Answers to Questions

TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT

In reply to the Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (24 September 2008).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy): The Minister for Transport has advised:

1. The Kateena Street, Regency Park roadworthy inspections facility had 16 positions for vehicle inspectors at the OPS-3 classification. In September 2008, 10 were occupied, with another two inspectors on temporary secondment to the vehicle emissions testing facility.

A further six inspectors were recruited in 2009.

2. The reason for the shortfall of inspectors back in September 2008 was largely due to the healthy state of business and the attraction of some inspectors to positions in the private sector prior to the recent downturn of the economy.

Waiting times for heavy vehicles, including buses, have reduced to less than five days consistently since December 2008.