Minutes of Proceedings - 2001-10-24
1. MEETING:
The Assembly met at 10am. The Speaker, the Honourable L M Braham, took the Chair.
2. PRAYERS.
3. VISITORS:
The Speaker advised Honourable Members of the presence in the public galleries of –
Casuarina Senior College students accompanied by Ms Carolyn Wines;
Northern Territory University Literacy and Numeracy adult students accompanied by Ms Lorraine Sushames;
Northern Territory University bridging course students accompanied by Ms Catherine Brewster; and
Northern Territory University Faculty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies students accompanied by
Mr Scott Cooper.
On behalf of all Members Madam Speaker extended a warm welcome to the visitors.
4. NOTICES:
The following notices were given:
Ms Martin: To present the Fiscal Integrity and Transparency Bill 2001 (Serial 13).
Dr Toyne: To present the Fines and Penalties (Recovery) Bill 2001 (Serial 16).
Dr Toyne: To present the Fines and Penalties (Recovery) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2001 (Serial 17).
5. MINISTERIAL REPORTS:
Office of Territory Development: The Chief Minister (Ms Martin) made a report on the creation of an Office of Territory
Development and appointment of the Honourable Bob Collins, a former Senator for the Northern Territory, as the Investment Ambassador.
Youth Grants: The Chief Minister (Ms Martin) made a report on the youth grants program of the Northern Territory.
Alice Springs Sewage: The Minister for Central Australia (Dr Toyne) made a report on the problems associated with the Alice Springs
Sewage overflow into Ilparpa Swamp.
Fatigue Management of Drivers: The Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Development (Mr Ah Kit) made a report on driver fatigue in
the road transport industry.
Paper tabled: Mr Ah Kit laid on the Table the following Paper -
Fatigue Management in the Northern Territory by Department of Transport and Works. (Paper 71)
BIMP-EAGA: The Minister for Asian Relations and Trade (Mr Henderson) made a report on the trade opportunities for the
Territory to participate in the growing development of trade in this region.
Reports noted pursuant to Sessional Order.
6. RE-ARRANGEMENT OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling) moved – That Government Business, Notice relating to the stolen generation, as
amended, standing in the name of the Chief Minister be postponed until the resumption of Government Business at the completion
of Question Time at approximately 3pm this day.
Question – put and passed.
7. ALTERATION OF NOTICE:
The Chief Minister (Ms Martin) advised members, pursuant to Standing Order 103, of the following amendment to paragraph (a) of
the Notice of motion given by me on Tuesday 23 October 2001:
(a) apologises to Territorians who were removed from their families under the authority of the Commonwealth Aboriginal
Ordinance and placed in institutional or foster care.
8. GOVERNMENT OWNED CORPORATIONS BILL 2001 (Serial 21) and POWER AND WATER AUTHORITY AMENDMENT BILL 2001 (Serial 22):
Suspension of Standing Orders – Cognate debate:
The Chief Minister (Ms Martin) moved – That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent Bills entitled Government Owned
Corporations Bill 2001 (Serial 21) and Power and Water Authority Amendment Bill 2001 (Serial 22) -
(a) being presented and read a first time together and one motion being put in regard to, respectively, the second readings; the committee’s
report stage; and the third readings of the bills together; and
(b) the consideration of the bills separately in the Committee of the Whole.
Question – put and passed – there being an absolute majority of the whole number of Members present and no dissentient voice.
The Chief Minister (Ms Martin), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment and operation of
Territory owned enterprises as Government owned corporations, and a Bill for an Act to amend the Power and Water Authority Act.
Bills read a first time.
Ms Martin moved – That the Bills be now read a second time.
Debate ensued.
On the motion of the Member for Katherine (Mr Reed) debate was adjourned.
9. VALIDATION (CHIEF MAGISTRATE) BILL 2001 (Serial 18):
Suspension of Standing Orders – Pass Bill through all stages: The Attorney-General (Dr Toyne) moved – That so much
of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the Validation (Chief Magistrate) Bill 2001 (Serial 18) passing through all stages at the sittings.
Question – put and passed – there being an absolute majority of the whole number of Members present and no dissentient voice.
The Attorney-General (Dr Toyne), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to ensure that the administration of justice in the
Territory is not adversely affected if the appointment of Chief Magistrate made on 27 February 1998 is not a valid appointment.
Bill read a first time.
Dr Toyne moved – That the Bill be now read a second time.
Debate ensued.
On the motion of the Member for Goyder (Mr Maley) debate was adjourned.
10. LOCAL GOVERNMENT AMENDMENT BILL (No. 2) 2001 (Serial 10):
The Minister for Local Government (Mr Vatskalis), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Local Government Act.
Bill read a first time.
Mr Vatskalis moved – That the Bill be now read a second time.
Debate ensued.
On the motion of the Member for Greatorex (Dr Lim) debate was adjourned.
11. PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYMENT AND MANAGEMENT AMENDMENT BILL 2001 (Serial 14):
The Minister for Education, Employment and Training (Mr Stirling), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Public Sector
Employment and Management Act.
Bill read a first time.
Mr Stirling moved – That the Bill be now read a second time.
Debate ensued.
On the motion of the Member for Blain (Mr Mills) debate was adjourned.
12. ADDRESS-IN-REPLY – MOTION:
The Order of the Day having been read for debate on the motion - That the following Address-in-Reply be agreed to:
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR - We, the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory, in Parliament assembled, desire to express our loyalty
to our Most Gracious Sovereign, and to thank Your Honour for the Speech which you have been pleased to address to the Assembly.
Debate ensued.
On the motion of the Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling) debate was adjourned. Suspension of sittings: The sittings of the Assembly was suspended between 12.10pm and 2pm.13. BROADCAST OF PROCEEDINGS – STATEMENT BY SPEAKER:
The Speaker advised members that her permission had been given for TOP FM, Karu, ABC, Channel 8 and Imparja Television to broadcast, with
sound and vision, the motion relating to the “stolen generation” separation of aboriginal families. Also permission had been given for Ms Dani Gawlik
from the NT Newsand Mr Dave Hancock, on behalf of the Melbourne Ageand the Sydney Morning Herald to take still photographs.
14. QUESTIONS:
2.01pm Mr Burke to Ms Martin.
Paper tabled: The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Burke), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper –
Sorry, sorrow won’t be changed by Paul Toohey - Start the Day with The Australian, 24 October 2001, extract from internet. (Paper 77)
Distinguished visitor: The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the Speaker’s Gallery of Ms Gloria de Castro Hall, former Clerk of
the East Timor National Council.
The Speaker extended a warm welcome to the visitor. 2.06pm Ms Lawrie to Mr Henderson.
2.13pm Mr Burke to Ms Martin.
2.16pm Mr Burns to Mr Vatskalis.
2.17pm Mr Reed to Ms Martin.
Paper tabled: The Member for Katherine (Mr Reed), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper –
Press release – Clare Martin, Neville Walker, Economic Summit, No Land Tax, dated 12 October 2001 (Paper 78).
2.22pm Mr Bonson to Ms Martin.
2.28pm Mr Reed to Mr Stirling.
2.33pm Mr Kiely to Ms Martin.
2.38pm Mr Wood to Mr Vatskalis.
2.39pm Mr McAdam to Mr Ah Kit.
2.43pm Mr Elferink to Mr Stirling.
2.46pm Mr Maley to Mr Ah Kit.
2.48pm Mr McAdam to Mrs Aagaard.
2.49pm Mr Kiely to Mr Vatskalis.
2.51pm Ms Carney to Mr Stirling.
Paper tabled: The Minister for Tourism (Mr Stirling) laid on the Table the following Paper –
Letter, Mr I R Hall, Liquidator, Price WaterhouseCoopers to Honourable S Stirling, Deputy Chief Minister, dated 19 October 2001 (Paper 80); and
Letter, Honourable S Stirling, Deputy Chief Minister to Mr Ian Hall, Price WaterhouseCoopers, dated 1 October 2001. (Paper 79)
2.57pm Dr Burns to Mr Vatskalis.
2.58pm Mr Maley to Mr Henderson.
2.59pm Mr Kiely to Dr Toyne.
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling) asked that further questions be placed on the Question Paper.
15. STOLEN GENERATION, SEPARATION OF FAMILIES – APOLOGY – MOTION AGREED TO:
The Chief Minister (Ms Martin), pursuant to notice as amended pursuant to Standing Order 103, moved by leave – That, this Assembly:
(a) apologises to Territorians who were removed from their families under the authority of the Commonwealth Aboriginals Ordinance
and placed in institutional or foster care;
(b) acknowledges their belief that such removals represented the implementation of a Government assimilation policy without
regard to individual welfare circumstances;
(c) recognizes the profound sense of loss and emotional trauma suffered by both the removed children and the communities
from which they were taken regardless of the existence or non-existence of any valid welfare reason for removal in any particular case;
(d) recognizes that in the great majority of cases the removed children received inadequate care, guidance, and education, and that the
Commonwealth Government of the day failed in its obligation to facilitate reunions between the removed children and their
Aboriginal communities once any purported welfare objective had been achieved; and
(e) calls upon the Commonwealth Government to make a formal and specific apology to all those persons removed pursuant to the
Aboriginals Ordinance, acknowledging that the Commonwealth failed in discharging its moral obligations towards them.
Debate ensued.
Paper tabled: The Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Development (Mr Ah Kit) laid on the Table the following Paper -
Article, Letter to the Editor by Michael Long, Essendon Football Club, The Age Victorian Edition, dated Wednesday
5th April 2001. (Paper 81)
Debate continued.
Paper tabled: The Member for Millner (Mr Bonson) laid on the Table the following Paper -
Extract from Between Two Worlds – Chapter 3, The Road to a Civilised Life (Paper 82); and
Extract from Between Two Worlds – The Aboriginals and Half-Castes of Central Australia and North Australia, Report
by J W Bleakley 1928. (Paper 83)
Debate continued. Distinguished visitor: The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the public galleries of Senator Aden Ridgeway.
On behalf of all Members the Speaker extended a warm welcome to the distinguished visitor. Debate continued.
Question – put and passed.
16. ANSETT COLLAPSE, IMPACT ON TOURISM – MINISTERIAL STATEMENT – STATEMENT NOTED:
The Minister for Tourism (Mr Stirling) made a statement relating to the collapse of Ansett and the impact this has had on the tourism industry
in the Northern Territory. (Paper 76) Quorum: The Member for Araluen (Ms Carney) drew attention to the state of the House at 5.31pm.
Bells having been rung – and a quorum having been obtained at 5.34pm – Mr Stirling continued his statement.
Mr Stirling moved – That the Assembly take note of the Statement.
Debate ensued.
Question – put and passed.
17. ADJOURNMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling) moved - That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Debate ensued.
Paper tabled: The Member for Greatorex (Dr Lim), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper –
Extract of Parliamentary Record No. 28, Debates, dated 31 May 2001 – Petition re Salvation Army Hostel, Alice Springs. (Paper 85)
Debate continued.
Question - put and passed.
The Assembly adjourned at 6.49pm until Thursday 25 October 2001 at 10am. PAPERS:
The following Papers were deemed to have been presented on Wednesday 24 October 2001:
Annual Reports:
Centralian College, 2000 and 1 January 2000 to 30 June 2001 (Interim) (Paper 72)
Northern Territory Attorney-Generals Department, 2000/2001 (Paper 75)
Northern Territory Treasury Corporation, 2000/2001 (Paper 73)
Northern Territory Treasury, 2000/2001 (Paper 74) ATTENDANCE:
All Members attended the sittings.
The Assembly met at 10am. The Speaker, the Honourable L M Braham, took the Chair.
2. PRAYERS.
3. VISITORS:
The Speaker advised Honourable Members of the presence in the public galleries of –
Casuarina Senior College students accompanied by Ms Carolyn Wines;
Northern Territory University Literacy and Numeracy adult students accompanied by Ms Lorraine Sushames;
Northern Territory University bridging course students accompanied by Ms Catherine Brewster; and
Northern Territory University Faculty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies students accompanied by
Mr Scott Cooper.
On behalf of all Members Madam Speaker extended a warm welcome to the visitors.
4. NOTICES:
The following notices were given:
Ms Martin: To present the Fiscal Integrity and Transparency Bill 2001 (Serial 13).
Dr Toyne: To present the Fines and Penalties (Recovery) Bill 2001 (Serial 16).
Dr Toyne: To present the Fines and Penalties (Recovery) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2001 (Serial 17).
5. MINISTERIAL REPORTS:
Office of Territory Development: The Chief Minister (Ms Martin) made a report on the creation of an Office of Territory
Development and appointment of the Honourable Bob Collins, a former Senator for the Northern Territory, as the Investment Ambassador.
Youth Grants: The Chief Minister (Ms Martin) made a report on the youth grants program of the Northern Territory.
Alice Springs Sewage: The Minister for Central Australia (Dr Toyne) made a report on the problems associated with the Alice Springs
Sewage overflow into Ilparpa Swamp.
Fatigue Management of Drivers: The Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Development (Mr Ah Kit) made a report on driver fatigue in
the road transport industry.
Paper tabled: Mr Ah Kit laid on the Table the following Paper -
Fatigue Management in the Northern Territory by Department of Transport and Works. (Paper 71)
BIMP-EAGA: The Minister for Asian Relations and Trade (Mr Henderson) made a report on the trade opportunities for the
Territory to participate in the growing development of trade in this region.
Reports noted pursuant to Sessional Order.
6. RE-ARRANGEMENT OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling) moved – That Government Business, Notice relating to the stolen generation, as
amended, standing in the name of the Chief Minister be postponed until the resumption of Government Business at the completion
of Question Time at approximately 3pm this day.
Question – put and passed.
7. ALTERATION OF NOTICE:
The Chief Minister (Ms Martin) advised members, pursuant to Standing Order 103, of the following amendment to paragraph (a) of
the Notice of motion given by me on Tuesday 23 October 2001:
(a) apologises to Territorians who were removed from their families under the authority of the Commonwealth Aboriginal
Ordinance and placed in institutional or foster care.
8. GOVERNMENT OWNED CORPORATIONS BILL 2001 (Serial 21) and POWER AND WATER AUTHORITY AMENDMENT BILL 2001 (Serial 22):
Suspension of Standing Orders – Cognate debate:
The Chief Minister (Ms Martin) moved – That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent Bills entitled Government Owned
Corporations Bill 2001 (Serial 21) and Power and Water Authority Amendment Bill 2001 (Serial 22) -
(a) being presented and read a first time together and one motion being put in regard to, respectively, the second readings; the committee’s
report stage; and the third readings of the bills together; and
(b) the consideration of the bills separately in the Committee of the Whole.
Question – put and passed – there being an absolute majority of the whole number of Members present and no dissentient voice.
The Chief Minister (Ms Martin), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment and operation of
Territory owned enterprises as Government owned corporations, and a Bill for an Act to amend the Power and Water Authority Act.
Bills read a first time.
Ms Martin moved – That the Bills be now read a second time.
Debate ensued.
On the motion of the Member for Katherine (Mr Reed) debate was adjourned.
9. VALIDATION (CHIEF MAGISTRATE) BILL 2001 (Serial 18):
Suspension of Standing Orders – Pass Bill through all stages: The Attorney-General (Dr Toyne) moved – That so much
of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the Validation (Chief Magistrate) Bill 2001 (Serial 18) passing through all stages at the sittings.
Question – put and passed – there being an absolute majority of the whole number of Members present and no dissentient voice.
The Attorney-General (Dr Toyne), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to ensure that the administration of justice in the
Territory is not adversely affected if the appointment of Chief Magistrate made on 27 February 1998 is not a valid appointment.
Bill read a first time.
Dr Toyne moved – That the Bill be now read a second time.
Debate ensued.
On the motion of the Member for Goyder (Mr Maley) debate was adjourned.
10. LOCAL GOVERNMENT AMENDMENT BILL (No. 2) 2001 (Serial 10):
The Minister for Local Government (Mr Vatskalis), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Local Government Act.
Bill read a first time.
Mr Vatskalis moved – That the Bill be now read a second time.
Debate ensued.
On the motion of the Member for Greatorex (Dr Lim) debate was adjourned.
11. PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYMENT AND MANAGEMENT AMENDMENT BILL 2001 (Serial 14):
The Minister for Education, Employment and Training (Mr Stirling), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Public Sector
Employment and Management Act.
Bill read a first time.
Mr Stirling moved – That the Bill be now read a second time.
Debate ensued.
On the motion of the Member for Blain (Mr Mills) debate was adjourned.
12. ADDRESS-IN-REPLY – MOTION:
The Order of the Day having been read for debate on the motion - That the following Address-in-Reply be agreed to:
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR - We, the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory, in Parliament assembled, desire to express our loyalty
to our Most Gracious Sovereign, and to thank Your Honour for the Speech which you have been pleased to address to the Assembly.
Debate ensued.
On the motion of the Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling) debate was adjourned. Suspension of sittings: The sittings of the Assembly was suspended between 12.10pm and 2pm.13. BROADCAST OF PROCEEDINGS – STATEMENT BY SPEAKER:
The Speaker advised members that her permission had been given for TOP FM, Karu, ABC, Channel 8 and Imparja Television to broadcast, with
sound and vision, the motion relating to the “stolen generation” separation of aboriginal families. Also permission had been given for Ms Dani Gawlik
from the NT Newsand Mr Dave Hancock, on behalf of the Melbourne Ageand the Sydney Morning Herald to take still photographs.
14. QUESTIONS:
2.01pm Mr Burke to Ms Martin.
Paper tabled: The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Burke), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper –
Sorry, sorrow won’t be changed by Paul Toohey - Start the Day with The Australian, 24 October 2001, extract from internet. (Paper 77)
Distinguished visitor: The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the Speaker’s Gallery of Ms Gloria de Castro Hall, former Clerk of
the East Timor National Council.
The Speaker extended a warm welcome to the visitor. 2.06pm Ms Lawrie to Mr Henderson.
2.13pm Mr Burke to Ms Martin.
2.16pm Mr Burns to Mr Vatskalis.
2.17pm Mr Reed to Ms Martin.
Paper tabled: The Member for Katherine (Mr Reed), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper –
Press release – Clare Martin, Neville Walker, Economic Summit, No Land Tax, dated 12 October 2001 (Paper 78).
2.22pm Mr Bonson to Ms Martin.
2.28pm Mr Reed to Mr Stirling.
2.33pm Mr Kiely to Ms Martin.
2.38pm Mr Wood to Mr Vatskalis.
2.39pm Mr McAdam to Mr Ah Kit.
2.43pm Mr Elferink to Mr Stirling.
2.46pm Mr Maley to Mr Ah Kit.
2.48pm Mr McAdam to Mrs Aagaard.
2.49pm Mr Kiely to Mr Vatskalis.
2.51pm Ms Carney to Mr Stirling.
Paper tabled: The Minister for Tourism (Mr Stirling) laid on the Table the following Paper –
Letter, Mr I R Hall, Liquidator, Price WaterhouseCoopers to Honourable S Stirling, Deputy Chief Minister, dated 19 October 2001 (Paper 80); and
Letter, Honourable S Stirling, Deputy Chief Minister to Mr Ian Hall, Price WaterhouseCoopers, dated 1 October 2001. (Paper 79)
2.57pm Dr Burns to Mr Vatskalis.
2.58pm Mr Maley to Mr Henderson.
2.59pm Mr Kiely to Dr Toyne.
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling) asked that further questions be placed on the Question Paper.
15. STOLEN GENERATION, SEPARATION OF FAMILIES – APOLOGY – MOTION AGREED TO:
The Chief Minister (Ms Martin), pursuant to notice as amended pursuant to Standing Order 103, moved by leave – That, this Assembly:
(a) apologises to Territorians who were removed from their families under the authority of the Commonwealth Aboriginals Ordinance
and placed in institutional or foster care;
(b) acknowledges their belief that such removals represented the implementation of a Government assimilation policy without
regard to individual welfare circumstances;
(c) recognizes the profound sense of loss and emotional trauma suffered by both the removed children and the communities
from which they were taken regardless of the existence or non-existence of any valid welfare reason for removal in any particular case;
(d) recognizes that in the great majority of cases the removed children received inadequate care, guidance, and education, and that the
Commonwealth Government of the day failed in its obligation to facilitate reunions between the removed children and their
Aboriginal communities once any purported welfare objective had been achieved; and
(e) calls upon the Commonwealth Government to make a formal and specific apology to all those persons removed pursuant to the
Aboriginals Ordinance, acknowledging that the Commonwealth failed in discharging its moral obligations towards them.
Debate ensued.
Paper tabled: The Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Development (Mr Ah Kit) laid on the Table the following Paper -
Article, Letter to the Editor by Michael Long, Essendon Football Club, The Age Victorian Edition, dated Wednesday
5th April 2001. (Paper 81)
Debate continued.
Paper tabled: The Member for Millner (Mr Bonson) laid on the Table the following Paper -
Extract from Between Two Worlds – Chapter 3, The Road to a Civilised Life (Paper 82); and
Extract from Between Two Worlds – The Aboriginals and Half-Castes of Central Australia and North Australia, Report
by J W Bleakley 1928. (Paper 83)
Debate continued. Distinguished visitor: The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the public galleries of Senator Aden Ridgeway.
On behalf of all Members the Speaker extended a warm welcome to the distinguished visitor. Debate continued.
Question – put and passed.
16. ANSETT COLLAPSE, IMPACT ON TOURISM – MINISTERIAL STATEMENT – STATEMENT NOTED:
The Minister for Tourism (Mr Stirling) made a statement relating to the collapse of Ansett and the impact this has had on the tourism industry
in the Northern Territory. (Paper 76) Quorum: The Member for Araluen (Ms Carney) drew attention to the state of the House at 5.31pm.
Bells having been rung – and a quorum having been obtained at 5.34pm – Mr Stirling continued his statement.
Mr Stirling moved – That the Assembly take note of the Statement.
Debate ensued.
Question – put and passed.
17. ADJOURNMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling) moved - That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Debate ensued.
Paper tabled: The Member for Greatorex (Dr Lim), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper –
Extract of Parliamentary Record No. 28, Debates, dated 31 May 2001 – Petition re Salvation Army Hostel, Alice Springs. (Paper 85)
Debate continued.
Question - put and passed.
The Assembly adjourned at 6.49pm until Thursday 25 October 2001 at 10am. PAPERS:
The following Papers were deemed to have been presented on Wednesday 24 October 2001:
Annual Reports:
Centralian College, 2000 and 1 January 2000 to 30 June 2001 (Interim) (Paper 72)
Northern Territory Attorney-Generals Department, 2000/2001 (Paper 75)
Northern Territory Treasury Corporation, 2000/2001 (Paper 73)
Northern Territory Treasury, 2000/2001 (Paper 74)
All Members attended the sittings.
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016