Minutes of Proceedings - 2008-10-22
1. MEETING:
The Assembly met at 10am. The Speaker, the Honourable J. L. Aagaard, took the Chair.
2. PRAYERS.
3. MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS:
4. ROUTINE OF BUSINESS - LUNCHEON AND DINNER BREAKS, 23 OCTOBER 2008 - MOTION AGREED TO:
5. LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) BILL 2008 (Serial 11):
8. STATEMENT BY SPEAKER:
9. CONDOLENCE - MRS HILDA MUIR - MOTION AGREED TO:
12. STATEMENT BY SPEAKER - WEB-CAST DIFFICULTIES:
Northern Territory Community Gaming Machine Performance in Hotels, year ended 30 June 2007 (Paper 80).
The Assembly met at 10am. The Speaker, the Honourable J. L. Aagaard, took the Chair.
2. PRAYERS.
3. MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS:
- Masters Games 2008: The Minister for Sport and Recreation (Mr Hampton) reported on the conduct of the Alice Springs Masters Games 2008.
Mr Bohlin responded.
Mr Wood responded.
Mr Hampton replied.
Environment Grants to Schools 2008/2009: The Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage (Ms Anderson) reported on environment grants to schools.
Ms Purick responded.
Mr Wood responded.
Ms Anderson replied.
Carers Week: The Minister for Children and Families (Mrs Scrymgour) reported on assistance to carers in our community and improved programs.
Ms Carney responded.
Ms McCarthy replied.
Ministerial Statements noted, pursuant to Standing Orders.
4. ROUTINE OF BUSINESS - LUNCHEON AND DINNER BREAKS, 23 OCTOBER 2008 - MOTION AGREED TO:
- The Leader of Government Business (Ms Lawrie), by leave, moved -
That on Thursday 23 October 2008 the Assembly:
- (a) suspend at 12 noon and recommence at approximately 3pm on ringing of the bells; and
- (b) on the sittings being recommenced, they continue without observing the dinner break period until adjourned.
Debate ensued.
Question - put and passed.
Motion agreed to.
5. LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) BILL 2008 (Serial 11):
- The Chief Minister (Mr Henderson), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to provide for the disclosure of interests by Members of the Legislative Assembly and for other purposes.
Bill read a first time.
Mr Henderson moved - That the Bill be now read a second time.
Debate ensued.
Paper tabled: Mr Henderson laid on the Table the following Paper -
On the motion of the Member for Blain (Mr Mills) debate was adjourned.
- The Chief Minister (Mr Henderson), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to establish a Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Members of the Legislative Assembly and to provide for enforcement of the Code and related purposes.
Bill read a first time.
Mr Henderson moved - That the Bill be now read a second time.
Debate ensued.
Paper tabled: Mr Henderson laid on the Table the following Paper -
On the motion of the Member for Blain (Mr Mills) debate was adjourned.
- The Minister for Justice and Attorney-General (Dr Burns), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to provide for the disclosure and investigation of improper conduct of public officers and public bodies, to protect persons making disclosures and others from reprisal, and for related purposes.
Bill read a first time.
Dr Burns moved - That the Bill be now read a second time.
Debate ensued.
Debate suspended.
8. STATEMENT BY SPEAKER:
- The Speaker advised Members of the death of Mrs Hilda Muir on 30 September 2008 and that she would be requesting Members to observe one minutes silence at the end of the condolence motion.
9. CONDOLENCE - MRS HILDA MUIR - MOTION AGREED TO:
- The Chief Minister (Mr Henderson), by leave, moved - That this Assembly -
(a) express its deep regret at the death of Mrs Hilda Muir, a member of the stolen generation whose life represented the tragedy and hope that so many Aboriginal Territorians have experienced in the past and a woman whose incredible optimism was a shining example to all; and
(b) tender its profound sympathy to her family and friends.
- The Chief Minister (Mr Henderson) thereupon addressed the Assembly.
The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Mills) addressed the Assembly.
Debate ensued.
Question - put and passed.
Motion agreed to.
As a mark of respect Members stood in their places for one minute, in silence.
- The Order of the Day having been read for the resumption of debate, suspended earlier this day, on the question - That the Bill be now read a second time -
Debate resumed.
Paper tabled: Dr Burns laid on the Table the following Paper -
On the motion of the Member for Blain (Mr Mills) debate was adjourned.
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Suspension of sittings: The sittings was suspended between 11.56am and 2pm.
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- The following Notice was given:
Mr Henderson: To present the Ichthys LNG Project Bill 2008 (Serial 10).
Mr Wood: To move - That plans by the NT Government to demolish the Berrimah research station buildings and turn Berrimah Farm into housing should be scrapped and that a proper long term plan for the area involving Berrimah farm workers, community and industry participation be developed to set in place future long term development of the facility and surrounding farmlands.
Mr Wood: To move - That on the next General Business, That the new Darwin Correctional Facility be constructed on its present site at Berrimah and not built elsewhere and that the government build prison farm facilities throughout the Territory as part of alternative strategy to the existing prison policy.
Mr Wood: That, the NT Government amend Part VA of the Traffic Act which deals with the impounding and forfeiture of motor vehicles for certain offences, specifically to allow for -
- (a) the confiscation of a vehicle for 48 hours if an offender has been found guilty of a first prescribed offence;
- (b) on application to the local court the impoundment of a vehicle for up to three months if an offender has been found guilty of a second prescribed driving offence; and
- (c) on application to the local court, the forfeiture of a vehicle if an offender has been guilty of a third prescribed driving offence.
12. STATEMENT BY SPEAKER - WEB-CAST DIFFICULTIES:
- The Speaker advised Members of the reason for difficulties in broadcasting the web-cast of parliamentary proceedings yesterday was due to Government Data Centre server problems.
- 2.03pm Mr Mills to Ms Scrymgour.
2.05pm Mr Gunner to Mr Henderson.
2.09pm Mr Mills to Ms Scrymgour.
2.10pm Mr McCarthy to Ms Lawrie.
2.12pm Mr Mills to Ms Scrymgour.
2.13pm Ms Walker to Mr Vatskalis.
2.16pm Mr Mills to Ms Scrymgour.
2.20pm Ms Walker to Mr Hampton.
2.23pm Mr Mills to Ms Scrymgour.
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Member suspended: The Speaker (Mrs Aagaard), pursuant to Standing Order 240A, ordered the Member for Fong Lim (Mr Tollner) at 2.29pm to withdraw from the Chamber for a period of one hour on account of his constant unruly interjection.
Mr Tollner accordingly withdrew.
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2.33pm Mr Gunner to Mr Knight.
2.36pm Mr Mills to Ms Scrymgour.
2.41pm Mr McCarthy to Mr Vatskalis.
2.43pm Mr Wood to Ms Anderson.
2.46pm Ms Walker Dr Burns.
2.49pm Mr Mills to Ms Scrymgour.
2.52pm Mr McCarthy to Mr Hampton.
2.54pm Mr Mills to Scrymgour.
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Suspension of Standing Orders: The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Mills) moved a motion to suspend so much of Standing Orders as would prevent him moving a Want of Confidence motion in the Minister for Education (Ms Scrymgour).
The Leader of Government Business (Ms Lawrie) informed the Assembly that the Government accepted the motion as a Want of Confidence motion, pursuant to Standing Order 95.
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The Leader of Government Business (Ms Lawrie) asked that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
- The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Mills) thereupon moved - That the Assembly express a Want of Confidence in the Minister for Education (Ms Scrymgour) for -
1. Lying to Territorians about sacking an award winning educator, namely Mrs Margaret Banks;
2. Not having the integrity of directly removing her Chief Executive from her position despite having met with her on the very day she had Mrs Banks sacked;
3. Failing to maintain effective communication links between Cabinet and the Education Department;
4. Throwing the Education Department into chaos; and
5. The appalling results in education in the Territory.
Debate ensued.
Extension of Time: On the motion of the Leader of Government Business (Ms Lawrie) an extension of time was granted to the Minister for Education (Ms Scrymgour), pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Debate continued.
Extension of Time: On the motion of the Minister for Education (Ms Scrymgour) the Treasurer (Ms Lawrie) was granted an extension of time pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Debate continued.
Question - That the question be now put - put.
The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. J. L Aagaard, in the Chair) -
AYES, 12 NOES, 11
Ms Anderson Mr Bohlin
Dr Burns Ms Carney
Mr Gunner Mr Chandler
Mr Hampton Mr Conlan
Mr Henderson Mr Elferink
Mr Knight Mr Giles
Ms Lawrie Mr Mills
Ms McCarthy Ms Purick
Mr McCarthy Mr Styles
Ms Scrymgour Mr Tollner
Mr Vatskalis Mr Westra van Holthe
Ms Walker
And so it was resolved in the affirmative.
Question - That the motion be agreed to - put.
The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. J. L Aagaard, in the Chair) -
AYES, 11 NOES, 12
Mr Bohlin Ms Anderson
Ms Carney Dr Burns
Mr Chandler Mr Gunner
Mr Conlan Mr Hampton
Mr Elferink Mr Henderson
Mr Giles Mr Knight
Mr Mills Ms Lawrie
Ms Purick Ms McCarthy
Mr Styles Mr McCarthy
Mr Tollner Ms Scrymgour
Mr Westra van Holthe Mr Vatskalis
Ms Walker
Motion negatived accordingly.
- 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.
Debate suspended.
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Suspension of sitting: The sitting of the Assembly was suspended between 6pm to 6.45pm pursuant to Sessional Order.
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Debate resumed.
Question - put and passed.
Bill read a second time.
The Assembly resolved itself into Committee of the Whole for consideration of the Bill.
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In Committee
(Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees - Ms Walker)
In Committee
(Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees - Ms Walker)
Bill, by leave taken as a Whole.
Debate ensued.
Bill, as printed, agreed to.
Bill to be reported without amendment.
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The Assembly resumed; the Speaker took the Chair; Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees (Ms Walker) reported that the Assembly had agreed to the Bill, without amendment.
The report was adopted.
On the motion of the Minister for Local Government (Mr Knight) the Bill was read a third time and passed to be a proposed law.
- 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.
The Assembly resolved itself into Committee of the Whole for consideration of the Bill.
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In Committee
(Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees - Ms Walker)
In Committee
(Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees - Ms Walker)
Bill, by leave, taken as a Whole.
Debate ensued.
Papers tabled: The Treasurer (Ms Lawrie) laid on the Table the following Papers -
Northern Territory Community Gaming Machine Performance in Hotels, year ended 30 June 2007 (Paper 80).
Debate continued.
Question - That the Bill be agreed to as printed - put.
The Assembly divided (the Deputy Speaker, Ms L. Walker, in the Chair) -
AYES, 13 NOES, 11
Mrs Aagaard Mr Bohlin
Ms Anderson Ms Carney
Dr Burns Mr Conlan
Mr Gunner Mr Elferink
Mr Hampton Mr Giles
Mr Henderson Mr Mills
Mr Knight Ms Purick
Ms Lawrie Mr Styles
Ms McCarthy Mr Tollner
Mr McCarthy Mr Westra van Holthe
Ms Scrymgour Mr Wood
Mr Vatskalis
Ms Walker
And so it was resolved in the affirmative.
Bill, as printed, agreed to.
Bill to be reported without amendment.
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The Assembly resumed; the Speaker took the Chair; the Chairman and Deputy Speaker (Ms Walker) reported that the Assembly had agreed to the Bill without amendment.
The report was adopted
The Minister for Justice and Attorney-General (Dr Burns) moved - That the Bill be now read a read a third time.
Debate ensued.
Question - That the motion be agreed to - put.
The Assembly divided (the Speaker, Hon. J. L Aagaard, in the Chair) -
AYES, 12 NOES, 11
Ms Anderson Mr Bohlin
Dr Burns Ms Carney
Mr Gunner Mr Conlan
Mr Hampton Mr Elferink
Mr Henderson Mr Giles
Mr Knight Mr Mills
Ms Lawrie Ms Purick
Ms McCarthy Mr Styles
Mr McCarthy Mr Tollner
Ms Scrymgour Mr Westra van Holthe
Mr Vatskalis Mr Wood
Ms Walker
And so it was resolved in the affirmative.
Question - put and passed.
On the motion of the Treasurer (Ms Lawrie) the Bill was read a third time and passed to be a proposed law.
- The Speaker advised the Assembly that the Member for Drysdale (Mr Bohlin) had proposed the following definite Matter of Public Importance for discussion this day:
- The failure of the Northern Territory Government to provide low cost housing and the necessary public housing stock to meet growing demand and extensive waiting lists.
Discussion ensued.
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Midnight entry: And the Assembly having sat until 12 midnight the Assembly continued.
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Discussion continued.
Discussion concluded.
- The Chief Minister (Mr Henderson) moved - That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Debate ensued.
And the Assembly adjourned at 1.35am, Thursday 23 October 2008, until 10am this day.
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PAPERS:
The following Papers were deemed to have been presented on Wednesday 22 October 2008 -
Annual Reports
Child Protection (Reporting and Registration) Act 2004, 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008 (Paper 77)
Professional Standards Councils, 2007/2008 (Paper 76)
Crown Lands Act
Revocation of Reserve No. s 1003, 1064, 1078, 1092, 1103, 1147, 1159, 1160, 1174, 1177, 1232, 1233, 1277, 1284, 1285, 1289, 1297, 1457 and 1645 – Parks and Reserve included in the schedules 1 and 2 of the Parks and Reserves (Framework for the Future) ACT, pursuant to section 76(5), dated 13 October 2008 (Paper 78)
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- ATTENDANCE:
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016