Minutes of Proceedings - 1990-12-04
Sixth Assembly First Session 04/12/1990 Parliamentary Record No. 1
__________________________________________________________________________________
Date : 04/12/1990__________________________________________________________________________________
The First Session of the Sixth Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory was begun and held at Parliament
House, Darwin, on Tuesday, the Fourth day of December, One thousand nine hundred and ninety.
1. On which day, being the first day of the meeting of the First Session of the Sixth Legislative Assembly of the
Northern Territory for the despatch of business pursuant to a Notice published in the Northern Territory Government
Gazette S69 of 19 November 1990, Horace Guy Smith, Clerk of the Assembly, Ian Bruce McNeill, Deputy Clerk,
Graham Phillip Gadd, Clerk-Assistant and Helen Mary Allmich, Serjeant-at-Arms, attending in the said place
according to their duty -
And Members having taken their seats -
The Notice calling the Parliament together was produced and read by the Clerk, as follows:
I, JAMES HENRY MUIRHEAD, the Administrator of the Northern Territory of Australia, in pursuance of section
22(1) of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978 of the Commonwealth, appoint 10 o'clock in the
morning of Tuesday, 4 December 1990, as the time for the commencement of the first session of the Sixth
Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory of Australia, to be held in the Legislative Assembly Chamber, Darwin.
Dated this 19th day of November, 1990.
(L.S.)
(Sgd) J.H. MUIRHEAD
Administrator
Page 1
2. APPROACH OF THE DEPUTY OF THE ADMINISTRATOR:
The approach of the Deputy of His Honour the Administrator was announced by the Serjeant-at-Arms.
The Honourable Keith John Austin Asche, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory of
Australia, entered the Chamber and took the Chair.
The Deputy addressed Members of the Assembly, as follows:
Members of the Assembly, pray be seated -
Members of the Legislative Assembly, His Honour the Administrator, not thinking fit to be present in person at this time,
has been pleased to appoint me his Deputy to do in his name all that is necessary to be performed in
declaring this Assembly open, as will be more fully explained from my Commission which will now be read by the Clerk.
The Honourable Justice Keith John Austin Asche produced his Commission appointing him as the Deputy of the Administrator -
which was then read by the Clerk as follows:
The Clerk read the Commission as follows:
His Honour the Administrator of the Northern Territory of Australia.
To: The Honourable Keith John Austin Asche, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory of Australia.
Greeting:
WHEREAS by section 41of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978 the Administrator may appoint
a person, or persons jointly or severally, to be his deputy or deputies in the Territory, or a part of the Territory,
and in that capacity to exercise during the pleasure of the Administrator such powers and functions of the
Administrator as he assigns to the deputy or deputies:
AND WHEREAS, by notice dated 19th November 1990 and published in the Northern Territory Government
Gazette No. S69 on 19 November 1990, I appointed Tuesday 4 December 1990 as the day for the Legislative
Assembly of the Northern Territory of Australia to assemble for the despatch of business; and all Members of
the Legislative Assembly are required to give their attendance accordingly at the Legislative Assembly
Chamber, Darwin, in the Northern Territory of Australia, at 10 o'clock in the morning on that day:
NOW THEREFORE I, James Henry Muirhead, the Administrator of the Northern Territory of Australia, appoint
you to be my deputy within the Northern Territory of Australia to declare open the Legislative Assembly at the
time and place appointed by that notice.
Given under my hand and the Public Seal of the Northern Territory of Australia, this Twenty-sixth day of November,
One thousand nine hundred and ninety.
(L.S.)
(Sgd) J.H. MUIRHEAD
Administrator
Page 2
3. COMMISSION TO ADMINISTER OATHS AND PRESENT SPEAKER:
The Deputy further addressed Members of the Assembly as follows:
Members of the Legislative Assembly:
His Honour the Administrator desires me to inform you that, after all Members present shall have been sworn,
the causes of His Honour calling this Assembly together will be declared by him in person at this place; and it
being necessary that a Speaker of the Legislative Assembly shall be first chosen, you, Members of the
Legislative Assembly, will proceed to choose some proper person to be your Speaker; and later this day the
person whom you shall so choose will present himself to His Honour at such time and place as His Honour shall
appoint.
The Deputy produced his Commission to administer to Members the Oaths or Affirmations of Allegiance and of
office, and directed the Clerk to read the same - Which was then read as follows:
His Honour the Administrator of the Northern Territory of Australia.
To: The Honourable Keith John Austin Asche, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory of Australia.
Greeting:
WHEREAS by section 13 of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978 it is, amongst other things,
enacted that every Member of the Legislative Assembly shall, before taking his seat, make and subscribe before
the Administrator, or a person authorized by the Administrator, an oath or affirmation of allegiance in the form
in Schedule 2 to the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978 and an oath or affirmation of office in the
form in Schedule 3 to that Act:
NOW THEREFORE I, JAMES HENRY MUIRHEAD, the Administrator of the Northern Territory of Australia,
command and authorize you to attend at the Legislative Assembly Chamber, Darwin, on Tuesday 4 December
1990 on the opening of the Assembly at 10 o'clock in the morning of that day, and there and then to administer
those oaths or affirmations to such Members of the Legislative Assembly as are present.
Given under my hand and the Public Seal of the Northern Territory of Australia, this 26th Day of November,
One thousand nine hundred and ninety.
(L.S.)
(Sgd) J.H. MUIRHEAD
Administrator
Page 3
4. RETURNS TO WRITS - PAPERS TABLED:
The Clerk produced and laid on the Table the Returns to Writs for the election of Members of the Legislative
Assembly held on 27 October 1990, and the following Members named in the returns made and subscribed the oaths
or affirmations required by law except Mr Tipiloura who was subsequently granted leave of absence for this sitting:
Stanley Gabriel Tipiloura - Arafura
Eric Houguet Poole - Araluen
Wesley Wagner Lanhupuy - Arnhem
Margaret Anne Hickey - Barkly
Roger William Stanley Vale - Braitling
Maxwell Henry Ortmann - Brennan
Nicholas Manuel Dondas - Casuarina
Marshall Bruce Perron - Fannie Bay
Terence Robert McCarthy - Goyder
Denis Wilfred Collins - Greatorex
Richard Alfred Setter - Jingili
Michael James Palmer - Karama
Michael Anthony Reed - Katherine
Frederick Arthur Finch - Leanyer
Neil Randal Bell - Macdonnell
Terence Edward Smith - Millner
Cecilia Noel Padgham-Purich - Nelson
Sydney James Stirling - Nhulunbuy
Stephen Paul Hatton - Nightcliff
Barry Francis Coulter - Palmerston
Shane Leslie Stone - Port Darwin
Daryl William Manzie - Sanderson
Brian Richard Ede - Stuart
Gary Royce Cartwright - Victoria River
John Derek Bailey - Wanguri
The Honourable Justice Keith John Austin Asche then withdrew from the Chamber.
5. ELECTION OF SPEAKER:
The Chief Minister (Mr Perron) addressing the Clerk of the Assembly (Mr H.G. Smith), Acting Chairman of the
Assembly; reminded the Assembly that the time had come when it was necessary for the Assembly to choose one of
its Members to be Speaker -
Whereupon Mr Perron proposed to the Assembly for its Speaker the Member for Casuarina, Mr Dondas, and moved -
That the Member for Casuarina do take the Chair as Speaker.
Which motion was seconded by the Minister for Tourism (Mr Vale) and Mr Dondas accepted the nomination.
The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Ede) proposed to the Assembly for its Speaker the Member for Arnhem,
Mr Lanhupuy and moved - That the Member for Arnhem do take the Chair as Speaker.
Which motion was seconded by the Member for Wanguri (Mr Bailey) and Mr Lanhupuy accepted the nomination.
The time for proposals having expired the Assembly then proceeded to ballot.
Ballot conducted - scrutineers Mr Bell and Mr Setter.
Page 4
The Clerk of the Assembly announced the result of the ballot as Mr Dondas (Casuarina) 16 votes, Mr Lanhupuy
(Arnhem) 8 votes, and declared the Member for Casuarina elected as Speaker in accordance with Standing Orders.
Members having offered congratulations to Mr Speaker - Mr Speaker thanked the Assembly for the high honour it had
conferred upon him, and thereupon took the Chair.
6. PRESENTATION OF SPEAKER TO ADMINISTRATOR:
The Speaker invited honourable Members to accompany him to Committee Room 2 where he would present himself
to His Honour the Administrator as the choice of the Assembly as its Speaker.
__________________
Suspension of sitting: The sitting was suspended between 10.35 and 10.40 a.m.
__________________
The Assembly having resumed -
The Speaker reported that, accompanied by Honourable Members, he had presented himself to His Honour the Administrator as the choice of the Assembly
for its Speaker and His Honour was pleased to congratulate him upon his appointment as Speaker.
7. SPEAKER'S COMMISSION TO ADMINISTER OATHS AND AFFIRMATIONS - PAPER TABLED:
The Speaker announced that he had received from His Honour the Administrator the following Commission to
administer to Members Oaths or Affirmations of Allegiance and of Office, which was laid upon the Table and read by
the Clerk:
The Commission was read by the Clerk, as follows:
His Honour the Administrator of the Northern Territory of Australia.
To: The Honourable Nicholas Manuel Dondas, M.L.A.
Greeting:
WHEREAS by section 13 of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978 it is, amongst other things,
enacted that every member of the Legislative Assembly shall, before taking his seat, make and subscribe before
the Administrator, or a person authorized by the Administrator, an oath or affirmation of allegiance in the form
in Schedule 2 to the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978 and an oath or affirmation of office in the
form in Schedule 3 to that Act:
NOW THEREFORE I, JAMES HENRY MUIRHEAD, the Administrator of the Northern Territory of Australia,
command and authorise you from time to time, in the Legislative Assembly Chamber, Darwin, to administer
those oaths or affirmations to such members of the Legislative Assembly as have not already taken and
subscribed them since their election to the Assembly.
Page 5
Given under my hand and the Public Seal of the Northern Territory of Australia, this Fourth day of December,
One thousand nine hundred and ninety."
(L.S.)
(Sgd) J.H. MUIRHEAD
Administrator
8. APPROACH OF HIS HONOUR THE ADMINISTRATOR:
The approach of His Honour the Administrator was announced by the Serjeant-at-Arms.
9. HIS HONOUR'S OPENING ADDRESS:
His Honour the Administrator entered the Chamber, Mr Speaker left the Chair and His Honour, having taken the Chair
delivered his Address declaring the causes of his calling the Assembly together. (Paper 20)
(Text of Speech appears in Hansard)
Upon completing his Address to the Assembly, His Honour was pleased to present the Speaker with a copy of his
Address and retired from the Chamber, led by the Serjeant-at-Arms.
The Speaker resumed the Chair.
10. PRAYERS.
11. MINISTRY AND ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS - MINISTERIAL STATEMENT - PAPER TABLED:
The Chief Minister (Mr Perron), by leave, made a statement informing the Assembly of the appointment of
Ministers, the organization of the government and the division of administrative responsibilities.
Paper tabled: Mr Perron laid on the Table a copy of His Honour the Administrator's Administrative Arrangements
Order, dated 13 November 1990.
HON. M.B. PERRON
. Chief Minister: Department of the Chief Minister; Department of the Legislative Assembly; and Ombudsman.
. Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services: Police Force of the Northern Territory, Fire Services; and Fisheries Protection and Enforcement.
HON. B.F. COULTER
. Treasurer: Northern Territory Treasury; Casino Licensing and Lotteries and Gaming.
. Minister for Mines and Energy: Department of Mines and Energy.
HON. D.W. MANZIE
. Attorney-General: Department of Law; Director of Public Prosecutions; Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission.
. Minister for Health and Community Services: Department of Health and Community Services.
Page 6
HON. S.P. HATTON
. Minister for Industries and Development: Department of Industries and Development; Trade Development Zone Authority and
Racing, Gaming and Liquor Commission.
HON. S.L. STONE
. Minister for Education and the Arts: Department of Education; Northern Territory University; Menzies School of Health Research;
and Northern Territory Teaching Service.
. Minister for Employment and Training: Public Service and Industrial Relations.
HON. F.A. FINCH
. Minister for Transport and Works: Department of Transport and Works; Power and Water Authority; and Darwin Port Authority.
HON. M.A. REED
. Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries: Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries; Quarantine and Primary Production.
. Minister for Conservation: Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory; Museums and Art Galleries Board; and Territory Parks and Wildlife.
. Minister for Correctional Services: Department of Correctional Services.
HON. R.W.S. VALE
. Minister for Tourism: Northern Territory Tourist Commission.
. Minister for Sport, Recreation, Ethnic Affairs and Local Government: Office of Sport, Recreation and Ethnic Affairs;
Northern Territory Totalizator Administration Board; Racing and Betting; Office of Local Government; and Jabiru Town Development Authority.
HON. M.H. ORTMANN
. Minister for Lands and Housing: Department of Lands and Housing; Territory Insurance Office; Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority;
Work Health Authority; and Northern Territory Housing Commission.
HON. B.F. COULTER: Deputy Chief Minister and Leader of Government Business.
Mr R.A. SETTER: Government Whip.
12. OPPOSITION OFFICE HOLDERS - STATEMENT:
The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Ede), by leave, made a statement relating to the Opposition Office Holders.
Page 7
MR B.R. EDE - Leader of the Opposition
. Treasury; Police, Fire and Emergency Services; Territory Insurance Office; and Gambling.
MR J.D. BAILEY - Deputy Leader of the Opposition
. Mines and Energy; Industries and Development; and Trade Development Zone.
MR N.R. BELL - Opposition Whip
. Attorney-General; Employment, Education and Training, Arts; N.T. University; and Menzies School of Health.
MR G.R. CARTWRIGHT
. Primary Industry and Fisheries; and Rural Land Policy.
MRS M.A. HICKEY
. Health and Community Services; Housing; and Liquor Commission.
MR W.W. LANHUPUY
. Conservation and Planning; Correctional Services; and Museums.
MR T.E. SMITH
. Tourism; Ethnic Affairs; and Work Health Authority.
MR S.J. STIRLING
. Transport and Works; Power and Water Authority; Sports and Recreation; Racing and the TAB; and Ports and Government Printer.
MR S.G. TIPILOURA
. Local Government; Aboriginal Affairs; Administrative Services; and Libraries.
13. LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Ede) moved - That the Member for Arafura (Mr Tipiloura) be granted leave of
absence for this period of sittings on account of ill health.
Question - put and passed.
14. CORPORATIONS (NORTHERN TERRITORY) BILL 1990 (Serial 15):
The Chief Minister (Mr Perron), by leave, presented a Bill for an Act to apply certain provisions of laws of the Commonwealth relating to corporations,
the securities industry and the futures industry as laws of the Northern
Territory and for other purposes.
Bill read a first time.
On the motion of Mr Perron the second reading of the Bill was made an order of the day for a later hour.
15. CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES - APPOINTMENT:
The Speaker, addressing Members of the Assembly, reminded Members that it is now necessary for the Assembly to
appoint a Member to be its Chairman of Committees -
Whereupon the Chief Minister (Mr Perron) proposed to the Assembly for its Chairman of Committees the Member
for Araluen, Mr Poole, and moved -
That the Member for Araluen be appointed Chairman of Committees.
Page 8
Which motion was seconded by the Minister for Tourism (Mr Vale) and Mr Poole accepted the nomination.
The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Ede) proposed to the Assembly for its Chairman of Committees the Member for Macdonnell, Mr Bell, and moved -
That the Member for Macdonnell be appointed Chairman of Committees.
Which motion was seconded by the Member for Wanguri (Mr Bailey) and Mr Bell accepted the nomination.
The time for motions having expired the Assembly then proceeded to ballot.
Ballot conducted - Scrutineers Mr Bell and Mr Setter.
The Speaker announced the result of the ballot as Mr Poole (Araluen) 16 votes, Mr Bell (Macdonnell) 8 votes, and
declared Mr Poole appointed as Chairman of Committees.
Mr Poole thanked the Assembly for the high honour it had conferred upon him and acknowledged the congratulations
of Members.
16. ADMINISTRATOR'S SPEECH:
Mr Speaker reported to the Assembly that he had received a copy of the Opening Address delivered by His Honour
the Administrator to the Assembly this day.
17. ADDRESS-IN-REPLY:
The Chief Minister (Mr Perron) moved - That the following Address-in-Reply be agreed to:
To His Honour the Administrator of the Northern Territory.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR - We, the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory, in Parliament assembled, desire to
express our loyalty to our Most Gracious Sovereign, and to thank Your Honour for the Speech
which you have been pleased to address to the Assembly.
Ordered - That the debate be adjourned and Mr Perron have leave to continue his remarks on the resumption of the debate.
__________________
Suspension of sitting: The sitting was suspended between 11.27 a.m. and 2.30 p.m.
__________________
18. ADJOURNMENT OF ASSEMBLY - SESSIONAL ORDER:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That, during the present session of the
Assembly, Mr Speaker may, at his discretion and notwithstanding any previous Resolution of the Assembly, appoint a
day and/or time for the holding of a sitting of the Assembly, which day and/or time shall be notified to each Member
in writing.
Question - put and passed.
19. BROADCASTING ADDITIONAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved -
Page 9
(1) That, the following Standing Order be adopted, on a trial basis, as a Sessional Order.
"119A. When Question Time has concluded, following the request of a Minister 'that all further Questions be placed on the Question Paper',
Ministers may answer or give supplementary answers to questions asked on previous days at Question Time or during the debate on the
motion for the adjournment of the Assembly but the total time taken for the giving of such answers shall not exceed 10 minutes."; and
(2) That radio stations 8-TOP FM and 8-CCC be authorised to broadcast direct such answers in accordance with the terms and conditions of
the resolution of the Legislative Assembly of 11 October 1983 as varied by the resolution of 12 November 1985.
Debate ensued.
Question - put and passed.
20. STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE - APPOINTMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That, unless otherwise ordered and pursuant to
Standing Order 17, Mr Speaker, Mr Coulter, Mr Poole, Mr Bell, and Mrs Hickey be appointed as Members of the
Standing Orders Committee.
Question - put and passed.
21. COMMITTEE OF PRIVILEGES - APPOINTMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That, unless otherwise ordered and pursuant to
Standing Order 18, Mr Manzie, Mr McCarthy, Mr Vale, Mr Bell and Mr Smith be appointed as Members of the Committee of Privileges.
Question - put and passed.
22. COMMITTEE OF PRIVILEGES - REFERENCE - MOTION:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That -
(1) the Legislative Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act be referred to the Committee of Privileges for inquiry and report on any amendments
the Committee may consider necessary to recommend to the Assembly;
(2) for the purpose of the inquiry, the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records and to move from place to place;
(3) the Committee shall have leave to make interim reports to the Assembly on any matter which it deems to be of an urgent nature;
(4) the Committee be empowered to consider, disclose and publish the Minutes of Proceedings, evidence and records, which relate to this reference,
taken by the Committee of Privileges in the previous Assembly; and
(5) unless otherwise ordered, the Committee report to the Assembly as soon as possible.
Question - put and passed.
Page 10
23. HOUSE COMMITTEE - APPOINTMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That, unless otherwise ordered and pursuant to
Standing Order 19, Mr Speaker, Mr Palmer, Mrs Padgham-Purich, Mr Bell and Mr Lanhupuy be appointed as
Members of the House Committee.
Debate ensued.
Question - put and passed.
24. PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE - APPOINTMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That, unless otherwise ordered and pursuant to
Standing Order 20, Mr Setter, Mr Poole, Mr Collins, Mr Bailey and Mr Tipiloura be appointed as Members of the Publications Committee.
Question - put and passed.
25. PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE - REFERENCE - MOTION:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That -
(1) the following matter be referred to the Publications Committee for inquiry and report:
(a) the numbers of copies printed of reports and other documents which are normally presented to Parliament and their distribution; and
(b) the availability of such reports and documents and the potential savings which could accrue to the Government by the utilisation of electronic distribution;
(2) for the purposes of the inquiry the Committee have power to move from place to place; and
(3) the Committee be empowered to consider, disclose and publish the Minutes of Proceedings, evidence and records, which relate to this reference, taken by the
Publications Committee in the previous Assembly.
Question - put and passed.
26. SUBORDINATE LEGISLATION AND TABLED PAPERS COMMITTEE - APPOINTMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That, unless otherwise ordered and pursuant to
Standing Order 21, Mr Setter, Mr Palmer, Mr Poole, Mr Smith and Mr Stirling be appointed as Members of the Subordinate Legislation and Tabled Papers Committee.
Question - put and passed.
27. PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE - APPOINTMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That, unless otherwise ordered and pursuant to Standing Order 21A, Mr Palmer, Mr Poole,
Mr Setter, Mr Bailey and Mr Stirling be appointed as Members of the
Public Accounts Committee.
Question - put and passed.
28. COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS - REFERENCES - MOTIONS:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That -
Page 11
(1) the actual and contingent liabilities of the Northern Territory Government in respect of -
(i) the Yulara Development; and
(ii) the Alice Springs Sheraton,
with particular reference to -
(a) an examination of the amounts paid out in support of the Alice Springs Sheraton and the Yulara Development in 1988-89 to determine why
expenditure was greater than estimated;
(b) an examination of changes in external conditions impinging on the financial projections for the two projects;
(c) an examination of the short and long-term consequences of the pilots' strike on the financial projections for the projects;
(d) the accuracy of the original projections;
(e) the anticipated exposure of the Northern Territory Government; and
(f) the conditions under which disposal of the Government interest in those assets would benefit the Northern Territory Government; and
(2) the Public Accounts Committee be empowered to meet, review and report on the situation at the end of each financial year's trading; and
(3) the Committee be empowered to consider, disclose and publish the Minutes of Proceedings, evidence and records, which relate to this reference, taken by
the Public Accounts Committee in the previous Assembly.
Debate ensued.
Question - put and passed.
Mr Coulter, by leave, further moved - That -
(1) this Assembly notes the recommendations of the Auditor-General specifically made to the Assembly on pages 16 and 17 of his Annual Report for the
year ended 30 June 1989; and
(2) those recommendations of the Auditor-General contained in paragraphs headed:
(a) Ex-"Summary of Audit Matters arising";
(b) Ex-"Government as a Whole";
(c) Ex-"Departments"; and
(d) Ex-"Corporations";
be referred to the Public Accounts Committee and that the Committee undertake the reviews recommended therein and report to the Assembly; and
Page 12
(3) the Committee be empowered to consider, disclose and publish the Minutes of Proceedings, evidence and records, which relate to this reference, taken by
the Public Accounts Committee in the previous Assembly.
Question - put and passed.
29. SESSIONAL COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT - APPOINTMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That, during the present session of the Assembly -
(1) a Committee to be known as the Sessional Committee on the Environment be appointed comprising, unless otherwise ordered,
Mr McCarthy, Mr Palmer, Mr Poole, Mr Bailey and Mr Lanhupuy.
(2) the Committee be empowered, unless otherwise ordered, to inquire into and from time to time report upon and make recommendations on:
(a) all matters relating to uranium mining and processing activities and their effects on the environment within the Alligator Rivers Region; and
(b) any matter relating to mining and/or the environment within the Northern Territory which is referred to it by -
(i) the relevant Minister; or
(ii) resolution of the Legislative Assembly;
(3) the Committee be empowered to send for persons, papers and records, to sit in public or in private session notwithstanding any adjournment of the Assembly,
to adjourn from place to place and have leave to report from time to time its proceedings and the evidence taken and make such interim recommendations as
it may deem fit, and to publish information pertaining to its activities from time to time;
(4) the Committee be empowered to publish from day to day such papers and evidence as may be ordered by it and, unless otherwise ordered by the Committee,
a daily Hansard be published of such proceedings as take place in public;
(5) the Committee be empowered to consider, disclose and publish the Minutes of Proceedings, evidence taken and records of similar Committees appointed in
previous Assemblies; and
(6) the foregoing provisions of this Resolution, so far as they are inconsistent with the Standing Orders, have effect notwithstanding anything contained in the
Standing Orders.
Question - put and passed.
30. NEW PARLIAMENT HOUSE COMMITTEE - SESSIONAL COMMITTEE - APPOINTMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That, during the present Session of the Assembly -
Page 13
(1) a Committee to be known as the New Parliament House Committee be appointed comprising, unless otherwise ordered, Mr Speaker,
Mr Finch, Mr Setter, Mr Ede and Mr Stirling;
(2) the Committee act for and represent the Legislative Assembly in all matters concerned with the planning, design and construction of any
interim accommodation proposed for the Legislative Assembly, its Committees, Members and Officers and all matters incidental thereto;
(3) the Committee act for and represent the Legislative Assembly, as the client for the new Parliament House, in all matters concerned with the
planning, design and construction of the new Parliament House and all matters incidental thereto;
(4) the Parliament House Competition brief, as revised by the previous Committee, shall be used as the basis for the design and construction of
the new Parliament House, unless otherwise ordered by the Assembly or unless the Committee resolves to reconsider any section of the revised brief;
(5) the Committee also consider and report on any matter relating to the planning, design and construction of the new Parliament House and matters
incidental thereto or any matter relating to the planning, design and construction of interim accommodation proposed for the Legislative Assembly,
its Committees, Members and Officers as may be referred to it by -
(a) the relevant Minister; or
(b) Resolution of the Legislative Assembly;
(6) the Committee be empowered, with the approval of the Speaker, to employ necessary staff and be provided with such facilities and resources as it may
from time to time require;
(7) the Committee report and make recommendations to the Assembly on these matters from time to time;
(8) the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records, to sit in public or in private session, notwithstanding any adjournment of the Assembly,
to adjourn from place to place, and have leave to report from time to time its proceedings and the evidence taken and such interim recommendations as it may deem fit;
(9) the Committee be empowered to print from day to day such papers and evidence as may be ordered by it and unless otherwise ordered by the Committee, a daily
Hansard be published of such proceedings as take place in public;
(10) the Committee be empowered to consider, disclose and publish the Minutes of Proceedings, evidence taken and records of similar Committees established in
previous Assemblies; and
(11) the following be declared stages in the design and construction of the new parliament house -
Page 14
(a) design development;
(b) detailed architectural documentation; and
(c) interior design, including -
(i) approval of proposals;
(ii) approval of documentation; and
(iii) final acceptance of fit-out and finishes;
(12) work shall not be commenced or carried out on a declared stage in the design or construction of parliament house unless the New Parliament House Committee
or one or its subcommittees, has passed a resolution authorizing the commencement of work on that stage or unless commencement of work on a stage has been authorized by the previous Committee or one of its sub-committees in the previous Assembly;
(13) the New Parliament House Committee shall report any such authorization to the Legislative Assembly when the Assembly next meets; and
(14) the foregoing provisions of this Resolution, so far as they are inconsistent with Standing Orders, have effect notwithstanding anything contained in the Standing Orders.
Question - put and passed.
31. CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - SESSIONAL COMMITTEE - APPOINTMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That -
WHEREAS this Assembly is of the opinion that when the Northern Territory of Australia becomes a new State it
should do so as a member of the Federation in terms resulting in equality with the other States with its people having
the same constitutional rights, privileges, entitlements and responsibilities as the people of the existing States;
AND WHEREAS IN SO FAR AS it is constitutionally possible the equality should apply as on the date of the grant of
statehood to the new state;
AND WHEREAS it is necessary to draft a new State Constitution:
(1) during the present session of this Assembly - a Committee, to be known as the Sessional Committee on Constitutional Development,
be established to inquire into, report and make recommendations to the Legislative Assembly on:
(a) a Constitution for the new State and the principles upon which it should be drawn, including:
(i) legislative powers;
(ii) executive powers;
(iii) judicial powers; and
(iv) the method to be adopted to have a draft new State Constitution approved by or on behalf of
the people of the Northern Territory;
Page 15
(b) the issues, conditions and procedures pertinent to the entry of the Northern Territory into the Federation as a new State; and
(c) such other constitutional and legal matters as may be referred to it by:
(i) relevant Ministers; or
(ii) resolution of the Assembly;
(2) the Committee undertake a role in promoting the awareness of constitutional issues to the Northern Territory and Australian populations;
(3) unless otherwise ordered, the Committee consist of Mr Hatton, Mr McCarthy, Mr Setter, Mr Bailey,
Mr Cartwright; and Mr Lanhupuy;
(4) the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, although not members of the Committee, may attend all meetings of the Committee; may question
witnesses; and may participate in the deliberations of the Committee, but shall not vote;
(5) the Chairman of the Committee may, from time to time, appoint a member of the Committee to be the Deputy Chairman of the Committee and the member
so appointed shall act as Chairman of the Committee at any time when there is no Chairman or when the Chairman is not present at a meeting of the Committee;
(6) in the event of an equality of voting, the Chairman, or the Deputy Chairman when acting as Chairman, shall have a casting vote;
(7) the Committee have power to appoint sub-committees and to refer to any such sub-committee any matter which the Committee is empowered to examine;
(8) four members of the Committee constitute a quorum of the Committee and two members of a sub-committee constitute a quorum of a sub-committee;
(9) the Committee or any sub-committee have power to send for persons, papers and records, to adjourn from place to place, to meet and transact business in
public or private session and to sit during any adjournment of the Assembly;
(10) the Committee shall be empowered to print from day to day such papers and evidence as may be ordered by it and, unless otherwise ordered by the Committee,
a daily Hansard shall be published of such proceedings of the Committee as take place in public;
(11) the Committee have leave to report to the Assembly from time to time and any member of the Committee have power to add a protest or dissent to any report;
(12) the Committee report to the Assembly as soon as possible after 30 June each year on its activities during the preceding financial year;
Page 16
(13) unless otherwise ordered by the Committee, all documents received by the Committee during its inquiry shall remain in the custody of the Assembly provided that,
on the application of a department or person, any document, if not likely to be further required, may, in the Speaker's discretion, be return to the Department or person from whom it was obtained;
(14) members of the public and representatives of the news media may attend and report any public session of the Committee, unless otherwise ordered by the Committee;
(15) the Committee may authorize the televising of public hearings of the Committee under such rules as the Speaker considers appropriate;
(16) the Committee shall be provided with all necessary staff, facilities and resources and shall be empowered, with the approval of the Speaker, to appoint persons with specialist knowledge for the purposes of the Committee;
(17) nothing in these terms of reference or in the Standing Orders shall be taken to limit or control the duties, powers or functions of any Minister of the Territory who is
also a member of the Sessional Committee;
(18) the Committee be empowered to consider, disclose and publish the Minutes of Proceedings, evidence taken and records of similar committees established in previous Assemblies; and
(19) the foregoing provisions of this Resolution, so far as they are inconsistent with Standing Orders, have effect notwithstanding anything contained in the Standing Orders.
Question - put and passed.
32. USE AND ABUSE OF ALCOHOL COMMITTEE - SESSIONAL COMMITTEE - APPOINTMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That -
(1) a Committee to be known as the Sessional Committee on Use and Abuse of Alcohol by the Community be appointed comprising, unless otherwise ordered,
Mr Poole, Mr Hatton, Mr Palmer, Mr Bell and Mr Lanhupuy;
(2) the Committee be empowered, unless otherwise ordered, to inquire into and from time to time report on:
(a) current trends in alcohol consumption in the Northern Territory and, as far as possible, differences in
consumption patterns based on regions, age, sex, other demographic characteristics and ethnic factors;
(b) the social and economic consequences of current patterns of alcohol consumption with special
reference to the well-being of individuals and communities and to the demands placed upon
Government and non-government services;
Page 17
(c) the services currently available within the Northern Territory by both Government and non-government agencies to deal with issues directly or indirectly related to alcohol consumption;
(d) factors which directly affect the level and nature of alcohol consumption in the Northern Territory
community or parts of that community, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing:
(i) the accessibility/availability of alcohol within communities including the number of
outlets, nature of licences and proximity of geographic location;
(ii) the demographic, ethnic and industry structure of the Northern Territory; and
(iii) the correlation between socio-economic conditions and alcohol consumption; and
(e) appropriate policies and services for the prevention and treatment of alcohol problems in the Northern
Territory;
(3) the Committee be empowered to send for persons, papers and records, to sit in public or in private session notwithstanding any adjournment of the Assembly,
to adjourn from place to place and have leave to report from time to time its proceedings and the evidence taken and make such interim recommendations as it
may deem fit, and to publish information pertaining to its activities from time to time: the Committee shall make an annual report to the Assembly of its activities;
(4) the Committee be empowered to publish from day to day such papers and evidence as may be ordered by it, and, unless otherwise ordered by the Committee,
a daily Hansard be published of such proceedings as take place in public;
(5) the Committee be empowered to consider, disclose and publish the Minutes of Proceedings, evidence taken and records of the Committee on the use and abuse
of alcohol in the previous Assembly; and
(6) the foregoing provisions of this Resolution, so far as they are inconsistent with the Standing Orders, have effect notwithstanding anything contained in the Standing Orders.
Debate ensued.
Question - put and passed.
Page 18
33. DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES - WARRANT:
The Speaker laid on the Table the following Warrant:
WARRANT
Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 12, I hereby nominate Mr McCarthy, Mr Collins and Mr Lanhupuy to act
as Deputy Chairmen of Committees when requested so to do by the Chairman of Committees.
Given under my hand this fourth day of December, nineteen hundred and ninety.
(Sgd) NICK DONDAS
Speaker
34. NOTICES:
The following notices were given:
Mr Coulter: To present the Debits Tax Bill 1990 (Serial 9).
Mr Hatton: To present the Liquor Amendment Bill (No. 3) 1990 (Serial 11).
Mr Hatton: To present the Liquor Amendment Bill (No. 4) 1990 (Serial 10).
Mr Ortmann: To present the Unit Titles Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 1).
Mr Ortmann: To present the Territory Insurance Office Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 5).
Mr Ortmann: To present the Motor Accidents (Compensation) Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 4).
Mr Ortmann: To present the Housing Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 14).
Mr Ortmann: To present the Work Health Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 19).
Mr Vale: To present the Dog Act Repeal Bill 1990 (Serial 7).
Mr Vale: To present the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 8).
Mr Manzie: To present the Juries Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 12).
Mr Manzie: To present the Building Societies Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 6).
Mr Manzie: To present the Commercial Arbitration Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 3).
Mr Manzie: To present the Food Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 2).
35. BUSINESS NAMES AMENDMENT BILL 1990 (Serial 16); ASSOCIATIONS INCORPORATION AMENDMENT
BILL 1990 (Serial 17); and CORPORATIONS (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) BILL 1990 (Serial 18):
The Attorney-General (Mr Manzie), by leave, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Business Names Act consequential on the enacting of the Corporations (Northern Territory) Act 1990; a Bill for an Act to amend the Associations Incorporation Act consequential on the enacting of the Corporations (Northern Territory) Act 1990; and
a Bill for an Act to amend certain Acts consequential on the enacting of the Corporations (Northern Territory) Act 1990.
Bills read a first time.
Suspension of Standing Orders - Take Four Bills Together:
Mr Manzie moved - That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent four Bills namely the Corporations (Northern Territory) Bill 1990 (Serial 15); the Business Names Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 16); the Associations Incorporation Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 17); and the Corporations (Consequential Amendments) Bill 1990 (Serial 18) -
Page 19
(a) having one motion being put in regard to, respectively, the second readings; the Committee's report stage and the third readings of the Bills together; and
(b) the consideration of the Bills separately in Committee of the Whole.
Question - put and passed.
Ordered - That the motion for the second readings of the Bills be made an order of the day for a later hour.
36. CORPORATIONS (NORTHERN TERRITORY) BILL 1990 (Serial 15); BUSINESS NAMES AMENDMENT BILL 1990 (Serial 16); ASSOCIATIONS INCORPORATION AMENDMENT BILL 1990 (Serial 17); and CORPORATIONS (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) BILL 1990 (Serial 18):
The order of the day having been read for the consideration of the second readings of the Bills -
The Attorney-General (Mr Manzie) moved - That the Bills be now read a second time.
On the motion of the Member for Macdonnell (Mr Bell) debate was adjourned.
37. ADDRESS-IN-REPLY:
The order of the day having been read for debate on the motion of Mr Perron - That the following Address be agreed to:
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR - We, the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory in Parliament assembled, desire to express our loyalty to
our Most Gracious Sovereign, and to thank Your Honour for the Speech which you have been pleased to address to the Assembly.
The Leader of the Opposition seconded the motion.
Debate ensued.
On the motion of the Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter) debate was adjourned.
38. ADJOURNMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter) moved - That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Debate ensued.
Question - put and passed.
The Assembly adjourned at 6.17 p.m. until tomorrow at 10.00 a.m.
__________________
PAPERS TABLED:
The following Papers were deemed to have been presented on 4 December 1990:
Annual Reports:
Department of the Chief Minister, 1989-90
Department of Law, 1989-90
Department of the Legislative Assembly, 1989-90
Mental Health Act 1989-90
Menzies School of Health Research, 1989-90
Public Trustee for the Northern Territory, 1989-90
Publications and Films Review Board, 1989
Work Health Ministerial Advisory Council, 1989-90
Page 20
Financial Administration and Audit Act:
Direction by Treasurer under Section 13(1)(b) transfer of funds saved,
Department of the Chief Minister, dated 9 November 1990
Lands Acquisition Act:
Statement of reasons for compulsory acquisition as a matter of urgency under Section 32(1)(b) - Power Line Corridor
over Ban Ban Springs Pastoral Lease No. 865, dated 4 October 1990
Recommendation under s.103 of Crown Lands Act:
Revocation of Reserve Nos. 977, 1142, 1392, 1458, 1459, 1461, 1464, 1465, 1471, 1462, 1463, 1466, 1467, 1468, 1469, 1470, 1581, 1585, 1600, 1601, 1714 - Town
of Alice Springs, dated 3 December 1990
Regulations 1990:
No. 46, Amendments of Alice Springs (Private Swimming Pool) By-laws
No. 47, Katherine (Council Meetings and Procedures) By-laws
No. 48, Amendments of Mining Regulations
No. 49, Amendments of Real Property Regulations
No. 50, Amendment of Legal Aid (Committees) Regulations
__________________
ATTENDANCE:
All Members attended the sitting except Mr Tipiloura, on leave.
Page 21
__________________________________________________________________________________
Date : 04/12/1990
The First Session of the Sixth Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory was begun and held at Parliament
House, Darwin, on Tuesday, the Fourth day of December, One thousand nine hundred and ninety.
1. On which day, being the first day of the meeting of the First Session of the Sixth Legislative Assembly of the
Northern Territory for the despatch of business pursuant to a Notice published in the Northern Territory Government
Gazette S69 of 19 November 1990, Horace Guy Smith, Clerk of the Assembly, Ian Bruce McNeill, Deputy Clerk,
Graham Phillip Gadd, Clerk-Assistant and Helen Mary Allmich, Serjeant-at-Arms, attending in the said place
according to their duty -
And Members having taken their seats -
The Notice calling the Parliament together was produced and read by the Clerk, as follows:
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978
NOTICE APPOINTING THE TIME FOR THE HOLDING OF THE FIRST SESSION
OF THE SIXTH LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
OF THE SIXTH LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
I, JAMES HENRY MUIRHEAD, the Administrator of the Northern Territory of Australia, in pursuance of section
22(1) of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978 of the Commonwealth, appoint 10 o'clock in the
morning of Tuesday, 4 December 1990, as the time for the commencement of the first session of the Sixth
Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory of Australia, to be held in the Legislative Assembly Chamber, Darwin.
Dated this 19th day of November, 1990.
(L.S.)
(Sgd) J.H. MUIRHEAD
Administrator
Page 1
2. APPROACH OF THE DEPUTY OF THE ADMINISTRATOR:
The approach of the Deputy of His Honour the Administrator was announced by the Serjeant-at-Arms.
The Honourable Keith John Austin Asche, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory of
Australia, entered the Chamber and took the Chair.
The Deputy addressed Members of the Assembly, as follows:
Members of the Assembly, pray be seated -
Members of the Legislative Assembly, His Honour the Administrator, not thinking fit to be present in person at this time,
has been pleased to appoint me his Deputy to do in his name all that is necessary to be performed in
declaring this Assembly open, as will be more fully explained from my Commission which will now be read by the Clerk.
The Honourable Justice Keith John Austin Asche produced his Commission appointing him as the Deputy of the Administrator -
which was then read by the Clerk as follows:
The Clerk read the Commission as follows:
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
His Honour the Administrator of the Northern Territory of Australia.
To: The Honourable Keith John Austin Asche, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory of Australia.
Greeting:
WHEREAS by section 41of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978 the Administrator may appoint
a person, or persons jointly or severally, to be his deputy or deputies in the Territory, or a part of the Territory,
and in that capacity to exercise during the pleasure of the Administrator such powers and functions of the
Administrator as he assigns to the deputy or deputies:
AND WHEREAS, by notice dated 19th November 1990 and published in the Northern Territory Government
Gazette No. S69 on 19 November 1990, I appointed Tuesday 4 December 1990 as the day for the Legislative
Assembly of the Northern Territory of Australia to assemble for the despatch of business; and all Members of
the Legislative Assembly are required to give their attendance accordingly at the Legislative Assembly
Chamber, Darwin, in the Northern Territory of Australia, at 10 o'clock in the morning on that day:
NOW THEREFORE I, James Henry Muirhead, the Administrator of the Northern Territory of Australia, appoint
you to be my deputy within the Northern Territory of Australia to declare open the Legislative Assembly at the
time and place appointed by that notice.
Given under my hand and the Public Seal of the Northern Territory of Australia, this Twenty-sixth day of November,
One thousand nine hundred and ninety.
(L.S.)
(Sgd) J.H. MUIRHEAD
Administrator
Page 2
3. COMMISSION TO ADMINISTER OATHS AND PRESENT SPEAKER:
The Deputy further addressed Members of the Assembly as follows:
Members of the Legislative Assembly:
His Honour the Administrator desires me to inform you that, after all Members present shall have been sworn,
the causes of His Honour calling this Assembly together will be declared by him in person at this place; and it
being necessary that a Speaker of the Legislative Assembly shall be first chosen, you, Members of the
Legislative Assembly, will proceed to choose some proper person to be your Speaker; and later this day the
person whom you shall so choose will present himself to His Honour at such time and place as His Honour shall
appoint.
The Deputy produced his Commission to administer to Members the Oaths or Affirmations of Allegiance and of
office, and directed the Clerk to read the same - Which was then read as follows:
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
His Honour the Administrator of the Northern Territory of Australia.
To: The Honourable Keith John Austin Asche, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory of Australia.
Greeting:
WHEREAS by section 13 of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978 it is, amongst other things,
enacted that every Member of the Legislative Assembly shall, before taking his seat, make and subscribe before
the Administrator, or a person authorized by the Administrator, an oath or affirmation of allegiance in the form
in Schedule 2 to the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978 and an oath or affirmation of office in the
form in Schedule 3 to that Act:
NOW THEREFORE I, JAMES HENRY MUIRHEAD, the Administrator of the Northern Territory of Australia,
command and authorize you to attend at the Legislative Assembly Chamber, Darwin, on Tuesday 4 December
1990 on the opening of the Assembly at 10 o'clock in the morning of that day, and there and then to administer
those oaths or affirmations to such Members of the Legislative Assembly as are present.
Given under my hand and the Public Seal of the Northern Territory of Australia, this 26th Day of November,
One thousand nine hundred and ninety.
(L.S.)
(Sgd) J.H. MUIRHEAD
Administrator
Page 3
4. RETURNS TO WRITS - PAPERS TABLED:
The Clerk produced and laid on the Table the Returns to Writs for the election of Members of the Legislative
Assembly held on 27 October 1990, and the following Members named in the returns made and subscribed the oaths
or affirmations required by law except Mr Tipiloura who was subsequently granted leave of absence for this sitting:
Stanley Gabriel Tipiloura - Arafura
Eric Houguet Poole - Araluen
Wesley Wagner Lanhupuy - Arnhem
Margaret Anne Hickey - Barkly
Roger William Stanley Vale - Braitling
Maxwell Henry Ortmann - Brennan
Nicholas Manuel Dondas - Casuarina
Marshall Bruce Perron - Fannie Bay
Terence Robert McCarthy - Goyder
Denis Wilfred Collins - Greatorex
Richard Alfred Setter - Jingili
Michael James Palmer - Karama
Michael Anthony Reed - Katherine
Frederick Arthur Finch - Leanyer
Neil Randal Bell - Macdonnell
Terence Edward Smith - Millner
Cecilia Noel Padgham-Purich - Nelson
Sydney James Stirling - Nhulunbuy
Stephen Paul Hatton - Nightcliff
Barry Francis Coulter - Palmerston
Shane Leslie Stone - Port Darwin
Daryl William Manzie - Sanderson
Brian Richard Ede - Stuart
Gary Royce Cartwright - Victoria River
John Derek Bailey - Wanguri
The Honourable Justice Keith John Austin Asche then withdrew from the Chamber.
5. ELECTION OF SPEAKER:
The Chief Minister (Mr Perron) addressing the Clerk of the Assembly (Mr H.G. Smith), Acting Chairman of the
Assembly; reminded the Assembly that the time had come when it was necessary for the Assembly to choose one of
its Members to be Speaker -
Whereupon Mr Perron proposed to the Assembly for its Speaker the Member for Casuarina, Mr Dondas, and moved -
That the Member for Casuarina do take the Chair as Speaker.
Which motion was seconded by the Minister for Tourism (Mr Vale) and Mr Dondas accepted the nomination.
The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Ede) proposed to the Assembly for its Speaker the Member for Arnhem,
Mr Lanhupuy and moved - That the Member for Arnhem do take the Chair as Speaker.
Which motion was seconded by the Member for Wanguri (Mr Bailey) and Mr Lanhupuy accepted the nomination.
The time for proposals having expired the Assembly then proceeded to ballot.
Ballot conducted - scrutineers Mr Bell and Mr Setter.
Page 4
The Clerk of the Assembly announced the result of the ballot as Mr Dondas (Casuarina) 16 votes, Mr Lanhupuy
(Arnhem) 8 votes, and declared the Member for Casuarina elected as Speaker in accordance with Standing Orders.
Members having offered congratulations to Mr Speaker - Mr Speaker thanked the Assembly for the high honour it had
conferred upon him, and thereupon took the Chair.
6. PRESENTATION OF SPEAKER TO ADMINISTRATOR:
The Speaker invited honourable Members to accompany him to Committee Room 2 where he would present himself
to His Honour the Administrator as the choice of the Assembly as its Speaker.
__________________
Suspension of sitting: The sitting was suspended between 10.35 and 10.40 a.m.
__________________
The Assembly having resumed -
The Speaker reported that, accompanied by Honourable Members, he had presented himself to His Honour the Administrator as the choice of the Assembly
for its Speaker and His Honour was pleased to congratulate him upon his appointment as Speaker.
7. SPEAKER'S COMMISSION TO ADMINISTER OATHS AND AFFIRMATIONS - PAPER TABLED:
The Speaker announced that he had received from His Honour the Administrator the following Commission to
administer to Members Oaths or Affirmations of Allegiance and of Office, which was laid upon the Table and read by
the Clerk:
The Commission was read by the Clerk, as follows:
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
His Honour the Administrator of the Northern Territory of Australia.
To: The Honourable Nicholas Manuel Dondas, M.L.A.
Greeting:
WHEREAS by section 13 of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978 it is, amongst other things,
enacted that every member of the Legislative Assembly shall, before taking his seat, make and subscribe before
the Administrator, or a person authorized by the Administrator, an oath or affirmation of allegiance in the form
in Schedule 2 to the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978 and an oath or affirmation of office in the
form in Schedule 3 to that Act:
NOW THEREFORE I, JAMES HENRY MUIRHEAD, the Administrator of the Northern Territory of Australia,
command and authorise you from time to time, in the Legislative Assembly Chamber, Darwin, to administer
those oaths or affirmations to such members of the Legislative Assembly as have not already taken and
subscribed them since their election to the Assembly.
Page 5
Given under my hand and the Public Seal of the Northern Territory of Australia, this Fourth day of December,
One thousand nine hundred and ninety."
(L.S.)
(Sgd) J.H. MUIRHEAD
Administrator
8. APPROACH OF HIS HONOUR THE ADMINISTRATOR:
The approach of His Honour the Administrator was announced by the Serjeant-at-Arms.
9. HIS HONOUR'S OPENING ADDRESS:
His Honour the Administrator entered the Chamber, Mr Speaker left the Chair and His Honour, having taken the Chair
delivered his Address declaring the causes of his calling the Assembly together. (Paper 20)
(Text of Speech appears in Hansard)
Upon completing his Address to the Assembly, His Honour was pleased to present the Speaker with a copy of his
Address and retired from the Chamber, led by the Serjeant-at-Arms.
The Speaker resumed the Chair.
10. PRAYERS.
11. MINISTRY AND ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS - MINISTERIAL STATEMENT - PAPER TABLED:
The Chief Minister (Mr Perron), by leave, made a statement informing the Assembly of the appointment of
Ministers, the organization of the government and the division of administrative responsibilities.
Paper tabled: Mr Perron laid on the Table a copy of His Honour the Administrator's Administrative Arrangements
Order, dated 13 November 1990.
MINISTERS, MINISTRIES AND MAJOR FUNCTIONS
HON. M.B. PERRON
. Chief Minister: Department of the Chief Minister; Department of the Legislative Assembly; and Ombudsman.
. Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services: Police Force of the Northern Territory, Fire Services; and Fisheries Protection and Enforcement.
HON. B.F. COULTER
. Treasurer: Northern Territory Treasury; Casino Licensing and Lotteries and Gaming.
. Minister for Mines and Energy: Department of Mines and Energy.
HON. D.W. MANZIE
. Attorney-General: Department of Law; Director of Public Prosecutions; Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission.
. Minister for Health and Community Services: Department of Health and Community Services.
Page 6
HON. S.P. HATTON
. Minister for Industries and Development: Department of Industries and Development; Trade Development Zone Authority and
Racing, Gaming and Liquor Commission.
HON. S.L. STONE
. Minister for Education and the Arts: Department of Education; Northern Territory University; Menzies School of Health Research;
and Northern Territory Teaching Service.
. Minister for Employment and Training: Public Service and Industrial Relations.
HON. F.A. FINCH
. Minister for Transport and Works: Department of Transport and Works; Power and Water Authority; and Darwin Port Authority.
HON. M.A. REED
. Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries: Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries; Quarantine and Primary Production.
. Minister for Conservation: Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory; Museums and Art Galleries Board; and Territory Parks and Wildlife.
. Minister for Correctional Services: Department of Correctional Services.
HON. R.W.S. VALE
. Minister for Tourism: Northern Territory Tourist Commission.
. Minister for Sport, Recreation, Ethnic Affairs and Local Government: Office of Sport, Recreation and Ethnic Affairs;
Northern Territory Totalizator Administration Board; Racing and Betting; Office of Local Government; and Jabiru Town Development Authority.
HON. M.H. ORTMANN
. Minister for Lands and Housing: Department of Lands and Housing; Territory Insurance Office; Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority;
Work Health Authority; and Northern Territory Housing Commission.
OFFICE HOLDERS
HON. B.F. COULTER: Deputy Chief Minister and Leader of Government Business.
Mr R.A. SETTER: Government Whip.
12. OPPOSITION OFFICE HOLDERS - STATEMENT:
The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Ede), by leave, made a statement relating to the Opposition Office Holders.
Page 7
SHADOW MINISTRY AND OPPOSITION OFFICE HOLDERS
MR B.R. EDE - Leader of the Opposition
. Treasury; Police, Fire and Emergency Services; Territory Insurance Office; and Gambling.
MR J.D. BAILEY - Deputy Leader of the Opposition
. Mines and Energy; Industries and Development; and Trade Development Zone.
MR N.R. BELL - Opposition Whip
. Attorney-General; Employment, Education and Training, Arts; N.T. University; and Menzies School of Health.
MR G.R. CARTWRIGHT
. Primary Industry and Fisheries; and Rural Land Policy.
MRS M.A. HICKEY
. Health and Community Services; Housing; and Liquor Commission.
MR W.W. LANHUPUY
. Conservation and Planning; Correctional Services; and Museums.
MR T.E. SMITH
. Tourism; Ethnic Affairs; and Work Health Authority.
MR S.J. STIRLING
. Transport and Works; Power and Water Authority; Sports and Recreation; Racing and the TAB; and Ports and Government Printer.
MR S.G. TIPILOURA
. Local Government; Aboriginal Affairs; Administrative Services; and Libraries.
13. LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Ede) moved - That the Member for Arafura (Mr Tipiloura) be granted leave of
absence for this period of sittings on account of ill health.
Question - put and passed.
14. CORPORATIONS (NORTHERN TERRITORY) BILL 1990 (Serial 15):
The Chief Minister (Mr Perron), by leave, presented a Bill for an Act to apply certain provisions of laws of the Commonwealth relating to corporations,
the securities industry and the futures industry as laws of the Northern
Territory and for other purposes.
Bill read a first time.
On the motion of Mr Perron the second reading of the Bill was made an order of the day for a later hour.
15. CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES - APPOINTMENT:
The Speaker, addressing Members of the Assembly, reminded Members that it is now necessary for the Assembly to
appoint a Member to be its Chairman of Committees -
Whereupon the Chief Minister (Mr Perron) proposed to the Assembly for its Chairman of Committees the Member
for Araluen, Mr Poole, and moved -
That the Member for Araluen be appointed Chairman of Committees.
Page 8
Which motion was seconded by the Minister for Tourism (Mr Vale) and Mr Poole accepted the nomination.
The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Ede) proposed to the Assembly for its Chairman of Committees the Member for Macdonnell, Mr Bell, and moved -
That the Member for Macdonnell be appointed Chairman of Committees.
Which motion was seconded by the Member for Wanguri (Mr Bailey) and Mr Bell accepted the nomination.
The time for motions having expired the Assembly then proceeded to ballot.
Ballot conducted - Scrutineers Mr Bell and Mr Setter.
The Speaker announced the result of the ballot as Mr Poole (Araluen) 16 votes, Mr Bell (Macdonnell) 8 votes, and
declared Mr Poole appointed as Chairman of Committees.
Mr Poole thanked the Assembly for the high honour it had conferred upon him and acknowledged the congratulations
of Members.
16. ADMINISTRATOR'S SPEECH:
Mr Speaker reported to the Assembly that he had received a copy of the Opening Address delivered by His Honour
the Administrator to the Assembly this day.
17. ADDRESS-IN-REPLY:
The Chief Minister (Mr Perron) moved - That the following Address-in-Reply be agreed to:
To His Honour the Administrator of the Northern Territory.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR - We, the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory, in Parliament assembled, desire to
express our loyalty to our Most Gracious Sovereign, and to thank Your Honour for the Speech
which you have been pleased to address to the Assembly.
Ordered - That the debate be adjourned and Mr Perron have leave to continue his remarks on the resumption of the debate.
__________________
Suspension of sitting: The sitting was suspended between 11.27 a.m. and 2.30 p.m.
__________________
18. ADJOURNMENT OF ASSEMBLY - SESSIONAL ORDER:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That, during the present session of the
Assembly, Mr Speaker may, at his discretion and notwithstanding any previous Resolution of the Assembly, appoint a
day and/or time for the holding of a sitting of the Assembly, which day and/or time shall be notified to each Member
in writing.
Question - put and passed.
19. BROADCASTING ADDITIONAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved -
Page 9
(1) That, the following Standing Order be adopted, on a trial basis, as a Sessional Order.
"119A. When Question Time has concluded, following the request of a Minister 'that all further Questions be placed on the Question Paper',
Ministers may answer or give supplementary answers to questions asked on previous days at Question Time or during the debate on the
motion for the adjournment of the Assembly but the total time taken for the giving of such answers shall not exceed 10 minutes."; and
(2) That radio stations 8-TOP FM and 8-CCC be authorised to broadcast direct such answers in accordance with the terms and conditions of
the resolution of the Legislative Assembly of 11 October 1983 as varied by the resolution of 12 November 1985.
Debate ensued.
Question - put and passed.
20. STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE - APPOINTMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That, unless otherwise ordered and pursuant to
Standing Order 17, Mr Speaker, Mr Coulter, Mr Poole, Mr Bell, and Mrs Hickey be appointed as Members of the
Standing Orders Committee.
Question - put and passed.
21. COMMITTEE OF PRIVILEGES - APPOINTMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That, unless otherwise ordered and pursuant to
Standing Order 18, Mr Manzie, Mr McCarthy, Mr Vale, Mr Bell and Mr Smith be appointed as Members of the Committee of Privileges.
Question - put and passed.
22. COMMITTEE OF PRIVILEGES - REFERENCE - MOTION:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That -
(1) the Legislative Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act be referred to the Committee of Privileges for inquiry and report on any amendments
the Committee may consider necessary to recommend to the Assembly;
(2) for the purpose of the inquiry, the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records and to move from place to place;
(3) the Committee shall have leave to make interim reports to the Assembly on any matter which it deems to be of an urgent nature;
(4) the Committee be empowered to consider, disclose and publish the Minutes of Proceedings, evidence and records, which relate to this reference,
taken by the Committee of Privileges in the previous Assembly; and
(5) unless otherwise ordered, the Committee report to the Assembly as soon as possible.
Question - put and passed.
Page 10
23. HOUSE COMMITTEE - APPOINTMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That, unless otherwise ordered and pursuant to
Standing Order 19, Mr Speaker, Mr Palmer, Mrs Padgham-Purich, Mr Bell and Mr Lanhupuy be appointed as
Members of the House Committee.
Debate ensued.
Question - put and passed.
24. PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE - APPOINTMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That, unless otherwise ordered and pursuant to
Standing Order 20, Mr Setter, Mr Poole, Mr Collins, Mr Bailey and Mr Tipiloura be appointed as Members of the Publications Committee.
Question - put and passed.
25. PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE - REFERENCE - MOTION:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That -
(1) the following matter be referred to the Publications Committee for inquiry and report:
(a) the numbers of copies printed of reports and other documents which are normally presented to Parliament and their distribution; and
(b) the availability of such reports and documents and the potential savings which could accrue to the Government by the utilisation of electronic distribution;
(2) for the purposes of the inquiry the Committee have power to move from place to place; and
(3) the Committee be empowered to consider, disclose and publish the Minutes of Proceedings, evidence and records, which relate to this reference, taken by the
Publications Committee in the previous Assembly.
Question - put and passed.
26. SUBORDINATE LEGISLATION AND TABLED PAPERS COMMITTEE - APPOINTMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That, unless otherwise ordered and pursuant to
Standing Order 21, Mr Setter, Mr Palmer, Mr Poole, Mr Smith and Mr Stirling be appointed as Members of the Subordinate Legislation and Tabled Papers Committee.
Question - put and passed.
27. PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE - APPOINTMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That, unless otherwise ordered and pursuant to Standing Order 21A, Mr Palmer, Mr Poole,
Mr Setter, Mr Bailey and Mr Stirling be appointed as Members of the
Public Accounts Committee.
Question - put and passed.
28. COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS - REFERENCES - MOTIONS:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That -
Page 11
(1) the actual and contingent liabilities of the Northern Territory Government in respect of -
(i) the Yulara Development; and
(ii) the Alice Springs Sheraton,
with particular reference to -
(a) an examination of the amounts paid out in support of the Alice Springs Sheraton and the Yulara Development in 1988-89 to determine why
expenditure was greater than estimated;
(b) an examination of changes in external conditions impinging on the financial projections for the two projects;
(c) an examination of the short and long-term consequences of the pilots' strike on the financial projections for the projects;
(d) the accuracy of the original projections;
(e) the anticipated exposure of the Northern Territory Government; and
(f) the conditions under which disposal of the Government interest in those assets would benefit the Northern Territory Government; and
(2) the Public Accounts Committee be empowered to meet, review and report on the situation at the end of each financial year's trading; and
(3) the Committee be empowered to consider, disclose and publish the Minutes of Proceedings, evidence and records, which relate to this reference, taken by
the Public Accounts Committee in the previous Assembly.
Debate ensued.
Question - put and passed.
Mr Coulter, by leave, further moved - That -
(1) this Assembly notes the recommendations of the Auditor-General specifically made to the Assembly on pages 16 and 17 of his Annual Report for the
year ended 30 June 1989; and
(2) those recommendations of the Auditor-General contained in paragraphs headed:
(a) Ex-"Summary of Audit Matters arising";
(b) Ex-"Government as a Whole";
(c) Ex-"Departments"; and
(d) Ex-"Corporations";
be referred to the Public Accounts Committee and that the Committee undertake the reviews recommended therein and report to the Assembly; and
Page 12
(3) the Committee be empowered to consider, disclose and publish the Minutes of Proceedings, evidence and records, which relate to this reference, taken by
the Public Accounts Committee in the previous Assembly.
Question - put and passed.
29. SESSIONAL COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT - APPOINTMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That, during the present session of the Assembly -
(1) a Committee to be known as the Sessional Committee on the Environment be appointed comprising, unless otherwise ordered,
Mr McCarthy, Mr Palmer, Mr Poole, Mr Bailey and Mr Lanhupuy.
(2) the Committee be empowered, unless otherwise ordered, to inquire into and from time to time report upon and make recommendations on:
(a) all matters relating to uranium mining and processing activities and their effects on the environment within the Alligator Rivers Region; and
(b) any matter relating to mining and/or the environment within the Northern Territory which is referred to it by -
(i) the relevant Minister; or
(ii) resolution of the Legislative Assembly;
(3) the Committee be empowered to send for persons, papers and records, to sit in public or in private session notwithstanding any adjournment of the Assembly,
to adjourn from place to place and have leave to report from time to time its proceedings and the evidence taken and make such interim recommendations as
it may deem fit, and to publish information pertaining to its activities from time to time;
(4) the Committee be empowered to publish from day to day such papers and evidence as may be ordered by it and, unless otherwise ordered by the Committee,
a daily Hansard be published of such proceedings as take place in public;
(5) the Committee be empowered to consider, disclose and publish the Minutes of Proceedings, evidence taken and records of similar Committees appointed in
previous Assemblies; and
(6) the foregoing provisions of this Resolution, so far as they are inconsistent with the Standing Orders, have effect notwithstanding anything contained in the
Standing Orders.
Question - put and passed.
30. NEW PARLIAMENT HOUSE COMMITTEE - SESSIONAL COMMITTEE - APPOINTMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That, during the present Session of the Assembly -
Page 13
(1) a Committee to be known as the New Parliament House Committee be appointed comprising, unless otherwise ordered, Mr Speaker,
Mr Finch, Mr Setter, Mr Ede and Mr Stirling;
(2) the Committee act for and represent the Legislative Assembly in all matters concerned with the planning, design and construction of any
interim accommodation proposed for the Legislative Assembly, its Committees, Members and Officers and all matters incidental thereto;
(3) the Committee act for and represent the Legislative Assembly, as the client for the new Parliament House, in all matters concerned with the
planning, design and construction of the new Parliament House and all matters incidental thereto;
(4) the Parliament House Competition brief, as revised by the previous Committee, shall be used as the basis for the design and construction of
the new Parliament House, unless otherwise ordered by the Assembly or unless the Committee resolves to reconsider any section of the revised brief;
(5) the Committee also consider and report on any matter relating to the planning, design and construction of the new Parliament House and matters
incidental thereto or any matter relating to the planning, design and construction of interim accommodation proposed for the Legislative Assembly,
its Committees, Members and Officers as may be referred to it by -
(a) the relevant Minister; or
(b) Resolution of the Legislative Assembly;
(6) the Committee be empowered, with the approval of the Speaker, to employ necessary staff and be provided with such facilities and resources as it may
from time to time require;
(7) the Committee report and make recommendations to the Assembly on these matters from time to time;
(8) the Committee have power to send for persons, papers and records, to sit in public or in private session, notwithstanding any adjournment of the Assembly,
to adjourn from place to place, and have leave to report from time to time its proceedings and the evidence taken and such interim recommendations as it may deem fit;
(9) the Committee be empowered to print from day to day such papers and evidence as may be ordered by it and unless otherwise ordered by the Committee, a daily
Hansard be published of such proceedings as take place in public;
(10) the Committee be empowered to consider, disclose and publish the Minutes of Proceedings, evidence taken and records of similar Committees established in
previous Assemblies; and
(11) the following be declared stages in the design and construction of the new parliament house -
Page 14
(a) design development;
(b) detailed architectural documentation; and
(c) interior design, including -
(i) approval of proposals;
(ii) approval of documentation; and
(iii) final acceptance of fit-out and finishes;
(12) work shall not be commenced or carried out on a declared stage in the design or construction of parliament house unless the New Parliament House Committee
or one or its subcommittees, has passed a resolution authorizing the commencement of work on that stage or unless commencement of work on a stage has been authorized by the previous Committee or one of its sub-committees in the previous Assembly;
(13) the New Parliament House Committee shall report any such authorization to the Legislative Assembly when the Assembly next meets; and
(14) the foregoing provisions of this Resolution, so far as they are inconsistent with Standing Orders, have effect notwithstanding anything contained in the Standing Orders.
Question - put and passed.
31. CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - SESSIONAL COMMITTEE - APPOINTMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That -
WHEREAS this Assembly is of the opinion that when the Northern Territory of Australia becomes a new State it
should do so as a member of the Federation in terms resulting in equality with the other States with its people having
the same constitutional rights, privileges, entitlements and responsibilities as the people of the existing States;
AND WHEREAS IN SO FAR AS it is constitutionally possible the equality should apply as on the date of the grant of
statehood to the new state;
AND WHEREAS it is necessary to draft a new State Constitution:
(1) during the present session of this Assembly - a Committee, to be known as the Sessional Committee on Constitutional Development,
be established to inquire into, report and make recommendations to the Legislative Assembly on:
(a) a Constitution for the new State and the principles upon which it should be drawn, including:
(i) legislative powers;
(ii) executive powers;
(iii) judicial powers; and
(iv) the method to be adopted to have a draft new State Constitution approved by or on behalf of
the people of the Northern Territory;
Page 15
(b) the issues, conditions and procedures pertinent to the entry of the Northern Territory into the Federation as a new State; and
(c) such other constitutional and legal matters as may be referred to it by:
(i) relevant Ministers; or
(ii) resolution of the Assembly;
(2) the Committee undertake a role in promoting the awareness of constitutional issues to the Northern Territory and Australian populations;
(3) unless otherwise ordered, the Committee consist of Mr Hatton, Mr McCarthy, Mr Setter, Mr Bailey,
Mr Cartwright; and Mr Lanhupuy;
(4) the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, although not members of the Committee, may attend all meetings of the Committee; may question
witnesses; and may participate in the deliberations of the Committee, but shall not vote;
(5) the Chairman of the Committee may, from time to time, appoint a member of the Committee to be the Deputy Chairman of the Committee and the member
so appointed shall act as Chairman of the Committee at any time when there is no Chairman or when the Chairman is not present at a meeting of the Committee;
(6) in the event of an equality of voting, the Chairman, or the Deputy Chairman when acting as Chairman, shall have a casting vote;
(7) the Committee have power to appoint sub-committees and to refer to any such sub-committee any matter which the Committee is empowered to examine;
(8) four members of the Committee constitute a quorum of the Committee and two members of a sub-committee constitute a quorum of a sub-committee;
(9) the Committee or any sub-committee have power to send for persons, papers and records, to adjourn from place to place, to meet and transact business in
public or private session and to sit during any adjournment of the Assembly;
(10) the Committee shall be empowered to print from day to day such papers and evidence as may be ordered by it and, unless otherwise ordered by the Committee,
a daily Hansard shall be published of such proceedings of the Committee as take place in public;
(11) the Committee have leave to report to the Assembly from time to time and any member of the Committee have power to add a protest or dissent to any report;
(12) the Committee report to the Assembly as soon as possible after 30 June each year on its activities during the preceding financial year;
Page 16
(13) unless otherwise ordered by the Committee, all documents received by the Committee during its inquiry shall remain in the custody of the Assembly provided that,
on the application of a department or person, any document, if not likely to be further required, may, in the Speaker's discretion, be return to the Department or person from whom it was obtained;
(14) members of the public and representatives of the news media may attend and report any public session of the Committee, unless otherwise ordered by the Committee;
(15) the Committee may authorize the televising of public hearings of the Committee under such rules as the Speaker considers appropriate;
(16) the Committee shall be provided with all necessary staff, facilities and resources and shall be empowered, with the approval of the Speaker, to appoint persons with specialist knowledge for the purposes of the Committee;
(17) nothing in these terms of reference or in the Standing Orders shall be taken to limit or control the duties, powers or functions of any Minister of the Territory who is
also a member of the Sessional Committee;
(18) the Committee be empowered to consider, disclose and publish the Minutes of Proceedings, evidence taken and records of similar committees established in previous Assemblies; and
(19) the foregoing provisions of this Resolution, so far as they are inconsistent with Standing Orders, have effect notwithstanding anything contained in the Standing Orders.
Question - put and passed.
32. USE AND ABUSE OF ALCOHOL COMMITTEE - SESSIONAL COMMITTEE - APPOINTMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter), by leave, moved - That -
(1) a Committee to be known as the Sessional Committee on Use and Abuse of Alcohol by the Community be appointed comprising, unless otherwise ordered,
Mr Poole, Mr Hatton, Mr Palmer, Mr Bell and Mr Lanhupuy;
(2) the Committee be empowered, unless otherwise ordered, to inquire into and from time to time report on:
(a) current trends in alcohol consumption in the Northern Territory and, as far as possible, differences in
consumption patterns based on regions, age, sex, other demographic characteristics and ethnic factors;
(b) the social and economic consequences of current patterns of alcohol consumption with special
reference to the well-being of individuals and communities and to the demands placed upon
Government and non-government services;
Page 17
(c) the services currently available within the Northern Territory by both Government and non-government agencies to deal with issues directly or indirectly related to alcohol consumption;
(d) factors which directly affect the level and nature of alcohol consumption in the Northern Territory
community or parts of that community, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing:
(i) the accessibility/availability of alcohol within communities including the number of
outlets, nature of licences and proximity of geographic location;
(ii) the demographic, ethnic and industry structure of the Northern Territory; and
(iii) the correlation between socio-economic conditions and alcohol consumption; and
(e) appropriate policies and services for the prevention and treatment of alcohol problems in the Northern
Territory;
(3) the Committee be empowered to send for persons, papers and records, to sit in public or in private session notwithstanding any adjournment of the Assembly,
to adjourn from place to place and have leave to report from time to time its proceedings and the evidence taken and make such interim recommendations as it
may deem fit, and to publish information pertaining to its activities from time to time: the Committee shall make an annual report to the Assembly of its activities;
(4) the Committee be empowered to publish from day to day such papers and evidence as may be ordered by it, and, unless otherwise ordered by the Committee,
a daily Hansard be published of such proceedings as take place in public;
(5) the Committee be empowered to consider, disclose and publish the Minutes of Proceedings, evidence taken and records of the Committee on the use and abuse
of alcohol in the previous Assembly; and
(6) the foregoing provisions of this Resolution, so far as they are inconsistent with the Standing Orders, have effect notwithstanding anything contained in the Standing Orders.
Debate ensued.
Question - put and passed.
Page 18
33. DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES - WARRANT:
The Speaker laid on the Table the following Warrant:
WARRANT
Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 12, I hereby nominate Mr McCarthy, Mr Collins and Mr Lanhupuy to act
as Deputy Chairmen of Committees when requested so to do by the Chairman of Committees.
Given under my hand this fourth day of December, nineteen hundred and ninety.
(Sgd) NICK DONDAS
Speaker
34. NOTICES:
The following notices were given:
Mr Coulter: To present the Debits Tax Bill 1990 (Serial 9).
Mr Hatton: To present the Liquor Amendment Bill (No. 3) 1990 (Serial 11).
Mr Hatton: To present the Liquor Amendment Bill (No. 4) 1990 (Serial 10).
Mr Ortmann: To present the Unit Titles Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 1).
Mr Ortmann: To present the Territory Insurance Office Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 5).
Mr Ortmann: To present the Motor Accidents (Compensation) Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 4).
Mr Ortmann: To present the Housing Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 14).
Mr Ortmann: To present the Work Health Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 19).
Mr Vale: To present the Dog Act Repeal Bill 1990 (Serial 7).
Mr Vale: To present the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 8).
Mr Manzie: To present the Juries Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 12).
Mr Manzie: To present the Building Societies Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 6).
Mr Manzie: To present the Commercial Arbitration Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 3).
Mr Manzie: To present the Food Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 2).
35. BUSINESS NAMES AMENDMENT BILL 1990 (Serial 16); ASSOCIATIONS INCORPORATION AMENDMENT
BILL 1990 (Serial 17); and CORPORATIONS (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) BILL 1990 (Serial 18):
The Attorney-General (Mr Manzie), by leave, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Business Names Act consequential on the enacting of the Corporations (Northern Territory) Act 1990; a Bill for an Act to amend the Associations Incorporation Act consequential on the enacting of the Corporations (Northern Territory) Act 1990; and
a Bill for an Act to amend certain Acts consequential on the enacting of the Corporations (Northern Territory) Act 1990.
Bills read a first time.
Suspension of Standing Orders - Take Four Bills Together:
Mr Manzie moved - That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent four Bills namely the Corporations (Northern Territory) Bill 1990 (Serial 15); the Business Names Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 16); the Associations Incorporation Amendment Bill 1990 (Serial 17); and the Corporations (Consequential Amendments) Bill 1990 (Serial 18) -
Page 19
(a) having one motion being put in regard to, respectively, the second readings; the Committee's report stage and the third readings of the Bills together; and
(b) the consideration of the Bills separately in Committee of the Whole.
Question - put and passed.
Ordered - That the motion for the second readings of the Bills be made an order of the day for a later hour.
36. CORPORATIONS (NORTHERN TERRITORY) BILL 1990 (Serial 15); BUSINESS NAMES AMENDMENT BILL 1990 (Serial 16); ASSOCIATIONS INCORPORATION AMENDMENT BILL 1990 (Serial 17); and CORPORATIONS (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) BILL 1990 (Serial 18):
The order of the day having been read for the consideration of the second readings of the Bills -
The Attorney-General (Mr Manzie) moved - That the Bills be now read a second time.
On the motion of the Member for Macdonnell (Mr Bell) debate was adjourned.
37. ADDRESS-IN-REPLY:
The order of the day having been read for debate on the motion of Mr Perron - That the following Address be agreed to:
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR - We, the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory in Parliament assembled, desire to express our loyalty to
our Most Gracious Sovereign, and to thank Your Honour for the Speech which you have been pleased to address to the Assembly.
The Leader of the Opposition seconded the motion.
Debate ensued.
On the motion of the Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter) debate was adjourned.
38. ADJOURNMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Coulter) moved - That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Debate ensued.
Question - put and passed.
The Assembly adjourned at 6.17 p.m. until tomorrow at 10.00 a.m.
__________________
PAPERS TABLED:
The following Papers were deemed to have been presented on 4 December 1990:
Annual Reports:
Department of the Chief Minister, 1989-90
Department of Law, 1989-90
Department of the Legislative Assembly, 1989-90
Mental Health Act 1989-90
Menzies School of Health Research, 1989-90
Public Trustee for the Northern Territory, 1989-90
Publications and Films Review Board, 1989
Work Health Ministerial Advisory Council, 1989-90
Page 20
Financial Administration and Audit Act:
Direction by Treasurer under Section 13(1)(b) transfer of funds saved,
Department of the Chief Minister, dated 9 November 1990
Lands Acquisition Act:
Statement of reasons for compulsory acquisition as a matter of urgency under Section 32(1)(b) - Power Line Corridor
over Ban Ban Springs Pastoral Lease No. 865, dated 4 October 1990
Recommendation under s.103 of Crown Lands Act:
Revocation of Reserve Nos. 977, 1142, 1392, 1458, 1459, 1461, 1464, 1465, 1471, 1462, 1463, 1466, 1467, 1468, 1469, 1470, 1581, 1585, 1600, 1601, 1714 - Town
of Alice Springs, dated 3 December 1990
Regulations 1990:
No. 46, Amendments of Alice Springs (Private Swimming Pool) By-laws
No. 47, Katherine (Council Meetings and Procedures) By-laws
No. 48, Amendments of Mining Regulations
No. 49, Amendments of Real Property Regulations
No. 50, Amendment of Legal Aid (Committees) Regulations
__________________
ATTENDANCE:
All Members attended the sitting except Mr Tipiloura, on leave.
Page 21
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016