2010-10-28
Child Protection Services - Implementation of Recommendations of Reports
Mrs LAMBLEY to MINISTER for CHILD PROTECTION
Three years since the release of the Bath inquiry report, how many of its 30 recommendations have been implemented? While you are answering, how many of the Little Children are Sacred report recommendations have been accepted?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. The reality is we have been working constantly to implement the recommendations, both from the Little Children are Sacred report and the Bath report. Many have been implemented or are under way, and all of them will be incorporated into the 147 recommendations of the current inquiry. You cannot look at them in isolation. All the inquiries, all the reports, have to be in conjunction with each other and be responded to together. Many identified by the Little Children are Sacred report and the Bath inquiry have been identified as areas requiring attention in the current inquiry.
Child Protection Services - Implementation of Reform
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for CHILD PROTECTION
Can you please provide the House with an update on the government’s progress implementing child protection reform?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question. Yesterday, I announced in the House that Professor Graham Vimpani AM would chair the reform steering committee, the body which will oversee and report to the public and the parliament on how the government is implementing a response to the recommendations.
Today, I confirm further members of our monitoring committee: Charlie King, a well-known sports identity in Darwin who was a member of the Board of Inquiry reference committee; Dr Sven Silburn, Director of Developmental Health and Education at the Menzies School of Health Research, who has conducted a large number of studies on child and youth mental health and Indigenous Health; Ms Donna Ah Chee, Deputy Director of Central Australian Aboriginal Congress and an advisor to AMSANT on Aboriginal health matters; Frank Hytten, Chair of SNAICC, who will be helping us establish the Aboriginal peak body; Teresa Neihus, President of Foster Care NT, who will be an important voice for foster carers; and Jacqui Reed, Chief Executive Officer of CREATE Foundation, which represents youth or young people in care. Jacqui also has 20 years experience in child protection. We are close to confirming further members of this committee.
The reform committee will be part of a three-tier governance approach, and will comprise, from the reform steering committee: the chief executives’ child protection task force, which will meet monthly to drive a whole-of-government approach to child protection; and a strategic reform and accountability team that will drive the implementation of the recommendations. I am sure this structure will deliver the reforms necessary, and I will be reporting to parliament about the implementation of the recommendations.
I table the final report into the Northern Territory Families and Children intake and response processes. This is the same report tabled as an interim report in February. I table it because there are technical reasons for tabling it within six days. All the recommendations of this report have been incorporated into the children inquiry report. We pay attention and give priority to these recommendations.
Child Protection Services – Backlog of Investigations
Mrs LAMBLEY to MINISTER for CHILD PROTECTION
Can you assure the House none of the children who have been in the backlog of uninvestigated referrals have suffered harm as a consequence of your government’s failure?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, there is a significant number of children in the backlog and there is a good reason for that, and that was identified by the inquiry. There are a significant number of notifications, and 85% of these notifications are Indigenous children, many of whom live in remote areas. In addition to that, the backlog is due to the lack of appropriately qualified personnel employed, or people who come here and virtually burn-out because the system is overwhelmed and it is a tough job. As you know, dealing with human tragedy every day, day after day, month after month, can take its toll.
I can assure the member, out of the 800 backlog we had, all the Category 1 children have been investigated, all the Category 2 children will be investigated by the end of this week, and the others are currently under investigation.
In order to address the backlog, we have nine policemen coming to intake, a number of people from policy coming to the front line, and we are employing seven new people. We have made offers for 21 people to come from England, we have 10 people coming from New Zealand, and six people from Tasmania. Our intention is to remove the backlog, to address all the investigations in time, and ensure the backlog will never be the same ever again.
Health Services Boost
Ms WALKER to CHIEF MINISTER
Can you please update the House on what action the government has taken to boost health services for Territorians?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. Improving healthcare and health services for all Territorians underpins many of the findings in the report on child protection handed down last week.
When it comes to investment, we have delivered $1.16bn in direct funding. That is a massive increase in the Health budget, more than double when we came to government. What does this mean on the ground for Territorians? It means an extra 237 doctors across the Territory, and an extra 729 nurses working in our system, in all parts of the Territory. Our outreach into communities is better than ever before.
I say up-front a big thank you to everyone who works in our health system; they do a tremendous job. Our hospitals are the busiest in the country, and we have also delivered an extra 127 beds in our hospital system.
This is a government that believes quality healthcare does not stop when you drive out of Darwin. We have seen significant improvements in healthcare and health outcomes across the Territory: the Indigenous infant mortality rate has fallen by 35% under this government; we have seen a four-year improvement in life expectancy for Aboriginal women; and cervical cancer rates have dropped by 61% - an extraordinary achievement. We believe in healthcare for all Territorians.
In regard to working with the Commonwealth government, the Commonwealth has committed to more GPs for rural and regional Australia, something that Natasha Griggs and the CLP oppose, as does Tony Abbott. They opposed doubling the number of GPs for regional and remote Australia. They opposed and would have scrapped the clinical training school which is being established with Charles Darwin University, the Menzies School of Health Research, Flinders University, and Royal Darwin Hospital which will see the first of an additional 40 GPs graduate, having conducted their entire undergraduate degree in the Territory - something that was opposed by Tony Abbott and the CLP.
This is a government committed to expanding and improving healthcare, and recruiting not only local staff, but bringing people to work in the Territory. All this effort goes to supporting the implementation of the recommendations in the report handed down last week.
Darwin Correctional Centre – Change to Visiting Hours
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
I have asked many questions on the change of visiting times at Darwin prison and I have just one more. Will your department delay commencement of the new visiting times until the same number of hours available under the old scheme are still available for families and friends, something that could be achieved by having visiting hours at the end of each structured day, increasing visiting hours on Friday evening and on the weekend, or by increasing the capacity of the visitation areas? Will you consider these so changes you are introducing are not detrimental to families?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. It is important to note the objective of this is to target resources into education, rehabilitation and training; I believe we agree on that. I have worked closely with the member for Nelson since the new era journey began for me.
We are already looking at the structure around weekend visits, and that means increasing the time of visits on Saturday and Sunday. I have said in this House over the last week the structure is about Monday to Friday - training, education, work, discipline, and accountability. The weekends we will definitely look at.
Infrastructure also comes into that. We are looking now at how we can provide improved infrastructure, and more infrastructure to cater for visiting families.
Regarding the last part of the question, it will be difficult for families from remote areas. However, remember, the Superintendent of Corrections has the capacity to allow flexibility. Families need to book; they need to let Correctional Services know their needs and travel details – and we will support families. I also ask families to put structure around their decisions about travel. It is important we all work together in rehabilitation, training and education.
I thank the member for Nelson for his interest and for his input, as a very positive working relationship in addressing some of the most disadvantaged Territorians and how we can turn around this cycle of recidivism, start to aim at the national target or even better, and prepare prisoners in the Northern Territory to return to the community with more choices for doing the right thing and staying out of our prison system.
Police Stations Closure Reports - Avon Downs and Harts Range
Ms PURICK to CHIEF MINISTER
The pastoral industry, Aboriginal communities, transport industry, tourists and travellers rely on and need the presence and services of remotely-based police officers, or police stations such as those at Avon Downs and Harts Range. These services include witnessing legal documents, receipt of Motor Vehicle Registry registration fees and checking, emergency road and air response and, of course, law and order across the board. Can you confirm or deny, as the case may be, Northern Territory Police management intends to close these two stations at Avon Downs and Harts Range and relocate the officers to Tennant Creek?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Goyder for her question. I am certainly not aware, nor have I seen any documentation at all in regard to the issues she is talking about. Quite the contrary, since we came to government we have increased the size of the police force by 393, significantly expanded the number of police stations around the Northern Territory, and significantly increased the capability of the police force.
The only government in the Territory’s history that has a track record of slashing our police force, in failing to recruit for four years one single police officer, in oversighting a police force which was so demoralised and dispirited they were being forced to cash in their recreation leave because there was so little funding …
Mr CONLAN: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I believe the Chief Minister has answered a very succinct, direct question …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Greatorex, resume your seat. Order! Chief Minister, you have the call.
Mr HENDERSON: Madam Speaker, the truth does hurt. We have an absolute track record compared to …
Mr CONLAN: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The Chief Minister is now debating the answer. I direct you to Standing Order 113: succinct, precise. There was no lengthy preamble to the question. The Chief Minister has answered the question; I ask that he resume his seat.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Greatorex, resume your seat. Chief Minister, you have the call. Come to the point.
Mr HENDERSON: Empty vessels make the most sound; that is all I can say, and the member for Greatorex certainly has a very large, empty vessel inside his skull that makes the most sound.
They do not like the truth. They do not like the fact that this is a government which has invested in protecting Territorians, serving Territorians, and building our police force. The only government in the Territory’s history which wrecked, trashed and demoralised our police force was the Country Liberal Party.
Indigenous Health – Update
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for HEALTH
Can you please update the House on the improvements in closing the gap in Indigenous health in the Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, this morning driving to work, I heard a lady telephone Julia Christensen to praise the Royal Darwin Hospital and the health system on how well they responded to an emergency. I am very pleased to say our government has made a major investment into closing the gap and improving the health outcomes for Aboriginal Territorians, in partnership with the Australian government and the Aboriginal community-controlled health sector.
We have introduced major reforms in maternal and child health; chronic disease prevention and management; delivered special services such as the Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre – and once again, I would like the member for Greatorex to visit, because to date he has not - and rolled out more primary health and renal services across the Territory than ever before.
Previously, I reported the life expectancy for Aboriginal women has improved by three years between 1996 to 2000, and 2001 to 2004. Figures from the latest available mortality data for 2006 show continued improvement in life expectancy - now up by four years from 65.2 years in 1996 to 2000, to 69.8 years in 2006. This figure shows the gap is closing. For 2006, the gap has reduced to 15.2 years compared to 18.2 years in 1996 to 2000 for Aboriginal women and women of non-Indigenous background.
We have seen cervical cancers collapsing for Territory women between 1991 and 2005 by 61%. For Aboriginal women in particular, it has gone down by 92%.
We continue to provide better access to renal dialysis. The reduction in kidney disease mortality in the Territory has improved significantly between 1999 and 2007. The rates are now equivalent to the rest of Australia, an improvement of seven years. This is an extraordinary turnaround from 1990, when the Northern Territory mortality rate was 66% above the national average.
We have improved health for Aboriginal children: mortality has fallen by 35%; stillbirths to Aboriginal mothers have declined by 38%; and birth weights for Aboriginal infants alive at birth are gradually improving.
We have put money into the health system. We have made improvements to the system, and these are the outcomes in black and white.
Katherine Hospital - Staffing
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE to MINISTER for HEALTH
Recently, four beds in the maternity ward at Katherine Hospital were closed, a reduction of 33% on the 12 which were previously there. Staff numbers in the children’s ward at Katherine Hospital have been cut from three to two on the morning shift. I am also advised that when auxiliary staff such as cooks, cleaners and ward assistants take sick leave or holidays, they are not replaced, meaning already overworked staff are required to cover the shortfall. Further, the hospital’s pharmacy assistant resigned months ago and has not been replaced, forcing nursing staff to operate the pharmacy. On top of that, in one ward, a ward assistant took extended sick leave. She was replaced by an assistant who worked a couple of hours a day, leaving the nursing staff to answer phones and respond to maintenance and stores requests.
Why are you cutting beds and services at the Katherine Hospital? Why you are not providing the people of Katherine with the health services to which a community the size of Katherine and surrounding regions is entitled?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the member has been wrongly advised. We did not cut beds in Katherine Hospital. The situation is the combination of people who have been on leave, sick, and the resignation of certain doctors, some of whom are leaving Katherine.
We are aware of the situation and the pressures at Katherine Hospital. It is a small hospital, and a reduction in the number of doctors will have an impact on the beds and the nurses. However, a team from Royal Darwin Hospital has already travelled to Katherine. Dr Alan Ruben is visiting Katherine to assess the situation, and staff from Darwin are travelling regularly to Katherine to fill gaps to ensure Katherine Hospital continues to operate as normally as possible.
Recruitment has started. I understand on 20 September, an orientation at the hospital for new staff took place. We are carefully watching the situation in Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs and Gove.
Alcohol Reforms – Reduction in Health Costs
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for ALCOHOL POLICY
Alcohol misuse places a significant burden on the health system. Can you please outline to the House how proposed alcohol reforms will help reduce the health costs associated with alcohol misuse?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his important question. We know alcohol misuse costs our community across the social spectrum. Territorians are drinking at 1.5 times the rate of other Australians. A study commissioned by the Menzies School of Health Research into the social and economic costs of alcohol misuse in the Territory estimates the total cost at $642m per year. This equates to $4197 per adult Territorian, running at four times the national average.
The report found alcohol continues to contribute to more deaths and hospitalisations in the Territory than anywhere else in Australia. The rate of alcohol-related admissions is double the national average. These admissions include treatment for chronic disease resulting directly from alcohol misuse, and the injuries our emergency department staff face as a direct result of alcohol-fuelled violence.
The facts are quite stark: 60% of all assaults in the Territory are alcohol related. Alcohol misuse is costing the whole community. This government’s alcohol reform, Enough is Enough, goes to the heart of these problems and targets the problem drinkers to turn them off tap.
The reforms have been welcomed as a direct health intervention. Dr John Boffa, a respected GP and a member of the People’s Alcohol Action Coalition in Alice Springs stated on ABC radio:
- The government has dealt with the alcohol problem as a mental health problem outside the criminal justice system and they are to be commended for that.
The treatment agencies of Amity Community Services, the NT Council of Social Service and FORWAARD, state these reforms:
- … will result in a safer and healthier Territory.
That is a joint media release from those organisations issued on 2 September.
The reforms are targeted. They turn the problem drinkers off tap, we enforce these bans with the roll-out of a Territory-wide ID system, and we will mandate treatment. We will increase rehabilitation and treatment options in the community. We will invest further in community education campaigns to promote responsible drinking.
The CLP has clearly stated it does not support an ID system, which means it does not support enforcing alcohol bans. The key difference is, under their policy habitual drunks will continue to purchase as much alcohol as they like.
Cyclone Shelters in the Rural Area
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
Your department is mentioned on the front cover of this Cyclone Survival Guide 2010-11 distributed in the NT News this morning. Page 20 shows the location of cyclone shelters, excluding the rural area. On the Police, Fire and Emergency Services website titled Shelters in the Northern Territory, it has the rural area shelters, which are Girraween Primary and Taminmin High Schools. Can you tell the people in the rural area why their shelters were not listed in the Cyclone Survival Guide 2010-11? Will you be requesting a reprint which shows the rural cyclone shelters so rural residents can also be safe during a cyclone?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. We are committed to increasing the capacity of cyclone shelters in the rural area. In relation to the publication in the NT News today, why the rural area was not mentioned is something I will take on board - I do not have an answer.
I can say to the good residents of the rural area we currently have over 1200 places for cyclone shelters: Taminmin High School, capacity 1000; Girraween Primary School 200; the Cox Peninsula council building 800; and work is nearing completion on upgrading Berry Springs Primary School to a cyclone shelter for 440. Regarding capacity in the region, Rosebery schools will have a cyclone shelter standard for an additional 600 people. By the end of next month, in that part of the Northern Territory, there will be an additional 1000 places.
I make a commitment today that Emergency Services will write to all rural residents reminding them of the places they can go in the event of an emergency once Berry Springs and Rosebery become available. Emergency Services will advise rural residents of where to go in the event of a cyclone hitting the rural area, and of increased capacity this government is delivering.
Beaches - Closure and Monitoring
Mr CHANDLER to MINISTER for HEALTH
Can you please advise whether your department is completing the minimum weekly monitoring of our beaches? Given the last two results for Nightcliff Beach reported on 19 and 22 October showed critical levels of enterococci, when can the community expect to be told what has caused beach closures over the first five months and what the current status of pollution is in the harbour? Although I appreciate beach warnings are in place due to the stinger season, why were no warnings given after the 19 and 22 October closing of Nightcliff Beach for swimming?
Mr Conlan interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I miss the member for Greatorex. He used to be very colourful when he was asking questions. He used to move his hands around like a Greek, like me.
I assure the member we continue to monitor the beaches. However, there is a little problem called stingers. Not many people dare, or should dare, to swim at this time of the year because we have a problem. We are more concerned about the effect a stinger would have if it stings you, rather than E. coli, irrespective of how high they are.
I assure you, yes, we do sampling, and the sampling results are available on the NRETAS website with links straight to the beach monitoring section of the environmental health website.
However, irrespective of the level of E. coli, I strongly recommend you not to swim this time of the year at the beaches in Darwin.
Renal Services – Central Australia
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for CENTRAL AUSTRALIA
Can you please report to the House how the Henderson government’s investment in renal services is benefiting the people of Central Australia?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for her question …
Mr Conlan: Just ask him, Marion, he is right next to you. Just lean over and ask him.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HAMPTON: It would be good for the member for Greatorex to get out in the bush a bit.
The Henderson Labor government takes renal services very seriously. Our record investment of more than $25m for renal services this year compares to $10m which was spent on renal services in 2001.
As the Minister for Health reported here today, just 20 years ago, the NT mortality rate was 66% above the national average. Now, survival rates for Territorians on dialysis are equal to the national level. As the Minister for Central Australia, I am proud to be a member of the Henderson Labor government that can point to such an excellent outcome, and we are continuing to work hard.
We are supporting peritoneal dialysis services in Alice Springs with premises leased from the Anglican Diocese at the Bath Street Lodge, rolling out dialysis units in Ti Tree, Amoonguna, Ali Curung, Milingimbi, and Ngukurr, with one transferred to the Western Desert Aboriginal Corporation. We are rolling out three fully operational renal-ready rooms for the drop-in centre on Flynn Drive in Alice Springs, and another is set for Darwin. We have also launched a mobile dialysis unit for remote communities in partnership with the federal Labor government and Amgen, which is now on its way from East Arnhem to Central Australia.
It is also very important we work with many other groups as well. The Minister for Health recently opened up a new privately-run but publicly-funded unit on Gap Road in Alice Springs which provides dialysis to 48 people, and began treating its first eight patients in April.
In my electorate at Yuendumu, they have used their own Aboriginal royalties from the Kurra Aboriginal Corporation for paying a renal nurse and nurses’ accommodation, and two machines. It is very important we, as the Territory government, work with other bodies such as royalty associations and the private sector to support more of these machines being rolled out, particularly in remote communities.
I could go on, but I will finish by noting the construction commencement for the expansion of the Tennant Creek renal unit. I am sure the member for Barkly will be very pleased to hear that has begun. This expansion is expected to be completed in March 2011 and will increase the facility by 32 places for dialysis.
The Henderson government is investing in renal services to the benefit of not only Territorians in Central Australia, but across the Northern Territory.
Alice Springs – Government Action Against Increasing Crime
Mrs LAMBLEY to CHIEF MINISTER
Given your government stated during the Araluen by-election its opposition to a curfew for children in Alice Springs, to increasing police numbers in Alice Springs, and to moving the police communications centre back to Alice Springs, what is the government doing to protect the people of Alice Springs from seriously escalating crime and repeated assaults against the person and their possessions? What exactly is your government doing to assist the growing numbers of victims of crime in Alice Springs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, we have had more questions about Alice Springs in this fortnight than we have had for two years, and it is great to see. The energy level and enthusiasm has been sharply missing from the member for Greatorex.
Mr Conlan: Rubbish!
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr HENDERSON: It is good to hear questions about Alice Springs, because we certainly do not get them from the member for Greatorex.
We have made a significant additional investment in Alice Springs. The Police Beat at the top of the mall, which the CLP opposed, has certainly made mall traders very happy. The roll-out of CCTV right across the central business district of Alice Springs is something this government has done. Previous CLP governments did not invest in new technology in Alice Springs. We have the youth action plan my colleague, the Minister for Central Australia, gave the answer to the other day. We are expanding and improving education services in Alice Springs to re-engage kids on the street and get them back to school.
Improving things for the future in Alice Springs is the success of the Clontarf Football Academy, and I thank Brad Puls and the Clontarf team. What an amazing job they are doing. I met with Gerard Neesham in my office today, and we will see nearly 30 Indigenous young boys graduate Year 12 this year. They will all go into a job, and all become strong role models. There is more to law and order issues in Alice Springs than police ...
Ms LAMBLEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The question was: what are you doing to protect the people in Alice Springs, and what are you doing to address the needs of victims of crime?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Araluen, what standing order are you referring to? That is not a point of order, member for Araluen. Chief Minister.
Mr HENDERSON: This government acknowledges the juvenile crime issues in Alice Springs. Yes, we need more police resources; we have more police resources. Yes, we need better coverage; we have better coverage with the Police Beat in the mall the CLP opposed. Yes, we need better surveillance than we have had; however, it is not just a policing issue.
I repudiate the member for Araluen, who said in her maiden speech they want to have police or security dogs yapping at the heels of people in Alice Springs. I certainly do not believe security dogs would be welcomed by tourists in Alice Springs. It would send absolutely the wrong message about what a beautiful town Alice Springs is with a great future. We believe in the future of Alice Springs. We do not talk Alice Springs down. We are committed to the future of Alice Springs ...
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
Berry Springs Nature Park - Closure
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for PARKS and WILDLIFE
Berry Springs Nature Park is again closed due to the E. coli level in water samples. Last year, this park was closed around October and did not open again until May this year, over six months. There have been many rumours about why the park is closed, ranging from the high number of bats in the wildlife park’s monsoon vine forest, which were not there when the park was first closed; the general hygiene of people using the nature park; the toilet system at the nature park - and the list goes on.
This closure is damaging local business and the tourism industry. With Howard Springs taking forever to reopen, Berry Springs is the only park where you can swim within 60 km of Darwin. Will Berry Springs Nature Park be reopened by next Dry Season? Can you table a copy of the water sample results, along with the standards used to measure against, for the past five years?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. For me, the first issue to deal with here is public health and safety. I will not be putting people into a position where their health may be in danger, member for Nelson. That is irresponsible and something I certainly will not do. It is on those grounds Berry Springs is closed; the recent testing has identified high bacteria levels make it unsafe to swim. A really important point to get across is that public health issues are a priority. I understand there is some angst that people cannot swim, but public health comes before that, member for Nelson.
The test results do not meet the guidelines endorsed by the department of Health, which were developed in light of the national guidelines. The nature park’s picnic area remains open, and there are other things for people to do there.
There are a number of causes of the high bacteria levels, which my people are looking at. It could be because of bat colonies that we cannot open those swimming holes, the same as at Howard Springs.
It is also why we are looking at Palmerston water park. We are aware there are issues …
Mr Wood: Too far away. That is Palmerston.
Mr HAMPTON: Member for Nelson, people in Howard Springs and Berry Springs will go to the Palmerston water park once it is open. I was very pleased today to announce the design tender has been awarded for the Palmerston water park. That provides another attraction for people out that way when we have to close these other parks.
I will take your other questions on board and provide those results and reports to you.
World Teachers’ Day
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
Tomorrow is World Teachers’ Day. How will you be celebrating World Teachers’ Day, and what message will you be conveying to Territory teachers?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. I am sure each member of this House will be celebrating World Teachers’ Day in their electorate, whichever side of the House they sit on. We all recognise the important, crucial work teachers do in our community. I will go to each school with a couple of trays of nibblies and a couple of bottles of champagne, which I say should be consumed after work, responsibly. I know all the teachers will do it responsibly. It is much appreciated, as I am sure are the efforts of each member here in celebrating World Teachers’ Day and letting teachers across the Territory know their efforts are really appreciated.
In the government system, there are around 2400 teachers, with around 600 teachers in the non-government sector of the Northern Territory. As an Assembly, we need to take our hat off to those 3000 people to thank them for their great efforts with our children. As a government, we value the teachers. Since we came to power in 2001, we have hired around 330 extra teachers, representing an increase of around 14%. Last year, we had a record education budget of over $880m, record spending in the BER. However, all that money comes to nought unless you have a dedicated, focused teaching profession interacting with the children in the classroom. That is what we have across the Territory.
I commend them. All of us remember teachers who had a big impact on us, who really have shaped our lives - outstanding teachers. Every teacher helps us. I have some vivid memories of teachers I had. It was a real pleasure to be taught by them, to have a thirst for knowledge, and for them to direct learning.
We will be celebrating across the Territory. There will be a celebration here tomorrow in the hall, and in Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs and Nhulunbuy. All around the world, people will be celebrating World Teachers’ Day. I am sure all members join with me today in thanking our 3000 teachers in the Northern Territory.
Flagstaff Park – Progress of Upgrade
Mr ELFERINK to MINISTER for LANDS and PLANNING
In the 2007-08 Budget, $6m was allocated for the upgrade of Flagstaff Park. Why was that money not spent, and when will Flagstaff Park be completed?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Port Darwin for his question. I took great interest in his adjournment the other night and the interest of the electorate. This incredible job on our books - it is a wonderful, fascinating part of the city - needs to be planned and developed accordingly.
The member gave a long chronology about this proposal. I took that on board. I actually went to my office that night and said: ‘This is urgent; this relates to an electorate issue’. I have requested an update. This is very important work from the government, and we will be delivering it. I accept the chronology. I also say to the House this is very important work, therefore, it is important to get it right.
I have also had some interesting dialogue with the community. I am aware a planning and design process is under way. I am also aware there are very active and interested community stakeholder groups, including members of the Stolen Generations, who I have had great delight in meeting with ...
Mr Elferink: You had $6m in the budget three years ago!
Mr McCARTHY: Member for Port Darwin, it is definitely a piece of work from government that we are …
A member: It is a piece of work; it sure is, when you get around to it!
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Elferink: You are a piece of work.
Mr McCARTHY: Madam Speaker, I pick up on the interjection. I am involved in a very important piece of work, member for Port Darwin, and I take it very seriously. If you want to discount that, then I will only be able to demonstrate it to you when our government delivers that very valuable development in Darwin.
Elizabeth River - Impact of Damming
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
In the 1990s, fishermen, environment groups and ordinary Territorians fought hard to force the CLP to back down on its proposal to dam the Elizabeth River. Given the CLP has now resurrected this proposal, can you please outline what impacts damming the Elizabeth River will have on our harbour and our fish stocks?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his very important question. This government has taken strong action to protect our harbour. My colleague, the minister for Planning, is leading the charge in planning for the city of Weddell and ensuring it is a sustainable, tropical city.
Damming of the Elizabeth River will not proceed under this government. Let there be no doubt, damming the Elizabeth River will have a profound effect on our harbour. I have a report in my hands, the new plan - or the old plan - of the CLP, which clearly indicates the impacts of damming the Elizabeth River: 800 ha of mangroves would be lost; breeding and feeding habitats for fish would be gone …
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I ask when the honourable member finishes speaking he table the report he is referring to.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, is it a public document or is it personal notes?
Mr HAMPTON: Well, it is your plan, so I am happy to table it. I am reading from your plan.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, continue with your response.
Mr HAMPTON: Madam Speaker, as I said, it is their plan and I am quite happy to table it.
The report I have clearly indicates the impacts: 800 ha of mangroves lost; breeding and feeding habitats for fish – gone; soils potentially leaching sulphuric acid into the harbour; risk of algal blooms and toxic releases into the harbour; siltation problems, with 9000 tonnes of sediment into the lake each year.
It gets worse. The report highlights modelling which shows the lake will become permanently stratified, so there will be two layers created in this lake of the CLP’s, with the bottom layer becoming severely depleted in oxygen to the point where it will be toxic to marine life and create conditions where nutrients and other accumulated pollutants will be released. This is a disgrace! On top of this, there will be enormous greenhouse gas emissions from the loss of mangroves and paperbarks.
It is absolutely irresponsible to dam a tropical river near its mouth, and it clearly shows the old CLP guard is back in control, and they do not get it – but they should.
The so-called new plan the Leader of the Opposition released is not really a new plan - it is their old harbour plan from 15 years go.
I call on the shadow Environment minister to stand up and go against his own party on this. It is in his electorate, and the member for Brennan should come out against his party and slam his party’s old plan.
Child Protection Services – Children at Risk
Mrs LAMBLEY to MINISTER for CHILD PROTECTION
How confident are you, in cases where child protection investigations have been closed since the release of the first Bath inquiry report in November 2007, that the children subject to those investigations are no longer at risk?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, investigations do not happen as blocks and then nothing happens. They are continuous investigations because there are continuous notifications. As we get notifications, they are triaged and referred for investigation. The backlog we have today is not a backlog that just happened today; it is a backlog that can go for a period of time.
As I explained before, some of this is due to people resigning, not able to recruit, and an unrealistic expectation by the community. That is actually recorded in the inquiry report. All of a sudden, everything seems to be a problem for the child protection department.
One example given to me was a phone call to the intake that a family allows the kids to swim in a river where they know there are crocodiles. Another one reported the house was overcrowded. Yes, they might be factors that contribute to child neglect, but they are not areas the department will respond to - other departments respond.
Again, we take this seriously. I thank the member for Araluen. I hope she will be as good as the previous member for Araluen and work with children’s services, for the simple reason the inquiry report highlighted this report should not be used for media promotion or playing politics, but should be a bipartisan approach to work together.
Madam Speaker, I advise the member for Araluen, from the previous question …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Drysdale! Member for Greatorex!
Mr VATSKALIS: Madam Speaker, the member for Araluen asked me how many of the recommendations from the Little Children are Sacred report have been implemented and how many from the Bath inquiry. I am sorry, sometimes I get carried away and I did not give the whole answer.
Of the 97 recommendations from the Little Children are Sacred report, 39 refer to children’s services specifically; of them, 22 are completed and 17 are ongoing. From the Bath report, there were 31 recommendations, 22 are completed and nine are ongoing. Work is being done, and continues to be done. Some will not be finished within a week, a month, or six months; it is a work in progress and it will take a long time to achieve and complete all these recommendations. However, we are trying our best.
Council of Territory Cooperation – CLP Withdrawal
Mr GUNNER to CHIEF MINISTER
The media is reporting the Country Liberal Party has withdrawn from the Council of Territory Cooperation. Can you please inform the House what this means for the Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay. I have to say this has been confirmed to me. I am surprised the Leader of the Opposition did not announce at the beginning of Question Time that his members were standing down from this committee.
What this is all about is the weak leadership of the Leader of the Opposition, and the fact that he is now running from the demands of the member for Fong Lim. It is very plain he has caved in. He knows the dogs are snapping at his heels and the only way he can hold off further challenges from the member for Fong Lim is to start caving into his request, because …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Drysdale!
Mr HENDERSON: … the member for Fong Lim, right at the beginning when we announced the Council of Territory Cooperation, has campaigned against it. Time and time again in this parliament, he has been absolutely disparaging, not only of the Council of Territory Cooperation but the work it has done. He was not only disparaging, he also belittled the council by calling it ‘a council of love’ in the early days.
It is disappointing the weak Leader of the Opposition has now caved in. He has walked away from, not only a responsibility, but a real opportunity to not only scrutinise government, but to hold government to account …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: … through the media, in an open, accountable and transparent way. The Leader of the Opposition has picked up his bat and his ball and he has run home ...
Mr Mills: Rubbish, I am not playing your game.
Mr HENDERSON: He has picked up his bat and ball and he has run home. He is weak, he is spineless. He has caved in to the Leader of the Opposition in waiting. The Leader of the Opposition in waiting is snapping at his heels.
The member for Fong Lim needs four more. We know he is a numbers man. The member for Braitling had those numbers in the bag, otherwise he would not have challenged. But they went to water at the last minute when a show of hands was called for, as opposed to a secret ballot. I am very disappointed the Leader of the Opposition has taken his bat and ball and walked away.
I commit to the people of the Northern Territory that the Council of Territory Cooperation will keep going. It will continue to be open and transparent; public servants will appear. The seats are there at the table should the CLP wish to rejoin it ...
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
Angela Pamela Uranium Mine
Mr WOOD to CHIEF MINISTER
In response to my question yesterday on the Angela Pamela mine, you said a clear majority of people opposed the mine. The Chamber of Commerce and Cameco say exactly the opposite. Who is right? Do you have any figures to back up your statement?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I stand by my assertion. I know the member for Greatorex absolutely agrees with me, as does the member for Araluen, who very quickly acknowledged that the vast majority of people in Alice Springs would oppose an application to mine uranium at Angela Pamela. Over the last couple of years, as I have visited Alice Springs, opposition is across all sections of the community - not only the lefties and the greenies, but across all sections: the business community, the tourism industry, professional people in Alice Springs, as well as the usual suspects who campaign on this particular issue.
That was acknowledged by the member for Greatorex, who was up out of his chair in a shot, saying the Country Liberal Party stood shoulder to shoulder with the government on behalf of the people of Alice Springs. The new member for Araluen was right there beside him. Then, the weak Leader of the Opposition, after the lead had been taken by the member for Greatorex, was dragged into the spotlight to concede the overwhelming mood of the community in Alice Springs.
In regard to Cameco-Paladin, yes, I met with them recently with the Mines minister. We agree to disagree. I have seen a copy of that research undertaken by Cameco and Paladin. The question they asked was about exploration; it was not about mining. The results from that survey were essentially 50:50.
We stand by our decision. We support uranium mining in the Northern Territory, it is an important industry and it has a bright future. However, the people of Alice Springs do not want a uranium mine 20 km from their front door. I am pleased the members for Greatorex and Araluen were so quick to support the decision taken by the government. I was grateful to see the Leader of the Opposition belatedly come forward and also support his Central Australian colleagues.
Joint Replacement Waiting Lists
Mr TOLLNER to MINISTER for HEALTH
I am aware of the circumstances surrounding an elderly Darwin lady who has chronic arthritis and is in urgent need of a knee joint replacement. Numerous requests to the department by her GP have finally resulted in her case being upgraded from Category 2 to Category 3. But, get this! The department now insists another review has to take place in January 2011.
Why is your department continually giving this lady and her GP the runaround? Is this how your department generally handles patients with urgent need for joint replacements? Will you table data of historical and current waiting lists for joint replacements throughout all categories in the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. It would be more useful if he had approached me and written to me directly, because then I would have the option to find the answer and provide it to him, and inquire of the department why the review has been requested.
My degree is in environmental health not in medicine, so I cannot give any medical reasons why the lady has been requested to have another review. I am very happy to provide him with information - to personally take care of it, find out what the circumstances are and come back to him.
Taxis - Roll-out of CCTV Cameras
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for TRANSPORT
You have announced a great initiative to improve the safety of taxis. Can you please update the House on how the roll-out of CCTV cameras in Territory cabs is progressing?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, our government is committed to the development of the commercial passenger vehicle industry in the Territory and the objective of a safe Territory. We want to see more transport options on the road, including the late night and peak periods. We want to encourage more drivers into the industry, and that relates to providing more surety. Across all jurisdictions, it has been seen that CCTV adds to that.
The roll-out of CCTV cameras commenced today. I was honoured to go across the road at lunchtime and participate with the industry in looking at the first taxi which has been fitted with CCTV, to talk to the Taxi Council representatives, the drivers, and the media, who were also very interested in this great development for the Northern Territory, because it is addressing antisocial and criminal behaviour. When we talk about CCTV, we talk about passenger and driver safety, monitoring people, and hard evidence which can be used in enforcement of the law. They will be an important resource as we move forward and the roll-out continues.
We are also serious about getting more taxis on the road during the peak periods. I am pleased to say that 10 peak period licences have been taken up with industry - new licences which we introduced into the industry. These taxis are operating from 10 pm to 7 am daily and all day on Saturdays. It was great to talk to people in the industry at lunchtime. They were very appreciative of the peak licences. They say they have had a real impact in delivering our objective of more effective and safe transport through the commercial passenger vehicle industry. They were also very appreciative of the CCTV roll-out.
I share that pat on the back with my government colleagues and with the opposition as, no doubt, they also embrace this initiative throughout our commercial passenger vehicle industry, not only in Darwin and the greater Darwin area, but across the Territory. It was another great event and another great strike on the pad for our government.
Old Hospital Site - Development
Mr ELFERINK to MINISTER for LANDS and PLANNING
Your government has said it would commence work on the old hospital site early this calendar year. It is already 10 months late. Can you explain why?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, approval for the revised design layout of the old hospital site was received by Cabinet. The concept design has been modified to reflect outcomes of community consultation, with key stakeholders informed of these design changes. The amended designs were presented to the public through the Northern Territory News and the Department of Lands and Planning Internet site. The proposed park has not been formally named. This is important work, in a very important part of the city …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The question was: why have you not started work?
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, could you come to the point, please.
Mr McCARTHY: Yes, Madam Speaker, I have mentioned we have started work with the design phase and the planning phase before that. It is a very important project and it has commenced. I will be honoured, when this project really kicks into the construction process, to take you there and walk you through it, member for Port Darwin ...
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Supplementary question. My question is to the minister. How many Territorians can take their dogs for a walk along the design phase?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, that is not a supplementary question.
Mr ELFERINK: Well, it is a serious question.
Madam SPEAKER: It is not a supplementary question.
Minister, if you wish to answer it you can; however, it is not a supplementary question.
Mr McCARTHY: Madam Speaker, so far in my political career and in Question Time I have managed decorum. I choose to maintain that decorum, because I found that to be a ridiculous question. We will see this development and we will both celebrate it.
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