I lead on behalf of the Opposition in debate on the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Bill 2008. It is important for us to address violence of any nature. Over the past few years all of us have given our best efforts to reduce the incidence of domestic and personal violence for the people of New South Wales.

I rise on behalf of the Liberal-Nationals Coalition to support the Institute of Teachers Amendment Bill 2008 and make some comments in relation to it. This bill has come about because there is a requirement in the Institute of Teachers Act 2004 to undertake a review every three years to determine whether the Act is meeting its objectives. 

I speak on the Adoption Amendment Bill 2008 on behalf of the Liberal-Nationals Coalition. The Opposition supports the bill, which is long overdue. In speaking to the bill I recognise the complex nature of adoption generally and the need to balance the rights of adoptive children, adoptive parents and natural or birth parents of adopted children.

The Hon. ROBYN PARKER: My question is directed to the Minister for Health. Given the State's current financial problems and his admission that axing the Ambulance Rescue Service was a bad decision, why is the Government spending more money on training courses for firefighters to undertake just some, but not all, of the responsibilities of the Ambulance Rescue Service, which already was running effectively? Following his meeting with representatives of the Ambulance Rescue Service, will he agree to meet with the Minister for Emergency Services and reverse the Government's decision to axe this service? If so, when? If not, why not?