Department of the Legislative Assembly, Northern Territory Government

Minutes of Proceedings - 2011-10-19

    1. MEETING:
    The Assembly met at 10am. The Speaker, the Honourable J. L. Aagaard, took the Chair.
      2. PRAYERS.
        3. VISITORS:
            The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the public gallery of –
        Pigeon Hole Primary School students accompanied by Mr Jimmy Hodgens; and
        Mrs Vicki O’Halloran, the CEO of Somerville Community Services, together with her management team.
              On behalf of all Members the Speaker extended a warm welcome to the visitors.
            4. PETITIONS:
                The Member for Braitling (Mr Giles) presented Petition No. 55, not conforming with Standing Orders, from 480 petitioners requesting a proposed ban on the sale of fireworks in the Northern Territory (Paper 1501).
                Petition read.

            5. GP SUPER CLINICS – MOTION AGREED TO:
                The Chief Minister (Mr Henderson), pursuant to notice, moved –
                That, the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly:-

                1. Call on the Commonwealth Government to deliver their commitment to provide a GP Super Clinic for the Northern Suburbs of Darwin;
                  2. Call on the coalition and Country Liberals to drop their opposition to a GP Super Clinic for the Northern Suburbs of Darwin;
                    3. Forward this motion to the Commonwealth Health Minister, Shadow Health Minister and all Northern Territory Federal Members of Parliament.
                      Debate ensued.
                      The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Mills) moved the following amendment –
                      Omit all words after “That” and insert in their stead:
                        The Northern Territory Legislative Assembly:-

                        1. Call on the Commonwealth Government to deliver on their funding commitment for primary health care services in Darwin’s Northern Suburbs;
                          2. Call on the Commonwealth Government to support an increase in the capacity of health services in the Northern Territory including additional bulk billing services;
                            3. Call on the Northern Territory Government to work with the Commonwealth on delivering a commitment for increased bulk billing services using existing private sector providers as cornerstone partners; and
                              4. Forwarded this motion to the Commonwealth Health Minister, Shadow Health Minister and all Northern Territory Federal Members of Parliament.
                                Debate resumed.
                                The Member for Nelson (Mr Wood) moved the following amendment to the amendment -
                                Insert after paragraph 3, paragraph 3A:
                                    3A. Call on the Commonwealth Government to use the money set aside for a Super Clinic to be used to attract doctors to the Northern Territory.

                                Debate continued.
                                Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Fannie Bay (Mr Gunner) the Member for Brennan (Mr Chandler) was granted an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.

                                Debate continued.
                                Debate suspended.

                                Pairs: The Speaker advised Members of the following Pair arrangements for today and Tabled the document –
                            The Member for Casuarina (Mr Vatskalis) with the Member for Sanderson (Mr Styles) – period 3pm to 4.30pm, 19 October 2011 (Paper 1502).
                                  Dated 19 October 2011.

                                  Signed
                                  Jane Aagaard
                                  Speaker (Paper 1502)
                            ___________________
                                Suspension of sittings: The sittings of the Assembly were suspended between 12Noon and 2pm.
                            ___________________
                              6. NOTICES:
                                  The following Notices were given:

                                  Mr Vatskalis: To present the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Bill 2011 (Serial 180).

                                  Mr Henderson: To present the Electoral and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 (Serial 179).

                                  Mr Wood: To move - That, due to the number of blocks of land flooded in the Litchfield Shire this year:
                                          the NT Planning Scheme be amended to require the Development Consent Authority to show the approximate 1% AEP (Annual Exceedance Probability) line on any subdivision plan approved by the Authority where the subdivision is subject to flooding or water logging.
                              7. QUESTIONS:
                                  2.10pm Mr Mills to Mr Henderson.
                                  2.05pm Ms Walker to Mr Henderson.
                                  2.08pm Ms Purick to Mr Henderson.
                                  2.12pm Ms Scrymgour to Ms Lawrie.
                                  2.16pm Ms Purick to Mr Henderson.
                                  2.19pm Mr Wood to Mr G McCarthy.
                                  2.22pm Mr Gunner to Ms Lawrie.
                                  2.26pm Mr Giles to Mr Henderson.
                                  2.31pm Mr Gunner to Mr Vatskalis.
                                  2.33pm Mr Wood to Mr Vatskalis referred to Mr Henderson.
                                  2.35pm Mr Westra van Holthe to Ms Lawrie.
                                  2.39pm Ms Scrymgour to Mr Knight.
                                  2.42pm Mr Elferink to Ms Lawrie.
                                  2.45pm Ms Gunner to Mr Hampton.

                                  Visitors: The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the public galleries of Tennant Creek High School Year 7 students accompanied by Mr Lane, Miss Roccisano and Miss Diaz.
                                  On behalf of all Members the Speaker extended a warm welcome to the visitors.

                                  2.48pm Mr Elferink to Ms Lawrie.
                                  2.52pm Ms Walker to Ms M McCarthy.
                                  2.55pm Mr Mills to Mr Henderson.
                                  Paper tabled: Mr Mills, by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper –
                              Letter, Ms Raylene Singh, Belyuen Community to Mr Terry Mills, dated 14 October 2011 Kenbi Land Trust (Paper 1503).

                                  3pm Ms Scrymgour to Ms M. McCarthy.

                                  The Leader of Government Business (Dr Burns) asked that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.

                              8. GP SUPER CLINICS – MOTION, AS AMENDED, AGREED TO:
                                  The Order of the Day having been read for the resumption of debate on the question, suspended earlier this day, That the following motion and amendments moved thereto, be agreed to –
                                  That, the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly:-

                                  1. Call on the Commonwealth Government to deliver their commitment to provide a GP Super Clinic for the Northern Suburbs of Darwin;
                                    2. Call on the coalition and Country Liberals to drop their opposition to a GP Super Clinic for the Northern Suburbs of Darwin;
                                      3. Forward this motion to the Commonwealth Health Minister, Shadow Health Minister and all Northern Territory Federal Members of Parliament; and

                                      The following amendment to the motion moved by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Mills) –
                                      Omit all words after “That” and insert in their stead:
                                          The Northern Territory Legislative Assembly:-

                                          1. Call on the commonwealth Government to deliver on their funding commitment for primary health care services in Darwin’s Northern Suburbs;

                                          2. Call on the commonwealth government to support an increase in the capacity of health services in the Northern Territory including additional bulk billing services;

                                          3. Call on the Northern Territory Government to work with the Commonwealth on delivering a commitment for increased bulk billing services using existing private sector providers as cornerstone partners; and

                                          4. Forward this motion to the Commonwealth Health Minister, Shadow Health Minister and all Northern Territory Federal Members of Parliament.
                                      The following further amendment to the amendment was moved by the Member for Nelson (Mr Wood) -
                                      Insert after paragraph 3, paragraph 3A:
                                          3A. Call on the Commonwealth Government to use the money set aside for a Super Clinic to be used to attract doctors to the Northern Territory.

                                      Debate resumed.
                                      Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Brennan (Mr Chandler) the Member for Sanderson (Mr Styles) was granted an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.

                                      Debate continued.
                                      Question – That the amendment moved by Mr Wood, be agreed to – put and passed, on the voices.

                                      Question – That the amendment moved by Mr Mills, as amended by the agreed amendment in the name of Mr Wood, be agreed to – put and passed, on the voices.

                                      Question – That the main motion as amended, be agreed to – put and passed, on the voices.
                                  9. SERIOUS CRIME CONTROL AMENDMENT BILL 2011 (Serial 182):
                                      The Minister for Justice and Attorney-General (Ms Lawrie), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Serious Crime Control Act.
                                      Bill read a first time.
                                      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, Serious Crime Control Amendment Bill 2011 (Paper 1504).

                                      On the motion of the Member for Port Darwin (Mr Elferink) debate was adjourned.

                                  10. FINES AND PENALTIES (RECOVERY) AND OTHER LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL 2011 (Serial 181):
                                      The Minister for Justice and Attorney-General (Ms Lawrie), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Fines and Penalties (Recovery) Act and other legislation.
                                      Bill read a first time.
                                      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, Fines and Penalties (Recovery) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 (Paper 1505).

                                      On the motion of the Member for Port Darwin (Mr Elferink) debate was adjourned.

                                  11. EDUCATION AND CARE SERVICES (NATIONAL UNIFORM LEGISLATION) BILL 2011 (Serial 176):
                                      The Minister for Education and Training (Dr Burns), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to provide for a national law to regulate education and care services for children, and for related purposes.
                                      Bill read a first time.
                                      Dr Burns moved – That the Bill be now read a second time.
                                      Debate ensued.
                                      Paper tabled: Dr Burns laid on the Table the following Paper –
                                  Explanatory Statement, Education and Care Services (National Uniform Legislation) Bill 2011 (Paper 1506); and
                                  Timeline on National Approach to the Introduction of National Reform Legislation – Schedule (Paper 1507).

                                      On the motion of the Member for Brennan (Mr Chandler) debate was adjourned.

                                  12. ALTERATION TO ORDER OF BUSINESS:
                                      The Leader of Government Business (Dr Burns) moved - That intervening business be postponed until after consideration of Government Business, Orders of the Day No. 2, Greenest Territory Government – Note Statement.
                                      Debate ensued.
                                      Question – put and passed.
                                  13. GREENEST TERRITORY GOVERNMENT – MINISTERIAL STATEMENT – MOTION TO NOTE STATEMENT:
                                      The Order of the Day having been read for the resumption of debate on the question – That the Assembly take note of the Statement –
                                      Debate resumed.
                                      Quorum: The Member for Brennan (Mr Chandler) drew the attention of the Deputy Speaker (Ms Walker) to the lack of a Quorum in the Assembly.
                                      The Bells having been rung and a Quorum obtained –
                                      Debate continued.
                                      Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Port Darwin (Mr Elferink) the Member for Daly (Mr Knight) was granted an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.

                                      Debate continued.
                                      Debate suspended, pursuant to Standing Order 41A.

                                  14. DANGEROUS PRISONERS (SEXUAL OFFENDERS) BILL 2011 (Serial 168):
                                      The Member for Port Darwin (Mr Elferink), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to provide for the control, by continued detention or supervised release, of certain prisoners for the protection of the community and the prisoners’ rehabilitation, care or treatment, and for related purposes.
                                      Bill read a first time.
                                      Mr Elferink moved – That the Bill be now read a second time.
                                      Debate ensued.
                                      On the motion of the Leader of Government Business (Dr Burns) debate was adjourned.
                                  15. CRIMINAL CODE (UNLAWFUL ASSAULT CAUSING DEATH) AMENDMENT BILL 2011 (Serial 171):
                                      The Member for Port Darwin (Mr Elferink), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code.
                                      Bill read a first time.
                                      Mr Elferink moved – That the Bill be now read a second time.
                                      Debate ensued.
                                      On the motion of the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General (Ms Lawrie) debate was adjourned.
                                  16. IMPLEMENT ALL RECOMMENDATIONS OF “LIFE LONG SHADOW” REPORT OF OMBUDSMAN; AND CHILD PROTECTION MONITORING COMMITTEE, APPOINTMENTS – MOTION NEGATIVED:
                                      The Member for Araluen (Mrs Lambley), pursuant to notice, moved - That this Assembly require:
                                        1. The Minister for Children and Families to implement all of the recommendations of the Ombudsman’s Report – A Lifelong Shadow; and

                                        2. The Minister for Children and Families to immediately appoint the Ombudsman and the Children’s Commissioner to the Child Protection External Monitoring and Reporting Committee to ensure appropriate local scrutiny of reforms to the Territory’s Child Protection System.

                                        Debate ensued.
                                        Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Drysdale (Mr Bohlin) the Member for Araluen (Mrs Lambley) was granted an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.

                                        Debate continued.
                                        Question – put and negatived.
                                    17. BROADBAND SERVICES FOR THE NORTHERN TERRITORY, REVIEW OF PARTICULARLY RURAL AND REMOTE COMMUNITIES – MOTION NEGATIVED:
                                        The Member for Braitling (Mr Giles), pursuant to notice, moved - That,

                                        1. The Northern Territory Parliament writes to the Federal Communications Minister requesting he instruct his department to conduct an immediate review into future opportunities surrounding the roll out of broadband services to the Northern Territory particularly rural and remote communities.

                                        2. The review investigate the provision of:
                                            (a) 4G mobile broadband services to all 73 prescribed communities and the location known as New Store in the Utopian region;

                                            (b) the building of mobile base stations along main arterial routes of the Northern Territory including but not limited to:
                                                  (i) Stuart Highway, Lasseters Highway, Arnhem Highway, Barkly Highway, Victoria Highway, intersection of Papunya Road and Tanami Highway, Larrimah, Wauchope, Devils Marbles, Barrow Creek, Dunmarra, Top Springs; and

                                                  (ii) that these base stations then on-sell access to communications companies for the provision of 4G telephony and radio transmission services; and
                                            (c) the feasibility of off-setting this cost against fibre to the node in growth towns.
                                        3. That upon receiving a copy of the report the Northern Territory Minister for ICT present that report to the Northern Territory parliament.

                                        Debate ensued.
                                        Question – put and negatived.
                                    18. HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY IN DARWIN RURAL AREA – CONSIDERATION OF MOTION POSTPONED:
                                        The Member for Goyder (Ms Purick) moved – That consideration of the following motion be deferred to a later date.
                                            The NT Government notes the serious deficiencies in the delivery of services and programmes into the greater Darwin rural area in the important areas of youth, mental health care, aged care and sport and recreation.
                                    19. LITCHFIELD COUNCIL FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PLANS – MOTION:
                                        The Member for Nelson (Mr Wood), pursuant to notice), moved - That the Northern Territory Government support the recently released Rural Centre Plans as the most appropriate option for the future development of the Litchfield Council area.
                                        Debate ensued.
                                        Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Johnston (Dr Burns) the Member for Nelson (Mr Wood) was granted an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.

                                        Debate continued.
                                        Debate adjourned, pursuant to Standing Order 41A.
                                    20. ADJOURNMENT, Automatic:
                                        The Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 41A, at 9pm proposed the question - That the Assembly do now adjourn.
                                        Debate ensued.
                                        Question - put and passed.
                                        And the Assembly adjourned at 9.58pm, until Thursday 20 October 2011 at 10am.
                                        ________________

                                        PAPERS:
                                        There were no Papers deemed to have been presented on Wednesday 19 October 2011.
                                        ________________

                                        ATTENDANCE:
                                        All Members attended the sittings.
                                  Last updated: 04 Aug 2016