2010-08-11
Zuccoli - Release of Housing Lots
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Figures released today by the Real Estate Institute of the Northern Territory show the median rent for a three-bedroom home in Darwin and Palmerston has reached a crippling $571 per week. Today’s NT News also reports that your government has appointed Urbis Pty Ltd to research and draft a master plan for the suburb of Zuccoli. This government glossy brochure promised that 210 residential housing lots would be released in Zuccoli this year; and this was released, I think, in 2008. Will the 200 promised housing lots be available this year or is this just another government lie?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, what the latest vacancy rates have shown through the Real Estate Institute is there is some breathing space occurring in vacancy rates for rental properties in the housing and unit markets. Some six or seven months ago there was less than 1% vacancy rate in the rental market for units and houses. The latest results, I am advised, for units the vacancy rate is up to about 4.9%, and houses up by 3%. What we can see slowly coming back into the market is some competition. What the Territory …
Mr Mills: They cannot afford it.
Mr HENDERSON: You have asked the question, listen to the answer. The Territory government is releasing land at five times the pace it has been released in the Northern Territory previously. It takes in the Northern Territory …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: In the Northern Territory, from a decision to turn off a new subdivision until titles have been issued takes two years, compared to five years down south. One of the main reasons is because local government is not involved in being the determinant body in planning issues. I note the Darwin Lord Mayor is saying Darwin City Council should be the determinant body in planning in the Territory. The one thing that would guarantee is the time it takes to turn off land would be even longer.
In regard to Zuccoli, yes, we are master planning Zuccoli and lots of land will be available off the plan before the end of the year.
Public Service Sackings - Policies
Ms WALKER to CHIEF MINISTER
Are you aware of any party policies that have called for sackings in the public service? Can you outline any such policies and their potential effects on Territorians?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for a very important question. When politicians throw around lines that they are going to sack 4000 public servants, as the federal Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott did in his budget reply, and confirmed it again this week, that means 4000 people who are currently in a job; 4000 people who are part of a family; 4000 people who would have financial commitments to a mortgage, rent, hire purchase agreements or credit card repayments, and 4000 jobs on the line to go.
What Tony Abbott needs to advise Territorians is where these job cuts are coming from and how many in the Northern Territory. There will be jobs in the Northern Territory, there will be jobs held by Commonwealth public servants in Darwin, Palmerston and Alice Springs that will go as a result of this decision. He needs to advise where those jobs are going to come from and who is going to lose their job. This is a mirror image of the CLP’s approach, whom we know are hatching a plan to slash the public service. At least Tony Abbott has been honest and said: ‘I am going to slash 4000 jobs from the Commonwealth Public Service’.
What we have with the CLP is a commitment in the last election to slash 700 jobs from the public service, a commitment to cut the Territory government budget and reduce the Territory government debt. The only way they can achieve that is to slash jobs, slash services, or increase taxes.
The opposition needs to be honest about what they are going to do. We know they have the architect of their public service cuts sitting in the Leader of the Opposition’s office, sharpening his scalpel to slash jobs and services in the Northern Territory, because it is in the conservative party’s DNA to slash jobs and reduce services.
The Opposition Leader needs to be honest with Territorians. The Opposition Leader in Canberra needs to be honest with Territorians, particularly in the very marginal seat of Solomon, and advise those public servants in the Northern Territory he has in his sights, whose jobs will go if elected as the Prime Minister, in the lead-up to 21 August.
Darwin Unit Development Site
Ms PURICK to CHIEF MINISTER
Today on ABC radio, the Chief Executive Officer of Ethan Affordable Housing, Mr Ashley Fenn, claimed the company had identified a site in Darwin for an 88-unit development. The people living near or next door to this proposed development have the right to know what Labor is promising to be built in their back yard. Where exactly is this 88-unit development going to take place?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Goyder for the great news. It is great news that a private sector company is going to build 88 units of accommodation in the CBD of Darwin. That is absolutely fantastic news for working people, in the services industry - fantastic.
Yet, the mealy-mouthed member for Goyder - is this a bad thing? Is this a terrible thing, member for Goyder, that someone is going to build 88 units of accommodation? You guys need to get your lines right. You either want the housing or you want less housing. You need to get your lines right. What a ridiculous question.
I support it absolutely. If Ethan what to build 88 units of accommodation in the Darwin CBD, bring it on, because it is people who will be housed in affordable accommodation, 20% below the market rent. How those members opposite can sit there and, on the one hand, criticise the government for not releasing enough land for housing affordability going up and, then, on the other hand, attack the government for trying to bring someone into the market to build affordable accommodation ...
Mr Mills: We just asked you a question. Where? What address?
Mr HENDERSON: If the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Goyder understood how planning works, any approval to do with this development will have to go through the DCA. It will be a public process …
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! It was a simple question; we just want to know what the address is.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim, resume your seat ...
Mr Tollner: Where is it? Madam Speaker, it is about relevance.
Madam SPEAKER: Resume your seat, member for Fong Lim. Chief Minister, please continue.
Mr HENDERSON: Thank you. The member for Fong Lim covered himself with glory yesterday, did he not, Madam Speaker? Come in, spinner.
Obviously, this application will go through the normal DCA process which will identify the site of the land, and everyone will have a chance to comment …
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Relevance; the question was what is the address of this development? Simple question: what is the address?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim, resume your seat. The Chief Minister has the call.
Mr Tollner: He tells us everything but the address.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim!
Mr HENDERSON: I do not know why the member for Fong Lim thinks building 88 units of accommodation in Darwin is such a bad thing. Why is it such a terrible thing?
This is a development by a private sector company; it is not a government development. They do not have to come to the Chief Minister’s office and ask me permission to do their development. This is good news for the Territory …
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The Chief Minister obviously knows all about this development. Can he please tell us the address?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim, resume your seat!
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: Madam Speaker, the issue is one which will be dealt with through the Development Consent Authority process; it is not a government project. It is a project by a private developer …
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
Mr HENDERSON: … and I am astounded the opposition opposes it.
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired!
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Resume your seat!
________________________
Visitor
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Professor Dean Jaensch from Flinders University, a well-known political scientist who I am sure is having a very enjoyable time during Question Time. On behalf of honourable members, I extend to you a very warm welcome.
Members: Hear, hear!
Madam SPEAKER: Professor Jaensch, I will attempt to keep members under better control just for you.
________________________
Public Sector Employment Issues –
CLP Position
CLP Position
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Are you aware of recent comments by senior CLP member concerning public sector employment issues? Are these comments consistent with good public sector employment policy and practice?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question. Last Saturday, there was a very informative article in the NT News. The headline is: ‘CLP lashes at “disloyal”. The article states:
- A vicious row has broken out in the CLP because one of its key strategists has taken a job in the public service.
- The Northern Territory News has obtained confidential internal documents showing the CLP …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! There is a long-standing tradition in this House that referring to public servants is something that is not necessarily done.
Ms Scrymgour: Touchy, touchy.
Mr ELFERINK: No, I am actually genuinely trying to protect someone who is employed in the public service. Is that a problem?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, can you just get to the point fairly quickly.
Mr ELFERINK: As you well know, there is a long-standing observation in this House of the rights of public servants not to be named in this House and people not to be named in this House.
Dr Burns: I have not named anyone.
Mr ELFERINK: You have, because you are showing the same article which names the individual concerned. I can tell you, Madam Speaker, what this minister …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, resume your seat. This is not a point of order.
Mr Elferink: The public service needs to be scared of you.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, this is not a point of order.
Dr BURNS: So the article refers to an e-mail sent around by CLP Vice President Richard Teo and it really opens up the view of the CLP in this regard. Basically, they want people to sign confidentiality agreements and promise not to work for the Territory Labor government. All of this article and this internal squabbling in the CLP speaks of bully boy tactics, and shows how vindictive and mistrustful they are. Moreover, in relation to the question that was directed to the Chief Minister previously, it is in their DNA, it is actually in their platform from 2008, that they would sack quite a number of public servants, over 700 general staff, 78 executive contract officers and 40 executive officers.
They will slash and burn the public service if they ever get in to power. They would also be very vindictive against those they do not think will toe the line, toe their party line. I think what they have done in this particular case is very unAustralian. It is a window on the CLP and the mistrustful, vindictive nature of this party. God forbid that the CLP ever got back in to power in the Northern Territory because it would go back to that punishment sort of regime they had back in the old days.
A leopard does not change its spots. I know there is a great concern in the public service about the way that you act and conduct yourself.
Mr Elferink: You are the one naming public servants, you dill and identifying them. You are disgrace.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Port Darwin!
______________________
Distinguished Visitor
Hon Robert Hill
Hon Robert Hill
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I draw your attention to a distinguished visitor: Hon Robert Hill, former Senator for South Australia from 1980 to 2006, and a long-standing minister as well. Mr Hill was appointed by the Australian government to head the Australian Carbon Trust in 2009. I am sure you are enjoying Question Time as well, Mr Hill.
On behalf of honourable members I extend to you a very warm welcome.
Members: Hear, hear!
______________________
Ethan Affordable Housing - Accreditation
Ms PURICK to CHIEF MINISTER
Could you explain why Ethan Affordable Housing, which you claim is to build 1200 houses in and around Darwin, is based in Melbourne but is not listed on the Victorian government’s Housing Register website as either a registered housing association or as a registered housing provider? Can you tell Territorians where Ethan Affordable Housing has constructed other housing developments?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I acknowledge the member for Goyder’s question. I welcome Robert Hill to the parliament. I hope it brings back some memories for you, Mr Hill.
Let us get this right. We support anyone who wants to come to the Northern Territory to build 1200 homes. That is absolute support for anyone who wants to come to the Territory to build 1200 homes - unlike the CLP which has put a big wall up around the Northern Territory saying: ‘Closed for business. You do not come from here; we do not want you here’. That is a great way to grow the economy!
It is the Australian government which has accredited Ethan as being an acceptable entity to fund under the NRAS scheme. In terms of the questions the member for Goyder, they are not questions for which I have answers. They have not been appointed, nor are they acting under any scheme of the Territory government.
We welcome Ethan. We welcome Territory developers who are already building houses in the Northern Territory. We welcome any developers who want to come to the Northern Territory to build houses. I am astounded that the line of attack from the opposition today is to attack a company which wants to come here to build houses when they spent the entire Question Time yesterday trying to prosecute the case that there are not enough houses in the Territory.
They cannot have it both ways – we either need houses and accommodation, or we do not –and if we do need them we should be welcoming people to the Northern Territory who want to come here to build affordable houses.
Teachers Unsuitable for
Further Employment - Policy
Further Employment - Policy
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
On 1 June 2010, your department brought into effect a policy called ‘Teachers Unsuitable for Further Employment’. How many teachers deemed unsuitable have been advised of their status in writing? How many have challenged the department’s determination?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I do not have that level of detail. I will endeavour to find out by the end of Question Time and inform the House of the answer.
Chief Executive Officer - Department of Construction and Infrastructure
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for CONSTRUCTION
Yesterday, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition slandered the new Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Construction and Infrastructure. Can you provide the House with details of his background?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. Yesterday, and last night, I was extremely disappointed with the baseless attack by the member for Goyder on a senior public servant. I will outline to the House that Mr Al Wagner has joined the public sector in the Northern Territory. He comes with a wealth of experience across urban, regional and remote areas. His last position in Queensland was at Director-General level.
The attack was completely uncalled for. This has come as a shock to me, and I have called Mr Wagner to offer him my support. I believe he deserves the support of the opposition and I believe he deserves a good old, good mannered apology. That apology should be delivered immediately to a public servant who brings a wealth of experience to the Northern Territory.
I have just learned we do not name public servants in this House, as the member for Port Darwin has advised me. So I call upon the Opposition Leader to direct your junior to deliver that apology to Mr Wagner, and celebrate his arrival in the Northern Territory.
If this is what the Country Liberals are about - on a national political level we have Tony Abbott and he has a 4000 marker. It is out there in the Australian community …
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Relevance, again. The minister was asked a question about the background of this person who has been appointed; he has not said anything apart from he was at the Director-General level at some …
Madam SPEAKER: Resume your seat! Member for Fong Lim, there is no point of order. Minister, you have the call.
Mr McCARTHY: If this is what the CLP is about …
Mr Tollner interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim!
Mr McCARTHY: … on a national level, then I believe it is disgraceful …
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Four thousand public servants on a national level has absolutely nothing …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim, resume your seat! There is no point of order.
Mr Tollner: You have to be joking!
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim, you are on a warning.
Mr McCARTHY: My sentiment in this, and my passion, is I lived through an era of fear. I believe if this is allowed to continue, if this highly qualified, new public servant to the Territory is allowed to be attacked in this House, then that is a marker of your policy and the slash and burn that we hear about. I believe it should be delivered immediately and that will return some credibility to the Country Liberals in the Northern Territory.
Solomon Electorate –
Distribution of Preferences
Distribution of Preferences
Ms PURICK to CHIEF MINISTER
The Labor Party has done a grubby little preference deal with The Greens in Solomon in a desperate bid to boost support for your invisible and incompetent local member, Damian Hale. Can you outline the terms of the deal Labor has struck with The Greens and how it will affect voters in Solomon if Damian Hale literally falls across the line on 21 August?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I welcome this question. I probably do not have to answer it because it is not in the carriage of my ministerial duties, however, I cannot resist. I cannot resist because all political parties engage in preference deals with other parties, and I am sure the Country Liberal Party has sought very hard to get a preference deal, not only from The Greens and the Independents, but also One Nation. I will be very interested to see where the One Nation candidate is putting their preferences. I bet London to a brick the One Nation candidate’s preferences will go to the Country Liberal Party ahead of the Labor Party …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr HENDERSON: They have form and history as we saw so very clearly when the One Nation candidate was on the news and they rolled some old file footage. Who was with Pauline Hanson? One Chris Lugg. Chris Lugg, a previous CLP member and CLP minister. A leopard does not change its spots. The Labor Party will be putting One Nation last. I am absolutely confident that the CLP will be above Labor on the One Nation Party candidate’s ticket.
Regarding The Greens, I will tell you what has scuttled any chance of Green preferences going to the CLP, and that is the member for Goyder’s support today of the Koongarra uranium mine against her own party.
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The Chief Minister was asked a question about the terms of the arrangement of the preference deal. He has not talked about any terms of the deal at all.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim! Member for Fong Lim, resume your seat. You are on a warning. You have already been on a warning. This is your final warning.
Chief Minister, answer the question as closely as possible, bearing in mind it is not within the Chief Minister’s portfolio; therefore, you can answer it as you wish.
Mr HENDERSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. The one thing that has scuttled any opportunity for any Green preferences to flow to the Country Liberal Party candidates in the Northern Territory is the member for Goyder and the Country Liberal Party’s support for the Koongarra uranium mine where …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! It is to relevance. The question specifically goes to the terms of the preference deal with The Greens.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, the question is actually out of order, but the Chief Minister has chosen to answer. Continue, Chief Minister.
Mr HENDERSON: They do not like to hear it because they put the size 10 boots right into it this morning when they demonstrated a leopard does not change its spots. They have no regard for the environment whatsoever. To support Koongarra uranium mine at Kakadu National Park is recklessly irresponsible. Greg Hunt, the shadow Environment minister in the Liberal Party has said today that he supports the decision. The CLP will never change their spots!
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
National Broadband Network
Ms WALKER to CHIEF MINISTER
Yesterday, the federal opposition released their broadband policy. What does this mean for the Territory, and are you aware of any alternative policies?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. The member for Nhulunbuy represents an electorate that is right out of the urban mainstream, and it is because of this government, the Commonwealth government, the Northern Land Council and Telstra’s shared vision that the residents of Nhulunbuy now have access to broadband: all the way from Jabiru, all the way through the coastal communities of Arnhem Land, to Jabiru.
That is the commitment the Labor Party has to delivering broadband as opposed to the opposition and their cheap and nasty approach which was revealed by Tony Abbott yesterday, where he demonstrated he did not even have the most fundamental grasp of his own policy position.
Internet industry association chief executive, Peter Coronius, said the opposition’s plan falls, and I quote: ‘Significantly short of the NBN’. He said:
- The private sector has had all this time to deliver broadband and they have only made the decision to do that where it makes commercial sense.
Guess where it does not make commercial sense? Small, isolated communities in the Northern Territory. Under Tony Abbott’s plan and the candidates for the CLP in the Territory: no vision for the Territory, no commitment to the Territory, no broadband to the Northern Territory.
Let us also hear what some other commentators have said today. Independent telecoms consultant, Paul Budde, said the Liberals plan ‘will simply take us back to the 2007 - in fact, even further back then that - and keep Australia on the bottom rung of the international broadband ladder’. This is a position you guys support. It is absolutely unbelievable.
Mr Giles interjecting.
Mr HENDERSON: Also, US technologists and one of the creators of the Internet - so we believe that over the member for Braitling; the genius member for Braitling. The US technologist, one of the creators of the Internet …
Mr Giles interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Braitling!
Mr HENDERSON: … Larry Smart likened Labor’s plan to the 1956 decision by President Dwight Eisenhower to build the publicly-funded interstate highway system: ‘My great hope is that Australia will show the way for the US’. So, national and international commentators are applauding Labor’s commitment to build the superhighway of the future - not the cheap and nasty machine of the past that would actually take us backward.
This policy really means substantial difference to people in the Northern Territory. These guys are supposed to be the party of business. They are the only political party going into the election on 21 August actually going to ratchet up taxes on business. An Internet connection that costs a business $2000 in Sydney costs $18 000 in Darwin. This is a plan that would actually reduce costs for business, expand our economy, and make a great deal of difference to people in the Northern Territory. The CLP oppose it. Their plan, their candidate, will take the Territory backwards.
Asylum Seeker Children - Education
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
In relation to the education of children of the asylum seekers in schools in Darwin, is it correct the Commonwealth Department of Immigration has given the Northern Territory government funds to employ English as a Second Language teachers to teach these children? Is it true your department still has not employed these teachers? If that is the case, can you explain why there has been a delay?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. It was in the media a number of weeks ago about discussions my department is having with the Commonwealth department on this issue involving about 60 asylum seeker children. It was said then by departmental spokesmen it would take some time to reach agreement on this issue.
The target date I have is October 2010. Teachers will have to be employed and, probably, some specialist teachers amongst them. However, I can give the guarantee, as the department did, there will be no funds flowing out of the Northern Territory education budget in the education of these children, which I support wholeheartedly. All expenses will be met by the Commonwealth. No Northern Territory child will go without because of this particular plan. There is a lot of detail in there. We are cooperating with the department of Immigration.
As you would also be aware, we are going through a caretaker phase through the federal election. That has probably slowed things a little. The date I have to have this up and running is October.
Labor Election Preferences –
Effect on Territory Fishing Community
Effect on Territory Fishing Community
Ms PURICK to CHIEF MINISTER
Can you tell Territorians what are the terms of the agreement over preferences between the ALP and The Greens? How would it affect Territory fishermen and women?
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, before you answer the question - order, order! Before you answer the question bear in mind it is not a portfolio responsibility. You do not need to answer the question if you do not wish to.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I cannot resist. The question was written by the member for Port Darwin and handed down the line to the Deputy Opposition Leader to stand up and read out. It is irresistible.
We all know in this place that the preference arrangements are negotiated by parties. In this case, they have been negotiated at a national level, in the same way …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order!
Mr HENDERSON: … the Country Liberal Party will be negotiating preferences with Independent candidates, will be having discussions with the One Nation candidate, about where they sit on the ticket … …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Seeing that he has chosen to answer the question, I ask him to answer the question. What are the terms of the arrangement …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, resume your seat.
Mr ELFERINK: … and if you do not know why are you not involved?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, resume your seat, there is no point of order.
Mr HENDERSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. These are issues that negotiated between political parties. I would be astounded if the Country Liberal Party was not attempting to negotiate a preference arrangement with The Greens …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! It is a requirement of standing orders that the answer is relevant to the question. The question is: what are the terms of the agreement?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, there is no point of order. As I already ruled, the question is out of …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! The question is out of order, therefore, the Chief Minister who has chosen to answer can answer it as he wishes.
Mr HENDERSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Part of the preference deal would have been that we have agreed not to support uranium mining at Koongarra, for example, and the CLP, very clearly, do support uranium mining at Koongarra. So we will put that in the box for the next Northern Territory election. Should The Greens be contemplating a preference arrangement with the CLP - a very clear point of difference. The CLP support uranium mining at Koongarra and the Labor Party does not. Now, that would be in the agreement.
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! A last attempt: Standing Order 113 - succinct, concise and directly relevant to the question.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, resume your seat.
Mr HENDERSON: Madam Speaker, that would be the case.
In regard to fishing, the Northern Territory government’s position is very clear. We will negotiate an agreement and reach an agreement with the Northern Land Council, the other land councils, over Blue Mud Bay which will provide for continued and ongoing access for recreational and commercial fisherman. Those negotiations are going ahead in good faith. We would not do as the CLP would do which is try to influence …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! If he is not going to answer the question could you ask him to sit down?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, you resume your seat.
Mr ELFERINK: Standing order 113 …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, resume your seat. You are on a warning for so many frivolous interjections.
Mr HENDERSON: Madam Speaker, our policy position is a negotiated agreement …
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
Uranium Mining at Koongarra - Policies
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
Yesterday, minister Garrett made an historic announcement that with the support of the traditional owner a re-elected Gillard Labor government would not allow mining at Koongarra and place this land permanently …
Members interjecting.
Ms Purick: Pink batts are burning.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Something you do not care about. We know that.
Ms Purick: Pink batts are burning.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms SCRYMGOUR: … and place this land permanently into Kakadu National Park. Territory Labor is on the record as opposing uranium mining at Koongarra. Is the minister aware of any alternative policies?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for her very important question. As the local member I know she is extremely proud of this announcement that with a re-elected Labor government, with Julia Gillard as Prime Minister, we will not allow mining at Koongarra. I talked with the member for Arafura about Koongarra and she was able to tell me eloquently and very informatively about the immense cultural, natural and environmental value of Koongarra, and also explained to me how it contains many sacred sites. It also contains rock art of international significance.
This decision came with the agreement of traditional owner, Mr Lee, who has clearly said this is more than about money. This is about preserving Koongarra and the land for the future generations of his people.
I applaud this decision. Territory Labor applauds this decision as well. As the member for Arafura has said, Territory Labor has opposed mining in this are and we continue to oppose it. Koongarra is very close to Nourlangie Rock. It is hard to believe that anyone could support mining so close to this iconic site except for the Country Liberals.
Ms Purick: Do you know the meaning of the word ‘iconic’?
Mr HAMPTON: The member for Goyder has a lot to say on this issue. She is babbling away over there. This morning the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, the member for Goyder, on ABC radio reaffirmed the Country Liberals’ policy of mining Koongarra. In a statement of absolute hypocrisy and a step back to the divisive politics of the past she went on to say that she wants the rights of traditional owners respected provided they do what they are told and agree to mining. Unbelievable!
Ms PURICK: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: Please pause, minister.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order! Honourable members there are far too many interjections. I remind you of Standing Order 51:
- No member may converse aloud or make any noise or disturbance which in the opinion of the Speaker is designed to interrupt or has the effect of interrupting a member speaking.
Member for Goyder, did you have a point of order?
Ms PURICK: Yes, I do. The member is misleading the parliament. I did not say what he is claiming I said.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Goyder, that is not a point of order. If you wish to make a personal explanation, you may approach me at another time. Resume your seat.
Ms Purick: Yes I will, Madam Speaker, thank you.
Mr HAMPTON: These words are on transcript on ABC radio. It is back to the future for the CLP, the divisive politics of the past: traditional owners, we respect them provided they do what they are told and agree to mining. Even the figure, she was saying the mine would be worth $1.460bn. Three times she asserted this figure …
Madam SPEAKER: Minister your time has expired. Your time has expired minister, resume your seat!
Ms Purick: That is incorrect also you drongo. You are just such a big drongo. You should just go back to the desert.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Labor Election Preferences –
Effect on Territory Fishing Community
Effect on Territory Fishing Community
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE to CHIEF MINISTER
The Labor Party has done a preference deal with The Greens that could mean Territorians are banned from fishing on 30% of the Territory’s coast. Bearing in mind that fishing is the lure of the Territory, how does your government justify a deal with The Greens that bans fishing in 30% of Territory waters?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I can categorically say that we have done no deal with The Greens in anywhere near the shape or form that the member for Katherine asserts. This is a desperate attempt to recover some lost ground with Green preferences as a result of the member for Goyder being on the radio this morning and scuttling any opportunity for Green preferences in Solomon, a very marginal seat, by announcing their support for Koongarra. This is a desperate attempt to try to claw back some ground.
I have said very clearly, very certainly, very definitively that we will work and negotiate with the land councils across the Northern Territory to provide for ongoing and secure access without the requirement for fishing permits for recreational and commercial fishermen. Those negotiations are going very well, because we respect …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Once again, Standing Order 113. The answer he is giving has nothing to do with the question asked.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin resume your seat!
Mr ELFERINK: The answer needs to be succinct, concise and relevant to the question. It is not.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Port Darwin! Chief Minister, you have the call.
Mr HENDERSON: The member for Port Darwin and the member for Katherine have made an allegation that would see access to 30% of our coast line removed. I am denying that saying that is not the case and the Territory government’s policy position is to maintain ongoing secure access through respectful negotiations with traditional owners through their representative land councils, and we will deliver on that.
This is a desperate attempt to recover any possibility for Green preferences in a very marginal seat.
I could not believe my luck this morning when I heard the member for Goyder saying they would mine Koongarra. I thought: ‘What sort of genius strategy is this 10 days out from a federal election in a very marginal seat?’ I wonder if she has spoken to the Leader of the Opposition about this. I wonder if they have consulted about where this fits in our strategy for Solomon. No, I think she was just out there on her own.
My colleague, the member for Johnston says: ‘A leopard will never change its spots’. We would go back to deregulated mining across the Northern Territory. We would go back to disasters like Mount Todd across the Northern Territory. We would go back to digging anything up, wherever it sat.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I draw your attention to relevance. This has nothing to do …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Katherine, resume your seat.
Mr HENDERSON: A leopard does not change its spots. The Country Liberal Party would put mining over the environment …
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
Mr HENDERSON: … first and square every day of the week in the Northern Territory. We will not mine Koongarra.
Tiger Brennan Drive - Stage 3
Mr WOOD to the MINISTER for LANDS and PLANNING
I have been informed by a local, long-time road contractor that the government intends not to go to tender for Stage 3 of the Tiger Brennan Drive project, but give the work to the Stage 2 contractor. Stage 3 is to build an overpass over the railway line on Berrimah Road, and I imagine that would be a substantial contract. Could you please allay the fears of local contractors and say, definitively, that Stage 3 will go to tender?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question, and a very definitive question on a $110m project which is well under way and the public can see coming before its eyes.
What the member for Nelson has alluded to is an issue I have to work through. There are pros and cons in all of this. When we are delivering major transport infrastructure for the Northern Territory we want to deliver it the best and most efficient way and maximise the efficiencies in getting the best results for our money.
At this stage today, no, I cannot answer that question, but I will be working in that area. It is a huge piece of work and it will go on to capture not only Stages 1 and 2, but certainly the next progression of that contract.
Territory Economy - Update
Mr GUNNER to TREASURER
Our Territory economy is performing strongly. Can you update the House on key economic indicators?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, indeed we have a very strong economy. We have the nation’s lowest unemployment rate; we have had that for nine consecutive months, the lowest ever historically in the Territory at 2.8%. Our retail trade remains solid, performing at 4.6%, and above national levels. Building approvals are strong; we are the third highest in the nation in our building approvals, which indicates there is a solid pipeline of work across the housing and construction sector.
The all important business confidence is equal highest in the nation, equal only to the ACT. Our economic growth is forecast at 4% this year, which is second only to Western Australia.
We have put strong fundamentals in place for this strong, economic growth. We have the lowest taxes for small and medium businesses in the nation. We are delivering a record $1.8bn infrastructure program which is supporting business, supporting jobs, supporting the all important construction sector while we are waiting for private sector investment to return post-global financial crisis, and the important Commonwealth stimulus funding in those project coming through. The $286m BER program across the schools is critical in driving construction work. We are seeing a 34% increase in non-residential construction work. That is what the stimulus funding from the Commonwealth is delivering into the Territory.
It is critical that we keep these tradies in work through the Commonwealth stimulus funding and the Territory’s own record investment. Why? We are on the horizon of major projects coming through such as the INPEX project. We have to sustain and build the all important construction workforce ahead of major projects such as INPEX.
Graham Kemp, from the Master Builders Association has said on 25 July on Channel 9 that the stimulus funding from the Commonwealth is delivering real benefits to the construction sector. I will quote him:
- We have been able to hold the construction industry intact in the Northern Territory to be ready for the bigger projects when they come on.
We understand that stimulus funding from the Commonwealth, supported by the Territory’s own record investment in infrastructure, has been critical to the strength of our economy and delivering our capacity ahead of the major projects on the horizon.
Access Economics gets this as well; the only clowns who do not are in the Country Liberal Party. Access Economics recently stated the Territory has some:
- … glittering project possibilities ahead that could turbo charge its growth.
These clowns would have voted against the Commonwealth stimulus. They have said time and time again on record that we should not be spending $1.8m on infrastructure …
Madam SPEAKER: Treasurer, your time has expired.
Marine Protected Areas – Effect of Preference Deal between Australian Labor Party
and The Greens
and The Greens
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE to CHIEF MINISTER
The Labor Party has form in trying to ban fishing. Federal Environment minister Peter Garrett’s plan to establish new marine protected areas will hit fishing access in the Territory. The Greens proposed 30% ban on fishing Territory waters would further fillet the right of recreational fishers. Why is it Territory fishos are being double-crossed by the Labor/Greens preference deal to sneak Damian Hale across the line?
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order! Chief Minister, before you answer the question, the question is actually not in your portfolio area; it relates to things completely outside that. Chief Minister, you may or may not answer question, bearing in mind it is also rather repetitive.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I am happy for the Country Liberal Party to continue to dig a hole for itself on this issue.
My memory of these marine protected areas is that they were actually a creature of the Howard government. Senator Nigel Scullion was one of its greatest champions. I have been reminded of a certain AFANT AGM meeting in Darwin a few years ago where Senator Scullion was grilled up hill and down dale for over an hour in regard to marine protected areas and how they may apply to the Northern Territory. For the member for Katherine to waltz in here and say we signed up to a secret deal to lock up the Northern Territory season, ban recreational fishing - what a joke!
This is a creature of John Howard’s government policy creation that is being carried through. It is aimed at areas of Australia’s coastline where fisheries have not been managed well, where fishing stocks have been depleted because of over-fishing, whether it be commercial or recreational. This was a policy tool initiated by the Commonwealth government under the previous Prime Minister, John Howard, roundly supported by Senator Nigel Scullion, who has some expertise in this area …
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The Chief Minister is clearly misleading the House. Senator Nigel Scullion is not here to defend himself and I ask that you pull the Chief Minister back into line.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim, resume your seat. Resume your seat!
Mr HENDERSON: Maybe the member for Fong Lim, when he was a member of that government, did not read that particular legislation, or he fell asleep at that particular point as well.
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Again, he is misleading the House.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim, a question has been asked; the Chief Minister is answering it.
Mr HENDERSON: Madam Speaker, this was a policy tool which was the creation of the former Howard government to establish marine protected areas where fishing stocks had been depleted from over-fishing.
In the Northern Territory - and I will give credit to the Country Liberal Party when they were in government, followed through by us in government, that our fishing stocks are healthy. There is extensive scientific monitoring of those fishing stocks. Part of the negotiations with the traditional owners through the land councils in regard to Blue Mud Bay is sustainability. That is the No 1, key issue, whether you are in the commercial sector, the recreational sector, or traditional owners - everyone is concerned about maintaining sustainability.
We can have sustainability and healthy fishing stocks without banning recreational fishing. We will not do that. This is a hollow attempt by the Country Liberal Party today to dig itself out of a hole it has created by supporting mining at Koongarra.
Building the Education Revolution Program – Liberal Party’s Opposition and Consequences
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
The CLP and Tony Abbott’s Liberals have constantly opposed the Building the Education Revolution Program which has provided significant benefits to the Territory economy and Territory schools. What would be the consequences of Tony Abbott’s and the Liberals’ threat to scrap the BER program and cancel school upgrades?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. As the Treasurer has said previously, the stimulus package is absolutely central to the Northern Territory weathering the global financial crisis storm. Over $270m was allocated to the Northern Territory for BER through the stimulus package for 186 schools. My information says to date approximately 520 businesses and 213 apprentices have also been involved in these projects.
There have been quite a number of projects which have been completed. I know the member for Fong Lim was at one the other day. There is still well over $100m outstanding and really at risk if Tony Abbott were to seize control of the Australian government at the next election. That represents projects at over 100 schools. It is essential infrastructure, it is essential to business, but it is hard to say what Tony Abbott would do.
I have a list of projects here: Bakewell Primary School is pretty well advanced and is due to be completed in December 2010; Gillen Primary – January 2012 for completion; Moulden Park Primary – January 2011; Nakara Primary in my colleague’s electorate – January 2011; Ross Park Primary – March 2011; and Sadadeen Primary – 2011.
Some projects are yet to get under contract, that is Bonya School; Canteen Creek; remote schools that desperately need infrastructure – Wooliana School; and school projects not yet out to tender – Nhulunbuy Primary School, Tennant Creek Primary School and Ti Tree.
Who can say what Tony Abbott would do if he got into power? He is diametrically opposed to the BER projects. I reckon he would cut them off …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Dr BURNS: … and we do know the attitude of members opposite, particularly the member for Braitling when he came out publicly and said you can build a McDonalds for $1m and criticised Larrakeyah Primary School for their $2m school hall and other upgrades.
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I have never spoken about Larrakeyah Primary School …
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order, resume your seat, member for Braitling.
Dr BURNS: Madam Speaker, I do not have the article right here, but there was an article in The Australian with your name against it …
Mr Giles: I have the article right here. It does not even quote me, you goose.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: With your name against it. So you are denying you ever said it.
Mr Giles: I never said it, you idiot. Read the article …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, withdraw that comment.
Mr GILES: I withdraw.
Madam SPEAKER: The time has expired, minister.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Giles: Read the article and look for quotation marks, you fool.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, I ask you to withdraw that comment.
Mr GILES: I withdraw.
Preference Deals – Australian Labor Party
and The Greens
and The Greens
Mr ELFERINK to CHIEF MINISTER
You have told this House today that the deal over preferences between The Greens and the Australian Labor Party was done at a national level. How can you give assurances about the terms of the deal when you had nothing to do with the negotiations?
Madam SPEAKER: Once again, Chief Minister, before I call you, it is not a question within your portfolio area so you may choose to answer it if you wish to. It is about a federal matter.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I have not enjoyed a Question Time so much in ages. The Country Liberal Party today, the opposition, has made an allegation without any foundation that we are going to ban recreational fishing in the Territory. In my last answer – I have a good memory; I remember that marine protected areas were a creature of the Howard government which contained the member for Fong Lim, who was the member for Solomon …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! This question was very specific and very concise. I ask that he remains within the parameters of Standing Order 113 and answer the question.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, the question was also out of order so the Chief Minister has the call.
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! If the question is out of order then you should not allow the question to stand. The Chief Minister has chosen to answer the question, therefore, he should be at least relevant to the question.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim, resume your seat.
Mr HENDERSON: Madam Speaker, there has been a series of questions in this House this afternoon in regard to this so called agreement. I am focusing on the fishing. I am quoting from the Northern Territory News, 24 February 2005. Who was in power then in Canberra? Mr Howard was the Prime Minister. Who was the member for Solomon …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The question was very specifically in relation to the nature of the deal struck a few weeks ago. I ask that he comply with Standing Order 113 and answer the question.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, resume your seat.
Mr HENDERSON: Thank you. In regard to the fishing policy that we were supposed to have adopted which was in fact their fishing policy, I quote from the …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Mr HENDERSON: No, Madam Speaker, he is just trying to gag me. I urge you to sit him down.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order! The Chief Minister has been asked a question which was out of order. The Chief Minister had the choice to answer the question. Given that the question was out of order the Chief Minister may answer it as he wishes. Chief Minister, you have the call.
Mr HENDERSON: Thank you. Quote: ‘Northern Territory Senator Nigel Scullion dropped an absolute clanger when he reported at the AFANT AGM that the National Oceans Office on behalf of the Commonwealth government …
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Mr Henderson: They do not like to hear the truth, Madam Speaker.
Mr TOLLNER: If the question was out of order, you should not have allowed it to stand. If the Chief Minister’s …
____________________
Members Suspended from Assembly -
Members for Fong Lim
and Port Darwin
Members for Fong Lim
and Port Darwin
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim, I ask you to withdraw from the Chamber.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim, I ask you to withdraw from the Chamber.
Mr TOLLNER: Madam Speaker, under Standing Order 82 I move dissent from the ruling of the Chair.
Madam SPEAKER: It is a matter of order. It is not a matter of dissent. Withdraw from the Chamber! It is not a matter of dissent. It is a matter of order. Withdraw!
Member for Port Darwin, I ask you to withdraw from the Chamber as well.
Mr ELFERINK: Madam Speaker, there is a dissent motion standing in the …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, I ask you to withdraw from the …
Mr ELFERINK: Madam Speaker, the dissent motion is now on foot. You cannot resist a dissent motion.
Dr BURNS: A point of order! He is showing insolence and defiance and is questioning the ruling of the Chair, Madam Speaker.
Mr ELFERINK: Exactly, that is what he is doing. That is why it is a dissent motion. Look at your procedures!
Dr BURNS: She has already given the ruling on that.
Mr ELFERINK: Madam Speaker, you are subject of a dissent motion. You cannot order anyone out of the Chamber. The ruling is now under question. That is the issue.
Madam SPEAKER: As I am advised and as I have said, Standing Order 240A is a matter of order and there is to be no dissent, which is what you can look at. Both the member for Port Darwin and the member for Fong Lim will withdraw from the Chamber!
Mr ELFERINK: Madam Speaker, you are subject of a dissent motion.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, you will withdraw from the Chamber, and member for Fong Lim! Member for Fong Lim, withdraw from the Chamber! It is not a ruling. Withdraw from the Chamber.
Mr Tollner: That is a ruling, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: It is a matter of order.
Mr Elferink: Yes, there is a dissent motion on your ruling.
Dr BURNS (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I move that the members be named.
Madam SPEAKER: The question is that the member for Fong Lim and the member for Port Darwin be named.
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order. The motion …
Mr ELFERINK: Madam Speaker, I would like to speak to the motion. I am on my feet.
Madam SPEAKER: I name the member for Fong Lim and the member for Port Darwin.
Leader of Government Business, I ask you to move that the members be suspended from the Chamber, please.
Dr BURNS (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I move that the members be suspended from the service of the Assembly.
Mr Elferink: Madam Speaker, I am on my feet. I would like to speak to the motion.
Madam SPEAKER: There is no debate on this.
Motion agreed to.
____________________
Madam SPEAKER: We still have a couple minutes of Question Time.
Mr HENDERSON: I would like to finish my answer, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister.
Mr HENDERSON: Thank you. So, the question went to whether the government had any agreement to ban recreational fishing in the Territory. I say absolutely not. I point out that the policy referred to by the member for Katherine was in fact …
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, I have been advised that your time has expired because of that motion. I am very sorry about that.
Dental Blitz for Territorians
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for HEALTH
What has been the impact of the dental blitz for Territorians?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. In Budget 2009-10, our government decided to allocate $1.5m to address the waiting list for dental services. I am very pleased to say that since the commencement of the blitz, the waiting times have been reduced by 116%. Let us have a look at some of the graphs. Before the blitz, 65% of the people on the waiting list had to wait for two years or more; only 25% would wait for less than a year. Following the blitz, fewer than 10% of the people on the waiting list have to wait for two years or more, and 85% of the people on the waiting list have to wait for less than three years.
Not only have the waiting times have been reduced but the number of people on our list from 4500 people to fewer than 1300. That is not only good news for the Darwin and Palmerston areas but also for the bush because more people are available to treat people in the bush.
We now spend about 15% more time in the bush, increasing the time we spent from 721 days to 829 days. That was a tremendous effort by the people working out there in the clinics and I congratulate them.
I also congratulate the federal Labor government for taking care and concern about the oral health services throughout Australia and introducing the Commonwealth Dental Health Program. Unfortunately, that program cannot become a reality because the federal opposition and Tony Abbott have blocked it in the Senate. That means $2.8m will not be spent in the Territory for Territorians, and this money can be translated to 10 600 dental services over three years.
Tony Abbott has record; has form. He was the one who cut about $1bn from health services when he was Minister for Health. He was the one who cut the health workforce so we have a lack of GPs today - thanks to Tony Abbott and the federal opposition when they were in government.
The reality is what do the Country Liberals stand for? Do they want services for Territorians, do they want the oral services provided to Territorians, or will they stand by, on political grounds, the federal opposition and Tony Abbott and support the blockage of the program; a very essential program to treat Territorians and provide oral hygiene services to Territorians?
It is a question the Leader of the Opposition has to answer if, in reality, there is a Leader of the Opposition here today.
Berry Springs Water Advisory Committee
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
You recently advertised for nominations for the Berry Springs Water Advisory Committee as well as the Howard Springs Water Advisory Committee. Before you announced the Howard Springs Water Advisory Committee, you held a number of meetings and workshops over two years so residents could understand the issues about water allocation plans in their local area. Why have you now snuck into these advertisements nominations for the Berry Springs Water Advisory Committee without giving residents of the Berry Springs area the same prior consultation as you did for the Howard Springs residents? Will you not go ahead with the advisory committee until you have consulted properly with the Berry Springs community?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his very good question. In the water allocation planning processes and meeting our national water initiatives, the Northern Territory government is committed to seeing those rolled out to ensure we manage water as the delicate resource that it is.
In relation to Berry Springs, I am happy to get back to you with the detail of the process followed and take that question on notice.
Dr BURNS (Leader of Government Business): I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
ANSWER TO QUESTION
Teachers Unsuitable for
Further Employment - Policy
Teachers Unsuitable for
Further Employment - Policy
Dr BURNS (Education and Training): Madam Speaker, I have a response to a question asked by the member for Macdonnell and I seek your indulgence - it is very short.
Three teachers have recently received correspondence advising their application for relief teaching has not been approved and the reasons why. Natural justice has been afforded to each of these applicants before the decision to issue a relief teacher card was made.
While the policy Teachers Unsuitable for Further Employment was introduced on 1 June 2010, to date there have been no former teachers who have had their name included on the DET database, nor will any teacher have their name included on the database until the requirements of the policy have been complied with, including the requirement that teachers have an opportunity to make submissions to the department before a final decision is made.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016