QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS - Parliament of NSW...2013/06/26 · QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS No. 154 WEDNESDAY 26 JUNE 2013 (The Questions and Answers Paper published for the first sitting day

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

QUESTIONS AND

ANSWERS

No. 154

WEDNESDAY 26 JUNE 2013

(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

4329PROOF

Publication of Questions Answer to be lodged by

Q & A No. 145 (Including Question Nos 4590 to 4611) 26 June 2013

Q & A No. 146 (Including Question Nos 4612 to 4643) 27 June 2013

Q & A No. 147 (Including Question Nos 4644 to 4652) 02 July 2013








4330Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 154— Wednesday 26 June 2013

22 MAY 2013(Paper No. 145)

*4590 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—LOCAL LAND SERVICES—Mr Buckingham asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Small Business—

(1) What economic modelling has been conducted in relation to the formation of the Local Land Services (LLS) and the amalgamation of other services into this new organisation?

(2) Will there be a net decrease in funding to the LLS?(3) Will LLS boundaries be based on similar production systems?(4) Will the board's composition include equal numbers of elected members as appointed members?(5) What interim governance structures will be in place?

Answer— Detailed information concerning considerations and the development of the Local Land Services initiative are outlined at the following websites: http:⁄⁄www.dpi.nsw.gov.au⁄locallandservices http:⁄⁄engage.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au⁄locallandservices http:⁄⁄www.ipart.nsw.gov.au⁄Home⁄Industries⁄Other⁄Reviews⁄Land_Services⁄Review_of_a_rating_framework_for_Local_Land_Services_NSW⁄HYS⁄Have_Your_Say_-_Funding_framework_for_Local_Land_Services_NSW Parliamentary consideration of the related Local Land Services Bill 2013 has occurred and details are outlined at the following website: http:⁄⁄www.parliament.nsw.gov.au⁄prod⁄parlment⁄nswbills.nsf⁄131a07fa4b8a041cca256e610012de17⁄818d82acd7727647ca257b79001efcbe?OpenDocument

*4592 PRIMARY INDUSTRIES—OFFICE OF FOOD SECURITY AND AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY—Mr Buckingham asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Small Business—

(1)(a) In light of the Government's announcement to establish an Office of Food Security and

Agricultural Sustainability within six months of gaining office in March 2011, and as more than two years have elapsed since this announcement, has this office been established?

(b) If so, when?

(2) What are the terms of reference for this Office?(3) What has this Office done since inception?(4) What budget has been allocated to the Office?(5) Where is the Office located?(6)

(a) How many staff does the Office employ?(b) What are the roles of these staff?(c) Where will these staff be located?

(7) Does the Office have a website?(8) What are the contact details for this Office?(9) Which stakeholders has this Office been in contact with?(10) Are reports available that detail this Office's operations?(11) Who is this Office responsible to?(12) What objectives have been set by this Office since inception?

Answer— (1) and (2) The Office was established on 6 Sept 2011.

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Legislative Council Questions and Answers No. 154— Wednesday 26 June 2013

(3) The Office's purpose is to deliver independent, innovative and strategic advice to inform policy on critical and emerging issues that drive agricultural sustainability and food security in NSW. (4) The major activities have been: • Defined and mapped strategic agricultural land. • Contributed to the final Strategic Regional Land Use Plans for the New England Northwest and Upper Hunter and the action plans they contain, • Commenced the development of an agricultural industry action plan. • Completed Guidelines for Agricultural Impact Statements for both State significant development including mining and petroleum applications (coal and coal seam gas) and for exploration. • Reviewed and provided advice to NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure on Agricultural Impact Statements submitted for State significant development and for the Division of Resources and Energy on Agricultural Impact Statements for exploration activity. • Commenced the development of a NSW Food Plan. • Provided executive support for the Primary Industries Ministerial Advisory Council. (5) The Budget as allocated in July 2012 for the 2012⁄13 year was $1.56m.(6) to (9) The Head Office is located in Orange and employs ten people in policy development and coordination. The majority of staff are located in Orange, with other staff located in Bathurst, Sydney and Port Stephens.(10) to (11) The Office does not have a website and it's contact details are: Locked Bag 21, Orange NSW 2800 (161 Kite Street, Orange NSW 2800) Tel: 02 6391 3223 | Fax: 02 6391 3551| www.dpi.nsw.gov.au| (12) In relation to work in the areas of agricultural sustainability and food security, the Office has been in contact with multiple stakeholders across governments, industry and landholders. (13) The Office reports publically through the Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services and its Annual Report. (14) The Office reports directly to the Director General, NSW Department of Primary Industries. (15) The Office has developed a Strategic Plan and an Operating Plan for 2012-2013 in the areas of Agricultural Sustainability and Food Security.

*4595 WOMEN—NSW COUNCIL FOR WOMEN'S ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, and Minister for Women—

(1)(a) How many times has the NSW Council for Women's Economic Opportunity met since 1

September 2012?(b) When did the Council hold its last meeting?(c)

(i) How many meetings did the Minister for Women attend?(ii) How many meetings did the Minister chair?

(d) What was the agenda for each meeting?(e) What were the outcomes of those meetings?(f) Has the Premier attended or chaired any of the Council's meetings?

Answer— (1) Three(2) 10 May 2013.(3)

(a) All (3).(b) All (3).


(4) and (5) The Council provides specialist advice to the NSW Government on strategies aimed at providing women with greater economic opportunities. It champions solutions to increase the participation of women in non-traditional roles.(6) No. The Council is chaired by the Minister for Women. The Premier is not a member of the Council.

*4597 HEALTH, MEDICAL RESEARCH—COAL DUST—Mr Foley asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Health, and Minister for Medical Research—

(1) Is the Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research aware of the results of the 'Coal Dust in our Suburbs' report published by the Coal Terminal Action Group showing harmful levels of fine particle pollution in residential areas close to coal train lines and coal stockpiles in Newcastle?

(2) Will the Minister commission a study of the health impacts associated with current particle pollution levels in these areas and pollution levels likely to be caused by the proposed fourth coal terminal in Newcastle?

(3) Will the Minister ensure meaningful community involvement and independent peer review of this health study?

Answer— (1) Yes. However, NSW Health representatives met with the Coal Terminal Action Group and conveyed

concerns regarding the methodology of the report and hence the conclusions drawn.(2) NSW Health will evaluate the assessment of relevant health risks submitted by any development

proponent as part of the usual development application process.(3) The community will be able to comment on any health risk assessment submitted by the proponent.

*4599 EDUCATION—FUNDING OF NON-GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education—

(1) For each non-government school in New South Wales operating above the School Resource Standard including considerations of loadings for the purposes of the National Education Reform Agreement, please provide the following: (a) The 2012 state recurrent funding?(b) The estimated 2013 state recurrent funding that will be indexed for the purposes of payments

under the National Education Reform Agreement?

Answer— The funding model has not yet provided final assessments of individual non-government schools against the Schools Resourcing Standard.

*4600 EDUCATION—CATHOLIC SYSTEMIC SCHOOLS AND THE NATIONAL EDUCATION REFORM AGREEMENT—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education—

(1) What is the total amount of New South Wales state recurrent funding that will be indexed under the National Education Reform Agreement that was given to Catholic Systemic Schools in 2013?

(2) What is the estimated size of this figure in 2013?(3) Under the National Education Reform Agreement, how many Catholic Systemic schools in New

South Wales are deemed to be operating: (a) Above the Schools Resource Standard including considerations of loadings?(b) Below the School Resource Standard including considerations of loadings?

Answer— (1) Total amount of state recurrent funding that is allocated to the Catholic Education Commission is

determinant on their enrolment data and is paid half-yearly. Each half-year payment is based upon an

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averaging of actual expenditure for one six month period and the estimated expenditure for the ensuing six month period. The 2013 allocation has not yet been determined.

(2) The 2013 allocation has not yet been determined.(3) The funding model has not yet provided final assessments of individual non-government schools

against the Schools Resourcing Standard.

*4601 EDUCATION—NATIONAL EDUCATION REFORM AGREEMENT—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education—

(1) What are the rates set out in Schedule A, in respect of New South Wales referred to in clause 64 a) (ii) of the National Education Reform Agreement at which Commonwealth and New South Wales State recurrent funding levels will have grown from 2011 to 2014?

(2) What are the rates set out in Schedule A, in respect of New South Wales referred to in clause 64 a) (iii) at which Commonwealth and New South Wales State recurrent funding levels will be grown from 2011 to 2014?

Answer— Schedule A of the National Education Reform Agreement is still being negotiated between NSW and the Commonwealth Governments.

*4602 EDUCATION—NON-GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS OPERATING ABOVE THE SCHOOLS RESOURCE STANDARD—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education—

Which non-government schools in New South Wales have been deemed to be operating above the School Resource Standard including considerations of loadings for the purposes of the National Education Reform Agreement, including their suburb and postcode in list form.

Answer— No non-government schools in NSW have been deemed to be operating above the School Resource Standard as individual schools have not been assessed.

*4603 TREASURER—ELECTRICITY TRANSACTION ADVISERS—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Treasurer, and Minister for Industrial Relations—

(1) Please provide a list of all advisers, consultants and other contractors involved in the Government's elasticity transaction (electricity generator privatisation)?

(2) For each of these entities, please provide the following: (a) A brief description of the work they are performing?(b) The amount they have been paid to date?(c) If available, the amount they are contracted to be paid?

Answer— (1) The Electricity Transaction's key advisors were disclosed within my Media Release of 11 September

2012.(2)

(a) They are performing a range of services including accounting and tax, legal, business valuation, transaction strategy, actuarial and project management.

(b) The requested information is commercially confidential.(c) The requested information is commercially confidential.

*4604 TREASURER—ELECTRICITY TRANSACTION DIVESTMENT COMMITTEE—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Treasurer, and Minister for Industrial Relations—

(1) What are the terms of reference of the Electricity Transaction Divestment Committee?


(2) Who are the members of the Electricity Transaction Divestment Committee, including their employers in list form?

(3) What is the amount paid to the Electricity Transaction Divestment Committee members to date in respect of the work they have performed on this committee?

(4) What is the amount expected to be paid to the Electricity Transaction Divestment Committee members to date in respect of the work they are expected to perform on this committee?

Answer— The Electricity Transaction Divestment Committee does not exist.

*4605 TREASURER—ELECTRICITY TRANSACTION TIMETABLE—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Treasurer, and Minister for Industrial Relations—

What is the timetable for the expected completion of the electricity transaction?

Answer— The expected timetable for completion is as stated in my media release of 15 November 2012. The sale process will take place sequentially during 2013 and 2014.

*4606 TREASURER—ELECTRICITY TRANSACTION DATA ROOM—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Treasurer, and Minister for Industrial Relations—

(1)(a) Please provide the categories of data made available to potential bidders for the electricity

assets?(b) How have these changed at different stages of the transaction?

(2) What are the dates on which the data rooms were opened and closed?(3) How many organisations were given access to them?(4) What are the details of the confidentiality agreements signed by bidders and potential bidders given

access to the data rooms?

Answer— As is usual for a transaction of this nature, the appropriate data has been and will be made available as appropriate.

*4607 TREASURER—ELECTRICITY TRANSACTION AND THE AUSTRALIAN COMPETITION AND CONSUMER COMMISSION—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Treasurer, and Minister for Industrial Relations—

(1) Have any aspects of the electricity transaction been referred to or examined by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)?

(2) Will the Treasurer ensure that the final structure of the New South Wales electricity generation industry is sufficiently competitive to pass any test undertaken by the ACCC?

Answer— (1) and (2) As you will be aware, the ACCC enforces provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act

2010 (Cth). This includes Section 50 which prohibits acquisitions that would result in a substantial lessening of competition. Bidders will be responsible for obtaining any necessary clearances from the ACCC.

*4608 TRANSPORT—NORTH WEST RAIL LINK—Mr Primrose asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Transport—

(1) What is the estimated amount of steel that will be used in the construction of the North West Rail Link?

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(2) What percentage of this steel will be imported?(3) What compliance regime will be put in place to ensure the quality of any imported steel bolts,

components or prefabricated steel used in the construction?(4) Will this regime include the certification and auditing of safety critical steel components by third

parties, as well as random sampling and testing?

Answer— I am advised: The project will ensure materials are responsibly sourced and adopt a sustainable materials procurement policy for construction. The procurement process will be done in accordance with NSW Government guidelines.

*4611 ATTORNEY GENERAL—PARRAMATTA FEMALE FACTORY SCRAP METAL—Ms Voltz asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Attorney General, and Minister for Justice—

Following the fire on 22 December 2012 that destroyed half of the Parramatta Female Factory, has there at any time been the removal of any scrap metal from the Parramatta Female Factory site?

Answer— I am advised:

Corrective Services NSW has consulted the loss adjuster appointed by the Treasury Managed Fund, who advised that the Parramatta Female Factory (the Norma Parker Correctional Centre) site contained no scrap metal of any value. The guttering, downpipes and other metal structures were of galvanised steel, and having been exposed to extreme sustained heat, are no longer of any discernible worth. As the site is listed on the State Heritage Register, it is to be restored; where possible, remaining salvageable materials, including any metal, will be re-used.

23 MAY 2013(Paper No. 146)

*4620 DISABILITY SERVICES—PAYROLL TAX REBATE SCHEME - DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT—Ms Barham asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Ageing, and Minister for Disability Services—

(1) How many applications have been made by employers to the Payroll Tax Rebate Scheme since its introduction in January 2012?

(2) What is being done to promote this scheme to increase the numbers of those moving from the Transition to Work Program into open or supported employment?

Answer— (1) Questions pertaining to the Tax Rebate Scheme should be directed to the Treasurer.(2) To increase participation in the Payroll Tax Rebate Scheme, information about the scheme has been

promoted through a number of mechanisms including:• media releases; • non-Government organisations; • NSW Chamber of Commerce's website; and • Ageing, Disability and Home Care's service provider portal and website.

*4622 DISABILITY SERVICES—YOUNGER PEOPLE IN RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE PROGRAM—Ms Barham asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Ageing, and Minister for Disability Services—


The original Younger People in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC) five-year program between the States and the Federal Government concluded in 2011 with New South Wales contributing $40.1 million which was matched by the Commonwealth:(1) Beyond the current financial year of providing $12.6 million, what is the New South Wales

Government doing to support the ongoing funding of this program?(2) Since the conclusion of the original five-year deal in 2011, how much money has the Commonwealth

provided the New South Wales Government to continue the Younger People in Residential Aged Care program?

(3) How many new applicants have been accepted onto the YPIRAC program for the current 2012⁄13 financial year?

(4) What is the EnableNSW budget for 2012-13 to assist those on the program to receive necessary equipment?

(5) In 2012 there were 66 people on a needs register awaiting assistance in the YPIRAC program, what is the current figure?

(6)(a) There are currently more than 2000 people under the age of 65 inappropriately housed in

residential aged care facilities, how will they be assisted to find accommodation and support that is age appropriate?

(b) Will they be eligible for assistance within the National Disability Insurance Scheme when it commences fully?

Answer— NSW was the first state to sign up to the full roll out of an NDIS, in which the NSW Government is contributing $3.1 billion. This funding will flow directly to clients to ensure they have choice and control over services they need in future.In regards to eligibility for the NDIS, please refer to the Commonwealth Government's NDIS website; http:⁄⁄www.ndis.gov.au⁄about-an-ndis⁄frequently-asked-questions⁄The NSW Government will continue to support those in need who are in or at risk of entering residential aged care. For this reason, the NSW Government has contributed over $25 million per annum of matched funding with the Commonwealth – this has now been rolled into the National Disability Agreement funding base.As at June 2013, 127 people have been assisted under the Younger People in Residential Aged Care Program (YPIRAC);

• 100 people aged under fifty have been supported to transfer from a residential aged care facility back into their homes or into supported accommodation under the Program and;

• an additional 27 people are in the process of transitioning out of a residential aged care facility and into the community.

*4623 REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES—TALLY HO ROAD BRAIDWOOD—Revd Mr Nile asked the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Deputy Premier, Minister for Trade and Investment, and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services—

(1) Is the Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services aware that, in the past five years, complaints have been raised with Crown Lands in relation to the allegedly obstructive and aggressive behaviour of the Owner of Lot 68 DP754916 Tally Ho Road Braidwood New South Wales 2622?

(2) After this matter was brought to the attention of the Office of the Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services on 10 November 2012 in an email, why did Crown Lands continue to renew the resident's Enclosure Permit, causing road users to maintain close contact with an individual who is alleged to be obstructive and aggressive?

(3) Why has Crown Lands issued the owner of Lot 68 DP754916 Tally Ho Road with an Enclosure Permit over the Crown Road Easement through the property of another owner located at 464 Tally Ho Road, being Lot 59 DP754916?

(4) As this easement is the primary access route to the owner of 464 Tally Ho Road, and to others: (a) Why has Crown Lands renewed the enclosure permit issued to the owner of Lot 68 DP754916

Tally Ho Road which prevents other property holders accessing their property?

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(b) What will Crown Lands do to address this matter?

Answer— (1) Yes.(2) The Enclosure Permit has not lapsed since being issued effective 7⁄12⁄2003 and thus has not been

renewed. The issuing of an enclosure permit does not affect the right of a member of the public, including neighbouring property holders, to utilise a Crown road.

(3) The Enclosure Permit only covers that part of the Crown road contained within Lot 68 DP 754916.(4) Refer to answer '2' above. Crown Lands staff have inspected the site and confirmed there are no

obstructions preventing access to other properties.

*4636 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, WOMEN—ADVERTISING FOSTER CARE—Mr Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, and Minister for Women—

(1) What was the expenditure on advertising and promoting foster care in the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper during the financial year 2011⁄12?

(2) What was the expenditure on advertising and promoting foster care in the Daily Telegraph newspaper during the financial year 2011⁄12?

(3) What was the expenditure on advertising and promoting foster care in The Australian newspaper during the financial year 2011⁄12?

(4) What was the expenditure on advertising and promoting foster care in the Newcastle Herald newspaper during the financial year 2011⁄12?

(5) What was the expenditure on advertising and promoting foster care in the Illawarra Mercury newspaper during the financial year 2011⁄12?

(6) What was the expenditure on advertising and promoting foster care in the Sydney Star Observer newspaper during the financial year 2011⁄12?

(7) What was the expenditure on advertising and promoting foster care in the Central Coast Express Advocate newspaper during the financial year 2011⁄12?

(8) What was the expenditure on advertising and promoting foster care in the Coffs Coast Advocate newspaper during the financial year 2011⁄12?

Answer— Expenditure on advertising and promoting foster care was approved in accordance with NSW Government Advertising Guidelines. Advertising expenditure is reported in the Department of Family and Community Services' Annual Report.

28 MAY 2013(Paper No. 147)

*4651 FINANCE AND SERVICES—ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE PROFITES AND TAX COLLECTED FROM REGISTERED CLUBS—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra—

(1) What were the total annual electronic gaming machine profits from all registered clubs for the last registered clubs gaming machine tax year, as defined in section three of the Gaming Machine Tax Act 2000, in each of the following ranges of annual gaming machine profits, where profits are defined in section 3 of the Gaming Machine Tax Act 200: (a) More than $0 and less than or equal to $25,000?(b) More than $25,000 and less than or equal to $200,000?(c) More than $200,000 and less than or equal to $400,000?(d) More than $400,000 and less than or equal to $1,000,000?(e) More than $1,000,000 and less than or equal to $1,800,000?(f) More than $1,800,000 and less than or equal to $5,000,000?


(g) More than $5,000,000 and less than or equal to $10,000,000?(h) More than $10,000,000 and less than or equal to $20,000,000?(i) More than $20,000,000?

(2) What was the total annual electronic gaming machine tax from all registered clubs for the last registered clubs gaming machine tax year, as defined in section 3 of the Gaming Machine Tax Act 2000, in each of the following ranges of annual gaming machine profits, where profits are defined in section 3 of the Gaming Machine Tax Act 200: (a) More than $0 and less than or equal to $25,000?(b) More than $25,000 and less than or equal to $200,000?(c) More than $200,000 and less than or equal to $400,000?(d) More than $400,000 and less than or equal to $1,000,000?(e) More than $1,000,000 and less than or equal to $1,800,000?(f) More than $1,800,000 and less than or equal to $5,000,000?(g) More than $5,000,000 and less than or equal to $10,000,000?(h) More than $10,000,000 and less than or equal to $20,000,000?(i) More than $20,000,000?

Answer— This Question does not pertain to Finance and Services and should be directed to Minister George Souris, Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing and Minister for the Arts.

*4652 FINANCE AND SERVICES—ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE PROFITS AND TAX COLLECTED FROM REGISTERED HOTELS—Dr Kaye asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra—

(1) What was the total annual electronic gaming machine profits from all hotels for the last hotels gaming machine tax year, as defined in section 3 of the Gaming Machine Tax Act 2000, in each of the following ranges of annual gaming machine profits: (a) More than $0 and less than or equal to $25,000?(b) More than $25,000 and less than or equal to $200,000?(c) More than $200,000 and less than or equal to $400,000?(d) More than $400,000 and less than or equal to $1,000,000?(e) More than $1,000,000 and less than or equal to $1,800,000?(f) More than $1,800,000 and less than or equal to $5,000,000?(g) More than $5,000,000 and less than or equal to $10,000,000?(h) More than $10,000,000 and less than or equal to $20,000,000?(i) More than $20,000,000?

(2) What was the total annual electronic gaming machine tax from all hotels for the last hotel gaming machine tax year, as defined in section 3 of the Gaming Machine Tax Act 2000, in each of the following ranges of annual gaming machine profits: (a) More than $0 and less than or equal to $25,000?(b) More than $25,000 and less than or equal to $200,000?(c) More than $200,000 and less than or equal to $400,000?(d) More than $400,000 and less than or equal to $1,000,000?(e) More than $1,000,000 and less than or equal to $1,800,000?(f) More than $1,800,000 and less than or equal to $5,000,000?(g) More than $5,000,000 and less than or equal to $10,000,000?(h) More than $10,000,000 and less than or equal to $20,000,000?(i) More than $20,000,000?

Answer— This Question does not pertain to Finance and Services and should be directed to Minister George Souris, Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing and Minister for the Arts.

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29 MAY 2013(Paper No. 148)

*4654 FINANCE AND SERVICES—URBAN ACTIVATION PRECINCT COMMITTEE—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra—

(1) Why does the Urban Precinct Committee not include a representative of the Ivanhoe Estate Tenants Group?

Answer— I am advised that there is no officially convened group called the "Urban Precinct Committee". There is however a Herring Road Urban Activation Precinct Working Group managed by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure.Community involvement in the Urban Activation Precinct is supported through a Community Reference Group convened by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure. The Land and Housing Corporation encourage engagement with local residents and tenants of the estate through a community reference group.

*4655 FINANCE AND SERVICES—IVANHOE COMMUNITY HOUSING ESTATE—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra—

(1) Does the Government have any evidence that the Ivanhoe Community Housing site is suitable for increased housing density?

(2) Does the Government support increased housing density for this site?

Answer— (1) The Ivanhoe Community Housing Estate is a public housing estate. The Government is in the early

stages of planning for the Herring Road Urban Activation Precinct, which encompasses the Ivanhoe estate.

(2) when planning for the Precinct is finalised, housing density can be confirmed.

*4660 FINANCE AND SERVICES—IVANHOE COMMUNITY HOUSING ESTATE SALE—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra—

(1)(a) Does the Government agree with the head of the now defunct Macquarie Park Taskforce that the

process surrounding the sale of the Ivanhoe Community Housing Estate has been very uncertain?

(b) What steps does the Government propose to take to resolve this uncertainty?

Answer— (1) The Ivanhoe Community Housing Estate is included as part of a wider planning process being led by

the Department of Planning and Infrastructure for the Herring Road Urban Activation Precinct. The process has included active engagement with the local community.

(2) The Government has established the Ivanhoe Estate Community Reference Group. This group engages actively with the local community by providing local residents an opportunity to contribute to, and be kept informed about, the planning process. The Community Reference Group meets monthly and encourages active participation by all residents of the Estate.

*4662 FINANCE AND SERVICES—FUTURE OF THE IVANHOE COMMUNITY HOUSING ESTATE—Ms Cotsis asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra—

(1) What is the future of the Ivanhoe Community Housing Estate?(2) What are the future community housing options for the residents of the Ivanhoe Community Housing

Estate whose homes will be displaced by the redevelopment of the site?(3) What are the details of the process to be used when allocating properties to those displaced by the

proposed redevelopment of the site?


(4) Will tenants be offered similar accommodation to what they already occupy?

Answer— (1) The Ivanhoe Community Housing Estate is a public housing estate. The Government is in the early

stages of planning for the Herring Road Urban Activation Precinct, which encompasses the Ivanhoe estate.

(2) to (4) Given the Government is in the early stages of planning of the Precinct, no details are available on future housing options for residents of the Ivanhoe Community Housing Estate.

30 MAY 2013(Paper No. 149)

*4691 FINANCE AND SERVICES—ROOFWATER HARVESTING SCHEME—Mr Secord asked the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra—

(1)(a) What is the status of the large scale roofwater harvesting scheme planned for the Western

Sydney Employment Lands?(b) If it is proceeding, what is the current status?(c) What are the current projections for litres of water to be collected under the scheme?(d) If it has been stopped, on what day was that decision made?

Answer— (1) to (4) A feasibility study, including technical, governance, planning, environmental and economic

analysis was commissioned in 2010. The study showed that the project was not viable. Based on the results of the study, a decision was made on 31 August 2011 that the project would not proceed.

26 JUNE 2013(Paper No. 154)

4782 EDUCATION—YASS HIGH SCHOOL—Mr Veitch to ask the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education—

When will Yass High School be included on the Regional Priority List?

4783 EDUCATION—DUVAL HIGH SCHOOL—Mr Veitch to ask the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education—

(1) When will the Duval High School be connected to the National Broadband Network?(2) Who will pay all relevant costs for Duval High School to be connected to the National Broadband

Network?(3) If Duval High School is not to be connected, why not?

4784 FINANCE AND SERVICES—REGIONAL RELOCATION GRANT—Mr Veitch to ask the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra—

Since the commencement of the Regional Relocation Grant:(1) How many people have received assistance under the Regional Relocation Grant?(2) How many people applied for assistance under the scheme but were declined?(3)

(a) What are the post codes from which eligible recipients moved from? Please provide in table form.

(b) What are the total number of regional relocation grant recipients in each postcode? Please

4341


provide in table form.(c) What are the post codes where eligible recipients moved? Please provide in table form.(d) What are the total number of regional relocation grant recipients in each postcode? Please

provide in table form.

4785 FINANCE AND SERVICES—REGIONAL RELOCATION GRANT—Mr Veitch to ask the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra—

(1) How many people have received assistance under the Regional Relocation Grant in the period 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013?

(2) How many people applied for assistance under the scheme but were declined in the period 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013?

(3)(a) What are the post codes from which eligible recipients moved for the period 1 July 2012 to 30

June 2013? Please provide in table form.(b) Of those what is the total number of regional relocation grant scheme recipients in each

postcode? Please provide in table form.

(4)(a) What are the post codes to which eligible recipients moved for the period 1 July 2012 to 30 June

2013? Please provide in table form.(b) Of those what is the total number of regional relocation grant scheme recipients in each

postcode? Please provide in table form.

4786 TREASURER—COBBORA HOLDING COMPANY PRODUCTION OF ANNUAL REPORTS—Dr Kaye to ask the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Treasurer, and Minister for Industrial Relations—

(1) Has the Treasurer received an annual report from Cobbora Holding Company, as a public trading enterprise, for the years encompassing: (a) 2011?(b) 2012?

(2) If so, as the Government shareholder in Cobbora Holding Company, can the Treasurer advise why these annual reports have not been made publicly available?

4787 TREASURER—ACQUISITION OF LAND BY COBBORA HOLDING COMPANY—Dr Kaye to ask the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Treasurer, and Minister for Industrial Relations—

(1) Given that there was no additional allocation of funding to the Cobbora Coal Mine project in the 2013-2014 budget, can the Treasurer advise, as the shareholding Government representative, whether the Cobbora Holding Company will cease all land acquisition activities in the area?

(2) Can the Treasurer confirm whether the Cobbora Holding Company is continuing to acquire land in the Laheys Creek⁄Tucklan area?

4788 ENVIRONMENT—MURRAY DARLING RIVER SYSTEM HEALTH—Mr Buckingham to ask the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for the Environment, and Minister for Heritage—

(1) What is the current state of health of the Murray Darling River system?(2) What water conservation measures has the Government implemented since forming Government in

2011 and are they adequate to supply both farmers and river systems in time for our next drought?(3) How confident is Government about preventing another outbreak of green and blue algae blooms in

the river?


4789 RESOURCES AND ENERGY—COAL TRAIN MOVEMENTS THROUGH THE BLUE MOUNTAINS—Mr Buckingham to ask the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, Special Minister of State, and Minister for the Central Coast—

(1) Who operates coal haulage from the Western coal fields to the east coast via the Blue Mountains?(2) How many coal trains per day on average pass through the Blue Mountains?(3) How many coal wagons per day on average pass through the Blue Mountains?(4) How many tonnes of coal per year are transported through the Blue Mountains?

4790 TRANSPORT—COAL TRAIN MOVEMENTS THROUGH THE BLUE MOUNTAINS—Mr Buckingham to ask the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Transport—

(1) Who operates coal haulage from the Western coal fields to the east coast via the Blue Mountains?(2) How many coal trains per day on average pass through the Blue Mountains?(3) How many coal wagons per day on average pass through the Blue Mountains?(4) How many tonnes of coal per year are transported through the Blue Mountains?

4791 RESOURCES AND ENERGY—PERMITS ISSUED UNDER MINING ACT—Mr Buckingham to ask the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, Special Minister of State, and Minister for the Central Coast—

(1) In the last five years who were permits issued to under sections 249, 250 and 252 of the Mining Act 1992?

(2) What was the purpose of the permits?(3) What was the terms of the permits?(4) Were there any contraventions of conditions of the permits?

4792 EDUCATION—YASS HIGH SCHOOL STRATEGIC MASTER PLAN—Mr Veitch to ask the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education—

Why is the Strategic Master Plan for Yass High School that was devised by architects not being pursued?

4793 HEALTH, MEDICAL RESEARCH—BOWEL CANCER IN NEW SOUTH WALES—Dr Kaye to ask the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Health, and Minister for Medical Research—

(1) Does the NSW Ministry of Health differentiate between colon, colorectal and bowel cancer in terms of: (a) Obtaining data?(b) Formulating public health policy in New South Wales?

(2) How is the Government responding to the Cancer Institutes' 2007 report 'Bowel Cancer in New South Wales' which stated that "high meat consumption – in particular, red meat – may substantially increase the risk of developing bowel cancer"?

(3)(a) Is the Government undertaking a review into the link between excessive meat consumption and

bowel cancer?(b) If not, why not?

(4) Did any of the $9.6 million that the Cancer Institute of NSW identified was spent on research into colorectal cancer between 2007 and 2009 focused on the effects of excessive meat consumption on incidences of the disease?

(5)(a) Is the NSW Ministry of Health undertaking any investigations into why Australia has higher

bowel cancer incidence rates than most developed countries including the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom?

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(b) If not, why not?

4794 EDUCATION—NEW SCHOOLS—Dr Kaye to ask the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education—

(1)(a) Will one or more of the 29 new schools in the Infrastructure NSW 2012 State Infrastructure

Strategy for the next 10 years be located in the inner Sydney area?(b) If so, where will these schools be located?

(2)(a) How will the Department of Education and Communities address the imminent enrolment

constraints on inner Sydney high schools given that all current high schools near the inner city are already full or will be so by 2016?

(b) What consultation has been done with the Department of Planning on this matter?(c) What consultation has been done with the City of Sydney on this matter?(d) What are the details of these consultations?

(3) What has the Department of Education and Communities done to plan for the public education needs for the suburb of Green Square which has had an increase of 11,000 new residents since 2000 and is expected to attract 40,000 new residents by 2030?

4795 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES—PUBLIC HOUSING VACANT BEDROOMS—Ms Barham to ask the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, and Minister for Women—

Regarding the Minister's announcement on 26 June 2013 of a policy initiative to fill vacant bedrooms in public housing:(1) Within each Allocation Zone, how many social housing dwellings are estimated to have vacant

bedrooms?(2) Within each Allocation Zone, what is the estimated total number of vacant bedrooms?(3) What definitions or criteria have the Government adopted to define whether a dwelling has one or

more vacant bedrooms?(4)

(a) Will tenants be able to apply for an exemption from the policy?(b) If so, what will be the criteria for exemption?

(5) Will the application of the policy take into account length of tenure and tenants' connection to their home and community?

(6) Does the policy take into account the potential impacts on a tenant's wellbeing of being displaced from a social and physical environment and a community that they may have lived in for many years?

4796 ENVIRONMENT—NORTH COAST ACCOMMODATION TRUST—Ms Barham to ask the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for the Environment, and Minister for Heritage—

(1)(a) How is the North Coast Accommodation Trust (NCAT) auspiced?(b) Under what Act or Regulation is the trust established?

(2) Is the NCAT deemed a Government entity?(3)

(a) What are the objectives and operational priorities of the NCAT?(b) Where are they defined?

(4) What regulation and oversight applies to NCAT?


(5) Does the NCAT operate under the Trust Handbook that applies to other Trusts in New South Wales?(6) Does the NCAT produce an annual report or audit?(7) Are documents relating to its accountability publicly available?(8) How many parks are under the authority of the NCAT? Please provide a list.(9) What parks now under NCAT authority were previously managed by local government?(10) What are the dates when management changed for each of these parks? Please provide a list.(11)

(a) What is the annual income of the NCAT?(b) What is the breakdown for each of NCAT's parks?

(12) Can the Minister for the Environment clarify the relationship between the NCAT and North Coast Holiday Parks?

(13) Can the Minister clarify the North Coast Holiday Parks (NCHP) claim on its website that "revenue generated by the parks is invested back into the parks and the surrounding Reserves for the benefit of both visitors and the local community" and identify what expenditure has been undertaken by the NCHPs or NCAT for the benefit of the local community?

4797 FINANCE AND SERVICES—DOMESTIC TRAVEL EXPENDITURE—Mr Donnelly to ask the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra—

(1) What was the expenditure on domestic travel in the Finance and Services cluster, including total and broken down by departments and service groups for the following financial years: (a) 2011/2012?(b) 2012/2013?

4798 FINANCE AND SERVICES—INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL EXPENDITURE—Mr Donnelly to ask the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra—

(1) What was the expenditure on international travel in the Finance and Services cluster, including total and broken down by departments and service groups for the following financial years: (a) 2011/2012?(b) 2012/2013?

4799 FINANCE AND SERVICES—TRAVEL EXPENDITURE—Mr Donnelly to ask the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra—

(1) What was the expenditure on cab charges, taxi fares and other related expenditure in the Finance and Services cluster, including total and broken down by departments and service groups for the following financial years: (a) 2011/2012?(b) 2012⁄2013?

4800 FINANCE AND SERVICES—CREDIT CARDS—Mr Donnelly to ask the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra—

(1) How many credit cards are currently issued to staff in the Finance and Services cluster, including total and broken down by departments and service groups?

(2) What is the total amount of expenses accrued on credit cards during the following financial years: (a) 2011/2012?(b) 2012⁄2013?

4801 FINANCE AND SERVICES—EXPENDITURE IN THE FINANCE AND SERVICES CLUSTER—Mr Donnelly to ask the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra—

(1)

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(a) In the 2011⁄12 financial year what was the total expenditure in the Finance and Services cluster on entertainment and catering expenses including food, functions, special events, venue hire and other related costs?

(b) In the 2011⁄12 financial year how much did each department and service group in the Finance and Services cluster spend on entertainment and catering expenses including food, functions, special events, venue hire and other related costs?

(2)(a) In the 2012⁄13 financial year what was the total expenditure in the Finance and Services cluster

on entertainment and catering expenses including food, functions, special events, venue hire and other related costs?

(b) In the 2012⁄13 financial year how much did each department and service group in the Finance and Services cluster spend on entertainment and catering expenses including food, functions, special events, venue hire and other related costs?

4802 FINANCE AND SERVICES—MEDIA STAFF—Mr Donnelly to ask the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra—

(1) In the 2011⁄12 financial year: (a) What was the total number of media staff in the Finance and Services cluster?(b) How many media staff were there in each department and service group in the Finance and

Services cluster?(c) What was the total expenditure in the Finance and Services cluster on media staff?(d) How much did each department and service group in the Finance and Services cluster spend on

media staff?

(2) In the 2012⁄13 financial year: (a) What was the total number of media staff in the Finance and Services cluster?(b) How many media staff were there in each department and service group in the Finance and

Services cluster?(c) What was the total expenditure in the Finance and Services cluster on media staff?(d) How much did each department and service group in the Finance and Services cluster spend on

media staff?

4803 FINANCE AND SERVICES—OFFICE FIT-OUTS—Mr Donnelly to ask the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra—


on office fit-outs, refurbishment, furniture and other related costs?(b) In the 2011⁄12 financial year how much did each department and service group in the Finance

and Services cluster spend on office fit-outs, refurbishment, furniture and other related costs?


on office fit-outs, refurbishment, furniture and other related costs?(b) In the 2012⁄13 financial year how much did each department and service group in the Finance

and Services cluster spend on office fit-outs, refurbishment, furniture and other related costs?

4804 PREMIER—MINISTERIAL STAFF VACANCIES—Mr Donnelly to ask the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Premier, and Minister for Western Sydney—

(1) How many Government ministerial staff vacancies for each Minister have been advertised since 27 March 2011: (a) In the 2010/11 financial year?(b) In the 2011/12 financial year?


(c) 1 July 2012 to date?

4805 ROADS AND PORTS—NEWCASTLE PORT CORPORATION—Mr Donnelly to ask the Minister for Roads and Ports—

How many of the total number of staff employed within the Newcastle Port Corporation have been issued with a corporate credit card as at 26 June 2013?

4806 ROADS AND PORTS—PORT KEMBLA PORT CORPORATION—Mr Donnelly to ask the Minister for Roads and Ports—

How many of the total number of staff employed within the Port Kembla Port Corporation have been issued with a corporate credit card as at 26 June 2013?

4807 ROADS AND PORTS—SYDNEY PORTS CORPORATION—Mr Donnelly to ask the Minister for Roads and Ports—

How many of the total number of staff employed within the Sydney Ports Corporation have been issued with a corporate credit card as at 26 June 2013?

4808 ASSISTING THE PREMIER ON INFRASTRUCTURE NSW, PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE—HUNTER DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION—Mr Donnelly to ask the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Infrastructure NSW, Leader of the House—

How many of the total number of staff employed within Hunter Development Corporation have been issued with corporate credit cards as at 26 June 2013?

4809 FINANCE AND SERVICES—QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE OF THE FINANCE AND SERVICES CLUSTER—Mr Donnelly to ask the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra—

(1) Regarding accounts payable by the Finance and Services cluster for the 2012⁄2013 financial year: (a)

(i) What was the total number of invoices received?(ii) How many invoices were received by each department and service group?

(b)(i) What was the total number of correctly rendered invoices?(ii) How many invoices were correctly rendered by each department and service group?

(c)(i) What was the total number of invoices rejected?(ii) How many invoices were rejected by each department and service group?

(d)(i) What was the number of invoices paid?(ii) How many invoices were paid by each department and service group?

(e) What was the time for payment of correctly rendered invoices by each department and service group for: (i) Invoices rendered in less than 30 days?(ii) Invoices rendered between 30 and 45 days?(iii) Invoices rendered between 45 and 60 days?(iv) Invoices rendered in excess of 60 days?

4810 ATTORNEY GENERAL, JUSTICE—QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND JUSTICE CLUSTER—Mr Donnelly to ask the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Attorney General, and Minister for Justice—

(1) Regarding accounts payable by the Attorney General and Justice Cluster for the 2012⁄2013 financial

4347


year: (a)

(i) What was the total number of invoices received?(ii) How many invoices were received by each department and service group?

(b)(i) What was the total number of correctly rendered invoices?(ii) How many invoices were correctly rendered by each department and service group?

(c)(i) What was the total number of invoices rejected?(ii) How many invoices were rejected by each department and service group?

(d)(i) What was the number of invoices paid?(ii) How many invoices were paid by each department and service group?

(e) What was the time for payment of correctly rendered invoices by each department and service group for: (i) Invoices rendered in less than 30 days?(ii) Invoices rendered between 30 and 45 days?(iii) Invoices rendered between 45 and 60 days?(iv) Invoices rendered in excess of 60 days?

4811 ASSISTING THE PREMIER ON INFRASTRUCTURE NSW, PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE—LANDCOM—Mr Donnelly to ask the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Infrastructure NSW, Leader of the House—

How many of the total number of staff employed within Landcom have been issued with corporate credit cards as at 26 June 2013?

4812 ASSISTING THE PREMIER ON INFRASTRUCTURE NSW, PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE—SYDNEY HARBOUR FORESHORE—Mr Donnelly to ask the Minister for Finance and Services, and Minister for the Illawarra representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Infrastructure NSW, Leader of the House—

How many of the total number of staff employed within the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority have been issued with corporate credit cards as at 26 June 2013?

4813 PREMIER—GOVERNMENT MINISTERIAL STAFF—Mr Donnelly to ask the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Premier, and Minister for Western Sydney—

(1) How many of the following have been offered to Government ministerial staff hired after 27 March 2011: (a) Redundancies?(b) Severance payments?(c) Other payouts?

(2) What is the total value of these payouts?

4814 EDUCATION—PROUD SCHOOLS PILOT PROGRAM—Mr Donnelly to ask the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Education—

(1)(a) On what date did the tender process open for the selection of an organisation to evaluate the

Proud Schools Pilot program?(b) On what date did the tender process close for the selection of an organisation to evaluate the

Proud Schools Pilot program?


(2) Who were the organisations that submitted a tender to evaluate the Proud Schools Pilot program?(3) Which of the organisations won the tender to evaluate the Proud Schools Pilot program?(4) What will be the fee, payment or reimbursement made to the organisation that won the tender to

evaluate the Proud Schools Pilot program?(5) What are the criteria being used to evaluate the Proud Schools Pilot program?(6) Which officers in the Department of Education and Communities were responsible for developing

the criteria to evaluate the Proud Schools Pilot program?(7) Did the Minister for Education approve the criteria being used to evaluate the Proud Schools Pilot

program?(8) On what date will the evaluation of the Proud Schools Pilot program be completed?(9) Will the evaluation of the Proud Schools Pilot program be made public?

4815 RESOURCES AND ENERGY—CARBON EMISSION POLICIES—Revd Mr Nile to ask the Minister for Roads and Ports representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, Special Minister of State, and Minister for the Central Coast—

In view of President Obama's new carbon emission policies, is it a fact that Australia only contributes 1.4 per cent to the worldwide carbon emissions?

David BluntClerk of the Parliaments

_________________________________________ Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales

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Documents

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS - Parliament of NSW...2013/06/26 · QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS No. 154 WEDNESDAY 26 JUNE 2013 (The Questions and Answers Paper published for the first sitting day