2011-03-31
Redirection of Questions
Dr BURNS (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, in the absence of the member for Arnhem, I will be taking questions in relation to Tourism, and the member for Daly will be taking questions in relation to other areas of the minister’s portfolio.
Cost of Living in the Territory
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
The latest ABS report on Australian demographic statistics shows 288 more people left the Territory than arrived in the September quarter, taking the total shift of 1200 people for the 12 month period. People are not leaving the Territory because of a lack of jobs; they are leaving because of the high cost of living and the high rates of crime. What is your government doing about the highest grocery, rent, petrol prices and crime rates in the country that are driving people out of Alice Springs and out of the Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, there has been a decrease in the last quarter, but this comes on the back of eight successive quarters of nett positive interstate migration growth - the longest period in the Territory’s history. The explanation of the drop in the last quarter is the strengthening national economy and jobs market, a completion of a number of major projects in the Northern Territory, and changes to Commonwealth government policy on student and temporary work visas.
If we look at the cost of living, the Territory government is the lowest-taxing government for small business in the nation. We have had significant tax cuts for homebuyers and Homestart. We have no land tax in the Northern Territory. We have frozen power prices for pensioners and carers. We have the most generous pensioner concession scheme in the country. We have $55m every year to subsidise power and water to all consumers and small business, which is around $753 off everyone’s power bill in the Northern Territory. We have a $75 Back to School payment for every child enrolled at school each year; free bus travel for students, pensioners and carers; $1000 to apprentices and trainees to assist with the cost of buying work wear and work gear; and removing many stamp duties from business costs.
As much as the budget can bear, we do more in the Northern Territory to minimise the cost of living for Territorians than anywhere in the nation ...
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! It goes to the issue of relevance. If it is so good, why did 1200 people leave?
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, that is not a point of order.
Mr HENDERSON: The Leader of the Opposition obviously did not hear the answer to the question because, over the previous cycle, there were eight consecutive quarters of nett interstate migration growth. We will see positive nett interstate migration growth again when major projects such as INPEX make their final investment decisions towards the end of this year.
This government has a plan in place now to minimise the cost of living. All we know is that the opposition has no plans. It has no plans to reduce the cost of living for Territorians. Our government will continue to do everything we can to minimise the cost of living for Territorians, as I have just outlined.
Central Australia – Business Confidence
Ms SCRYMGOUR to CHIEF MINISTER
Can you please update the House on the latest information concerning business confidence in Central Australia?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, there are around 1800 businesses in Alice Springs, many of those micro and small businesses. Our government is absolutely committed to developing and supporting small business in Alice Springs.
The next wave of growth for Alice Springs is the new suburb of Kilgariff, and the first contract is currently under way as part of a $10m investment in land release for Alice Springs to provide sewer, water, and road headworks. Those costs are being borne by the government, by the taxpayers, to ensure the blocks are as cheap as possible.
We have also been funding, with the Commonwealth government, the new aquatic centre - a massive project in Alice Springs. It will be opened on 17 April. I congratulate Mayor Damien Ryan and the council for working with us on this project. It is not just a construction project that has provided dozens of jobs and many contracts for businesses in Alice Springs, but it will be great for the lifestyle of this town. Sitzler was awarded the tender for the $14.2m Stage 2 works.
I point out that it is a Labor government that has built this facility in Alice Springs. For 27 years, under a CLP government, there was no water park in Alice Springs. We are delivering a $20m emergency department at Alice Springs Hospital in partnership with the Australian government. Tenders for construction were advertised on 15 and 17 March, with construction expected to commence in June 2011 - a $20m project in Alice Springs.
One of the most exciting things for small- and micro-sized businesses has been the competitive optic fibre back link from Adelaide to Darwin which is being completed in Alice Springs as part of the National Broadband Network. The National Broadband Network has been absolutely opposed by the opposition at every single turn. The backbone has already been built to Alice Springs, providing for redundancy and competition. What competition will provide for small business, and people wanting to access the Internet from their homes, is faster download speeds and prices that will be up to a third cheaper than currently.
The CLP used to be the party of free enterprise and competition. The national broadband highway, as we can see, has provided competition all the way from Adelaide to Darwin, across the nation. They used to be a party that supported competition …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr HENDERSON: I call on the member for Fong Lim: put this man out of his misery. He supports the monopoly ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr HENDERSON: … and I thought the CLP supported small business enterprise competition. Member for Fong Lim, your time has come. Put this man out of his misery …
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
Commonwealth GST Funding Review
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
On 23 March 2011, you made great fanfare about travelling to Canberra to meet with the Prime Minister to discuss federal government financial assistance to the Territory. Yesterday, the Prime Minister announced a review of the GST carve up between the states and the territories. The Northern Territory has the most to lose from such a review as we receive the highest GST distribution per capita in this country. In your meeting, did the Prime Minister advise you of her intention to establish the review? What was your response? Will you now seek a cast-iron assurance from the Commonwealth that the Territory’s share of the GST carve up will not diminish?
ANSWER
Absolutely, Madam Speaker, and that is fundamentally the position of my government - not one cent less. Not one cent less for the Northern Territory is the position of the government. We will be putting that case very firmly next week when the Treasurer heads to a meeting of Treasurers from across the country, and I will be having a conversation with the Prime Minister.
The bottom line for the Territory, a small and growing jurisdiction with enormous disadvantage, is not one cent less. That is the position I will be taking to Canberra as this particular debate unfolds: not one cent less for the Northern Territory.
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: He has finished his answer, Leader of the Opposition.
Commonwealth GST Funding Review
Mr GUNNER to TREASURER
Yesterday, the Australian government announced a review of GST distribution to the states and territories. Can you please outline to the House what the review means for GST revenue to the Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question. Yesterday, I had a conversation with the federal Treasurer, Wayne Swan, regarding the federal government’s announcement of a review into the GST relativities. I pointed out that the Commonwealth Grants Commission had just set a five-year review of relativities last year, and of course I pointed out the importance of the GST share to the developing jurisdiction of the Northern Territory.
In the last few years - and you can see it in the budget books - we have lessened our reliance on the GST by growing Commonwealth funding in the all-important areas of special purpose payments and national partnership agreements. That said, still around 67% of our budget position is GST-reliant. This review is significant to the Northern Territory. It poses challenges, but it also poses an opportunity.
In the release from the Prime Minister and the federal Treasurer, I note they recognise the need to take care of the smaller states, the smaller jurisdictions. They recognise that fundamental to the federation in the carve up of the GST pool funding arrangements, is horizontal fiscal equalisation. That means you level out; the smaller population bases like the Northern Territory need a greater share of the carve up, and we get a greater share of the carve up, not on a per capita basis, but because of our intrinsic need.
I note the second item in the review terms of reference recognises meeting the needs of Indigenous Australians in closing the gap of disadvantage. These are key signals that will be part of the argument I will be taking to Canberra, fighting for the Territory’s fair share of the GST. It is the glue that binds the federation in ensuring we get our fair share. We have had these fights before. We regularly fight with the big southern states with regard to what the carve up will look like. We have won these fights before. We will be going down and the Chief Minister will deal with the Prime Minister, and I will deal with the federal Treasurer. We are up for this fight; we have had it before - quite a few times. We have won them before on every other occasion. I already have the Treasury team hard at work, and we will go. We have some advantages in our lobbying with the smaller states. Yes, the GST carve up fight is back on. We are up for the challenge and we are seeking the opportunities.
The Territory is a dynamic, growing, strong economy. Access Economics says we are going to be among the top three rapid-growing economies in our nation through the next five years. We will be up there in the pack with the resource-rich states of Western Australia and Queensland.
Let the GST review begin. We are up for the GST fight with the big states yet again.
Carbon Tax – Territory Government’s Position
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Today, you may be aware that the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory met in Alice Springs - a meeting you did not attend. LGANT passed a motion today opposing Labor’s carbon tax. Centralians and Territorians want someone to listen to them and to stand up for them. A carbon tax will hurt Territory families and businesses. If you did not talk about the GST to the Prime Minister, did you seek a briefing on the carbon tax? Will you stand up for Territorians and, like the Country Liberals, oppose this new tax?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the reason I did not get to the meeting with LGANT today was because I was meeting with the Counter Disaster Council about the developing cyclone across the top of the Northern Territory. I will try to meet with them tomorrow.
I have made our position very clear: the carbon tax is being imposed to deal with excess emissions from dirty brown coal-fired power stations in Victoria, Queensland and South Australia.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: The Territory switched to clean, green gas many years ago. I have said, very clearly, to the Prime Minister when I met with her last week, that Territory families should be no worse off in order to subsidise the coal-fired power industry down south to clean up its act, because we cleaned up our act here 25 years ago.
Members interjecting.
Mr HENDERSON: I pay tribute to former Chief Minister, Ian Tuxworth, who took that tough decision …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113 requires a succinct answer, and the question was: do you oppose the carbon tax?
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order. Chief Minister, you have the call.
Mr HENDERSON: It would have been a much more succinct answer if the member for Port Darwin had not wasted 30 seconds of time.
The position we have on our side of the House is that we believe global warming is occurring, we believe we have to reduce emissions, and we believe there should be a price on carbon, as opposed to the climate change deniers opposite who believe that all of the extraordinary weather events around the world have not been affected at all by increased carbon in the atmosphere. The mechanism to do that is we all have to play our part.
With regard to the construction of a carbon tax, it is all about getting those generating companies down south to clean up their act and to move to cleaner fuel. We did that 25 years ago in the Northern Territory. The position I put, as this debate goes forward …
Mr Bohlin interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Drysdale!
Mr HENDERSON: … is that families in the Northern Territory should not have to pay …
Mr Tollner interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Fong Lim!
Mr HENDERSON: … a subsidy by way of an increased tax payment to get the generators in Victoria to clean up their act. This will be a very complex debate that we are going to have, but there is no way I am signing up to anything where Territory families …
Mr Bohlin interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Drysdale!
Mr HENDERSON: … are subsiding power companies in Victoria to clean up their act. A previous Chief Minister, Ian Tuxworth, did the right thing in the Territory 25 years ago.
Supplementary Question
Carbon Tax – Impact on Territory Households
Carbon Tax – Impact on Territory Households
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
I thought you said your position was clear. I am not quite sure about the position. As I asked before, during your audience with the Prime Minister did you seek, as I requested, an explanation of the actual impact of the carbon tax on Territory households, and how it will hurt Territory businesses and pastoralists? Did you receive that briefing?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I do not know what cave the Leader of the Opposition lives in. There are no details at all on the table from the Commonwealth government regarding the construct of this tax, where it will apply, or what the price will be on carbon. What has been said, to allay the scaremongering of members opposite, is agriculture will be out of the tax. Agriculture will be out; that is an absolute clear commitment.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: I said to the Prime Minister, very clearly - as I said before, if the Leader of the Opposition was not listening - was that, in relation to the emission profile of this nation, the greatest source of emissions are generating companies which still generate electricity from filthy dirty brown coal. We have clean, green gas and Territory families should not subsidise the coal industry in Victoria to clean up their act. That is the position of my government.
MacDonnell Shire -
Remuneration Package of CEO
Remuneration Package of CEO
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT (answered by MINISTER for BUSINESS and EMPLOYMENT)
Can you confirm whether the recent reports in the NT News are factually correct in stating the MacDonnell Shire CEO has a remuneration package worth more than $350 000 a year? If not, what is the actual value of the remuneration package of the MacDonnell Shire CEO?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. I am representing the Minister for Local Government. My understanding is the figure in the NT News is not correct. I do not know the exact amount, but apparently it is not correct. Those matters detailed in the NT News are being investigated. As I understand, there are meetings being conducted by the council of the MacDonnell Shire into those matters. These are elected members. We get a lot of push back. We have councillors and management from shires here at the moment …
Members interjecting.
Mr KNIGHT: Let me finish.
We get a lot of push back, as a Territory government, about the independence of decision-making of local government. So they should; they are elected members. They have a revenue base directly from the Commonwealth and their own source revenue. They are responsible for many of the decisions they make, including the remuneration package of CEOs and the conditions of that, and the decisions about contracting out resources. Councillors need to be responsible for the decisions they make.
The public litmus test of the allegations in the NT News do not get past me. That is an extraordinary amount of money if it is correct, although I understand it is not. The outsourcing of those contracts to overseas suppliers, as Business minister, is a little upsetting as well. We have people in the Northern Territory and interstate who can do that work. That is my understanding. The MacDonnell Shire has this in hand and the department of Local Government is conducting its own investigation as well.
Enough is Enough Alcohol Reforms
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for ALCOHOL POLICY
The Enough is Enough alcohol reforms target problem drinkers and turn off the tap to curb alcohol-fuelled violence. However, some public comment on this topic has been misinformed. Can you please clear up these misunderstandings for the House?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. Our Enough is Enough alcohol reforms were introduced to parliament yesterday. We aim to have them in place by 1 July 2011. We are going straight after the problem drinker to turn them off the tap and to mandate treatment, because we recognise chronic alcoholics have a fundamental health problem. These reforms to turn people directly off tap will be the first time in the Territory’s history.
To turn the problem drinker off tap we are looking at the police protective custody system: three times in and out of police protective custody; or if you are getting an infringement notice that is alcohol-related; or if you are in a domestic violence situation that is fueled by alcohol; or if you are a low-level drink-driver fuelled by alcohol. This is to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour.
You would think members opposite might support any attempt like this to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour in our community. But, no, instead, to their shame, they are out there peddling myths. In a debate and a media release, the shadow Alcohol Policy minister said there was a negligible link between alcohol and crime.He backflipped a couple of weeks later just before Tony Abbott said alcohol was a serious problem in Alice Springs. He is obviously confused about the situation in Alice Springs. Bans are not in place here. There are supply restrictions that require the use of ID in Alice Springs. His latest media release claims:
- … people who want to get alcohol will get alcohol, regardless of what bans are in place.
The bans are not in place in Alice Springs; there are supply restrictions requiring the ID. You are wrong on that. Having a Territory-wide banned drinker register, supported by the ID tool, with secondary supply measures, absolutely does reduce abuse. In Groote Eylandt, we have seen a similar system which has been very effective, with a 75% reduction in crime.
In Alice Springs, using the ID system, some 9500 incidents of seeking to purchase have been declined – 9500 times people would have breached those product restrictions but the ID system prevented the breach. If banned drinkers are caught possessing or consuming alcohol, they will be banned for a longer period of time. They will also get triggered into that mandatory treatment system.
There is another myth. We are not going into people’s homes. If they want to give their child, a minor, responsibly, a glass of champagne or a light beer, that is responsible, that is not illegal. We are saying no supply in licensed premises to minors. We are also saying no irresponsible supply to minors …
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Cameco Paladin Exploration Licence – Alleged Misinformation by Chief Minister
Ms PURICK to CHIEF MINISTER
Yesterday during Question Time, when asked whether the government had withdrawn the joint venture Cameco Paladin’s exploration licence for the Angela Pamela site, you said: ‘We did remove the EL over the siting of the potential Angela Pamela uranium mine’. This morning, I checked the veracity of your statement, both directly with the companies involved and via a search of the Department of Resources’ Titles Information System’s record of exploration titles. Cameco Paladin’s exploration licence has not been withdrawn. I table a copy of the paperwork proving the continuation and validity of that exploration licence. Did you intend to mislead the House yesterday? When will you stop trying to dupe the people of Alice Springs when it comes to this project area?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the only people trying to dupe the public in Alice Springs regarding Angela Pamela are the CLP members in Alice Springs who, very clearly, went to a by-election campaign saying: ‘We would oppose uranium mining at Angela Pamela’, then, yesterday, voted to support uranium mining at Angela Pamela. They are the only people duping people in Alice Springs.
I will check the Hansard. Where I think I might have made a mistake in comments yesterday was, we lifted the reservation of occupation that was previously over - I am saying I might have made a mistake; I will check. Absolutely, I said in debate in this House many times yesterday, that the exploration licence is still valid and we would not consider withdrawing that exploration licence that has been validly issued to the company. I might have been talking about the reservation from occupation previously and used the wrong terminology. I will check the Hansard record.
I also said on many occasions in this House that we would not cancel the exploration licence because that had been validly issued.
The only people misleading people in Alice Springs, to their total eternal shame, are the member for Greatorex, the member for Araluen, and the member for Braitling, who have all stood up in forums in this town, at a by-election in this town, saying that they would oppose uranium mining 20 km from Alice Springs, and yesterday they voted to support it.
Yesterday, they voted to support it because they had been rolled by the Leader of the Opposition and the faceless men and women in Central Council who forced the Leader of the Opposition to dump his members from Alice Springs, and to go back on the promises made to the people of Alice Springs. In October last year, the member for Araluen ran front and centre in her by-election campaign, ‘Vote for the Country Liberal Party. We oppose mining at Angela Pamela’. Yesterday, they voted to support it. They voted to support it. To their eternal shame, they have left the member for Araluen, the member for Greatorex, and the member for Braitling hanging out to dry. They can never be trusted again …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr HENDERSON: … in anything they say about Angela Pamela. We have said very clearly, we have listened to the people of Alice Springs. We understood the deep-seated, genuine community concern in Alice Springs, not just amongst the radical left community and the environmental groups, but the middle ground in Alice Springs, the mums and dads that the local members represent. They know the depth of feeling on this issue, but yesterday they voted to support uranium mining at Angela Pamela.
Job Vacancies
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for BUSINESS and EMPLOYMENT
Can you please advise the House of the latest information about job vacancies in the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for her question. It is good news I bring to the House today. In the Sydney Morning Herald this very morning, there was an article on job vacancies throughout the country. I will quote from the article:
- The best place to find a job, statistically, is in the Northern Territory. It boasts about one …
Mr Westra van Holthe interjecting.
Mr KNIGHT: I know you are very interested in raising money, member for Katherine, you are very good at that.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr KNIGHT:
- It boasts about one job for each local. Australia’s most authoritative vacancy survey compiled by the Bureau of Statistics finds 3800 jobs in the Territory while its employment survey finds 3900 locals looking.
Madam Speaker, I will put the chart up for the member for Braitling. That is one to one in the Northern Territory. If you go to Tasmania, 7.2 people are looking for work for one job. That is great news for the Northern Territory. This government is actively working to create jobs. That is what it actually does each and every day. We have a Jobs Plan, $312m over four years to help create jobs, to help plan for the workforce. The retail trade turnover has increased again, so businesses are generating income. They are …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr KNIGHT: I thought you would be interested in jobs. I know the Leader of the Opposition is interested in jobs.
Mr Giles interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling!
Mr KNIGHT: He offered jobs to Leo Abbott not so long ago. He is very good at offering jobs around the place. The member for Katherine is very good at economic growth as well.
We know we need more workers in the Northern Territory. That is why we have the Territory Worker Database. We have had 1500 registrations so far over the last six months. These are qualified people who come with degrees. We are trying to attract workers to the Northern Territory, we are trying to train up our young people through the Jobs Plan, and it is paying dividends.
Solar and Photovoltaic Panels - Installation
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for LANDS and PLANNING
Recently, after a great deal of effort by installers and the public, the Building Advisory Services decided at last to allow solar and photovoltaic panels to once again be installed on roofs in Alice Springs. Previously, the Building Branch had said that all PV panels had to be tested to a cyclone standard, even in Alice Springs, before they could be installed on a roof. At last, common sense prevailed and the PV panels can be installed, and the solar city can continue to be the solar city.
PV installations have come to a standstill in Darwin because of this ruling, and this is now dragging on. What is your department doing proactively to get panels approved for Darwin so that PV panels can once again be installed and installers can start working? If you really believe in climate change, why is the government not taking the lead to solve this costly impasse?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. He is a strong advocate for the use of renewable energy, as is our government. We have been working with industry; that is what it relates to. The government has an obligation for safety, and we stand firm on that. Appropriate safety conditions are in place in our building codes for the protection of Territorians.
The member mentioned the fixing of photovoltaic panels, more commonly called solar panels. To clear this up, there has always been a requirement for a building permit in the Northern Territory, and industry has been aware of that requirement. However, in recognition of the Territory’s unique conditions, in the Top End and Central Australia, as I indicated in the February sittings, we are working to streamline the system, and the bottom line is safety.
I am pleased to advise we have made some progress. The member outlined that for Central Australians here today, and that is great. The Building Advisory Committee has recently determined that building permits will not be required for the installation of photovoltaic panels in non-cyclonic regions, outside a 50 km radius from the coast.
It is important to know that the installer is accredited with the Clean Energy Council; the panels in question have been approved by that council; and the roof is structurally sound. That is very important information for people in Central Australia fitting solar panels. The Building Advisory Committee has determined …
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Speaker! It is regarding relevance. The question is in relation to the installation of these PV panels in Darwin, not in Alice Springs.
Mr McCARTHY: Madam Speaker, that is the second part of my answer.
A number of manufacturers have indicated they are very interested in this process. They are undertaking the testing. We have been working with them, as I outlined in the February sittings. Once the results of this testing is provided to the Building Advisory Committee, a further exemption for the need of a building permit may be considered.
I am looking forward to that, but I am also standing firm on the safety of all Territorians so we do not embark on anything that could create missiles in the atmosphere and create absolute chaos in extreme weather conditions. I thank the member for his question. I also acknowledge we are working towards this. We are working in partnership with industry. It is a positive move forward and I hope to be able to deliver more news on this subject.
Alice Springs - Sexual Assault
Referral Centre - Resources
Referral Centre - Resources
Mrs LAMBLEY to MINISTER for HEALTH
Are you aware that, since 2009, the Alice Springs Sexual Assault Referral Centre has gone from five medical staff to one doctor who works for the service part-time and on call at night, and another who only works four to six nights on call per month? Since 2007, the number of children presenting with signs of sexual abuse has quadrupled, a problem identified in the Little Children are Sacred report. Why are you not sufficiently resourcing this vital service which deals with some of the most offensive and horrific crimes to women and children?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for this very important question. Providing services quickly to victims of sexual assault is very important. My department has advised me that the person who is in charge of this Sexual Assault Referral Centre has provided a number of recommendations for the department to implement. I have asked the department to implement these recommendations immediately. I have asked the department to provide support to the Sexual Assault Referral Centre service in Alice Springs as a matter of urgency from Darwin, and the department will do so as soon as possible.
Opposition Use of Freedom of
Information Legislation
Information Legislation
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for JUSTICE and ATTORNEY-GENERAL
Can you please update the House on the progress of the attempt by the Leader of the Opposition to use freedom of information laws to flush out the rats in his own parliamentary wing?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, rats in the ranks. Members will recall, in response to the leaked e-mails from CLP members that outlined the many failings of the Leader of the Opposition, he lodged an FOI request to attempt to identify the rats in the ranks. Last sittings, members were advised I would do everything I could within the law to protect the source from the wrath of the Leader of the Opposition. I am pleased to report to the House that the Leader of the Opposition’s witch-hunt has failed. The Solicitor for the Northern Territory has written to the Leader of the Opposition, and I will table a copy of the Solicitor for the Northern Territory’s letter.
In essence, the letter explains that the e-mails the Leader of the Opposition seeks …
Members interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE: Say that outside.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Port Darwin!
Ms LAWRIE: … are not government information, hence there is no right to access them under this act. However, not all doors are closed to the Leader of the Opposition. He can continue his witch-hunt if he wants. The letter makes it clear that if he is not happy with the decision, he can seek a review. Alternatively, he can simply turn around and just ask his colleagues who the rat is …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I am wondering if the Attorney-General can describe how this helps protect women and children in Alice Springs.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, resume your seat.
Ms LAWRIE: He could just turn around …
Mr Elferink interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin!
Ms LAWRIE: You are very twitchy about this, John, why is that? Are you one of the rats? Alternatively, he could simply turn around and ask his colleagues who the rat is. Attempting to use freedom of information to conduct a witch-hunt on your own colleagues is farcical. It just shows what a sham his leadership has become. He is saying I made it up, I did not …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Ms LAWRIE: It was a CLP leaked e-mail. I am saying it on the Parliamentary Record. Make the allegation outside.
Madam SPEAKER: Please pause, minister.
Mr ELFERINK: What about crime in Alice Springs?
Ms LAWRIE: What about supporting alcohol reforms so we can reduce crime and antisocial behaviour? What about support for alcohol reforms?
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order! Minister!
Mr Elferink interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, you are on a warning! That was not a point of order.
Ms LAWRIE: I know the member for Port Darwin is pretty twitchy; however, I will not be revealing any sources other than confirming they were e-mails leaked from the CLP …
Mr Mills interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE: There are rats in the ranks. I pick up the interjection from the Leader of the Opposition. He is saying I made it up. I did not. They are e-mails leaked from the CLP. Make that allegation outside and I will sue you.
Police Shopfront in Todd Mall
Mrs LAMBLEY to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
The police shopfront at the northern end of Todd Mall is rarely, if ever, open. It has no opening hours sign on the front door, and it has no list of alternative emergency numbers on the front window to advise people who may be seeking urgent assistance. Surely, the people of Alice Springs and visiting tourists deserve more than a token police shop? Why have you turned the police shopfront in the Todd Mall into a front for the government’s appalling response to crime and antisocial behaviour in Alice Springs? What does the Northern Territory government intend to use this shopfront for if not the purpose it was designed?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, this is a Police Beat; it is not just a shopfront. It is a Police Beat where police work and walk from that facility around the CBD. They are not sitting in the shopfront waiting for people to come and see them. They are out on their feet, two-by-two, right across the CBD. It has been very welcomed by local retailers and traders in the CBD. In regard to whether there are any opening signs, I will take that on board.
I will let the people in Alice Springs know that the Leader for the Opposition said he did not support the Police Beats, they would not support the Police Beats, and they would close the Police Beats because they are a waste of time.
We have rolled out Police Beats across the Northern Territory. They have been very well received. Those police officers are out in the CBD, dedicated to policing the CBD, not sitting behind a desk inside the shopfront. We know the opposition is on the record saying it would close the Police Beats across the Northern Territory. We will keep it open, and those officers who work from that police shopfront will continue to patrol, proactively, the CBD and work with the retailers in the CBD. I have received very favourable responses and comments from retailers as late as today.
Bushfires NT in Central Australia - Resources
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
In response to my question to parliament in February about the under-resourcing of Bushfires NT in Central Australia, you stated that the government has fully resourced Bushfires NT with equipment, materials and training needed to get out there and fight the serious issue of bushfires. If your statement was true, why has Treasury recently released further funds for Bushfires NT in response to my question? How many further staff will be employed with this funding? Will Bushfires NT now be able to provide bushfire fighting training to those who request it?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Macdonnell for her very important question. It was my pleasure to meet with the Bushfire Council yesterday at their meeting in Alice Springs and talk through many of those issues raised by the member for Macdonnell. They are very important issues. We know that with the recent rains in Central Australia and across the Northern Territory we are facing what could be one of the worst fire seasons in the Territory’s history.
Some of those issues talked about yesterday were staffing and resources. There are positions, particularly in Alice Springs, where there are many difficulties besides the issue the member for Macdonnell raised regarding budget matters. There are issues of recruiting staff to regions, and very difficult issues with accommodation and recruiting the appropriate people at the right levels to positions such as fire coordinators and controllers. I am certainly aware of those issues. I am working hard with the Bushfires Council. I assured them at their meeting yesterday that I will endeavour to do the best I can around the Cabinet table to secure more funding and more resources.
I also call on Central Australians - those listening to the broadcast and those in the galleries - to sign up as volunteers. A very important part of fighting bushfires is not only brigades in the regions but the volunteers out there - the pastoralists, the Aboriginal landowners and landholders out there on the ground.
We have a proud record in this government of supporting the Bushfires Council. We have the NAFI system that, when the funding from the Commonwealth ceased, this government came in with $800000 to continue that very important tool that is used by the Bushfire Councils and landowners, whether they are Aboriginal landowners or the pastoralists.
We are also very proud to fund a mobile command centre. When we had the recent Howard Springs fires, I went up in a chopper and visited the Batchelor brigade. It was my pleasure to visit the mobile command centre. I said to the Bushfires Council yesterday I would like to see that command centre placed in the region somewhere as the impending bushfire season comes upon us.
I am able to reassure people that we are aware of the impending fire season. I am adequately satisfied at the moment that we have the resources. There are challenges in recruiting staff in the regions, as I have said, particularly accommodation and attracting the right people for the right job. I will continue to fight with my colleagues for the dollars. We are all in there.
I take on board the question. I am happy to offer the member for Macdonnell a full briefing. I know she was the minister for a short time, but I am happy to provide a full briefing on the issues she has raised.
Alice Springs – Justice and Police Initiatives
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
In January, the Attorney-General and the Minister for Central Australia announced a package of Justice and Police initiatives to make Alice Springs streets safer. Can you please update the House on the work of Corrections in delivering these initiatives?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I am very proud to be a part of the raft of these initiatives that will deliver real change, especially in Central Australia. The initiatives relate to children at risk; juveniles; rehabilitation, including alcohol and other drugs; police; dysfunctional families; and education and attendance of children.
My part in this has been the establishment of a juvenile detention centre at the Alice Springs Correctional Centre precinct. That means the government is very aware of the needs of these juveniles. We have set up a new juvenile detention centre in Central Australia in the Alice Springs Correctional Centre precinct. I visited it today during my luncheon break. I stood side by side with the staff there - the juvenile detention officers, the youth workers, the case manager, the teachers, the Aboriginal and Islander Education Worker, a representative from Centralian College – all now focused on dealing with the juveniles as soon as they come into contact with the justice system. I was proud to sit at a table and have my conversation about: what it is, what they are here for, what has happened, but, more importantly, what they are going to do about it, and what is their plan for return to the community.
The education unit - and I compliment the minister for Education - wonderful people there today. I said I would be coming to talk to you, minister, about the Owen Springs School operated by the Department of Education and Training. That is running programs similar to the Don Dale Juvenile Detention Centre. For the public here today, and anyone else listening, the centre opened on Monday with seven detainees. We have a capacity for 16 detainees and we can increase that capacity. It represents another raft in the new era of Corrections. I am very proud to say that this government has taken on a huge policy bite with the new era in Corrections. This goes right down the line, not only to custodial, but also to Community Corrections. We are about making real change.
I have not heard anything from the others this week. I have not heard anything at all, but I am aware of the incredible work that government has been putting in, initiated in January in response to this Central Australian community. I count myself as part of that community. I am from Tennant Creek and we share similar challenges. We are about making a difference. The others on the other side have been very aggressive this week. They have been very critical, but no policies. I encourage them to take an interest in what we are doing in the new era. I encourage them to take an interest in this new juvenile detention centre …
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Alice Springs – Police Numbers
Mrs LAMBLEY to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES.
The town is full of rumours that the extra police brought in to deal with your public relations problem will be heading back to Darwin in the very near future, even in the next day or two. When will those extra police be taken out of Alice Springs? With the police starting to make a difference on the ground, will you today match the Country Liberals long-standing commitment to permanently increase Alice Springs police numbers by 20? While you are at it, will you also match our commitment to return the CCTV monitoring and the police communications service to Alice Springs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, as I have said ad nauseam this week, the Police Commissioner has advised me that the extra police will be here for as long as they are needed. I have not been advised of any withdrawal of police. The decision about policing and where police are deployed are issues for the Police Commissioner.
Yes, there have been significant gains made by police over the last few weeks. As I said last night, there was a significant backlog of work and cases that had not been resolved that have now been resolved. Offenders who are known repeat property offenders have been targeted by police. Many of those are now on remand or on bail. I am advised by police that in regard to the spate of break-ins that occurred in January and February there has been a significant cleanup, and people are now facing the courts in remand or on bail. A number of those are repeat offenders and, as a result, the property crime rate has declined very significantly in the last few weeks. The commissioner has told me those extra police will be here as long as they are needed.
In regard to our record of additional police compared to the CLP, since 2003, we have nearly 400 additional police in our police force across the Northern Territory. Four hundred are deployed across the Territory compared to a four year period under the CLP where not one single police officer was recruited anywhere or deployed additional anywhere across the Territory.
I say to people in Alice Springs to be very careful of the promises being made, because the track record of the CLP on policing compared to what has been delivered by the current Northern Territory government is chalk and cheese.
We will continue to invest in our police across the Northern Territory. The Police Commissioner is being very strong in deploying extra mounted patrols. He has made a decision to provide a permanent general duties police dog and handler in Alice Springs. That has gone down very well with police officers I have spoken to this week. Those extra police will be here as long as they are operationally needed. Those decisions are made by the Police Commissioner, not by the Police minister.
Finke Desert Race – Government Support
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for CENTRAL AUSTRALIA
Can you please inform the House how this government is supporting the world’s best desert race, the famous Finke?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for a very good question. She is right: it is the best desert race in the world. I know the member for Drysdale is a very keen competitor in the event, and the member for Port Darwin, ‘the Truck’.
It is an iconic event and I enjoy getting down the track during the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. It might get a little cold, but it is a fantastic weekend.
This government has been proud to support the Finke Desert Race for many years. This government has put $1.5m into the start/finish line. I know many years ago the old start/finish line was not very good at all; there was nothing there. Every year, the committee and volunteers would have to put up and take down the facilities, the command centre, etcetera.
Today, I am very proud to announce $100 000 towards upgrading 15 km of the section near the old Maryvale Road. This is very important for the safety of the competitors. We know there are hundreds of bike riders and buggy riders along the way, and some people on quads. I do not know how they do it; they are crazy. The upgraded section will not interfere with access to Titjikala, the Aboriginal community, or to emergency services.
I congratulate the volunteers and the committee of the Finke Desert Race. I know we have a couple of the members here. Our Mayor, Damien Ryan, is a very strong advocate and worker with the Finke Desert Race committee; Antony Yoffa is well known to Centralians; and a special mention of Glen Auricht, the track manager, who does a fantastic job year in, year out.
The Finke Desert Race is not only the best event in the world as a desert race, but it brings in $3m to the local economy, which I am sure local businesses appreciate during the quieter period of the year.
Madam Speaker, I cannot wait for the Queen’s Birthday weekend this year - I wish it was this weekend. Congratulations to everyone involved - $100 000 certainly will be welcomed by them.
Alice Springs - Palliative Care Facility
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for HEALTH
I hope the minister for Sport can give $100 000 to the Kamfari, the best off-road motorcycle race in the Top End.
During the December sittings, I asked if a purpose bed hospice is planned for Alice Springs. In your response you said Alice Springs will have a dedicated palliative care facility and you will ensure this happens in the next two years. Could you say how far advanced you are in ensuring this facility will be completed in two years?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the Alice Springs Hospital has two dedicated beds for palliative care. However, these beds can be used in an emergency for patients. We have made a submission to the Australian government for six dedicated palliative care beds and we are awaiting the outcome of the submission.
Despite the fact we have only two palliative care beds in Alice Springs, they are supported by the palliative care team from the Department of Health, with nurses and doctors visiting regularly from Darwin working together with local nurses and doctors. It is in our plan. We are working very closely with the Australian government to deliver those palliative care beds in Alice Springs and it will happen.
Alice Springs - Police Dogs
Mrs LAMBLEY to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
Last October during the Araluen by-election, I called for general purpose police dogs to be based in Alice Springs. The call was dismissed without thought by your Police Commissioner, John McRoberts, and the government. In February, I repeated the call for general purpose police dogs to come to Alice, only this time Police Commander, Anne-Marie Murphy said she did not see a place for dog patrols in the streets of our city. A week out from the Alice Springs parliamentary sittings, your government announced plans to base a general purpose dog in the town. Can you explain to Alice Springs residents what has changed since 11 February, and why it took so long for your government to respond?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I would have thought the member for Araluen would be pleased and that she would say thank you. Saying thank you is being polite.
The government does not make decisions about where to deploy police resources; that is the job of the Police Commissioner. I say to residents of Alice Springs, there are not going to be dog patrols in the streets of Alice Springs. This general purpose police dog is a highly-trained police dog. It is not a dog that will be on a lead on patrol down the mall snapping at the heels of residents of Alice Springs as some people would want. This is a very highly-trained, specialised police dog that will work with police on patrols …
Mr Mills interjecting.
Mr HENDERSON: I will take that insult on board and amplify it for our hard-working police - the Leader of the Opposition has called this dog a poodle. That is really offensive to the hard-working police who have very warmly received this addition to the police force in Alice Springs. I have spoken to a number of police officers over the last few days in Alice who think this is a significant contribution.
It is not specifically what the member for Araluen asked for, and some of the members on the Alice Springs Town Council who wanted Rottweilers on leashes snapping at the heels of residents in Alice Springs, but a highly-trained animal working with a highly-trained dog handler to work with police on special operations in Alice Springs.
I commend the Police Commissioner for taking this on board and making that decision. I say to the Leader of the Opposition, and to the residents of Alice Springs, it is not a poodle.
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