2007-05-03
McArthur River Mine – Approval Process
Ms CARNEY to CHIEF MINISTER
Will you continue to support your embattled Minister for Mines and Energy? Will you give a guarantee that the process to approve the McArthur River Mine expansion has been undertaken properly?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, yes and yes.
Budget 2007-08 –Taxation Reform
Mr WARREN to TREASURER
You have previously outlined that the Martin Labor government is the most tax reforming government in the Territory’s history. Does Budget 2007-08 continue that reform, and does the Territory still have the lowest taxes in Australia for businesses employing up to 100 staff?
Mr Mills: The question seemed to be directed to me, so I thought he might have wanted me to answer it.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Blain, resume your seat. Treasurer.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. I am so pleased to see the member for Blain in much higher spirits today. He has a smile on his face, and we like to see that. I was a little disappointed yesterday, personally speaking, but it is good to see you back happy and smiling.
Mr Mills: Let us have a personal talk about that shall we?
Mr STIRLING: I would be happy to have a chat with you outside Question Time.
In answer to the question, we can proudly still say we have the lowest taxes for business employing up to 100 staff in Australia. We can certainly still lay claim to being the most tax-reforming government in the Territory’s history.
We have now reduced taxes by some $156.2m since 2002. In Budget 2007-08, stamp duty on conveyancing for first homebuyers has a new threshold that has reduced considerably: the tax-free threshold going from $225 000 to $350 000. First homeowners now receive a stamp duty concession of $15 312. Budget 2007-08 also takes out the stamp duty on hiring arrangements, which is a further concession to business. By removing this tax, the Martin government will save Territory businesses $5.3m every year.
We have also taken part in an important exercise in conjunction with our state and territory counterparts across Australia, where we are working to harmonise the payroll tax arrangements between each jurisdiction. It is nothing to do with the federal government and nothing to do with Treasurer Costello, but an important piece of work nonetheless amongst the states and territories. It will take effect from 2008-09. It will reduce red tape. Usually it is the larger interstate businesses operating across borders which attract payroll tax in the first place. It will save red tape, and it will save business millions more dollars once it comes into effect from 2008-09. We have reduced the payroll tax rate twice. We have increased the payroll tax threshold from $600 000 in 2001 to $1.25m. We have removed debits tax. We have removed electronic debit transaction duty. We have increased the first homeowner tax-free threshold on conveyancing to $350 000. We have introduced and increased to $2500 the stamp duty rebate on buyers of a principal place of residence. We have removed the stamp duty on wet hires. We have removed the stamp duty on leases. We have removed the stamp duty on hiring ...
Mr Wood: You are receiving more money on pastoral properties this year.
Mr STIRLING: The member for Greatorex speaks at the wrong time. Who put all these taxes in place, Madam Speaker?
Ms Carney: Member for Nelson.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr STIRLING: Oh, the member for Nelson. Sorry, member for Greatorex. It does give me cause to remind Territorians that it was the Country Liberal Party that put these taxes in place in the first place. It is a Labor government in the Northern Territory - the first ever Labor government in the Northern Territory - that has worked so hard over the last six years to reduce the tax impost on business, to the tune of $156.2m and climbing. The confidence demonstrated by Territorians and Territory business is being backed by the Martin government through our ongoing program of reducing taxes, supporting jobs and supporting lifestyles, today and into the future, and we are not at the end of the tax reform road yet.
Minister for Mines and Energy - Performance
Mrs MILLER to MINISTER for MINES and ENERGY
You have made some astonishing gaffes since becoming minister. In February, you failed to promote the Territory flower industry until a day after Valentine’s Day. In February again, you told the media you had never heard of the PNG gas pipeline. Yet again in February, your assessment to the media about your role in mining was, ‘we probably play a small part’. On the same day, you told this House, ‘… in no small part is due to the solid proactive work being undertaken within my department’.
The Supreme Court has ruled you gave the go ahead to an open cut mine under an application for an underground mine. Despite knowing about this problem for months, you disappeared from view in the middle of the crisis. Considering your train of incompetence, how can the people of the Northern Territory have confidence in your decisions and the processes used to make those decisions?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I do not know whether or not to thank the member for Katherine for her question. I came into this role fully understanding what was involved. I knew the shoes I had to fill were big and I am undertaking all that is required of me in this position. The fact that the MRM decision has come before us at this moment will be discussed in debate as we move through into the next session.
I am enjoying the role. I am moving forward. I am on a big learning curve and I will continue to promote mining in the Territory so that it helps our economy in the future.
Budget 2007-08 – Creating Darwin’s Future
Ms SACILOTTO to CHIEF MINISTER
Could you please inform the Assembly about the initiatives relating to Creating Darwin’s Future in this year’s budget?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Port Darwin. Anything about the future of Darwin is, of course, a central issue for the member for Port Darwin, as it is for all of us here, whichever electorate we represent. Creating Darwin’s Future, which was launched last year, contains 93 separate proposals for the future development of Darwin. The aim of Creating Darwin’s Future was to build on work already under way, and to create an even better tropical city. We have heard from the community. We have had a working group taking account of the feedback and it is now developing action plans to progress those priority initiatives which came from the forums that were already in place, over the next five to 10 years ...
Mr Mills: What is your vision?
Ms MARTIN: It is interesting that the member for Blain is not interested. Last week’s Urban Planning Forum was about action, real outcomes and keeping things moving ahead. The action plan from the forum will cover the way future developments in the CBD will be undertaken in important areas that have been subject of a lot of debate, and I am sure will continue to be subject to a lot of debate – areas such as building design, streetscapes and open spaces. In the meantime, we are moving ahead with some key initiatives that have received strong community support.
In this year’s budget, funds have been allocated to four key initiatives, so we are already under way; action is taking place. $6m has been set aside for the Myilly Point redevelopment, including Flagstaff Park. This will turn what is a valuable piece of open space into parkland and will contribute to something that came up clearly in the forums that we held: that people want a substantial amount of green space around our city. $1m is committed to urban road landscaping; that will establish some landscapes and aesthetically pleasing entry points to the CBD. You would have to say, Madam Speaker, that we have some particularly ugly entry points into the CBD. We are going to fix that.
There is much community support for a pedestrian way to connect the waterfront to the CBD, and for the creation of a space that celebrates our heritage and our identity in the city. We have committed $250 000 to engage stakeholders. We have started this process to further engage stakeholders and scope what could be a museum of Darwin, or specifically a World War II museum in the CBD. There is also a further $250 000 to develop a master plan for the State Square Precinct. They are two important initiatives and they are funded in this budget. They are widely supported. More discussion and engagement with the community will take place. It means that it is not a talkfest creating Darwin’s future, it is an action plan, and we have made a very positive start in this budget.
McArthur River Mine – Capacity of Minister
Mrs MILLER to MINSTER for MINES and ENERGY
You were first made aware of serious doubts as to the legality of your approval of the expansion of the McArthur River Mine when the pleadings were lodged in the Supreme Court last year. The day after Supreme Court Justice David Angel delivered his ruling, you told Daryl Manzie on Territory Talk: ‘We are working through what sort of response we are going to have’. With months of notice, you still had no idea what to do when confronted by the very likely scenario that your approval was illegal. Further, you told Territory Talk: ‘The decision does not make any reference to the closure of the mine or its current operations’. That very day, the mine closed. Without the ability to think even one step ahead, do you not lack the capacity to be a minister of the Crown?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Katherine for her question. This will be discussed in debate after Question Time. Most of those questions can be answered through that debate.
Budget 2007-08 – Provision for Youth
Mr BURKE to MINISTER for FAMILY and COMMUNITY SERVICES
Approximately 30% of Palmerston’s population is 15 years or younger. Can you advise how Budget 2007-08 provides for them and other Territory families now and into the future?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Brennan for his question. He represents a young constituency in Palmerston and, as a father, he knows just how important it is to see government initiatives to support families in our community.
Every Territory family will benefit from Budget 2007-08. We have benefit in our strong economy. Of course, important to families is to have job opportunities - jobs for the parents, the teenagers coming through, and for those kids who have left home. Essential to families’ needs is employment, and we have a very strong economy, with initiatives in this budget for job creation programs.
They also benefit from our concessions for first homebuyers. Families are supported by our priorities, improving student outcomes; education is a central issue for Territory families. We have another huge education budget and initiatives to support families. Regarding Building a Healthier Community, the improvements in our health system laid out in the health budget are significant. In making our community safer, the families of the northern suburbs are looking forward to the Casuarina Police Station being completed. Families are also benefiting from the most generous support in childcare in Australia. We are the only state or territory level jurisdiction that provides a subsidy to childcare. This year, that total childcare subsidy will be $3.7m. That goes directly towards cutting the cost of childcare.
Importantly, Budget 2007-08 also looks at families in need. The budget provides $18.7m to support individuals and families who are in crisis in our community. For those families who have fallen on difficult times, the government works hard to support them and help them get back on track.
We have provided $35.8m for the protection of our children. Our child protection budget is now 356% higher than the ridiculously under-funded budget of the CLP era. These funds will help to protect our children from all forms of abuse and neglect by employing some 223 staff and providing, importantly, grants to our non-government sector to support those organisations. Budget 2007-08 helps make the Northern Territory the best place in the world to raise your family.
Madam SPEAKER: Before I call the next question, I remind the cameramen that filming in the Chamber is only of members on their feet and people who are incidental to that, or the Speaker when speaking.
Pistol Shooting – Requirement for a Permit
Mrs BRAHAM to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
As you know, a while ago the Minister for Sport and Recreation opened the indoor pistol range at the Alice Springs Pistol Club. At that time, he tried the new range shooting a pistol, as did the mayor. I presume he had a permit to do so. At the moment, anyone who wants to have a try, when they visit a pistol club or a shooting complex, has to have a permit; they must go beforehand to the police. We are the only jurisdiction in Australia that has that provision. It is deterring new members to clubs because no one thinks of it before they go. Tourists arrive at the club and find they are not allowed to try. You are obviously going to make amendments to the Firearms Act. Can you bring us into line with the rest of Australia so that people may go to a pistol or shooting club, have a go, under the supervision of a qualified firearms inspector and, then, after that weekend the pistol club notifies the police of who they were?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Braitling for her question. She has raised it with me personally a number of times and she has also written to me about three weeks ago now ...
Mrs Braham: On 4 April.
Dr BURNS: Yes. I have referred this matter to police. I have told the member for Braitling that I am more than willing to consider this matter. I need to seek advice from police. I have taken on board what the member for Braitling has to say about it and I will respond.
McArthur River Mine – Classification of Operation of Mine
Mrs MILLER to MINISTER for MINES and ENERGY
When announcing that you had given approval for Xstrata to convert the McArthur River Mine to an open cut operation you stated: ‘In making this decision I have relied on expert advice and recommendations from my department.’ Are we to understand from your words that you did not personally read the documents you signed off on? If you did read them, how did you fail to spot the difference between an open cut and underground mine in the classification of the operation of the mine?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Katherine for her question. It really needs to be reiterated that this has been a technical mistake. I would like to go through some of the nature and history of the technicalities that has given rise to the need for this legislation. I was going to do it in debate but I am happy to do some of it now. It is a highly technical matter and it is not a breakdown in process.
MRM’s 2002 application for an authorisation stated that the proposed form of mining was underground because that is what the operation was at the time. However, in 2003 the grant for authorisation allowed all types of mining activity, which includes both underground and open pit operations. It was a condition of the authorisation that a new mining management plan would be required for any change in the mining operations.
In October 2006, a new mining management plan was approved in order to allow the open pit operations, which is where it is now. This process was allowed on the basis of legal advice. The court’s technical ruling was that, even though the authorisation in 2003 said that it allowed all types of mining, it was limited by the original application in 2002, which was for underground mining.
Legal advice indicates that the decision is appellable. However, as we advised yesterday, given the urgency, a legislative amendment to correct the technical ruling is warranted. We could appeal it, but it is going to take too long ...
Ms Carney: So you want to minimise the humiliation.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr NATT: It is a technical mistake. I have given you the history - so there it is.
Arafura Games 2007
Mr KIELY to MINISTER for SPORT and RECREATION
This month, Darwin will play host to many nations as our athletes and officials take part in the Arafura Games. Can you tell this House how the games are shaping up, and how they continue to contribute to our great Territory lifestyle?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Sanderson for his question. First, though, I would like to respond to the member for Braitling, yes, I did have a licence when I opened the shooting range.
There are only nine days to go until the Arafura Games 2007. We are expecting 2500 athletes from 30 countries with hundreds of coaches, officials and, of course, the supporters. The response we have received from our overseas marketing was significant – it was fantastic. This year, the Arafura Games have been expanded to include seven sports for athletes with disabilities. Some of these sports incorporate the Oceania Paralympic Championships, the Oceania Junior Championships and the Commonwealth Junior Weightlifting Championships. I believe about 20 countries will attend the latter event.
I am delighted to advise the House that Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee and his wife, Lady Jocelyne Craven, will be travelling to Darwin to witness the games firsthand. We will be honoured to host Mr Craig Phillips, Secretary General of the Australian Olympic Committee; Mr Simon Baulderstone AM, member of the International Olympic Committee’s Sport and Environment Committee; eight senior officials from the Beijing Olympic Organising Committee; Mr Darren Peters, Chef de Mission for the Australian Paralympic Committee team for Beijing; and Mr Greg Hartung OAM, President of the Australian Paralympic Committee.
An important part of the games is the International Sports Conference, where all these dignitaries share their experience and knowledge with participants. I encourage all Territorians to take part in this conference and learn from some of the world’s best sports administrators.
The wheelchair basketball competition will be the qualifying event for the Beijing Paralympics for Asia and Oceania. Five teams will play for three positions: Australia, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait and Iran.
Local community groups are making arrangements for billeting athletes and putting together many community events to make our guests welcome. I am very pleased to billet two athletes from the Philippines who will play table tennis during the Arafura Games.
Local businesses have contributed about $800 000 in sponsorship, and 22 primary schools are participating in the Adopt-a-Country program. I am looking forward to seeing the banners they put together for the opening. They are absolutely fantastic.
We have the event of lighting the flame which will take place on the Tiwi Islands at a traditional ceremony on Thursday 10 May 2007. I will be very pleased to receive it on 11 May 2007 across the Arafura Sea. These games are going to be the best games in the history of the Arafura Games. I look forward to seeing you all at the opening ceremony.
McArthur River Mine – Amending Legislation
Mrs MILLER to MINISTER for MINES and ENERGY
This parliament is now asked to correct your blunder in relation to the McArthur River Mine and, in doing so, we are forced to act with questionable ethics. Will you place on the record now …
Mr HENDERSON: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The member for Katherine well knows that she cannot question the integrity of any member of this House without doing so by way of substantive motion. I ask you to rule on her comments.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! I ask you to withdraw the last comment, and reword your question, member for Katherine.
Mrs MILLER: So we are forced to act in a way that we find …
Madam SPEAKER: If you could withdraw first.
Mrs MILLER: I withdraw, Madam Speaker. We are forced to act in a way that makes this side of the House feel extremely uncomfortable about part of this bill ...
Mr Henderson: You did not ask any questions in the briefing.
Mrs MILLER: Yes, we did. That is how we found out. Will you place on the record now that you are completely confident in the processes that have been followed leading up to the go ahead for the open cut pit at McArthur River Mine, excepting, of course, the technical stuff up?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Katherine for her question. Again, I will go over it. It is a technical mistake that has been highlighted by the Supreme Court. We have had advice from the Solicitor-General that this is the way we should be approaching this change. I have full confidence that this change will see our way forward for the surety of the McArthur River Mine.
Budget 2007-08 – Residential Land Development
Mr BURKE to MINISTER for PLANNING and LANDS
In the suburb of Farrar, within my electorate where I live, I recently counted 30 or 40 houses in the process of being constructed. Can the minister advise the House on any initiatives in Budget 2007-08 towards releasing more land for residential development in the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Brennan for his question. It has been phenomenal to see the growth in Palmerston. If you listen to the CLP, there are no homes being built anywhere in the Territory and there is no land available for anyone to purchase. They go around with little blinkers on their faces, as they do not seem to have any view at all as to the reality in the marketplace right now.
I have said on the record - they have floppy ears, they do not want to hear it – that the demand for new house blocks in the Top End of the Territory is about 300 a year. In meeting demand for new house blocks - that is, people wanting to purchase a house and land package or, indeed, buy some land and build the house of their dreams - we turn off approximately 300 a year.
In terms of having a look at land release and how you meet demand, there is a very fine line, because one thing government should not do is flood the market. That would send house values crashing down and, as we all know, families have their life investment in their house, in their mortgage. Their dreams are wrapped up in the value of their house and, if you flood the market, you are actually crashing down the wealth of Territory families.
Mr Wood: They can only afford a unit. I am not asking that; that is a furphy.
Ms LAWRIE: I pick up the interjection. The member for Nelson says that is a furphy. That is pretty incredible. I would get him to put that to some key economists who have actually spelt that out. The industry itself said to be careful how much land you release. They know as well that if you flood the market you devalue existing houses.
The good thing in Budget 2007-08 is that it does lay out a very clear process for the future and, unlike previous CLP governments where they would program something and there would be no cash to do the work so it would just go from year to year, sitting on a program, empty hollow promises, no delivery, no action. Unlike that, the Martin Labor government does respond and we do put real cash against our items.
Importantly, a component within this budget is $7m to provide headworks for the new suburb of Bellamack in Palmerston. I notice the member for Blain is shaking his head. What is it? You do not want the release of Bellamack in Palmerston, member for Blain?
Mr Mills: I am shaking my head at you, I cannot believe you.
Ms LAWRIE: You do not think $7m is a reasonable expenditure to promote land release in the Territory?
Mr Wood: You can take all these lots out at Bellamack and sell them at …
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mrs Braham: How much will these blocks be?
Ms LAWRIE: Bellamack will provide, we believe, anywhere between 650 to 700 new residential lots.
Mr Wood: How many will be sold to builders and developers in one lot?
Ms LAWRIE: If the member for Nelson wants to answer the question for me - he just has not stopped. It is difficult, member for Nelson …
Mr Wood: I just do not think you care, that is the problem.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms LAWRIE: It is hard to keep going when you keep interjecting. I do not want to be rude and talk over you. That is all.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Opposition and Independent members, cease interjecting. Minister, please continue.
Ms LAWRIE: It sounded like it was something rude, Madam Speaker.
The $7m in headworks - real cash allocated to do real work to produce a real outcome - is providing water and sewer reticulation, a sewer pump station, power reticulation, roadworks and, importantly, trunk stormwater drainage. The best advice to me from my agency is that the work will start on the headworks this Dry Season. The government has previously advised that lots will be set aside for first homebuyers. The Housing minister and I met with industry some months ago, and clearly put it before industry, which included the HIA, TCA, Real Estate Institute of the NT and the Chamber of Commerce, that we would be inserting a component in our expression of interest for developers for this land to come forward with innovative suggestions as to how lots within the development can be provided to first homebuyers.
We are not coming up with plucking figures out of the air and just making up a notional amount as a voodoo dollar figure of about $100 000, which I note the CLP Opposition Leader is now starting to back away from - this voodoo $100 000 which was solid yesterday in her budget reply, and is now, after Daryl Manzie’s interview on Top FM …
A member: Not so sure now. What did she say?
Ms LAWRIE: She was just getting a little shaky. An entire package, whereby discounts could be …
A member: Could be, not would.
Ms LAWRIE: ‘Could be’ offered, up to $100 000 on the purchase of a block of land. It went from, ‘there will be $100 000 off the cost of your land’ to ‘it could be’ or ‘up to …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms LAWRIE: I am interested in hearing the next instalment on Daryl Manzie’s show. Maybe it will be ‘could have been’, ‘might have been’ …
Mr Vatskalis: Would not be.
Ms LAWRIE: Maybe not, because it is actually a voodoo figure.
Sorry, I was momentarily diverted because I was very interested in the movements of this mythical $100 000 figure ...
Mr Wood: Tell us what you are going to sell it for.
Ms LAWRIE: That is a good interjection, member for Nelson: ‘Tell us what you are going to sell it for’. The last time I checked with the government, we are not real estate agents …
Mr Wood: Yes, you are. You own all the Crown land and you are selling it.
Ms LAWRIE: … we are not developers, we sell land to developers to develop. Curious that, is it not? It is a curious thing. Should we become a socialist or communist? Should we just set up and control everything and sell every individual block of land? Is that what you are proposing, member for Nelson, because it is getting …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms LAWRIE: The land release debate is getting to be bizarre!
What we have announced is that there will be lots within Bellamack for first homebuyers. We have already indicated to industry to come forward with innovative suggestions as to how many, what the process will be, and how it meets the needs for our first homebuyers. This really does complement the great news for first homebuyers in Budget 2007-08.
The other great news, as we know …
Mr Kiely: More good news?
Ms LAWRIE: More good news. … is stamp duty cuts and …
Mr Mills: Madam Speaker, it is a very long answer.
Ms LAWRIE: I would have been quicker, but the member for Nelson keeps interjecting.
Mrs Miller: You love it! You love the stage.
Mr Wood: It is the only time we can get some debate on the subject.
Ms LAWRIE: We can debate this any time you like. Come up for a cuppa.
Members interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE: Stamp duty cuts are a direct dollar assistance to first homebuyers in …
Members interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE: Not a voodoo figure there - not a safety voodoo ‘could be’, ‘may be’ - a solid erasing of the stamp duty.
Regarding the HomeNorth scheme, it is really interesting; the CLP’s policy did not even mention HomeNorth – did not even go to HomeNorth ...
A member: They are going to scrap it.
Ms LAWRIE: Good point. Are they going to scrap HomeNorth? HomeNorth has helped 1000 Territorians to buy their own homes. It has been a phenomenally successful program and this did not rate a mention …
Ms CARNEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! We plead with you to do something about the minister who is abusing Question Time in ways that we have not even seen her abuse Question Time before.
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, there is no point of order. However, there will be …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! There is a lot of disorder in the Chamber. I remind members of Standing Order 69. I would like you to read that while the minister is completing her answer. Minister, please continue.
Ms LAWRIE: Madam Speaker, I was just getting to the end there. The Northern Territory already has the highest percentage of first homebuyers in the property market, and we are convinced that these new initiatives will help families buy their first homes. The land release at Bellamack and Mt John Valley, important changes to stamp duty, and a phenomenal revamp of the HomeNorth scheme, is an entire package to help more Territorians to buy their dream home in the Territory and raise their families.
East Arm – Historical Sites
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
My question will not be about housing; it concerns two issues related to East Arm. Over three years ago, I raised a matter in parliament about protecting part of the history of the East Arm Leprosarium. Nothing seems to have happened. Why has this taken so long and when can we expect to see the promised memorial plaque erected? With the announcement of the new boat ramp at East Arm, what will happen to the World War II Catalina flying boat site?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. He has certainly been most committed to the signage, which I know has taken some time. There have been a number of delays, member for Nelson. I have kept a track of this because I have just as much interest in that as you.
After many delays, I have been advised by my department of Heritage that the documentation of a revised design has now been approved and is going forward. There were some issues and, working with DPI, we have gone through a number of those. I will keep you updated and notify you of where we are up to with the process of getting the signage done and erected. There are many old nuns who are waiting for that to go ahead as well.
With the boat ramp and the World War II Catalina site, that is still in the process as I understand. I will find out for you and inform you just where that is in the process with the Heritage Advisory Council.
Budget 2007-08 - Housing
Mr HAMPTON to MINISTER for HOUSING
Can the minister please outline this government’s investment in housing under Budget 2007-08?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Stuart for his question. Budget 2007-08 has delivered a record housing spend. Around $113m will be spent right across the Northern Territory on a whole range of infrastructure-type projects. As part of the package, there will be $55m spent on indigenous housing in the bush communities right throughout the Northern Territory. There will also be a further $15m for government employee housing in the bush. This, in itself, is a good initiative, along with the Indigenous Housing program to provide appropriate, environmentally sound housing for our many public servants who live out there.
The other important point that I wish to make is that we are going to commit $5m this year as part of the $100m upgrade for indigenous housing across the bush. When I mentioned government employees, negotiations are continuing, but part of the $100m will also be used for indigenous government employees: ACPOs, teachers, indigenous people who traditionally have not been able to access government employee housing. I believe that is a great initiative.
Right across the Northern Territory, there will be a $6.9m upgrade of what we call the tailored upgrades. They are for housing, mainly in the regional centres right throughout the Northern Territory. That also incorporates a community renewal-type program. For Kurringal flats, we are going to allocate approximately $2m for mainly external-type upgrades. That is a great initiative in Darwin. There are also programs occurring in Blain Street in my electorate in Tennant Creek.
All in all, member for Stuart, it is quite extensive. It is a commitment by this government to provide real housing for people in the bush communities.
The other issue I want to refer to relates to the HomeNorth Extra package which was announced by the Treasurer the other day. We have heard much said in this House recently by the Minister for Planning and Lands, and the Treasurer. What we are talking about is an increase in the stamp duty concessions from $225 000 up to $350 000. That is almost $8000 in the first homebuyer’s pocket; a really great initiative.
The Minister for Planning and Lands also mentioned the $7m put into the Bellamack development. That is important because, as the minister has indicated, we are talking about a 10% input as part of the $7m in regard to first homebuyer opportunities, but also in regard to public housing. We did that previously with the Larapinta project in Alice Springs. Certainly, the principle was used. This government has great capacity to engage with developers into the future in incorporating opportunities for first homebuyers and also for public housing.
The shared equity increase is up to $70 000 from $60 000, which enables those people on lower incomes to purchase their homes, and that will be welcomed by many. The $10 000 loan will remain for whitegoods. That flows on to the business community right across the Northern Territory, which is another great outcome. The 2% deposit in respect of HomeNorth applicants is also welcome.
The other point which probably has not been raised too much is the fact that, since HomeNorth has been in existence, 300 existing Territory Housing clients have purchased their homes through the HomeNorth scheme. That is a really good outcome. As members know, you purchase your home and you finally cement a stake in your community in the Territory. That, too, is a very good outcome.
To add to that, as part of this new package, we are putting in place opportunities for public servants who have lived in their houses for a period in excess of five years to be able to purchase their homes. That will be uncapped. The property will be independently valued. Again, that is another important opportunity.
Mr Wood: Are you keeping ahead of the ones you sell? Are you replacing them?
Mr McADAM: That is an interesting question. If you want to ask me that, I am quite happy to answer it. What we are talking about is opportunities for people to get into their first home, to own their own home. This deals with the group of people earning up to $70 000 a family, $60 000 a couple, and $50 000 for a single. These are all great opportunities to get people into home ownership.
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Mr McADAM: No, I am finished.
Madam SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
Mr MILLS: I draw your attention to a clear strategy of government. You have seen it, I am sure; I have too. It is to ensure that government members now fill up as much time as possible.
Mr Stirling: He is finished. He is sitting down.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! There is no point of order.
McArthur River Mine –
Finding of Supreme Court
Mrs MILLER to MINISTER for MINES and ENERGY
You have consistently claimed that the court ruling that held you had failed to follow the act you administer, and I quote:
… made no adverse findings on the extensive environmental assessment process or consultation with traditional owners or the general community.
The court did not make any finding on those issues because, having discovered your failure to correctly classify the McArthur River Mine operation as an open cut mine, it made no further findings. In fact, isn’t your claim of no other adverse findings, at best, unbelievable ignorance and, at worst, blatant deception? Is it not a fact that you cannot guarantee the integrity of your entire approval process and that is why the amendment bill extinguishes the possibility of any other appeals?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Katherine for her question. The member for Katherine is correct: the judge did point out the technical legal issue and did not address the environmental issues. However, I can assure you that the rigorous processes that we undertook prior to October addressed all of those areas. We considered all relevant evidence and detail that was around at that time. We put strict environmental safeguards and standards into that.
It is quite interesting. Before we came to Question Time, the member for Katherine actually did support the changes. From the way she is questioning today, it seems that she is not supporting the ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mrs Miller: And I do, but not that second level of it.
Mr NATT: Is she supporting the McArthur River Mine? Is she supporting the miners out there? Are you supporting all of the support group that work with the mine? It does not look like it at all ...
Members interjecting.
Ms Miller: You did not include it in your second reason yesterday.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr NATT: There are 1700 jobs involved here, member for Katherine, and you not supporting them by the way you are questioning me at this moment ...
Members interjecting.
Mrs Miller: You did not tell the truth yesterday.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr NATT: We are making a change to provide certainty, and I will say it again. I reiterate: the Solicitor-General was clear in his advice. Even Justice Angel has, during his proceedings, inferred that it was a technical issue that could be resolved by this amendment, and that is what we are doing.
Tiwi island Bombers
Mr BONSON to MINISTER for SPORT and RECREATION
Madam Speaker, it is always great to see home-grown athletes on the big stage. Can you inform the House of this government’s support of our own magical Tiwi Bombers as they travel to Melbourne to play in the curtain raiser match later this month?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. It gives me the opportunity to announce today that the government is supporting the Tiwi Island Bombers with a $10 000 contribution for the team to fly to Melbourne to play the curtain raiser at the ‘Dreamtime at the G’ AFL game between Essendon and Richmond.
I like sport and recreation, Madam Speaker. I like to provide grants to different sports organisations, not because it makes the government look good, but because it provides the impetus to organisations to attract young people, to take them away from computers and television, sitting around doing nothing, involve them in sports, combat obesity, promote healthy living and promote nutrition. That is exactly what we are doing here.
The Bombers will go to Melbourne. However, by going to Melbourne, not only will they increase their self-esteem playing at the MCG, they are going to showcase Northern Territory talent. They are going to be there showing what the people from Tiwi and other indigenous people can do. ‘Dreamtime at the G’ is an important game because the AFL has played a significant role in building bridges between different cultures. It also showcases the contribution of indigenous athletes to one of the best games in Australia - Australian Football League.
The MCG is one of the greatest, if not the greatest sporting stage in Australia. These people are going to play in front of up to 70 000 people, many of whom will go home with a picture of indigenous Northern Territorians showcasing one of the best football games in Australia.
The Tiwi Bombers will play against a local indigenous football team, the Rumbalara Football Club. I believe they are having a training run at Windy Hill on Friday, 25 May 2007. It is a great idea. The Tiwi Bombers will be ambassadors for the Northern Territory. At the same time, back home they will become positive role models in their own community, the young people in the Tiwi Islands, who will see what you can achieve with a healthy lifestyle, with healthy living, with good nutrition, staying away from the grog, drugs, and smoking. This is why it is important we are spending $10 000. It does not buy you much. It is not a big amount of money, but it is a significant contribution to healthy living for some of the most disadvantaged people in Australia.
McArthur River Mine Decision –
Potential Plaintiffs
Potential Plaintiffs
Mrs MILLER to MINISTER for MINES and ENERGY
You have just expressed your confidence in all the steps that you took to authorise the go ahead of the McArthur River Mine. Why is it then that, in the bill before the House, you have closed off all legal avenues to potential plaintiffs about the processes that you have used to give the mine the go ahead?
Ms Carney: Hang on. Syd, tell him what to say. That is the way.
Mr Henderson: I thought you supported the bill.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! I am going to go seek some advice on that question.
Minister for Mines and Energy, I will give you the option if you wish to answer the question. It does actually directly relate to the bill which is being debated. However, if you wish to answer it you may.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, yes, I will answer the question, for which I thank the member for Katherine. This is the opposition being deceptive. Again, they are attacking the mine, and all the suppliers and everyone involved in it. However, the technical deficiency that we are going through the approval processes about at the moment has been identified by the Supreme Court, and it must be rectified to give effect of my decision. That will provide certainty and will also return the mine to the status quo.
Stop the Violence Campaign
Mr BONSON to MINISTER for WOMEN’S POLICY
Stop the Violence is currently being televised across the Territory. Could you please advise the House of this great campaign?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Millner for his question, which leads from his previous question to the Minister for Sport and Recreation. We all love the Tiwi Bombers. I am probably the …
Ms Lawrie: The No 1 fan.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: … the No 1 fan of the Tiwi Bombers. However, we go from the Tiwi Bombers to the other depth of talent that we have in the Northern Territory; that is, Richard Tambling, Aaron Davies, Matthew Campbell and Daniel Motlop. Many Territorians look up to these young men as sporting role models, so it is commendable. I remember talking to these young men about their participation in some advertisements, particularly targeting young men about stopping violence. To have the contribution of these four young men, who have made it to the AFL, is commendable. They generously, at no cost, provided their time and their names to such an important message.
These young Territory men are promoting the message that violence against women and our children is unacceptable in any form and will not be tolerated. The message is very important, as family violence is a serious matter affecting many Territorians. Addressing it will have a significant, positive benefit for women and children.
The objective of the Stop the Violence campaign is promoting understanding and acceptance in the community, and amongst men in particular. The purpose of that is to signify that the perpetrator is responsible for the violence, not the victim; there are no circumstances in which domestic violence is justified; and, to increase the number of perpetrators and men who are seeking assistance and advice from appropriate services.
It is anticipated that airing the campaign during the Australian Football League season will increase the reach of the message to Territory men and provide awareness to their families. The cost to government of the Stop the Violence campaign was around $89 000, a worthy investment. I have seen the many ads that have been run, as have other members in this Chamber. It is important getting feedback, particularly from many of young indigenous men who have seen those ads, who can relate to those young men in the AFL.
It will go a long way. It is only a small part of the enormous work that we have to do in addressing the issues of domestic violence, but it is an important part and a very clear message to those young indigenous men out there.
Don Dale Juvenile Detention Centre – Escape
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for JUSTICE and ATTORNEY-GENERAL
Recently, three juveniles escaped from the Don Dale Juvenile Detention Centre. I believe this is the second breakout in recent times. Can you please tell the House how these juveniles escaped and what actions have been put into place to make sure this does not happen again?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. It is a rather unusual event; you never want to see it happen at all. However, in this case, three absconders, as of last Monday, subsequently stole a vehicle and crashed it. One is still in a serious to critical condition in hospital; the other two are back in detention.
I have not yet had a brief, other than the simple facts of the escape. However, I have asked Corrections to carry out an absolutely thorough investigation into all eventualities: how they came to be out; how they came to have equipment to cut the fence and put a hole in the fence and subsequently escape; and all the circumstances surrounding the absconding. I am happy to share that information with the member for Nelson as soon as that report is delivered to me.
Essential Services – Future Growth and Expansion
Ms SACILOTTO to MINISTER for ESSENTIAL SERVICES
The Territory is experiencing strong economic growth. To continue and expand that growth, the essential services infrastructure must be in place and able to cope with increasing demand on services. Can you assure Territorians that the Martin government is planning for the future growth and development of the Territory by investing in our essential services needs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Port Darwin for her question. It is a very broad question. It is true that the Territory is currently expanding population-wise and industry-wise. The Defence Forces are here and there is continuous increased demand for power and water, and for caring for our environment. I was very pleased recently to announce one of the biggest expenditures ever for essential services in the Territory. Not one of the biggest, the biggest expenditure ever in the history of the Territory for essential services – $840m. That is because we are planning for the future.
I would like members to remember what happened in Auckland, New Zealand when the high voltage cable melted down. I would also like to tell you that Perth ran out of water and they had to spend $340m for a desalination plant that can provide only 17% of the water that is daily demanded for Perth. A few years back, an ageing waste system in Sydney contaminated potable water and, for weeks and weeks, people in Sydney had to drink bottled water to avoid any disease.
We are planning for the future; $840m is double the level of the previous five-year period. We are doing things throughout the Territory. We increased generation in Alice Springs from Brewer Estate at a cost of $24m. We closed the Larrakeyah outflow and are upgrading the Ludmilla Treatment Plant – $40m over four years. We built a new power station for Darwin and Palmerston at a cost of $101m. We upgraded the Katherine Wastewater Treatment Plant at $10m. We raised the height of the Darwin River Dam by 1.3 m at a cost of $8.5m to increase its capacity by 20%. We upgraded the Howard East bore field at $8m. We upgraded and placed power supply and gensets in communities like Borroloola, Elliott, Kings Canyon and Tennant Creek. We are also investing $6m in advancing our program to underground power lines in the suburbs, something that the CLP does not like and has repeatedly asked to be scrapped. We have put $5m into Borroloola to upgrade the sewerage system.
This is a significant investment. We have also allocated $222m for repairs and maintenance, 18% up over the five years - a significant investment because we care for and have to plan for the future. There is continuous demand. We have mining companies coming to us asking for power supply from Power and Water because the cost of diesel has gone through the roof. The production of power in a remote mining community can be 16 or 17 per kW hour. We provide to Territorians. We want to ensure that every Territorian, when they switch the light on, it will come on; when they turn the tap on, the water will flow. We are caring for our environment.
The government provides a $57m subsidy to ensure that the power stays at a reasonable level, not like the member for Greatorex who asks for the Power and Water Corporation to operate like any other company. He wants a private power and water company. He wants a 40% increase in power as has been done in South Australia. He issued a media release on that. I am not surprised. He even told us the CLP plan for the Brewer Estate.
What he did not tell us about Brewer Estate is that the CLP put a really tiny power line, 22 kVa. In order for us to relocate the power station and put new power generators there, we have to increase the capacity by 300% to 66 kVa. Not only that, the agreement we have with the Brewer Estate is a colonial agreement. In any other state in Australia, power and water companies generating utilities buy peak loads from private producers. In that case, we buy the base load. We have given them permission to print money because they produce the base load in Alice Springs and Power and Water produce the peak.
Could we get out of this agreement? No, we could not. I tried and tried. It is a prototype - a typical CLP agreement.
Minister for Mines and Energy - Performance
Mrs MILLER to MINISTER for MINES and ENERGY
In light of your mismanagement of the McArthur River authorisation process under the Mining Management Act, which is a relatively simple process, and the bailing out again by the Chief Minister, how are you going to cope with the new powers that you are going to receive under the recent amendments to the Commonwealth Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976, given that these amendments and the act are far more complex and complicated and go across industry? Can you inform the House of what you know of these recent amendments to ALRA, in particular, Part 4 of the act, and what they mean to the minerals industry in the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Katherine for her question. There is no mismanagement in this process. We are providing certainty for jobs for McArthur River Mine and we are returning the mine to its status quo.
MOTION
Suspension of Standing Orders – Move Motion of No Confidence in Minister for Mines and Energy
Suspension of Standing Orders – Move Motion of No Confidence in Minister for Mines and Energy
Ms CARNEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I move that so much of standing orders be suspended as would prevent this House from moving a motion of no confidence.
Mr HENDERSON: Speaking to the point of order, Madam Speaker. Obviously, this is a censure motion against the minister. Of course, we will accept the motion. It is, obviously, on the record they do not support the McArthur River amendment. I ask that the broadcast ceases.
Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
Madam SPEAKER: Yes. Question Time is complete. The cameras should be removed now, please.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016