2009-10-22
Redirection of Questions
Mr HENDERSON (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I advise the House that, in the absence of the Treasurer, I will take questions relating to Treasury portfolio matters; and the Leader of Government Business will take questions on Attorney-General and DPI matters.
QUESTIONS
Department of Health and Families – Child Protection Services Staffing Resources
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for CHILDREN and FAMILIES
The 2008 Department of Health and Families Annual Report released this week shows a 68% increase in notifications of suspected child abuse and neglect. What is the 2008-09 percentage increase in the number of staff responsible for investigations of notifications? Are you confident that departmental resources are sufficient to investigate all notifications and provide the required child protection services across the Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Araluen for her question. The care and protection of children across the Northern Territory is a very important area. I have read through the NT Families and Children section of the report, and of course noticed the increase in notifications.
I recognise, and share with this House, that because of the tremendous input into the budget and into resources across the Territory by this government since 2001 that we have seen an increase in notifications. This is due to increased awareness through community programs, and individuals and families within these communities and organisations are now aware that the care and protection of our children is everyone’s responsibility.
The notification increase is also a reflection of this government’s input of $15m into domestic violence programs, and the mandatory reporting of domestic violence, across the Northern Territory. We recognise that social attitudes across the Northern Territory need to change; that the protection of our kids is fundamental. In reference to the concerns about resourcing, one of the things that our government has committed to is the employment of Aboriginal family workers in our remote regions, concentrating on the fact that the large number of children in care are Indigenous, and that we must see the changes within these communities and within these families. We have focused our energies and our resources into the communities. Now, in my role as Minister for Indigenous Policy, I am firmly concentrating, with the 20 growth towns and with my staff in Children and Families across the Northern Territory that we make sure that the responsibility of our children is everyone’s responsibility.
Education Assistance for Families
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
Would you please outline to the House what this government has done to help families meet the cost of schooling?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. We are a government that recognises there are costs for families with children going to school, and we are trying to make life a little bit easier for families in assisting them with the costs of getting children to school. There are many demands on the family budget and parents work hard to ensure their children have access to a quality education.
In recognition of this, in 2006, we introduced back to school vouchers in the Northern Territory. Kids go back to school in early February. It comes at the end of the school holiday and Christmas period, and most families in the Northern Territory are pretty maxed out on their credit cards, if they have been away for a family holiday, and with all the costs of Christmas. That holiday period leaves families stretched at the beginning of the school year, so we introduced back to school vouchers, aimed to ease the financial burden of schooling.
Last year, we increased the value of those school vouchers from $50 to $75 per child. That is very well received across the Northern Territory. If you have two, three, or four kids going school, it is significant assistance to help families with those costs. Since 2006, approximately $8.8m - nearly $9m – was paid out to government and non-government schools, we do not discriminate in this, to families across the Northern Territory to assist with those families in the costs of going to school. The vouchers are distributed to parents by schools. This is not money that goes in the pocket that can disappear to the bottle shop or to gambling. They are vouchers, and those vouchers can be redeemed at school for items like books, uniforms and stationery. I know they are very well received.
We made school uniforms compulsory across the Northern Territory and I believe most families use those vouchers to assist with the cost of school uniforms. This morning there were 600 children singing in the hall of parliament - it really was an uplifting moment - and it was great to see every single one of those children in school uniform.
We are doing what we can to assist families, at an expensive time of the year, in getting children back to school.
Department of Health and Families – Child Protection Services Staffing Resources
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for CHILDREN and FAMILIES
The annual report, released this week, also shows that notifications of child abuse and neglect have increased by 68%, yet the number of investigations has increased only by 20%. I ask again: are you confident that your department has the resources to deal with child abuse in the Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I welcome the question from the member for Araluen. This House recognises the importance of children. I also refer to the report, which indicates, on page 80, that, as at 30 June 2008, the division had 315 full-time equivalent staff; due to service expansion in a range of areas, this has increased by 54 full-time equivalents to 369 by 30 June 2009. My response to the member for Araluen is, yes, I am satisfied that the department is doing the best that it can, given the resources that our government has committed to the area of child protection in the Northern Territory.
Children and Families –
Government Programs
Government Programs
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for CHILDREN and FAMILIES
Can you please inform the House about the key programs that the Northern Territory government has recently supported in the area of families and children?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for her question. In the past month, there have been a tremendous number of activities occurring across the Northern Territory, beginning first with Dementia Awareness Week, with the launch held in Parliament House. One of the project’s resources we were able to launch with Dementia Awareness Week was funded by the Northern Territory government through the Community Benefit Fund, and also through the Australian government. It is a resource which includes a flip chart and a DVD, culturally appropriate, compiled by local actors within the Top End region.
I had an opportunity to launch Mental Health Week in Alice Springs. It was a terrific evening. I congratulate the workers in Central Australia, in particular, the Central Australian Mental Health Association, and many of those who were involved with the night. The former leader of New South Wales’ opposition, John Brogden, was the guest speaker, and shared his experiences of the issues regarding mental health, and how any person in Australia needs to be very clear that this is something we should all be very aware of – the stigma of mental health, depression - and that was the key message at the launch in Alice Springs.
This week is Carers Week. I hosted the launch at Parliament House. Over 2.4 million Australians are carers. We have 25 000 carers across the Territory. As minister responsible in this area, I also recognise that we have a number of carers, in fact, even thousands, across our regions who perhaps do not acknowledge that they are carers. This is the role that I would like to see enhanced in the next 12 months as we get the message out through our government’s A Working Future policy as we work on the growth of our 20 towns.
Department of Health and Families –
Children at Risk
Children at Risk
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for CHILDREN and FAMILIES
In Estimates this year, you said that your department had made a significant improvement in, ‘… an overall attempt to influence and help change the direction for children …’.
Your department’s annual report shows that it has failed to commence investigations into child abuse and neglect in all three risk categories; that is, in the recommended one, three and five day time frames. Will you admit that your statement in Estimates was wrong, and that you have failed in your responsibilities by leaving far too many children in the Territory at risk?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Araluen for her question. It is important that this House considers the interests of children across the Northern Territory. It is important that this House focuses on the care and protection of children, and it is important for this House to recognise that it is we, on this side, who have committed that focus on the children of the Northern Territory.
When we came to government in 2001, there was certainly not that commitment by the opposition. When we came to government, we worked on the budget, we have improved the budget, and we have increased the budget. We have committed, not only to the regional centres across the Northern Territory, but we have also committed to the outlying regions of the Northern Territory.
I have looked at this report, and at the timeliness section on page 84, and have seen, within the categories, the investigations and reports commenced, that we had 73% in 2007-08, and the actual is 83%. So, no, I do not agree with the member for Araluen.
Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education - Instability
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
There appears to be ongoing instability at the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education, and there are rumours flying around at the moment that there are to be many staff retrenchments. Could you please say if this is the case?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his very important question. The Territory government is working with the Australian government on issues around the Batchelor Institute. It is an educational facility of great importance in the Territory. Whilst the institute is established under Northern Territory legislation, it is jointly funded by the Northern Territory and Australian governments. A significant majority of the funding for Batchelor is Australian government funding.
Following a financial audit by the Australian government in May this year, and the placement of a strategic manager for three months, a company called KordaMentha were appointed as administrators for Batchelor Institute. KordaMentha has the task of liaising with government and the Executive Council of BIITE to find a sustainable way forward, and that work is currently being undertaken.
I understand KordaMentha will be in a position to make some strong recommendations to both governments by the end of this year. At this stage, I am not in a position to advise this House on any final recommendations because they have not been made available to me. I believe they are still working through the issues with the Executive Council of BIITE to find a sustainable way forward for what is an important educational facility in the Territory. It is important for all of us, the Territory government, the Australian government, and the Executive Council of BIITE, to focus on the best interests of the training and education of Indigenous people. That is at the forefront of the work that is being done at the moment - what is in the best interests of training and education of Indigenous people, getting better outcomes, making sure Batchelor Institute is sustainable; and that work is being undertaken. I commit to providing a full report to the House once the report has finally been delivered and governments have considered the report.
Child Care Subsidy Scheme
Mr GUNNER to CHIEF MINISTER
The NT Child Care Subsidy scheme was introduced to assist families with the costs of child care. Can you please update the House on the benefits of the subsidy for Territory families?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question. We are the only government in Australia which provides a subsidy to all licensed child care centres across the Northern Territory. There are 198 of them that we provide a subsidy to. That subsidy is fairly and squarely aimed at easing the financial pressures on families of the costs of child care, which is a significant cost in the family budget. It is aimed at keeping costs down for families.
For each full-time equivalent child, a child care centre receives $20.20 for children two years of age and over, and $27.37 for children under the age of two years. That money goes directly to the child care centre, which keeps the pressure off child care fees for Territory families. Total expenditure from 2001-02 to now is approximately $23m. That is $23m to child care centres across the Northern Territory to ease the costs of child care for Territory families, and to better support the vital work that our 198 child care centres perform on behalf of Territory families.
Care and Protection of Children
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for CHILDREN and FAMILIES
In August this year, a pregnant woman was admitted to Royal Darwin Hospital suffering from, among other things, swine flu. After giving birth to a baby boy, the woman, sadly, succumbed to the swine flu and died on 15 August. Following the placement of the baby into the care of a relative, the baby was re-admitted to RDH, within a very short period of time, with fractured limbs and bleeding on the brain. When was the baby taken into care by your department following the mother’s death?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I welcome the question from the member for Araluen. This side of the House has put every effort into wanting to alert Territorians about the issue of swine flu. In this particular case, which is an absolute tragedy – and while we are speaking about this issue, I pass on to the families our sincere condolences, and to all involved at the hospital.
I do not have those details with me, but I would be more than happy to provide you with those details as soon as possible.
Sport and Recreation Opportunities
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for SPORT and RECREATION
How is the Henderson government providing opportunities for Territory families to enjoy the great Territory lifestyle?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, providing Territorians with opportunities to enjoy a healthy lifestyle is a priority of this government. More than 100 000 locals and visitors enjoy free access to Leanyer Recreation Park, with its fantastic new water slides. This is a result of this government’s $5.3m development of the facility. In Palmerston, this government has committed $5m towards a water park. In Alice Springs, work on the aquatic centre is under way thanks to the Henderson government’s $8m contribution.
The Henderson government is also bringing top class sporting events to the Northern Territory, including, recently announced, 17 AFL games over the next five years, NRL games, national and international cricket, international tennis, and both men’s and women’s national basketball games. One important aspect of these agreements is the contribution and the investment into infrastructure, a legacy that remains for Territorians, particularly younger ones. For example, our $8m deal with the AFL involves more than $2m going into TIO Marrara and Traeger Park facilities, which our local athletes will enjoy.
Another highlight of these agreements is the community engagement aspect. We know Territorians really do look up to their sports idols and that is why it is important to get these athletes visiting the Territory into our hospitals, schools, and into the Indigenous communities to mix in with Territorians.
The Henderson government is proud of our record in delivering on sport opportunities and events in the Northern Territory, which is an important part of promoting sport and a healthy lifestyle for Territorians.
Care and Protection of Children
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for CHILDREN and FAMILIES
Did your department undertake any investigations into the suitability of the proposed care provider before the baby was placed into that person’s care?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Araluen for her question. I am sure, as my shadow, she would be aware that members of my department have particular procedures and protocols that they must follow in terms of any child who is required to come into the care or protection of the department. I say again to the member for Araluen that I am unable to provide those answers to her right now, but I am more than happy to do so at an appropriate time.
Barkly Highway – Tenders for Roadworks
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for INFRASTRUCTURE answered by MINISTER for BUSINESS
In January, floods devastated part of the Barkly Highway at the Rankin River, and, on 9 November, tenders closed for a contract for new roadworks designed to prevent the road being washed away again. Considering the road was washed away in January this year, and we are only three months away from January next year, why have the tenders been called for so late, and why was this tender not awarded earlier to avoid the risk of rain washing the road away again?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. As he has stated in the House, very heavy rains in that area, much more than the 1-in-50-year event, caused a metre of water to flow over the top of the road. There was a culvert involved and the road was undermined and washed away. As members would be aware, the road had to be closed from one direction, allowing the other direction to pass through, and it was quite disruptive to transport coming through the Barkly Highway.
As the member for Nelson alluded to, a tender has been let, I believe it was yesterday. It has been let to Ostojic Pty Ltd, to the value of $1.7m. That contract is to construct a larger, 3 m x 3 m culvert, replacing the former culvert, to reform the batter - which is the incline at the side of the road - and strengthen it, and also put the seal from the road over the batter to further strengthen it so the torrent will not lift the road, or is less likely to lift the road again. There is also money in that contract to construct a 1.6 km detour while those works are being undertaken.
The member for Nelson’s specific question was quite reasonable given the impending Wet Season and the likelihood of rain washing it away again at the height of the Wet Season. I understand that, basically, it comes down to a consultancy which was let to Sinclair Knight Merz in January 2009 to report on the mode of the failure of the Barkly Highway/Rankin River crossing, assess the original design, and provide advice on any improvements. A preliminary report with design options to reduce the risk of such a disaster occurring again was provided in March 2009. There was a number of design options put forward, and they are considered before adopting the preferred design. Then, there was a process, including an on-site inspection, and the tender process.
The advice I have regarding this particular work is that it will be completed in eight weeks, and it is expected to be completed by the end of this year. In essence, member for Nelson, it has been quite a complicated design issue, as I am advised. The contract has been let and the construction will be completed in eight weeks.
Seniors Programs
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for SENIOR TERRITORIANS
Can you please update the House on how the Henderson government is caring for families by making the Territory an even more attractive home for seniors?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his interest in Territory seniors and in how the Henderson government is making life better for our seniors.
We provide a range of services for our senior Territorians. The core of this policy is to look after our seniors, to keep seniors in the Territory, and also to attract other seniors from outside the Territory. We feel that we have a great diversity in our population and we really respect that and strive to support that. The seniors are our elders, our leaders, and they cap off those family relationships that are so important for Territory families.
The Northern Territory Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme, a concession scheme that I am proud to say is the most generous in Australia, is a scheme that assists pensioner, carers and disadvantaged Territorians. It is designed to meet the cost of essential services and to make their lives better.
Concessions provided by the Henderson government include subsidies on electricity, water, sewerage, spectacles, motor vehicle registration, council rates, free urban bus travel, and free drivers’ licences.
In addition, seniors and certain veteran groups can access interstate and overseas travel subsidies. This is a quite dynamic part of this seniors scheme that allows our seniors to visit their families who could be located, not only throughout Australia, but overseas as well. Over 20 000 Territorians receive benefits through this scheme.
In November 2007, the government released the Active Ageing Framework. That framework is the government’s commitment to provide support for people as they age, and to encourage them to take responsibility for their own health and their financial wellbeing.
A big part of the concession scheme, the support for seniors, the policy focus, which I was really proud of when I came into the portfolio, was Seniors Month. I have had some really good reports from Territory seniors about the activities, and the diversity of activities, which is fabulous. When you talk abut gardening, come and try golf, and archery, social ballroom dancing, a history mystery tour, the reports and the letters that we have received from seniors have been wonderful.
I comment on one that was raised by a number of people, and that was the Bush Tucker Feast held at the Bagot Community. It was a seniors initiative by our senior Indigenous Territorians from that area of this wonderful city. The other seniors, non-Indigenous seniors, reported that it was fabulous to go to this function, to see traditional cooking methods, to see Indigenous culture presented and celebrated. They have requested that they do this every year. I think it is a wonderful idea.
The Northern Territory Seniors Card is a joint government and private sector initiative for our seniors. This encourages businesses to participate. On the business side, they get a free listing, either in the Tourism and Leisure Directory or the General Directory, both produced annually. The Seniors Card welcomes the support of these businesses and is also happy to recruit new businesses. There are over 13 000 Seniors Card holders in the Northern Territory.
Government is always looking for new ways for policy development. This Henderson government is very active. I have been tasked with that. I am pleased to announce that nominations have just closed for the new Seniors Advisory Council. I am really looking forward to pulling that together, and to have this council that can advise the minister from the grassroots, from our leaders and from our elders, on our way forward for delivering for seniors in the Northern Territory.
Care and Protection of Children
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for CHILDREN and FAMILIES
Are you satisfied with the department’s actions with regard to the care of the baby about whom I have been asking you questions, and can Territorians have complete confidence in you and your government’s capacity to protect children at risk from harm or abuse?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Araluen for her question. May I also repeat, as in my previous answer, that I am happy to provide information to the member for Araluen at an appropriate time. Given the nature of this particular case, it is not appropriate for me to speak publicly on the issue. I have provided briefings in the past to the member for Araluen, and as recently as two weeks ago, I spent a number of hours in a briefing with the member for Araluen on different aspects of the area of Northern Territory Children and Families. I remind the member for Araluen that there are particular cases related to the confidentiality provision of the Care and Protection of Children Act, but I am more than happy to discuss this …
Ms CARNEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The question seeks no details as to the child’s identity. The minister does have a responsibility to account to the parliament for the actions of her department and herself.
Dr BURNS: Speaking to the point of order, Madam Speaker. The member for Araluen should be well aware of the legal framework that surrounds confidentiality under this particular act.
Ms CARNEY: Madam Speaker, I am well aware, but my question requires an answer from the minister, not the ducking and weaving that we have seen. I ask that you request her to answer the question.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Araluen, there is no point of order. Minister, can you come to the point fairly quickly, if you have not already finished your answer.
Ms McCARTHY: Madam Speaker, what I would like to confirm to the member for Araluen is that I am very satisfied with the care of the child at this present moment.
Territory Housing –
Impact of Pension Increase
Impact of Pension Increase
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for HOUSING
Recently, the federal government provided an increase to the pension. Could the minister please advise what impact this will have on pensioners living in Territory Housing?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question. That is correct. On 20 September this year, the federal Rudd government announced the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform scheme. What that actually meant was an increase in the fortnightly pension of $65, which was above and beyond the normal indexation of the pension. That was great news. In fact, I can inform the House that it was the biggest pension increase since the Whitlam government. That was welcomed by pensioners across the Territory.
We are confirming that we will ensure to pass on the full benefit of those pension increases to senior Territorians. As members may be aware, many pensioners occupy Territory Housing properties. I can confirm to the House that no pensioner has had their Territory Housing rents increased as a result of this record pension increase.
It was not a very easy task to actually separate the increase from the normal pension. Some 3000 rent assessments had to be undertaken by the department. I thank the department’s staff for undertaking those manual rent calculations to ensure pensioners did not get that increase calculated in their rent. There has been a lot of scaremongering going on around pensioners, which has upset a great many of them. Some have approached my office. I have written to all the pensioners in Territory Housing accommodation to confirm that that is not the case. I have been delighted with the responses that are coming back from Territory Housing pensioners. I have also written to the Council on the Ageing and the National Seniors Association confirming the intent of the Henderson Labor government. We value our seniors in Territory Housing and we are protecting the pension increases they receive.
Care and Protection of Children
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for CHILDREN and FAMILIES
Would you please advise the House if there are any current investigations into the care and protection of this baby, who was readmitted to RDH with fractured limbs and bleeding on the brain?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I have already answered this question for the member for Araluen. I reiterate to the House, and to the shadow, that there is an appropriate place to discuss the details of this particular case, but not to put it so publicly right now. I can give confidence to this House, and to the member for Araluen, that the child is in care and being treated appropriately.
Greenhouse Emissions
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY, FISHERIES and RESOURCES
In your speech at the NT Cattlemen’s conference in Alice Springs this year, you fleetingly mentioned greenhouse emissions and climate change, but made no mention of the effect on Territory agriculture. US President Obama is exempting agriculture from an emissions tax. What are you doing to stop the federal government placing an emissions tax on primary production, which could seriously jeopardise the future viability of NT agriculture, especially the cattle industry?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his important question. It is well known that the federal government has committed to introduce the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme by 2011, and to ask the primary industry sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Also, the Australian government has decided it is not practical at this stage to include agriculture. Agriculture will be considered for inclusion in 2013, after considerable discussion with the industry.
I will lobby the Commonwealth to ensure that agriculture is exempt. I am well aware that, currently, the Liberal Party has negotiated with the federal government on some amendments to vote for the scheme to go through the Senate. One of these amendments includes the exclusion of agriculture from the scheme. However, the National Party, and Nigel Scullion, the CLP Senator, have said publicly they will not support any amendments and they will vote down the reduction scheme.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr VATSKALIS: … negotiation between the Liberal Party and the federal government to have a carbon pollution reduction scheme that will exclude agriculture. I will continue to lobby the Commonwealth, because agriculture is very important for the Australian economy, considering the fact that other countries have excluded agriculture, and particularly important for the cattle industry for the Territory. We have to remember that, despite the climate change deniers, it is happening around us, it will happen, and it will affect the Territory and will affect Australians. We know that the Top End will have some change in rainfall, not much, but the centre of Australia will be severely affected by reduced rainfall, which will have, in turn, a significant impact on our cattle industry.
Again, I say that I will lobby the federal government, and I am prepared to work with the federal government, in contrast to Nigel Scullion and his National Party mates.
Road Safety
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for TRANSPORT
What is the Henderson government doing to make our roads safer for Territory families?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her interest in the safety of Territory families. I am very passionate about this. It is good to have this opportunity to talk about what the Henderson government is doing. The bottom line is families are at risk whenever they get into a motor vehicle and travel on roads. That goes right across the board, as I think we all agree.
The member for Arnhem and I have just hosted a group of children and their teachers from Borroloola. They are going home tomorrow in a bus, and they have a huge journey ahead of them. The last thing the member for Arnhem said to them on their way out the door was, ‘safe travel and I will see you next week’. That is what the Henderson government is delivering through a whole series of initiatives. We are taking action, and we are taking action because the Territory’s road toll is unacceptably high.
We are introducing a suite of road safety …
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! In the interests of time, are we going to debate this issue at length? The minister has a very long statement to give this afternoon, which is exactly what he is saying right now …
Members interjecting.
Mr TOLLNER: … why are we doubling up on this, Madam Speaker?
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order, resume your seat. Minister, you have the call.
Mr McCARTHY: Thank you, Madam Speaker. As I was saying, the Henderson government has a suite of initiatives that I would like to share, not only with the parliament …
Mr Tollner: You like to hear your own voice.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr McCARTHY: … but also with all Northern Territorians., The suite of initiatives is based on world’s best practice.
Northern Territory law mandates occupant protection standards in our vehicles: protection such as seat belts; front and curtain side air bags; seat belt pre-tensioners …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr McCARTHY: … devices in the event of an accident that reduce the chance of injury …
Dr BURNS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 51: no member may converse aloud or interject with the intent of interrupting what another member is saying. I want to hear what this minister has to say …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Dr BURNS: … I remind politicians of their report card in today’s paper for being arrogant and interrupting during Question Time …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of Government Business, resume your seat. Honourable members, order!
Mr Conlan: How much latitude is he allowed?
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Greatorex! Honourable members, I have to say, I have been pleasantly surprised that for such a long time in Question Time I have not had to call order. I wondered whether something had happened at lunch time. However, we are back to having to remind you of standing order 51, which I will read:
- 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.
Minister, you have the call.
Mr McCARTHY: Thank you, Madam Speaker, and I appreciate the members who are interested in taking the time to save Territory lives.
Devices work off best practice, and I will cut to the chase for the member for Fong Lim, who is not interested in saving Territory lives; but for everyone else who is, I would like to say …
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! That is an offensive comment, and I would ask you to ask the minister to withdraw.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order! Minister, the member for Fong Lim is feeling that, in relation to Standing Order 62, can you please withdraw the comment?
Mr McCARTHY: I withdraw that comment, Madam Speaker, and I am glad that I have the attention of the member for Fong Lim.
I urge all parents to restrain their children in motor vehicles. Families are able to sleep more peacefully knowing that responsibility is the bottom line, and it is everyone’s responsibility. The other area where the Henderson government has clamped down is on hooning behaviour. I am very proud of that legislation which gives police more power to deal with hoons. We have seen 52 hoons issued with fines, and we have seen 18 hoons lose their cars for a minimum 48 hours.
Tragically, the official road toll this year stands at 27 - 27 Territorian lives needlessly lost - and the impact on families is tragic, both financially and socially.
I did some research, and I had a bit of hope - I am going to throw this one out and it might take a bit of time. On 25 August, the NT News reported that the Country Liberals had done up a u-turn on the 130 km speed limit issue, and I thought that perhaps that was going to be a bipartisan effort. This is the last time that I will probably get to speak on this before the next sittings. By the next sittings, I urge the member for Blain, the Leader of the Opposition - get rid of those stickers, let us get everyone on board, let us unite on this speed limit issue, and let us take it out to Territorians to show that this parliament is united - the Henderson government has stood firm on it - let us show that this parliament is united.
The Henderson government is doing a great deal for families in terms of road safety, and I thank you for the opportunity to speak on it.
Care and Protection of Children
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for CHILDREN and FAMILIES
In an earlier answer, you said you did not know and did not have details about this case. Yet, in a subsequent answer, you said that you are satisfied with the care the baby is receiving. Are you satisfied with the care this infant received from the department after the mother’s death? When did you become aware of the circumstances of this case?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Araluen for her question. As I said in my first answer, this is a tragic case for the child and the families involved. One of the things I am very confident of within my department, under the leadership of Jenny Scott, is the good work, and the hard work of the staff involved across the agency: Jenny Scott, Allan Joy, Michelle Brown, Fran O’Toole, Leonie Warburton, and Debra Zupp. These are the men and women who lead the agency in the care and protection of children. I have no doubt that this child, whom the member for Araluen refers to, amongst the many children in my care, are being cared for appropriately.
I have responded to the member in this House that I would be more than happy to talk about this case directly with her in a more private setting, given the requirements by the legislation of confidentiality on particular cases.
Bellamack Gardens - Update
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for BUSINESS
Bellamack Gardens is an innovative residential development. Can you update the House on the current status of the development?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. The aim of government through this particular development is to offer housing at a reasonable price point to a part of the market which currently is not being served.
My colleague, the Treasurer and Minister for Planning and Lands, is absent today, but she has outlined to the House, particularly over the last fortnight, a number of land releases in Palmerston East: Bellamack, Johnston, Mitchell and Zuccoli. Over the next few years, 6000 lots will be coming on the market.
This is a special end of the market, and very much a pilot project, if you like. When we originally came out with this proposal, there were 32 dwellings involved, which has been cut down to 28 to provide more open space. It is aimed at families. The feedback we received when we asked people about these price points and this type of development, many people believed it was a good entry point, particularly for young couples possibly with one child, or before they start their family, to get a foothold in the market and start to build up some equity in their property.
Of the 28 dwellings, there are 18 two-bedroom ground-level town houses; two one-bedroom units with adaptable capacity to become two-bedroom ground-level town houses; and eight one-bedroom attached units. The average floor area for the two-bedroom units is 155 m2, and between 91 m2 and 138 m2 for the one-bedroom units. That is quite large compared to similar units and town houses in Palmerston in particular. The total entitlement – the total area of the development of the particular units and town houses - is between 162 m2 and 518 m2, which is also quite large.
One feature of is 55% of these developments will be open space, and that will enable people to have a front and back garden. They will be able to have a spa and a barbecue. It is quite private, with the fencing in between the properties ...
Mr Conlan: I thought it was a spa or a barbecue.
Dr BURNS: The member for Greatorex can scoff, but there will be a lot of interest in this particular development.
We have built in energy efficiency into the plans for these units and town houses. That has been scoffed at by some, because we were not whacking in airconditioners to begin with; there is capacity for people to put split-level airconditioning in. The wiring, etcetera, is already there for people should they want to do that. These dwellings have quite high ceilings. We have extended the overhang on the eaves, and the orientation in terms of the plan to enable breezes and cooling.
I believe it is a good entry point. People who are eligible for these units have to be eligible for Homestart. The rental that they would pay on equivalent properties in Palmerston is equivalent to what they would be paying in repayments in this particular development. The June quarter average rent for a two-bedroom unit in inner Darwin was $460 per week; the average in Palmerston was $330 per week. It is estimated that the average weekly mortgage repayment, based on the shared equity loan with Homestart NT, would be $338 per week. What I am saying is that, by paying $338 per week, similar to what you would pay in Palmerston, you are also building up equity in the property.
The planning application was lodged on 28 September, with an exhibition period of four weeks commencing on 2 October, and we are hoping to go out with a pre-qualified ballot in January 2010. The target date for completion is October 2010.
This is a very important project. Many people are interested in it. I know the Minister for Planning and Lands is keen to have further affordable housing at these regional price points through those developments I mentioned previously.
For the information of members, I table information about Bellamack Gardens so that they might acquaint themselves with what it is all about.
Care and Protection of Children
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for CHILDREN and FAMILIES
In your last answer, you said that you were satisfied with the performance of staff, who you named. You did not say that you were satisfied with the care of the baby. Are you, and have you always been satisfied with the level of care and protection …
Dr BURNS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 114: we are getting into a very repetitious area of questioning by the member for Araluen. Question Time has been going now for 52 minutes. Basically, it is becoming very repetitious, and I would ask you to rule on that.
Mr ELFERINK: Speaking to the point of order, Madam Speaker. We have yet to get an answer on this very important serious issue from the government. This is about Territorians’ right to know about how they are governed and the protections that are in place. I believe it should be answered.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Araluen, the question is very similar, but if there is a variation to the question, I will allow it.
Ms CARNEY: Similar in one respect, but different in another, and based on the minister’s last response.
Madam SPEAKER: I will allow it at this stage.
Ms CARNEY: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Given your last answer, in which you said that you were satisfied with the performance of the staff, my question is: are you, and have you always been satisfied with the level of care and protection provided to this baby since the mother’s death; and, second, when did you become aware of this case?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Araluen for her question, even though it seems to be the eighth question, I believe, on this particular issue. I believe I have answered it to the best of my ability under my requirement as a minister of the Crown in terms of an individual case. What I will add to this though, is that, let us remember in this House, that when we came into government, $35.4m was where the child protection budget began. That side of the House say they are interested in the welfare of children, but we know that this side of the House has worked tremendously over the eight years to build it to over $100m. It would be ideal that every child was safe forever right across this country.
Ms CARNEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! On the one hand, the Leader of Government Business objected on the basis that this question, in his view, was similar to an earlier question. It is asked because the minister steadfastly refuses to provide an answer. I ask that you request her to answer the question and not talk about something else.
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order. Minister, if you can come to the point fairly quickly.
Ms McCARTHY: My point is that we are absolutely committed to the care and protection of children. We have improved the budget to over $100m, by improving the care and concern in our remote areas, improving the staffing in terms of Aboriginal workers across the Northern Territory, and opening up Sexual Assault Referral Centres across the Northern Territory. This particular case that the member for Araluen has asked question after question on, I am more than happy to talk about in a more confidential environment.
Ms CARNEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Late last year, in this parliament, a report was tabled by the Ombudsman, in her capacity as the Health Complaints Commissioner, about a baby who was abused at Royal Darwin Hospital. That matter was debated, and questions relating to it were asked, in this parliament, yet the minister now says she does not want to talk about this because it is confidential. I ask you again, Madam Speaker …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Araluen, one of the issues the minister has raised is that she has obligations under law in relation to what she can reveal in this parliament. I do not know anything about this case, as is fairly obvious. You have just brought in an Ombudsman’s report: are you implying that this is the same case?
Ms CARNEY: No, certainly not, Madam Speaker. It illustrates, on the one hand, that the minister can talk about cases, but not, for some reason, this one.
Madam SPEAKER: I believe it was because it was something already reported, member for Araluen.
Ms CARNEY: But the identity of the child, Madam Speaker, was not revealed in that investigation, nor is it revealed today. The minister has an obligation and she is obviously not answering.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Araluen, there is no point of order. Minister, could you come to the point fairly quickly.
Ms McCARTHY: Madam Speaker, as I have said in my previous answers, I am more than willing to give that information directly to the member for Araluen. Unlike the opposition, I am very aware of my responsibilities as a minister of the Crown, and the confidentiality relating to the children who come under the care and protection of the act.
Mindil Beach Markets – Emergency Grant
Mr WOOD to CHIEF MINISTER
Recently, your government gave $50 000 to keep the Mindil Beach markets open. Could you please say why your government gave the money to the market’s management. Is the money a grant or will it have to be repaid?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. Everyone in this House would know the Mindil Beach markets are an amazing institution in the Top End. They are loved by many thousands and thousands Territorians, but even more importantly, a real icon for our tourism industry. The Mindil Beach markets are a must do experience for anybody who comes to Darwin on a holiday.
People from my office and the department met with Mindil Beach market members. They were in significant financial distress and circumstances, with very clear prospects that they would have to be wound up. I did not think that was in anyone’s interest. I, as Chief Minister, and the government believed that it was in the best interests of the Northern Territory that these markets stay open. An emergency grant was provided to ensure the markets were not forced into liquidation and foreclosure. The department of Business is working with the markets to ensure a robust and sustainable business plan is put in place to ensure they do not get back to that level of financial difficulty they were in, in the past.
At the end of the day, there is a judgment call: do you allow an institution like the Mindil Beach markets to collapse to the detriment of our tourism industry, to the detriment of the lifestyle of the Northern Territory, or do you step in, on a once and once only basis, to ensure they survive, work with them to put a business plan in place to ensure they do not get into trouble again. and that has been well received by Territorians.
Public Transport -
Initiatives for Improvement
Initiatives for Improvement
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for TRANSPORT
Can you outline to the House government’s initiative to improve the public transport system for families?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for her interest in public transport and its link to families. Once again, the Henderson government initiatives have provided a great link with families.
The first part I would like to discuss is the free transport for students, seniors, and carers, which pays off incredible dividends in facilitating opportunities for our seniors to travel throughout this wonderful city, and also our students. When we talk about students, it is not only getting to school, it is also the opportunities of having a job, of visiting friends, and of travelling together in a safe environment; and travelling at no expense to their parents. I know, as a parent, that can translate into those important budget items for our teenagers, which can be very demanding in the fashion stakes, for a start.
The Henderson government believes those who need public transport should not have to pay more, and that we should be supporting them. I have outlined that our seniors, pensioners, carers and students travel for free on our public and school buses.
There has been a solid take up of this initiative; so it translates well - good policy for a good outcome for Territorians.
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Can I ask you to ask the minister to table the document he is reading from?
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, is it a public document, or is it notes, or confidential?
Mr McCARTHY: Notes, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: Have you finished your answer?
Mr McCARTHY: I would like to share some more, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: Could you come to the point fairly quickly, minister?
Mr McCARTHY: Yes, Madam Speaker. The next point I would like to make is about the provision for Territorians with disabilities, and the new Disability Discrimination Act compliant bus shelters and stops, and the upgrading of these facilities. I could relay a really good example of that. The first one I had the privilege of opening was opposite Kokoda Industries. Fifteen new bus shelters will be installed …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! There are some very pressing issues that the opposition would like to pursue, and long-winded answers to run down the clock on Question Time is a disgraceful use of Question Time and a disgraceful attempt to cut off …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, there is no point of order.
Minister, you have the call if you have not finished your answer. Have you finished your answer?
Mr McCARTHY: Madam Speaker, I have been called many worse things than long-winded.
I would like to talk about the new orbital services planned for next year which will maximise services and provide a whole new system of operating public transport between Casuarina, Palmerston, and the city. However, in the interests of the Leader of the Opposition’s business, I will conclude my answer, but there is much more to tell and many more good stories.
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