Department of the Legislative Assembly, Northern Territory Government

Minutes of Proceedings - 2008-09-11

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

2. PRAYERS.

3. PETITIONS:
      The Member for Nelson (Mr Wood) presented Petition No. 2 from 326 petitioners relating to saving Darwin Harbour from further industrialisation expansion by petro-chemical developments. (Paper 35)
      Petition read.

      The Member for Nelson (Mr Wood) presented Petition No. 3 from 576 petitioners relating to saving Darwin harbour from further industrial development. (Paper 36)
      Petition read.
4. MINISTERIAL REPORTS:
      Fisheries Resources: The Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries (Mr Vatskalis) reported on fisheries resources of the Territory and protection for the Daly River fish resource stock.
      Mr Westra van Holthe responded.
      Mr Wood responded.
      Mr Vatskalis replied.

      Water Safety Month, September 2008: The Minister for Local Government (Mr Knight) reported on the measures and programs being conducted during Water Safety Month, September 2008.
      Mr Westra van Holthe responded.
      Mr Knight replied.

      Territory Olympians and Sportspersons: The Minister for Sport and Recreation (Mr Hampton) reported on the efforts and performance of the Territory's Olympians, Para Olympians and Territory sportsmen and sportswomen.
      Mr Bohlin responded.
      Mr Hampton replied.

      Ministerial Reports noted, pursuant to Standing Orders.

5. SERIOUS VIOLENT OFFENDERS (PRESUMPTION AGAINST BAIL) AMENDMENT BILL 2008 (Serial 6):
      The Minister for Justice and Attorney-General (Dr Burns), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Bail Act.
      Bill read a first time.
      Dr Burns moved - That the Bill be now read a second time.
      Debate ensued.
      Paper tabled: Dr Burns laid on the Table the following Paper -
Explanatory Statement, Serious Violent Offenders (Presumption Against Bail) Amendment Bill 2008 (Paper 37).

      On the motion of the Member for Araluen (Ms Carney) debate was adjourned.

6. SENTENCING AMENDMENT (VIOLENT OFFENCES) BILL 2008 (Serial 7):
      The Minister for Justice and Attorney-General (Dr Burns), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Sentencing Act.
      Bill read a first time.
      Dr Burns moved - That the Bill be now read a second time.
      Debate ensued.
      Paper tabled: Dr Burns laid on the Table the following Paper -
Explanatory Statement, Sentencing Amendment (Violent Offences) Bill 2008 (Paper 38).

      On the motion of the Member for Araluen (Ms Carney) debate was adjourned.

      Visitors: The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the public galleries of Katherine High School students, Years 10,11 and 12 accompanied by Mr Daniel Eakin, Miss Lauren Phillips, Mr Justin Lee (Duke of Edinburgh’s Award).
      The Speaker extended a warm welcome to the visitors.
7. ADDRESS-IN-REPLY - MOTION TO NOTED:
      The Order of the Day having been read for the resumption of debate on the question - That the Assembly take note of the Address -

      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, express our loyalty to the Sovereign, and thank your Honour for the Speech you have been pleased to address to the Assembly.

      Debate ensued.
      Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Fannie Bay (Mr Gunner) the Treasurer (Ms Lawrie) was granted an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.

      Debate continued.
      Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Port Darwin (Mr Elferink) the Member for Nelson (Mr Wood) was granted an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.

      Debate continued.
      Debate suspended.
      ________________

      Suspension of sittings: The sittings of the Assembly was suspended between 12 Noon and 2pm.
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      Visitors: The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the public gallery of Mr Raymond Steele Hall, former Premier of South Australia, and wife Mrs Joanna Hall.
      The Speaker extended a warm welcome to the distinguished visitors.
8. QUESTIONS:
      2.02pm Mr Mills to Mr Henderson.

      Paper tabled: The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Mills), by leave, laid on the Table the following Paper -
Question to Royal Darwin Hospital Nurses - Overtime, dated 20 February 2007 asked by Dr Lim (Paper 39).

      2.07pm Mr Gunner to Mr Henderson.
      2.10pm Mr Conlan to Dr Burns.
      2.14pm Mr McCarthy to Mr Henderson.
      2.17pm Mr Conlan to Dr Burns.
      2.21pm Mr McCarthy to Ms Anderson.
      2.23pm Mr Conlan to Dr Burns.
      2.24pm Ms Walker to Mr Hampton.
      2.26pm Mr Wood to Dr Burns.
      2.29pm Mr McCarthy to Dr Burns.
      2.32pm Mr Conlan to Dr Burns.
      2.39pm Mr Gunner to Ms Scrymgour.

      Paper tabled: The Minister for Education and Training (Ms Scrymgour) laid on the Table the following Paper - .
Schools Infrastructure Upgrades - 2008 to 2012 (Paper 40).

      2.42pm Mr Conlan to Dr Burns.
      2.44pm Mr McCarthy to Ms Anderson.
      2.47pm Mr Conlan to Dr Burns.
      2.50pm Ms Walker to Ms McCarthy.
      2.52pm Mr Conlan to Dr Burns.

      Leave denied: The Member for Greatorex (Mr Conlan) sought leave to Table a draft report of the Ombudsman which was currently a matter of an injunction before the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory -
      Dissentient voices being raised - Leave denied.
      Question re asked of Dr Burns and in continuing to answer.
      ____________________

      Member suspended: The Speaker (Mrs Aagaard), pursuant to Standing Order 240A, ordered the Member fro Drysdale (Mr Bohlin) at 3pm to withdraw from the Chamber for a period of one hour on account of his constant unruly interjection.
      Mr Bohlin accordingly withdrew.
      _______________

      Question continued to be answered by Dr Burns.

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

9. ADDRESS-IN-REPLY - MOTION TO NOTE:
      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 Address -

      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, express our loyalty to the Sovereign, and thank your Honour for the Speech you have been pleased to address to the Assembly.

      Debate resumed.
      Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Blain (Mr Mills) the Member for Greatorex (Mr Conlan) was granted an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.

      Debate continued.
      Extension of time: On the motion of the Member for Port Darwin (Mr Elferink) the Member for Arnhem (Ms McCarthy) was granted an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.

      Debate continued.
      Debate suspended.
      ________________

      Suspension of sittings: The sittings of the Assembly was suspended between 6pm and 6.45pm.
      ________________
10. ADDRESS-IN-REPLY - MOTION NOTED:
      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 Address -

      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, express our loyalty to the Sovereign, and thank your Honour for the Speech you have been pleased to address to the Assembly.
      Debate resumed.
      Question - put and passed.

11. PRESENTATION OF ADDRESS-IN-REPLY:
      The Speaker advised Members that it was her intention to present the Address-in-Reply to His Honour the Administrator at Government House on Tuesday 16 September 2008.

      All Honourable Members are requested to assemble at Government House at 11am and to accompany me to present the Address.

      A program will be distributed to all Honourable Members outlining the order of proceedings.

      On this formal occasion a photograph of Members of the 11th Assembly will be taken following the presentation of the Address-in-Reply.
12. MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE - ROAD SAFETY MATTERS:
      The Speaker advised the Assembly that the Member for Braitling (Giles) had proposed the following definite Matter of Public Importance for discussion this day:
          The failure of the Territory Government to improve road safety and address rising rates of death on our roads.

      The proposed discussion having received the necessary support -
      Discussion ensued.
      Tabled papers: The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport (Ms Lawrie) laid on the Table the following Papers -
Fatalities, Serious Injuries, Fatalities by road user type (1 January to September 2002 to 20080) (Paper 41).

      Debate continued.
      _________________

      Member suspended: The Speaker (Mrs Aagaard), pursuant to Standing Order 240A, ordered the Member for Braitling (Mr Giles) at 8.43pm to withdraw from the Chamber for a period of one hour on account of his constant unruly interjection.
      Mr Giles accordingly withdrew.
      _________________

      Discussion continued.
      Discussion concluded.

13. ADJOURNMENT:
      The Leader of Government Business (Ms Lawrie) moved - That the Assembly do now adjourn.
      Debate ensued.
      _________________

      Member suspended: The Speaker (Mrs Aagaard), pursuant to Standing Order 240A, ordered the Member for Greatorex (Mr Conlan) at 9.53pm to withdraw from the Chamber for a period of one hour on account of his constant unruly interjection.
      Mr Conlan accordingly withdrew.
      _________________

      Debate continued.
      And the Assembly adjourned at 11.21pm until Tuesday 16 September 2008 at 10am.
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      PAPERS:
      There were no Papers deemed to have been presented on Thursday 11 September 2008.
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      ATTENDANCE:
      All Members attended the sittings.
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016