Department of the Legislative Assembly, Northern Territory Government

Minutes of Proceedings - 2003-08-12

    1. MEETING:
        The Assembly met at 10am, pursuant to resolution of the Assembly, dated Friday 27 July 2003. The Speaker, the Honourable L. M. Braham, took the Chair.

    2. PRAYERS.

    3. MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR:
        The Speaker laid on the Table the following Message from the Administrator –
        MESSAGE No. 16
        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:
          26 June 2003
              Desert Knowledge Australia Act 2003 (No. 30 of 2003)
              Energy Pipelines Amendment Act 2003 (No. 29 of 2003)
              Firearms Amendment Act 2003 (No. 25 of 2003)
              Financial Management Amendment Act 2003 (No. 27 of 2003)
              Information Amendment Act 2003 (No. 26 of 2003)
              Major Cricket Events Act 2003 (No. 28 of 2003)
              Tobacco Control Amendment Act 2003 (No. 24 of 2003)
          27 June 2003
              Land Development Corporation Act 2003 (No. 31 of 2003)
              Trade Development Zone Act Repeal Act 2003 (No. 32 of 2003)
          30 June 2003
              Appropriation Act 2003-2004 (No. 33 of 2003)
              First Home Owner Grant Amendment Act 2003 (No. 38 of 2003)
              Mineral Royalty Amendment Act 2003 (No. 37 of 2003)
              Motor Vehicles Amendment Act 2001 Amendment Act 2003 (No. 39 of 2003)
              Pay-roll Tax Amendment Act 2003 (No. 36 of 2003)
              Stamp Duty Amendment Act 2003 (No. 35 of 2003)
              Taxation (Administration) Amendment Act 2003 (No. 34 of 2003)
          7 July 2003
              Building Amendment Act 2003 (No. 42 of 2003)
              Commercial Passenger (Road) Transport Amendment Act (No. 2) 2003 (No. 40 of 2003)
              Commercial Passenger (Road) Transport (Consequential Amendments) Act 2003 (No. 41 of 2003)
              Evidence Amendment Act 2003 (No. 43 of 2003)
              Statute Law Revision Act (No. 2) 2003 (No. 44 of 2003)
          Dated 11th day of August 2003.
          J C Anictomatis
          Administrator
          (Paper 1007)

      4. PETITION:
          The Member for Fannie Bay (Ms Martin) presented petition No. 37, from 151 petitioners relating to a reduction of the speed limit to 40 kilometres per hour in Shiers Street, Wilmot Street and Narrows Road. (Paper 1010)
          Responses to petitions:
          The Clerk, pursuant to Standing Order 100A, advised members of the receipt of the following responses to petitions Nos. 28, 30, 33 and 35 and authorised their incorporation in the Hansard record. (Paper 1008)

      5. MINISTERIAL REPORTS:
          AustralAsia Railway, progress: The Chief Minister (Ms Martin) reported on the construction progress of the AustralAsia Railway as at 29 July 2003 and associated developments for the Territory economy.
          Paper tabled: Ms Martin laid on the table the following Paper –
      AustralAsia Railway, Construction Progress, dated 29 July 2003 (Paper 1009).

          Mr Burke responded thereto.
          Ms Martin responded accordingly.

          Group training and employment services, Katherine: The Minister for Education, Employment and Training (Mr Stirling) reported on the development of a training services arrangement between Katherine High School and registered training providers.
          Mr Mills responded thereto.
          Mr Stirling responded accordingly.

          Mining industries, exploration: The Minister for Business, Industry and Resource Development (Mr Henderson) reported on the status of exploration and mining industries in the Northern Territory.
          Mr Dunham responded thereto.
          Mr Henderson responded accordingly.

          Electrical undergrounding project: The Minister for Essential Services (Dr Burns) reported on the completion of a new electrical power feeder to facilitate undergrounding of power lines for Nightcliff.

          Ministerial Reports noted, pursuant to Sessional Order.

      6. DISTINGUISHED VISITOR:
          The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the Speaker’s Gallery of Senior Sergeant Vince Kelly, President of the Northern Territory Police Association.
          On behalf of all Members the Speaker extended a warm welcome to the distinguished visitor.

      7. PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYMENT AND MANAGEMENT AMENDMENT BILL 2003 (Serial 164):
          The Order of the Day having been read for 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 Employment, Education and Training (Mr Stirling) the Bill was read a third time and passed to be a proposed law.

      8. PLUMBERS AND DRAINERS LICENSING AMENDMENT BILL 2003 (Serial 163):
          The Order of the Day having been read for resumption of debate on the question – That the Bill be now read a second time –
          Debate resumed.
          –––––––––––––––
          Visitors: The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the public galleries of year 8 and year 10 legal studies students from Sanderson High School accompanied by their teacher Ms Carol Sawyer.
          On behalf of all Members the Speaker extended a warm welcome to the visitors.
          –––––––––––––––
          Debate continued.
          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 Transport and Infrastructure (Mr Vatskalis) the Bill was read a third time and passed to be a proposed law.
      9. O’SULLIVAN REPORT INTO POLICE RESOURCES – MINISTERIAL STATEMENT – MOTION TO NOTE STATEMENT:
          The Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services (Mr Henderson) made a statement relating to the O’Sullivan Report into police resources in the Northern Territory. (Paper 1012)
          Mr Henderson moved – That the Assembly take note of the Statement.
          Debate ensued.
          –––––––––––––
          Extension of time: The Member for Port Darwin (Ms Carter) moved – That the Member for Brennan (Mr Burke) be granted an extension of time, pursuant to Sessional Orders.
          –––––––––––––
          Debate continued.
          Paper tabled: The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Burke), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper –
      O’Sullivan Report, Extract from Final Report into Independent Assessment of Resources, Northern Territory Police, page 56 – Graph, Police Establishment/Actual Comparison, July 1998 to July 2002 (Paper 1013).

          Debate continued.
          Debate suspended.
      –––––––––––––––––
          Suspension of sittings: The sittings of the Assembly was suspended between 12.26pm and 2.15pm.
      –––––––––––––––––

      10. NOTICES:
          The following notices were given –
          Mr Stirling: To present the Charles Darwin University Bill 2003 (Serial 169).
          Mr Stirling: To present the Menzies School of Health Research Amendment Bill 2003 (Serial 170).
          Mr Stirling: To move - That so much of the Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent Bills entitled - Charles Darwin University Bill 2003 (Serial 169) and Menzies School of Health Research Amendment Bill 2003 (Serial 170),
                  (a) being presented and read a first time together and 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 the Committee of the Whole.
          Mr Stirling: To move - That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the Charles Darwin University Bill 2003 (Serial 169) and Menzies School of Health Research Amendment Bill 2003 (Serial 170), passing through all stages at this sittings.
          Mr Maley: To present the Motor Vehicles Amendment Bill 2003 (Serial 171).
          Mr Maley: To present the Criminal Code Amendment Bill (No. 3) 2003 (Serial 173).
          Mr Wood: To move – That,

                  1. The Assembly appoint a select committee to investigate possible changes to the Sentencing Act and other relevant legislation specifically regarding that legislation relating to murder, manslaughter and dangerous acts;

                  2. The committee travel widely throughout the Territory and other jurisdictions so as to obtain a wide range of options and opinions on the issue of sentencing for murder, manslaughter and dangerous acts;

                  3. The committee report back to the Assembly by the August 2004 parliamentary sittings; and
                    4. The membership of the committee and any other matters relating to the conduct of this reference be the subject of a subsequent resolution.
            Mr Elferink: To present the Liquor Amendment Bill 2003 (Serial 172).
            Ms Carney: To present the Criminal Code Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2003 (Serial 165).
            Ms Carney: To present the Sentencing Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2003 (Serial 166).
            Ms Carney: To move - That so much of the Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent Bills entitled - Criminal Code Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2003 (Serial 165) and Sentencing Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2003 (Serial 166),
                    (a) being presented and read a first time together and 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 the Committee of the Whole.
            Mr Ah Kit: To present the Swimming Pool Fencing Amendment Bill 2003 (Serial 168).
            Mr Ah Kit: To move – That so much of Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the Swimming Pool Fencing Amendment Bill 2003 (Serial 168), passing through all stages at this sittings.

        11. QUESTIONS:
            2.19pm Ms Lawrie to Ms Martin.
            2.26pm Mr Burke to Ms Martin.
            2.29pm Mr Bonson to Ms Martin.
            2.33pm Mr Burke to Ms Martin.
            2.36pm Mr Kiely to Ms Martin.
            2.40pm Mr Burke to Ms Martin.
            2.43pm Mr Wood to Mr Vatskalis.
            2.44pm Mr Reed to Ms Martin.
            2.46pm Mr McAdam to Mr Henderson.
            2.50pm Mr Burke to Ms Martin.
            2.53pm Mr Bonson to Mr Henderson.
            2.57pm Mr Burke to Mr Vatskalis.
            2.59pm Ms Scrymgour to Mr Stirling.
            3.02pm Mr Burke to Ms Martin.
            3.06pm Mr McAdam to Mr Vatskalis.
            3.08pm Mr Wood to Dr Toyne.
            3.10pm Mr Burke to Ms Martin.
            3.13pm Ms Scrymgour to Dr Toyne.

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

        12. O’SULLIVAN REPORT INTO POLICE RESOURCES – MINISTERIAL STATEMENT– MOTION TO NOTE STATEMENT:
            The Order of the Day having been read for resumption of debate on the question – The Assembly take note of theStatement, suspended earlier this day –
            Debate resumed.
            –––––––––––––––––
            Distinguished visitors: The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the Speaker’s Gallery of members of the New South Wales parliament Public Bodies Review Committee: Mr Milton Orkopoulos MP, Chairman, Mr Alan Ashton MP, Mr Matthew Morris MP, Mr Andrew Constance MP, Mr Wayne Merton MP and Mr Robert Oakeshott MP accompanied by their manager Ms Catherine Watson.
            On behalf of all Members the Speaker extended a warm welcome to the distinguished visitors.
            –––––––––––––––––
            Debate continued.
            On the motion of the Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services (Mr Henderson) debate was adjourned.

        13. LITTER ABATEMENT AND RESOURCE RECOVERY STRATEGY - MINISTERIAL STATEMENT – STATEMENT NOTED:
            The Minister for Environment and Heritage (Dr Burns) made a statement relating to excess packaging, litter recycling and rubbish disposal.
            Dr Burns moved – That the Assembly take note of the Statement.
            Debate ensued.
            ––––––––––––––––
            Extension of time: The Member for Daly (Mr Baldwin) moved – That the Member for Nelson (Mr Wood) be granted an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Orders.
            ––––––––––––––––
            Debate continued.
            Question – put and passed.
        14. ESTIMATES COMMITTEE – ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS TAKEN ON NOTICE, JUNE 2003 – PAPER TABLED:
            The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (Mr Kiely) laid on the Table, pursuant to resolution of the Assembly dated 27 February 2003 the following Paper –
        Answers to questions taken on notice during the Estimates Committee hearings, June 2003 (Paper 1014).

        15. ADJOURNMENT:
            The Minister for Health and Community Services (Mrs Aagaard) moved – That the Assembly do now adjourn.
            Debate ensued.
            Question – put and passed.
            And the Assembly adjourned at 8.54pm on Tuesday 12 August 2003 until tomorrow at 10am.
            PAPERS:
            The following Papers were deemed to have been presented on Tuesday 12 August 2003:

            Annual Report:
            Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education 2002 (Paper 993)
            National Crime Authority 2001/2002 (Paper 994)
            Northern Territory University 2002 (Paper 992)

            Community Government Scheme:
            Nyirranggulung Mardrulk Ngadberre (Paper 1011)

            Coroners Act:
            In the matter of Coronial Findings and Recommendations into the death of Reba Lakuwanga, pursuant to section 46B, dated 27 June 2003 (Paper 991)

            Financial Management Act:
            Instrument – Transfer of excess allocation/s between purposes of same agency – Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development (Paper 995)

            Regulations 2003:
            No. 32, Tobacco Control Regulations (Paper 996)
            No. 35, Information Regulations (Paper 997)
            No. 36, Firearms Regulations (Paper 998)
            No. 37, Major Cricket Events Regulations (Paper 999)
            No. 38, Tobacco Control Regulations (Paper 1000)
            No. 39,Limousine Regulations (Paper 1001)
            No. 40, Private Hire Car Regulations (Paper 1002)
            No. 41, Minibus Regulations (Paper 1003)
            No. 42, Taxis Regulations (Paper 1004)
            No. 43, Passenger Bus Regulations (Paper 1005)
            No. 44, of 2003 Commercial Passenger (Miscellaneous) Regulations (Paper 1006)

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