Minutes of Proceedings - 2002-05-22
1. MEETING:
The Assembly met at 10am. The Speaker, the Honourable L. M. Braham, took the Chair.
2. PRAYERS.
3. MINISTERIAL REPORTS:
Marine Bio-active Prospecting Project: The Chief Minister (Ms Martin) made a report on the Museums and Art Gallery‘s participation in a marine bio-active prospecting scientific research program to be conducted in Territory waters.
Mr Elferink responded thereto.
Ms Martin responded accordingly.
Outback Central 2002 – Year of the Outback: The Chief Minister (Ms Martin) made a report on the conduct of the premier event in the Year of the Outback, Outback Central 2002 in Alice Springs.
Ms Carney responded thereto.
Ms Martin responded accordingly.
Container Deposit Legislation: The Minister for the Environment (Mr Vatskalis) reported to the Assembly on the progress towards the introduction of container deposit legislation in the Territory.
Mr Reed responded thereto.
Mr Wood responded thereto.
Mr Vatskalis responded accordingly.
Resurfacing and Turfing of Football Park: The Minister for Sport and Recreation (Mr Ah Kit) reported on the commencement of the resurfacing and turfing of Football Park to enable Australian Football League and international cricket matches to be conducted at the venue.
Mr Mills responded thereto.
Mr Ah Kit responded accordingly.
Ministerial Reports noted, pursuant to Sessional Order.
4. PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE, BUDGET INQUIRY REPORT 2002 – REPORT TABLED – REPORT PRINTED - MOTION TO NOTE REPORT:
The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (Dr Burns), pursuant to resolution of the Assembly, laid on the Table –
Public Accounts Committee’s Report of the Inquiry into the Accuracy of the Budget Data published in the 2001/02 Budget Papers with respect to both the estimated outcome for 2000/01 and the Budget for 2001/02, dated May 2002 (Paper 366);
Public Accounts Committee’s Report of the Inquiry into the Accuracy of the Budget Data published in the 2001/02 Budget Papers with respect to both the estimated outcome for 2000/01 and the Budget for 2001/02, Volume of Transcripts of Public Hearings (Paper 367); and
Public Accounts Committee’s Report of the Inquiry into the Accuracy of the Budget Data published in the 2001/02 Budget Papers with respect to both the estimated outcome for 2000/01 and the Budget for 2001/02, Volume of Media Releases (Paper 368).
Dr Burns moved – That the Assembly print the report and associated papers.
Question – put and passed.
Dr Burns moved – That the Assembly take note of the Report.
Debate ensued.
Paper tabled: The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (Dr Burns), by leave, laid on the Table the following Papers –
Appendix – Compendium of tabled papers tabled at Committee hearings (Paper 369); and
Under Treasurer’s Minute, Mr K B Clarke to Treasurer, dated 17 May 2001 re variations to the 2000/2001 estimated Actual and 2001/2002 Budget (Paper 270).
Debate continued.
Leave denied: The Member for Drysdale (Mr Dunham) sought leave to Table a letter addressed to Dr Burns as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee.
A dissentient voice being raised – leave denied.
Suspension of Standing Orders: The Member for Drysdale (Mr Dunham) moved – That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent him Tabling the letter forthwith.
Question - That the motion be agreed to - put.
The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. L. M. Braham, in the Chair) -
AYES, 11 NOES, 13
Mr Baldwin Mrs Aagaard
Mr Burke Mr Ah Kit
Ms Carney Mr Bonson
Ms Carter Dr Burns
Mr Dunham Mr Henderson
Mr Elferink Mr Kiely
Dr Lim Ms Lawrie
Mr Maley Ms Martin
Mr Mills Mr McAdam
Mr Reed Ms Scrymgour
Mr Wood Mr Stirling
Dr Toyne
Mr Vatskalis
Motion negatived accordingly.
Debate continued.
Debate suspended.
The following notices were given –
Mr Stirling: To move – That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the Work Health Amendment Bill 2002 (Serial 55), passing through all stages at this sitting.
Dr Toyne: To present the Statute Law Revision (Financial Provisions) Bill 2002 (Serial 64).
Dr Toyne: To move – That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the Criminal Code Amendment (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Bill 2002 (Serial 56); Bail Amendment Bill 2002 (Serial 57); and Parole of Prisoners Amendment Bill 2002 (Serial 58), passing through all stages this sitting.
Mr Henderson: To present the Mining Amendment Bill 2002 (Serial 63).
Mr Henderson: To present the Oil Refinery Agreement Ratification Act Repeal Bill 2002 (Serial 62).
Mr Stirling: To move – That the Assembly appointment an Estimates Committee of the legislative Assembly for the purposes of examining and reporting on the estimates of proposed expenditure contained in the Appropriation Bill 2002/2003.
Mr Stirling: To move – That, for the purposes of the preparation for the conduct of the estimates committee process for the 2002/03 Budget the Public Accounts Committee consult with other State or Commonwealth parliamentary committees.
6. QUESTIONS:
2.01pm Mr Burke to Mr Stirling.
On behalf of all Members the Speaker extended a warm welcome to the visitors.
Member suspended: The Speaker (Mrs Braham), pursuant to Standing Order 240A, ordered the Member for Blain (Mr Mills) at 2.09pm to withdraw from the Chamber for a period of one hour on account of his refusal to withdraw words when required so to do by the Speaker.
Mr Mills accordingly withdrew.
2.17pm Mr Wood to Mr Henderson.
2.22pm Mr Burke to Mr Stirling.
2.23pm Mr McAdam to Ms Martin.
2.27pm Mr Burke to Mr Stirling.
2.30pm Ms Scrymgour to Mr Vatskalis.
2.32pm Mr Burke to Mr Stirling.
2.35pm Mr Bonson to Mr Ah Kit.
2.41pm Mr Burke to Mr Stirling.
Papers tabled: The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Burke), by leave, laid on the Table the following Papers -
Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service - Director’s Operational Order No. 01/2002, dated 21 march 2002 (Paper 371); and
Letter, Mr Robert Naumann, Assistant Chief Fire Officer to Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service, dated 14 May 2002 (Paper 372).
2.45pm Mr Kiely to Dr Toyne.
2.49pm Mr Wood to Mr Stirling.
2.52pm Mr Burke to Mr Stirling.
2.56pm Dr Burns to Mr Stirling.
3pm Mr Burke to Mr Stirling.
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling) asked that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
7. NORMA (BILLIE) PITSCHENEDER BEM – CONDOLENCE:
The Speaker advised Members of the death, on Sunday 19 May 2002, of Norma (Billie) Pitscheneder BEM.
The Chief Minister (Ms Martin), by leave, moved - That this Assembly –
(a) express deep regret at the death of Norma (Billie) Pitscheneder BEM, a distinguished Territorian who made a significant contribution in community service and as a fund raiser for a range of charities and community organisations, and was the Northern Territory Citizen of the year in 1980; and
(b) tender its profound sympathy to her family and friends. (Paper 375)
Ms Martin thereupon addressed the Assembly.
Debate ensued.
Question – put and passed.
As a mark of respect Members stood in their places for one minute, in silence.
8. FIRST HOME OWNER GRANT AMENDMENT BILL 2002 (Serial 41):
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.
Leave granted for a motion for the third reading of the Bill to be moved forthwith.
On the motion of the Chief Minister (Ms Martin) the Bill was read a third time and passed to be a proposed law.
9. PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE, BUDGET INQUIRY REPORT 2002 – REPORT TABLED – REPORT PRINTED – MOTION TO NOTE REPORT:
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.
Papers tabled: The Member for Sanderson (Mr Kiely), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper –
Letter, Mr Stephen Dunham MLA to Dr Chris Burns, Chairman, Public Accounts Committee, dated 16 November 2001 together with appendices (Paper 373).
Debate continued.
On the motion of the Minister for Business, Industry and Resource Development (Mr Henderson) debate was adjourned.
10. PRIMARY INDUSTRY ACHIEVEMENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES – MINISTERIAL STATEMENT – STATEMENT NOTED:
The Minister for Business, Industry and Resource Development (Mr Henderson) made a statement relating to primary industry sector opportunities and new developments (Paper 374).
Mr Henderson moved – That the Assembly take note of the Statement.
Debate ensued.
Paper tabled: The Member for Nelson (Mr Wood), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper –
Article, 800 chooks killed every day, Litchfield Times, Wednesday 22 May 2002 (Paper 376).
Debate continued.
Question – put and passed.
11. ADJOURNMENT:
The Minister for Business, Industry and Resource Development (Mr Henderson) 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 –
Cord Blood Banking by Dr Richard Lim MLA, dated 1 May 2002 (Paper 377).
Debate continued.
Paper tabled: The Member for Macdonnell (Mr Elferink), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper –
Letter, Mr John Elferink MLA to the Minister for Community Development, Honourable Jack Ah Kit re Actions of Ministerial Officers in Alice Springs, dated 22 April 2002 (Paper 378).
Debate continued.
Question – put and passed.
And the Assembly adjourned at 9.17pm until Thursday 23 May 2002 at 10am.
ATTENDANCE:
All Members attended the sittings.
The Assembly met at 10am. The Speaker, the Honourable L. M. Braham, took the Chair.
2. PRAYERS.
3. MINISTERIAL REPORTS:
Marine Bio-active Prospecting Project: The Chief Minister (Ms Martin) made a report on the Museums and Art Gallery‘s participation in a marine bio-active prospecting scientific research program to be conducted in Territory waters.
Mr Elferink responded thereto.
Ms Martin responded accordingly.
Outback Central 2002 – Year of the Outback: The Chief Minister (Ms Martin) made a report on the conduct of the premier event in the Year of the Outback, Outback Central 2002 in Alice Springs.
Ms Carney responded thereto.
Ms Martin responded accordingly.
Container Deposit Legislation: The Minister for the Environment (Mr Vatskalis) reported to the Assembly on the progress towards the introduction of container deposit legislation in the Territory.
Mr Reed responded thereto.
Mr Wood responded thereto.
Mr Vatskalis responded accordingly.
Resurfacing and Turfing of Football Park: The Minister for Sport and Recreation (Mr Ah Kit) reported on the commencement of the resurfacing and turfing of Football Park to enable Australian Football League and international cricket matches to be conducted at the venue.
Mr Mills responded thereto.
Mr Ah Kit responded accordingly.
Ministerial Reports noted, pursuant to Sessional Order.
4. PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE, BUDGET INQUIRY REPORT 2002 – REPORT TABLED – REPORT PRINTED - MOTION TO NOTE REPORT:
The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (Dr Burns), pursuant to resolution of the Assembly, laid on the Table –
Public Accounts Committee’s Report of the Inquiry into the Accuracy of the Budget Data published in the 2001/02 Budget Papers with respect to both the estimated outcome for 2000/01 and the Budget for 2001/02, dated May 2002 (Paper 366);
Public Accounts Committee’s Report of the Inquiry into the Accuracy of the Budget Data published in the 2001/02 Budget Papers with respect to both the estimated outcome for 2000/01 and the Budget for 2001/02, Volume of Transcripts of Public Hearings (Paper 367); and
Public Accounts Committee’s Report of the Inquiry into the Accuracy of the Budget Data published in the 2001/02 Budget Papers with respect to both the estimated outcome for 2000/01 and the Budget for 2001/02, Volume of Media Releases (Paper 368).
Dr Burns moved – That the Assembly print the report and associated papers.
Question – put and passed.
Dr Burns moved – That the Assembly take note of the Report.
Debate ensued.
Paper tabled: The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (Dr Burns), by leave, laid on the Table the following Papers –
Appendix – Compendium of tabled papers tabled at Committee hearings (Paper 369); and
Under Treasurer’s Minute, Mr K B Clarke to Treasurer, dated 17 May 2001 re variations to the 2000/2001 estimated Actual and 2001/2002 Budget (Paper 270).
Debate continued.
Leave denied: The Member for Drysdale (Mr Dunham) sought leave to Table a letter addressed to Dr Burns as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee.
A dissentient voice being raised – leave denied.
Suspension of Standing Orders: The Member for Drysdale (Mr Dunham) moved – That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent him Tabling the letter forthwith.
Question - That the motion be agreed to - put.
The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. L. M. Braham, in the Chair) -
AYES, 11 NOES, 13
Mr Baldwin Mrs Aagaard
Mr Burke Mr Ah Kit
Ms Carney Mr Bonson
Ms Carter Dr Burns
Mr Dunham Mr Henderson
Mr Elferink Mr Kiely
Dr Lim Ms Lawrie
Mr Maley Ms Martin
Mr Mills Mr McAdam
Mr Reed Ms Scrymgour
Mr Wood Mr Stirling
Dr Toyne
Mr Vatskalis
Motion negatived accordingly.
Debate continued.
Debate suspended.
––––––––––––––––
Suspension of sitting: The sittings of the Assembly was suspended between 11.54am and 2pm.––––––––––––––––
5. NOTICES:The following notices were given –
Mr Stirling: To move – That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the Work Health Amendment Bill 2002 (Serial 55), passing through all stages at this sitting.
Dr Toyne: To present the Statute Law Revision (Financial Provisions) Bill 2002 (Serial 64).
Dr Toyne: To move – That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the Criminal Code Amendment (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Bill 2002 (Serial 56); Bail Amendment Bill 2002 (Serial 57); and Parole of Prisoners Amendment Bill 2002 (Serial 58), passing through all stages this sitting.
Mr Henderson: To present the Mining Amendment Bill 2002 (Serial 63).
Mr Henderson: To present the Oil Refinery Agreement Ratification Act Repeal Bill 2002 (Serial 62).
Mr Stirling: To move – That the Assembly appointment an Estimates Committee of the legislative Assembly for the purposes of examining and reporting on the estimates of proposed expenditure contained in the Appropriation Bill 2002/2003.
Mr Stirling: To move – That, for the purposes of the preparation for the conduct of the estimates committee process for the 2002/03 Budget the Public Accounts Committee consult with other State or Commonwealth parliamentary committees.
6. QUESTIONS:
2.01pm Mr Burke to Mr Stirling.
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Visitors: The Speaker advised of the presence in the Speaker’s Gallery of students from the Defence Industry Study Course, accompanied by Ms Shandelle Judd, Coordinator and Mr Barry Coulter, Chairman of the Defence Industry Study Course and former Member of the Legislative Assembly. On behalf of all Members the Speaker extended a warm welcome to the visitors.
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2.07pm Mr Mills to Stirling.–––––––––––––––––
And the Member for Blain (Mr Mills) using unparliamentary words in asking his question and refusing to withdraw such words upon request by the Speaker - Member suspended: The Speaker (Mrs Braham), pursuant to Standing Order 240A, ordered the Member for Blain (Mr Mills) at 2.09pm to withdraw from the Chamber for a period of one hour on account of his refusal to withdraw words when required so to do by the Speaker.
Mr Mills accordingly withdrew.
–––––––––––––––––
2.09pm Mr Kiely to Ms Martin.2.17pm Mr Wood to Mr Henderson.
2.22pm Mr Burke to Mr Stirling.
2.23pm Mr McAdam to Ms Martin.
2.27pm Mr Burke to Mr Stirling.
2.30pm Ms Scrymgour to Mr Vatskalis.
2.32pm Mr Burke to Mr Stirling.
2.35pm Mr Bonson to Mr Ah Kit.
2.41pm Mr Burke to Mr Stirling.
Papers tabled: The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Burke), by leave, laid on the Table the following Papers -
Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service - Director’s Operational Order No. 01/2002, dated 21 march 2002 (Paper 371); and
Letter, Mr Robert Naumann, Assistant Chief Fire Officer to Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service, dated 14 May 2002 (Paper 372).
2.45pm Mr Kiely to Dr Toyne.
2.49pm Mr Wood to Mr Stirling.
2.52pm Mr Burke to Mr Stirling.
2.56pm Dr Burns to Mr Stirling.
3pm Mr Burke to Mr Stirling.
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling) asked that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
7. NORMA (BILLIE) PITSCHENEDER BEM – CONDOLENCE:
The Speaker advised Members of the death, on Sunday 19 May 2002, of Norma (Billie) Pitscheneder BEM.
The Chief Minister (Ms Martin), by leave, moved - That this Assembly –
(a) express deep regret at the death of Norma (Billie) Pitscheneder BEM, a distinguished Territorian who made a significant contribution in community service and as a fund raiser for a range of charities and community organisations, and was the Northern Territory Citizen of the year in 1980; and
(b) tender its profound sympathy to her family and friends. (Paper 375)
Ms Martin thereupon addressed the Assembly.
Debate ensued.
Question – put and passed.
As a mark of respect Members stood in their places for one minute, in silence.
8. FIRST HOME OWNER GRANT AMENDMENT BILL 2002 (Serial 41):
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.
Leave granted for a motion for the third reading of the Bill to be moved forthwith.
On the motion of the Chief Minister (Ms Martin) the Bill was read a third time and passed to be a proposed law.
9. PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE, BUDGET INQUIRY REPORT 2002 – REPORT TABLED – REPORT PRINTED – MOTION TO NOTE REPORT:
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.
Papers tabled: The Member for Sanderson (Mr Kiely), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper –
Letter, Mr Stephen Dunham MLA to Dr Chris Burns, Chairman, Public Accounts Committee, dated 16 November 2001 together with appendices (Paper 373).
Debate continued.
On the motion of the Minister for Business, Industry and Resource Development (Mr Henderson) debate was adjourned.
10. PRIMARY INDUSTRY ACHIEVEMENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES – MINISTERIAL STATEMENT – STATEMENT NOTED:
The Minister for Business, Industry and Resource Development (Mr Henderson) made a statement relating to primary industry sector opportunities and new developments (Paper 374).
Mr Henderson moved – That the Assembly take note of the Statement.
Debate ensued.
Paper tabled: The Member for Nelson (Mr Wood), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper –
Article, 800 chooks killed every day, Litchfield Times, Wednesday 22 May 2002 (Paper 376).
Debate continued.
Question – put and passed.
11. ADJOURNMENT:
The Minister for Business, Industry and Resource Development (Mr Henderson) 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 –
Cord Blood Banking by Dr Richard Lim MLA, dated 1 May 2002 (Paper 377).
Debate continued.
Paper tabled: The Member for Macdonnell (Mr Elferink), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper –
Letter, Mr John Elferink MLA to the Minister for Community Development, Honourable Jack Ah Kit re Actions of Ministerial Officers in Alice Springs, dated 22 April 2002 (Paper 378).
Debate continued.
Question – put and passed.
And the Assembly adjourned at 9.17pm until Thursday 23 May 2002 at 10am.
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ATTENDANCE:
All Members attended the sittings.
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016