2011-08-08
Johnson Strategic Review of Indigenous Expenditure – NT Government Performance
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Under legal duress, the Gillard Labor government has been forced to release the damning Johnson strategic review of Indigenous expenditure. The report finds there is a huge gap between policy intent and policy execution from the hundreds of millions of dollars of Indigenous expenditure and raises significant concerns about the Northern Territory government’s performance. The report says:
- The capacity of the Northern Territory government is a particular concern, as evidenced by its performance to date in the housing and schooling domains.
When did your government first become aware of the report? Have you or any of your ministers seen the report, and what has been the response?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. Getting to the last part of the question, I first heard such a report existed on the news last night and government has a copy of the report as of today. My colleague, the minister for Indigenous policy, has a copy of the report; I have not seen it yet. This report is now 18 months old and was looking backwards, not looking forwards …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr HENDERSON: The leader in waiting should know this is a very serious issue and one not to be laughed at.
Mr Tollner: Stop trying to fob it off!
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Fong Lim!
Mr HENDERSON: In those last 18 months, the report, as I understand it, is very complimentary of the government’s policy around A Working Future and developing 20 new towns in our growth regions to service those economies, very complimentary about the government’s reform in those areas, and since that report was concluded, almost 2000 families are now benefiting since …
Mr Tollner: Failure, you are a failure, Hendo.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim!
Mr HENDERSON: Since that report was completed 18 months ago, almost 2000 families are now benefiting from new or improved housing under SIHIP; 324 new houses have been completed with a current 191 under way; 1592 houses have been refurbished or rebuilt …
Mr Giles: It says you are not up to the job. That is what it says.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: … with 68 in train, and there is now in place since that report, a $1.7bn 10-year national partnership agreement for housing in the Territory which is achieving significant results. I undertake to look at that report. Any recommendations that should be implemented will be implemented; however, the report is 18 months old and looking backwards, not forwards. In regard to housing, almost 2000 Territory families are now benefiting from new or improved housing under SIHIP, and it is a program I am very proud of …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Greatorex, member for Braitling, order!
Mr HENDERSON: It is fantastic to get around the Northern Territory, unlike when those members opposite - a dribble of new houses would be built every year. We have hundreds of new houses being built across the Northern Territory. We have new subdivisions being developed across the Northern Territory, and any report into Indigenous disadvantage is welcomed. This government is implementing many reforms that were not under way 18 months ago.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Before I call the next question, honourable members it has been a long time since the last sittings and I will remind you of Standing Order 51:
- No Member may converse aloud or make any noise or disturbance which in the opinion of the Speaker is designed to interrupt or has the effect of interrupting a member speaking.
There were many interruptions to the member speaking.
Live Cattle Export Ban - Update
Ms WALKER to CHIEF MINISTER
Last Thursday, you told the Senate inquiry into the bill seeking to ban the live cattle trade that it should be withdrawn. Can you please update the House on the latest surrounding this outrageous intrusion into the lives of hard-working Territorians?
ANSWER
Members interjecting.
Mr HENDERSON: Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question …
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Braitling!
Mr HENDERSON: I would have thought members opposite, given there is bipartisan support on this issue, would listen to the answer. I said at the Senate inquiry and have said again today, there is still a crisis affecting our pastoral industry across the Northern Territory. There is a cash drought for many Territory families who have had no income into their homes for the last eight months or so …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling!
Mr HENDERSON: … and that cash drought continues today. I have said previously that compensation …
Mr Mills: Who created it?
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: … compensation for this loss of income is a matter for the federal government. I have written to …
Mr Giles: You had your hand in your pocket while it was announced.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling.
Mr HENDERSON: He is so rude, Madam Speaker.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr HENDERSON: I would have thought the members opposite would be interested in hearing the answer to this question given I believe we have a bipartisan approach on this.
I have written to the Prime Minister urging an immediate fund to restore this industry in the NT - a significant recovery fund in line with what was put in place after Cyclone Yasi in Queensland for the banana growers and other farmers in Queensland. That provided significant financial assistance in interest-free loans and significant grants, and has been applauded by the NT Cattlemen’s Association. Today, after working over the weekend with my colleagues, I announced the Territory government will freeze rent payments on pastoral estates for properties that have a cash flow of less than $10m and whose majority of cattle are exported overseas. These are predominantly the small family-owned businesses across the Territory. There is a cash crisis out there; the bills are piling up for many families across the NT. This is one bill those pastoralists will not have to pay - certainly for this year. We will review how things are going next year.
I continue to fight on behalf of the pastoral industry across the Northern Territory. I am absolutely committed to seeing the federal government delivering a significant industry recovery package for the NT. This has been warmly received by the cattlemen I was speaking to over the weekend and last week whilst the Senate committee was in town. I trust we still have a bipartisan position in this House on the efforts of the government to see this trade recover …
Mr Elferink: We supported a joint motion from this House; we do not support …
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Port Darwin!
Mr HENDERSON: … and recover as quickly as possible.
Johnson Strategic Review of Indigenous Expenditure – NT Government Performance
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
I find it very hard to believe that a report that was provided to your Labor colleagues in Canberra 18 months ago and contains a damming report on your government’s handling of billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money has not been brought to your attention. This is just another example of the culture of cover-up that pervades your government and part of the culture of the Labor Party. No wonder you are now using taxpayers’ funds to fix your public image. Shame on you! Do you agree with the damning assessment of your government’s appalling management of Indigenous funding and, if not, what message does your weak response send to Indigenous Territorians?
ANSWER
Dear, oh dear, Madam Speaker! The crocodile tears from a desperate Leader of the Opposition who is clinging tenuously to his leadership have to be seen to be believed. This comes from …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr HENDERSON: … an opposition that is so bereft of policies, so neglectful of history when they had government for 27 years in the NT, and so bereft of policy in regard to …
Members interjecting.
Mr HENDERSON: … education - so bereft …
Mr Giles interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, you are on a warning!
Honourable members, I have already reminded you once about Standing Order 51. We have seven question times to get through; this is only the first 10 minutes of the first day. It is going to be a very long seven days. I do not feel like sitting here listening to this kind of behaviour. The people listening to this broadcast repeatedly tell me how appallingly some members behave in here. I will be quite happy to name and shame those members if I feel I need to.
Mr HENDERSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. So bereft of policy, their own education policy …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: Please pause, Chief Minister. What is your point of order member for Port Darwin? Nothing happened then.
Mr ELFERINK: Madam Speaker, I draw your attention to Standing Order 113:
- An answer shall be succinct, concise and directly relevant to the question.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, resume your seat! There was an extremely long prelude to that question. Chief Minister, you have the call. Do not interrupt again, member for Port Darwin.
Mr HENDERSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. They are so bereft of commitment and policy, their own education policy does not even mention Indigenous education. This is an opposition that went to the last election with not one commitment - not one commitment, not one dollar for closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage in the NT ...
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Again, I insist on Standing Order 113 being complied with.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, there was a very long preamble which contained many imputations. The Chief Minister has the right to respond to that. Chief Minister, you have the call.
Mr HENDERSON: Madam Speaker, the crocodile tears from those opposite have to be seen to be believed; not one election commitment, not one dollar committed to Indigenous housing, to improving schools, to improving health services. Their policy documents on education do not even mention Indigenous education ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Drysdale!
Mr HENDERSON: Since that report was completed - we are required to tell the truth in this House, and I am saying categorically that I was totally unaware of this report until yesterday – 2000 families are benefitting from new and improved housing across the Territory. In the 18 months since that report was completed, hundreds of houses are being built, thousands are being refurbished, tens of millions of dollars have been spent in improving infrastructure across the Territory …
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
Northern Territory – Heading in the Right Direction
Mr GUNNER to CHIEF MINISTER
In Australia, the 21st century is the century of the north. Can the Chief Minister please explain to the House why the Territory is heading in the right direction?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, unlike those opposite, I have every confidence in a very bright future for the Northern Territory, a future for Territorians that is far ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr HENDERSON: ... brighter than anywhere else in Australia. I was speaking to Year 10 kids at Palmerston Senior College last week and those kids have a brighter future here in the Northern Territory than anywhere else in Australia. We have seen massive and significant economic restructuring, the broadening of our economy, 22 000 new jobs created under a Labor government over the last 10 years – a government with vision to establish Darwin as a regional oil and gas hub and marine supply base for our offshore industry which will underpin our economy for decades to come. Things are only going to get better and brighter for the Northern Territory as a result of a government with vision, as a result of a government with commitment to investment creating 22 000 jobs compared to the CLP’s policy, which is to slash 800 jobs across the public service – nurses, doctors, teachers …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: The public service, if this mob ever came to office, would be gutted because that is what Liberal governments do. If we look at the figures, we have had the lowest unemployment in the nation for the last 22 months under this Labor government, and projected to maintain the lowest unemployment over the next five years. Access Economics predicts economic growth at 4.5% annually for the next six years, and this explains why business confidence in the Territory is high and business confidence in this government is high as well. Companies are estimated to spend approximately $1bn in offshore exploration over the next five years and, of course, we await the final investment decision by INPEX and Total at the end of this year.
If the opposition had been in government over the last five years, we certainly would not see INPEX coming to the Northern Territory. The Leader of the Opposition said ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr HENDERSON: ... that this project belonged in the 19th century. That was the vision he had. Off you go to Tokyo, sitting down with the board of INPEX: ‘Sorry, fellas, this project does not belong in Darwin Harbour, it belongs somewhere at a place called Glyde Point where there is not even a skerrick of infrastructure, native title has not been cleared ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, opposition members!
Mr HENDERSON: … environmental issues all over the place. They would have been in Western Australia, not coming to the Northern Territory to underpin confidence in investment in the Northern Territory for decades and decades to come.
This is about leadership. It is about having a vision for northern Australia, the Northern Territory and Darwin as the capital and at the heart of that, driving economic growth for our nation and providing thousands of new jobs for Territorians …
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
Johnson Strategic Review of Indigenous Expenditure – NT Government Approach to Indigenous Policy
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
You would well know, as does the Treasurer, the Northern Territory receives hundreds of millions of dollars for Indigenous-specific projects, yet Indigenous children are 3.6 times more likely to die before they reach the age of five than non-Indigenous kids. Almost one in 10 dwellings in remote and very remote Indigenous communities is in need of major repair or replacement. The suicide rate amongst Indigenous children and young people is the highest in Australia; 15% of all school aged children in the NT are not even enrolled at school. Given the report’s damning findings about your government’s performance on Indigenous expenditure and continued wellbeing indicators far below national benchmarks, will you today admit that your approach to Indigenous policy has failed Indigenous Territorians?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, what a terrible assertion. This report is 18 months old, looking at history. In those 18 months, there have been significant reforms agreed to with the Australian government through national partnership agreements that will see tens of millions of dollars invested in the Northern Territory.
Last year we brought down an infrastructure budget that had over $900m in capital infrastructure for our growth towns. Two thousand families have had new or upgraded houses since then and we are consolidating our reforms around our 20 A Working Future towns that I understand has been acknowledged in this report as being the right policy direction on the way forward. The national Productivity Commission assessed Indigenous expenditure and shows the Northern Territory spends 53% of its budget; that is more than is actually allocated through the grants commission funding to deal with Indigenous disadvantage and provide services to Indigenous people.
This argument goes round and round, but the national Productivity Commission put out an independent report that shows by a factor of three to four, more money being spent here in the Northern Territory on Indigenous services than elsewhere in the Territory. Concerning Indigenous education, these are the clowns opposite who would have said no to the BER funding to upgrade every school in the bush. They would have said: ‘No, we do not want that money, take it away Canberra. We do not want that money to invest in schools in the bush’.
This is an opposition that went to the last Territory election with not one cent of election commitments to improving services or improving infrastructure in remote Indigenous communities, and we know why; because that is its history. That was its history of 27 years of neglect. If we talk about Indigenous education, an opposition for 27 years had a policy of not providing secondary education in the bush. You could get to Year 7, you could have a primary school education, but if you want a secondary education, come to town. If we look at the two generations that have been lost in the bush because of a lack of education outcomes, it is a direct result of CLP policy for 27 years that denied those kids an education in the bush. A direct result of that, Madam Speaker.
No Indigenous education policy, no commitment to spend one dollar in the bush at the last election, and a desperate leader clinging to an issue with crocodile tears. In all his time as Leader of the Opposition, he has had an opportunity to put dollars to election commitments and he has failed to commit one cent to infrastructure or services in the bush.
Local Government - Review of Shire Structure, Revenue and Services
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT
It is obvious to anyone on the ground in remote Northern Territory communities that the shires are struggling to deliver even their core services. When will there be a review of local government, including the shire structure, their ability to collect revenue, and their ability to deliver services?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Macdonnell for her question. A review is definitely needed for local government. It will not be happening this year, but I will keep you informed as to where we are at.
As the Minister for Local Government, I am conscious of the pressures on our shires. I expressed that to the opposition during our estimates questioning. I am also conscious that with these reforms that have taken place, it does come down to substantial funding to go into the regions of the Northern Territory. Historically, we have placed close to $1bn in funding for those regions. This year alone we have progressed with the federal government the need to have employment in the shires and we are seeing that with the jobs plan for these regions and the shires.
Northern Territory – Heading in the Right Direction – Economic Future
Ms WALKER to TREASURER
Northern Australia is at the heart of Australia’s 21st century economy. Can you please update the House on the Territory’s economic future?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. As the Chief Minister said, the Territory has a bright economic future, which means Territorians will have a bright future in their ability to have jobs and opportunities flowing into more jobs and better lifestyles. All of this leads to improved social improvements which we have been talking about in this debate.
We are, as an economy, heading in the right direction. Our government has worked to build a sustainable economy to support jobs and prosperity, particularly in the light of the global financial crisis. We have cut taxes to businesses; small businesses have seen a saving of some $365m in taxes since 2001. We have created those important 22 000 jobs with the emphasis we put into consecutive billion dollar infrastructure budgets to support the Territory economy post the global financial crisis when private sector investment had dropped away.
Importantly, we are continuing to maximise the benefits of our resource-rich jurisdiction. Resources will be pivotal to our growth. Our mining investment attraction strategy led by our minister for Resources - exploration investment has reached record levels - $166.7m invested last year in mining exploration in the Territory. That is an increase of 12% over the previous expenditure in 2009. We are the only jurisdiction to increase mining exploration expenditure post the global financial crisis, getting out there and punching above our weight to attract the all-important investment dollar.
If you look at the next five years, $1bn is expected to be spent on gas exploration that underpins the importance of our investment in the marine supply base, which the Chief Minister has talked about in relation to the add-on benefits of that supply industry and the resulting growth opportunities in the Territory. With projects like the INPEX Total Ichthys build and the Sunrise and Prelude FLNG, we are going to continue to punch above our weight. We are positioning Darwin, and the Territory, as the northern resources hub for the oil and gas industry, and there is an extremely exciting prospect for jobs and opportunities in our education system with the Chief Minister working with Charles Darwin University.
Deloitte Access Economics puts us as one of the strongest growing jurisdictions for the next five years, second only to Western Australia. For Territorians, what does that mean? It means jobs. We are spreading the opportunities across the regions; we have local implementation plans across our regions to support economic opportunities from the resources sector through the primary industries and fisheries sectors as well.
Johnson Strategic Review of Indigenous Expenditure – NT Government Management of SIHIP
Mr GILES to MINISTER for PUBLIC and AFFORDABLE HOUSING
The damning Johnson report raises particular concerns about the Territory government’s performance in housing. It is another damning report to add to the conga line of reports on this government’s failed delivery of Indigenous housing. Of particular concern is your government’s performance and management of the $672m required to deliver new and existing housing, constructed and refurbished to an appropriate standard under SIHIP. Why have you and your predecessors so bungled SIHIP? Under your watch, why have so few houses been renovated and rebuilt to Northern Territory public housing standards? Are you running a second-rate race-based policy for Indigenous Territorians?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I welcome the question, apart from the last bit, which was a cheap political shot. I have acknowledged on the floor of parliament that this program did not get off to a good start; however, the houses are being built and constructed and completed. To date, 324 new houses have been completed, with just under 200 currently under construction. Approximately 1600 houses have either been rebuilt or refurbished and, as the Chief Minister said, that has benefited approximately 2000 families across the Territory …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Braitling!
Dr BURNS: It is more than $672m, it is …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: It is a $1.7bn project over 10 years. The first phase is the $672m phase you mentioned with approximately 750 new homes, 230 rebuilds, and 2500 refurbishments. That is due for completion in 2013, and we are already ahead of our targets in the numbers constructed. We will meet that target.
In relation to the standard of the housing, member for Braitling, Indigenous housing is a long journey. I have said on the public record a number of times, the arrears are so great in this area it is going to take decades to turn the situation around. This is a fantastic first step, but it is going to take successive governments - particularly in Canberra because they are the ones with the resources to do it - to continue in this way and address the arrears.
We have implemented a Remote Rental Framework which has increased the amount available for repairs and maintenance to somewhere close to $30m a year through the Remote Rental Framework ...
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! My question was: why have so few houses been renovated or rebuilt to public housing standards, or are they running …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling …
Mr GILES: … a two-street, race-based policy on different rules for the bush?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling! You have already asked the question …
Mr GILES: I would like an answer.
Madam SPEAKER: You had a very long prelude with a number of imputations. The minister is answering the question.
Dr BURNS: Madam Speaker, the arrears are large. With the refurbishments in particular, the first priority was to make houses safe, habitable, and healthy. That is the first step. There are many more steps to come, member for Braitling, and I am acknowledging that. This is a good first step. We are hitting our targets. There are many benefits to many families across the Territory ...
Mr Giles: Treat everyone the same!
Dr BURNS: Why does your side hate this particular program so much …
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Northern Territory – Heading in the Right Direction – Government Support for Business
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for BUSINESS and EMPLOYMENT
Can the minister please update the House on how business is heading in the right direction, and what government is doing to support and grow Territory businesses?
A member: In the 21st century.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the true Leader of the Opposition for his interjection.
This Northern Territory government is the most business friendly government in Australia. This government has supported business through difficult times such as the global financial crisis.
Recently, I hosted two significant events. ACCI, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, hosted their national conference here and the Australian Property Council also held a function. The current Leader of the Opposition came along with his mum and it was great to have his mum there. I spoke to many people at that function after delivering my speech.
I am so excited about the future of the Northern Territory because we really are on the cusp of a new phase of our economy - a phase which is going to propel us into the future and decades into the next century, and put the Northern Territory on the map of not only Australia but the Southeast Asia region.
Those guests heard about what this government is doing for business in the Territory. That is why we have the highest business confidence in the nation of plus-33%, compared with the national average of plus-28%. We are all about supporting business - about confidence - supporting business.
I heard the member for Port Darwin grumbling and mumbling about: ‘You are not going to get Sunrise’. We believe in projects, and we will chase Sunrise and other projects. That is what happened with INPEX: we chased it, and we got INPEX. We will chase a marine supply base and will establish a marine supply base.
This is all about effort in this area of chasing projects and building our economy. Why does a Labor government do that? Because a larger economy means you can spend more money on education, on health, on infrastructure - all those things that support the wider community. That is what we are all about.
I attended recent functions across the Territory, including at schools. I attended the Essington middle school presentation the other day and spoke to those young people about how you do not need to leave the Northern Territory to find a job. You can find a high-paying, high-quality job here. We are on the cusp of greatness in the Northern Territory. We have the programs to support it; we have a business department with a range of programs to support those businesses.
Santa Teresa Swimming Pool
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The Santa Teresa swimming pool has been closed for almost a year now. Whose responsibility is it to fund the pool for repairs and maintenance? Since the shire obviously cannot afford to fund the repairs, will the Northern Territory government fund repairs and assist the shire to develop a long-term pool management plan that works, or will the government just leave the community high and dry this summer?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Macdonnell for her question. Let me say categorically that this government is not about leaving anyone high and dry, member for Macdonnell.
It is important to place on the record that the Santa Teresa pool is an asset of the MacDonnell Shire Council. The MacDonnell Shire Council receives funding from the Northern Territory government to deliver services to the region’s residents. We provided the MacDonnell Shire Council with over $6.5m in funding and grants to deliver services to shire residents, including residents in Santa Teresa.
The Territory and Australian governments, with the Royal Life Saving Society Australia, have established a remote pools working group to ensure a long-term, sustainable, and coordinated approach.
Member for Macdonnell, if there have not been those advances, I am more than happy to work with you and the MacDonnell Shire to ensure that when winter is over in Central Australia, we see the children of Santa Teresa enjoying the swimming pool.
Johnson Strategic Review of Indigenous Expenditure – NT Government Management of SIHIP
Mr GILES to MINISTER for PUBLIC and AFFORDABLE HOUSING
There is simply no relief for you from the mountain of reports showing what an utter failure you are at delivering improvements to Indigenous housing across the Territory. With the public embarrassment of yet another damning report, the Johnson report for the government means little to the many Indigenous families who will miss out on a better standard of housing because of your incompetence. How can the government justify that it is good value for money to pay the alliance $75 000 per house renovation and receive an estimated $20 000 worth of work? We have seen pictures of renovated houses handed back to tenants with mismatched tiles, no kitchen cupboards, no verandahs, no painting, and leaking hot water systems. Who accepted that these houses were rebuilt and suitable for families to move into and authorised payment to the contractors?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I outlined in my previous answer how many houses have been delivered across the Territory – new houses - 324, 200 under construction, and fewer than 1600 being rebuilt and refurbished. The member is correct in saying that the average cost of refurbishments is $75 000; that is an average cost.
I believe he is referring to several houses at Wadeye, and pictures taken by Senator Scullion and published in the Senate. The department advises that the alliances, because they have been very efficient in the delivery of the project out there, will be going through all those houses again and doing extra work - extra work which I am sure the people of Wadeye will greatly appreciate. When I was there with minister Macklin a few months ago, people were very pleased, particularly with their new houses …
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I appreciate what the minister is saying and it is very interesting, but the question was: ‘Who accepted that these houses were rebuilt and suitable for families to move into?’
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, resume your seat. It is not a point of order, member for Braitling.
Dr BURNS: Madam Speaker, the particular cases alluded to by the member for Braitling were refurbished houses, not rebuilt houses. Rebuilds are in a different category of approximately $200 000 per house on average. Refurbishment is $75 000 and, as I said before, particularly at Wadeye, the alliance contractor has undertaken to go back through the houses and remedy any faults or outstanding issues. I accept that, and I commend the alliances. These are, in the main, Territory companies utilising Territory workers, and providing employment. Up to approximately 30% of the workforce are Indigenous people. I will come back to it, why do you hate it? Why do you hate Indigenous employment? Why do you hate 2000 families getting a benefit from this wonderful project …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Greatorex!
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Have you finished your ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Resume your seat! Your behaviour is appalling, members of the opposition. I would like to remind you about questions, as well.
I am very concerned about the questions coming from the opposition at this stage. I will remind you of what a question is:
A question cannot be debated. Questions should not contain statements of facts or names of persons unless they are strictly necessary to render the question intelligible and can be authenticated, arguments, inferences, imputations, epithets, ironical expressions, or hypothetical matter.
Questions should not ask ministers (a) for an expression of opinion, (b) to announce new policy of the government, but may seek an explanation regarding the policy of the government and its application, or (c) for a legal opinion.
Several questions I have allowed this afternoon have included many of those things in the one question. I ask you to bear that in mind in any future questions.
Smart Territory Policy
Ms WALKER to the MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
Confidence in education in the Territory is at an all-time high. Can you please advise the House on progress with implementation of the Smart Territory policy?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, we have an important commitment to education. It is central to our 2030 policy, and we recognise the value and importance of education for the Territory to develop, and for every Territorian to share in the wealth, economic development, and social benefits of the Northern Territory.
In this budget, a record budget allocation to education of $930m includes much infrastructure, but does not include the BER project - $207m spent across the Territory. We know these people do not like it, their counterparts in Canberra actually opposed it, but I believe the roll-out of the BER in the Northern Territory has been ...
Mr Tollner interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Fong Lim! Member for Fong Lim!
Dr BURNS: I have picked up on the interjection from the member for Fong Lim. His colleague, the member for Katherine, said about the BER program: ‘That is federal money that has been rorted. Kevin Rudd and Wayne Swan’s spendathon where our tax dollars have been pumped into school halls and pumped into science buildings that in some cases and, in fact many cases, were neither needed nor wanted’. It was interesting that the member for Katherine turned up at the BER opening at Katherine School of the Air, so he has obviously changed his tune ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order! Order, member for Katherine!
Dr BURNS: This is a wonderful investment handled well by the Territory government and we are proud of it, an important partnership with the Commonwealth. Out of our budget, $300 000 for upgrades for every primary school; $30m for special schools, including Nemarluk, and that is important.
All I ever hear is the CLP talking down education, talking down the schools, the teachers, the system. Our schools are as good as any in the country.
It was interesting today. I opened the Australian Council of Education Research Conference; 400 delegates at the convention centre. Professor Geoff Masters told the media exactly what I have said, that our schools are good and our kids can do as well as any kids in the country and are doing but we do have issues with literacy and numeracy.
We have invested in that with a strategy and a way forward. As I said publicly today, we have engaged Professor Geoff Masters and the Australian Council of Education Research to give us independent advice about the direction and policies, and that has been posted on the website today. I direct members opposite to read that, because generally it is positive ...
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Johnson Strategic Review of Indigenous Expenditure – Education Outcomes
Mr CHANDLER to the MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
According to the Johnson report, strong policy commitments and large investments of government funding have too often produced outcomes which have been disappointing at best, and appalling, at worst. This is a damning assessment of your government’s ability to deliver on promised commitments to halve the gap in educational outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students within a decade.
The Chief Minister said this was old news - 18 months old. This is history. I will give you something recent to ponder. By way of example, in 2007-08, the gap in Year 3 student outcomes for numeracy was 38%; today it is 42%. After spending hundreds of millions on improving educational outcomes …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Brennan, your time has expired.
Mr CHANDLER: … what are you doing that is so wrong?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Brennan!
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, we have important partnerships with the Commonwealth, for example, 200 extra teachers in the bush. Our side of that has been delivered. As well as extra housing for teachers in the bush, there is $120m for literacy and numeracy investment by the Commonwealth. That is what I was alluding to before, member for Brennan. You would do well to seek a briefing from Professor Geoff Masters about the strategies, policies and roll-out of what we are doing.
We have seen incremental improvements in our NAPLAN results over the past two years at least. In most domains of testing and, as children progress through schooling, the gap narrows. We have a problem with attendance, which is why you should be aware that in this parliament we introduced the Every Child, Every Day strategy backed up by legislation for infringement notices, compulsory conferences for parents, and attendance and truancy officers. This is having an immediate effect. Several people have been issued with infringement notices and there have been several compulsory conferences.
I am interested in an evidence base and a policy framework, which has been developed. We have the policy framework, we have the funding. In contrast, this is the only policy the CLP have had in education for early childhood. We have extensive policies for early childhood. Not one mention here of Indigenous kids or Indigenous education; not one mention.
My challenge has been, in a friendly collegiate way with the member for Brennan - I want to see your policy framework. I want to see your costings for education. I want to see what you are going to do. I want to see your comment on what Professor Masters has reported to this government …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order! Member for Greatorex!
Dr BURNS: … in the report posted on the Internet. You have a good read of that and you will see the compliments paid to our policy framework, and you will also see the challenges and suggestions made by Professor Masters and we are taking those suggestions up.
Members interjecting.
Dr BURNS: I take this very seriously. This is a government with policy, with funding, and with will.
Herbert Subdivision - Flooding
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for LANDS and PLANNING
In the Wet Season this year a number of blocks of land in Herbert were flooded. It is now clear from new contour maps that the subdivision plans designed by the developer, Mr Graham Crisp, approved by your department, and given the tick by the Development Consent Authority, were highly inaccurate.
Has your department carried out an investigation into why this subdivision was approved and the results of that investigation? If you have not investigated what failed, why not?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. There are three parts to the answer. First, the Ombudsman is conducting a review of the administrative processes which resulted in the approval of this subdivision. We await that review.
In relation to the department, the Department of Lands and Planning, and NRETAS, are reviewing the processes involved in the assessment of the land capability of that subdivision. Once again, we are awaiting that result.
In the meantime, the developer of this subdivision has undertaken detailed mapping of the area and is proposing to construct drains that will limit the amount of flooding in the future - management for the future. An independent engineer assessed the drainage solution and confirmed it will work.
Departmental officers are now discussing this solution with affected landowners; however, I am aware of the member for Nelson’s proposal about a land swap with the affected owners. It may be appropriate as a solution in some cases; however, one landholder has said they do not want to engage in that because they want to stay on their block. They believe the drainage solution must be considered.
Regarding this issue, I thank the member for the question. I continue to work with the department, NRETAS, and the member for Nelson to gain a positive solution to this all round.
Northern Territory Health Services – Lead Role in Northern Australia
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for HEALTH
Can you please update the House on the role the Territory is taking leading the direction of health services in northern Australia?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. Our government is leading the development of health services in northern Australia. We are building a workforce that is skilled in regional and remote challenges.
In February this year, we opened a $28m Northern Territory’s first medical school in partnership with Flinders University and Charles Darwin University. Any child in the Northern Territory can now go to school from primary school and finish as a doctor without having to leave the Northern Territory.
We are progressing the plans for the new Palmerston hospital as a key priority of our Territory 2030 strategy. This hospital is not going to be built in 15 years, like the hospital proposed by the opposition, but is going to be a reality very quickly. A total of $110m has been committed for this project, together with the Australian government, to provide emergency care, up to 60 beds, day surgery, and some specialist services. We consulted with the community, the specialists, and the doctors to finalise plans for a state-of-the-art hospital in Palmerston.
We are leading the way with our roll-out of renal dialysis services, not only where people live in remote communities - 25 remote communities now have renal dialysis services, and at home. We also have a truck that visits communities in different areas and different times to provide renal dialysis services to those remote communities.
Our e-Health records are state-of-the-art. The federal government is studying the way we implemented our e-Health records to provide information for all people registered. That is going to be expanded to the whole Territory. This is something the CLP does not believe is worth doing. A total of $30m has been invested by the Australian government for the Northern Territory consortium project to expand the electronic health records to cover all Territorians including Darwin and Alice Springs.
The member for Greatorex likes to put our health services down. I have some good news for him. The Liberal government in Western Australia has just signed another agreement with us for six beds in Royal Darwin Hospital. The Liberal government in Western Australia is talking to us to provide cancer services at the Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre in Darwin.
The Queensland government’s Deputy Leader came to the Territory to study our e-Health record system. Last week, the Tasmanian Minister for Health toured the emergency department in Darwin to find out about the triage system we implemented there, to copy in his own jurisdiction. I am proud to tell you that the Sanglah Hospital in Bali has now decided to adopt our emergency department system of triage to implement in Bali to meet the increasing demand, especially of Australian visitors who may suffer an accident there.
Madam Speaker, you can tell we are doing something right if you have Liberal governments, Labor governments, and foreign governments copying our health system.
Johnson Strategic Review of Indigenous Expenditure – Indigenous Educational Outcomes
Mr GILES to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
Fifteen percent of all school-age Indigenous children in the Northern Territory do not appear to be enrolled in school; 65% of Northern Territory very remote Indigenous students and 43.5% of NT Indigenous students enrolled at school attend less than 60% of the time. Worse still, your own budget forecasts set attendance rates for non-Indigenous students at 98%, but only 34% for Indigenous students.
Members: Shameful!
Mr GILES: Shameful! Why are you so determined to leave Indigenous students behind when the Johnson report clearly states that better educational outcomes could be achieved with the current dollars available? It is just race policy.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I question the statistic of 15% of children not enrolled. What the member may be alluding to are children with passive enrolments. Those are children who are enrolled but have not attended school for three weeks. It may include a number of those. Whichever way you cut it, attendance is unsatisfactory, particularly in our more remote schools.
That is why we implemented our Every Child, Every Day policy. That is why we brought strong legislation into this House for infringement notices and compulsory conferences. Several infringement notices have been issued. There have been 12 attendance and truancy officers appointed, 66 compulsory conference notices issued, and 32 students returned to full-time schooling as a result. These strategies are having an effect. The attendance and truancy officers have been operating in the Darwin and Palmerston area, but I have asked the department to have them operating in the regions as well, and I did see attendance and truancy officers operating in East Arnhem last week when I was out there.
Getting back to the point the member made about our budget estimates, as I said in the Estimates Committee, those estimates reflected that we were not taking it for granted the legislation would pass this parliament. The department is revising those targets, and those targets will be stretch targets and revised upwards.
Madam Speaker, I am really focused on Every Child, Every Day. We have to get those kids to school but, ultimately, the responsibility of sending kids to school is the responsibility of parents. Part of what we have to do - I mentioned some of the punitive measures - every one of us in this parliament, no matter what side of parliament you are on, has to convince Indigenous parents to send their kids to school. It is their responsibility. If those kids do not receive schooling, they are going to miss out on life. As I alluded to in the debate about the fines and infringement notices, it is like a parent not restraining their child in a vehicle. We take that seriously and we had better take parents not sending their kids to school very seriously also.
Yes, there are challenges with attendance, but this is a government with strategies, with policies, with funding to address that issue. I do not see much from the opposition apart from criticism. I want to see what your policies are.
Northern Territory Land Release Program – Heading in the Right Direction
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for LANDS and PLANNING
Northern Australia is at the heart of this nation’s economic future. Can you please update the House on how your land release program is keeping the Territory heading in the right direction?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I am proud to be with a team that is united in the development of northern Australia. As our Business and Employment minister said, the word is out, come to the Northern Territory, you can get a job here, and we should be spreading the word across the continent …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr McCARTHY: … as that rabble goes on. I would like to outline a few points about our team and their strong belief in northern Australia. There is no better example than the strategic Greater Darwin Region Land Use Plan that provides the essential framework for residential and industrial development towards 2030, as 70 000 extra people will join us in northern Australia; 70 000 people in the next 15 years who will call the Northern Territory home. We are planning for that, and we will deliver that. We are delivering that with a land release program.
Palmerston is a great example. Bellamack – 678 lots – and people are already calling this suburb home. I thoroughly enjoy driving through Palmerston East on my way to this wonderful capital city, and seeing the families settling in these suburbs …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr McCARTHY: Get yourself out there, member for Braitling, and have a look around. Two hundred and eighty-one titles issued to date …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Sanderson!
Mr McCARTHY: … and 235 have been transferred to the landowners. The first 12 Bellamack HomeFirst affordable house and land packages are now complete and a further 21 affordable house and land packages are available on a first serve basis. They are out there.
Johnston – what a wonderful example - to see that come out of the earth; there will be around 490 lots, and people are already moving in, as those members from Palmerston would stand up and celebrate. Stage 2 of Johnston will be developed by Urbex Pty Ltd and construction will start later in the year. Headworks are under way in Zuccoli stage 1 providing 400 residential lots. Strategic industrial land and development projects, including our government’s Defence Support Hub, Darwin Business Park, and Marine Supply Base, are positioning the Territory for the future.
In the time I have left, I will pick up on the interjections because I did not get time to move down the track to Katherine, Tennant Creek, and Alice Springs with sensational land release programs. Just two weeks ago in Alice Springs, celebrating with the community, the Kilgariff subdivision, the new community of Alice Springs that is also growing out of the Territory; there is a smile on the member from Braitling’s face now …
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Johnson Strategic Review of Indigenous Expenditure – Government Failure to Use Funding for Real Improvements
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
In December 2007, you signed up to COAG’s national integrated strategy for closing the gap in Indigenous disadvantage. That agreement requires real improvements in addressing Indigenous disadvantage in exchange for additional Commonwealth funding.
Today’s damning report states that you are not only failing to meet the requirements of the COAG agreement which you signed up to, but even more concerning is that you are failing to use that additional funding provided to make real improvements - measureable improvements in health, education, housing, employment, child protection, etcetera, for Indigenous Territorians.
Chief Minister, the stink of the lies and the deceit does not conceal your neglect …
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, please withdraw your comment.
Mr MILLS: Madam Speaker, I move …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS
Proposed Motion of Censure
Proposed Motion of Censure
Mr MILLS (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, I move that so much of standing orders be suspended as would prevent me from moving –
That this Assembly censure the Northern Territory government for its profound failures highlighted in the Johnson report into Indigenous expenditure; and further, that this Assembly …
Dr BURNS (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, we will accept the censure.
Madam SPEAKER: Hold on. Just read the whole thing, and then I will ask the Leader of Government Business …
Mr MILLS: Madam Speaker, this Assembly censure the Northern Territory government for failing Indigenous Territorians by pursuing policies that are based on race.
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of Government Business, you are accepting the censure?
Dr BURNS (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I have already said the government accepts the censure motion.
Madam SPEAKER: Is it signed and circulated?
Mr ELFERINK (Opposition Whip): It is signed and being circulated by staff now.
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