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Minutes of Proceedings - 2001-02-20

Eighth Assembly First Session 20/02/2001 Parliamentary Record No. 27
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Date : 20/02/2001
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1. MEETING:
      The Assembly met at 10.00 h, pursuant to resolution of the Assembly, dated Thursday 30 November 2000. The Acting Speaker, Mr Phil Mitchell MLA, took the Chair.

2. PRAYERS.

3. STATEMENT – ABSENCE OF SPEAKER:
      The Acting Speaker Mr Mitchell MLA, advised Honourable Members of the absence of the Speaker, the Honourable Terry McCarthy, until 3 pm today.

4. MOTION – POSTPONEMENT OF QUESTIONS – MOTION AGREED TO:
      The Leader of Government Business (Mr Palmer) moved – That consideration of Ordinary Business, Questions be postponed until 3 pm this day and the Speaker be empowered to suspend forthwith any Assembly proceedings at that time to permit Questions to be called on.
      Question – put and passed.
      Motion agreed to.

5. MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR:
      The Acting Speaker advised members that he had received the following Message No. 30 from His Honour the Administrator –
      Message No. 30

      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:

      23 October 2000
          Oaths Amendment Act 2000 (No. 47 of 2000)
          Status of Palmerston Act 2000 (No. 48 of 2000)
      1 November 2000
          Commercial and Private Agents Licensing Amendment Act 2000 (No. 49 of 2000)
          Education Amendment Act 2000 (No. 50 of 2000)
      14 November 2000
          AustralAsia Railway (Special Provisions) Amendment Act (No. 2) 2000 (No. 54 of 2000)
          AustralAsia Railway Corporation Amendment Act (No. 2) 2000 (No. 55 of 2000)
          Family Provision Amendment Act 2000 (No. 60 of 2000)
          Law of Property Amendment Act (No. 2) 2000 (No. 61 of 2000)
          Marine Amendment Act 2000 (No. 52 of 2000)
          Northern Territory Tourist Commission Amendment Act 2000 (No. 57 of 2000)
          Police Administration Amendment Act 2000 (No. 63 of 2000)
          Prisons (Correctional Services) Amendment Act (No. 2) 2000 (No. 53 of 2000)
          Public Trustee Amendment Act 2000 (No. 62 of 2000)
          Surveillance Devices Act 2000 (No. 56 of 2000)
          Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Amendment Act 2000 (No. 58 of 2000)
          Trespass Amendment Act 2000 (No. 51 of 2000)
          Wills Act 2000 (No. 59 of 2000)
        Dated 1st day of December 2000.

        JOHN CHRISTOPHER ANICTOMATIS
        Administrator
        (Paper 2281)
    6. VISITORS:
        The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the public galleries of students from the Northern Territory Literacy and Numeracy Training Program accompanied by their lecturer, Ms Lorraine Sushames.
        On behalf of Members the Speaker extended a warm welcome to the visitors.
    7. PERSONAL EXPLANATION – MEMBER FOR BRAITLING:
        The Member for Braitling (Mrs Braham), by leave of the Speaker, made a statement relating to the change in her party political representation in the Assembly from the Country Liberal Party to that of an Independent Member.

    8. PETITIONS:
        The Member for Katherine (Mr Reed), by leave, presented a petition No. 60 from 96 petitioners relating to a proposal to revoke the Riverview Ampol Roadhouse/Caravan Park Liquor Licence (Paper 2283).
        Petition read.
        The Member for Katherine (Mr Reed), by leave, presented a petition No. 59, not conforming with Standing Orders, from 1121 petitioners relating to Katherine residents not in agreement with any proposal to cut takeaway alcohol hours (Paper 2282).
        Petition read.

    9. RESPONSE TO PETITIONS:
        The Clerk laid on the Table responses to petitions numbered 51, 52, 53, 55, 56, 57 and 58 and advised Members that they would be incorporated in the Hansard record for the day (Papers 2273 to 2280).

    10. NOTICES:
        The following notices were given –
        Mr Palmer, on behalf of Mr Burke: To present the Companies (Trustees and Personal Representatives) Amendment Bill 2001 (Serial 290).

        Mr Palmer, on behalf of Mr Burke: To present the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Bill 2001 (Serial 291).

        Mr Palmer, on behalf of Mr Burke: To present the Compensation (Fatal Injuries) Amendment Bill 2001 (Serial 292).

        Mr Henderson: To move – The Northern Territory parliament:
                    (a) condemn successive CLP governments for consistently failing to adequately fund Northern Territory hospitals, facilities and services;

                    (b) condemn this government for failing to provide a detailed policy response to the alarming 1998 HDI report into our hospitals which stated that by 2006 an additional $120m in operational funding and $200m in capital expenditure would be required. This House notes that the only response to this report was an attempt to privatize all 5 public hospitals in the Territory; and

                    (c) this House commends Labor's commitment to maintain all 5 hospitals in public ownership and to increase funding in real terms in order to provide Territorians with the hospital facilities they deserve.


          Ms Martin: To move - The Northern Territory parliament notes:
                    (a) the crucial importance of maintaining strong economic and cultural links to the people and governments of Greece and Cyprus, given that some 10% of the present population of Darwin have family origins in these two countries; and

                    (b) the importance of properly planned and targeted parliamentary visits to these two countries: which must be preceded by prior wide consultations with the Greek community in Darwin; full public disclosure of the objectives of the visit; and adequate processes for reporting results of the trip to the parliament; the Greek community and the public at large.
          Dr Toyne: To move - The Northern Territory parliament express deep concern at the government’s failure to:
                    (a) respond to the clearly expressed concerns and priorities of Territorians regarding regulatory and other arrangements needed to alleviate the social harm being caused by excessive alcohol consumption and its’ attendant anti-social behaviour; and

                    (b) provide adequate and reliable funding for night patrols, in the light of extensive evidence that they provide significant alleviation of anti-social behaviour and alcohol related harm.


          Mrs Braham: To present the Local Government Amendment Bill 2001 (Serial 294).
      11. WHITE SPOT SYNDROME VIRUS – MINISTERIAL STATEMENT – STATEMENT NOTED:
          The Minister for Industry and Fisheries (Mr Palmer) made a statement relating to the White Spot Syndrome Virus infecting prawns at the Darwin Aquaculture Centre (Paper 2287).
          Papers tabled: Mr Palmer laid on the Table the following Papers –
      AQIS Protecting our way of life – Media release, dated 5 February 2001 – AQIS Tightens Prawn Import Controls (Paper 2285);
      Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australia – Animal Biosecurity Policy Memorandum 2000/057, Interim conditions on importation of green (uncooked) prawns, dated 14 December 2000 (Paper 2286); and
      Summary Report on the Discovery of RNA Signals similar to White Spot Syndrome Virus in Imported Green Prawns by Northern Territory Department of Industry and Fisheries, dated February 2001
      `(Paper 2284).

          Mr Palmer moved – That the Assembly take note of the Statement.
          Debate ensued.
          Question – put and passed.

      12. NORTHERN TERRITORY EXPLORATION INITIATIVES – MINISTERIAL STATEMENT – STATEMENT NOTED:
          The Minister for Resource Development (Mr Manzie) made a statement relating to the current status of Northern Territory exploration initiatives (Paper 2307).
          Mr Manzie moved – That the Assembly take note of the Statement.
          Debate ensued.
          Question – put and passed.
          Suspension of sittings: The sittings of the Assembly were suspended between 12.55 h and 15.26 h.

      13. QUESTIONS:
          Statement: The Speaker advised Members that he had given permission for ABC TV and Channel 8 to take file footage, without sound, during Question Time today.
          Visitors: The Speaker advised Members of the presence in the public galleries of Young Tiwi Leaders Ms Kelly Bo, Mr James Kantilla, Mr Cyril Rioli Jnr, Mr Pedro Wonaeamirri, Mr Tristan Munatopi, Mr David Guy Jnr and Mr Robert Joarn accompanied by Mr Cliff and Mrs Patsy Thompson.
          On behalf of all Members the Speaker extended a warm welcome to the visitors.

          15:27 Ms Martin to Mr Burke.
          15:35 Mr Mills to Mr Reed.
          15:43 Ms Martin to Mr Burke.
          15:48 Mr Balch to Mr Dunham.
          15:52 Mr Stirling to Mr Burke.
          15:57 Mr Mitchell to Mr Lugg.
          16:01 Ms Martin to Mr Burke.
          16:06 Mrs Braham to Mr Burke.
          16:07 Mr Hatton to Mr Palmer.
          16:15 Mr Rioli to Mr Burke.
          16:16 Mr Poole to Mr Baldwin.
          16:22 Mr Henderson to Mr Burke.
          16:24 Ms Carter to Mr Manzie.

          The Leader of Government Business (Mr Palmer) asked that further questions be placed on the Question Paper.
          Answer to Questions: The Chief Minister (Mr Burke) provided an answer to a question asked by the Member for Braitling (Mrs Braham) asked earlier this day relating to property rented in Alice Springs by the Department of the Chief Minister.

      14. DISCUSSION OF MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE – FUEL PRICES AND TAXES:
          The Speaker advised that the Leader of the Opposition (Ms Martin) had proposed a Definite Matter of Public Importance this day:
              The need for the Northern Territory government to address –

              (a) the detrimental impact of the highest fuel prices in the country on the Territory economy;
              (b) the detrimental affects of fuel prices and other taxes on the cost of living of all Territorians; and
              (c) the fall of business and public confidence in the management of Territory affairs.
          The proposed discussion having received the necessary support –
          The Speaker thereupon called upon Ms Martin to address the Assembly.
          Discussion ensued.
          Paper tabled: The Leader of the Opposition (Ms Martin) laid on the Table the following Paper –
      Graph, Comparison of Capital City Unleaded Petrol Import Parity Indicator Price with Average Unleaded Petrol Prices (Paper 2308).

          Discussion continued.
          Discussion concluded.
      15. STATUTE LAW REVISION BILL (No. 2) 2000 (Serial 285):
          The Order of the Day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question – That the Bill be now read a second time.
          Debate ensued.
          Question – put and passed.
          Bill read a second time.
          The Assembly resolved itself into Committee of the Whole.

          In Committee
          (Chairman – Mr Mitchell)

          Bill, by leave, taken as a whole.
          The Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries (Mr Palmer), on behalf of and at the request of the Attorney-General (Mr Burke), by leave, moved – That Amendment Schedule No. 85 be put and taken forthwith.
          Question – put and passed.
          Amendment agreed to.
          The Bill was amended, as follows:

          Insert in Schedule 2 after the item amending section 52(2) of the Residential Tenancies Act the following:
          'Section 107(3)
          "a person granted a tenancy"
          "a person who granted a tenancy"

          Section 118(1)(b)
          "Real Property Act"
          "Land Title Act" '.

          Bill, as amended, agreed to.
          Bill to be reported with an amendment.
          The Assembly resumed; the Speaker (Mr McCarthy) resumed the Chair; and the Chairman (Mr Mitchell) reported that the Committee had considered the Bill and agreed to the same with an amendment.
          On the motion of the Attorney-General (Mr Burke) the Bill was read a third time and passed to be a proposed law.
      16. WEEDS MANAGEMENT BILL 2000 (Serial 284):
          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 Primary Industry and Fisheries (Mr Palmer) the Bill was read a third time and passed to be a proposed law.

      17. ADJOURNMENT:
          The Leader of Government Business (Mr Palmer) moved – That the Assembly do now adjourn.
          Debate ensued.
          Question – put and passed.
          The Assembly adjourned at 18:59 h until 10:00 h, Wednesday 21 February 2001.
          PAPERS:
          The following Papers were deemed to have been presented on Tuesday 20 February 2001 –

          Annual Reports:
          Northern Territory Electrical Workers and Contractors Licensing Board, 1999/2000 (Paper 2271)
          Northern Territory Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board, 1999/2000 (Paper 2270)
          Surveyors Board of the Northern Territory, 1999/2000 (Paper 2272)

          By-laws:
          Amendment of Northern Territory University (Fees and Charges) By-laws (Paper 2289)
          Amendment of Northern Territory University (Student Association) By-laws (Paper 2291)
          Amendments of Northern Territory University (Library) By-laws (Paper 2293)
          Amendments of Northern Territory University (Site and Traffic) By-laws (Paper 2292)
          Northern Territory University (Student Residences) By-laws (Paper 2290)

          Lands Acquisition Act:
          Statement of reasons for acquisitions pursuant to section 44(5), dated 11 December 2000 re Section 4449 Hundred of Bagot and NT Portion 3601, Northern Territory Gazette G1, 2001 (Paper 2288)

          Regulations 2000:
          No. 55, Land Title Regulations - Certificate as to Title (Paper 2294)
          No. 56, Amendments of Registration Regulations (Paper 2295)
          No. 57, Amendment of Pay-roll Tax Regulations (Paper 2296)
          No. 58, Amendments of Firearms Regulations (Paper 2297)
          No. 59, Amendment of Motor Vehicles (Fees and Charges) Regulations (Paper 2298)
          No. 60, Amendment of Petroleum Products Subsidy Regulations (Paper 2299)
          No. 61, AustralAsia Railway (Special Provisions) Regulations (Paper 2300)
          No. 62, AustralAsia Railway Corporation (Investment) Regulations (Paper 2301)
          No. 63, Amendments of Lands and Mining Tribunal Rules (Paper 2302)

          Regulations 2001:
          No. 01, Territory Wildlife Regulations (Paper 2306)
          ATTENDANCE:
          All Members attended the sitting.

          Ian McNeill
          Clerk of the Legislative Assembly
      Last updated: 04 Aug 2016
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