Minutes of Proceedings - 2011-03-30
- 1. MEETING:
The Assembly met at 10am. The Speaker, the Honourable J. L. Aagaard, took the Chair.
2. PRAYERS.
3. DISTINGUISHED VISITORS:
- The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the gallery of –
Honourable Lynette Breuer MP, Speaker, House of Assembly of South Australia; and
- On behalf of all Members the Speaker extended a warm welcome to the visitors.
4. PETITIONS:
- The Member for Araluen (Mrs Lambley) presented Petition No. 52 from 262 petitioners praying that the Basketball Stadium built in the grounds of the Centralian Middle School be removed (Paper 1239).
Petition read.
- The Chief Minister (Mr Henderson), pursuant to notice, moved – That the Assembly oppose the establishment of a uranium mine at Angela Pamela, 20km from Alice Springs.
Debate ensued.
Paper tabled: Mr Henderson laid on the Table the following Papers –
- Email, Mr Conlan Member for Greatorex to Stephan Stander, 4 December 2009 re anti Angela song (Paper 1240);
Centralian Advocate, Tuesday 5 October 2010 re Araluen Election – Where do the Parties Stand, advertisement (Paper 1241);
Press Release, Mrs Robyn Lambley, dated 5 October 2010, letter to Mr R Bell (Dick) re Action Plan for Alice and position on Angela Pamela uranium Mine (Paper 1242); and
Email, Kezia Purick to David Tollner re Party turbulence and machinations – copied to other CLP Members (Paper 1243).
Debate continued.
Paper tabled: Mr Mills, by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper –
- Press Release, Uranium Exploration Moves Ahead, dated 20 February 2008 by Mr Henderson Chief Minister (Paper 1245).
Debate continued.
Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Goyder (Ms Purick) the Member for Greatorex (Mr Conlan) was granted an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Debate continued.
Debate suspended.
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Suspension of sittings: The sittings of the Assembly was suspended between 12 Noon and 2pm.
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6. NOTICES:
- The following Notices were given –
Mr Vatskalis: To present the Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Amendment Bill 2011 (Serial 155).
Mr Elferink, by leave, moved – That the item of Assembly Business relating to the Waterfront Regulations By–Laws, No. 15 of 2010, be discharged.
Question – put and passed.
- and further,
- that the Committee be empowered by this motion to examine relevant witnesses and call for the production of relevant documents.
- Letter, Mrs Aagaard, Speaker to Member for Port Darwin, Mr Elferink re denial of precedence to referral of matter of privilege regarding Mr Vatskalis (Paper 1246).
Mr Giles, by leave, moved – That consideration of General Business, Notice No. 3 relating to the establishment of an Innovation Committee be postponed.
- Question – put and passed.
Mr Wood, by leave, withdrew his notice of a motion - The government state their position on any uranium mining lease application after the environmental impact statements have been released for public comment so that their position and their decision can be made based on all the facts.
Dr Burns: To present the Education Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 (Serial 160).
- 2.03pm Mr Mills to Mr Henderson.
Paper tabled: Mr Mills laid on the Table the following Paper –
Press Release, Mr Henderson re Uranium Exploration Moves Ahead, dated 20 February 2008 (Paper 1247).
- 2.07pm Ms Walker to Mr Henderson.
2.10pm Mr Mills to Mr Henderson.
2.14pm Ms Scrymgour to Ms Lawrie.
2.18pm Mr Giles to Mr Henderson.
2.22pm Mr Wood to Dr Burns.
2.25pm Mr Gunner to Mr Henderson.
2.28pm Mr Giles to Mr Henderson.
2.33pm Ms Scrymgour to Mr McCarthy.
2.37pm Ms Anderson to Mr Henderson.
2.38pm Mr Giles to Mr Hampton.
2.43pm Mr Gunner to Dr Burns.
Paper tabled: Dr Burns laid on the Table the following Paper –
Invoice – 4WD Vehicle sold to Michael Rockman on 5 March 2003 (Paper 1248).
2.45pm Mr Elferink to Dr Burns.
2.46pm Mr Wood to Mr McCarthy.
2.50pm Mr Gunner to Dr Burns.
2.53pm Mr Mills to Mr Henderson.
And the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Mills) in asking the question proceeded to move a motion to suspend Standing Orders.
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Suspension of Standing Orders: And the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Mills) moved – That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent him from censuring the Chief Minister for law and order problems in Alice Springs, forthwith.
The Leader of Government Business (Dr Burns) informed the Assembly that the government accepted the motion as a censure motion, pursuant to Standing Order 95.
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The Leader of Government Business (Dr Burns) asked that further questions be places on the Written Question Paper.
- The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Mills) moved – That the Assembly censure the Chief Minister for -
- (a) his failure to provide leadership and to act with integrity and honesty on a raft of issues including the law and order problems of Alice Springs;
(b) misleading the House about his Minister’s abusing their office by pressuring Imparja to remove anti-Government ads, using his office to attack the Darwin Lord Mayor; and
(c) allowing the Minister for Health to mislead the House.
Debate ensued.
Question - put.
The Assembly divided (the Deputy Speaker, Mrs Walker, in the Chair) -
AYES, 11 NOES, 12
Mr Bohlin Mrs Aagaard
Mr Chandler Dr Burns
Mr Conlan Mr Gunner
Mr Elferink Mr Hampton
Mr Giles Mr Henderson
Mrs Lambley Mr Knight
Mr Mills Ms Lawrie
Ms Purick Ms McCarthy
Mr Styles Mr McCarthy
Mr Tollner Ms Scrymgour
Mr Westra van Holthe Mr Vatskalis
Ms Walker
Motion negatived accordingly.
- The Order of the Day having been read for the resumption of debate, suspended earlier this day, on the motion – That the Assembly opposes the establishment of a uranium mine at Angela Pamela, 20km from Alice Springs.
Debate resumed.
Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Sanderson (Mr Styles) the Member for Member for Fong Lim (Mr Tollner) was granted an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Debate continued.
Question - put.
The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. J. L Aagaard, in the Chair) -
AYES, 13 NOES, 12
Mrs Aagaard Mr Bohlin
Ms Anderson Mr Chandler
Dr Burns Mr Conlan
Mr Gunner Mr Elferink
Mr Hampton Mr Giles
Mr Henderson Mrs Lambley
Mr Knight Mr Mills
Ms Lawrie Ms Purick
Ms McCarthy Mr Styles
Mr McCarthy Mr Tollner
Ms Scrymgour Mr Westra van Holthe
Mr Vatskalis Mr Wood
Ms Walker
And so it was resolved in the affirmative.
- The Speaker laid on the Table a Report to the Legislative Assembly, pursuant to paragraphs 8.3 and 10.9(b) of Remuneration Tribunal Determination No. 1 of 2009, Tabled in the Assembly 26 November 2009 for the provision of travel and communication entitlements for Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory for calendar year 2010, including –
Annual Schedule containing government payments for each member for satellite and mobile telephones (Paper 1249); and
Annual Schedule of Member travel at government expense (Paper 1249).
Schedule re Annual Schedule of Ministerial expenses for Smart Phone during calendar year 2010, dated 24 March 2011 (Paper 1250).
The Leader of Government Business (Dr Burns) moved - That the Report be printed.
Question – put and passed.
11. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS - REARRANGE ROUTINE OF BUSINESS, 30 MARCH 2011, WEDNESDAY PM – MOTION AGREED TO:
- The Leader of Government Business (Dr Burns), by leave, moved - That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent –
- (a) Government Business, Notices Nos. 3 to 6 inclusive being taken as would allow their presentation and deliverance of associated second reading speeches; and
(b) at the conclusion of the notices being completed above, General Business then proceeding forthwith for a period of 3.5 hours, at which time the Assembly then proceed to adjourn.
Question – put and passed.
12. ROUTINE OF BUSINESS – THURSDAY 31 MARCH 2011 – MOTION AGREED TO:
- The Leader of Government Business (Dr Burns), pursuant to notice, moved – That the Routine of Business, Questions be taken at 6pm on Thursday 31 March 2011.
Question – put and passed.
13. ALCOHOL REFORM (SUBSTANCE MISUSE ASSESSMENT AND REFERRAL FOR TREATMENT COURT) BILL 2011 (Serial 159):
- The Minister for Justice and Attorney-General (Ms Lawrie), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to establish the SMART Court with power to make particular orders for eligible offenders who are seriously misusing alcohol or drugs, and for related purposes.
Ms Lawrie moved – That the Bill be now read a second time.
Debate ensued.
Paper tabled: Ms Lawrie laid on the Table the following Paper –
Explanatory Statement, Alcohol Reform (Substance Misuse Assessment and Referral for Treatment Court) Bill 2011 (Paper 1251).
On the motion of the Member for Sanderson (Mr Styles) debate was adjourned.
- The ministerial for Justice and Attorney-General (Ms Lawrie), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to prevent the commission of alcohol-related offences, to reduce excessive alcohol consumption, to benefit people who are misusing alcohol or drugs by facilitating the clinical assessment and appropriate treatment of those people, to reduce the harm caused by the misuse of alcohol or drugs, and for related purposes.
Ms Lawrie moved – That the Bill be now read a second time.
Debate ensued.
Paper tabled: Ms Lawrie laid on the Table the following Paper –
Explanatory Statement, Alcohol Reform (Prevention of Alcohol-Related Crime and Substance Misuse) Bill 2011 (Paper 1252).
On the motion of the Member for Sanderson (Mr Styles) debate was adjourned.
15. ALCOHOL REFORM (LIQUOR LEGISLATION AMENDMENT) BILL 2011 (Serial 161):
- The Minister for Racing, Gaming and Licensing (Ms Lawrie), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Liquor Act and Liquor Regulations.
Ms Lawrie moved – That the Bill be now read a second time.
Debate ensued.
Paper tabled: Ms Lawrie laid on the Table the following Paper –
Explanatory Statement, Alcohol Reform (Liquor Legislation Amendment) Bill 2011 (Paper 1253).
On the motion of the Member for Sanderson (Mr Styles) debate was adjourned.
16. ROUTINE OF BUSINESS – AUDIT AMENDMENT BILL 2011 (Serial 157):
- The Chief Minister (Mr Henderson) advised Members that –
in conjunction with a discussion with the shadow Leader of Government Business and Opposition Whip it was agreed to not proceed with the introduction of the Audit Amendment Bill 2011 today as per the previous motion passed earlier this day; and
this would allow General Business Day to be called on forthwith.
17. LAWLESSNESS AND ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AND POLICE NUMBERS, ALICE SPRINGS – MOTION NEGATIVED:
- The Member for Greatorex (Mr Conlan), pursuant to notice, moved - That, the Northern Territory Government direct the Commissioner of Police to –
(a) immediately deploy a task force of police in Alice Springs with a mandate to address hot spots of acute lawlessness and anti-social behaviour; and
(b) form a Response Group made up of 20 able-bodied general duties police officers able to respond across the Territory to emerging or known law and order issues.
Debate ensued.
Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Drysdale (Mr Bohlin) the Member for Greatorex (Mr Conlan) was granted an extension of time, pursuant o Standing Order 77.
Debate continued.
The Member for Greatorex (Mr Conlan) moved the following amendment to the motion -
Omit the words, “direct the Commissioner of Police to”.
Debate ensued.
Question - That the amendment be agreed to - put.
The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. J. L Aagaard, in the Chair) -
AYES, 12 NOES, 12
Mr Bohlin Mrs Aagaard
Mr Chandler Dr Burns
Mr Conlan Mr Gunner
Mr Elferink Mr Hampton
Mr Giles Mr Henderson
Mrs Lambley Mr Knight
Mr Mills Ms Lawrie
Ms Purick Ms McCarthy
Mr Styles Mr McCarthy
Mr Tollner Ms Scrymgour
Mr Westra van Holthe Mr Vatskalis
Mr Wood Ms Walker
There being an equality of votes, pursuant to section 27(1) of the Northern Territory (Self –Government) Act 1978 Cwlth there being an equality of votes the question is therefore resolved in the negative.
Amendment negatived accordingly.
Question - That the main motion be agreed to - put.
The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. J. L Aagaard, in the Chair) -
AYES, 12 NOES, 12
Mr Bohlin Mrs Aagaard
Mr Chandler Dr Burns
Mr Conlan Mr Gunner
Mr Elferink Mr Hampton
Mr Giles Mr Henderson
Mrs Lambley Mr Knight
Mr Mills Ms Lawrie
Ms Purick Ms McCarthy
Mr Styles Mr McCarthy
Mr Tollner Ms Scrymgour
Mr Westra van Holthe Mr Vatskalis
Mr Wood Ms Walker
There being an equality of votes, pursuant to section 27(1) of the Northern Territory (Self –Government) Act 1978 Cwlth there being an equality of votes the question is therefore resolved in the negative.
Motion negatived accordingly.
- The Member for Braitling (Mr Giles), pursuant to notice moved - That the Northern Territory Government:
1. Applaud the members of the Larapinta Valley Town Camp Housing Association in its attempted moves to change it's land tenure structure seeking to utilise the land for residential development for all Centralians and massage any financial returns for social advancement of children and seniors residents;
2. Works with the Larapinta Valley Town Camp Housing Association and federal Government in developing a plan to bring the housing associations vision to fruition and that a draft plan be made available to the public by June 2011;
3. Funds the Larapinta Valley Town Camp Housing Association sufficient resources to enable the association to employ an officer to facilitate the development of a land development plan for the area known as Larapinta Valley Town Camp; and
4. Promotes these opportunities to other town camps and Indigenous communities throughout the Northern Territory and actively encourages similar models if other locations across the Territory.
Debate ensued.
Paper tabled: Mr Hampton laid on the Table the following Paper -
Petition to the Hon Jenny Macklin, Minister for Families, Housing Community Services and Indigenous Affairs by Concerned Residents of Larrapinta Valley Town Camp re Land Development at the Camp, dated 6 December 2010 (Paper 1254).
Debate continued.
Question - That the motion be agreed to - put.
The Assembly divided (the Deputy Speaker, Ms Walker, in the Chair) -
AYES, 11 NOES, 12
Mr Bohlin Mrs Aagaard
Mr Chandler Dr Burns
Mr Conlan Mr Gunner
Mr Elferink Mr Hampton
Mr Giles Mr Henderson
Mrs Lambley Mr Knight
Mr Mills Ms Lawrie
Ms Purick Ms McCarthy
Mr Styles Mr McCarthy
Mr Tollner Ms Scrymgour
Mr Westra van Holthe Mr Vatskalis
Ms Walker
Motion negatived accordingly.
- The Member for Braitling (Mr Giles), pursuant to notice, moved - That this Parliament condemn –
(a) the Northern Territory and Australian Governments for their failures to present short, medium and long term strategies to the problems being faced by businesses and residents of Alice Springs as a result of the increasing crime and anti-social behaviour across the town; and
- (b) the Minister for Central Australia for failing to provide leadership for Central Australia on these issues.
Debate ensued.
Paper tabled: Dr Burns laid on the Table the following Papers –
Estimate of Indigenous Expenditure Share, 2008-09 and Ratio of Indigenous to non-Indigenous expenditure per head of population, 2008-09 (Paper 1255).
- Debate continued.
Debate adjourned – Mr Elferink in continuation 13 minutes remaining.
- The Leader of Government Business (Dr Burns) moved – That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Debate ensued.
Paper tabled: Dr Burns laid on the Table the following Paper -
Letter, Mr Michael John Rowley, True Trac 4WD re vehicle sold to Mr Westra van Holthe (Paper 1256).
And the Assembly adjourned at 10.32pm until tomorrow at 10am.
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PAPERS:
There were no Papers deemed to have been presented on Wednesday 30 March 2011.
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- ATTENDANCE:
All Members attended the sittings.
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016