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Minutes of Proceedings - 2005-03-22

OPENING OF ALICE SPRINGS REGIONAL SITTINGS 2005

Members of the Assembly and Clerk, Mr Ian McNeill and Deputy Clerk, Mr David Horton assembled in the Alice Springs Convention Centre pursuant to resolution of the Assembly dated 17 March 2005.

And Members having taken their seats -

The Speaker Mrs Braham after having been announced to Members by the Serjeant-at-Arms Mrs Helen Allmich and taken the Chair, with the concurrence of Members at 9am -

Directed the Serjeant-at-Arms to escort onto the floor of the Chamber His Honour the Administrator, Mr Ted Egan AO; Traditional Owner, Mr Thomas Stevens; and Her Worship the Mayor of Alice Springs, Ms Fran Kilgariff.

Official guests Mr Thomas Stevens and His Honour the Administrator, Mr Ted Egan AO thereupon addressed guests and Members.

The Chief Minister, Ms Clare Martin and Leader of the Opposition, Mr Denis Burke addressed the Assembly in response to the welcome.

Her Worship the Mayor of Alice Springs, Ms Fran Kilgariff addressed assembled guests and Members.

The Serjeant-at-Arms escorted the official visitors from the Chamber and the Speaker addressed the Chamber on behalf of all Members and thanked the official visitors for their speeches and words of welcome.
_______________


1. MEETING:
      The Assembly met at 9.30am, pursuant to resolution of the Assembly, dated Thursday, 17 February 2005. The Speaker, the Honourable L. M. Braham, took the Chair.

2. PRAYERS.

3. COMMONWEALTH DAY MESSAGE, MARCH 2005:
      The Speaker laid on the Table the Commonwealth Day Message, dated 14 March 2005 and advised that the text of the Message would be incorporated in Hansard.
4. PETITION:
      The Member for Araluen (Ms Carney), by leave, presented a petition from 136 petitioners relating to public housing tenants in Alice Springs (Paper 1656).
      Petition read.
      Response to petitions: The Clerk, pursuant to Standing Order 100A, laid on the Table a response to petition No. 66 relating to child care and home birth practice. (Paper 1657)
5. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS - EVENTS OF ASSEMBLY OCCURRING ON 17 FEBRUARY 2005 - MOTION NEGATIVED:
      The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Burke) moved - That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent debate on certain events of the last sitting day of the last sittings of the Assembly relating to provocative comments made by the Member for Johnston (Dr Burns) to the Member for Macdonnell (Mr Elferink).
      Debate ensued.
      The Leader of Government Business (Mr Henderson) moved - That the question be now put.
      Question - That the question be now put - put.
      The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. L. M. Braham, in the Chair) -

      AYES, 12 NOES, 11

      Mrs Aagaard Mr Baldwin
      Mr Ah Kit Mr Burke
      Mr Bonson Ms Carney
      Dr Burns Ms Carter
      Mr Henderson Mr Dunham
      Mr Kiely Mr Elferink
      Ms Lawrie Dr Lim
      Ms Martin Mr Maley
      Mr McAdam Mrs Miller
      Mr Stirling Mr Mills
      Dr Toyne Mr Wood
      Mr Vatskalis

      And so it was resolved in the affirmative.
      Question - That the motion be agreed to - put and negatived.
6. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS TO CENSURE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURE, DR BURNS - MOTION NEGATIVED:
      The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Burke) moved - That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent him moving a motion censuring the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure (Dr Burns) for his comments relating to events which occurred on 17 February 2005 and the Chief Minister for failing to sack Dr Burns for his actions.
      Debate ensued.
      The Leader of Government Business (Mr Henderson) moved - That the question be now put.
      Question - That the question be now put - put.
      The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. L. M. Braham, in the Chair) -

      AYES, 12 NOES, 10

      Mrs Aagaard Mr Baldwin
      Mr Ah Kit Mr Burke
      Mr Bonson Ms Carney
      Dr Burns Ms Carter
      Mr Henderson Mr Dunham
      Mr Kiely Mr Elferink
      Ms Lawrie Dr Lim
      Ms Martin Mr Maley
      Mr McAdam Mrs Miller
      Mr Stirling Mr Mills
      Dr Toyne
      Mr Vatskalis

      And so it was resolved in the affirmative.
      Question - That the motion be agreed to - put.
      Question negatived on the voices accordingly.
7. MINISTERIAL REPORTS:
      Youth Initiatives: The Chief Minister (Ms Martin) reported on the implementation of government events promoting youth initiatives; Young Achievers Awards, Youth Round Table, Youth Week, Bush Bands Bash, and Bass in the Dust concerts.
      Mr Burke responded thereto.

      Teacher Support Unit: The Minister for Employment, Education and Training (Mr Stirling) reported on the operations of the Teacher Support Unit in the Department of Education to facilitate help for teachers in remote areas to enhance their access to educational and everyday administrative support.
      Dr Lim responded thereto.
      Mr Stirling responded accordingly.

      Alice Springs Hospital, staffing: The Minister for Health (Dr Toyne) reported on recent issues relating to the Alice Springs Hospital staffing and building fire safety shortcomings.
      Ms Carney responded thereto.
      Dr Toyne responded accordingly.

      Wizard Cup Challenge and Imparja Cup: The Minister for Sport and Recreation (Mr Ah Kit) reported on the conduct of the Wizard Cup Challenge and Imparja Cup matches in Central Australia.
      Mr Elferink responded thereto.
      Mr Ah Kit responded accordingly.

      Ministerial Reports noted, pursuant to Sessional Order.

8. LEGAL PRACTITIONERS AMENDMENT BILL 2005 (Serial 279):
      The Order of the Day having been read for the resumption of debate on the question - That the Bill be now read a second time -
      Debate resumed.
      Question - put and passed.
      Bill read a second time.
      Leave granted for a motion for the third reading of the Bill to be moved forthwith.
      On the motion of the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General (Dr Toyne) the Bill was read a third time and passed to be a proposed law.
9. STANDARD TIME BILL 2005 (Serial 282):
      The Order of the Day having been read for the resumption of debate on the question - That the Bill be now read a second time -
      Debate resumed.
      Question - put and passed.
      Bill read a second time.
      Leave granted for a motion for the third reading of the Bill to be moved forthwith.
      On the motion of the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General (Dr Toyne) the Bill was read a third time and passed to be a proposed law.
10. ROUTINE OF BUSINESS:
      The Leader of Government Business (Mr Henderson) moved - That intervening business be postponed until after consideration of the Routine of Business, Ministerial Statements.
      Question - put and passed.
11. CENTRAL AUSTRALIA, ACHIEVEMENTS AND INITIATIVES - MINISTERIAL STATEMENT - MOTION TO NOTE STATEMENT:
      The Chief Minister (Ms Martin) made a statement relating to government initiatives and achievements in support of industries, local development and housing; and social fabric infrastructure in Central Australia.
      Ms Martin moved - That the Assembly take note of the Statement.
      Debate ensued.
      Extension of time: On the motion of the Leader of Government Business (Mr Henderson) an extension of time was granted to the Minister for Employment, Education and Training (Mr Stirling).
      Debate continued.
______________

      Suspension of sittings: The sittings of the Assembly was suspended between 12.13pm and 1.30pm.
______________

12. NOTICES:
      The following notices were given -
      Ms Martin: To present the Trans-Territory Pipeline and Blacktip Gas Projects (Special Provisions) Bill 2005 (Serial 285).
      Dr Toyne: To present the Justice Portfolio (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2005 (Serial 283).
      Dr Toyne: To Present the Classification of Publications, Films and Computer Games Amendment Bill 2005 (Serial 284).

13. LEAVE OF ABSENCE - MS SCRYMGOUR:
      The Leader of Government Business (Mr Henderson) moved - That leave of absence be granted to the Member for Arafura (Ms Scrymgour) for this day due to ill health.
      Question - put and passed.

14. QUESTIONS:
      1.31pm Mr Burke to Ms Martin.
      1.36pm Mr McAdam to Ms Martin.
      1.39pm Mr Burke to Ms Martin.
      1.41pm Mr Bonson to Dr Toyne.
      1.44pm Mr Wood to Dr Toyne and referred to Dr Burns.
      1.48pm Mr Burke to Dr Toyne.
      1.50pm Mr Kiely to Dr Burns.
      1.53pm Mr Burke to Dr Toyne.
      1.54pm Mr Wood to Mr Ah Kit.
      1.57pm Ms Lawrie to Mr Henderson.
      2.03pm Mr Burke to Dr Toyne.
      2.04pm Mrs Aagaard to Mr Stirling.
      2.11pm Mr Burke to Dr Toyne.
      2.12pm Mr Wood to Mr Stirling.
      2.16pm Mr McAdam to Dr Toyne.
      2.19pm Mr Burke to Ms Martin.
      2.23pm Mr Bonson to Mr Stirling.
      2.26pm Mr Burke to Ms Martin.

      And the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Burke) proposing to suspend Standing Orders to move a motion to censure the Chief Minister -

      The Leader of Government Business (Mr Henderson) asked that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.

15. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS TO CENSURE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURE, DR BURNS - MOTION NEGATIVED:
      The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Burke) moved - That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent him moving a motion relating to the comments of the Member for Johnston (Dr Burns) on 17 February 2005 and censuring the Chief Minister for failing to sack him as Minister for Transport and Infrastructure.
      The Leader of Government Business (Mr Henderson) moved - That the question be now put.
      Question - That the question be now put - put.
      The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. L. M. Braham, in the Chair) -

      AYES, 12 NOES, 10

      Mrs Aagaard Mr Baldwin
      Mr Ah Kit Mr Burke
      Mr Bonson Ms Carney
      Dr Burns Ms Carter
      Mr Henderson Mr Dunham
      Mr Kiely Mr Elferink
      Ms Lawrie Dr Lim
      Ms Martin Mr Maley
      Mr McAdam Mrs Miller
      Mr Stirling Mr Mills
      Dr Toyne
      Mr Vatskalis

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

      AYES, 10 NOES, 12

      Mr Baldwin Mrs Aagaard
      Mr Burke Mr Ah Kit
      Ms Carney Mr Bonson
      Ms Carter Dr Burns
      Mr Dunham Mr Henderson
      Mr Elferink Mr Kiely
      Dr Lim Ms Lawrie
      Mr Maley Ms Martin
      Mrs Miller Mr McAdam
      Mr Mills Mr Stirling
      Dr Toyne
      Mr Vatskalis

      Motion negatived accordingly.
16. INITIATIVES AND ACHIEVEMENTS IN CENTRAL AUSTRALIA - MINISTERIAL STATEMENT - MOTION TO NOTE STATEMENT:
      The Order of the Day having been read for the resumption of debate, suspended earlier this day, on the question - That the Assembly take note of the Statement -
      Debate resumed.
      Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Macdonnell (Mr Elferink) the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General (Dr Toyne) was granted an extension of time.
      Debate continued.
      Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Araluen (Ms Carney) the Member for Macdonnell (Mr Elferink) was granted an extension of time.
      Debate continued.
      Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Araluen (Ms Carney) the Member for Arnhem (Mr Ah Kit) was granted an extension of time.
      Debate continued.
      Paper tabled: The Member for Araluen (Ms Carney), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper -
Letter, Sleep Deprivation Again (Paper 1666).
      Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Macdonnell (Mr Elferink) the Member for Araluen (Ms Carney) was granted an extension of time.
      Debate continued.
      Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Wanguri (Mr Henderson) the Minister for Transport and Industry (Dr Burns) was granted an extension of time.
      Debate continued.
      On the motion of the Leader of Government Business (Mr Henderson) debate was adjourned.
17. ORDER OF BUSINESS:
      The Leader of Government Business (Mr Henderson) moved - That Government Business, Order of the Day No. 3 relating to the Ministerial Statement - Building on the Territory's Diversity, be called on forthwith.
      Question - put and passed.
18. BUILDING ON THE TERRITORY'S DIVERSITY - STATEMENT NOTED:
      The Order of the Day having been read for the resumption of debate on the question- That the Assembly take note of the Statement -
      Debate resumed.
      ________________

      Suspension of sittings: The sittings of the Assembly was suspended between 6.04pm and 7.30pm.
      ________________

      Debate resumed.
      Question - put and passed.
19. ADJOURNMENT:
      The Minister for Mines and Energy (Mr Vatskalis) moved – That the Assembly do now adjourn.
      Debate ensued.
      Papers tabled: The Member for Macdonnell (Mr Elferink), by leave, laid on the Table the following Papers -
Letters, re police investigation and subsequent briefing of Chief Minister - Mr Terry Mills, Member for Blain to Hon Paul Henderson Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services dated 16 August 2004 - Mr John Elferink, Member for Macdonnell to Mr Paul White Commissioner for Police, Fire and Emergency Services dated 15 February 2005 - Hon Paul Henderson to Mr John Elferink dated 24 February 2005 - Mr John Elferink to Mr Peter Boyce Ombudsman dated 15 March 2005 (Paper 1667 and 1668).

      Debate continued.
      Question – put and passed.
      The Assembly adjourned at 10.19pm, until 9.30am Wednesday 23 March 2005 at the Alice Springs Convention Centre.
      –––––––––––––––––
      PAPERS:
      The following Papers were deemed to have been presented on Tuesday, 22 March 2005 –

      Annual Reports:
      National Trust of Australia (NT) 2003/2004 (Paper 1664)
      Parole Board of the Northern Territory, 2004 (Paper 1660)

      Coroners Act:
      Section 46B Response to Deputy Coroner’s Findings - Statement in Relation to the Coronial Findings and Recommendation into the Death of a 15 year old girl at Batchelor on 7 March 2004 (Paper 1661)

      Financial Management Act:
      Transfer of Excess Allocations between purposes of same Agency, pursuant to section 20(1A), dated 4 February 2005 (Paper 1662)
      Increase of Treasurer’s Advance, pursuant to section 19(1), signed Administrator, dated 21 February 2005 and Statement under section 19(4) (Paper 1663)

      Police Administration Act:
      Consent Agreement between Hon. Syd Stirling, Minister for Employment, Education and Training and Mr Vincent Michael Kelly, President, Northern Territory Police Association Inc., Re Remote Electricity Subsidy, pursuant to section 51, dated 13 January 2005 (Paper 1665)

      Regulations 2005:
      No. 4, Fisheries Amendment (Spanish Mackerel Fishery) Regulations (Paper 1658)
      No. 5, Motor Vehicles (Fees and Charges) Amendment (Heavy Vehicles) Regulations (Paper 1659)
–––––––––––––––––
      ATTENDANCE:
      All Members attended the sitting except Ms Scrymgour, on leave.
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016
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