Department of the Legislative Assembly, Northern Territory Government

Minutes of Proceedings - 2008-02-12

1. MEETING:
      The Assembly met at 10.10am, pursuant to resolution of the Assembly, dated Thursday 29 November 2007. The Speaker, the Honourable J. L. Aagaard, took the Chair.

2. PRAYERS.

3. DISTINGUISHED VISITORS AND GUESTS:
      The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the Speaker’s Gallery of the following distinguished visitors and guests:
        His Honour Mr Tom Pauling QC, Administrator of the Northern Territory and Mrs Tessa Pauling

        Local Government Representatives
        The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor Mr Garry Lambert
        His Worship the Mayor of Palmerston Mr Robert Macleod
          Representing our Religious Communities
          Very Reverend Jeremy Greaves, representing the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of NT
          Rev. Wendell Flentje, Moderator of the Northern Synod
          Venerable Medhankara Thero (Bhante), spiritual adviser, International Buddhist Centre
            Representing our Defence Forces
            Air Commodore Ian Meyn, Commander Northern Command and Mrs Sharon Meyn
            Brigadier Michael Krause, Commander 1st Brigade and Mrs Jacqui Krause
              Representing Foreign Regions
              Mr Harbangan Napitupulu, Consul for the Republic of Indonesia and Mrs Murtiani Siregar Napitupulu
              Mr Harry Maschke, Honorary Consul for Germany and Ms Janice Murdoch
              Mr Keith Aitken Honorary Consul for Poland and Mrs Lea Aitken
              Mr Hugh Bradley, Honorary Consul for Sweeden and Finland and Mrs Sue Bradley AM
                Representing our young people
                Anula Primary School, Year5/6 students accompanied by Ms Judy Evans
                Dripstone Middle School, Year 7 students accompanied by Ms Jessica Goegan
                Leanyer Primary School, Year 6 students accompanied by Mrs Lindy Maddock and Ms Fiora Breuer
                Marrara Christian College, Year 10/11 students accompanied by Mr Stuart Taylor
                Nightcliff Middle School, Year 7 students accompanied by Ms Lyn Hollow
                St Mary’s Primary School Students, Year 5/6 accompanied by Mr Terry Cullen
                Wulagi Primary School, Year 4/6 students from accompanied by Ms Tania Kolomitsev

                Chamber Blessing, Visitors: Members of the Larrakia Nation, the Chinese community and the Chung Wah Society, the Larrakia Nation for the smoking ceremony and the Chung Wah Society for the blessing of the Chamber.

                On behalf of all Members the Speaker extended a warm welcome to the visitors.

            4. STATEMENT BY SPEAKER AND RESIGNATION OF DEPUTY SPEAKER AND CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES - PAPER TABLED:
                The Speaker laid on the Table a letter from the Member for Goyder (Mr Warren) resigning his position as Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees, dated 6 February 2008 (Paper 1210).
            5. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES AND DEPUTY SPEAKER:
                The Speaker reminded Members that it was now necessary for the Assembly to appoint a Member to be its Chairman of Committees and Deputy Speaker.

                The Chief Minister (Mr Henderson) proposed to the Assembly for its Chairman of Committees and Deputy Speaker the Member for Port Darwin (Ms Sacilotto) and moved -
                    That the Member for Port Darwin (Ms Sacilotto) be appointed Chairman of Committees and Deputy Speaker.

                Which motion was seconded by the Deputy Chief Minister (Ms Scrymgour) and Ms Sacilotto accepted the nomination.

                The Clerk called for any further nominations - and there being no further nominations, the Speaker thereupon declared the Member for Port Darwin (Ms Sacilotto) appointed as Chairman of Committees and Deputy Speaker in accordance with Standing Orders.

                The Speaker offered her sincere congratulations to the Member for Port Darwin.

                The Member for Port Darwin (Ms Sacilotto) made a statement of appreciation and thanks to Members of the Assembly.


            6. PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES MEMBERSHIP, CHANGES - PAPERS TABLED:
                The Speaker laid on the Table letters from the Leader of Government Business and the Opposition Whip setting out proposed changes to Parliamentary Committee memberships as below -

                Substance Abuse Committee
                Discharge the Member for Port Darwin, Ms Sacilotto
                Appoint the Member for Arnhem, Ms McCarthy

                House Committee
                Discharge the Member for Stuart, Mr Hampton
                Appoint the Member for Arnhem, Ms McCarthy

                Standing Orders Committee
                Discharge the Member for Daly, Mr Knight
                Appoint the Member for Goyder, Mr Warren

                Sport and Youth Committee
                Discharge the Member for Port Darwin, Ms Sacilotto; the Member for Sanderson, Mr Kiely; and the Member for Millner, Mr Bonson
                Appoint the Member for Daly, Mr Knight, the Member for Stuart, Mr Hampton; and the Member for Arnhem, Ms McCarthy

                Environment and Sustainable Development Committee
                Discharge the Member for Millner, Mr Bonson
                Appoint the Member for Stuart, Mr Hampton

                Legal and Constitutional Affairs
                Discharge the Member for Sanderson, Mr Kiely
                Appoint the Member for Stuart, Mr Hampton

                Subordinate Legislation and Tabled Papers Committee
                Discharge the Member for Stuart, Mr Hampton
                Appoint the Member for Port Darwin, Ms Sacilotto

                And

                Sport and Youth Committee
                Discharge the Member for Blain, Mr Mills
                Appoint the Member for Greatorex, Mr Conlan

                The Leader of Government Business (Ms Lawrie) moved - That the Assembly agree to the changes to the membership of Assembly Committees as contained in the letters Tabled by the Speaker.
                Question - put and passed.

            7. MINISTRIES AND ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT:
                The Chief Minister (Mr Henderson) laid on the Table the following Paper -
            Administrative Arrangements Order, effective 30 November 2007, Gazette S 36, dated 30 November 2007 (Paper 1211).
                1. PAUL RAYMOND HENDERSON
                      Chief Minister
                      Police, Fire and Emergency Services
                      Major Projects and Trade
                      Climate Change
                      Territory-Federal Relations and Statehood
                      Multicultural Affairs
                2. MARION ROSE SCRYMGOUR
                      Employment, Education and Training
                      Family and Community Services
                      Child Protection
                      Indigenous Policy
                      Arts and Museums
                      Women’s Policy
                3. DELIA PHOEBE LAWRIE
                      Treasurer
                      Planning and Lands
                      Infrastructure and Transport
                      Public Employment
                4. CHRISTOPHER BRUCE BURNS
                      Health
                      Minister for Justice and Attorney-General
                      Racing, Gaming and Licensing
                      Alcohol Policy
                5. KONSTANTINE VATSKALIS
                      Business and Economic Development
                      Tourism
                      Asian Relations
                      Regional Development
                      Defence Support
                      Essential Services
                6. ELLIOT ARTHUR McADAM
                      Local Government
                      Housing
                      Central Australia
                      Corporate and Information Services
                      Communications
                7. CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM NATT
                      Primary Industry and Fisheries
                      Mines and Energy
                8. LEONARD FRANCIS KIELY
                      Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage
                      Parks and Wildlife
                9. MATTHEW THOMAS BONSON
                      Sport and Recreation
                      Senior Territorians
                      Young Territorians
                      Assisting the Chief Minister on Multicultural Affairs

            8. RESIGNATION OF MINISTERIAL OFFICE, MR ELLIOT McADAM:
                The Chief Minister (Mr Henderson) advised the Assembly that the Member for Barkly (Mr McAdam) had resigned his Ministerial Office. The Chief Minister (Mr Henderson) advised Members that he would take over and be responsible for the former Minister's Ministerial portfolios until a new minister is chosen and that any Questions should be directed to him.

            9. WARRANT FOR DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES - SPEAKER:
                The Speaker (Mrs Aagaard) laid on the Table her Warrant nominating Deputy Chairmen of Committees -

                WARRANT
                    Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 12, I hereby revoke all previous Warrants nominating members to act as Deputy Chairmen of Committees and nominate the following Members to act as Deputy Chairmen of Committees,
                        Ms Alison Anderson, Mr James Burke, Mr Karl Hampton,
                        Mr Rob Knight, Ms Malarndirri McCarthy, Mr Ted Warren,
                        and Mr Gerry Wood,

                    when requested so to do by the Speaker.

                    Given under my hand this 12th day of February, two thousand and eight.



                    Sgd J AAGAARD
                    Speaker (Paper 1234)

            10. MESSAGE FROM ADMINISTRATOR:
                The Speaker advised Honourable Members of receipt of the following Message from His Honour the Administrator:


                Message No. 25

                Assent to Proposed Laws


                I, Thomas Ian Pauling, 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:


                12 December 2007
                Police Administration Amendment Act 2007 (No 29 of 2007)
                Law Reform (Work Health) Amendment Act 2007 (No 30 of 2007)
                Workplace Health and Safety Act 2007 (No 31 of 2007)
                Justice Legislation Amendment Act (No. 2) 2007 (No 32 of 2007)
                Water Amendment Act 2007 (No 33 of 2007)
                Domestic and Family Violence Act 2007 (No 34 of 2007)
                Bonaparte Gas Pipeline (Special Provisions) Act 2007 (No 35 of 2007)
                Superannuation Law Reform Act 2007 (No 36 of 2007)
                Care and Protection of Children Act 2007 (No 37 of 2007)

                Dated Eighth day of February 2008.


                T I Pauling QC
                Administrator (Paper 1209)


            11. PETITIONS:
                Responses to Petitions: The Clerk, pursuant to Standing Order 100A, laid on the Table responses to petitions numbered 67 and 69 relating to respectively a permanent veterinarian placement in Maningrida and an increase in taxi licence fees by 15% (Paper 1212).

                The Clerk advised the Assembly the text of the responses would be incorporated in the Hansard Record.

            12. MINISTERIAL REPORTS:
                Chinese New Year 2008: The Chief Minister (Mr Henderson) reported on the celebrations and ceremonies for Chinese New Year.
                Mr Mills responded.
                Mrs Braham responded.

                Tropical Cyclone Helen: The Chief Minister (Mr Henderson) reported on the impact of tropical cyclone Helen and government revision of plans to be prepared for cyclones.
                Mr Mills responded.
                Mr Wood responded.
                Mr Henderson replied.

                Territory Sporting Events: The Minister for Sport and Recreation (Mr Bonson) reported on the conduct of major sporting events including the Rugby Union Hottest 7's competition and A - League Basketball games.
                Mr Conlan responded.
                Mr Wood responded.
                Mr Bonson replied.

                Ministerial Reports noted, pursuant to Standing Orders.

            13. PLANNING AMENDMENT (DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS) BILL 2007 (Serial 130):
                The Order of the Day having been read for the resumption of debate on the question - That the Bill be now read a second time -
                Debate resumed.
                Question - put and passed.
                Bill read a second time.
                The Assembly resolved itself into Committee of the Whole for consideration of the Bill.
                ___________________

                In Committee

                (Chairman and Deputy Speaker - Ms Sacilotto in the Chair)

                Bill, by leave, taken as a whole.
                The Minister for Planning and Lands (Ms Lawrie) by leave, moved the following amendment -
                Omit from Clause 4, proposed section 102(5).
                Debate ensued.
                Amendment agreed to.
                Clause 4, as amended, agreed to.
                Remainder of the Bill, by leave, taken as a whole and agreed to.
                Bill to be reported with an amendment.
                ______________
                The Assembly resumed; the Speaker took the Chair; the Chairman and Deputy Speaker (Ms Sacilotto) reported that the Assembly had agreed to the Bill with an amendment.
                The report was adopted.
                On the motion of the Minister for Planning and Lands (Ms Lawrie) the Bill was read a third time and passed to be a proposed law.
            14. YOUTH JUSTICE STRATEGY - MINISTERIAL STATEMENT - MOTION TO NOTE STATEMENT:
                The Chief Minister (Mr Henderson) made a statement relating to increasing levels of anti-social behaviour and criminal activities of a small number of youths in the community.
                Mr Henderson moved - That the Assembly take note of the Statement.
                Debate ensued.
                Debate suspended.
                _________________

                Suspension of sittings: The sittings of the Assembly was suspended between 11.56am and 2pm.
                _________________

            15. NOTICES:
                The following Notices were given:
                Mr Henderson: To move -

                            Noting this Assembly has previously apologised to members of the Stolen Generations in October 2001,
                            That this Assembly welcomes and wholeheartedly endorses the Federal Government's Apology to the Stolen Generations.

                Dr Burns: To move the Youth Justice Amendment (Family Responsibility) Bill 2008 (Serial 133).
            16. LEAVE OF ABSENCE - MEMBERS FOR ARAFURA AND STUART:
                The Leader of Government Business (Ms Lawrie) moved - That leave of absence be granted to the Member for Arafura (Ms Scrymgour) and the Member for Stuart (Mr Hampton) for the next two sitting days to attend the Commonwealth parliament.
                Question - put and passed.
            17. OPPOSITION OFFICE HOLDERS - PAPER TABLED:
                The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Mills) laid on the Table a paper detailing to the changes to Opposition Office Holders, effective 29 January 2008, as follows -

                MEMBER FOR BLAIN, TERRY MILLS
                Leader of the Opposition

                MEMBER FOR KATHERINE, FAY MILLER
                Deputy Leader of the Opposition

                MEMBER FOR ARALUEN, JODEEN CARNEY
                Opposition Whip

                (Paper 1213)

            18. QUESTIONS:
                2.02pm Mr Mills to Mr Henderson.
                2.06pm Mr Knight to Mr Henderson.
                2.11pm Mr Mills to Mr Henderson.
                2.14pm Ms McCarthy to Mr Henderson.
                2.17pm Mr Mills to Mr Henderson.
                2.20pm Ms Sacilotto to Mr Henderson.
                2.25pm Mr Wood to Mr Henderson.
                2.28pm Mr Mills to Mr Henderson.
                2.30pm Mr Burke to Ms Lawrie.
                2.33pm Mr Mills to Mr Henderson.
                2.34pm Ms Anderson to Dr Burns.
                2.39pm Mrs Braham to Dr Burns.
                2.42pm Mr Warren to Mr Bonson.
                2.46PM Mr Mills to Mr Henderson.
                2.48pm Ms Sacilotto to Ms Lawrie.
                2.50pm Mr Wood to Mr Henderson.
                2.54pm Mr Burke to Dr Burns.
                2.59pm Mr Conlan to Mr Henderson.
                3.01pm Mr Knight to Mr Vatskalis.

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

            19. YOUTH JUSTICE STRATEGY - MINISTERIAL STATEMENT - STATEMENT NOTED:
                The Order of the Day having been read for the resumption of debate, suspended earlier this day, on the question - That the Assembly take note of the Statement -
                Debate resumed.
                Quorum: The Member for Araluen (Ms Carney) drew attention to the state of the House.
                And the Bells having been rung and a quorum achieved -
                Debate resumed.
                Question - put and passed.
            20. ADJOURNMENT:
                The Leader of Government Business (Ms Lawrie) moved - That the Assembly do now adjourn.
                Debate ensued.
                Question - put and passed.
                And the Assembly adjourned at 7.12pm until tomorrow at 10am.
                _________________

                PAPERS:
                The following Papers were deemed to have been presented on Tuesday 12 February 2008 -

                Addendum
                Department of Planning and Infrastructure, 2006/2007 - Addendum (Paper 1219)

                Annual Reports
                Electrical Workers and Contractors Licensing Board, 2006/2007 (Paper 1216)
                Pastoral Land Board, 2005/2006 (Paper 1215)
                The Surveyors Board of the Northern Territory of Australia, 2006/2007 (Paper 1221)
                Department of Business, Economic and Regional Development, 2006/2007, Erratum Page for the front cover (Paper 1192)

                Local Government Act
                Re-structuring Order No. 3 Amendment of Constitution Peppimenarti Community Council Incorporated, DATED 29 January 2008 (Paper 1217)

                Gaming Control Act
                Australian Lottery Company Agreement, dated 29th January 2008 pursuant to Section 46C of the Act (Paper 1218)

                Financial Management Act
                Transfer of Excess Allocations, dated 17 December 2007 (Paper 1220)

                Regulations 2007
                No. 36, Victims of Crime Assistance Amendment (Paper 1222)
                No. 37, Gaming Machine Amendment (Paper 1223)
                No. 38, Marine Amendment (Paper 1224)
                No. 39, Legal Profession (Costs Disclosure and Assessment) Amendment (Paper 1225)
                No. 40, Professional Standards (Paper 1226)
                No. 41, Liquor Amendments (Paper 1227)
                No. 42, Gaming Machine Amendment Rules (Paper 1228)
                No. 43, Supreme Court (Senior Counsel) Rules (Paper 1229)

                Regulations 2008
                No.1, Electricity Reform (Administration) Amendment (Paper 1230)

                Reports
                TIO Group Statement of Corporate Intent Report, 1 July 2006 – 30 June 2009 (Paper 1214)
            _________________
                ATTENDANCE:
                All Members attended the sitting.
            Last updated: 04 Aug 2016