2012-10-30
Power, Water and Sewerage –
Price Increases
Price Increases
Ms LAWRIE to TREASURER
You have railed, in terms of the Power and Water debt the government has - you say the cost of living is important and you are going to bring down the cost of living in the Territory. How are your plans to massively increase the prices of power, water and sewerage for Territorians compatible with the idea you are going to bring down the cost of living? I note that in the last three financial years of the previous CLP government they ripped more funding out of Power and Water than what they invested. Can you categorically rule out power, water and sewerage price increases above the CPI?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for her question. Yes you did leave Power and Water in a terrible mess, thanks to your work as the former Treasurer of the former Labor government. Power and Water is now contributing to about 45% of the fiscal imbalance. Despite recommendations from the 2009 Reeves report, which she failed to implement - the former government decided that the Reeves report was not to their satisfaction and they failed to implement all recommendations. Had they done so we would not find ourselves in the situation we are in where Power and Water is trading at an almost unsustainable level.
As a new government it is important that the reform of Power and Water and making it run more efficiently is a huge priority. Tariffs have to be considered in that equation. You failed to increase tariffs sufficiently. You failed to put in the incremental rises every other state and jurisdiction in Australia put in place and in failing to do so you have put the whole of the Northern Territory’s financial position in a perilous situation.
In answer to the Leader of the Opposition’s question, we will do whatever we have to. Some decisions will be very difficult to make but we will do whatever we have to, to make Power and Water commercially sustainable for the future of the Northern Territory.
Cyclone Season –
Preparations for the Top End
Mr KURRUPUWU to CHIEF MINISTER
In light of the massive storm affecting America’s east coast, including New York, could you explain to the House what preparations are in place for the Top End cyclone season, in particular, plans for protecting those Territorians who live in low-lying coastal areas?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker. I thank the honourable member for his question. Let me express on behalf of members of this Chamber our best wishes to the people of America’s east coast who are affected by this cyclone which is bearing down upon them as we gather here.
The Northern Territory Emergency Service is highly efficient and professional, and at this time of the year they are especially alert to the dangers of cyclones. The Northern Territory has a large number of residences built in areas considered to be low-lying or likely to be subject to storm surge during a cyclone. I have been briefed by the head of Emergency Services and he has assured me that our cyclone preparations include comprehensive evacuation plans for those living in storm surge areas.
While any cyclone should be considered serious, the timing of such strong storms is also extremely important. If a cyclone coincides with a high tide, the consequent storm surge could be devastating to those people in low-lying suburbs. The low pressure of a cyclone can cause a high tide to be up to two or three metres higher than normal and you have to consider the wave height at the time the tide surges.
The Northern Territory Emergency Service has very specific plans in place for such an event. There are about 3500 residences in low-lying areas in the Darwin area. The majority of these are in beachside suburbs in and around Darwin. This totals almost 10 000 people who would have to be moved in the event of a strong cyclone occurring at the same time as a high tide. Residents will be provided with 24 hours notice of any storm surge event and, although the possibility of a storm surge is relatively small, people living in areas at risk should be prepared to evacuate when advised to do so; shelter at a family or friend’s house outside the storm surge area or go to a public shelter when they are open. The odds of such a situation occurring at the same time - that is a very severe cyclone and a very high tide - are remote but we are prepared as best we can be.
The Northern Territory Emergency Service last year produced a Darwin storm surge brochure with a map showing the areas likely to be effected; it is available on the website.
Power, Water and Sewerage –
Price Increases
Ms LAWRIE to TREASURER
You have just let Territorians know you are going to massively hike up power, water and sewerage prices in the previous answer. What are your plans in relation to the ongoing reliability and demand generation across the power and water capital system? Under the previous CLP government, you ripped out more funding from Power and Water than was invested in it. Labor inherited a network run down and generation incapable of meeting growth and demand. It implemented the Mervyn Davies’ report and substantially picked up the recommendations of the Reeves report. What capital program are you going to axe from Power and Water while you are massively hiking up power, water and sewerage prices?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for her question. I do not recall saying we were going to massively hike up the tariffs for power and water. I leave that to her imagination; obviously, she has a very good one.
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The Treasurer pointed out they would make it commercially sustainable - that is massive hikes in power, water and sewerage prices.
Madam SPEAKER: Please be seated.
Mrs LAMBLEY: The Leader of the Opposition has just demonstrated her lack of understanding of how you can make a corporation like the Power and Water Corporation commercially sustainable. It is not just about hiking up tariffs. However, that is one significant component the former government failed to make a decision on. Those hard decisions were not for the former government. It preferred to hide under a rock and pretend things were going okay. So long as the spending was happening then it was all good.
What we have been left with as a new government - nine weeks into government - is a Power and Water Corporation that is struggling. We have asked the corporation to identify savings, which includes capital savings, and most of those savings are deferred capital expenditure. We are not in the business of running down Power and Water; we are in the business of making it sustainable - operating in a sustainable way which ensures a reliable electricity supply to the people of the Northern Territory.
What the Leader of the Opposition fails to realise is if you do not make Power and Water sustainable, then the cost flows on to the people of the Northern Territory. The cost comes into being by way of reducing other parts of government business. You cannot have everything, particularly in Power and Water. You cannot continue to charge low tariffs - tariffs well below the national average - and expect Territorians to have all the trimmings of a full government business.
The former government has put the Northern Territory in a very precarious situation and the questioning from the opposition is really about trying to hide, yet again, its mismanagement.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Power, Water and Sewerage –
Price Increases
Power, Water and Sewerage –
Price Increases
Ms LAWRIE to TREASURER
In the last 10 years of the previous CLP government there were no significant increases in tariffs, indeed, not even a CPI tariff pathway. Under the Labor government, significant investment into infrastructure occurred in repairs and maintenance as well as new generation increase in the dam wall and closing Larrakeyah. How do you lay the blame for lack of tariff increase under Labor when we implemented the bulk of the Reeves report?
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! This is an entirely new question; it is not a supplementary question and the Leader of the Opposition should be instructed to ask it as a normal question not a supplementary.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you, Leader of Government Business. Treasurer.
Mrs LAMBLEY: The former government was in power for 11 years, and congratulations, you did spend money on improving the capital within Power and Water and we now have, perhaps, adequate infrastructure to generate electricity and ensure we have services that meet acceptable standards. But, the former government failed in its overall management of the whole corporation. It ignored the 2009 recommendations from the Reeves report, it failed to increase tariffs in line with every other jurisdiction in Australia, and that comes back to the people of the Northern Territory to bear, thanks to the mismanagement of that government.
That government did not have the courage, the good management, or decision-making ability to implement the tariff increases, keeping in line with every other jurisdiction in Australia. They showed a lack of will and a lack of commitment.
Three-Hub Economy –
Importance for Prosperity
Ms FINOCCHIARO to CHIEF MINISTER
Can you set out for the House the importance of a three-hub economy now and for the future prosperity of the Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Drysdale for this important question. It is important to note that it is not just the Territory government that is focused on delivering prosperity for the future, but that our unique positioning is recognised in the recent release of the Commonwealth White Paper, Australia in the Asian Century
The report outlined, in particular, that the Commonwealth was preparing to:
- Work together with business and the Northern Territory government to accelerate Darwin’s evolution as a sophisticated, liveable city built around a gateway to Asia, and a regional hub for a large number of goods and services, through coordinated infrastructure, planning, and international engagement activities.
My government has already moved to capitalise on our vision for a three-hub economy servicing the Territory and engaging the region. While the Commonwealth White Paper identifies opportunities such as the proximity to Asia, natural attributes, potential sites for new ports, and expanding the liquefied natural gas processing industry, I am heartened by our concrete commitment to increasing opportunities for businesses, for workers in the mining and energy sector, and the attached benefits that will flow through the whole community.
Mr McCARTHY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! In the interest of time in Question Time, I ask the Chief Minister to table the notes he is speaking from.
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order. Continue, Chief Minister.
Mr MILLS: The White Paper goes on to say:
- ... great opportunities to become a world-leading centre for engineering, financial, medical and education services.
My government has already committed to increasing tourism and education opportunities as part of our plan for a three-hub economy. When it is said that:
- Australian food producers and processors will be recognised globally as innovative and reliable producers of more and higher-quality food and agricultural products, services and technology to Asia.
nothing can be more certain than my government’s commitment to increase the scale of agricultural production in the Northern Territory and our commitment to the pastoral sector.
Madam Speaker, my government welcomes the release of the White Paper, Australia in the Asia Century. We have already recognised the need for us to improve our relations with our trading partners, and the specific need to widen our focus from just trade with China or Japan.
Wadeye –
Election Promise to Seal Road
Election Promise to Seal Road
Mr McCARTHY to TREASURER
On polling day, your member for Daly promised to floodproof and seal the entire road to Wadeye. When will this project go to tender and when will it be completed? Will it be completed before the next Territory election?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Barkly for his question. We are in the process of reviewing all our election commitments. We will honour each and every one of them and they will be featured in our mini-budget which will be presented to the people of the Northern Territory on 4 December.
Palmerston Urgent Care After-Hours Service – Job Losses
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for HEALTH
It is quoted in today’s NT News that you dispute the claim that four staff at the Palmerston Urgent Care After-Hours Service who lost their jobs were public servants. Is it not the case that (1) your government recently reneged on contracts with two companies that won the contract to supply nurses and doctors for the 6 pm to 10 pm shift of the Urgent Care After-ours Service at Palmerston; (2) that the four administrative department of Health workers, who would have had work until 2013, have lost their jobs because your government reneged on the contracts; and (3) that the two nurses who also lost their jobs did so because you reneged on the contracts?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. I have noticed the member for Nelson’s concern about the urgent after hours community facility at the Palmerston Super Clinic. Firstly, well done to Robyn Cahill and all the staff at FCD, the Palmerston Super Clinic. They are doing a great job, and I was thrilled to get out there the other day and see them. It is interesting that the question the member for Nelson asked was also put to me yesterday or the day before in a media release by the member for Casuarina, the shadow health minister, Kon Vatskalis, saying it was alarming the CLP government had taken no responsibility for the reduced opening hours of the after-hours clinic at Palmerston.
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Speaker. I would like an answer that is relevant to my question.
Madam SPEAKER: If you could get to the point minister.
Mr TOLLNER: Thank you, member for Nelson, I am getting there. So the shadow minister had a bit of a crack saying we are taking no responsibility. That is an interesting statement because, as part of the contractual arrangements FCD (Flinders Charles Darwin) has with the Commonwealth - Flinders Charles Darwin runs the Palmerston Super Clinic - they have to make the transition to later opening hours for the Palmerston Super Clinic. There will be no reduction at all in services at the Palmerston Super Clinic. In fact they will be enhanced as more comprehensive GP and specialist services will be offered. So in that regard it is a good thing.
Getting back to the contract the Palmerston Super Clinic has with the federal government, I want people to know that it was not this government that put it in place. That contract was signed on 17 April 2009 by the then CEO of Health, Dr David Ashbridge, and can we guess who the minister might have been at the time? None other than the member for Casuarina, who put in place these arrangements.
Finally, to answer the member for Nelson’s question, we are not laying off staff. Those staff are from another agency through other agency arrangements. They are not public servants. They are not employed by the Northern Territory government.
Three-Hub Economy –
Benefits to Territorians
Benefits to Territorians
Mrs PRICE to CHIEF MINISTER
Can you set out how Territorians will benefit from a three-hub economy and the effects of not having such a strategic focus?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Stuart for a very important question. It is a broad concept, I know, and probably hard for some to grasp. Strengthening and expanding our capacity to work and earn, the opportunities that rise from a growing economy will deliver not only greater self-reliance for the Northern Territory as a whole, but filter down to benefits for individuals in suburbs and, very importantly, in the communities - wherever people in the Northern Territory live.
Our plan for a three-hub economy will draw out resources and materials to be exported, creating a link from the supply of goods in the regions to the markets in our north. Our economy will grow through drawing in people and investment to build the infrastructure needed to make that happen, and opening up business opportunities in communities. While we are expanding ...
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I ask the Chief Minister to table the notes he is reading from.
Madam SPEAKER: Are you prepared to table those notes?
Mr MILLS: He knows full well they are private notes, don’t worry about it. Just listen to the material, I think you will be enlightened.
While we are expanding the non-government sector of the economy we will also maintain the delivery of services people need. In contrast, the failed policy of the opposition when in government gave us an absolute reliance on one single project, and while they were fixated on attracting a major project they failed to deliver underlying economic growth and development.
The opposition failed spectacularly in land release. They locked us up in red tape over much needed housing construction. They gave us some of the most expensive public housing in the world through their mismanagement of the SIHIP program: $1m a home. They stifled growth in the agricultural and the pastoral sectors and stood idly by while the heart was cut out from the live cattle export trade. They did it while the mining boom grew. They wallowed in self-promotion while the tourism industry declined. They watched over as education outcomes failed Territorians and they brought the Territory to the edge of a financial abyss.
My government will bring us back from the abyss and turn around these misfortunes. My government will broaden the Territory economy through our three-hub plan and will deliver growth for all Territorians.
Higher Duties Allowance for Staff –
Axing of
Axing of
Ms LAWRIE to TREASURER
How many staff have lost their higher duties allowance and are expected to do more work for less pay?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for her question. We are still in the process of assessing the damage left by the former government; this takes considerable time. We have been in office for approximately nine-and-a-half weeks and some positions will be lost, although not in the frontline. We have undertaken and are committed to ensuring that all frontline workers are kept in their positions, doing the work that is required. We have prioritised those positions and we feel that is an absolute …
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The question is quite specific; how many staff have had their higher duty allowance axed and are required to do more work for less pay?
Madam SPEAKER: Treasurer, if you could come to the point.
Mrs LAMBLEY: This is a work in progress. We cannot provide exact numbers on how many positions have lost their higher duty component. All I can say is that any loss of positions, any loss of duties, is due to the mismanagement of the former government. If we had inherited a stronger financial position - if we had not inherited a fiscal imbalance to the extent where we are bordering on a government facing an unsustainable future then no one would be losing their job or facing a situation of cutbacks and savings across the board.
When the Leader of the Opposition asks a fairly smarmy question about higher duties, you need to reflect on what you have done over the past 11 years to put Territorians in such an uncomfortable, awful situation where they are facing cutbacks across the board.
Three-Hub Economy –
Government Development
Government Development
Mr HIGGINS to TREASURER
A key economic strategy for the Mills government is the development of a robust three-hub economy. Can you please detail to the House the importance of a strong, diverse economic base to the Territory budget?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Daly for his question. The three-hub economy came about as part of our election platform going into the election on 25 August. We felt that it was necessary to broaden our economic platform and make sure we were not completely dependent on the single-hub economy created by the former government. We felt there was great risk associated with putting all our eggs into one basket. Indeed, that basket is a good one; we are not putting down the fact that the gas industry in the Northern Territory is doing exceedingly well. Thank goodness, because the state of the Northern Territory’s financial situation is rather gloomy, but to offset that, INPEX and other gas companies have come to the rescue.
It is important that we look at a three-hub economy, not just mining and energy, but tourism and education, as well as food and an export hub. Twenty percent of the Territory’s revenue is derived from own source revenue, primarily payroll tax, stamp duties and royalties. A strong and diverse economic base generally translates into high employment, higher wages, greater prosperity, business opportunities, jobs and prosperity across the board. All of these things can generate greater own source revenue for the Territory. If business is booming then the Territory government is benefitting through taxes and various forms of revenue.
A narrow economic base, which is what we have inherited from the former government, presents risks to the Territory, in economic terms as well as in fiscal terms. I will continue to talk about that as the days and months progress. A narrow base means there are fewer sources of growth for the economy. In turn, own source revenue is vulnerable to adverse economic outcomes and external shocks. A diverse economic base is important to spread these inherent risks.
Large projects such as INPEX have carried the Northern Territory through these hard times. Over the last four years in which the mismanagement of the former government is laid very plain before us - the fact it did not recognise we were going through a global financial crisis, it ignored the fact it had to trim back expenditure. Thank goodness for INPEX; however, having said that we, as a new government, realise we have to broaden things; we have to ensure there are at least three hubs to our economy instead of one.
Offshore oil and gas developments do not contribute to the Territory’s mineral royalty revenue. Instead, royalty payments from these offshore gas developments go to the Commonwealth government.
Katherine Hospital - Relocation
Mr VATSKALIS to TREASURER
Both the member for Katherine and the Minister for Health have confirmed you will meet the commitment to relocate Katherine Hospital. When will this project go ahead? When will it go to tender? Where will it be built, and will it be completed before the next Territory election?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Casuarina. I did not catch all of that, but I have the general gist. The Katherine Hospital was part of our election commitment. The fantastic member for Katherine has lobbied very hard to recognise and identify the fact that health services in Katherine were struggling under the former government and that Katherine Hospital is almost to the point of requiring refurbishment or replacement.
It is part of our plan for the future to build a new hospital in Katherine. The finer details of when and how it will happen will be laid before you in the coming weeks and months.
Education Outcomes for Territory Students
Ms LEE to MINISTER for EDUCATION
Developing the Territory as a three-hub economy will have a positive impact on the local workforce. What changes are you making to ensure Territory students are graduating with the necessary skill sets to find meaningful and productive starts to their careers?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arnhem for her question. Education is the key to the future and success of the Northern Territory. Ensuring students graduate from Northern Territory education facilities with qualifications and careers ahead of them which enhance and complement the future needs of the Territory is essential.
Yesterday, we saw the beginning of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training exams throughout the Northern Territory for Year 11 and Year 12 students. These students will complete certificates which will enable them to contribute to the economy and future of the Northern Territory. We celebrate their hard work and wish them well in their endeavours in the future.
As previously announced by the former government, I am committed to further strengthening opportunities for students to be introduced to vocational education and training experiences at an appropriate time during their schooling.
Currently, the Department of Education and Children’s Services strategic initiatives Get VET, Get a Future; and VET in the Middle prioritise funding for qualifications aligned to areas of skill shortage and ongoing quality employment options.
Partnerships with industry, linking education and training pathways to real employment options, have been formed and further partnerships are in progress.
Strong growth continues in the numbers of students undertaking structured work placement. The guarantee for jobs will continue to provide a pathway to employment for students graduating with the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training.
Likely NTCET completers were recently involved in a pilot residential career exploration program which provided exposure to real Territory industries, strengthened industry career preferences and priority workplace skills.
DECS is using the profiling of jobs to inform the employment needs of Territory industries. It is important that DECS and other education providers match industry needs with what is happening within the education institutions. We are committed to creating a workforce which is educated and trained to a very high standard.
Borroloola –
Government Business Centre
Government Business Centre
Mr McCARTHY to TREASURER
In your contract with the people of Borroloola, you promised to provide a new government business centre for the town. When will the project go to tender; where will the centre be located; and will it be completed before the next Territory election? Going to the CLP media spin - I mean media release - it says:
- Establishment of a government business centre allowing access to the Motor Vehicle Registry, Centrelink and other services.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Barkly. All our election commitments will be honoured. I cannot give you a time frame for when Borroloola will receive their government business centre, but all will be revealed in the future.
Mr McCARTHY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The last part of the question was: will the Treasurer be closing the Australian government-provided Centrelink office on Robinson Road, Borroloola.
Madam SPEAKER: The Treasurer has answered the question, member for Barkly.
Three-Hub Economy –
Primary Industries
Primary Industries
Mr HIGGINS to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY and FISHERIES
Can you outline to the House the importance of primary industries as one of the three hubs of our economy? Was it clear to the previous government how important they were?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Daly for his very important question. The short answer to the second part of that question is, no, they had no idea what they were doing in primary industries. To put it simply, the former government had no plan and no vision for primary industries in the Northern Territory.
On the flip side of that, our government recognises that some of the Territory’s greatest strengths lie within our primary industries. The Territory is known for its robust cattle industry, our pristine fisheries, and our crops, particularly mangoes. However, these industries have managed to continue on their path not because of the former government but despite it. The former government completely lost touch.
I am sure we all remember the pathetic response by the former Chief Minister when the live cattle ban was announced. The member for Fong Lim coined the phrase of the Chief Minister being a ‘nodding dog’ beside the Prime Minister as she tried to defend the indefensible. We saw it on TV, member for Wanguri.
Our economy needs a plan; it needs a focus. This government has a plan and a focus. In what has become the Asian century, we must look to our neighbours to the north to find new ways in which we can trade with them.
Our food and export hub will be comprised of many individual industries, but there are two aspects I will mention briefly. First, our cattle industry. It is no secret that the cattle industry has not been the same since the ban on live trade export. Our government is committed to repairing this. I have already been to Indonesia to begin the process of repairing those relationships. Our government will seek new international trading partners, we will support the AACo Livingstone Valley abattoir and, above all, we will defend the industry from those down south who wish to end it.
The second aspect I will touch on is the Ord River project. I recently visited Kununurra and the second stage of the Ord project. There is a hive of activity out there, and locals are already calling the development on the Northern Territory side Ord stage 3. However, as I flew over the Northern Territory border from Western Australia, I saw the frenetic activity in WA. I flew into the Northern Territory and what could I see? Nothing.
The former government had no idea about, and no focus on, growing food exports in the Northern Territory. We will not miss this opportunity. If we develop our primary industry and fisheries, we will boost our economy. We will make the changes, we will see growth. It is this new focus that saw the industry breathe a collective sigh of relief on 25 August.
Full-Strength Beer –
Reintroduction into Communities
Reintroduction into Communities
Ms FYLES to MINISTER for CHILDREN and FAMILIES
In Olga Havnen’s final report she said we need more police in communities to provide extra safety for:
- ... Aboriginal women who are currently experiencing alarming levels of harm.
Considering you intend to fulfil your promise to reintroduce full-strength alcohol into dry communities, how many additional police will you need? How much will they cost and when will they start to be deployed in our communities?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nightcliff for her question. The comments made by Olga Havnen are consistent with the Little Children are Sacred report. We are all concerned about the welfare of children, particularly in remote Aboriginal communities where there has been a lack of or minimal presence of police in recent times. The Commonwealth government has come through with its commitment to providing extra funding to extend police services throughout those communities.
The part which is a little confusing for me is that the member for Nightcliff is saying we are going to make a decision about whether or not communities have alcohol. This new government has made it very clear that the communities will decide whether or not they have alcohol. As the member for Namatjira very eloquently put it last week, possibly 99% of Aboriginal communities will say ‘no’, but our point is that they should be given the choice. They are human beings; they are absolutely capable and entitled to make their own decisions, particularly when it comes to alcohol. If they decide they do not want alcohol then we will honour their decision and will not impose anything on them.
The member for Nightcliff is a little confused when she talks about police on communities and access to alcohol on communities. You need to get your information a little clearer before you craft these questions because the police are being rolled out on Aboriginal communities, primarily thanks to the Commonwealth government Stronger Futures policy, and in terms of alcohol on communities it will be the choice of the communities.
Palmerston Urgent Care After-Hours Service – Changes to
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for HEALTH
Is it true that the changes to the Palmerston Urgent Care After-Hours Service will mean that patients who were once able to be treated at Palmerston by the aftercare staff between 6 pm and 10 pm will now be sent to RDH, once again increasing the waiting times at RDH because in many cases the GPs do not always do the same work that the aftercare staff presently do? Is it true that presently a rural patient who has a heart attack between 6 pm and 10 pm will now have to travel double the distance to RDH instead of being treated firstly by the staff at Palmerston Urgent Care After-Hours Service, as they do now, therefore putting that person’s life at greater risk? Has St John Ambulance been told not to stop at the Palmerston Super Clinic?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, clearly the member for Nelson has a flea in his ear about this Palmerston Super Clinic. Let me make things abundantly clear for the member for Nelson. There will be no reduction in services at the Palmerston GP Super Clinic because of their extended hours. There will be an increase in services and better services will be provided. It is that simple.
These arrangements were not put in place by me. They were put in place by the previous Health minister who oddly enough seems to have no recall of putting those arrangements in place because only a couple of days ago he put out a media release questioning them.
Those arrangements have been contracted as part of the requirement for the Palmerston Super Clinic to extend their operating hours. It is that simple. I do not think the previous Health minister was across his brief because he did not know these fundamental things about the contract at the Palmerston Super Clinic.
I will repeat and make it abundantly clear. There will be no reduction in services at the Palmerston GP Super Clinic because of the reduction of hours in the urgent after hours care. There will be an increase and an improvement in the services delivered. All of the other things that you mentioned - scuttlebutt, about ambulances and people having heart attacks …
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Speaker! You are criticising my information as scuttlebutt. It is not scuttlebutt. It is the truth and you should visit the clinic.
Mr TOLLNER: Well, it is the truth according to Gerry. In most cases, as I say …
Mr McCARTHY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I would like the member to define which Gerry.
Mr TOLLNER: The pretty one. Actually, the member for Nelson. As I say, these arrangements were put in place by the previous government. I have no qualms with the arrangements. I have been to the GP Super Clinic and seen the service they provide. Robyn Cahill and her staff are doing a magnificent job there. There will be no reduction in services. I am stunned that the former Health minister had no clue about the arrangements that had been put in place at the Palmerston GP Super Clinic.
Three-Hub Economy –
Importance of Mines and Energy
Importance of Mines and Energy
Mrs PRICE to MINISTER for MINES and ENERGY
Can you outline to the House the importance of mines and energy as one of the three hubs of our economy and was it clear to the previous government how important they were?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Stuart for that very important question. To answer the last part of that question very quickly and succinctly, no, the previous government had no idea how important mines and energy were to the economy.
The former government had absolutely no idea about the requirements of building economies around something that is not just one project. We are there to secure energy and a prosperous future for the Northern Territory by building strength around the mines and energy sector.
The former government became obsessed with one project - a terrific project which is very important to the Territory - but in doing so they forgot about engaging new projects, small business and new mines.
Mr McCARTHY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The five significant exploration projects in the Barkly - the member is misleading the House.
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order, please be seated.
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The member for Barkly made a comment about the intent of the minister. He knows that substantive motion is the way to proceed or he withdraws the allegation.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you member for Port Darwin.
Ms Lawrie: He is misleading!
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I ask that you ask the member for Barkly and the Leader of the Opposition to both withdraw their comments and accusations against my colleague unless they want to make a substantive motion. Also, if they do not have a standing order number they cannot call a point of order.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Barkly can you please withdraw your statement.
Mr McCARTHY: I withdraw, Madam Speaker.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: The saying, to put all your eggs in one basket springs to mind. As I said before, this government has a plan. Our three-hub economy targets the strength we possess and our vision for the future.
The Northern Territory is blessed with many rich minerals and resources. The focus of our government will be on further responsible exploitation of our resources at the primary level, value adding to our resources by further processing and associated development and maximising the benefits to the Territory through employment and local supply and service, which is critical.
We will work closely with the private sector to encourage downstream investments in industry supply facilities, mineral and petroleum processing, gas treatment plants, expansion of pipelines into the national grid and petrochemical production.
The conversion from exploration stage to production stage is crucial to the Territory because it means infrastructure and jobs, something the previous administration did not do well.
Student Services – Effect of Changes
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER of EDUCATION
Student Services is a critical part of our front line. How will reducing the number of staff in Student Services and splitting Student Services in two help teachers work with students with special needs and behavioural problems?
ANSWER
I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question. The changes to Student Services will make things operate more efficiently.
They have been divided into two areas, which means there will be more efficient, better services for students.
Three-Hub Economy - Tourism
Ms LEE to MINISTER for TOURISM and MAJOR EVENTS
Can you outline to the House why tourism is one of three hubs of our economy and whether the previous government invested as it should have in that part of the economy?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I appreciate the question from the member for Arnhem. It is great to see members on this side of the House showing some interest in tourism. We will continue to show strong interest in tourism. We are about 45 minutes into Question Time and we are yet to see any interest from the other side of the House, particularly from the shadow tourism minister. He has regurgitated one speech twice in this House. He has not asked a single question, and has had a three-minute briefing on the new tourism bill in my office.
Ms WALKER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The question was very direct. I call the minister on relevance. He is being asked a very easy question. It is a dxixer from his side. Could he cease the rant and get on with the answer?
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, could you come to the point.
Mr CONLAN: There is no rant; it is setting up the answer. It needs to be put into context - made very clear just how important we value tourism in the Northern Territory.
It is remarkable too. The Territory’s unique positioning has also been recognised in the new Commonwealth White Paper, Australia in the Asian Century. Even the Commonwealth is recognising how important tourism is to the Northern Territory.
Mr Giles: Labor does not!
Mr CONLAN: Of course, it does not. As you mentioned, member for Braitling, the shadow minister plagiarised himself in this House last week by regurgitating the same speech.
Before I expand on the importance of the federal government report - it is great to see a federal Labor government showing some interest in tourism. I would like to expand on this government’s vision for our three-hub economy.
It is an economy focusing on three acknowledged and inherent strengths. We have talked much about that in this House and throughout the election campaign. We are guaranteeing good, long-term, high-paying and rewarding jobs in tourism with education, mining, energy and food exports also forming part of that three-hub economy.
The growth areas for tomorrow will appeal to our Asian neighbours. It is very important to engage Asia. We once were the envy of other Australian jurisdictions in our engagement with Asia and that has been completely lost. We have seen that through the disrespect Asia now has for the Northern Territory, certainly Southeast Asia, because of the lack of engagement shown by the former government, particularly, the former Minister for Tourism and the former minister for Sport.
Tourism, as we know, is an estimated $1.4bn injection into the Northern Territory economy. It deserves to be taken seriously, and this government will take it seriously. It will outline throughout the next few days of this parliamentary sitting just how important tourism is and what this government intends to do to bring it back to where it should be.
Education - Government Policy
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for EDUCATION
Part of the CLP’s education policy is to create a brand new education sector - the community sector - which involves handing over schools to communities to be run independently of the education department. However, your Indigenous Advancement minister said in her Address-in-Reply that schools in the bush should be a small version of schools in Darwin or Sydney. This is a contradiction of your policy, minister. Could you please explain what the CLP’s policy is?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question. He has taken on his role as shadow minister for education with great enthusiasm.
Our government has a commitment to funding non-government schools and community schools. We are looking at a range of ways to stimulate and assist communities to develop education systems and mechanisms which reflect their communities and needs. Prior to the election, the Chief Minister consulted extensively with people throughout the Northern Territory on this model of education. We have demonstrated our commitment as recently as the last couple of weeks by negotiating and talking to the various stakeholders about how we can expand this important area of education. We are not fixated on government schools; we are very interested in alternative models which reflect the peculiar and unique needs of cultural groups and communities throughout the Northern Territory.
In answer to the question asked, there is no contradiction; we are all on the same page. The speech given by the member for Namatjira about her perceptions and views on education were within an Address-in-Reply speech which is, effectively, a maiden speech. She is entitled to her own views, and they were not inconsistent with the policies and views of the Country Liberals’ education policy.
Three-Hub Economy –
Strong Economic Base for Territory Businesses
Strong Economic Base for Territory Businesses
Mr STYLES to MINISTER for BUSINESS
A key economic strategy for the Mills government is the development of a robust three-hub economy. Can you please detail to the House the importance of a strong, diverse, economic base to Territory businesses.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Sanderson for his question today. A strategy of this government is to prioritise three hubs for our economy - unlike the previous government - an international education and tourism hub, a food and export hub, and a mining and energy hub. In doing so, the government is seeking to diversify our economic base for the benefit of all Territorians, creating jobs and wealth across the Northern Territory. A strong, vibrant and sustainable multi-hub economy will deliver growth not only to our major cities, but also the smaller communities and towns across the Northern Territory.
The mining and energy sector is a main driver of the Northern Territory economy with much of our current construction development linked to major oil, gas and mining driving this economy. This has been confirmed by Deloitte Access Economics which reports that the main driver of economic growth for 2012-13 is expected to be private construction, machinery, and equipment investment which is attributable to major projects commencing in the Territory such as the INPEX LNG project.
The Territory has, historically, had a boom/bust cycle of economic development. Our economy is heavily reliant on resources and historical peaks have centred on projects of this nature. Mining is the largest contributor to gross state product in the Northern Territory and can contribute up to 20% of the economy depending upon volumes and prices. Key commodities include oil, natural gas, uranium, gold, manganese, bauxite, and base metals.
The October 2012 Territory Economic Review reports that mineral and petroleum exploration in the Northern Territory increased by 24.9% to $210.7m in the June quarter 2012. Oil and gas exploration expenditure in the Territory increased by 23.9% to $70.6m while mineral exploration, increased by 26.9% to $40.1m over the same period.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Barkly!
Mr CHANDLER: It does not matter.
In 2011-12, mineral and energy exploration and expenditure in the Northern Territory increased by 38.2% ...
Members interjecting.
Mr CHANDLER: Well, we will get there if you want to listen.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Brennan, please address your comments through the Chair.
Mr CHANDLER: Madam Speaker, the point is, the previous government focused on one area alone. The problem with the bust cycle we have is you are going to see that we would be in the same position in a few years from. That is why this Terry Mills government will focus on a three-hub economy: to shore up the Northern Territory for years to come. It is the only way ...
Members interjecting.
Mr CHANDLER: Madam Speaker, Territorians have spoken, they are fed up with the rhetoric, there is a new future ...
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Education Savings –
Loss of Services
Loss of Services
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for EDUCATION
The department has been restructured and critical services within the Education department have been asked to find savings up to 15%. These have seen things such as the manager’s position for the CSIRO go - which will mean no access for NT students and teachers to natural science resources and programs delivered by the CSIRO - as well as a loss of other programs, activities, and resources. What other education services will be lost to meet your demand for savings?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay. To begin with I will get one thing straight; the savings we are asking for across the board are for one reason only: because of the incompetence of the former government that has placed us in a financial situation which is so serious, so dire, that if we do not do something now as a new government, Territorians face a very grim future.
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113, Relevance. I ask the minister to answer the question about education services.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, if you could get to the point.
Mrs LAMBLEY: Thank you, I was setting the context. I have not heard of a percentage put on the savings within the Education department. Fifteen per cent is what the member for Fannie Bay has just said. I believe he made that up in his dreams. Fifteen percent is not a percentage I have heard, and I have not instructed the department to make 15% savings.
The non-renewed position connected to the CSIRO is not a frontline service. We have made no secrets in our intention to concentrate on positions and services that are non-essential and are not frontline. All frontline services will remain; we feel it is essential that this government maintains services of education and care within the education system to children.
So, in response to what the member for Fannie Bay is getting at: where will the savings occur? They will not be in the front line and they will not be in positions that will have a direct impact on the front line. For example, this CSIRO position has been there for many years, it is a valued position, but it is a rather unique position in that it is a conduit between the Department of Education and Children’s services and the CSIRO; it is a liaison position. It is the view of the department that this position is almost not required given that science teachers are more than capable of accessing scientific research and material across a broad range of platforms, including the CSIRO. People these days access information much better and much faster than they used to.
Although this position has been valued in the past, it has probably come to its use-by-date.
Herbert –
Ombudsman’s Recommendations on Blocks of Land
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for LANDS and PLANNING
As you know, the Ombudsman recommended that three blocks of land in the Herbert locality in the rural area that were subject to flooding, should be purchased by the government and the owners paid compensation.
The previous government said it would agree to all the recommendations of the Ombudsman. Will your government also agree to all the Ombudsman’s recommendations? When can the owners of the land see a final end to this long-running saga?
ANSWER
Thank you, member for Nelson. Yes, this is a long-running saga and a very concerning one. The Ombudsman’s report and the recommendations therein are equally valid and supported. I can report to you at this point that the negotiations are still in play. The developer is prepared to correct and to work in good faith to fix the problem. I can provide you with additional briefings on that afterwards.
Three-Hub Economy –
Road Networking Structure
Road Networking Structure
Mr KURRUPUWU to MINISTER for TRANSPORT
Has the minister conducted any assessment on the current state of our road networking structure? Can the minister provide an update on what will be required to turn the Territory into a three-hub economy based on mining and energy, tourism and education, and food production?
ANSWER
Thank you very much, member for Arafura. It is fantastic to hear an important question like that because the member for Arafura understands the need for developing our economy, particularly in regional and remote areas, something the former government completely forgot about.
One of the things I have done since becoming the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure is to review our roads and work out, if we are going to support the three-hub economy, what type of infrastructure we need. The member for Arafura has said to me that we need support to get the roads built on the Tiwis so we can get the wood chip out as part of development on the Tiwis. They need port access, something the previous government argued against; they actually flew to Singapore to argue against the Tiwis being developed. They committed to not supporting the Tiwis. But we are committed.
I know the member for Daly is very keen on the Port Keats road, I heard this opposition before, bagging the Port Keats road. They are very keen to throw bad words at the member for Daly. They are very keen to try to provide disparaging comments, but the member for Daly came to me asking how we can get infrastructure built to provide economic opportunities to the region in the Daly out to Wadeye? I told him to leave it with me and I will do some work.
I know the member for Stuart wants work on the Tanami, the member for Namatjira wants work on the Plenty, the member for Arnhem wants bridges at Ngukurr. For each of those commitments I have written to the federal Infrastructure minister asking him to help us, join us in a partnership and develop those roads. I have asked for 40 km in Port Keats, two bridges in Ngukurr, the continuation in the Tanami, the Sandover. We are starting to think about how we can do the outback highway into the future for the benefit of the Northern Territory. These are things we are doing for the three-hub economy. This is how we are going to develop the Northern Territory.
We are committed to the regions – the remote areas of the Northern Territory.
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Why was there not a single cent in the election commitments for the bush roads?
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, please be seated.
Mr GILES: I spoke about 40 km for the Port Keats road and I would have loved to have done more in my submission. I would have loved to have done more for the Northern Territory in our application, but there is a problem with the finance ratings of the Northern Territory. We are hindered by our ratings: our DDD rating of debt, deficit and Delia, who put us in a terrible position so we do not have the money to build the infrastructure we want for the future.
Ms WALKER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The member should direct his comments through the Chair.
Mr GILES: Debt, deficit and Delia, Madam Speaker.
Mr ELFERINK (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
ANSWER TO QUESTION
Mt Todd Gold Mine –
Environmental Impact Statement
Mt Todd Gold Mine –
Environmental Impact Statement
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE (Mines and Energy): Last week the member for Nelson asked a question in this House and part of that question was taken on notice. I am in a position to provide an answer to that. I will quote the question:
- My question relates to the Mt Todd Gold Mine. Minister, with proposals to reopen and expand the Mount Todd mine, will an environmental impact statement be required by your department and if so, has that process started?
The government will endeavour to ensure best practice is applied to Vista Gold’s Mt Todd site. Mt Todd is a legacy mine and the government is committed to working with the industry to resolve environmental challenges.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016