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EMBARGO: 5AM SEPTEMBER 24 2007
The NSW Parliament returns from the winter break this week with the Iemma Government setting another full legislative agenda.
Parliament resumes on Tuesday (September 25) with a raft of new legislation and continuing debate on a number of bills - including laws on breastfeeding and daylight saving.
The Iemma Government will this week introduce legislation to outlaw discrimination against breastfeeding mothers.
Premier Morris Iemma said he was concerned that some mothers, especially those returning to work, were stopping breastfeeding due to a fear of discrimination.
"Unfortunately, there are still some people who retain unsympathetic attitudes towards breastfeeding in public, including in the workplace," Mr Iemma said.
"These new laws will provide breastfeeding mothers with the full protection of the law, ensuring that children in New South Wales are given the best possible start in life."
The daylight saving legislation will see standard daylight saving hours in NSW, Victoria, the ACT and South Australia.
"It's long overdue that we standardised time zones," Mr Iemma said.
"This initiative will be welcome by the business community and residents living on State and Territory borders."
Legislation to be introduced this week includes:

• Anti-Discrimination (Breastfeeding) Bill 2007 which will outlaw discrimination against breastfeeding mothers.
• Housing Amendment (Community Housing Providers) Bill 2007 which will protect the interests of current and future community housing tenants and users and encourage potential investors from the private sector.
• Trade Measurement Legislation Amendment Bill 2007 which will facilitate the establishment of uniform trade measurement laws across Australia.
• Partnership Amendment (Venture Capital) Bill 2007 which will encourage innovation through creation of tax exemptions for venture capitalists.
• Christian Israelite Church Property Trust Bill 2007 which will create a property trust under a corporate name for the management of Church property.

Debate will also continue on a number of other bills, including:

• Standard Time Amendment (Daylight Saving) Bill 2007 which will allow families to enjoy more time together through creating an extra month of daylight saving next year.
• Associations Incorporation Amendment (Cancellation of Incorporation) Bill 2007 which will streamline the process winding up an association, reducing associated costs and red tape.
• Electricity Supply Amendment (Offences) Bill 2007 which will which will introduce a new offence of entering, climbing or being on electricity works to protect the State's infrastructure and discourage people from putting themselves at risk. It will also bring the maximum term of imprisonment for electricity theft into line with the punishment for larceny under the Crimes Act 1900.
• Motor Dealers Amendment Bill 2007 which will reduce the number of forms motor dealers are required to complete. This follows review of red tape in the motor vehicle sector.
• National Parks and Wildlife Amendment (Leasing and Licensing) Bill 2007 which will provide certainty by specifically allowing commercial licensing and the granting of franchises in Aboriginal Areas, regional parks, state conservation areas and karst conservation reserves, provided these are consistent with the park plan and management. The provisions will not apply to nature reserves.

The amendments will ensure a consistent approach is taken to commercial licensing in parks and will facilitate tourism and business opportunities in rural and regional areas, including for aboriginal people.

Friday 12 October

'Labor and the Law' with Bob Debus

Time: Cocktails from 6:30pm, dinner at 8 pm
Venue: The home of Bruce Childs and Yola Lucire, 345 Edgecliff Rd, Edgecliff
Cost: Cocktails - donation from $50 | Candlelit dinner and cocktails - $150
RSVP: Amber Jacobus on 0410 218 168 or amber [dot] jacobus [at] gmail [dot] com
Former NSW Attorney General and candidate for the seat of Macquarie Bob Debus invites you to dine with his successor John Hatzistergos. Come and support one of the hardest fights in the upcoming election!

Minister for Housing Matt Brown today said the inaugural chairman of the Aboriginal Housing Office today returns to the post, adding experience to a new and dynamic board announced today.
Mr Brown congratulated Tom Slockee, a member of the Noonuccal people who chaired the AHO between 1998 and 2000, at the first meeting of the new board in Sydney today.
"Mr Slockee has the tough task of replacing the competent and passionate former chairperson Ann Weldon, whom I thank for her years of hard work and dedication in her role," Mr Brown said.
"I am confident that Mr Slockee will be a great leader and really help this team to develop effective strategies to strengthen the NSW Aboriginal Housing Sector and advise me on current and emerging issues."
Other members of the Board include:

• Ms Lois Towney;
• Mr James Allen;
• Ms Cathy Craigie;
• Mr Robert Carroll;
• Ms Michelle Craig; and
• Mr Andrew Hegedus.

"All Board members have excellent experience and skills to develop effective strategies for the strengthening of the NSW Aboriginal Housing Sector," Mr Brown said.
"I look forward to working with the NSW Aboriginal Housing Office Board and ask them to build on the excellent work of past Board members.
"I challenge them to look outside of the square and develop new and innovative ways of doing business with the sector."
Since its inception, the Aboriginal Housing Office Board has provided strategic advice to the Minister for Housing and the Aboriginal Housing Office to achieve significant milestones in the NSW Aboriginal Housing Sector including:

• The purchase or construction of in excess of 1,000 quality dwellings;
• Provision of housing for more than 12,000 Aboriginal people in 4,350 properties owned by the Aboriginal Housing Office
• Introduced a performance based registration and funding regime;
• Established strong consultative mechanisms with the Aboriginal community;
• Developed employment strategies for Aboriginal people in the construction of AHO and/or Aboriginal Community Housing Provider dwellings.

Media Contact: Russell Taylor, CEO Aboriginal Housing Office 02 8836 9444
NSW Aboriginal Housing Office Board
Tom Slockee (Chairperson)
Tom was the inaugural Chairperson of the NSW Aboriginal Housing Board, from 1998 until 2000. He is a member of the Noonuccal people and the Bundjalung Nation and currently lives on the NSW South Coast;
Tom has been a member and Chairperson of the Southern Area Health Service, including as Chair of the Service's Strategic Planning Committee and has been a Board member of Aboriginal Hostels Ltd.
Lois Towney
Lois is a current member of the AHO's Many Rivers Regional Aboriginal Housing Committee. She is currently employed as coordinator of the Koompahtoo Local Aboriginal Land Council in Newcastle. She has been a Board member of the Western Aboriginal Legal service in Dubbo; and, the Gilgandra District Hospital.
Cathy Craigie
Cathy is a Gamilaroi and Anaiwan woman from Northern NSW (Moree and Armidale). She is a founding member of the Gadigal Information Service (Koori Radio) and a former Director of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board (Australia Council). Cathy has coordinated skills programs for Aboriginal people and has assisted with the establishment of health clinics on Aboriginal reserves in NSW.
Michelle Craig
Michelle is currently employed as Housing coordinator by Bungree Aboriginal Corporation on the NSW Central Coast. She has been the Chairperson of the Lower Many Rivers Aboriginal Housing Providers Forum and has been responsible for coordinating the Bungree Aboriginal Corporation repairs and maintenance program to their assets.
Robert Carroll
Robert was born in Narrandera and is a member of the Wiradjuri Nation. He has been a member of the AHO Board since 2003. He has lived in Griffith for the past 23 years. He has served on the Binaal Billa ATSIC Regional Council since 1990 and is a former Council Chairperson. Robert has advocated for Aboriginal rights at local, state, national and international forums and has lobbied both State and Federal governments to be more responsive and accountable to Aboriginal people on a range of social issues. He has held positions on various bodies such as the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, the Wiradjuri Regional Aboriginal Land Council and the Indigenous Land Corporation.
Andrew Hegedus
Andrew works as an advisor and consultant to many Aboriginal organisations. He has been the Chairperson of Yarrawarra Aboriginal Corporation on the NSW North Coast and has held positions on various Boards, including the NSW TAFE Commission Board
James Allen
Jim is the former Chairperson of Batemans Bay Local Aboriginal Land Council. He currently manages the Murra Mia Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service which assists tenants and communities with their dealings with landlords and the Consumer Traders and Tenancy Tribunal and is a current member of the Housing Appeals Committee (HAC). Jim was also a member of the AHO Board.

State Plan Priorities: S4 Increasing levels of attainment for all students;

S5 More students complete Year 12 or recognised vocational training;

P4 More people participating in education and training throughout their life

NSW is driving the national growth in apprenticeships and traineeships, according to independent data released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research.

In the year to March 2007, while the national net increase in commencements was only 600, in NSW it was 3,400 - nearly six times the national figure.

NSW Minister for Education and Training, John Della Bosca, said NSW also delivered two thirds of the national growth in apprenticeship and traineeship completions.

"NSW is training the nation," Mr Della Bosca said.

"While the national figures are disappointing, NSW is the shining light when it comes to addressing the skills shortage.

"These independent figures demonstrate the success of the Iemma Government's policies to create more apprenticeships and traineeships.

"With 25 Trade Schools being rolled out across NSW, these figures are likely to get even better," he said.

During the 12 months to the end of March 2007, 78,000 people began an apprenticeship or traineeship in NSW, an increase of 4.6 per cent on the previous year and well above the national increase of only 0.2 per cent.

"Apprenticeship approvals in New South Wales have recorded even more substantial growth, increasing by 31.5 per cent since 1995 - with growth strongest in skills shortage areas such as the automotive trades," he said.

The Minister noted how pleasing it is to see this growth is spread across the state.

"Our regional areas have also been recording substantial increases in the number of approvals. Since 2003, the Hunter has lifted apprenticeship commencements by 33 per cent, New England by 45 per cent and the Riverina by 49 per cent," Mr Della Bosca said.

"40,700 people completed an apprenticeship or traineeship in NSW, an increase of 9.4 per cent, compared to the national increase of just 3.9 per cent.

"NSW is also doing more to ensure apprentices can complete their training as soon as they are competent," the Minister said.

"Competency-based completion has long been a feature of our State's apprenticeship system," Mr Della Bosca said.

"In 2005, 11.6 per cent of apprentices in New South Wales completed their training early.

"We promoted this option to employers in 2006 and, as a result, over 20 per cent - or one in five NSW apprentices - now complete their term of training early.

"These figures from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research clearly demonstrate that when it comes to addressing skills shortages, NSW is leading the way," the Minister concluded.

STATE PLAN TARGET R3: Reduce the proportion of the NSW population who perceive problems with louts, noisy neighbours, public drunkenness or with dangerous, noisy, hoon drivers

The NSW Government has stepped up efforts to get ‘rev-heads' and their noisy, ‘hotted-up' cars off the State's roads, with serial offenders facing fines of up to $33,000 and the cancellation of their vehicle registration.

Minister Assisting the Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Water
Verity Firth today launched the NSW Government's new Noise Testing and Anti-Tampering Inspection Scheme, the most significant overhaul to the State's motor vehicle compliance regime in more than a decade.

"Vehicles with noisy exhausts or modified mufflers are a common cause of complaint, especially in urban areas," said Ms Firth.

"The NSW Government is determined to stamp out this community irritation by establishing a state-side network of mechanics approved to conduct noise testing and muffler inspections on vehicles suspected of being excessively noisy."

Up until now there has only been one testing and inspection station in all of NSW - the Environment Department's testing facility located in the Sydney suburb of Lidcombe - meaning that many vehicle owners had to travel long distances and wait several weeks to have their vehicles checked.

The first of our new inspection stations are in Granville and Campbelltown.

"Over the next 12 months, the Scheme will be rolled out across the State with more mechanics to be approved in both Sydney and regional centres," said Ms Firth.

"Our new Scheme will increase the availability of noise testing facilities across NSW, resulting in a better service for vehicle owners; a far greater number of vehicles being tested and inspected by independent, government approved mechanics; and ultimately fewer noisy vehicles in our neighbourhoods.

"The message is clear: don't drive a noisy vehicle and don't tamper with its muffler because your chances of getting caught have just gone up significantly.

"Under the Government's new Scheme, the police will be able to report cars they believe to be excessively noisy to the Environment Department.

"Owners will then have 21 days to take their vehicle to one of our approved mechanics to be tested and inspected.

"If the vehicle does not comply with the State's tough noise regulations, the owner must have the problem fixed or further action will be taken including the suspension or cancellation of the vehicle's registration."

Prosecutions can also be initiated with fines of up to $33,000 applying.

"One major benefit of creating a state-wide network of approved mechanics to test and inspect vehicles is that the Environment Department will be able to refocus its resources on compliance and enforcement activities in areas where noisy vehicles are a particular problem, including for the first time in communities outside of Sydney," said Ms Firth.

"That is, the Environment Department and the Police will be able to conduct even more joint operations targeting noisy and illegally modified vehicles.

"In recent months very successful operations were conducted at Warriewood and Brighton, with a total of 53 defective vehicle notices and 65 penalty notices issued.

"There will be more of these operations in coming months."

Members of the public can also report excessively noisy vehicles to the NSW Government's Environment Line, 131 555, and the Environment Department will initially send a warning letter to the vehicle's owner.

Ms Firth said the NSW Government's new state-wide motor vehicle noise enforcement scheme will soon be backed up by tougher laws, including a new provision that will make it harder for ‘hotted up' cars to cheat the testing system.

"Specifically, vehicle owners will soon be required to have their exhaust baffles and silencing devices permanently fixed in place," said Ms Firth.

"The Iemma Labor Government will continue to take a commonsense approach, balancing the rights of vehicle owners with the need to maintain peaceful and harmonious neighbourhoods." 

In 2005/06 and 2006/07 fines totaling $195,550 were issued to owners of noisy or illegally modified vehicles.

 

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NOISE TESTING & ANTI-TAMPERING INSPECTION SCHEME

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

What happens now?

The DECC's motor vehicle compliance and enforcement activities include issuing defect notices to owners of noisy vehicles. These notices require owners to fix their vehicles so they comply with legislative requirements.

In order to clear defect notices, vehicle owners must have their vehicles re-tested and inspected by DECC officers. The only DECC testing facility available is located in the Sydney metropolitan area at Lidcombe.

Vehicle owners sometimes have to travel long distances to Lidcombe and can wait several weeks for their vehicles to be tested.

What will happen under the new Scheme?

Under the new Noise Testing and Anti-Tampering Inspection Scheme DECC will appoint Approved Inspection Stations and Approved Mechanics to conduct noise tests and inspections of pollution control devices on behalf of DECC.

What are the benefits of the new scheme?

The introduction of the new Scheme will increase the availability of noise testing facilities across NSW resulting in a better level of service to vehicle owners. DECC will be able refocus effort on strategic vehicle compliance work which will lead to increased noisy vehicle compliance activities in regional areas and less noisy vehicles on the road.

How will DECC know whether mechanics and stations have the necessary skills and experience?

Prior to DECC granting approval to stations and mechanics, they will need to have the necessary qualifications, skills and experience to carry out this work. Nominated mechanics will also need to successfully complete a DECC competency based training course and follow procedures. DECC will also conduct regular audits of the Stations to ensure the quality of inspections is maintained. The audits will include ensuring that the correct testing and inspection procedures are followed and that all paperwork is correctly completed.

Is there any connection between the new Scheme and RTA's inspection stations?

The new Scheme links into the existing RTA authorised inspection station infrastructure by approving a sub-set of stations and mechanics that are also RTA ‘blue slip' stations. (‘Blue slip' stations carry out inspections of unregistered vehicles to determine whether vehicle registrations should be re-issued.)

DECC will manage and audit the new Scheme while RTA will continue to oversee safety checks.

Where are the new Approved Vehicle Inspection Stations located?

The first two stations appointed are located at Campbelltown and Granville.

Will the Scheme be extended to other areas?

Over the next 12 months the Scheme will be progressively rolled out to other areas of Sydney and to regional centres across NSW where noisy vehicles are a problem. These areas may include Wollongong and Newcastle.

What will happen if a vehicle is suspected of being noisy?

When the DECC receives a report from an authorised officer (DECC or Police officer) that a vehicle is suspected of being noisy the vehicle owner will be sent a notice requiring them to take the vehicle to one of the Approved Inspection Stations. Owners will have 21 days to have the vehicle inspected and to fix any problems identified.

Can a member of the public report noisy vehicles?

Members of the public can report excessively noisy vehicles to DECC's Environment Line on 131 555. DECC will follow up the reports and initially will generally send a warning letter to the vehicle owner.

Will vehicle owners have to pay to have their vehicles tested and inspected?

The Approved Inspection Stations will be able to charge a maximum fee of $40.15 for motorcycles and a maximum fee of $60.50 for other types of vehicles. The fees have been set to offset the costs involved in setting up and maintaining equipment at the Station (such as having calibrated noise meters) and the costs associated with carrying out tests and inspections.

What actions can DECC take if a vehicle is not complying with the legal noise limits or the vehicle has been modified?

Vehicle owners will need to rectify any problems if vehicles do not meet the set criteria. Penalty Notices can be issued ranging from $150 to $1000 depending on how much the legal noise levels are exceeded. Continual non-compliance can result in the vehicle's registration being suspended or cancelled. Prosecutions can also be commenced for repeat offenders with a maximum penalty of $33,000 for corporations and $16,500 for individuals applying for noisy vehicles.

What enforcement activities are carried out?

In addition to on-road enforcement activities DECC officers regularly conduct joint operations with NSW Police. During these operations vehicles suspected of being excessively noisy are tested and inspections are conducted to identify tampering of pollution control devices. Over the last 12 months 12 operations were carried out at known trouble spots in Sydney, such as Brighton, Kings Cross and Warriewood.

Under the new Scheme Police officers will also be able to report excessively noisy vehicles to DECC. These vehicles will be referred to Approved Inspection Stations.

How does the Scheme link in with the Noise Control Regulation?

Under the Scheme Approved Mechanics will need to follow the testing procedures set down in the Noise Control Regulation. DECC and Police officers will also use the provisions in the Regulation to undertake enforcement action.

Does the new Scheme apply to other vehicle noise related offences?

The Scheme focuses on excessive noise from vehicle exhausts and modified vehicles. The Noise Control Regulation also has offences for other noisy vehicle issues, such as loud sound systems and car alarms. These offences are enforced by NSW Police or DECC. The Police are also responsible for enforcing other illegal activities such as dangerous driving offences.

 

STATE PLAN TARGET P1: Continue to increase business through making make NSW a more attractive place to do business

The NSW Government is set to more aggressively pursue and encourage international pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to spend a greater slice of their $10 billion annual research budgets here in NSW.

Minister for Science and Medical Research Verity Firth will later today open the 3^rd International Clinical Trials Symposium and announce the establishment of the NSW Clinical Trials Business Development Centre.

"This initiative is the first salvo in a new, more aggressive strategy to promote NSW internationally as the ideal location for conducting clinical trials - an essential stage in all medical research," said Ms Firth.

"Before they can place their new drugs, medical devices and therapies into the marketplace, pharmaceutical companies must first conduct clinical trials to prove the effectiveness and safety of their products on patients.

"The new Business Development Centre represents a $1 million investment in the State's rapidly maturing clinical trials sector, creating for the first time a single marketing entity and point-of-contact for overseas researchers, and pharmaceutical and medical technology companies.

"It will connect the world's pharmaceutical companies and research centres to the full range of local clinical trials expertise - from the design and recruitment of clinical trials to their operation, management and statistical analysis."

At present one in four clinical trials conducted in Australia are carried out in NSW.

"From this solid foundation the Iemma Labor Government is determined to build the State's market share over coming years, while bringing health benefits to the people of NSW," said Ms Firth.

"NSW is without doubt one of the most attractive locations in the world for such research.

"We offer well-equipped modern teaching hospitals, highly skilled health professionals, strong intellectual property laws, and treatment and regulatory standards that meet US and European requirements.

"NSW also offers a large ethnically diverse population, satisfying the demographic needs of any clinical trial.

"But what really sets NSW apart is economics and reliability.

"It is significantly more cost effective to conduct a successful clinical trial in NSW than in the US, Japan or Western Europe, with 80 per cent of locally conducted trials completed on time."

The average cost of conducting a clinical trial in NSW is US$4,000 compared to US$5,000 in Germany; US$6,000 in the UK; US$6,700; and US$18,000 in Japan.

"It's not surprising that many of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies have already chosen to base their Australian headquarters here in Sydney," said Ms Firth.

The other elements of the NSW Government's new, more aggressive strategy for attracting clinical trials to NSW are:

• Making strategic connections in the Asia/Pacific, with a strong focus on Japan;
• Exporting our skills and knowledge into new markets;
• Developing major clinical research networks, e.g. cancer, cardiovascular disease and spinal cord injury;
• Attracting trial activity in line with the major burden of disease in this State; and
• Single, simplified, State-wide ethics and scientific review to high standards. 

"The NSW Government's investment in scientific and medical research is all about strengthening the NSW economy by attracting the high-skilled, high wage industries of tomorrow," said Ms Firth.

"We are building a NSW where future economic prosperity will not be reliant on unpredictable and short term resource booms."

The soon-to-be-established Clinical Trials Business Development Centre will be managed by the NSW Government's Cancer Institute.

NSW is home to internationally renowned clinical trials centres, including the National Health and Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Centre - hosts of the 3^rd International Clinical Trials Symposium - the George Institute, the National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, and the Woolcock Institute.

 

State Plan Priority F6: Increased proportion of children with skills for life and learning at school entry

State Plan Priority F7: Reduced rates of child abuse and neglect

State Plan Priority F4: Embedding the principle of prevention and early intervention into Government service delivery in NSW

NSW Minister for Community Services Kevin Greene today announced a new drug unit to further train frontline staff in protecting children where parents are using drugs, including ecstasy and ice.

Mr Greene told Parliament today that the Department of Community Services (DoCS) was establishing a new unit in response to an increasing number of drug related child protection reports to the Helpline.

"We're seeing the number of reports about children at risk of harm as a result of their parents using drugs increase from just over 19,000 in 2004/05 to 22,500 in 05/06.

"That's why we're introducing the Drug and Alcohol Expertise Unit to give frontline caseworkers access to expert training and advice to help them make the tough calls about the impact mum and dad's drug use is having on their kids.

"This unit will train caseworkers and provide advice on day-to-day issues.

"And we've been training our caseworkers on the latest intervention and prevention tools available when dealing with parents who are using drugs."

Mr Greene said that recent calls for all children of drug users to be removed was unrealistic.

"With over 10,500 children in out-of-home-care, it's clear that DoCS does take action to remove a child where it is deemed necessary. And that number is increasing.

"The challenge is honing the tools and skills caseworkers have available to them as they make these decisions in the best interests of a child."

The new unit follows the suite of measures already in place to support caseworkers in the field including, drug testing and parental responsibility contracts trials and some early intervention programs.

"The feedback from caseworkers on early intervention so far has been positive. They are able to act earlier and work with families to prevent their issues escalating.

"Drug use is a scourge on our society, the fallout from which can have widespread effects, but is especially concerning where kids are involved.

"The Iemma Government continues to strive to improve the services we provide to protect kids from harm."

State Plan Priority P1: Increase Tourism Visitation to NSW

State Plan Priority P6: Stronger Regional and Rural Economies

Minister for Tourism Matt Brown said Sydneysiders invested up to $15 million in regional New South Wales during the APEC long weekend - up to five times the forecast for the "Bonus Long Weekend Getaway Campaign."
"The Premier told parliament today that about one third of Sydney's population left the city between September 7 and 9, increasing in visitor nights in the regions by about 30 per cent," Mr Brown said.
"This injection of $15 million into these economies is just what the State needed after a slow season due to drought and flooding in certain areas such as the Hunter.
"The Iemma Government spent $250,000 on the campaign to encourage Sydneysiders to get out of the city during APEC - so this 600 per cent return on investment is also a great bang for the taxpayer's buck."
Mr Brown said analysis of the campaign also showed:

• Tourism NSW's website visitnsw.com received 232,441 visits during August - the most hits in any one month.
• Out of the 314 offers on the site, about 50 were sold out.
• The most popular destinations were Port Stephens, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, the Illawarra and the Hunter.

"On the Central Coast visitors spent more than $1 million in accommodation over the long weekend, with all properties heavily booked," Mr Brown said.
"The Central West, Orange received 1150 visitors over the weekend, 70 per cent more than in the same period last year.
"At Parkes, the Radio Telescope Discovery Centre and the Station Hotel reported huge results with the ‘Dish' receiving more than double the usual number of visitors.
"There are 70 places to stay in Dubbo and there was not a bed to spare. And accommodation in Kiama and Gerringong, was also heavily booked.
"Visitor Information Centres on the Mid North Coast put on extra staff over the weekend, and many in the industry said the weekend was as busy as the traditional October long weekend holiday.
"In the Blue Mountains, the Echo Point Visitors Centre reported a 260 per cent
increase in visitor numbers, compared with the same Friday in 2006.
"Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens reported about 500 additional visitors on Friday September 7 than any other Friday.
"And the Jenolan Caves reported an increase of 200 per cent in visits the same day.
"Finally, the Hunter Valley Wine Country reported that tourism numbers were on par with Easter, usually the busiest time of the year. They reaped more than $3 million."
Mr Brown said the "Bonus Long Weekend Getaway" radio, print and online advertising started on August 5.
"The campaign was highly successful and I congratulate Tourism NSW for their strategic and targeted communications.
"A big thanks also to all the people that took up the call to escape the city during APEC, to spend some time with their families in other beautiful parts of the State."

State Plan Priority R4: Building Harmonious Communities

State Plan Priority E6: Housing Affordability

Minister for Housing Matt Brown today announced the 2008 National Housing Conference will be held in Darling Harbour, Sydney between February 20 and 22, and will focus on long term affordable housing solutions for Australia.

Mr Brown said the conference, Housing as a Foundation: Building Successful Partnerships, aims to help ease the affordable housing crisis through expert consultation.

“Around 1,200 social housing practitioners, policy makers, housing advocates, planners and housing researchers will descend on Sydney, and a variety of site tours and presentations will be organised for the delegates over three days,” Mr Brown said.

“We are also fortunate to have two internationally renowned speakers who will attend the conference to share their groundbreaking research.

“Professor Rachel Bratt, from Tufts University, and Professor David Mullins, from the University of Birmingham both bring to the table extensive innovation in housing issues.

“I hope their expert input will generate lively and open debates about the Australian housing industry.”

Mr Brown said housing affordability is an issue that affects many working families who are struggling to pay their mortgages as interest rates continue to rise.

“At the last election John Howard promised to keep interest rates low, but they have gone up nine times in a row,’ Mr Brown said.

“In addition, the Federal Government has stripped $1 billion in housing funding over three successive Commonwealth State Housing Agreements.

“We could have built 5,000 homes with that money. Mal Brough recently announced he planned to put in jeopardy a further $300 million of NSW funding if elected.

“This is a third of Housing NSW’s budget - which means they may need to sell more than 10,000 homes.

“This only means they’re putting the lives of Australians in need in jeopardy. Conferences like these aim to help address these issues and find a solution.

“We want a sensible, national approach to housing that continues to put a roof over the heads of those most in need.”

To register or for more information visit www.nationalhousingconference.org.au