2014-02-18
Power and Water - Assets
Ms LAWRIE to CHIEF MINISTER
Your plans to split up Power and Water are occurring without any expert evidence of the benefit to Territorians. Experience elsewhere in Australia shows it leads to tariff increases. Last year you pretended it was not about privatisation, yet now it is clear that with a $41m profit ripped out of Territorians pockets, you are fattening it up for sale.
In the mid-year report, the overview on page one shows an $832m revenue gain from this financial year to next financial year in our statutory authorities. Can you come clean and explain to Territorians exactly which assets you are selling to yield a revenue income of $832m in the next coming months?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Karama for her question. In relation to the component of your question in which you spoke about a $41m before-tax profit, whilst that may have been illustrated within the annual report, there is a CSO contribution of $61m - a general contribution to Power and Water. There is a $71m contribution to Indigenous Essential Services and an $18m contribution to pensioners, through the Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme, for their Power and Water bills.
While it may be illustrated as a $41m before-tax profit, and I think it was a $29m after-tax profit, there is a range of subsidies in place to support the ongoing operation of Power and Water. It has been said on this side of the Chamber for a long time that Power and Water is not operating as efficiently as it could be, despite the fact there are many hard workers within Power and Water offering a very good service for the corporation. As a government we want to provide a competitive environment where there can be competition introduced into the market, whether it is through generation, retail or otherwise. A competitive environment would place downward pressure on prices as there will be people competing for any other opportunities within the market.
One example could be around generation, as a hypothetical. There are people interested in setting up generation models for power in the Northern Territory. We have to make sure Power and Water has structural separation so the cost component of generation in this hypothetical can be truly costed. If there is a competitive model with another generation, you can see the difference in cost between the two. At the moment, as the Treasurer - the shareholding minister - has pointed out, there is no …
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. He is talking the clock down. The $832m profit you are going to make by selling assets …
Madam SPEAKER: It is not a point of order. The Chief Minister has the call.
Mr GILES: The point of the structural separation allows us to have better cost analysis of all arms of Power and Water Corporation. Should there be competitors who want to come into the field, there is an opportunity for Power and Water to cost what its operations are to ensure the environment operates.
We are still sitting on questions similar to those asked last year. Labor knew these changes had to be made to support Power and Water becoming more competitive in the interests of Territorians to make sure we get the best price structure. The Country Liberals will be the ones who strive through and do this to ensure we have a better competitive model for the Northern Territory.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Power and Water – Assets
Power and Water – Assets
Ms LAWRIE to CHIEF MINISTER
You refused to answer the question so I will make it very clear. The mid-year report which was tabled shows an $832m profit in your non-financial public sector, your statutory authorities, between this and next financial year. This is the sale of public assets. It is not the government agencies; it is the non-financial statutory authorities. How are you earning $832m? Which assets are you selling from this financial year to next financial year? Step up and answer it.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I imagine the former Treasurer should have some understanding of how the books operate in the Northern Territory. If she wants an idea about the books, I am more than happy to get the Treasurer to give her a briefing on what they look like.
Teacher Offences against Students – Strengthening Department Process
Ms FINOCCHIARO to MINISTER for EDUCATION
There have been recent media reports around criminal charges being laid against a Territory teacher for offences against a student. Can the minister please update the House on how these allegations were handled and what actions are being taken to further strengthen department processes?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Drysdale for her question and, before answering, I state how serious this matter is. The safety of children in our schools must take first priority.
The most recent incident late last year, which has been the subject of several media reports, has been appropriately handled by the school and the Department of Education. In December 2013, a teacher overheard several students discussing allegations of inappropriate conduct by another teacher. The teacher reported the matter to the principal and the students were also asked to report the matter to the principal.
In accordance with the department’s complaints policy, the school conducted a preliminary inquiry by interviewing and taking statements from the students. The teacher was directed by the principal to have no contact with any of the students and was released from duties. The principal made a mandatory report of the allegations to the Department of Children and Families. As part of its processes, DCF referred the allegations to the Northern Territory Police. The teacher’s registration has been suspended, as has their employment with the department. Northern Territory Police have charged the teacher on several counts and the matter is now before the court.
I am confident this most recent matter has been handled appropriately. I am, however, very concerned about the previous allegations involving this teacher, dating back to as far as 2005, and I have requested each of these to be reviewed. Further to this, I have directed the Department of Education to review its policies and procedures for allegations of sexual misconduct. There are a number of acts of parliament which regulate the management of allegations of sexual misconduct in schools, including the Public Sector Employment and Management Act; Care and Protection of Children Act; and the Criminal Code Act.
Internally, there are a number of policies and procedures relating to allegations of sexual misconduct. However, there is no overarching policy regulating the management of allegations of sexual misconduct in schools. The review will be informed by the recently completed Managing allegations of sexual misconduct in SA education and care settings, adopted in government and non-government schools in South Australia in 2013.
Discussion with stakeholders, including principals, NT Police and the Department of Children and Families, has commenced. Initial drafting work is also under way and the policy is expected to be presented to the Department of Education Executive Board for approval and immediate implementation in March.
__________________________
Absence of Minister for Transport
Mr ELFERINK (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I neglected to inform the House that the Minister for Transport is absent for Question Time this morning. Any questions in relation to his portfolio should be directed to the Chief Minister.
__________________________
Government Advertising Costs
Mr VOWLES to CHIEF MINISTER
The CLP promised to cut the cost of living. All you have done is punish Territory families and businesses, pushing up costs and cutting services. One of your repeated promises was to cut the cost of government spin. Why then have you just put out a new advertising tender which shows the government is spending at least $2.5m every year promoting itself? Why are you spending millions of dollars trying to persuade Territorians you are doing a good job while our power bills have gone up 30%, with more hikes to come?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Johnston for his question and encourage him to look at how much the former Labor government spent and identify that we are spending less. I have just been given some rough advice there is an estimation you spent around 10 times as much as what is being spent at the moment. I think you will find that if you look through the amount of staff who were operating in the communications sector in each government agency.
This has completely reduced. We now run a centralised communications marketing branch within DCM to provide a rationalisation of services and reduce the cost structure. This is to ensure we do not spend all our time just trying to promote ourselves, but rather spend our time, effort and money servicing the needs of Territorians through a good model of governance. I encourage the member for Johnston to look at how much money Labor spent when it was in government.
Northern Australia Development – Abbott Government Inquiry Response
Mr HIGGINS to CHIEF MINISTER:
Can you please outline your response to the Abbott government’s inquiry into the development of northern Australia?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Daly for his question. He has a keen interest in the development of northern Australia and what it holds for his electorate, as do all Territorians and the members of parliament on this side of the Chamber.
Later today the Northern Territory government will lodge its official submission to the federal parliamentary inquiry into the development of northern Australia. It makes our case for the Territory to play a lead role in developing northern Australia.
The northern Australian century is upon us and the Territory is perfectly poised to take advantage of its proximity to Asia and the opportunities ahead.
Now is the time for the Northern Territory in the development of northern Australia. We need to think big and plan well so we can maximise our potential as a linchpin of the Northern Territory’s push. The Territory wants to walk side by side with Prime Minister Tony Abbott as the Coalition delivers on its commitment to unlock the north and overcome Indigenous disadvantage.
Canberra has shifted its gaze north, and this is an unprecedented opportunity in the Territory’s history to secure the vital infrastructure needed to develop the Territory and drive the nation. We have made an early case for the need for new infrastructure and called on the Australian government to help fund extensions to the rail network and a second port. We have also called for funding for a national gas grid to connect the Territory to the rest of the country. Northern development will secure increased prosperity for all Territorians into the future. It is about developing the north to make sure there are jobs for Territory kids into the future. It will bring better roads and schools and, more importantly, it will create jobs for our children into the future, especially in the bush.
It is also a nation building project which will future-proof Australia’s position as one of the world’s top economies.
The time for investment in the north is now. I really look forward to working with Tony Abbott, Campbell Newman and Colin Barnett, and the governments of Western Australia and Queensland, ensuring we lead the northern Australian development push and keep our firm eye on it while we have broad strategies and broad direction about where we want to head with the development of northern Australia, keeping in the back of our mind that it is all about developing jobs for future Territorians, whether they are born here or come here from elsewhere.
Power and Water Tariff Increases
Mr VOWLES to CHIEF MINISTER
Territory sporting clubs are struggling under the pressure of the CLP’s power and water price rises. NTRL has had to leave Richardson Park, NT Hockey has raised turf fees by $20 per hour, and NT Soccer is spending $70 000 a year on water alone. There are more price rises to come when clubs are already struggling. How can you support these increases which are crippling sport and recreation in the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Member for Johnston, what do you propose happens? We already subsidise Power and Water. Every person’s bill in the Northern Territory is subsidised. What do you propose we do? We regulate the tariff prices in the Northern Territory. I went through the subsidy which is provided to Power and Water each year: $61m in general subsidies; $71m in Indigenous Essential Services; and $80m for pensioners this year. You talk about sporting clubs, they are not paying the cost of electricity. Mums and dads in the Northern Territory are not paying the cost of producing electricity …
Ms Fyles: Are you serious?
Mr GILES: Absolutely serious. You should get a briefing, member for Nightcliff.
Mr VOWLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. As embarrassing as this answer is, can I get the Chief Minister back to how he supports crippling sport and recreation?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Johnston, it is not a point of order.
Mr GILES: I ask the question again: what would you do? We subsidise power …
Mr VOWLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. I am interested, in what the Chief Minister has to say, as sport and recreational organisations are struggling in the Northern Territory
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Johnston, it is not time for a speech; if you have a point of order, you list it. It is not a point of order.
Mr GILES: Again, I say to the member for Johnston, it is easy to ask these questions …
Ms Lawrie: What would you do?
Mr GILES: You ask what we would do. We are doing things, looking at structural separation to provide a competitive environment. Price rises are locked in. We have regulated tariffs in the Northern Territory. We know what the prices will be this year and next year.
I go back to the point again: what would the member for Johnston do? Every Question Time they ask questions about a new initiative on how the government wants to spend money. Your proposal is we keep putting more and more money into a model of PWC which is not as efficient as it could be, rather than making decisions to try to drive reform and efficiencies to ensure we have the most downward pressure we can have on pricing. I know it is a challenge for sporting clubs; it is a challenge for everyone to pay their power bills.
However, there has to be a price paid for the electricity generated in the Northern Territory. As I said, we are not paying the cost of producing power in the Northern Territory; taxpayers are subsidising it. Let us think about it this way: taxpayers now pay for their power, but they pay for it twice because they are also paying for the subsidy which goes in. We would be much better if we could look at ways to reform Power and Water so we get a more cost-competitive model and the lowest prices we can.
Gove Refinery Closure – Worker Package
Ms WALKER to CHIEF MINISTER
Yet another week has passed and there were more tearful farewells in Nhulunbuy because you have failed to stand up for our community. More than 1000 Territorians are losing their jobs, and you offer a $10 000 tourism promotion. That is less than the cost of your travel since you knifed the Chief Minister while he was on a trade mission to Japan. When will you stop showing contempt for a region which has contributed $500m to the Territory economy and announce a genuine structural adjustment package?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the start of the question spoke about standing up for the people of Nhulunbuy. Who is standing up for the people of Nhulunbuy? It is not the member for Nhulunbuy. The member for Nhulunbuy has not stood up in here, apart from standing around after she has eaten a bag of lemons, with a sour look on her face, carping and whingeing …
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, withdraw that, please.
Mr GILES: I withdraw.
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. Rather than personal attacks, will the Chief Minister answer the question?
Mr GILES: Madam Speaker, the member for Nightcliff demands we do not make personal attacks after the question about me knifing the member for Blain. I am not sure about the personal attacks you come here with. Member for Nhulunbuy, if you want to talk about who …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, please pause. Opposition members, Standing Order 51:
- No member may converse aloud or make any noise or disturbance which in the opinion of the Speaker is designed to interrupt or has the effect of interrupting a member speaking.
You were doing that just then. Member for Johnston, you are on a warning. Do not keep yelling across the Chamber at any member.
Mr GILES: I go back to the start of the question where you spoke about standing up for Nhulunbuy. The government is working collectively across all our portfolios to find ways to support the residents of Nhulunbuy and the region.
The work of the tourism officials who went there about four weeks ago - I think when you were on holidays when they were there, is that right Minister for Tourism? I went there and identified ways to promote the region for tourism opportunities – how we get more tourists to the market – and worked with Airnorth to secure flights to get tourists there. We have a $10 000 marketing initiative; perhaps you do not think that number is high enough. Tell us what you think the number should be, member for Nhulunbuy.
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. It was a very direct question: when will the Chief Minister announce a genuine structural adjustment package?
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, if you can get to the question.
Mr GILES: In relation to the point of order, a range of initiatives continues to come forward about how we can support Nhulunbuy. Last week, we had a $10 000 tourism initiative to promote the region. We will keep supporting the residents of Nhulunbuy and deal with them individually because their local member clearly is not doing the job.
Northern Australia Century – Opportunities
Ms FINOCCHIARO to CHIEF MINISTER
Could you please tell the Assembly about the opportunities ahead for the Territory in the north Australia century?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Drysdale for her question. The Country Liberals government has proudly restored the open for business sign on the Northern Territory’s door. For too long opportunities to grow the north have been squandered or locked up in endless discussions at the expense of appropriate decision-making.
Deloitte Access has identified five sectors as the basis for Australia’s growth over the next 20 years. We have a natural advantage in four of those: gas development; tourism; education; and agribusiness. Given nearly half a billion people live within four hours flying time of the north, it is safe to say we are in an excellent geographical position within northern Australia to capitalise on opportunities in these areas. It is predicted Australia’s gas exports will rise to 81% of our total production by 2018.
The Territory is well-positioned to play a major role in supplying these increased exports. The Browse Basin alone is home to as much as $85m in committed and yet to be committed gas export projects.
Tourism is our second-largest sector and biggest employer in the Territory. It is already worth $1.6bn to the local economy and the target is to grow this to $2.2bn by 2020, creating an estimated 4300 new jobs in the process.
In education, Charles Darwin University is ranked among the top 2% of young universities and has seen a 25% increase in enrolments over the past two years. It has ties with regional universities ranging from Hainan University in China to the University of Mindanao in the Philippines. These are particularly important in strengthening relations with our neighbours.
Agribusiness is a source of major growth. With consumption of quality vegetables and fruit in Asian countries projected to more than double by 2050, the Territory is perfectly placed to be a provider. On top of these areas identified by Deloitte Access, Defence is a major source of economic activity for northern Australia, particularly in the Top End. Yesterday I had a meeting with the US Ambassador and spoke about what those opportunities might be into the future.
Almost 10% of Australia’s Defence personnel are based in the Territory, and - if you include their family members - the Defence community exceeds more than 11 000 people in Darwin alone. The annual Defence spend in the Territory is almost $1.6bn and has increased each year by an average of around 11%.
A major opportunity exists for the Territory in developing commercial infrastructure in the Top End to support local maintenance of the Navy’s 14 Armidale class patrol boats based in Darwin.
Rest assured, the Giles Country Liberals government has the drive and ambition to grow the north, but with it always in the back of our mind that this is about creating jobs for Territorians, both now and into the future, and ensuring our kids have long-term opportunity.
INPEX – Indigenous Workers Allege
Falsified Certificates
Falsified Certificates
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for EMPLOYMENT and TRAINING
On Friday, on The Guardian webpage there was a headline saying Indigenous workers on the INPEX project had been given falsified certificates. The Guardian reported that the workers who made these allegations had signed onto McMahon Real Opportunities and Careers, Kick Starting Today’s Aboriginal Role Models - ROCKSTAR is the common name for it. The ABC also reported on this issue. Did you receive an anonymous letter, as I did, raising issues about the authenticity of this employment program? Did you at least know about this letter and, as Minister for Employment and Training, have you investigated these claims?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. I have not received the letter the member for Nelson spoke about. I will check with my office. My office sorts through many of the e-mails which come to me and quite often letters are not forwarded to me. I will check it out, member for Nelson, and if there is something in the system I will report back to you.
Northern Australia – Economic Potential
Ms ANDERSON to TREASURER
Can you outline the economic potential of northern Australia and identify areas which will drive future growth?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Namatjira for her question. The Chief Minister summed up much of this in the previous answer, and he has said the Territory has again hung out the ‘open for business’ sign to the rest of the world. We have come off 11 years of Labor government where we were, in fact, closed for business.
The fact he is saying the Territory is open for business is a good sign. Over the last 11 years we saw a one-business economy in the Northern Territory; there was no regard for other sectors. As the Chief Minister said, the gas business and the opportunities for gas are enormous in the Northern Territory. I look at what is happening in Queensland and New South Wales where gas demand over the coming years will be enormous. Part of our reforms to the utilities industry involves us taking on board the Australian Energy Regulator rules. The AER does not only regulate power and water utilities, it also regulates gas pipelines. If we are to share the gas wealth we have with the rest of Australia, it is important we adopt AER rules. This is another major reason for us to go down the path of reforming the power and water sector.
As the Chief Minister pointed out, tourism is one of the key planks in growing our economy and is worth $1.6bn to our local economy, but the target is $2.2bn. I pay tribute to our Minister for Tourism for getting on with the job and opening up the Territory, telling the rest of the world what the Territory has to offer. It is a pleasant change from seeing the former government, which wanted to regulate tourism, put the government screws on tourism in a range of ways, looking over the shoulder of tourism, to a much more outwardly focused tourism industry, an industry and a government focused on marketing our product overseas, rather than navel gazing as the previous government did. There is enormous opportunity for the Territory in coming years. I am extraordinarily proud to be part of this Giles Country Liberals government. I am thrilled we have hung out the ‘open for business’ sign.
Alice Springs – Business Failure
Mr McCARTHY to CHIEF MINISTER
Last week in the House you said you were driving the economy of Alice Springs. It was a vibrant town where businesses are thriving; this is despite the Chamber of Commerce saying you had no vision. Businesses are shutting up shop and trying to tell you they are finding it tough, but you refuse to listen. A long-term business has taken the extraordinary step of placing an advertisement in the Advocate to get the message across, to hold you to account, Chief Minister. When will you listen to Red Centre Pest Control? When will you stop ignoring businesses like Red Centre Pest Control, which says you are destroying local business and failing with CLP promises to Alice Springs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the questions get better and better every time we are here.
The shadow minister for - I am not sure which portfolio that question was from. The shadow minister asking the question would be well aware that Red Centre Pest Control has gone through a procurement process and we have to be very careful about what we talk about in regard to procurement. I can say, however, one of Mr Billington’s concerns was that somebody outside of the Territory happened to bid on the business in Alice Springs. He is very upset about this and he raised with me in a radio interview how someone from outside the Territory won the business. In fact, the person who won the tender resides in Alice Springs and will be doing the pest control from Alice Springs.
Whenever there is a tender process, someone wins and others lose. It is not always good for the people who did not come first and I appreciate the position Mr Billington and Red Centre Pest Control are coming from. One of Mr Billington’s main concerns was how people can tender in Alice Springs if they do not live in Alice Springs and how dare someone get that business; it should be protected for Alice Springs businesses. We run a competitive model in our procurement process where people can tender for work in Darwin or regional areas of the Territory such as Alice Springs.
The other interesting component within the procurement process is there is a weighting component offered within it across a range of areas, including past performance and price. One of those is around local development and how much the local company reinvests into the community: how it employs Indigenous trainees, employees and so forth. There is a component illustrated within there. I cannot talk about the weightings, obviously, because it is a confidential procurement process.
What I can share is, while Red Centre Pest Control and Dave Billington were concerned someone from Darwin should dare put in a bid for business in Alice Springs, what people do not know is Dave Billington and Red Centre Pest Control put in a bid to get business out of Darwin. It would seem a bit of the pot calling the kettle black or what is good for the goose is good for the gander. Someone has won business in Alice Springs, and it is not Red Centre Pest Control, but he was bidding for business in Darwin.
Mr McCarthy: This is great material for Alice Springs.
Mr GILES: Great material for Darwin. The winners of the tender are people who reside in Alice Springs. It is not the same company as before. While Dave Billington might be unhappy that he was not successful in the tender through the procurement process, we have to make sure we get the best bang for buck, the best content we can, and we are satisfied with the process.
Farm Finance Package
Ms LEE to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY and FISHERIES
While the Northern Territory continues to build its agribusiness economy, some pastoral and agricultural properties have been suffering due to drought and the former federal government’s live export ban. Can the minister please update the House on the work the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, and the Commonwealth are doing for landowners with unmanageable levels of debt?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arnhem for her question, again demonstrating her interest in the primary industry sector and how it will contribute to the growth of northern Australia. It is very important.
The Commonwealth government announced a new program of $420m, called the Farm Finance package, for primary producers across Australia struggling to service their existing debt levels. The Territory’s share of the program is worth a total of $15m per year for the next two years, a total of $30m. The Territory also has access to a reserve fund of some $40m. Loans are at a concessional interest rate and will be interest only for the period of five years, after which they must be repaid. Applications are open for individual concessional loans to a maximum of $1m, and I am very pleased to announce those loans and applications are available as of today.
We have worked through an exhaustive process to get a robust system in place, which has been somewhat difficult to achieve given the trilateral arrangements we have had to put together between the Northern Territory, the Commonwealth and the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority. It has made this package unique.
The member for Arnhem mentioned the reasons this package came into being. We recognise and acknowledge the difficulty some of our pastoralists are going through with dry conditions, particularly in the southern half of the Northern Territory. I hope they have had a little rain there to bring some relief.
Largely, this was about repairing some of the damage done by Labor’s live export ban in 2011. As I foreshadowed then, the implications of the live cattle suspension were significant and long lasting. We are still seeing pastoral properties suffering the effects. Part of the problem is levels of debt and whether they are sustainable. This package goes some way towards dealing with some of the debt issues our struggling pastoralists have.
As I said, these are concessional loans. This not a hand out; that is not what conservative governments do. It is support for pastoralists in difficult times. It is a concessional loan scheme which will allow pastoralists to reduce the amount of repayments they have on any given monthly or fortnightly basis so they can get on top of their current debt level.
I thank the member for Arnhem again for her question. It is very important and I am delighted we have the Farm Finance package up and running in the Northern Territory to support our pastoral industry.
Nightcliff Foreshore Development –
Nightcliff Island
Nightcliff Island
Ms FYLES to MINISTER for LANDS, PLANNING and the ENVIRONMENT
Last night, residents of Nightcliff gathered to say they oppose Nightcliff Island. They raised concerns about the social and environmental impact of this project. Traffic is already banked up during peak times trying to get in and out of Nightcliff. Our primary school and childcare centres are full. Why are you supporting an island for our harbour with a population of approximately 3000 people when you have not consulted with our community? What social and environmental impact analysis have you done to convince you to provide a five-year lease to developers? Are there any other foreshore developments you are planning?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nightcliff for her question. The first thing is what are we actually talking about? Until a proposal is looked at by government, we have nothing to really talk about. I am over the moon that we have a developer with the confidence to do business in the Northern Territory and faith in the processes this government has in place.
There has been much said about Nightcliff Island and the proposal. Until a proposal comes through all we have is an idea. Yes, there has been a lease given to Halikos to do some preliminary drillings on the mud flats, as happens for every building across the CBD ...
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. It was a very direct question. What social and environmental impact analysis did you do which convinced you to sign a five-year lease? You have not even consulted us about whether we want an island.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nightcliff, it is not a point of order, sit down.
Mr CHANDLER: We go back to the point that we do not have a proposal. This is not a government project, but if it was, the government would consult with the community. At the moment we have a developer who has an idea. There is a lease in place to allow it to do some exploratory work in the area, as happens on every building site across the Northern Territory. Every building in the CBD would have had drilling to look at the substructure to see whether or not it would stack up - whether it would be feasible ...
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. It is a very direct question. It is not about whether this island is feasible, it is about the social analysis this government did with our community before putting an island there.
Mr ELFERINK: Speaking to the point of order, Madam Speaker! The question was preambled heavily with all sorts of suggestions to which the minister has every right to reply.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, you have the call.
Mr CHANDLER: I was in Nightcliff the other day looking at this area, thinking to myself, everyone is saying there is some island here. There is no island, there is an idea.
Ms Fyles: You are proposing one. You have signed a lease. Our community is concerned.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nightcliff!
Mr CHANDLER: No, you are wrong again, member for Nightcliff. I am not proposing anything. This is not a government project; however, I am excited there are developers with the confidence in the Northern Territory to want to develop something spectacular, something iconic, something different. It is confidence in the Northern Territory, perhaps confidence in this government as we have processes, but there are many processes to go through.
I finish by saying at the moment we have an idea. If this idea gets up - it has to go through many processes in the meantime. There are developers who have faith in this government, have faith in the process, and it has to stack up before it will get approval from this or any government. At the moment it is just an idea.
Northern Australia Century –
Public Service Readiness
Public Service Readiness
Mr KURRUPUWU to MINISTER for PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
As we enter the north Australia century and the Northern Territory takes on a central role, can you guarantee the public service will be ready to embrace the opportunity?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his fine question. When I heard about the opportunities the Prime Minister is offering the people of the Northern Territory I trilled with excitement. I have lived in the Northern Territory since 1969 and care about the future of the Northern Territory and its development. We have just heard about the anti-development attitudes from the members opposite and their strident attacks on the public service, which they have been running from day one. It is our job to make sure the public service is primed, ready and able to take on these opportunities on behalf of government, as they have always done and so loyally served governments of both persuasions …
Ms Walker: You sacked hundreds of them.
Mr ELFERINK: That is not true; that is a lie …
Ms Walker: Oh, rubbish.
Mr ELFERINK: I table, for the edification of the member opposite, the publicly available public service numbers at the time of the last election and the last December quarter, which do not show what you allege. They like to drive fear into the hearts of Territorians where we see promise and opportunity. The promise and opportunity of a Darwin positioned in 2014 is an opportunity we cannot avoid. We on this side of the House will embrace it and say to our public servants something they never did, ‘We trust you to take a risk, think outside the box, get involved with the job you so desperately want and drive it forward’.
There is a government on this side of the House that trusts our public service. Even to the point where they take risks and may make a mistake, we will still back them. Do you know why? We back people who take the opportunity to drive their community forward. So many people go into the public service because they want to make a difference, and we say, as a government, ‘Get involved. Take those risks as long as you act on the right side of negligence, so long as you act outside of criminality. Drive forward, act in good faith, be engaged with your job, love what you do and make it work for the people of the Northern Territory.’ This is what we are establishing and doing with this north Australia policy. We are positioning a public service where people have a spring in their step, come into work, love the work they do and make the community they live in better, rather than what we hear from the members opposite, ‘Oh my God, they are going to scratch a rock. Quick, have a protest.’
This is a Chief Minister with vision; this is a government with a clear view on the future, and we are proud to be supported by an active and engaged public service.
Firefighters Pay Dispute
Mr GUNNER to CHIEF MINISTER referred to MINISTER for PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
At 10 am yesterday, firefighter union delegates were called in by the Public Employment Commissioner to tell them he had been instructed by the Police Commissioner and a minister that if they do not accept your pay offer he was authorised to take further action. Which minister provided those instructions, you or your Minister for Public Employment? If time can be made to bring in the Police and Public Employment Commissioners to instruct them to make threats to Territory firefighters, why can time not be made to meet with Territory firefighters to hear their concerns directly? What further action against our firefighters are you proposing?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question and I ask the Minister for Public Employment to answer it.
Mr ELFERINK (Public Employment): Madam Speaker, the government is engaged in a number of negotiations with Enterprise Bargaining Agreements. We have already successfully navigated our way through the Power and Water EBA, the medicos at the hospital - the doctors - and the general public service has accepted the offer from the Northern Territory government in relation to the deal we put on the table, because they want to get on with things. We hear all sorts of demands from the members opposite. We have to fix the paramedics EBA – we do not employ any paramedics, nevertheless …
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. The question was not about paramedics, it was about firefighters. What further action has the minister directed the Public Employment Commissioner to take against our firefighters?
Madam SPEAKER: The minister has three minutes to answer the question. Minister, if you could get to the point.
Mr ELFERINK: I have instructed that the EBA negotiation process be pursued, but the link between the United Voice union and the Labor party could not be clearer. Every time the Labor party wants to have a whinge about something it works hand in glove with the most militant union in the Northern Territory to stir up as much trouble as it can. I have said in this House in the past that I have great respect for our firefighters, but I have also had the temerity, according to the members opposite, to ask questions about the firefighters claims. I have said they run the risk of trading off against their good reputation whilst trying to pursue claims which include up to 23% income increases under the EBA. I am concerned about an overtime practice, particularly in the Darwin area, in which firefighters are taking advantage of the rules, enabling themselves to get overtime at double time rates.
This is of concern to me and we should air those sorts of concerns. I am also concerned - and I said this publicly last week in the House – their primary job is to protect Territorians. Many of them have a second job. What I said last week, and will continue to say here, is I am deeply concerned if those second jobs get in the way of their primary jobs. We should, as a government, have the temerity to ask the question, because I want my firefighters primed and ready for duty to protect the interests of Northern Territorians. I do not believe this is an unreasonable position to have.
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Visitors
Honourable members, I advise of the presence in the gallery of the Year 4/5 class from Wulagi Primary School, accompanied by Jodie Houghton. On behalf of honourable members welcome to Parliament House and I hope you enjoy your time here.
Members: Hear, Hear!
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Water Management Committees
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for LAND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
It is now two years since the Howard East Water Advisory Committee had a meeting, and I presume other water management committees are in the same boat, pardon the pun. With Darwin growing quickly, more rural sub-divisions - with the emphasis on rural - are happening, such as possible expansion of new horticultural areas at Gunn Point, more large-scale industrial development, and gas exploration.
Why has your government prevented this committee from operating as an independent body, monitoring the aquifer and giving independent advice to the government? I can only presume you are scrapping water advisory committees; if so, am I to presume they are being replaced with catchment advisory committees which were advertised in Saturday’s NT News? If this is the case, could you explain why these new catchment committees will be any better than the water advisory committees, or is this just a case of rebadging the Labor version with the CLP version of the same thing?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. Wow, what a triple-barrelled question that was. I welcome the question, because every time I am asked a question about water in the Northern Territory, it gives me an opportunity to stand in this House and tell the parliamentarians and the people of the Northern Territory the good news about water in the Northern Territory and northern Australia.
This government is driving development. We are working hard to put the two things together which are required to have agricultural development – the land and the water – and we are continuing down that path. It is critical we do so.
There is an enormous body of work going on right now, being done by the Department of Land Resource Management, particularly through the Water Resources section. If I think about one project tying up our resources right now, it is the work on the Tiwi Islands. There is some fantastic work going on there to develop and give opportunities to the Indigenous folk of the Tiwi Islands, to develop some real economies, real jobs and drive some real growth for their community. We are working down this path in all sorts of areas across the Northern Territory.
The member for Nelson asked some specific questions about whether we intend to abandon water advisory committees, and the simple answer is, no. They are in legislation and we do not intend to get rid of them. You also asked about the catchment advisory committee which advertised for positions on the weekend. It will not replace water advisory committees. The Northern Territory Catchments Advisory Committee replaces a number of smaller advisory committees which were in existence, for example: the Daly River Management Advisory Committee; the Darwin Harbour Advisory Committee; and the Rapid Creek advisory committee. There will be one overarching advisory committee to the minister on all matters relating to catchments of the Northern Territory, particularly in the Top End where water issues are so critical. We will continue to do the work.
You also specifically mentioned the Howard advisory committee; you are quite right, it has been some time since the committee last met. I note, for the public record, that you, member for Nelson, are on the committee, and the question popped into my head: why are you not driving some sort of meeting agenda or regime to get the committee back up and running?
I also note there is no chairperson and there is another vacant position as well. My humble suggestion is there should be some leadership coming from you, as a parliamentarian, to get this committee back up and running. I have seen nothing from you.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Northern Australia Development – Pathway Out of Poverty
Ms ANDERSON to CHIEF MINISTER
Can you explain how greater development of the north could provide a pathway out of poverty for people on welfare in the bush?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I know the member for Namatjira is passionate about this topic. We had a chat earlier this morning about how we can develop her electorate, move into agriculture and horticulture and see what we can do to get jobs into those communities and the regional remote areas. This is so people can get off the cycle of welfare and into real jobs. I am sure the member for Namatjira has concerns about the north Australia policy put out by Canberra, because in the very first sentence it talks about the Tropic of Capricorn. It talks about how northern Australia will be from the Tropic of Capricorn north, and it does not look south. From our point of view, for those who live in Central Australia, particularly the member for Namatjira, those development opportunities are south of the Tropic of Capricorn, some north in the electorate, but the majority are south.
In our submission, which we are sending to Canberra today, we will say, with regard to northern Australia and the Northern Territory government’s involvement, it is the whole Northern Territory, not just from the Tropic of Capricorn. The member for Namatjira knows she needs infrastructure in her electorate. She needs roads and investments in the Sandover Highway, the Plenty Highway, the Straight Road, the Santa Teresa Road and through the Tanami Road to ensure we can open up those important areas of the country to see development and growth continue.
Only last week we were on the Tiwi Islands with the member for Arafura, watching the signing of the agreement between Mitsui, the major Japanese international company, and the Tiwi Island Plantation Company. We are looking at how we can export woodchip from the forestry project. There is some 30 000 ha of forest on the Tiwi Islands and they will take 3000 tonnes straight up, which is a fantastic outcome.
When we talk about northern Australia and what it means, there is only one team in this parliament which has a vision of driving change, driving growth, standing up to the plate and developing northern Australia. We will do it from the Northern Territory and tell Canberra the Northern Territory wants to be front and centre in driving this change. It is not only about the broad overarching plan of northern Australia and the Northern Territory, it is about creating jobs for Territorians, particularly in the bush, where we can have outcomes in areas such as the minister for Primary Industry just spoke about: development on country and horticulture, agriculture and all those other opportunities out there at the moment. They go through other areas such as mining and tourism.
The important point to think about in this Chamber is who has a policy to develop the Northern Territory? Or you could ask the simple question, who has a policy? We have a range of policies and issues we are facing.
On the other side of the Chamber they have one policy: to bring back the Banned Drinker Register. I think people can remember from Question Time last week that the Banned Drinker Register has not worked. We have seen a massive reduction in wholesale alcohol supply of 4% since we got rid of the Banned Drinker Register, decreases of between 7% and 17% in regional areas of the Northern Territory. We are the only party in this parliament with a policy ...
Madam Speaker: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
St John Ambulance Paramedics – Support
Ms MANISON to MINISTER for HEALTH
First, I believe we would all like to acknowledge and thank St John Ambulance for the additional support it provided in Alice Springs in the wake of the tragic events on the weekend. This terrible accident shows what a tough job it is being a paramedic.
However, there are still many other serious issues paramedics have raised with the government which need to be addressed. Paramedics have raised very concerning allegations of a toxic culture at St John Ambulance, including intimidation and racist and sexist remarks. Instead of investigating these alarming accusations, your Public Employment minister chose instead to attack the paramedics, saying they are only raising these issues because they want more money.
Do you stand by your colleague’s comments, or will you stand up and support paramedics?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Wanguri for her question. There is no doubt this government supports the critical work undertaken by paramedics across the Northern Territory. However, what you are talking about is an industrial dispute between St John Ambulance and its employees. We will not become involved in this; it is something they need to work out for themselves.
Our support for paramedics is not in dispute; it is something we stand by. We support St John Ambulance in what it does. It performs a critical role in our community. Unlike in other states and territories, St John Ambulance has a responsibility of providing our ambulance services, and it does a fantastic job.
This government will not stand between the employees of St John Ambulance and the organisation. We will leave it up to them to resolve their industrial dispute.
Darwin Port Corporation – Staffing Decrease
Mr VATSKALIS to MINISTER for ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT and MAJOR PROJECTS
Darwin Port Corporation employees were told there was a review of their jobs. Six days later, seven staff were told their jobs were cut. The mechanics and electricians have been sacked, including workers with more than 30 years commitment to the port and its operations. Some workers are trying to be redeployed in government jobs - one within a position available at the port and another into a mechanic position at MVR - but have been treated with contempt. Why will the government not treat these workers fairly and make every effort to redeploy qualified employees?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for the question. This is one of the most important and relevant questions they have asked in the last four days of sittings.
What has occurred at East Arm Wharf is the container crane, purchased second-hand by a previous Territory government, has been damaged which has made it beyond economic repair. There is a range of employees at the port whose role it was to service and maintain this container crane. There has been a decision made, based on the cost of replacing a container crane, that the container crane will not be replaced at this point in time. However, there are investigations being undertaken about when and how this can be done …
Ms Lawrie: They service and maintain all infrastructure, not just the crane.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr GILES: Do you want an answer to a serious question?
It is anticipated it will probably take about 18 months to get a new container crane. If one was put in now, the container crane would probably operate at about 10% utilisation rate. To get proper utilisation, you really need to be around 65% utilisation. We have two what you would call mobile container cranes operated by the two companies there. They are operating at a very poor level for moving containers, about eight containers an hour, which is because of the base from which they operate.
Those employees who were doing the repairs and maintenance on the current container crane - the one no longer being utilised - have been advised their roles are no longer required at the port. It is quite unfortunate because they were doing the job there, but the container crane at the port stopped working and, as you would know, shadow minister, there was an incident where the container crane could have caused damage by an incident occurring. It did not cause the damage which could have occurred, but we have now made a decision it is no longer repairable and those employees who were doing the repairs and maintenance on the container crane are no longer required to.
In around 18 months when we can get a new container crane, if that was to occur, we will have to re-employ people to provide the service and maintenance.
Mr ELFERINK (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
ANSWER TO QUESTION
INPEX – Indigenous Workers Allege
Falsified Certificates
INPEX – Indigenous Workers Allege
Falsified Certificates
Mr TOLLNER (Employment and Training): Madam Speaker, in relation to a question from the member for Nelson during Question Time regarding employment and training, I can inform the member for Nelson that no anonymous e-mail was received by my office, the minister’s office, or the department in relation to the matter you raised.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016