2011-10-25
Kenbi Land Claim – Tabling of Documents
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Have you seen the in-principle agreement and the heads of agreement relating to the Kenbi Land Claim? If so, can you commit to tabling copies of those agreements so the opposition, the Independent, and other Territorians can gain a better understanding of what it is that this government wants us to support?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, a very interesting opening question from the Leader of the Opposition on a land claim where they have such a torrid history of opposing this land claim for over 20 years and spending over $20m worth of taxpayers’ money opposing the land claim. All of a sudden they are interested.
Through the Cabinet process, we have been well briefed. All the documents around this have been part of the decision-making process that has delivered the legislation before this House to establish a trust. As I said the other day, we, as the Territory government, have no say regarding who the beneficiaries of the trust will be, who the traditional owners are, what monies will be allocated to the trust, and how that trust and those monies will be invested.
We are creating a vehicle as a part of our agreement on detriment issues …
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The question was very clear: will the Chief Minister commit to tabling those documents so the opposition can see them?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim, resume your seat. The Chief Minister is answering the question.
Mr HENDERSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I will take advice, but I understand the opposition has had a full briefing on the bill that is before the House today. I am sure – and I will take advice – that at the briefing they would have been given information that was able to be given.
I am not aware standing here, in regard to …
Mr Tollner: Are you going to show the documents? That is all anyone is asking. No one has seen them, Hendo.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Fong Lim!
Mr HENDERSON: Madam Speaker, in regard to the legal status of those particular documents, I will have to take advice. What I have said, in good faith, is that we want to see a resolution to this issue. We want to see the Larrakia people handed title to Kenbi …
Mr Tollner interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, Member for Fong Lim!
Mr HENDERSON: … as opposed to those members opposite who for decades …
Mr Tollner interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim!
Mr HENDERSON: ... opposed the land claim and spent over $20m-worth of taxpayers’ money fighting this claim.
I do not know what game they are playing, but I would give them some advice: be very careful about picking sides in this debate, because these are not issues for this parliament or for any government. We have acted in good faith to resolve the detriment issues that we have on the Northern Territory side. We have an agreement with the Northern Land Council that provides for the creation of the trust. That bill is before this House. We have no say about who the beneficiaries of that trust will be. It is as simple as that. The opposition is just making mischief, as they have for the last 20 years …
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
Supplementary Question
Kenbi Land Claim – Tabling of Documents
Kenbi Land Claim – Tabling of Documents
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Do you agree that it is arrogant in the extreme to expect parliament to endorse government legislation before all members of parliament have been given information on that legislation? Will you now direct your government to abandon this culture of cover-up and allow the Country Liberals all relevant information before this decision is made?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is mischief making in the extreme.
All this legislation does is create a vehicle. It creates a trust. It is like creating a bank account. It is very simple; it is just creating a trust. All the issues about the Larrakia as to who the traditional owners are, who the traditional owners are not, who the beneficiaries of that trust will be, how the money is to be allocated in that trust, how it is going to be dispersed over what period of time, are not issues for this parliament. If you want a briefing on those issues, talk to the Northern Land Council. They will give you a briefing on those issues, because those are not issues pertinent to the legislation that we have before this House …
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The Chief Minister might want to deny that his government is a signatory to those agreements …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim, resume your seat. Chief Minister, you only have four seconds.
Mr HENDERSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. If you want a comprehensive briefing on all those issues, go and talk to the Northern Land Council.
Madam SPEAKER: Your time has expired, Chief Minister.
Every Child, Every Day Education Strategy - Update
Ms SCRYMGOUR to CHIEF MINISTER
Can you please update the House on the importance of education and the government’s Every Child, Every Day education strategy?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for her question. There is no more important role for parents and for society than to ensure that kids in the Northern Territory get the best possible education they are able to achieve and to attain those outcomes.
The biggest challenge for us in the Territory in this regard is to increase our attendance rates. We know that if a kid in the Northern Territory goes to school every single day they will achieve; there is nothing more certain than that. As we know, when those kids do achieve, when they leave school with a Year 12 qualification, or a Certificate II or Certificate III in VET, or they go on with a TER to university, they have a very bright future to look forward to in the Northern Territory.
We also know that if a kid does not go to school they will miss out on those opportunities for the rest of their life. As the outgoing Administrator, Tom Pauling, said in yesterday’s paper, unless we give them that education they are never going to reach their full potential.
The My School website clearly demonstrates that those schools with a higher attendance rate have higher achievement levels. I have every confidence in our teachers and our education system. The Northern Territory attendances range from 38% at some schools to a healthy 93% at others. And guess what? Those kids who go to school with a 93% attendance rate do much better and they all achieve, bar a couple of kids in the classroom who may have some learning disability. Those kids who attend that school 93% of the time achieve. Those kids who go to school for 38% of the time - guess what? They do not achieve.
That is why our Every Child, Every Day strategy is our most important initiative. It is comprehensive; it includes compulsory conferencing with parents - there have already been a significant number of those; and also includes penalties if parents are not sending their kids to school. It also ensures work at community level so that schools are where kids want to be.
As I travel the Territory, we have some fantastic schools that are welcoming to our children. It also encourages our schools to develop really strong partnerships with parents and communities. We know that the issue of attendance is, front and centre, critical to improving those education outcomes for our kids. The My School website very clearly shows that where kids are attending regularly over 90% of the time they are all flying through the system; where kids are only attending 30% or 40% of the time, they are failing.
Madam Speaker, the challenge for the Northern Territory is attendance. If we get kids to school every day, they will achieve like all other kids around Australia.
Local Government - Reform
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Will you and your government immediately adopt the Country Liberals policy of reforming local government structures in full consultation with communities and the existing shires?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Katherine for his question. I point out that this House debated a matter of public importance brought forward by the member for Katherine on this very issue of local government in the Northern Territory. Not once did we hear a word about any particular policy by the Country Liberal Party. In fact, if anything, what we did hear was consistent rubbishing, degrading, toxic commentary by the members opposite, because that is how they view all of the local government employees across the Northern Territory in the shires. That is what the Country Liberal Party is about - rubbishing the Northern Territory.
There is no policy by the member for Katherine. He stood here for 20 minutes and said nothing about their vision for the Northern Territory ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms McCARTHY: If anything, this side of the House has had the courage to stand up to reform a system which was clearly dysfunctional. What we have made very clear on this side of the House is that we are not afraid to tackle the hard issues. The reform is in its infancy. We recognise that there are issues across the Northern Territory. We are working every single day with every shire. Only yesterday, I spoke with all the mayors and presidents across the shires; it is something I do on a regular basis. Let me tell this House that the one consistent theme that came through from every shire, every councillor, every mayor and president, and every CEO is that the CLP is rubbishing the shires.
They are sick of the political posturing, toxic commentary by the opposition against an incredibly difficult reform. We have very good workers doing incredible jobs under enormously difficult circumstances. As the Northern Territory government, we are prepared to ensure those who live in the bush have a system of local government that is fair, transparent and accountable.
We are not afraid to make the changes, unlike the conservatives opposite. They are conservatives for the very reason they do not like change. I look forward to the policy the member for Katherine wishes to put forward which, at this stage, has not raised its head at all.
Workforce Demands
Ms WALKER to TREASURER
Can you please explain to the House how Territorians are being prepared in order to benefit from the Territory’s growing workforce demands?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. I have seen the great work she has done focusing on training, particularly in the growth zone of East Arnhem. If you look at our record, 10 strong years of stable economic growth, and Territorians stand to benefit from the crest of the wave of the economic boom we are currently on.
For our government, a key economic indicator is jobs. That is why we are focused on growing a local workforce with connections to the Territory, and we know that means those workers are more likely to stay here when they attain those skills. Training and apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity for Territorians to expand our workforce and we have a strong record in this area. We have a jobs plan; we created a jobs plan; we have updated the jobs plan, unlike the opposition.
In this year’s budget alone, we are spending $21.8m focused on training and apprentices. Under these plans, we encourage student participation in work ready programs and VET in Schools. We are providing pathways to apprenticeships, traineeships and employment. This year has seen more than 2100 apprenticeship and traineeship commencements. There are more than 4923 apprentices and trainees currently in training in the Territory - a record number, an 81% increase since 2001. Since 2008, more than 4100 Territorians have completed apprenticeships and traineeships.
Our government is ensuring businesses can employ Territorians in the occupations they need, with 1555 in occupations on the Northern Territory occupations shortage list. This is providing employers with a great opportunity to attract our local young people into their industry and to tap into that all-important pool of local talent.
We are also delivering on record infrastructure spending to ensure our construction sector stays buoyant during the tough global economic conditions where private sector investment had fled the marketplace. We are spending $4.6bn over three consecutive budget cycles to hold that all-important public spend up in the construction sector, delivering real jobs – 15 500 jobs since the global financial crisis.
It is paying dividends. The latest Labour Force figures out show that we are holding steady with the nation’s lowest unemployment at 3.9%. We have held steady with the nation’s lowest unemployment since October 2009.
Our government’s strategy of shouldering the load after the global financial crisis with private sector investment fleeing is paying dividends. If we had listened to the CLP, we would have slashed expenditure in capital spending and done the surplus the Territory certainly did not need. We have lifted our spend to keep Territorians in jobs …
Madam SPEAKER: Treasurer, your time has expired.
Local Government – Change of Structure
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Please outline the efforts of you and your colleagues to change the structure of any of the local governments, and the discussions currently taking place regarding the break-up of Labor’s failed shires model?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I welcome the discussion on local government and the question from the member for Katherine. One thing I have urged in this House, and to all councillors who represent their constituencies, is that we have a very mature debate around effective democracy. That is what we are talking about here if we look at local government across the Northern Territory. We, on this side of the House, are firm believers in an effective democracy - a voice for the people by the people. I have said consistently in this House that we are in the early stages of a very historical reform, a reform that required …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113. The question was quite specific: is she currently engaged in any negotiations with any shires and what is the tenor of those negotiations?
Madam SPEAKER: That is actually slightly different to the question. However, minister, if you can come to the point.
Ms McCARTHY: Thank you, Madam Speaker. We are in the early stages of a massive historic reform in local government. Naturally, as I travel across the Northern Territory, people are raising issues - whether it is about service delivery; where their funding should come from; their voices being heard at the local level; or the push for the local boards to have greater clarity and strength. Yes, naturally, I am having these discussions because we recognise there is a significant road to travel to ensure each of these shires and the people within them …
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The question was quite specific relating to the second part outlining the discussions currently taking place regarding the break-up of Labor’s failed shire model. I ask you to point out Standing Order 113 …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Katherine, resume your seat, thank you. There were imputations and various other things in the question …
Mr Conlan: She has had two-and-a-half minutes to answer the imputations. How about answering the question …
Madam SPEAKER: … but minister, if you could come to the point. Member for Greatorex, are you aware that I am speaking?
Mr Conlan: Sorry.
Ms McCARTHY: Madam Speaker, it is so good to see the opposition so interested in local government in the bush …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Ms McCARTHY: They never, ever took one step to improve democracy for people in the bush. I am always - and I have said consistently in this House - listening to the people on the ground about how we can improve on local governance in the bush.
Juvenile Diversion Strategy – Youth Work Camps
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for JUSTICE and ATTORNEY-GENERAL
In 2003, your government, with little or no publicity, closed down the Wildman River Wilderness Work Camp for juveniles, although at the same time some of us, such as the then member for Araluen and I, expressed concerns about this closure. Ms Carney has now released a review of the youth justice system which recommends that the number of youth rehabilitation camps be increased, and the government says it supports this recommendation. Why did your government close Wildman River Wilderness Work Camp but now say you support youth rehabilitation camps? Why are you not supporting any Northern Territory government programs at Hamilton Downs Station when you promoted the station heavily at the last election as part of your juvenile diversion strategy?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I welcome the question from the member for Nelson. He has shown a consistent interest in the use of youth camps for rehabilitation and treatment. Regarding the role of youth camps, I welcome the report, Review of the Northern Territory Youth Justice System. We accept all the recommendations of the report. We are currently funding three youth camps across the Territory. We will continue to fund those youth camps; they have been evaluated and assessed, quite appropriately.
The report also said to build on that platform, and government has signed up to do that, introducing both short-term and long-term therapeutic-based youth camps - not boot camps. We very clearly ruled out boot camps on ABC radio yesterday when Jodeen Carney was interviewed about that terminology. I refer you to that Vicki Kerrigan interview if you did not hear it.
Regarding the actual youth camps, Hamilton Downs was a government-funded camp operated by the Tangentyere Council. We still fund Tangentyere Council for their youth camp in Central Australia. I am advised that we provide $300 000 annually to operate the youth camp, which is part of our broader $1m funding for the three youth camps across the Territory. Tangentyere operated the camp at Hamilton Downs from 2008; however, Tangentyere determined to move the camp in 2009 to Walkabout Bore, which I am advised is 150 km south of Alice Springs. That camp provides school-oriented educational activities, with a strong focus on cultural, social, emotional and life skill development. The funding remains in place for that camp at Walkabout Bore.
The Review of the Northern Territory Youth Justice System recommends an increased support for youth camps, but it does not identify specific camps or specific locations. The youth justice unit being established will progress the establishment of more of these camps. It will take into account specialist advice from a range of agencies, including the Department of Children and Families; Department of Education and Training; Department of Justice; and NT Police. The youth camps are an important part of our government’s diversion initiative. That is why we have been funding $1m per annum into three different youth camps across the Territory.
The youth justice strategy within the report talks about the need to deliver therapeutic wilderness programs to young people aged 11 to 18 who demonstrate antisocial behaviour, including offending. We will continue to provide $1m in funding to the existing youth camps across the Brahminy group, Balunu Foundation and Tangentyere Council. We are also keen to grow from this fundamental base to implement the recommendations which identify the need for some short-term camps as well as these longer-term therapeutic camps. They are not boot camps; clearly boot camps are military style, they are not therapeutic.
Jobs for Territorians
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for BUSINESS and EMPLOYMENT
Can you please update the House on what your agency is doing with training providers to ensure Territorians have a clear pathway to a job?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, when we are talking about pathways to jobs, there could not have been a clearer example than last night. I attended the Minerals Council’s 2011 Indigenous Pre-Employment Program, where 15 young Aboriginal men graduated. They were very proud to accept those certificates. They have locked themselves into some very high paying jobs and careers into the future, so it was great to be there. The Northern Territory government’s involvement in that program was through the Indigenous Training and Employment Program.
We have funded some 50-odd projects over the last few years and this one is really paying dividends. The first program started in 2010 with 23 graduates and, of those 23, 19 are still working, which is a great retention rate. They are working in high-paying jobs bringing money back for their families. One of the young - well, he is actually an older gentleman – last night got up and made the point that he had been on CDEP for eight years and now he had a real job and it had changed his life. This is a practical way that the ITEP program is changing people’s lives.
We are doing that through changing the structure of government. Recently, we announced that the adult training function of DET and the employment function of DBE would be put together to create Employment and Training NT. This puts a direct link between the training bodies and Business and Employment for that investment in the training sector. This is a great collaboration of getting it right for people and for industry. It is a single point of contact for training, employment and private sector workforce development.
We are investing in Territorians for their jobs. The Jobs NT plan is some $312m. We have a target over three years of 10 000 trainees and apprentices. Thus far, we have 4900 trainees and apprentices in employment, in training now. That is a great result. We are delivering for Territorians. We also have a collaboration with the oil and gas industry through the gearing up for major projects. This brings together the training institutions, Charles Darwin University, all the major players with the oil and gas industry, major government departments, and the unions. It is bringing them all together. We are planning for the future for Territorians. We are planning for the jobs growth which will occur in the Northern Territory, and we are working in collaboration.
Cash for Containers – Effect on Beer Prices
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Last night on Channel 9, the news screened a report in which you stated:
- It is absolutely a misinformation and a lie being peddled by big business that your slab of beer is going to be more expensive because of Cash for Containers.
In that same news story, Channel 9 ran quotes from leading brewers Lion Nathan and Coopers, who were adamant the collection and processing costs will have to be passed on to consumers, pushing the price of a carton of beer up $4 to $5. Why is it that you say manufacturers will absorb the costs associated with the scheme when they are clearly saying they will not?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, they still squirm around this issue of Cash for Containers. They know it is popular with the punters. They have the industry in their ears as well. They are squirming away. One thing I will say to Territorians: do not be confident that this mob supports Cash for Containers. Heaven help if they are elected in August next year because I am confident that this would be one of the first pieces of legislation they would scrap.
The reality is that, in South Australia, prices are not higher as a result of CDL. That is the reality. They have had this scheme for 30 years and prices are not higher, and there is no reason why they should be here.
I will get to the point of the question. When I first came to the Territory in 1983, there were white cans, red cans, blue cans and green cans. That was about it; that was about the extent of the competition in the market. You go to any bottle shop in the Northern Territory now, you will see 40, 50 or 60 different types of beer on display. If anyone does put up a slab by $5 as a result of this scheme, guess what? Other people are going to see an opportunity and discount. Anyone who buys beer or Coke, or any of these drinks on a regular basis, knows that on any given day of the week there will be a $10 to $15 difference depending on who is discounting at any particular time.
This is a very competitive market, one of the most competitive markets in the nation. I have every confidence that in a very competitive market people will see an opportunity if companies are trying to price gouge Territorians. I also say to these companies that we will be keeping a close eye on them. If they try to use this legislation as an excuse to put up costs even further than the additional costs of this scheme, the ACCC will be watching very carefully.
Your carton of beer is no more expensive in South Australia than it is in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia or Queensland. There is no reason it should be here as a result of this scheme.
I am enjoying watching those opposite. You cannot trust the Leader of the Opposition on anything he says. We know they had to be dragged kicking and screaming to support the bill on the floor of the House. They had to be dragged kicking and screaming to support the motions. They have every reason in the world to hope this scheme fails. They do not want it to succeed. I point out, if they were so committed to this scheme, they were in government for 27 years and failed to introduce it in government. Be careful of what the Leader of the Opposition says, because what he does on many occasions is totally the opposite.
Opposition Administrative Arrangements - Notification
Ms SCRYMGOUR to LEADER of GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
Can you please advise the House on the usual processes in relation to advising the House on opposition administrative arrangements?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for her question. The usual practice is for the Leader of the Opposition to make such announcements. However, last week, we had the member for Port Darwin making the announcement that the member for Macdonnell would be the shadow parliamentary secretary for …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! For a long time I have been making those announcements, and have done so on more than one occasion.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, resume your seat.
Dr BURNS: … Indigenous Policy; Parks and Wildlife; and Arts and Museums.
What does this mean? Well, apart from those three existing shadow ministers who need to watch their backs, it means that this is the first step of the agreement between the member for Blain and the member for Macdonnell for her to become a minister in a Mills government should he be elected …
A member: So what?
Dr BURNS: Well, he has denied that there is any such arrangement. This is the first step, and ...
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The inclusion of those administrative arrangements was done at your instruction, and we complied with your instruction. It had nothing to do with anything this minister is talking about. Madam Speaker, you told us to do it; no one else.
Dr BURNS: Madam Speaker, what we know is that the Leader of the Opposition has a commitment to have eight ministers should he gain government …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I ask that you confirm to this House that you gave that instruction, because if you had given us that instruction, then clearly the line he is running is a spurious attempt to muddy waters. Madam Speaker, I put that request to you.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, if you can resume your seat. Minister, resume your seat.
The issue we have before us - and it is very unusual to ask the Speaker a question in the middle of questions, so I ask you to stop the clock please, Clerk.
Last week, the member for Macdonnell wished to travel as a shadow minister. The member for Macdonnell is not a shadow minister, and I pointed this out to the staff of the Leader of the Opposition. In a period of time, a communication went to the Clerk’s office indicating that the member for Macdonnell had become shadow parliamentary secretary, which none of us had been advised of. Once the Clerk’s office had advised me of this, I asked, through the Clerk’s office, for it to be tabled that day.
So it is slightly different to what you are suggesting, member for Port Darwin; however ...
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I will let you finish, but I will take issue with what you are doing, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: … what I am saying is, member for Port Darwin, yes, I did ask that the new arrangements be tabled. That is correct.
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Just one other thing. Did I or did I not comply with your instruction to have that matter tabled?
Madam SPEAKER: There was no instruction. It was made clear that it had to be tabled ...
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! It was clearly an instruction. I take exception to what you are doing. I will move a dissent motion again your ruling if you insist.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, there has been no ruling. I commented on something you asked me about.
Mr ELFERINK: Okay.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, you have the call.
Dr BURNS: Thank you, Madam Speaker. In essence, I believe three shadows over there have to look out, particularly the member for Drysdale. We are hearing everywhere that they are running the numbers against him - the member for Blain is in it - we are hearing this rumour about preselection. There is a bit of trouble on the other side. We have the member for Macdonnell making her move already. It comes as no surprise to us, so just be careful.
Youth Justice Report –
Implementation of Recommendations
Implementation of Recommendations
Mr WOOD to CHIEF MINISTER
You have accepted Recommendation 5 of the Youth Justice report, that resources be increased for youth diversion. You already have an existing diversionary facility in Darwin at Wongabilla which offers diversionary programs. Will you now adequately fund Wongabilla in line with this recommendation? As this program is run by the police, and as the government’s response to Recommendation 5 says there is a need to expand the eligibility for police diversion services, how will this fit in with the Police Commissioner’s view on police being involved in these programs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. This report was only released yesterday. There are significant numbers of recommendations in that report. There has been a commitment by government to accept those recommendations. A new youth diversion unit will be created encompassing officers of Justice, Corrections, Police, Children and Families, and DET, and we are awaiting some work that will be done by that agency on implementing those recommendations. We will certainly take advice. Wongabilla has done some good work in the past. If advice comes forward that this should once again be part of a diversion process, we will accept that advice. The report was only made public yesterday. We have accepted that report and are looking at all available opportunities.
Cash for Containers – Effect on Beer Prices
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Channel 9 News has posted on its Facebook page a statement from Lion Nathan confirming the impact of container deposit legislation on Territory consumers. The statement reads:
- Lion confirms its longstanding position that the costs of the NT container deposit scheme will be reflected in its wholesale pricing in the Northern Territory, not nationally.
Why are you and your government deliberately withholding from Territorians the likely impact container deposit legislation will have on the Territory’s cost of living?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I ask the Leader of the Opposition if he is now walking away from support for the scheme? Are you walking away from support for this scheme?
Mr Mills: No.
Mr HENDERSON: He says no, so I really do not understand the argument he is making. I say to Territorians to be very careful, because Territorians want this scheme and want to see the Territory cleaned up. Territorians want the opportunity for community groups to earn a few dollars. What the opposition does not understand is that competition drives prices.
Most Territorians know - whether their favourite brew is VB or Tooheys New, or any one of a number of beers - that, in any given week, given the specials run in the supermarkets, there could be a $10 difference between what they paid last week and what they are going to pay this week. It is competition that drives prices.
I am very confident, as in South Australia, that prices will not be any different. Why should Territorians have to pay more when South Australians do not have to pay more?
Obviously, the big companies have decided that, with their sales around this nation, they are going to amortise those costs amongst their total sales around the nation to ensure South Australians are not disadvantaged as a result of their environmental scheme. So, why will they not do the same in the Northern Territory? Why won’t they afford Territorians the same support in our ambitions to clean up our environment as they have to South Australians? Are we somehow second-class citizens? They have actually looked at their costs, revenues, and profits nation-wide, and decided to amortise those out across their entire sales.
I say to those big brewers: treat Territorians in the same way you treat South Australians. It is the desire of Territorians - over 80% of Territorians support this - to clean up our Territory. Supposedly, the opposition supports the scheme, which I doubt very much. The challenge for those big corporates is to do the right thing. We are such a small percentage of their overall national sales. This is not an issue about costs in the Northern Territory. What they are running scared of is that all the other states will finally come on board and wake up to the fact that this is good for the environment, and then they will have a slight cost issue to deal with across this nation. That is what they are running scared of. I urge those companies to treat Territorians the same way they treat South Australians. Do not treat us as fools.
Cash for Containers – Effect on
Beer and Soft Drink Prices
Beer and Soft Drink Prices
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
The Territory government’s Cash for Containers scheme is strongly supported by Territorians. How do you respond to some misinformation that it will force up the price of a carton of beer and soft drink?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. It is great that we are hearing a great deal about container deposit schemes during Question Time today as it is a very important issue. We know Territorians support a Cash for Container scheme. We know how popular and successful the ban on plastic bags has been. Territorians know they now have the greenest government in this country. I believe Territorians support the Territory Labor government’s initiatives. The container deposit scheme is very important.
I saw the story last night on Channel 9 and I was very disappointed with it. As the Chief Minister said, the container deposit scheme will be introduced on 3 January. It is a competitive area in retail sales and prices. Every week, in stores throughout the Northern Territory, we see prices go up and down; specials are offered on various products. I love my Diet Coke, but it has been pretty tough the last few weeks having to go without it.
In the Territory scheme, the government has accommodated as much as possible the concerns of the beverage industry. An example of that is the two-year transition for their labelling of those containers. We have accommodated those concerns which were raised with me during my meeting with the beverage industry in Sydney. Let us not forget, there will be unredeemed deposits within our scheme. Those unredeemed deposits, and the sale of the recyclable material, will also help defray some of those costs the beverage industry is concerned about. If the companies choose to raise prices unfairly, the Territory government will stand up for Territorians, because we know how popular it is. We know prices can be carried by those big companies, and they should be.
On this side of the House, we are proud of the container deposit legislation. We thought it had bipartisan support; however, as the Chief Minister said, now we see the opposition squirming a bit. They are not sure if they support it or not. Territorians know the Territory government is on their side and it will keep fighting to have this scheme in place for 3 January.
Housing Market and Availability of Land
Mr ELFERINK to TREASURER
Last week, you urged Territorians to go out and buy a house, suggesting it is a good investment. When did you become a financial adviser? How can Territorians even afford a house given your failed land release policies?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I enjoyed doing the interview with Nigel Adlam, Journalist of the Year, from the NT News. He asked me about the prevailing economic conditions and the opportunities.
I know the member for Port Darwin does not like the facts, but the facts are that we are in a strong growth period. We are in recovery coming out of the global financial crisis. We are on the crest of an economic boom. If you look at Deloitte Access Economics, they put us third …
Mr Elferink: No, we are not. They put you last. They put you at the bottom of the pack.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr Elferink: Three-speed economy.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, cease interjecting!
Ms LAWRIE: If you look at Deloitte Access Economics, they put the Territory third in the pack, with strong growth across the next five years, without fully factoring in an INPEX final investment decision. If you look at CommSec, they put us fourth in the pack, not last, not back of the pack, fourth in the pack …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms LAWRIE: … and again they point out our low unemployment rate and our job opportunities. So, both independent economic commentators put us very well positioned in regard to our economic boom. Clearly, this is pre-final investment decision by INPEX. INPEX is coming to town. It has not made a final investment decision. Those who understand what is occurring with letting tenders, and the progress of that, know it is a major project.
When you have an economic boom that such a major project will bring, you look at your investment opportunities as a Territorian. Householders are making daily decisions about their investment opportunities. With the market, with the land release at the fastest rate we have, with those opportunities in Bellamack and in Johnston, with the Homestart package rejigged, with BuildBonus in place offering 10 000 reasons to purchase now and not hold off on that investment decision, with the affordable housing packages in Bellamack and Johnston of a block of land at $140 000, and a house and land package at $420 000, with all the stimulus and levers in place - BuildBonus being a critical stimulus that is time sensitive - and the opportunity to get up into the marketplace, now is the time to buy.
The member for Port Darwin can talk down reality; he is trashing the Territory. It would be foolish to say to the householders making the most important investment decision of their life: ‘Listen to the member for Port Darwin and do not make that investment decision’. In six months’ time, mate, you will be apologising to people because you got it wrong; you are consistently getting it wrong. We are giving fair and accurate advice to Territorians, as we should.
Health Workforce - Growth
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for HEALTH
Can you please update the House on how this government is growing the health workforce?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. It is a very important question because there is no doubt that our government is committed to building our biggest asset - our skilled health workforce. Not only have we put on an extra 250 doctors and 720 nurses since 2001, we are the first government to open a medical school in the Territory.
Twenty-four Territorians have commenced studies at that school and 10 of them are Indigenous. In addition, 12 Territory school-leavers will enter the medical program through Charles Darwin University’s Bachelor of Clinical Science course. On completion, they will be awarded a double degree in science from Flinders University and Charles Darwin University, and a medicine degree from Flinders University. These are students who grew up in the Territory, know the Territory, know our culture, and know our people. They will receive clinical real life training at the Palmerston Super Clinic, the one members opposite have resisted, have opposed, and continue to oppose. They will work for two years in our hospitals from 2015 because they are bonded.
Not only will we train new doctors, we will also train skilled doctors under the Rural Generalist program in conjunction with Queensland Health. We will train local general practitioners with skills in obstetrics and anaesthetics to work safely in our regional hospitals. Our workforce has been very stable, with stability levels up to 80%.
We have trained new nurses at CDU. In 2011, we had 96 graduate nurses employed across our hospitals. This year, we have introduced a graduate midwifery program to assist new midwives transition from a student role into a practitioner role.
Charles Darwin University offers degrees in Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Science, Psychology, and Social Work. And even for school leavers, 18 school-based apprenticeships were supported this year, starting a Certificate in Community Services, Business, Dental Assisting, and Pharmacy Support.
Our workforce is building. We have 58 doctors per 100 000 population, compared to 92 in Sydney. That is thanks to Mr Abbott from when he was the minister for Health, and members opposite always disagree about that. Let me tell you, when the Leader of the Opposition was the federal minister for Health, there were about 600 GPs entering training places. The federal government now has up to 1200. When Mr Abbott, the Leader of the Opposition, was the federal minister for Health, there were only 51 specialty training places in 2007. The current federal government has supported 518 medical specialist trainees this year. Hopefully, we will get these doctors; but we are not waiting for them to come to the Territory as we are training our own.
Herbert Subdivision – Flood Compensation
Mr WOOD to CHIEF MINISTER referred to MINISTER for LANDS and PLANNING
Yesterday, you wrote to the residents of the flooded blocks in Pelly Road and Lorikeet Court, Herbert, saying that the Development Consent Authority is immune from civil proceedings as long as what it does is in good faith. You say that the government is not willing to consider the significant open-ended compensation requested by the landowners. If the advice given by the department through the Development Consent Authority was wrong, and that was the reason for this poor subdivision, why cannot the government be responsible for the mistakes of their department and compensate the landowners? Why cannot it ask for the developer to also pay up? Considering the Wet has now started, would you not say this is now a matter of urgency?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, this is a question for my colleague, the Minister for Lands and Planning.
Mr McCARTHY (Lands and Planning): Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. He has been working closely with the constituents on this issue. The background to this issue is the record rainfall that we saw across the Northern Territory, including Cyclone Carlos. There were hundreds …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Fong Lim! Order!
Mr McCARTHY: Madam Speaker, hundreds of properties that suffered inundation, and the rural area was one of those areas. The residents of Lorikeet Crescent have cause for concern. The Department of Lands and Planning has been working with them.
In relation to the question of strategy, or compensation, the department has been working with the residents. The strategy is for a drainage solution. We have actively pursued the developer to be part of that; when we say be a part of that, we mean the financially accountable part of that. The drainage solution proposed by the developer has been assessed by an engineer, and it would provide a solution to the issues in that area. The residents imposed on by that drainage solution would be appropriately compensated, with the developer held accountable for the compensation.
We are working together, and I hope we continue to work together, with the residents and the local member on these issues. I will keep the member updated. With the upcoming Wet Season, our emphasis is on ensuring that these residents stay safe and dry.
In relation to matters of compensation, they are legal matters. If formal claims came forward, those matters would be assessed. However, we are hoping that we can continue to work together. I am keen to explore the drainage solution. I hope the member for Nelson works with us on this and talks to his constituents, because I believe we can come to a suitable resolution of this matter.
New Prison – Building Costs
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE to MINISTER for CORRECTIONAL SERVICES referred to TREASURER
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Madam Speaker, you must agree, the minister has been rattling on for a while now. The question was very simple: Is it the most expensive prison ever built in Australia?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim, resume your seat. Minister, if you can come to the point in a reasonable time.
Mr McCARTHY: Yes, Madam Speaker. I was talking about infrastructure. The opposition is not interested in infrastructure, so we will talk about some financials, and I will hand the question to the Treasurer to outline to the House the financials.
Ms LAWRIE (Treasurer): Madam Speaker, what the minister for Corrections is pointing out to the opposition is, it is not an 800-bed facility; it is a 1000-bed capacity facility. What has also been put into that public private partnership agreement is an additional 48-bed facility focused on rehabilitation and training. The footprint of the entire Correctional facility has increased by 40% …
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The Treasurer is now rattling on. The question was very simple: Is it the most expensive prison in Australia, yes or no? It is not a big deal; just answer the question.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim, resume your seat, please.
Ms LAWRIE: Yes, and what the government undertook …
Mr Tollner: Yes, oh beauty!
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms LAWRIE: I was actually saying yes to Madam Speaker, but get excited if you want.
The government undertook an independent assessment of the scope changes and the construction costs. That was undertaken by Rider Levett Bucknall. This assessment found that the PPP cost of the prison is $51m less than the original estimate announced in 2008 when you take into account the adjustments for scope and construction cost escalations. Rider Levett Bucknall provided a revised estimate of $546m …
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I ask you to direct the Treasurer to answer the question; a very simple question which should have a very simple answer. Why not direct her to answer the question, Madam Speaker?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim, resume your seat. Minister, if you can come to the point, please.
Ms LAWRIE: Madam Speaker, I will talk in simple terms for the member for Fong Lim. Essentially, what we did was an independent evaluation of the scope and costs to test that value-for-money argument you are running. Territorians are getting value for money. This is a great correctional facility. We are getting it for $51m less than an independent assessment said it is actually valued at.
Centres of Excellence - Progress
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
Can you please inform the House of progress with the government’s establishment of centres of excellence in senior colleges across the Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. This is really a great program being rolled out across the Territory for senior schools - for Years 10, 11 and 12. I will detail where these centres of excellence are being established. They offer a specialised curriculum, some university experience, and guidance in higher education and career choices.
There has been much competition for the places available at Casuarina Senior College. There are 100 applicants this year for selection tests for the program next year. Successful applicants in 2013 will have access to certain CDU courses. Casuarina Senior College: Health Sciences established in 2001, 71 students; Darwin High School Science and Maths - very popular - I have met those students; Centralian Senior College has Sustainable Futures, which is quite appropriate; Palmerston Senior College has Arts, and I saw a dance offering by some of the students and some of their art work. The staff and students are very keen on this at Palmerston Senior College. Taminmin will be rolled out with Business and Law. It is a start across the Territory.
We need to look at Tennant Creek sooner or later, and also Nhulunbuy; however, this is a great start. This is all about us supporting our young people in these centres of excellence, fitting them out for employment, and showing them a career path within the Northern Territory.
New Prison - Funding
Mr ELFERINK to TREASURER
Your new prison, your Taj Mahal, is fast becoming a mausoleum to failed policies and your misguided priorities. Can you detail to this House how your government intends to raise the $0.5bn needed to fund the purchase and construction of this gaol?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I urge members opposite to get a briefing on this. Clearly, they do not understand the public private partnership process, the elements of the cost breakdown, or the public sector comparator that went along with this. This is all information out in the public domain. We provided this information to journalists who showed far more interest in it than the opposition.
Essentially, under the PPP, it is the consortium which pays for that cost. The government pays lease payments over a long period of time - over the life of the facility - until it reverts to us. That is 30 years.
We did an analysis as to whether we went with public sector construction where we would be paying for the capital; or whether we went for a PPP; the public sector comparative versus the PPP, out in the public domain. The public sector comparator, which was developed in accordance with Infrastructure Australia guidelines, provided an estimated capital cost of $534m. Taxpayers would have been faced with a payment of $39m more than where we have landed the $495m PPP.
Wrapped up in the PPP, of course, are the advantages of the risk being with the person who constructs it - that 1000-job construction that the opposition would scrap. If you look at the opposition’s policy, they want to fix up Berrimah and build a 200-bed facility in Katherine. Part of the work we did was to also have a look at what it would take to deal with Berrimah instead of the greenfield site we went with in the end. Expert cost benefit analyses were undertaken around what it would require for the upgrade of the Berrimah site versus the greenfield site that we have gone with. Upgrading Berrimah was costed at $463m without the mental health facility. So, the CLP would be spending $463m on Berrimah under its policy, its plan, and not deliver a mental health facility. Instead, Labor did the analysis, Labor went with the smarts – PPP; $495m; mental health facility; 1000-bed facility in a prison; a 48-bed supported accommodation training; and a much bigger imprint, giving us a modern Correctional facility with better rehabilitation and training outcomes to cut that cycle of reoffending.
The CLP would spend $463m trying to upgrade Berrimah and not deliver the all-important forensic mental health facility, not deliver that 48-bed facility, and not get to the 1000 beds this PPP delivers. Get yourselves a briefing.
Parks and Wildlife - Pathway to Jobs
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for PARKS and WILDLIFE
Mr Tollner interjecting.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: It is a better question than what you will do, Dave.
Minister, the government …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Arafura, just withdraw that, please.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Sorry, member for Fong Lim. I withdraw, Madam Speaker.
The government is committed to delivering pathways into jobs for Territorians. What information can you give about the successes to date in your department?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for her question. As a former Minister for Parks and Wildlife, I know she is very passionate and understands and respects the value of education and Indigenous employment opportunities, particularly in the area of Parks and Wildlife.
One of the great success stories of this Northern Territory government is our ranger program. It is a key part of providing Indigenous pathways to employment, particularly in remote parts of the Northern Territory, the homelands and our growth towns. Particularly over the last 12 months, I have had the great opportunity and privilege to meet many good Indigenous ranger groups throughout the Northern Territory, from around the Gregory National Park area, right through to the West MacDonnell area in Central Australia.
I take this opportunity to acknowledge and pay my absolute respect to many of those Indigenous ranger groups. They are the ones on the ground dealing with many of the biodiversity issues of our country. There are the Anangu Rangers through the Mutitjulu and Yulara areas; the Anindilyakwa Rangers; the Dhimurru Rangers; the Djelk Rangers - I am sure many of my bush colleagues would be very familiar with these rangers - the Ingkerreke Rangers; the Thamarrurr Rangers; the Wadjigan; and the Yirrkala Rangers, just to name a few. I apologise to those good ranger groups I have left off that list.
As I travel around the Territory, a common theme I have heard from all those ranger groups is that they want to protect their country, and that is very important to them. More importantly, they want to pass their country and the stories, and the values of their country on to their children. They want to leave the country in good shape, not only for their children, but for all Territorians.
In recognition of the benefits of these ranger groups, the Northern Territory government has committed additional funding to support the ranger groups and those jobs on country. In 2007-08, we committed an additional $100 000 per year, increasing to $400 000 per year last financial year to support Indigenous ranger groups developing across the Northern Territory and providing jobs for their kids.
Other pathways besides the ranger program include the Indigenous Employment and Career Development Strategy that I had the privilege of launching at the Desert Park in Alice Springs. The strategy has established Indigenous full-time equivalent employment targets of 12% for 2011, and 14% for 2012.
I can advise the House that there are currently 57 permanent Indigenous employees, and 30 temporary Indigenous employees, or about 10.4% of my department. This is an increase of 9.3% from July 2010.
There is plenty happening in Indigenous employment. I again pay my respects to the fantastic ranger groups working on country and protecting it for the future of their children and all Territorians.
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