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Minutes of Proceedings - 1996-08-21

Seventh Assembly First Session 20/08/1996 Parliamentary Record No. 24
__________________________________________________________________________________

Date : 21/08/1996
__________________________________________________________________________________

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 Speaker’s Gallery of Local Government Officers from the Philippines who are undertaking a Management Programme at the Northern Territory University and their lecturer, Mr Stephen Hall; and Year 11 Politics students from Casuarina Secondary College and their teacher, Mr Graham Parker.
      On behalf of Honourable Members, the Speaker extended a warm welcome to the visitors.

4. PETITIONS:
    The Member for Arnhem (Mr Ah Kit) presented a petition from 232 citizens of the Ramingining, Gapuwiak, Galiwinku and Milingimbi communities requesting the Assembly to repeal the Rights of the Terminally Ill Act and provide more information on and resources for palliative care in those communities (Paper 2606).
      Petition read.
    The Member for Stuart (Mr Ede) presented a petition from 397 petitioners requesting the Assembly facilitate the upgrading of that section of the Tanami Road which services the Yuendumu, Yuelamu, Napperby and Nyirripi communities to lessen danger caused by the poor condition of the road and increased traffic in that area (Paper 2607).
      Petition read.
    The Member for Victoria River (Mr Baldwin), by leave, presented a petition not conforming with Standing Orders, requesting repeal of the Euthanasia legislation (Paper 2608).
    The Member for Victoria River (Mr Baldwin) for and on behalf of the Speaker, by leave, presented a petition not conforming with Standing Orders, from 6 petitioners.
    The petition was not read as it was in similar terms of a petition presented earlier this day by the Member for Arnhem (Paper 2609).
    5. NOTICES:
      The following notices were given:
        Mr Hatton: To present the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Amendment Bill 1996 (Serial 173).
        Mr Manzie: To present the Mining Amendment Bill 1996 (Serial 177).
        Mr Palmer: To present the Stock Diseases Amendment Bill 1996 (Serial 168).
        Mr Palmer: To present the Stock (Artificial Breeding) Amendment Bill 1996 (Serial 169).
        Mr Palmer: To present the Stock Routes and Travelling Stock Amendment Bill 1996 (Serial 170).
        Mr Palmer: To present the Stock (Control of Hormonal Growth Promotants) Amendment Bill 1996 (Serial 171).
        Mr Palmer: To present the Brands Amendment Bill 1996 (Serial 172).
        Mr Palmer: To present the Meat Industries Bill 1996 (Serial 175).

    6. QUESTIONS:
      Questions were asked of Ministers.
        Paper tabled: The Chief Minister (Mr Stone) laid on the Table the following Paper -

        ‘Boss gets boot over assault’, The W. A. Construction Worker - Winter 1996 (Paper 2605).
        Further questions were asked of Ministers.
      Supplementary answers: The Chief Minister (Mr Stone) gave a supplementary answer to a question asked by the Member for Arnhem (Mr Ah Kit).
      Mr Stone gave a supplementary answer to a question asked by the Member for Casuarina (Mr Adamson) this day.
      The Minister for Asian Relations, Trade and Industry (Mr Poole) gave a supplementary answer to a question asked by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition (Mr Bailey) on 20 August 1996.
      Paper tabled: Mr Poole laid on the Table the following Paper -
        Business Names Extract, Office of Business Affairs, Territory Surgical Supplies (Paper 2612).
    7. PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE - SEVENTH REPORT - PAPER TABLED -REPORT ADOPTED:
      The Chairman of the Publications Committee (Mr Setter) laid on the Table the Seventh Report of the Publications Committee recommending that the following Papers be printed -

      Description
      Date Tabled
      Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority, Annual Report 1994-9529.11.95
      Actuarial Review, Northern Territory Government and Public Accounts Superannuation Scheme, as at 30 June 199523.11.95
      Alice Springs Hospital Board of Management, Annual Report 1994-9530.11.95
      Auditor-General’s Office, Mid year Report, February 199629.02.96
      Darwin Port Authority, Annual Report 1994-9529.11.95
      Department of Education, Annual Report 199430.11.95
      Department of Industries and Development, Ministry of Asian Relations and Trade, Annual Report 1994-9530.11.95
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Annual Report 1994-9529.11.95
      Department of Sport and Recreation, Annual Report 1994-9530.11.95
      Department of the Legislative Assembly, Annual Report 1994-9530.11.95
      Department of Transport and Works, Annual Report 1994-9529.11.95
      Gove District Hospital Management Board, Annual Report 1994-9530.11.95
      Gurig National Park, Cobourg Peninsula Sanctuary Board, Annual Report 1994-9530.11.95
      Jabiru Town Development Authority, Annual Report 1994-9530.11.95
      Juvenile Crime Workshop, Report, 7 - 8 June 199529.02.96
      Katherine Hospital Management Board, Annual Report 1994-9530.11.95
      Legislative Assembly Members Superannuation Trust, Annual Report 1994-9530.11.95
      Menzies School of Health Research, Annual Report 1994-9521.11.95
      National Trust of Australia (Northern Territory), Annual Report 1994-9529.02.96
      Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park, Annual Report 1994-9530.11.95
      Northern Territory Architects Board, Annual Report 1994-9523.11.95
      Northern Territory Fisheries Joint Authority, Annual Report 199423.05.96
      Northern Territory Government and Public Authorities Superannuation Scheme, Annual Report 1994-9529.11.95
      Northern Territory Government Conditions of Service Trust, Annual Report 1994-9529.11.95
      Northern Territory Grain Marketing Board, Annual Report 1994-9514.05.96
      Northern Territory Grants Commission, Annual Report 1994-9530.11.95
      Northern Territory Housing Commission, Annual Report 1994-9530.11.95
      Northern Territory Liquor Commission, Annual Report 1994-9530.11.95
      Northern Territory Open College of TAFE, Annual Report 199429.22.95
      Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Annual Report 1994-9530.11.95
      Northern Territory Rural College, Annual Report 199429.02.96
      Northern Territory Treasury, NCOM, Financial Statements, 1994-9529.02.96
      Office of Ethnic Affairs, Annual Report 1994-9529.02.96
      Office of the Valuer-General (Northern Territory), Annual Report 1994-9529.11.95
      Ombudsman, Annual Report 1994-9529.02.96
      Parole of Prisoners, Report to the Parole Board of the Northern Territory, Annual Report 199529.02.96
      Prostitution Regulation Act, Third Report, 9 May 1994 to 8 May 199520.02.96
      Public Trustee for the Northern Territory, Annual Report 1994-9529.02.96
      Racing and Gaming Authority (Second), Annual Report 199530.11.95
      Registrar of Financial Institutions, Annual Report 1994-9521.11.95
      Road Safety Council of the Northern Territory, Annual Report 1994-9529.11.95
      Royal Darwin Hospital Management Board, Annual Report 1994-9530.11.95
      Sessional Committee on Constitutional Development, Annual Report 1994-9529.02.96
      Standing Orders, Procedures for the Presentation and Preparation of Support Materials to Accompany Proposed Laws, Third Report, Seventh Assembly, dated 16 February 199629.02.96
      Standing Orders, Raising Matters of Privilege, Second Report, Seventh Assembly, dated February 199629.02.96
      Surveyors Board of the Northern Territory, Annual Report 1994-9529.11.95
      Tennant Creek Hospital Management Board, Annual Report 1994-9530.11.95
      Territory Insurance Office, Annual Report 199530.11.95
    (Paper 2610).
        Mr Setter moved - That the Report be adopted.
        Question - put and passed.
    8. PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE, REPORT NO. 27 - SCHOOL EDUCATION SERVICES IN REMOTE ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES - PAPER TABLED - PAPER PRINTED - PAPER NOTED:
      The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (Mr Setter) laid on the Table Report No. 27 of the Public Accounts Committee, Report of the Provision of School Education Services for Remote Aboriginal Communities in the Northern Territory (Paper 2611).
        Mr Setter moved - That the Paper be printed.
        Question - put and passed.
        Mr Setter moved - That the Assembly take note of the Paper.
      Resignation of member: The Member for Stuart (Mr Ede) advised the Speaker that his resignation as a Member of the Legislative Assembly would be submitted to him and take effect from midnight of Friday, 23 August 1996.
        Debate ensued.
    ____________________
        Suspension of sitting: The sitting was suspended between 12.03 p.m. and 2.15 p.m.
    ____________________
        Debate resumed.
    ____________________

      Distinguished visitors: The Speaker (Mr McCarthy) drew the attention of Honourable Members to the presence in the Speaker’s Gallery of the Honourable Joseph Schipp, Member for Wagga Wagga and former Minister for Housing in New South Wales, and Mrs Schipp.
      On behalf of Honourable Members, the Speaker extended a warm welcome to the distinguished visitors.
    ____________________

        Debate continued.
        Question - put and passed.
    9. SESSIONAL COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT - REPORT, AUGUST 1996 - PAPER TABLED - PAPER PRINTED - MOTION TO NOTE PAPER:
      The Chairman of the Sessional Committee on the Environment (Dr Lim) laid on the Table the Report of the Sessional Committee on the Environment, dated August 1996 (Paper 2613).
        Dr Lim moved - That the Paper be printed.
        Question - put and passed.
        Dr Lim moved - That the Assembly take note of the Paper.
        Debate ensued.
        On the motion of the Member for Millner (Mr Mitchell) debate was adjourned.

    10. FIREARMS BILL - DRAFT BILL - PAPER TABLED - MOTION TO NOTE PAPER:
      The Chief Minister (Mr Stone) laid on the Table the Draft Firearms Bill 1996 (Paper 2614).
        Mr Stone made a statement relating thereto.
        Paper tabled: Mr Stone laid on the Table the following Paper -

        Firearms Price List, dated March 1996 (Paper 2615).

        Mr Stone moved - That the Assembly take note of the Paper.
        On the motion of the Deputy Leader of the Opposition (Mr Bell) debate was adjourned.

    11. MULTICULTURAL INFORMATION DIRECTORY - PAPER TABLED - MOTION TO NOTE PAPER:
      The Minister for Ethnic Affairs (Mr Hatton) laid on the Table the 1996 Multicultural Information Directory (Paper 2618).
        Mr Hatton made a statement relating thereto.
        Mr Hatton moved - That the Assembly take note of the Paper.
        On the motion of the Deputy Leader of the Opposition (Mr Bailey) debate was adjourned.

    12. LEANYER RECREATION PARK - MANAGEMENT PLAN - PAPER TABLED - MOTION TO NOTE PAPER:
      The Minister for Parks and Wildlife (Mr Hatton) laid on the Table the Leanyer Recreation Park Management Plan (Paper 2617).
        Mr Hatton made a statement relating thereto (Paper 2616).
        Mr Hatton moved - That the Assembly take note of the Paper.
        Debate ensued.
        On the motion of the Leader of the Opposition (Mrs Hickey) debate was adjourned.
    13. PROPOSED APPOINTMENT OF SELECT COMMITTEE ON VIOLENCE - MOTION NEGATIVED:
      The Leader of the Opposition (Mrs Hickey) moved - That -
        (1) this Assembly appoint a Select Committee on Violence in the Northern Territory to inquire into and report on the amount and extent of violence in our community, in particular:
          (a) the underlying causes of violence in the Northern Territory;

          (b) the amount and extent of violence in the Northern Territory; and

          (c) proposed solutions to violence in the Northern Territory;
        (2) unless otherwise ordered, this Committee shall comprise six Members, being three Members appointed by the Chief Minister and three Members appointed by the Leader of the Opposition;

        (3) the quorum of the Committee shall be four;

        (4) the Committee shall have leave to report, from time to time, its proceedings and such interim recommendations as it may deem fit;

        (5) the Committee shall be in operation for six months and shall report to the Legislative Assembly at the first sittings thereafter;

        (6) the Committee be empowered to publish from day to day such papers and evidence as may be ordered by it and, unless otherwise ordered, a daily Hansard be published of such proceedings that take place in public;

        (7) the Committee be provided with all necessary staff, facilities and resources and be empowered to appoint persons with specialist knowledge for the purposes of the Committee with the approval of the Speaker; and

        (8) the foregoing provisions of this Resolution, so far as they are inconsistent with Standing Orders, have effect notwithstanding anything contained in Standing Orders.

        Debate ensued.
        Question - That the motion be agreed to - put.

        The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. T.R. McCarthy, in the Chair) -

        AYES, 8 NOES, 16

        Mr Ah Kit Mr Adamson
        Mr Bailey Mr Baldwin
        Mr Bell Mrs Braham
        Mr Ede Mr Burke
        Mrs Hickey Mr Coulter
        Ms Martin Mr Finch
        Mr Rioli Mr Hatton
        Mr Stirling Dr Lim
        Mr Manzie
        Mr Mitchell
        Mrs Padgham-Purich
        Mr Palmer
        Mr Poole
        Mr Reed
        Mr Setter
        Mr Stone

        And so it was resolved in the negative.
        Motion negatived accordingly.
    14. RIGHTS OF THE TERMINALLY ILL AMENDMENT BILL 1996 (Serial 174):
      The Member for Araluen (Mr Poole), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Rights of the Terminally Ill Act.
      Bill read a first time.
      Suspension of Standing Orders - Pass all Stages: The Member for Araluen (Mr Poole) moved - That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the Rights of the Terminally Ill Amendment Bill 1996 (Serial 174) passing through all stages at these sittings.
      Debate ensued.
    Question - That the motion be agreed to - put.
    The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. T.R. McCarthy, in the Chair) -

    AYES, 13 NOES, 12

    Mr Bailey Mr Adamson
    Mr Coulter Mr Ah Kit
    Mr Ede Mr Baldwin
    Mr Finch Mr Bell
    Mr Hatton Mrs Braham
    Mrs Hickey Mr Burke
    Mr Manzie Dr Lim
    Ms Martin Mr McCarthy
    Mr Mitchell Mr Reed
    Mrs Padgham-Purich Mr Rioli
    Mr Palmer Mr Stirling
    Mr Poole Mr Stone
    Mr Setter

    And so it was resolved in the affirmative.
        Mr Poole moved - That the Bill be now read a second time.
        Debate ensued.
        Question - That the Bill be now read a second time - put.
      The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. T.R. McCarthy, in the Chair) -

      AYES, 10 NOES, 15

      Mr Bailey Mr Adamson
      Mr Coulter Mr Ah Kit
      Mr Ede Mr Baldwin
      Mr Finch Mr Bell
      Mrs Hickey Mrs Braham
      Mr Manzie Mr Burke
      Ms Martin Mr Hatton
      Mr Mitchell Dr Lim
      Mrs Padgham-Purich Mr McCarthy
      Mr Poole Mr Palmer
      Mr Reed
      Mr Rioli
      Mr Setter
      Mr Stirling
      Mr Stone

      And so it was resolved in the negative.
      Bill negatived accordingly.
    15. COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT’S CUTS TO REGIONAL AND TERRITORY PROGRAMMES - MOTION NEGATIVED:
      The Leader of the Opposition (Mrs Hickey) moved - That - this Assembly -
        (1) expresses its dismay and outrage at the Commonwealth Government’s cuts to programmes and jobs in regional Australia; and

        (2) in particular, condemns the cuts to programmes and jobs in the Northern Territory.

        Debate ensued.
        Papers tabled: The Treasurer (Mr Reed) laid on the Table the following Papers -

        Commonwealth Financial Relations with Other Levels of Government, 1996-97, Budget Paper No. 3 (Paper 2619);
        ‘Territory economy is fastest growing’, Northern Territory News, dated 19 August 1996 (Paper 2620);
        ‘House prices up in Darwin, Palmerston’, Northern Territory News, dated 17 August 1996 (Paper 2621);
        ‘Territory leads decade of growth’, The Australian Financial Review, dated 14 August 1996 (Paper 2622);
        ‘Territory action Budget’ aims to boost investment’, The Australian, dated 14 August 1996 (Paper 2623);
        ‘Northern Territory Australia’s best kept secret’, Building Owner and Manager, dated July 1996 (Paper 2624); and
        ‘Travelling North’ Weekend Australian, Property Magazine, dated 10-11 August 1996 (Paper 2625).

        Debate resumed.
      Explanation of speech: Mr Reed, pursuant to Standing Order 54, made an explanation of comments made during this debate by the Member for Arnhem (Mr Ah Kit).
      Debate continued.
      The Minister for Asian Relations, Trade and Industry (Mr Poole) 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, 16 NOES, 8

    Mr Adamson Mr Ah Kit
    Mr Baldwin Mr Bailey
    Mrs Braham Mr Bell
    Mr Burke Mr Ede
    Mr Coulter Mrs Hickey
    Mr Finch Ms Martin
    Mr Hatton Mr Rioli
    Dr Lim Mr Stirling
    Mr Manzie
    Mr Mitchell
    Mrs Padgham-Purich
    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 and negatived.
    16. CONSTRUCTION OF ALICE SPRINGS GAOL - REFERENCE TO PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE - MOTION NEGATIVED:
      The Member for Fannie Bay (Ms Martin) moved - That - this Assembly -
        (1) pursuant to paragraph 2(d)(i) of Standing Order 21A, refers the following matters relating to the costs involved with the planning, design and construction of the Alice Springs Gaol to the Public Accounts Committee for inquiry and report:
          (a) the initial design and contractual arrangements for the construction of the Alice Springs Gaol;
          (b) amendments to the design throughout the period of the project;
          (c) the escalation of costs associated with the project; and
          (d) any other matters ancillary to the above which would determine whether all or part of the cost overruns could have been averted; and

        (2) directs the Public Accounts Committee to further examine all expenditure at the Alice Springs Gaol from the 1989-90 financial year to the end of the 1995-96 financial year which relates to the purchase of the following items:
          (a) building and furnishing materials, including, but not limited to, carpets, lounge suites and other furniture;
          (b) provisions for prisoners, including, but not limited to, tobacco and meat supplies;
          (c) provisions for the prison industries, including, but not limited to, spare parts and other mechanical materials;
          (d) materials for prison officers, for example, torches; and
          (e) any other materials ancillary to the above which would determine whether expenditure on those materials has been justified or whether over-expenditure on these materials has occurred.

        Debate ensued.
    And the Assembly having continued to sit until 12 midnight -
      Thursday 22 August 1996, AM

          Debate continued.
        Papers tabled: The Minister for Correctional Services (Mr Hatton) laid on the Table the following Papers -
            Meals - Alice Springs Gaol (including NASCC) - Table - from 1992 to 1996 (Paper 2626); and
            Alice Springs Gaol and Labour Prison, Prisoner Management Costs/Operational Expenses - Table - from 1990-91 to 1995-96 (Paper 2627).

            Debate continued.
            Mr Hatton 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, 16 NOES, 8

            Mr Adamson Mr Ah Kit
            Mr Baldwin Mr Bailey
            Mrs Braham Mr Bell
            Mr Burke Mr Ede
            Mr Coulter Mrs Hickey
            Mr Finch Ms Martin
            Mr Hatton Mr Rioli
            Dr Lim Mr Stirling
            Mr Manzie
            Mr Mitchell
            Mrs Padgham-Purich
            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, 8 NOES, 16

          Mr Ah Kit Mr Adamson
          Mr Bailey Mr Baldwin
          Mr Bell Mrs Braham
          Mr Ede Mr Burke
          Mrs Hickey Mr Coulter
          Ms Martin Mr Finch
          Mr Rioli Mr Hatton
          Mr Stirling Dr Lim
          Mr Manzie
          Mr Mitchell
          Mrs Padgham-Purich
          Mr Palmer
          Mr Poole
          Mr Reed
          Mr Setter
          Mr Stone
        And so it was resolved in the negative.
        Motion negatived accordingly.

        17. LONG SERVICE LEAVE AMENDMENT BILL 1996 (Serial 178):
          The Member for Nhulunbuy (Mr Stirling), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Long Service Leave Act.
            Bill read a first time.
            Mr Stirling moved - That the Bill be now read a second time.
            On the motion of the Minister for Public Employment (Mr Finch) debate was adjourned.

        18. RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE BILL 1996 (Serial 111):
          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 - That the Bill be now read a second time put.

            The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. T.R. McCarthy, in the Chair) -

            AYES, 11 NOES, 14

            Mr Adamson Mr Bailey
            Mr Ah Kit Mrs Braham
            Mr Baldwin Mr Coulter
            Mr Bell Mr Finch
            Mr Burke Mr Hatton
            Mr Ede Mrs Hickey
            Dr Lim Mr Manzie
            Mr McCarthy Ms Martin
            Mr Reed Mr Mitchell
            Mr Rioli Mrs Padgham-Purich
            Mr Stirling Mr Palmer
            Mr Poole
            Mr Setter
            Mr Stone

            And so it was resolved in the negative.
            Bill negatived accordingly.

        19. CARE FOR THE DYING CONSULTATION BILL 1996 (Serial 155):
          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.
            On the motion of the Chief Minister (Mr Stone) debate was adjourned.

        20. SENTENCING AMENDMENT BILL 1996 (Serial 176):
          The Attorney-General (Mr Burke), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Sentencing 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 Macdonnell (Mr Bell) debate was adjourned.

        21. ADJOURNMENT:
          The Chief Minister (Mr Stone) moved - That the Assembly do now adjourn.
            Debate ensued.
            And the Assembly adjourned at 4 00 a.m. until 10.00 a.m. this day.
        ____________________________

            ATTENDANCE:
            All Members attended the sitting.
        Last updated: 04 Aug 2016
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