(At 11.00 o'clock a.m.)
Notices of Question
10 Ms Forrest to ask the Honourable the Leader of the Government ¾ With regard to the installation of solar hot water systems to replace existing electric storage hot water systems and which attracts a Federal Government rebate and has the capacity to feed excess power into the power grid ¾
(1) How much is paid per kilowatt hour to the producer of the power?
(2) How much is charged per kilowatt hour for power purchased by the customer when the generation of power by the solar panels does not meet the customer’s demand?
(3) How does this compare to tariffs paid by customers not utilising this arrangement?
(4) In the event of significant differences resulting in increased power costs to consumers, does the Government acknowledge that this negatively impacts on the value of the incentive?
(5) Is the same pricing policy used in other Australian States?
(asked 01.04.08)
12 Mrs Jamieson to ask the Honourable the Leader of the Government ¾
(1) Does the Government agree with many education authorities that music is beneficial in enhancing memory retention, numeracy and literacy skills?
(2) If the answer to (1) above is ‘yes’, when will basic classroom music be introduced into State primary schools?
(3) What are the reasons to this point for not offering specialised individual instrumental tuition to public primary and high school students as part of the curricula?
(4) Is the Government concerned that ¾
(a) the expertise of private music teachers has and continues to be lost to the Tasmanian school community; and
(b) private music tuition is increasingly becoming difficult for many students to access given the financial impost involved and the ability to access the services, particularly for those in remote areas?
(5) (a) Will the Government consult with music educators in Tasmania with a view to developing the infrastructure for a scholarship programme which enables students to be selected on a merit basis for sustained and meaningful individual tuition as part of school music curricula; and
(b) will the Government provide the same accreditation and registration, working conditions and career opportunities as other teachers in the Tasmanian Public Service in order to attract and retain the brightest and best music teachers?
(asked 02.04.08)
15 Ms Forrest to ask the Honourable the Leader of the Government ¾
(1) (a) Is Tasmania the only State in Australia which does not publish the Government Gazette on the Government website; and
(b) if so, will a commitment be given to publish the Gazette on the website so as to enable a convenient and low cost access alternative?
(asked 08.04.08)
19 Ms Forrest to ask the Honourable the Leader of the Government ¾ With regard the Department of Health and Human Services Annual Report 2006/07 ¾
(1) What initiatives will be undertaken by the Government to address the issue of and inform pregnant women of the risks of smoking and alcohol and illicit drug use in pregnancy?
(2) Has the introduction of the national inpatient medication chart resulted in any reduction in medication errors?
(3) (a) Will a formal screening program for Chlamydia be considered; and
(b) if so, will support from the Australian Government be sought in order to fund such a screening process?
(4) As the most recent data relating to the proportion of 18 years plus people at risk of long-term alcohol-related harm was collected in 2004, when will more current data be available?
(5) (a) What were the issues identified which allowed the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) accreditation for one year only; and
(b) what action is being taken to address the most significant of these issues?
(6) What impact have the changes at the Mersey Hospital had on the Maternity Service Outreach Program?
(7) What percentage of eligible women have received the cervical cancer vaccine, Gardasil?
(8) (a) Are the nursing clinics established at the Launceston General Hospital (LGH) still operational?
(b) If so ¾
(i) What specialist nursing services are being provided?
(ii) Are there any plans to expand these clinics into the Royal Hobart Hospital and the North West Regional Hospital?
(c) If not, why were the clinics discontinued?
(9) (a) Were additional Senior Executive Service (SES) positions created; and
(b) if so, what are the designations of these additional positions?
(10) How did an error of $509,253 occur in the transfer of annual closing balances to the following financial year?
(11) What were the findings of the evaluation of the breastfeeding clinic at the LGH?
(asked 15.04.08)
25 Ms Forrest to ask the Honourable the Leader of the Government ¾
(1) With regard to the high number of injuries and fatalities associated with off-road motorcycle activity on public land, will the Government consider ¾
(a) Imposing the same licensing and registration requirements for off-road motorcycles as currently exist for on road vehicles?
(b) Licensing of all off-road motorcycle riders?
(c) Registration and insurance for all off-road motorcycles, including reduced premiums for such costs?
(d) Drug and alcohol restrictions for off-road motorcycle riders?
(e) Application of ‘hooning’ laws including confiscation of the motorcycle for non-compliance?
(f) Registration for all motorised bikes, including all engine capacities?
(g) Restrictions on underage riders to riding with a recognised motorcycle club with full supervision?
(2) With regard to injuries and fatalities associated with off-road motorcycle activity which occur on private land, will similar considerations as detailed in (1) above be given?
(asked 10.06.08)
26 Mrs Jamieson to ask the Honourable the Leader of the Government ¾ With regard to the DHHS Annual Report ¾
(1) How many consultancies and contracts were awarded that were under $50,000?
(2) Which companies/consultancies received these contracts and was each fully reimbursed in a timely fashion?
(3) What action is the Government taking to overcome the huge challenge of replenishing DHHS staff in the future? (There are currently only 683 aged between 15 and 35 years, but 1,816 over 50 years of age).
(asked 10.06.08)
27 Mr Dean to ask the Honourable the Leader of the Government ¾ In relation to the death of a fox on the Glen Esk Road during August 2006 to which the Leader provided an answer to a Question asked without Notice on 21 November 2006 ¾
(1) What officers from the Department provided the information to the Leader in support of his answer to the question asked?
(2) Does the Government concede that the answer provided on 21 November 2006 conflicted with a statement made on 2 August 2006 by the Manager, Wildlife Management, Department of Primary Industries and Water in his account of the incident?
(3) If so, will the Government examine the circumstances surrounding the conflicting accounts and provide appropriate clarification to the House; and
(4) if not, why not?
(asked 10.06.08)
28 Mr Wing to ask the Honourable the Leader of the Government ¾ With regard to the recent settlement of the unfair dismissal action taken by former ministerial adviser, Mr Nigel Frank Burch with the Office of Premier and Cabinet in the Tasmanian Industrial Commission (T13133 of 2008 – 16 April 2008) ¾
(1) Is it correct that Mr Burch has publicly indicated that he has no objection to the publication of the amount paid to him in settlement of his unfair dismissal action?
(2) What was the amount paid to Mr Burch for settlement of his unfair dismissal action, inclusive of legal costs?
(3) Was the amount paid to Mr Burch sourced from Consolidated Revenue, and if not from which account?
(4) Was the amount paid to Mr Burch subject to any conditions and if so, what were those conditions?
(5) If the settlement agreement contains a confidentiality clause, which party requested that confidentiality clause?
(6) If the Honourable Leader will not advise the amount of public moneys paid to Mr Burch, then why not?
(asked 19.06.08)
29 Mr Dean to ask the Honourable the Leader of the Government ¾ With regard young people aged between 12 and 18 years of age in the Ravenswood area ¾
(1) Is the Government aware of the increased community concern at the level of anti-social behaviour currently being experienced?
(2) (a) Does the Government agree that the availability of and access to greater levels of community projects and additional recreational facilities would provide a positive focus for young people; and
(b) if so, will the Government give priority to the construction of an activity centre in the Ravenswood area?
(3) (a) Will the Government provide a youth worker for the Ravenswood area; and
(b) if not, what alternative measures will be taken to address the level of anti-social behaviour?
(asked 19.06.08)
30 Mr Dean to ask the Honourable the Leader of the Government ¾ In light of escalating anti-social behaviour in the Ravenswood area and the recent decision by Metro Tasmania to restrict services indefinitely to the area after 4.00 pm each day, will the Government now take steps to have the police station open from 8.00 am until midnight on seven days per week as a matter of urgency?
(asked 19.06.08)
Orders of the Day
1 Budget Papers and Consolidated Fund Appropriation Bills (No. 1 and No. 2) 2008 ¾ Estimates Committees Reports to be brought up.
2 Animal Welfare Amendment Bill 2008 (No. 7): Consideration of further Amendment of the House of Assembly.
3 Liquor Licensing Amendment Bill 2006 (No. 59): Second reading. (Private Member's Bill - Mr Wilkinson)
4 Crown Lands (Shack Sites) Amendment Bill 2007 (No. 82): Second reading. (Private Member's Bill – Mr Harriss)
5 Report of the Select Committee on Organ Donation ¾ Consideration and noting. (Mr Wilkinson)
6 Adjourned Debate (Mr Aird) on the Question proposed on 11 June 2008 ¾ That a Select Committee be appointed with the power to send for persons and papers, with leave to sit during any adjournment of the Council, and with leave to adjourn from place to place, to inquire into and report upon the state public hospital system, with particular reference to ¾
(1) The percentage of patients receiving elective surgery within the time recommended for such surgery.
(2) The percentage of patients who have received surgery or remain on the waiting list for surgery longer than one year after surgery has been recommended.
(3) The average waiting time for treatment or admission within the public hospital system.
(4) Any improvement or deterioration of the indicators referred to in each of the terms of reference (1), (2), and (3) since the financial year ending 30 June 2004.
(5) Whether there is any, and if so what, relationship between the improvement or deterioration of the above indicators or other performance indicators of the public hospital system and the level of funding of public patient admissions by the State.
(6) The percentage of patients receiving emergency care within time recommended for each triage category.
(7) The days of admission for patients awaiting placement and resultant bed access block implications.
(8) The actual full time equivalent level and funding allocated to ¾
(a) staff delivering direct health care to patients; and
(b) administrative staff at all levels who do not deliver direct health care to patients.
(9) The desirable ratio of health care delivery staff and administrative staff referred to in 8(a) and (b) above and the optimum number and funding of each to provide effective and efficient patient care within the public hospital system.
(10) The actual hours and cost of overtime and frequency of incident reporting since the financial year ending 30 June 2004.
(11) Identifying initiatives which have been introduced in the calendar years 2005, 2006 and 2007 for retention and recruitment of clinical employees.
(12) Identifying any administrative practices or procedures which may involve unnecessary duplication.
(13) Whether the current approvals process for small capital expenditure is the most appropriate process and whether the length of time to obtain services and/or products in the calendar years 2005, 2006 and 2007 was appropriate; and
(14) any other matters incidental thereto.
And that ¾
Mr Harriss;
Mrs Jamieson;
Mr Wing; and
The Mover be of the Committee, and that The President be appointed as an ex officio Member.
7 Partition Bill 2008 (pro forma) (No. 2): Second reading.
Notices of Motion
1 Mrs Jamieson to move ¾ For the introduction of a Bill for an Act to provide for persons to refuse medical treatment in certain circumstances and for persons to make anticipatory directions about future medical treatment.
2 Mr Hall to move ¾ That this House expresses its opposition to any new moves that could allow State or local governments to intervene in the market, to prevent farmers from being able to sell their land to the highest bidder.
3 Mrs Smith to move ¾ That the Resource Planning and Development Commission Annual Report 2006-2007 be considered and noted.
4 Mr Martin to move ¾ For the introduction of a Bill for an Act to constitute the Tasmanian Independent Commission Against Corruption and to provide a framework for greater accountability of and a greater community confidence in the Tasmanian Parliament and the Tasmanian public sector.
5 Mr Wilkinson to move ¾ That a Select Committee be appointed, with power to send for persons and papers, with leave to sit during any adjournment of the Council, and with leave to adjourn from place to place to inquire into and report upon the issue of ethical conduct, standards and integrity of elected Parliamentary representatives and servants of the State in performing their duties with particular reference to ¾
(1) (a) an assessment of mechanisms currently available to address ethical and open Government in Tasmania;
(b) whether existing entities are appropriately equipped to fulfil this function; and
(c) the quantum and type of additional resources which may be required;
(2) the investigation of possible alternative mechanisms to address issues of ethical and open Government in Tasmania;
(3) an examination of legislative requirements and whether legislative change may be required; and
(4) any matters incidental thereto.
And that ¾
Ms Thorp;
Mr Martin;
Mr Hall; and
The Mover be of the Committee.
6 Mr Wing to move ¾ That a Select Committee be appointed, with power to send for persons and papers, and with leave to adjourn from place to place, and with leave to report from time to time, to inquire into and report upon ¾
(1) The main causes and effects of road traffic crashes and off road motor cycle crashes in Tasmania.
(2) The short and long term care of crash casualties and the adequacy of the current data collection.
(3) The adequacy and effectiveness of current road safety measures in Tasmania.
(4) Road safety measures, adopted, proposed or recommended interstate and in some overseas countries which have relevance to circumstances in Tasmania.
(5) The methods and means whereby road traffic crashes in Tasmania may be reduced.
(6) Appropriate measures to control the use of motor cycles off road for the purpose of reducing casualties; and
(7) any matters incidental thereto.
And that
Mr Dean;
Ms Forrest;
Mr Harriss; and
the Mover be of the Committee.
7 Mr Wing to move ¾ That this House ¾
(1) acknowledges that recommendations contained in reports of Legislative Council Select Committees and Joint Select and Standing Committees of both Houses in the system of responsible Government in Tasmania presented to the Council, are based upon evidence received and are made with a view to influencing positive change and outcomes for the people of Tasmania; and
(2) calls upon the Government to initiate and put in place, as a matter of priority, measures aimed at ensuring that responses to Select and Joint Select and Standing Committee Reports Tabled in the Council are presented by the Leader of the Government within a period of three months after the Reports are so Tabled.
8 Mr Wing to move ¾ That this House ¾
(1) recognises the need to secure the future accommodation and associated building occupancy requirements of the Parliament of Tasmania;
(2) supports the direction outlined in Parliament’s Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) as amended and agreed by the Joint House Committee with regard to the Parliament’s future accommodation and associated car parking requirements; and
(3) calls upon the Government to take immediate action to ensure that the building, known as the “PABX building” adjacent to Parliament House, and currently part of the Parliament Square building asset sale plans, is retained by the Crown for the future purposes of the Parliament of Tasmania.
9 Ms Forrest to move ¾ That a Select Committee be appointed, with power to send for persons and papers, and with leave to adjourn from place to place, and with leave to report from time to time, to inquire into and report upon ¾
(1) the role and function of the Mental Health Act 1996, the Guardianship and Administration Act 1995 and the Alcohol and Drug Dependency Act 1968 (‘the legislation’) with respect to promoting the rights and protecting the wellbeing of people with psychiatric disabilities and/or addictions;
(2) whether the legislation meets world’s best practice in terms of providing ¾
(a) adequate protection for the rights and wellbeing of people with psychiatric disabilities and/or addictions and their families; and
(b) clarity and certainty for medical practitioners and support workers providing services to people with psychiatric disabilities and/or addictions and their families; and
(3) any other matters incidental thereto.
And that
Mr Dean;
Mr Martin;
Mr Wilkinson; and
the Mover be of the Committee.
10 Mr Finch to move ¾ That a Select Committee be appointed, with power to send for persons and papers, and with leave to adjourn from place to place, to inquire into and report upon the Tamar River Estuary, with particular reference to ¾
(1) the state of the Tamar River and all its tributaries and catchments and their effect on ¾
(a) siltation in the Tamar Basin; and
(b) the general environmental health of the whole Tamar Estuary;
(2) the effect of sewage and other effluent entering the river and its tributaries;
(3) water flow and turbidity in tributaries and the Upper Tamar, particularly in the Cataract Gorge and the lower reaches of the North Esk River;
(4) the effect, if any, of forestry and other agricultural operations on the Tamar River and its tributaries;
(5) possible solutions to environmental problems in the Tamar Estuary;
(6) the risk of flooding in parts of Launceston and other areas;
(7) the advisability of establishing a single Statutory Authority to oversee the management of the Tamar Estuary and catchments and tributaries of the Tamar River; and
(8) any matters incidental thereto.
And that
Mr Dean;
Mr Hall;
Ms Ritchie;
Mr Wing; and
the Mover be of the Committee.
11 Mr Dean to move ¾ That a Select Committee be appointed, with power to send for persons and papers, and with leave to adjourn from place to place, and with leave to report from time to time, to inquire into and report upon the system of Local Government in the State of Tasmania as enshrined in Part IVA of the Constitution Act 1934 with particular reference to ¾
(1) the role and responsibility of Local Government;
(2) the identification of the most significant priorities and issues facing Local Government;
(3) the capacity for Local Government to achieve ongoing financial sustainability having regard to revenue raising capacity and the requirement to provide increased and improved levels of service;
(4) the most appropriate system of service delivery to achieve the social, economic and environmental objectives of local communities;
(5) intergovernment relationships;
(6) the future of Partnership Agreements between State and Local Government; and
(7) any other matters incidental thereto.
And that
Ms Forrest;
Mr Martin;
Mrs Rattray-Wagner;
Ms Ritchie; and
the Mover be of the Committee.
12 Mr Parkinson to move ¾ That in accordance with Section 11 of the State Policies and Projects Act 1993 and section 22 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1931, the House approve the Revocation of the State Policy on the Protection of Agricultural Land 2000, made by the Governor on 16 June 2008.
D.T. PEARCE, Clerk of the Council.
PAPERS ISSUED
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Notice Paper No. 19
Paper No. 11
SUMMARY OF BILLS
Bill No. 59 of 2006 Liquor Licensing Amendment.
Bill No. 82 of 2007 Crown Lands (Shack Sites) Amendment.
Bill No. 2 Partition (pro forma).
Bill No. 21 Building Practitioners Accreditation (Miscellaneous Provisions).
Bill No. 7 Animal Welfare Amendment.
Bill No. 69 of 2007 Legislation Repeal (Act No. 5 of 2008).
Bill No. 72 of 2007 Gas Amendment (Act No. 1 of 2008).
Bill No. 81 of 2007 Tsuneichi Fujii Fellowship Trust (Winding-Up) (Act No. 4 of 2008)
Bill No. 3 Health Professionals Registration (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Act No. 2 of 2008).
Bill No. 4 Powers of Attorney Amendment (Act No. 14 of 2008).
Bill No. 5 Liquor Licensing Amendment (Act No. 7 of 2008).
Bill No. 6 Security-Sensitive Dangerous Substances Amendment.
Bill No. 8 Human Tissue Amendment (Act No. 3 of 2008).
Bill No. 9 Taxation and Related Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Act No. 8 of 2008).
Bill No. 14 Tasmanian Development Amendment.
Bill No. 15 Tourism Tasmania Amendment.
Bill No. 16 Vehicle and Traffic Amendment (Heavy Vehicle Charges) (Act No. 11 of 2008).
Bill No. 17 Vehicle and Traffic Amendment (Novice Driver Licensing) (Act No. 10 of 2008).
Bill No. 18 Road Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Amendment (Act No. 9 of 2008).
Bill No. 19 Monetary Penalties Enforcement (Consequential Amendments) (Act No. 6 of 2008).
Bill No. 20 Housing Indemnity Amendment.
Bill No. 22 Payroll Tax.
Bill No. 23 Water and Sewerage Corporations (Act No. 12 of 2008).
Bill No. 24 Water and Sewerage Industry (Act No. 13 of 2008).
Bill No. 25 National Gas (Tasmania).
Bill No. 26 Consolidated Fund Appropriation (Supplementary Appropriation for 2007-2008).
Bill No. 27 Justice and Related Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments).
Bill No. 29 Vehicle and Traffic Amendment.
Committee of Privileges: The President, The Chair of Committees, Mr Aird, Mr Parkinson and Mr Wilkinson.
Standing Orders Committee: The President, The Chair of Committees, Mr Harriss, Mr Parkinson and Mrs Rattray-Wagner.
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works (Joint): Mr Hall and Mr Harriss
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Subordinate Legislation (Joint): Ms Forrest, Mrs Jamieson and Ms Thorp.
Parliamentary Standing Committee of Public Accounts (Joint): Mr Dean, Ms Forrest and Mr Wilkinson.
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Community Development (Joint): Mr Finch, Mr Martin, Ms Ritchie and Mr Wilkinson.
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Environment, Resources and Development (Joint): Mr Hall, Mr Harriss, Mrs Rattray-Wagner and Ms Thorp.
SESSIONAL COMMITTEES AND MEMBERS
House Committee (Joint): The President, The Chair of Committees and Mr Parkinson.
Library Committee (Joint): The President, Mr Finch, Ms Forrest, Mrs Jamieson, Mr Parkinson and Mr Wilkinson.
Working Arrangements of the Parliament (Joint): Mr Parkinson, Mrs Smith, Mr Wilkinson and Mr Wing.
Accreditation of Building Practitioners: Mr Dean, Ms Forrest, Mr Harriss, Ms Thorp and Mr Wilkinson.
Gene Technology in Primary Industries (Joint): Ms Forrest, Mr Hall and Ms Thorp.
Recreational Marine Fishing in Tasmania: Mr Harriss, Mrs Rattray-Wagner, Ms Thorp and Mr Wilkinson.
Surrogacy: Mrs Rattray-Wagner, Ms Thorp and Mr Wilkinson.
Mining Industry Regulation: Mr Finch, Ms Forrest, Mr Harriss and Mr Wilkinson.
Public Sector Executive Appointments: Mr Hall, Mr Harriss, Mr Martin and Mr Wilkinson.
Ethical Conduct (Joint): Mr Hall, Mr Martin, Ms Thorp and Mr Wilkinson.
Estimates Committee A: Ms Forrest, Mr Harriss, Mr Hall, Mr Martin and Mr Wilkinson.
Estimates Committee B: Mr Dean, Mr Finch, Mrs Jamieson, Mrs Rattray-Wagner, Ms Ritchie and Mr Wing.