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Minutes of Proceedings - 2010-02-17

    1. MEETING:
        The Assembly met at 10am. The Speaker, the Honourable J. L. Aagaard, took the Chair.

    2. PRAYERS.

    3. LEAVE OF ABSENCE, MEMBER FOR ARAFURA – MOTION AGREED TO:
        The Leader of Government Business (Dr Burns) moved – That leave of absence be granted to the Member for Arafura (Ms Scrymgour) for today 17 February 2010.
        Question – put and passed.

    4. STATEMENT BY SPEAKER – MEMBERS ETIQUETTE IN ADDRESSING OTHERS:
        The Speaker made a statement relating to the etiquette to be followed by Members when debating and making references to their parliamentary colleagues.
    5. PETROLEUM AMENDMENT AND RELATED MATTERS BILL 2010 (Serial 91):
        The Minister for Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources (Mr Vatskalis), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Petroleum Act and to repeal or amend other related legislation.
        Bill read a first time.
        Mr Vatskalis moved – That the Bill be now read a second time.
        Debate ensued.
        _________________

        Suspension of sittings: The sittings of the Assembly was suspended between 10.05am and 10.21am.
        _________________

        Incorporation of speech: The Minister for Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources (Mr Vatskalis) was granted leave to incorporate parts of his second reading speech interrupted by technical difficulties with recording equipment.
        Debate continued.
        Paper tabled: Mr Vatskalis laid on the Table the following Paper –
    Explanatory Statement, Petroleum Amendment and Related Matters Bill 2010 (Serial 91) (Paper 679).

        On the motion of the Member for Katherine (Mr Westra van Holthe) debate was adjourned.
    6. PAIRS:
        The Speaker (Mrs Aagaard) laid on the Table a document relating to pairs for today as follows:

        17 February 2010: Ms Scrymgour
                    Ms Carney (Paper 698)

    7. TEACHER REGISTRATION (NORTHERN TERRITORY) AMENDMENT BILL 2009 (Serial 78):
        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.
        ________________

        Distinguished visitor: The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the public gallery of the Honourable Steve Hatton former Chief Minister of the Legislative Assembly.
        On behalf of all Members the Speaker extended a warm welcome to the distinguished visitor.
        ________________

        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 Education and Training (Dr Burns) the Bill was read a third time and passed to be a proposed law.
    __________________

    Suspension of sittings: The sittings of the Assembly was suspended between 11.54am and 2pm.
    __________________

    8. NOTICES:
        The following Notices were given:
        Ms Lawrie: To present the Consumer Credit (National Uniform Legislation) Implementation Bill 2010 (Serial 90).
    9. ALTERATIONS TO GENERAL BUSINESS, NOTICES:
        The Member for Port Darwin (Mr Elferink) moved – That General Business, Notice in the name of Ms Carney relating to the Care and Protection of Children (Investigative Powers) Bill 2009 (Serial 85) be postponed until a later hour.
        Question – put and passed.

        The Member for Greatorex (Mr Conlan) moved – That General Business, Notice No. 4 in his name relating to oncology services in Alice Springs be postponed until a later hour.
        Question – put and passed.
    10. QUESTIONS:
        2.02pm Ms Purick to Ms Lawrie.
        2.04pm Mr Gunner to Mr Henderson.
        2.07pm Mr Elferink to Knight.
        Paper tabled: The Member for Port Darwin (Mr Elferink), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper –
    Temporary electricity switchboard on, but BY Ms Alyssa Betts, dated 3 February 2009 (Paper 680).

        2.08pm Ms Walker to Ms Lawrie.
        2.10pm Mr Elferink to Mr Knight.
        2.15pm Ms Anderson to Ms McCarthy.
        2.18pm Ms Anderson to Ms McCarthy repeated question.
        2.20pm Mr Elferink to Mr Knight.
        2.23pm Mr Gunner to Ms Lawrie.
        2.26pm Mr Elferink to Mr Knight.
        2.28pm Ms Anderson to Dr Burns.
        2.30pm Ms Walker to Mr Knight.
        2.33pm Mr Elferink to Mr Knight.
        2.34pm Mr Gunner to Mr Vatskalis.
        Papers tabled: The Minister for Child Protection (Mr Vatskalis) laid on the Table the following Papers –
    Interim Progress Report into Northern Territory Families and Children Intake and Response Processes (Paper 681); and
    A Report Relating to a Child Protection Notification made to Northern Territory Families and Children in Respect of Baby BM (Paper 682).

        2.37pm Mr Elferink to Mr Knight and referred to Ms Lawrie.
        2.41pm Mr Wood to Dr Burns.
        2.43pm Ms Walker to Mr Vatskalis.
        2.47pm Mr Elferink to Ms Lawrie.
        2.50pm Mr Mills to Ms Lawrie supplementary question.
        2.51pm Mr Gunner to Mr Hampton.
        2.54pm Mr Elferink to Mr Knight.
        2.58pm Ms Anderson to Mr Vatskalis.
        _________________________

        Suspension of Member: The Member for Greatorex (Mr Conlan) having been warned by the Speaker about his unruly interjections and then having continued to loudly interject -

        The Speaker (Mrs Aagaard) thereupon ordered the Member for Greatorex (Mr Conlan) to withdraw from the Chamber for a period of one hour, pursuant to Standing Order 240A, effective from 2.58pm.

        Accordingly the Member for Greatorex (Mr Conlan) withdrew from the Chamber.
        _________________________

        2.59pm Ms Walker to Ms McCarthy.
        3.01pm Mr Elferink to Ms Lawrie.
        Paper tabled: The Treasurer (Ms Lawrie) laid on the Table the following Paper –
    Power and Water Capital Investment Program and Government Support - Government Receipts and Payments (Paper 683).

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

    11. AUDITOR-GENERAL’S NOVEMBER 2009 REPORT TO THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY - REPORT NOTED:
        The Order of the Day having been read for the resumption of debate on the question – That the Assembly take note of the Report –
        Debate resumed.
        Question – put and passed.
    12. STRATEGIC REVIEW OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY AUDITOR-GENERAL’S OFFICE – REPORT NOTED:
        The Order of the Day having been read for the resumption of debate on the question – That the Assembly take note of the Report –
        Debate resumed.
        Question – put and passed.
    13. NORTHERN TERRITORY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY GENERAL ELECTION REPORT 2008 – REPORT NOTED:
        The Order of the Day having been read for the resumption of debate on the question – That the Assembly take note of the Report –
        Debate resumed.
        Question – put and passed.
    14. ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY AMENDMENT BILL 2009 (Serial 80):
        The Order of the Day having been read for the resumption of debate on the question – The Bill be now read a second time -
        Debate ensued.
        Debate suspended at 5.30pm to give precedence to General Business, pursuant to Standing Order 93.
    15. STATEMENT BY SPEAKER – GENERAL BUSINESS PERIOD:
        The Speaker advised Members that in accordance with Standing Orders 93, General Business would have precedence of Government Business until 9pm.
    16. CRIMINAL CODE AMENDMENT BILL 2009 (Serial 68):
        The Member for Braitling (Mr Giles), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code.
        Bill read a first time.
        Mr Giles moved – That the Bill be now read a second time.
        Debate ensued.
        Paper tabled: Mr Giles, by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper –
    Explanatory Statement, Criminal Code Amendment Bill 2009 (Paper 686).

        On the motion of the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General (Ms Lawrie) debate was adjourned.
    17. TRAFFIC AMENDMENT BILL (No. 2) 2009 (Serial 69):
        The Member for Braitling (Mr Giles), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Traffic Act.
        Bill read a first time.
        Mr Giles moved – That the Bill be now read a second time.
        Debate ensued.
        Paper tabled: Mr Giles laid on the Table the following Paper –
    Explanatory Statement, Traffic Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2009 (Paper 687).

        On the motion of the Leader of Government Business (Dr Burns) debate was adjourned.
    18. TRAFFIC AMENDMENT BILL (No. 3) 2009 (Serial 70):
        The Member for Braitling (Mr Giles), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Traffic Act.
        Bill read a first time.
        Mr Giles moved – That the Bill be now read a second time.
        Debate ensued.
        Paper tabled: Mr Giles laid on the Table the following Paper –
    Explanatory Statement, Traffic Amendment Bill (No. 3) 2009 (Paper 688).

        On the motion of the Minister for Transport (Mr McCarthy) debate was adjourned.
    19. ACACIA HILLS SCHOOL AND SPECIAL EDUCATION FACILITY FOR ALICE SPRINGS – MOTION AGREED TO:
        The Member for Greatorex (Mr Conlan), pursuant to notice, moved - That,

        (a) the Northern Territory Government immediately address the issues identified in the 2005 Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment special schools audit of Acacia Hill School and resolve with urgency the non compliant items listed in the audit; and

        (b) the Northern Territory Government develop a masterplan for construction of a purpose built special education facility in Alice Springs.

        Debate ensued.
        Paper tabled: The Minister for Education (Dr Burns) laid on the Table the following Paper –
    Schedule of Territory Government $30M Special Schools Infrastructure Plan (Paper 689).

        Debate continued.
        Question put and passed.
    20. RURAL RESIDENTIAL LAND DEVELOPMENT NEAR THE ALICE SPRINGS AIRPORT – MOTION AGREED TO:
        The Member for Nelson (Mr Wood), pursuant to notice, moved - That the Northern Territory Government –
        (a) support the development of rural residential land near the Alice Springs Airport as mentioned in the Draft Alice Springs Master Plan 2009;

        (b) write to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Anthony Albanese, requesting that he approve this aspect of the Master Plan as a priority; and

        (c) request the Federal Minister for Infrastructure to allow the rural residential subdivision when developed to be rated by the Alice Springs Town Council in order that municipal services can be provided to residents of this subdivision.
        Debate ensued.
        Paper tabled: The Minister for Lands and Planning (Mr McCarthy) laid on the Table the following Paper –
    Letter, Hon Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government to Ms Delia Lawrie Treasurer re Alice Springs Airport Preliminary Draft 2009 Master Plan, dated 4 November 2009 (Paper 690).

        Debate continued.
        Question – put and passed.
    21. PRISON FARM FOR ALICE SPRINGS GOAL – MOTION AGREED TO:
        The Member for Nelson (Mr Wood), pursuant to notice, moved - That the Northern Territory Government investigates –

        (a) what land in the vicinity to the Alice Springs Goal could be used for a farm to create employment and grow food for and by the inmates;
          (b) the size of farm land required, suitability of soil types and the availability and the adequate supply of good quality water; and
            (c) the possibility of a separate prison farm in the Central Australia area.

            Debate ensued.
            Paper tabled: The Member for Nelson (Mr Wood), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper –
        CENTREFARM potential for horticulture Development in Central Australia (Paper 691).

            Debate continued.
            Question - put and passed.
        22. POLICE ADMINISTRATION (SERVICE MEDAL) AMENDMENT BILL 2009 (Serial 74):
            The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Mills), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Police Administration Act.
            Bill read a first time.
            Mr Mills moved – That the Bill be now read a second time.
            Debate ensued.
            Paper tabled: Mr Mills laid on the Table the following Paper –
        Explanatory Statement, Police Administration (Service Medal) Amendment Bill 2009 (Paper 692).

            On the motion of the Minister for Public Employment (Dr Burns) debate was adjourned.
        23. CRIMINAL CODE AMENDMENT (MANDATORY SENTENCES FOR CERTAIN ASSAULTS) BILL 2009 (Serial 87):
            The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Mills), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code.
            Bill read a first time.
            Mr Mills moved – That the Bill be now read a second time.
            Debate ensued.
            Paper tabled: Mr Mills laid on the Table the following Paper –
        Explanatory Statement, Criminal Code Amendment (Mandatory Sentences for Certain Assaults) Bill 2009 (Paper 693).

            On the motion of the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General (Ms Lawrie) debate was adjourned.
        24. ADJOURNMENT, Automatic:
            The Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 41A, at 9.03pm proposed the question - That the Assembly do now adjourn.
            Debate ensued.
            Paper tabled: The Member for Fong Lim (Mr Tollner), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper –
        Photograph of Danny Kitchell (Paper 694).

            Debate continued.
            Paper tabled: The Member for Port Darwin (Mr Elferink), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper -
        Email to Member for Port Darwin from Brooke Miller re dog exercise areas at Tipperary Waters (Paper 695).

            Debate continued.
            And the Assembly adjourned at 10.11pm until Thursday 18 February 2010 at 10am.
            ________________

            PAPERS:
            There following Papers were deemed to have been presented on Wednesday 17 February 2010 -

            Annual Report
            Public Trustee for the Northern Territory, 2008/2009 (Paper 684)

            Regulations 2010
            No. 2, Information Amendment Regulations (Paper 685)
        _________________
            ATTENDANCE:
            All Members attended the sittings except Ms Scrymgour and Ms Carney, on leave.
      Last updated: 04 Aug 2016
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