2008-10-22
STATEMENT BY SPEAKER
Broadcast of Question Time
Broadcast of Question Time
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I have been advised that, during Question Time yesterday, technical problems were experienced with the broadcast provided from Parliament House. The problem has been located at the Government Data Centre where the signal distribution of the broadcast was not being relayed to the Internet. Every effort was made to rectify the problem; however, this was not achieved in time to broadcast Question Time.
TopFM is now receiving the signal and will be broadcasting Question Time. However, there are intermittent problems with the Internet in some areas which are currently being addressed.
Department of Education and Training
CEO – Cost of Termination of Contract
CEO – Cost of Termination of Contract
Mr MILLS to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
When the Health Minister was asked why he did not sack Peter Campos from his position as Assistant Secretary of the Department of Health for deliberately deceiving him about the nurse staffing crisis at Royal Darwin Hospital he claimed: ‘Mr Campos was employed on a contract, and sacking him would be too expensive’.
Minister, what will your decision …
Dr BURNS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The member for Blain is completely misrepresenting what I said in relation to that. I am inclined to give a personal explanation later on about what actually happened in the Hansard. It certainly is not what the member for Blain said.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, resume your seat. There is no point of order. Minister, if you wish to make a personal explanation, you may approach me after Question Time. Leader of the Opposition, please continue.
Mr MILLS: Thank you, Madam Speaker. What will your decision to sack Margaret Banks, an award winning educator and CEO of the Education department, cost the Territory taxpayer? Why is it that a senior bureaucrat, described by the Coroner as being ‘cavalier with the truth’, gets to keep his job whilst an award winning educator gets the sack?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. Our top priority is to get all of our kids to read and write, and that means we have to make some tough decisions with a sense of urgency.
In relation to what the Leader of the Opposition is asking about what it cost the taxpayer, I do not have that figure. Ms Banks, as she is no longer in the Education department, is working and serving out her separation in the Department of the Chief Minister.
Northern Territory Employment Growth
Mr GUNNER to CHIEF MINISTER
As a result of the current global financial crisis, the world is moving towards recession. Already, unemployment is on the rise across the western world and in other Australian states and territories. Can you please advise the House how the Territory is positioned with jobs for Territorians and others seeking work here?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question. There is no doubt that, in spite of the global economic crisis and financial markets, we are doing very well in the Northern Territory. If you want a job in the Northern Territory, you can get a job. Our unemployment rate is at 2.6%. That is the lowest in the country and the lowest on record in the Northern Territory. It is a sign that our economy is healthy.
I do not pretend that we are totally immune to what is happening with the financial crisis and growth that is going to slow across Australia, but as to the fundamentals of this economy, it is sound. Furthermore, the ANZ Job Advertisement Series shows that Territory job advertisements were up 11.3% for the year to September, compared to a national drop of 10.7% - nearly a 20% difference between jobs available in the Northern Territory and jobs available elsewhere in Australia. It is the main pressure point in our economy. Businesses are unable to expand to the point that they want to expand to tender for work that they want to tender for, given the constraints in the employment market. That is why we have established the Workforce Growth Unit in the Department of Business and Employment, which coordinates the government’s worker attraction programs.
We have had a series of job road shows around Australia, most recently in Melbourne on 10 September. That coincided, or was in response to, the recent announcement by Ford Australia of significant forthcoming redundancies at its Geelong and Broadmeadows plants. The department, together with the Chamber of Commerce and the Territory Construction Association, put on presentations about the Territory lifestyle. There is a free database for Territory businesses to register jobs available on that database, and match them with people who are looking for work, which was very well received.
Outcomes from the employer perspective report that 90 of the vacancies have been filled. That is, 90 vacancies that were advertised in Melbourne have actually been filled. That is a very strong result. Some employers have received multiple contacts, particularly in plumbing; mining; and, the arts and entertainment industries.
Overseas activities include recent expos in South Africa and New Zealand. In September 2008, the Department of Planning and Infrastructure attended the South African exhibitions and collected a large number of resumes for engineering and other technical positions which had experienced recruitment difficulties. For the remainder of the 2008-09 program, just last weekend, we had people at the Opportunities Australia Expo in Leeds in the UK. Opportunities Australia Expo will also be held in London in October this year. A regional migration seminar was held in Stuttgart on 21 August, which was just yesterday. A joint Study to Migrate seminars will be held in several centres in China in October 2008.
So, we are looking around Australia, and around the world, for people to come and work in the Northern Territory – to get jobs, build a lifestyle for them and their families here. That is what an economy does; it is about people, it is not just about numbers. We have more people moving to the Territory than ever before. We have more jobs than ever before in the Northern Territory. With INPEX and that project coming to town providing the insurance policy in regard to our economy, the future is looking bright for jobs in the Territory.
Telstra Robyn and George Hewitson
Remote Indigenous Student Award
Remote Indigenous Student Award
Mr MILLS to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
Can you inform the House of the nature of the Telstra Robyn and George Hewitson Remote Indigenous Student Award? To whom is it awarded? After whom was it named, and why?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition has asked me regarding the Hewitsons, who have done a fantastic job in both Kalkaringi school and went out to Galiwinku - I think it was, or it might be Gapuwiyak - I think it was Galiwinku. In relation to the award, I am not sure what the Leader of the Opposition is talking about. I know that they did get an award. They have spent their time and, as I understand, they are working back in Darwin ...
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! It was simply a description of the award. After whom it was named and why it has been so named?
Madam SPEAKER: The minister has already resumed her seat.
Consumer Price Index Figures
Mr McCARTHY to TREASURER
Can you update the House on the latest Consumer Price Index figures for the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Barkly for his question. The Australian Bureau of Statistics today released the Consumer Price Index figures, showing that Australia’s annual rate of inflation is at 5%. This is a high figure. It is the highest figure in around 13 years, excluding the flow-on effect of GST when that was introduced. Fortunately, in Darwin, the annual inflation rate is slightly less at 4.5%. That is the second-lowest inflation rate in the country.
The more reliable and less volatile figure is the year-on-year figure, which compares the last 12 months with the previous 12 months. That figure is at 3.8%. High inflation, as we know, does mean higher costs of living for families but, in Darwin, the increase has not been as significant as in other capital cities. As we know, the Territory does have very strong economic growth. We do have the lowest unemployment on record. We have very strong consumer confidence, and that is higher retail spending. All of these factors can cause upward inflationary pressure, which is significant, but Darwin has been able to keep inflation below that national rate, despite all of these upward pressures.
Recently, we have seen a global economic crisis. We have seen a $10.4bn response by the Rudd government, and we have seen the 1% cut in interest rates from the Reserve Bank. All of these things, also, have the potential to affect inflation. We believe that, under strong financial management of the Henderson government, our economy, being strong, is very well placed to deal with an uncertain global economic future. I welcome the fact we are tracking below that national average in CPI inflation.
Robyn and George Hewitson –
Removal from Shepherdson College
Mr MILLS to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
I am surprised you were not able to describe why that award is so named for this couple who have led Indigenous education.
Can you please inform the House why the same George and Robyn Hewitson, referred to in the previous question, had been removed from the two senior positions at Shepherdson College on Elcho Island, despite their outstanding track record as Indigenous educators?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. The removal of any principals and teachers is an operational issue. That is not an issue the minister gets involved in.
That is an operational issue that is taken out from group principals and CEOs. It was clearly an operational issue to remove staff from there.
China Development Bank – Agreement
with Northern Territory Government
with Northern Territory Government
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for ASIAN RELATIONS
Last week, you made an official visit to China for a series of investment attraction events. Could you inform the House about the nature of the agreement signed between the Northern Territory government and the China Development Bank?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. It is true, last week I visited China as the Minister for Asian Relations, minister for Business, and minister for Resources. I was very privileged to witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Northern Territory government and the China Development Bank.
China Development Bank is one of only four policy banks in China with an estimated asset value of $500bn. China Development Bank is behind all significant investments in Australia. Some of their clients include the Hunan Non-ferrous Resources Company; SinoSteel and, recently, Chinalco bought a 9% stake in Rio Tinto for $14bn. The China Development Bank was behind that deal.
China Development Bank has significant interests in Australia, and has agreements with the New South Wales and Queensland governments. In signing the memorandum of understanding, the Northern Territory government has acquired a strategic partner to attract investment in the Territory, because the purpose of the memorandum of understanding is to promote cooperation in the facilitation of major projects in areas of mineral exploration and processing, and also to identify areas for economic cooperation and to encourage Territory and Chinese companies to invest in China or in the Territory.
I visited China as the minister for Resources to promote the Territory as a place to do business in exploration and mining projects. I have always been a strong supporter of the mining sector in my previous tenure as a minister, and as the current minister for Resources. I was very disappointed yesterday to listen to the Leader of the Opposition alleging that the McArthur River Mine, and I quote from Hansard:
- … at the McArthur River Mine, three Power and Water generators have failed, requiring the company to bring in temporary generators at considerable costs. It has not had any Power and Water services since last month, and the gas pipeline, worth tens of millions of dollars, is now a stranded asset.
Let us see what these generators are, who they belong to and how they operate. In the early 1990s, the then Territory government signed a number of contracts. The first one was to borrow money to construct a pipeline to supply gas to a power generator. The second was for power generation to be generated by a private company. The third one was for Power and Water be obliged to buy the pipe from the private company and supply the McArthur River Mine.
The contract is based on interruptible supply - no guarantee that there would be uninterrupted supply. On top of that, Power and Water has no contractual powers to maintain the generators, to replace generators, or to fix them, or to give supply. Three CLP contracts, and it is something you cannot deny because your fingerprints are all over it.
Shepherdson College – Audit Process
Mr MILLS to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
Are you satisfied that the school audit process of Shepherdson College was conducted using the proper parameters, and what prompted an audit into a school headed by two highly regarded Indigenous educators who were responsible for guiding the Territory’s first Aboriginal students through their Certificates of Education? What prompted it?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, as I said to the Leader of the Opposition, that is an operational issue. However, let me just go back a bit ...
Ms Purick: Oh, come on, minister. You should know what is going on.
Mr Mills: You have taken a hands-on approach lately. You know the truth.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms SCRYMGOUR: I will take as long as I have to take. As I said, that issue is an operational issue. Going back one step, after much consultation with the community, the department went out and had consultation with the community, with parents and with students about a number of issues regarding students not going to school and issues between the teaching staff and the community - and rightly so ...
Mr Mills: Go on. Did they complain to you?
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The minister is answering the question and the Leader of the Opposition is incessantly interjecting. This is not a star chamber. She is answering the question.
Madam SPEAKER: Resume your seat. Minister, you have the call, but fewer interjections would be helpful.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Thank you, Madam Speaker. After much consultation with the community, it was decided, by the department, the CEO, and the director of the school, to remove the Hewitsons and relocate them to Darwin. That is an operational issue. It is not one that the minister has involvement in ...
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The nub of the question is: what prompted it? What was the issue that prompted an investigation into these two celebrated educators that this side has made much of? What prompted it? That is the question.
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, there is no point of order. Minister, have you completed your answer?
Ms SCRYMGOUR: I have completed my answer.
Arnhem Land Fibre Optic Cabling – Progress
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS and TECHNOLOGY POLICY
Could the minister please update the House on progress being made in the project to lay fibre optic cable across Arnhem Land?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. The East Arnhem fibre optics project is a partnership between Telstra, Rio Tinto Alcan, the Northern Land Council, and the Northern Territory government. It involves laying approximately 800 km of fibre optic cable between Jabiru and Nhulunbuy, providing communities along the route with access to high speed broadband. The Telstra crew is based in Arnhem Land and working at an astonishing rate. So far, they have laid more than 640 km of fibre optic cable in lengths of up to 12 km. Telstra tells me they are confident that all the cable will be laid by the end of this calendar year, weather conditions permitting.
This $34m project will connect the communities of Oenpelli, Maningrida, Ramingining, Gapuwiyak, and Yirrkala by optic fibre links to the main optic fibre transmission line between Jabiru and Nhulunbuy. The mainland optic fibre will be extended to reach as close as possible to the island communities of Minjilang, Warrawi, Milingimbi, and Galiwinku, with the last leg of the connection being via radio link. The service improvements to these communities will be substantial, and they will be connected to the communications super highway. Access to high speed broadband will remove a major barrier to regional development. It will allow the introduction of virtual classrooms and courts, online banking, interactive professional training, and it will assist in staff recruitment and training. Internet access also is important for the viability of small remote business ventures; for example, in the tourism and art sectors.
The Henderson government, together with the Commonwealth government, has established public targets for closing the gap between outcomes for Indigenous people and other Australians. Reliable high speed broadband services to remote areas of the Northern Territory will be a critical element in meeting these targets.
Numeracy and Literacy Results -
Margaret Banks
Margaret Banks
Mr MILLS to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
The Territory government’s own numeracy and literacy test results show Indigenous education in free fall since 2003. That is three years before Margaret Banks arrived in the Territory. Is it not the case you are dishonestly blaming Margaret Banks, an award winning educator …
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The Leader of the Opposition is accusing the minister of being dishonest. That is absolutely offensive and objectionable. She has not been dishonest. She very clearly and honestly explained her actions.
Madam SPEAKER: I will seek some advice. Leader of the Opposition, I ask you to rephrase that.
Mr MILLS: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Minister, the Territory government’s numeracy and literacy test results show Indigenous education in free fall since 2003. That is three full years before Margaret Banks arrived in the Territory. Is it not the case that you are simply choosing to deliberately blame Margaret Banks, an award winning educator, when the real culprits are the various ministers for Education, including the Chief Minister and you, who watched education standards crash during the last five years?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I welcome the question. It is a great question, in part, because, for this government side, this has been our top priority: to ensure that all our kids get to read and write. The Leader of the Opposition has said that this has been in free fall - I think he said since 2003 - under successive Labor ministers. I think not, Madam Speaker. Let us go back to Learning Lessons. Why did the CLP commission Learning Lessons? That was because of the neglect - the absolute apathy and neglect - of those blokes sitting on the other side ...
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Just to assist the minister, I would like to table the Annual Report for Education 2006-07. I also table the National Assessment Program, which outlines the results of Indigenous education for the last five years. The minister, obviously, has not read them.
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order. Order, order! Minister, please continue.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I was getting to that. I have read that report and, as everybody knows, yes, our results in the Northern Territory are a national disgrace. It is a shame. It is a shame on everyone, and we have to do better. Since taking on the Education portfolio, I follow in the footsteps of some very passionate Labor ministers who have held the Education portfolio. When we came to government in 2001, we picked up the recommendations under Learning Lessons and implemented them. It has been this government which has been courageous and brave in implementing those recommendations and putting the actual resources and dollars required to turn around those deficits that we have in the bush ...
Mr Giles: You are in charge of the national failure that is going backwards. It is a disgrace.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling!
Ms SCRYMGOUR: You are a disgrace.
Mr Giles: It is a disgrace.
Madam SPEAKER: Cease interjecting, member for Braitling.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: They may say it is a disgrace. Yes, it is a disgrace that every Aboriginal child out in those communities, prior to 2001, was denied a proper education.
We all applauded the Hewitsons when we saw the first graduation from any remote community of three Aboriginal children from Year 12. You talk about disgrace in this Chamber? You people need to look at your track history in this, because it was a disgrace that, up to 2003, three kids from a remote community were able to graduate from our remote communities. That is the disgrace - in 30 years, we saw three kids graduate from Year 12. We acknowledge the work that the Hewitsons did with that. As I said, since taking on the Education portfolio …
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The question was asked about the last five years, not the last 30 years who is to blame or that sort of stuff. The question was very specific the way it was asked, and the minister is failing to answer the question. Can you call her to answer the question, please?
- The latitude permitted to Ministers has often being quite considerable in the House of Representatives. Speakers have ruled consistently that provided the answer is relevant and is not couched in unparliamentary language Ministers may virtually answer questions without notice in any way they choose.
It also says:
- The interpretation of ‘relevant’ has at times been very wide …
This has been a practice - you will remain seated, member for Fong Lim; I am speaking.
This has been a practice in this House, that there is a lot of latitude in both the asking of questions and in the answering of them. It has been the practice for as long as this House has been sitting, and it has also been the practice of Speakers - which have included many CLP Speakers - in ruling in relation to questions. I call on the minister.
Mr Tollner: Madam Speaker …
Madam SPEAKER: You will resume your seat, member for Fong Lim.
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: You will resume your seat, thank you. Minister, you have the call.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Madam Speaker, I know …
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I am entitled to raise a point of order …
Madam SPEAKER: Excuse me, member for Fong Lim. You are not entitled to reflect on the Speaker. What is your point of order? And make it very fast.
Mr TOLLNER: Madam Speaker, I take note of what you just said. Can I read further from page 550 …
Madam SPEAKER: No, member for Fong Lim, you will resume your seat. I have already made my comments on this.
Mr TOLLNER: Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim, you will withdraw from the Chamber.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you. Order! Minister.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I draw attention to this, because this is quite a serious issue. The question that the Leader of the Opposition has asked is an important one. The education issues in the Northern Territory, and particularly the issues that we are facing in the bush, are quite serious. We do need to put all of our efforts in, and we do have a collective responsibility in this Chamber to try to address the neglect. I know that sometimes the history lessons: ‘Oh, let us go down history lane’, because you do have to put into perspective …
Members interjecting.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: There needs to be those past perspectives and policies put into the context of what is in place today.
Those results that we have seen – and it was only last year that we released the MAP results on the website - showed that we did have some appalling results, and the trends were continuing in our remote communities. The NAPLAN results confirmed that as well. We know that there are issues in our remote communities that we have to turn around. That is why, in April this year, I brought into this Chamber the most comprehensive policy for this government in terms of transforming Indigenous education. It is an area that we do have to focus on. It is an area that we have put comprehensive resources to, because it is going to take time to turn around those deficits that we are confronting …
Mr Mills: Why did you sack the CEO?
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Do you think that we should deny Aboriginal kids in remote communities an education, or their right to an education?
Ms Purick: What about the town kids?
Mr MILLS: Madam Speaker, I find that offensive.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, please withdraw those comments.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: I withdraw, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you. Please continue.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Transforming Indigenous Education is a major policy framework of this government, and we are moving forward with implementing what should have been done under these blokes. We are the ones who have set the policy framework ...
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! With due respect, the nub of this question is about the rationale for sacking the CEO. This is not in any way relevant to the core of this question.
Madam SPEAKER: Please resume your seat. There is no point of order. Minister, you have the call. Have you finished your answer, minister?
Ms SCRYMGOUR: The Leader of the Opposition did ask about the free fall in literacy and numeracy levels, and I have been attempting to answer it with all the interjections that are happening. That free fall has been for some time. We have Transforming Indigenous Education in place, and it is going to take time to turn it around.
Interest Rate Cuts – Impact on
Low- to Middle-income Territorians
Low- to Middle-income Territorians
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for HOUSING
A home mortgage is probably the single biggest investment most of us make in our lifetime. Can you please advise the House on the impact of the recent interest rate cuts on helping low- and middle-income Territorians to own their home through the HomeNorth Scheme?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question, and he is right. Home ownership is the single biggest financial commitment we will make. More than that, it is a commitment to a new stage in our lives; it is an investment in our future. However, it can be tough to make the move from renting to buying, and it is a move this government is committed to helping Territorians make, because we want Territorians to stay in the Territory.
As members will be aware, the government’s successful HomeNorth Xtra Scheme helps low- to middle-income Territorians buy their own home. Almost 1100 Territory homes have been purchased with support from the HomeNorth Scheme since 2004. The total value of these properties is $213m. This is a real commitment to the future of the Territory.
In recognition of the impact that the mortgage has on the family budget, like other Territorians, I am pleased to hear that the Reserve Bank of Australia announced a full 1% interest rate cut on 7 October. We responded immediately. We announced that this government will pass on that one full percentage cut to interest rates, effective immediately on that day, so we cut the HomeNorth rate to 7.74%.
I am proud to say that we reacted faster than any other major bank in Australia, and the 622 Territory households that still have a HomeNorth loan are reaping the benefits. The average HomeNorth loan for these 622 households is $140 000, and they will save around $102 a month on their home loan as a result of this government’s decisions. That is an extra $100 a month for groceries, kids, or other bills that they may have, and I am sure it will be very welcome.
The benefit of HomeNorth Xtra is felt right across the Territory, not just in Darwin - right across all of the major centres. Since 2004, 270 properties have been purchased in Alice Springs; 261 in the northern suburbs; 99 in Darwin; 62 in Katherine; 348 in Palmerston; 41 in the rural area, member for Nelson; and for the member for Barkly, 15 have been purchased in Tennant Creek.
In this year’s budget, the government was pleased to revamp the scheme to make it more accessible to Territorians, including raising the income threshold, and ongoing reviews of the purchase price caps. We will continue to assess the program as part of our ongoing efforts to get more Territorians into affordable housing.
Department of Education and Training -
Dismissal of CEO
Dismissal of CEO
Mr MILLS to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
Margaret Banks, the award winning educator who you sacked as CEO of the Education department was, prior to coming to the Territory, a school teacher, a university lecturer in education, and a leading education administrator responsible for 820 schools across Western Australia ...
Ms Lawrie: And your question is?
Ms CARNEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! You and, indeed, members of government have repeatedly counselled the opposition in relation to interjections while government members are answering questions. Could I ask that you do likewise in relation to rude government members who interject when we ask questions?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Araluen, there is no point of order, but I feel that you are reflecting on the Speaker in those comments.
Ms CARNEY: I certainly do not mean to, Madam Speaker, but it is rather offensive for the Leader of Government Business …
Madam SPEAKER: If government members could cease interjecting while the Leader the Opposition has the call. Thank you.
Mr MILLS: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I had not completed the sentence and, obviously, a difficult sentence for the government to hear. I will begin again.
Margaret Banks, the award winning educator who you sacked as CEO of the Education department was, prior to coming to the Territory, a school teacher, a university lecturer in education, and a leading education administrator responsible for 820 schools across Western Australia, including being in charge of isolated and distance education. What are your qualifications for the role of minister for Education? Was the award winning Margaret Banks not made a scapegoat for long-standing ministerial failings?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I believe the Leader of the Opposition thinks, because I am not an educator, that I am not qualified. What a patronising statement you have made.
This Henderson government is determined to see improvements in literacy, numeracy, and attendance for all Territory students. In making any decisions, as the Education minister, it is a dilemma - different decisions we make, such as how this is going to make a difference for students in those classrooms, for teachers in our schools. Is this going to make an improvement, or not? It is within that policy framework of what we have done to transform Indigenous education.
In all of my discussions with the CEO - and I know there have been accusations thrown around that I did not meet with my CEO. I can tell you, I had 25 meetings with the CEO, pointing out the extreme urgency and what needed to happen in terms of Transforming Indigenous Education. As the government, we have set the policy framework in which the department will go forward. The policy framework was set; it is up to the CEO to ensure that that policy is implemented.
Margaret Banks was the Chief Executive of our department for three years. On her departure, I recognised Margaret’s work and the role she played in leading the middle years of schooling in the Northern Territory, and how she had been instrumental in taking that forward in the Territory. I thanked Margaret for her work with that.
However, we needed a new focus. There is real urgency in our need to turn around what we are seeing in our remote communities; in our agreements with the Commonwealth government, that we have to do better in getting literacy and numeracy results in our bush communities. Having said that, I know there were certainly some tough decisions. The CLP say this is the first CEO that has been sacked. They did not do any sackings under their watch? CEOs are very clearly accountable for ensuring that happens.
One of those tough decisions is the restructure that I have asked to happen in the department, which will start looking at how we get better outcomes than what we have been getting in the past. One of the most fundamental decisions is that, with the support of my Cabinet colleagues and in discussions with our broader community, is mandating that for the first four hours of every child’s schooling in our remote communities, there will be English and Maths taught. We will ensure that the core curriculum that is delivered in Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek, and Alice Springs will be taught in our remote communities.
October Business Month –
Meet the Buyers Expos
Meet the Buyers Expos
Mr McCARTHY to MINISTER for BUSINESS and EMPLOYMENT
Meet the Buyers Expos are currently being held throughout the Territory as part of October Business Month. How do these forums benefit local Territory businesses?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. For the past five years, every year, the Territory government has spent approximately $1.5bn acquiring goods and services for different government departments. Last year, the government spent $2.1bn acquiring goods and services. Of this amount of money spent, more than 78% stayed in the Territory and, because our government wants this trend to continue, we have organised the Meet the Buyers Expo 2008, a series of mini-expos throughout the Territory to bring Territory business together with senior procurement officers from different departments to discuss opportunities for Territory businesses to supply goods and services to Northern Territory government departments.
Meet the Buyers Expo provides for suppliers to gain a better understanding of the procurement processes; and for a lot of businesses to provide information to the Territory government departments about their capability and their wares; and to establish a network across the whole-of-government. It gives opportunities to all businesses that take the opportunity to supply goods and services to the Territory departments, and other industry bodies such as the Northern Territory Industry Capability Network to also participate in these expos.
An expo was held earlier this month on 16 October in Nhulunbuy, and there is one in Alice Springs on 21 October, with one to follow this Thursday in Tennant Creek, in Darwin on 28 October, and in Katherine on 30 October. A number of procurement workshops for suppliers are also to be held in conjunction with the Meet the Buyers Expo. $2.1bn is a lot of money, and the fact that about $1.6bn stays in the Territory says a lot about the capability of our industry, and also that we, as the government, ensure that this money and these jobs stay in the Territory.
Bore Metering Project - Progress
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
In February 2007, a previous minister announced what she said was one of the Northern Territory’s most important water projects. That was the bore metering project for the Darwin rural and Daly River region, funded by the Commonwealth. It was said that there would be 200 bores voluntarily fitted with meters in the Darwin rural area, and 100 in the Daly area. Could you please advise how many meters have actually been fitted in these areas? What was the total amount of Commonwealth money granted for this project? How much of that has been spent so far? Where is the project at now? Why was a government number placed next to my bore over 12 months ago, but I still have no meter installed?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for the question. This is a voluntary project that is under way to meter a selection of bores in the Darwin rural area, Daly and Douglas, and the Katherine regions. We need this information to undertake proper water planning for the future. We do not want to make the same mistakes as other states have with over usage of water and no proper planning, so this is a proper planning process.
I am advised that, to date, 136 applicants for meters have been assessed as having bores suitable for a meter, and 61 meters have been installed. I am further advised that, of these 61 meters, 54, or 88%, have been placed in the Darwin rural area. The meters have been installed mainly on blocks of 2 ha and are representative across the range of aquifer types. A variety of water usages are being monitored, such as domestic use, stock use, and native and exotic nurseries.
Installation of meters has not yet finished because of problems with the supply of meters. Approximately 20 to 30 more meters will be installed once the meters arrive from the suppliers. The Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport will be writing to all volunteers over the next month to update them on the status of the project, and advise on arrangements of future installations for those volunteers that have not yet received a meter and wish to participate. You will be one of those people, member for Nelson. It is possible that there may not be sufficient meters to satisfy all requests.
I am advised that early results from this project are very encouraging. We are getting a very good response from participants, with 95% sending on there usage information, member for Nelson.
Madam Speaker, rising costs of the meters will mean that less than the originally anticipated 300 will be deployed. However, I am advised that this will not diminish the value of the information obtained. As this House knows, I have said quite openly to the members for Goyder and Nelson, that my office is always open so, if you want any further information, you are welcome.
Eye Health and Vision Care
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for HEALTH
Can the minister update the House on how the Territory government is working to improve the quality of eye health and vision care for Territorians?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. Over the years, there have been some very exciting projects within the Northern Territory in the area of eye health, particularly the work of non-government organisations such as the Fred Hollows Foundation, together with collaborations between not only Fred Hollows and the Territory government, but also the Commonwealth government. We are always looking at ways to improve eye health in the Northern Territory. There are large needs and challenges in the expanse and distances that have to be covered with a fairly scattered population.
The Department of Health and Families has been part of a very exciting collaboration with the Fred Hollows Foundation and the federal government, who provided $150 000 for this Eye Health Demonstration grants project. This program brings all the service providers and agencies together, along with the non-government sector. What we are looking at is a sustainable model for collaboration and better coordination amongst eye health and vision care services in the Top End in particular. This will result in better care for patients and, of course, communities. It was a matter of getting all of the leaders together, including Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory and hospital service providers. The department has been a critical link in all of this.
Of course, the Fred Hollows Foundation is pivotal to this whole undertaking. They have taken carriage of the grant, although the department is on the project committee to direct the operations of this particular project.
While I am talking about eye health, I take a moment to honour and congratulate Dr Tharmalingam Mahendrarajah, who is Director of Ophthalmology at Royal Darwin Hospital. As members might be aware, he has been awarded the 2008 Pride of Australia Award, winning the Fair Go category. It is in recognition of his selfless and outstanding contributions to eye health in the Top End . He has also been involved in the rebuilding efforts in Sri Lanka following the tsunami. We are fortunate to have people like Dr Mahendrarajah working in the Territory. As I have said in this House many times, the backbone of many of our health services in the Northern Territory have been overseas trained doctors. There are so many - too numerous to name - who have been absolutely shining lights in many parts of our health system. I hope that we continue to attract people like Dr Mahendrarajah, who will make significant contributions in the years to come.
Department of Education and Training
CEO - Actions of Minister
CEO - Actions of Minister
Mr MILLS to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
In a media interview four days after Margaret Banks was sacked, you accused Ms Banks of cancelling appointments with you. On Thursday, 9 October, the day Ms Banks was sacked, did you have an appointment to meet with Margaret Banks and departmental officers? Did Ms Banks and her colleagues arrive for that appointment at your Parliament House office? Did you, in fact, cancel that appointment, meeting only briefly with them in your office foyer?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, Margaret Banks and the Finance Officer - and I believe there was one other person from the department with them – did, in fact, come to my office on the date the Leader of the Opposition mentioned to meet with my advisors. It was a regular meeting. They met with my Advisor for Education, and my Senior Advisor, to discuss issues at Rosebery, and a number of other things that we needed to address ...
Mr Mills: What? You were planning to sack her on that day and could not even meet her?
Ms SCRYMGOUR: No, it was a Thursday, it was not a usual meeting which I was supposed to attend, because that was my electorate day ...
Mr Mills interjecting.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: I was on my way out to my electorate on the day. Yes, Margaret Banks was in my office with the Finance Officer to meet with two of my advisors. I spoke to them in the foyer …
Members interjecting.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Well, in the front area of my office, not in the foyer …
Mr Mills: You cancelled the appointment. You did not have the courage to tell her yourself that you were going to sack her. You are gutless. I withdraw, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Mills: This is appalling. You do not have the courage to stand …
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Minister, please continue.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Madam Speaker, I was on my way out to my electorate. I had had a meeting with Margaret Banks prior to that. The meeting that was set on that day was with my advisors.
Masters Games –
Effect on Alice Springs Economy
Effect on Alice Springs Economy
Mr McCARTHY to MINISTER for SPORT and RECREATION
The Masters Games were held in Alice Springs last week and were, once again, a huge success. Can the minister please advise the House how the games benefit the Alice Springs economy?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Barkly for his question. We have heard a bit about the Masters Games over the last day or two, and I have no problems talking about it again. It was a fantastic event for Alice Springs, and it is fantastic for the local economy. The Northern Territory government proudly supports the Masters Games by providing $1.8m.
The economic boost that the Masters Games provides to the town should not be underestimated, as I have said. In 2006, the economic value of the games to the town was calculated at $7m. Much of this income is generated through the 4200 competitors who come into Alice Springs, and the locals who participate. Of course, most of the visitors to the games have organised tours, shopped locally, and dined out each night during the Masters Games. Most sectors benefit from the games. The tourism, retail, service, and transport sectors also see a large increase in customers during the week. This daily spending and the economic impact on small business and cash flow that this ensures is a welcome boost to the local economy and local business.
Another important point is that the local clubs also benefit. Most of the clubs involved in the games organised barbecues and fundraising events, and this economic benefit is, therefore, felt right through to the grassroots level.
Games management will start to compile this information again shortly, in terms of the economic value of the games to the town, as they did in 2006. I believe that the economic impact this year will probably be just as impressive as in previous years.
The games is fantastic and offers a fantastic week of competition and also offers an important boost to the local economy in Central Australia. It is for these reasons the government is proud to support the Masters Games.
Department of Education and Training
CEO – Actions of Minister
CEO – Actions of Minister
Mr MILLS to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
Do you know the difference between the words ‘retire’, ‘resign’ and ‘sack’? Can you detail to the House - you failed to do so - the reasons why you sacked Education CEO, Margaret Banks, an award-winning educator, without notice or explanation. You did not even tell her yourself why you chose to sack her; you chose to hold another appointment somewhere else. What natural justice did you provide an award-winning educator, Margaret Banks, before she was sacked?
Members: None.
Mr MILLS: None at all.
Why can you, as the Deputy Chief Minister, as the Minister for Education and Training, lie to Territorians? This is unacceptable ...
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, I ask you to withdraw the term ‘lie’, thank you.
SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS
Move Motion of Want of Confidence in Minister for Education and Training
Move Motion of Want of Confidence in Minister for Education and Training
Mr MILLS (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, I move that so much of standing orders be suspended as would prevent the House …
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The government accepts the censure.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you. Close down the cameras, it is the end of Question Time.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016