Department of the Legislative Assembly, Northern Territory Government

Minutes of Proceedings - 2001-10-16

The First Session of the Ninth Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory began in the Legislative Assembly Chamber, Darwin, on Tuesday the sixteenth day of October, Two thousand and one.

1. On which day, being the first day of the meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory for the despatch of business pursuant to a Notice published in the Northern Territory Government Gazette S43 of 1 October 2001, Ian Bruce McNeill, Clerk of the Assembly; David John Horton, 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 Legislative Assembly together was read by the Clerk, as follows:
NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA

Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978 of the Commonwealth

NOTICE APPOINTING THE TIME FOR HOLDING THE FIRST
SESSION OF THE NINTH LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

    I, JOHN CHRISTOPHER ANICTOMATIS, 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 10.00 o’clock in the morning of Tuesday 16 October 2001 as the
    time for the commencement of the first session of the Ninth Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory of Australia to be held in the
    Legislative Assembly Chamber, Darwin.
    Dated 27 September 2001.
    (Sgd) J C ANICTOMATIS
    Administrator (Paper 1)

2. APPROACH OF THE ADMINISTRATOR – DECLARING ASSEMBLY OPEN:
The approach of His Honour the Administrator was announced by the Serjeant-at-Arms.
Mr J C Anictomatis AO entered the Chamber and took the Chair.
The Administrator addressed Members of the Assembly as follows:
    Members of the Legislative Assembly and guests, please be seated -

    Members of the Legislative Assembly, pursuant to section 22 of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978 of the Commonwealth, I appointed 10.00 o’clock in the morning of Tuesday 16 October 2001, as the day for the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory of Australia to assemble for the despatch of business and required all Members of the Legislative Assembly to give their attendance in the Legislative Assembly Chamber.

    I declare open the first session of the 9th Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory.
3. ADMINISTRATOR - OATHS AND AFFIRMATIONS OF MEMBERS:
The Administrator further addressed Members of the Assembly as follows:

Members of the Legislative Assembly, pursuant to section 13 of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978 of the Commonwealth it is, amongst other things, enacted that every member of the Legislative Assembly shall, before taking his or her 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 of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978 and an oath or affirmation of office in the form in Schedule 3 of that Act.

4. RETURNS TO WRITS
The Clerk of the Legislative Assembly laid on the Table the return to writs for the election of 18 August 2001. (Paper 2)

5. OATHS AND AFFIRMATIONS ADMINISTERED TO MEMBERS:
The Administrator called upon the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly to administer the oaths or affirmations to those Members of the Legislative Assembly who are present. Members named in the returns were called and accordingly made and subscribed the oaths or affirmations required by law, as follows:
    Marion Rose Scrymgour Arafura
    Jodeen Terese Carney Araluen
    John Leonard Ah Kit Arnhem
    Elliot Arthur McAdam Barkly
    Terrance Kennedy Mills Blain
    Loraine Margaret Braham Braitling
    Denis Gabriel Burke Brennan
    Konstantine Vatskalis Casuarina
    Timothy Denney Baldwin Daly
    Stephen Dunham Drysdale
    Clare Majella Martin Fannie Bay
    Peter John Maley Goyder
    Richard Soon Huat Lim Greatorex
    Christopher Bruce Burns Johnston
    Delia Phoebe Lawrie Karama
    Michael Anthony Reed Katherine
    Johan Wessel Elferink Macdonnell
    Matthew Thomas Bonson Millner
    Gerard Vincent Wood Nelson
    Sydney James Stirling Nhulunbuy
    Jane Lesley Aagaard Nightcliff
    Susan Jill Carter Port Darwin
    Leonard Francis Kiely Sanderson
    Peter Howard Toyne Stuart
    Paul Raymond Henderson Wanguri (Paper3)
6. CHOICE OF SPEAKER AND PROPOSED ADDRESS BY ADMINISTRATOR TO ASSEMBLY:
His Honour the Administrator advised Members as follows:

Members of the Legislative Assembly it is now necessary that a Speaker of the Legislative Assembly be chosen, you, Members of the Legislative Assembly will now proceed to choose some proper person to be Speaker.

Following the selection of the person you choose to be Speaker and their presentation to me later this day I will return to the Chamber and address this Assembly declaring the causes for calling the Assembly together.

His Honour the Administrator Mr J C Anictomatis AO then withdrew from the Chamber.

7. ELECTION OF SPEAKER:
The Chief Minister (Ms Martin) addressing the Clerk thereupon proposed to the Assembly for its Speaker the Member for Braitling, Mrs Braham, and moved - That the Member for Braitling do take the Chair of this Assembly as Speaker.

Which motion was seconded by the Deputy Chief Minister (Mr Stirling) and Mrs Braham accepted the nomination.

There being no further nominations the Clerk called for Members to speak to the motion. Members made short speeches supporting the nomination of the Member for Braitling as the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

The Clerk accordingly declared the Member for Braitling (Mrs Braham) elected as Speaker in accordance with Standing Orders.

The Speaker was conducted to the Chair by her sponsors Ms Martin and Mr Stirling.

Congratulatory speeches were made by Members.

Madam Speaker thanked the Assembly for the high honour it had conferred upon her, responded to Members speeches and thereupon took the Chair.

8. PRESENTATION OF SPEAKER TO ADMINISTRATOR:
The Speaker invited Honourable Members to accompany her to the Office of the Speaker where she would present herself to His Honour the Administrator as the choice of the Assembly as its Speaker.
_____________________

Suspension of sitting: The sitting was suspended between 11.31am and 3pm.
_____________________

The Assembly having resumed -

The Speaker reported that, accompanied by Honourable Members, she had presented herself to His Honour the Administrator as the choice of the Assembly as its Speaker and the Administrator was pleased to congratulate Madam Speaker upon her appointment.

9. SPEAKER’S COMMISSION TO ADMINISTER OATHS AND AFFIRMATIONS PAPER TABLED:
The Speaker announced the receipt 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:
NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA
NORTHERN TERRITORY (SELF-GOVERNMENT) ACT 1978 OF THE COMMONWEALTH
    His Honour the Administrator of the Northern Territory of Australia

    To: The Honourable Loraine Margaret Braham, M L A

    Greeting:

    WHEREAS by section 13 of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978 of the Commonwealth it is, amongst other things, enacted that every Member of the Legislative Assembly must, before taking his or her 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 of the Commonwealth and an oath or affirmation of office in the form in Schedule 3 to that Act:

    NOW THEREFORE I, JOHN CHRISTOPHER ANICTOMATIS, the Administrator of the Northern Territory of Australia, command and authorize you from time to time, in the Legislative Assembly Chamber, Darwin, to administer those oaths or affirmations to those members of the Legislative Assembly who have not already made and subscribed them since their election to the Assembly.

    Given under my hand and the Public Seal of the Northern Territory of Australia, this sixteenth day of October, Two thousand and one.

    (Sgd) J C ANICTOMATIS
    Administrator
    (Paper 4)

10. APPROACH OF HIS HONOUR THE ADMINISTRATOR:
The approach of His Honour the Administrator was announced by the Serjeant-at-Arms.

11. HIS HONOUR THE ADMINISTRATOR’S OPENING ADDRESS:
His Honour the Administrator entered the Chamber. Madam Speaker left the Chair and His Honour, having taken the Chair delivered his Address declaring the causes of his calling the Assembly together.
(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. (Paper 11)
The Speaker resumed the Chair.

12. MINISTRY AND ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS OF GOVERNEMNT MINISTERIAL STATEMENT:
The Chief Minister (Ms Martin), by leave, made a statement informing the Assembly of Ministers and the administrative arrangements of the Government as follows and laid on the Table the Northern Territory Government Gazette No. S40 of 27 August 2001 and No. G 39 of 3 October 2001. (Paper 5)

MINISTERS, MINISTRIES AND ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

Hon Clare Martin MLA
Chief Minister
Treasurer
Minister for Arts and Museums
Minister for Young Territorians
Minister for Women's Policy
Minister for Senior Territorians
Minister for Communications, Science and Advanced Technology

Hon Syd Stirling MLA
Deputy Chief Minister
Minister for Education, Employment and Training
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services
Minister for Parks and Wildlife
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs
Minister for Tourism

Hon Dr Peter Toyne MLA
Attorney-General
Minister for Central Australia
Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries
Minister for Sport and Recreation
Minister for Corporate and Information Services
Minister for Regional Development

Hon Paul Henderson MLA
Minister for Industries and Business
Minister for Resource Development
Minister for Asian Relations and Trade
Minister for Territory Insurance
Minister for the AustralAsia Railway
Minister for Racing, Gaming and Licensing
Minister for Defence Support

Hon John Ah Kit MLA
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Development
Minister for Territory Ports
Minister for Correctional Services
Minister for Essential Services

Hon Jane Aagaard MLA
Minister for Health, Family and Children's Services
Minister assisting the Chief Minister on Women's Policy

Hon Konstantine Vatskalis MLA
Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment
Minister for Housing
Minister for Local Government
Minister for Ethnic Affairs
OFFICE HOLDERS

Member for Nhulunbuy – Honourable Sydney James Stirling: Leader of Government Business.
Member for Barkly – Mr Elliot Arthur McAdam: Government Whip.

13. OPPOSITION OFFICE HOLDERS STATEMENT:
The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Burke), by leave, made a statement relating to the Opposition Office Holders as follows:

Mr D G Burke - Leader of the Opposition
Mr M A Reed - Deputy Leader of the Opposition
Ms S J Carter - Opposition Whip
OPPOSITION SPOKESPERSONS
          Member
          Shadow Portfolio
          Mr D G Burke MLA
          Leader of the Opposition
          Police, Fire and Emergency Services
          Resource Development
          Asian Relations and Trade
          AustralAsia Railway
          Defence Support
          Mr M A Reed MLA
          (Deputy Leader)
          Treasurer
          Transport and Infrastructure Development
          Territory Ports
          Territory Insurance
          Mr T D Baldwin MLA
          Lands, Planning and Environment
          Primary Industry and Fisheries
          Racing, Gaming and Licensing
          Mr S Dunham MLA
          Health, Family and Children's Services
          Essential Services
          Senior Territorians
          Dr R S H Lim MLA
          Central Australia
          Regional Development
          Housing and Local Government
          Corporate and Information Services
          Ethnic Affairs
          Mr T K Mills MLA
          Education, Employment and Training
          Sport and Recreation
          Young Territorians
          Mr J W Elferink MLA
          Aboriginal Affairs
          Parks and Wildlife
          Arts and Museums
          Mr P J Maley
          Attorney-General
          Industries and Business
          Ms J T Carney
          Tourism
          Women’s Policy
          Correctional Services
          Communications, Science and Advanced Technology
Suspension of sittings: The sittings of the Assembly was suspended between 11.31am and 3pm.
Mark of respect – terrorism in United States of America: Bells having been rung for the resumption of the Assembly sittings - the Speaker proposed that the Assembly observe one minute’s silence in response to the recent acts of terrorism in the United States.
Members stood in their places for one minute, in silence.

14. CRIMINAL CODE AMENDMENT BILL (No. 3) 2001 (Serial 1):
The Attorney-General (Dr Toyne), by leave, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code.
Bill read a first time.
On the motion of the Attorney-General (Dr Toyne) the motion for the second reading of the Bill was made an order of the day for a later hour.

15. CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES – APPOINTMENT, MR G WOOD:
The Speaker reminded Members that it was now necessary for the Assembly to appoint a Member to be its Chairman of Committees -

Whereupon the Deputy Chief Minister (Mr Stirling) proposed to the Assembly for its Chairman of Committees the Member for Nelson, Mr Wood, and moved - That the Member for Nelson be appointed Chairman of Committees.

Which motion was seconded by the Chief Minister (Ms Martin) and Mr Wood accepted the nomination.

The time for motions having expired the Speaker put the question “does any honourable Member wish to speak to the motion” -
Debate ensued.
Debate concluded.

The Speaker thereupon declared the Member for Nelson, Mr Wood to have been appointed Chairman of Committees of this Assembly.

16. NOTICES:
The following notices were given –
Dr Toyne: To present the Police Administration Amendment Bill 2001 (Serial 2).
Dr Toyne: To present the Justices Amendment Bill (No.2) 2001 (Serial 3).
Dr Toyne: To present the Criminal Code Amendment Bill (No. 4) 2001 (Serial 4).
Dr Toyne: To present the Juvenile Justice Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2001 (Serial 5).
Dr Toyne: To present the Juvenile Justice (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2001 (Serial 6).
Dr Toyne: To present the Sentencing Amendment Bill (No. 3) 2001 (Serial 7).
Dr Toyne: To present the Sentencing (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2001 (Serial 8).
Mr Burke: To move - That this parliament, convening for the very first time as the Ninth Legislative Assembly of the people of the Northern Territory and acknowledging the debt we owe to the peoples of the United States for their action in defending Darwin in the dark days of 1942 –

(a) wishes to put on record its profound sympathy for the people of the United States, particularly for those who have lost beloved members of their family in the horrific events of September 11, 2001;

(b) extends its sympathy to the families of the citizens of other nations including our own who were so terribly killed;

(c) determines that before any other action is taken by this Ninth Assembly it should resolve to support and assist in any way possible the actions of the United States and their allies against those who perpetrated the terrible events in New York and Washington;

(d) recognises the long-standing relationship between the Territory and the United States and acknowledges
that within our borders there are the facilities that may either assist or make possible that action; and accordingly;

(e) declares its total support for such action; and further,

(f) directs that this resolution be conveyed to the President, Congress and peoples of the United States.

17. SESSIONAL ORDERS – ADJOURNMENT OF ASSEMBLY:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling), by leave, moved - That, during the present session of the Assembly, the Speaker may, at her 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.

18. SESSIONAL ORDERS – MINISTERIAL REPORTS, PROGRAMMING OF QUESTIONS, ROUTINE OF BUSINESS AND SPEECH TIME LIMITS – MOTIONS AGREED TO:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling), by leave, moved the following motions together, to operate as Sessional Orders, as circulated to Members relating to the rearrangement of the routine of Assembly business (Paper 7):

MINISTERIAL REPORTS
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling) moved – That,

(1) On each sitting day after Notices, Ministers may make reports on matters relating to the government of the Northern Territory and relating to policy, decisions or actions, proposed decisions, actions or matters of public interest.

(2) Each Minister making a report shall speak for no more than 10 minutes.

(3) The period for reports shall extend for no more than 30 minutes each sitting day.

(4) At the conclusion of reports or after 30 minutes, whichever is first occurring, the Speaker shall put the question that Ministerial Reports be noted, which question shall be put without further debate or amendment.

PROGRAMMING OF QUESTIONS
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling) moved – That,

(1) Unless otherwise ordered and notwithstanding anything contained in the standing orders, at 2pm on each sitting day the Speaker shall interrupt the business before the Assembly in order that questions can be called on, provided that:

(a) if a division is in progress at the time so fixed, the division shall be completed and the result announced; and

(b) the Speaker shall fix the time for the resumption of debate of any business under discussion and not disposed of at the time of the interruption.

ROUTINE OF BUSINESS
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling) moved – That, unless otherwise ordered, and notwithstanding anything contained in the Standing Orders, the Assembly shall proceed each day with its ordinary business in the following routine:

(1) Prayers
(2) Petitions
(3) Notices
(4) Ministerial Reports
(5) Government Business – Notices and Orders of the Day
(6) At 2pm – Questions
(7) Government Business – Notices and Orders of the Day
(8) Papers
(9) Ministerial Statements
(10) Discussion pursuant to standing order 94 (Matter of Public Importance)
(11) Adjournment.

SPEECH TIME LIMITS
That, unless otherwise ordered and notwithstanding anything contained in the Standing Orders, the maximum period for speeches and for the consideration of particular items of business shall be as follows:

The maximum period for which a Member may speak on any subject indicated in this order and the maximum period for any debate, shall not, unless otherwise ordered, exceed the period specified opposite to that subject in the following schedule:
In the Assembly
          Subject
          Time
          Election of Speaker or appointment of Chairman—
          Each Member
          5 minutes
          Address-in-Reply—
          Each Member
          30 minutes
          Mover in reply
          20 minutes
          Ministerial Reports—
          Whole period for Reports
          Minister making Report
          30 minutes
          10 minutes
          Discussion of a definite matter of public importance—
          Whole debate
          2 hours
          Proposer
          20 minutes
          Member next speaking
          20 minutes
          Any other Member
          15 minutes
          Bills—second reading—
          Mover
          45 minutes
          Member next speaking
          45 minutes
          Any other Member
          30 minutes
          Mover in reply
          30 minutes
          Bills—third reading—
          Mover
          10 minutes
          Member next speaking
          10 minutes
          Any other Member
          5 minutes
          Mover in reply
          10 minutes
          Debates not otherwise provided for—
          Mover
          30 minutes
          Member next speaking
          30 minutes
          Any other Member
          20 minutes
          Mover in reply
          20 minutes
          Motion for adjournment of the Assembly to close the business of the day—
          Each Member
          15 minutes
          In committee
          Each question before the Chair
          Member in charge of a bill
          No limitation
          Other Members
          Unlimited, each speech not to exceed 10 minutes
          In the Assembly or in committee

          Extension of time—with consent of a majority of the Assembly or of the committee a Member may be allowed to continue a speech interrupted under the foregoing provisions of this Standing Order, on motion without debate for one period of debate (except a speech on a motion for the adjournment of the Assembly)
          For one period
          not exceeding
          10 minutes

Debate ensued.
The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Burke) moved – the motion relating to the Programming of Questions be amended by omitting all words after “that” and inserting “‘the motions relating to changes to sessional orders be referred to the standing committee on Standing Orders for consideration.”.
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling) moved – That the question be now put.
Question – put and passed.
Question – that the amendment moved by Mr Burke be agreed to – put and negatived.
Cognate motions relating to Ministerial Reports, Programming of Questions, Routine of Business and Speech Time Limits were put and agreed to.

19. SESSIONAL ORDERS – BROADCAST AND REBROADCAST OF ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS – MOTION AGREED TO:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling) moved – That, unless otherwise ordered the Assembly, for the purposes of section 23 of the Legislative Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act, authorises the broadcasting by radio and television stations of excerpts of its proceedings in accordance with the following conditions:

Conditions governing the broadcasting of excerpts of proceedings by radio and television stations

(1) Access to the proceedings of the Assembly for the recording and broadcasting of excerpts of proceedings is subject to an
undertaking to observe, and to comply with, the following conditions and guidelines.

(2) Recordings and broadcasts may be made only from the Legislative Assembly sound and vision monitoring system, unless otherwise approved by the Speaker or his or her delegates.

(3) Recordings and broadcasts are restricted to Questions, unless otherwise ordered or otherwise approved by the Speaker
or his or her delegates.

(4) Broadcasts of excerpts shall be used only for the purposes of fair and accurate reports of proceedings, and shall not be used for:

(a) political party advertising or election campaigns;
(b) satire or ridicule; or
(c) commercial sponsorship or commercial advertising.

(5) Reports of proceedings shall be such as to provide a balanced presentation of differing views.

(6) Excerpts of proceedings which are subsequently withdrawn may be broadcast only if the withdrawal is also reported.

(7) Excerpts must be placed in context. Commentators should identify Members, at least by name.

(8) Events in the galleries are not part of the proceedings and excerpts in relation to such events, as far as is practicable, should not be used.

(9) Qualified privilege only shall apply to broadcasters in the use of excerpts.

(10) Where the excerpts are used on commercial networks, the station should try to ensure that advertising before and after excerpts is of an appropriate nature.

(11) Where the audio excerpts of proceedings are used on television, their use may be that of audio over still frames, or overlay
material.

(12) The instructions of the Speaker or his or her delegates in respect of the broadcasting of excerpts, which are not inconsistent with these conditions, shall be observed.

(13) Non-compliance with the guidelines listed above may incur penalties. (Paper 8)

Debate ensued.
The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Burke) moved the following amendment - That the motion be referred to the House Committee for consideration and report to the Assembly.
Debate ensued.
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling) moved – That the amendment be put.
Question – That the amendment be agreed to - put and negatived.
Main question – That the motion be agreed to – put and passed.

20. HOUSE COMMITTEE – APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERSHIP - MOTION AGREED TO:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling), by leave, moved – That the following Members be appointed to the House Committee: Madam Speaker, Ms D P Lawrie, Ms M R Scrymgour and two Members to be nominated by the Leader of the Opposition.
Question – put and passed.

21. PRIVILEGES COMMITTEE – APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERSHIP – MOTION AGREED TO:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling), by leave, moved – That, notwithstanding anything contained in Standing Orders, the following Members be appointed to the Privileges Committee: Mr S J Stirling, Dr C B Burns, Ms D P Lawrie; two Members to be nominated by the Leader of the Opposition, and one independent member, and that the Committee shall elect a government member as Chairman.
Question – put and passed.

22. PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE – APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERSHIP – MOTION AGREED TO:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling), by leave, moved - That, notwithstanding anything contained in the Standing Orders, the following Members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts: Dr C B Burns, Mr L F Kiely, Mr E McAdam, Mr G Wood and two Members nominated by the Leader of the Opposition.
Debate ensued.
Question – put and passed.

23. STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE – APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERSHIP – MOTION AGREED TO:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling), by leave, moved – That, unless otherwise ordered and notwithstanding anything contained in Standing Orders, the following members be appointed to the Standing Orders Committee: Madam Speaker, Mr S J Stirling, Dr C B Burns, Mr M T Bonson, two members to be nominated by the Leader of the Opposition, and that the Committee shall elect a government member as Chairman.
Question – put and passed.

24. SUBORDINATE LEGISLATION AND PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE – APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERSHIP – MOTION AGREED TO:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling), by leave, moved – That, notwithstanding anything contained in Standing Orders, the following Members be appointed to the Subordinate Legislation and Publications Committee: Ms M R Scrymgour, Mr L F Kiely, Ms D P Lawrie; two Members to be nominated by the Leader of the Opposition, and one independent member, and that the Committee shall elect a government member as Chairman.
Question – put and passed.

25. LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE – APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERSHIP – MOTION AGREED TO:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling), by leave, moved – That, notwithstanding anything contained in Standing Orders, the following members be appointed to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee: Ms M R Scrymgour, Mr L F Kiely, Mr M T Bonson; two members to be nominated by the Leader of the Opposition, and one independent member, and that the Committee shall elect a government member as Chairman.
Question – put and passed.

26. SELECT COMMITTEE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE – APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERSHIP – MOTION AGREED TO:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling), by leave, moved – That,

1. A committee to be known as the Select Committee on Substance Abuse in the Community be appointed comprising,
unless otherwise ordered, Dr C B Burns, Ms M R Scrymgour, Mr E McAdam, Mr G Wood, two members to be nominated
by the Leader of the Opposition and that the Committee shall elect a government member as Chairman.

2. The Committee be empowered, unless otherwise ordered, to inquire into and report on the issue of substance abuse in the community, in particular:

(a) ascertain community concern about the use and abuse of licit and illicit substances;

(b) current trends in the use and abuse of licit and illicit substances in the Northern Territory and, as far as possible, taking into account regional, age, gender, other demographic characteristics and ethnic factors;

(c) the social and economic consequences of current patterns of substance abuse with special reference to the well-being of individuals and communities and to the demands placed upon government and non-government services;

(d) the services currently available within the Northern Territory by both government and non-government agencies to deal with issues directly or indirectly related to substance abuse;

(e) factors which directly affect the level and nature of substance abuse in the Northern Territory community or parts
of that community, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

(i) the accessibility/availability of licit and illicit substances within communities;
(ii) the demographic and ethnic structure of the Northern Territory; and
(iii) the correlation between socio-economic conditions and substance abuse; and

(f) appropriate policies and services for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse 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.

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 by the Community in the previous Assembly.

6. The foregoing provisions of the resolution, so far as they are inconsistent with Standing Orders, have effect notwithstanding anything contained in the Standing Orders. (Paper 9)

Question – put and passed.

27. MESSAGE FROM ADMINISTRATOR:
The Speaker advised Honourable Members that she had received the following Message from His Honour the Administrator:
Message No. 1

Assent to Proposed Laws

    I, JOHN CHRISTOPHER ANICTOMATIS, the Administrator of the Northern Territory of Australia, advise the Legislative Assembly of, pursuant to section 7 of the Northern Territory (Self-Government Act) 1978 of the Commonwealth, the assent to the following proposed laws:

    22 June 2001
    Gaming Machine Amendment Act (No. 2) 2001 (No. 5 of 2001)
    Northern Territory Licensing Commission Amendment Act 2001 (No. 6 of 2001)
    Financial Management Amendment Act 2001 (No. 7 of 2001)
    Marine Amendment Act 2001 (No. 8 of 2001)
    Licensed Surveyors Amendment Act 2001 (No. 9 of 2001)
    Work Health Amendment Act 2001 (No. 10 of 2001)

    28 June 2001
    Companies (Trustees and Personal Representatives) Amendment Act 2001 (No. 11 of 2001)
    Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Act 2001 (No. 12 of 2001)
    Compensation (Fatal Injuries) Amendment Act 2001 (No. 13 of 2001)
    Unit Titles Amendment Act 2001 (No. 14 of 2001)
    Unit Titles (Consequential Amendments - Building Development) Act 2001 (No. 15 of 2001)

    29 June 2001
    Appropriation Act 2001-2002 (No. 16 of 2001)
    Corporations Reform (Consequential Amendments NT) Act 2001 (No. 17 of 2001)
    Corporations (Northern Territory Request) Act 2001 (No. 18 of 2001)
    Corporations Reform (Northern Territory) Act 2001 (No. 19 of 2001)
    Corporations (Northern Territory) Amendment Act 2001 (No. 20 of 2001)

    19 July 2001
    Prisons (Correctional Services) Amendment Act 2001 (No. 21 of 2001)
    Public Order and Anti-social Conduct Act 2001 (No. 22 of 2001)
    Telecommunications (Interception) Northern Territory Act 2001 (No. 23 of 2001)
    Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2001 (No. 24 of 2001)
    Weapons Control Act 2001 (No. 25 of 2001)
    Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Act (No. 2) 2001 (No. 26 of 2001)
    Criminal Code Amendment Act 2001 (No. 27 of 2001)
    Juvenile Justice Amendment Act 2001 (No. 28 of 2001)
    Bail Amendment Act 2001 (No. 29 of 2001)
    Domestic Violence Amendment Act 2001 (No. 30 of 2001)
    Electricity Networks (Third Party Access) Amendment Act 2001 (No. 31 of 2001)
    Water Supply and Sewerage Services Amendment Act 2001 (No. 32 of 2001)
    Utilities Commission Amendment Act 2001 (No. 33 of 2001)
    Electricity Reform Amendment Act 2001 (No. 34 of 2001)
    Summary Offences Amendment Act 2001 (No. 35 of 2001)
    Sexual Offences (Evidence and Procedure) Amendment Act 2001 (No. 36 of 2001)
    Evidence Amendment Act 2001 (No. 37 of 2001)
    Sentencing Amendment Act 2001 (No. 38 of 2001)
    Sentencing Amendment Act (No. 2) 2001 (No. 39 of 2001)
    Justices Amendment Act 2001 (No. 40 of 2001)
    Fisheries Amendment Act 2001 (No. 41 of 2001)
    Mining Management (Consequential Amendments) Act 2001 (No. 42 of 2001)
    Mining Management Act 2001 (No. 43 of 2001)
    Mining Amendment Act 2001 (No. 44 of 2001)
    First Home Owner Amendment Act 2001 (No. 45 of 2001)
    Debits Tax Amendment Act 2001 (No. 46 of 2001)
    Taxation (Administration) Amendment Act 2001 (No. 47 of 2001)
    Stamp Duty Amendment Act 2001 (No. 48 of 2001)
    Pay-roll Tax Amendment Act 2001 (No. 49 of 2001)

    Sgd
    JOHN CHRISTOPHER ANICTOMATIS
    Administrator
    (Paper 10)
28. ADMINISTRATOR’S SPEECH:
Madam Speaker reported to the Assembly that she had received a copy of the Opening Address delivered by His Honour the Administrator to the Assembly this day.

29. ADDRESS-IN-REPLY:
The Chief Minister (Ms Martin) 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.

Debate ensued.
On the motion of the Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling) debate was adjourned.

30. ADJOURNMENT:
The Leader of Government Business (Mr Stirling) moved - That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Question - put and passed.
The Assembly adjourned at 6.33pm until Wednesday 17 October 2001 at 10am.
PAPERS:
The following Papers were deemed to have been presented on Tuesday 16 October 2001:

Annual Reports:
Anti-Discrimination Commission, 2000/2001 (Paper 14)
Director of Public Prosecutions, 2000/2001 (Paper 16)
Juvenile Justice Board of Management, Northern Region, 2000/2001 (Paper 12)
Juvenile Justice Board of Management, Southern Region, 2000/2001 (Paper 13)
The Lands and Mining Tribunal, 2000/2001 (Paper 18)
Uranium Mining (Environmental Control) Act, (22nd), 2000, 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2000, dated May 2001 (Paper 15)
Utilities Commission, 2000/2001 (Paper 17)

Financial Statements:
Northern Territory Auditor-General’s Office, 2000/2001 (Paper 19)

Police Administration Act,
Northern Territory Police Force Consent Agreement 2001, dated 3 August 2001 (Paper 20)

Regulations 2001:
No. 36, Amendments of Legal Practitioners Rules (Paper 22)
No. 37, Amendments of Northern Territory Government and Public Authorities Superannuation Scheme Rules (Paper 23)
No. 38, Amendments of Brands Regulations (Paper 24)
No. 39, Amendments of Fisheries Regulations (Paper 25)
No. 40, Amendments of Procurement Regulations (Paper 26)
No. 41, Amendments of Stock Diseases Regulations (Paper 27)
No. 42, Weapons Control Regulations (Paper 28)
No. 43, Energy Pipelines Regulations (Paper 29)

Report:
Report of the Review of the National Environment Protection Council Acts (Commonwealth, State and Territory) (Paper 21)
ATTENDANCE
All Members attended the sittings.
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016