Minutes of Proceedings - 1995-05-24
Seventh Assembly First Session 23/05/1995 Parliamentary Record No. 11
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Date : 24/05/1995__________________________________________________________________________________
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. PROPOSED RESIGNATION OF CHIEF MINISTER AND MEMBER FOR FANNIE BAY:
The Chief Minister (Mr Perron) announced that he would resign as Chief Minister on
Friday 26 May 1995 and as Member for Fannie Bay on Monday 29 May 1995.
4. VISITORS:
The Speaker (Mr McCarthy) drew the attention of Honourable Members to the
presence in the gallery of Mrs Cherry Perron; adult students from Bathurst Island and
their teacher Mr Gavin Thomas; and Year 9 Social Education students from Darwin High
School and their teachers Ms Anna Cohen and Mr Rod Opie.
On behalf of Honourable Members, the Speaker extended a warm welcome to the visitors.
5. PETITIONS:
The Member for Casuarina (Mr Adamson) presented two petitions from a total of 896
petitioners requesting the Assembly does not proceed with legislation relating to the
Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill 1995 (Paper 1806).
The Member for Casuarina (Mr Adamson) presented a petition from 263 petitioners
requesting the Assembly implement best practice palliative care facilities in the Northern
Territory and that Members of the Assembly vote against the Rights of the Terminally Ill
Bill 1995 (Paper 1807).
The Member for Casuarina (Mr Adamson) presented a petition from 714 petitioners
requesting the Assembly provide funding and resources for a palliative care specialist
and hospices for the terminally ill throughout the Northern Territory (Paper 1808).
The Member for Victoria River (Mr Baldwin) presented a petition from 61 petitioners
requesting the Assembly implement best practice palliative care facilities in the
Northern Territory and that Members of the Assembly vote against the Rights of the
Terminally Ill Bill 1995 (Paper 1809).
The Member for Greatorex (Dr Lim) presented a petition from 303 petitioners requesting
the Assembly implement best practice palliative care facilities in the Northern
Territory and that Members of the Assembly vote against the Rights of the Terminally Ill
Bill 1995 (Paper 1810).
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The Member for Barkly (Mrs Hickey) presented a petition from 123 petitioners requesting
the Assembly implement best practice palliative care facilities in the Northern
Territory and that Members of the Assembly vote against the Rights of the Terminally Ill
Bill 1995 (Paper 1811).
The Member for Port Darwin (Mr Stone) presented a petition from 124 petitioners
requesting the Assembly enforce the two kilometre law and take any other necessary
action to ensure that anti-social behaviour displayed by certain individuals within the
area of the Stuart Park Shops ceases (Paper 1812).
Petition read.
The Member for Port Darwin (Mr Stone) presented a petition from 320 petitioners
requesting the Assembly implement best practice palliative care facilities in the
Northern Territory and that Members of the Assembly vote against the Rights of
the Terminally Ill Bill 1995 (Paper 1813).
The Member for Port Darwin (Mr Stone), by leave, presented a petition from 26
petitioners requesting the Assembly implement best practice palliative care facilities in
the Northern Territory and that Members of the Assembly vote against the Rights of the
Terminally Ill Bill 1995 (Paper 1814).
The Member for Port Darwin (Mr Stone), by leave, presented a petition from 11
petitioners requesting the Assembly implement best practice palliative care facilities in
the Northern Territory and that Members of the Assembly vote against the Rights of the
Terminally Ill Bill 1995 (Paper 1815).
6. QUESTIONS:
Questions were asked of Ministers.
Supplementary answers: The Minister for Education and Training (Mr Finch) gave
supplementary answers to questions asked by the Member for Macdonnell (Mr Bell)
and the Deputy Leader of the Opposition (Mrs Hickey) during Question Time
this sittings.
7. PERSONAL EXPLANATION:
The Member for Macdonnell (Mr Bell), by leave, pursuant to Standing Order 54, made
a personal explanation relating to comments made by the Minister for Education and Training (Mr Finch).
8. ORDER OF BUSINESS:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stone) moved - That intervening business
be postponed until after consideration of General Business, Order of the Day No. 1,
relating to the Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill 1995 (Serial 67).
Question - put and passed.
9. RIGHTS OF THE TERMINALLY ILL BILL 1995 (Serial 67):
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.
Papers tabled: The Minister for Lands, Housing and Local Government (Mr Hatton)
laid on the Table the following Papers -
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. Interim Report, Summary of Findings, Poll of Public Opinion, Northern
Territory, prepared for Dr Chris Wake, Coalition against Euthanasia, by
Mrs Ann Bentley, Market Research Services, dated 17 May 1995 (Paper 1816);
. Submission to Select Committee on Euthanasia, Legislative Assembly of the
Northern Territory, by Dr Brian Pollard, FANZCA, Grad Cert Bioeth, dated
13 March 1995 (Paper 1817);
. Paper, "Velcro on the slippery slope: the role of psychiatry in active
voluntary euthanasia" by Christopher Ryan (Paper 1818); and
. Affidavit of Carol J. Gill, PhD, Cause No. 94-6467-TC in the United States
District Court for the District of Oregon, dated 11 June 1994 (Paper 1819).
Debate ensued.
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Suspension of sitting: The sitting was suspended between 11.54 a.m. and 2.00 p.m.
____________________
Debate resumed.
Question - That the Bill be now read a second time - put.
The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. T.R. McCarthy, in the Chair) -
AYES, 13 NOES, 12
Mr Bailey Mr Adamson
Mrs Braham Mr Baldwin
Mr Coulter Mr Bell
Mr Ede Mr Burke
Mr Finch Mr Hatton
Mrs Hickey Dr Lim
Mr Lanhupuy Mr McCarthy
Mr Manzie Mr Palmer
Mr Mitchell Mr Reed
Mrs Padgham-Purich Mr Rioli
Mr Perron Mr Stirling
Mr Poole Mr Stone
Mr Setter
And so it was resolved in the affirmative.
Bill read a second time.
Suspension of Standing Orders: The Member for Macdonnell (Mr Bell) moved - That
so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent Mr Bell moving that the
Committee stages be later taken.
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stone) moved - That the question be now put.
Question - put and passed.
Question - That the motion to suspend Standing Orders be agreed to - put and negatived.
The Assembly, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee of the Whole for the consideration of the Bill.
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In the Committee
(Chairman - Mr Setter)
Clause 1 agreed to.
Mr Perron moved the following amendment -
"1A. COMMENCEMENT
This Act shall come into operation on a date to be
fixed by the Administrator by notice in the Gazette.".
Debate ensued.
And the Member for Macdonnell (Mr Bell) having called for a Division of the Assembly and the Division not being supported -
New Clause 1A agreed to.
Clause 2 read.
Mrs Hickey, by leave, withdrew circulated amendment Schedule 32 standing in her name.
Mr Perron moved the following amendment -
Omit the definition of "medical practitioner" and insert
in its stead the following:
" `illness' includes injury or degeneration of mental or
physical faculties;
`medical practitioner' means a medical practitioner who
has been entitled to practise as a medical
practitioner (however described) in a State or a
Territory of the Commonwealth for a continuous
period of not less than 5 years and who is resident
in, and entitled under the Medical Act to practise
medicine in, the Territory.".
Debate ensued.
Question - That the words proposed to be omitted, be omitted - put and passed.
Question - That the definition of "illness" be inserted - put and passed.
Question - That the definition of "medical practitioner" be inserted - put and passed.
Mr Perron moved the following further amendment -
Add at the end the following:
"terminal illness", in relation to a patient, means an
illness which, in reasonable medical judgment will,
in the normal course, without the application of
extraordinary measures or of treatment unacceptable
to the patient, result in the death of the
patient.".
Debate ensued.
Question - That the amendment be agreed to - put.
The Assembly divided (the Chairman, Mr R.A. Setter, in the Chair) -
AYES, 16 NOES, 9
Mr Bailey Mr Adamson
Page 270
Mrs Braham Mr Baldwin
Mr Coulter Mr Bell
Mr Ede Mr Burke
Mr Finch Dr Lim
Mr Hatton Mr McCarthy
Mrs Hickey Mr Rioli
Mr Lanhupuy Mr Stirling
Mr Manzie Mr Stone
Mr Mitchell
Mrs Padgham-Purich
Mr Palmer
Mr Perron
Mr Poole
Mr Reed
Mr Setter
And so it was resolved in the affirmative.
Clause 2, as amended, agreed to.
Clause 3 negatived, after debate.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following amendment was agreed to, after debate -
Insert after clause 2 the following:
"3.REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE TO VOLUNTARILY TERMINATE LIFE
A patient who, in the course of a terminal illness,
is experiencing pain, suffering and/or distress to
an extent unacceptable to the patient, may request
the patient's medical practitioner to assist the
patient to terminate the patient's life.".
Clause 4 read.
On the motion of the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Ede) moved the following amendment was agreed to -
Insert after "have been met," the words "but subject to
section 6A,".
On the motion of Mr Ede the following further amendment was agreed to-
Insert after "for any reason" the words "and at any
time".
Clause 4, as amended, agreed to.
Clause 5 read.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following amendment was agreed to -
Add at the end the following:
"(2) A person to whom a reward or advantage is promised or
given, as referred to in subsection (1), does not have the
legal right or capacity to receive or retain the reward or
accept or exercise the advantage, whether or not, at the
relevant
Page 271
time, he or she was aware of the promise or the
intention to give the reward or advantage.".
Clause 5, as amended, agreed to.
Clause 6 read.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following amendment was agreed to, after debate -
Omit from subclause (1) paragraph (b) and insert in its
stead the following:
"(b) the medical practitioner is satisfied, on
reasonable grounds, that
(i) the patient is suffering from an illness that
will, in the normal course and without the
application of extraordinary measures, result in
the death of the patient;
(ii) in reasonable medical judgment, there is
no medical measure acceptable to the patient
that can reasonably be undertaken in the hope of
effecting a cure; and
(iii) any medical treatment reasonably available
to the patient is confined to the relief of
pain, suffering and/or distress with the object
of allowing the patient to die a comfortable
death.".
And the Assembly having continued to sit until 12 midnight -
Thursday 25 May 1995 A.M.
Mr Ede moved the following amendment -
Omit paragraph (c) and insert in its stead the following:
"(c) a second medical practitioner, who holds a
diploma of psychological medicine or its
equivalent, has examined the patient and has
confirmed the first medical practitioner's
opinion as to the existence and seriousness of
the illness, that the patient is likely to die
within 12 months as a result of the illness and
that the patient is not suffering from a
treatable clinical depression in respect of the
illness;".
Mr Ede moved the following amendments together, by leave, to the amendment -
Insert after "medical practitioner," (first
occurring)" the words "who is not a relative or
employee of, or a member of the same medical practice
as, the first medical practitioner and";
Omit the words "within 12 months"; and
Insert after "as a result of the illness and" the
words "has confirmed the first medical practitioner's
prognosis and".
Debate ensued.
Page 272
The Member for Macdonnell (Mr Bell) moved - That the Chairman do report progress and seek leave to sit again.
Question - put and negatived.
Question - That the amendments to the amendment be agreed to - put and passed.
Question - That the amendment, as amended, be agreed to - put and passed.
Mr Perron, by leave, withdrew scheduled amendment 31.9 standing in his name.
On the motion of Mr Ede the following further amendment was agreed to -
Omit from paragraph (d) "or distress".
Mr Perron moved the following further amendment -
Insert in subsection (1)(e), after "palliative
care,", the words "counselling and psychiatric support
and extraordinary measures for keeping the patient
alive,".
Debate ensued.
Mr Bell sought leave to move the following amendment to paragraph (e) -
Omit the words "the medical practitioner has" and
insert in their stead "both medical practitioners
have".
Debate ensued.
Leave denied Mr Bell to move his amendment.
Debate continued on the amendment moved by Mr Perron.
Question - put and passed - amendment agreed to.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following further amendment was agreed to -
Omit from subclause (1) paragraph (f).
On the motion of Mr Ede the following further amendment was agreed to -
Insert after paragraph (g) the following:
"(ga) the medical practitioner is satisfied that
the patient has considered the possible
implications of the patient's decision to his or
her family;".
On the motion of Mr Perron the following further amendment was agreed to, after debate -
Omit from subclause (1)(h) "competent" and insert in
its stead "of sound mind".
On the motion of Mr Ede the following further amendment was agreed to , after debate -
Omit from paragraph (i) all words after "in
accordance with section 7," and insert in their stead
"has, not earlier than 7 days after the patient has
indicated to his or her medical practitioner as
referred to in paragraph (g), signed that part of the
certificate of request required to be completed by or
on behalf of the patient;".
On the motion of Mr Ede the following further amendment was agreed to -
Insert at the end of paragraph (j) ", and has completed
and signed the relevant declaration on the certificate".
Page 273
On the motion of Mr Perron the following further amendment was agreed to -
Omit from subclause (1)(k) "competent" and insert in
its stead "of sound mind".
On the motion of Mr Ede the following further amendment was agreed to, after debate -
Insert after paragraph (k) the following:
"(ka) where, in accordance with subsection (3),
an interpreter is required to be present at the
signing of the certificate of request, the
certificate of request has been signed by the
interpreter confirming the patient's
understanding of the request for assistance;".
On the motion of Mr Perron the following further amendment was agreed to -
Omit from subclause (1)(l) "financial advantage" and
insert in its stead "financial or other advantage".
On the motion of Mr Ede the following further amendment was agreed to -
Insert after paragraph (l) the following:
"(la) not less than 48 hours has elapsed since the
signing of the completed certificate of
request;".
On the motion of Mr Perron the following further amendment was agreed to, after debate -
Omit subclause (1)(m) and insert in its stead the
following:
"(m) at no time before assisting the patient to
end his or her life had the patient given to the
medical practitioner an indication that it was no
longer the patient's wish to end his or her
life;".
Mr Perron moved the following further amendment -
Add at the end the following:
"(2) In assisting a patient under this Act a
medical practitioner shall be guided by
appropriate medical standards and such
guidelines, if any, as are prescribed, and shall
consider the appropriate pharmaceutical
information about any substance reasonably
available for use in the circumstances.".
Debate ensued.
Question - That the amendment be agreed to - put.
The Assembly divided (the Chairman, Mr R.A. Setter, in the Chair) -
AYES, 19 NOES, 5
Mr Bailey Mr Adamson
Mr Baldwin Mr Bell
Page 274
Mrs Braham Dr Lim
Mr Burke Mr Rioli
Mr Coulter Mr Stirling
Mr Ede
Mr Finch
Mr Hatton
Mrs Hickey
Mr Lanhupuy
Mr Manzie
Mr McCarthy
Mr Mitchell
Mr Palmer
Mr Perron
Mr Poole
Mr Reed
Mr Setter
Mr Stone
And so it was resolved in the affirmative.
On the motion of Mr Ede the following further amendment was agreed to -
Add at the end the following:
"(2) Where a patient's medical practitioner has
no special qualifications in the field of
palliative care, the information to be provided
to the patient on the availability of palliative
care shall be given by a medical practitioner
(who may be the medical practitioner referred to
in subsection (1)(c) or any other medical
practitioner) who has such special
qualifications.".
Debate ensued.
Mr Ede, by leave, moved the following amendment to the amendment -
Add at the end the following:
"in the field of palliative care as are prescribed.".
Question - That the amendment to the amendment be agreed to - put and passed.
Question - That the amendment, as amended, be agreed to - put and passed.
On the motion of Mr Ede the following further amendment was agreed to -
Add at the end the following:
"(3) A medical practitioner shall not assist a
patient under this Act where the medical
practitioner or any other medical practitioner
who is required under subsection (1) or (2) to
communicate with the patient does not share the
same first language as the patient, unless there
is present at the time of that communication and
at the time the certificate of request is signed
by or on behalf of the patient, an interpreter
who holds a level 3 accreditation from the
National Accreditation Authority for Translators
and Interpreters, or such other interpretative
qualifications as are prescribed, in the first
language of the patient.".
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Clause 6, as amended, agreed to.
On the motion of Mr Ede the following new clause was inserted in the Bill -
Insert after clause 6 the following:
"6A. PALLIATIVE CARE
(1) A medical practitioner shall not assist a patient
under this Act if, in his or her opinion and
after considering the advice of the medical
practitioner referred to in section 6(1)(c),
there are palliative care options reasonably
available to the patient to alleviate the
patient's pain and suffering to levels acceptable
to the patient.
(2) Where a patient has requested assistance under
this Act and has subsequently been provided with
palliative care that brings about the remission
of the patient's pain or suffering, the medical
practitioner shall not, in pursuance of the
patient's original request for assistance, assist
the patient under this Act. If subsequently the
palliative care ceases to alleviate the patient's
pain and suffering to levels acceptable to the
patient, the medical practitioner may continue to
assist the patient under this Act only if the
patient indicates to the medical practitioner the
patient's wish to proceed in pursuance of the
request.".
Clause 7 read.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following amendment was agreed to -
Omit "orally".
On the motion of Mr Ede the following further amendment was agreed to -
Omit all words after "section 6(c)" and insert in
their stead "or a person who is likely to receive a
financial benefit directly or indirectly as a result of
the death of the patient, may, at the patient's request
and in the presence of the patient and both the medical
practitioner witnesses (and where, in accordance with
section 6(2) an interpreter has been used, also in the
presence of the interpreter), sign the certificate on
behalf of the patient.".
On the motion of Mr Perron the following amendment was agreed to -
Add at the end the following:
"(2) A person who signs a certificate of request
on behalf of a patient forfeits any financial or
other benefit the person would otherwise obtain,
directly or indirectly, as a result of the death
of the patient.".
Clause 7, as amended, agreed to.
Clause 8 agreed to.
Clause 9 read.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following amendment was agreed to -
Page 276
Omit from subclause (2) "financial benefit the person
would otherwise obtain, directly or indirectly, from"
and insert in its stead "financial or other benefit the
person would otherwise obtain, directly or indirectly,
as the result of".
Clause 9, as amended, agreed to.
Clause 10 read.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following amendments, by leave, were taken together and agreed to -
Omit all words before paragraph (b) and insert in
their stead the following:
"A medical practitioner who, under this Act, assists
a patient to terminate the patient's life shall file
and, subject to this Act, keep the following as part
of the medical record of the patient:
(a) a note of any oral request of the
patient for such assistance;".
Omit from paragraph (c) "competence" and insert in
its stead "state of mind".
Omit paragraph (e) and insert in its stead the
following:
"(e) a note by the patient's medical practitioner -
(i) certifying as to the independence of the medical
practitioner referred to in section 6(c) and the
residential and period of practice qualifications
of the patient's medical practitioner;
(ii) indicating that all requirements under this Act
have been met;
(iii) indicating the steps taken to carry out the
request for assistance; and
(iv) including a notation of the substance
prescribed,
and such other information, if any, as is
prescribed.".
Add at the end the following:
"Penalty $10,000 or imprisonment for 2 years.".
Clause 10, as amended, agreed to.
Clause 11 agreed to.
Clause 12 read.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following amendment was agreed to, after debate -
Omit all words before subclause (2) and insert in
their stead the following:
"12. MEDICAL RECORD TO BE SENT TO CORONER
(1) As soon as practicable after the death of a patient as
the result of assistance given under this Act, the medical
practitioner who gave the assistance shall report the death
to a Coroner by sending to the Coroner a copy of the death
certificate
Page 277
under the Registration of Births, Deaths and
Marriages Act and so much of the medical record of
the patient (including that required by section 10 to
be kept) as relates to the terminal illness and death
of the patient.".
Clause 12, as amended, agreed to.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following new clause was inserted into the Bill -
Insert after clause 12 the following:
"12A. CORONER MAY REPORT ON OPERATION OF ACT
The Coroner may, at any time and in his or her
absolute discretion, report to the Attorney-General
on the operation, or any matter affecting the
operation, of this Act and the Attorney-General
shall, within 3 sitting days of the Legislative
Assembly after receiving the report, table a copy of
the report in the Assembly.".
Clause 13 agreed to.
Clause 14 read.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following amendment was agreed to -
Omit "certificate of consent" and insert in its stead
"certificate of request".
On the motion of Mr Perron the following further amendment was agreed to -
Insert after "sign it" the words "or on whose behalf
it is purported to have been signed,".
Clause 14, as amended, agreed to.
Clause 15 agreed to.
Clause 16 agreed to.
Clause 17 read.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following amendment was agreed to -
Insert in subclause (1), after "in good faith", the
words "and without negligence".
On the motion of Mr Perron the following further amendment was agreed to -
Insert in subclause (2), after "in good faith", the
words "and without negligence".
Clause 17, as amended, agreed to.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following new clause was added to the Bill -
Insert after clause 17 the following:
"18. REGULATIONS
The Administrator may make regulations, not
inconsistent with this Act, prescribing all matters
(a) required or permitted by this Act to be
prescribed; or
Page 278
(b) necessary or convenient to be prescribed for
carrying out or giving effect to this Act.".
Schedule read.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following amendments, by
leave, were taken together and agreed to -
Omit "a terminal illness which is likely to result in
my death within 12 months" and insert in its stead "an
illness which will ultimately result in my death".
Insert after "palliative care" the words ",
counselling and psychiatric support and extraordinary
measures that may keep me alive".
Omit "competent" (twice occurring) and insert in its
stead "of sound mind".
On the motion of Mr Ede the following further amendment was agreed to -
Insert at the end the following:
"(Where under section 6(3) an interpreter is required
to be present)
DECLARATION OF INTERPRETER
I declare that -
(a) the person signing this request or on whose
behalf it is signed is known to me;
(b) I am an interpreter qualified to interpret in
the first language of the patient as required
by section 6(3);
(c) I have interpreted for the patient in
connection with the completion and signing of
this certificate;
(d) in my opinion, the patient understands the
meaning and nature of this certificate.
Signed: Qualified
Interpreter".
Schedule, as amended, agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill to be reported with amendments.
_________________________________
The Speaker (Mr McCarthy) resumed the Chair; the Chairman (Mr Setter) reported
accordingly; and the report was adopted.
Mr Perron moved - That the Bill be now read a third time.
The Member for Macdonnell (Mr Bell), pursuant to Standing Order 200, moved - Omit all
words after "now" and add "this day 6 months".
Page 279
Question - That the motion be agreed to - put.
The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. T.R. McCarthy, in the Chair) -
AYES, 12 NOES, 13
Mr Adamson Mr Bailey
Mr Baldwin Mrs Braham
Mr Bell Mr Coulter
Mr Burke Mr Ede
Mr Hatton Mr Finch
Dr Lim Mrs Hickey
Mr McCarthy Mr Lanhupuy
Mr Palmer Mr Manzie
Mr Reed Mr Mitchell
Mr Rioli Mrs Padgham-Purich
Mr Stirling Mr Perron
Mr Stone Mr Poole
Mr Setter
Motion negatived accordingly.
Question - That the Bill be now read a third time - put.
The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. T.R. McCarthy, in the Chair) -
AYES, 15 NOES, 10
Mr Bailey Mr Adamson
Mrs Braham Mr Baldwin
Mr Coulter Mr Bell
Mr Ede Mr Burke
Mr Finch Mr Hatton
Mrs Hickey Dr Lim
Mr Lanhupuy Mr McCarthy
Mr Manzie Mr Rioli
Mr Mitchell Mr Stirling
Mrs Padgham-Purich Mr Stone
Mr Palmer
Mr Perron
Mr Poole
Mr Reed
Mr Setter
And so it was resolved in the affirmative.
The Bill was read a third time and passed to be a proposed law.
10. REFERENCE TO THE SESSIONAL COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT -
MOTION NEGATIVED:
The Member for Arafura (Mr Rioli) moved - That, pursuant to paragraph 2(b) of the Terms
of the Resolution appointing the Sessional Committee on the Environment, the following
matter be referred to the Committee for inquiry and report:
Page 280
"Recent reports of oil spillage associated with
mining operations on Groote Eylandt.".
Debate ensued.
Question - put and negatived.
11. ADJOURNMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stone) moved - That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Question - put and passed.
And the Assembly adjourned at 3.45 a.m. until this day at 10.00 a.m.
=========================
ATTENDANCE:
All Members attended the sitting.
Page 281
__________________________________________________________________________________
Date : 24/05/1995
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. PROPOSED RESIGNATION OF CHIEF MINISTER AND MEMBER FOR FANNIE BAY:
The Chief Minister (Mr Perron) announced that he would resign as Chief Minister on
Friday 26 May 1995 and as Member for Fannie Bay on Monday 29 May 1995.
4. VISITORS:
The Speaker (Mr McCarthy) drew the attention of Honourable Members to the
presence in the gallery of Mrs Cherry Perron; adult students from Bathurst Island and
their teacher Mr Gavin Thomas; and Year 9 Social Education students from Darwin High
School and their teachers Ms Anna Cohen and Mr Rod Opie.
On behalf of Honourable Members, the Speaker extended a warm welcome to the visitors.
5. PETITIONS:
The Member for Casuarina (Mr Adamson) presented two petitions from a total of 896
petitioners requesting the Assembly does not proceed with legislation relating to the
Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill 1995 (Paper 1806).
The Member for Casuarina (Mr Adamson) presented a petition from 263 petitioners
requesting the Assembly implement best practice palliative care facilities in the Northern
Territory and that Members of the Assembly vote against the Rights of the Terminally Ill
Bill 1995 (Paper 1807).
The Member for Casuarina (Mr Adamson) presented a petition from 714 petitioners
requesting the Assembly provide funding and resources for a palliative care specialist
and hospices for the terminally ill throughout the Northern Territory (Paper 1808).
The Member for Victoria River (Mr Baldwin) presented a petition from 61 petitioners
requesting the Assembly implement best practice palliative care facilities in the
Northern Territory and that Members of the Assembly vote against the Rights of the
Terminally Ill Bill 1995 (Paper 1809).
The Member for Greatorex (Dr Lim) presented a petition from 303 petitioners requesting
the Assembly implement best practice palliative care facilities in the Northern
Territory and that Members of the Assembly vote against the Rights of the Terminally Ill
Bill 1995 (Paper 1810).
Page 267
The Member for Barkly (Mrs Hickey) presented a petition from 123 petitioners requesting
the Assembly implement best practice palliative care facilities in the Northern
Territory and that Members of the Assembly vote against the Rights of the Terminally Ill
Bill 1995 (Paper 1811).
The Member for Port Darwin (Mr Stone) presented a petition from 124 petitioners
requesting the Assembly enforce the two kilometre law and take any other necessary
action to ensure that anti-social behaviour displayed by certain individuals within the
area of the Stuart Park Shops ceases (Paper 1812).
Petition read.
The Member for Port Darwin (Mr Stone) presented a petition from 320 petitioners
requesting the Assembly implement best practice palliative care facilities in the
Northern Territory and that Members of the Assembly vote against the Rights of
the Terminally Ill Bill 1995 (Paper 1813).
The Member for Port Darwin (Mr Stone), by leave, presented a petition from 26
petitioners requesting the Assembly implement best practice palliative care facilities in
the Northern Territory and that Members of the Assembly vote against the Rights of the
Terminally Ill Bill 1995 (Paper 1814).
The Member for Port Darwin (Mr Stone), by leave, presented a petition from 11
petitioners requesting the Assembly implement best practice palliative care facilities in
the Northern Territory and that Members of the Assembly vote against the Rights of the
Terminally Ill Bill 1995 (Paper 1815).
6. QUESTIONS:
Questions were asked of Ministers.
Supplementary answers: The Minister for Education and Training (Mr Finch) gave
supplementary answers to questions asked by the Member for Macdonnell (Mr Bell)
and the Deputy Leader of the Opposition (Mrs Hickey) during Question Time
this sittings.
7. PERSONAL EXPLANATION:
The Member for Macdonnell (Mr Bell), by leave, pursuant to Standing Order 54, made
a personal explanation relating to comments made by the Minister for Education and Training (Mr Finch).
8. ORDER OF BUSINESS:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stone) moved - That intervening business
be postponed until after consideration of General Business, Order of the Day No. 1,
relating to the Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill 1995 (Serial 67).
Question - put and passed.
9. RIGHTS OF THE TERMINALLY ILL BILL 1995 (Serial 67):
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.
Papers tabled: The Minister for Lands, Housing and Local Government (Mr Hatton)
laid on the Table the following Papers -
Page 268
. Interim Report, Summary of Findings, Poll of Public Opinion, Northern
Territory, prepared for Dr Chris Wake, Coalition against Euthanasia, by
Mrs Ann Bentley, Market Research Services, dated 17 May 1995 (Paper 1816);
. Submission to Select Committee on Euthanasia, Legislative Assembly of the
Northern Territory, by Dr Brian Pollard, FANZCA, Grad Cert Bioeth, dated
13 March 1995 (Paper 1817);
. Paper, "Velcro on the slippery slope: the role of psychiatry in active
voluntary euthanasia" by Christopher Ryan (Paper 1818); and
. Affidavit of Carol J. Gill, PhD, Cause No. 94-6467-TC in the United States
District Court for the District of Oregon, dated 11 June 1994 (Paper 1819).
Debate ensued.
____________________
Suspension of sitting: The sitting was suspended between 11.54 a.m. and 2.00 p.m.
____________________
Debate resumed.
Question - That the Bill be now read a second time - put.
The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. T.R. McCarthy, in the Chair) -
AYES, 13 NOES, 12
Mr Bailey Mr Adamson
Mrs Braham Mr Baldwin
Mr Coulter Mr Bell
Mr Ede Mr Burke
Mr Finch Mr Hatton
Mrs Hickey Dr Lim
Mr Lanhupuy Mr McCarthy
Mr Manzie Mr Palmer
Mr Mitchell Mr Reed
Mrs Padgham-Purich Mr Rioli
Mr Perron Mr Stirling
Mr Poole Mr Stone
Mr Setter
And so it was resolved in the affirmative.
Bill read a second time.
Suspension of Standing Orders: The Member for Macdonnell (Mr Bell) moved - That
so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent Mr Bell moving that the
Committee stages be later taken.
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stone) moved - That the question be now put.
Question - put and passed.
Question - That the motion to suspend Standing Orders be agreed to - put and negatived.
The Assembly, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee of the Whole for the consideration of the Bill.
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____________________
In the Committee
(Chairman - Mr Setter)
Clause 1 agreed to.
Mr Perron moved the following amendment -
"1A. COMMENCEMENT
This Act shall come into operation on a date to be
fixed by the Administrator by notice in the Gazette.".
Debate ensued.
And the Member for Macdonnell (Mr Bell) having called for a Division of the Assembly and the Division not being supported -
New Clause 1A agreed to.
Clause 2 read.
Mrs Hickey, by leave, withdrew circulated amendment Schedule 32 standing in her name.
Mr Perron moved the following amendment -
Omit the definition of "medical practitioner" and insert
in its stead the following:
" `illness' includes injury or degeneration of mental or
physical faculties;
`medical practitioner' means a medical practitioner who
has been entitled to practise as a medical
practitioner (however described) in a State or a
Territory of the Commonwealth for a continuous
period of not less than 5 years and who is resident
in, and entitled under the Medical Act to practise
medicine in, the Territory.".
Debate ensued.
Question - That the words proposed to be omitted, be omitted - put and passed.
Question - That the definition of "illness" be inserted - put and passed.
Question - That the definition of "medical practitioner" be inserted - put and passed.
Mr Perron moved the following further amendment -
Add at the end the following:
"terminal illness", in relation to a patient, means an
illness which, in reasonable medical judgment will,
in the normal course, without the application of
extraordinary measures or of treatment unacceptable
to the patient, result in the death of the
patient.".
Debate ensued.
Question - That the amendment be agreed to - put.
The Assembly divided (the Chairman, Mr R.A. Setter, in the Chair) -
AYES, 16 NOES, 9
Mr Bailey Mr Adamson
Page 270
Mrs Braham Mr Baldwin
Mr Coulter Mr Bell
Mr Ede Mr Burke
Mr Finch Dr Lim
Mr Hatton Mr McCarthy
Mrs Hickey Mr Rioli
Mr Lanhupuy Mr Stirling
Mr Manzie Mr Stone
Mr Mitchell
Mrs Padgham-Purich
Mr Palmer
Mr Perron
Mr Poole
Mr Reed
Mr Setter
And so it was resolved in the affirmative.
Clause 2, as amended, agreed to.
Clause 3 negatived, after debate.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following amendment was agreed to, after debate -
Insert after clause 2 the following:
"3.REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE TO VOLUNTARILY TERMINATE LIFE
A patient who, in the course of a terminal illness,
is experiencing pain, suffering and/or distress to
an extent unacceptable to the patient, may request
the patient's medical practitioner to assist the
patient to terminate the patient's life.".
Clause 4 read.
On the motion of the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Ede) moved the following amendment was agreed to -
Insert after "have been met," the words "but subject to
section 6A,".
On the motion of Mr Ede the following further amendment was agreed to-
Insert after "for any reason" the words "and at any
time".
Clause 4, as amended, agreed to.
Clause 5 read.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following amendment was agreed to -
Add at the end the following:
"(2) A person to whom a reward or advantage is promised or
given, as referred to in subsection (1), does not have the
legal right or capacity to receive or retain the reward or
accept or exercise the advantage, whether or not, at the
relevant
Page 271
time, he or she was aware of the promise or the
intention to give the reward or advantage.".
Clause 5, as amended, agreed to.
Clause 6 read.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following amendment was agreed to, after debate -
Omit from subclause (1) paragraph (b) and insert in its
stead the following:
"(b) the medical practitioner is satisfied, on
reasonable grounds, that
(i) the patient is suffering from an illness that
will, in the normal course and without the
application of extraordinary measures, result in
the death of the patient;
(ii) in reasonable medical judgment, there is
no medical measure acceptable to the patient
that can reasonably be undertaken in the hope of
effecting a cure; and
(iii) any medical treatment reasonably available
to the patient is confined to the relief of
pain, suffering and/or distress with the object
of allowing the patient to die a comfortable
death.".
And the Assembly having continued to sit until 12 midnight -
Thursday 25 May 1995 A.M.
Mr Ede moved the following amendment -
Omit paragraph (c) and insert in its stead the following:
"(c) a second medical practitioner, who holds a
diploma of psychological medicine or its
equivalent, has examined the patient and has
confirmed the first medical practitioner's
opinion as to the existence and seriousness of
the illness, that the patient is likely to die
within 12 months as a result of the illness and
that the patient is not suffering from a
treatable clinical depression in respect of the
illness;".
Mr Ede moved the following amendments together, by leave, to the amendment -
Insert after "medical practitioner," (first
occurring)" the words "who is not a relative or
employee of, or a member of the same medical practice
as, the first medical practitioner and";
Omit the words "within 12 months"; and
Insert after "as a result of the illness and" the
words "has confirmed the first medical practitioner's
prognosis and".
Debate ensued.
Page 272
The Member for Macdonnell (Mr Bell) moved - That the Chairman do report progress and seek leave to sit again.
Question - put and negatived.
Question - That the amendments to the amendment be agreed to - put and passed.
Question - That the amendment, as amended, be agreed to - put and passed.
Mr Perron, by leave, withdrew scheduled amendment 31.9 standing in his name.
On the motion of Mr Ede the following further amendment was agreed to -
Omit from paragraph (d) "or distress".
Mr Perron moved the following further amendment -
Insert in subsection (1)(e), after "palliative
care,", the words "counselling and psychiatric support
and extraordinary measures for keeping the patient
alive,".
Debate ensued.
Mr Bell sought leave to move the following amendment to paragraph (e) -
Omit the words "the medical practitioner has" and
insert in their stead "both medical practitioners
have".
Debate ensued.
Leave denied Mr Bell to move his amendment.
Debate continued on the amendment moved by Mr Perron.
Question - put and passed - amendment agreed to.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following further amendment was agreed to -
Omit from subclause (1) paragraph (f).
On the motion of Mr Ede the following further amendment was agreed to -
Insert after paragraph (g) the following:
"(ga) the medical practitioner is satisfied that
the patient has considered the possible
implications of the patient's decision to his or
her family;".
On the motion of Mr Perron the following further amendment was agreed to, after debate -
Omit from subclause (1)(h) "competent" and insert in
its stead "of sound mind".
On the motion of Mr Ede the following further amendment was agreed to , after debate -
Omit from paragraph (i) all words after "in
accordance with section 7," and insert in their stead
"has, not earlier than 7 days after the patient has
indicated to his or her medical practitioner as
referred to in paragraph (g), signed that part of the
certificate of request required to be completed by or
on behalf of the patient;".
On the motion of Mr Ede the following further amendment was agreed to -
Insert at the end of paragraph (j) ", and has completed
and signed the relevant declaration on the certificate".
Page 273
On the motion of Mr Perron the following further amendment was agreed to -
Omit from subclause (1)(k) "competent" and insert in
its stead "of sound mind".
On the motion of Mr Ede the following further amendment was agreed to, after debate -
Insert after paragraph (k) the following:
"(ka) where, in accordance with subsection (3),
an interpreter is required to be present at the
signing of the certificate of request, the
certificate of request has been signed by the
interpreter confirming the patient's
understanding of the request for assistance;".
On the motion of Mr Perron the following further amendment was agreed to -
Omit from subclause (1)(l) "financial advantage" and
insert in its stead "financial or other advantage".
On the motion of Mr Ede the following further amendment was agreed to -
Insert after paragraph (l) the following:
"(la) not less than 48 hours has elapsed since the
signing of the completed certificate of
request;".
On the motion of Mr Perron the following further amendment was agreed to, after debate -
Omit subclause (1)(m) and insert in its stead the
following:
"(m) at no time before assisting the patient to
end his or her life had the patient given to the
medical practitioner an indication that it was no
longer the patient's wish to end his or her
life;".
Mr Perron moved the following further amendment -
Add at the end the following:
"(2) In assisting a patient under this Act a
medical practitioner shall be guided by
appropriate medical standards and such
guidelines, if any, as are prescribed, and shall
consider the appropriate pharmaceutical
information about any substance reasonably
available for use in the circumstances.".
Debate ensued.
Question - That the amendment be agreed to - put.
The Assembly divided (the Chairman, Mr R.A. Setter, in the Chair) -
AYES, 19 NOES, 5
Mr Bailey Mr Adamson
Mr Baldwin Mr Bell
Page 274
Mrs Braham Dr Lim
Mr Burke Mr Rioli
Mr Coulter Mr Stirling
Mr Ede
Mr Finch
Mr Hatton
Mrs Hickey
Mr Lanhupuy
Mr Manzie
Mr McCarthy
Mr Mitchell
Mr Palmer
Mr Perron
Mr Poole
Mr Reed
Mr Setter
Mr Stone
And so it was resolved in the affirmative.
On the motion of Mr Ede the following further amendment was agreed to -
Add at the end the following:
"(2) Where a patient's medical practitioner has
no special qualifications in the field of
palliative care, the information to be provided
to the patient on the availability of palliative
care shall be given by a medical practitioner
(who may be the medical practitioner referred to
in subsection (1)(c) or any other medical
practitioner) who has such special
qualifications.".
Debate ensued.
Mr Ede, by leave, moved the following amendment to the amendment -
Add at the end the following:
"in the field of palliative care as are prescribed.".
Question - That the amendment to the amendment be agreed to - put and passed.
Question - That the amendment, as amended, be agreed to - put and passed.
On the motion of Mr Ede the following further amendment was agreed to -
Add at the end the following:
"(3) A medical practitioner shall not assist a
patient under this Act where the medical
practitioner or any other medical practitioner
who is required under subsection (1) or (2) to
communicate with the patient does not share the
same first language as the patient, unless there
is present at the time of that communication and
at the time the certificate of request is signed
by or on behalf of the patient, an interpreter
who holds a level 3 accreditation from the
National Accreditation Authority for Translators
and Interpreters, or such other interpretative
qualifications as are prescribed, in the first
language of the patient.".
Page 275
Clause 6, as amended, agreed to.
On the motion of Mr Ede the following new clause was inserted in the Bill -
Insert after clause 6 the following:
"6A. PALLIATIVE CARE
(1) A medical practitioner shall not assist a patient
under this Act if, in his or her opinion and
after considering the advice of the medical
practitioner referred to in section 6(1)(c),
there are palliative care options reasonably
available to the patient to alleviate the
patient's pain and suffering to levels acceptable
to the patient.
(2) Where a patient has requested assistance under
this Act and has subsequently been provided with
palliative care that brings about the remission
of the patient's pain or suffering, the medical
practitioner shall not, in pursuance of the
patient's original request for assistance, assist
the patient under this Act. If subsequently the
palliative care ceases to alleviate the patient's
pain and suffering to levels acceptable to the
patient, the medical practitioner may continue to
assist the patient under this Act only if the
patient indicates to the medical practitioner the
patient's wish to proceed in pursuance of the
request.".
Clause 7 read.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following amendment was agreed to -
Omit "orally".
On the motion of Mr Ede the following further amendment was agreed to -
Omit all words after "section 6(c)" and insert in
their stead "or a person who is likely to receive a
financial benefit directly or indirectly as a result of
the death of the patient, may, at the patient's request
and in the presence of the patient and both the medical
practitioner witnesses (and where, in accordance with
section 6(2) an interpreter has been used, also in the
presence of the interpreter), sign the certificate on
behalf of the patient.".
On the motion of Mr Perron the following amendment was agreed to -
Add at the end the following:
"(2) A person who signs a certificate of request
on behalf of a patient forfeits any financial or
other benefit the person would otherwise obtain,
directly or indirectly, as a result of the death
of the patient.".
Clause 7, as amended, agreed to.
Clause 8 agreed to.
Clause 9 read.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following amendment was agreed to -
Page 276
Omit from subclause (2) "financial benefit the person
would otherwise obtain, directly or indirectly, from"
and insert in its stead "financial or other benefit the
person would otherwise obtain, directly or indirectly,
as the result of".
Clause 9, as amended, agreed to.
Clause 10 read.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following amendments, by leave, were taken together and agreed to -
Omit all words before paragraph (b) and insert in
their stead the following:
"A medical practitioner who, under this Act, assists
a patient to terminate the patient's life shall file
and, subject to this Act, keep the following as part
of the medical record of the patient:
(a) a note of any oral request of the
patient for such assistance;".
Omit from paragraph (c) "competence" and insert in
its stead "state of mind".
Omit paragraph (e) and insert in its stead the
following:
"(e) a note by the patient's medical practitioner -
(i) certifying as to the independence of the medical
practitioner referred to in section 6(c) and the
residential and period of practice qualifications
of the patient's medical practitioner;
(ii) indicating that all requirements under this Act
have been met;
(iii) indicating the steps taken to carry out the
request for assistance; and
(iv) including a notation of the substance
prescribed,
and such other information, if any, as is
prescribed.".
Add at the end the following:
"Penalty $10,000 or imprisonment for 2 years.".
Clause 10, as amended, agreed to.
Clause 11 agreed to.
Clause 12 read.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following amendment was agreed to, after debate -
Omit all words before subclause (2) and insert in
their stead the following:
"12. MEDICAL RECORD TO BE SENT TO CORONER
(1) As soon as practicable after the death of a patient as
the result of assistance given under this Act, the medical
practitioner who gave the assistance shall report the death
to a Coroner by sending to the Coroner a copy of the death
certificate
Page 277
under the Registration of Births, Deaths and
Marriages Act and so much of the medical record of
the patient (including that required by section 10 to
be kept) as relates to the terminal illness and death
of the patient.".
Clause 12, as amended, agreed to.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following new clause was inserted into the Bill -
Insert after clause 12 the following:
"12A. CORONER MAY REPORT ON OPERATION OF ACT
The Coroner may, at any time and in his or her
absolute discretion, report to the Attorney-General
on the operation, or any matter affecting the
operation, of this Act and the Attorney-General
shall, within 3 sitting days of the Legislative
Assembly after receiving the report, table a copy of
the report in the Assembly.".
Clause 13 agreed to.
Clause 14 read.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following amendment was agreed to -
Omit "certificate of consent" and insert in its stead
"certificate of request".
On the motion of Mr Perron the following further amendment was agreed to -
Insert after "sign it" the words "or on whose behalf
it is purported to have been signed,".
Clause 14, as amended, agreed to.
Clause 15 agreed to.
Clause 16 agreed to.
Clause 17 read.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following amendment was agreed to -
Insert in subclause (1), after "in good faith", the
words "and without negligence".
On the motion of Mr Perron the following further amendment was agreed to -
Insert in subclause (2), after "in good faith", the
words "and without negligence".
Clause 17, as amended, agreed to.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following new clause was added to the Bill -
Insert after clause 17 the following:
"18. REGULATIONS
The Administrator may make regulations, not
inconsistent with this Act, prescribing all matters
(a) required or permitted by this Act to be
prescribed; or
Page 278
(b) necessary or convenient to be prescribed for
carrying out or giving effect to this Act.".
Schedule read.
On the motion of Mr Perron the following amendments, by
leave, were taken together and agreed to -
Omit "a terminal illness which is likely to result in
my death within 12 months" and insert in its stead "an
illness which will ultimately result in my death".
Insert after "palliative care" the words ",
counselling and psychiatric support and extraordinary
measures that may keep me alive".
Omit "competent" (twice occurring) and insert in its
stead "of sound mind".
On the motion of Mr Ede the following further amendment was agreed to -
Insert at the end the following:
"(Where under section 6(3) an interpreter is required
to be present)
DECLARATION OF INTERPRETER
I declare that -
(a) the person signing this request or on whose
behalf it is signed is known to me;
(b) I am an interpreter qualified to interpret in
the first language of the patient as required
by section 6(3);
(c) I have interpreted for the patient in
connection with the completion and signing of
this certificate;
(d) in my opinion, the patient understands the
meaning and nature of this certificate.
Signed: Qualified
Interpreter".
Schedule, as amended, agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill to be reported with amendments.
_________________________________
The Speaker (Mr McCarthy) resumed the Chair; the Chairman (Mr Setter) reported
accordingly; and the report was adopted.
Mr Perron moved - That the Bill be now read a third time.
The Member for Macdonnell (Mr Bell), pursuant to Standing Order 200, moved - Omit all
words after "now" and add "this day 6 months".
Page 279
Question - That the motion be agreed to - put.
The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. T.R. McCarthy, in the Chair) -
AYES, 12 NOES, 13
Mr Adamson Mr Bailey
Mr Baldwin Mrs Braham
Mr Bell Mr Coulter
Mr Burke Mr Ede
Mr Hatton Mr Finch
Dr Lim Mrs Hickey
Mr McCarthy Mr Lanhupuy
Mr Palmer Mr Manzie
Mr Reed Mr Mitchell
Mr Rioli Mrs Padgham-Purich
Mr Stirling Mr Perron
Mr Stone Mr Poole
Mr Setter
Motion negatived accordingly.
Question - That the Bill be now read a third time - put.
The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. T.R. McCarthy, in the Chair) -
AYES, 15 NOES, 10
Mr Bailey Mr Adamson
Mrs Braham Mr Baldwin
Mr Coulter Mr Bell
Mr Ede Mr Burke
Mr Finch Mr Hatton
Mrs Hickey Dr Lim
Mr Lanhupuy Mr McCarthy
Mr Manzie Mr Rioli
Mr Mitchell Mr Stirling
Mrs Padgham-Purich Mr Stone
Mr Palmer
Mr Perron
Mr Poole
Mr Reed
Mr Setter
And so it was resolved in the affirmative.
The Bill was read a third time and passed to be a proposed law.
10. REFERENCE TO THE SESSIONAL COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT -
MOTION NEGATIVED:
The Member for Arafura (Mr Rioli) moved - That, pursuant to paragraph 2(b) of the Terms
of the Resolution appointing the Sessional Committee on the Environment, the following
matter be referred to the Committee for inquiry and report:
Page 280
"Recent reports of oil spillage associated with
mining operations on Groote Eylandt.".
Debate ensued.
Question - put and negatived.
11. ADJOURNMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stone) moved - That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Question - put and passed.
And the Assembly adjourned at 3.45 a.m. until this day at 10.00 a.m.
=========================
ATTENDANCE:
All Members attended the sitting.
Page 281
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016