as an emergency management agency and issues such as floodplain and 

coastal landuse policy and development assessment and approval are not within the scope of the 

Service's legislated responsibilities. 

(e) Not applicable. 

*3365 FAIR TRADING—RESIDENTIAL GUTTERS—Ms Hale asked the Minister for Corrective Services, 

Minister for Public Sector Reform, Special Minister of State representing the Minister for Fair Trading, 

Minister for Citizenship, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— 




4103 

(1) The Fair Trading Bulletin on Residential Gutters published January 2009 (FTB 40) gives as an 

example of a non-continuous overflow measure an inverted downpipe nozzle at high ends of a gutter 

finished below the back of the gutter. The illustration of this measure shows the inverted downpipe 

nozzle protruding into the gutter. 

(a) Does the inverted downpipe nozzle as illustrated in the Bulletin contravene the current standards 

for gutter installation, AS⁄NZ's 3500.5.2000 (Part 5 Domestic installation) Re Issued July 2006, 

and AS⁄NZ's 3500.3.2003 (Part 3 Stormwater Drainage) Re issued July 2006, which require: 

"Installation of each new or altered section of the roof drainage system shall be in compliance 

with the following; (a) There are no restrictions to the free flow of stormwater due to:- 

Protrusions or other obstruction "? 

(b) Why has the Department of Fair Trading issued an advice bulletin that does not comply with the 

relevant standard? 

(2) The Department of Fair Trading advice does not address the issue of the springclip system often used 

to attach high front gutters. 

(a) 

(i) Do the springclips require the gutter to be attached directly to the top of the fascia? 

(ii) Are they long enough to install a high front gutter with the appropriate fall and ensure that 

the front of the gutter is a minimum 20 mm below the height of the fascia? 

(b) 

(i) If so, can a spring clip system meet the performance requirements of the Building Code of 

Australia (BCA)? 


(3) Why does the Department of Fair Trading advice illustrate non-continuous overflow methods when 

the standards clearly require Continuous Overflow as noted in the advice "It is important to note that 

gutters may become blocked anywhere along their length, so non-continuous overflow measures may 

not be sufficient to prevent water flowing back into a building." 

(4) 

(a) Do slotted gutters provide an overflow measure? 

(b) If so, what evidence does the Department have to show this is the case? 

(c) If so, what size and frequency must the slots be to provide an appropriate overflow method? 

(5) The Department of Fair Trading advice states: "This fact sheet must not be relied on as legal advice. 

For more information about this topic refer to the appropriate legislation. 

(a) " Which legislation is being referred to? 

(b) Where in this legislation does it refer to non-continuous overflow methods as an appropriate 

overflow method for Eaves gutters? 

Answer— 

Answers (1) - (5) 

I am advised by the Office of Fair Trading that the inverted downpipe nozzle as illustrated does not 

contravene the current standards for gutter installation. All rainwater goods manufacturers and the 

Australian Steel Institute recognise an inverted nozzle as an effective specifically located overflow 

measure. 

The advice in the quick reference guide on gutter installations issued by the Office of Fair Trading in 

January 2009 complies with the Standard. 

Any installation method must take into consideration the overall design of the roof drainage system to 

ensure it is capable of removing water based on the average rainfall intensity of the area. The front of the 

gutter being placed below the top of the fascia is only one example of an overflow measure. Therefore, 

depending on the design of the roof drainage system for the property in question, a spring clip system can 

meet the performance requirement of the Building Code of Australia.

4104 


Springclips are not required to be attached directly to the fascia. Any installation method must take into 

consideration the overall design of the roof drainage system to ensure it is capable of removing water 

based on the average rainfall intensity of the area. The front of the gutter being placed below the top of 

the fascia is only one example of an overflow measure. Therefore, depending on the design of the roof 

drainage system for the property in question, a spring clip system can meet the performance requirement 

of the Building Code of Australia. 

The guide gives examples of both continuous and non continuous overflow measures, as does AS3500.3, 

it does not state that non-continuous overflow cannot be used. 

High front gutters do provide an overflow measure. No evidence to the contrary has to date been 

presented to the Office of Fair Trading. The guide notes that the manufacturer of the gutter is to be 

consulted on the size of slots. Also any installation method must take into consideration the overall 

design of the roof drainage system to ensure it is capable of removing water based on the average rainfall 

intensity of the area as well as the size and shape of the roof. Guttering systems cannot be 'one size fits 

all'. 

The Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 requires compliance with the Building Code of 

Australia. One way of complying with the Building Code's performance requirements is to carry out the 

work in accordance with AS3500.3. The work will be deemed to have satisfied the Building Code's 

requirements. However, an installer can, if they have skill, design their own system to deal with rainwater 

as long as it meets the Building Code's performance based requirements. The information advising the 

reader that the guide should not be relied on for legal purposes is a standard statement that is part of the 

template used by Fair Trading when publishing fact sheets. The reader of the guide is informed 

throughout the article that installation of gutters is to comply with AS3500.3 and the Building Code of 

Australia. Specifically located overflows are mentioned at Appendix G, G3 of AS3500.3. 

I can advise that Fair Trading is also currently surveying consumers and traders to determine if there are 

issues with the installation of high fronted guttering. These surveys were placed on Fair Trading's website 

in early August 2009 and will remain until 31 December 2009. 

*3366 ENERGY—SOLAR METERING ARRANGEMENTS—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Primary 


(1) How many homes in New South Wales that have had solar panels installed have metering 

arrangements fitted that would be suitable for gross metering (ie. Separate measurement of energy 

generated by the Photovoltaic (PV) panels)? 

(2) Under what direction or guidelines were these meters installed? 

(3) Will these meters have to be replaced if a net feed-in scheme is introduced? 

Answer— 

(1) - (3) 

Meters installed in New South Wales are required to comply with the relevant network's connection 

requirements. The New South Wales Solar Bonus Scheme (the Scheme) will pay eligible customers for 

electricity that is fed into the electricity grid from their solar photovoltaic systems that is surplus to the 

electricity they use themselves. Any customers who wish to participate in the Scheme will need to meet 

any Scheme requirements that are set, including any requirements in relation to metering. 

*3367 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—RENEWABLE ENERGY PRECINCT 

COMMUNITY CONSULTION—Dr Kaye asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations 


Commerce— 

(1) What is the model that will be used for community consultation in relation to the establishment of 

Renewable Energy Precincts? 




4105 

(2) How will the membership of Precinct Advisory Committees be determined? 

(3) What is the role and charter of these Precinct Advisory Committees? 

Answer— 

(1) Precinct Advisory Committees will be established within Renewable Energy Precincts to provide 

community input into renewable energy development issues. The committees will involve councils 

and the local community. 

(2) The members of each Precinct Advisory Committee will be selected through a public expression of 

interest process. Members and the Chairs will be jointly appointed by the Minister for Planning and 

the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment. 

(3) Precinct Advisory Committees will provide advice on regionally appropriate and consistent 

approaches to key wind energy development assessment issues. This will complement existing public 

consultation processes on individual projects. 

*3368 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—LEAFS GULLY AIR QUALITY MONITORING 

STATIONS—Dr Kaye asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, 

Minister for the Central Coast and Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy 

Premier, Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, and Minister for Commerce— 

(1) 

(a) Will any air quality monitoring stations be placed in the Sydney Basin to monitor the impact of 

the proposed Leafs Gully Power Station at Appin? 

(b) If so, 

(i) where will those monitoring stations be located and who will fund their ongoing data 

collection? 

(ii) will the results be made public? 

Answer— 

(1) 

(a) New South Wales has the most comprehensive air quality monitoring system in Australia. This 

system incorporates five air quality monitoring stations in Sydney's South-West. The New South 

Wales Government will rely on the existing comprehensive monitoring station network to 

monitor regional air quality. I am advised no additional monitoring stations are required for the 

Sydney Basin to monitor the impact of Leafs Gully Power Station. Leaf Gully Power Station 

will be required to monitor emissions from the premises. 

(b) The air quality monitoring network provides the community with near real-time reporting of 

data from each station in the network. The data is published hourly on the Department of 

Environment, Climate Change and Water's website and through a system of email and SMS 

health alert advisories, the first in Australia. 

*3369 FINANCE—CONDITIONS OF SALE FOR POWER GENERATION SITES—Dr Kaye asked the 



(1) For each of the power station development sites at Bayswater, Mount Piper and Munmorah: 

(a) Will these sites be sold with a condition that development is to occur within a certain time 

period? 

(i) If so, what is the time period? 

Answer— 

I'm advised: 

(1) At this point in time there is no proposal to attach a condition that development is to occur within a 

certain time period.

4106 


*3370 FINANCE—EXPECTED REVENUE FOR POWER GENERATION—Dr Kaye asked the Treasurer 



(1) For each of the power station development sites at Bayswater, Mount Piper and Munmorah: 

(a) What is the government's expected revenue? 

(b) Has the government set a reserve price? 

Answer— 

I'm advised: 

(1) 

(a) It would be inappropriate to speculate on potential proceeds. The Government's Energy Reforms 

will ensure that NSW retains its strong financial position whilst investing more in frontline 

services. 

(b) The Government has made it clear that value for taxpayers is a key criteria in this process but as 

noted above we do not intend to communicate our price expectations to potential bidders. 

*3371 FINANCE—SALE POTENTIAL FOR POWER GENERATION SITES—Dr Kaye asked the Treasurer 



(1) Will the power station development sites at Bayswater, Mount Piper and Munmorah be sold to a 

private buyer that intends to develop 100% coal-fired operations? 

Answer— 

I'm advised: 

(1) Sites will be made available with development approvals which will allow for both coal and gas in 

line with the Government's fuel neutral policy. The Government will also require the best available 

technology including carbon capture readiness to be used on these sites. 

*3372 HEALTH—HEALTH TREATS FROM COLLIERY WATER—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Health, 

Minister for the Central Coast, and Vice President of the Executive Council— 

(1) Is the Minister aware of Lithgow residents suffering nickel allergic dermatitis or other illnesses that 

may have been caused or exacerbated by the use of water from Clarence Colliery to augment the 

Lithgow Town water supply at Farmers Creek Dam? 

(2) What risks are posed by the use of water from Clarence Colliery to augment the Lithgow Town water 

supply at Farmers Creek Dam to the health of Lithgow residents who are vulnerable to nickel 

dermatitis or other illnesses? 

(3) Has any risk analysis been conducted on the potential for health to be affected by the use of water 

from Clarence Colliery to augment the Lithgow Town water supply at Farmers Creek Dam? 

(4) Has any environmental assessment been conducted on the potential health impacts of the use of 

water from Clarence Colliery to augment the Lithgow Town water supply at Farmers Creek Dam? 

Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) to (4) inclusive: 

Between 2002 and 2005, water samples taken from the Farmers Creek Water Supply intermittently 

exceeded the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (2004) value for nickel of 0.02mg⁄L. These results 

were examined by the Sydney West Area Health Service, Centre for Population Health in an 

environmental health risk assessment in early 2006. 


4107 


The risk assessment concluded that there was no increased health risk for the residents of Lithgow 

supplied by water from the Farmers Creek Water Supply on the basis of measured nickel levels in 

samples taken between 2002 and 2005. Samples taken from the same supply from 1 July 2006 to-date 

have not exceeded the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (2004) level for nickel. 

Other chemical and microbiological parameters measured in the Farmers Creek supply comply with 

health-based guideline values. 

*3373 PLANNING—RENEWABLE ENERGY PRECINCT COMMUNITY CONSULTATION—Dr Kaye 

asked the Minister for Police, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs representing the 

Minister for Planning, and Minister for Redfern Waterloo— 

(1) What is the model that will be used for community consultation in relation to the establishment of 

Renewable Energy Precincts? 

(2) How will the membership of Precinct Advisory Committees be determined? 

(3) What is the role and charter of these Precinct Advisory Committees? 

Answer— 

(1) Precinct Advisory Committees will be established within Renewable Energy Precincts to provide 

community input into renewable energy development issues. Precinct Advisory Committees will 

involve councils and the community located within the precincts. 

(2) Members of each Precinct Advisory Committee will be selected via an expression of interest process 

and the Chairs will be jointly appointed by the Minister for Planning and the Minister for Climate 

Change and the Environment. 

(3) Precinct Advisory Committees will provide advice on regionally appropriate and consistent 

approaches to key wind energy development assessment issues. This will complement existing public 

consultation processes, including the public's ability to make submissions on renewable energy 

proposals. 

*3374 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—CHEMICAL RESIDUE TESTING AT SYDNEY MARKETS—Dr Kaye 

asked the Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister 

for State Development— 

(1) For each of the following vegetables, does the NSW Food Authority at the Sydney Markets conduct 

regular chemical residue testing? 

(2) Please provide details of: 

(a) the frequency of testing. 

(b) sample sizes. 

(c) sample sizes as a frequency of total volume sold. 

(d) the results including the percentage found to exceed the MRL. 

(1) Abiu? 

(2) Alfalfa Sprout? 

(3) Apples? 

(4) Apricots? 

(5) Artichoke? 

(6) Asparagus? 

(7) Avocados? 

(8) Babaco? 

(9) Bamboo Shoots? 

(10) Banana Flowers? 

(11) Banana Passionfruit? 

(12) Bananas? 


4108 


(13) Bananas - Ducasse? 

(14) Bananas Organic? 

(15) Bananas - Sucrier? 

(16) Basil? 

(17) Beans? 

(18) Bean Sprout? 

(19) Beans - Snake? 

(20) Beans - Sugar Snap? 

(21) Beetroot? 

(22) Berries? 

(23) Blackberries? 

(24) Black Sapote? 

(25) Blueberries? 

(26) Borlotti Bean? 

(27) Broad Bean? 

(28) Broccoli? 

(29) Broccolini? 

(30) Brussel Sprouts? 

(31) Butter Bean? 

(32) Butternut? 

(33) Cabbage? 

(34) Mini Cabbage? 

(35) Capsicum? 

(36) Mini Capsicum? 

(37) Carambola? 

(38) Carrots? 

(39) Carrots - Dutch? 

(40) Cassava? 

(41) Cauliflower? 

(42) Celeriac? 

(43) Celery? 

(44) Champagne Melon? 

(45) Cherries? 

(46) Cherry Tomatoes? 

(47) Chestnuts? 

(48) Chillies? 

(49) Chillies - Hot? 

(50) Chinese Cabbage? 

(51) Choko? 

(52) Choy Sum? 

(53) Coconut? 

(54) Corn? 

(55) Corn - Baby? 

(56) Corn - Polkadot? 


4109 


(57) Sweetcorn? 

(58) Corn - White? 

(59) Cucumbers - Baby? 

(60) Cucumbers? 

(61) Cucumbers - Continental? 

(62) Cucumbers - Lebanese? 

(63) Cucumbers - Telegraph? 

(64) Cumquats? 

(65) Custard Apples? 

(66) Dates? 

(67) Diakon Radish? 

(68) Dragon Fruit? 

(69) Durian? 

(70) Eggplant? 

(71) Eggplant - Lebanese? 

(72) Feijoas? 

(73) Fennel? 

(74) Fennel Baby? 

(75) Figs? 

(76) Flat Bean? 

(77) Garlic? 

(78) Ginger? 

(79) Grapefruit? 

(80) Grapes? 

(81) Green Bean? 

(82) Guava? 

(83) Honeydew? 

(84) Horseradish? 

(85) Hydroponic Tomatoes? 

(86) Indian Fig ⁄ Prickly Pear ? 

(87) Jerusalem Artichoke? 

(88) Kale? 

(89) Kiwano? 

(90) Kiwifruit ? 

(91) Kohrabi ? 

(92) Kumquat ? 

(93) Leeks? 

(94) Lemons? 

(95) Lettuce? 

(96) Lettuce - Cos? 

(97) Lettuce - Hydroponic? 

(98) Limes? 

(99) Longan? 

(100) Loquat? 


4110 


(101) Lychees? 

(102) Mandarins? 

(103) Mangoes? 

(104) Mangosteen? 

(105) Melons? 

(106) Melons - Bitter? 

(107) Melons - Chinese Hami? 

(108) Mung Beans? 

(109) Mushrooms? 

(110) Nashi ? 

(111) Nectarines ? 

(112) Nuts? 

(113) Okra (Ladies Fingers)? 

(114) Olives? 

(115) Onions? 

(116) Oranges? 

(117) Paradise Pear? 

(118) Parsley? 

(119) Parsnips? 

(120) Passionfruit? 

(121) Pawpaw (Papaya)? 

(122) Peaches? 

(123) Pears? 

(124) Pears - Corella? 

(125) Pears - Nashi? 

(126) Peas? 

(127) Pepino? 

(128) Persimmons? 

(129) Pineapples? 

(130) Plums? 

(131) Pomegranate? 

(132) Pomelo? 

(133) Potatoes? 

(134) Pumpkin? 

(135) Quince? 

(136) Radish? 

(137) Rambutans? 

(138) Raspberries? 

(139) Rhubarb? 

(140) Rockmelon? 

(141) Sapodilla? 

(142) Seeds? 

(143) Shallots? 

(144) Silverbeet ? 


4111 


(145) Silverbeet - Rainbow? 

(146) Snow Peas? 

(147) Spices? 

(148) Spinach? 

(149) Spring Onions? 

(150) Sprouts - Alfalfa? 

(151) Sprouts? 

(152) Sprouts - Bean? 

(153) Sprouts - Snow Peas? 

(154) Squash? 

(155) Squash - Button? 

(156) Squash - Yellow? 

(157) Star Apple? 

(158) Starfruit? 

(159) Strawberries? 

(160) Swedes? 

(161) Sweet Potatoes? 

(162) Tamarillo? 

(163) Tangelos? 

(164) Tomatoes? 

(165) Tomatoes - Gourmet? 

(166) Tomatoes - Grape? 

(167) Tomatoes Roma? 

(168) Tomatoes - Tear Drop? 

(169) Tomatoes - Trusses Truss? 

(170) Tomatoes? 

(171) Turnip? 

(172) Watercress? 

(173) Watermelon? 

(174) Witlof? 

(175) Wombok? 

(176) Zucchini? 

Answer— 

For the past 20 years, New South Wales government agencies have been monitoring pesticide residue 

levels in fruit and vegetables. When considered in conjunction with total dietary intake, these results 

demonstrate a consistently low food safety risk. 

The New South Wales government will continue to have a level of verification of industry practices 

based on testing 100 samples per year focusing on produce lines that have demonstrated the highest 

residue risks in the past and targeting different produce lines each year. 

*3375 TREASURER—COOMA-BEGA POWER LINE AND NATIONAL PARKS—Dr Kaye asked the 

Treasurer— 

As the shareholding Minister for Country Energy, can the minister please provide answers to each of the 

following questions? 

(1) Will the path of the proposed Cooma-Bega 132kV power line traverse any land managed by the 



4112 


NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service? 

(a) If so, 

(i) which lands managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will the Cooma- 

Bega 132kV power line traverse? 

(ii) when were easements for the path of the proposed Cooma-Bega 132kV power line created 

on these lands for the path of the Cooma-Bega 132kV power line? 

Answer— 

I'm advised: 

(1) Yes. 

(a) 

(i) The path of the proposed Cooma-Bega 132kV powerline will traverse land managed by the 

New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), including the Kuma 

Nature Reserve near Cooma, the South East Forest National Park between Steeple Flat and 

Bemboka, and the Glenbog State Forest between Steeple Flat and Bemboka. 

(ii) The easements for the path of the proposed Cooma-Bega 132kV powerline, which were 

created on these lands for an existing 66kV powerline were registered in 1960, and a short 

section east of the Bega River was created in 1980. 

*3376 TREASURER—COOMA-BEGA POWER LINE ROUTE DECISION—Dr Kaye asked the Treasurer— 

(1) As shareholding Minister for Country Energy, when was the path of the proposed Cooma-Bega 

132kV power line determined? 

Answer— 

I'm advised: 

(1) The bulk of the easement was created in 1960, and a short section east of the Bega River was created 

in 1980. 

*3377 TREASURER—COUNTRY ENERGY HV POWER LINE POLICY—Dr Kaye asked the Treasurer— 

(1) As the shareholding Minister for Country Energy, is the Minister aware of plans by Country Energy 

to route a high voltage 132kV power line through the Max Slater Drive subdivision in Bega? 

(2) What is Country Energy's policy for the placement of high voltage powerlines of 33kV or greater in 

residential subdivisions? 

Answer— 

I'm advised: 

(1) During consultation with the Bega community regarding Country Energy's proposal to upgrade its 

electricity network to create a second 132,000 volt Cooma to Bega powerline to secure power supply 

for the Bega Valley and South Coast, some residents of Max Slater Drive, in a rural-residential 

subdivision on the outskirts of Bega, became aware that their houses were partially located in the 

existing Cooma to Bega 132kV powerline easement. While this easement was created in 1980, Bega 

Valley Shire Council approved a Council's certificate for the first stage of the housing subdivision 

that incorporates Max Slater Drive on 23 February 1995. I am advised that Country Energy will 

narrow the easement boundaries where necessary to ensure that no homes remain located within the 

easement, and configure the powerline in these sections to ensure that safety and statutory clearance 

requirements are maintained. 

(2) Country Energy operates around 12,500 kilometres of powerlines of 33,000 volts or higher across 95 

per cent of rural and regional NSW, including in some residential areas. Country Energy's policy for 

the placement of powerlines of 33kV or greater in residential subdivisions is one of "prudent 

avoidance", locating them in main road reserves or rural areas, rather than residential areas, wherever 

possible. Where powerlines must be placed in residential subdivisions to secure power supply to an 

area, Country Energy consults with nearby property owners, the broader community, local councils

4113 


and all relevant authorities to achieve the best possible outcome for all stakeholders, and designs and 

constructs powerlines to maintain safety standards and clearances in accordance with statutory 

requirements, Australian Standards and industry best practice. 

*3378 TREASURER—INTEGRAL ENERGY GRANVILLE SUBSTATION—Dr Kaye asked the Treasurer— 

(1) As shareholding minister, is the Treasurer aware of whether Integral Energy has investigated 

alternative locations for its proposed substation in Elizabeth Street Granville? 

(a) If so, what are the locations of those alternate sites? 

(2) Has Integral Energy explored the possibility of locating the substation in: 

(a) Factory Road Clyde? 

(b) On property fronting Parramatta Road? 

(c) In vacant land behind the Vauxhall Inn on the corner of Parramatta and Woodville Roads? 

(3) Has Integral Energy outlined reasons why alternative sites to the Elizabeth Street site have been 

rejected? 

Answer— 

I'm advised: 

(1) Integral Energy commenced investigations to find a suitable site for the new Granville Zone 

Substation in September 2003 and assessed properties within reasonable proximity of the forecast 

centre of electrical load that would achieve strategic objectives for the development of the network in 

the broader Parramatta region. The options for the construction of the zone substation within close 

proximity to the load centre were restricted due to existing medium density residential development 

and local environmental constraints from heritage precincts and the Duck Creek floodplain. Sites 

were considered in detail including land owned by Integral Energy, the South Western Sydney 

Institute of Technical and Further Education and the Parramatta City Council, as well land available 

for sale on the open market. The current site in Elizabeth Street Granville was purchased in July 

2005 as it provided the best balance of social, environmental, economic and technical considerations 

for the ongoing provision of a safe and reliable electricity supply to customers in Granville and the 

broader Parramatta region. 

(2) Integral Energy is currently assessing alternative sites proposed by the residents of Elizabeth Street, 

Granville including Factory Road in Clyde, property fronting Parramatta Road and vacant land 

behind the Vauxhall Inn. 

(3) Integral Energy has explained the reasons for the current site of the substation in Elizabeth Street to 

members of the community as part of the consultation process. Integral Energy has neither accepted 

nor rejected the sites outlined in (2). 

*3379 WATER—SYDNEY CATCHMENT AUTHORITY—Dr Kaye asked the Treasurer representing the 

Minister for Water, and Minister for Regional Development— 

(1) What is the budget available to the Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA) for monitoring the upper 

Cox's River catchment at and above Lake Lyell? 

(2) Which substances are measured for in any monitoring by the SCA of the upper Cox's River 

catchment at and above Lake Lyell? 

(3) What is the location of SCA monitoring stations on the upper Cox's River catchment at and above 

Lake Lyell? 

(4) How many directly employed staff and how many contractors are employed by the SCA to conduct 

monitoring of the upper Cox's River catchment at and above Lake Lyell? 

Answer— 

(1)-(4) The Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA) has an extensive risk based monitoring program in its 

area of operations. The focus is on monitoring locations most likely to provide water quality data in 

relation to impacts on the drinking water supply. Lake Lyell is 120 kilometres from the Warragamba dam 

wall. The SCA undertakes monitoring throughout the Warragamba catchment including at inflow points 

to Lake Burragorang about 50 kilometres away from the dam wall, throughout Lake Burragorang and at 

the water supply off-take. 



4114 


*3380 WATER—REVIEW OF NON METROPOLITAN WATER SUPPLY—Dr Kaye asked the Treasurer 


(1) When will the government be releasing its response to the recommendations of the Inquiry into 

secure and sustainable urban water supply and sewerage services for non-metropolitan New South 

Wales? 

Answer— 

The Government is considering its response to the Inquiry into Secure and Sustainable Urban Water 

Supply and Sewerage Services for Non-Metropolitan New South Wales. 

*3381 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—STUDENT ACCESS TO HSC TEST RESULTS—Dr Kaye asked the 

Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations representing the Minister for Education and Training, 

and Minister for Women— 

(1) 

(a) Do former students have the right under either the Education Act 1990 or the Education 

Regulation 2007 to access their individual HSC 'raw' results? 

(b) If so, 

(i) what is the process that students are required to go through to obtain their 'raw' HSC 

results? 

(ii) Are there any plans to remove the ability for students to access their 'raw' results? 

(2) How many students in the last two years have requested their 'raw' HSC results from the Board of 

Studies? 

(3) How many of these requests for individual 'raw' HSC results have been approved? 

Answer— 

(1) 

(a) 

(b) 

No. However, former students may apply under the Freedom of Information Act 1989 for 

access to their 'raw' results. 

(i) The answer to (1)(a) above refers. 

(ii) This issue was the subject of a number of recommendations made in a recently released 

report by the Deputy Ombudsman. The Deputy Ombudsman has recommended that the 

Board of Studies consider giving HSC candidates access to their raw marks. The Board has 

agreed to consider the proposal at its 3 November 2009 meeting. 

(2) Three students requested their raw marks for various courses in relation to the 2007 Higher School 

Certificate. Two of these were by way of Freedom of Information requests. The other one was by 

way of a telephone call to the HSC Inquiry Centre. There were no requests in relation to the 2008 

Higher School Certificate. A fourth former student requested raw marks for the 1968 Higher School 

Certificate. Since the Question on Notice was lodged, and this response was prepared, two further 

requests were received and are currently under consideration. 

(3) The three requests in relation to the 2007 Higher School Certificate were declined. The information 

in relation to the request for the 1968 raw marks was not available. 

The Board is concerned that the widespread release of raw marks for individual candidates may be used 

to calculate and publicly disclose the raw 'cut-off' marks, which separate the six performance bands in 

each HSC course. The Board has considered it vital that the marking and standards-setting procedures in 

any year are not influenced or seen to be influenced by extraneous information such as raw cut-off marks 

set in previous years. 

However, the Deputy Ombudsman has recommended that the raw cut-off marks be publicly disclosed in 

the interests of enhancing the openness and transparency of the Board's processes. The Board has agreed 

to consider this proposal at its 3 November 2009 meeting.



4115 

*3382 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—AUDITS OF REGISTERED TRAINING ORGANISATIONS BY 

VETAB—Dr Kaye asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations representing the 

Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Women— 

(1) Will the minister please provide a list of New South Wales Registered Training Organisations that 

have been audited by Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board auditors in the 

financial year 2008-2009? 

(2) For each of these Registered Training Organisations, on: 

(a) what date were the findings of those audits handed to the Vocational Education and Training 

Accreditation Board? 

(b) what was the nature of those findings? 

Answer— 

(1) and (2) A list of registered training organisations that had either a site audit or a desk audit undertaken 

in 2008–2009 and the date of notification to the Board is available from the Legislative Council 

Procedure Office. The majority of training organisations were approved. 

*3383 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—CONSERVATORIUM HIGH SCHOOL ENROLLMENTS—Dr Kaye 

asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations representing the Minister for Education and 

Training, and Minister for Women— 

(1) For each of the last five years including this year: 

(a) What were the total enrolments at Conservatorium High School? 

(b) What were the number of year 7 enrolments? 

Answer— 

Information provided is from the National Schools Statistics Census conducted on the first Friday in 

August 2004 to 2008. The 2009 data is not yet available for publication. 

(1) 

(a) The total enrolments for Conservatorium High School from 2004 to 2008 were: 

2004 186 

2005 197 

2006 201 

2007 192 

2008 168 

The Year (b 7 enrolments at Conservatorium High School from 2004 to 2008 were: 

) 

2004 35 

2005 33 

2006 35 

2007 26 

2008 11 

*3384 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—CONSERVATORIUM HIGH SCHOOL FUTURE—Dr Kaye asked 

the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations representing the Minister for Education and 


(1) Are there any plans to close the Conservatorium High School or alter its function as a specialist 

music school? 

Answer— 

I am advised that there has been no consideration given to closing the Conservatorium High School or 

changing the role of the Conservatorium High School as a specialist music school.

4116 


*3385 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—CONSERVATORIUM HIGH SCHOOL YEAR 7 APPLICATION 

REVIEWS—Dr Kaye asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations representing the 


(1) 

(a) How many requests have been made to review year 7 applications for entry to Conservatorium 

High School so far in 2009? 

(b) How many of those were successful? 

Answer— 

(1) 

(a) Three. 

(b) One. 

*3386 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—DISTANCE EDUCATION SUPPORT UNIT—Dr Kaye asked the 



(1) 

(a) Are there any plans to relocate the Distance Education Support Unit (DESU) from its current 

collocation with the Sir Eric Woodward Memorial School in St Ives? 

(b) If so, what do these changes involve, including the likely location of new offices, and any 

changes to DESU services? 

Answer— 

(1) 

(a) At this time there are no plans to relocate the Distance Education Unit from within the Sir Eric 

Woodward Memorial School in St Ives. 

(b) In 2008 the Department of Education and Training initiated a review into distance education. 

The review will enable the establishment of structures and methodologies that meet the needs of 

distance learners in a connected learning environment in the 21st Century. 

There have been no decisions made about the future provision or structure of distance education in New 

South Wales. 

*3387 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—NATIONAL REGIONAL UNIVERSITY AT PORT 

MACQUARIE—Dr Kaye asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations representing the 


(1) Is the Minister aware of a proposal by Southern Cross University to establish a National Regional 

University at Port Macquarie? 

(2) What support did the Minister give to the establishment of a National Regional University at Port 

Macquarie? 

(3) Does the Minister or the Department have any plans to promote the establishment of a National 

Regional University in the Port Macquarie, Hastings or Macleay districts? 

Answer— 


(2) Not applicable. 


*3388 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—REGISTERED TRAINING ORGANISATIONS—Dr Kaye asked the 



(1) Will the Minister please provide a list of Registered Training Organisations that currently hold 

accreditation from the Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board? 


4117 


Answer— 

Registered training organisations currently registered with the Vocational Education and Training 

Accreditation Board are listed on the National Training Information Service website at www.ntis.gov.au 

*3389 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—RTO LOSS OF ACCREDITATION—Dr Kaye asked the Attorney 

General, Minister for Industrial Relations representing the Minister for Education and Training, and 

Minister for Women— 

(1) Will the Minister please provide a list of Registered Training Organisations that have lost 

accreditation from the Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board as a result of audits 

conducted by Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board auditors? 

Answer— 

I am advised that the following registered training organisation has had its registration cancelled by the 

Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board in the 2008–09 financial year following audits by 

Board auditors: 

• Roger Training Academy Pty Ltd. 

*3390 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—SIR ERIC WOODWARD MEMORIAL SCHOOL—Dr Kaye asked 

the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations representing the Minister for Education and 


(1) What is the total number of students currently enrolled at the Sir Eric Woodward Memorial School? 

(2) What are the new enrolment figures per year for the last 5 years including this year for the Eric 

Woodward Memorial School? 

(3) Are there any plans to sell any land currently part of the grounds of the school? 

(4) Are there any plans to change the use of the land currently part of the grounds of the school? 

(5) Are there any plans to close school or to relocate the current students at the school? 

(6) Will the Minister undertake that the site will not be sold and that the school has a secure future on its 

current site? 

Answer— 

(1) Fourteen students are currently enrolled at Sir Eric Woodward Memorial School. 

(2) 2005 – 1 

2006 – 2 

2007 – 0 

2008 – 2 

2009 to date – 2 

(3) – (6) I am advised by the Department of Education and Training that there are no current plans to sell 

any land at the school, to change the use of the land, to close the school or to relocate the current 

students. 

*3391 ENERGY—HIGH VOLTAGE POWER LINES POLICY—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Primary 


(1) 

(a) Does the government have a policy that restricts the placement of high voltage powerlines of 

33kV or greater in residential subdivisions? 

(b) If so, will the minister provide a copy of that policy or policies? 

Answer— 

(1) 

(a) The Government requires that network operators must comply with the Environmental Planning 

and Assessment Act. This ensures that all factors are considered in determining the final design 


4118 


chosen to meet community needs. Additionally the Government requires that a Demand 

Management assessment is carried out to ensure that projects are unavoidable. This is a 

requirement of the Electricity Supply Act. 

(b) Both Acts are available on the New South Wales Government Legislation web site. 

*3392 ENERGY—INTEGRAL ENERGY GRANVILLE SUBSTATION—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for 



(1) 

(a) Has Integral Energy investigated alternative locations for its proposed substation in Elizabeth 

Street Granville? 

(b) If so, what are the locations of those alternate sites? 

(2) Has Integral Energy explored the possibility of locating the substation in: 

(a) Factory Road Clyde? 

(b) On property fronting Parramatta Road? 

(c) In vacant land behind the Vauxhall Inn on the corner of Parramatta and Woodville Roads? 

(3) Has Integral Energy outlined reasons why alternative sites to the Elizabeth Street site have been 

rejected? 

Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) (a)-(b) Yes. Eight sites have been considered in detail since September 2003, including land owned 

by Integral Energy, the South Western Sydney Institute of Technical and Further Education and the 

Parramatta City Council, as well land available for sale on the open market. The current site in 

Elizabeth Street Granville was purchased in July 2005 as it provided the best balance of social, 

environmental, economic and technical considerations for the ongoing provision of a safe and 

reliable electricity supply to customers in Granville and the broader Parramatta region. 

(2) (a)-(c) Integral Energy is currently assessing alternative sites proposed by the residents of Elizabeth 

Street, Granville including Factory Road in Clyde, property fronting Parramatta Road and vacant 

land behind the Vauxhall Inn. 

(3) In relation to the sites identified in (1), yes. Integral Energy has neither accepted nor rejected the sites 

outlined in (2). 

*3393 ENERGY—PLANNED HIGH VOLTAGE TRANSMISSION LINES—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for 



(1) Please provide a list, including route details, of all transmission lines that would operate at voltages 

greater than 15kV that are planned as part of capital expenditure by the National Energy Regulator? 

Answer— 

The Australian Energy Regulator does not construct or operate transmission lines. 

*3394 ROADS—LOSS OF TRACTION IN WET WEATHER—Ms Rhiannon asked the Attorney General, 

Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, Minister for the Central Coast and Vice President 

of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Roads— 

(1) 

(a) Has research been conducted by the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) into the loss of traction 

in wet weather for both cars and motorcycles as a result of crack filler used on roads throughout 

New South Wales? 


(2) Has the sealant been tested for its traction in wet weather prior to its use on New South Wales roads? 

(3) Did testing include various substances that could be encountered on the road such as diesel spills, oil 


4119 


(4) 

leaked from vehicles etc? 

(a) Are there any standards in place regarding the implementation of this crack filling substance? 

(b) What volumes per square metre of road surface are considered safe, in all possible road 

conditions? 

Answer— 

I am advised: 

Satisfactory vehicle traction is dependent on the net surfacing condition after treatment and is determined 

on site. Risk is also related to road alignment, tyre type and condition and weather patterns. Materials 

used as sealants are typically bitumens, emulsions, silicones or other polymers and are used across the 

world in similar applications. 

*3395 ROADS—SUITABLE E-TAGS FOR MOTORCYCLISTS—Ms Rhiannon asked the Attorney General, 


of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Roads— 

(1) Are you aware that the Motorcycle Council of New South Wales is running a campaign for more 

suitable e-tags for motorcyclists? 

(2) Is the minister aware of the use⁄availability of purpose-designed e-tags for motorcyclists in other 

states of Australia? 

(a) If so, are there any plans to introduce such an e-tag in New South Wales? 


Answer— 

I am advised: 

There are two electronic tolling products available for use with motorcycles. One portable tag with an 

armband pouch that the tag fits into and a waterproof pouch fitted with a strong magnet that attaches to 

the motorcycle. The magnet design allows the pouch to be removed from the motorcycle for security. 

Fully electronic toll roads also offer video tolling (number plate recognition) for motorcycles. 

The Roads and Traffic Authority offers quarterly passes to motorcyclists using the Sydney Harbour 

Bridge and Harbour Tunnel. These passes provide motorcyclists with unlimited travel on harbour 

crossings for a predetermined cost depending on the number of business days in each quarter. 

*3396 ROADS—TOLLWAYS FOR MOTORCYCLES AND SCOOTERS—Ms Rhiannon asked the Attorney 

General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, Minister for the Central Coast and Vice 

President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Roads— 

(1) Although the footprint of motorcycles and scooters on roads is much lighter than that of a car, the 

tolls for all vehicles that travel on tollways are the same. 

(a) Does the minister plan to address the inequitable nature of this policy? 


Answer— 

There are currently no plans to change the tolls for motorcycles and scooters on tollways. I am advised 

that a range of factors are considered when determining tolls, including for example the amount of road 

space needed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. 

The Roads and Traffic Authority offers quarterly passes to motorcyclists using the Sydney Harbour 

Bridge and Harbour Tunnel. These passes provide motorcyclists with unlimited travel on harbour 

crossings for a predetermined cost depending on the number of business days in each quarter. 



4120 


*3397 ROADS—ILLEGAL TINTING OF WINDOWS—Ms Rhiannon asked the Attorney General, Minister 

for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, Minister for the Central Coast and Vice President of the 

Executive Council representing the Minister for Roads— 

(1) Does the growing trend in illegal tinting of windows present a significant threat to road safety for 

pedestrians, motorcyclists and other motorists? 

(2) What action will the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) take to properly regulate the installation of 

window tinting and end this illegal activity? 

(3) 

(a) Are there any exemptions to the RTA Vehicle Standards, on window tinting? 

(b) If so, who receives them? 

(4) With regard to the current regulation of window tinting which occurs during annual vehicle 

registration, what does the RTA do to ensure the private inspection stations abide by RTA standards? 

Answer— 

I am advised: 

The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) has no jurisdiction over the installation of window tinting on 

vehicles. 

Any exemptions are based on an assessment of the requirement and includes vehicles that may transport 

persons whose identities are required to remain undisclosed (such as counter-terrorist surveillance 

operatives employed by NSW Police) and where sensitive and expensive electronic equipment is being 

carried that may be sun affected and which is highly attractive to opportunity theft (such as an outside 

broadcasting vehicle used by a commercial television station). In each case, the window film is required 

to be returned to compliant levels as part of any decommissioning process before resale. 

The RTA has an auditing regime in place for Authorised Inspection Stations. If during an audit it is found 

that a station has breached the rules, the RTA has the power to suspend or cancel the station's authority. 

*3398 ROADS—M4 TOLLWAY—Ms Rhiannon asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, 

Minister for Health, Minister for the Central Coast and Vice President of the Executive Council 

representing the Minister for Roads— 

(1) 

(a) Did the Federal Government's reject the government's request for funding for the extension of 

the M4 tollway? 

(b) If so, what other avenues of for funding this project are being pursued 

(2) Will the government provide a commitment to the New South Wales public that this project will not 

be listed as either state significant or critical infrastructure, and allow the proposal to be assessed on 

environmental impact and merit? 

(3) 

(a) Have any discussions been made with Leightons regarding the section of the M4 East proposal 

that has been referred to in the Steer Report as the Marrickville Truck Tunnel? 

(b) If so: 

(i) what was the nature of those discussions? 

(ii) have any commitments been given? 

(4) Is the present proposal to duplicate the Iron Cove Bridge part of the 'Victoria Road Extension' 

referred to in capital expenditure documents for the M4 extension? 

Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) - (2) In accordance with the Urban Transport Statement released in November 2006, the New South 

Wales Government has been considering options for the easterly extension of the M4 Motorway.



4121 

Funds have been allocated in the State Budget for on-going feasibility and planning activities. When 

an Environmental Assessment is carried out, community and stakeholder involvement will form an 

important component of the process. Community and stakeholder submissions will be invited and 

assessed. 



*3399 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—MINING IN GLOUCESTER AREA—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for 



(1) What is the name and who is the author of the Charles Sturt University study that you referred to in 

the Newcastle Herald on 17 January 2009 that found people who lived in regional towns with mines 

earned thousands of dollars more than those in non-mining towns? 

(2) 

(a) Considering you have commissioned a water study of the Namoi Valley and associated water 

catchments with regard to the impact of mining in those areas, will you commission a similar 

study of the Avon Valley with regard to the impact of mining in the Gloucester area? 


Answer— 

(1) The Charles Sturt University study is an internal 2009 regional review of ATO data. The results of 

this study have been used to inform a variety of published works including the Orange City Council 

Regional Profile 2009. The contact for the study at Charles Sturt University is Lesley Arthur. 

(2) The Namoi Catchment is unique in terms of the nature of the geology, the different sub-catchments 

and multi layered aquifer systems. The water study was commissioned to provide a spatial 

understanding of the underground and surface water flows that are peculiar to this catchment. The 

same complex geology and aquifer architecture does not apply in other parts of New South Wales. 

*3400 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORT—Ms Rhiannon asked the 



(1) How many approvals for coal mining have been refused after the Environmental Assessment Reports 

have been completed? 

Answer— 


*3401 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—FUEL MANAGEMENT FIRE—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for 



(1) Did the fuel management fire that was started by Forests NSW in compartments west of Gulaga 

Mountain at the end of August jump containment lines and then burn out of control up the mountain 

and continue to burn down the eastern flank of the mountain threatening the two Tilba villages? 

(2) Considering local communities have called for no burns on the mountain will you instruct Forests 

NSW to reassess their fuel management program to ensure lives are not put at risk? 

(3) 

(4) 

(a) Is the reason why the fire broke the containment lines under investigation? 

(b) If so, who is conducting this investigation? 

(i) Will the findings be made public? 

(ii) If they will not be made public why was that decision taken?


4122 


(5) 

(a) Why does burn Plan No. 07BAN3053 set out in Forests NSW "Southern Region Burning 

Proposals 2007" state that the area's last burn was in 1996, when the adjoining Plan No. 

07BAN3048 sets out that parts of the area were mapped as last burnt in 2000, 2001 and 2005? 

(b) Considering this inconsistency will Forests NSW revise its Burn Plans? 

(a) Were neighbours to the areas in the southeast that Forests NSW have been undertaking fuel 

management been notified of plans to burn in their area? 

(b) If they were notified how was this notification carried out? 

(c) If the neighbours were not notified why did that not occur? 

Answer— 

(1) Fuel reduction burning commenced within an area of Bodalla State Forest in early July. With no 

follow-up rain since July, the fire crossed containment lines at the end of August and spread to 

Gulaga National Park. The fire was successfully contained without injuries or loss of property. 

(2) Forests NSW will maintain its fire management program to ensure lives are not put at risk. 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(a) 

(b) 

Yes. 

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service. 

(i) This question should be directed to the Minister for Emergency Services. 

(ii) As above. 

(a) The two burn plan areas have a separate history of wildfire and hazard reduction burning. 

(b) There is no inconsistency. 

(a) Yes. 

(b) Directly by mail, and additionally, where details are known, neighbours are contacted by 

telephone, or in person. 


*3402 PLANNING—ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORTS—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for 

Police, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs representing the Minister for Planning, and 

Minister for Redfern Waterloo— 

(1) How many approvals for coal mining have been refused after the Environmental Assessment Reports 

have been completed? 

Answer— 

While no applications for coal mining proposals have yet been refused, the planning and approvals 

process under Part 3A aims to avoid or amend inappropriate proposals and impose stringent conditions 

on all approved coal mines. 

Examples of the role played by Part 3A in relation to coal mine projects include: 

Coal mining currently accounts for about 25 per cent of the State's export income and employs around 

13,500 people directly. 

*3403 HEALTH—REGISTERED NURSES AT STOCKTON HOSPITAL—Ms Rhiannon asked the Attorney 


President of the Executive Council— 

(1) 

(a) Is there a freeze on the appointment of Registered Nurses to permanent positions at Stockton 

Hospital?



4123 

(b) If so: 

(i) when did it commence? 

(ii) how long has it run for? 

(iii) how long will it run for? 

(2) How many registered nurses resigned from Stockton Hospital in the financial year 07-08? 

(3) How many enrolled nurses resigned from Stockton Hospital in the financial year 07-08? 

(4) How many additional nurses were employed at Stockton Hospital in the financial year 07-08? 

(5) How many nurses at Stockton Hospital were appointed to full time positions in 07-08? 

(6) How many nurses on Section 38 contracts are employed Stockton Hospital? 

(7) What is the current total number of nurses employed at Stockton Hospital? 

(8) What was the total number of nurses employed at Stockton Hospital at the end of the 07-08 financial 

year? 

Answer— 

(1) - (8) 

The Stockton Centre falls with within the Ministerial responsibilities of the Minister for Ageing, Minister 

for Disability Services and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. 

*3404 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—REVIEW OF GAME AND FERAL ANIMAL CONTROL ACT 2002—Ms 

Cusack asked the Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State 


(1) Which individuals were on the Review Committee for the five year statutory review of the Game and 

Feral Animal Control Act 2002? 

(2) What were the procedures that guided the structure and content of the report? 

(3) With whom was consultation made as part of the Review Committee's consideration of principle five 

of the New South Wales regulatory best practice principles, namely: "Consultation with business and 

the community should inform regulatory development"? 

(4) 

(a) Is the report not listed on the Department's website? 


Answer— 

(1) (2) and (3) Please refer to the Review Report tabled in the NSW Parliament. 

(4) The report is not listed on the Department's website but is tabled in Parliament. 

1 SEPTEMBER 2009 


*3405 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—SECURITY FENCE - ST CLAIR PUBLIC SCHOOL—Ms Ficarra 

asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, Minister for the 

Central Coast and Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Education and 


(1) When will the older style weldmesh fence at the side of the school be replace with the new style 

fence? 

Answer— 

(1) St Clair Public School already has a security fence. There are no current plans to upgrade the security 

fencing which is installed at the school.

4124 


*3406 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—AIR CONDITIONING IN DEMOUNTABLE CLASSROOMS IN 

PENRITH AND MULGOA—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, 


representing the Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Women— 

• How many demountable classrooms in public schools in the Penrith electorate have air 

conditioning? 

• How many demountable classrooms in public schools in the Mulgoa Electorate have air 

conditioning? 

Answer— 

All demountable classrooms at Department of Education and Training schools across the state are air 

conditioned. 

*3407 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—AIR CONDITIONING IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN PENRITH AND 

MULGOA—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 

Health, Minister for the Central Coast and Vice President of the Executive Council representing the 


(1) How many class rooms (non-demountable) in public schools in the Penrith Electorate: 

(a) have air conditioning? 

(b) do not have air conditioning? 

(2) How many class rooms (non-demountable) in public schools in the Mulgoa Electorate: 

(a) have air conditioning? 

(b) do not have air conditioning? 

Answer— 

(1) and (2) 

The Department of Education and Training does not hold centralised data identifying the presence of air 

conditioning in permanent classrooms in all schools across the State. This is because these facilities have 

been provided through various programs, including school initiated works. 

*3408 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—UNFLUED GAS HEATERS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN PENRITH 

AND MULGOA—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 

Health, Minister for the Central Coast and Vice President of the Executive Council representing the 


(1) How many class rooms (non-demountable) in public schools in the Penrith Electorate: 

(a) have heating? 

(b) have unflued gas heaters? 

(2) How many class rooms (non-demountable) in public schools in the Mulgoa Electorate: 

(a) have heating? 

(b) do not have unflued gas heaters? 

Answer— 

Unflued gas heaters are the standard space heating equipment used in most Department of Education and 

Training schools and therefore will be in most classrooms in the electorates of Penrith and Mulgoa. 

*3409 FINANCE—WORKCOVER INVESTIGATION OF UNFLUED GAS HEATERS IN PUBLIC 

SCHOOLS—Ms Ficarra asked the Treasurer representing the Minister for Finance, Minister for 

Infrastructure, Minister for Regulatory Reform, and Minister for Ports and Waterways— 

(1) Which schools has WorkCover investigated in relation to unflued gas heaters? 

(2) What action has WorkCover taken in relation to the issues of unsafe unflued heaters in Schools in 

New South Wales? 


4125 


Answer— 

WorkCover is currently working closely with the New South Wales Department of Education regarding 

the use of unflued gas heaters in public schools across New South Wales. 

WorkCover is satisfied that the Department Of Education is taking reasonable steps to ensure principals 

and teachers are aware of safe practices when using unflued gas heaters. 

*3410 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—UNFLUED GAS HEATERS—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney 


President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for 

Women— 

(1) What is the Department of Education's response to the NSW Teachers' Federation and Parent and 

Citizens' Association's resolutions concerning unflued gas heaters in New South Wales public 

schools? 

(2) 

(a) Will the Department of Education remove all unflued gas heaters from New South Wales public 

schools due to the apparent health risk? 


(3) What advice has the Department of Education received from WorkCover and NSW Health about the 

issues of unflued gas heaters in schools? 

Answer— 

(1) I am advised by the Department of Education and Training that there have been no reported instances 

of ill health effects in New South Wales government schools caused by properly maintained and 

operated unflued gas heaters. The unflued heaters currently used in the Department of Education and 

Training's schools are specifically designed for school use and are low emission, low nitrogen oxides 

(NOx) and are compliant with National Environment Protection Measures, which are ambient air 

quality guidelines developed by the National Environment Protection and Heritage Council. The 

Department of Education and Training is responding to concerns regarding the use of unflued gas 

heaters in schools by working with NSW Health to jointly sponsor research being undertaken by the 

Woolcock Institute of Medical Research. The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research is one of 

Australia's leading independent respiratory health and sleep research organisations. This research 

will investigate the possible health effects that may arise from the use of low NOx unflued gas 

heaters in New South Wales government schools. The results of this study will be reported in a peer 

reviewed scientific journal and will be an important consideration regarding the continued use of 

unflued gas heaters in government schools. 

(2) The Department will not make any decisions regarding the continued use of unflued gas heaters in 

schools until the results of the Woolcock study are reported, which is expected to occur in early 

2010, and then reviewed. 

(3) NSW Health has been in regular communication with the Department regarding the use of unflued 

gas heaters since 1989. In addition to jointly sponsoring the Woolcock study with the Department, 

NSW Health has endorsed the Department's ongoing program in its schools to replace all of its high 

NOx heaters with the low NOx type. I am advised that WorkCover has not issued any advice to the 

Department regarding the use of unflued gas heaters in schools. 

*3411 FINANCE—WORKCOVER INVESTIGATIONS OF ASBESTOS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS—Ms Ficarra 

asked the Treasurer representing the Minister for Finance, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for 

Regulatory Reform, and Minister for Ports and Waterways— 

(1) Which schools, if any, in New South Wales has WorkCover investigated due to the identification of 

asbestos within buildings and⁄or grounds? 

(2) What is WorkCover doing to ensure the safety of teachers, staff and students in New South Wales 

schools where there is asbestos? 

Answer— 


4126 


WorkCover treats all asbestos incidents and complaints as high priority, requiring an initial workplace 

visit within three days of the complaint or incident being notified. 

Any asbestos remedial work carried out in public schools across the State must be completed in 

accordance with the National Code of Practice for the Management of Asbestos in Workplaces and the 

National Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos. 

The Department of Education has an Asbestos Management plan in place under which all New South 

Wales public schools are inspected for asbestos. Staff and parents can view records of these inspections 

via a register available on the Department's website at www.det.nsw.edu.au. 

WorkCover works with the asbestos removal industry to develop and implement guidance on safe 

asbestos removal practices. WorkCover conducts targeted compliance audits of notified asbestos removal 

and other high-risk asbestos work across New South Wales. WorkCover regularly provides updates to 

industry regarding changes to regulations and policies through targeted and public information sessions. 

*3412 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—ASBESTOS IN NSW PUBLIC SCHOOLS—Ms Ficarra asked the 

Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, Minister for the Central Coast 

and Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Education and Training, and 


(1) How many public schools in New South Wales have asbestos in buildings and⁄or their grounds? 

(2) Which public schools in New South Wales have asbestos in buildings and⁄or their grounds? 

(3) What is the Department of Education doing to protect the safety of teachers, staff and parents from 

asbestosis? 

(4) Has the Department of Education received any advice from either WorkCover or NSW Health as to 

the health risks of asbestos in schools in New South Wales? 

(5) 

(a) Which Public Schools in New South Wales have been investigated by WorkCover due to the 

identification of asbestos? 

(b) what was the Department of Education's response to the respective investigations? 

Answer— 

(1), (2) and (3) Asbestos registers for all schools are publicly available on the Department of Education 

and Training's Internet site at www.det.nsw.edu.au and have been available to school communities since 

December 2008. The Department's Asbestos Management Plan is also available on the website and 

explains how the Department deals with asbestos related issues in schools. 

(4) WorkCover and NSW Health were key members of the Asbestos in School Task Force in 2003. 

Consultation with NSW Health and WorkCover informed the development of advice to schools. 

WorkCover has also been advised of the Department's development of the Asbestos Management Plan 

and site specific Asbestos Registers. 

(5) (a) and (b) The Department occasionally receives asbestos related enquires from WorkCover 

regarding specific school sites, in response to which the Department procures details which demonstrate 

compliance with WorkCover requirements and National Standards. A centralised record of such enquiries 

is not maintained by the Department. 

*3413 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—SECURITY FENCING - HAWKESBURY HIGH SCHOOL—Ms 

Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, Minister for 

the Central Coast and Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Education 

and Training, and Minister for Women— 

(1) What date will works commence to erect a new security fence around Hawkesbury High 

School⁄Freemans Public School? 


4127 


(2) How much money has been allocated in the 2009⁄2010 Budget for the erection of a new security 

fence around Hawkesbury High School⁄Freemans Public School? 

Answer— 

(1) The project is due to commence in February 2010. 

(2) The project has been allocated $450,000 in the 2009⁄10 Budget. 

*3414 WATER—SYDNEY CATCHMENT AUTHORITY STAFF—Ms Ficarra asked the Treasurer 


Sydney Catchment Authority Staff Penrith Government Office: 

(1) How many officers of the Sydney Catchment Authority work permanently in the Penrith 

Government Office? 

(2) How many officers of the Sydney Catchment Authority have been made redundant in the last year? 

(3) How many Executive positions will be abolished⁄made redundant from the Sydney Catchment 

Authority as a result of the new Super Departments⁄and State Budget cuts? 

Answer— 

(1) In November 2008, the Sydney Catchment Authority occupied the Penrith Government Office. The 

Sydney Catchment Authority tenancy has the capacity for 282 staff. 

(2) I am advised by the Sydney Catchment Authority that during 2008⁄09 nine staff accepted offers of 

voluntary redundancy. 

(3) Nil 

*3415 WATER—CONSULTANTS TO SYDNEY CATCHMENT AUTHORITY—Ms Ficarra asked the 

Treasurer representing the Minister for Water, and Minister for Regional Development— 

(1) How many consultants have been used by the Sydney Catchment Authority in the last 12 months? 

(2) What are the names and or company names of the consultants used by the Sydney Catchment 

Authority in the last 12 months? 

(3) What is the total amount of money expended by the Sydney Catchment Authority in the last 12 

months on Consultants? 

Answer— 

(1) to (3) 

Information regarding consultants is included in the Sydney Catchment Authority's 2008⁄09 Annual 

Report. 

*3416 JUVENILE JUSTICE—SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN NSW JUVENILE JUSTIC FACILITIES—Ms Ficarra 

asked the Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Public Sector Reform, Special Minister of State 

representing the Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister for Volunteering, Minister for Youth, and Minister 

Assisting the Premier on Veterans' Affairs— 

In relation to sexual assaults and rapes in New South Wales Juvenile Justice facilities: 

(1) Following the incident at Kurrajong Juvenile Detention Centre where a violent offender allegedly 

raped a 16-year-old boy as a result of overcrowding following the closure of Keelong Juvenile 

Detention Centre, what action has been taken to ensure the safety of inmates? 

(2) How many reports of sexual assaultÿrape in New South Wales Juvenile Justice Centres have been 

made in the following periods: 

(a) 2004⁄05? 

(b) 2005⁄06? 

(c) 2006⁄07? 

(d) 2007⁄08? 


4128 


(e) 2008 present? 

(3) How many prisoners in New South Wales Juvenile Justice Centres have been charged for committing 

sexual assault⁄rape on fellow prisoners during the following periods: 

(a) 2004⁄05? 

(b) 2005⁄06? 

(c) 2006⁄07? 

(d) 2007⁄08? 

(e) 2008 present? 

(4) What support for victims of sexual assault or rape is provided 

Answer— 

(1) Prior to detainees sharing a room in any Juvenile Justice Centre, a comprehensive risk assessment is 

undertaken. At Frank Baxter Juvenile Justice Centre when there is a high demand for beds alternative 

arrangements have been put in place following the incident. 

(2) Juvenile Justice takes any misconduct of a perceived sexual nature seriously. Inappropriate sexual 

behaviour can include incidents such as exposing genitals and suggestive gestures. Serious sexual 

assaults are highly unusual. Records show there have been only 2 cases in the last 10 years. 

(a) 2004⁄5 = 0. 

(b) 2005⁄06 = 0. 

(c) 2006⁄07 = 0. 

(d) 2007⁄08 = 0. 

(e) 1 July 2008 – 1 September 2009 = 1. 

(3) Juvenile Justice is not always advised by police if or when charges occurred; it is suggested that a 

request be made to NSW Police for this information. 

(4) Medical and psychological services are provided in all centres to any detainees requiring attention 

following any incidents. Where indicated referrals are made to support services, which may include 

external agencies. 

*3417 HEALTH—EDUCATION AND PREVENTION OF TRANSMISSION OF INFECTION—Ms Ficarra 


Central Coast and Vice President of the Executive Council— 

Education and prevention of transmission of Infection in Indigenous Communities, I refer to Questions 

3226 asked in the Legislative Council on 17 June 2009: 

(1) What is the Department of Health doing to educate and address the issues of transmission of 

infection, including pandemic influenza in indigenous communities in New South Wales? 

Answer— 

I am advised: 

The NSW Department of Health's Centre for Aboriginal Health, Area Health Services and other agencies, 

including the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council, work together to develop education 

resources appropriate to Aboriginal audiences on prevention of infection transmission. 

A range of resources on preventing the spread of infections (including sexually transmitted infections and 

Hepatitis C) is available from: http:⁄⁄www.health.nsw.gov.au⁄topics⁄aboriginal.asp. 

Resources, including posters, factsheets and radio announcements with information about preventing the 

spread of H1N1 influenza 09 have been prepared for Aboriginal communities in NSW. All resources 

have been developed in consultation with Aboriginal health networks. Bi-weekly meetings have been 

held with nominated Area Health Service representatives to ensure that appropriate information about 

H1N1 influenza 09 is reaching Aboriginal communities. 


4129 


*3418 HEALTH—EDUCATION AND TRANSMISSION INFECTION PREVENTION IN NESB 

COMMUNITIES—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 

Health, Minister for the Central Coast and Vice President of the Executive Council— 

I refer to Question on Notice 3227 asked in the Legislative Council on 17 June 2009 on Education and 

prevention of transmission of infection in non-English speaking backgrounds (NESB) communities: 

(1) What is the Government doing to educate and prevent the transmission of infection, in NESB 

communities? 

Answer— 

I am advised: 

Resources on a range of infections (including hepatitis A, B and C, HIV⁄AIDs, chlamydia, influenza, 

tuberculosis and many others) for speakers of languages other than English are available from the NSW 

Health Multicultural Health Communication Service website: http:⁄ 

⁄www.mhcs.health.nsw.gov.au⁄mhcs⁄topics.html. 

Area Health Service multicultural health services and refugee health services exist to facilitate the 

delivery of health services to speakers of languages other than English. Through these services non- 

English speaking consumers can arrange access to health care interpreters for phone or face-to-face 

consultations. 

Factsheets specifically pertaining to preventing the transmission of H1N1 influenza 09 have been 

prepared in Assyrian, Macedonian, Dari, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Tongan, Turkish, Khmer, Korean 

and Arabic. Newspaper announcements have been published in Chinese, Vietnamese and Arabic and 

radio announcements have been broadcast in a range of community languages. 

*3419 LOCAL GOVERNMENT—COUNCIL GENERAL MANAGERS AND SENIOR EXECUTIVE 

SALARIES—Ms Ficarra asked the Minister for Police, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural 

Affairs representing the Minister for Local Government, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health 

(Mental Health)— 

(1) What is the Government doing in response to community concern as to the rising salaries of General 

Managers and Senior Executives in Councils across New South Wales? 

(2) 

(3) 

(a) Will the Government introduce a salary scale similar to the State Government's salary scale for 

Senior Executive Service Officers for General Managers and other Senior Executives in 

Councils? 


(a) Are all General Managers of Council's in New South Wales on the Standard Employment 

Contract issued by the Department of Local Government? 


Answer— 


Councils, as autonomous bodies under the Local Government Act 1993, are responsible for setting 

budgets including those relating to staff. Councils are also responsible for setting the salary of their 

general manager. In the interests of transparency and accountability, the salaries of general managers 

must be made public by means of councils' annual reporting obligations. 

General managers are responsible for determining the salaries of senior and other staff within the budget 

set by the council. 


4130 


The Government has amended the Local Government Act to implement standard contracts for senior staff 

of councils. these changes have helped restrict excessive termination payments being made to senior 

staff. 

Councils should be setting their remuneration levels for general managers at a rate that is in line with 

community expectations. External agencies, such as the Local Government and Shires Associations of 

New South Wales, provide guidance to councils about appropriate salary levels commensurate with 

market fluctuations and the needs of specific councils. 

(2) 

(3) 


(b) See answer to 1 above. 


(b) The Standard Contract of Employment for General Managers came into force on 1 July 2006. 

From that date all new contracts of employment for council general managers were required to 

be in that form. The maximum term of a general manager's contract is five years. Consequently, 

it is expected that by 1 July 2011 all council general managers will be employed under the 

standard contract. 

*3420 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—HURLSTONE CONSULTANT REPORTS—Dr Kaye asked the 

Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, Minister for the Central Coast 

and Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Education and Training, and 


(1) Will the Minister please provide a list of consultant reports commissioned by the Inquiry into future 

configuration of Hurlstone Agricultural High School? 

(2) For each of these reports: 

(a) what was the terms of reference or brief? 

(b) who was commissioned to prepare the report? 

(c) will the report be made public? 

Answer— 

The Inquiry is yet to provide its report and therefore I do not have any information on the consultation 

reports that were commissioned. 

The Hurlstone Inquiry is an independent inquiry. I am advised that the report arising from the Inquiry will 

be forwarded to me by 16 October 2009. 

*3421 ENERGY—CONNECTING SCHOOLS WITH SOLAR PANELS TO THE GRID—Dr Kaye asked the 



(1) Will the Minister please provide a list of all schools in New South Wales that have been fitted with 

roof top solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels? 

(2) For each school fitted with roof top solar PV panels: 

(a) are the panels currently connected to the state's electricity grid? 

(i) If not connected to the state's grid, are the panels used to provide energy operating in standalone 

mode? 


4131 


(b) When were the panels installed? 

(c) When were they connected to the grid 

Answer— 

(1) - (2) This is a matter for the Minister for Education. 

*3422 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—CONNECTING SCHOOLS WITH SOLAR 

PANELS TO THE GRID—Dr Kaye asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, 



Commerce— 






mode? 


(c) When were they connected to the grid? 

Answer— 

This matter is the portfolio responsibility of the Minister for Education. 

*3423 INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS—AIS CONTRACT ADVICE—Dr Kaye asked the Attorney General, 


of the Executive Council— 

(1) Is the minister aware that on the advice of the Association of Independent Schools (AIS), Blacktown 

Youth College offered a contract to a teacher to fill the position of Creative Arts Coordinator to run a 

Circus Skills Project that will effectively see that teacher paid $6 per hour for her time (all costs of 

the program are to be paid by the teacher with the contract providing for half the hours required to 

run the project)? 

(2) What role does the minister play in ensuring that independent schools are paying teachers 

appropriately for their work? 

(3) What action will the minister take to investigate the roll of AIS in providing employment and 

contract advice to principals of independent schools that results in sub-standard employment 

conditions? 

Answer— 


(2) I refer Dr Kaye to the website of the Office of Industrial relations www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au 

which contains comprehensive information regarding information, education and compliance 

activities. 

(3) In response to Dr Kaye's Question on Notice I have requested the Office of Industrial Relations to 

further investigate this matter. 

*3424 TREASURER—CALL FOR FORMAL EXPRESSION OF INTEREST IN ELECTRICITY 

ASSETS—Dr Kaye asked the Treasurer— 

In relation to the Government's International Market Testing Update in respect of the call for formal 

expression of interest in electricity assets on 12 May 2009, which stated "the Government will call for 

formal Expressions of Interest in JulyÿAugust this year": 

(1) 

(a) Has the government called for formal expressions of interest in electricity assets? 

(b) If so, 



4132 


(i) For which assets have expressions of interest been called? 

(ii) When were they called? 

(iii) When do they close? 

(2) What organisations or companies have expressed interest in tendering for the power station 

development sites as part of the government's Energy Reform Strategy? 

(3) What organisations or companies have expressed interest in tendering for the generation trading 

rights to the state's power generators as outlined under the government's Energy Reform Strategy? 

(4) What organisations or companies have expressed interest in tendering for retail electricity services 

being sold as part of the government's Energy Reform Strategy? 

Answer— 

These questions should be directed to the Minister for Finance. 

*3425 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—AIS CONTRACT ADVICE—Dr Kaye asked the Attorney General, 


of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for 

Women— 

(1) Is the minister aware that on the advice of the Association of Independent Schools (AIS), Blacktown 

Youth College offered a contract to a teacher to fill the position of Creative Arts Coordinator to run a 

Circus Skills Project that will effectively see that teacher paid $6 per hour for her time (all costs of 

the program are to be paid by the teacher with the contract providing for half the hours required to 

run the project)? 

(2) What role does the minister play in ensuring that independent schools are paying teachers 

appropriately for their work? 

(3) What action will the minister take to investigate the roll of AIS in providing employment and 

contract advice to principals of independent schools that results in sub-standard employment 

conditions? 

Answer— 


(2) The Minister for Education and Training has no role in the salaries or conditions of teachers in 

independent schools. The salaries and conditions of teachers in independent schools are regulated by 

the Teachers (Independent Schools) (State) Award 2007, which has been negotiated by the 

Association of Independent Schools on behalf of its member schools. 

(3) The Minister for Education and Training does not have the authority to intervene in the relationship 

between the Association and a member school. 

*3426 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—CONNECTING SCHOOLS WITH SOLAR PANELS TO THE 

GRID—Dr Kaye asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, 

Minister for the Central Coast and Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for 

Education and Training, and Minister for Women— 






mode? 


(c) When were they connected to the grid? 

Answer— 

(1) and (2) (b) 

The Department of Education and Training presently has 127 solar schools where solar photovoltaic



4133 

panels are mounted on school roofs. 

Please note that some schools have independently purchased solar panels through school community 

fund-raising, these schools are not included in the Department's assets data. 

School Name 

Installation Date 

South Sydney High School 1⁄08⁄2009 

Pittwater High 1⁄04⁄2008 

Merrylands East Public School 1⁄01⁄2007 

Buxton Public School 1⁄01⁄2007 

Bass Hill Public School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Bonville Public School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Bringelly Public School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Brooke Avenue Public School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Coffs Harbour High School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Cooma North Public School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Dapto High School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Fairvale Public School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Homebush Boys High School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Hornsby Girls High School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Kempsey High School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Khancoban Public School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Marsden High School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Middle Harbour Public School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Mudgee Public School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Mullion Creek Public School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Murray High School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Murrumburrah High School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Muswellbrook High School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Newtown Public School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Observatory Hill Environmental Education Centre 1⁄08⁄2005 

Railway Town Public School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Regents Park Public School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Richmond Public School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Sir Joseph Banks High School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Somersby Public School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Yarrawarrah Public School 1⁄08⁄2005 

Ambarvale High School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Bankstown Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Beaumont Road Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Blaxland East Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Botany Bay Environmental Education Centre 1⁄07⁄2004 

Bourke Street Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Bribbaree Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Bronte Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Brungle Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Dorrigo High School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Elands Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Ellison Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Excelsior Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Glen Innes Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Gwandalan Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Hanwood Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Harbord Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Hayes Park Public School 1⁄07⁄2004


4134 


Illaroo Road Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Lansdowne Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Londonderry Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Mawarra Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Metella Road Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Millbank Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Model Farms High School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Mount George Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Narromine High School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Northmead High School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Seven Hills North Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

St Helens Park Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Tanja Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College Berkeley Vale 1⁄07⁄2004 

Campus 

Ulladulla High School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Warrimoo Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Wollondilly Public School 1⁄07⁄2004 

Wentworth Public School 1⁄03⁄2003 

Bowral Public School 1⁄01⁄2003 

Edward Public School 6⁄12⁄2002 

Naradhan Public School 2⁄12⁄2002 

Nulkaba Public School 1⁄12⁄2002 

Riverina Environmental Education Centre 26⁄11⁄2002 

Georges River College, Penshurst Girls High School 22⁄11⁄2002 

Warrawong Public School 22⁄11⁄2002 

Bexley North Public School 21⁄11⁄2002 

Otford Public School 21⁄11⁄2002 

Walcha Central School 15⁄11⁄2002 

Helensburgh Public School 7⁄11⁄2002 

Cherrybrook Technology High School 29⁄10⁄2002 

Narrabeen Lakes Public School 29⁄10⁄2002 

Orange Grove Public School 29⁄10⁄2002 

Durrumbul Public School 25⁄10⁄2002 

Nimbin Central School 19⁄10⁄2002 

Cheltenham Girls High School 15⁄10⁄2002 

Forestville Public School 14⁄10⁄2002 

Menai High School 14⁄10⁄2002 

Rocky River Public School 8⁄10⁄2002 

Berala Public School 1⁄10⁄2002 

Wangi Wangi Public School 30⁄09⁄2002 

St Ives Public School 24⁄09⁄2002 

Smithfield Public School 16⁄09⁄2002 

Thalgarrah Environmental Education Centre 27⁄08⁄2002 

Bournda Environmental Education Centre 1⁄05⁄2002 

Mount St Thomas Public school 1⁄11⁄2001 

Schofields Public School 1⁄11⁄2001 

Campbelltown TAFE 1⁄11⁄2000 

Mount Annan Public School 1⁄11⁄2000 

Brewongle Environmental Education Centre 1⁄10⁄2000 

Callala Public School 1⁄07⁄2000 

Bellingen High School 1⁄06⁄2000 

Gunnedah South Public School 1⁄06⁄2000 

Wyrallah Road Public School 1⁄06⁄2000

4135 


Port Kembla Public School 1⁄05⁄2000 

Cooma Public School 1⁄04⁄2000 

Belmont High School 1⁄03⁄2000 

Orange Public School 1⁄03⁄2000 

Buninyong Public School 1⁄02⁄2000 

Cobar Public School 1⁄02⁄2000 

Hay Public School 1⁄01⁄2000 

Hinchinbrook Public School 1⁄12⁄1999 

Penrith High School 1⁄12⁄1999 

Shoalhaven High School 1⁄12⁄1999 

Blacktown West Public School 1⁄10⁄1999 

Cooerwull Public School 1⁄10⁄1999 

Parramatta Public School 1⁄10⁄1999 

Robertson Public School 1⁄10⁄1999 

Thirlmere Public School 1⁄07⁄1999 

Barraba Central 1⁄07⁄1999 

Para Meadows School 1⁄05⁄1999 

Wisemans Ferry Primary School 1⁄05⁄1999 

Blaxland High School 1⁄12⁄1998 

Cobbitty Primary School 13⁄08⁄1997 

Oakdale Priamry School 13⁄08⁄1997 

The Oaks Primary School 13⁄08⁄1997 

Newington Public School 22⁄06⁄1995 

Tomaree Education Centre 20⁄06⁄1995 

Fort Street High School 1⁄01⁄1995 

(2) 

(a) ( i) and (2)(c): All of the photovoltaic solar panels reflected in this list are currently connected to 

the state's electricity grid, with the majority connected to the grid at the time of installation. 

There may be individual schools with panels independently purchased by the school which may not be 

connected to the grid. If not connected to the grid these panels are used as stand alone units. 

*3427 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—HURLSTONE SUBMISSIONS—Dr Kaye asked the Attorney 



Women— 

(1) At the closing date for submissions to the Inquiry into future configuration of Hurlstone Agricultural 

High School: 

(a) how many of the submissions received supported the sale of any land at Hurlstone Agricultural 

High School? 

(b) how many opposed the sale of any land at Hurlstone Agricultural High School? 

Answer— 

Submissions are published on the Hurlstone Inquiry website at: http:⁄⁄www.hurlstoneinquiry.nsw.gov.au⁄ 

The Terms of Reference for the Inquiry did not require submissions to explicitly support or oppose the 

sale of land at Hurlstone Agricultural High School. 

*3428 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—HURLSTONE CONFIDENTIAL SUBMISSIONS—Dr Kaye asked 

the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, Minister for the Central 

Coast and Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Education and Training, 


(1) How many of the public submissions to the Inquiry into future configuration of Hurlstone 


4136 


Agricultural High School have asked to be kept confidential? 

Answer— 

Submissions to the Inquiry have been published on the Inquiry website http:⁄ 

⁄www.hurlstoneinquiry.nsw.gov.au⁄ 

The site acknowledges that the Inquiry received 194 submissions. Of these, 10 individuals or 

organisations requested that their submission not be published. 

*3429 ROADS—INNER WEST BUSWAY—Mr Harwin asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial 

Relations, Minister for Health, Minister for the Central Coast and Vice President of the Executive 

Council representing the Minister for Roads— 

(1) Are current construction works associated with the Inner West Busway subject to the New South 

Wales Interim Construction Noise Guideline released in July 2009? 

(2) What actions have been undertaken by the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) with regard to 

compliance of the Inner West Busway construction works with the NSW Interim Construction Noise 

Guideline? 

(3) What community notification has been undertaken by the RTA with regard to noise associated with 

the Inner West Busway construction works, including the geographical catchment for notification? 

Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) Yes. The noise assessment and preparation of the Construction Noise and Vibration Management 

Plan for the Inner West Busway were undertaken prior to the release of the New South Wales Interim 

Construction Noise Guideline. Although the project was assessed under the existing guidelines, the 

Bridge to Bay Alliance is conducting the review of this plan in light of the Interim Guideline 

becoming effective. 

(2) The Inner West Busway project team issue monthly and weekly notifications. Weekly notifications 

outline the works expected for the week and month ahead and the associated noise type. 

Notifications are emailed to registered residents and hard copies are delivered to about 700 properties 

close to Victoria Road. Monthly notifications are distributed to about 8000 properties identified in 

the project construction noise and vibration management plan, a copy of which is available at 

www.innerwestbusway.com.au. All notifications are also posted on this website. Prior to the start of 

work, a noise management community update was delivered to about 4000 residents and businesses 

close to Victoria Road in Rozelle and a Community information day was held at the Rozelle 

Community Centre on 12 July 2009. 

*3430 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—COMPLIANCE OF INNER WEST BUSWAY 

CONSTRUCTION—Mr Harwin asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister 

for Health, Minister for the Central Coast and Vice President of the Executive Council representing the 


(1) What actions have been undertaken by the Department of Climate Change and the Environment with 

regard to compliance of the Inner West Busway construction works with the New South Wales 

Interim Construction Noise Guideline? 

(2) What community notification has been undertaken by the Department of Climate Change and the 

Environment with regard to noise associated with the Inner West Busway construction works, 

including the geographical catchment for notification? 

Answer— 

The Interim Construction Noise Guideline (the Guideline) sets out ways to deal with the impacts of 

construction noise on residences and other sensitive land uses. It presents assessment approaches that are 

tailored to the scale of construction projects, and indicates how work practices can be modified to 

minimise noise. 


4137 


The Department of Planning's project approval for the Inner West Busway requires the Roads and Traffic 

Authority (RTA) to develop and implement a Construction Noise and Vibration Management Plan. The 

Department of Planning is responsible for monitoring compliance with the project approval conditions. 

The RTA is responsible for community notification about construction work on this project. 

*3431 PLANNING—HILLVIEW AT SUTTON FOREST—Ms Hale asked the Minister for Police, Minister for 

Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs representing the Minister for Planning, and Minister for Redfern 

Waterloo— 

(1) In relation to the current lease agreement on the property known as "Hillview" at Sutton Forest, 

when the rent free period ended in July 2002, why did the Heritage Office consider that the work 

was insufficient to recommend a lease? 

(2) 

(a) Did the Heritage Office express reservations about entering into a long term lease with Mr 

Damien Miller? 

(b) If so, what were these reservations? 

(3) Why has there been almost no public access to the site since 1999? 

(4) Did the former Director of the then Heritage Office, with the backing of the Crown Solicitor, in 

2007 put a submission to then Planning Minister Frank Sartor that Mr Miller be removed from the 

site? 

(5) Why did the Planning Minister not act on that recommendation? 

(6) Will the current Planning Minister act on that recommendation? 

(7) 

(a) Given the lack of public access to Hillview for the last ten years, has Mr Miller been awarded a 

40 year lease which he will be able to either operate or on-sell? 

(b) If so, when will that decison be made public? 

(8) Will the Minister reconsider the lease arrangement and encourage public submissions about the 

management of Hillview? 

(9) In the event that a long term lease is issued, what safeguards will be introduced into any lease to 

ensure the following: 

(a) conservation of the site? 

(b) security of the house, contents, garden and grounds? 

(c) maximum public access to the house, garden and grounds? 

(d) maximum financial return to the government (while maximising public access)? 

(e) regular independent and honest monitoring of the running of Hillview? 

(f) provisions to terminate the lease in the event of on-compliance by the lessee? 

(10) 

(a) Will details of the lease be made public? 


Answer— 

(1) In 2002 the then Heritage Office considered there had been breaches by Mr Miller of the Deed of 

Agreement to Lease including: 

• failure to comply with a development approval and obtain a Construction Certificate. 

• failure to carry out conservation works adequately, as confirmed by advice from an independent 

consultant. 

• failure to use qualified tradespeople. 

• failure to pay outgoings. 

• failure to adequately prepare management documents. 

• failure to comply with a development approval and obtain a Construction Certificate. 

• failure to carry out conservation works adequately, as confirmed by advice from an independent 

consultant. 

• failure to use qualified tradespeople. 



4138 


(2) 

• failure to pay outgoings. 

• failure to adequately prepare management documents. 

(a) Yes. 

(b) Reservations expressed by the former Heritage Office included failure by Mr Miller to comply 

with appropriate approvals from the local council, inadequate conservation work to the house, 

use of unqualified tradespeople and failure to pay outgoings such as council and water rates. 

There was a general concern that Mr Miller had failed to meet his obligations under the Deed of 

Agreement to Lease. 

(3) Mr Miller is not obliged to provide public access while restoration works are being carried out 

under the Deed of Agreement to Lease and prior to a lease being granted. It is proposed that 

public access be a requirement of any long term lease for Hillview. 

(4) Yes the submission was made to former Minister Sartor in October 2007. 

(5) The former Minister sought to reach a negotiated outcome to the dispute. In October 2007 Mr 

Miller commenced legal action against the Minister to enforce his right to a 40 year lease of 

Hillview. Former Minister Sartor appointed the then Chair of the Heritage Council Mr Mike 

Collins to negotiate on his behalf. 

(6) I will await the outcome of negotiations with Mr Miller, Mr Collins, the Crown Solicitor and the 

Department of Planning. 

(7) At this time no lease for Hillview has been awarded to Mr Miller. 

(8) If a lease is not granted to Mr Miller, I will consider all options to achieve the long term 

conservation of Hillview, while ensuring public access to the property. 

(9) It is proposed to address these issues in any lease for the property. 

(10) I have no objections to any lease for Hillview being made public once it has been finalised by all 

parties. 

*3432 POLICE—FIREARMS SAFETY COUNCIL—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Police, Minister for 


(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(a) How much government money was provided for the establishment of the Firearms Safety 

Council? 

(b) When was this money provided? 

(a) Has the Firearms Safety Council accounted to the government for how this money was spent? 

(b) If so: 

(i) whom does the Firearms Safety Council report to? 

(ii) has this report been made public? 

(a) How much government money has been provided for safety programs conducted by Firearms 

Safety Council? 

(b) Was all this money spent by the Firearms Safety Council on safety programs? 

(c) If not, how much was not utilised for safety programs? 

(a) Has the government asked for the money not used by the Firearms Safety Council to be returned 

to the government? 

(b) If so, 

(i) who asked for this money to be returned? 

(ii) when did they ask? 

(c) Has this money been returned? 

(d) If this money has not been returned what steps has the government taken to ensure that the

4139 


(5) 

Firearms Safety Council does return this money? 

(a) Was the Shooters Party the only body that put in a tender to run the safety programs conducted 

by the Firearms Safety Council? 

(b) If there were other tenderers who were they? 

Answer— 


(1) - (4) The NSW Police Force has no information on government funding of this body. 

(5) Firearms safety training courses are now approved by the Commissioner of Police and assessed by the 

Firearms Registry. Tenders are no longer called for these courses. 

*3433 POLICE—POLICE FIREARMS REGISTRY—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for Police, Minister for 


(1) How many staff are employed at the Murwillumbah police firearms registry? 

(2) How many gun registrations are being submitted at the Murwillumbah police firearms registry each 

month? 

(3) How many gun registrations are being processed at the Murwillumbah police firearms registry each 

month? 

(4) How many people are requesting to have their gun licenses renewed at the Murwillumbah police 

firearms registry each month? 

(5) How many people, who have requested to have their gun licenses renewed at the Murwillumbah 

police firearms registry each month, have received a new licence? 

(6) How many calls are being handled by the Murwillumbah police firearms registry each day? 

(7) Is much of the data on the database at the Murwillumbah police firearms registry inaccurate as 

alleged in the Sydney Morning Herald of 19 September 2003? 

Answer— 


(1) 96 as at 31 August 2009. 

(2) - (3) The monthly average (from 1 January to 31 August 2009) is 11,786. However it should be noted 

that this includes dealer acqusitions, interstate transfers and overseas imports. This period also spans the 

2009 Firearms Amnesty, which saw a spike in firearms registrations and so is atypical. Transactions are 

processed on the day of receipt, except amnesty registrations which are processed over a 3 month period. 

(4) An average of 2,677 per month. 

(5) An average of 2,303 per month. 

(6) An average of 796 per day. 




*3434 LANDS—YATTALUNGA FORESHORE RESERVE—Mr Cohen asked the Minister for Police, 

Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs— 

(1) Has Gosford City Council undertaken adequate consultation prior to starting work on Davistown 

Road? 

(2) Does the Minister acknowledge that the Plan of Management for the Yattalunga Foreshore Reserve 

states, "the issue of access is fundamental to the future management of the reserve?" 

(3) Does the Minister agree that failure to consider access issues on Davistown Road has a direct impact 

on vehicular access issues identified in the Yattalunga Foreshore Reserve Plan of Management? 


4140 


(4) Has Gosford City Council contravened Section 114(2) of the Crown Lands Act in relation to the Plan 

of Management for Yattalunga Foreshore Reserve by not providing an appropriate upgrade of 

Davistown Road? 

(5) 

(a) Will the Minister request a performance report under Section 96A of the Crown Lands Act from 

Gosford City Council as reserve trust managers for Yattalunga Foreshore Reserve? 

(b) If yes, will the Minister require the Gosford City Council to report of plan of management 

compliance? 

(6) Will the Minister seek advice from the Gosford City Council as to why the produced works drawings 

for the Reserve are not inline with the Plan of Management? 

Answer— 

(1) Since Davistown Road is a council public road, the adequacy of consultation is not an issue for the 

Land and Property Management Authority. 

(2) Yes. 

(3) Yes. 




*3435 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—SNOWY SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE—Mr Cohen asked the Minister for 



(1) Did the Minister have any involvement in the proposed appointment of Dr Michael Curll to the 

Snowy Scientific Committee? 

(2) Why were the three nominees put forward by the Hon John Della Bosca in 2006, all of which have 

national and international river health expertise, rejected and replaced by a NSW Department of 

Primary Industries agricultural scientist specialising in dry land crops and salinity? 

Answer— 

(1) and (2) This is a question for the Minister for Energy. 

Dr Mike Curll PSM was nominated by the NSW Government based on his extensive scientific 

experience. 

*3436 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—DPI MACADAMIA REPORT 2002—Mr Cohen asked the Minister for 



(1) Will the Minister outline what actions the Department of Primary Industries has taken in response to 

the recommendation in the 2002 report "Soil and Nutrient Loss in Macadamia Lands" that the use of 

a ground cover of sweet smother grass can reduce erosion in mature macadamia orchards by 99%? 

(2) Is approximately 20 tonnes of top soil per hectare per year lost under a conventional bare soil regime 

used in macadamia orchards? 

(3) Is this soil contaminated with pesticide residues and polluting waterways and drinking water 

catchments? 

(4) 

(a) Will the Minister, as a matter of urgency, ensure that the Department does everything in its 

powers to get macadamia farmers to adopt the findings of this report to stop this soil loss and 

pollution of waterways? 


Answer— 




4141 

(1) Between 2002 and 2009, two major Industry & Investment NSW (formally NSW Department of 

Primary Industries) research projects addressed soil erosion in macadamia orchards. There has been 

considerable industry uptake of the findings of this work. 



(4) Yes. 

*3437 TRANSPORT—EASY ACCESS STATION PRIORITY—Mr Cohen asked the Attorney General, 

Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, Minister for the Central Coast, Vice President of 

the Executive Council representing the Minister for Transport, and Minister for the Illawarra— 

(1) What is the City Rail Easy Access patronage and⁄or priority ranking number for all NSW City Rail 

Stations? 

(2) 

(a) 

(b) 

(i) How many stations do not have easy access facilities within 10km at another station in 

suburban areas? 

(ii) Which are these stations? 

(i) How many stations do not have easy access facilities within 30km at another station in 

outer-suburban areas? 

(ii) Which are these stations? 

(3) What is the patronage and overall weighed ranking of all Category A and Category B Easy Access 

stations? 

(4) Is the current allocated budget to 2012 sufficient to satisfy the Disability Standards for Accessible 

Public Transport 2002, which requires 55% of stations to have independent wheelchair accessibility 

by 2012? 

(5) 

(6) 

(a) How many stations are currently wheelchair accessible? 

(b) Based on the schedule for Stage 1 of the Easy Access Program, how many stations will be 

wheelchair accessible by 2012? 

(a) In order to satisfy the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002, will the 

Government need to upgrade 52 stations in Stage 1 of the Easy Access program? 

(b) If not, how many station upgrades are needed before 2012 to satisfy Disability Standards for 

Accessible Public Transport 2002? 

(7) Will the Government satisfy the 2012 target in the Disability Standards for Accessible Public 

Transport 2002? 

Answer— 

I am advised by RailCorp as follows: 

(1) Patronage alone does not determine the priority for upgrading stations under the Easy Access 

Program. RailCorp compiles the Compendium of CityRail Travel Statistics every two years for all 

CityRail operated stations which includes patronage details and then ranks stations according to 

patronage or how busy each station is. 

(2) 

(a) 

(b) 

(i) (ii) On completion of the stations announced to commence access improvements under 

Easy Access and other programs of work by 2016, all suburban CityRail stations will be 

less than 10kms rail distance from an accessible station. 

(i) (ii) On completion of the stations announced to commence access improvements under the 

Easy Access and other programs of work by 2016, all outer- suburban CityRail stations will

4142 


be less than 30kms rail distance from an accessible station. In regional areas, only Singleton 

(100 passenger trips per day) and the stations from Penrose to Goulburn (which serve a 

total of less than 170 passenger trips per day – 71% of which use Goulburn Station) are 

further than 30kms rail distance from an accessible station. 

(3) Patronage alone does not determine when a station will be upgraded, and therefore whether a station 

is considered a Category A or B station. The stations that are considered as higher priority are those 

stations that are CBD stations, stations where works were triggered by other works being undertaken 

in the area, stations where high development is expected over the next five years, terminating 

stations, and stations with high patronage (top 20%). Some stations, proposed for stage 1 from 

2007-08 on the basis of the strategic criteria for station selection, are now included under programs 

other than Easy Access (i.e. Clearways, Southern Sydney Freight Line and South West Rail Link). 

The list of stations that may fall into the next round of works (Category B) is a working draft that is 

subject to change due to changes in development, changes in the strategic need, and whether other 

rail works are proposed in the area. 

(4) - (7) Stations are made wheelchair accessible through a number of different programs, including (but 

not limited to) the Easy Access Program, Clearways Program, Southern Sydney Freight Line, major 

station upgrade program and potentially through proposed projects such as the Main Northern Line 

Amplification Project. Currently 117 stations out of 307 CityRail stations (38%) are wheelchair 

accessible. These 117 accessible stations serve approximately 76% of CityRail passenger journeys. 

RailCorp estimates that at least another 17 stations will be upgraded by the end of 2012, with at least 

a further five station upgrades, including wheelchair accessibility improvements, underway at that 

time. The number of stations upgraded or under construction by the end of 2012 may increase subject 

to other programs of work; therefore at this time RailCorp cannot confirm the total number of 

stations that will be accessible by the end of 2012. 

*3438 HEALTH—WALLAGA LAKE—Mr Cohen asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial 

Relations, Minister for Health, Minister for the Central Coast, Vice President of the Executive Council— 

(1) From which sites did the occupational hygienist take asbestos samples when inspecting the Wallaga 

Lake site? 

(2) Will the Department of Health assist the Lake Wallaga community in covering the costs of screening 

and X-rays? 

(3) Will the use of the NSW Dust Diseases Lung Bus to attend on site at Wallaga Lake for the 

community be approved? 

Answer— 

(1) Sampling sites were chosen by the occupational hygienist contracted by NSW Health after 

consultation and site inspection with local community members, government agencies and other 

occupational hygienist consultants. 

(2) The independent consultant report recommends that community screen and health surveillance tests 

are not required based on results that show the risk to the community from the asbestos contaminated 

material is comparable and cannot be differentiated from living in a normal suburban environment. 

(3) This question should be directed to the Minister for Finance. 

*3439 LANDS—VERSION ZERO - SUSTAINABLE BIOFUELS—Mr Cohen asked the Minister for Police, 

Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs— 

(1) 

(a) Has the Department or the Office of Biofuels benchmarked ethanol and biodiesel producers 

against the Global Principles and Criteria For Sustainable Biofuels Production—Version Zero 

for the purpose of establishing volumes of ethanol to be counted towards minimum ethanol and 

biodiesel requirements? 

(b) If so, which producers has the Department benchmarked? 

(2) In the recent Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) report of Climate Change 

mitigation programs, the Department of Land informed IPART that based on data from the Manildra 

plant net lifecycle greenhouse gas reductions from E10 over a 12 month period was estimated at 

36,978 tonnes of CO2-equivalent. Considering the Environmental Assessment for the Shoalhaven 


4143 


Starches plant showed annual greenhouse gas emissions of 801, 206 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, upon 

what specific methodologies and formulas did the Department of Lands come to the figure of a net 

reduction in GHG of 36,978 tonnes of CO2-equivalent? 

(3) How does Manildra satisfy Principle 6A of the Global Principles and Criteria For Sustainable 

Biofuels Production—Version Zero given Mr Honan has stated that the ratio of waste starch to whole 

grain used in ethanol production input is 50:50? 

(4) How does Manildra satisfy the following principles of the Global Principles and Criteria For 

Sustainable Biofuels Production—Version Zero: 

(a) Principle 8C? 

(b) Principle 10A? 

(c) Principle 11A & 11B? 

(5) How does the biofuels produced by each of the following companies contribute to climate change 

mitigation by significantly reducing GHG emissions as compared to fossil fuels? 

(a) Four Arrows Ethanol Plant? 

(b) Port Kembla Soybean Processing and Biodiesel Production Facility? 

(c) Integrated Oilseed Processing and Biodiesel Plant (Riverina Oils and BioEnergy)? 

(6) What is the net GHG reduction level from the production of ethanol and biodiesel, if any, by the 

following producers: 

(a) Four Arrows Ethanol Plant? 

(b) Port Kembla Soybean Processing and Biodiesel Production Facility? 

(c) Integrated Oilseed Processing and Biodiesel Plant (Riverina Oils and BioEnergy)? 

(7) How does the Department and the Office of Biofuel evaluate the sustainability of the Port Kembla 

Soybean Processing and Biodiesel Production Facility considering 95% of its biodiesel production 

input is imported from United States, Argentina and Brazil? 

(8) Has the Department cited the Port Kembla Soybean Processing and Biodiesel Production Facility's 

soybean procurement policies? 

(9) What capacity does the Office of Biofuels have to enforce and check compliance with stated 

procurement⁄importation standards? 

Answer— 

(1) 

(a) No. The onus is on volume sellers to ensure that that the biofuels making up the volumes that 

they report under the Act meet the sustainability standard. Volume sellers must maintain records 

of compliance, which must be produced when required to an investigator appointed under the 

Act. The certification system required to fully implement the Roundtable on Sustainable 

Biofuels (RSB) standard is not expected to be in place until late 2010, and a further reasonable 

time will need to be allowed for producers to obtain certification. During this period, biofuel 

producers may demonstrate compliance with the RSB Principles and Criteria by reference to 

their Environmental Assessment and Planning Approval documents, or other evidence of 

sustainability. 


(2) The Shoalhaven Starches plant is an integrated facility producing food, fuel and other industrial 

products. The quoted 801,206 tonnes of CO2 equivalent is the estimated total emissions related to the 

production and distribution of all products from the plant following its expansion. These products 

include gluten, starch and glucose, as well as ethanol and other co-products. The Environmental 

Assessment for the Shoalhaven Starches plant showed that on a total lifecycle basis one kilolitre of 

its ethanol produced 1.24 tonnes CO2-equivalent and displaced 0.684 kilolitres of petrol that would 

have produced 1.711 tonnes CO2-equivalent. Each kilolitre of ethanol therefore has net savings of 

0.471 tonnes CO2-equivalent. . In the first 12 months of the ethanol mandate – 1 October 2007 to 30 

September 2008 – the total consumption of fuel ethanol in NSW was 78,510 kilolitres. 78,510 

multiplied by 0.471 equals 36,978 tonnes CO2-equivalent saved in that 12 month period. 

(3) Figures from the Environmental Assessment for the Shoalhaven Starches plant showed that in 2006⁄7 

the actual ratio of ethanol production attributable to waste starch and wheat was 73:27. The addition 


4144 


(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

of a proportion of wheat is necessary to achieve a viable starch concentration for fermentation and to 

ensure that the stillage can be processed to make stock food. 

(a) Shoalhaven Starches has an existing Waste Management Standard Operating Procedure in place 

as part of the company's Quality System. Since 1992, wastewater from the plant has been used 

to irrigate the adjoining farmland. Following the upgrade, the wastewater is to be treated to 

potable standards and recycled in the plant. The sludge from the wastewater treatment is used as 

a fertiliser on the adjoining farm. An Agronomic Assessment was undertaken as part of the 

Environmental Assessment to ensure that the wastes applied will be beneficial to the farmland. 

Ash from the boilers is taken off site to be used as a horticultural compost ingredient. 

(b) An Air Quality Audit has been conducted and a comprehensive Air Quality Assessment has 

been undertaken as part of the Environmental Assessment. The new wastewater treatment plant 

will address the major source of odour from the operation. 

(c) Manildra is Australia's largest processor of wheat for food and industrial products. The use of 

waste starch from its other processes as the primary feedstock for ethanol production maximises 

the total economic value of the grain used and contributes to the economic viability of the total 

operation. The ethanol expansion project is being undertaken with the clear understanding that 

the federal Ethanol Production Grant scheme is planned to end on 30 June 2011 with no 

production subsidies or tariff protection thereafter. The Manildra Group's corporate vision 

includes "continuous improvements in all facets of operations" and "world's best practice in key 

processes". The expansion project includes a number of sustainability enhancement measures 

including the use of natural gas, cogeneration, biogas recovery, energy efficiency, and water 

recycling. 

(a) The Four Arrows Ethanol proposal has not proceeded at this time. 

(b) The Greenhouse Gas Assessment undertaken as part of the Environmental Assessment for the 

Port Kembla Soybean Processing and Biodiesel Production Facility indicates that its biodiesel 

will produce 0.54 tonnes CO2-equivalent per kilolitre compared to emissions for petroleum 

diesel of 2.8 tonnes CO2-equivalent per kilolitre, a reduction of 81%. 

(c) The Environmental Assessment for the Riverina Oils and BioEnergy (ROBE) Integrated 

Oilseed Processing and Biodiesel Plant indicates that its biodiesel will produce greenhouse 

emissions of 1.5 tonnes CO2-equivalent per kilolitre, a reduction of 46% compared to petroleum 

diesel. 

(a) The Four Arrows Ethanol proposal has not proceeded at this time. 

(b) At the Port Kembla plant's full capacity of 288,000 kilolitres per year, the replacement of an 

equivalent volume of petroleum diesel will give net reductions of 650,000 tonnes of CO2- 

equivalent emissions per year. 

(c) At the ROBE plant's full capacity of 75,000 kilolitres per year, the replacement of an equivalent 

volume of petroleum diesel will give net reductions of 97,500 tonnes of CO2-equivalent 

emissions per year. 

(7) The sustainability of imported feedstock has been addressed in the Environmental Assessment for the 

Port Kembla project. 

(8) Yes. National Biodiesel's policy to ensure that its feedstocks are sustainable is included in the 

Environmental Assessment and the Statement of Commitments under the Project Approval. 

(9) The Office of Biofuels does not regulate biofuels production. The feedstock Procurement Plan is 

monitored for environmental and social sustainability by the Department of Planning in accordance 

with the Project Approval. Compliance with the Procurement Plan is subject to independent 

environmental audit. 

*3440 COMMUNITY SERVICES—AREA ASSISTANCE SCHEME—Mr Cohen asked the Minister for 

Primary Industries, Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State Development 

representing the Minister for Community Services— 

(1) How much has been allocated for the Department of Community Services Area Assistance Scheme 

for the 2009 funding round? 


4145 


(2) Why is funding restricted to Central Coast, Hunter, Illawarra, Macarthur, North Coast and Western 

Sydney? 

(3) 

(a) Are there similar funding opportunities in terms of community service projects for Western New 

South Wales? 

(b) If so, what? 

Answer— 

(1) A total of $9.6 million was allocated to Area Assistance Scheme grants in 2009. 

(2) The Area Assistance Scheme boundaries were defined when the Scheme first commenced in 1979 

based on areas experiencing high growth that had limited infrastructure. Following extensive 

community consultation in 2009, the Area Assistance Scheme has been revised and is now called 

Community Builders Funding Program. 

(3) 

(a) Community Builders Funding Program is unique in its application. 


*3441 LOCAL GOVERNMENT—ACCESS TO INFORMATION: LOCAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS—Mr 

Cohen asked the Minister for Police, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs representing the 

Minister for Local Government, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health)— 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(a) What information is available on how many local councils have installed hearing loops in local 

council chambers? 

(b) How many local councils have installed hearing loops in council chambers? 

(a) Why there is no provision under Chapter 4, Part 2 of the Local Government Act for access to 

information by people with hearing impairments? 


(a) Does a person with a hearing impairment requiring a hearing loop to hear local council 

proceedings currently have to challenge local councils on a case by case basis before the Human 

Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission? 

(b) Would a universal requirement for hearing loops in local council chambers be appropriate? 

(4) Is "unjustifiable hardship" a reasonable justification for local councils in New South Wales to refuse 

installing hearing loops in local council chambers? 

Answer— 


(1) The Division of Local Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet does not collect this 

information. Councils are autonomous bodies with obligations under various State and 

Commonwealth legislation with regard to the provision of access to information for people with 

disabilities. In meeting these obligations councils must identify the needs of their local community 

and respond in accordance with available resources. Individual councils can provide advice about 

their local arrangements to provide access to meetings for people with hearing impairments. 

(2) Chapter 4, Part 2 of the Local Government Act 1993 prescribes the type of information which 

councils are required to provide to the public but not the format in which such information is to be 

provided. This Part of the Act requires that the prescribed information be provided to all persons. 

Under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) it is illegal for councils to 

discriminate against a person on the basis of their hearing disability. This includes the provision of 

access to information. As such, the inclusion of any additional requirement in the Local Government 

Act for councils to provide access to information for people with hearing impairments would be an 

unnecessary duplication of Commonwealth law. 


4146 


(3) I understand that the Commonwealth Government is currently developing Premises Standards to 

harmonise the requirements of the DDA with the Building Code of Australia and that the issue of 

hearing augmentation in public buildings has been considered as part of this process. Further 

information can be obtained from the Commonwealth Attorney General, the Hon Robert McClelland 

MP, as the draft Premises Standards fall within his area of responsibility. 

(4) "Unjustifiable hardship" is defined under section 29A of the DDA, which is administered by the 

Commonwealth Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the 

Hon Jenny Macklin MP. Further information about the application of this definition can be obtained 

from Minister Macklin. 

*3442 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING—Mr Cohen asked the 



(1) How many Memorandums of Understanding is the Department, the Minister or the Director General 

of the Department of Primary Industries party to? 

(2) Please provide a list of all Memorandums of Understanding to which the Department, the Minister or 

the Director General of the Department of Primary Industries is party to. 

Answer— 

(1) and (2) Industry & Investment NSW is in the process of reviewing their Memorandums of 

Understanding procedure. Once complete and where appropriate the details of these Memorandums of 

Understandings will be made publicly available. 

*3443 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—MEMORANDUMS OF 

UNDERSTANDING—Mr Cohen asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister 

for Health, Minister for the Central Coast, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the 


(1) How many Memorandums of Understanding is the Department, the Minister or the Director General 

of the Department of Climate Change party to? 

(2) Please provide a list of all Memorandums of Understanding to which the Department, the Minister or 

the Director General of the Department of Climate Change is party to. 

Answer— 

This question asks for an extensive range of information across the Department of Environment, Climate 

Change and Water. The Department engages with a wide range of stakeholders and enters into 

agreements on a case by case basis as required. This information therefore changes on a regular basis. 

I advise the Honourable Member to refine the scope of the question if there is a particular area of interest. 

*3444 ENERGY—COMMUNITY CONSULTATION IN GRANVILLE—Mr Gay asked the Minister for 



In relation to the proposed Integral Energy sub-station at Elizabeth Street, Granville: 

(1) Has community consultation taken place? 

(2) How was community consultation conducted? 

(3) How many people were consulted? 

(4) How long has this community consultation process been? 

(5) Is the community consultation still open? 

Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) Yes. 




4147 

(2) - (4) The proposed Granville Zone Substation is being developed under the State Environmental 

Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 (SEPP). The SEPP makes provision for notification to the local 

Council and the occupiers of adjoining land. Irrespective of these minimum obligations, Integral 

Energy has undertaken extensive community consultation on the new Granville Zone Substation 

including: 

• undertaking discussions and briefings with Parramatta City Council on at least 10 occasions since 

2004. 

• briefing the local Member of Parliament on 18 April 2008. 

• placing a sign on the Elizabeth Street site in May 2008 indicating the intention to develop the site 

as a zone substation. 

• publicly announcing the construction of the zone substation in the local media on 1 September 

2008. 

• providing a community newsletter to fifty three nearby properties on 30 September 2008 

outlining details of the zone substation. 

• responding to numerous and frequent enquiries from residents living near the substation since 

May 2005. 

• meeting with two residents on 28 May 2009 to provide detailed information and answer questions 

regarding the zone substation. 

Integral Energy has undertaken to keep the community informed throughout the development of this 

important project. 

*3445 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—FISHERIES BOATS—Mr Gay asked the Minister for Primary Industries, 

Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State Development— 

(1) How many fisheries boats did the Department of Primary Industries have in: 

(a) 2007? 

(b) 2008? 

(c) 2009? 

(2) 

(a) Did any fisheries boats sink in: 

(i) 2007? 

(ii) 2008? 

(iii) 2009? 

(b) If so, why? 

(3) What was the total cost for repairing or replacing sunk fisheries boats in: 

(a) 2007? 

(b) 2008? 

(c) 2009? 

Answer— 

(1) 

(2) 

(a) 2007 = 127. 

(b) 2008 = 125. 

(c) 2009 = 122. 

(a) 

(b) 

Yes. 

(i) 2007 = 0. 

(ii) 2008 = 1. 

(iii) 2009 = 1. 

I am advised that in 2008 a small boat was accidentally sunk in a fish breeding pond at an 

inland research centre, due to bungs not being properly secured. I am advised that in 2009, 

an open punt sank at its Hawkesbury River mooring. During a period of heavy rainfall an


4148 


(3) 

electronic fault disabled the automatic bilge pump causing the vessel to fill with water. 

The vessel was repaired and is now fully operational. 

(a) 2007 = Not applicable. 

(b) 2008 = $4,493. 

(c) 2009 = $9,500. 

*3446 POLICE—POLICE FROM GOULBURN POLICE COLLEGE—Mr Gallacher asked the Minister for 

Police, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs— 

(1) In relation to the 31 August 2007 attestation of 225 Police Probationary Constables from the 

Goulburn Police College: 

(a) Which Local Area Commands received graduates? 

(b) How many Police Officers were allocated to each of those Local Area Commands? 

Answer— 


(1) There was no attestation on 31 August 2007. 

*3447 HEALTH—SPENDING ON PUBLIC DENTAL SERVICES—Revd Dr Moyes asked the Attorney 

General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, Minister for the Central Coast, Vice 


In relation to State spending for public dental services in New South Wales: 

(1) 

(2) 

(a) What method is used to compile waiting lists for people requiring services at public dental 

clinics? 

(b) What impact has the estimated $285 million of public money spent on Medicare dentistry in 

New South Wales had on the reduction of the public waiting lists for dental services? 

(c) What has the community gained in improved access to dental treatment with the money spent? 

(d) Have any program evaluations been undertaken in regards to the dental component of the 

Medicare Enhanced Primary Care Program or the Teen Dental Program? 

(a) Has the Government considered allowing for a voluntary co-payment by those who can afford 

it, in order to reduce the amount of time waiting for dentures? 

(b) 

(i) If so, has it been implemented? 


Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 

(2) 

(a) Data on the number of persons with a status of "waiting" on an assessment or treatment waiting 

list within the Information System for Oral Health is collated on a regular basis and made 

available on the NSW Health web site: www.health.nsw.gov.au. 

(b) , (c) and (d) The Medicare Enhanced Primary Care and Teen Dental Programs are 

Commonwealth programs and their evaluation is a Commonwealth responsibility. Data on item 

claims and expenditure is made available to the public regularly via the Medicare web site: 

www.medicareaustralia.gov.au⁄statistics⁄mbs_group.shtml 

(a) Yes. 

(b) No. NSW Health has reviewed the experience of other jurisdictions, and does not consider that 

benefits of introducing such a scheme would outweigh the disadvantages at this time.

4149 


*3448 HEALTH—TRIPLE ZERO CALL CENTRES—Mrs Pavey asked the Attorney General, Minister for 

Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, Minister for the Central Coast, Vice President of the Executive 

Council— 

(1) 

(a) How many triple zero call centres are there under Ambulances NSW? 

(b) Where is each of them located? 

(c) How many staff members are there in each one? 

Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) (a) - (c) inclusive: 

There are four Operations Centres responsible for receiving calls for emergency ambulance requests 

directed to the Service by the national Telstra Triple Zero emergency line. The Aeromedical Operations 

Centre, located in Sydney, is responsible for the coordination of all urgent and routine ambulance fixed 

wing and rotary wing missions. 

As at 1 September 2009 the number of staff (headcount) employed at these centres is as follows: 

• The Sydney Operations Centre, which is located in Sydney, has 127 staff. 

• The Northern Operations Centre is located in Newcastle and has 66 staff. 

• The Southern Operations Centre is located in Wollongong and has 58 staff. 

• The Western Operations Centre is located in Dubbo and has 34 staff. 

*3449 EMERGENCY SERVICES—FIRE PRONE LAND—Mrs Pavey asked the Minister for Corrective 

Services, Minister for Public Sector Reform, Special Minister of State representing the Minister for 

Emergency Services, and Minister for Small Business— 

(1) How much fire prone land is there in New South Wales: 

(a) in hectares? 

(b) as a percentage of the state? 

Answer— 

I refer to my answer to Question 3147. 

*3450 EMERGENCY SERVICES—TRIPLE ZERO CALL CENTRES—Mrs Pavey asked the Minister for 


Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Small Business— 

(1) 

(a) How many triple zero call centres are there under the Emergency Services Portfolio in New 

South Wales? 



Answer— 

(1) The New South Wales Fire Brigades currently operates four Communication Centres within New 

South Wales. These centres receive all fire Triple Zero calls for NSW Fire Brigades and the NSW 

Rural Fire Service, as well as overflow calls for the State Emergency Service during periods of peak 

activity. 

(2) These centres are located in the Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and Katoomba. 

(3) Sydney has a minimum of nine operators available; Newcastle four; Wollongong and Katoomba two 

each. Each of these centres also has a Supervisor who is also available to act as a call taker when 

necessary. Additional operators can be called back to duty should operational requirements demand. 


4150 


*3451 POLICE—TRIPLE ZERO CALL CENTRES UNDER NSW POLICE—Mrs Pavey asked the Minister 

for Police, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs— 

(1) 

(a) How many triple zero call centres are there under NSW Police Force in New South Wales? 



Answer— 


(1) 

(a) There are two designated police Triple 0 call centres in New South Wales. 

(b) Lithgow and Tuggerah. 

(c) There are 94 staff members at Lithgow and 258 at Tuggerah. 

It should be noted that there are five additional communications centres which handle overflow calls 

from the Triple 0 call centres if required. 



*3452 HOUSING—CONTRACTS FOR SOCIAL HOUSING—Mr Pearce asked the Minister for Primary 

Industries, Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State Development 


(1) 

(a) For the period 1 July 2008 to 31 August 2009, how many contracts for new social housing have 

been entered using New South Wales funding? 

(b) What is the location of each of these properties? 

(c) How many new dwellings are comprised in each of these properties? 

Answer— 

(1) 

(a) For the period 1 July 2008 to 31 August 2009, there have been more than 250 contracts entered 

into for construction, redevelopment and conversion projects as well as for purchasing new 

social housing using New South Wales funding, outside of the Nation Building Economic 

Stimulus Package. 

(b) These properties are in various locations throughout New South Wales. 

(c) In total there are more than 1,200 new dwellings for this period. 

*3453 HOUSING—DWELLINGS FUNDED BY STIMULUS PACKAGE—Mr Pearce asked the Minister for 

Primary Industries, Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State Development 


(1) 

(a) As at 31 August 2009, how many contracts have been entered to acquire existing or off the plan 

dwellings funded by the Commonwealth stimulus package? 

(b) What is the total purchase price of those dwellings? 

(c) How many of those dwellings are located in each electorate in New South Wales? 

Answer— 

(1) – (3) The Request for Tenders issued by Housing NSW attracted more than 1,400 tender submissions 

when it closed on 9 April 2009. The submissions were assessed by Housing NSW against the 

Australian Government's guidelines. 

As at 30 September 2009, 65 contracts for more than 1,000 dwellings and worth over $140 million have 




4151 

been entered into. 

*3454 HOUSING—NSW HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES ACCORD—Mr Pearce asked the Minister 

for Primary Industries, Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State 

Development representing the Minister for Housing, and Minister for Western Sydney— 

(1) 

(a) Have the schedules to the NSW Housing and Human Services accord been agreed to? 

(b) If so, please provide a copy of each of the schedules which have been agreed. 

(c) If not, 

(i) what is the progress? 

(ii) what is the estimated program for completing these schedules? 

Answer— 

(1) (a), (b) and (c): In part. A Building Stronger Communities Schedule has been endorsed. A number of 

other Schedules have been drafted and trialled and will be finalised during 2009⁄10. 

*3455 HOUSING—REVIEW OF NSW HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES ACCORD—Mr Pearce asked 


State Development representing the Minister for Housing, and Minister for Western Sydney— 

(1) 

(a) Has the review of the NSW Housing and Human Services accord, required to be undertaken 

three years after signing the accord, been completed? 

(b) If so, 

(i) please provide a copy of any Report or details of outcomes. 

(ii) what is the Government response? 

(c) If not, why not? 

Answer— 

(1) – (3) No. The first full review of the Accord is due in August 2010. 

*3456 HEALTH—PUBLIC SPENDING ON MEDICARE DENTISTRY—Mr Gay asked the Attorney General, 


the Executive Council— 

(1) What impact has the $430.78 million of public money spent on Medicare dentistry had on the 

reduction of public dental waiting lists? 

(2) Have needy and disadvantaged people in the community benefited from improved access to dental 

treatment after $450 million, a doubling of public money, having been spent? 

(3) What action has been taken to evaluate the Medicare Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) and Teen Dental 

Programs? 

(4) 

(a) Has the community been informed of how the $430.78 million spent was? 


(5) What method is used in compiling 'waiting lists' for people requiring services at public dental 

clinics? 

(6) 

(a) Would the Government consider legislation to allow a voluntary co-payment for the provision 

of dentures for people who are in a position to do so to reduce the amount of time and numbers 

on waiting lists for dentures? 


Answer— 

I am advised:

4152 


(1) to (4) inclusive The Medicare Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) and Teen Dental Programs are 

Commonwealth programs and therefore a Commonwealth responsibility. The Commonwealth provide 

aggregated data on usage of these schemes. Data on item claims and expenditure is made available to the 

public regularly via the Medicare web site (https:⁄ 

⁄www.medicareaustralia.gov.au⁄statistics⁄mbs_group.shtml 

All Area Health Services have informed persons on their waiting lists about the Medicare Dental EPC 

program and that if they have a chronic condition they may be eligible and should discuss this with their 

GP. Persons using these programs may not inform local services they have accessed care via an 

alternative means. Thus it is difficult to attribute reductions in New South Wales public dental waiting 

lists with the usage of these programs. 

(5) Data on the number of persons with a status of "waiting" on an assessment or treatment waiting list 

within the Information System for Oral Health is collated for regular time periods and made available on 

the NSW Health web site. 

(6)(a) and (b) This was considered as part of the New South Wales Government's response to the 

Parliamentary Inquiry into Dental Services in 2005 and co-payments were not proceeded with. 

*3457 HEALTH—CHILDHOOD SEX—Revd Mr Nile asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial 

Relations, Minister for Health, Minister for the Central Coast, Vice President of the Executive Council— 

In light of significant increases in the reported cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the 

recent New South Wales Government initiative, the "Revealing" STD campaign: 

(1) Has international research found that more than 50% of children aged 13 or younger have engaged in 

some form of sexual behaviour due in part to exposure to suggestive or pornographic material? 

(2) Have sex-education programs, like those in the UK that sought to address the problem by promoting 

condom use, been counterproductive in doubling the incidence of sexual behaviour? 

(3) Have health experts warned that we face a generation suffering problems of sterility as a result of 

STDs? 

(a) Will action be taken to educate children against engaging in sexual behaviour and the damaging 

effects of STDs? 

(b) If so, what? 


Answer— 

I am advised: (1) - (3) Sexual health experts consulted by NSW Health have advised that the body of 

published research provides evidence that young people who receive comprehensive, age-appropriate 

sexual health education are at reduced risk of acquiring sexually transmissible infections (STIs), report 

fewer numbers of sexual partners after they become sexually active, and are more likely to report a later 

onset of sexual initiation. 

The New South Wales education system, with support from NSW Health, has in place age- appropriate 

health education programs, including programs relating to personal relationships and protection against 

STls. These programs are delivered through the high school Personal Development, Health and Physical 

Education Syllabus. 

The NSW Health STI and HIV Education Campaign is targeted towards sexually active young people 

aged between 16 and 24. The aim of the Campaign is to increase the awareness of STI testing and 

treatment as well as condom use; and to educate young people on the effects of untreated STIs, including 

infertility. 


4153 


*3458 PLANNING—LAND ACQUISITIONS—Ms Hale asked the Minister for Police, Minister for Lands, and 

Minister for Rural Affairs representing the Minister for Planning, and Minister for Redfern Waterloo— 

In relation to land acquisitions Denham Court and Edmondson Park: 

(1) How many properties in the suburbs of Denman Court and Edmondson Park have been compulsorily 

acquired under the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 for the purposes of the 

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 between 1 January 2006 - 3 September 2009? 

(2) For each of the acquired properties: 

(a) What is the Lot and Deposited Plan number and street address? 

(b) What was the amount paid to the landholder⁄mortgagee for each acquired property? 

Answer— 

(1) No properties have been compulsorily acquired in Denham Court. Six (6) properties have been 

compulsorily acquired in Edmondson Park. 

(2) 

Property Title Amount Paid to Landowner 

180 Croatia Avenue Edmondson Park 3⁄1127652 Land owner has applied to the Land 

& Environment Court to have the 

compensation determined. 

200 Jardine Drive Edmondson Park 5⁄1127207 $532,268 

210 Jardine Drive Edmondson Park 2⁄500198 $2,656,000 



270 Jardine Drive Edmondson Park 3⁄1127207 $557,000 

*3459 ARTS, PREMIER—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the Attorney General, 


the Executive Council representing the Premier, and Minister for the Arts— 

With respect to each Department, Agency and Entity under your portfolio responsibility: 

Real Estate: 

(1) How many government departments and related entities have their data centres in purpose built 

buildings? 

(2) How many government departments and related entities have their data centres in non-purpose built 

buildings? 

(3) What is the power consumption of the each of the data centre sites? 

(4) In what suburbs (by postal code) do government departments and related entities have their data 

centres? 

(5) Do data centres house both mainframe and server hardware? 

(6) How many of these sites have tested disaster recovery plans in place? 

(7) How many sites are owned by the Government and in what locations? 

(a) How many sites are not owned by the Government? 

(b) What are the lease cost and circumstances of these sites? 

Staff⁄Contractors: 

(1) How many staff⁄people (government and non-government (contracted directly or indirectly)) are 

involved with supplying IT services to the Government? 

(2) How many people (government and non-government) are involved in: 

(a) Operating each data centre either on site or remotely? 

(b) Developing and maintaining department⁄agency specific distributed application software (home 

grown)? 

(c) Installing and maintaining non-department⁄agency specific distributed application software, eg, 

SAP, SQL Server? 


4154 


(d) Installing and maintaining distributed commodity application software, eg, Word and Excel? 

Hardware: 

(1) Who are the vendors of mainframe hardware? 

(2) Who provides support and maintenance for the mainframe? 

(3) Where are and how many mainframe installations does the Government have? 

(4) Are these mainframe installations co-located with the distributed server hardware? 

(5) Are these mainframe installations in the same room as the distributed server hardware? 

(6) How many government departments and related entities have mainframes in purpose built buildings? 

(7) Does the Government lease or purchase mainframe hardware and communications infrastructure? 

(8) What is the cost of maintenance for each mainframe installation? 

(9) What government departments and agencies share mainframe hardware? 

Software: 

(1) Who are the vendors of mainframe Operating System software? 

(2) What are the types of commercial mainframe software used on government and agency mainframes? 

(3) Who are the vendors of mainframe commercial application software, eg. SAP, DB2 and Oracle, etc? 

(4) Who provides support and maintenance for commercial mainframe software? 

(5) Does the Government lease or purchase software? 

(6) What is the total cost of maintenance for commercial software? 

(7) What is the total cost of maintenance for non-commercial (home-grown) software? 

(8) What government departments and agencies share application software? 

(9) Who are the vendors of distributed Operating System software? 

Answer— 

I am advised: 

The New South Wales Government recognises there is a global trend for governments and organisations 

to consolidate many small data centres into large, fit-for-purpose facilities. 

Currently, there are approximately 130 large and small data centres in use by New South Wales 

Government departments and agencies. The volume of digital information is expected to increase five 

fold between 2008 and 2012. This is likely to increase the costs of processing and storing this data. 

New South Wales Government agencies recruit and employ staff on the basis of agency service delivery 

requirements. Under the Annual Reports (Departments) Act 1985 and the Annual Reports (Statutory 

Reports) Act 1984, agencies are required to set out their structure and business units in their annual 

report. The State Contract Control Board presently has contracts for Unix System hardware with Sun, HP, 

IBM and Dell, software contracts for Oracle, SAP, Novell and a Large Account Reseller contract for 

Microsoft licenses. Currently, there are no contracts for mainframes or for commercial mainframe 

software. 

The New South Wales Government is aware of the importance of data centre consolidation and is 

working on a comprehensive data centre reform strategy that will guide data centre operations up to and 

beyond 2021. 

For more information on the Government's data centre reform strategy see 

www.gcio.nsw.gov.au⁄program-facts⁄infrastructure-consolidation. 

Information on relevant contracts can be found at www.nswbuy.com.au⁄information-technology.aspx. 


4155 


*3460 TREASURER—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the Treasurer— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












grown)? 




Hardware: 




















Answer— 


4156 
















beyond 2021. 




*3461 ILLAWARRA, TRANSPORT—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the Attorney 


President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Transport, and Minister for the 

Illawarra— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












grown)? 



4157 




Hardware: 




















Answer— 




Government departments and agencies. 

The volume of digital information is expected to increase five fold between 2008 and 2012. This is likely 

to increase the costs of processing and storing this data. New South Wales Government agencies recruit 

and employ staff on the basis of agency service delivery requirements. Under the Annual Reports 

(Departments) Act 1985 and the Annual Reports (Statutory Reports) Act 1984, agencies are required to 

set out their structure and business units in their annual report. 

The State Contract Control Board presently has contracts for Unix System hardware with Sun, HP, IBM 

and Dell, software contracts for Oracle, SAP, Novell and a Large Account Reseller contract for Microsoft 

licenses. Currently, there are no contracts for mainframes or for commercial mainframe software. The 

New South Wales Government is aware of the importance of data centre consolidation and is working on 

a comprehensive data centre reform strategy that will guide data centre operations up to and beyond 

2021. 





4158 


*3462 EDUCATION AND TRAINING, WOMEN—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked 


Coast, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Education and Training, and 



Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












grown)? 




Hardware: 




















4159 



Answer— 

I am advised: 















beyond 2021. 




*3463 PLANNING, REDFERN WATERLOO—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the 

Minister for Police, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs representing the Minister for 

Planning, and Minister for Redfern Waterloo— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 











4160 




grown)? 




Hardware: 




















Answer— 















beyond 2021. 




4161 



*3464 FINANCE, INFRASTRUCTURE, PORTS AND WATERWAYS, REGULATORY 

REFORM—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the Treasurer representing the 

Minister for Finance, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Regulatory Reform, and Minister for Ports 

and Waterways— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












grown)? 




Hardware: 

















4162 






Answer— 















beyond 2021. 




*3465 ENERGY, MINERAL RESOURCES, PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, STATE 

DEVELOPMENT—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the Minister for Primary 



Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 










4163 





grown)? 




Hardware: 




















Answer— 



Currently, there are approximately 130 large and small data centres in use by NSW Government 

departments and agencies. The volume of digital information is expected to increase five fold between 

2008 and 2012. This is likely to increase the costs of processing and storing this data. 




report. 



licenses. Currently, there are no contracts for mainframes or for commercial mainframe software. 



beyond 2021. 


4164 





*3466 LANDS, POLICE, RURAL AFFAIRS—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the 

Minister for Police, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












grown)? 




Hardware: 

















4165 






Answer— 

The NSW Government recognises there is a global trend for governments and organisations to 

consolidate many small data centres into large, fit-for-purpose facilities. 




to increase the costs of processing and storing this data. 




report. 






beyond 2021. 



Information on relevant contracts can be found at www.nswbuy.com.au⁄information-technology.aspx 

*3467 COMMUNITY SERVICES—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the Minister 


Development representing the Minister for Community Services— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 






4166 









grown)? 




Hardware: 




















Answer— 










report. 


4167 







beyond 2021. 




*3468 GAMING AND RACING, SPORT AND RECREATION—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr 

Mason-Cox asked the Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral 

Resources, Minister for State Development representing the Minister for Gaming and Racing, and 

Minister for Sport and Recreation— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












grown)? 




Hardware: 









4168 














Answer— 









report. 



licenses. Currently, there are no contracts for mainframes or for commercial mainframe software. The 

New South Wales Government is aware of the importance of data centre consolidation and is working on 

a comprehensive data centre reform strategy that will guide data centre operations up to and beyond 

2021. 




*3469 ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS, AGEING, DISABILITY SERVICES—INFORMATION 

TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the Minister for Police, Minister for Lands, and Minister for 

Rural Affairs representing the Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for 

Aboriginal Affairs— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 




4169 


centres? 












grown)? 




Hardware: 




















Answer— 










4170 








beyond 2021. 




*3470 ROADS—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the Attorney General, Minister for 




Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












grown)? 




Hardware: 









4171 














Answer— 











Microsoft licenses. 

Currently, there are no contracts for mainframes or for commercial mainframe software. The New South 

Wales Government is aware of the importance of data centre consolidation and is working on a 

comprehensive data centre reform strategy that will guide data centre operations up to and beyond 2021. 




*3471 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT, WATER—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked 

the Treasurer representing the Minister for Water, and Minister for Regional Development— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 



4172 












grown)? 




Hardware: 




















Answer— 

I am advised: 




departments and agencies. 

The volume of digital information is expected to increase five-fold between 2008 and 2012. This is likely 



4173 





report. 






beyond 2021. 




*3472 HOUSING, WESTERN SYDNEY—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the 


Development representing the Minister for Housing, and Minister for Western Sydney— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












grown)? 




Hardware: 





4174 


















Answer— 















beyond 2021. 




*3473 CORRECTIVE SERVICES, PUBLIC SECTOR REFORM, SPECIAL MINISTER OF 

STATE—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the Minister for Corrective 

Services, Minister for Public Sector Reform, Special Minister of State— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


4175 



buildings? 



centres? 












grown)? 




Hardware: 




















Answer— 







4176 








software. The New South Wales Government is aware of the importance of data centre consolidation and 

is working on a comprehensive data centre reform strategy that will guide data centre operations up to 

and beyond 2021. 




*3474 EMERGENCY SERVICES, SMALL BUSINESS—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox 


representing the Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Small Business— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












grown)? 




Hardware: 







4177 
















Answer— 










report. 



licenses. 

Currently, there are no contracts for mainframes or for commercial mainframe software. The New South 

Wales Government is aware of the importance of data centre consolidation and is working on a 

comprehensive data centre reform strategy that will guide data centre operations up to and beyond 2021. 




*3475 FAIR TRADING—ROB SIEBERT CTTT DISPUTE—Ms Hale asked the Minister for Corrective 

Services, Minister for Public Sector Reform, Special Minister of State representing the Minister for Fair 

Trading, Minister for Citizenship, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— 

(1) The response to Question on Notice 2159 advised that neither the Consumer Trader and Tenancy 

Tribunal (CTTT) nor the Office of Fair Trading issue occupancy certificates. In that case how can a 

home owner get an occupancy certificate when the CTTT determines something is adequate, even 


4178 


though it does not comply with the development consent issued by Council, and Council refuses to 

issue an occupancy certificate due to that non compliance? 

Answer— 

I am advised that determinations of contractual disputes by the Tribunal and the issue of occupation 

certificates by Council are two separate and distinct matters. 

The statutory warranty for all residential building work under section 18B of the Home Building Act 

1989, which is the Act that governs the Tribunal's powers in relation to building disputes, requires that 

work be performed in a proper and workmanlike manner and in accordance with the plans and 

specifications. The Tribunal makes a decision based on the evidence provided to it, including technical 

appraisals. Whether or not this results in an occupation certificate being issued is irrelevant to an 

assessment of whether the builder has fulfilled his⁄her obligations under a contract. 

*3476 FAIR TRADING—TONY YOUNAN—Ms Hale asked the Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for 

Public Sector Reform, Special Minister of State representing the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for 

Citizenship, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— 

(1) 

(a) Did the Commercial and Consumer Tribunal in Queensland find that Mr Tony Younan is not a 

fit person to hold a builder's licence for reasons related to his conduct in the case of Siebert v 

Cavalier Homes (Queensland) which occurred in New South Wales? 

(b) Why does Mr Younan still hold a builder's licence in New South Wales when the Commercial 

and Consumer Tribunal in Queensland found that Mr Younan did not take all reasonable steps to 

avoid the company being placed into administration, it was found by the Queensland Building 

Service Authority he was not fit to hold a licence in Queensland, and he was found in an 

investigation by the Office of Fair Trading to have mislead the Consumer Trader and Tenancy 

Tribunal? 

Answer— 

Fair Trading advises me that: 

NSW Fair Trading understands that Mr Younan was refused a licence in Queensland as the Queensland 

Commercial and Consumer Tribunal was of the view that he did not take reasonable steps to avoid 

liquidation of his company. 

The differences between State jurisdictions must be acknowledged. It is not valid to generalise about the 

application of separate legislation in different states. 

Fair Trading's Home Building Service reviewed the matter and found no evidence of any deliberate 

attempt by the builder and its legal representative to mislead the New South Wales Consumer, Trader and 

Tenancy Tribunal. 

In relation to Mr Younan's fitness to hold a licence, Mr Younan was subject to disciplinary action for his 

conduct and was fined as a result. 

In view of the winding up of his previous company, Cavalier Homes (Gold Coast) Pty Ltd, Mr Younan is 

not able to be a director of a licensed company within three years of the insolvency. His individual 

contractor licence has also been restricted to contracts that do not require home warranty insurance. 

*3477 FAIR TRADING—MODEL OF HOME WARRANTY INSURANCE—Ms Hale asked the Minister for 


Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Citizenship, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— 

NSW versus Queensland model of home warranty insurance: 




4179 

(1) 

(a) Did the Australian Financial Review report on 12 August 2009 that the NSW Government's key 

advisory body has recommended the private sector should be cut out of the home warranty 

insurance business? 

(b) Is this position consistent with the position of consumers, the Master Builders Association, the 

Builders Collective of Australia, Australian Consumers Association and numerous consumers 

many who have made representations to parliament? 

(c) Does the NSW Government carry risk associated with home warranty insurance by providing 

reinsurance? 

(d) 

(i) When will legislation be enacted to ensure consistency with the position of the majority of 

stakeholders and the Queensland Government? 


Answer— 

Following the announcements of Wesfarmers General Insurance Limited trading as Lumley General and 

CGU Insurance Limited of their intention to withdraw from the home warranty insurance market 

nationally, the impact on the market has been closely monitored by the Home Warranty Insurance 

Scheme Board. The Scheme Board plays an ongoing role in examining the current issues facing the 

market (including builder access to home warranty) and for ensuring the viability of the scheme in the 

longer term. 

It will continue to advise the Government on any response which may be needed to ensure the scheme 

remains stable and that builders can access the insurance they need to start new jobs. 

*3478 FINANCE—AUDITS OF AW WORKWISE—Ms Ficarra asked the Treasurer representing the Minister 

for Finance, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Regulatory Reform, and Minister for Ports and 

Waterways— 

Audits of AW WorkWise: 

(1) 

(a) On how many occasions was AW WorkWise, the company of the wife of the former Chief 

Executive Officer of WorkCover, subject to an accreditation audit? 

(b) When AW WorkWise was audited? 

(c) what was the percentage of case files audited? 

(d) What were the total amount of files audited? 

(2) How many accreditation audits were undertaken of other accredited providers both current and noncurrent 

over the following periods: 

(a) 2003⁄2004? 

(b) 2005⁄2005? 

(c) 2005⁄2006? 

(d) 2007⁄2008? 

(e) 2009 to present? 

(3) 

(a) What were the non-compliance issues, if any, in relation to the Audits of AW WorkWise? 

(b) How were these addressed? 

(c) When were these addressed? 

(4) How were the non-compliance issues, if any, in relation to the audits of AW WorkWise addressed in 

comparison to other non-compliance issues with other providers? 

Answer— 

As an accredited workplace rehabilitation provider within the workers compensation system, AW 

Workwise is subject to the standard WorkCover approval framework, which involves regular monitoring 

of performance to ensure the conditions of its approval are maintained.

4180 


*3479 FINANCE—TENDERS FOR WORKCOVER SCHEME AGENT CONTRACTS—Ms Ficarra asked the 



In relation to advertising of, consideration and determination of tenders for WorkCover Scheme Agent 

Contracts: 

(1) 

(a) On what dates were the calls for tenders for WorkCover Scheme Agents publicised? 

(b) Where were the calls for tenders for WorkCover Scheme Agents publicised? 

(2) Did WorkCover advise all previous applicants in the first round of the previous tender process that 

tenders for the second round were being sought? 

(3) Why was not a panel of people appointed to determine the tenders? 

(4) Under State Government Tendering Guidelines, should panels consist of more than one person, who 

has no relationship to the industry? 

(5) Following the former Chief Executive Officer of WorkCover withdrawing from the assessment and 

determination of the tender process due to conflict of interest, what probity advice was obtained from 

WorkCover and which organisation was this advice provided by? 

(6) Were all successful tenders submitted under locked bag and the opening of such tenders witnessed by 

more than one person? 

(7) What involvement, if any, did the Department of Commerce have in overseeing the tender process in 

view of the millions of dollars of work which was being tendered for? 

(8) 

(a) Did any officer of WorkCover or member of their immediate family have any interest in any 

company that tendered for WorkCover Agent Contracts or provides services directly to the 

Scheme? 

(b) If so, what are the names of the respective officers? 

Answer— 

A Request For Proposal was issued on 14 May 2008 and published on the Department of Commerce 

website. 

An Evaluation Committee was established, comprising two WorkCover representatives and three 

Independent members. The process was conducted in accordance with the New South Wales Government 

Code of Practice for Procurement and overseen by a Probity Advisor and Department of Commerce 

representative. The Department of Commerce was engaged to distribute and receive tenders in 

accordance with the Code of Practice, formulate the tender document and provide expert advice to the 

Evaluation Committee. 

Anyone who was involved in the Scheme agent tender process, either directly or indirectly, was asked to 

sign a probity declaration, which included a statement regarding any potential conflict of interest. The 

Probity Advisor reviewed the declarations and identified no issues. 

*3480 FAIR TRADING—GUTTERS AND HOME WARRANTY INSURANCE—Ms Hale asked the Minister 

for Corrective Services, Minister for Public Sector Reform, Special Minister of State representing the 


(1) How do home owners who had high front guttering installed over 7 years ago, and have suffered 

damage to their houses due to overflowing of the gutters in the intense rainfall event earlier this year 

get the water damage repaired, and gutters replaced to prevent further damage? 

Answer— 

I am advised by The Office of Fair Trading that although the statutory warranty period has expired, Fair 

Trading will often attempt mediation with the licensed contractor on any defective residential building 

work. Fair Trading has done so in the past and has been successful in mediating an acceptable resolution 

to disputes. 


4181 


However, as the statutory warranty period has expired, Fair Trading cannot compel a licensed contractor 

to affect the repairs. In these instances consumers would need to fund the repairs themselves or call upon, 

where possible, their home and contents insurance policy. 

*3481 FAIR TRADING—HOME BUILDING MINISTERIAL ADVISORY COUNCIL—Ms Hale asked the 

Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Public Sector Reform, Special Minister of State 

representing the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Citizenship, and Minister Assisting the Premier 

on the Arts— 

(1) The members of the Home Building Ministerial Advisory Council were appointed to 30th June 2009. 

(a) Has the Minister called for nominations for the Chairperson and Members to replace the 

existing members? 


Answer— 

The Home Building Advisory Council members were re-appointed on 7 September 2009 to 30 June 

2010. 

*3482 FAIR TRADING—STATEMENT ON CONSUMER PROTECTION—Ms Hale asked the Minister for 



Penny Sharpe MLC's statement on consumer protection: 

(1) In an address to Parliament on 12 November 2008, did the Hon Penny Sharpe state in respect to 

consumer protection in home building: "Finally, the Hon. Catherine Cusack and Ms Sylvia Hale 

made reference to some of the sad cases that have occurred in this area. It is worth pointing out that 

all of the cases mentioned occurred under older versions of the scheme, including the previous 

government-owned scheme"? 

(2) 

(a) Do cases such as that of the Siebert's which occurred under the present version of the scheme 

contradict this statement? 

(b) If so, will a statement be made to this effect? 

Answer— 

I am advised by The Office of Fair Trading that Ms Cusack cited the case of Mr Siebert in relation to his 

dissatisfaction with the decision of the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal, and how this affected his 

insurance claim. 

*3483 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—ORVA—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for 

Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State Development— 

(1) 

(2) 

(a) In a letter dated 17 April 2009 from Orange Region Vignerons Association (ORVA) to the NSW 

Department of Primary Industries (DPI), did the President of ORVA, Mr Ed Swift wrote that: 

"In respect of DPI, the total funding of $90,000 was received by 4 December 2007 and I can 

give you an assurance that no funding from DPI was included in the transfer of money from 

ORVA to Brand Orange Ltd"? 

(b) Will an independent audit of ORVA and its Brand Orange Sub-committee Accounts be 

undertaken to test Mr Swift's assurance that no funding received by ORVA from the Department 

of Primary Industries was included in the transfer of money from ORVA to Brand Orange Ltd? 

(a) At a meeting in January 2009, did Orange Region Vignerons Association resolved to transfer 

substantial funds to the private Company, Brand Orange Ltd? 

(b) Was $80,000 in "residual funds" from ORVA's Brand Orange Sub-committee Account 

transferred to Brand Orange Ltd in February 2009? 



4182 


(3) 

(c) Was the Department of Primary Industries consulted by ORVA and⁄or Brand Orange Ltd to 

ensure the transfer of funds would not: 

(i) breach the ORVA DPI tourism funding Agreement? 

(ii) breach the DPI's fiduciary responsibility for residual public funds after termination of the 

Agreement? 

(d) 

(i) Was DPI involved in any way in the process of setting up this new tourist entity, Brand 

Orange Ltd? 

(ii) If so, how? 

(a) Does the company Brand Orange Ltd have five self-appointed Directors, all of whom are 

members of ORVA, including the former ORVA Vice-President and Chair of the former ORVA 

Brand Orange Sub-committee, and ORVA Treasurer? 

(b) Have reasonable standards of probity and accountability been met in the establishing of Brand 

Orange Ltd, and transfer of funds from ORVA to Brand Orange Ltd? 

(c) Is there any unacceptable conflict of interest for the Directors of Brand Orange Ltd who are 

members of ORVA with a fiduciary responsibility for residual public funds, in part provided by 

DPI? 

(d) Under contracts entered into by ORVA with DPI and the Department of State and Regional 

Development, has ORVA exceeded its authority by transferring Brand Orange Sub-committee 

Account funds to the company Brand Orange Ltd? 

Answer— 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(a) Yes. 

(b) No. 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

Unknown. 

Unknown. 

(i) The funding agreement has not been breached. 

(ii) The Department does not have any fiduciary duty once the funding agreement has been 

satisfactorily completed. 

(i) No. 


(a) Not applicable. 


(c) No Department of Primary Industries residual funds. 

(d) Not done. 

*3484 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—BRAND ORANGE—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Primary Industries, 


(1) Did the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in correspondence with the Orange Region 

Vignerons Association (ORVA) dated 20 March 2009 state that: "The NSW Government has been 

approached by Brand Orange Ltd to consider further funding for a range of proposed activities 

promoting the Orange Region, ."? 

(2) Will any future NSW Government funding to Brand Orange Ltd or any other similar entity involved 

in the promotion of tourism in the Orange region, that uses the word "Orange" as the key aspect of 

the promotion will be conditional on the following being met:



4183 

Answer— 

(1) Yes. 

(i) 

(ii) 

when promoting wine, only Orange Geographical Indicator wine shall be promoted as 

required by national and international law under the Australian Wine & Brandy 

Corporation Act? 

any entity granted funds such as a Company or Incorporated Association must be 

constituted democratically to give appropriate representation to all stakeholders in the 

local tourist industry? 

(iii) the objectives and rules of governance of the entity must ensure that any Company Board 

or Committee of Management is controlled by its members through regular general 

meetings? 

(iv) a copy of any agreement between the department and a tourism promotion agency using 

public funds will be made available to all stakeholders in the industry? 

(2) No. Any conditions of any future grant funding will be tied to objectives of the grant as determined 

at the time. 

*3485 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—ORANGE TOURISM—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Primary Industries, 


(1) Is there a growing dissatisfaction within the Orange tourism industry with the dominance of Brand 

Orange Ltd in the tourism promotion industry? 

Answer— 

(1) Not that I am aware of. 

*3486 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—ORVA RESIDUAL PUBLIC FUNDS—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for 



(1) 

(a) Have the "residual" public funds under the control of the Orange Regional Vignerons 

Association (ORVA), at and following the conclusion of the funding Agreement with the 

Department of Primary Industries, been applied in the public interest and according to the best 

standards of public accountability expected by the Government of New South Wales? 

(b) Should these "residual funds" have been left with ORVA to either expend on Orange 

Geographical Indicator wine promotion or handed back to the Department, instead of being 

handed over to another entity, Brand Orange Ltd? 

Answer— 

(1) (a) and (b) There were no residual public funds from the project. 

*3487 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—CLIMATE CHANGE COUNCIL 

MEETING—Ms Cusack asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 

Health, Minister for the Central Coast, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy 


(1) 

(a) How many times has the NSW Climate Change Council met since March 2008? 

(b) On what dates did it meet? 

(c) What are the individual attendance records of the members of the NSW Climate Change 

Council at its meetings? 

(2) What, if any, remuneration or expense repayment of expense have been provided to any members of 

the NSW Climate Change Council in 2008⁄2009? 

(3) 

(a) Are the minutes of the meetings of the NSW Climate Change Council publicly available?

4184 


(b) If so, on what website? 

Answer— 

(1) 

(a) The New South Wales Climate Change Council has met six times since March 2008. 

(b) 15 August 2008, 16 September 2008, 25 November 2008, 8 May 2009, 10 July 2009, 9 

September 2009. 

(c) Maria Atkinson attended three meetings; Greg Bourne attended three meetings; John Connor 

attended four meetings; Diana Gibbs attended three meetings; Sam Mostyn attended four 

meetings; Greg Mullins joined the Council in December 2008 and attended two meetings; Paul 

Orton attended six meetings; Andy Pitman attended five meetings; Adam Spencer attended 

three meetings; Lorraine Stephenson attended two meetings; Martijn Wilder attended five 

meetings. 

(2) No remuneration is paid to members. Travel expenses are covered for individual members who do 

not reside in Sydney on request. In the 2008⁄2009 financial year those expenses were $1,473.69 (plus 

GST). 

(3) (a) - (b) No. 

*3488 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—PROSECUTIONS UNDER EPA—Ms Cusack 


Central Coast, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, Minister for 

Climate Change and the Environment, and Minister for Commerce— 

(1) 

(2) 

(a) How many prosecutions were completed under Environment Protection Authority legislation in 

2007⁄2008? 

(b) What was the resulting value of penalties imposed? 

(a) How many prosecutions were completed under Environment Protection Authority legislation in 

2008⁄2009? 

(b) What was the resulting value of penalties imposed? 

Answer— 

(1) 

(2) 

(a) 68 prosecutions were completed under Environment Protection Authority legislation in 

2007-2008. 

(b) The total fines and financial penalties imposed was $362,850. 

(a) 37 prosecutions were completed under Environmental Protection Authority legislation in 

2008-2009. 

(b) The total fines and financial penalties imposed was $1,050,300. 

The data provided for questions 1 and 2 relates to prosecutions completed under the Environment 

Protection Authority legislation by the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water. It is 

important to note that prosecutions for environmental offences can also be undertaken by other 

government bodies, such as local councils. 

*3489 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—POLLUTION REDUCTION PROGRAMS—Ms 

Cusack asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, Minister for 

the Central Coast, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, Minister for 


(1) How many new pollution reduction programs (PRPs) were negotiated and entered into in: 

(a) 2007⁄2008? 

(b) 2008⁄2009? 


4185 


Answer— 

(1) 

(a) 77. 

(b) 66. 

*3490 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—VR2 INSTALLATION—Ms Cusack asked the 

Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, Minister for the Central Coast, 

Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, Minister for Climate Change 

and the Environment, and Minister for Commerce— 

(1) How many large service stations in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong and on the Central Coast are 

deemed eligible for Stage 2 vapour recovery (VR2) equipment installation? 

(2) Since November 2007, how many large service stations have had VR2 equipment installed? 

Answer— 

(1) Large service stations are considered to be those with throughput of more than 12 million litres of 

petrol per year. There are currently around 85 large service stations in Sydney, Newcastle, Central 

Coast and Wollongong expected to install Stage 2 vapour recovery (VR2) equipment. 

(2) Three service stations have had VR2 controls fitted since November 2007. VR2 controls will become 

mandatory with a roll-out commencing in 2010. 

All large service stations in Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and the Central Coast will be required to 

have vapour recovery controls by 2014. 

*3491 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—SUSTAINABILITY ADVANTAGE—Ms Cusack 




(1) In 2007⁄2008, 

(a) how many companies were participants in Sustainability Advantage? 

(b) What energy, water and waste minimisation results were achieved by program participants? 

(2) In 2008⁄2009, 

(a) how many companies were participants in Sustainability Advantage? 

(b) What energy, water and waste minimisation results were achieved by program participants? 

(3) What companies left the program following 2007⁄2008? 

Answer— 

(1) 

(2) 

(a) At 30 June 2008, 217 organisations were participating in Sustainability Advantage. 

(b) To 30 June 2008, net measurable energy, water and waste savings were: 1,365 megawatt hours 

of electricity and 3,762 gigajoules of gas; 151 megalitres of water; and, 121 tonnes of solid 

waste. 

(a) At 30 June 2009, 305 organisations were participating in Sustainability Advantage. 

(b) To 30 June 2009 net measurable energy, water and waste savings were: 7,600 megawatt hours 

of electricity and 16,670 gigajoules of gas; 170 megalitres of water; and, 17,100 tonnes of solid 

waste. 

(3) Since 30 June 2008, 17 organisations have left Sustainability Advantage, including the ANZ Bank 

(Hornsby), Austcorp Group Limited, AWH Pty Ltd, Barrett Burston Malting Company, City Beach 

Function Centre, Clemenger BBDO, Ezzy Architects, Fresh & Clean Uniform Services, Johnson 

Diversey, lo-chlor, Paesanella Cheese Manufacturers, Specialty Cereals, Symrise, Tarrants 

Accountants & Business Advisors, Trafalgar Building Products, Unilever, and Waitara Office Supply 

Company. 


4186 


*3492 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—ENERGY SAVING ACTION PLANS—Ms 




(1) How many energy saving action plans by business or Government organisations were approved by 

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) in 2007⁄2008? 

(2) How many energy saving action plans by business or Government organisations were approved by 

DECCW in 2008⁄2009? 

(3) What quantitative, measurable energy consumption reductions have been achieved under the energy 

saving action plans approved by DECCW in 2007⁄2008 and 2008⁄2009 respectively? 

Answer— 

(1) 223. 

(2) 44. 

(3) 2007/2008 – 1,418,717 gigaloules. 

2008/2009 – not yet reported, as the first annual report is due one year after each Plan is approved. 

*3493 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—ENERGY CONSUMPTION REDUCTIONS—Ms 




(1) What quantitative, measurable energy consumption reductions have been achieved under the $150.5 

energy efficiency package announced by the NSW Government in June 2008? 

Answer— 

(1) The $150 million Energy Efficiency Strategy was announced by the New South Wales Government 

in June 2008. It comprises the following programs: 

• Low Income Household Refit Program; 

• Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program; 

• Sustainability Advantage Energy Saver; 

• 'Black Balloons' community information and education program; 

• Energy Efficiency Training for Trades and Professionals Program; and, 

• Energy Savings Scheme. 

Program funding commenced at the end of 2008 and most programs are either in the pilot phase or have 

commenced roll out. While some preliminary electricity saving estimates have been developed based on 

participation data or deemed savings, quantifiable and measurable reductions in electricity consumption 

are yet to be established. 

Quantitative and measurable energy savings data arising from the programs will, where possible, be 

collected, evaluated and reported under the Energy Efficiency Strategy data and evaluation program. 

*3494 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—CORPORATE PLAN PERFORMANCE 

INDICATORS—Ms Cusack asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 

Health, Minister for the Central Coast, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy 


(1) What quantitative performance results were achieved in 2007⁄2008 and 2008⁄2009 against the 

following Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water Corporate Plan Performance 

Indicators for Climate Change: 

(a) approved energy savings action plans and water savings action plans? 

(b) approved floodplain risk management plans? 

(c) approved coastal and estuary management plans? 

(d) businesses participating with Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water to 

improve resource recovery and sustainability? 

(e) National Australian Built Environment Rating system - commercial market penetration? 


4187 


Answer— 

(1) Quantitative performance indicators are reported for each Corporate Plan Outcome in the 

Department's Annual Report. The 2008⁄09 report is currently being prepared. Once tabled in 

Parliament, the report will be available on the Department's website at: 

www.environment.nsw.gov.au⁄whoweare⁄reports.htm 

Performance indicator data for the 2007⁄08 year is publicly available in the Department's Annual Report, 

which is available on the Department's website at: www.environment.nsw.gov.au⁄whoweare⁄deccar08.htm 

All data provided below is cumulative. In 2007⁄08: 

• 223 Energy Savings Action Plans and 222 Water Savings Action Plans had been approved. 

• 96 floodplain risk management plans had been approved. 

• 77 coastal and estuary plans had been approved. 

• 217 businesses were participating with the former Department of Environment and Climate 

Change to improve resource recovery and sustainability. 

• In New South Wales, National Australian Built Environment Rating System commercial market 

penetration was 52 per cent, compared to a national market penetration of 40 per cent. 

*3495 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—REDUCTION IN ENERGY 

CONSUMPTION—Ms Cusack asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister 



(1) What was Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) reduction in overall 

energy consumption in 2007⁄2008 in net and percentage terms? 

(2) What was DECCW reduction in overall energy consumption in 2008⁄2009 in net and percentage 

terms? 

(3) What was DECCW's reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions in 2007⁄2008 in net and 

percentage terms? 

(4) What was DECCW's reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions in 2008⁄2009 in net and 

percentage terms? 

Answer— 

(1) The reported total energy use for the then Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) was 

169,718 gigajoules (GJ) in 2006-07 and 166,749 GJ in 2007-08, on a 'like for like' basis, which 

represents a reduction of 2,969 GJ (2 percent). DEC underwent significant asset, financial 

management and staffing changes during 2007-08 when it was restructured to take on climate change 

and other functions. The full energy use for the new and larger Department of Environment and 

Climate Change (DECC) in 2007-08 was 179,724 GJ. 

(2) Not yet determined. 

(3) The reported total greenhouse emissions from energy use for DEC was 18,619 tonnes in 2006-07 and 

16,636 tonnes in 2007-08, on a 'like for like' basis, which represents a reduction of 1,983 tonnes (11 

percent). DEC underwent significant asset, financial management and staffing changes during 

2007-08 when the Department was restructured to take on climate change and other functions. The 

full emissions from energy for the new and larger DECC in 2007-08 was 22,066 tonnes. 

(4) Not yet determined. 

*3496 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—HIGH POLLUTION DAYS—Ms Cusack asked 


Coast, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, Minister for Climate 

Change and the Environment, and Minister for Commerce— 

(1) How many "high pollution days" were there in the Sydney Metropolitan Region in: 

(a) 2007⁄2008? 

(b) 2008⁄2009? 

(2) On how many days were air quality standards exceeded in the Sydney Metropolitan Region in: 


4188 


(a) 2007⁄2008? 

(b) 2008⁄2009? 

Answer— 

(1) 

(2) 

(a) In 2007⁄2008, Sydney recorded 19 days of poor air quality – days when the Regional Air 

Quality Index was equal to or greater than 100. 

(b) In 2008⁄2009, Sydney recorded 37 days of poor air quality – days when the Regional Air 

Quality Index was equal to or greater than 100. 

(a) In 2007⁄2008, Sydney recorded 5 days where the National Air Quality Standards were exceeded. 

(b) In 2008⁄2009, Sydney recorded 19 days where the National Air Quality Standards were 

exceeded. 

Seasonal variation in weather is a major influence on air quality, especially in the formation of summertime 

photochemical smog. The summer of 2007⁄08 was cool and wet which reduces the potential for 

photochemical smog to form. In contrast, the summer of 2008⁄09 was hot and dry which is more 

conducive to the formation of photochemical smog. This is reflected in the increased number of days 

exceeding national air quality standards in 2008⁄09 compared to 2007⁄08. 

*3497 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason- 

Cox asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, Minister for the 




Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












grown)? 




Hardware: 




4189 



















Answer— 















beyond 2021. 




*3498 COMMERCE—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the Attorney General, 


the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, Minister for Climate Change and the 

Environment, and Minister for Commerce— 


Real Estate: 


4190 



buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












grown)? 




Hardware: 




















Answer— 




4191 














beyond 2021. 




*3499 ATTORNEY GENERAL—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the Attorney 




Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












grown)? 




Hardware: 



4192 




















Answer— 

I am advised: 









report. 






beyond 2021. 





4193 


*3500 INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the Attorney 




Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












grown)? 




Hardware: 





















4194 


Answer— 

I am advised: 















beyond 2021. 




*3501 HEALTH—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the Attorney General, Minister 

for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, Minister for the Central Coast, Vice President of the 

Executive Council— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












4195 



grown)? 




Hardware: 




















Answer— 




departments and agencies. The volume of digital information is expected to increase five fold between 

2008 and 2012. This is likely to increase the costs of processing and storing this data. 










beyond 2021. 




4196 


Information on relevant contracts can be found at www.nswbuy.com.au⁄information-technology.aspx 

*3502 CENTRAL COAST—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the Attorney General, 




Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












grown)? 




Hardware: 



















4197 




Answer— 















beyond 2021. 




*3503 LOCAL GOVERNMENT—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the Minister for 

Police, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs representing the Minister for Local 

Government, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health)— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












4198 



grown)? 




Hardware: 




















Answer— 










report. 






beyond 2021. 


4199 





*3504 ASSISTING THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH (MENTAL HEALTH)—INFORMATION 

TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the Minister for Police, Minister for Lands, and Minister for 

Rural Affairs representing the Minister for Local Government, and Minister Assisting the Minister for 

Health (Mental Health)— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












grown)? 




Hardware: 
















4200 







Answer— 






to increase the costs of processing and storing this data. NSW Government agencies recruit and employ 

staff on the basis of agency service delivery requirements. Under the Annual Reports (Departments) Act 

1985 and the Annual Reports (Statutory Reports) Act 1984, agencies are required to set out their structure 

and business units in their annual report. The State Contract Control Board presently has contracts for 

Unix System hardware with Sun, HP, IBM and Dell, software contracts for Oracle, SAP, Novell and a 

Large Account Reseller contract for Microsoft licenses. Currently, there are no contracts for mainframes 

or for commercial mainframe software. 



beyond 2021. 




*3505 JUVENILE JUSTICE—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the Minister for 


Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister for Volunteering, Minister for Youth, and Minister Assisting the 

Premier on Veterans' Affairs— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 








4201 







grown)? 




Hardware: 




















Answer— 















beyond 2021. 


4202 





*3506 VOLUNTEERING—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the Minister for 


Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister for Volunteering, Minister for Youth, and Minister Assisting the 

Premier on Veterans' Affairs— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












grown)? 




Hardware: 















4203 








Answer— 















beyond 2021. 




*3507 YOUTH—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the Minister for Corrective 

Services, Minister for Public Sector Reform, Special Minister of State representing the Minister for 

Juvenile Justice, Minister for Volunteering, Minister for Youth, and Minister Assisting the Premier on 

Veterans' Affairs— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 







4204 








grown)? 




Hardware: 




















Answer— 














4205 




beyond 2021. 




*3508 ASSISTING THE PREMIER ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS—INFORMATION TECHNOLGOY—Mr 

Mason-Cox asked the Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Public Sector Reform, Special 

Minister of State representing the Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister for Volunteering, Minister for 

Youth, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Veterans' Affairs— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












grown)? 




Hardware: 












4206 











Answer— 















beyond 2021. 




*3509 FAIR TRADING—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the Minister for 




Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 





4207 










grown)? 




Hardware: 




















Answer— 














4208 




beyond 2021. 




*3510 CITIZENSHIP—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the Minister for Corrective 

Services, Minister for Public Sector Reform, Special Minister of State representing the Minister for Fair 

Trading, Minister for Citizenship, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












grown)? 




Hardware: 













4209 










Answer— 















beyond 2021. 




*3511 ASSISTING THE PREMIER ON THE ARTS—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox 


representing the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Citizenship, and Minister Assisting the Premier 

on the Arts— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 





4210 










grown)? 




Hardware: 




















Answer— 














4211 




beyond 2021. 




*3512 TOURISM—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the Attorney General, Minister 


Executive Council representing the Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Hunter, Minister for Science 

and Medical Research, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer)— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












grown)? 




Hardware: 












4212 











Answer— 















beyond 2021. 




*3513 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—SUSTAINABLE ADVANTAGE PROGRAM 

2008/2009—Ms Cusack asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 

Health, Minister for the Central Coast, Vice President of the Executive Council— 

(1) What is the net measurable result in energy and water conservation terms of the Sustainability 

Advantage Program in 2007⁄2008? 

(2) What is the net measurable result in energy and water conservation terms of the Sustainability 

Advantage Program in 2008⁄2009? 

Answer— 

(1) To 30 June 2008 net measurable energy and water savings were: 1,365 megawatt hours of electricity 

and 3,762 gigajoules of gas; and, 151 megalitres of water. 

(2) To 30 June 2009 net measurable energy and water savings were: 7,600 megawatt hours of electricity 

and 16,670 gigajoules of gas; and, 170 megalitres of water. 


4213 


*3514 HUNTER—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked the Attorney General, Minister 


Executive Council representing the Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Hunter, Minister for Science 

and Medical Research, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer)— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












grown)? 




Hardware: 




















4214 



Answer— 















beyond 2021. 




*3515 SCIENCE AND MEDICAL RESEARCH—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr Mason-Cox asked 


Coast, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Tourism, Minister for the 

Hunter, Minister for Science and Medical Research, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health 

(Cancer)— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












4215 



grown)? 




Hardware: 




















Answer— 















beyond 2021. 




4216 



*3516 ASSISTING THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH (CANCER)—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—Mr 

Mason-Cox asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, Minister 

for the Central Coast, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Tourism, 

Minister for the Hunter, Minister for Science and Medical Research, and Minister Assisting the Minister 

for Health (Cancer)— 


Real Estate: 


buildings? 


buildings? 



centres? 












grown)? 




Hardware: 


















4217 





Answer— 
















beyond 2021. 




*3517 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND 

COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY UNIT—Ms Cusack asked the Attorney General, Minister for 


Council— 

(1) What was the 2008⁄2009 budget for the communications functions of the Information Management 

and Communications Strategy Unit of the Corporate Services Division of the Department of 

Environment, Climate Change and Water? 

(2) How many Full Time Equivalent positions were there in the communications function of the above 

Unit? 

Answer— 

(1) The 2008⁄2009 budget for the communications functions of the Information Management and 

Communications Technology Branch of the Corporate Services Division of the Department of 

Environment, Climate Change and Water was $3,833,000 in recurrent funding and $475,000 in 

capital. Recurrent funding includes $3.5 million in voice, data and network telecommunications for 

the whole organisation. 

(2) There were four Full Time Equivalent positions 

*3518 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—(DECCW) CORPORATE PLAN 

OBJECTIVE—Ms Cusack asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 




4218 


(1) In quantitative measurement terms, what progress has been made in 2008⁄2009 against the 

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water 's (DECCW) Corporate Plan Objective - 

"Make more efficient use of energy, water, and materials"? 

(2) In quantitative measurement terms, what progress has been made in 2008⁄2009 against the DECCW's 

Corporate Plan Objective - "Harmful emissions to air, land and water reduced"? 


Corporate Plan Objective - "The extent and condition of native vegetation improved"? 


Corporate Plan Objective - "Increased area of land managed for conservation outcomes"? 

Answer— 

(1) (a) – (d): Quantitative performance indicators are reported for each Corporate Plan Outcome in the 

Department's Annual Report. The 2008⁄09 report is currently being prepared. Once tabled in 

Parliament, the report will be available on the Department's website, at: 

www.environment.nsw.gov.au⁄whoweare⁄reports.htm 

*3519 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—CARBON NEUTRAL—Ms Cusack asked the 


Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, Minister for Climate Change 

and the Environment, and Minister for Commerce— 

(1) What progress has been made in implementing the Government's commitment for Cabinet to be 

"carbon neutral" by mid 2009? 

(2) Has the goal of a "carbon neutral" Cabinet by mid 2009 been achieved? 

Answer— 

(1) Emissions have been measured, verified and offset. Energy efficiency actions, such as lighting 

upgrades, have been implemented to reduce emissions. 

(2) Yes. 

*3520 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—PENALTY NOTICES ISSUED—Ms Cusack 




(1) 

(2) 

(a) Under Environment Protection Authority legislation, how many penalty notices were issued by 

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) officers in: 

(i) 2007⁄2008? 

(ii) 2008⁄2009? 

(b) What was the total value of fines imposed from the above penalty notices? 

(a) Under Environment Protection Authority legislation, how many penalty notices were issued by 

local government authorised officers in: 

(i) 2007⁄2008? 

(ii) 2008⁄2009? 

(b) What was the total value of fines imposed from the above penalty notices? 

Answer— 

(1) 

(a) 

(i) 2032. 

(ii) 1786. 

(b) The total value of fines imposed from the above penalty notices are as follows: 

(i) 2007⁄2008 = $750,000.



4219 

(2) 

(a) 

(b) 

(ii) 2008⁄2009 = $727,500. 

(i) 30,666. 

(ii) This information is still being compiled for 2008⁄09. 

The total value of fines imposed from the above penalty notices are as follows: 

(i) 2007⁄2008 = $11,300,000. 

(ii) This information is still being compiled for 2008⁄09. 

*3521 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—PAID CONSULTANCY CAPACITY—Ms Cusack 




(1) 

(a) Has Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) engaged Dr Tony 

Wright and⁄or Wright Corporate Services in any paid consultancy capacity in 2008 or 2009? 

(b) If so, 

(i) what services were provided to DECCW? 

(ii) what is the net cost to DECCW of paying for those services? 

(iii) Are the products of those services - such as reports - public available and on what 

websites? 

Answer— 


*3522 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—WASTE SERVICE PERFORMANCE 

IMPROVEMENT PAYMENT ADVISORY GROUP—Ms Cusack asked the Attorney General, Minister 


Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, 

and Minister for Commerce— 

(1) 

(a) How many times did the Waste Service Performance Improvement Payment Advisory Group 

meet: 

(i) 2008? 

(ii) 2009? 

(b) On what dates did it meet? 

(2) What are the individual attendance records of the members of the Waste Service Performance 

Improvement Payment Advisory Group at its meetings in: 

(a) 2008? 

(b) 2009? 

(3) What, if any, remuneration ⁄ expense repayment has been provided to any members of the Waste 

Service Performance Improvement Payment Advisory Group in: 

(a) 2008? 

(b) 2009? 

(4) 

(a) Are the Minutes of the meetings of the Waste Service Performance Improvement Payment 

Advisory Group publicly available? 

(b) If so, on what website? 

Answer— 

(1)


4220 


(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(a) 

(i) The Waste Service Performance Improvement Payment Advisory Group met twice in 

2008. 

(ii) In 2009 the name of the Advisory Group changed its name to the Waste and Sustainability 

Performance Improvement Payment Advisory Group. As of 30 September 2009, that group 

has met once. 

(b) 18 March 2008, 13 June 2008 and 10 June 2009 

(a) Alan Travers attended two meetings; Ron Smith attended two meetings; Allan Willding 

attended one meeting; Robert Verhey attended two meetings; Tim Rogers attended one meeting; 

David Blackmore attended two meetings; John Harley attended two meetings; Sian McGhie 

attended two meetings; and David Hojem attended one meeting. 

(b) The Waste and Sustainability Performance Improvement Payment Advisory Group has met 

once in 2009. At that meeting the following members were present: Nick Tobin; David Evans; 

Stephen Sawtell; Robert Verhey; Ron Smith; Allan Willding; David Hojem; Robert Bailey; 

James Carey; Quentin Espey; Bernard Carlon; John Harley; Bridget Dwyer; and Sian McGhie. 

(a) No remuneration was paid in 2008. 

(b) No remuneration was paid in 2009. 





*3523 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—SECURITY FENCES AROUND PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN 

AUBURN—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 

Health, Minister for the Central Coast, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Minister 

for Education and Training, and Minister for Women— 

(1) In the Auburn electorate, 

(a) 

(i) how many public schools do not have high security fences around them? 

(ii) what are these schools? 

(b) how much money is allocated to erect high security fences around these schools? 

(c) which schools will have high security fences erected around them? 

Answer— 

I refer you to the publicly available information on the Department of Education and Training's website 

at: https:⁄⁄www.det.nsw.edu.au⁄reports_stats⁄stats⁄index.htm 


BALMAIN—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Balmain electorate, 

(a) 




(c) which schools will have high security fences erected around them?



4221 

Answer— 




BANKSTOWN—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Bankstown electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




BATHURST—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Bathurst electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




BLACKTOWN—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Blacktown electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 


at: https:⁄⁄www.det.nsw.edu.au⁄reports_stats⁄stats⁄index.htm


4222 


*3528 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—SECURITY FENCES AROUND PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN BLUE 

MOUNTAINS—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Blue Mountains electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




CABRAMATTA—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Cabramatta electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




CAMDEN—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Camden electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




CAMPBELLTOWN—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister 



(1) In the Campbelltown electorate, 

(a) 

(i) how many public schools do not have high security fences around them?



4223 




Answer— 




CANTERBURY—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Canterbury electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




CESSNOCK—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Cessnock electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




CHARLESTOWN—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister 



(1) In the Charlestown electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




4224 



COOGEE—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Coogee electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




DRUMMOYNE—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Drummoyne electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 



*3537 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—SECURITY FENCES AROUND PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN EAST 

HILLS—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, 

Minister for the Central Coast, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for 


(1) In the East Hills electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




FAIRFIELD—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Fairfield electorate, 

(a) 




4225 




Answer— 




GOSFORD—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Gosford electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




GRANVILLE—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Granville electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




HEATHCOTE—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Heathcote electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




4226 



HEFFRON—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Heffron electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




KEIRA—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, 



(1) In the Keira electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




KIAMA—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, 



(1) In the Kiama electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




KOGARAH—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Kogarah electorate, 

(a) 




4227 




Answer— 




LAKEMBA—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Lakemba electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




LIVERPOOL—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Liverpool electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




LONDONDERRY—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister 



(1) In the Londonderry electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




4228 



MACQUARIE FIELDS—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, 

Minister for Health, Minister for the Central Coast, Vice President of the Executive Council representing 

the Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Women— 

(1) In the Macquarie fields electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




MAITLAND—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Maitland electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




MAROUBRA—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Maroubra electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




MARRICKVILLE—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister 



(1) In the Marrickville electorate, 

(a) 




4229 




Answer— 




MENAI—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, 



(1) In the Menai electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




MIRANDA—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Miranda electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




MONARO—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Monaro electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




4230 


*3556 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—SECURITY FENCES AROUND PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN MOUNT 

DRUITT—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, 



(1) In the Mount Druitt electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




NEWCASTLE—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Newcastle electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




OATLEY—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, 



(1) In the Oatley electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




PARRAMATTA—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Parramatta electorate, 

(a) 




4231 




Answer— 




RIVERSTONE—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Riverstone electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




ROCKDALE—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Rockdale electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




SHELLHARBOUR—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister 



(1) In the Shellharbour electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




4232 



SMITHFIELD—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Smithfield electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




STRATHFIELD—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Strathfield electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




SWANSEA—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Swansea electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 



*3566 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—SECURITY FENCES AROUND PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN THE 

ENTRANCE—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the The Entrance electorate, 

(a) 




4233 




Answer— 




TOONGABBIE—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Toongabbie electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




WALLSEND—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) In the Wallsend electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




WOLLONDILLY—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister 



(1) In the Wollondilly electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




4234 



WOLLONGONG—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister 



(1) In the Wollongong electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 




WYONG—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, 



(1) In the Wyong electorate, 

(a) 





Answer— 



*3572 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN AUBURN—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Auburn electorate: 

(a) How many public schools do not have "flashing lights" for pedestrian safety around them? 

(b) How much money is allocated in the 2009⁄2010 Budget for "flashing lights" for pedestrian 

safety around schools? 

(c) Which schools will have "flashing lights" for pedestrian safety installed around them? 

Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 

(a) and (c) A list of schools with flashing light warnings is available on the Roads and Traffic 

Authority website. 

(b) The current total budget allocation for 2009-10 is $14.554 million. In addition to the costs 

associated with the installation of new flashing lights the budget includes operation, 

maintenance and some standardisation of old flashing sign costs. 

*3573 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN BALMAIN—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Balmain electorate:

4235 






Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3574 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN BANKSTOWN—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Bankstown electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3575 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN BATHURST—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Bathurst electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 







4236 


*3576 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN BLACKTOWN—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Blacktown electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3577 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN BLUE MOUNTAINS—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, 


the Executive Council representing the Minister for Roads— 

(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Blue Mountains electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3578 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN CABRAMATTA—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Cabramatta electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 




4237 





*3579 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN CAMDEN—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Camden electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3580 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN CAMPBELLTOWN—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Campbelltown electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3581 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN CANTERBURY—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Canterbury electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 


4238 







*3582 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN CESSNOCK—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Cessnock electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3583 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN CHARLESTOWN—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Charlestown electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3584 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN COOGEE—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Coogee electorate: 





Answer— 


4239 


I am advised: 

(1) 






*3585 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN DRUMMOYNE—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Drummoyne electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3586 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN EAST HILLS—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the East Hills electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3587 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN FAIRFIELD—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Fairfield electorate: 






4240 


Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3588 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN GOSFORD—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Gosford electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3589 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN GRANVILLE—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Granville electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3590 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN HEATHCOTE—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Heathcote electorate: 





4241 



Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3591 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN HEFFRON—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Heffron electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3592 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN KEIRA—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Keira electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3593 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN KIAMA—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Kiama electorate: 



4242 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3594 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN KOGARAH—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Kogarah electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3595 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN LAKEMBA—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Lakemba electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3596 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN LIVERPOOL—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 




4243 


(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Liverpool electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3597 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN LONDONDERRY—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Londonderry electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3598 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN MACQUARIE FIELDS—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Macquarie Fields electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 







4244 


*3599 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN MAITLAND—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Maitland electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3600 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN MAROUBRA—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Maroubra electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3601 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN MARRICKVILLE—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Marrickville electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 




4245 





*3602 ROADS—FLAHSING LIGHTS IN MENAI—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Menai electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3603 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN MIRANDA—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Miranda electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3604 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN MONARO—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Monaro electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 


4246 







*3605 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN MOUNT DRUITT—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Mount Druitt electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3606 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN NEWCASTLE—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Newcastle electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3607 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN OATLEY—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Oatley electorate: 





Answer— 


4247 


I am advised: 

(1) 






*3608 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN PARRAMATTA—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Parramatta electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3609 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN RIVERSTONE—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Riverstone electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3610 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN ROCKDALE—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Rockdale electorate: 






4248 


Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3611 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN SHELLHARBOUR—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Shellharbour electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3612 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN SMITHFIELD—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Smithfield electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3613 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN STRATHFIELD—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Strathfield electorate: 





4249 



Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3614 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN SWANSEA—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Swansea electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3615 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN THE ENTRANCE—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the The Entrance electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3616 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN TOONGABBIE—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Toongabbie electorate: 



4250 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3617 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN WALLSEND—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Wallsend electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3618 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN WOLLONDILLY—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Wollondilly electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3619 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN WOLLONGONG—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, 




4251 


(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Wollongong electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3620 ROADS—FLASHING LIGHTS IN WYONG—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for 



(1) In relation to flashing lights for pedestrian safety around schools in the Wyong electorate: 





Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) 






*3621 AGEING, DISABILITY SERVICES—SALARY FOR NON-GOVERNMENT COMMUNITY 

SERVICES EMPLOYEES—Ms Ficarra asked the Minister for Police, Minister for Lands, and Minister 

for Rural Affairs representing the Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for 

Aboriginal Affairs— 

(1) 

(a) Did the Social and Community Services Employees (State) Award provide a 2.4% increase in 

salaries recently? 

(b) Did the Queensland Government provide an 18-37% increase for Social and Community 

Services employees? 

(2) Under the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care Community Living Award, was there a 

4% increase in salaries for government employees? 

(3) How will the inequality experienced with salary and working conditions by non-government Social 

and Community Services employees by addressed? 

Answer— 

(1) (a) - (b) This information is publicly available. 

(2) This information is publicly available. 

(3) This question should be directed to the appropriate Minister. 



4252 


*3622 INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS—SALARY FOR NON-GOVERNMENT COMMUNITY SERVICES 

EMPLOYEES—Ms Ficarra asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 


(1) 

(a) Did the Social and Community Services Employees (State) Award provide a 2.4% increase in 

salaries recently? 

(b) Did the Queensland Government provide an 18-37% increase for Social and Community 

Services employees? 

(2) Under the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care Community Living Award, was there a 

4% increase in salaries for government employees? 

(3) How will the inequality experienced with salary and working conditions by non-government Social 

and Community Services employees by addressed? 

Answer— 

(1) This information is publicly available. 

(2) New South Wales Awards are publicly available. 

(3) How purported inequalities are addressed in relation to Industrial awards depends on the nature of 

applications made to the Industrial Relations Commission by parties to awards in question and 

decisions of the Commission in relations to such applications. 

*3623 HEALTH—IMPLEMENTATION OF FUNDING FOR DENTAL CARE—Ms Ficarra asked the 


Vice President of the Executive Council— 

(1) Did New South Wales receive approximately $285.6 million for dental care for the year? 

(2) Was New South Wales meant to receive $290 million over three years under the Commonwealth 

Dental Health funding? 

(3) 

(a) 

(i) Has there been an improvement in the time people are waiting on public waiting lists for 

dental treatment, despite there having been a significant number of people on the waiting 

lists who do not have access to the Medicare Scheme? 


(b) What has been the impact of the $430.78 million of public money spent on Medicare dentistry 

on public dental waiting lists? 

(c) How has the money been distributed to ensure that the most disadvantaged in our community 

gain improved access to dental care? 

(4) What action has been taken by NSW Health to evaluate the Medicare Enhanced Primary Care and 

Teen Dental Programs and the effect of the $430.78 million allocated to public dentistry? 

(5) What method is used by NSW Health in compiling 'waiting lists' for people requiring services at 

public dental clinics? 

(6) When people enquire as to their position on a waiting list, why is no indication given as to their 

position on the list and the anticipated waiting time? 

Answer— 

I am advised: 

(1) No. The total state budget for public oral health services in New South Wales for 2009⁄10 is 

approximately $163.5 million. 

(2) No. That was the proposed national funding pool under the Commonwealth Dental Health Program 

over three years of which NSW was expecting to receive about 32%. 

(3) I refer the Member to my response to Question No. 3456 in the Legislative Council. 

(4) The Medicare Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) and Teen Dental Programs are Commonwealth 

programs. Any evaluation is a matter for the Commonwealth.

4253 


(5) I refer the Member to my response to Question No. 3456 in the Legislative Council. 

(6) Persons are treated based on clinical need and not chronologically under the NSW Priority Oral 

Health Program. Thus waiting times vary due to the needs of patients contacting the service. 

*3624 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—GAME COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORTS—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister 



(1) Why is information required by the Annual Reports (Statutory Bodies) Regulation 2005 not included 

in the annual reports of the NSW Game Council, including: 

(a) the number of executive positions at the NSW Games Council and their levels, the number of 

female executive officers at the Game Council and staffing comparisons for previous years; 

(b) the engagement of consultants; 

(c) grants, if any, given to non-government organisations; 

(d) freedom of information; 

(e) privacy obligations; 

(f) ethnic affairs statements; 

(g) complaints handling; and, 

(h) equal opportunity obligations? 

(2) 

(3) 

(a) Are the Game Council's financial statements for the 2005⁄06 annual reporting period available 

on its website? 


(a) Will this missing information be included in this year's annual report? 

(b) Will the Council respond to significant issues raised by the Auditor General in 2008 in its next 

annual report as required by legislation? 

(c) Will the missing information from previous years be published publicly in the interim? 

Answer— 

The required information has been published as an addendum on the Game Council's website and will be 

included in this year's Annual Report. 



*3625 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—AGRICULTURE AS ELECTIVE SUBJECT IN HIGH 

SCHOOLS—Mr Colless asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) How many public high schools in New South Wales offered Agriculture as an elective subject for 

each of the following years: 

(a) 2000? 

(b) 2001? 

(c) 2002? 

(d) 2003? 

(e) 2004? 

(f) 2005? 

(g) 2006? 

(h) 2007? 

(i) 2008? 



4254 


(j) 2009? 

(2) How many students enrolled in Agriculture in New South Wales in Year 10 for each of the following 

years: 

(a) 2000? 

(b) 2001? 

(c) 2002? 

(d) 2003? 

(e) 2004? 

(f) 2005? 

(g) 2006? 

(h) 2007? 

(i) 2008? 

(j) 2009? 

(3) How many students enrolled in Agriculture in New South Wales in Year 12 for each of the following 

years: 

(a) 2000? 

(b) 2001? 

(c) 2002? 

(d) 2003? 

(e) 2004? 

(f) 2005? 

(g) 2006? 

(h) 2007? 

(i) 2008? 

(j) 2009? 

Answer— 

(1) The following tables are provided in response to the above questions. 

The tables include columns for the HSC courses in both Agriculture and Primary Industries. Primary 

Industries was a new course offered in the Year 11 in 2000 and for the HSC in 2001. 

2000 was the last year that the Rural Technology and Sheep Husbandry courses were offered for the 

HSC. 

2000 to 2008 figures are the final figures for those years. 

2009 figures are at 1 September 2009 

2. 

Agriculture 

Primary 

Industries 

Year Year 10 Year 11 Year 12 Year 11 Year 12 

a. 2000 249 144 142 83 6 

b. 2001 245 138 136 94 80 

c. 2002 244 132 130 88 90 

d. 2003 237 123 122 94 81 

e. 2004 241 121 115 98 90 

f. 2005 237 122 113 106 94 

g. 2006 244 114 114 97 97 

h. 2007 244 119 109 96 84 

i. 2008 235 115 113 105 91 

j. 2009 234 119 114 101 97 

Year Agriculture Notes* 

a. 2000 6,354

4255 


b. 2001 6,179 

c. 2002 5,935 

d. 2003 5,991 

e. 2004 6,361 

f. 2005 6,508 

g. 2006 6,900 (includes 132 life skills) 

h. 2007 6,575 (includes 110 life skills) 

i. 2008 6,357 (includes 97 life skills) 

j. 2009 6,368 (includes 113 life skills) 

* The Life Skills course in Agriculture commenced in 2006. Previously, these students were grouped in 

Life Skills Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) courses. 

3. 

Year Agriculture Primary Industries Total 

a. 2000 1,699 64* 1,763 

b. 2001 1,505 561 2,066 

c. 2002 1,528 653 2,181 

d. 2003 1,294 717 2,011 

e. 2004 1,277 768 2,045 

f. 2005 1,270 742 2,012 

g. 2006 1,411 840 2,251 

h. 2007 1,254 668 1,922 

i. 2008 1,278 752 2,030 

j. 2009 1,265 784 2,049 

* In 2000, Primary Industries was available as a Content Endorsed Course. In that year 29 students 

undertook the course. In addition, 29 students undertook the Rural Technology course and 6 students 

undertook the Sheep Husbandry and Wool Technology course. 

The following table provides comparable figures for Year 11. 

Year Agriculture Primary Industries Total 

2000 2,079 784 2,863 

2001 2,102 927 3,029 

2002 1,899 991 2,890 

2003 1,838 1,171 3,009 

2004 1,769 1,060 2,829 

2005 1,941 1,140 3,081 

2006 1,838 995 2,833 

2007 1,832 1,098 2,930 

2008 1,839 1,130 2,969 

2009 2,010 1,291 3,301 

*3626 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—BOARDING AT FARRAR MEMORIAL AGRICULTURAL HIGH 

SCHOOL—Mr Colless asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) 

(a) How many students were enrolled at Farrar Memorial Agricultural High School for each of the 

following years: 

(i) 2000? 

(ii) 2001? 

(iii) 2002? 

(iv) 2003? 

(v) 2004? 

(vi) 2005? 



4256 


(2) 

(3) 

(vii) 2006? 

(viii) 2007? 

(ix) 2008? 

(x) 2009? 

(b) How many of these enrolled students were boarders at this school for each of the following 

years: 

(i) 2000? 

(ii) 2001? 

(iii) 2002? 

(iv) 2003? 

(v) 2004? 

(vi) 2005? 

(vii) 2006? 

(viii) 2007? 

(ix) 2008? 

(x) 2009? 

(c) How many applications for boarding did this school receive for each of the following years? 

(i) 2000? 

(ii) 2001? 

(iii) 2002? 

(iv) 2003? 

(v) 2004? 

(vi) 2005? 

(vii) 2006? 

(viii) 2007? 

(ix) 2008? 

(x) 2009? 

(a) For each of the following years, how many boarders studied Agriculture in Year 10? 

(i) 2000? 

(ii) 2001? 

(iii) 2002? 

(iv) 2003? 

(v) 2004? 

(vi) 2005? 

(vii) 2006? 

(viii) 2007? 

(ix) 2008? 

(x) 2009? 

(b) For each of the following years, how many boarders studied Agriculture in Year 12? 

(i) 2000? 

(ii) 2001? 

(iii) 2002? 

(iv) 2003? 

(v) 2004? 

(vi) 2005? 

(vii) 2006? 

(viii) 2007? 

(ix) 2008? 

(x) 2009? 

(a) For each of the following years, how many day students studied Agriculture in Year 10? 

(i) 2000?



4257 

(ii) 2001? 

(iii) 2002? 

(iv) 2003? 

(v) 2004? 

(vi) 2005? 

(vii) 2006? 

(viii) 2007? 

(ix) 2008? 

(x) 2009? 

(b) For each of the following years, how many day students studied Agriculture in Year 12? 

(i) 2000? 

(ii) 2001? 

(iii) 2002? 

(iv) 2003? 

(v) 2004? 

(vi) 2005? 

(vii) 2006? 

(viii) 2007? 

(ix) 2008? 

(x) 2009? 

(4) How many boarding positions exist at this school for each of the following scholastic years: 

(a) Year 7? 

(b) Year 8? 

(c) Year 9? 

(d) Year 10? 

(e) Year 11? 

(f) Year 12? 

Answer— 

(1) 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(i) 519 

(ii) 553.9 

(iii) 574.2 

(iv) 577 

(v) 556.8 

(vi) 586 

(vii) 597.6 

(viii) 611 

(ix) 589.1 

(x) 581 

(i) Not available 

(ii) 355 

(iii) 353 

(iv) 318 

(v) 354 

(vi) 340 

(vii) 354 

(viii) 354 

(ix) 343 

(x) 342


4258 


(2) 

(3) 

(a) 

(b) 

(a) 

(b) 

(i) 120 

(ii) 120 

(iii) 143 

(iv) 131 

(v) 116 

(vi) 117 

(vii) 112 

(viii) 97 

(ix) 80 

(x) 99 


(ii) 57 

(iii) 56 

(iv) 55 

(v) 51 

(vi) 55 

(vii) 58 

(viii) 57 

(ix) 60 

(x) 60 

(i) 16 

(ii) 36 

(iii) 43 

(iv) 34 

(v) 29 

(vi) 21 

(vii) 30 

(viii) 52 

(ix) 32 

(x) 31 


(ii) 43 

(iii) 44 

(iv) 46 

(v) 45 

(vi) 45 

(vii) 47 

(viii) 51 

(ix) 40 

(x) 41 

(i) 10 

(ii) 13 

(iii) 5 

(iv) 18 

(v) 4 

(vi) 10 

(vii) 15



4259 

(4) 

(a) 64 

(b) 60 

(c) 60 

(d) 60 

(e) 58 

(f) 53 

(viii) 17 

(ix) 14 

(x) 4 

*3627 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—BOARDING AT YANCO AGRICULTURAL HIGH SCHOOL—Mr 

Colless asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, Minister for 

the Central Coast, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Education and 


(1) 

(2) 

(a) How many students were enrolled at Yanco High School for each of the following years: 

(i) 2000? 

(ii) 2001? 

(iii) 2002? 

(iv) 2003? 

(v) 2004? 

(vi) 2005? 

(vii) 2006? 

(viii) 2007? 

(ix) 2008? 

(x) 2009? 

(b) How many of these enrolled students were boarders at this school for each of the following 

years: 

(i) 2000? 

(ii) 2001? 

(iii) 2002? 

(iv) 2003? 

(v) 2004? 

(vi) 2005? 

(vii) 2006? 

(viii) 2007? 

(ix) 2008? 

(x) 2009? 

(c) How many applications for boarding did this school receive for each of the following years? 

(i) 2000? 

(ii) 2001? 

(iii) 2002? 

(iv) 2003? 

(v) 2004? 

(vi) 2005? 

(vii) 2006? 

(viii) 2007? 

(ix) 2008? 

(i) 2009? 

(a) For each of the following years, how many boarders studied Agriculture in Year 10?


4260 


(3) 

(i) 2000? 

(ii) 2001? 

(iii) 2002? 

(iv) 2003? 

(v) 2004? 

(vi) 2005? 

(vii) 2006? 

(viii) 2007? 

(ix) 2008? 

(x) 2009? 

(b) For each of the following years, how many boarders studied Agriculture in Year 12? 

(i) 2000? 

(ii) 2001? 

(iii) 2002? 

(iv) 2003? 

(v) 2004? 

(vi) 2005? 

(vii) 2006? 

(viii) 2007? 

(ix) 2008? 

(x) 2009? 

(a) For each of the following years, how many day students studied Agriculture in Year 10? 

(i) 2000? 

(ii) 2001? 

(iii) 2002? 

(iv) 2003? 

(v) 2004? 

(vi) 2005? 

(vii) 2006? 

(viii) 2007? 

(ix) 2008? 

(x) 2009? 


(i) 2000? 

(ii) 2001? 

(iii) 2002? 

(iv) 2003? 

(v) 2004? 

(vi) 2005? 

(vii) 2006? 

(viii) 2007? 

(ix) 2008? 

(x) 2009? 


(a) Year 7? 

(b) Year 8? 

(c) Year 9? 

(d) Year 10? 

(e) Year 11? 

(f) Year 12? 

Answer—

4261 


(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(a) 

(i) 245 

(ii) 256 

(iii) 249 

(iv) 284 

(v) 305 

(vi) 322 

(vii) 329 

(viii) 316 

(ix) 319 

(x) 328 

(b) All Yanco Agricultural High School students are boarders. 

(c) 

(i) 113 

(ii) 109 

(iii) 114 

(iv) 122 

(v) 96 

(vi) 87 

(vii) 93 

(viii) 87 

(ix) 105 

(x) 84 

(a) All Year 10 students study Agriculture. 

(b) 

(i) 26 

(ii) 34 

(iii) 31 

(iv) 29 

(v) 50 

(vi) 52 

(vii) 55 

(viii) 58 

(ix) 41 

(x) 48 

(a) - (b) No day students attend Yanco Agricultural High School. 

(4) Yanco Agricultural High School has a capacity of 340 beds. There are 60 places (30 girls, 30 boys) 

reserved for Year 7. The remaining places are allocated across Year 8 Year 12 according to enrolment 

demand and vary from year to year. The school can cater for a maximum of 152 girls. 

*3628 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—BOARDING AT HURLSTONE AGRICULTURAL HIGH 

SCHOOL—Mr Colless asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for 



(1) 

How (a) many students were enrolled at Hurlstone Agricultural High School for each of the following years: 

(i) 2000? 

(ii) 2001? 

(iii) 2002? 



4262 


(iv) 2003? 

(v) 2004? 

(vi) 2005? 

(vii) 2006? 

(viii) 2007? 

(ix) 2008? 

(x) 2009? 

How (b) many of these enrolled students were boarders at this school for each of the following years: 

(i) 2000? 

(ii) 2001? 

(iii) 2002? 

(iv) 2003? 

(v) 2004? 

(vi) 2005? 

(vii) 2006? 

(viii) 2007? 

(ix) 2008? 

(x) 2009? 

How (c) many applications for boarding did this school receive for each of the following years? 

(i) 2000? 

(ii) 2001? 

(iii) 2002? 

(iv) 2003? 

(v) 2004? 

(vi) 2005? 

(vii) 2006? 

(viii) 2007? 

(ix) 2008? 

(x) 2009? 

(2) 

(a) For each of the following years, how many boarders studied Agriculture in Year 10? 

(i) 2000? 

(ii) 2001? 

(iii) 2002? 

(iv) 2003? 

(v) 2004? 

(vi) 2005? 

(vii) 2006? 

(viii) 2007? 

(ix) 2008? 

(x) 2009? 

For each (b) of the following years, how many boarders studied Agriculture in Year 12? 

(i) 2000? 

(ii) 2001? 

(iii) 2002? 

(iv) 2003? 

(v) 2004? 

(vi) 2005? 

(vii) 2006? 

(viii) 2007? 

(ix) 2008? 

(x) 2009?



4263 

(3) 

For each (a) of the following years, how many day students studied Agriculture in Year 10? 

(i) 2000? 

(ii) 2001? 

(iii) 2002? 

(iv) 2003? 

(v) 2004? 

(vi) 2005? 

(vii) 2006? 

(viii) 2007? 

(ix) 2008? 

(x) 2009? 


(i) 2000? 

(ii) 2001? 

(iii) 2002? 

(iv) 2003? 

(v) 2004? 

(vi) 2005? 

(vii) 2006? 

(viii) 2007? 

(ix) 2008? 

(x) 2009? 


(a) Year 7? 

(b) Year 8? 

(c) Year 9? 

(d) Year 10? 

(e) Year 11? 

(f) Year 12? 

Answer— 

(1) 

(a) 


(ii) 1013 

(iii) 989 

(iv) 955 

(v) 948 

(vi) 962 

(vii) 962 

(viii) 965 

(ix) 965 

(x) 958 

(b) 


(ii) Not available 

(iii) Not available 

(iv) 235 

(v) 189 

(vi) 159 

(vii) 135 

(viii) 155


4264 


(2) 

(3) 

(c) 

(a) 

(b) 

(a) 

(b) 

(ix) 94 

(x) 75 

(i) 151 

(ii) 167 

(iii) 180 

(iv) 138 

(v) 120 

(vi) 118 

(vii) 90 

(viii) 73 

(ix) 93 

(x) 60 


(ii) 61 

(iii) 61 

(iv) 49 

(v) 51 

(vi) 60 

(vii) 41 

(viii) 49 

(ix) 43 

(x) 23 


(ii) 35 

(iii) 25 

(iv) 42 

(v) 35 

(vi) 32 

(vii) 25 

(viii) 29 

(ix) 29 

(x) 24 


(ii) 117 

(iii) 120 

(iv) 99 

(v) 108 

(vi) 102 

(vii) 119 

(viii) 112 

(ix) 130 

(x) 138 


(ii) 38 

(iii) 37 

(iv) 29 

(v) 45



4265 

(4) 

(a) 48 

(b) 48 

(c) 48 

(d) 48 

(e) 52 

(f) 52 

(vi) 51 

(vii) 42 

(viii) 31 

(ix) 32 

(x) 36 

*3629 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—RTA LEASE REVENUE—Dr Kaye asked the Attorney General, 


the Executive Council representing the Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Women— 

(1) 

(a) Is any part of Hurlstone Agricultural High School (HAHS) grounds currently leased to the 

Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)? 

(b) If so, 

(i) When did the lease begin? 

(ii) How long is the lease agreement for? 

(iii) What is the annual value of the lease agreement? 

(iv) What proportion of the funds paid by the RTA to lease the land are to be paid to HAHS? 

(v) What proportion of the funds paid by the RTA to lease the land have been paid to HAHS 

to date? 

Answer— 

The Department of Education and Training is negotiating with the Transport Infrastructure Development 

Corporation to use land on the Hurlstone Agricultural High School site for works associated with 

constructing a multi-level commuter car park at Glenfield Railway Station. The principal of Hurlstone 

Agricultural High School has been consulted in the negotiations. 

Details of the lease are yet to be finalised. The Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation has 

been allowed to carry out site preparation works prior to the lease being executed, in consultation with 

the school principal. 

Hurlstone Agricultural High School will receive 50% of the proceeds of the lease of a parcel of land 

containing a residence, to be used at their discretion. The remainder of the lease proceeds will be returned 

to the Department of Education and Training's South Western Sydney Region, to be used in that area for 

capital works. 

*3630 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—SCHOOL LEAVING AGE IMPLICATIONS ON HIGH 

SCHOOLS—Dr Kaye asked the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Health, 



(1) 

(a) Has any guidance been provided to high schools in relation to the impacts of the passage of the 

Education Amendment Bill 2009? 

(b) If so, please provide a copy of this guidance. 


Answer— 

Since the passage of the Education Amendment Bill 2009 in May 2009 guidance has been provided to 

high schools in relation to its impact in a number of ways.


4266 


The Department of Education and Training has conducted planning meetings focussing on the 

introduction of the new school leaving age from 1 January 2010. 

Resources have been provided by the Department for use by principals and schools, including a 

Preliminary Information Package; PowerPoint presentations for use by school education directors and 

principals, and information sheets for students and parents, one for staff and more recently an information 

sheet for employers. The Preliminary Information Package incorporates a range of support materials for 

use by schools. 

Copies of these resources are available from the Legislative Council Procedure Office. 

*3631 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—SCHOOL LEAVING AGE IMPLICATIONS ON TAFE—Dr Kaye 


Central Coast, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Education and 


(1) 

(a) Has any guidance been provided to TAFE colleges in relation to the impacts of the passage of 

the Education Amendment Bill 2009? 

(b) If so, please provide a copy of this guidance. 


Answer— 

Information regarding the implementation of the raised school leaving age was sent to all TAFE NSW 

staff via email on 21 September 2009. 

It includes links to information that is publicly available on the Department of Education and Training's 

internet site and the TAFE NSW intranet site. 

A copy of this email is available from the Legislative Council Procedure Office. 

*3632 ENERGY—TRANSGRID FAR NORTH COAST DEMAND PROJECTIONS—Dr Kaye asked the 



(1) 

(a) Did TransGrid calculate that an increase in population of Far North New South Wales of 23 

percent over the next twenty years would lead to an increased demand for electricity in the same 

region of over 40 percent in the next ten years? 

(b) If so, 

(i) what was the basis of this calculation? 

(ii) what factors influenced Transgrid in arriving at this calculation? 

Answer— 

I am advised TransGrid uses load forecast information provided by the local electricity distributor as the 

basis for its forecasts. The local distributor has the specialist knowledge and understanding of industrial, 

commercial and residential factors that contribute to load growth. 

TransGrid is aware that demand for electricity increases faster than the population increases. Based on 

data from the Department of Planning the population in Far North of New South Wales will increase by 

in excess of 20% over the next twenty years and time series demand data supports a point to point 

increase in electricity demand of approximately 40%. 

*3633 TREASURER—TRANSGRID FAR NORTH COAST DEMAND PROJECTIONS—Dr Kaye asked the 

Treasurer— 

(1) 

(a) Did TransGrid calculate that an increase in population of Far North New South Wales of 23 

percent over the next twenty years would lead to an increased demand for electricity in the same 

region of over 40 percent in the next ten years?



4267 

(b) If so, 

(i) what was the basis of this calculation? 

(ii) what factors influenced Transgrid in arriving at this calculation? 

Answer— 

I'm advised 

TransGrid uses load forecast information provided by the local electricity distributor as the basis for its 

forecasts. The local distributor has the specialist knowledge and understanding of industrial, commercial 

and residential factors that contribute to load growth. 

*3634 TREASURER—TRANSGRID FAR NORTH COAST DEMAND PROJECTIONS - WINTER 

DEMAND—Dr Kaye asked the Treasurer— 

(1) As shareholding Minister for TransGrid: 

(a) What was the Winter Maximum Demand for (in MW) Transgrid region New South Wales Far 

North Coast (Nambucca to Lismore) incorporating the following supply points; Coffs Harbour, 

Dorrigo, Koolkhan, Lismore, Macksville, Nambucca, Raleigh, Tenterfield and West Sawtell 

(also known as Boambee South) for: 

(i) 2007? 

(ii) 2008? 

(iii) 2009? 

(b) What was the Summer Maximum Demand for (in MW) Transgrid New South Wales Far North 

Coast (Nambucca to Lismore) incorporating the following supply points; Coffs Harbour, 

Dorrigo, Koolkhan, Lismore, Macksville, Nambucca, Raleigh, Tenterfield and West Sawtell 

(also known as Boambee South) for: 

(i) 2007? 

(ii) 2008? 

Answer— 

I'm advised 

The summated loads (in MW) TransGrid New South Wales Far North Coast (Nambucca to Lismore) 

incorporating the following supply points: Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo, Koolkhan, Lismore, Macksville, 

Nambucca, Raleigh, Tenterfield and West Sawtell (also known as Boambee South) are as follows: 

Winter 2007 363.7MW 

Winter 2008 361.0MW 

Winter 2009 334.9MW (based on draft Australian Energy Market Operator metering data) 

Summer 2007⁄08 287.8MW 

Summer 2008⁄09 325.5MW 

*3635 MINERAL RESOURCES—NSW CLEAN COAL COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP—Dr Kaye asked the 



(1) 

(a) What is the composition of the NSW Clean Coal Council since its inception? 

(b) What are the names of its members? 

(c) Which organisations do they represent? 

(d) What are the start and finish dates of their tenure on the NSW Clean Coal Council?


4268 


Answer— 

Membership history of Clean Coal Council as at 18 September 2009 

CLEAN COAL COUNCIL Organization Commencement Date 2 year tenure: Date finish 

Dr Mike Curll Independent Chair 22⁄9⁄2008 22⁄9⁄2010 

Mr Colin Bloomfield BHP Illawarra Coal – 22⁄9⁄2008 22⁄9⁄2010 

President. 

Mr Robert Cameron Centennial Coal – 22⁄9⁄2008 22⁄9⁄2010 

Managing Director. 

Mr Travers Duncan Felix Resources - Chairman 22⁄9⁄2008 22⁄9⁄2010 

Mr James Henness Delta Electricity- Chief 22⁄9⁄2008 22⁄9⁄2010 

Executive. 

Mr Ralph Hillman Aust Coal Assoc – 22⁄9⁄2008 22⁄9⁄2010 

Executive Director. 

Mr Steve Ireland Macquarie Generation 22⁄9⁄2008 22⁄9⁄2010 

–Manager Fuels & 

Environment. 

Mr Tony Maher 

CFMEU – General 22⁄9⁄2008 22⁄9⁄2010 

President. 

Mr Brad Mullard Industry & Investment 22⁄9⁄2008 22⁄9⁄2010 

NSW- Executive Director 

Mineral Resources. 

Mr Nick Papallo Solicitor. 22⁄9⁄2008 22⁄9⁄2010 

Dr Richard Sheldrake Industry & Investment 22⁄9⁄2008 22⁄9⁄2010 

NSW- Director General. 

Dr Louis Wibberley CSIRO – Scientist. 22⁄9⁄2008 22⁄9⁄2010 

Dr Nicole Williams NSW Minerals Council – 22⁄9⁄2008 22⁄9⁄2010 

Chief Executive Officer. 

Prof Mary O'Kane NSW Chief Scientist & 31⁄7⁄2009 31⁄7⁄2011 

Scientific Engineer. 

Mr William Champion Rio Tinto - Managing 31⁄7⁄2009 31⁄7⁄2011 

Director. 

Resignations 

Mr Alan Coutts Did not Dept of Primary Industries- 22⁄9⁄2008 18⁄11⁄2008 

take up position due to 

Department transfer 

Deputy Director General, 

Mineral Resources. 

Mr Hubrecht van Dalsen Rio Tinto - Managing 22⁄9⁄2008 15⁄1⁄2009 

resigned 

Director. 

Greg Bourne resigned WWF Australia. 22⁄9⁄2008 1⁄02⁄2009 

Peter Coates resigned Xstrata. 22⁄9⁄2008 6⁄04⁄2009 

*3636 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—CONSULTANT FEES—Dr Kaye asked the Attorney General, 


the Executive Council representing the Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Women— 

(1) How much money was allocated in the budget for the Inquiry into future configuration of Hurlstone 

Agricultural High School to consultant fees for reports? 

(2) What entity is paying the consultant fees for any reports commissioned as part of the Inquiry into 

future configuration of Hurlstone Agricultural High School? 

(3) What was the budgeted price for each report commissioned? 

(4) For each of the reports commissioned where full payment has occurred, was is the total amount that 

has been paid? 

Answer— 

(1) A total budget of $500,000 has been allocated for the appointed Inquiry Chair to conduct the Inquiry. 

(2) Funding has been made available from the Department of Education and Training's budget. 

(3) Funding has not been allocated on a per report basis.

4269 


(4) The costs of the Inquiry will be disclosed in the Department of Education and Training's Annual 

Report. 

*3637 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—HURLSTONE INQUIRY BUDGET—Dr Kaye asked the Attorney 



Women— 

(1) What is the total budget for the Inquiry into future configuration of Hurlstone Agricultural High 

School? 

Answer— 

(1) A total budget of $500,000 has been allocated for the appointed Inquiry Chair to conduct the Inquiry. 

*3638 POLICE—AUTHORISED STRENGTH FOR POSITION IN POLICE FORCE—Mr Gallacher asked the 

Minister for Police, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs— 

(1) What is the current authorised strength for the following positions in the NSW Police Force? 

(a) Highway Patrol Officer positions? 

(b) Sergeant positions? 

(c) Senior Sergeant positions? 

(d) Inspector positions? 

(e) Chief Inspector positions? 

(f) Superintendent positions? 

Answer— 


(1) 

(a) 1088. 

(b) 2579. 

(c) 280. 

(d) 700. 

(e) There is no longer a Chief Inspector rank in the NSW Police Force. 

(f) 128. 

*3639 PREMIER—BOTTLED WATER FOR GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS—Ms Cusack asked the 


Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Premier, and Minister for the Arts— 

(1) What steps and action have been taken to ban New South Wales Government Departments buying 

bottled water? 

(2) 

(3) 

(a) Has bottled water been banned from any New South Wales Ministerial Offices? 

(b) If so, which? 

(c) What are the reasons for banning bottled water? 

(a) Does the Government have a current contract for bottled water? 

(b) If so, when does the contract(s) expire? 

(c) Will the contract(s) for bottled water be renewed when the contact(s) expires? 

Answer— 

(1) On 28 August 2009 the Acting Director General of the Department of Premier and Cabinet wrote to 

all sector super-agencies, the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council requesting that the 

purchase and supply of bottled water cease except in the limited instances where this is impractical, 

for example, where it is used in the provision of care or services to clients, or where it provides the 


4270 


(2) 

(3) 

only safe and/or accessible means of hydration, such as for itinerant workers and in rural and remote 

areas. 

(a) Future purchases have been banned. 

(b) All Ministers' Offices. 

(c) For cost and environmental reasons, recognising that NSW tap water is among the best in the 

world. 

(a) A contractual arrangement is in place that includes bottled water as part of an extensive list of 

products. If bottled water was to be purchased it would be through this contract. 

(b) The contract expires on 31 March 2011. 

(c) Bottled water will only be included in future contractual arrangements for limited use as per 

question 1. 

*3640 HEALTH—SPENDING ON MEDICARE DENTISTRY—Ms Rhiannon asked the Attorney General, 



(1) What impact has the $430.78 million spent on Medicare dentistry had on the reduction of the public 

waiting lists for dental services? 

(2) What has the community gained in improved access to dental treatment after $450 million, a 

doubling of public money, having been spent? 

(3) What action has been taken to evaluate the Medicare EPC and Teen Dental Programs and informing 

the community exactly what has happened to $430.78 million of public money spent on dentistry? 

(4) What method is used to compile 'waiting lists' for people requiring services at public dental clinics? 

(5) 

(a) Will the Government consider legislating to allow a voluntary (not compulsory) co-payment for 

the provision of dentures for people who can afford it, in order to reduce the amount of time and 

numbers on waiting lists for dentures? 


Answer— 

I refer the Member to my response to Question No. 3456 in the Legislative Council. 

I am advised: 

The Medicare Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) and Teen Dental Programs are Commonwealth programs 

and therefore a Commonwealth responsibility. The Commonwealth provide aggregated data on usage of 

these schemes. Data on item claims and expenditure is made available to the public regularly via the 

Medicare web site (https://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/statistics/mbs_group.shtml) 

All Area Health Services have informed persons on their waiting lists about the Medicare Dental EPC 

program and that if they have a chronic condition they may be eligible and should discuss this with their 

General Practioner. Persons using these programs may not inform local services they have accessed care 

via an alternative means. Thus it is difficult to attribute reductions in New South Wales public dental 

waiting lists with the usage of these programs. 

Data on the number of persons with a status of "waiting" on an assessment or treatment waiting list 

within the Information System for Oral Health is collated for regular time periods and made available on 

the NSW Health web site. 

This was considered as part of the New South Wales Government's response to the Parliamentary Inquiry 

into Dental Services in 2005 and co-payments were not proceeded with. 


4271 


*3641 HEALTH—SMOKING IN SMOKE FREE-EXEMPT AREAS—Ms Rhiannon asked the Attorney 



(1) Given the strong research evidence that second hand tobacco smoke is a toxic, carcinogenic 

workplace contaminant causing death and disease, especially for employees repeatedly exposed to it 

and given that workplaces contaminated by second hand smoke conflict with basic Occupational 

Health and Safety duties and rights and with Australia's commitment to the Framework Convention 

on Tobacco Control treaty, what measures have been put in place to monitor the health of staff 

working in smoke free-exempt High Roller and 'private' gaming rooms in Star City casino, as well as 

in gaming areas of New South Wales pubs and clubs where smoking is still permitted? 

(2) If monitoring has not occurred, what measures will the Government put in place urgently to monitor 

staff health and to end all exemptions to the Smoke-Free Environment Act 2000 to prevent this 

workplace exposure?" 

Answer— 

(1) - (2) 

In each of the annual reviews undertaken pursuant to section 11C of the Smoke-free Environment Act 

2000, Star City Casino has advised that gaming staff may opt out of working in those private gaming 

areas in which smoking is permitted to avoid exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Star City Casino 

and employers in licensed premises have legislative obligations to employees under the Occupational 

Health and Safety Act 2000. 

*3642 GAMING AND RACING—SMOKING IN SMOKE FREE-EXEMPT AREAS—Ms Rhiannon asked the 


Development representing the Minister for Gaming and Racing, and Minister for Sport and Recreation— 





on Tobacco Control treaty, what measures have been put in place to monitor the health of staff 

working in smoke free-exempt High Roller and 'private' gaming rooms in Star City casino, as well as 

in gaming areas of New South Wales pubs and clubs where smoking is still permitted? 


staff health and to end all exemptions to the Smoke-Free Environment Act 2000 to prevent this 

workplace exposure?" 

Answer— 

(1) - (2) 

As this question relates to the Smoke-Free Environment Act 2000 and the Occupational Health and 

Safety Act 2000, they should be directed to the Minister for Lands representing the Minister Assisting the 

Minister for Health (Cancer), and the Treasurer representing the Minister for Finance respectively. 

*3643 INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS—SMOKING IN SMOKE FREE-EXEMPT AREAS—Ms Rhiannon asked 


Coast, Vice President of the Executive Council— 





on Tobacco Control treaty, what measures has the NSW Government put in place to monitor the 

health of staff working in smoke free-exempt High Roller and 'private' gaming rooms in Star City 

casino, as well as in gaming areas of New South Wales pubs and clubs where smoking is still 

permitted? 


staff health and to end all exemptions to the Smoke-Free Environment Act to prevent this workplace 

exposure?" 


4272 


Answer— 

As this question relates to the Smoke-Free Environment Act 2000 and the Occupational Health and 

Safety Act 2000, it should be directed to the Minister for Lands representing the Minister Assisting the 

Minister for Health (Cancer), and the Treasurer representing the Minister for Finance respectively. 

*3644 PLANNING—QUARRY EXPANSION AT TUCKI TUCKI—Ms Rhiannon asked the Minister for 

Police, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs representing the Minister for Planning, and 

Minister for Redfern Waterloo— 

(1) Was there a proposal for a massive quarry expansion at Tucki Tucki near Lismore on the Far North 

Coast following the refusal by Lismore City Council earlier this year of a smaller expansion proposal 

on the same site? 

(2) What were the eleven grounds for refusing approval of a proposal on this site by Lismore City 

Council? 

(3) Did the proposal include a sand washery to flush high sulfate content material that will discharge into 

the Tuckean Wetlands which is a major part of the estuary nursery of the Richmond River? 

(4) Does the Richmond River display distress with frequent recent fish kills due to water quality issues? 

(5) Can an unproven quarry operation be relied upon for self-monitoring this and other significant 

impacts on sensitive wetlands, flora, fauna and surrounding residents? 

(6) What is the justification in approving this huge expansion proposal as 'in the public interest' when 

Lismore City Council refusal reason number 11 states that it "does not comply with the public 

interest" and when the site is positioned amongst a quasi- rural residential settlement created by the 

quarry proponent prior to registration of a quarry, positioned directly among a concentrated 

population of koalas, positioned adjacent to and draining into sensitive wetlands, and positioned in a 

highly visible and exposed location? 

(7) Will consideration be given to rejecting this proposal on the grounds of sustainability? 

(8) Did Lismore City Council Mayor, Jenny Dowell, state that Champions quarry is already in breach of 

buffer zones creating land use conflict and that this massive expansion would be a 'bridge too far' ? 

Answer— 

(1) I am advised that a project application for the proposed expansion of the Champions Quarry was 

lodged with the Department of Planning on 6 April 2009. 

(2) This question should be referred to Lismore Council. 

(3) This question should be referred to Lismore Council. 

(4) This question should be referred to the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment (water 

quality) and the Minister for Primary Industries (fish health). 

(5) Requirements for appropriate environmental monitoring are taken into account during the assessment 

of all project applications. If a project is approved, then the Proponent is required by law to comply 

with any monitoring requirements in the project approval. 

(6) The project application has not been determined yet. I understand the Department of Planning is 

waiting for the Proponent to submit a detailed environmental assessment of the proposal for public 

exhibition. 

(7) The proposal will be assessed on its merits, in accordance with the requirements of in the 

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. 

(8) This question should be referred to Councillor Jenny Dowell, Mayor of Lismore City Council. 

*3645 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—WOLGAN RIVER ON NEWNES PLATEAU—Ms Rhiannon asked the 



(1) What investigation has the Department of Primary Industries undertaken to ascertain whether there 

has been any cracking to the Wolgan River on Newnes Plateau? 

(2) 

(a) Has the bed of the Wolgan River on Newnes Plateau experienced any cracking as a result of 




4273 

mine subsidence from Springvale Colliery longwall panel 411? 

(b) If so, 

(i) has water from Springvale Colliery license discharge point LDP 4 been disappearing down 

any cracks, and not re-emerging downstream? 

(ii) does this mean that any rainfall which falls upstream of this crack will also disappear, and 

not be able to flow further downstream along the Wolgan River? 

(3) Why was the potential for the Wolgan River bed in this location to be cracked by longwall mine 

subsidence not identified and mitigated by the Subsidence Management Plan (SMP) process? 

(4) Why was the management of the SMP process not adapted to prevent such cracking from occurring? 

(5) Why were adequate protection zones not provided for the Wolgan River and associated East and 

West Wolgan Swamps? 

(6) What measures will now be taken to rectify these cracks in the bed of the Wolgan River, and repair 

associated swamps from drying out? 

Answer— 

(1) In 2006 some minor cracking was reported to the department. I am advised that additional 

monitoring was required from the company as a result. In April 2009, I&I New South Wales was 

notified of isolated areas of "surface slumping" within the drainage line associated with the East 

Wolgan Swamp. I&I New South Wales inspected the East Wolgan Swamp, part of the Wolgan River 

System, on 3 July 2009. 

(2) 

(a) Yes. 

(b) 

(i) 

Centennial Angus Place Pty Ltd and Springvale Coal Pty Ltd have been directed to 

conduct hydrological investigations. 

(ii) See (2) (b) (i). 

(3) Potential impacts were identified during the development assessment process and conditions were 

imposed on both the Development Consent and on the Subsidence Management Plan approval. 

(4) The Subsidence Management Plan approval is consistent with the Development Consent. Any 

potential impacts were considered as part of the SMP process and addressed through the 

management plans, particularly the Newnes Plateau Shrub Swamp Management Plan. 

(5) The mine layout and potential impacts were considered as part of the SMP approval process. A 

buffer was imposed around a section of the Wolgan River System and potential risks to the East and 

West Wolgan Swamps were addressed through approval conditions, specifically, the requirement of 

regular monitoring and the development of a Newnes Plateau Shrub Swamp Management Plan in 

consultation with Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water. 

(6) I am advised that the mine operators, Centennial Angus Place Pty Ltd and Springvale Coal Pty Ltd, 

are jointly investigating any impacts to the East Wolgan Swamp. Following these detailed 

investigations, appropriate remediation actions will be required. 



*3646 HOUSING—WITHDRAWAL OF FEDERAL FUNDING FOR SOCIAL HOUSING—Ms Ficarra asked 


State Development representing the Minister for Housing, and Minister for Western Sydney— 

(1) 

(a) Has the Federal Government withdrawn approximately $750 million from a stimulus program 

for social housing in New South Wales? 

(b) If so, has the withdrawal of Federal Funding caused a $187 million shortfall in the social 

housing allocation? 

(2) Does the NSW Government intend to cover the loss of Federal Funding by using other Federal


4274 


stimulus funding allocated to renovate public housing? 

Answer— 

(1) The Australian Government has withdrawn $187.22 million for New South Wales. 

(2) The State Government has provided a stimulus package of $200 million of funds brought forward for 

upgrading and maintenance of public housing in 2009⁄10 in addition to the Australian Government 

funds. 

*3647 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—PRIMARY SCHOOLS BUILDING PROGRAM—Ms Ficarra asked 


Coast, Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Education and Training, and 


(1) Has the Federal Government withdrawn $750 million from a stimulus program to help cover a $1.5 

million blow-out in the primary schools building program? 

(2) 

(3) 

(a) How much money under the building program has been allocated to primary schools in the 

Penrith Electorate? 

(b) Which schools will have work done? 

(c) When? 

(a) How much money under the Building Program has been allocated to primary schools in the 

Mulgoa Electorate? 

(b) Which schools will have work done? 

(c) When? 

Answer— 

(1) (2) and (3). 

Responsibility for determining the allocation of funding under the Building the Education Revolution 

program lies with the Australian Government. 

Project information is available at the NSW Building the Education Revolution website: 

www.ber.nsw.gov.au 

*3648 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—STAFF NUMBERS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT—Mr Gay asked the 



(1) How many staff are currently employed by the Department of Primary Industries in each of the 

following areas: 

(a) Fisheries, Compliance and Regional Relations Division? 

(b) Forests NSW (Primary Industries Trading Division)? 

(c) Mineral Resources Division? 

(d) Agriculture, Biosecurity and Mine Safety Division? 

(e) Corporate Services Division? 

(f) Science and Research Division? 

(g) Strategy Policy and Communication Division? 

(2) 

(a) How many administration staff are currently employed by the Department within each of the 

following areas: 

(i) Fisheries, Compliance and Regional Relations Division? 

(ii) Forests NSW (Primary Industries Trading Division)? 

(iii) Mineral Resources Division? 

(iv) Agriculture, Biosecurity and Mine Safety Division? 

(v) Corporate Services Division?



4275 

(vi) Science and Research Division? 

(vii) Strategy Policy and Communication Division? 

(b) How many field staff are currently employed by the Department within each of the following 

areas: 

(i) Fisheries, Compliance and Regional Relations Division? 

(ii) Forests NSW (Primary Industries Trading Division)? 

(iii) Mineral Resources Division? 

(iv) Agriculture, Biosecurity and Mine Safety Division? 

(v) Corporate Services Division? 

(vi) Science and Research Division? 

(vii) Strategy Policy and Communication Division? 

(3) What is the total number of staff employed by the Department in: 

(a) 1995? 

(b) 1999? 

(c) 2005? 

(d) 2009? 

Answer— 

The below data relates to the former New South Wales Department of Primary Industries. 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(a) 330. 

(b) 889. 

(c) 244. 

(d) 493. 

(e) 500. 

(f) 751. 

(g) 78. 

(a) 

(b) 

(i) 160. 

(ii) 446. 

(iii) 88. 

(iv) 123. 

(v) 304. 

(vi) 45. 

(vii) 55. 

(i) 149. 

(ii) 442. 

(iii) 108. 

(iv) 320. 

(v) 117. 

(vi) Not applicable. 

(vii) Not applicable. 

(a) The Department not created until 1.7.2004. 

(b) The Department not created until 1.7.2004. 

(c) 3588. 

(d) 3287.75 as at 25 June 2009.

4276 


*3649 WATER—APPIN SEWERAGE SCHEME—Dr Kaye asked the Treasurer representing the Minister for 

Water, and Minister for Regional Development— 

(1) Why is there a lengthy delay in the provision of improved sewerage services for Appin? 

(2) Why have other towns and urban areas that were not included on the NSW Government's Priority 

Sewerage Program been given priority over Appin for improved sewerage services when the 

Government announced in May 2006 that Appin was included in the Program? 

Answer— 

(1) Construction of the Appin Sewerage Scheme is scheduled to begin in mid 2010. This is a revised 

service strategy for Appin following discussion with the community and stakeholders. 

(2) In 2006, the NSW Government announced that Appin was included in the first four schemes to be 

serviced under Stage Two of the Priority Sewerage Program. 

Construction of the first three schemes in Stage Two of the Program began in early 2009 with Appin 

being the fourth scheme to be serviced. 

*3650 HEALTH—VISITS TO PORT MACQUARIE—Mrs Pavey asked the Attorney General, Minister for 


Council— 

(1) How many times did the Honourable John Della Bosca, MLC visit Port Macquarie during his term as 

the Minister for Health? 

(2) How much did each visit cost in terms of: 

(a) costs for staff? 

(b) flights? 

(c) media? 

(d) catering? 

Answer— 

(1) & (2) 

I am advised that the former Minister for Health referred to in the question visited Port Macquarie Base 

Hospital twice during his term as Minister for Health. The other details sought by the Member are not 

known to the New South Wales Department of Health. 

*3651 PREMIER—RURAL FIRE SERVICE VOLUNTEERS—Mrs Pavey asked the Attorney General, 


the Executive Council representing the Premier, and Minister for the Arts— 

(1) Will the Rural Fire Service Volunteers: 

(a) maintain full independence and autonomy from the Super Ministry structure? 

(b) maintain all the powers they currently obtain? 

(c) remain a voluntary organisation? 

(d) maintain the current funding arrangements, under the Rural Fire Fighting Fund? 

Answer— 

The Honourable Member is referred to statements made by the Minister for Emergency Services, the 

Honourable Steve Whan MP, in relation to the matter, in the Legislative Assembly on 10 Se[ptember 

2009. 

*3652 EMERGENCY SERVICES—BUSH FIRE HAZARD REDUCTION ACTIVITIES—Mrs Pavey asked 

the Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Public Sector Reform, Special Minister of State 

representing the Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Small Business— 

(1) Since 2003, at what locations and in what years did bush fire hazard reduction activities take place in 

the Wyong and Lake Macquarie Local Government Areas? 




4277 

Answer— 

Numbers in table refer to number of hazard reduction activities undertaken: 

Council 2003⁄04 2004⁄05 2005⁄06 2006⁄07 2007⁄08 2008⁄09 Total 

Lake 14 109 95 156 205 54 633 

Macquarie 

Wyong 283 406 96 90 110 49 1,034 

Total 297 515 191 246 315 103 1,667 

Note: the above figures exclude activities completed by grazing. When conditions are favorable, the RFS 

and land managers take advantage and maximize the number of operations undertaken to ensure 

preparedness for bushfire seasons. Some years, due to weather conditions, there will be a limited number 

of days where effective hazard reduction can be undertaken. 

*3653 LOCAL GOVERNMENT—WARRINGAH COUNCIL GENERAL MANAGER AND STAFF 

POWERS—Mr Lynn asked the Minister for Police, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs 

representing the Minister for Local Government, and Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental 

Health)— 

(1) 

(a) Has the Department of Local Government advised the General Manager of Warringah Council 

that his conduct in limiting Councillors submitting lawful Notices of Motion at Council 

meetings is not consistent with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993? 

(b) Has the General Manager or any Council staff of Warringah Council refused to accede to the 

Department's advice? 

(c) If so, what is the Department doing to address this matter? 

(2) Are General Managers and Council staff permitted under the Local Government Act 1993 to 

participate in debates at Council meetings? 

(3) Are General Managers and Council staff permitted under the Local Government Act 1993 to make 

adverse or biased written comments on the Notices of Motions in Council Meeting Agendas 

submitted by Councillors? 

(4) Are General Managers and Council staff permitted under the Local Government Act 1993 to make 

written comments on the Notice of Motion in Council Meeting Agenda submitted by Councillors? 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(a) Has the General Manager or any Council staff advised a Councillor how they should vote at 

Council meetings? 

(b) If so, is this contrary to the Local Government Act 1993? 

(a) Has the General Manager or Council staff advised or coached Councillors prior to Council 

meetings on what to say during debate on motions before the Council? 


(a) Has the General Manager or Council staff participated in Caucus meetings of certain 

Councillors prior to Council meetings advising of what to say at Council meetings and how to 

vote? 


(8) In an effort to prevent Warringah Council from being dismissed for the fourth time in its history, 

what efforts will the Department undertake to educate the General Manager and staff of Warringah 

Council about their roles and the need for compliance with the Local Government Act 1993? 

(9) What powers under the Local Government Act 1993 does the Department have to investigate 

misconduct of General Managers and Staff of Councils? 

Answer—

4278 



(1) 

(a) A council may adopt a code of meeting practice which incorporates those provisions of the 

Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 which concern the conduct of meetings. That 

code may include additional provisions provided that they are consistent with the Regulation 

and the Local Government Act 1993. The decision to alter Council's Code of Meeting Practice 

to limit the number of notices of motion councillors may put at any Council meeting was a 

decision made by the elected Council, not by its General Manager. I understand that the 

Division of Local Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet has advised Council that a 

provision limiting the number of motions which councillors may put forward at any council 

meeting is inconsistent with the Act and Regulation. The Division has also expressed this view 

in its revised Meetings Practice Note which was published on 31 August 2009. 

(b) The content of a council's Code of Meeting Practice is a matter for council itself to determine 

after consulting with the public. It is not a matter which is determined by its general manager or 

staff. I understand that Council is presently reviewing its Code of Meeting Practice and that in 

light of the view expressed by the Division, Council staff have recommended to Council that no 

such limitation be included in its Code. 

(c) See (a) and (b) above. 

(2) The Act makes no express provision in this regard. However it would be contrary to the intent of the 

Act for a council general manager or a member of council staff to become involved in debate. A 

general manager and other senior staff may only answer questions that are directed to them through 

the Chair of the meeting. 

(3) As noted in the Meetings Practice Note, it is not appropriate for a general manager to comment on 

the merit of any notice of motion. 

(4) As noted in the Meetings Practice Note a council may decide that notices of motion on its agenda 

will not have any supporting notes or comments from staff. It could do this by making provision to 

this effect in its Code of Meeting Practice. 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(a) Council's code of conduct is the key instrument regulating the general conduct of staff and 

councillors. All councils are required to adopt a code of conduct that at least meets the 

minimum standards set out in the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in New South 

Wales prescribed by the Local Government Act 1993. Concerns regarding the General 

Manager's conduct or performance should be raised with the Mayor in the first instance. 

(b) A council's general manager or member of staff may, by means of a report, recommend to 

council a particular course of action. Apart from this it would be contrary to the spirit and intent 

of the Act and therefore be quite inappropriate for a council general manager or a member of 

council staff to advise a particular councillor how to vote on a matter. 






(b) See 2. 






(b) See 2. 

(8) The Division regularly provides advice and information to all councils in New South Wales. It 

conducted a series of councillor training seminars following the ordinary council elections in 2008. I 

understand that these seminars were attended by both Council's General Manager and its councillors. 

The recently revised Meetings Practice Note is designed to assist councils run their meetings in a 


4279 


manner that will foster an effective partnership between the governing body of council and council 

administration. 

(9) Councils themselves are initially responsible for determining whether the actions of council officials 

constitute a breach of the standards of behaviour set out in their codes of conduct. It is also for 

councils to determine what should occur in cases of breaches of those standards. Part 5 of Chapter 13 

of the Act confers on the Deputy Director General of the Division powers to deal with complaints 

about the conduct of members of staff of a council by means of investigation or otherwise as the 

Deputy Director General considers appropriate. 

*3654 ENERGY—TRANSGRID FAR NORTH COAST ACTUAL DEMAND—Dr Kaye asked the Minister 



(1) What was the Winter Maximum Demand(in MW) for Transgrid region New South Wales Far North 

Coast (Nambucca to Lismore) incorporating the following supply points; Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo, 

Koolkhan, Lismore, Macksville, Nambucca, Raleigh, Tenterfield and West Sawtell (also known as 

Boambee South) for: 

(a) 2007? 

(b) 2008? 

(c) 2009? 

(2) What was the Summer Maximum Demand (in MW) for Transgrid New South Wales Far North Coast 

(Nambucca to Lismore) incorporating the following supply points; Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo, 

Koolkhan, Lismore, Macksville, Nambucca, Raleigh, Tenterfield and West Sawtell (also known as 

Boambee South) for: 

(a) 2007? 

(b) 2008? 

Answer— 

(1) 

(2) 

(a) 363.7MW. 

(b) 361.0MW. 

(c) 334.9MW. 

(a) 287.8MW. 

(b) 325.5MW. 

*3655 ENERGY—TERRANORA INTERCONNECTOR—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Primary Industries, 


(1) 

(a) In assessing the need for the proposed $227 million 330kV power line from Bonshaw to 

Lismore, did TransGrid take in to account a potential upgrade of the Terranora interconnector 

from the Gold Coast to Mullumbimby? 


Answer— 

(1) 

(a) Yes. 


*3656 TREASURER—TERRANORA INTERCONNECTOR—Dr Kaye asked the Treasurer— 

(1) 


4280 



Lismore, did TransGrid take in to account a potential upgrade of the Terranora interconnector 

from the Gold Coast to Mullumbimby? 


Answer— 

I'm advised 

TransGrid did consider an upgrade of this interconnector. The estimated cost of an upgraded link, along 

with the other necessary line works would be substantially more than the Bonshaw to Lismore 330 kV 

line solution. 

*3657 ENERGY—CASINO GAS-FIRED POWER STATION—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Primary 


(1) 


Lismore, did TransGrid take in to account the energy that will be produced from the proposed 

gas-fired power station at Casino? 


Answer— 

(1) 

(a) Yes. 


*3658 TREASURER—CASINO GAS-FIRED POWER STATION—Dr Kaye asked the Treasurer— 

(1) 


Lismore, did TransGrid take in to account the energy that will be produced from the proposed 

gas-fired power station at Casino? 


Answer— 

I'm advised 

The possible gas fired power station is not committed and has been assessed as inadequate to address the 

reliability needs of Northern NSW. 

*3659 ENERGY—TRANSGRID BONSHAW TO LISMORE POWER LINE—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for 



(1) Does TransGrid plan to construct a $227 million 330kV power line from Bonshaw to Lismore? 

(2) 

(a) In assessing the need for the Bonshaw to Lismore power line, has TransGrid engaged 

consultants to independently assess electricity demand management, energy efficiency and local 

power generation options for the New South Wales far north coast? 


(c) If so, what is the name and date of any relevant report? 

Answer— 

(1) Yes. 

(2) 


(b) This assessment was done internally. 


4281 



*3660 TREASURER—TRANSGRID BONSHAW TO LISMORE POWER LINE—Dr Kaye asked the 

Treasurer— 

(1) Does TransGrid plan to construct a $227 million 330kV power line from Bonshaw to Lismore? 

(2) 

(a) In assessing the need for the Bonshaw to Lismore power line, has TransGrid engaged 

consultants to independently assess electricity demand management, energy efficiency and local 

power generation options for the New South Wales far north coast? 


(c) If so, what is the name and date of any relevant report? 

Answer— 

I'm advised 

TransGrid is proceeding to construct a 330kV power line from Bonshaw to Lismore. In accordance with 

the National Electricity Rules TransGrid has undertaken a public consultation process and published a 

detailed report into meeting the electricity needs of northern NSW. 

The consultation process is designed to seek submissions on alternative proposals such as local 

generation. The final report concludes that the most efficient way to meet the reliability requirements of 

northern NSW is to construct a 330kV transmission line between substations near Bonshaw and Lismore. 

TransGrid assessed that given the obligation to address the supply limitations in this area and provide 

certainty to customers, a demand side solution was unlikely to provide the quantum of reduction in 

regional power consumption sufficient to maintain reliability. 

These findings are detailed in TransGrid Final Report published in March 2009. 



3661 PREMIER—COMMUNITY CABINET MEETING IN PARKES—Mr Gay to ask the Attorney General, 

Minister for Industrial Relations, and Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Premier, 

Minister for the Arts, and Minister for the Central Coast— 

3662 TREASURER—MRET FUTURE PAYMENTS—Dr Kaye to ask the Treasurer— 

3663 ENERGY—MANDATORY RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGET SCHEME—Dr Kaye to ask the 

Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Minister for Energy, Minister for Corrective Services, 

Minister for Public Sector Reform, Special Minister of State— 

3664 TREASURER—MANDATORY RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGET SCHEME—Dr Kaye to ask the 

Treasurer— 

3665 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—MONITORING AIR QUALITY AT BLACKHEATH PUBLIC 

SCHOOL—Dr Kaye to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, and Vice President of 

the Executive Council representing the Minister for Education and Training— 

3666 HEALTH—MONITORING AIR QUALITY AT BLACKHEATH PUBLIC SCHOOL—Dr Kaye to ask 

the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, and Vice President of the Executive Council 

representing the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health— 



4282 


3667 POLICE—SECURITY INDUSTRY LICENSING—Dr Kaye to ask the Minister for Climate Change and 

the Environment, Minister for Energy, Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Public Sector 

Reform, Special Minister of State representing the Minister for Police— 

3668 PLANNING—DRAFT WOLLONGONG LOCAL ENVIRONMENT PLAN—Ms Hale to ask the 

Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Planning, and Minister for Redfern Waterloo— 

3669 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—NATIONAL PARKS AND CONSERVATION 

AGREEMENTS—Mr Cohen to ask the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Minister for 

Energy, Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Public Sector Reform, Special Minister of State— 

3670 POLICE—DENNIS FERGUSON—Revd Mr Nile to ask the Minister for Climate Change and the 

Environment, Minister for Energy, Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Public Sector Reform, 

Special Minister of State representing the Minister for Police— 

3671 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT, WATER—MERYL DILLON OF WILGA MOREE—Mr Mason-Cox to 

ask the Treasurer representing the Minister for Water, and Minister for Regional Development— 

3672 COMMUNITY SERVICES, WOMEN—MERYL DILLON OF WILGA MOREE—Mr Mason-Cox to 

ask the Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State Development 

representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Women— 

3673 GAMING AND RACING, SPORT AND RECREATION—MERYL DILLON OF WILGA 

MOREE—Mr Mason-Cox to ask the Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Mineral Resources, 

Minister for State Development representing the Minister for Gaming and Racing, and Minister for Sport 

and Recreation— 

3674 LANDS—MERYL DILLON OF WILGA MOREE—Mr Mason-Cox to ask the Minister for Lands— 

3675 PLANNING, REDFERN WATERLOO—MERYL DILLON OF WILGA MOREE—Mr Mason-Cox to 

ask the Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Planning, and Minister for Redfern Waterloo— 

3676 ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS, AGEING, DISABILITY SERVICES—MERYL DILLON OF WILGA 

MOREE—Mr Mason-Cox to ask the Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Ageing, Minister 

for Disability Services, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— 

3677 MINERAL RESOURCES, PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, STATE DEVELOPMENT—MERYL DILLON 

OF WILGA MOREE—Mr Mason-Cox to ask the Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Mineral 

Resources, Minister for State Development— 

3678 LOCAL GOVERNMENT—MERYL DILLON OF WILGA MOREE—Mr Mason-Cox to ask the 

Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Local Government, and Minister Assisting the Minister 

for Health (Mental Health and Cancer)— 

3679 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT, CORRECTIVE SERVICES, ENERGY, PUBLIC 

SECTOR REFORM, SPECIAL MINISTER OF STATE—MERYL DILLON OF WILGA MOREE—Mr 

Mason-Cox to ask the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Minister for Energy, Minister 

for Corrective Services, Minister for Public Sector Reform, Special Minister of State— 

3680 EMERGENCY SERVICES, RURAL AFFAIRS, SMALL BUSINESS—MERYL DILLON OF WILGA 

MOREE—Mr Mason-Cox to ask the Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Emergency 

Services, Minister for Small Business, and Minister for Rural Affairs—



4283 

3681 CITIZENSHIP, FAIR TRADING—MERYL DILLON OF WILGA MOREE—Mr Mason-Cox to ask the 




3682 ASSISTING THE PREMIER ON THE ARTS—MERYL DILLON OF WILGA MOREE—Mr Mason- 

Cox to ask the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Minister for Energy, Minister for 



3683 HEALTH—REDUNDANCIES OF DOCTORS AND NURSES—Ms Ficarra to ask the Attorney 

General, Minister for Industrial Relations, and Vice President of the Executive Council representing the 

Deputy Premier, and Minister for Health— 

3684 HEALTH—RADIOTHERAPY SERVICES - CENTRAL COAST—Ms Ficarra to ask the Attorney 



3685 HEALTH—ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE—Ms Ficarra to ask the Attorney General, Minister 

for Industrial Relations, and Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, 

and Minister for Health— 

3686 HEALTH—ABOLITION OF FRONTLINE NURSING POSITIONS—Ms Ficarra to ask the Attorney 



3687 HEALTH—WESTMEAD HOSPITAL CLINICAL MANAGEMENT REPORT—Ms Ficarra to ask the 

Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, and Vice President of the Executive Council 


3688 HEALTH—ABOLITION OF POSITIONS IN HOSPITALS—Ms Ficarra to ask the Attorney General, 

Minister for Industrial Relations, and Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy 

Premier, and Minister for Health— 

3689 FINANCE—ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF WORKCOVER—Ms Ficarra to ask the 



3690 FINANCE—WORKCOVER FUNCTION ON 11 SEPTEMBER 2009—Ms Ficarra to ask the Treasurer 



3691 PORTS AND WATERWAYS—MARINE RESCUE NSW—Mrs Pavey to ask the Treasurer representing 

the Minister for Finance, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Regulatory Reform, and Minister for 

Ports and Waterways— 

3692 EMERGENCY SERVICES—BUSHFIRE RISK MANAGEMENT PLANS—Mrs Pavey to ask the 

Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Small Business, and 

Minister for Rural Affairs— 

3693 TREASURER—STATE PLAN CONSULTATIONS—Mrs Pavey to ask the Treasurer—

4284 


3694 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—AIR EMISSIONS AND QUALITY—Mr Cohen 

to ask the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Minister for Energy, Minister for 

Corrective Services, Minister for Public Sector Reform, Special Minister of State— 

3695 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—CULTURAL HERITAGE AND JOINT 

MANAGEMENT—Mr Cohen to ask the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Minister for 


3696 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCE 

RECOVERY—Mr Cohen to ask the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Minister for 


3697 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—WATER AND COASTAL MANAGEMENT—Mr 

Cohen to ask the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Minister for Energy, Minister for 


3698 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—GROWTH CENTRES—Mr Cohen to ask the 



3699 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—NSW CLIMATE CHANGE FUND—Mr Cohen to 

ask the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Minister for Energy, Minister for Corrective 


3700 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—TOURISM AND NATIONAL PARKS—Mr 

Cohen to ask the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Minister for Energy, Minister for 


3701 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—NSW CLIMATE CHANGE FUND—Mr Cohen to 



3702 MINERAL RESOURCES—GOVERNMENT FUNDED EXPLORATION DRILLING 

PROGRAM—Ms Rhiannon to ask the Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Mineral Resources, 

Minister for State Development— 



3703 PREMIER—SECONDMENT OF SKILLED STAFF—Mr Ajaka to ask the Attorney General, Minister 

for Industrial Relations, and Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Premier, Minister 

for the Arts, and Minister for the Central Coast— 

3704 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—DOING BUSINESS IN THE 21ST CENTURY FUNDING—Dr 

Kaye to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, and Vice President of the Executive 

Council representing the Minister for Education and Training— 

3705 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—DOING BUSINESS IN THE 21ST CENTURY INSTITUTE 

POSITIONS—Dr Kaye to ask the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, and Vice President 

of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Education and Training— 


4285 


3706 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—TAFE EQUITY PROGRAMS—Dr Kaye to ask the Attorney General, 

Minister for Industrial Relations, and Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Minister 

for Education and Training— 

3707 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—TAFE PLUS STUDENT NUMBERS—Dr Kaye to ask the Attorney 


Minister for Education and Training— 

3708 TREASURER—INTEGRAL ENERGY SUBSTATION POLICY—Dr Kaye to ask the Treasurer— 

3709 ENERGY—GRANVILLE ELECTRICITY SUBSTATION—Dr Kaye to ask the Minister for Climate 

Change and the Environment, Minister for Energy, Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Public 

Sector Reform, Special Minister of State— 

3710 LANDS—TRAVELING STOCK ROUTES IN HUNTER—Ms Hale to ask the Minister for Lands— 

3711 POLICE—UNSOLVED HOMICIDE TEAM—Mr Gallacher to ask the Minister for Climate Change and 

the Environment, Minister for Energy, Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Public Sector 

Reform, Special Minister of State representing the Minister for Police— 

3712 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—FLYING FOXES—Ms Cusack to ask the Minister 

for Climate Change and the Environment, Minister for Energy, Minister for Corrective Services, Minister 

for Public Sector Reform, Special Minister of State— 

3713 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—2009/2010 FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT 

PROGRAM—Ms Cusack to ask the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Minister for 




3714 TRANSPORT—REGIONAL ROAD GRANTS CHANGES—Ms Ficarra to ask the Treasurer 


3715 TRANSPORT—ROAD CLASSIFICATION REVIEW—Ms Ficarra to ask the Treasurer representing the 


3716 WATER—LAKE CARGELLIGO—Mr Cohen to ask the Treasurer representing the Minister for Water, 

and Minister for Regional Development— 

3717 CORRECTIVE SERVICES—SEX OFFENDER PROGRAMS—Ms Hale to ask the Minister for Climate 

Change and the Environment, Minister for Energy, Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Public 

Sector Reform, Special Minister of State— 

3718 HEALTH—REUSE OF SURGICAL TUBING—Mr Colless to ask the Attorney General, Minister for 

Industrial Relations, and Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy Premier, and 

Minister for Health— 

3719 PLANNING—SALTWATER DEVELOPMENT - SOUTH WEST ROCKS—Ms Hale to ask the Minister 

for Lands representing the Minister for Planning, and Minister for Redfern Waterloo— 


4286 


3720 FAIR TRADING—OWNER BUILDER COURSE PROVIDERS—Ms Hale to ask the Minister for 

Climate Change and the Environment, Minister for Energy, Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for 

Public Sector Reform, Special Minister of State representing the Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for 

Citizenship, and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Arts— 

20 OCTOBER 2009 

(Paper No. 119) 

3721 TREASURER—LANDCOM LANDBANK—Mr Pearce to ask the Treasurer— 

(1) As a shareholding minister of Landcom, how many zoned, serviced and masterplanned lots are 

currently held in the Landcom landbank? 

(2) How many unzoned lots or lot equivalent parcels of land are currently held in the Landcom landbank 

for future development? 

3722 TREASURER—LANDCOM DEVELOPMENTS—Mr Pearce to ask the Treasurer— 

(1) What is the number of Landcom owned, Lancom partnered or Landcom managed lots which have 

development applications lodged currently awaiting approval? 

(2) What is the number of Landcom owned, Lancom partnered or Landcom managed lots which have 

development applications approved where construction has not yet commenced? 

(3) What is the number of Landcom owned, Lancom partnered or Landcom managed lots or dwellings 

currently under construction? 

3723 TREASURER—LOTS HELD BY LANDCOM—Mr Pearce to ask the Treasurer— 

(1) How many unzoned lots or lot equivalent parcels of land held in the Landcom landbank are: 

(a) wholly owned by Landcom? 

(b) Landcom partnered? 

(c) Landcom managed? 

(2) How many zoned, serviced and masterplanned lots held in the Landcom landbank are: 

(a) wholly owned by Landcom? 

(b) Landcom partnered? 

(c) Landcom managed? 

3724 TREASURER—LOTS HELD BY LANDCOM BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA—Mr Pearce to 

ask the Treasurer— 

(1) How many, by Local Government Area (LGA), zoned, serviced and masterplanned lots are currently 

held in the Landcom landbank? 

(2) How many, by LGA, unzoned lots or lot equivalent parcels of land are currently held in the Landcom 

landbank? 

3725 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—NORSKE SKOG TREATED WASTE 

WATER—Mr Cohen to ask the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Minister for Energy, 

Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Public Sector Reform, Special Minister of State— 

(1) Has the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) approved the Norske Skog paper Mill at Albury 

to discharge 1500 tonnes of salt per year into the Murray River near Spirit of Progress Bridge? 

(2) What will the electrical conductivity (EC) level be within 

(a) 100 metres of the Norske Skog saline discharge point? 

(b) five kms of the Norske Skog saline discharge point? 

(3) Which government departments were involved in the three years work and planning to vary the 

Norske Skog Paper Mill's licence conditions? 


4287 


(4) What input did Forests New South Wales or the Department of Primary Industries have in varying 

licence conditions? 

(5) What is the current salinity level of this section of the Murray River? 

(6) By what percentage will the Paper Mill waste water discharge raise EC levels in the relevant section 

of the Murray River? 

(7) Is Billabong Creek near Walla, for EC level estimation and monitoring purposes, considered as 

falling within the same section as the Paper Mill discharge point? 

(8) Will further and better particulars about the salt abatement scheme at Billabong Creek be provided? 

(9) How will the salt abatement scheme remove salt? 

(10) What is the exact financial contribution of Norske Skog to the Billabong Creek Salt Interception 

Scheme (BCSIS)? 

(11) Is there potential for the shallow saline aquifer to inundate the deeper aquifer at Billabong Creek 

resulting from the operation of the BCSIS? 

(12) If a second bore was operational at Billabong Creek, what would be the status of the Lachlan deep 

aquifer be after 100 years if the BCSIS operated every year? 

(13) Has Norske Skog committed to any ongoing payments for any capital renewals? 

3726 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT 

PROGRAM—Mr Cohen to ask the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Minister for 


(1) Has the New South Wales Government committed $40 million dollars over 5 years to the 

Department of Environment Climate Change and Water administered Renewable Energy 

Development Program compared to the $100 million over 4 years to the Clean Coal Fund? 

(2) What is the reason for the funding disparity between the Renewable Energy Development Program 

and the New South Wales Clean Coal Fund? 

(3) Is this an effective energy investment mix considering the existing market power and capitalisation 

of the coal industry and the market entry barriers for large-scale renewable energy generation 

projects? 

(4) Is there any need to recalibrate funding priorities to achieve a more balanced energy investment 

support portfolio? 

3727 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—PRIVATE NATIVE FORESTRY ADJUSTMENT 

PACKAGE—Mr Cohen to ask the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Minister for 


(1) How much money is left in the Private Native Forestry structural adjustment package? 

(2) How many businesses and individuals have accessed the fund? 

(3) How much money has been paid out from it? 

3728 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE 

COMPLIANCE—Mr Cohen to ask the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Minister for 


(1) Are all activities scheduled for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Sydney South 

Region planning day to be held on the 26th and 27th of October 2009 compliant with the Botany Bay 

National Park Plan of Management? 

(2) On page 32 of the Botany Bay National Park Plan of Management it states; "the NSW Scout 

Association has a lease over an area of park near Cape Banks. The Scouts have been given 

permission to camp on this area. Camping elsewhere is not permitted." Will the camping of 90 

people in the Botany Bay National Park for the NPWS Sydney South Region planning day be in 

contravention of the Clause 10 of the National Parks and Wildlife Service Regulation? 

(3) Will the Kayak regatta, which is part of the NPWS Sydney South Region planning day affect the 

breeding time for the endangered Little Tern at Towra Point in the Nature Reserve? 


4288 


(4) Is it likely that the NPWS Sydney South Region planning day may have adverse community 

perception about camping in Botany Bay National Park? 

3729 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—NORSKE SKOG AND FORESTS NEW SOUTH 

WALES—Mr Cohen to ask the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Minister for Energy, 

Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Public Sector Reform, Special Minister of State— 

(1) What is the volume of forest and plantation material sold to the Norske Skog plant in Albury? 

(2) What is the approximate total value of Forests NSW contracts with Norske Skog? 

3730 COMMUNITY SERVICES—MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING—Mr Cohen to ask the 

Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State Development 

representing the Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Women— 

Please provide a list of all Memorandums of Understanding to which the Department of Community 

Services, the Minister for Community Services or the Director General of the Department of Community 

Services are party to? 

3731 AGEING, DISABILITY SERVICES—MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING—Mr Cohen to ask 

the Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and 

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— 

Please provide a list of all Memorandums of Understanding to which the Department of Ageing, 

Disabilities and Home Care, the Minister for Disability Services, Ageing and Home Care or the Director 

General of the Department of Ageing, Disabilities and Home Care are party to? 

3732 EDUCATION AND TRAINING—MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING—Mr Cohen to ask the 

Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, and Vice President of the Executive Council 

representing the Minister for Education and Training— 

Please provide a list of all Memorandums of Understanding to which the Department of Education, the 

Minister for Education or the Director General of the Department of Education are party to? 

3733 HEALTH—MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING—Mr Cohen to ask the Attorney General, 

Minister for Industrial Relations, and Vice President of the Executive Council representing the Deputy 

Premier, and Minister for Health— 

Please provide a list of all Memorandums of Understanding to which the Department of Health, the 

Minister for Health or the Director General of the Department of Health are party to? 

3734 TRANSPORT—MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING—Mr Cohen to ask the Treasurer 


Please provide a list of all Memorandums of Understanding to which the Department of Transport and 

Infrastructure, the Minister for Transport or the Director General of the Department of Transport and 

Infrastructure are party to? 

3735 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—PROPOSED TRANSGRID BONSHAW TO 

LISMORE TRANSMISSION LINES—Mr Cohen to ask the Minister for Climate Change and the 

Environment, Minister for Energy, Minister for Corrective Services, Minister for Public Sector Reform, 

Special Minister of State— 

(1) With regard to the proposal by Transgrid to construct a new 330kV transmission line between 

Bonshaw and Tenterfield and the upgrade of the existing 132kV line between Tenterfield and 

Lismore given that Transgrid has for the past two years been forced to reduce its demand forecasts 

for New South Wales and the Far North Coast, why has an independent assessment of the projected 

population and demand data not been undertaken? 

(2) Why is Transgrid asserting urgency for this project when recent and forecast population growth for 

the area is only one per cent per year? 


4289 


(3) With the imminent introduction of a federal Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS), is 

Transgrid, whose network carries energy that is 90 per cent coal-fired, the best choice to provide 

power? 

(4) What alternative energy solutions have been canvassed for the area? 

(5) Has the capacity of the new biomass cogeneration plants at the Broadwater and Condong sugar mills 

to provide any projected increase in power requirements for northern New South Wales been 

investigated? 

(6) Given that residents on the north coast of New South Wales have the highest national uptake of solar 

power and solar hot water, is it possible that energy requirements could in fact decrease over time as 

more residents respond to Government and local council rebates and the uptake increases? 

3736 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—BLACK CAT REPORT—Mr Gay to ask the Minister for Primary Industries, 

Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State Development— 

In regards to exotic fields in New South Wales: 

(1) Why was the 2008 report 'A Black Cat: a report on information available on the reported large black 

cat in the Blue Mountains' not publicly released? 

(2) 

(a) Did the Department of Primary Industries only release the report following a freedom of 

information request? 

(b) If so, why? 

3737 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—RECREATIONAL FISHERS BY POSTCODE—Mr Cohen to ask the 

Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State Development— 

For all New South Wales postcodes please provide the number of citizens in each New South Wales 

postcode that have current one year or three year recreational fishing licences? 

3738 FAIR TRADING—YOUNG CHILDREN FALLING FROM WINDOWS—Revd Mr Nile to ask the 




(1) Did a report by the Injury Prevention Group for the Commission for Children and Young People state 

that since 2005 there has been a 30% increase in the number of young children being admitted to 

hospital as a result of falling out of windows? 

(2) Is the community concerned that existing provisions in law provide inadequate protection for young 

children concerning windows? 

(3) Has the Tenants Union of New South Wales called for legislative reform with regard to building and 

tenancy laws? 

(4) Will action be taken to remedy the situation and introduce mandatory safety standards in relation to 

children and all commercial and residential windows? 

3739 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—RAINWATER TANK REBATE—Ms Cusack to 



(1) How many people applied for the New South Wales rainwater tank rebate between 1 July 2007 to 

present, broken down by month? 

(2) How many people received the New South Wales rainwater tank rebate between 1 July 2007 to 


3740 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—CEILING INSULATION REBATE—Ms Cusack 

to ask the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Minister for Energy, Minister for 



4290 


(1) How many people applied for a New South Wales ceiling insulation rebate between 1 October 2007 

and 30 June 2009, broken down by month? 

(2) How many people received the New South Wales ceiling insulation rebate between 1 October 2007 

and 30 September 2009, broken down by month? 

3741 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—WASHING MACHINE REBATE—Ms Cusack to 



(1) How many people applied for the New South Wales washing machine rebate between 1 August 2008 

to present, broken down by month? 

(2) How many people received the New South Wales washing machine rebate between 1 August 2008 to 


3742 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—HOT WATER SYSTEM REBATE—Ms Cusack to 



(1) How many people applied for the New South Wales hot water system rebate between 1 October 2007 

to present, broken down by month? 

(2) How many people received the New South Wales hot water system rebate between 1 October 2007 to 


3743 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—FYING FOXES—Ms Cusack to ask the Minister 



(1) 

(a) Can the Department for Environment, Climate Change and Water confirm that permits are 

issued to kill flying foxes solely because they are a threat to property? 

(b) If so, how can a milk dependant young flying fox 30km's away from the orchard be considered 

a threat to property? 

(2) Do wildlife rehab groups, licensed by the Department, have a high rate in rehabilitating orphaned 

flying foxes? 

(3) Why does the Department view the killing of young who are found on their mothers' body or in the 

camp as being in the best interests of the welfare of the animal? 

3744 DISABILITY SERVICES—HOME MODIFICATION AND MAINTENANCE SCHEME—Mr Cohen to 

ask the Minister for Lands representing the Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and 

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs— 

(1) For each of the following financial years what is the budget allocation for the Home Modification 

and Maintenance Scheme (HMMS): 

(a) 2004 

(b) 2005 

(c) 2006 

(d) 2007 

(e) 2008 

(f) 2009? 

(2) Of the overall funding provided to the HMMS what percentage of funding is attributable to the 

Commonwealth and what percentage is attributable to the New South Wales Government for each 

of the following years: 

(a) 2004? 

(b) 2005? 

(c) 2006? 


4291 


(d) 2007? 

(e) 2008? 

(f) 2009? 

(3) For each of the following financial years, what percentage of the budget was attributed to: 

(a) Service Level One services which cap maintenance services at $3,000 and modification services 

at $5,000? 

(i) 2004? 

(ii) 2005? 

(iii) 2006? 

(iv) 2007? 

(v) 2008? 

(vi) 2009? 

(b) Service Level Two services which cap modification services at $20,000? 

(i) 2004? 

(ii) 2005? 

(iii) 2006? 

(iv) 2007? 

(v) 2008? 

(vi) 2009? 

(c) Service Level Three services which include modification services priced at $20,000 and above? 

(i) 2004? 

(ii) 2005? 

(iii) 2006? 

(iv) 2007? 

(v) 2008? 

(vi) 2009? 

(4) For 2008-09: 

(a) How many Service Level One applications were submitted? 

(b) What percentage of applicants were eligible for funding? 

(c) How many applications have been allocated funding? 

(5) For 2008-09: 

(a) How many Service Level Two applications were submitted? 



(6) For 2008-09: 

(a) How many Service Level Three applications were submitted? 



(7) How many applicants for the HMMS were waiting in hospital when their requests were submitted? 

(8) On average, how long are current waiting lists for eligibility assessments by Occupational 

Therapists? 

(9) What, if any, is the relationship between the length of waiting lists and accidents occurring due to 

unsafe homes that are waiting to be maintained or modified? 

(10) What criteria determine an applicant's eligibility for HMMS funding? 

(11) What is the formula that determines a client's payment contribution to home modification and 

maintenance projects? 

(12) On average, of the total cost of the service provided, what is the percentage of client contribution? 

(13) Who sets the guidelines that HMMS follow? 

(14) Are there any monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure uniformity during selection processes of 

applicants eligible for funding across all 106 New South Wales HMMS? 


4292 


3745 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—SYDNEY CARBON MARKET 

TASKFORCE—Ms Cusack to ask the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Minister for 


(1) How much money has been allocated to the Sydney Carbon Market Taskforce for: 

(a) 2008⁄09? 

(b) 2009⁄10? 

(2) How many times, and on which dates, has the Sydney Carbon Market Taskforce met since its 

formulation? 

(3) How many times has the minister, or the minister's predecessors, been to a meeting of the Sydney 

Carbon Market Taskforce? 

(4) 

(a) Have there been any additions or withdrawals from the original members of the Sydney Carbon 

Market Taskforce? 

(b) If so, who are the additions or withdrawals? 

(5) What formal advice has the Taskforce given the NSW Government? 

3746 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—SKY CRANES—Ms Cusack to ask the Minister 



(1) How much money was spent on contracts for sky cranes in last summer's fire season? 

(2) What was the standing charge for the use of the sky cranes? 

(3) How many flight-hours were undertaken by contracted sky cranes in the previous summer's fire 

season? 

(4) What was the flight cost per hour for use of the sky cranes? 

3747 HEALTH—PROGRAM OF APPLIANCES FOR DISABLED PEOPLE - FUNDING—Mr Cohen to ask 

the Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, and Vice President of the Executive Council 


(1) Did the one-off State and Federal $11 million dollar injection into the Program of Appliances for 

Disabled People (PADP) last year, reduce the number of children waiting more than 200 days for 

equipment down from 964 children in June 2008 to 179 children in May 2009? 

(2) As a funding increase of only approximately $4.5 million has been provided to this financial year's 

PADP budget, as opposed to $11 million dollars, is it possible that the number of children waiting for 

PADP equipment may return to unacceptable levels? 

(3) As at the last quarterly reporting period how many PADP applicants had been on PADP Lodgement 

Centre Waiting Lists for twelve months or longer in: 

(a) The Northern Sydney⁄Central Coast Area Health Service? 

(b) The South Eastern Sydney⁄Illawarra Area Health Service? 

(c) The Sydney South West Area Health Service? 

(d) The Sydney West Area Health Service? 

(e) The Greater Southern Area Health Service? 

(f) The Greater Western Area Health Service? 

(g) The Hunter⁄New England Area Health Service? 

(h) The North Coast Area Health Service? 

(4) Of those PADP applicants on the waiting list longer than twelve months, how many had a clinical 

indicator score of: 

(a) One? 

(b) Two? 

(c) Three? 

(d) High? 


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(5) What is the current value of the PADP Waiting List? 

3748 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—ROTARY WING HELICOPTER TENDER—Ms 

Cusack to ask the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Minister for Energy, Minister for 


(1) What maintenance organisation is being used for the recipients of the Rotary Wing Tender? 

(2) What audited company was nominated within the tender specifications by the successful 

organisation? 

(3) 

(4) 

(a) What maintenance organisation was nominated by the successful tender during the tender 

evaluation process? 

(b) What maintenance organisation was audited during the evaluation process to supply that 

maintenance service during the contract period? 

(a) Has the contracted aircraft been maintained by the maintenance organisation referred to in 

question 3? 

(b) Is the contract aircraft currently being maintained by that same organisation? 

(c) Will it continue to be maintained by that organisation for the remainder of the tender? 

3749 ATTORNEY GENERAL—COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRE FUNDING—Mr Cohen to ask the 

Attorney General, Minister for Industrial Relations, and Vice President of the Executive Council— 

(1) Which two New South Wales Community Legal Centres received more than 2,500 referrals from 

LawAccess NSW and Legal Aid NSW? 

(2) How much funding does the New South Wales Government provide per annum to these two 

Community Legal Centres? 

(3) How many solicitors with restricted and unrestricted practicing certificates work at these two 

Community Legal Centres? 

(4) How many clients do these Legal Centres represent and advise on a yearly basis? 

3750 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT—BOTANICAL GARDENS—Ms Cusack to ask the 



(1) 

(2) 

(a) How much money was raised through entry fees to Mount Annan Botanical Gardens for the 

years: 

(i) 2006⁄07? 

(ii) 2007⁄08? 

(iii) 2008⁄09? 

(b) What is the projection for money raised through entry fees to the Gardens in 2009⁄10? 

(a) How much money was raised through entry fees to Mount Tomah Botanical Gardens for the 

years: 

(i) 2006⁄07? 

(ii) 2007⁄08? 

(iii) 2008⁄09? 

(b) What is the projection for money raised through entry fees to the Gardens in 2009⁄10? 

3751 TREASURER—SALES OF LANDCOM LOTS OR DWELLINGS—Mr Pearce to ask the Treasurer— 

(1) What is the breakdown of Landcom owned, Landcom partnered or Landcom managed; 

(a) lots or dwellings currently available for sale? 



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(b) lots or dwellings currently reserved? 

(c) lots or dwellings where contracts have been exchanged awaiting settlement? 

Lynn Lovelock 

Clerk of the Parliaments 

_________________________________________ 

Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales

Questions & Answers Paper No. 119 - Parliament of New South ...

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