2009-08-18
Chief Minister’s Agreement with Member for Nelson – Alleged Breach of Agreement
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
You have repeatedly refused to change the location of your proposed new prison. The deal you signed with the member for Nelson requires you to review the location of your new prison. Today, you and your government voted against moving the prison. Is this not a breach of your agreement with the member for Nelson just four days ago?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. I understand the Leader of the Opposition is upset by the fact my government has reached a principled agreement with the member for Nelson that is open, transparent, and accountable to all Territorians.
In regard to the prison, I will quote from the agreement we have with the member for Nelson which I am absolutely committed to seeing through. The agreement states that the government will establish an expert review panel to review the location. One of the key issues the member for Nelson has is that government identified a range of possible locations for the new prison; made a decision based on that information; and that information has not been made public regarding the reasoning around that.
We have agreed that we will have an expert review panel to review the location of the prison based on the options and all the information that government has. The agreement requires us to examine alternative options for one large prison - we have been through that, happy to go through it again with the member for Nelson – and to investigate prison farms for Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine and Darwin. There is a range of issues for consideration, and for this to be completed by the end of November 2009 and reporting to the subcommittee.
Irrespective of the House today, we have an agreement with the member for Nelson that is open, transparent, and accountable. This agreement does not bind or commit the government to changing its decision. What it does is bring the member for Nelson into all of the issues; to review and have expert people come in and review. We will do that in the spirit and the intent of what is in this agreement.
We will meet all of those time lines, be totally open and transparent with all the information that we have, and engage the member for Nelson on that. This is open and transparent, this is the time. We will honestly report back to the House on this information ...
Mr Mills interjecting.
Mr HENDESON: As I said, this is a principled agreement. I know the Leader of the Opposition does not like it, but it is a principled agreement and, as Chief Minister, I commit to implementing it.
Mr Elferink: What about the principles of parliamentary debate? What about following what the House tells you to do? Irrespective of the House …
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Port Darwin, cease interjecting.
Petrel and Tern Gas Fields - Development
Ms WALKER to CHIEF MINISTER
Earlier today, Santos made an announcement about the development of Petrel and Tern gas fields. What is the impact on the Territory of this announcement?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. Santos made a very significant announcement to the Australian Stock Exchange at 10 am this morning regarding the Petrel, Tern and Frigate fields in the Bonaparte Basin; specifically Petrel and Tern that have been sitting there uncommercialised for around 30 years. Santos has agreed to sell 60% of its interest in the gas fields to French gas company, GDF Suez. Jointly with GDF Suez, they will develop the field using a floating LNG platform.
This will impact on our growing reputation as a major gas hub for the Asian region. It is a significant announcement today that builds on the back of LNG 1, with ConocoPhillips already producing; gas from Blacktip for Power and Water; and INPEX having made a decision that Darwin is their preferred location for their LNG project. The Santos announcement brings another element to Darwin’s growing reputation and opportunities for service and supply of the offshore industry.
We will be working to establish a marine supply base in Darwin to expand those opportunities. There are already companies involved in this business but, with growing exploration and production activity to our north and west, Darwin is the logical point to expand the service, supply, and engineering capacity to support those platforms, build the economic and investment potential of the Territory and, very significantly, jobs for Territorians.
Madam Speaker, I will be meeting with company representatives from GDF Suez on Thursday. It is a major multinational company with a market capitalisation of some $US90bn. They are the largest gas importer in Europe. This is their first major investment in exploration and development in Australia. I welcome the significant announcement today and I wish the new joint venture well.
Jim Davidson – ABC Report of
Sacking from SIHIP
Sacking from SIHIP
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Can you confirm a report broadcast on ABC radio that Jim Davidson, the man who delivered the dodgy briefing to the member for Macdonnell about the size of the administrative costs of SIHIP, has been sacked from the project? Can you please explain to the House why Mr Davidson was sacked, the size of his salary package with SIHIP, and the size of the payout that he will receive?
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, before you answer the question, I remind you of the comments I made yesterday in relation to freedom of speech, particularly in relation to people who have no right of reply. Chief Minister, I caution you in relation to those matters to do with the standing orders in your response.
ANSWER
Thank you, Madam Speaker, I respect your advice. I also ask the opposition, in their continuing run of these types of questions, to think about fine, upstanding Territorians who are not members of this House.
I know Jim Davidson personally; he is a decent man and a well-respected engineer. His employment arrangements are between him and his employer. They are not an issue for this House.
Jobs Plan 3 - Achievements
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
The Labor government was the first Territory government to introduce the Jobs Plan to the Territory. Jobs Plan 3 is in its final stages. Can you please advise the Assembly on the achievements of this plan?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for her question. Jobs for Territorians is right up there as a key priority for government. We were the first government to introduce a comprehensive Jobs Plan to the Northern Territory. The third version of that Jobs Plan is nearly complete. In Jobs Plan 3, we committed a total of $21.3m over four years to upgrade training and provide incentives for employers and employees.
The number of Territorians in jobs since Jobs Plan 3 has been in place has increased from 106 900 to 119 500. Workwear/Workgear Bonus payments have been made to over 3800 eligible apprentices and trainees since 1 July 2007. That is a huge number of apprentices and trainees who have had payments to support them in regard to the tools and equipment they need to pursue their trade in the first year of their apprenticeship, which is always a pretty tough time given the low wage rates in the first year of an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship and traineeship commencement numbers have increased from 2593 in 2006 to 2679 in 2008, with 50% of apprentices and training in skill shortage trades occupations. One of the great things in the Northern Territory is that we have the largest number per capita of people in training in the country, and the largest number per capita of apprentices undertaking traditional trade occupations.
The Territory government is doing its bit as well. Since July 2007, 113 apprentices and trainees have commenced in the Northern Territory Public Sector apprenticeship program in a diverse range of occupations. Of these commencements, 65, or over half, were Indigenous, and that is significant.
VET scholarships amounting to $4000 each were allocated to 20 participants in 2008-09, and 40 higher education scholarships valued at $3500 were allocated in 2008-09, the first time that these types of scholarships have been allocated by government.
Importantly, the Territory government is working with the private sector to build the training capacity of the Territory. Territorians are in training more than ever before, delivering skilled people to growing businesses in a growing economy. I look forward to the next version of Jobs Plan.
Budget Position – Meeting with Under Treasurer
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Will you confirm that the Under Treasurer met with chief executives of NT government departments in the past fortnight to discuss the state of the NT budget, and were you present at that meeting? Will you also confirm that the Under Treasurer advised that the NT budget position is worsening? Have there been any cuts to specific programs, intakes or other items of expenditure as a result of the worsening budget position?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I meet with all heads of public service agencies on a pretty regular basis. It is standard for a Chief Minister to look at the implementation of the government’s policy agenda. It is also normal at those meetings for the Under Treasurer to present an update on the state of the budget. That is a fairly normal and consistent thing to go.
The government’s budget, obviously, does fluctuate; it is a moving feast. We set the budget parameters during the year. We have additional Commonwealth revenues coming in. Those revenues may change, given their forecasting arrangements. These are a standard issue. What I can confirm, from that meeting, is that there were no cuts required of public service agencies.
Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education – Call for Inquiry
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
Last Friday, I am informed, there was a meeting at the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education where approximately 100 staff members passed a vote of no confidence against the Chair of the Batchelor College, the Vice Chancellor, the Senior Advisor, and the Registrar. Would you support an independent inquiry into the Batchelor Institute to find out what is going on?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. There are significant issues being looked at with the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education, which is a very important institution in the Territory. Batchelor Institute was established under Northern Territory legislation. It is funded jointly by the Northern Territory government and the Commonwealth; the Commonwealth being the principal fund provider.
Under legislation, the affairs of Batchelor are the responsibility of its 22 member council and directors; CEO; and the Vice Chancellor who is an appointment of the council. The Territory and the Australian governments have no role in the day-to-day operations or the management of BIITE.
On 12 March 2009, the council sought joint intervention by the Australian and Northern Territory governments. Since this request was made, we have taken several actions: a financial audit has been carried out and a strategic business manager was appointed for a three-month period. Reports from both of these activities have now been received. At this point in time, DET and DEEWR are seeking Batchelor council endorsement on an action plan to refocus the operations of Batchelor to address financial and governance issues.
Both the Australian and Northern Territory governments recognise the important role that BIITE plays. This issue is unfolding. I hear the call very loudly from the staff at Batchelor, but government has acted: a financial audit has been carried out; a strategic business manager has been appointed; reports have been received; and we are seeking council endorsement on an action plan for the way forward. I understand further meetings will be held this week. We will keep the member informed as the situation moves forward.
Chief Minister’s Agreement with Member for Nelson – Cost Implications
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Having saddled every man, woman and child in the Territory with a whopping $26 000 debt, you did a desperate deal with the member for Nelson that will involve the expenditure of significant amounts of taxpayers’ money if you are to deliver on your end of the deal. Surely, you must have done due diligence on this deal? What costings have you done on the deal? How much will it cost, and how will you pay for it? Will you be adding to the Territory’s massive debt, raising taxes, or find savings in other areas?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. This government is very proud of its financial management of the purse strings of the Territory. We are the government that has delivered six budget surpluses in a row. The Territory government is in the strongest financial position it has been for many years. Six surplus budgets in a row are testament to this government’s fiscal responsibility.
The single largest concern of the government, framing the budget this year, was to ride out the global financial crisis and the collapse in Australian government revenues feeding through to the Territory budget. That is why we have identified that, for the next three years, the budget will be in deficit to support jobs growth, investment in infrastructure, and ongoing service delivery to Territorians.
In regard to the agreement with the member for Nelson, this is a principled agreement. It is aimed at changing the political culture of the Northern Territory and being open and transparent. Many of the issues in this agreement are to review decisions of government to provide for better processes for Territorians; for the opposition, this parliament and the member for Nelson to engage in the decisions of government …
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The Chief Minister is waffling on here. He was asked what costings have been done, and what it is going to cost the government. We do not need a history lesson. We do not need a breakdown of the agreement. We simply want to know what the costings are.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim, you can resume your seat. The Chief Minister has been asked a question which had a very long preamble with a number of comments in it, which the Chief Minister is entitled to respond to.
Chief Minister, if you can answer the question as soon as possible.
Mr HENDERSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. The question was asked in a context and I am answering it in a context. If you want to ask a straight question, do that and I will give you a straight answer.
This is an open and transparent agreement available for all Territorians to see. Most of the issues in here relate to process, giving Territorians access to this parliament to be aware of the decision-making of government. There is a number of issues in here that do have a cost associated with them. Many of these issues, such as the aquatic facility for the rural area and the bicycle path, are in forward estimates in the budget. We will work through this budget process in the same way that we do for every budget. The costs contained in here are affordable; most of them are already in the forward estimates. Any decisions we make in regard to funding specific projects - and there are not many of them in here - will be open, transparent, and available to all Territorians.
Bellamack - Update
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for PLANNING and LANDS
Can you please update the House on developments occurring in the new Palmerston suburb of Bellamack?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question. I am pleased to inform the House of the development currently under way in the new suburb of Bellamack. As the House would know, on 1 June we signed the development agreement with Urban Pacific and Brierty Consortium. On-site construction commenced that same day. The consortium had a launch and a family day at Marlow Lagoon on 4 July when the first 48 blocks were offered and sold off the plan.
The second release of lots in Bellamack is expected next month. These are the first of 234 lots in stage one of Bellamack already approved by the Development Consent Authority. Ultimately, Bellamack will provide approximately 670 lots, with 15% for affordable and social housing.
The crucial headworks of Bellamack are also proceeding. They are expected to be completed later this year. The headworks contract is valued at $5.7m, and was awarded to local company Wolpers Grahl in November last year. It includes power supply, rising mains, sewerage, and water mains. Bellamack is the first in our raft of four new suburbs in Palmerston in the coming years, to provide around 3700 new blocks of land.
Chief Minister’s Agreement with Member for Nelson - Cost Implications
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
You have promised you will end the culture of spin that permeates through your government. I asked you a very clear and precise question; a question any real Chief Minister should be able to answer. With Territory debt rising to $6bn, again I ask you, what costings have you done on this deal, how much will it cost, and how are you going to pay for it?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for repeating his question, so I will repeat the answer.
Many of these projects - and there are not that many of them, the rural aquatic facility, bicycle paths …
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! This is a waste of parliamentary time. It is a very clear and precise question. We need a dollar figure …
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, the Chief Minister has the call and is responding.
Mr HENDERSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Leader of the Opposition, obviously, does not like this agreement, and does not understand how the government works …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order!
Mr HENDERSON: In regard to this type of agreement, as Antony Green said the other day, it is pretty standard; there is nothing unusual in it.
The Territory government budget is in the order of $4bn a year. Regarding the very small number of specific projects the member for Nelson has asked us to progress, they need to be scoped, they need to be designed - there will be a budget allocation. However, it will be accommodated within the fiscal parameters of government, will not add to any debt position of government, and will be open and transparent for all to see.
I can absolutely assure all Territorians that any commitments made are in the forward estimates. They will be affordable and will be scoped and designed. There will be a cost for them and that will go through the normal budget processes of this government.
Tiger Brennan Drive Extension - Progress
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for INFRASTRUCTURE
Can you update the House on the progress made to date on the Tiger Brennan Drive extension project?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I welcome the question from the member for Nhulunbuy. The Tiger Brennan Drive extension project commenced, quite fittingly, on Territory Day last month with the blasting works. The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, and our Chief Minister were on-site to witness the blasting of 120 000 m3 of rock fill to make way for the 7.5 km extension.
The cooperative relationship between our government and the Rudd federal government has been the key to the success of this project, delivering a $110m infrastructure project, including a $38m overpass at Palmerston, fully funded by the Commonwealth government.
Local contractor, Macmahon, with project partners Sinclair Knight Mertz and the Larrakia Development Corporation, were awarded the contract which will see up to 200 local jobs created. Macmahon already has 102 workers on-site, including 18 trainees undertaking a Certificate III in Construction. A team of 20 Department of Planning and Infrastructure staff are working alongside that contractor, with four DPI staff based on-site.
This is a very large-scale roads project - in fact, it is the biggest seen in Darwin. For example, it is the first roads project in Darwin which is using the 785 dump trucks. They are the massive mining trucks that can be seen working on-site. Already, the 7.5 km road corridor has been cleared to make way for the dual lane highway. The first bridge pour to commence laying the foundations for the overpass has occurred, and two more pours will take place this week.
This is an exciting project, one that will transform our road corridor from the rural area through Palmerston and into Darwin and, all importantly, to our port. It will remove congestion currently experienced at the Palmerston lights during peak periods. We are seeing traffic flows of more than 34 000 vehicles a day in this corridor. This project is about delivering for Territorians now, but also, importantly, planning for our future growth.
Chief Minister’s Agreement with Member for Nelson – Public Housing
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Your agreement with the member for Nelson requires you to reduce waiting lists for all types of public housing in all regions in the next five years. That is quite a backflip. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics you have sold off more than 2000 public dwellings in the past eight years. How much revenue has been raised from this sale, and what will be the cost of your agreement on public housing with the member for Nelson during the next five years?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. I know the agreement upsets the Leader of the Opposition. The agreement with the member for Nelson is that we will set goals to reduce waiting lists for public housing, by type and by region each year, and we will work to reductions over the next five years. That is the agreement.
I agree that we need to do more to reduce public housing waiting lists in the Northern Territory. We have committed to do that in the agreement and we will work towards that, and fund and budget for that in future budgets. That is the agreement: in future budgets, we will work towards reducing the waiting lists for public housing.
Since 1996, there have been a total of 2742 public dwellings sold. Of these, only 706 were sold since 2001 ...
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I table the Australian Bureau of Statistics public housing documents from the year 2000 to 2006-07. It clearly demonstrates over 2000 in that period ...
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, resume your seat. You cannot table anything; you do not have the call.
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The member sought to table a document that clearly identifies the number of houses sold …
Madam SPEAKER: It was a point of order, and you cannot be tabling things. You have to seek leave, anyway. Chief Minister, you have the call.
Mr TOLLNER: Further to the point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: What is it, member for Fong Lim?
Mr TOLLNER: I seek leave that the documents are tabled.
Madam SPEAKER: You have nothing to table. You do not have documents with you.
Mr TOLLNER: We have documents here …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: It is not a point of order to seek leave to table documents. I am sure when the Leader of the Opposition next stands he can do it. Chief Minister.
Mr HENDERSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker, I will answer the question. These are the facts that I have been advised …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: Again, to put these into context …
Members interjecting.
Mr HENDERSON: They never let the facts ruin a good spin from the Opposition Leader ...
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I ask the honourable member table the document he is reading from …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Please resume your seat. Honourable members, I am unable to hear the Chief Minister making his response or, in fact, any member because of the amazing number of 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.
Chief Minister, you have the call.
Mr HENDERSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Leader of the Opposition already has this information. He, obviously, has not read it otherwise he would not have asked the question ...
Mr Tollner: We are just asking you to table it.
Mr HENDERSON: I am happy to table it. You already have it from the Estimates Committee taken on notice. More than 65% of sales since 2001 were sales to public housing tenants, increasing to 90% for 2008-09. That is a good outcome for those long-term public housing tenants using our Homestart packages and being able to buy their own home. That is a good outcome, and we need to reduce waiting lists in public housing. All proceeds from the sale of public housing are retained by the Department of Local Government and Housing for the provision of housing services. Over the same period, the Northern Territory government has reinvested $245m in capital funding towards the construction and maintenance of public housing across the Territory. This is more than 1.5 times the value of public housing sold.
I accept that we need to do more. We need to reduce public housing waiting lists. That is what we have agreed to work toward with the member for Nelson, through future budget processes, to have targets and time frames to reduce public housing waiting lists. These are the facts in regard to the number of houses sold and where the money has gone.
As I have said before, this is a principled agreement and we will implement it.
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, do you wish to table that document?
Mr HENDERSON: Absolutely. They already have it, Madam Speaker.
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! There was a very specific aspect to that question which was not addressed. If this is such a principled agreement, how much revenue was raised from the sale of the 2000 homes?
A member: This is supplementary.
Mr MILLS: No, that was not answered.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition! Chief Minister, have you finished answering the question?
Mr HENDERSON: I have finished answering the question – 1.5 times.
Small and Medium Business –
Government Support
Government Support
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for BUSINESS
The small and medium business sector makes a substantial contribution to the Territory’s economy. Would you inform the Assembly of the support the government provides to small and medium businesses?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for her question. I know the opposition does not like to hear it, but picking up on what the Treasurer said, our economy is doing very well, particularly in comparison to southern jurisdictions and, of course, internationally. Employment rates are high, and there is a lot of small business confidence as evidenced by the Sensis survey. Part of what businesses are saying through the Sensis survey is that support from this government is a very important element in their confidence, and …
Mr Tollner: Rubbish.
Dr BURNS: You should read the Sensis survey, member for Fong Lim.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: You should get out a bit more and talk to business. Some of the strategies that government supports small to medium business with is industry participation plans. The industry participation plans kick in when projects over $5m are involved. There have been quite a number of projects, most notably recently the waterfront project. Government is getting feedback from people going to the Convention Centre, the wave pool, the whole precinct - Darwin people are certainly enjoying it and it has become quite a big hit. The industry participation plan was a major part of that.
The INPEX project will have an industry participation plan associated with it, and that will certainly be a very big boost to our economy, even further than it is now.
Other programs include Territory Business Growth, a very well-established program that employs experts to support business to make plans about employment; expanding markets; improving profitability; and also improving performance. Last financial year, 123 Northern Territory businesses participated in the Business Growth program and accessed, in total, approximately $0.5m of subsidy funding.
Another important program is Business Upskills, which is all about cashflow management, price costing and quoting, planning for growth, marketing strategies, customer management, and a whole range of other elements. Last financial year, 76 workshops were held across the Territory with 642 businesses participating.
This economy is doing well. This is a government that is supporting small business, and this Territory has the greatest confidence amongst small business in the country.
Port of Darwin – Funding
Mr WOOD to CHIEF MINISTER referred to MINISTER for INFRASTRUCTURE
The NT government requires at least $200m to expand the port, but only received $50m from the federal government. Has the government been able to obtain more funds from the federal government and, if not, how will the vital expansion of the port be funded?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. We did not get all the money we were seeking from Infrastructure Australia for the port, but $50m is a good start. The Board of Infrastructure Australia met in Darwin a couple of weeks ago. My colleague, the minister with responsibility for the port, met with the board, and I will hand over to the appropriate minister to answer the question.
Ms LAWRIE (Infrastructure): Madam Speaker, all jurisdictions are delighted that the federal government is in the space of infrastructure, because after a decade of neglect from the Howard government, where all …
Members interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE: That is not spin. That is the truth; that is the reality. That is the truth and I know the truth hurts you, but it is the truth ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order, honourable members!
Ms LAWRIE: The Territory succeeded in the first round – I will put the emphasis on this – the first round of the Infrastructure Australia funding, with $50m to improve the port in Darwin. That is adding to $100m the Territory government has committed to the port expansion. This is a combined investment project now including land reclamation, a second rail dump, new berths, a ship loader and conveyor equipment.
The priority expansion is proposed for completion by 2011. It is expected to double the current capacity of the port. Design and engineering work has already started on up to $60m in projects at the port. That includes $35m for the conveyor from stockpile to ship loader. This will cater for iron ore and manganese. It will lead to a 30% increase in efficiency at the port. We have more than $15m for land reclamation to expand the container and the pipes lay-down area. We have up to $10m for a further 6 ha of storage for goods such as light vehicles, which is critically important. We have been listening to industry about segregating the movements at the port.
Improving that AustralAsia Trade Route is a key part to our government’s strategy to support economic growth and protect jobs. We will continue to work with the federal government to expand our port. We are working very closely with Infrastructure Australia, and also DOTAR, in and around our National Port Strategy. The National Port Strategy will be developed by the end of 2010.
We were pleased to host the Board of Infrastructure Australia in Darwin, as the Chief Minister mentioned. They went to the port and were taken through, extensively, our plans for the port expansion. They recognise the clear plans and the master plan work done by the Port Corporation and the government.
I met with board members to discuss in detail the port expansion and our submission around that and, importantly, our submission around the Territory road network as well. I believe the two are critical submissions. They understand the importance of the port. What was important at that meeting is that we had INPEX there as well to give a presentation to Infrastructure Australia about its decision that Darwin is the preferred site, and what that means to port expansion opportunities. We also talked about the marine supply base opportunities for Darwin and how critical the Infrastructure Australia funding is to the port expansion.
We are working collaboratively with the federal government, with the federal minister for Infrastructure, minister Albanese, but also Infrastructure Australia. They have seen the port for themselves and they understand the value of that investment. They understand the Territory government’s commitment of $100m and what an exciting gateway for our nation this port is becoming.
National Rugby League – Matches in Territory
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for SPORT and RECREATION
Can you please update the House on the details of the recently signed agreement to bring live National Rugby League action to the Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question. Yes, the Henderson government is proud of its track record in bringing national and international sporting events to the Territory. In February this year, the Territory government provided funding for a successful trial match in Darwin between the Cronulla Sharks and Gold Coast Titans. Over 9000 Territory footy fans enjoyed watching the game at Richardson Park. To ensure League fans continue to enjoy seeing first class matches in the Territory, the Territory government has secured a three-year agreement with a great team, the North Queensland Cowboys. The agreement is worth over $890 000 over three years.
The agreement will see first class Rugby League matches played in Darwin in 2010, Alice Springs in 2011, and back in Darwin in 2012. One of the most exciting aspects of the agreement is the community engagement that the Cowboys will undertake. Camps will be conducted over one week, both in Darwin and Alice Springs, coinciding with the games they play there. Additionally, two visits by players at other times during the year will also be made to Darwin and Alice Springs. One thing about the North Queensland Cowboys is that they are also putting great effort into other programs such as the Cowboys in the Classroom, Adopt a School, community funds and Caring for Kids.
As the minister for Sport, I am extremely excited about this new agreement and the benefits these increased community visits will bring to Territory footy fans. We will continue to ensure our facilities are of a standard that attracts first class sporting events throughout the Territory.
Chief Minister’s Agreement with Member for Nelson – Cost of Aquatic Centre in Rural Area
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
I refer you to your deal with the member for Nelson to build an aquatic centre in the rural area - a commitment Labor has made and abandoned many times ...
Mr Henderson: Never abandoned.
Mr MILLS: You will be able, therefore, to answer this question in a detailed sense, without the fluff. How much will the aquatic centre cost to build and run? Have you committed to funding both the capital cost and the recurrent cost? In detail, in dollar figures.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. We are committed to an aquatic facility. I accept this has been going around and around and there have been issues. I believe the member for Nelson alluded to those in previous debate today in regard to the relationship between Litchfield Shire Council and the government on this particular issue. We have decided we are going to break through that issue and work hard to resolve the issues.
Regarding detailed costing, the Leader of the Opposition does not understand that until there has been a site identified, design has been completed, and that design has been fully costed, we will not understand what the operational costs are - it is impossible to put a number on.
In regard to the forward estimates of the budget and the budget cycle determining which projects get funded and which projects move from one year to another, all that will be done - it will be open, it will be transparent, it will be accountable. It will all come back to this parliament as part of the budget process. We are committed to delivering, not only in the intent and the spirit of this document; we will work with the member for Nelson, Litchfield Shire Council and other interested parties about where this aquatic facility should go.
Commercial Fishing Licences -
Commitment to Buy Back
Commitment to Buy Back
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY, FISHERIES and RESOURCES
Can the minister provide an update on the Henderson government’s commitment to buy back commercial fishing licences?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. Recreational fishing is the most popular recreational activity in the Territory, not only for the locals but for the thousands of tourists that come here - and a great contributor to our tourism industry.
In 2005, we made an election commitment to buy back commercial fishing licences to provide an opportunity for anglers by reallocating resources and also to protect our fish resources. We started buying inshore fishing licences and, as a result, we closed Shoal Bay and Darwin Harbour, the most popular destinations for anglers. We also committed to buy three commercial barramundi fishing licences, and another three in this term, a total of six. We established a buy-back committee to assess all offers, and I am very pleased to say we now have bought three barramundi commercial fishing licences and our offer is still open for another three.
Also, last year, I announced our government intends to close Bynoe Harbour and the Finniss River. That proposal to close these areas came from a series of strategic planning workshops that involved the Northern Territory Seafood Council and AFANT. The proposed area for closure in Darwin Harbour, Bynoe Harbour and the Finniss River, including part of Fog Bay in front of the mouth of the river, was the subject of a one-month public consultation period which finished yesterday.
I received more than 250 submissions, which will take time to go through and assess, and I will make an announcement shortly. In addition to that, I will appoint the Barramundi Fishery Management Advisory Group to advise the government on future closures of areas around the Territory. In the past, we closed areas haphazardly. This time it will be a programmed closure of areas around the Territory to give the opportunity so commercial fisherman will know what the future holds for them, in order to make commercial decisions about the sale or not of their licence, and also provide opportunities for recreational anglers.
Chief Minister’s Agreement with Member for Nelson – Weddell Housing
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
I refer to your deal with the member for Nelson to establish the city of Weddell. On any count of your Chief Ministership over the past 20 months, you have failed to deliver on any of your land release commitments. Territorians now face the most expensive rent in Australia as a result. How much will this deal cost, and will you guarantee - one of your absolute guarantees - that houses will be built at Weddell before 2014?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. This is an open, transparent agreement. Certainly, the member …
Mr Tollner: Yes, that is right, just bike paths and a pool, hey Hendo?
Mr Styles: Answer the question, come on.
Mr HENDERSON: It is obvious that members opposite do not want to hear the answer because they continue to interject …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order!
Mr HENDERSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. They continue to interject.
We have agreed to have a design competition around sustainable planning principles for the development of the new city of Weddell. That is pretty exciting; it is a really exciting opportunity to open up a new city in the Northern Territory to the most innovative design proponents, particularly looking at sustainability. There are other issues we need to look at regarding a new tropical city for the 21st century. That is a fantastic idea. I do not know why the Leader of the Opposition does not like it, but I think it is a great idea. Not everyone in government has all the best ideas, and we will bring the best ideas to the table.
We commit to the land release program we have, and we are committed to delivering on that program in the time frames that we have identified.
Mr Mills: A supplementary question, Madam Speaker. What is the prize for this competition?
Madam SPEAKER: No. The member for Arafura has the call.
Integrated Regional Transport Plan - Update
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for TRANSPORT
Like all regional bush members, we know it is vitally important to grow our regions and to make them stronger and sustainable. To do that, we need to have strong regional transport plans. Can you update the Assembly on the development of the Henderson government’s integrated regional transport plan?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for the question, and her interest in big ticket items for the Northern Territory and our regional transport strategy.
Regional and remote areas of the Northern Territory have characteristics of small and widely-dispersed populations, extremes in geography and climate and, therefore, delivery. In many of these remote and regional communities, there are limited cost-effective, regular and reliable passenger and freight transport services. Long distances between urban and regional centres impact significantly on the delivery and infrastructure, including the ability to move passengers and freight. Why do I know this? I have lived and worked there for 30 years.
Transport to connect our remote communities with the major regional centres is critical for development and service delivery. Some may find that funny – well, that is a good sense of humour.
This is serious delivery and this is what we are on about. We have a plan and we are taking this plan forward to connect our remote communities and to deliver for Territorians. The development of an integrated regional transport strategy will provide an inter-modal model - road, air, marine and rail services - to regional and remote Territorians, and an overarching 10-year transport strategy to provide a high-level framework and set guiding principles for the development of transport policy and the coordinated delivery of transport services.
This issue is of particular significance at this time in the Territory, with a focus on key initiatives such as the Henderson government’s Closing the Gap, the Return to Country, A Working Future and Growing the Territory. We aim to improve the economic and social wellbeing of Indigenous communities and Indigenous people; the provision of stronger and more reliable transport links; and the social and economic benefits to communities. We are listening to Territorians about what is needed - how to create jobs; how to inspire growth in our local businesses; how to make the world of opportunity for all of us. We want Territorians to have their say in the development of this strategy to help build stronger communities.
Madam Speaker, we are committed to developing a plan and, by the end of the year, that will encourage regional economic development so that all Territorians can continue to share in the economic prosperity of the Territory which is the envy of all Australian jurisdictions.
Chief Minister’s Agreement with Member for Nelson – Heavy Industry Precinct
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Previously, you were opposed to the establishment of a heavy industry precinct and planned to place heavy industry in the harbour. Now, yet another backflip. Will you confirm that your original report estimated the cost of the heavy industry precinct at $500m? If not, what will it cost to place a heavy industry precinct away from Darwin Harbour, and where will you find the money to pay for this deal with the member for Nelson?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, we are very proud on this side of the House that we have delivered Darwin LNG and started the development of Darwin as an LNG hub. We are very proud that this government has delivered INPEX - choosing Darwin ahead of Western Australia - to deliver their massive LNG project which will underpin the economy of the Territory for decades to come. In regard to the opposition and their position on this, I know that if the opposition had prevailed and maintained, we would have lost the INPEX project.
What we have agreed - and I can bring down the letter from the Leader of the Opposition that he sent to everyone in the northern suburbs, saying that he absolutely opposed the siting of INPEX at Middle Arm. He opposed it; he called it a 19th century plan. I do not think you could have gone to Tokyo and said: ‘Your project is a 19th century plan for the Northern Territory’. I know the response he would have had. In regard to other industrial development for the Northern Territory, we have said that we are very happy to review Glyde Point. We will get all the numbers out again – it has been a few years since they have been costed - get them re-costed, get them out for all Territorians to see, and also look at other options to develop industrial land for further downstream processing.
That is the sensible thing to do. It has been three years since those costings were done. I am sure they have gone up in that period, but let us have another look at it.
I am aware that, already, some environmental groups have come out and said they are unhappy with the deal to re-look. All we have agreed to do is to review it as a potential site - bring all the documents out. We are happy to do that; happy to look at other options - because we are looking at other options - and engage the member for Nelson in those. He has some ideas about some potential industrial sites - happy to sit down and look at all of those. This is a principled agreement. It is an open and transparent agreement. It commits us to reviewing Glyde Point. I am happy to do that in an open and transparent process.
Tennant Creek and Barkly
Region Economic Profile
Region Economic Profile
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Can you update the House about the work being done on the first economic profile for Tennant Creek and the Barkly region?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. I am very pleased to report to the House on the fantastic response to the first stages in the development of the Tennant Creek Economic Profile. The Business Confidence Survey was undertaken in Tennant Creek and the Barkly region by my department of Regional Development in May this year. With 130 businesses in the region participating in the survey, it is a great participation rate indicating the positive attitude of businesses in the Tennant Creek region.
I was very pleased to be able to launch the Tennant Creek Economic Profile At a Glance document on 24 June in Tennant Creek. The At a Glance document provides a snapshot of the local economy, including some of the survey results. The survey revealed business confidence is high in the Barkly, with 77% of businesses being either extremely or fairly confident about their future. The economic profile will give us more hard data on the Tennant Creek economy, its industry sectors, business strengths and investment opportunities. The Tennant Creek economic profile is the third to be undertaken in the Territory, and underlines this government’s commitment to developing our regions, not like the opposition.
The Tennant Creek economic profile follows on from the Alice Springs and Katherine economic profiles released last year, which both revealed strong levels of business confidence. These economic profiles are an important tool to fostering growth and investment in our regional towns. The Local Economic Development Committees have all supported and driven the development of the profiles, and are involved in developing innovative projects to drive and stimulate development in their local regions.
These economic profiles provide the baseline data to develop innovative strategies, in partnership with the local communities, to grow local economies, create jobs, and attract investment. Talking about creating jobs and attracting investment, I, once again, acknowledge The Coffee Club in Katherine, as I did during last night’s adjournment. Anyone calling into Katherine, pop into The Coffee Club as it is a fantastic spot to visit. Once again, I congratulate …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HAMPTON: The opposition does not want to hear of these great stories in our regions. It is a great shame, because The Coffee Club in Katherine actually created 30 local jobs ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Braitling. I remind all honourable members, including the member for Braitling, that when order is called it is for all members and not just for some. Members, I will be putting you on warnings from now on. There have been far too many interjections.
Minister, have you nearly finished your response?
Mr HAMPTON: Yes, I have nearly finished, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: Good, get to the point fairly quickly.
Mr HAMPTON: Going back to The Coffee Club in Katherine, it is a fantastic story. I congratulate Tony Adams and Dan Romeynon the courageous business initiatives they have undertaken to reinvigorate the newly-named Stuart Hotel. It is a business initiative that has created 30 local jobs - this is what regional development is all about.
Chief Minister’s Agreement with Member for Nelson – Cost to Government
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
I take it now, from your deliberate avoidance of answering my questions today, that you have no idea how much your deal with the member for Nelson is going to cost. You know that the Territory will have $6bn of debt. You know that each man, woman and child carries a burden of $26 000 debt. In these circumstances, how can you sign off on a deal without knowing how much it will cost and advising how you are going to pay for it? Will you now admit that you are prepared to say or do anything to stay in power?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. He, obviously, has not listened to any of the answers I have provided today. All of the commitments in this agreement will be met within the normal budget parameters that are established every year.
You can understand the inexperience of members on the other side. When you are talking about capital projects - and they are a small number - most of this principled, open and transparent agreement goes to processes and transparency of government, and to establishing a new culture of openness around decision-making. All the things I have agreed to - that is probably 70% to 80% of this document.
The rest of it, in regard to the budget commitments, will be met within the normal budget parameters of government. Until such time as the sites are identified and designs are done, they will be costed in the usual processes. If there are operational costs, they will be considered in the usual processes. There is nothing unusual about this.
I know the Leader of the Opposition does not like it and is upset by it, but this is about providing stable government for the people of the Northern Territory. It is about allowing government to get on with the job of delivering a strong economy, delivering on jobs, delivering on A Working Future, delivery on closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage, delivering on investing in our schools across the Northern Territory, and investing in a $1.3bn infrastructure program - providing for stability to do those things.
In this agreement, everything will be open, transparent, and accountable. If there are costs involved, they are not going to be significant. They will be contained within the normal parameters of the budget; they will be brought back to this House in full as part of the budget process. This is a sensible, principled agreement. As I said yesterday, Antony Green has seen many of these agreements in the past and he says: ‘Pretty standard to me. It is a relatively standard thing for people to do. It is perfectly reasonable’. It is a reasonable agreement. It is about delivering stable government for the people of the Territory, and all the costs, as they are identified, will be brought through the usual budget processes.
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