2005-10-11
Papunya Store – Investigation
Ms CARNEY to CHIEF MINISTER
Are you aware of a report in the Centralian Advocate dated 2 September 2005 which refers to a Department of Justice investigation regarding the Papunya store? Can you advise how that investigation is different from the federal government investigation that is presently under way into the misappropriation of funds at Papunya?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I missed part of what the Opposition Leader said. An investigation into the Papunya …
Ms Carney: Into the misappropriation of funds at Papunya.
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, I am aware of two investigations into Papunya. I will refer this to the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General who has carriage of one of those. One is being done by the federal government - through which department I am not quite sure - through Amanda Vanstone’s carriage, and the second is being done through the Department of Justice in the area of Consumer Affairs.
I am certainly not in a position to comment on those investigations. However, if the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General has any further information to add about that, I refer the question to him.
Dr TOYNE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, first of all, there have been two distinct matters that the Department of Justice has investigated in relation to Papunya.
The first was some time ago, about the time of the last election, regarding the use of Northern Territory grant funding by the community. My understanding of the outcomes of that review was that there was no money missing; all money that had been expended had been expended appropriately to the program for which it had been provided.
The second matter is in the hands of the Commissioner for Consumer Affairs. He is doing a preliminary assessment of matters regarding the council and its operations. I stress that it is a preliminary assessment; it is not a full-blown investigation. As a statutory, independent position, that is as far as I am entitled to go. The commissioner will come back to us when he has made decisions on his findings.
Northern Territory Economy – Independent Assessment
Mr BONSON to CHIEF MINISTER
During the 2005 election, the government and you, in particular, promised to do all you could to provide a stronger economy for the people of the Northern Territory. Can the Chief Minister point to the independent, third party assessment on how the Northern Territory economy is performing?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, a good and very important question from the member for Millner. When you look at our figures for the economy, what you are looking at is statistics. However, importantly, we are getting third party assessment and endorsement of where we are going. That is what I want to refer to today.
We went to the election in June with a growth rate in the Northern Territory that led the nation - and very proud of it - of 7.2% against national figures of something like 2%. We have really been very strategic over four years to look at what we could do as government to stimulate the very flat economy we inherited. We put in place very strong tax cuts for business to give them the opportunity to make further investments to expand their operations; invested strongly in skills development and training, a very important component for a young population like ours; improved our own procurement processes for local businesses, and I am sure we will keep working on that; and also, our capital works program was at record level, again, stimulating our economy. We know we have more to do, but we are very committed to keeping this strong growth going in our economy.
Strong growth, what does it mean? It is all about jobs. The Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show that that growth is strong. It is great to have something like the Housing Industry Association, in their September quarter outlook, which they released yesterday, support the indicators of the economy. For example, at page 10 of their report, where they are talking specifically about housing starts, it says that housing starts shot up in the 2004-05 year by 28%. We only forecast 11% and we got a growth of 28%. Home renovations is something we all love to do. The activity in the Northern Territory soared by 43% in the 2004-05 year, and that represented a $183m-worth of investment in that industry, which was the strongest growth in Australia by a roaring mile. Total investment in housing surged by 22% in 2004-05, a very strong increase, and this is more than double the forecast that HIA had made for a 10% growth. They said 10%, we did 22%, so 2004-05 was an extraordinarily strong year.
I note that in each of the areas they identified, HIA said that there will be some slowing of growth in future years, but with rates like that we would certainly support some lesser growth. We are coming off a very high level. We have seen a real stimulus to get our economy going over the 2004-05 year particularly. HIA described their predicted outcomes as remaining ‘historically very healthy’. They also went further than their actual housing industry. To quote them again, they described the State Final Demand growth in that year as ‘impressive’, the Household Consumption Growth as ‘a stand-out result’, business investment as having ‘jumped’ and the labour market ‘is strong and should support solid jobs growth going forward’.
It is a great endorsement of where our economy is going. Our challenge is to continue that, and that is a challenge in our smaller economy. However, it is great to have the endorsement of independent bodies such as the Housing Industry Association. As government, we recognise we have moved the Territory ahead, and we certainly are delivering on our key election promises in doing that.
Papunya Store – Investigation
Ms CARNEY to CHIEF MINISTER
Are you aware of a report in the Centralian Advocate dated 6 November 2005 about allegations involving the inappropriate disposal of various goods from the Papunya store in the weeks leading up to the June election? Are you also aware of the claim in the same article of allegations of impropriety against a number of public servants in relation to this matter? Who has briefed you about these allegations and what, if any, action have you taken in relation to them?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I very clearly use the word ‘allegations’ that was used by the Opposition Leader. Even though they are allegations, we have had some strong words to say about what is happening at Papunya and some of the allegations and counter-allegations that are surrounding the member for Macdonnell - who is a very fine member of this parliament and has full support on this side of the parliament. I can say that I am aware of those allegations and they have appropriately been referred to our police.
Apprentices and Trainees – Incentives for Employers
Mr BURKE to MINISTER for EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION and TRAINING
I previously asked about the incentives for apprentices; however, my question today has a slightly different focus. In both the 2001 and 2005 elections, the Martin government promised to provide incentives to employers of apprentices and trainees. Can the minister advise the House on the allocation of these incentives and the take-up of them?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Brennan for his question. I am always delighted to be on my feet talking about young Territorians’ employment, training and skilling in this Assembly.
In 2001, and again in 2005, this government committed very strongly to training and building the skills of Territorians in our work force to make it a more highly-skilled work force, getting more people into training, more people already in the work force upskilling on their current levels, and more people into apprenticeships and traineeships across the board.
We introduced the first ever Jobs Plan, after I stood in this House for 10-and-a-bit years calling on the previous government to introduce a jobs plan. ‘Did not need one’, they said, despite the fact that we were going out the door backwards through some of those years of opposition. We then followed it up with Jobs Plan 2, backing those commitments through strong funding, support for VET delivery, support for VET in Schools and initiatives such as Build Skills, Work Ready and the employer and employee incentives – the subject of this question.
In 2005, we made an election commitment to support 10 000 apprentices and trainees in training over the next four years. Since July 2005, when the first apprentices and trainees became eligible for the Workwear/Workgear Bonus to 26 September this year, 62 apprentices and trainees have become eligible and taken up the $1000 skills shortage Workwear/Workgear Bonus. One hundred and eight apprentices and trainees in other areas have become eligible for, and taken up, the $300 bonus available there.
Round three of the employer incentives has been open for just a few months. All 75 of the $7000 skills shortage trades employer incentives in this third round have been allocated. The next round of skills shortage trades employer incentives will be allocated in late 2005. Fifty-eight small business employer incentives have been allocated in this current round. There are still some small business employer incentives available for eligible small businesses. Since the first round of employer small business, local government and skill shortage incentives were introduced, a total of 486 have been taken up across the Northern Territory.
Inroads have been made but there is much more to be done. We still have a struggle out there in the labour market for skills - not just skills, but for semi-skilled and, indeed, unskilled people right across the board. We are going to keep working closely with industry and business to build on those efforts to date.
Papunya – Allegations of Bribery for Votes
Ms CARNEY to CHIEF MINISTER
Are you aware of a report in the Sunday Age, dated 25 September 2005, headed, ‘Elders bribed for votes in NT’? I seek leave to table that article, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: I do not think you need to seek leave, you can simply table that, Leader of the Opposition.
Ms CARNEY: The article claims that televisions, whitegoods and furniture were distributed to ‘six influential elders at Papunya’ to ‘secure their support in the June election’. What do you know about this allegation and what, if any, steps have you undertaken in relation to it?
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, before you reply. Leader of the Opposition, may I just remind you that allegations regarding members can only be done by way of substantive motion. If you are making allegations like that, I would just caution you that you need to be very careful and it can only be done by way of substantive motion.
Ms CARNEY: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Indeed, being careful is something that all members of this Chamber are, which is why the wording of the question was the way it was.
Madam SPEAKER: I am just cautioning, nevertheless.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the issue that the Opposition Leader refers to has been raised by the former member for Macdonnell, John Elferink, who now works for the Opposition Leader, so let us give this a context. As I understand it - and I have not spoken to the former member for Macdonnell - he has raised these issues and has national publicity for them …
Ms Carney: It is actually Russell Skelton of the Sunday Age who has raised the issues, I am afraid.
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, the former member for Macdonnell has raised these issues …
Ms Carney: Russell Skelton has raised these issues.
Ms MARTIN: … and has gained national attention for them ...
Ms Carney: A journalist at the Sunday Age raised the issue, Chief Minister!
Ms MARTIN: … through his connection with the Sunday Age. I notice that no other national paper has taken it up so there is, obviously, a direct connection ...
Ms Carney: Oh, there something wrong with the Sunday Age is there?
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, John Elferink has made these allegations, as I understand. It is appropriate, if he believes that he should take them to the Electoral Commissioner, to do that. We have established the Electoral Commissioner as an independent body and the Electoral Commissioner will not be directed by this government. He will make his own decisions about these matters and also the matters that are, quite properly, referred to police. Police will conduct their own investigation. We are dealing with allegations; we are not dismissing them. I say, very carefully, they are allegations. There is a personal story about where these things have come from and I am not going to stand in here and talk about the difficult circumstances when …
Ms Carney: Well, neither are we, Chief Minister, get back to the question!
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition!
Dr Toyne: It is not a courthouse, you know.
Ms Carney: What have you done about it?
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Leader of the Opposition! Cease interjecting.
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, I would have thought a woman who says she has empathy with other women, when I am trying to talk about the difficult circumstances of a relationship break-up might have had the courtesy to listen.
Ms CARNEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I do not know where the Chief Minister is coming from talking about someone’s personal stories. The question was simply about an allegation raised in an interstate newspaper about the inappropriate disposal of goods at Papunya and what the Chief Minister has done about it.
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, there is no point of order.
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, if the implication is that this government is not doing anything, we have a Department of Justice investigation into allegations; the Electoral Commissioner, who is able to make a decision independently about whether he follows up the allegations that are being put to him; and the police are following up allegations. I again say ‘allegations’. Again, I put on the record that we are looking at a very difficult personal circumstance here. We are looking at some of the effects of what happens when a relationship breaks down and we are very conscious of that. Therefore, on one hand, understanding that position and, on the other, taking the appropriate response from government. I do not know what the Opposition Leader is implying about government inaction because there certainly has not been.
I firmly put on the record our thorough, strong support for our very fine member for Macdonnell.
Members: Hear, hear!
Howard Springs Nature Park
Mr WARREN to MINISTER for PARKS and WILDLIFE
Howard Springs Nature Park is a very important recreation resource for the lifestyle of Top Enders. Unfortunately, the swimming area is currently unusable due to low water levels. Can the minister please advise the House what action the government is taking to ensure the park remains a healthy resource for Territorians to enjoy?
Members interjecting.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, when they stop bleating on the other side, I thank the member for Goyder for his question. He has a strong interest in this area and has certainly advocated to me and the office to look at the whole issue.
The Howard Springs Nature Park is a wonderful park. It provides great recreational opportunities, both for locals and visitors to the rural area, the swimming hole …
Mrs Braham: Not at the moment.
Mr Wood: No, well, you have not been down there, and neither has the member for Goyder!
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Member for Nelson, you are not the only one who visits there!
Mr Wood: Do not get too jumpy, minister!
Mrs Braham: It used to be a great place.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling!
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! One of the members has raised this as a matter of public importance later this afternoon, so for this issue now to be addressed during Question Time, I seek your ruling on such a matter.
Mr HENDERSON: Speaking to the point of order raised by the member for Blain. Certainly, the issue has been raised as a matter of public importance. Given that Question Time is broadcast to all Territorians, I would have thought that the opposition and the Independent member would want to hear the answer in the interests of a matter of public importance that I am sure listeners to this broadcast would want to hear the answer.
Mr Wood: Should hear the debate first, and then answer.
Mr Mills: Well, thank you member for Wanguri, I would like to hear the Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: I have sought advice on this in the past. During Question Time, there is a more liberal use of the standing orders and it has generally been accepted, both by myself and previous Speakers, that matters such as this can be raised in Question Time. Therefore, I will allow the question.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Madam Speaker, they do want to gag it because the member for Nelson stands up and grandstands and thinks he is the only one who cares about water and the usage of water for people in the Northern Territory. It is not the case, because his whole view is quite contradictory, going from being environmentalist to saying yes to cotton and uranium.
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I ask the minister to substantiate the facts behind her statement.
Members interjecting.
Mr WOOD: Substantiate the facts! She made a statement – prove it!
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nelson, there is no point of order.
Members interjecting.
Mr Wood: You have not even been down to Howard Springs to have a look!
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nelson, please resume your seat! You are on a warning, member for Nelson.
Mrs Braham: Oh, come on, Madam Speaker, give him a break. A warning for that!
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling!
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Madam Speaker, I will get straight on to what the question was from the member for Goyder who asked this question some time ago.
The swimming hole is important but, by no means, the recreational activity of the reserve. It is a great place to have a picnic or go for a rainforest walk. Unfortunately, this year the swimming hole did have to be closed for the Dry Season. When the water flows are low, bacteria levels become too high to allow safe swimming. The Parks and Wildlife Service acted quite responsibly in closing the swimming hole.
Last Wet Season was the ninth driest season over the last 45 years. Four out of the last five Wet Seasons have been below average. Water flows to the swimming hole from the springs do dry up naturally with variations in rainfall. Certainly, in other low rainfall years, the swimming hole has been closed or recommendations made against swimming. I, as well as all members on this side, want to see the Howard Springs Nature Park continue to offer a variety of great recreational opportunities to Territory families and visitors.
Parks and Wildlife are monitoring the water quality weekly and the swimming hole will be open as soon as possible after tests show that it is safe. That is the only responsible thing to do. Immediate priority has been given to ensuring that the water quality in the swimming hole is sufficient to sustain the fish and other animals that depend on it. My department has installed an aeration device to increase the level of oxygen in the water. I understand that this has been met with quite considerable success; therefore, it will not be necessary to flush the pool or relocate the fish or other aquatic life. The aeration device will be maintained permanently by Parks and Wildlife and floating aquatic vegetation will continue to be removed.
Government will also be immediately taking action to improve the water flow by pumping into the pool from a nearby bore. The existing bore is currently being assessed and, if it is not possible for it to be used, then a new bore will be installed by the end of the month at a cost of approximately $25 000. Water from this bore will not interfere with the spring. I do not anticipate that it will be necessary to use the bore at all times, but it will be a very useful back-up. I am confident that this action will lead to quite significant improvements in water quality. We may not be able to avoid closing the swimming hole, but it should happen less frequently and for shorter durations.
In the longer term, we do need to look more broadly at ways to manage water quality at this great swimming pool. Parks and Wildlife are looking at a range of other options, including many useful suggestions from the community, which will be considered as part of the plan of management and further community input. I should also add that it remains possible for young kids to swim at the wading pool near the kiosk as the pool is chlorinated. It has never been closed and continues to be used. Berry Springs swimming hole also remains open to swimming.
Government does spend considerable resources - contrary to the view which has been put out lately by the member for Nelson - on Howard Springs. It is a wonderful place for visitors and locals, and we are taking strong action to keep it that way. And I have visited Howard Springs, member for Nelson.
Crocodiles - Escape from Farm
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for PARKS and WILDLIFE
As you would know from today’s Northern Territory News, last Saturday a number of crocodiles wandered off from the Noonamah Crocodile Farm NT into residential areas along Bees Creek. Is it a requirement of the permit to keep crocodiles under section 57(1)(b)(ix) of the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act that secure fencing is erected to stop crocodile outbreaks and to protect the public? If so, how often does your department check to see if the permit or licence conditions are being met? Was the reason for the escape caused by the lack of adequate fencing? What action is your department doing to make sure that this does not happen again? How many crocodiles did escape? How many have been recaptured? Is your department assisting in finding the rest of the escapees?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, he has written a whole novel over there. I will attempt to answer most of them for the member for Nelson.
In answer to that long question, Parks and Wildlife …
Mr Wood interjecting.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Well, member for Nelson, you asked the question and I am attempting to answer it, if you want to listen to it.
Parks and Wildlife were alerted to the incident and attended very promptly to assist in the efforts to locate the escaped crocodiles. As I understand, there were 12 and, to date, they still remain at large. Parks and Wildlife are out there continuing to assist the management of the Crocodile Farm in their efforts to locate them.
Obviously, this is a serious incident and it needs to be thoroughly investigated and, if necessary, practices improved. The Parks and Wildlife Service has spoken to the management of the farm and those issues are being looked at, at the moment.
The operators of the Crocodile Farm did indicate to my office that the incident was caused by human error and that, as a consequence, they have looked at the security systems and procedures. Rather than from Parks and Wildlife, management will be undergoing an immediate, independent review of that incident to prevent further incidents such as what happened today.
In answer to some parts of your question, member for Nelson, responsibility for on-site farm management of the Crocodile Farm rests within the Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines. Outside of that, it rests with my Parks and Wildlife Department. Certainly, my officers will be assisting officers from that department in their investigations.
Papunya Store – Investigation
Ms CARNEY to CHIEF MINISTER
Are you aware of the report in the Centralian Advocate of 9 September 2005, as well as the previously referred to report in the Sunday Age of 25 September, which both assert that a statement given to police by Steven Hanley, the former manager of the Papunya store, alleges that public servants and/or Territory officials conspired to falsify a document as part of a formal investigation into the inappropriate disposal of goods at the Papunya store? What is your response to the allegation against the public servants? Have you undertaken your own investigation in relation to it or, alternatively, have you asked the Public Service Commissioner to investigate this matter?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I answered this question previously, and just because the member phrases it in a different way and gives it a different angle …
Ms Carney: The Public Service Commissioner?
Ms MARTIN: We have said that these allegations - and I state again that they are allegations - are being properly dealt with by government ...
Ms Carney: The Public Service Commissioner?
Ms MARTIN: We have the police looking into some aspects, the Department of Justice looking into other aspects, and the Commonwealth has a report from the Office of Evaluation and Audit that they are just about to release, as I understand.
Ms Carney: The Public Service Commissioner?
Ms MARTIN: The implication of these continued questions is that government is doing nothing …
Ms Carney: Well, I am just wondering whether you have spoken to the Public Service Commissioner.
Ms MARTIN: I restate to the Leader of the Opposition that we are appropriately responding. Your employee, John Elferink, the former member for Macdonnell, has already rung the Electoral Commissioner, for example. He is asking the Electoral Commission to investigate what allegations there are about distribution of goods …
Ms Carney: And in relation to public servants, what do you say?
Ms MARTIN: … and, appropriately, the action is being taken. These are allegations …
Ms Carney: Public Service Commissioner not contacted.
Ms MARTIN: … and I restate that we had a situation - you have mentioned Steve Hanley - where Steve Hanley and the current member for Macdonnell are having a very sad and difficult relationship break-up. I would have thought, from the Opposition Leader’s point of view, you might have been aware of some of the difficulties when relations do break up. There is no sensitivity on her part …
Ms CARNEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I am not entirely sure why the Chief Minister saw fit to make that last comment.
Mr Henderson: What is your point of order? Which standing order?
Ms CARNEY: It is one based on relevance, member for Wanguri, and patience is not a quality you have. I do ask, Madam Speaker, that you attempt to rein in the Chief Minister so that when she goes off on these extraordinary tangents she at least comes back to the question.
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, there is no point of order.
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, there is a very clear purpose in all these allegations and in what the Opposition Leader is presenting to this parliament. It is an attempt to discredit the member for Macdonnell …
Ms Carney: It is about you and your government. It is about you …
Mr Henderson interjecting.
Ms Carney: And you, we will come to you.
Ms MARTIN: It is an attempt to discredit and smear the member for Macdonnell, initiated by the former member for Macdonnell. We are appropriately acting on allegations. I stand by the member for Macdonnell, who won that seat fairly, who is going through a very difficult personal circumstance. We stand by her 100%. We are fully supportive of what is going on. I know it is very difficult but, despite her difficult circumstances, she is working hard, she is doing what she is tasked to do here and that is working for her constituency. She is a very valuable member of this government.
I really take offence at the kind of allegations that are being promoted by the Leader of the Opposition, and drafted for her by the man who lost the seat of Macdonnell …
Ms CARNEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The Chief Minister should withdraw that. She does not know who drafted my question. As a matter of fact, it was me.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, resume your seat.
Members interjecting.
Ms Carney: Madam Speaker, I counsel …
Madam SPEAKER: Order! No, Leader of the Opposition, there is no point of order. The Chief Minister is not on her feet. There is no point of order.
Ms Carney: Well, the Chief Minister is sailing extremely close to the wind.
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, resume your seat.
Hospice Facilities
Mr NATT to MINISTER for HEALTH
Can you inform the House on progress that this government has made in fulfilling its election commitment to support Territorians with end of life care and their families?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for the opportunity to talk about the delivery of a very important election promise from our government. At the August sittings, I announced the fulfilment of a $4.25m key election promise with the opening of the NT Hospice by the Chief Minister and me on 26 August 2005. The occasion was marked with a ceremony attended by staff, patients and many interested community members. The hospice is now fully operational and provides patients with end of life specialised care in a supportive and peaceful environment suited to the tropical environment on the grounds of Royal Darwin Hospital.
A range of community organisations have donated their time, goods and services to the hospice. There is an ongoing engagement with these groups, including Palliative Care Northern Territory, to continue the development of the hospice’s activities. Since opening, the hospice has had 10 admissions. There are currently seven inpatients, three having respite care and four end of life care. Feedback has been very positive, with patients and families utilising the new facility finding it very peaceful and supportive.
On 17 September 2005, the Northern Territory News published a letter from the family of a hospice patient. They were very grateful and extremely pleased for the support provided and that he was able to have all of his family with him when he died.
Northern Territory Palliative Care patients can be referred to the hospice from anywhere in the Northern Territory. This government has put into action a key election promise giving terminally ill patients a facility appropriate to their needs, and will continue to work to ensure palliative care needs across the Northern Territory are appropriately addressed through the palliative care strategy and Building Healthier Communities.
Tools for Your Trade Initiative
Mrs BRAHAM to MINISTER for EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION and TRAINING
My question is prompted by the very good question from the member for Brennan. I am pleased to hear what is happening with Workwear/Workgear Bonus payments. The Commonwealth also offers a Tools for Your Trade initiative. Can you tell me whether an apprentice is eligible to receive your bonus plus the Commonwealth Tools for Your Trade initiative? Can they have both?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Braitling for her question. Not being an expert on that particular Commonwealth side of it, there is no impediment in the traditional hard core trade where they pick up the $1000 bonus from this government, if they also - and I think it might be a $500 tool …
Mrs Braham: $800 from the Commonwealth.
Mr Stirling: $800. It started off as $500, now $800 from the Commonwealth - no impediment at all. If there is an issue there and I have said the wrong thing, I would be very interested. No, I am not aware that there would be an issue with one of these hard core traditional trade apprentices being eligible for both. If there is an issue, I would like to know about it.
Alice Springs Golf Course – Salinity Issues
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for SPORT and RECREATION
The Alice Springs Golf Course has long had salinity issues with its fairways. Can you please outline what assistance the government is providing to help overcome this problem?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Macdonnell for her question, because I know that she has enjoyed golf at the Alice Springs Golf Course which certainly is a beautiful facility. I have been advised that it is rated as one of the top 10 best golf courses in the world, which is fantastic and a real credit to the hardworking, committed club members at the Alice Springs Golf Course.
The Northern Territory government has been a strong and ardent supporter of that course. The maintenance of the surfaces there is, obviously, reliant on having a constant water supply and one that is of appropriate quality. I have been advised by a member that it is fact raining in Alice Springs today. That is good news.
Ms Carney: It must have been the Labor government!
Ms LAWRIE: Good news for the greenkeepers! Unlike the CLP who claim acts of God.
Unfortunately, the course has had issues with its water supply, in particular with mineralisation of the supply. Salinity has now become a longstanding issue for the golf club. This government was delighted to make an election commitment of $130 000 provided to the club to improve the status quo and look at the long-term options.
We are not a quick fix government, but one that looks at both short- and long-term solutions to issues. We have demonstrated this clearly, time and time again, with other sporting projects such as Marrara Oval and the upgraded facilities at Traeger Park. We are getting on with the job of delivering our election commitments.
The Alice Springs Golf Club will receive funding to plant salt-resistant grass on the fairways that do not already have it. In addition, they are being funded to undertake a full study to determine sustainable salinity and mineralisation and water levels for the course. This study will look at to how best maximise the efficiency of the course’s watering and infrastructure program. I understand the golf club has already been proactive in its approach to these issues and has already commenced work on assessing the impacting factors on the fairways’ maintenance. I congratulate the club on their initiative and their efforts to date. I am very proud to be able to support them in their ongoing efforts to make the golf course sustainable into the future.
The work at the Alice Springs Golf Course is just one of the many election commitments for sport and recreation in Alice Springs. We also have the $8.1m new aquatic centre, and a new home for soccer and drag racing as commitments. We are certainly moving sport and recreation ahead in the Centre.
Papunya Store - Disposal of Goods
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
Were you aware that the police were investigating serious allegations involving the inappropriate disposal of goods from the Papunya store when you visited Papunya in the week commencing 26 September, and have you or your staff been briefed in relation to it? Why did you visit Papunya at the same time as police were investigating this matter, and are you remotely concerned about the perception that may be held by the public as to the timing of your visit?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for her question. Goodness knows what sort of fantasy land she actually inhabits and the conspiracy theories that may be rattling around in her head ...
Ms Carney: We were advised you were there.
Mr HENDERSON: I was very pleased to spend two days with the member for Macdonnell touring through her electorate as the government’s new Minister for Regional Development, Indigenous Economic Development and also Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services. On that particular visit, we visited Hermannsburg, Mutijulu, Yulara, Kings Canyon, Kintore, Papunya and Alice Springs. It was a great two days. During that time, we spoke to many community leaders about many particular issues. As Regional Development Minister, I am going to travel around their electorates with all of our remote members. They know the movers and shakers and the issues in their electorates. I will get my feet on the ground and understand what those issues are first-hand.
Regarding being in Papunya, I have not been briefed by police on any of these issues. The only thing I know about these issues are the reports that are in the papers. As I said, my visit to Papunya was part of something that had been scheduled for a number of weeks. We visited many communities. I wonder what the conspiracy theories are rattling around in the Leader of the Opposition’s head because she has absolutely nothing to put before this parliament other than third-hand allegations that are being tested in the appropriate forums. As Nigel Adlam said in the paper the other day, we are all members of parliament and legislators, and there is a golden thread that runs through justice; that is, people are innocent until proven guilty.
The Leader of the Opposition is doing nothing but peddling third-hand allegations, initiated in large part by the former member for Macdonnell who lost his seat at the last election. It is nothing other than grubby politics. I was proud to visit those communities with the new member for Macdonnell. She is held in very high regard all through her electorate. I am astounded at the connections she has in that electorate. I predict that the member for Macdonnell will hold that seat for many years and serve those people very well. I am very proud to work with her in this government.
Rural Bus Service Expansion
Mr WARREN to MINISTER for INFRASTRUCTURE and TRANSPORT
This government has a record second to none in delivering on election commitments. You know that I have been fighting very hard to try and get expanded rural bus services for the rural area. Can the minister tell the House if and when these services will be delivered and expanded in the Goyder and Nelson electorates?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Goyder for his question. He certainly has been a great advocate for expanded bus services in the rural area, both as a candidate and, may I say, as a newly-elected member. He is a very strong advocate, as we know. I have a very positive announcement to make today that, beginning mid-November, there will be significant extensions of the bus services in the rural area. Along with the member for Goyder, the member for Daly was also an advocate for this.
From mid-November, in a few weeks time, the bus services will be extended to run services during school holidays and on Saturdays. It is fantastic news for rural residents, some of whom currently only have access to bus transport on school days. Bus services will now run six days a week throughout the whole year. That is another step forward to providing public transport services for rural residents. I will provide some detail about where these buses will be running. The Humpty Doo-Palmerston bus route will be extended in the middle of the day to include Elizabeth Valley Road, Redcliffe Road, Freds Pass Road and the Arnhem Highway. I have some of the bus routes here which I will table for the information of members. The extension of the bus route will be scheduled for mid-morning and in the early afternoon. Once again, that is a positive development for rural residents.
Madam Speaker, this is a government delivering on its election promises. We have very active local members who really put the case to government. We are proud to deliver these election commitments to people in the rural area because it is expanding. There are more and more families moving there to make their home, and this government is proud to support them in the area of public transport.
Papunya Investigation –
Involvement of Public Servants
Ms CARNEY to CHIEF MINISTER
Are you aware of an article in the Centralian Advocate, dated 23 September 2005, which states that Mr Steven Hanley did not sign a letter to the Department of Justice purported to have been prepared by him because its contents were false? The same article reports that Mr Hanley said that he was pressured by a public servant from the Office of Central Australia – your office in Alice Springs – to lie about the donation of the goods. The same article also reports that public servants were involved in an alleged cover-up. Can you confirm or deny that public servants were involved, or, was it one of your staffers and not a public servant at all?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, this is a series of allegations that the Opposition Leader is bringing into this parliament. Again I say that, where allegations have been made, we are dealing with them appropriately. The Opposition Leader can continue to come in here and raise issue after issue of allegation and smear against the member for Macdonnell …
Ms Carney: I have not even mentioned her.
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker …
Members interjecting.
Ms MARTIN: The Opposition Leader is being just half too cute here. We should expect from the Opposition Leader that she should be honest about where she is attacking and stop trying to pretend that there are other issues she is dealing with. Her feet and her head are in the gutter on this, I am very sad to say.
Members interjecting.
Ms MARTIN: Her line of questioning …
Ms Carney: What are you scared of? Why don’t you answer questions?
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Leader of the Opposition, please cease interjecting.
Ms MARTIN: Her questions and her line of questioning have been written for her by the man who lost the seat of Macdonnell …
Ms CARNEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The Chief Minister is given to stretching the truth, but she cannot possibly come in here and lie about the questions that I am asking and speculate as to who wrote them. Get over it!
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order, resume you seat.
Members interjecting.
Ms MARTIN: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The Opposition Leader leaps to her feet; there is no basis for her point of order …
Ms Carney: Because you keep telling whoppers.
Ms MARTIN: She cannot refer to which of the standing orders that allow her to make the point of order …
Ms Carney: Well, why don’t you do us all a favour and just answer the question?
Ms MARTIN: She leaps to her feet and makes irrational comments. It really does not help this debate …
Ms Carney: Just respond to the question: was it one of your staffers?
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, will you cease interjecting.
Ms Carney: Thank you, Madam Speaker, I will.
Ms MARTIN: It is a kind of hysteria and …
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, there is no point of order, she has now resumed her seat. Please continue with your answer.
Ms MARTIN: We have, from a Commonwealth and Northern Territory point of view, a number of investigations of responses to allegations that have been put to government in various agencies. We have action taking place. I say to the Leader of the Opposition, while that action is taking place, I am not going to make any comments, and that is totally appropriate.
While the Department of Justice is conducting investigations which, quite appropriately, are being carried out by a statutory officer, it is inappropriate to make any comment until we get a report. I understand the police are conducting investigations. The Electoral Commissioner, if he so chooses, will conduct an investigation …
Ms Carney: What about your staff?
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, allegations have been made that are appropriately being investigated …
Ms Carney: They are not being investigated. Okay. Thank you. Not investigating your staff.
Ms MARTIN: … and that is what I have said in answer to about four questions now. I suspect if the Opposition Leader did not constantly talk to herself when the questions were trying to be answered …
Ms Carney: Well, no one else is listening to you because you just rabbit on about nothing.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms MARTIN: … she might actually hear what was being said.
Illegal Fishing in Australian Waters
Mr KNIGHT to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY and FISHERIES
The federal government has today made a statement regarding foreign fishing in north Australian waters. What implications will this statement have on foreign fishing incursions in waters adjacent to the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Daly for his question. I have to say we only found learnt about the announcement by the Commonwealth government increasing resources and money for waters in northern Australia through the media. We have not received official advice from the minister for Fisheries or the minister for Customs. We do not know any details. It was only an announcement in the media that the Commonwealth is going to allocate money and extra resources to combat the illegal incursion of fishing boats into northern Australia.
The only thing I can say is: it is about time. It is about time because, for the past three years, I have been trying very hard to make the Commonwealth government understand the problem with foreign incursion into northern waters. It only took the publicity of photographs in the local media and also of some documents that The Australian obtained under freedom of information, that 8180 boats are illegally entering Australian waters every year, to wake up the federal government to do something about it.
I have written about nine letters to Senator Macdonald in the past few years and, in every single letter, I have alerted him to the fact that illegal boats are coming in to the waters and taking up to 25 000 tonnes of sharks per year. I would like to invite the member for Katherine, who was a very strong advocate about the sharks, to join me and ask the federal government to do something about it because, in the next 50 years our seas are going to become a desert. This time they are taking sharks. What are they going to take in the next few years? Are they going to be the snapper and the Spanish mackerel? Our fishermen have put restrictions on their fishing efforts and how much they catch and what they bring in. These people are coming here, taking anything they like, anywhere they like, even down to Borroloola, without any fear.
I was advised recently that one of the illegal fishermen approached a trepang boat and asked for cigarettes from the Australian fishermen. That is how threatened they feel; they can come to our waters and do whatever they like. It is not only that they take our fish. What about bio-security threats? We are talking avian influenza. These people brought in ducks, chicken, monkeys, dogs and other animals. Our status as a disease-free country is threatened.
Of course, there is also the issue of terrorism. The federal government put in place significant legislation for terrorism. However, 8108 boats can bring quite a few terrorists into Australia - clearly undetected. I say undetected because, out of these 8000 boats, the federal government managed to capture 200. All they did was to take their nets and turn them around. Of course, these people went back onshore, took the nets and fuel they had stored before, and started fishing again.
I welcome this announcement, and I will examine very carefully where this money is going to be allocated and how. Is it real money? Are they real boats, or are they just reshuffling resources between Broome and Cairns. This is a real threat for our fishing resources, a real threat for Australian fishermen, and a real threat for bio-security.
Mrs BRAHAM (Braitling): Madam Speaker, this week, the Northern Territory Coroner slammed the government for delays in implementing the Coronial recommendations made many years ago, where he advised the Northern Territory and federal governments to …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, who is your question to?
Mrs BRAHAM: Yes, I am getting to it. … urgently establish treatment and rehabilitation programs …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, could you please indicate who your question is to?
Mrs BRAHAM: Well, I have to give a bit of a preamble, Madam Speaker …
Mrs Miller: Who is it to?
Madam SPEAKER: Please indicate who the question is to.
Mrs BRAHAM: Oh, I am sorry, the question is to the Minister for Family and Community Services. I beg your pardon. I was too involved in getting the question out.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you.
Petrol Sniffing – Rehabilitation Programs
Mrs BRAHAM to MINISTER for FAMILY and COMMUNITY SERVICES
It has been three months since tenders were advertised for residential rehabilitation programs for people with petrol sniffing problems in Alice Springs and Darwin. On the radio yesterday, you said it would take until next year to get them operational. Why will it take so long for these programs to be implemented? Why do you not take up the Coroner’s advice and get on with it immediately?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I welcome the question from the member for Braitling. I notice the CLP is silent because the $10m commitment the Labor government has put to treatment and rehabilitation programs for petrol sniffers was $10m the opposition said not to spend. They said it would be wasted money.
I am delighted to be a member of a government that has an absolute commitment to funding treatment and rehabilitation services for petrol sniffers. That commitment is already under way; it is already being fulfilled. We already have treatment facilities, as you know, in outstations in communities in Central Australia.
Specifically, the tenders the member for Braitling is inquiring about - and I certainly encourage the inquiries she has made - go to rehabilitation residential services in Alice Springs. There will also be residential services in Darwin. We have put out tenders to non-government organisations to run, quite appropriately, those rehabilitation residential services. There will be separate services for adults and juveniles, because we believe that is more appropriate, rather than having juveniles in an adult facility.
In regard to the nature of your question, certainly, the Coronial report handed down yesterday made reference to the previous Coronial inquiries in 1998, and recommended that the Commonwealth government establish and fund rehabilitation centres for chronic petrol sniffers in Alice Springs. That was never done; the Commonwealth did not do it.
Last year, this government announced $10m will be spent towards petrol sniffers treatment programs and services to support our volatile substance abuse legislation, the first legislation of its type anywhere in Australia. We are the lead jurisdiction in tackling petrol sniffing.
Members will remember the CLP announced the money should be immediately withdrawn, the programs and services should be cancelled, and kids caught sniffing should go straight to gaol. This position has been consistent with the position that they held in government for 27 years. We have generations of petrol sniffers.
The Northern Territory government money is now flowing into programs at places where it is needed, such as Kintore, Mt Theo, Ilpurla and Ipolera. The government believes that, to work most effectively, there should be separate facilities for juveniles and adults and we have tendered for those facilities in Darwin and Alice Springs. There are four tenders in all. These facilities will be the only ones of their kind in Australia. Some of these tenders are currently before the Procurement Review Board. I do not intend to pre-empt the findings of the Procurement Review Board, but I do not foresee too many problems. We are hopeful the tenders will be awarded very shortly.
The four clinics will become operational at different stages, but I expect them to begin to become operational early next year. It is important to point out that there is already a Northern Territory government-funded treatment centre for sniffers in Alice Springs run by DASA, the Drug and Alcohol Services Association. This is, in fact, a limited program which needs expanding and that is what we are doing.
The Martin government is leading the way in Australia in the fight against petrol sniffing. It will take money to fund and equip the rehabilitation services, which is why it will take time from when the Procurement Review Board signs off on the tenders to operational. We are moving as fast as possible. We have put the dollars into the system, we have put the tenders out and we are working with relevant non-government organisations in both Central Australia and the Top End to provide important treatment and rehabilitation services.
Papunya Store – Disposal of Goods
Ms CARNEY to CHIEF MINISTER
Are aware of an article in the Centralian Advocate on 16 September 2005, headed ‘Papunya cover up’, in which it reports, ‘The Territory government refused to answer questions about the role of the public servants at the centre of Mr Hanley’s allegations’. In a previous answer, you indicated that you had not referred the matter to the Commissioner for Public Employment to investigate, although you did refer to a number of other investigations that are under way. Can you please answer this question: was one of the so-called public servants Bob Durnan, a staffer employed by you in the Office of Central Australia in Alice Springs - yes or no?
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, before you respond, I just remind the Leader of the Opposition that, although parliamentary privilege is something we have as members, people who are not members of this parliament do not have a right of reply. It is a very serious matter to be naming people in this Chamber who do not have a right of reply. I caution you for any further questions. Chief Minister, I would have you bear that in mind as well.
ANSWER
Yes, Madam Speaker. It saddens me that we have the litany of allegations from the Leader of the Opposition. It is allegation after allegation. When you understand what the circumstances are that have led to those allegations, and the personalities involved behind many of them, it is disappointing that the Opposition Leader should accept as fact a whole range of allegations, some of which are wild allegations. You would expect a member of this parliament to be able to apply more discretion to some of the allegations and reports that have been written.
I say again to the Opposition Leader: we have taken the allegations seriously. I fundamentally believe that that is what they are – allegations. However, we are taking them seriously. I have listed through this parliamentary Question Time what we are doing. I am not going to make any specific response to anything as the Opposition Leader has challenged me. No, I will not.
The allegations will circle widely. They have certainly been promoted, and they will probably continue to be circulated widely because we have a man, in John Elferink, who wants to see the woman who won his seat smeared. We have a very difficult personal circumstance that is currently facing the member for Macdonnell. For the Opposition Leader to come in here …
Ms Carney: And ask questions – how dare she!
Ms MARTIN: … and try to make gain out of family conflict, I find personally very distressing.
Ms Carney: Oh, rubbish!
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, she can shuffle her papers and …
Ms Carney: Read the Hansard!
Ms MARTIN: … and look exhausted and yawn, and make all the signs that she is doing, but the fundamentals are, two things: a man who lost a seat to a very fine member of parliament, and a very difficult and bitter family conflict. Two aspects, and what do we have? The Opposition Leader, who is rubbing her hands about it, who is in this parliament regurgitating allegation after allegation with no foundation.
However, this government is taking those allegations seriously. We are putting them forward to the appropriate authorities. They are with Justice and Consumer Affairs, the police, and the Electoral Commissioner, if he decides to pick them up. They are being dealt with. I say to the Leader of the Opposition: that is appropriate government behaviour. Your allegations and smears …
Ms Carney: They are not my allegations! So, cagey as ever!
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms MARTIN: … bring discredit to you and the opposition.
Water Safety Awareness Improvement
Mr KIELY to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Prior to the election of the first Martin government, the Northern Territory had a very sorry record in regard to water safety awareness. Can the minister provide an update on the success of Water Safety Month, and what is being done to improve water safety awareness in the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Sanderson for his question. Indeed, what a wonderful month it has been in regard to this wonderful program. Members will be aware that, initially, the Water Safety program actually only went for a weekly period for the last two years. On this occasion, we have gone out to a month. As a result of that, we have been able to focus a lot more in a way which allows us the capacity to get the message across about being able to Swim Smart, Swim Safe.
Members will also be aware that Mr Laurie Lawrence, who is very well known throughout Australia, has also played a very important role in this campaign, as did Danni Miatke, who was born in the Northern Territory and is a world champion 50 m butterflyer. She also played an important role, donating a T-shirt for a competition which was entered into by many members of a community. I believe in excess of 250 people actually put in their names to win that competition. The good news is that Danni will be the Water Safety Ambassador in 2006. We thank Danni for that.
You also mentioned, member for Sanderson, the fact that we had, on one occasion, one of the worst drowning rates in the Northern Territory. I am glad to say that that is no longer the case. In fact, the Water Safety program is now considered to be best practice by all the states in Australia. Indeed, they are looking at it in terms of being able to initiate particularly the Under 5s program in their states.
It is estimated that approximately 1500 children have participated in water safety activities as part of Water Safety Month. Over 300 students who took part in the Beat Makes a Splash, the theme of the Beat concert this year. There were around 2000 parents there on the nights of Friday 16th and Saturday 17th. I would like to thank you, Madam Speaker, for making the time available to open that concert. Unfortunately, I was in Melbourne.
It is a wonderful program and something which the Northern Territory can be very proud of. I feel particularly proud to be associated with it, being an initiative of the Labor Martin government. In all, it has been a wonderful month, and something that we should continue to support.
In conclusion, I also thank very much Mr Graham Franklin, who is the Director of the Water Safety Branch. Graham has done a wonderful job, along with a whole lot of other people. I also thank the Water Safety Advisory Council, the members of which I met with last week. I pay tribute to the wonderful work that they do.
This month, in particular, we must pay tribute to the Northern Territory News which, almost without exception on a daily basis in some form or another, ran articles related to Water Safety Month. To the Northern Territory News and everyone associated with this year’s program, thank you, and we look forward to an even bigger and better Water Safety Month in 2006.
Mr HENDERSON (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016