Minutes of Proceedings - 2009-02-10
1. MEETING:
2. PRAYERS.
3. STATEMENT BY SPEAKER, OPENING OF PARLIAMENTARY YEAR:
4. DISTINGUISHED VISITORS
Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Darwin, Mr Graeme Sawyer;
Deputy Mayor of Palmerston, Alderman Ian Abbott;
Commander Northern Command, Commodore David Gwyther and Mrs Kay Gwyther;
Commander of First Brigade, Brigadier Michael Krause ADC;
Captain Vaughn Rixon CSC ADC;
Wing Group Commander Neville Donnelly;
Reverend Wendell Flentje, Moderator of the Northern Synod of the Uniting Church in Australia;
Bishop Greg Thompson, the Anglican Bishop of the Northern Territory;
Pastor Mal Sercomb, Baptist Union of the Northern Territory;
Pastor John Whitbourne, Baptist Union at Casuarina;
Former Administrator of the Northern Territory, the Honourable Austin Asche AC QC and Dr Valerie Asche;
Head of Chancery from the Republic of Indonesia, Ms Maimunah Vera Syafik;
Vice Consul of the Republic of Indonesia, Ms Nadya Sumampow;
Honorary Consul for Sweden, Mr Hugh Bradley;
Honorary Consul for Portugal, Mrs Maria dos Anjos Vidigal de Castro and Mr Joaquim de Castro;
Honorary Consul for Belgium, Mr Simon Warner Lee;
The Honourable Grant Tambling, a former Administrator for Norfolk Island, former Senator for the Northern Territory and former Member of the Legislative Assembly; and
Honourable Eric Poole, a former Member for Araluen and former Northern Territory minister.
5. RESIGNATION OF DEPUTY CHAIR OF COMMITTEES - PAPER TABLED:
review of resources, policies and procedures and systems at Royal Darwin Hospital and Acute Care Services; and
Children's Crossing on Chung Wah Terrace between Woodroffe and Rosebery (Paper 189).
specify the required information for a members registrable interest.
15. QUESTIONS:
16. GROWING THE TERRITORY'S LAND RELEASE - MINISTERIAL STATEMENT - STATEMENT NOTED:
- The Assembly met at 10am, pursuant to resolution of the Assembly, dated Thursday 27 November 2008. The Speaker, the Honourable J. L. Aagaard, took the Chair.
2. PRAYERS.
3. STATEMENT BY SPEAKER, OPENING OF PARLIAMENTARY YEAR:
- The Speaker advised Honourable Members and assembled guests that there will be a condolence motion for the victims of the Victorian bushfires moved this morning by the Chief Minister.
Further the Speaker informed the Assembly and guests that due to the seriousness of this tragedy that to give due consideration to this occasion the celebrations associated with the opening of the parliamentary year were cancelled accordingly.
4. DISTINGUISHED VISITORS
- The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the galleries of the following guests:
Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Darwin, Mr Graeme Sawyer;
Deputy Mayor of Palmerston, Alderman Ian Abbott;
Commander Northern Command, Commodore David Gwyther and Mrs Kay Gwyther;
Commander of First Brigade, Brigadier Michael Krause ADC;
Captain Vaughn Rixon CSC ADC;
Wing Group Commander Neville Donnelly;
Reverend Wendell Flentje, Moderator of the Northern Synod of the Uniting Church in Australia;
Bishop Greg Thompson, the Anglican Bishop of the Northern Territory;
Pastor Mal Sercomb, Baptist Union of the Northern Territory;
Pastor John Whitbourne, Baptist Union at Casuarina;
Former Administrator of the Northern Territory, the Honourable Austin Asche AC QC and Dr Valerie Asche;
Head of Chancery from the Republic of Indonesia, Ms Maimunah Vera Syafik;
Vice Consul of the Republic of Indonesia, Ms Nadya Sumampow;
Honorary Consul for Sweden, Mr Hugh Bradley;
Honorary Consul for Portugal, Mrs Maria dos Anjos Vidigal de Castro and Mr Joaquim de Castro;
Honorary Consul for Belgium, Mr Simon Warner Lee;
The Honourable Grant Tambling, a former Administrator for Norfolk Island, former Senator for the Northern Territory and former Member of the Legislative Assembly; and
Honourable Eric Poole, a former Member for Araluen and former Northern Territory minister.
5. RESIGNATION OF DEPUTY CHAIR OF COMMITTEES - PAPER TABLED:
- The Speaker laid on the Table a letter from the Member for Barkly (Mr McCarthy) resigning his position as Deputy Chairman of Committees, dated 9 February 2009 (Paper 191).
- The Chief Minister (Mr Henderson), by leave, made a statement informing the Assembly of Ministers and the administrative arrangements of Government as follows and laid on the Table the Northern Territory Government Gazette No. S4, dated 9 February 2009 (Paper 190).
Paul Raymond Henderson
Chief Minister
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services
Minister for Major Projects, Employment and Economic Development
Minister for Education and Training
Minister for Climate Change
Minister for Territory-Federal Relations
Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Delia Phoebe Lawrie
Deputy Chief Minister
Treasurer
Minister for Justice and Attorney-General
Minister for Planning and Lands
Minister for Infrastructure
Christopher Bruce Burns
Leader of Government Business
Minister for Business
Minister for Tourism
Minister for Trade
Minister for Asian Relations
Minister for Defence Support
Konstantine Vatskalis
Minister for Health
Minister for Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources
Minister for Racing, Gaming and Licensing
Minister for Alcohol Policy
Daniel Robert Knight
Minister for Housing
Minister for Local Government
Minister for Essential Services
Minister for Public Employment
Malarndirri Barbara Anne McCarthy
Minister for Children and Families
Minister for Child Protection
Minister for Statehood
Minister for Senior Territorians
Minister for Young Territorians
Minister for Women's Policy
Minister assisting the Chief Minister on Multicultural Affairs and Education
Alison Anderson
Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage
Minister for Parks and Wildlife
Minister for Arts and Museums
Minister for Indigenous Policy
Karl Rio Hampton
Minister for Regional Development
Minister for Sport and Recreation
Minister for Information, Communications and Technology Policy
Minister assisting the Chief Minister on Major Projects and Economic Development
Minister for Central Australia
Gerald Francis McCarthy
Minister for Transport
Minister for Correctional Services
(Paper 190)
- The Chief Minister (Mr Henderson) moved - That the Assembly make changes to the membership of parliamentary committees as follows:
HOUSE COMMITTEE
Discharge Mr McCarthy and appoint Ms Scrymgour
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE
Discharge Mr McCarthy and appoint Ms Scrymgour
STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE
Discharge Ms Lawrie and appoint Dr Burns
SUBORDINATE LEGISLATION AND PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE
Discharge Mr McCarthy and appoint Ms Scrymgour
ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Discharge Mr McCarthy appoint Ms Scrymgour
Message No. 4
Assent to Proposed Laws
Assent to Proposed Laws
- I, Thomas Ian Pauling, AO QC the Administrator of the Northern Territory of Australia, advise the Legislative Assembly of, pursuant to section 7 of the Northern Territory (Self-Government Act) 1978 of the Commonwealth, the assent to the following proposed laws:
8 December 2008
Ichthys LNG Project Act 2008 (No 33 of 2008)
Legislative Assembly (Disclosure of Interests) Act 2008 (No 34 of 2008)
Legislative Assembly (Members’ Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards) Act 2008 (No 35 of 2008)
Livestock Act 2008 (No 36 of 2008)
Plant Health Act 2008 (No 37 of 2008)
Public Interest Disclosure Act 2008 (No 38 of 2008)
- Thomas Ian Pauling, AO QC
Administrator
(Paper 188)
- Responses to petitions: The Clerk, pursuant to Standing Order 100A, presented a response to Petitions Nos. 4, 5, and 7, respectively relating to a -
review of resources, policies and procedures and systems at Royal Darwin Hospital and Acute Care Services; and
Children's Crossing on Chung Wah Terrace between Woodroffe and Rosebery (Paper 189).
The Clerk advised the Assembly the text of the responses would be incorporated in the Hansard record.
- The Speaker advised Members that her permission had been give for various media to cover the proceedings in the Legislative Assembly Chamber today to take file footage and film for broadcast and rebroadcast of the condolence motion addressing the bushfire tragedy in Victoria.
- The Speaker read out the following message from Her Majesty The Queen which had been received by the Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC.
- "I was shocked and saddened to learn of the terrible toll being exacted by the fires this weekend. I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of all those who have died and my deep sympathy to the many that have lost their homes in this disaster.
On so dreadful an occasion as this for Australia, the firefighters and other emergency services have been making extraordinary efforts to contain the situation and tend to those who have been injured. Please also convey to them my renewed admiration for all that they are doing.
Elizabeth R."
- The Chief Minister (Mr Henderson), by leave, moved - That this Assembly:
- 1. Extend its deepest sympathies and condolences to the people who have lost family members, friends and loved ones in the tragic bushfires in Victoria;
2. Acknowledges the enormity of the bushfire tragedy and records its deep regret at the widespread loss of property and destruction of communities caused by the fires;
3. Commend the efforts of the fire-fighters, police, emergency services, defence, community members and other personnel who have assisted friends and neighbours and other community members – recognising that many of them have placed their own safety at risk to protect and rescue others.
The Chief Minister (Mr Henderson) thereupon addressed the motion.
The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Mills) addressed the motion.
Debate ensued.
Question - put and passed.
Motion agreed to.
As a mark of respect Members stood in their places for one minute, in silence.
________________
Suspension of sittings: The sittings of the Assembly was suspended between 12.05pm and 2pm.
________________
- The following notices were given -
Dr Burns: To move - That, pursuant to Standing Order 31, the proposed program of sitting dates and times for 2009 tabled by the Speaker on 27 November 2008 be adopted.
Dr Burns: To move - That,
- 1. This Assembly, pursuant to section 3 of the Legislative Assembly (Disclosure of Interests) Act 2008, assign the Standing Orders Committee to act as the Committee of Members' Interests for the purposes of this Act.
2. The Committee of Members' Interests determine the conditions and details of -
specify the required information for a members registrable interest.
- 3. The Committee determine the conditions and details for inspection of such Register of Members' interests in accordance with section 5 of the Act.
4. The Legislative Assembly (Disclosure of Interests) Act 2008 be commenced within one calendar month of the Assembly agreeing to the format and guidelines for inspection of the Register of Members' interests recommended by the Committee of Members' Interests.
Ms Lawrie: To present the First Home Owner Grant Amendment Bill 2009 (Serial 30).
Ms Lawrie: To move - That so much of the Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent a Bill entitled Evidence Legislation (Authorised Persons) Amendment Bill 2009 (Serial 27) passing through all stages at this sittings.
Ms Lawrie: To present the Evidence Legislation (Authorised Persons) Amendment Bill 2009 (Serial 27).
- The Speaker laid on the Table her Warrant for Chairmen of Committees as follows:
WARRANT
Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 12, I hereby nominate the following Members to act as Deputy Chairmen of Committees:
When requested so to do by the Speaker.
Given under my hand this 10th day of February, two thousand and nine.
Sgd Jane Aagaard
Speaker (Paper 193)
15. QUESTIONS:
- 2.02pm Mr Mills to Mr Henderson.
2.12pm Mr Gunner to Mr Henderson.
The Leader of Government Business (Dr Burns) asked that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
16. GROWING THE TERRITORY'S LAND RELEASE - MINISTERIAL STATEMENT - STATEMENT NOTED:
- The Chief Minister (Mr Henderson) made a statement relating to planning for the release of more land and other associated population growth needs to meet growing demand in the Territory.
Mr Henderson moved - That the Assembly take note of the Statement.
Debate ensued.
Extension of Time: On the motion of the Member for Brennan (Mr Chandler) the Member for Nelson (Mr Wood) was granted an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Debate continued.
Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Stuart (Mr Hampton) the Member for Karama (Ms Lawrie) was granted an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Debate continued.
Paper tabled: Dr Burns laid on the Table the following Paper -
Debate continued.
Extension of Time: On the motion of the Member for Daly (Mr Knight) the Member for Johnston (Dr Burns) was granted an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Debate continued.
Question - put and passed.
- The Minister for Health (Mr Vatskalis) moved - That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Debate ensued.
Paper tabled: Dr Burns laid on the Table the following Paper -
Debate continued.
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PAPERS:
The following Papers were deemed to have been presented on Tuesday 10 February 2009 -
Annual Reports:
Community Benefit Fund, 2007/2008, Addendum (Paper 208)
Electrical Workers and Contractors Licensing Board, 2007/2008 (Paper 201)
Northern Territory Architects Board, 2007/2008 (Paper 200)
Northern Territory Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board for the year ended 30 September 2008 (Paper 199)
Coroners Act:
In the matter of Coroner’s Findings and Recommendations into the Death of Aiden Vincent Bott, pursuant to Section 46B, dated 19 December 2008 (Paper 206)
In the matter of Coroner’s Findings and Recommendations into the Death of Darryll Stuart Davis, pursuant to Section 46B, dated 5 January 2009 (Paper 207)
Hospital Management Boards:
Alice Springs Hospital Management Board, 2006/2007 (Paper 205)
Alice Springs Hospital Management Board, 2007/2008 (Paper 203)
Royal Darwin Hospital Management Board, 2006/2007 (Paper 204)
Royal Darwin Hospital Management Board, 2007/2008 (Paper 202)
Management Plans:
Devil’s Marbles (Karlu Karlu) Conservation Reserve, Joint Management Plan, February 2009 (Paper 198)
Regulations 2008:
No. 34, Trade Measurement (Pre-packed articles) Amendment Regulations (Paper 194)
No. 35, Youth Justice Amendment (Family Responsibility) Regulations (No. 2) (Paper 195)
No. 36, Corporations Law Amendment Rules (Paper 196)
No. 37, Supreme Court Amendment (Miscellaneous Matters) Rules (Paper 197)
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- ATTENDANCE:
All Members attended the sittings.
Ian McNeill
Clerk of the Legislative Assembly
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016