2013-02-21
Power and Water Price Increases
Ms LAWRIE to CHIEF MINISTER
Current Chief Minister …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 112: an ironical expression, an epithet and an imputation. It is outside the boundaries.
Madam SPEAKER: Let me seek advice. What was the standing order?
Mr ELFERINK: It is a breach of Standing Order 112. It contains an ironical expression - 112(2)(f).
Ms LAWRIE: Speaking to the point of order, Madam Speaker. It is fact; he is the current Chief Minister. I am stating a fact.
Mr Elferink: You are using it in a fashion which is …
Madam SPEAKER: Please resume your seat, member for Port Darwin. If you have a point of order, respond to it ...
Mr ELFERINK: Speaking to the point of order, Madam Speaker. She has never used the expression before and now uses it as a matter of irony.
Mr GUNNER: Speaking to the point of order, Madam Speaker. The member for Port Darwin said she has never used it before. We used it yesterday.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, Opposition Leader, if you could refer to the Chief Minister as the Chief Minister, please.
Ms LAWRIE: By all means. We are a bit sensitive today are we, Terry? Big weekend coming up?
Territory families are now receiving their hiked up power and water bills and many cannot pay them. We hear stories of people having to work seven days a week and cut back on essentials for their children. You have told them it is a superficial issue and they should adjust. People know you broke your promise, but they do not know how they will pay for it. Will you finally admit Territorians are not adjusting they are hurting?
On the last day of these sittings will you finally admit you broke your promise to Territorians?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. This is the same question you have been asking ever since your became Opposition Leader, and the same answer will be provided. However, I do not believe you have a concern or interest in the answer nor the reason the current government, as opposed to the previous government, is dealing with a real issue. The first thing is you have to recognise there is, quite plainly, a problem your government, when you were the Treasurer - I thought you knew a fair bit about Treasury but clearly you did not. I have a number of statements by you as former Treasurer where you made no adjustment or recognition to a growing problem around debt. Your only plan was to expect GST receipts to increase; that was the only hope you had ...
Ms Lawrie: Not true! Completely misguided! Countercyclical. Capital works program.
Mr MILLS: Yes, I have you on record on a number of occasions. I have your words. Your plan was expectation and hope the GST fairy would get you out of your difficult spot...
Ms Lawrie: Not true! You are telling lies.
Madam SPEAKER: Opposition Leader, please withdraw that.
Ms LAWRIE: I withdraw. No one believes you.
Mr MILLS: I have told you a number of times, Opposition Leader, the first thing one needs to do, recognising there is a problem, is cut waste. We have had to do that; to do the alternative would be reckless. We are a serious government with a concern for the future of the Northern Territory. In so doing, we can then reduce debt. That is very real, and in reducing debt we are relieved of the obligations you cannot ignore of servicing industry payments. We were put in a terrible position...
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. The question was specific. People are hurting because of your increase to power and water bills. They are struggling and cannot pay it. Will you admit you are hurting Territorians through your actions, and will you admit you broke your promise to reduce the cost of living?
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, you have the call.
Mr MILLS: Madam Speaker, I am answering the question, perhaps not to the liking of the Opposition Leader because these are inconvenient truths. We were facing a situation - many Territorians understand this and beware, Opposition Leader, there are many more, day by day, who are beginning to understand the situation they have been faced with and expect a government, notwithstanding how difficult it is - I have said it 100-plus times. I know it is difficult for families but it is required. We had to avoid a situation where we would be paying the same amount of interest as our income. That is simply unsustainable and has been corrected.
Humpty Doo Fire Station –
Meeting Update
Meeting Update
Mr HIGGINS to CHIEF MINISTER
Could you please update the House on any outcomes following the meeting we had with firies at Humpty Doo last Saturday.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Daly for his question. I appreciate your assistance in bringing that meeting together. It was good to have Madam Speaker at the meeting as a local member; also the member for Nelson attended.
I said at the outset it is important, when making decisions, that they are informed by the best possible information. I said I needed to get a clean line of sight to the front line. That meeting provided me with some insights into the effect of the decision. It also gave me some options which I previously did not have access to. Those options have enabled me to announce, without any additional cost, there will be a continuation of the service at Humpty Doo and no reduction of service at Palmerston Fire Station.
There is no additional cost, but I will be looking at structural and organisational changes to allow a cleaner line of sight in the decision-making process. I want to ensure this government has the best quality information when making its decisions. That is why it is so important this government listens carefully to Territorians.
I do not mind if the opposition, after calling for a government to listen, and, having now listened, derides us for a backflip. I am not ashamed of that. I need to ensure we do what is right and in the best interests of the Northern Territory. That is what we have done.
The other objective is to ensure we maximise operational efficiencies. I am looking forward to working with the firies, in particular, to achieve those operational efficiencies. Most importantly, I was taken by the role of the volunteers at Humpty Doo and the rural area. In saying this, I refer to volunteers across the Northern Territory. They are a declining number and their service is greatly appreciated. I, and any member who is interested in strengthening the volunteer service, particularly the volunteer firefighting effort, will be working closely with them to find ways where they can be valued and their support increased over time. If that is diminished we have really lost something. Therefore, that is an area I will be working in.
I noticed during my meeting on Saturday that although we can easily have a high expectation of volunteers, they should never be taken for granted. They provide a wonderful service we could never pay for and we must value them greatly.
Independent Audit of Debt Levels –
Reference to Auditor-General
Reference to Auditor-General
Ms LAWRIE to CHIEF MINISTER
It is good to see you backflip on the Humpty Doo Fire Station. One hopes you backflip on removing the rescue truck and the all-important Jaws of Life. We know businesses are also receiving their first power bills and cannot work out how they are going to stay afloat ...
Mrs LAMBLEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! My point ...
Madam SPEAKER: What number?
Mrs LAMBLEY: Sorry.
Madam SPEAKER: Be seated.
Ms LAWRIE: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Halfway through the financial year, businesses only received six weeks ...
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! This question is straying into the area of imputations and epithets, both of which breach Standing Order 112(2)(d) and (e).
Madam SPEAKER: If you can get to the question, Opposition Leader.
Ms LAWRIE: Absolutely happy to continue with my question - desperate to gag. For many small businesses we are talking tens of thousands of dollars in power and water bills they have no way of passing on. You are destroying them and, being in business, they know about debt. Why not get the Auditor-General to undertake an independent audit of the Territory’s books because you expect business and Territorians to believe your rhetoric that this is all about debt? Stump up, Chief Minister. Why not refer to the Auditor-General an independent audit of the Territory’s book ...
Madam SPEAKER: Your time has expired, Opposition Leader.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her rather long and meandering question which provides me plenty of opportunity to attack this question from a number of points. Do not call relevance because your question wandered all over the paddock.
I value the role of the Auditor-General. If you are referring to commentary in the social media about this ‘independent’ investigation of the Territory’s books you, as former Treasurer of all people, should know the Treasury books.
There is legislation and Treasury documents there for the whole world to see. We have an Auditor-General who can be directed here, there, or anywhere. There are documents. Of course, when you say an independent audit it has to be someone you choose. If there was another independent audit you would not accept it because it is not from your independent person. We have an Auditor-General.
If you have any concerns, because of your experience as a former Treasurer, you should be able to direct the Auditor-General to any place in the books you like. What is your real concern? Are you serious? Do you understand the role of Treasurer or were you faking it for all those years ...
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! He knows I cannot direct the Auditor-General. Only you can direct the Auditor-General to do the audit, Chief Minister.
Madam SPEAKER: Sit down! There is no point of order. It is frivolous. Chief Minister, do you wish to continue?
Mr MILLS: Yes, certainly. This is astonishing! This is an officer of the Territory parliament. Any member of this parliament, including you as the former Treasurer who understands the books very well, has the same authority as I to make a reference to the Auditor-General. Why have you not done that rather than ask silly questions across the Chamber, you goose?
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, have you finished?
Mr MILLS: Yes, I have finished.
Northern Territory Public Service
Mr STYLES to CHIEF MINISTER
The talents, energy and knowledge of Territory public servants are equal to, or better than, anywhere in Australia. You assured Territorians you would refocus the public service to produce more efficient and effective frontline services. Can you tell the House how the government plans to utilise to the full the extraordinary assets of the Northern Territory Public Service?
Mr McCARTHY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I would like the Chief Minister to withdraw the word goose from his previous comment.
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order!
ANSWER
Did it offend you? It is a delayed reaction.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr McCarthy: They are looking for you in Tennant Creek, by the way.
Mr MILLS: Will you be there?
Mr McCarthy: Absolutely.
Mr MILLS: Rubbish!
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Sanderson for his question. The former Labor government had neither the capacity nor the ability to establish conditions which would allow our Territory public servants to achieve their full potential. The government believes the best way to improve frontline services is to create an environment where all Territory departments can interact.
I have been working closely with the new Chief Executive of the Chief Minister’s Department, Mr Gary Barnes, and together we are hoping to reinvigorate our public service to ensure all public service responses are properly coordinated and that each department complements the work of other departments. I have established new standing committees and special purpose coordination committees. Most of these committees will have a direct reporting line to Cabinet or a subcommittee of Cabinet. The membership of those committees is made up of departmental chief executives.
These new arrangements include a gas to Gove special purpose committee to coordinate the government’s effort in this huge project. This group is currently engaged in the very important due diligence process.
A new cost of living special purpose coordination committee will look at the wide range of factors impacting on the cost of living in the Territory and will provide strategic advice to med and my Cabinet. All cost of living increases are regrettable and we will do our best to minimise them, but accommodation costs - a massive portion of our cost of living - is where our effort must be refocused, unlike the former Labor government, which stood by for years and did nothing.
An infrastructure standing committee will prioritise, develop and manage major infrastructure programs including capital works, minor new works, repairs and maintenance programs and all Northern Territory submissions to Infrastructure Australia.
A new Indigenous advancement and regional development standing committee’s work will include the strengthening of existing regional coordination committees. This committee will have a strong relationship with the Indigenous advancement and regional development subcommittee of my Cabinet.
In addition, the heads of the three central agencies - the Commissioner for Public Employment, the Chief Executive Officer of the Chief Minister’s Department and the Under Treasurer - will engage with other agency CEOs to ensure there is collective responsibility for the stewardship of the public service. The taxpayers of the Northern Territory expect the government to create an environment for their public servants which encourages and promotes cooperation across all departments. These new arrangements will be the catalyst for empowerment ...
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Could the Leader of Government Business please advise who is taking minister Chandler’s questions today?
Mr ELFERINK (Leader of Government Business): Minister Chandler’s questions can be fired at the Chief Minister.
Power and Water Price Increases
Ms WALKER to CHIEF MINISTER referred to MINISTER for INDIGENOUS ADVANCEMENT
Madam Speaker, my question is to the current Chief Minister.
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nhulunbuy, could you please refer to the Chief Minister as Chief Minister.
Ms WALKER: Chief Minister, your cost of living power hikes and broken promises are having a devastating effect in the bush. People cannot even afford to recharge electric wheelchairs. This is a $20 power card used in many homes in bush communities to access power. For the average family it used to last four to five days, but now it is more like two days and does not include running an air conditioner. In your taxpayer-funded ad on 26 November you said:
- If you can reduce the running time of your air-conditioner to five hours a day you can save about $165 a year. My family will be taking this action.
What advice do you give to bush families who do not run air conditioners as to which appliances they should they turn off: ceiling fans, TVs, fridges, the lights or their electric wheelchair?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the honourable member for her question. What advice have you provided, I wonder? What have you said? Have you provided any assistance whatsoever?
Have you been informed of the context in which these difficult decisions had to be taken?
Ms WALKER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I am asking the Chief Minister. Relevance. He needs to answer the question.
Madam SPEAKER: What standing order, member for Nhulunbuy please?
Ms WALKER: He needs to answer the question.
Mr Mills: I am curious to know because if you demonstrate what I perceive to be …
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 67 - he is digressing. He has been asked a direct question and should answer it.
Mr ELFERINK: Speaking to the point of order, Madam Speaker. Digression refers to the rules of debate not Question Time.
Mr MILLS: To establish the framework in which this question could be properly answered, I presumed, perhaps incorrectly, what motivates this question is a genuine concern for the person in the wheelchair. I am curious as to what information and support you provided that person. Did you explain there is a difficult situation which your government - as a member of the former government - created which needs a response? It is very difficult for all. Did you apologise for the dreadful situation you have presented for the Northern Territory and the real problem that needs to be attended to?
There is a context for this and to provide me with a specific account such as that, which concerns me - I would like to talk to you privately about that. I would like more information about the specific issue you refer to …
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Relevance: Standing Order 113. My colleague asked a direct question and I would like to hear the Chief Minister’s answer.
Mr ELFERINK: Speaking to the point of order, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: The Chief Minister is answering the question, member for Nightcliff. Chief Minister, you have the call.
Mr MILLS: Madam Speaker, yes, I am answering it but perhaps in a way which surprises you because I am concerned about this person you referred to. You had the capacity to respond in an appropriate way and I will provide you with some support on that front, but I ask the minister for Aboriginal Advancement to provide some further information.
Ms ANDERSON (Indigenous Advancement): Madam Speaker, I place on the record the tariff increases apply to all Territorians - black and white.
The member for Nhulunbuy is suggesting separatism. She is trying to say there should be different rules for Aboriginal Territorians. You should be talking …
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The rules of Question Time are the question goes to the portfolio minister. This is Power and Water - Essential Services. If you want to flick it, flick it to the Minister for Essential Services.
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order. Sit down.
Ms ANDERSON: This is creating separatism in the Northern Territory. Tariff increases apply to all Territorians and you should be telling your bridesmaid to stop breeding racism in the Northern Territory ...
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! That is offensive. I have been accused of being racist, yet again, by this disgraceful person.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Minister, could you please withdraw the comment regarding racism.
Ms ANDERSON: Madam Speaker, I withdraw.
Power and Water Debt
Mr HIGGINS to TREASURER
The Labor government ignored the recommendations of its own report into Power and Water - the Reeves report - to increase electricity prices by 40%. As a result, the Power and Water Corporation, under the previous government, was labouring under debts of approximately $1.4bn, ratcheting up to $2bn by 2015-16. Can you explain what measures the Labor government took to bring down Power and Water’s debt?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Daly for his question. The short answer is, nothing. The former Labor government did nothing to bring down the Power and Water Corporation’s debt ...
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The standing order for misleading.
Madam SPEAKER: There is no standing order number, sit down.
Mrs LAMBLEY: It is very clear the former Treasurer, the worst Treasurer in the history of the Northern Territory, does not want to hear this story because it comes down to one person’s fault - hers. She failed to take on board the recommendations of the Reeves report commissioned in 2009. The Reeves report recommended electricity prices be increased by 40% and water prices by 60% over a three-year period, and she failed to do that. It is on the record. She admitted it in April 2012 ...
Ms Lawrie interjecting.
Mrs LAMBLEY: Yes, we hear the bleats from the other side of the room. This is the truth, a concept foreign to the former Labor government. They would not know truth if they fell over it.
At the moment, with the tariff increases, our electricity prices are still below the national average. We are not paying any more than most people in Australia for our electricity. In fact, the average annual power bill in New South Wales is $786 more than we pay in the Northern Territory. If you are talking about people leaving the Territory because of power price increases, if they are going to New South Wales I suggest you advise them against it because they will be paying more for electricity than they would here by around $800.
That is not the news the former Labor government wants to hear. They want to hear how irresponsible this government is, but we can lay the blame fairly at the feet of the former Treasurer who ignored the advice of the 2009 Reeves report. She wanted to rack up the bills, rack up the debt of the Power and Water Corporation to the tune of $2bn in the forward estimates. She had no responsibility whatsoever when it came to adjusting the revenue as recommended by the Reeves report which would have substantially lowered the amount of debt carried by the Power and Water Corporation. She talked about how the Power and Water Corporation needed to function at a level which was at least financially sustainable, if not, commercially sustainable. It is throughout the Statement of Corporate Intent which she presided over for the Power and Water Corporation. This is evidence the only person responsible for these sharp increases in tariffs in power and water – it is the result of the Labor government.
Madam Speaker - Position
Ms LAWRIE to CHIEF MINISTER
It is extraordinary, even Moody’s has slapped you down. Before the election ...
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Once again, Standing Order 102(2)(c): inferences and imputations. She started her question by commenting to the Treasurer not asking a question.
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order. Opposition Leader
Ms LAWRIE: Before the election you guaranteed the member for Goyder would be your deputy. Immediately after the election you dumped her. It was one of your first broken promises, a sign of many more to come. Your own MLAs have confirmed overnight plans to dump her. However, the member for Port Darwin claims they are lies. He is accusing his colleagues of lying, perhaps because they ended his leadership dreams. Will you clear the air? Will you be open and accountable? Were there plans to dump the Speaker yesterday or are your own colleagues lying to media?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. Once again, this confirms where your mind and real interest is - certainly not in the Northern Territory. I spoke to you, I addressed this Chamber and said quality information assists you in making quality decisions. You have substandard information cobbled together, add a bit of your own, and use Question Time to run this type of rot. It is unbelievable for a person who has aspirations to be queen of the Northern Territory to peddle this nonsense. It is just rubbish. I would be embarrassed to be asking questions like this in the parliament in the face of real issues in the Northern Territory. One of your own members is very concerned about what is happening in the bush ...
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. The question was very specific: will he be open and accountable? Will he say if there were plans to dump you as Speaker?
Mr ELFERINK: Speaking to the point of order, Madam Speaker, the question had a number of statements which invite comment from the Chief Minister. His answer complies with Standing Order 113 in that those comments are succinct, concise, and directly relevant to the question and the preamble to the question asked.
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, you are answering the question. Keep going.
Mr MILLS: I ask you to apply your thinking a little wider than it currently operates; that is, when I said quality information ...
Ms Lawrie: Just answer the question.
Mr MILLS: I am answering the question, just listen. Quality information allows you to make a quality decision. The quality decision you have taken is to ask a question like that? That is rubbish information. There are no plans. Do not be ridiculous. How could you operate at this level and aspire to be an important person in the Northern Territory if you think this is the way to go. I would be deeply embarrassed and ashamed if I were you, with all your years of wanting to lead the Northern Territory and this is as good as it gets ...
Ms Lawrie: Stop lying.
Madam SPEAKER: Opposition Leader, withdraw that comment.
Ms LAWRIE: I withdraw. He knows he is, though.
Mr MILLS: One of your members, just a moment ago, expressed real concern for what is happening in the bush. I want to test that …
Ms Walker: Not of great concern, if that is what …
Mr MILLS: I assumed it was, but I do not have any evidence of that concern for the Northern Territory in the leadership you have. Do you guys support this strategy? Do you believe it is the way to go? Do you believe this is advancing the best interests of the Northern Territory? Do you believe the mums and dads in the community are applauding you because this is what they want from community leaders - this kind of rumourmongering and peddling rot in Question Time?
Wake up to yourselves!
Real Housing for Growth Plan –
Status Report
Ms FINOCCHIARO to MINISTER for HOUSING
Could the minister provide a status report on the government’s election commitment to deliver 2000 affordable houses under the Real Housing for Growth plan?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Drysdale for her question. Clearly, the member for Drysdale is concerned about the lack of affordable housing across the Territory. Indeed, it is a concern shared by many Territorians. It is a direct result of the failure of the former Labor government to ensure adequate, affordable housing to meet the growth and economic needs of the Northern Territory into the future.
The Real Housing for Growth initiative announced in the election campaign by the Chief Minister to construct 2000 new affordable houses is well on the way to occurring. On 27 February - next Wednesday - expressions of interest will be called from builders and developers across the Northern Territory to get on board and start constructing some of the 2000 new affordable houses.
Affordable housing is not just about buying, it is also about renting. Renters will pay only 70% of the market rent with government meeting the difference. This is about bridging the gap between public and private housing and ensuring our essential workers - police, teachers, firemen, nurses, etcetera - can find an affordable place to live when they move to the Northern Territory.
Similarly, when this program is linked to the National Rental Affordability Scheme, lower income earners - people in the hospitality industry and the cleaning industry - will be able to find affordable accommodation as well.
This initiative is not only new and innovative, but represents a significant financial and resource commitment from the Northern Territory government. We budgeted $9m to ensure people can live in affordable accommodation. Importantly, it recognises the vital role housing plays in supporting economic development, population growth and stability in the Northern Territory.
This government recognises the need for affordable housing. Unfortunately, we are in a dreadful situation in the Northern Territory. Everyone knows we have a housing and accommodation crisis brought on by the former government.
We will not ignore this problem any longer. This government is doing something. I encourage developers and other interested people to get online next week to check out the call for expressions of interest from the department. Let us get this place moving.
Defence Housing at Eaton –
Proposed Demolition
Proposed Demolition
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for HOUSING
Last year I attended a meeting with you at Ludmilla Primary School which was organised by your federal member, Natasha Griggs. The reason for the meeting was to push to save the houses at Eaton on the RAAF Base. You once had a ‘Save Eaton’ sticker on your computer. Today’s paper says the Department of Defence will demolish those houses.
Considering you were once very vocal about saving these houses and are, quite rightly, very vocal about the high cost of housing in Darwin, and considering Yilli Rreung would be willing to take the houses for an affordable project, what will you do, along with your federal colleagues, to stop the scandalous demolition of these houses just because they do not come up to the five-star standard of Defence?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. I acknowledge the member for Nelson has been a tireless supporter of saving those houses on the RAAF Base: 395 houses earmarked for destruction by the Gillard Labor government in Canberra.
The situation has been exacerbated by the previous Labor government of the Northern Territory supporting this wanton public vandalism of public assets. It would cost $1bn to replace that asset and the former government did not give a fig about the future of those houses. The federal member for Solomon, Natasha Griggs, has made an enormous effort to save the houses on the RAAF Base. She has a commitment from the federal Coalition that those houses can be saved and the suburb utilised by Territorians.
This government supports her fight and, in this regard, also supports the member for Nelson. Good on you, member for Nelson. It seems practically everyone in this House knows the importance of those houses apart from members on the other side, who are quite prepared to see those houses destroyed.
The best thing we can do, as a government, to ensure those houses are not destroyed is get rid of the Gillard government in Canberra and promote a Coalition government because we have a commitment on the books that those houses will be saved. Three-hundred-and-ninety-five houses, an entire suburb, cannot disappear simply because the former government refused to fight against their comrades in Canberra. The decision the Gillard government has made on this is a disgrace. We will fight it all the way to the next election.
Member for Arnhem –
Jawoyn Funds
Jawoyn Funds
Mr McCARTHY to CHIEF MINISTER
Odds have shortened on that track work, let me tell you ...
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! It is a breach of Standing Order 112(2)(e)
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, if you have a point of order at least wait until I listen to it before the other member sits.
Thank you, member for Port Darwin. Member for Barkly, please get to the question succinctly.
Mr McCARTHY: The member for Arnhem has admitted she used money from the Jawoyn Association to fund her campaign. When will the Country Liberal Party repay the money? How will you ensure it goes to the people living in poverty the Jawoyn Association is supposed to support, and how will you prove to Territorians you are not using taxpayer funds to repay that money?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I am finding it difficult not only to take this opposition seriously, but to respect them for the approach they have chosen to take ...
Ms Lawrie: $16 000 in the electoral return.
Mr MILLS: You are confirming what I said. We take these matters very seriously. I have said on a number of occasions - because you have demonstrated real concern around this – that the matter is the subject of an investigation and it is only right that once it is concluded we can respond. To respond to your allegations in this Chamber is wrong and not the approach I will be taking ...
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. It was not an allegation. An amount of $16 000 is mentioned in the electoral return the member for Arnhem lodged. That is fact. Will you repay the dollars to the Jawoyn Association? Will you ensure it goes to the people who are impoverished, and ensure you will not use taxpayers’ money to repay it?
Mr MILLS: You are clearly seeking an opportunity to score a political point in this Chamber. If you were really concerned these questions would be directed to the party. We are all concerned about the allegations made, but the appropriate responses will be provided in the fullness of time. Hold your horses.
Member for Arnhem –
Answers to Fraud Allegations
Answers to Fraud Allegations
Ms LAWRIE to CHIEF MINISTER
Despite refusing to answer any questions on serious fraud allegations for over a month, you claim the member for Arnhem is not in hiding. Both of you are about as open and accountable as Christopher Skase. Apparently he was not in hiding either. Have you promised the member for Arnhem you will continue to help cover up her scandals if she continues to help prop you up as leader? If not, will you show some leadership and insist ...
Madam SPEAKER: Opposition Leader, please withdraw those last comments.
Ms LAWRIE: Which particular comments, Madam Speaker?
Madam SPEAKER: You know the comments, Opposition Leader. If you could reword the question.
Ms LAWRIE: Will you show some leadership and insist the member for Arnhem acts like a member of parliament and provide some much overdue answers? Will she be available to the media today?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I have said again and again in response to these questions that there is an appropriate process in place and I am more than satisfied with how it is progressing. Your question has revealed more about the way you operate than the way we do. No, it is the same response I give …
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance - quite specific. Will the member for Arnhem be available to the media today?
Mr ELFERINK: Speaking to the point of order, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order. The Chief Minister is answering the question. Please allow him to finish.
Mr MILLS: When this process is concluded there will be an appropriate response. Do not be concerned about it; it is okay. We are open and accountable but you have to follow proper process.
You only have about two questions in your pack. I do not know who decides your strategy, but it is not working. I do not know what gains you think you are making on this, but you are not. People need confidence in a process and that process is well under way. The member concerned has cooperated fully, and there will be a conclusion to this and an appropriate response at the right time.
Land for Development
Mrs PRICE to CHIEF MINISTER
Can you tell the House what progress has been made in sourcing land for development, especially for much-needed homes for Territory families?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Stuart for her question. I respond on behalf of my colleague, the minister for Lands. As far as we can see we have plenty of land but need a clear plan to ensure we develop this resource well, something the former Labor government did not do. Several statements were made in the Chamber, but there was no real effort to solve a real problem.
You talked about all the big opportunities but you did not do the real work to make the opportunity something that could be enjoyed by young families. You are now getting on your high horse and talking about a difficult adjustment families have to make trying to deal with debt. Also, you pay scant regard to what you have done to household budgets with rents and mortgages because of the land increase because you were not on top of the game. You dare lecture us - shame on you! We are getting on with the job and not looking back, looking forward.
Let us look at the results after the first round of an audit of Crown land in urban areas. It has revealed huge potential - an impressive array of sites able to accommodate more than 1000 new homes and not just in Palmerston. Every time we look we find more sites. There is a large area of residential land at Katherine East clear of native title. This area alone can provide more than 450 to 500 dwellings. In Tennant Creek, design work is starting on the next stage of housing along Peko Road.
In Darwin, an outstanding site ready for residential development is Berrimah Farm. This government has asked the Department of Lands, Planning and the Environment to drive the release of Berrimah Farm, Zuccoli Stage 2, Muirhead North, Mitchell and as many infill sites as possible. Throughout the Territory, all privately-owned undeveloped land will be considered and we will approach landowners to assist them to bring land into the market. That is the important role of the Planning Commission which is working day and night to develop strategic plans so we can get this show on the road.
This government will move faster on development. I acknowledge we must be cautious and not flood the market, but we need to bring down the price of land to economically realistic levels. Labor let the train run off the tracks. Land release was derailed and, as a result, was too slow to meet demand; that is obvious. You are apparently concerned. You are not realistic. You have not accepted your own responsibilities. This government is delivering on yet another election promise: making more land available so Territory families can move into new homes and raise their families here.
Member for Arnhem – Alleged Misuse of Government Fuel Card
Mr McCARTHY to CHIEF MINISTER
Has the member for Arnhem handed over her government fuel card to other people to fill their car? Are you aware of that allegation and, if not, will you investigate it and undertake to provide the full account details of all purchases made on the member for Arnhem’s fuel card?
ANSWER
Because you are a member of parliament I am required by duty to respect your office, but the contents you fill that office with leave it difficult ...
Ms Lawrie: Open and accountable.
Mr McCarthy: Simple question.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr MILLS: This is not a pub, mate, this is the parliament.
You are more than happy to put these allegations on the table - just leave them in the parliament. If you are so concerned have you made any inquiry? I would be satisfied we have adequate inquiry, but I will ensure a proper inquiry is made. I note this is an allegation you are putting and your track record, attitude and behaviour in this Chamber does not give me much confidence. It is an allegation and we will leave it that.
Childcare Centres –
Government Assistance
Government Assistance
Mr KURRUPUWU to MINISTER for CHILDREN and FAMILIES
During the 2012 election the Country Liberals promised to help childcare centres with the cost of replacing toys and equipment. Can you please explain how this commitment is going?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for his question. Today we are about good news on this side of the House, not dragging through the gutter trying to pull people down to their level. We have talked about affordable housing throughout the Northern Territory, some great news - 2000 affordable homes coming online thanks to this government. We have just heard from the Chief Minister – finally, land release, the greatest contributor to the cost of living - an increase in accommodation costs of 260% under the former Labor government during the 11 years of misery it put Territorians through.
This is about childcare centres. The toy and equipment grant scheme we have up and running is more good news from this Country Liberals government under a great Chief Minister, Terry Mills.
Today I am delighted to share with parliament this great scheme. We have 73 childcare centres in the Northern Territory eligible for extra funds to buy educational equipment, toys, and other gear to stimulate the education and experience of children in childcare centres across the length and breadth of the Northern Territory. This ...
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. That scheme has been in place for years.
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point or order. Deputy Chief Minister, please continue.
Mrs LAMBLEY: What about me? The former Treasurer has to remind us she really failed as Treasurer. Her bleats from the other side are reinforcing the fact she failed miserably. However, as the new Country Liberals government, we are well on track to fulfilling our election commitments. This was one of them.
I was at the Stuart Park Child Care Centre this morning. They have around 60 childcare places. The centre will be eligible for $85 per child under the new grant system, which equates to around $4000 or $5000 every two years. That childcare centre will benefit from this grant enabling it to replenish and refresh its toys and equipment.
This is good news for working families that depend on childcare centres for the care, stimulation, and education of their children. It is, in fact, in the mini-budget - contrary to what you hear from the other side of parliament. We increased the budget for children and families by $10m this financial year, the most ever spent on child protection and children and families in the Northern Territory.
Renewal Management Board –
Incorrect Opinions
Incorrect Opinions
Mr VATSKALIS to CHIEF MINISTER
Yesterday, your Minister for Land Resource Management, the member for Katherine, praised the previous government’s Marine Supply Base and its importance to our economic future. However, your Renewal Management Board has savaged the Marine Supply Base and said the project requires an in-depth review to determine its future. The Minister for Land Resource Management is right and your highly-paid mates are wrong. Your $1m mates are providing advice and recommendations which threaten the economic future of the Northern Territory. How did they get it so wrong when the minister got it right? What else have they got wrong and will you sack them?
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The question offends Standing Order 112(2)(b). It contains arguments. It also offends 112(2)(a).
Ms LAWRIE: Speaking to the point of order, Madam Speaker, this is Question Time and the question is appropriate. It points out the Renewal Management Board stated the Marine Supply Base was under review. They went on to describe it as ‘unviable’. The member, quite appropriately, is asking how they got it so wrong and will you sack them?
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you, Opposition Leader.
Mr ELFERINK: In response, Madam Speaker, the question contained arguments, a clear breach of the order.
Madam SPEAKER: You also raised the issue of offensiveness. I did not find anything offensive in the question.
Ms LAWRIE: Speaking to the point of order ...
Mr ELFERINK: Subsection (2)(a) and (b).
Madam SPEAKER: Please be seated, Opposition Leader. Repeat that, please.
Mr ELFERINK: Standing Order 112(2)(a) and (b) are offended by that question.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Casuarina, could you please ask the question again?
Mr VATSKALIS: Madam Speaker, I will ask again. Your Minister for Land Resource Management was right about the Marine Supply Base and your Renewal Management Board was wrong. They are providing advice which threatens the economic future of the Northern Territory. How does the minister get it right and the Renewal Management Board get it wrong? What else have they got wrong and will you sack them?
Madam SPEAKER: The question is fine. Chief Minister.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the honourable member for his learned question. There are several aspects to this. The minister is quite right; the Marine Supply Base as a function, as part of our important and growing infrastructure in the Northern Territory, is well placed. It is required because we are growing and the facility is important.
However, the Renewal Management Board’s business is not infrastructure, it is the underlining arrangements we have been presented with, courtesy of the haste of the former government to have something like this established. There are legitimate questions over the contractual arrangements and how this has been established. That is the domain of the RMB.
Do not be too upset, concerned or caught up with the RMB. The RMB has provided outstanding service to the Northern Territory. It provides analysis and recommendations. I said earlier that quality information allows us to make quality decisions. This is an assessment of the underlying arrangements of this strange thing called the former Labor government. It had no regard for the obligations burdened on, or deferred onto, future governments. It is that aspect of the inquiry that is being considered. It is not a reflection of the need for improved infrastructure in our port. There is a difference between the two.
It is probably a bit complicated for the opposition. You like one-dimensional attacks but there are several aspects to this. They had their role, but we recognise there needs to be some fresh thinking around the port. The Marine Supply Base is a step in the right direction, but it is time for some big thinking around the port because we are going places.
The world is looking at the Northern Territory. You just scratched the surface. You played little games. Your eye was only on the election, ‘What can we say? What can we do? What can we sign up? What can we announce’? You were not thinking over the horizon, which is what the Country Liberals are doing.
Do not get too precious about this. We know where we are going and want to ensure - it is called due diligence - double checking. There has been a change of management and we are checking the books to ensure we know what we have inherited. We will take responsibility for what we have been given and add value to it. The Territory will be a much better place as a result.
Medi-Hotels
Mr WOOD to MINISTER FOR HEALTH
You said there is no money to run the 100-bed medi-hotel at Royal Darwin Hospital. Yvonne Falckh, of the Australian Nursing Federation, said you missed the point; that is, by getting patients out of hospital you are freeing up expensive acute beds and are able to put those patients in a place where they can recuperate before going back to their remote community. She also said medi-hotels have potential to reduce costs elsewhere for the hospital. It also means they can increase their throughput with theatres, and waiting lists can be addressed and decreased.
Do you agree with Yvonne Falckh from the Australian Nursing Federation and, if not, why? Is it true this facility is fully furnished and equipped, even guarded by security personnel, but completely empty?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. As I said earlier, we are not turning the Health department or our hospitals into hoteliers. The Commonwealth government funded a medi-hotel at Royal Darwin Hospital and the previous government never budgeted for the ongoing running costs for it: $5.5m.
Not only did it not budget for it, it did not budget for one it had planned for Katherine, one planned for Nhulunbuy, and other developments planned for Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.
Member for Nelson, you might be interested to learn the beautiful new emergency department in Alice Springs - Alice Springs members will be interested as well - was largely federally funded and there was never a commitment in the Territory budget to fund the ongoing costs of an emergency department in Alice Springs. How shameful!
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Relevance. The question was, does the minister agree with the comments by the Yvonne Falckh of the Australian Nursing Federation? I asked a series of questions which have not been answered.
Mr TOLLNER: There are various aspects to that question, member for Nelson. If anyone should understand how tardy the former government was at running commitments, you should. Where is your swimming pool? Where is that hole in the ground in the rural area? It was part of your deal with the former Chief Minister, Paul Henderson. Where is the beautiful new Howard Springs Reserve? No, the former government could not …
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Relevance: Standing Order 113. There was no mention of a pool in my question.
Mr TOLLNER: You were asking about the medi-hotel and why it is not operating. We have been left in a disastrous situation by the former government, most particularly, the former Treasurer. Member for Nelson, they did not commit any ongoing funding for the medi-hotel …
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Relevance: Standing Order 113. I asked if he agreed with the comments of Yvonne Falckh from the Australian Nursing Federation and he has not answered.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, you have the call.
Mr TOLLNER: Madam Speaker, I can understand where Yvonne Falckh is coming from and have a great deal of sentiment for her concerns. However, you cannot pull your socks up when you have none on.
We have a medi-hotel with no commitment for ongoing funding from the previous government. A simplistic answer is, ‘Let us empty out the hospital and that will save us money’. Unfortunately, we do not have enough money in our health budget; it has been run down by the former Labor government in the Northern Territory. We are also crying poor as far as other states and territories go because we are funded at a lower rate than any other jurisdiction in the nation by their comrades in Canberra, the federal Labor government.
Mr ELFERINK (Leader of Government Business): I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016