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Minutes of Proceedings - 1998-04-30

Eighth Assembly First Session 28/04/1998 Parliamentary Record No. 6
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Date : 30/04/1998
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1. MEETING:
    The Assembly met at 10.00 h. The Speaker, the Honourable L M Braham, took the Chair.

2. PRAYERS.

3. VISITORS:
    The Speaker (Mrs Braham) drew attention to the presence in the gallery of Information Technology and Administration Trainees from government departments accompanied by the Trainee Coordinator, Ms Kara Thomas.
    On behalf of Honourable Members, the Speaker extended a warm welcome to the visitors.
4. PETITION:
    The Member for Arnhem (Mr Ah Kit), by leave, presented a petition, not conforming with Standing Orders, from 116 petitioners requesting a mobile telephone service for Groote Eylandt. (Paper 412)
5. QUESTIONS:
    10:02 Mr Elferink to Mr Reed.
    10:07 Mrs Hickey to Mr Reed.
    Paper tabled: The Leader of the Opposition (Mrs Hickey), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper -
Press Release, High Court Decision, Hon Mike Reed, MLA, Treasurer, dated 5 August 1997 (Paper 400).
10:11 Mr Lugg to Mr Coulter.
    10:14 Mr Ah Kit to Mr Reed.
    10:21 Dr Lim to Mr Poole.
    10:28 Mr Bailey to Mr Coulter.
    10:33 Mr Dunham to Mr Stone.
    10:39 Ms Martin to Mr Manzie.
    10:42 Mr Balch to Mr Stone.
    Paper tabled: The Chief Minister (Mr Stone) laid on the Table the following Paper –
Letter, Hon Shane Stone, MLA, Chief Minister to Mrs Maggie Hickey, MLA, Leader of the Opposition, dated 23 April 1998 (Paper 401).
10:46 Mr Rioli to Mr Burke.
    Paper tabled: The Member for Arafura (Mr Rioli), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper –
Health - Does the Minister read reports?, comment by Gerard Waterford, Alice Springs News, dated 29 April 1998 (Paper 402).
10:51 Mr McCarthy to Mr Manzie.
    10:53 Mr Toyne to Mr Burke.
    Paper tabled: The Member for Stuart (Mr Toyne), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper –
Report, Allied Health in Central Australia - Challenges and Rewards in Remote Area Practice, by Anne Bent, Northern Territory
Department of Education (Paper 403);
10:55 Mr Balch to Mr Reed.
    Supplementary answer: The Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Development (Mr Coulter) gave a supplementary answer to a question asked by the Member for Wanguri (Mr Bailey) this day.

    6. ALTERATION TO ORDER OF BUSINESS - SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter) moved – That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent consideration of Government Business, Notice No. 2 relating to the Lands Acquisition Amendment Bill 1998 (Serial 75), forthwith.
    Question - put and passed.
7. LANDS ACQUISITION AMENDMENT BILL 1998 (Serial 75):
The Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment (Mr Palmer), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Lands Acquisition Act.
    Bill read a first time.
    Mr Palmer moved - That the Bill be now read a second time.
    Paper tabled: Mr Palmer laid on the Table the following paper –
Explanatory Memorandum, Lands Acquisition Amendment Bill 1998 (Serial 75) (Paper 405).
Debate continued.
    On the motion of the Member for Fannie Bay (Ms Martin) debate was adjourned.
8. NORTHERN TERRITORY STATEHOOD CONVENTION – PAPERS TABLED – PAPERS PRINTED, MOTION TO NOTE PAPERS:
The Speaker laid on the table the following Papers –
The Report of the Statehood Convention Volume 1 (Paper 406) and Volume 2 (Paper 407); and
An Extract from Volume 1 entitled, A New State Constitution for the Northern Territory (Paper 408).
    The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter) moved – That the Papers be printed.
    Question - put and passed.
    Mr Coulter moved – That the Assembly take note of the Papers.
    Debate ensued.
    On the motion of the Minister for Health, Family and Children’s Services (Mr Burke) debate was adjourned.
9. STRATEGY FOR CONSERVATION OF THREATENED SPECIES – PAPERS TABLED – PAPERS NOTED:
    The Minister for Parks and Wildlife (Mr Baldwin) laid on the Table the following Papers -

A Strategy for the Conservation of the Threatened Species and Ecological Communities in the Northern Territory of Australia,
Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory (Paper 409 );
A Management Program for the Greater Bilby, Macrotis lagotis, in the Northern Territory of Australia, Parks and Wildlife Commission
of the Northern Territory (Paper 410); and
A Management Program for Ptychosperma bleeseri Burret in the Northern Territory of Australia, Parks and Wildlife Commission of
the Northern Territory (Paper 411).
Mr Baldwin made a statement relating thereto.
    Mr Baldwin moved – That the Assembly take note of the Papers.
    Debate ensued.
    Question - put and passed.

    10. MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE – FUEL PRICES IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY:
The Speaker advised members that the Leader of the Opposition (Mrs Hickey) had written to her this day and proposed as a definite matter of public importance –
“the price Territorians are paying for fuel”.
Discussion ensued.
    ____________________
Suspension of sitting: The sitting was suspended between 12:05 h and 14:03 h.
    ____________________
Discussion resumed.
    Discussion concluded.
11. SENATE VACANCY - MOTION AGREED TO:
The Chief Minister (Mr Stone), pursuant to notice, moved –
That this Assembly –
(a) condemn the Northern Territory Branch of the Australian Labor Party and the Federal Australian Labor Party for blatantly disregarding the resolution of the
Senate on 3 June 1992 regarding the expeditious replacement of senators, in that they have, through incompetence and inability at the Territory branch
level and interference at the Federal level, failed to ensure Territorians have full and proper representation in the Senate following the resignation of
former Senator Bob Collins; and
(b) advise the Senate of its concerns relating to the under-representation of the Territory arising from the failure of the ALP to act expeditiously to
replace former Senator Collins. (Paper 414)

    Debate ensued.
    The Leader of the Opposition (Mrs Hickey) moved the following amendment to Mr Stone’s motion –
That all words following ‘Assembly’ be deleted and insert in their stead -
(a) condemn the Chief Minister and his deputy for seeking to distract Territorians from the worst budget the Territory has ever seen by playing
stunts with the Labor Party’s replacement senator selection;

    (b) condemn the Chief Minister for his unparalleled backdown and his total inability to carry through the foolish threats he has made;

    (c) condemn the Chief Minister for wasting taxpayers’ money on obtaining costly legal advice from a real Queen’s Counsel which was
    based on incorrect information, most notably being the dates on which this Assembly sits;

    (d) condemn the Chief Minister for his behaviour which has brought shame and ridicule on himself, his office and the Northern Territory;

    (e) congratulate the Labor Party for conducting a democratic process to determine the replacement senator for Bob Collins;

    (f) condemn the Country Liberal Party for its failure to replace its federal representatives, the Honourable Nick Dondas and Senator Grant Tambling;

    (g) notes the Labor replacement senator will be known by 14 May, two days after the senate resumes sitting;

    (h) congratulate the former Senator Bob Collins for his outstanding contribution to the Territory over many years; and

    (i) urge the Chief Minister to conduct himself in a responsible and fitting way in the future. (Paper 415)

    Debate continued.
    The Deputy Chief Minister (Mr Reed) moved – That the amendment be put.
    Question - That the question be now put - put.
    The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. L.M. Braham, in the Chair) -

    AYES, 14 NOES, 6

    Mr Adamson Mr Ah Kit
    Mr Balch Mr Bailey
    Mr Baldwin Mrs Hickey
    Mr Burke Ms Martin
    Mr Dunham Mr Stirling
    Mr Hatton Mr Toyne
    Dr Lim
    Mr Lugg
    Mr Manzie
    Mr Mitchell
    Mr Palmer
    Mr Poole
    Mr Reed
    Mr Stone

    And so it was resolved in the affirmative.
Question - That the amendment be agreed to - put.
    The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. L.M. Braham, in the Chair) -

    AYES, 6 NOES, 14

    Mr Ah Kit Mr Adamson
    Mr Bailey Mr Balch
    Mrs Hickey Mr Baldwin
    Ms Martin Mr Burke
    Mr Stirling Mr Dunham
    Mr Toyne Mr Hatton
    Dr Lim
      Mr Lugg
      Mr Manzie
      Mr Mitchell
      Mr Palmer
      Mr Poole
      Mr Reed
      Mr Stone
      Amendment negatived accordingly.
    Debate resumed.
    Question - That the motion be agreed to - put.
    The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. L.M. Braham, in the Chair) -
AYES, 14 NOES, 7

        Mr Adamson Mr Ah Kit
        Mr Balch Mr Bailey
        Mr Baldwin Mrs Hickey
        Mr Burke Ms Martin
        Mr Dunham Mr Rioli
        Mr Hatton Mr Stirling
        Dr Lim Mr Toyne
        Mr Lugg
        Mr Manzie
        Mr Mitchell
        Mr Palmer
        Mr Poole
        Mr Reed
        Mr Stone

        And so it was resolved in the affirmative.
    Motion agreed to.
        12. REFERENDUMS BILL 1998 (Serial 74):
The Chief Minister (Mr Stone), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to provide for the conduct of referendums and for related purposes.
    Bill read a first time.
    Mr Stone moved – That the Bill be now read a second time.
    On the motion of the Member for Nhulunbuy (Mr Stirling) debate was adjourned.
13. MOTOR ACCIDENTS (COMPENSATION) AMENDMENT BILL 1998 (Serial 73):
Suspension of Standing Orders – Pass all stages: The Minister for Territory Insurance (Mr Manzie) moved – That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the Motor Accidents (Compensation) Amendment Bill 1998 (Serial 73) passing through all stages at this sitting.
    Question - put and passed - there being an absolute majority of the whole number of Members present and no dissentient voice.
    The Order of the Day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question – That the Bill be now read a second time -
    Debate ensued.
    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.
    Mr Manzie moved – That the Bill be now read a third time.
    Paper tabled: The Minister for Territory Insurance (Mr Manzie) laid on the Table the following Paper -
Explanatory memorandum, Motor Accidents (Compensation) Amendment Bill 1998 (Serial 73) (Paper 416).

    Debate continued.
    Question – put and passed.
    The Bill was read a third time and passed to be a proposed law.
14. GAMING CONTROL AMENDMENT BILL 1998 (Serial 70):
Suspension of Standing Orders - Pass all stages: Minister for Racing and Gaming (Mr Adamson) moved - That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the Gaming Control Amendment Bill 1998 (Serial 70) passing through all stages at this sitting.
    Question - put and passed - there being an absolute majority of the whole number of Members present and no dissentient voice.
    The Order of the Day having been read for resumption of debate on the question – That the Bill be read a second time -
    Debate ensued.
    Question – put and passed.
    Bill read a second time.
    Leave denied: The Minister for Racing and Gaming (Mr Adamson) sought leave to move a motion for the third reading of the Bill, forthwith.
    Objection being raised - Leave denied.
    Mr Adamson moved – That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent a motion for the third reading of the Bill being moved forthwith.
    Question - put.
    The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. L.M. Braham, in the Chair) -
AYES, 14 NOES, 7

            Mr Adamson Mr Ah Kit
            Mr Balch Mr Bailey
            Mr Baldwin Mrs Hickey
            Mr Burke Ms Martin
            Mr Dunham Mr Rioli
            Mr Hatton Mr Stirling
            Dr Lim Mr Toyne
            Mr Lugg
            Mr Manzie
            Mr Mitchell
            Mr Palmer
            Mr Poole
            Mr Reed
            Mr Stone
            And so it was resolved in the affirmative.
    On the motion of the Minister for Racing and Gaming (Mr Adamson) the Bill was read a third time and passed to be a proposed law.
15. ALTERATION OF ORDER OF BUSINESS:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter) moved – That intervening Government Business be postponed until after consideration of Order of the Day No 3, relating to the motion for the second reading of the Lands Acquisition Amendment Bill 1998 (Serial 75).
16. LANDS ACQUISITION AMENDMENT BILL 1998 (Serial 75):
Suspension of Standing Orders - Pass all stages: The Minister for Lands, Planning and the Environment (Mr Palmer) moved - That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the Lands Acquisition Amendment Bill 1998 (Serial 75) passing through all stages at this sitting.
    Question - put and passed - there being an absolute majority of the whole number of Members present and no dissentient voice.
    The Order of the Day having been read for resumption of debate on the question – That the Bill be read a second time -
    Debate ensued.
    Paper tabled: Mr Palmer laid on the Table the following Paper –
Explanatory Memorandum, Lands Acquisition Amendment Bill 1998 (Paper 405).

Debate continued.
Question – put and passed.
    Leave granted for a motion for the third reading of the Bill to be moved forthwith.
    On the motion of the Minister for Lands, Planning and the Environment (Mr Palmer) the Bill was read a third time and passed to be a proposed law.

17. SPECIAL ADJOURNMENT:
    The Minister for Aboriginal Development (Mr Baldwin) moved – That the Assembly at its rising adjourn until Tuesday 16 June 1998 at 10:00 h or such other time and/or date as may be set by Madam Speaker, pursuant to Sessional Order.
    Question - put and passed.

18. APPROPRIATION BILL 1998-99 (Serial 68):
    The Order of the Day having been read for resumption of debate on the question - That the Bill be now read a second time –
    Debate ensued.
    Extension of time: The Member for Nightcliff (Mr Hatton) moved - That the Minister for Asian Relations and Trade (Mr Manzie) be granted an extension of time to complete his speech.
    Question – put and passed.

    Debate continued.
    On the motion of the Member for Jingili (Mr Balch) debate was adjourned.

19. ADJOURNMENT:
    The Minister for Parks and Wildlife (Mr Baldwin) moved – That the Assembly do now adjourn.
    Question – put and passed.
    And the Assembly adjourned at 20:43 h until 10:00 h on Tuesday 16 June 1998 or such other time and/or date as may be set by Madam Speaker, pursuant to Sessional Order.
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    PAPERS
    The following paper was deemed to have been presented on Thursday 30 April 1998 -

    Annual Report
    Northern Territory Employment and Training Authority, 1997 (Paper 413)
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    ATTENDANCE
    All members attended the sitting.

    Ian McNeill
    Clerk of the Legislative Assembly
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016
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