Minutes of Proceedings - 1996-11-27
Seventh Assembly First Session 26/11/1996 Parliamentary Record No. 29
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Date : 27/11/1996__________________________________________________________________________________
1. MEETING:
2. PRAYERS.
3. VISITORS:
4. NOTICES:
7. FOUNDATIONS FOR A COMMON FUTURE - FINAL DRAFT CONSTITUTION - SESSIONAL COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT - PAPERS TABLED - PAPERS PRINTED - PAPERS NOTED:
9. PRISONERS (INTERSTATE TRANSFER) AMENDMENT BILL 1996 (Serial 203):
11. ASSOCIATIONS INCORPORATION AMENDMENT BILL 1996 (Serial 206):
12. STATUTE LAW REVISION BILL (No. 2) 1996 (Serial 207):
13. ORDER OF BUSINESS:
15. TREASURER’S ANNUAL STATEMENT 1995-96 - PAPER NOTED:
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Date : 27/11/1996
1. MEETING:
- The Assembly met at 10.00 a.m., pursuant to adjournment. The Speaker, the Honourable T. R. McCarthy, took the Chair.
2. PRAYERS.
3. VISITORS:
- The Speaker (Mr McCarthy) drew the attention of Honourable Members to the presence in the gallery of Year 9 students from Dripstone High School and their teachers Ms Clare Hart and Ms Iolanthe Sutton.
- On behalf of Honourable Members, the Speaker extended a warm welcome to the visitors.
4. NOTICES:
- The following notices were given:
- Mrs Hickey: To present the Independent Electoral Commission Bill 1996 (Serial 208).
Mrs Hickey: To present the Northern Territory Electoral Amendment Bill 1996 (Serial 209).
Mr Burke: To present the Justices Amendment Bill 1996 (Serial 204).
Mr Burke: To present the Co-operatives Bill 1996 (Serial 202).
Mr Manzie: To present the Motor Accidents (Compensation) Amendment Bill 1996 (Serial 181).
- The Speaker advised Honourable Members that he had been made aware of comments made by the Member for Macdonnell (Mr Bell) relating to proceedings in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday 26 November 1996.
- The Speaker addressed Members as follows:
“Honourable Members, it has been drawn to my attention that a number of comments have been made by the Member for Macdonnell relating to proceedings in the Assembly yesterday to the effect that he reflected on my partiality in the discharge of my duty and also made what I consider to be reflections on my character.
I am particularly concerned that the record of the transcripts of interviews with Mr Bell indicate that he seriously misrepresented the events in the Chamber yesterday which led to his suspension from the service of the House.
I am also concerned at the increasing trend for some Members of this Assembly to engage in continued disruptive and disorderly conduct in the Chamber which, on occasion, leads to their naming and suspension from the service of the House, and then to compound this offence by making unwarranted criticism of the Chair outside the Chamber.
Members will be aware that the Speaker’s actions may only be criticised by substantive motion; and a reflection on the Speaker’s character or actions inside or outside of the House is a most serious matter. I consider that the reported comments of the Member for Macdonnell were a serious reflection on my character and contained accusations of partiality in the discharge of my duty.
Members will be aware that in other Parliaments such actions have in recent times been considered to constitute a contempt of the House. Such matters have been dealt with by way of the House passing a resolution for further punishment of the Member concerned. I advise the Assembly that I have this matter under active consideration.
I treat it as a most serious matter. I regard the Member for Macdonnell’s reported allegations as an unwarranted reflection on the Chair and consider that a timely apology in terms acceptable to the chair is in order.
I further advise that I propose that the Standing Orders Committee consider the periods of suspension, pursuant to Standing Order 241, to reflect consistently the appropriate periods of suspension by way of calender days being replaced by sitting days.”.
- Questions were asked of Ministers.
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- Member named and suspended: And the Member for Nhulunbuy (Mr Stirling) interjecting in a disorderly manner -
The Speaker named the Member for Nhulunbuy (Mr Stirling) for his disorderly conduct.
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter) moved - That the Member for Nhulunbuy (Mr Stirling) be suspended from the service of the Assembly.
The Member for Nhulunbuy (Mr Stirling) was therefore, suspended at 10.28 a.m. for 24 hours, pursuant to Standing Order 241 and he accordingly withdrew from the Chamber.
The Chief Minister (Mr Stone) continued to answer a question.
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- Papers tabled: The Chief Minister (Mr Stone) laid on the Table the following Papers -
- Letter, to unknown person, N T Chief Minister’s Office from Mr Russell Nash, client Services Manager, Enrolment, Australian electoral Commission, dated 23 August 1993 (Paper 2917);
Facsimile Message, Ms Jill Richdale, Australian Electoral Commission, Enrolment to Mr Adrian Huisman, Liberal Database Control, dated 15 March 1995 and attached Technical Specifications and Record Format (Paper 2918); and
Letter, Mr Tim Pickering, Director, Enrolment, Australian Electoral Commission to Mr David Rice, Chief Electoral Officer, Northern Territory Electoral Office, dated 20 May 1994 (Paper 2919).
Further questions were asked of Ministers.
7. FOUNDATIONS FOR A COMMON FUTURE - FINAL DRAFT CONSTITUTION - SESSIONAL COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT - PAPERS TABLED - PAPERS PRINTED - PAPERS NOTED:
- The Chairman of the Sessional Committee on Constitutional Development (Mr Hatton) laid on the Table the following Papers relating to the Report of the Sessional Committee Constitutional Development on Paragraph 1(a) of the Committee’s Terms of Reference on a Final Draft Constitution for the Northern Territory -
- Foundations for a Common Future - Volume 1 - The Report on Paragraph 1(a) of the Committee’s Terms of Reference on a Final Draft Constitution for the Northern Territory by the Sessional Committee Constitutional Development, November 1996 (Paper 2920);
Foundations for a Common Future - Volume 2 - Part A - Published Papers - The Report on Paragraph 1(a) of the Committee’s Terms of Reference on a Final Draft Constitution for the Northern Territory by the Sessional Committee Constitutional Development, November 1996 (Paper 2921);
Foundations for a Common Future - Volume 2 - Part B - Published Papers - The Report on Paragraph 1(a) of the Committee’s Terms of Reference on a Final Draft Constitution for the Northern Territory by the Sessional Committee Constitutional Development, November 1996 (Paper 2922);
Foundations for a Common Future - Volume 3 - Synopsis of Evidence Received - The Report on Paragraph 1(a) of the Committee’s Terms of Reference on a Final Draft Constitution for the Northern Territory by the Sessional Committee Constitutional Development, November 1996 (Paper 2923);
Foundations for a Common Future - Volume 4 - Written Submissions Received - Nos 1 to 35 - The Report on Paragraph 1(a) of the Committee’s Terms of Reference on a Final Draft Constitution for the Northern Territory by the Sessional Committee Constitutional Development, November 1996 (Paper 2924);
Foundations for a Common Future - Volume 4 - Written Submissions Received - Nos 36 to 70 - The Report on Paragraph 1(a) of the Committee’s Terms of Reference on a Final Draft Constitution for the Northern Territory by the Sessional Committee Constitutional Development, November 1996 (Paper 2925);
Foundations for a Common Future - Volume 4 - Written Submissions Received - Nos 71 to 110 - The Report on Paragraph 1(a) of the Committee’s Terms of Reference on a Final Draft Constitution for the Northern Territory by the Sessional Committee Constitutional Development, November 1996 (Paper 2926);
Foundations for a Common Future - Volume 4 - Written Submissions Received - Nos 111 to 141 - The Report on Paragraph 1(a) of the Committee’s Terms of Reference on a Final Draft Constitution for the Northern Territory by the Sessional Committee Constitutional Development, November 1996 (Paper 2927);
Foundations for a Common Future - Volume 5 - Part A - Hansard Transcripts of Public Hearings - The Report on Paragraph 1(a) of the Committee’s Terms of Reference on a Final Draft Constitution for the Northern Territory by the Sessional Committee Constitutional Development, November 1996 (Paper 2928);
Foundations for a Common Future - Volume 5 - Part B(1) - Hansard Transcripts of Public Hearings - The Report on Paragraph 1(a) of the Committee’s Terms of Reference on a Final Draft Constitution for the Northern Territory by the Sessional Committee Constitutional Development, November 1996 (Paper 2929);
Foundations for a Common Future - Volume 5 - Part B(2) - Hansard Transcripts of Public Hearings - The Report on Paragraph 1(a) of the Committee’s Terms of Reference on a Final Draft Constitution for the Northern Territory by the Sessional Committee Constitutional Development, November 1996 (Paper 2930); and
Foundations for a Common Future - Volume 6 - Parliamentary Debates, Motions, Tabled Papers and Statements - The Report on Paragraph 1(a) of the Committee’s Terms of Reference on a Final Draft Constitution for the Northern Territory by the Sessional Committee Constitutional Development, November 1996 (Paper 2931).
Mr Hatton moved - That the Papers be printed.
Question - put and passed.
Mr Hatton moved - That the Assembly take note of the Papers.
Debate ensued.
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- Change in Committee Membership - Sessional Committee on the Use and Abuse of Alcohol by the Community: The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That the Member for Braitling (Mrs Braham) be discharged from the Sessional Committee on the Use and Abuse of Alcohol by the Community and that the Member for Greatorex (Dr Lim) be appointed to the Committee in her stead..
Question - put and passed.
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- Suspension of sitting: The sitting was suspended between 11.53 a.m. and 2.00 p.m.
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- Debate resumed.
Question - put and passed.
- The Minister for Health Services (Mr Burke) made a Statement relating to the national and Territory approaches to the control of diabetes (Paper 2932).
- Paper tabled: Mr Burke laid on the Table the following Paper -
Diabetes in the Northern Territory by Peter Markey, Tarun Weeramanthri and Steven Guthridge, Territory Health Services (Paper 2933).
Mr Burke moved - That the Assembly take note of the Statement.
Debate ensued.
Paper tabled: Mr Burke laid on the Table the following Paper -
Booklet, Diabetes (Sugar Sickness, Sleepy Sickness) by ATSIC and Diabetes Australia, Northern Territory (Paper 2936).
Question - put and passed.
9. PRISONERS (INTERSTATE TRANSFER) AMENDMENT BILL 1996 (Serial 203):
- The Minister for Correctional Services (Mr Hatton), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Prisoners (Interstate Transfer) Act.
- Bill read a first time.
Mr Hatton moved - That the Bill be now read a second time.
On the motion of the Leader of the Opposition (Mrs Hickey) debate was adjourned.
- The Attorney-General (Mr Burke), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Juvenile Justice Act.
- Bill read a first time.
Mr Burke moved - That the Bill be now read a second time.
On the motion of the Leader of the Opposition (Mrs Hickey) debate was adjourned.
11. ASSOCIATIONS INCORPORATION AMENDMENT BILL 1996 (Serial 206):
- The Attorney-General (Mr Burke), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Associations Incorporation Act.
- Bill read a first time.
Mr Burke moved - That the Bill be now read a second time.
On the motion of the Leader of the Opposition (Mrs Hickey) debate was adjourned.
12. STATUTE LAW REVISION BILL (No. 2) 1996 (Serial 207):
- The Attorney-General (Mr Burke), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to repeal certain laws of the Territory and to revise and correct the law of the Territory in minor aspects.
- Bill read a first time.
Mr Burke moved - That the Bill be now read a second time.
On the motion of the Leader of the Opposition (Mrs Hickey) debate was adjourned.
13. ORDER OF BUSINESS:
- The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter) moved - That Government Business, Orders of the Day be called on in the following order -
No. 1 relating to the Domestic Violence Amendment Bill 1996 (Serial 182); and
No. 5 relating to the Treasurer’s Annual Statement, 1995-96.
Question - put and passed.
- 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.
15. TREASURER’S ANNUAL STATEMENT 1995-96 - PAPER NOTED:
- The order of the day having been read for resumption of debate on the question - That the Assembly take note of the Paper -
- Debate ensued.
Question - put and passed.
- The Chief Minister (Mr Stone) moved - That the Assembly do now adjourn.
- Debate ensued.
- College Examination Information Leaflet 1996, Examination and Assessment Department, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (Paper 2937).
Debate continued.
- Letter, signed by the Convenors, Australian Schools Lobby, dated 30 September 1996 (Paper 2938);
Table 1, Estimated Impact of Federal Budget’s policy changes, 1996-2000 and Table 2, Trends in student enrolments, selected years, Australian Schools Lobby (Paper 2939);
Letter, Hewett, Mr M. R., Chairperson, Bradshaw School Council to Senator Tambling, undated (Paper 2940);
Letter, M. R. Hewett, Chairperson, Bradshaw School Council to Senator Collins, undated (Paper 2941); and
Letter, Peter B. Harvey, Chairperson, Katherine South Primary School Council to Senator Grant Tambling, dated 18 November 1996 (Paper 2942).
Debate continued.
The Northern Territory Heritage News, Volume 1, 1995 (Paper 2943);
The Northern Territory Heritage News, Volume 2, March 1996 (Paper 2944); and
The Northern Territory Heritage News, Volume 3, November 1996 (Paper 2945).
Debate continued.
- Question - put and passed.
And the Assembly adjourned at 7.40 p.m. until tomorrow at 10.00 a.m.
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- PAPERS:
The following Papers were deemed to have been presented on Wednesday 27 November 1996:
Annual Reports:
Department of Transport and Works, 1995-96 (Paper 2934)
Territory Health Services, 1995-96 (Paper 2935)
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- ATTENDANCE:
All Members attended the sitting, except Mr Bell on suspension.
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016