2010-12-01
Territory Cost of Living
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
This morning on ABC radio you said: ‘It has been a fantastic year’. The median rent in Darwin for an average three-bedroom home is approaching the $600 mark, and the cost to buy a house is out of reach for many Territorians to the extent that, in the past six months, 700 more people left the Territory for interstate than came here, citing the cost of living as the primary cause. Do you think people struggling to find a place to live or spending a significant proportion of their income on rent would agree with your assessment that it has been a fantastic year? Will you acknowledge to those people that it has been a fantastic year?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the opposition loves to wallow in negativity and never see any bright lights in the Territory at all. It has been a fantastic year in many regards in the Northern Territory. The opposition does not understand that there has been something called the global financial crisis which has had ravaging impacts on economies around the world, where …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Katherine!
Mr HENDERSON: … thousands of people have been thrown out of work, where economies have plummeted, where people in the United States, Ireland and other countries have seen the value of their homes collapse by up to 40%. The greatest savings plan most will have in their lives is in purchasing their home. I acknowledge we have seen a significant increase in home values across the Northern Territory that have added to the savings plans of thousands of Territorians who have appreciated the rise in value of their property. For most people, the family home is the most significant investment they will ever make and people want to see a return on that investment.
I acknowledge we have affordability problems in the market, which is why we are turning off land at five times the rate of any previous government. I urge the Leader of the Opposition to look around Palmerston, look at the significant volumes of land that will be coming on to the market next year in Bellamack and Johnston, and planning for Zuccoli. What is happening out there is unprecedented.
The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the impacts of interest rate increases. With the global financial crisis banks have really restricted their lending practices. On the balance of all observations, give me the Northern Territory any day. Ask people living in European countries, ask people living in the United States having to battle with recessions about what is happening in those economies. By all yardsticks, we do have issues in the Northern Territory, and I acknowledge some people are struggling under the costs of high rents. We are …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Drysdale!
Mr HENDERSON: … working hard to maximise land release and land sales throughout the Northern Territory.
The banks have tightened up. If I had more time, I would also talk about the affordable rental housing company the Housing minister has brought to the Northern Territory to work in this space as well. I acknowledge people are struggling under high rents.
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
Government’s Election Commitments - Progress
Mr GUNNER to CHIEF MINISTER
Can you please update the House on the progress of the government’s election commitments?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay. This is a government that is delivering on what we said we would deliver. We are the first government in the Territory’s history to publish progress reports on our election commitments. I table the latest report.
This parliament has never seen this level of transparency in a mandate of a government. I include the following highlights:
- six new Police Beats operating in Casuarina, Nightcliff, Alice Springs, Katherine, Palmerston and Parap. These are Police Beats the opposition would close down;
62 additional CCTV cameras in hot spots across Darwin, Casuarina and Palmerston;
the new schools in Rosebery are going to be fantastic. Those schools are opening their doors to students for the first time in February next year. No doubt, the opposition will find something to complain about, something to nitpick about. Fantastic new schools in Palmerston;
free public transport for seniors and students across the Northern Territory. We are the only place in Australia doing this. Free public transport is helping our seniors and students with the cost of living;
more ambulances with a service up and running in Palmerston;
we are well on the way to meeting our target of 10 000 new apprentice and trainee commencements. Just last week, I was talking to some of those trainees and apprentices. They are not walking around with doom and gloom in their heads like the opposition;
the Palmerston water park is well under way, and also the one in Alice Springs, which is going to be fantastic;
the Palmerston boat ramp will be finished soon; and
we supported the expansion of Jetstar into Darwin, and look at all of the jobs that has created. Jetstar is working with the Northern Territory airport, seeing a $60m investment and expansion of the airport. That would not have happened under the CLP.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Port Darwin! Member for Fong Lim!
Mr HENDERSON: We created 5000 jobs in the Northern Territory last year, the lowest unemployment rate in the Northern Territory’s history. That has been a very significant achievement in what has been a very difficult year with the global financial crisis.
The Territory is doing well. People have confidence in the Northern Territory. The only people who do not have confidence in the Northern Territory are those people opposite.
Procurement Process - Alleged Corruption and Referral to Auditor-General
Mr ELFERINK to MINISTER for JUSTICE and ATTORNEY-GENERAL
Last night in this House, I raised the issue that I had reported to the Auditor-General incidents of alleged corrupt acts in a government procurement process. I had referred a man to the Auditor-General and, subsequently, that matter was referred to the police for investigation. That person has now refused to cooperate with the investigation for fear of reprisals. What steps have you taken to approach the Auditor-General to review this matter? What efforts have you made to satisfy yourself of the veracity or otherwise of this person’s claims? If you have done nothing, what will you do to satisfy yourself of the truth behind this person’s allegations?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I welcome the question. Hearing the allegations - the unsubstantiated allegations, I might add - led by the member for Port Darwin in the Chamber last night, I have held discussions with my Under Treasurer on the tender process right through to the Procurement Review Board. I am satisfied we have robust processes in the scrutiny, and the checks and balances. I pointed out that the member for Port Darwin may be referring something to the Auditor-General. The Auditor-General has looked into any allegations in the past and found them unsubstantiated. I refer to the Rosebery school tender in that regard. These are unsubstantiated allegations.
Also, there is a defined process. Any unsuccessful tenderer can lodge an appeal, and there is a formal process to go through. The member for Port Darwin is being completely mischievous here. There is a very clear tender process, with an independent to government ministers panel sitting there. There is a Procurement Review Board that scrutinises any tender. So, if there are any specific issues, there are processes to follow, and I urge that those processes be followed.
I am very confident of the panel and the work they do. I know that, from time to time, it is a highly competitive environment, particularly in the environment which is occurring in the construction industry at the moment, whereby they are seriously reliant on the public spend.
The members opposite laugh about the global financial crisis, but talk to industry, talk to the construction industry out there …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The question was quite succinct: has she spoken to the Auditor-General, because the Auditor-General has actually taken statutory declarations from this guy.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, resume your seat. It is not a point of order.
Ms LAWRIE: Madam Speaker, as I was saying, in the environment of a highly competitive construction sector out there which is highly reliant on the public spend, of course you will have unsuccessful bidders complaining about the process. However, they should lodge the appeal and follow that process.
A furphy has been run that maybe there will be some payment paid back to them. That is not true. We are a transparent and accountable government. The checks and balances are in the system. The checks and balances have been there and established for years. There is a robust testing system which occurs. It is up to the Auditor-General as to what work he takes on. It would be inappropriate for the Attorney-General, and myself as Treasurer holding both portfolios, to try to influence the Auditor-General in any way.
Rosebery Schools – Construction Progress
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
Can you please advise the House about progress with construction of the new Rosebery schools?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, this was an election promise made by this government in 2008 to build new schools in Palmerston. We have invested $60m in the Rosebery school. I visited there a matter of weeks ago and it is 95% complete. It is ahead of time and on budget. I must commend Halikos for the fantastic job they are doing out there.
This school, which is both a primary school and a middle school, will cater for 1450 students. They are taking enrolments now. I know we have had some open days where people have enrolled their children, and I urge people to continue looking at these great new schools. As a foundation student in those schools, their names will be engraved on the wall and it will be a special pride of place for them to return in the decades to come as a foundation student of Rosebery.
There will be 57 staff. It truly is a school of the 21st century. It has state-of-the-art ICT, nationally and internationally; high speed wireless transmission throughout; interactive whiteboards in every classroom; laptops available to all classes at all times; and an IMAC computer lab for multimedia studies for photography, movie making and recording studio. It was selected as a 2011 Microsoft innovative school for the Northern Territory and it is one of 20 such schools across Australia. It has great capacity for performing arts. The facilities include multimedia computer lab, dedicated dance room with mirrors and all sorts of things in there, a gymnasium, a cyclone shelter, a fully-equipped science lab, and I was very interested, as an amateur cook, with the commercial grade kitchen and caf. That will be a great plus for the students there.
So it is a testimony. We said we were going to build a school. We have built the school. It will be open for business next year.
I come back to the assertions made by the shadow Treasurer in this place - well, he was the shadow Treasurer; I am not sure what he is now. He said last night: ‘Like the Rosebery school, there are deep concerns and ructions in the industry about these particular issues’, referring to his allegations about corruption. He said:
- I referred them to the Auditor-General and they came back with a clean bill of health.
I say to the member for Port Darwin: stop trying to throw mud at reputable Territory companies like Halikos. This is a fair, open and transparent process. Halikos, over a number of jobs, have shown that they are able to deliver on time and on budget. That is something that is taken into account with the criteria as they are assessed in awarding tenders. I commend Halikos, and I commend the department.
Territory Emergency Departments – Wait Times
Mr CONLAN to MINISTER for HEALTH
In October last year, you ignored a report by the AMA which highlighted the long delays experienced by patients at Territory emergency departments. In fact, you claimed the AMA report was totally inaccurate. You did it, it was 12 months ago, you said it right here. Do you then dismiss yesterday’s report of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, a federal government agency, which shows the Northern Territory has the lowest proportion of emergency presentations seen on time anywhere in the country. Why is it that just 56% of emergency presentations are seen on time?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I did not dismiss either of those reports. What I always said, and will always say, is that Northern Territory emergency departments are the busiest departments in the country, with one presentation every 10 minutes. If the member for Greatorex bothered to do his job properly and bothered to have a look at the reports …
Mr Bohlin interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Drysdale!
Mr VATSKALIS: … he would find that Category 1 and Category 2 people who present at the emergency department are seen within the prescribed times. Categories 3, 4 and 5 are the ones who have to wait so that emergency cases, like heart attacks, can be addressed first.
There is no doubt we have one of the sickest populations in Australia. Last year, the Royal Darwin Hospital hospitalised nearly the entire population of the Territory: 200 000 admissions, and every 10 minutes there was one presentation to the emergency department. This is the place with half the number of GPs per 100 000 of the population, thanks to Tony Abbott, who completely neglected training nurses and doctors when he was minister for health.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Greatorex! Order! Opposition members! Member for Greatorex!
Mr VATSKALIS: The member for Greatorex is trying to pull the health system down. He has tried that many times. He is the only spokesman for Health in Australia who has not bothered to visit the oncology centre despite repeated invitations being sent to him and rearranging times to suit him.
Mr Conlan: Repeated! I have been there a couple of times.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Conlan: I have been there a few times, actually.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Greatorex!
Mr VATSKALIS: How can I take what he says seriously when nearly every other urban member has visited the oncology centre. I thank them very much for that; it is very important to see what this health system can offer our constituents.
This is the so bad health system that other states want us to treat their people. Western Australia wants people with renal problems to be treated in Alice Springs. People from South Australia come to Alice Springs to be treated. Well, who would I believe; the hundreds of people who come to the Territory to be treated by our health system, or the member for Greatorex who tries to pull our system down?
Schedule 3 Parks and Reserves – Joint Management with Native Title Bodies
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for PARKS and WILDLIFE
There are 10 parks and reserves, including the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve, listed as Schedule 3 parks under the Parks and Reserves (Framework for the Future) Act. Which of these 10 parks will be jointly managed with native title bodies? Will the Alice Springs Telegraph Station be the only park jointly managed with a native title body instead of land council?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Macdonnell for her question. She asked me a similar question in the House last week, so I am happy to take that on board again. As I said last week, the Telegraph Station is currently out for public consultation, and I encourage Centralians and Alice Springs residents to make comments about the joint management of the Telegraph Station. Lhere Artepe, a native title organisation in Alice Springs and representative group for the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, will be working with Parks and Wildlife towards an Indigenous Land Use Agreement.
There are quite a few different levels of management of our parks which we are going through the joint management of parks and the Parks and Reserves (Framework for the Future) Act. They are under different schedules, as you would be aware, being a former Minister for Parks and Wildlife. I am happy to provide a briefing for you about which parks will be coming under which levels of the Parks and Reserves (Framework for the Future) Act.
CLP Candidate for Lingiari – Alleged Job Offer made by Opposition Leader
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for JUSTICE and ATTORNEY-GENERAL
Yesterday, it was leaked to the media that two members of the CLP management committee took notes at the infamous CLP management committee meeting. These notes back up allegations that the Leader of the Opposition offered Leo Abbott a job to withdraw his candidacy. Can you please update the House on this serious matter?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question.
Members interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE: They have already started interjecting because they do not want to hear.
It is now eight days in which the Leader of the Opposition has refused to answer the question: did he offer Leo Abbott a job or not? Yes or no? The reason he is refusing to answer is clear; he knows that if the answer is yes, then he must resign. Documents shown on the ABC last night show that the Leader of the Opposition did offer a government job to Leo Abbott if the Coalition was successful in the federal election. Madam Speaker, I table a screen image from the ABC television news last night ...
Mr Conlan: Can’t you get the actual document yourself?
Ms LAWRIE: Thank you for that interjection. I also table the transcript of the management committee meeting of Sunday, 15 August 2010.
What came out as a result of the ABC news bulletins was a disgrace; the CLP walked out the door and labelled their own party members liars, but without denying the allegations which, of course, has only prompted more leaks. It is now clear that the Leader of the Opposition has lost the support of his party ...
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I did nothing of the sort, and I did not call anyone liars other than the people who misrepresented that document.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, it is not a point of order. If you wish to approach me later about making a personal explanation you may do so.
Mr ELFERINK: Yes, that is a good idea; you will get a personal explanation.
Ms LAWRIE: Today, we have been advised by CLP sources that there were other CLP parliamentary members at that meeting. If that is true, those members should come forward and tell the truth to Territorians. The reason Terry Mills is refusing to answer is clear: he knows that if he answers truthfully, then he must resign.
Madam SPEAKER: I remind honourable members that we refer to members by their titles. Over the last couple of days there have been a number of cases of use of personal names. Please remember to call members by either their electorate name or the title of their office.
Territory Health System – Ministerial Responsibility
Mr CONLAN to MINISTER for HEALTH
Minister, for the record, I have been to the oncology unit a number of times – without you knowing, I guess.
In relation to the inquiry into the disastrous Montara oil spill, you told ABC radio you were the first person to blame your department. You preside over the worst waiting times in emergency departments of any Health minister in the country. Do you think you are able to accept some responsibility for the ongoing failure of the Territory health system to deliver basic standard care that other Australians enjoy, or are you simply going to blame your department all over again?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. It gives me the opportunity to tell him exactly what we have done in the Health department. Our so-much-failed Health department, when you compare what we found in 2001, shows a very significant difference ...
Mr Bohlin interjecting.
Mr VATSKALIS: If the member for Drysdale allows me to continue, I am very happy to advise the House ...
Mr Bohlin interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Drysdale!
Mr VATSKALIS: In 2001 when we came to power, we found 272 doctors; today we have 384 doctors. In 2001 when we came to power, we found 1322 nurses; today we ...
Mr Conlan: In 1912, we had about five doctors here. In 1823, we had about one doctor here.
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 51, the member for Greatorex.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Greatorex, will you cease interjecting?
Mr Conlan: What an absurd thing to say.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Greatorex!
Mr VATSKALIS: Madam Speaker, from 1996 to 1999, the then CLP government cut the number of nurses by 200. People were leaving in droves at that time. I know that because I worked for the Health department. Today, the stability of staff in the Health department is the highest ever at 78%.
We have nurse-to-patient hours which were never implemented before; we have an increase in the life span of Aboriginal women; we have a significant decrease in cervical cancer; we have a significant decrease in ...
Mr Bohlin interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Drysdale, there is a great deal of interjecting coming from you. Cease interjecting, please.
Mr VATSKALIS: ... infant mortality for Aboriginal children; we have a significant decrease in anaemia in Aboriginal children; we have a significant increase in renal dialysis machines outside Darwin, something the CLP steadfastly refused to do because they did not care about the bush, they did not care about Indigenous people.
We have the first ever oncology centre in the Northern Territory. When we promise something, we deliver. The Labor government in Canberra delivered the whole oncology, not half a unit as was promised by Natasha Griggs prior to the election. We now have people coming from Western Australia to be treated in Darwin. The Western Australian government has bought beds and located them in Darwin. That is the confidence of a Liberal government in our system. We have people from South Australia coming to the Northern Territory for treatment and, now, we are talking to Western Australia, because people with cancer from the Kimberley and the Pilbara want to be treated in our oncology centre.
This is what we delivered in the past 10 years for Territorians. We do not talk our system down; we support it and we improve it.
Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre - Progress
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for CENTRAL AUSTRALIA
Can you please inform the House of the progress on the $8.1m commitment this government has made to the construction of the Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I hope the member for Nhulunbuy might get down there next year and enjoy the new facility when it is completed. It is a fantastic facility being built before our eyes. When I am in Alice, I regularly drive past the swimming centre and see it taking shape. It really is exciting. It will provide an all-year-round swimming facility, not only for competitive swimmers and those looking for a bit of recreation during the colder months of the year, but also for families. Stage 2 will provide a 25 m indoor heated swimming pool with eight lanes, as well as the water slides, which are going to be fantastic. As I said, they are great recreation facilities, particularly for many of our younger people in Central Australia.
It is a facility for everyone, not just those in Alice Springs. Our Mayor, Damien Ryan, is a strong advocate for it. The town council is doing a lot of the administration and project management. Recently, Damien Ryan invited shire mayors from around the Territory to Alice Springs to have a good look at the facility and how it is taking shape.
As the member for Nhulunbuy quite rightly pointed out, it is this government’s commitment from the 2005 election of $8.1m - a significant contribution to this great facility.
As Minister for Climate Change, it is great to see the Alice Springs Solar City taking a major part in this project. There will be 275 solar panels put on the roof of the aquatic centre which will provide solar heating for the two indoor pools, as well as the two outdoor pools.
I am looking forward to it opening next year. Maybe the member for Greatorex will turn up in his budgie smugglers. I know Liberal parliamentarians have a tradition of turning up in budgie smugglers. I will be turning up in my Pioneer footie shorts and I will take a dive in. I just cannot wait.
Litchfield and Coomalie Shire Expansions - Consultancy
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Last year, your government contracted a consultant to investigate the future of non-incorporated land around Litchfield and Coomalie councils from the point of view of establishing local government in that area. Could you please update the House on the outcome of that consultancy? What does the government intend to do now that it has the results of that consultancy?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. One of the first things I made clear in regard to any further expansion of shires across the Northern Territory, as the Chief Minister said from the outset and I have made clear as I have gone around talking to Wagait, Coomalie, Litchfield and Darwin City Council, is that any further plans to amalgamate any of these areas has to come from the people - certainly from the councillors themselves. The government is absolutely committed to a community-driven and transparent approach to possible council boundary expansions.
In 2009, the former Minister for Local Government approved a $28 500 grant to the Coomalie council to undertake community consultation in the particular areas they were interested in. In November last year, the facilitators released that report, as the member for Nelson said. The report recommended the boundary expansion options be developed to the stage where there could be informed discussion of the most appropriate model for local government in both the existing local government areas and in the unincorporated areas. I have recently approved a further grant of $150 000 to the Coomalie council on 10 June 2010 to undertake the second phase of that boundary expansion plan, which includes the unincorporated areas. I have approved $100 000 to the Darwin City Council to review the practical issues linked to the possible amalgamation of Wagait and Belyuen council with the Darwin City Council.
But, as I have said from the outset, this has to be a discussion on the ground. Clearly, our government has seen from the amalgamation of the eight shires across the Territory collapsing the 70 community government councils that it has to be community driven. I am absolutely committed to that approach.
Ms Purick: It was not before. It was forced amalgamation.
Ms McCARTHY: And if the member for Goyder would like to listen to this, it is particularly interesting for her area.
Ms Purick: More worried about people at Marrakai.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms McCARTHY: The opposition is very good at trashing the Territory. They do not have the opportunity to talk with the people and say: ‘Hey, you guys, come forward with the plans that you want’.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms McCARTHY: This is interesting, isn’t it, Madam Speaker? A very tired, bored, grumpy old lot on the other side. No vision whatsoever for the future of the Northern Territory.
It was agreed by the councils that the Coomalie-led study of boundary expansion would consider the following options: incorporation of Coomalie and the currently unincorporated areas; amalgamation of Coomalie, Litchfield and the unincorporated areas as a municipal council …
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Emergency Departments – Patients Not Treated
Mr CONLAN to MINISTER for HEALTH
Statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show that, in the last financial year, 11 322 patients left Territory hospitals without being treated. That is almost 40 patients a day who got tired of waiting in emergency departments and left. It is also higher than in other larger jurisdictions such as the ACT …
Ms Lawrie: That is why we need super clinics, that you do not want.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr CONLAN: … Tasmania and Western Australia. It is interesting, have a look at the report, it is all there. Additionally, the figures show that, last financial year, 1051 patients left Territory hospitals at their own risk.
Minister, very simple, yes or no, please, what guarantees can you give that no one who left the hospital suffered harm as a result of not being seen in a timely manner? Why are 40 emergency department patients leaving the hospital every day without being seen?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, as I said before, our emergency department sees one person every 10 minutes. We have the smallest number of GPs. As a result …
Mr Conlan: I thought you just put an extra 100 in, in the last 10 years.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Conlan: Hang on, did you not just add a whole lot more doctors?
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr VATSKALIS: … people who actually try to see a GP, if they cannot get a GP, will turn up to our emergency departments. The role of the emergency department is to treat people if they need urgent care, people with heart attacks, Category 1 and Category 2. Most of the people who waited a long time and left, were Categories 3, 4 and 5. That is why we are addressing the issue by employing more nurses, more doctors, and establishing GP super clinics like the one in Palmerston. In one month, that clinic has seen 1000 people. This is the kind of super clinic …
Mr Conlan: Heart attacks only at Territory hospitals, that is it?
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Conlan: Do not bother taking your kids in if they are crook, they will not get seen.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Greatorex!
Ms Lawrie: They do get seen.
Mr Conlan: But they will not, Category 1 and 2 only.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Greatorex!
Mr VATSKALIS: This is the type of super clinic that Tony Abbott and the Coalition wanted to close down. They do not want to establish any new ones. The super clinic in Palmerston and the after hours service have seen around 18 000 people in about a year. If these people had not been seen there, they would turn up in our emergency departments.
We have been negotiating with the government in Canberra for another super clinic in the northern suburbs. I have a personal interest by the federal minister for Health to discuss this issue with me, because this is the way to address two issues – one is the lack of doctors, 58 GPs per 100 000 population in the Territory compared to 95 GPs per 100 000 in New South Wales and Victoria; half the number. If there is a flu epidemic in Darwin, try to get to a GP in a clinic, try to see a GP, you have to wait two or three days, and these people will turn up to our emergency departments.
There are pressures in our emergency departments and we are addressing these pressures. We are addressing these pressures by employing more nurses, more doctors, and putting in place super clinics. We have delivered for Territorians and we will continue to deliver.
The only thing that the opposition has claimed was a hospital …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr VATSKALIS: … like the Bathurst hospital. The Bathurst hospital closed three days after it was opened because it was so badly designed that …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Drysdale! Member for Greatorex!
Mr VATSKALIS: … people could not push the beds through the doors. People had to operate in areas where sewerage was leaking. That was the model the Leader of the Opposition proposed for Palmerston.
Have a look at our plan, at what we delivered for Territorians, and look at the plans the CLP has for the health system in the Territory.
Land Release in the Northern Territory
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for LANDS and PLANNING
There is a great deal of work under way across the Territory to deliver new land for Territorians. Can you please outline to the House the progress in delivering the Northern Territory government’s election commitment related to land release?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. This government is delivering land release across every major centre in the Northern Territory. As the Chief Minister said, we are investing in land release five times faster than ever before in the Territory. This is an accelerated time in the Territory’s growth, and that is reflected in accelerated land release programs across every major centre in the Northern Territory.
It is also important to note that planning for the Territory’s newest city of Weddell is under way. We are planning to accommodate 50 000 extra Territorians at Weddell. I encourage all members to visit Palmerston East. I was there a couple of weeks ago. I really enjoy driving in on a Sunday and watching the incredible growth which has occurred over a period of 12 months, and being able to talk to tradies on the ground - the people who are delivering the subdivision, grader drivers and plant operators, and talking to department people. It is an exciting place to be. I honestly hope the members opposite take a trip there and enjoy that excitement.
If I can go to some statistics: in Palmerston East, the suburb of Bellamack, 670 lots …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Goyder! Member for Sanderson
Mr McCARTHY: … with 200 lots already sold. I was there two weeks ago. In excess of 30 homes are being constructed; with more titles being released at the end of the year in Bellamack; 200 lots in Johnston, an incredible subdivision taking shape there. The first of these is expected before Christmas.
The government has invested $10.5m in the headworks for Johnston, a considerable investment in land release. Government has also called for developers to construct the next stage of Johnston, another 290 lots, and I am proud to say the Land Development Corporation is about to joint venture with a partner to deliver 400 lots in Zuccoli, another suburb. Zuccoli is not only the name of a brilliant Territorian, but also one of the new suburbs developing in Palmerston East.
Let us head down the track to Katherine: a 39 lot subdivision with work expected to be completed in the coming weeks. Downtown Tennant Creek: can I share the excitement of Tennant Creek, with the release of 28 lots. Alice Springs, 39 lots at the Ridges Estate and, very exciting, the Lhere Artepe and the development of the Mt Johns subdivision.
Elective Surgery Waiting Lists
Mr CONLAN to MINISTER for HEALTH
The Chief Minister described 2010 as a great year for Territorians. If that is the case, what do you say to the thousands of Territorians stuck on elective surgery waiting lists? The list now sees the median wait time blown out to 46 days from just 21 in 2001. That is well above the national median of 36 days. What does the minister have to say to Territorians stuck on those elective surgery waiting lists?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. In fact, the number of elective surgery procedures increased by 320 in 2009-10 compared to the previous year. That is on page 110 of our annual report. We have focused our effort on treating people who have been waiting the longest but, unfortunately, the Territory has never had a medical school and our own-grown doctors. We rely on doctors from other states. For example, there is a lack of anaesthetists at the moment all over Australia. We are trying to recruit anaesthetists, because without anaesthetists we cannot have elective surgery.
The member is putting the system down. He blames everyone, 5700 public servants who work diligently to deliver health for all Territorians. The member chooses to ignore some very basic facts. They ignore the basic facts. This is the busiest …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr VATSKALIS: … emergency department in Australia. We have 742 presentations per 1000 population compared to 315 for the rest of the country. The number of hospital admissions in the Territory …
Mr Conlan: Too much work. Too much work for you by the look of it.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Greatorex!
Mr VATSKALIS: … is three-and-a-half times the rest of Australia: 527 presentations compared to 184. At the same time, in the Territory we have the highest number of beds per population: 3.5 beds per 1000 population compared to 2.5 beds in the rest of Australia.
Let us talk about doctors: 1.6 doctor positions per 1000 population compared to 1.2 doctor positions in the rest of Australia. Let us talk about nurses, because the CLP does not have a very good record with nurses. It decreased the numbers instead of increasing them. We have the highest number of nurses in Australia: 5.7 positions per 1000 population with an average of five nurses. We spend more than any other jurisdiction in Australia: $1700 per person, compared to $1200 per person. I can go on and on …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Drysdale! Member for Greatorex!
Mr VATSKALIS: I am proud to be the minister of 5700 people working in the Health department. I am proud to be the minister for the public servants who work very diligently. How much does the CLP care about public servants - they want to get rid of 800 of them. Let me remind you of something recently mentioned in this House. The member for Port Darwin said in the last parliamentary sittings regarding public servants:
- Have they so fundamentally and completely lost control of the public servants who are supposed to be an organ of their will that they are unable to inspire them, move or frighten them, or whatever they have to do to get those public servants and that public service to respond effectively?
Member for Port Darwin, that shows what the attitude of the CLP is towards public servants. Frighten them, stomp on them, make them do anything so they can deliver whatever you want. I am proud to be Minister for Health of one of the best systems in Australia.
Outstation Housing – Insurance Issues
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Earlier this year, a fire on John Holland outstation, which was likely caused by an electrical fault, completely destroyed a home. Unfortunately, this tragic event also revealed to the residents that outstation homes are no longer insured. What is currently being done to make certain outstation residents are aware that housing is not insured?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Macdonnell for her question. When you speak about a particular issue, member for Macdonnell, I am happy to look further into it. As we talk about outstations across the Northern Territory, in relation to the shires, in the last 12 months we have undertaken a very comprehensive audit of all outstations across the Northern Territory. It is important, as we develop the outstation policy that we consider what the future is for each of these outstations. I will be doing that as Minister for Local Government and Minister for Indigenous Development.
Our government has an incredible reform occurring across the Northern Territory. I have to take into account A Working Future, the growth towns. Clearly, the outstations are very much a part of that. I am happy to have a personal discussion with the member for Macdonnell regarding that outstation.
Tourism - Marketing Benefits
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for TOURISM
Can you please advise how our election commitment to invest a further $1m in tourism marketing has benefited the tourism industry and the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. The Henderson government has …
Mr Tollner: Pull out the rose coloured glasses.
Ms McCARTHY: …a very strong history of supporting our tourism industry - I will leave the glasses for another time, member for Fong Lim. That is why our government has increased funding for the tourism sector by 51% since 2001. It is also why, in September 2008, our government confirmed an election commitment of $1m to market the Northern Territory internationally.
I am pleased to say this commitment has been fulfilled and is delivering results. The focus of the additional funding was squarely placed on our emerging markets like southern Europe, Spain, France, and Italy, as well as China. It was wonderful to have the Vice President of China come to the Northern Territory, be hosted by our government, and by the people of Kakadu when they visited there.
Our funding is also strongly focused on cooperative campaigns with trade partners, such as Qantas. In Central Australia, we have seen a terrific advertising campaign there with Qantas. On my visit overseas in London, we had an opportunity with Kiss FM to target the youth market of Europe, as well as Etihad Airways, through their co-chair arrangement with Virgin Blue. Obviously, the relationship to get airlines into Alice Springs, Darwin and Uluru at this particular point was clearly vital to secure Etihad’s interest, knowing we were having Virgin Blue come into Ayers Rock.
The funding provided the following outcomes: increased wholesale and trade activity; raised profile of the Northern Territory; tactical partnerships; attendance at additional trade and consumer shows; increased support for inbound tour operators; expanded media exposure; and increased trade famil activity to the Northern Territory.
Through Tourism NT, we will keep ahead of the pack through being very smart, innovative, creative, bold, and obviously with a vision for the Northern Territory into the future.
Montara Oil Spill – Ministerial Responsibility
Ms PURICK to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY, FISHERIES and RESOURCES
Your government’s policy of attacking individuals rather than addressing the problems in the Northern Territory has been on display in the House and in the media. Will you be blaming the Commonwealth minister, Martin Ferguson …
Mr Elferink interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, cease interjecting! Member for Goyder, you have the call.
Ms PURICK: … for not supervising the work of the designated authority in the Northern Territory as a consequence of the Montara disaster, or will you take the blame for not being responsible for those doing work in your name?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, what I find really alarming is the ignorance of the member for Goyder of very simple arrangements under federal legislation. Now I know why they did not renew her contract at the Minerals Council; she had no idea about legislation. In fact, it is the same member who came here and presented and tabled as accurate legislation that did not ever apply to Montara, and tried to say that, under this legislation, I was responsible for Montara.
Let me make it clear with a few facts and figures. First of all, Montara happened in Commonwealth-controlled waters – in waters where the sole person responsible is the federal minister. That …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order! Member for Goyder! Member for Katherine!
Mr VATSKALIS: Madam Speaker, I am very happy to table for the information of members a map that clearly shows who is responsible where. The federal legislation clearly says the federal minister and the minister in the Territory are responsible for the offshore adjacent waters of the Territory, and the federal minister is responsible for the Ashmore Cartier Islands. The Montara incident took place in the Ashmore Cartier Islands. The designated authority for that area is the federal minister.
Under the current arrangements, the minister delegates directly to the Director of Energy, who does all the work and reports directly …
Mr Elferink: Did not stop you collecting $25m in licence fees.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Port Darwin!
Mr VATSKALIS: Madam Speaker, the Director of Energy reports directly to the federal Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism. That position is funded from the money the Territory receives from the control of tenements in the Ashmore Cartier under the arrangements of the current legislation. Whoever that particular person is - the Director of Energy does not report to the Director of Mining, the CEO of the Department of Resources, or the Territory minister; they report directly to the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, which is a federal department under the minister who administers the Ashmore Cartier area.
It is a very simple thing to do. You pick up the legislation and you read it, and you find very clearly who is responsible, where, and for what.
Larrakeyah Outfall Closure – Election Commitment
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for ESSENTIAL SERVICES
Can you please update the House on the government’s progress of delivering on its election commitment to close the Larrakeyah outfall?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House that, in less than a year, the Larrakeyah outfall will be closed. It has taken this government to make that commitment, and I am proud to say that we will be delivering on this commitment on budget and on time. This is evidence of our commitment to improve the water quality in Darwin Harbour, and also to cater for the growth of the greater Darwin area.
This is a $67m project, and a very complex project at that. It will finally put an end to macerated sewage being pumped into the deep water areas of Darwin Harbour. We said it was unacceptable and, in 2006, we set the process in train to close the outfall and divert that sewage to the wastewater treatment plant at Ludmilla.
To give an update, the project is in the home straight. The works completed thus far include a new trunk sewer in Mitchell Street; a new trunk sewer at Dinah Beach along Tiger Brennan Drive; a new sewage pumping station at Dinah Beach; a new sewage rising main from Dinah Beach to Parap; an upgrade to the Frances Bay sewage pumping station; an upgrade to the Parap trunk sewer; and commencing upgrades to the Ludmilla wastewater treatment plant.
In progress at the moment is diversionary work for sewage in the Larrakeyah catchment to the Dinah Beach trunk sewer. The new sewer has been installed along Larrakeyah Terrace to divert that sewage to the wastewater treatment plant. This stage of the project took some several months, and upgrades to the Doctors Gully rising main and pumping station will begin in the new year. By September next year, the new sewer main will be installed, diverting sewage from Mitchell Street to the Dinah Beach trunk sewer and ultimately to the wastewater treatment plant.
Madam Speaker, you may be interested to know, the Larrakeyah sewerage outfall has been in operation for 45 years. There have been several ministers and several local members of the CLP who have failed to do anything about this. You had Tom Harris, 13 years, did nothing; Shane Stone, 10 years, and as the Chief Minister, did nothing; and Sue Carter did not raise the issue. Countless ministers of the CLP did not fund this. Steve Dunham, Eric Poole, Denis Burke, Mike Reed, Fred Finch, Nick Dondas, Jim Robertson, Roger Steele, they did nothing. There was no money allocated, none of the local members raised the issue. It was this government which put up the money and is closing this outfall for the improvement of Darwin Harbour.
Director of Energy - Qualifications
Ms PURICK to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY, FISHERIES and RESOURCES
Following the release of the Montara report, the federal minister commented on the position of Director of Energy in the Northern Territory Department of Resources, and it was not all complimentary. Last week, we heard that the government switchboard cannot connect a regular caller to a phone number related to the position of Director of Energy. Is there a person in the Director of Energy’s position? What is that person’s qualifications? Do they have operational experience? What are their skills in the field of oil and gas production, and exploration, to ensure that approvals issued in your name have been appropriately assessed?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is funny to say that, because I picked up the phone and dialled the government switchboard and I was connected directly to Mr Alan Holland, who is the Director of Energy. You probably dialled the wrong number; you should try again. Alan Holland has been appointed to that position because of his qualifications and experience. In addition, the department has advertised three positions, and we have made offers to suitable and highly-qualified people who work in the petroleum industry.
We do not have any exploration wells being drilled in areas where it is my responsibility and the federal minister’s responsibility. The only one was Montara which happened at Ashmore Cartier, which is actually under the control of the federal minister. The report came out quite clearly pointing the finger directly at the company, and says the company did not follow the regulator’s advice; they did not even follow their own procedure. That is the reason why the well failed.
To give an example, there were five wells drilled; one failed, the other four did not. We went back and checked the wells. We asked the Department of Mines for Western Australia to countercheck them, and we sought advice from Geoscience Australia, and these four wells were found to be strong, to be holding, because the company had followed the right procedures. Which one failed? The one where the company did not follow the procedures.
Let us get it clear. Let us sit down and talk about legislation. I will take you, if you like, line by line and show you where the minister is responsible and where he is not. You may learn something, because obviously you are too lazy to do it yourself.
Sporting Facilities - Delivery
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for SPORT and RECREATION
Can you please inform the House how the Henderson government is continuing to deliver first-class sporting facilities for Territorians?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. Again, it is about this government delivering on its election commitments.
I am proud to inform the House of the successful tenderers for the design and construction of the Palmerston sporting precinct. The announcement for the $4.8m contract for construction of the Palmerston tennis and netball complex has been awarded to Nightcliff Builders Holdings Pty Ltd. Players of all ages and skill levels will enjoy a new playing surface, new clubhouse, ablution facilities, canteen, administration offices and additional lighting.
The contract for the construction of the Palmerston AFL complex at the grounds of the Charles Darwin University has been awarded to Halikos Pty Ltd to the value of $9.5m. The home of the AFL in Palmerston features a new clubhouse, lights, covered seating and irrigation.
Norbuilt has been awarded the contract for design and construction of the new $10.5m Palmerston football and Rugby League complexes. These are fantastic initiatives for the people of Palmerston. Rugby League development at Rosebery will include two playing grounds with lights, a clubhouse, a canteen, and grandstand seating for the passionate Palmerston League community.
Soccer fans in Palmerston – and what a great announcement yesterday, let us keep our fingers crossed for the World Cup bid tomorrow morning. Soccer is growing in leaps and bounds at Palmerston. A much needed facility there will see the Gray oval with new lights, two senior and four junior pitches, a canteen, clubhouse, change rooms and administration facilities.
I am glad to inform the House that all successful tenderers to undertake the work are Territory construction businesses. Another spin-off is plenty of employment opportunities for Territorians and those living at Palmerston.
It is a fantastic announcement and it highlights how this government is providing first-class facilities to Territorians and delivering on its election commitments. I hope members of the opposition out there - the members for Drysdale and Brennan - stop talking down this fantastic project. We know they came out against the spending; they do not support it and I hope they get on side.
Regional Shire Councils – Review of Financial Sustainability
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT
When I was in Alice Springs last week for the Local Government Annual General Meeting, financial sustainability of councils was discussed. It is my understanding that your department has completed a review, or reviews, of the financial sustainability of local government. When were the reviews completed, what were the basic findings, and will the reviews be made available to local government and to the public?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. Yes, in 2009, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Regional Services engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers to review the 2008-09 financial statements of the newly-established regional shire councils. The annual reports for each of the shires are due on 15 November each year. In 2009, two of the eight shire councils submitted their annual reports by 15 November, so the department decided to proceed with the review of the financial reports of those two shires.
The PricewaterhouseCoopers report on the two shire councils came with many disclaimers about the first year of the new local government, including establishment costs. A more detailed assessment, based on two years of financial performance, will be expected to deliver more conclusive outcomes. I am discussing with my colleagues the need to undertake a more detailed assessment of the shire councils’ financial positions, which would include an assessment of the 2008-09 and 2009-10 annual financial statements.
I am meeting with the shire mayors and presidents next week. I will also discuss with them the PricewaterhouseCoopers report with the review on the two councils. I meet with Alderman Kerry Moir on a monthly basis, obviously with this particular issue in mind, along with other things. Recently, I was in Canberra meeting with the Commonwealth minister to discuss the range of issues impacting on all our shires across the Northern Territory. Clearly, we are only at the end of our second year of such incredible reform with local government, and members of the House would be aware that Commonwealth financial assistance grants to local government councils are distributed to the states and territories on a per capita basis, which is a disadvantage for the Northern Territory.
To help offset this disadvantage, our government provides an operational subsidy of almost $21m to the shire councils. In addition, members would be aware that the Northern Territory government, through my role as Minister for Local Government, stepped in when there was concern about employment with the CDEP program.
I commend our shire councillors across the Northern Territory. I recognise the local government meeting was held last week; it was unfortunate I could not be there, and I am pleased the member for Nelson attended. I commend the councillors across the Northern Territory for the terrific work they are doing in the infancy of these incredible reforms.
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