2008-11-27
Health Complaints Commissioner Report - Health Minister
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER referred to MINISTER for HEALTH
The Ombudsman, in her role as the Health Complaints Commissioner of the NT, has tabled a report that is extremely critical of massive systemic failures by the hospital and hospital management to effectively respond to the appalling rape of a five-month-old infant in 2006. Do you still believe that you have a competent and reliable Health minister?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. The Health Complaints Commissioner’s tabling of her findings in this particular case is very disturbing. The case goes back to an incident at Royal Darwin Hospital in 2006. I have every confidence in the Health minister’s capacity and the action he is taking in response to this report, which was tabled in the House earlier today. For details of the actions being taken by the Health minister as a result of this report of an incident which occurred in 2006, I refer the question to the Health minister.
Dr BURNS (Health): Madam Speaker, I thank the Chief Minister for referring this question, and the Leader of the Opposition for asking this question. This is a very important and serious issue.
I received the report, which is in two volumes, from the Health Services Complaints Commissioner on Monday afternoon. I was appalled, angry, and concerned at what I read in this document. I commend the Commissioner for her findings and her extensive investigation into this matter. As the Chief Minister alluded to, it relates to a very serious incident at the paediatric ward at Royal Darwin Hospital in 2006.
At the outset, Madam Speaker, I give my apologies and the apologies of government to the family of this infant. It was a terrible incident.
At the heart of this report, and at the heart of what the Health Services Commissioner is reporting on, is an unacceptable failure by the Health Department to remedy the issues related to security within the paediatric ward at Royal Darwin Hospital. Even though they said they had addressed them, they had not. Subsequently, the parents of the infant made a complaint to the Commissioner, who has now come out with these very disturbing findings.
Since I received this report on Monday, until it was deemed as tabled here today, I worked to have a response - government’s response, and my response - to this report and, with the indulgence of members, I will outline that response.
First, I have engaged the services of Mr Jim O’Sullivan, former Police Commissioner of Queensland, to address the security issues which are raised in this report, and ensure they are implemented - something the department could not do.
Second, I have asked Mr Ray Norman, previous CEO of the Northern Territory Health department, someone who is very well respected in the health sector and in our community, to address the issues around the lack of transparency and accountability which have been raised in this report.
I have instructed the CEO of Health that a budget of $1m should be against the implementation of these recommendations. In my conversations with the CEO of Health I have conveyed, in no uncertain terms, my concerns and anger over this report and its findings. I put the Health department on notice, through the CEO, that there is to be no more foot dragging in the implementation of the recommendations within this report.
I have made it very clear to the CEO that, in relation to the implementation of the recommendations, and also in terms of the review teams into clinical governance, there is to be no more foot dragging. It is to be done. Anyone who stands in the way, drags their feet, or tries to delay, for whatever reason, or is not committed to it, will be out the door. That is the way I feel about this. That is what I have told the CEO of Health.
The last thing I have done, in my discussion with the CEO of Health - and he has agreed – is that there should be a Deputy CEO of the Health department with specific responsibility for the hospital sector across the Territory, but with particular focus on driving change at Royal Darwin Hospital. When you look at it, there is a train of events, most of which occurred in 2006, which are now coming through in reports by the Coroner and the Health Services Complaints Commissioner. That Deputy CEO will report directly to me, with the CEO of Health. It will be a position with considerable power and delegation. It is a similar model to that which operates in the Justice Department, which I have found to be quite successful, with Elizabeth Morris as the Deputy CEO with responsibility for Racing, Gaming and Licensing, and alcohol issues. That is what this government is doing.
I can only reiterate our apologies to the family of this infant. It is something that should not have happened in the first place.
The fact is, as found by the Health Services Complaints Commissioner, the department had undertaken to do a quite number of things, and the Commissioner lays out very clearly what has not been done. Some have been done, such as a CCTV camera finally installed in the paediatric ward; a swipe key system where people need to have a swipe card to access that particular area; and there has been some staff training - but nowhere near the 21 recommendations contained in this report.
Madam Speaker, I thank members opposite for listening carefully to what I have had to say in my response to this matter. I lay those matters before the parliament.
Royal Darwin Hospital – Mumbai Terrorist Attacks – Hospital on Standby
Mr GUNNER to CHIEF MINISTER
Everyone in this Assembly has been disturbed by the terrorist attacks in Mumbai overnight. Can you please inform the House what role the Royal Darwin Hospital may play in treating the victims of these terrible attacks?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question. I am sure like all Territorians, when I listened to the overnight new, I was extremely saddened to hear of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai - a senseless slaughter of human beings. It really does make all people around the world wonder why people commit such awful, terrible acts of violence against their fellow human beings.
We are a multicultural community in the Northern Territory, particularly in Darwin. I know the Indian community in Darwin very well, personally, as many of us do. I have contacted the local leaders of our Indian community today to pass on my thoughts and prayers for the victims. No one is aware of any local connection to these attacks.
This afternoon, I was informed that Royal Darwin Hospital has been put on standby to possibly receive some of those injured in those attacks. This is very early days. We do not have any more information than that. Royal Darwin Hospital is, as I speak, gearing up to potentially receive victims of these attacks. We all know Royal Darwin Hospital is respected right around this country for its trauma services, its trauma care regime, and the skills of the surgeons and the other clinical and nursing staff. They have an enormous reputation and regard, and they are preparing to receive victims.
Madam Speaker, we will keep Territorians informed as more information comes to light. I am sure all Territorians’ thoughts are with our local Indian community at this time. It is a tight-knit community; everyone knows each other. They are going through a very difficult time at the moment. Royal Darwin Hospital stands by to do whatever we can to assist in taking victims from these attacks and doing whatever we can for their care.
Madam Speaker, it was terrible news overnight, and once again, the Northern Territory and Royal Darwin Hospital stands by to do whatever we can at a very difficult time.
Health Complaints Commissioner Report - CCTV Security Cameras
Mr CONLAN to MINISTER for HEALTH
After the rape of this five-month-old infant at Royal Darwin Hospital in 2006, highlighted in this report, a decision was taken to put CCTV cameras into the paediatric ward to monitor the security of infants. Those cameras were not installed until CCTV cameras were installed in the kitchen area to prevent the pilfering of food. How can you allow this appalling flaw in priorities to happen?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I share the concern of the member for Greatorex. There was an undertaking given by the then administration of the hospital that CCTV cameras for security purposes to monitor those going in and out of the ward had been installed when, in fact, a camera was installed in the kitchen to monitor the pilfering of food, as the member for Greatorex said. That is unacceptable.
As the Commissioner outlines, the cameras had been installed in August 2008 - that is unacceptable. Once again, I commend the Health Services Complaints Commissioner, who has gone into the detail, who has gone on-site at Royal Darwin Hospital, and has investigated all the assertions and claims which have been made by the hospital administration in remedying the security situation. It is highlighted through this report.
I have pointed a way forward, with Mr Ray Norman and Mr Jim O’Sullivan, a former Police Commissioner of Queensland, to ensure that each and every one of these recommendations made by the Commissioner are implemented; but as well as that, to have a wider review of security issues on the campus at Royal Darwin Hospital.
COAG Meeting – Health Care Agreement
Ms WALKER to CHIEF MINISTER
This weekend, the Chief Minister will be joining Prime Minister Rudd and state and territory first ministers for a meeting of the Council of Australian Governments in Canberra. Can the Chief Minister outline to the House what he hopes to achieve for the Territory at this crucial COAG meeting?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. The Treasurer and I will be in Canberra this weekend for what is probably the most important meeting of first ministers in Australia in many years.
Mr Mills: Give my best wishes to Col Barnett.
Mr HENDERSON: Madam Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition, again, makes an inane interjection during what is a very serious issue.
I will be talking about trying to achieve more health funding for the Northern Territory. We all know that the global financial crisis is severe. It is a crisis, and we can see many major international economies around the world going into recession, and some of those economies, including the United States, into significant and deep recessions. All of that is buffeting Australia. We are seeing a lowering of growth forecasts for the Australian economy. As a result of that, we are also seeing declining company tax revenues to the Australian government, and a reduction of consumption by the Australian population leading to a decline in the GST pool.
It is in this climate that all state and territory leaders will be working hard to get a result on a new health care agreement. We are probably better placed in terms of our economy than virtually all of the other states and territories, but we are also seeing an impact in regard to our GST revenues. The fundamental issue is health and a new health care agreement. Already, a third of our budget is committed to health, some $913m this year; our government has increased the health budget by over 80% since we came to office.
The Territory government and the Territory taxpayer have been putting, proportionally, more of Territory taxpayers’ dollars into our health system. Over the years of the Howard government, there has been a declining commitment by the Commonwealth government to health funding. State and territory Chief Ministers and Premiers will be seeking to reverse that decline. We are already seeing assistance from the Commonwealth. Earlier this year, the Commonwealth government allocated an additional $5.3m for elective surgery waiting lists to the Northern Territory. That money went to very good use with over 390 additional elective surgery procedures undertaken by our hospitals by the end of September as a result of this additional funding. It shows that, when state governments work cooperatively with the federal government, it does benefit individual Territorians.
I can confidently say that the relationship is good between my government and the Commonwealth government, and we will be working very hard to reach the best possible solution for the Northern Territory. These negotiations are always tough. The Territory is very much the minnow around the table when we are competing for funding with Victoria and New South Wales, particularly in the health area.
The Treasurer is already in Canberra, working hard, meeting with the Commonwealth Treasurer on behalf of the Northern Territory. I will be leaving early tomorrow morning for meetings tomorrow evening, and Saturday and Sunday, with the other Premiers and the Prime Minister. I am hopeful of returning to the Territory with a new health care agreement which is more sustainable for the future and will lead to better health services for Territorians.
Health Complaints Commissioner Report - Funding to Implement Recommendations
Mr CONLAN to MINISTER for HEALTH
You have announced $1m to implement the recommendations by the Commissioner. Is this not simply two years too late for this child victim?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, this was a very serious incident. I have apologised, on behalf of government, to the family of that infant. It is a horrible incident that occurred in a paediatric ward. I am saddened by this incident. Many paediatric wards that I have had to deal with, including Royal Darwin Hospital, try to be open places for families to visit to be with their children, so they are not like gaol. The dedicated staff had to be DNA tested by police because of this. The staff is very upset about this, and so am I. That incident should not have happened.
My response to the member for Greatorex is: I am taking action to address this. I am angry and upset, as is, I believe, everyone in this parliament.
Palmerston - Violent Crime
Mr GUNNER to CHIEF MINISTER
We have all been disturbed by reports of violence in Palmerston. Can you please provide the Assembly with the latest information on the incidents?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question. It is important to put all the information onto the table in a responsible way. Police have made six arrests. They have interviewed over 40 juveniles about these incidents. Police are confident, on advice earlier this morning, of making more arrests. Twenty-seven extra officers were sent to Palmerston following these incidents, in a targeted way, with all the resources they could muster to lead to these early arrests and ongoing investigations. Our force had the ability to very quickly see an additional 27 officers, including 10 experienced investigators, allocated to the Palmerston task force as a result of the 280 extra police we have recruited to our police force since 2003. That has been the most rapid escalation of police resources in the Northern Territory since self-government.
It is important to report these facts. Our police do a great job and they are not helped by misinformation. The Leader of the Opposition came in here yesterday and claimed just five officers were on duty on the nights of these attacks – on duty …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: … he went on to say there were only five police officers on duty to protect …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order!
Mr HENDERSON: … 45 000 people. That is what he said: there were only five police officers …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: … to protect 45 000 people.
As I said yesterday, I do not do the police rosters for Palmerston station or any of the other police stations. I said I would wait to hear what the police comment was on the allegations made in this parliament yesterday. I would like to quote from Acting Assistant Commissioner Bert Hofer in the NT News and on Channel 9 last night in response to the allegations in the House yesterday:
- This is mischievous and untrue to suggest that there were only five people working over a period of time covering a population base of 45 000 people. That is simply not the case.
That is what the Acting Assistant Commissioner said yesterday on Channel 9, and in the NT News today he was just as clear. Acting Assistant Commissioner Bert Hofer said the opposition was being ‘mischievously incorrect’.
Am I going to believe the Acting Assistant Commissioner? Or am I going to believe the Leader of the Opposition? I know who I will believe, and that is the Acting Assistant Commissioner.
This is not the first time the opposition has been caught out trying to fudge figures. It was not so long ago those opposite were caught red-handed when they produced a document in this House which was completely fabricated in relation to police numbers. They will stoop to any level to get a headline - completely fabricated. For those who were not in the House, the document was later found to be faked. Parts of a report were cut and pasted together and made to look like something that represented the facts, and the giveaway was at the bottom of the page of the document. It said: ‘From a secret police source’.
This mob has form in regard to the assertions and allegations they make. What is more disturbing is the scare campaign. I said yesterday that there is, and there will be, quite naturally, in any community, a heightened sense of concern in Palmerston, and for the Leader of the Opposition to come out and …
Members interjecting.
Ms WALKER: A point of order, Madam Speaker. I am finding it extremely difficult to hear the Chief Minister.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Honourable members, Standing Order 51:
- No member may converse aloud or make any noise or disturbance which, in the opinion of the Speaker, is designed to interrupt or has the effect of interrupting a member speaking.
Chief Minister, you have the call.
Mr HENDERSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker, I have nearly finished. When there is heightened community concern as a result of these attacks, and the police respond very quickly with a significant degree of success, the Opposition Leader comes in here and tries to pour fuel onto the bonfire by escalating concern by asserting there were only five police available to protect 45 000 people in the Palmerston and rural region. That is patently not true, and was attested to by Commander Hofer on the news last night.
Health Complaints Commissioner Report – Actions of Minister for Health
Mr CONLAN to MINISTER for HEALTH
The rape of this five-month-old infant occurred on 30 March 2006. It has visibly shaken the Minister for Health and, indeed, every member of this Assembly. In light of that, minister, what have you personally done since 30 March 2006, and prior to your announcement today of $1m to implement security measures, to ensure that these security measures are put in place?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I was aware when I took over the Health portfolio in August 2006 and I received some verbal briefings in relation to this matter and the actions which were being taken to address the security issues. I cannot tell you exactly when that verbal briefing was, member for Greatorex, but, like the Health Services Complaints Commissioner, I was assured that measures were being put in place, such as CCTV cameras, the training of staff, and other measures to address the security issues. Obviously, the very …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Opposition members, please cease interjecting. This is a very serious matter.
Dr BURNS: … detailed investigation by the Health Services Complaints Commissioner, with the powers and resources she has, the attention she has paid to this, the documentation and the interview processes she has been through, she has very clearly shown a lack of action by the department in this matter.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: Madam Speaker, I have told the House the history of this. When I received this report outlining what had happened - and more to the point, what had actually not happened - within the department, I was very angry, and I remain angry. I received this on Monday and …
Ms Carney: So you knew about it for nearly two years, but you got angry on Monday. Not good enough, minister.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Araluen, cease interjecting.
Ms Scrymgour: You are shrilling again - hysterical.
Ms Carney: Come off it.
Ms Purick interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Araluen!
Ms Scrymgour: You are. You are both hysterical.
Madam SPEAKER: Deputy Chief Minister, cease interjecting. Minister, you have the call.
Dr BURNS: Madam Speaker, I received this very detailed report on Monday afternoon. As I said previously …
Mr Tollner: You would not ask for one yourself.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim! Minister, you have the call.
Dr BURNS: Madam Speaker, as I said earlier, I am very angry and concerned over this issue. I decided then that I would take steps, and I have outlined those steps to this House; first, to ensure the security is adequate and in line with what the Commissioner has called for here. I personally contacted Mr Jim O’Sullivan, former Police Commissioner of Queensland, and asked him whether he would carry out this work. He has agreed, and I thank Jim O’Sullivan for that – a very experienced and respected senior police officer. That is how seriously I take this.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: Well, the opposition has its point of view; I am standing here today, honestly telling this House the history of this, but, more importantly, what is going to happen; the action that I am taking regarding the governance issues the report has outlined: ‘The governance arrangements at RDH do not promote adequate transparency and accountability of the General Manager and the Department of Health and Families for the operation of the hospital’. That is why I have asked Ray Norman to look into these very issues that have been raised, and report directly to me and address and fix these issues.
Madam Speaker, I have also put the Health department CEO on notice that these things are to be fixed. There is to be no more obfuscation, no more unacceptable delays; this has to be fixed. I am intent and absolutely focused on doing that. That is also why I have asked the CEO to have a position of deputy CEO with particular focus on the hospital system throughout the Territory, and moreover, driving much needed change at Royal Darwin Hospital.
Dawn House
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for CHILDREN and FAMILIES
At Monday’s White Ribbon launch, the minister announced an additional $70 000 for Dawn House. Could the minister please outline what this money is for?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. I was very pleased earlier this week to launch White Ribbon Day at Parliament House. It is a day that recognises the need to eliminate violence against women, and within families. It is also a week where our Attorney-General introduced a bill for mandatory reporting of domestic violence. It is an Australian first to have mandatory reporting of domestic violence as an issue before the parliament.
As a community, we must continue working to do everything possible to deal with domestic violence, so I was proud to be able to release an additional $70 000 for Dawn House. The money is in addition to the $924 000 in annual government funding already provided to Dawn House. I had the opportunity to visit the shelter a couple of weeks ago. I know there are issues with numerous shelters across the Northern Territory, the issue of homelessness, but also with many victims of domestic violence coming forward and needing support and care and counselling to get through these situations. It is not only about helping the women involved in these incidences; it is also about helping the children.
In my portfolio as minister for Children, I am absolutely committed, as we are as a government, to ensure, for the future for our children in the Northern Territory, that we encourage our families across the Territory to take a good look at how we need to improve, by not having violence within our homes, or within our clan groups or our communities across the Northern Territory.
When I was at Dawn House, I met with the coordinator, Susan Crane, who has done fantastic work . Susan has now moved on and is taking a year off. I take this opportunity to welcome the new coordinator, Nfanwy Welsh, who has just taken on the role. She has been working at Dawn House for some time and I welcome her into that role as the coordinator. I was impressed by the facilities, but know that we have a tremendous amount of work ahead of us. I am also looking forward to speaking with many of the other shelters and legal services across the Northern Territory.
Health Complaints Commissioner Report –Security Measures
Mr CONLAN to MINISTER for HEALTH
You essentially said that you have been deceived by your own department. Since your verbal assurances that security measures will be implemented in the paediatric ward at Royal Darwin Hospital, have you bothered to check in the last two years that those security measures have been implemented?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, there is an element of trust in our job as ministers that, when we are informed and briefed about something that is happening, we trust it is happening. This is the basis of what we do.
When I received this report, I made definite inquiries about what has been implemented in the paediatric ward at Royal Darwin Hospital. As I outlined to the House previously today, closed circuit television has finally been installed; there is swipe card access which allows authorised persons to enter the ward; and there has been some training of staff, but nothing like that recommended by the Commissioner. Some steps have been taken …
Mr Elferink: Did you look? Did you go and see if there are CCTV cameras there?
Dr BURNS: The Commissioner has investigated this matter and …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order!
Dr BURNS: I know the opposition have a certain point of view. I welcome this report by the Commissioner. She investigated, in-depth, exactly what had been implemented by the department and what had not, and what measures had been taken. Members here, and those members of the public who care to read her report, will see in those 21 recommendations, very specific actions to be taken in terms of security, further steps, and very specific actions in terms of transparency and accountability. I have given the House the assurance, through the engagement of Mr Jim O’Sullivan, and also Mr Ray Norman, all those recommendations contained in the Commissioner’s report will be implemented.
Tourism Industry Initiatives
Mr McCARTHY to MINISTER for TOURISM
With an estimated value of $1.7bn to the Territory, the tourism sector is an important contributor to our economy. What initiatives are in place to support and strengthen our tourism industry in the current economic climate?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Barkly for his question. Tourism is an important economic contributor to the economy of the Northern Territory, contributing approximately $1bn, or 6.4% of the Territory’s Gross State Product, compared to 3.7% for Australia. At the same time, 17 000 Territorians are employed directly or indirectly in tourism enterprises.
However, as we know, we are heading for difficult times. When things are tough, when the economy is not doing well, people think twice about where they are going to spend their money and reconsider their holiday plans.
My department and I are working very closely with the tourism industry to meet these challenges head-on. We continue to market the Northern Territory as the premium place for nature-based and cultural tourism experience. We have a very solid, five-year strategic plan for the tourism industry which puts us in a strong position to face these challenging times. We also know the Australian dollar is not doing very well, it is quite low, which makes it difficult for Australians to travel overseas, so people will reconsider their plans and will probably choose to travel and have holidays in Australia, with the Territory being one of the prime spots to spend their dollars.
On the other hand, the low dollar makes it an attractive destination for people from overseas. In an advertisement published the other day on the USA Today electronic edition, Australia is very attractive to American tourists. I was very surprised to find they were offering a 10 day package tour to Australia for US$3900, including airfares and accommodation, which is exceptional. The low dollar in the international and domestic markets is good news for tourism, and certainly good news for Territory tourism.
We also target the high end travellers, the people with money, people who do not think twice about travelling to Australia and the Territory. These are the people who are going to suffer least from the economic turmoil around the world today. We are also targeting emerging markets, such as China, Korea, and southern Europe. We will invest $4m over the four years, and we will target these markets hard; these are untapped markets which can provide many tourists for the Territory.
In addition to the public release of the movie Australia, we have invested $600 000 to leverage off the Baz Luhrmann epic – the movie is a $150m, three hour promotion of Australia. Some of the critiques I have seen in the national newspapers are quite positive, especially regarding the landscape. It does not matter where it was filmed, Kununurra or Bowen, the only thing you hear throughout the movie is the Northern Territory and Darwin. People from overseas, even now, are not familiar with destinations, so Darwin and the Northern Territory would be the place they want to visit. In addition to that, we invested another $600 000 to promote Darwin as one of the stars of Australia.
We are not only focusing on the Top End; we have invested $2m in the first ever global campaign to market Alice Springs and the Red Centre. We also introduced a first ever in the Territory: a carbon Outback Offset Program to attract people who are conscious of the environment and the impact their travel will have on the environment.
Madam Speaker, we have the convention market. I am pleased to say, in 2009 we have 26 conferences and events confirmed, with 12 500 delegates already booked, which will put around $18.8m into the Territory economy. In Alice Springs, we have 14 conferences and events for 2009 booked, with 3180 delegates.
We might live in difficult times; however, this is the time for us to boost our campaign. This is the time to promote the Territory. This is the time for us to attract as many tourists as we can. The Territory will probably not suffer as much as other states, which continue to see a decline in tourist numbers - in Western Australia and Queensland up to 29%. In the Territory, we suffered a very small decline in international tourists, but we have seen an increase in domestic tourism. We will continue to promote tourism in the Territory.
Health Complaints Commissioner Report – Actions of Minister for Health
Mr CONLAN to MINISTER for HEALTH
It is clear from your previous answer that you have not bothered to check the security system, and if it was, indeed, in place at Royal Darwin Hospital following on from your verbal assurances. We question how often you have actually visited the paediatric ward and taken active involvement in the running of Territory hospitals. Do you really think this lacklustre approach is good enough for Territorians?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I regularly visit our hospitals. I certainly afforded the member for Greatorex the opportunity, and was glad to do so, to visit our hospitals throughout the Territory. I visit Royal Darwin Hospital on a regular basis. I visited the paediatric ward on a number of occasions.
As I said previously, the shame of all this is, first, someone would perpetrate such an act on an infant; and second, in a way, it does desecrate the intent of a paediatric ward. I have spent much time in various hospitals, and paediatric wards try to be bright, happy, open places where families can come to be with their infants. This has cast a shadow over that.
Things have to change, unfortunately. These wards can no longer have the type of access which was afforded before. It is an indictment, really, on the times we live in, that such a thing would happen.
Criminal Property Forfeiture Unit
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for JUSTICE and ATTORNEY-GENERAL
Can you inform the House of the progress government is making to ensure that crime does not pay?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. It was my privilege some weeks ago to visit the Justice department to learn more about the Criminal Property Forfeiture Unit that works so hard to actually seize property from criminal elements and syndicates within the Northern Territory. It is difficult, complex work; it is work which requires a lot of criminal intelligence, and a lot of expertise. Many of these syndicates use fairly complex accounting methods to hide their assets. In some cases, they have lawyers and very sophisticated accountants working for them.
The seizure of assets is a necessary tool to prevent further criminal activity. It really sends a very strong message to these people when they have their property seized. They are right back to square one. More than that, the picture I was shown was many, or most, of these people who have had property seized, are in gaol. I commend the unit on that, and the work of police who are integrally involved with this.
Since 2003, assets totalling more than $12m have been restrained and forfeited. More than $1m-worth of vehicles and boats has been seized. Additionally, $8m in real estate has been seized - which is an astounding amount. Other seized assets include: $1.3m in cash; $611 000 in bank accounts; and $706 000 in other assets. This adds up to more than $12m in assets. It is a very serious blow to organised crime in the Territory.
The police are doing a great job. I know there has been a focus on violent crime during these sittings and, rightfully so, it is a big issue. However, the public really needs to be advised more of the great work the police and officers within our Justice Department are doing to break organised crime in the Northern Territory.
When I was Police minister, a further investment of $1.2m was put into bolstering police and prosecutorial resources and forensic accounting resources, in getting the right staff with the expertise to really hit these criminals hard. I am proud to be part of the government which introduced tight legislation in this regard. The facts I lay before the House today really show it is working and hurting organised crime.
Humpty Doo – Rural Area Waste Facility
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for PLANNING and LANDS
Over two years ago, your government unilaterally closed down the landfill site at Humpty Doo, refused to give the Litchfield Council an alternative site at Sunday Creek, and told the council that all rubbish must be transported to Shoal Bay. In the meantime, the government said it was putting together a scoping study for a new regional waste facility in the rural area. Is the scoping study complete? Will it be a public document? When can we see construction start on your regional waste facility?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question, and his interpretation of events which led to the taking of that …
Mr Wood: You can only interpret the truth, Chief Minister. No spin.
Mr HENDERSON: Your interpretation of events some would dispute as being not quite accurate in regard to the history of this. Yesterday, we had in the gallery a former colleague, and former Treasurer of this House, Syd Stirling, who took a very active interest in Litchfield Shire Council and their capacity, or incapacity, to fulfil one of the core requirements under local government.
Moving on to answer the question, there is a lot of history about this. This is the detail I have for the member. As the member for Nelson would be aware, the landfill operation at Humpty Doo ceased in 2006 as the licence issued under the Waste Management and Pollution Control Act had expired and was not to be renewed. So, the licence had expired; it was not just a flight of fancy to close the operation.
Agreement was reached with the Darwin, Palmerston and Litchfield Councils for government to undertake a study into the development of a new regional waste management site on Crown land at Howard Peninsula. The consultancy was awarded to HLA Envirosciences Pty Ltd in July 2006 to carry out investigations into the planning, site evaluation, engineering feasibility, and concept design for the proposed facility on sections 4225 and 4226 at Howard Peninsula. Extensive consultation was undertaken with the Litchfield, Darwin and Palmerston Councils to ascertain waste volumes and types to determine the actual requirements of a new facility. Geotechnical investigations, test pits, and groundwater wells have been carried out on the preferred location to determine the soil profile and suitability, depth of bedrock, and characteristics of shallow aquifer, etcetera. The Stage 1 report submitted by HLA Envirosciences to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure has recommended the site to be suitable for the development of a regional waste management facility.
Stage 2 of the consultancy which investigated the social, detailed environmental and operational issues has also been completed. The next step will be that DPI and Local Government will consult with the three councils on the funding and the development of a new facility. Of course, any new facility will need to satisfy the environmental assessment process and obtain appropriate approval and licence to operate.
To answer the member for Nelson’s question: the studies have been completed - both the geotechnical, as well as the social and environmental studies. DPI and the Department of Local Government will be consulting with the councils on the funding and the development of the new facility in the near future.
Central Australia – Solar Power
Mr McCARTHY to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
Can the minister update the House on solar power initiatives in Central Australia?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is good news for Alice Springs. I am pleased to inform the House that yesterday, my federal counterpart, minister Garrett, announced a major solar power station will be built in Alice Springs as part of the Alice Solar City project. The $6.6m Ilparpa Solar Power Station will generate around 1800 mW hours of clean energy for Central Australia each year and reduce the Territory’s annual greenhouse gas emissions by 1300 tonnes.
I had the pleasure of joining minister Garrett at the opening of the Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre in October, which is Australia’s first solar technology park and is a true inspiration to sustainable desert living. These exciting initiatives demonstrate that Alice Springs has become the desert heart of solar power in Australia. All this has been achieved through the hard work of Central Australians, with a little help from local, Territory and Australian governments.
I congratulate the people associated with the Ilparpa Solar Power Station and encourage this House to join me in celebrating Alice Springs as the nation’s finest solar city.
Health Complaints Commissioner Report – Security Measures
Mr CONLAN to MINISTER for HEALTH
It is very hard to believe you did not know that these systemic failures have occurred at Royal Darwin Hospital. How can you, with a straight face, deny personal responsibility for this astonishing failure to responsibly look after the Royal Darwin Hospital? As we have said previously, and we will say it again now, you are either a coward or a liar.
Mr VATSKALIS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! He cannot call my colleague a coward or a liar. He is a person of integrity. He is visibly moved. It is a very serious situation. Do you think the minister for Transport checks the buses to see if they have fixed their brakes, if they are serviced every day? We reply upon our staff and drivers. I would like the member to withdraw the accusation made against my colleague.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Greatorex, under Standing Order 62(1), I ask you to withdraw the last comments, please.
Mr CONLAN: Madam Speaker, I move that so much of standing orders be suspended as would prevent this House from censuring …
Mr VATSKALIS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Censure is the most serious motion before the House, we will accept it.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! This is the end of Question Time. We will take the cameras away. Thank you.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016