Department of the Legislative Assembly, Northern Territory Government

Minutes of Proceedings - 2008-04-30

1. MEETING:
The Assembly met at 10am. The Speaker, the Honourable J. L. Aagaard, took the Chair.

2. PRAYERS.

3. VISITORS:
      The Speaker advised the Assembly of the presence in the public galleries of Wanguri Primary School Year 5/6 students accompanied by Ms Emily Kuhn who are participating in the Parliament of the Wizards program.
      On behalf of all Members the Speaker extended a warm welcome to the visitors.

4. LEAVE OF ABSENCE - MEMBER FOR PORT DARWIN:
      The Leader of Government Business (Ms Lawrie) moved - That leave of absence be granted to the Member or Port Darwin (Ms Sacilotto) for today, due to ill health.
      Question - put and passed.

5. MINISTERIAL REPORTS:
      Live Cattle Exports to Asia: The Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries (Mr Natt) reported on his visit as part of a Territory delegation to Vietnam, Sabah and Malaysia to promote the Territory live cattle export industry.
      Mr Mills responded.
      Mr Wood responded.
      Mr Natt replied.

      Joint Management of Territory Parks, Forum: The Minister for the Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage (Mr Kiely) reported on a forum he attended to discuss with all stakeholders issues associated with the Joint Management of Territory Parks and Reserves.
      Mrs Miller responded.
      Mr Wood responded.
      Mr Kiely replied.

      School Leaders Conference: The Minister for Employment, Education and Training (Ms Scrymgour) reported on a Conference of School Leaders she attended to educate Principals and educationists for the implementation of targeted programs to meet priorities for high quality teaching.
      Mr Mills responded
      Mrs Braham responded.
      Ms Scrymgour replied.

      Ministerial Reports noted, pursuant to Standing Orders.
6. PERSONAL EXPLANATION:
      The Member for Nelson (Mr Wood), pursuant to Standing Order 56, made a personal explanation in relating to his asserted opposition to the Inpex LNG Plant by the Chief Minister (Mr Henderson) made yesterday.

7. SENTENCING (CRIME OF MURDER) AND PAROLE REFORM AMENDMENT BILL 2008 (Serial 142):
      The Minister for Justice and Attorney-General (Dr Burns), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Sentencing (Crime of Murder) and Parole Reform Act.
      Bill read a first time.
      Suspension of Standing Orders - Pass Bill through all stages:
      Dr Burns, pursuant to notice, moved - That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the Sentencing (Crime of Murder) and Parole Reform Amendment Bill 2008 (Serial 142), passing through all stages at these sittings.
      Debate ensued.
      Question - put and passed.
      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, Sentencing (Crime of Murder) and Parole Reform Amendment Bill 2008 (Paper 1282).

      On the motion of the Member for Araluen (Ms Carney) debate was adjourned.
8. AUDITOR-GENERAL'S FEBRUARY 2008 REPORT TO THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY - NOTED:
      The Order of the Day having been read for the resumption of debate on the question - That the Assembly take note of the Report -
      Debate resumed.
      Question - put and passed.
9. WORKERS REHABILITATION AND COMPENSATION AMENDMENT BILL 2008 (Serial 135):
      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.
      Debate suspended.
      ________________

      Suspension of sittings: The sittings of the Assembly was suspended between 11.56am and 2pm.
      ________________
10. NOTICES:
      The following Notices were given:
      Ms Lawrie: To move - That the Assembly appoint an Estimates Committee 2008/2009 and a Government Owned Corporations Scrutiny Committee 2008/2009, pursuant to the terms circulated to Members.

      Ms Lawrie: To present the Public Transport (Safety Officer) Bill 2008 (Serial 144).
      Dr Burns: To present the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill 2008 (Serial 145).
      Mr Conlan: To present the Health Practitioners Amendment (Nurse Practitioners) Bill 2008 (Serial 140).

11. QUESTIONS:
      2.01pm Mr Mills to Mr Henderson.
      2.05pm Ms Anderson to Mr Henderson.
      2.10pm Ms Carney to Mr Henderson.
      2.14pm Ms McCarthy to Ms Scrymgour.
      2.20pm Ms Carney to Mr Henderson.
      2.26pm Mr Warren to Mr Henderson.
      2.36pm Mrs Braham to Dr Burns.
      ______________

      Distinguished Visitor: The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the public gallery of Mr Robert McLeod, Mayor of Palmerston.
      On behalf of all Members the Speaker extended a warm welcome to the visitor.
      ______________

      2.40pm Mr Mills to Ms Scrymgour.
      2.45pm Ms McCarthy to Mr Vatskalis.
      2.47pm Mr Mills to Ms Scrymgour.
      2.51pm Mr Burke to Mr Kiely.
      2.55pm Mr Wood to Mr Henderson.
      3.01pm Mr Conlan to Dr Burns.

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

12. WORKERS REHABILITATION AND COMPENSATION AMENDMENT BILL 2008 (Serial 135):
      The Order of the Day having been read for the resumption of debate, suspended earlier this day, on the question - That the Bill be now read a second time -
      Debate resumed.
      Question - put and passed.
      Bill read a second time.
      Leave granted for a motion for the third reading of the Bill to be moved forthwith.
      On the motion of the Minister for Employment, Education and Training (Ms Scrymgour) the Bill was read a third time and passed to be a proposed law.
13. REFORMING INDIGENOUS EDUCATION, CLOSING THE GAP - MINISTERIAL STATEMENT - STATEMENT NOTED:
      The Minister for Employment, Education and Training (Ms Scrymgour) made a statement relating to indigenous education and closing the Gap in educational outcomes between indigenous and non-indigenous school children.
      Ms Scrymgour moved - That the Assembly take note of the Statement.
      Debate ensued.
      Extension of time: On the motion of the Minister for Education, Employment and Training (Ms Scrymgour) the Treasurer (Ms Lawrie) was granted an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.

      Debate continued.
      Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Brennan (Mr Burke) the Member for Nelson (Mr Wood) was granted an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.

      Debate continued.
      Quorum: The Member for Katherine (Mrs Miller) drew attention to the state of the House.
      And the Bells having been rung and a quorum achieved -

      Debate resumed.
      Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Stuart (Mr Hampton) the Member for Arafura (McCarthy) was granted an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.

      Debate continued.
      Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Millner (Mr Bonson) the Member for Stuart (Mr Hampton) was granted an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.

      Debate continued.
      Question - put and passed.
14. 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 8.54pm until tomorrow at 10am.
      _________________

      PAPERS:
      The following Papers were deemed to have been presented on Wednesday 30 April 2008 -

      Regulations 2008:
      No. 5, Planning Amendment (Development Applications) (Paper 1279)
      No. 6, Motor Vehicles Amendment (Paper 1280)
      No. 7, Powers of Attorney Amendment (Paper 1281)
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      ATTENDANCE:
      All Members attended the sitting except Ms Sacilotto, on leave.
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016