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Minutes of Proceedings - 1996-11-28

Seventh Assembly First Session 26/11/1996 Parliamentary Record No. 29
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Date : 28/11/1996
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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 5/6/7 students from Pine Creek Primary School and their teachers Ms Catherine delos Santos and Mr Noel van Cleef; and Year 5/6/7 students from Alawa Primary School and their teacher Ms Virginia Hicks.
      On behalf of Honourable Members, the Speaker extended a warm welcome to the visitors.

4. PETITION:
    The Member for Fannie Bay (Ms Martin) presented a petition from 697 petitioners requesting the Assembly upgrade the intersection at Dick Ward Drive and Ross Smith Avenue (Paper 2946).
      Petition read.

5. LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
    The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter) moved - That leave of absence be granted to the Member for Nelson (Mrs Padgham-Purich) for this sitting day.
      Question - put and passed.
6. SPECIAL ADJOURNMENT:
    The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter) moved - That the Assembly at its rising adjourn until Tuesday 18 February 1996 at 10.00 a.m. or such other time and/or date as may be set by Mr Speaker, pursuant to Sessional Order.
      Question - put and passed.
7. QUESTIONS:
    Questions were asked of Ministers.

8. ALTERATION OF COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP:
    The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter) moved - That membership of Assembly Committees be varied as below:
      1. the Member for Port Darwin (Mr Stone) be discharged from further attendance on the Committee of Privileges and the Member for Jingili (Mr Setter) be appointed Chairman of the Committee; and


      2. the Member for Jingili (Mr Setter) be discharged from further attendance on the Publications Committee and the Member for Casuarina (Mr Adamson) be appointed Chairman of the Committee.

      Question - put and passed.
9. INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION BILL 1996 (Serial 208) - LEAVE DENIED TO PRESENT BILL:
    The Leader of the Opposition (Mrs Hickey) sought leave to present the Independent Electoral Commission Bill 1996 (Serial 208).
      Objection being raised - leave denied.
    Suspension of Standing Orders - Present a Bill - motion negatived: Mrs Hickey thereupon moved - That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent her presenting the Independent Electoral Commission Bill 1996 (Serial 208) and making a second reading speech relating thereto, forthwith.
      Question - That the motion be agreed to - put.
      The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. T. R. McCarthy, in the Chair) -

AYES, 7 NOES, 15

    Mr Ah Kit Mr Adamson
    Mr Bailey Mr Baldwin
    Mrs Hickey Mrs Braham
    Ms Martin Mr Burke
    Mr Rioli Mr Coulter
    Mr Stirling Mr Finch
    Mr Toyne Mr Hatton
    Dr Lim
    Mr Manzie
    Mr Mitchell
    Mr Palmer
    Mr Poole
    Mr Reed
    Mr Setter
    Mr Stone
      Motion negatived accordingly.

10. PROPOSED CENSURE OF THE CHIEF MINISTER, DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER AND THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH SERVICES - DISREGARD FOR THE PRIVACY OF TERRITORIANS - MOTION NEGATIVED:
    The Leader of the Opposition (Mrs Hickey) moved - That -

    This Assembly censures the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister and the Minister for Health because they have:
      (a) shown utter disregard for the privacy of Territorians;

      (b) failed to be accountable to this Assembly and to Territorians for their actions and the actions of others under their ministerial control; and

      (c) failed to tell the truth when their mismanagement, misbehaviour and their utter disregard for the privacy of Territorians have been exposed.
    The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter) informed the Assembly that the Government, pursuant to Standing Order 95, accepted the notice of motion as a censure motion.
    Debate ensued.
    Papers tabled: The Chief Minister (Mr Stone) laid on the Table the following Papers -
      Letter, Mr Russell Nash, Client Services Manager, Enrolment, Australian Electoral Commission to unknown recipient, dated 23 August 1993 (Paper 2954);
      Information Services, Job Sheet, request for complete copy of N T Roll for Leader of the Opposition, dated 23 April 1994 (Paper 2955);
      Letter, Mr David Rice, Chief Electoral Officer to Ms Jill Richdale, Client Services, Australian Electoral Commission, dated 20 May 1994 with attached letter from Mr Tim Pickering, Director, Enrolment, Australian Electoral Commission, dated 20 May 1994 (Paper 2956);
      Facsimile Message, Ms Jill Richdale, Enrolment, Australian Electoral Commission to Mr Adrian Huisman, Liberal Database Control, dated 15 March 1995 (Paper 2957); and
      Transcript of Interview, Jeff Kelland and Fred McCue, 8.30 a.m. 8DDD Morning Program, dated 8 November 1996 (Paper 2958).

      Mr Stone moved - That the question be now put.
      Question - That the question be now put - put.
    The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. T. R. McCarthy, in the Chair) -

    AYES, 13 NOES, 6

    Mr Adamson Mr Ah Kit
    Mr Baldwin Mr Bailey
    Mrs Braham Mrs Hickey
    Mr Burke Ms Martin
    Mr Coulter Mr Rioli
    Mr Finch Mr Stirling
    Dr Lim
    Mr Manzie
    Mr Palmer
    Mr Poole
    Mr Reed
    Mr Setter
    Mr Stone

    And so it was resolved in the affirmative.
Question - That the motion be agreed to - put.
The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. T. R. McCarthy, in the Chair) -

AYES, 6 NOES, 13

Mr Ah Kit Mr Adamson
Mr Bailey Mr Baldwin
Mrs Hickey Mrs Braham
Ms Martin Mr Burke
Mr Rioli Mr Coulter
Mr Stirling Mr Finch
Dr Lim
Mr Manzie
Mr Palmer
Mr Poole
Mr Reed
Mr Setter
Mr Stone

Motion negatived accordingly.
____________________
      Suspension of sitting: The sitting was suspended between 12.08 p.m. and 2.15 p.m.
____________________

11. NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY ACTION PLAN 1996 - PAPERS TABLED - MOTION TO NOTE PAPERS:
    The Deputy Chief Minister (Mr Reed), at the request of and on behalf of the Minister for Transport and Works (Mr Coulter), laid on the Table the following Papers -
      National Road Safety Action Plan, 1996 (Paper 2960);
      Australia’s Rural Road Safety Action Plan, “Focus for the Future”, 1996 by the National Road Safety Strategy Implementation Task Force (Paper 2961); and
      National Road Transport Commission, Annual Report, 1996 (Paper 2959).

      Mr Reed moved - That the Assembly take note of the Papers.
      On the motion of the Leader of the Opposition (Mrs Hickey) debate was adjourned.
12. YOUTH AFFAIRS IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY - STATEMENT NOTED:
    The Chief Minister (Mr Stone) made a Statement relating to Youth Affairs in the Northern Territory. (Paper 2962).
      Paper tabled: Mr Stone laid on the Table the following Paper -

      Northern Territory Youth Policy, dated November 1996 (Paper 2963).

      Mr Stone moved - That the Assembly take note of the Statement.
      Debate ensued.
      Question - put and passed.

13. MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR:
    The Speaker advised Honourable Members that he had received the following Message from His Honour the Administrator:

      Message No. 24

      I, KEITH JOHN AUSTIN ASCHE, the Administrator of the Northern Territory of Australia, advise the Legislative Assembly that, pursuant to section 7 of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978, of the Commonwealth, I have given my assent to the following proposed laws:

      22 October 1996:
      Anti-Discrimination Amendment Act 1996

      31 October 1996:
      Summary Offences Amendment Act (No. 3) 1996
      Sentencing Amendment Act 1996
      Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Amendment Act 1996
      Stock Diseases Amendment Act 1996
      Stock (Artificial Breeding) Amendment Act 1996
      Stock Routes and Travelling Stock Amendment Act (No. 2) 1996
      Stock (Control of Hormonal Growth Promotants) Amendment Act 1996
      Brands Amendment Act 1996
      Meat Industries Act 1996

      Dated 26th day of November, 1996.
(Sgd) AUSTIN ASCHE
Administrator

      (Paper 2972)
14. REMUNERATION TRIBUNAL - REPORT AND DETERMINATION No. 1 OF 1996 - MINISTERS AND MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY - PAPER TABLED - MOTION TO NOTE PAPER:
    The Chief Minister (Mr Stone) laid on the Table the Remuneration Tribunal Report and Determination No. 1 of 1996 for Ministers and Members of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly (Paper 2973).
      Mr Stone moved - That the Assembly take note of the Paper.
    Ordered - That the debate be adjourned and Mr Stone have leave to complete his remarks on the resumption of debate.
    15. PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE - REPORT NUMBER 29, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 1996 AND REPORT NUMBER 28, REPORT ON THE PROVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES TO ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY - PAPERS TABLED - PAPERS PRINTED - PAPERS NOTED:
      The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (Mr Setter) laid on the Table the following Reports -
        Public Accounts Committee, Report Number 29, Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 1996 (Paper 2974); and
        Public Accounts Committee, Report Number 28, Report on the Provision of Health Services to Aboriginal Communities in the Northern Territory, dated November 1996 (Paper 2975).

        Mr Setter moved - That the Reports be printed.
        Question - put and passed.
        Mr Setter moved - That the Assembly take note of the Reports.
        Debate ensued.
        Papers tabled: Mr Setter laid on the Table the following Papers -

        Public Accounts Committee: Report of the Provision of Health Services to Aboriginal Communities in the Northern Territory, Written Submissions to the Committee (Paper 2976);
        Public Accounts Committee: Report of the Provision of Health Services to Aboriginal Communities in the Northern Territory, Relevant Tabled Papers, Volume 1 (Paper 2977);
        Public Accounts Committee: Report of the Provision of Health Services to Aboriginal Communities in the Northern Territory, Relevant Tabled Papers, Volume 2 (Paper 2978);
        Public Accounts Committee: Report of the Provision of Health Services to Aboriginal Communities in the Northern Territory, Relevant Tabled Papers, Volume 3 (Paper 2979);
        Public Accounts Committee: Report of the Provision of Health Services to Aboriginal Communities in the Northern Territory, Transcripts of Evidence, Volume 1, 8 February 1995 to 20 March 1996 (Paper 2980); and
        Public Accounts Committee: Report of the Provision of Health Services to Aboriginal Communities in the Northern Territory, Transcripts of Evidence, Volume 2, 8 February 1995 to 20 March 1996 (Paper 2981).

        Debate continued.
        Question - put and passed.
    16. ALTERATION OF COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP - PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE:
      The Chief Minister (Mr Stone) moved - That membership of the Public Accounts Committee be varied as follows:
        1. The Member for Jingili (Mr Setter) be discharged from further attendance on the Committee and the Member for Greatorex (Dr Lim) be appointed in his stead;

        2. The Member for Millner (Mr Mitchell) be discharged from further attendance on the Committee and the Member for Casuarina (Mr Adamson) be appointed in his stead; and

        3. The Member for Braitling (Mrs Braham) be appointed Chairman of the Committee.

        Question - put and passed.

    17. WASTE MANAGEMENT AND POLLUTION CONTROL BILL, 1996 - DRAFT BILL - PAPER TABLED - PAPER NOTED:
      The Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment (Mr Reed), by leave, laid on the Table a draft Waste Management and Pollution Control Bill 1996 (Paper 2994).
        Mr Reed made a statement relating thereto.
        Mr Reed moved - That the Assembly take note of the Paper.
        Question - put and passed.
    18. JUSTICES AMENDMENT BILL 1996 (Serial 204):
      The Attorney-General (Mr Burke), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Justices Act.
        Bill read a first time.
        Mr Burke moved - That the Bill be now read a second time.
        On the motion of the Member for Nhulunbuy (Mr Stirling) debate was adjourned.
    19. CO-OPERATIVES BILL 1996 (Serial 202):
      The Attorney-General (Mr Burke), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to provide for the formation, registration and management of co-operatives, and to repeal the
      Co-operative Societies Act and the Co-operative Trading Societies (Loans Guarantee) Act.
        Bill read a first time.
        Mr Burke moved - That the Bill be now read a second time.
        On the motion of the Member for Nhulunbuy (Mr Stirling) debate was adjourned.

    20. MOTOR ACCIDENTS (COMPENSATION) AMENDMENT BILL 1996 (Serial 181):
      The Minister for Territory Insurance (Mr Manzie), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Motor Accidents (Compensation) Act.
        Bill read a first time.
        Mr Manzie moved - That the Bill be now read a second time.
        On the motion of the Member for Nhulunbuy (Mr Stirling) debate was adjourned.

    21. JUVENILE JUSTICE AMENDMENT BILL (No. 3) 1996 (Serial 205):
      Suspension of Standing Orders - Pass all Stages: The Attorney-General (Mr Burke) moved - That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the Juvenile Justice Amendment Bill (No. 3) 1996 (Serial 205) passing through all stages at these sittings.
      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.
      On the motion of the Attorney-General (Mr Burke) the Bill was read a third time and passed to be a proposed law.

    22. ADJOURNMENT:
      The Chief Minister (Mr Stone) moved - That the Assembly do now adjourn.
        Debate ensued.
      Paper tabled: The Minister for Education and Training (Mr Finch) laid on the Table the following Paper -
        Vision statement created by the mothers of the Ignacio Families Learning and Growing Program (Paper 2995).

        Debate continued.
      Paper tabled: The Member for Greatorex (Dr Lim), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper -

      Advertisement, “BOFA Exhibition”, Friday 22 November 1996 (Paper 2996).

      Debate continued.
      Papers tabled: The Deputy Chief Minister (Mr Reed) laid on the Table the following Papers -
        Speech given by Mrs Patty Buntine, Official Naming of Buntine Highway, 19 October 1996 (Paper 2997); and
        Speech made by the Deputy Chief Minister, Hon Mike Reed, MLA, Naming of the Buntine Highway, 19 October 1996 (Paper 2998).

        Debate continued.
      Paper tabled: The Member for Nhulunbuy (Mr Stirling), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper -

      Photographs of building sites in Darwin (Paper 2999).

      Debate continued.
        Question - put and passed.
      And the Assembly adjourned at 8.37 p.m. until Tuesday 18 February 1997 at 10.00 a.m. or such other time and/or date as may be set by the Speaker pursuant to Sessional Order.
    ==========================

      PAPERS:
      The following Papers were deemed to have been presented on Thursday 28 November 1996:

      Annual Reports:
      Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority, 1995-96 (Paper 2982)
      Anti-Discrimination Commission, Northern Territory, 1995-96 (Paper 2950)
      Cobourg Peninsula Sanctuary and Marine Park Board, 1995-96 (Paper 2951)
      Darwin Port Authority, 1995-96 (Paper 2965)
      Department of the Legislative Assembly, 1995-96 (Paper 3000)
      Jabiru Town Development Authority, 1995-96 (Paper 2949)
      Menzies School of Health Research, 1995-96 (Paper 2964)
      National Trust of Australia (Northern Territory), 1995-96 (Paper 2871)
      Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park, 1995-96 (Paper 2952)
      Northern Territory Architects Board, 1995-96 (Paper 2968)
      Northern Territory Electrical Workers and Contractors Licensing Board, 11th Annual Report, 1993-94 (Paper 2984)
      Northern Territory Electrical Workers and Contractors Licensing Board, 1994-95 (Paper 2985)
      Northern Territory Electrical Workers and Contractors Licensing Board, 1995-96 (Paper 2986)
      Northern Territory Government and Public Authorities Superannuation Scheme, 1995-96 (Paper 2983)
      Northern Territory Government Conditions of Service Trust, 1995-96 (Paper 2869)
      Northern Territory Grants Commission, 1995-96 (Paper 2947)
      Northern Territory Housing Commission, 1995-96 (Paper 2948)
      Northern Territory Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board, year ended 30 September 1992 (Paper 2987)
      Northern Territory Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board, year ended 30 September 1993 (Paper 2988)
      Northern Territory Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board, year ended 30 September 1994 (Paper 2989)
      Northern Territory Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board, year ended 30 September 1995 (Paper 2990)
      Northern Territory Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board, year ended 30 September 1996 (Paper 2991)
      Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services, 1995-96 (Paper 2953)
      Territory Insurance Office, 1995-96 (Paper 2966)

      Financial Statements:
      Ayers Rock Resort Corporation and Controlled Entities, 1995-96 (Paper 2870)
      Territory Insurance Office, 1995-96 (Paper 2967)
      Reports
      Sexual Assault Policy Discussion Paper, Occasional Paper No. 4 , June 1996, Office of Women’s Policy, Department of the Chief Minister (Paper 2993)
      Sexual Assault Policy, Northern Territory Government, August 1996, Office of Women’s Policy, Department of the Chief Minister (Paper 2992)
    ===========================

      ATTENDANCE:
      All Members attended the sitting except: Mr Bell on suspension and Mrs Padgham-Purich on leave.

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