Minutes of Proceedings - 2009-11-25
- 1. MEETING:
- The Assembly met at 9.30am, Alice Springs. The Speaker, the Honourable J. L. Aagaard, took the Chair.
2. PRAYERS.
3. VISITORS: The Speaker drew the attention of Members to the presence in the galleries of:
Harts Range School students, Middle Years 7, 8 and 9, together with teacher, Mr Daniel Slade and assistant teacher, Ms Christina Stevens;
Sandover Group Schools Special Educator, Ms Kelly Hayes; and
Braitling Primary School, Year 3/4, together with teachers, Ms Joanne Moar, Mrs Tracey-Lee Forester, and Mr Christopher Myers.
4. STATEMENT BY SPEAKER:
- The Speaker advised Members that today was White Ribbon Day and that flags would accordingly be flown and the sittings of the Assembly would be suspended at 6.45pm today until approximately 7pm.
5. PETITIONS:
- The Member for Katherine (Mr Westra van Holthe) presented Petition No. 29 from 1942 petitioners relating to the Northern Territory Aeromedical Service aircraft in Katherine be a full 24 hour service and a petition from 62 petitioners of similar intent, not conforming with Standing Orders. (Paper 605)
Petition read.
The Member for Fong Lim (Mr Tollner) presented Petition No. 28 from 47 petitioners requesting a safety barrier be constructed on Tiger Brennan Drive between Woolner and Benison Roads. (Paper 604)
Petition read.
- The Speaker laid on the Table the Auditor-General’s November 2009 Report to the Legislative Assembly (Paper 606).
The Chief Minister (Mr Henderson) moved – That the Report be printed.
Question – put and passed.
The Chief Minister (Mr Henderson) moved – That the Assembly take note of the Report and that leave be granted to continue his remarks at a later hour.
Leave granted – Debate adjourned.
- The Speaker, pursuant to section 313 of the Electoral Act, laid on the Table the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly General Election Report 2008, dated 9 August 2009 (Paper 607).
The Chief Minister (Mr Henderson) moved – That the Assembly take note of the Report and that leave be granted to continue his remarks at a later hour.
Leave granted – Debate adjourned.
8. ALICE SPRINGS LAW AND ORDER – MOTION NEGATIVED:
- The Member for Araluen (Ms Carney), pursuant to notice, moved - That, the Territory Government:
1. Take direct and decisive action to address law and order issues in Alice Springs;
2. Establish crime reduction targets for each year for the next five years and resource police and put in place the appropriate laws to ensure that such reductions are met;
3. Establish a Police Citizens Youth Club in Alice Springs, and that it be located in the Larapinta area;
4. Strengthen the Youth Justice Act to ensure that more Parental Responsibility Agreements and Orders are made and acted upon; and
5. Change the hours of the availability of alcohol so that all takeaway alcohol is sold from 10.00am.
Debate ensued.
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Visitors: The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the galleries of ANZAC Hill High School Year 8 students, with their teacher Ms Narelle Cameron and (ISAs) Ms Anita Togolo and Mr Michael Kanaan.
On behalf of all honourable Members the Speaker extended a very warm welcome.
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Debate continued.
Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Goyder (Ms Purick) the Member for Araluen (Ms Carney) was granted an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Debate continued.
Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Johnston (Dr Burns) the Chief Minister (Mr Henderson) was granted an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Debate continued.
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Visitors: The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the galleries of Araluen Christian College Years 5/6 students with their Principal, Mrs Hilary Saunders and teacher, Ms Sandra Cooper.
On behalf of all honourable Members the Speaker extended a very warm welcome.
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Debate continued.
Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Sanderson (Mr Styles) the Member for Greatorex (Mr Conlan) was granted an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Debate continued.
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Distinguished Visitor: The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the galleries of His Worship the Mayor of Alice Springs, Mr Damien Ryan.
On behalf of all honourable Members the Speaker extended a very warm welcome.
Visitors: The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the galleries of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, Sadadeen Campus students, four students from Year 11, and 17 students from Year 9, together with their teachers, Ms Marie Daykin and Mr Jon Raveney.
On behalf of all honourable Members the Speaker extended a very warm welcome.
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Debate continued.
Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Nhulunbuy (Ms Walker) the Member for Nelson (Mr Wood) was granted an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Debate continued.
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Visitors: The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the galleries of St Philip’s College Year 9 students, together with Assistant Deputy Headmaster Mr Paul Wilson, and their teacher, Mr Christopher Raja.
On behalf of all honourable Members the Speaker extended a very warm welcome.
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Debate continued.
Debate suspended.
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Visitors: The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the galleries of Alice Springs High School Year 7 students accompanied by Miss Sarah Edwards and Miss Michela Renders.
On behalf of all honourable Members the Speaker extended a very warm welcome.
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Suspension of sittings: The sittings of the Assembly was suspended between 12 Noon and 1.30pm.
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Debate resumed.
Question - That the motion be agreed to - put.
The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. J. L Aagaard, in the Chair) -
AYES, 11 NOES, 13
Mr Bohlin Mrs Aagaard
Ms Carney Dr Burns
Mr Chandler Mr Gunner
Mr Conlan Mr Hampton
Mr Elferink Mr Henderson
Mr Giles 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
Mr Wood
Tellers: Mr Gunner, Government Whip
- Ms Carney, Opposition Whip
Motion negatived accordingly.
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Visitors: The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the galleries of Larapinta Primary School Year 5/6 students accompanied by Ms Jessica Lambshead and Mrs Holly Bennett, and Mr Peter Andrews as support staff.
On behalf of all honourable Members the Speaker extended a very warm welcome.
- The Member for Araluen (Ms Carney), pursuant to notice, moved -
That the Government:
1. In recognition of the failure to invest in areas of social and sporting infrastructure, move immediately to upgrade facilities at Anzac Oval by demolishing the existing canteen and viewing area and replace it with a modern canteen, toilets, change rooms, and grandstand so that it meets the needs of local sporting clubs; and
- 2. Ensures that Anzac Oval is a first class facility that will meet local and tourism needs for use in various community events, such as the Masters Games opening and closing ceremonies, concerts, sporting activities as part of show casing the Territory and what we have to offer.
Debate ensued.
Paper tabled: Ms Carney, by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper –
Debate continued.
The Member for Nelson (Mr Wood) moved – That paragraph 1 be omitted and insert in their stead –
“1. Meet with the Alice Springs town Council, the Central Australia Rugby Union and Rugby League Associations to investigate the costs of the following at Anzac Oval:
- (a) upgrading the existing facilities specifically,
(i) dressing rooms;
(ii) kiosk;
(iii) toilet in the referees room; and
(iv) permanent stairs to the top floor.
Debate ensued.
Question – That the amendment be agreed to – put and negatived.
Debate resumed on the main motion.
Question – put and passed.
- The Member for Araluen (Ms Carney), pursuant to notice, moved -
That the Territory Government:
(a) An immediate investigation be undertaken regarding the traffic congestion and safety matters at the intersection of Lovegrove Drive and Larapinta Drive and, that such an investigation is to provide options as to which of the following is the optimum solution to the current problem:
(i) A roundabout
(ii) Traffic lights
(iii) Traffic lights with a seagull lane
(iv) Widening of the intersection to enable both left and right hand turn lanes to be clearly delineated;
- (b) The investigation should take into account the views of local stakeholders such as the local council and should also take into account the view of local members that the preferable option is a roundabout;
(c) That the investigation be completed by the relevant Government Department and reported to the February 2010 sittings;
(d) That work on whatever option is agreed to is to commence by April 2010 and be completed by June 2010; and
(e) Note that failure to construct a roundabout will continue to see local motorists exposed to unnecessary danger, with the potential of serious injury and or loss of life.
Debate ensued.
The Member for Nelson (Mr Wood) moved the following amendment –
Omit paragraphs (a), (b), (c),(d) and (e) and insert in their stead –
(a) An immediate investigation be undertaken regarding the traffic congestion and safety matters at the intersection of Lovegrove Drive and Larapinta Drive and, that such an investigation is to provide options as to which of the following is the optimum solution to the current problem:
- a. A roundabout
b. Traffic lights
c. Traffic lights with a seagull lane
d. Widening of the intersection to enable both left and right hand turn lanes to be clearly delineated;
(c) That the investigation be completed by the relevant Government Department and reported to the February 2010 sittings and that setting a timeframe of works be agreed to.
- Debate ensued.
The Member for Braitling (Mr Giles) moved the following amendment to the amendment moved by the Member for Nelson (Mr Wood) –
Omit paragraph (c) and insert in its stead –
“(c) That the investigation be completed by the relevant government Department and reports back to the February 2010 sittings and that the Minister for Transport set the timeframe of works to be agreed to at the February 2010 sittings.”
Debate ensued.
Question – That the amendment to the amendment be agreed to – put and passed.
Question – That the amendment, as amended, be agreed to – put and passed.
Question – That the motion, as amended, be agreed to – put and passed.
- The Member for Araluen (Ms Carney), pursuant to notice, moved -
That,
1. The Assembly acknowledge ongoing problems with some public housing tenants who continue to interfere with the quiet enjoyment of others by anti-social behaviour; and
2. The Chief Minister show his support for Alice Springs by addressing public housing issues, including providing more public housing, and improve eviction processes for public housing tenants who breach the terms of their leases.
Debate ensued.
Debate suspended.
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Sittings of the Assembly: The sittings of the Assembly was suspended between 6.45pm and 7pm.
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- The following notice was given:
Dr Burns: To move - The Assembly -
- 1. Adopt Recommendation No. 1 of the Third Report of the Standing Orders Committee 11th Assembly and the recommended changes to Standing Orders in Chapters IX and XII as circulated to Members;
2. Note Recommendations 2, 3 and 4.
- 7.06pm Ms Carney to Mr Henderson.
7.12pm Ms Scrymgour to Mr Henderson.
7.15pm Ms Carney to Mr Henderson.
7.21pm Mr Gunner to Mr Henderson.
7.28pm Ms Carney to Mr Henderson.
7.33pm Mr Wood to Mr Henderson.
7.35pm Ms Walker to Ms McCarthy.
7.38pm Mr Conlan to Mr Vatskalis.
7.40pm Mr Gunner to Mr Henderson.
7.45pm Ms Anderson to Mr Henderson.
7.46pm Mr Giles to Mr Henderson.
7.51pm Ms Scrymgour to Ms Lawrie.
7.56pm Ms Anderson to Mr McCarthy.
7.58pm Mr Conlan to Mr Henderson.
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And in asking the last question of the Chief Minister (Mr Henderson), the Member for Greatorex (Mr Conlan) thereupon proceeded to move a motion to suspend so much of Standing Orders as would prevent him from moving a motion to censure the Chief Minister (Mr Henderson) and his Labor Government for their abject neglect of the people of Alice Springs and Central Australia.
The Leader of Government Business (Dr Burns) thereupon informed the Assembly that the government accepted the motion as a censure motion, pursuant to Standing Order 95.
The Leader of Government Business (Dr Burns) asked that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
14. CENSURE OF CHIEF MINISTER - MOTION NEGATIVED:
- The Member for Greatorex (Mr Conlan) thereupon moved - That the Assembly censure the Chief Minister and this Labor Government for their abject neglect of the people of Alice Springs and Central Australia:
1. By failing to provide essential services;
2. By failing to address rising violent and property crime;
3. For not address some of the worst education standards
- in the Territory and nationally;
5. By preventing growth and development of Alice Springs;
6. By failing to provide necessary health services; and
7. For creating the housing crisis.
Debate ensued.
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Suspension of Member: The Member for Greatorex (Mr Conlan) having been warned by the Speaker about his unruly interjections and then having continued to loudly interject-
The Deputy Speaker (Ms Walker) thereupon ordered the Member for Greatorex (Mr Conlan) to withdraw from the Chamber for a period of one hour, pursuant to Standing Order 240A, effective from 8.35pm.
Accordingly the Member for Greatorex (Mr Conlan) withdrew from the Chamber.
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Debate continued.
The Leader of Government Business (Dr Burns) moved – That the question be now put – put and passed.
Question – That the motion be agreed to – put.
The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. J. L Aagaard, in the Chair) -
AYES, 12 NOES, 12
Ms Anderson Mrs Aagaard
Mr Bohlin Dr Burns
Ms Carney Mr Gunner
Mr Chandler Mr Hampton
Mr Conlan Mr Henderson
Mr Elferink Mr Knight
Mr Giles Ms Lawrie
Mr Mills Ms McCarthy
Ms Purick Mr McCarthy
Mr Styles Ms Scrymgour
Mr Tollner Mr Vatskalis
Mr Westra van Holthe Ms Walker
Tellers: Mr Gunner, Government Whip
- Ms Carney, Opposition Whip
Determination of tied division: The Speaker advised Members that – There being an equality of votes the result of the division is resolved in the negative, pursuant to section 27(1) of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978.
Motion negatived accordingly.
- The Leader of Government Business (Dr Burns) moved - That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Debate ensued.
Paper tabled: The Member for Araluen (Ms Carney), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper –
Debate continued.
And the Assembly adjourned at 11.25pm until Thursday, 26 November 2009 at 9.30am, Alice Springs.
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- PAPERS:
There were no Papers deemed to have been presented on 25 November 2009.
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- ATTENDANCE:
All Members attended the sittings.
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016