2010-02-24
Indigenous Territorians – Failure of Government Policies
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for INDIGENOUS DEVELOPMENT
In my first speech to this parliament, I said:
- Decent Australians everywhere want the best for Aboriginal people, and it will be our job here to make the toughest decisions that will lead to the betterment of the lives of Aboriginal people where they are disadvantaged in our system and where we can help.
Do you agree that government policies are failing Indigenous Territorians?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Macdonnell for her question. I absolutely disagree with her about our government’s policies on Indigenous people across the Northern Territory. In fact, it is this government which has concentrated specifically on wanting to improve the lives of Indigenous Territorians, and all Territorians. In fact, it is this government that has released A Working Future policy for 20 growth towns across the Northern Territory. It is this government which is committed to closing the gap in Indigenous life expectancy. It is this government which has had the courage to have the bold vision to want to improve governance at a local level through the reform of shires across the Northern Territory
I most definitely say that this government is absolutely committed to wanting to improve the lives of Indigenous Territorians, as well as all Territorians.
Nuclear Waste Facility –
Northern Territory’s Position
Northern Territory’s Position
Ms WALKER to CHIEF MINISTER
Yesterday’s announcement by the federal government of their decision to examine the Muckaty Station site for a future nuclear waste facility has been the subject of much comment in the Territory. Will you advise on the formal position adopted by the government on the issue, and the position of other groups?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. This is a very significant issue facing the Northern Territory. I restate: this government opposes the imposition of a nuclear waste dump at Muckaty Station in the Northern Territory – outright opposition. We believe, and I have said consistently over the last few days, this needs to be opened up to a national process. All sites need to be considered. The science of the 14 years between 1992 and 2004 needs to be revisited in a mature way. We believe the location for this facility should be based on science and on geology, and not based on politics. That is very clear.
I can confirm there has been debate; there was debate in the House last night. I can confirm our legislation for preventing the transport of nuclear waste from outside of the Territory will remain in place, unless it is overridden by the federal government, which they have the constitutional capacity to do, but our legislation will remain in place.
I can confirm to this House that the House is not united on this position. The CLP absolutely supports the imposition of this nuclear waste dump on the Northern Territory. That is their policy. The member for Fong Lim when he was the member for Solomon, supported the overriding of Territory legislation. To his eternal shame, he stood against Territorians and supported the overriding of Territory legislation, and he continues that support today.
The CLP supports Muckaty Station as the proposed site. That is their position; they support Muckaty Station. They support the imposition of a nuclear waste dump facility on the station, and they do not support the reopening up of all sites for consideration.
The Leader of the Opposition has been completely invisible on this - completely invisible …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order!
Mr HENDERSON: His silence has been deafening on this issue. The future Leader of the Opposition, the member for Fong Lim, has taken the running on this issue of critical importance to the people of the Northern Territory. The Leader of the Opposition’s silence …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order! Member for Fong Lim!
Mr HENDERSON: … has been absolutely deafening on this issue.
I say again: this government opposes the imposition of a nuclear waste dump on the Northern Territory; the opposition supports it.
Central Australia – Failure of
Government Policies
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for CENTRAL AUSTRALIA
Again, I quote a speech I made in my first day in parliament, saying we would need:
- … courage to commit to addressing inequities in funding and expenditure, and truly tackling disadvantage. We must target our expenditure and focus it at all times on outcomes for people on the ground.
Are these government policies failing Indigenous Territorians living in Central Australia?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, certainly not; they are not failing Indigenous Territorians living in Central Australia. As my colleague, the Minister for Indigenous Development has stated, we have some bold, but very determined policy on our agenda. We have Closing the Gap, and we are prepared to work with the Commonwealth in closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage. We also have A Working Future, which the member for Macdonnell, as the minister at the time, launched last year. I have every confidence in this government tackling these major issues for the Northern Territory.
In Central Australia alone, we are transforming the town camps. On Monday, I was at the Larapinta Valley town camp where $150m - a lot of money - is going into a great area in those town camps. There is $100m in those 85 new homes, and $50m in social programs we know are badly needed.
I do not agree at all that we are failing Central Australians and Indigenous people living in Central Australia - quite the contrary.
CCTV Installation in Darwin and
Palmerston - Update
Palmerston - Update
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
The Darwin and Palmerston CCTV systems are part of the government’s initiative to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour. Could you please update the Assembly on the installation of CCTV in Darwin and Palmerston?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for her question. The CCTV cameras went live in December 2009, a very significant commitment by this government and the Australian government. Twenty-five new cameras have been installed at Casuarina, 21 in the Darwin CBD, and 16 in the Palmerston CBD. I was informed the other day all are now operational. These cameras are monitored real time and live at the Peter McAulay Centre, Berrimah. They have already been successfully used to detect crime and antisocial behaviour. I have a couple of examples of this technology and what it is doing in detecting crime.
CCTV operators detected a person armed with a dangerous weapon on Smith Street in the 24 hour eatery precinct on 3 February 2010. The operators tracked down the person and directed Darwin police to the location, where he was arrested, potentially, before he was able to use that weapon on another individual.
Another example is where police were called to Monsoons Bar on Mitchell Street after a member of the public on the premises overhead a man allegedly stating to another patron he had been involved in an assault that occurred in New South Wales on 11 January 2010 in which a female was stabbed. On the descriptions given, police CCTV operators were able to monitor his movements, using the cameras to direct a police patrol back to Monsoons once he returned, where he was later arrested. This man is now in police custody and is expected to be extradited by New South Wales police. They are just a couple of many examples of the benefits of this technology.
My government is absolutely committed to providing a safer and more secure Northern Territory. We have invested in this technology, we have invested in more police, we have the Police Beats up and running around the Northern Territory that the opposition would close and, in Alice Springs, the CCTV cameras really have had a deterrent effect there as well.
Using technology, with additional police resources, is delivering results on the ground. I congratulate the police project implementation team for their implementation of this project, and the private sector that has been involved. People are on notice, in these major public areas of the Northern Territory - Casuarina, Darwin, Palmerston, Alice Springs and major public areas - that if you are intent on committing crime, if you are intent on assaulting someone, if you are intent on behaving in an antisocial way, then these cameras are watching you, police are watching you, and you will be dealt with.
Indigenous Disadvantage
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for INDIGENOUS DEVELOPMENT
Too many Indigenous Territorians suffer the plight of extreme poverty. I believe overcoming entrenched Indigenous poverty and disadvantage is the Territory’s great moral challenge. That challenge has overwhelmed Territory governments from both sides of politics. This parliament desperately needs a deeper understanding of where money is currently being spent, and why it appears to have so little positive effect. Will you join with other Indigenous members of this parliament to investigate where the money is currently going and what we can do to improve how it is spent?
Dr BURNS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I believe the question from the member could be pre-empting debate later on in this House.
Mr ELFERINK: Speaking to the point of order, Madam Speaker. We regularly hear all manner of questions in the form of dorothy dixers pre-empting debate in the House in an effort to get things on television. That is what happens. Frankly, there should be no point of order.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, resume your seat. Can you turn the clock off?
I will allow the question, minister, but bear in mind it is actually out of order in terms of the standing orders, so you may answer it accordingly.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Macdonnell for her question. Yes, I am most certainly aware there is a motion before the House that will be debated this afternoon. I would like to put on the Parliamentary Record now that most definitely our government, and my colleagues on this side of the House, are acutely aware of the poverty and disadvantage across the Northern Territory, not only for Indigenous people though. We are very aware of it for all Territorians. In fact, it is an area this government is incredibly strong on and bold about in wanting to improve the lives of Territorians across the bush, across the regions.
I refer to the Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage Productivity Commission report. We know, with our relationship through the COAG program, that this government is absolutely focused on wanting to close …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113, the answer shall be succinct, concise and directly relevant to the question. The question was simply: will she join the other Indigenous members, yes or no?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, resume your seat. As I have already indicated, the question was actually out of order. However, I have allowed the member to answer as she wishes to.
Ms McCARTHY: Madam Speaker, our government is absolutely committed to wanting to reduce the life expectancy gap within a generation; to halve the gap in mortality rates for Indigenous children under five within a decade; to halve the gap in reading, writing and numeracy achievements within a decade; and at least halve the gap for Indigenous students in Year 12 attainment or equivalent.
The most important part of this response is that my colleagues on this side of the House are interested in wanting to improve the lives of Indigenous Territorians, just as they are for every Territorian.
Chia Production in the Top End - Potential
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY, FISHERIES and RESOURCES
Madam Speaker, I have some bread from Bakers Delight called chia bread. The minister would know that chia is grown on the Ord River. Bakers Delight has set up a partnership with The Chia Co in the Ord River, which will see production of chia in the Ord River region double in 2010, with the industry on track to be worth $20m in just five years’ time. What is our Primary Industry department doing to support research, or developing partnerships into potential new crops like chia for the Top End?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is a very good question. It is something the member for Nelson believes in – horticulture and agriculture production. Yes, chia is grown in the Ord River, but is only grown by one company exclusively, The Chia Co, which enters into a contractual agreement with farmers, who are not allowed to keep the seeds. They have to deliver everything to the company. The company has also entered into a franchise with Bakers Delight.
Chia is very difficult to grow. It requires skill and infrastructure. It attracts insects and is difficult to plant and harvest. The decision by The Chia Co to plant it in the Ord River is a commercial decision made by the company.
My department is aware of chia production. It is seeking negotiations with the company to see if we can grow it in the Territory. In addition, my department has researched 160 different plants, 20 of which are grains, and other plants that are grown for production that can be available for bakeries and the industry. Our decision to do research is based on information we received from people who want to produce a particular product. We talked to the funding authorities in the Commonwealth, and we are working with industry to produce the products. As I said, my department is seeking negotiation with The Chia Co to see if that particular product can grow in the Territory. I will be very happy to promote that product in the Territory.
Health Improvements for
Territorians under Labor
Territorians under Labor
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for HEALTH
Since coming into office, the Territory government has boosted the health budget by 117%. Can you outline some of the improvements in the health of Territorians which have resulted from these additional funds?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I am very proud of the significant improvement we have made in the delivery of health services in the Northern Territory. Not only do we have 127 more hospital beds since we came into government, but we have 188 more doctors and 616 more nurses. What is important is the health gains that have been made by Indigenous Territorians.
I would like to point out to the member for Macdonnell that Aboriginal women are now living three years longer, on average, than they did before. Indigenous infant mortality has fallen by 35%. The anaemia rate for Aboriginal children has fallen by 20%, which is a significant gain in the health of Aboriginal children. Cervical cancer rates have fallen by 61%. As a result of our investment in renal dialysis machines, the life span of people with renal disease is equal to those all over Australia. Previously, the mortality rate was 66% above the national average. Guess who is suffering most from renal disease - Indigenous people in the Territory.
I am very proud to say my people, my staff, have done a tremendous job in providing that service to the Territory; however this could not be achieved without putting the money in place. We put money in and we achieve health outcomes.
Indigenous Affairs Funding
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for CENTRAL AUSTRALIA
We both know the full extent of the poverty and misery which stalks so many of the next generation of Indigenous Territorians. We both understand the depth of the challenge. We will only succeed with the support of the vast majority of Territorians. The truth is, many Territorians believe Indigenous affairs is a bottomless pit, where good money flows after bad. Will you join with the other Indigenous members of this Chamber to investigate where the money is currently going, and what we can do to improve how it is spent?
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, in answering that question, remember the comments I made when the same question was asked of the Minister for Indigenous Development.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Macdonnell for her very important question. This government is the most transparent and accountable government when it comes to Indigenous policy, much more accountable than these guys were when they were in government for 26 years. I am aware there is a motion before the Assembly regarding this issue. I am satisfied, and I am very committed, with this government, to make a difference.
As my colleague, the Minister for Health has said, we are seeing some great outcomes in Indigenous health. As the Indigenous policy minister said, we are getting some great outcomes. We have some great policies in Closing the Gap, A Working Future, and the Alice Springs Transformation Plan. These plans and policies will make a real difference.
We are starting to see some of those outcomes now through the health statistics the minister has just outlined. I am absolutely committed, as a member of this Henderson Labor government, that we are making a difference. I am fully satisfied with what we are doing and the track we are going on.
Alcohol Consumption in the Northern Territory
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for ALCOHOL POLICY
Can you update the House on the levels of alcohol consumption in the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Surely this is not presumption of debate about the alcohol act she gave notice of before?
Ms LAWRIE: No, it does not go to the legislation.
Mr Elferink: We are not presuming a debate are we?
Ms LAWRIE: It does not go to the legislation, if you take time to listen.
Mr Elferink: We are not anticipating …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order! Member for Port Darwin, cease interjecting. Minister, you have the call.
Ms LAWRIE: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I know the opposition chortle around this subject, but it has to be one of the most significant issues in the Territory around combating the social problems we confront in the Territory. Fifty-nine percent of all assaults across the Territory are alcohol related. That is people’s lives being destroyed through alcohol abuse.
It is extremely clear: if you are not tackling alcohol consumption, you are not truly tackling the cause of significant crime. Alcohol has such a negative impact across all those other areas, whether we are talking health outcomes, the opportunity for education, or child protection. That is why, in Territory 2030, we have targeted a reduction in alcohol consumption to bring it down to national levels. After years of increases in alcohol consumption, we are turning the corner.
In 2008, there was a reduction in the supply of alcohol by 0.3%. At the same time, our population grew by 2%. This is the first time in years that we have actually seen alcohol consumption reduce. There was an 18% reduction in alcohol consumption in Alice Springs; that has been well publicised. What we are now also seeing is a drop in consumption in Darwin and Palmerston, particularly in relation to the sale of wine casks. In 2008-09, we saw a reduction in supply of cask wine into Darwin and Palmerston of some 69 974 litres of pure alcohol. To put that in context, it is equivalent to a reduction of around 150 000 4 litre casks of wine; or 400 fewer 4 litre casks of wine a day. In Darwin and Palmerston, a cut of 400 4 litre wine casks per day - a dramatic reduction in alcohol.
It proves our government’s commitment to reducing alcohol consumption in the Territory is starting to cut through. There has been some substitution to far less harmful products, such as some shifts to mid-strength beer. Overall though, alcohol consumption is down for the first time in years.
Fifty-nine percent of all assaults are alcohol-related, and all the CLP wants to do is pour more grog on to the streets. Sell more grog – fuel more crime.
Indigenous Expenditure
Mr GILES to MINISTER for INDIGENOUS DEVELOPMENT
A quote:
- We have lost generations of Aboriginal people. I am worried with the kids today about whether we are going to lose another. That would be tragic.
That quote comes directly from a research discussion group of Territorians. I know that, from our research, as you should know from yours, there is widespread popular support for tackling Indigenous disadvantage. What the public dislikes, to quote another member of that group, is a whole industry of waste surrounds Aboriginal money, a whole industry just feeding off this disadvantage.
Is it not a fact that, as Minister for Indigenous Development, you have taken no action to oversee Indigenous expenditure and, as such, the member for Macdonnell’s permanent watchdog against further waste in Indigenous affairs is urgently required?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Braitling for his question. It is important this parliament debates and discusses the issue of Indigenous disadvantage. What is really important for this parliament to also remember is that we, on this side of the House, have committed through major, bold policies that give a vision for the future of the Northern Territory for black and white.
Let me make it very clear that we, on this side of the House, are acutely aware of the disadvantage that affects Indigenous people. Do not for a moment question our sincerity and knowledge ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order! Honourable members! Minister, you have the call.
Ms McCARTHY: It is this government which is working hard for the people of the Northern Territory in our remote regions, as well as our towns and cities. It is this government which dares to break through into an area unknown, and nowhere near followed by the opposition in their time in government, to ensure the bureaucracy could deliver for the remote regions and all people in the Northern Territory.
It is this government, through our A Working Future policy, our vision for the growth towns, our vision for 2030, that says we are a government which is there for every single Territorian - not just the ones in the cities, not just the ones in the towns; we are a government which cares for every single Territorian across the Northern Territory.
Frances Bay Drive Bicycle Path
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for TRANSPORT
The nearby Frances Bay Drive bicycle path was completed before Christmas and, since then, sections of it have been dug up again. Who designed the bicycle path? What were the reasons for the bicycle path being constructed? Who will pay for the cost of new works? Who approved the design in the first place?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for the question and his interest in cycle paths, which the Henderson government is delivering across the Territory. As a matter of fact, $1.5m this year has been committed, and $200 000 in minor new works each year.
The member for Nelson is right - as usual. Unfortunately, sections of the new Frances Bay cycle path had to be reconstructed. I was walking there recently and had a look at that work. Repair works were required because of the damage caused by trucks which had driven over the path and cracked it. To prevent future vehicle access, steel hoop bollards have been put in place adjacent to the Fisherman’s Wharf access road.
Some issues have also arisen with cyclists related to culverts opposite the Duck Pond where the path took a chicane, or an S-bend. Additional work has been carried out to replace these areas of the path with smoother lines. The contract to construct the Frances Bay bike path included a simple design, but we were not happy with the finished product. The reconstruction costs have been shared between the Northern Territory government and the contractor, and the works are expected to be finished this month.
Renal Health Care - Expansion of Services
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for HEALTH
Since 2001, this Labor government has invested significant additional money into expanding services available for those suffering kidney disease and renal failure in the Territory. Can you provide information to the House on the outcomes of this investment?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. It is very important, especially since the majority of the people who suffer from renal disease are Indigenous Territorians. In 2009-10, we will invest over $25m for renal dialysis services. In 2004, we invested $12.2m and, in 2007, we put in an extra $24m.
As a result of this investment, we have eight-station dialysis units in Tennant Creek, eight stations in Palmerston, an increase from two stations to six in Katherine, and eight stations of established acute dialysis facilities in Alice Springs Hospital plus a 15 bed renal ward. We established a home and community-based haemodialysis unit, something the CLP said they would never do; it would never happen.
Member for Macdonnell, you will be very interested to know much of this health care of haemodialysis has been established in Indigenous communities, such as Umbakumba and Angurugu at Groote Eylandt, in Elcho Island, Gove District Hospital, Yirrkala, Maningrida, Milingimbi, Ramingining, Kalkarindji, Borroloola, Ngukurr, Santa Teresa, Ali Curung, Ti Tree, Mt Liebigand Amoongunaand we are actually going to put some in Lake Nash, Oenpelli and Barunga. There is recurrent funding for seven Public Health Nurses to support community management of people with chronic kidney disease. We are funding a 12-station facility in Gap Road in Alice Springs to open in May 2010. We will increase the Tennant Creek renal dialysis service from eight stations to 16 stations; and increase the service for renal dialysis in Alice Springs to seven days a week.
As I said before, I do not want people to come from the communities and sleep rough, on the roads or in the river bed in Alice Springs and, as a result, we are now leasing the Anglicare lodge for up to 35 renal patients. These are real outcomes, but cannot be achieved unless we put in the investment. The life expectancy of people with renal problems in the Territory now is the same as anywhere in Australia. Before, the mortality rate was 66% above the Australian average for people with renal problems. We have done well, and I am very proud, because the people who benefit most from this investment are Indigenous Territorians.
Palumpa – Repairs to Causeway
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for INDIGENOUS DEVELOPMENT referred to CHIEF MINISTER and redirected to MINISTER for CONSTRUCTION
One year ago, Territorians were horrified to learn that children in Palumpa were forced to wade through crocodile-infested waters to get to school. Six months ago, the government announced funding to upgrade the Palumpa causeway. Twelve months on, nothing has been done. If it was in Rapid Creek, the story would be very different. Are you aware the upgrade of the Palumpa causeway is now being project managed under SIHIP, and work has not been done because there is now insufficient funding? What action have you taken to ensure Indigenous children in Palumpa are able to travel to school safely?
Dr BURNS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The member for Macdonnell raised issues related to a number of portfolios. For instance, a causeway would be in the purview of the Minister for Transport …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: … carriage of SIHIP, and I would ask for clarification.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr ELFERINK: Madam Speaker, perhaps I can assist. It is my understanding of the arrangements in this House that this is the minister who has carriage of integrated regional transport and, consequently, it is well directed.
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Having held the portfolio it clearly falls under the minister for infrastructure.
Mr GILES: Speaking to the point of order, Madam Speaker. This is an Indigenous matter that falls within the portfolio of the Minister for Indigenous Development.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Resume your seat. I will seek some advice.
I will ask the Chief Minister to respond and to assign it to the appropriate minister.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order.
Mr Giles: Perhaps this is the reason that bridges are built, but no one knows who is in charge.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Resume your seat, member for Braitling.
Honourable members, we have a number of standing orders in this House which are agreed to by the parliament. They involve many things.
One of them relates to the kind of questions that can be asked in this place, the nature in which they are answered and the nature in which they are asked, who questions are to, and various other things. They also relate to the behaviour of members in this Chamber.
I ask you to remember that we have these standing orders for a very good reason, and every single one of you here today has agreed, on becoming a member of parliament, to sign up to these standing orders.
Because the question, which is out of order at this stage, covered a range of questions and also asked for an opinion, I am asking the Chief Minister if he wishes to direct it to another minister. He may do so. Member for Macdonnell, I ask that in future your questions are in order. Chief Minister.
Ms ANDERSON: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order. Resume you seat, member for Macdonnell. Chief Minister.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, there were, I suppose, a range of issues canvassed in the question from the member for Macdonnell. Fundamentally, the issue was one in relation to infrastructure, the upgrade of a causeway at Palumpa, as well as a range of other questions, but that was the main thrust of the question. Given that it is an infrastructure question, I say the minister for infrastructure should answer it.
Mr McCARTHY (Construction): Madam Speaker, I …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The minister has carriage of A Working Future policy, of which integrated regional transport strategy is a part.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, resume your seat.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr McCARTHY: Madam Speaker, I am happy to supply information about the Port Keats Road, and the Daly River area and crossings. The Territory and federal government are working together to improve the Port Keats Road and the Daly River Road over a four year program which started in 2006. $15m - $10m from the Territory government - is provided to target stream crossing upgrades, the gravelling of the Port Keats Road, and the priority section between Wadeye and Palumpa. Stage 1 is delivering a $5m upgrade, which is now complete, including pavement reformation, re-gravelling, and creek crossing improvement between Palumpa and Wadeye. This is major infrastructure …
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Clearly, the minister is talking about the wrong road. He is talking about the wrong bridge.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, resume your seat. The minister has the call.
Mr McCARTHY: Madam Speaker, I am proud to talk about Port Keats, Palumpa and the Daly area. Stage 2 will deliver the remaining $10m upgrade, including drainage, creek crossings and road alignment improvements between Daly River and Palumpa communities, including upgrading of the Moyle River crossing.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order! Member for Fong Lim, member for Greatorex, cease interjecting.
Indigenous Territorians in Growth Towns
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for INDIGENOUS DEVELOPMENT
Can you please outline the steps you are taking to ensure Indigenous Territorians living in and around our Territory growth towns benefit from our growth economy?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question. As I have said on a number of occasions this afternoon regarding A Working Future, the work we are embarking on now is about economic development, future forums in these communities, because one of the things we recognise as a government is that it does not matter …
Mr Mills: Business and economic development, I would have thought.
Ms McCARTHY: The Leader of the Opposition has no interest in wanting to see the lives of Indigenous Territorians improve in the bush.
What we are embarking on across the regions is economic development. We recognise, as a government, that it does not matter how much money is put into any project, or any community, if the people of the community do not own the direction in which it should go. We are embarking on future forums. In the town of Ngukurr, a future forum will be held to look at how the town of Ngukurr is going to progress into the future. This is an opportunity for the people of Ngukurr to come together and say: ‘This is our country. This is the Alawa people’s land. This is the way we want to see Ngukurr grow’.
We are embarking on that in our towns across the Northern Territory. I am more than happy to report progress to the parliament. We also take into consideration the need to work in partnership with the land councils, with the shires, and with private investment.
Members interjecting.
Ms McCARTHY: The other side are clearly not interested whatsoever in wanting to see …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Ms McCARTHY: … the improvement in livelihoods for Indigenous people in remote areas of the Northern Territory. It is a shame, which is reflected on each and every member of that side. We take the bold approach, but there is one other thing that we do: we work damn hard to make sure the message gets out there.
Interactive Distance Learning –
Position Relocation from Katherine
Position Relocation from Katherine
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
My question is about the Interactive Distance Learning leader position your department has relocated from Katherine to Darwin. Your department’s chief information officer said in an interview on 7 December 2009:
- School of the Air students are in no more need of technology support than mainstream school students.
Teachers in the School of the Air do not get to physically see students every day, so it is surprising he can say they need no more support than those in mainstream schools. The three positions were previously located: one in Alice Springs, one in Katherine, and one in Darwin. Now they are located: one in Alice Springs and two in Darwin.
Can you please tell remote Territory families how moving an integral position at Katherine School of the Air to Darwin is increasing service to the bush?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I was not aware of those comments the member for Nelson alluded to. I can assure you I will be following up on those statements.
It is true that the position in Katherine for Interactive Distance Learning has been relocated to Darwin. There is some reasoning behind that. I am advised the position in Katherine was servicing approximately a third of the student load the position in Darwin was servicing.
Certainly, there has been growth in terms of those students being serviced in Arnhem Land and beyond, and given the connectivity that now exists through the Internet and other forms of education, and the need to concentrate technology in an efficient way, it was decided to move the position from Katherine to Darwin. This move allows professional support and mentoring to both positions so they can mutually support one another.
Member for Nelson, it is a good question. My advice is the move has been done for the reasons I have outlined. I do not believe any student who is undertaking interactive distance learning will be disadvantaged by the move.
Indigenous Expenditure Review
Mr GILES to MINISTER for INDIGENOUS DEVELOPMENT
The Northern Territory government’s 2006-07 Indigenous Expenditure Review states that 52% of the Territory’s expenditure is Indigenous related. Given Indigenous Territorians make up around 30% of the population, it is easy to see why many Territorians believe there has been a very poor return for money invested in Indigenous affairs.
What is not widely known is the Indigenous Expenditure Review figure is inflated by adding every cent of money spent on Indigenous Territorians. For example, the cost of arresting, judging and imprisoning Indigenous Territorians is included in the 52%.
Is it not time we dropped such dubious accounting methods and sought a genuine understanding of how money is being spent on Indigenous Territorians?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I must admit, I failed to hear the last couple of sentences of the question. Could you repeat the end of that, please, member for Braitling?
Madam SPEAKER: Your time is still available. You can do the last sentence again if you wish to.
Mr GILES: Minister, is it not time we dropped such dubious accounting methods and sought a genuine understanding of how money is being spent on Indigenous Territorians?
Ms McCARTHY: Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Braitling for the question. The focus on Indigenous Affairs is important to this parliament, and to this government. That is why this government has reporting mechanisms in place to look at the monies spent through Treasury and through the Indigenous Expenditure Review.
There are a couple of points in the question from the member for Braitling, and I will pick up on the first one. It focuses on the methodology of the way the Indigenous Expenditure Review is carried out. Clearly, there is always need for improvement in any form of reporting and collation of data. In my role as Minister for Indigenous Development, I will always be vigilant about the data collated across the Northern Territory, because we are embarking on 20 towns across the Northern Territory. We have taken the bold step, the courageous step, in ensuring we grow these towns adequately, with equity, and with a future filled with hope for the families and children who live across the Northern Territory.
Getting to the second part of the question, let me remind this parliament it is this government which has taken the first step in ensuring, in Indigenous spending, that we are accountable and we are transparent.
We can always improve, but no other jurisdiction has come anywhere, half way, to the work that our departments, our Treasury, have done in regard to Indigenous expenditure.
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Supplementary Question
Mr MILLS (Opposition Leader): A supplementary, Madam Speaker.
Members: You did not ask the question.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order!
Mr MILLS: This has been dealt with last week.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Leader of the Opposition, I will allow that question.
Mr MILLS: The Senate inquiry into Indigenous expenditure included this comment about your IER:
- … the report is riddled with systematic errors including assumptions and judgments on methodology, total lack of independence and summary tables of funding which offer no breakdown whatsoever of departmental budgets.
Surely we need a better understanding of Indigenous expenditure than we currently have? Do you agree?
Madam SPEAKER: Your time has expired.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Minister, you have the call.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I repeat to the House that it is this government which has taken the bold and courageous step of making sure we watch and monitor expenditure on Indigenous affairs.
Regarding the comments and the quotes given by the Leader of the Opposition, I ask that he table that. As my colleagues have said in their interjections, we also need to know that, when we look at the full Senate Inquiry report, there are differing statements to that.
I encourage the Leader of the Opposition to table those comments for all colleagues to read.
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SIHIP - Update
SIHIP - Update
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for PUBLIC and AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Recently, it was announced that new houses have been completed under SIHIP. Could you please update the House on the status of this project?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is a very important question. This is a very complex and large project - $672m over five years to deliver 750 new houses, 230 rebuilds, and 2500 refurbishments ...
Mr Tollner: And two-and-a-half years into it, Bungles, how many have you done?
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: I know the opposition does not like it, but progress is occurring in this project. There are 16 communities and, by the end of this calendar year, the target is at least 150 new houses completed, and approximately 1000 rebuilds and refurbishments. Two new houses have been completed; 54 are well under way, and 291 rebuilds and refurbishments have been completed or are under way.
The most important part of this whole project, and one that sometimes gets lost in the debate, is about Indigenous employment. The target of this project was 20% Indigenous employment. The assessment is the employment rate is running at about 34% of Indigenous people across those communities.
Madam Speaker, I like this picture. The opposition has a picture of a floor that has been got at with an axe, but I like this picture because it shows the workers involved in this project at Nguiu. I like this picture: see the joy on the face of a man who is obviously enjoying his work and contributing to his community. I like this picture because this is grass that has been planted around a completed house at Wadeye by the residents. There are many more that I could show you.
This is a very important project, with employment and sustainability at its heart - a five-year project, probably the biggest project. It is producing and delivering benefits to Indigenous people. As Minister for Public and Affordable Housing, I am keen to work with the federal government in the roll-out of this project, and beyond, through other national partnerships and other moneys that are part of those partnerships, to progress, in step wise fashion, the great arrears that exist in Indigenous housing - something that has not been properly addressed for decades. There is much demand and need out there. We are taking a journey and we are taking the necessary steps.
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I did not want to interrupt while the minister was on his feet; he was having such a good time …
Madam SPEAKER: What is your point of order, member for Fong Lim?
Mr TOLLNER: I am just wondering if the minister might like to table all the pictures he likes looking at so that we can all enjoy them.
Madam SPEAKER: The minister has resumed his seat. There is no point of order.
Remote Communities – Residential Colleges
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for INDIGENOUS DEVELOPMENT
In July last year, the Prime Minister announced funding to build three residential colleges in remote communities. Four regions were short listed: Wadeye, the Warlpiri triangle, East Arnhem, and Maningrida. More than a year later, not one brick has been laid. The provision for education in remote communities is a key part of the government’s A Working Future policy. As the minister responsible for A Working Future, what action have you taken to ensure that the Commonwealth delivers on its commitment?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Macdonnell for her very important question. Yes, it is correct that the federal government has committed support to the three boarding houses for the Northern Territory and, yes, you are correct in asking where we are at with that.
Naturally, this is an area that the federal government needs to move much more quickly on. Our member for Lingiari and our minister in the federal Cabinet, from my conversations with him, is acutely aware of that.
Our government is absolutely aware of the necessity to ensure any of these commitments provided to the Northern Territory are rolled out. We are committed to the education of our youth across the Northern Territory. I would like to reassure this House that we are doing our utmost to ensure every single Territorian, be they in the city, the towns, or remote communities, will have, and do have, access to a better education in order to have a future where they have choice – the choice to live where they want to live, and the choice to take on jobs that we know our government, in partnership with business and land councils, will provide for them in future.
Seniors Minibus Service – Royal Darwin Hospital to Palmerston
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for SENIOR TERRITORIANS
What has been the reaction from Palmerston seniors to the trial of a return minibus service between Palmerston and Royal Darwin Hospital?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. It is a great question and, as I alluded to earlier in the week, I attended the annual Palmerston Seniors Forum. This is a peak forum which is held every year at Palmerston for the seniors and is attended by a range of government personnel. It is put on by the Palmerston City Council, and I congratulate Robert Macleod and his council for hosting this function. I know some 50 to 60 seniors turned up. They thoroughly enjoyed the function and the information provided from the range of speakers.
In relation to the shuttle bus, it was encouraging, after the presentation given by the departmental official, and I congratulate the minister for sending his departmental officials along, that there were very encouraging, positive remarks about the initial trial of this shuttle bus. It is a weekday service and operates door to door. It gives priority to seniors and people with mobility issues to pick them up. It will also drop them at the Palmerston health clinic, so it is a very accommodating service. It is being trialled for six months. I know the seniors are embracing it, and there were comments about trying to get more seniors on it. At the moment, over 100 seniors use that service every month. It shaves off some 20 minutes each way on the journey, so that is great news.
This particular service is in addition to the service which is running seven days a week from Casuarina Interchange to Royal Darwin Hospital. That operates between 10 am and 2 pm. That is a great new service looking after senior Territorians.
I congratulate the Health minister, apart from my congratulations to the health staff at Royal Darwin Hospital, because the health and clinical staff are trying to accommodate appointments to tie in with this shuttle bus, and the seniors are very complimentary about that aspect of the health service. There were positive comments all round.
This is yet another great initiative that has been put forward by the Henderson Labor government, listening and delivering to seniors in Palmerston.
Members interjecting
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order! Minister! Leader of the Opposition! Order!
East Arm Wharf - Structural Deficiencies
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for CONSTRUCTION
Last year, it was reported that sections of Darwin’s East Arm Wharf had some major structural deficiencies, leaving a massive repair bill just to keep it operating. Has the infrastructure problem at East Arm Wharf been rectified, and will this be an ongoing cost to government to repair and maintain the structural integrity of the port?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. I was at the port recently, and let me say, what an incredible piece of infrastructure that is. It will be a key component to delivering prosperity in the Northern Territory. It was great to see, when my presentation was taking place, the Barkly featured big time with the resources already entering that port, and plan.
The port is running very well. I was assured we are expecting further increases of 25% this year, mainly due to the bulk commodities of iron ore, manganese and copper concentrate.
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I raise a point of order on relevance. The question was regarding the repairs to the wharf, not what it is exporting.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, can you come to the point fairly soon?
Mr McCARTHY: Pardon my enthusiasm, Madam Speaker. It was a great start to my learning curve about the port.
The front wall of the wharf is supported by over 400 tie rods. Since 2005, 14 rods have failed. They have been repaired by the joint venture which constructed that part of the wharf, at their cost. Last year, a small underground cavity appeared in the wharf; I believe you mentioned that, member for Nelson. This was found to be an isolated case and repaired. A permanent solution to the ongoing management of the port is currently being negotiated with the joint venture. However, it is business as usual at the port. Pardon my enthusiasm, member for Nelson, you might like to accompany me on a tour, because it is well worthwhile seeing what is happening at East Arm.
Territory Government - SIHIP Obligations
Mr GILES to MINISTER for PUBLIC and AFFORDABLE HOUSING
The Territory government has botched the budget for SIHIP from the start. So poor was the budgeting, the infrastructure component of SIHIP had to be axed from the $670m program. Now there are indications the promised housing component cannot be delivered within the $670m budget. Recommendation No 2 of the Council of Territory Cooperation reads:
- The Council recommends that SIHIP should be allowed to roll out its refurbishments and rebuilds to the standards originally promised.
Will the Territory government be asking the federal government for even more money to meet its SIHIP promises, or will you be ignoring the council’s recommendations?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, as the Chief Minister has already said publicly, we take the recommendations of the council very seriously. We will be examining each one in detail. We will be implementing as many as we can in response to the hard work done by the council.
In relation to SIHIP, I have said we will deliver on the 750 new houses, the 230 rebuilds, and the 2500 refurbishments. It is true that, following the review of SIHIP last year, a decision was made around delivering functional houses to people, to attempt to get as many refurbishments within the scope of the works …
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Perhaps the minister could tell us if a one-bedroom unit is a house.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, resume your seat. Minister, you have the call.
Dr BURNS: We are maximising the benefit to as many households as we can, mainly by focusing on those important areas like the toilet, the bathroom, the laundry, and the kitchen, that hardware which is essential for a household to be habitable and to be safe. This is a long journey in Indigenous housing. The demand is almost infinite, they are probably talking in toto of about 5000 houses, or probably more, that are required within that. This is a step-wise journey we have embarked on. I need to pay compliment to Senator John Herron when he was Indigenous Affairs minister in the Howard government in the 1990s. He decided to invest heavily in the national Aboriginal Health Strategy in terms of housing.
However, more needs to be done. This is a government that is working very closely with the Commonwealth in rolling out this five-year, very complex project, which will be completed by 2013, and then looking to the next step, the next tranche of funding. We are all about partnership with communities; we are all about Indigenous employment; and we are all about sustainability.
Daly River - Government Protection
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
Can you please outline for the Assembly how the government is continuing its strong protection for the Daly?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for her question. The Daly is a very special part of the Territory. I know the member for Johnston often goes there and enjoys a bit of fishing. It is very important for recreational fishermen as well as amateur fishermen. It has unique conservation and cultural values, which is why this government took strong action to put in place the land clearing moratorium, a measure the CLP has opposed at every turn.
The moratorium gave government and the community the time to put in place better science, better planning and tough controls. Today, I announced the strict land and water regime that will be in place when the moratorium expires on 5 March, early next week.
The regime will include tough land clearing guidelines with strict provisions for the Daly, including a buffer zone, one kilometre wide, along the length of the river. It will also include water allocation plans to ensure water extraction is sustainable, and a significant expansion to water monitoring, with 24 new and upgraded monitoring stations, making the Daly the most monitored river catchment in the Northern Territory. There are also seven new monitoring bores to ensure groundwater flow into the river is monitored, and a groundbreaking new computer model to predict the impact of water extraction on river flows.
New land clearing processes will also ensure applications for land clearing will meet the new guidelines and, if they do not, they simply will not be approved. The science developed over the period of the moratorium will now help to imbed these processes in the new native vegetation legislation which is under development.
The Daly River Management Advisory Committee will continue to advise me on land clearing applications, and I thank them personally for their very valuable work to date. The government will continue to protect the Daly for this generation and future generations.
Members: Hear, hear!
Dr BURNS (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016