2007-10-17
Local Government Reform – Plebiscite Policy
Mr CONLAN to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The member for Solomon has today announced that the federal government will support plebiscites on local government reform. Will you support those councils that want to hold a plebiscite on your proposed local government reform?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Greatorex for his question. I cannot confirm that is the case in respect of the Commonwealth government announcing plebiscites in the Northern Territory. My office has tried to check those details over the luncheon adjournment and were unable to do that, so I cannot confirm whether that is the case.
The member for Solomon indicated this morning, as I understand it, that the federal government would give some consideration to a plebiscite after the election so at this point, I cannot confirm that. As I have said in this House and publicly, community and local government councils have a democratic right to make application to the Australian Electoral Commission and pursue whatever options they might wish to.
Criminal Property Forfeiture Scheme
Mr BONSON to MINISTER for JUSTICE and ATTORNEY-GENERAL
Can you inform the Assembly about recent milestones reached under the Territory’s criminal property forfeiture scheme and what more the government is doing to ensure criminals do not benefit from their actions?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Millner for his question. We have reached a very important milestone in our fight against crime, particularly crime that is high level and organised. Through the hard work of our specialist police investigators and our lawyers within the Department of Justice, we have now seized over $10m worth of assets since the Criminal Property Forfeiture Act was passed by this Assembly back in 2003, $2.2m of that since May last year. Some assets have been restrained to this point, other matters have been finalised and, where finalised, property has been forfeited.
We are hitting criminals on this issue where it hurts them most, in their hip pocket, so that they now know that, along with the serious criminal penalties, there is every chance their boat, their unit, their flash car, their holiday home will not be there when they get out from doing time.
I was out at lunchtime inspecting quite an impressive boat. It was called The Predator and is worth well over $100 000. That has been seized, forfeited by the Crown.
Mrs Braham: Going to buy it with your super, Syd?
Mr STIRLING: Oh, it is too expensive for me, member for Braitling. It will be auctioned off. So, once it is all through the court, matters have been finalised, any appeal processes are out of the way, that boat is at Spot On Marine being prepared for disposal by the Crown, the proceeds of which will go back to Central Holding, Treasury, for the benefit of the taxpayer.
That tells me that the Criminal Property Forfeiture Act of 2003 is working well. We need to continue to ensure that crime is not worth people’s while, whether it is trafficking, dealing drugs or other organised operations. Our efforts in this area are to reduce any criminal incentives that exist to zero. That is why we put an extra $1.2m ongoing this financial year into both Police and the Department of Justice: so they have the resources necessary to concentrate on this area of proceeds of crime matters and to ensure that we continue to have the capacity to chase these assets down and seize them from criminals who have no right to enjoy them.
Local Government Reform - Process
Mr CONLAN to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The Lord Mayor of Darwin has questioned the local government reform process, as has the Alice Springs Town Council, the Cattlemen’s Association, the Minerals Council and the Chamber of Commerce as well as a host of other organisations. We have just seen something like 200 cars circling Parliament House, tooting their horns in protest at this process. Minister, will you delay this bill until at least February 2008 to allow concerns to be expressed?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Greatorex for his question. I am not too sure what you meant when you asked me to defer the bill because the amendments to the Local Government Act will be introduced during the November sittings and they will be subject to debate and passed in the February sitting.
To return to your point in the context of the NT Cattlemen’s Association, the Alice Springs Town Council and the Darwin City Council, they obviously have a position to put and I respect their right to do that. It is, however, readily acknowledged in this House, across the Northern Territory and more than backed up by the member for Nelson when he was the Vice-President of the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory, there is a need for incorporation of the whole of the Northern Territory under a local government model. He has also said in this House that he actually supports reform and the need for it to occur.
The point I am trying to make, and it is very important for people to understand this, is that we are setting up the Northern Territory for the future. We have an absolute responsibility to ensure that we provide high levels of certainty, high degrees of opportunity for people right across the Northern Territory. This local government reform will achieve that. We are all aware of circumstances in the past when we have had councils which effectively have not carried out their functions to the best of their ability and it is always at the expense of the people living in those communities.
To answer your question, member for Greatorex, I believe that we have given ample opportunity for the major stakeholders to be engaged in respect of the proposed amendments to the Local Government Act. We have had discussions with the Mayor of Alice Springs and she has indicated that there is a process under way whereby discussion and consultations are occurring. The bill has been out there since September of this year.
Mr Wood: Oh, it fell off the back of a truck.
Mr McADAM: Well, why do not you read it? I beg your pardon, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Conlan: No formal copy.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Greatorex!
Mr McADAM: The point I am trying to make, Madam Speaker, is that we believe there is a very deliberate consultation process in train to ensure that all stakeholders have adequate time to be able to provide input in respect of the amendments referred to by the member for Greatorex.
Skilled Migration Recruitment
Ms SACILOTTO to CHIEF MINISTER
In July, you launched the latest round of the Skilled Worker Recruitment Campaign. Can you please update the House on progress and the success of that work so far?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Port Darwin for the question. It is probably one of the key issues for our economy right now. Skilled workers are critical across a whole range of areas throughout the Territory. We need skilled workers. We have been running a campaign to recruit skilled workers since 2005. It is not rocket science, the campaign uses the hook of the Territory as a great place to live, we know that, and a great place to work. It certainly is attracting skilled workers.
Since the campaign started in 2005, the department has received over 7000 inquiries. That is not bad, Madam Speaker; 7000 inquiries. The 2007 campaign began in late July. We learnt from that first campaign. We looked at where the successes were. The July campaign has a slightly different geographical target and the media being used is different from the first campaign. It consists of national magazine advertising, regional and key metropolitan newspaper and regional radio advertising in New South Wales and Victoria. That advertising has continued to focus on our lifestyle.
It also includes information evenings. In keeping with the New South Wales and Victoria regional focus, we have held four information evenings. One was in Wollongong attended by 90 people. In Newcastle, 220 people attended. It was 110 for Geelong and 60 in Bendigo, which is 480 people coming along to information evenings. After Geelong won the premiership, I was a bit reluctant about whether people would want to leave Geelong, but once the initial euphoria of a premiership for the first time in 44 years is over, maybe they will reconsider the Territory.
Since that late July campaign began, we have had 1398 direct inquiries about moving to the Territory. All those who made inquiries have been forwarded information packs. In addition, 10 639 hits have been made to the www.theterritory.com.au website to either start looking for work or to view a directory of NT recruitment agencies. That is a really strong sign of the success of the campaign. Of course, ultimately, the success of the campaign will be judged by how many people actually move to the Territory. The work is being done, it is well focused and we are getting a good response.
Madam Speaker, I certainly thank my department for their excellent work and the local recruitment agencies that have been working closely with the department. We will keep marketing the Territory. What a great place to market! That is not just Darwin; it is right across the Territory. We are looking for skilled workers in all different areas for our growing economy.
Local Government Reform - Autonomy
Mr CONLAN to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Municipalities are concerned that their independence will be diminished as a result of the amended Local Government Act. The proposed legislation means that new powers clearly go to the heart of independence, allowing you to sack elected representatives. What guarantees, if any, can you give the municipal councils that they will remain independent from government and you as a minister?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Greatorex for his question. These are the sorts of issues that are being debated in respect of the amendments to the Local Government Act. I do not believe there is any intent on the part of this government now or in the future to unnecessarily in any way compromise or indeed sack any municipal council. That is the basic assumption one must make in the context of good governance. Why would you want to sack a municipal council that is operating perfectly well and has strong regional …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order!
Mr McADAM: Another issue is that there are provisions in the act in respect of members of councils, be it municipal or the new shires, who are perhaps guilty of a misdemeanour or criminal offence. There will be capacity for that to occur potentially under the new act, but there is certainly no intent on the part of this government to in any way penalise municipal councils now or into the future.
Banana Industry - Panama Disease
Mr KNIGHT to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY and FISHERIES
There have been recent reports of the ongoing impacts of Panama disease in the Territory’s banana industry. Can you update the House on the impact that the disease is having and how we are combating it?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Daly for his question. Further to the question I received from the member for Nelson last week, it is important to address some of the issues and concerns that the growers have which has been expressed through the media over the last couple of days.
As I said last week, the disease has had a crippling effect on the banana industry in the Northern Territory. It is a soil-borne disease. It contaminates through soil transfer, water transfer or plant to plant transfer. It was detected in the Northern Territory at Berry Springs in 1997. Despite the nationally agreed quarantine controls, the disease has spread. It is only expressed through bananas, thankfully. We are not sure whether the disease was actually in the Northern Territory before bananas were grown. That is a bit of an unknown at this stage. No other banana producing area in Australia has been affected and quarantine authorities are working very closely with the Northern Territory to ensure that does not happen.
Three commercial properties are still free of the disease. However, all the other properties have been quarantined, which is quite disappointing. Part of the national cost sharing arrangements, which ended some years ago, have been that eradication is not feasible so some of Australia’s foremost experts in the area of the disease got together and worked with industry to determine the best option. They decided to undertake research, to screen and identify potential resistant varieties.
It was a six year project which commenced in 2001. A quarantine facility was constructed at the Coastal Plains Horticultural Research Farm. There were two areas designated on the property. One was deliberately infested with the Panama disease, and the other was a small control site which was disease-free. Despite the stringent controls that were set up at the farm, the smaller area did become infected, unfortunately. Even though we had protocols and infrastructure in place, like fences and bund walls, the disease did transfer into the smaller area, which is now infected.
Over the six year period, 34 varieties of banana and plantain varieties were screened. They have found that three have potential for commercial use. However, the three that have been identified are very difficult to grow up here and it is unlikely that they will be adopted by local growers. These resistant varieties will, however, be used for future breeding programs. $1.8m has been spent on research over that time, and that has been supported by local growers, the Queensland industry, the Northern Territory and Australian governments and, of the $1.8m, the Northern Territory contributed $1.2m.
It is frustrating for growers. I understand that. Despite the quarantine arrangements that have been put in place over the six years, a commercial replacement has not yet been found. I can assure them that the department is continuing discussions with banana growers of Australia to see what can be done, to see what varieties can be tested and that research will continue.
QUESTION OUT OF ORDER
Mrs BRAHAM to MEMBER for NELSON
Could the member for Nelson please inform the House …
Madam SPEAKER: I beg your pardon, member for Braitling, resume your seat. You said your question was for the shadow minister?
Mrs BRAHAM: Independent shadow minister for Local Government.
Madam SPEAKER: You mean you were directing a question to him?
Mrs BRAHAM: Madam Speaker, I …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, are you asking a question of the member for Nelson?
Mrs BRAHAM: Yes, as the …
Madam SPEAKER: Resume your seat. You cannot ask a question of the member for Nelson.
Mrs BRAHAM: Madam Speaker, I refer you to Standing Order 110, which says about questions seeking information to other members:
- Questions may be put to a member, not being a minister, relating to any bill, motion or other public matter connected with the business of the Assembly, of which the member has charge.
Certainly, the member for Nelson had charge of the car rally.
Madam SPEAKER: The member for Nelson has no charge. Resume your seat.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mrs BRAHAM: Madam Speaker, I am just asking you …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, resume your seat. Are there any further questions? Member for Nelson.
Local Government Reform – Pace of
Mr WOOD to CHIEF MINISTER
Today, hundreds of people braved the hot and humid weather to drive around Parliament House to say to your government that they are very unhappy with your enforced local government process. They want your government to simply stop, start again, involve the community properly, take your time and get it right. They are not against reform. Chief Minister, will you stop, start again, involve the community, take your time and get it right, or will you continue your enforced local government reform process against the wishes of many Territorians?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for the question. As the Minister for Local Government has made very clear on a number of occasions, the reform of local government is crucial for the future of the Northern Territory. There is no doubt it. It is absolutely crucial for the good governance of the Northern Territory into the future.
Local government reform will mean stronger councils. That is a fundamental. Stronger councils will mean that we get better run, more efficient councils, and that will benefit everyone across the Territory because it will improve the delivery of services. How can you argue with that?
Madam Speaker, we are having consultations. Of course there are issues that we work through. This is a complex reform to which we have allocated 18 months. This was a decision not taken lightly by government, but is probably one of the most important decisions for our future. Getting strong governance across the Territory is important. Being able to deliver services right across the Territory is, again, important, and those stronger councils will make the difference. The numbers have been talked about. At any time, probably half our councils are dysfunctional. Even those councils that are in larger areas fail to deliver on the fundamentals.
This is a very important issue. We will work through the issues. For example, we have dealt with the issue of rates. On the other issues, we will continue to talk to all the players, whether that be the Cattlemen’s Association, the Litchfield Shire Council, a remote council, whoever we need to talk to, we will continue that process.
Mr Wood interjecting.
Ms MARTIN: This is an important and fundamental reform and, Madam Speaker, I would have thought the member for Nelson, with his background in local government, would have been on board with this reform rather than playing the kind of …
Mr Wood interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms MARTIN: Okay, the member for Nelson is the member for a seat in the rural area. I would have thought you would have seen the bigger picture and come on board with this, and in that, member for Nelson, I am disappointed.
Local Government Reform – Autonomy
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT
In answer to an earlier question, you said that you did not believe that it was the intention of government to effectively undermine the independence of councils. It is disappointing that you cannot say that with certainty. However, minister, is it not the case that in the recently fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck copy of the Local Government Bill that you plan to introduce in November, there is a provision for disciplinary committees in councils to recommend to you to sack an elected representative?
Does it therefore follow that if on a council, the wrong people do not have the right numbers, you will get a recommendation to sack someone? How on earth can that be independent when you as minister have the power to sack an elected representative who has not been convicted of a criminal offence?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for her question. As I indicated in answer to the previous question, the Local Government Act is under consideration in respect of a whole range of amendments. Clearly, it is an area on which we would be prepared to seek advice.
I want to give this assurance, and you indicated that I could not, that this government and, I expect, any government in the future, would not act in an arbitrary fashion to compromise the role of a properly elected member unless they were more than justified in doing so. So the answer to your question is that all those issues are presently under consideration with respect to municipal and local government councils throughout the Northern Territory. We will just have to see what comes into the House in November.
Skills Shortages – Training Initiatives
Mr WARREN to MINISTER for EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION and TRAINING
As we all know, the Territory economy is surging ahead and Territory businesses are working flat out to keep up with demand. Can you please update the House on what initiatives the government is undertaking to build the Territory’s skilled workforce?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Goyder for his question. As he said, the Territory economy is surging ahead, and it does not matter where you go in the Northern Territory, if you talk to any business operator, the first, second, third, fourth and umpteenth thing they want to talk about is how hard it is to get and keep good, skilled people. It certainly is the number one issue faced not only by the business community, but the non-government sector and Territory government agencies in a whole range of professional areas. We are faced with a significant challenge.
Government has three planks to its strategy in terms of doing everything we can to get skills to the Territory and keep them here. First and foremost is to train our own. The second part of that, as the Chief Minister said, is the skilled worker campaign which tries to attract skilled workers from interstate, and trying to attract more overseas skilled migrants to the Northern Territory.
We have had a Jobs Plan in place for nearly four years now. In May this year, I launched Jobs Plan 3, a four-year $21.3m program to provide better training and job opportunities for Territorians. I would like to take a moment to recognise students from Batchelor College who are here today from right across the Northern Territory. One gentleman is from right up at Cape York in North Queensland. I was talking to those students earlier today about their aspirations to join our economy and workforce, and it is great to see them in the House.
We have set a target of 10 000 apprentice and trainee commencements over four years. With almost 6500 started already, we are well on track to reaching that goal. However, we know that it is not often easy for businesses to take on a trainee or apprentice. There is a real commitment required from a business operator to take someone into the workforce and train them at a time when their business is already working flat out. That is why we have released $900 000 in new incentives in the first round of funding, 200 incentives valued at $4000 available for businesses that take on an apprentice or a trainee in an occupational shortage area. We are supporting businesses to take on apprentices and trainees.
I call on business to look at pay rates for first year apprentices and those under the age of 21. I spoke to an auto-electrical apprentice a few weeks ago at a function at Parliament House, and I was pretty stunned to find that this young fellow was on an award rate of just $6.81 an hour. Trying to live independently on that type of rate is very, very difficult. Most employers do pay above the award rate for first-year apprentices. The Fair Pay Commission sets these base rates and my department will be making a submission to look at those base rates for first-year apprentices, because $6.81 an hour is certainly not a great deal of money. When you look at what young people can earn, particularly in the retail sector, it does not help attract apprentices and trainees to various industry categories.
For the first time, there are incentives available for businesses who take on an apprentice or trainee from a disadvantaged group, such as Territorians from remote areas, indigenous Territorians or recent migrants, and we have 50 incentives worth $2000 targeted at that group. I am actively working with our Multicultural Council to see how we can use some of this funding to support a group that we talked about here earlier this morning, our refugees. Some of those people are finding it very hard to get into the workforce and we can use some of that funding.
We are on track towards the 10 000. It is the biggest issue that our economy faces, but thanks to employers, apprentices and trainees, the people who train our apprentices and trainees in the workforce and our training providers like Batchelor College, we are on our way to meeting the 10 000 commitment.
Douglas Daly – Land Clearing Moratorium
Mrs MILLER to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
A report released today by Professor Bob Wasson has set out that the reason for silting of the Daly River is the result of increased rainfall, which has increased steadily since 1975, seeing the river becoming wider and shallower, and not as a result of farming practices or land clearing. The report found that the increase in sand is a result of sandstone wearing. Considering this significant finding, will you now remove the three-year-old moratorium on land clearing in the Douglas Daly region?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I welcome the question from the member for Katherine. I acknowledge the great work done by John Childs and the Daly River Management Committee, DR MAC as we refer to them. They have undertaken comprehensive research on the catchment of the Daly, what it can sustain in the future in horticulture, agriculture and cattle grazing opportunities, and understanding the science that underpins that so that we can go ahead with future development in the region without making the mistakes that we have seen made down south and end up with a situation like the Murray-Darling Basin, which is quite catastrophic. They are spending millions of dollars trying to resurrect that river system and environment. We will not be making the mistake that southern states have made. We will proceed with the DR MAC process.
This government is on the record as saying that the moratorium is nearing its conclusion. I have had an initial report from DR MAC that talks about what types of issues would need to be considered within a lifting of the land-clearing moratorium. The government has worked with all key stakeholders in the Daly River catchment area. We have indicated to them that we are very aware that we will need to make a decision about the moratorium towards the end of this year to give landholders some certainty.
We will be proceeding as we have proceeded, cautiously and carefully, based on scientific data and on a highly consultative process that has occurred in that region. DR MAC has all of the stakeholders represented on it. They have had very good meetings and have had detailed discussions with officers from my agency, Natural Resources and the Environment, to talk about a cascade-type model, the model that has been considered between DR MAC and officers in my agency that will ultimately come to Cabinet for discussion. If we go down that path, it will end up establishing some world’s best practice.
Commonwealth Intervention - CDEP
Mr HAMPTON to CHIEF MINISTER
While CDEP has been a source of significant work for Aboriginal Territorians in remote communities, the Howard government is intent on destroying the program. Do you believe the abolition of CDEP is inconsistent with the Prime Minister’s newfound attachment to reconciliation?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Stuart for what is a very important and fundamental question. You would have to say if the Prime Minister is genuinely committed to reconciliation, to actions as well as words, he will commit, as Labor has done federally and Labor in the Territory has, to a reformed CDEP and not to the brutal abolition of CDEP as we are seeing now.
There is no doubt that CDEP does require reform. It has been in place for a long time. In some communities, it probably has become a goal for young people rather than a pathway to a career. We need to work with CDEP to effect some change. However, overwhelmingly, and I believe every member here from the bush would bear testament to this, CDEP has had a very positive impact on people and communities right across the Territory. It has seen many Aboriginal Territorians contribute to their communities in most meaningful ways. Apart from the self-esteem of work and the contribution to the community, CDEP has also been the basis for developing enterprises, especially in communities where no other real labour market exists.
Take the example of the visual arts and crafts sector. With jobs in areas like visual art production, management, administration and audiovisual production, CDEP plays a key role in growing the sector and providing opportunities for more local artists. The benefits do not end there. For example, enterprises like art centres or tourism ventures benefit a community as a whole. They bring in visitors, they generate extra income for businesses like the local store or local mechanics.
Madam Speaker, overcoming indigenous disadvantage is at the heart of reconciliation. Abolishing CDEP and forcing participants on to labour market programs such as STEP, the Supported Training and Employment Programs, or work for the dole overlooks the significant impact that social enterprise has in a community. Abolishing CDEP on the basis of promoting real economic participation will, ironically, and we are already seeing it for many communities, have the opposite effect. It will remove financial incentives for people to work additional hours to supplement their income. As I said, we have already seen it. Take Gunya Titjikala, for example, a tourism enterprise that was the hope of that community and is now closed because CDEP has ended at Titjikala.
The abolition of CDEP is not an act of reconciliation. I call on the Prime Minister again, as I did last week, to demonstrate his commitment to reconciliation by following Labor’s lead and reinstate CDEP. Let us reform it together, but reinstate CDEP right across the Territory.
Local Government Reform - Protest
Mrs BRAHAM to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The message I received from people today who protested was that it was not their usual inclination to join demonstrations, but they feel so left out, so unsure of their future, particularly in regard to representation and funding, that they were prepared to be seen and stand up and speak. Will you ignore their requests or will you do as they ask: stop, slow down, listen, consult?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Braitling for her question. As I have indicated on many occasions, we respect the right of people to put a position that they might have in terms of not agreeing with government. That is our democratic right. However, as I have always said, these reforms are critical and very important in context of the Northern Territory as a community. The reforms are really about stronger councils and stronger governance. When you get those in place, you have a greater capacity to be able to provide better services for people.
Under these reforms, there will be greater capacity for that to occur in the context of stronger, more robust councils and greater partnerships between municipalities and shires. The bottom line here, and it has always been the case, is that we cannot afford to sit on our hands and accept what has occurred in the past. We have seen a lost opportunity in the context of growing regional communities of the Northern Territory. This will allow for that opportunity.
I sincerely hope that the people of Litchfield embrace this reform through a new shire-type model. I am absolutely certain that in the future, there will be a high level of service provision, stronger shire councils and …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr McADAM: Madam Speaker, it is our intent to make these reforms in the interests of all Territorians. In the case of the people of Litchfield, as I have indicated previously, I urge them to get on board and engage in the process, I am absolutely certain that in the long term, we will have a very strong form of local government, better services and very robust local government councils.
Sporting Achievements of Territorians
Mr KNIGHT to MINISTER for SPORT and RECREATION
Can the minister inform the House of some of the recent sporting achievements of Territorians?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Daly for his question. It is an important question because Territorians are crazy about their sports. That has been shown by recent survey results which show that Territorians have the highest participation rate in Australia in sporting activities. Our government supports sport, sporting organisations and athletes. We provide sporting pathways through the Institute of Sport scholarships for these athletes to reach their full sporting potential.
I would like to mention a few of the many examples who have excelled in their chosen sport. The recent Under 21 Netball Championships were held in Brisbane and we haven’t participated since 2005, but that changed this year. While our team lost their first match to New South Wales 74-31, the second match, which we lost to the ACT, was a nail-biter, 50-43, with Karyn Bailey and Chloe Alderman both shooting at 86%. We beat Tasmania 53-52. We finished sixth, but I am pretty sure that with our upcoming talent in netball, we will prove the Territory can beat everyone in Australia.
The 16-year-old Carbine Club JEDS scholarship holder Kane Richardson was selected in the Australian Under 19 Cricket team which played in the first One-Day match against Malaysia. Australia was 6/306 to Malaysia’s all out for 123 runs. Kane opened the bowling and picked up the first wicket. He finished the day with one maiden over, one wicket and 11 runs off eight overs, which played a huge role in assisting the Australian team with their win. I congratulate Kane.
Sophie Hawken, a triathlete, was a silver medallist at the ITU World Age Group Championship in Hamburg in the 25-29 age group and sixth winner overall in the Olympic distance. Well done, Sophie.
The first match of the five-game hockey series between the Australian Under 21 men and Malaysia was held in Maryborough, Queensland. Territorians Travis Carroll and Adrian Lockley featured in the win, and the game was described by National Junior Coach, Mark Hagar as a solid first-up performance. I congratulate Adrian Lockley, who was one of the reported best players in the match.
Not only are young people excelling; some of our older athletes are doing very well. The Masters Games will take place in Alice Springs in a year, and I would like to mention Jane Slater of Northlakes who recently represented Australia in the Masters Hockey tournament in England. Jane was part of the successful Australian Veterans Hockey team, which won two gold medals.
As I said, we are crazy about our sport. We have a very high participation rate in sport. Our government supports athletes, wherever they come from, be it Darwin, Palmerston or Alice Springs. Sporting events are very important for us and Territorians love their sport.
Banana Industry - Panama Disease
Mrs MILLER to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY and FISHERIES
Today, you told this House that the Panama disease ravaging banana plantations in the Northern Territory is having a crippling effect on the industry. How do you reconcile your comments to this House with your comments on ABC TV this week: ‘This is probably a little hiccup’? Which is it, minister: a crippling disease or a little hiccup? Can you tell the House how many hectares have been lost to Panama disease?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Katherine for her question. She is correct. In an interview I did yesterday on television, I said it was a hiccup and that was in relation to research that has been undertaken. Properties have been crippled by the disease, however the research farm has been working with 35 varieties, as I said in my earlier answer, and we are working through that. The research will continue. We are working with growers and the banana industry to ensure that we can get some more varieties going.
There are a number of quarantined properties. I am unable to tell you the total hectares at this stage, however I can get back to you on that. There are three properties at the moment that do not have the disease. We are working closely to ensure that we can keep the banana industry growing in the Northern Territory.
Royal Darwin Hospital – Rapid Admission Unit
Mr BURKE to MINISTER for HEALTH
It is well known that Royal Darwin Hospital’s Emergency Department is one of the busiest in Australia. Can you update the House on what is happening to relieve pressure and improve the flow of patients through Royal Darwin Hospital?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. One of the greatest steps forward has been the implementation of the Rapid Admission Unit of Royal Darwin Hospital: 24 beds and $7.8m recurrent funding. It has only been in operation for a matter of weeks, possibly a month, but I am receiving very positive reports about its effect on reducing bed block through the hospital and the pressure on Accident and Emergency.
I have been informed that Mondays and Tuesdays are the worst days in terms of pressure on Accident and Emergency, and the Rapid Admission Unit has certainly gone a long way to reducing that. I am not standing here saying there are never going to be problems and pressures in Accident and Emergency, particularly at Royal Darwin Hospital, our only hospital with lots of pressure. There are not many GPs in the community that operate after hours.
However, as the House might be aware, a week ago, I had the pleasure of opening Dr Lionel Compton’s new clinic and surgery in Casuarina, That will be open weekdays until 10 pm. People who would be better off seen by a GP are able to go to a clinic like that. There are also surgeries at Palmerston that are operating after hours. We are also very hopeful of a positive result in the federal election with the super clinic at Palmerston, which will be a 24-hour facility which will allow people in Palmerston to access GP facilities rather than having to go to hospital where appropriate.
Madam Speaker, the Rapid Admission Unit is a very special unit. It is cutting edge. There has been a lot of consultation between the hospital and health professionals there, and a lot of work has also gone on with Flinders University, which has special expertise in this area. I pay tribute to Tracy Espie, the unit’s Clinical Nursing Manager and Dr Di Howard who is well known to many people and has been a physician in Darwin for many years. She is a foundation member of the medical team and has made a great contribution over many years. Sharon Sykes is Director of Nursing in the Division of Surgery.
There are 82 staff of which 47 are nurses, seven are doctors, and 28 are professional and support staff such as pharmacists and physiotherapists. The people to whom I have spoken and who are working in that area are very keen. I am hearing that a lot of people are putting in applications to become a part of the Rapid Admission Unit because it is a very exciting development within Royal Darwin Hospital. It is something that we can justifiably be proud of.
I want to assure this House that I am in constant dialogue with management and the executive of the Health Department about further improving Royal Darwin Hospital. As I said in this House last week, I have commissioned a security audit for Royal Darwin Hospital. That is essential. We are also looking at recruiting to a number of extra specialty areas. I am having very productive talks with the CEO of Health, Dr David Ashbridge and, of course, Dr Len Notaras who is such a pivotal part of Royal Darwin Hospital.
Madam Speaker, I am proud to report to the House and talk about positive things at Royal Darwin Hospital. There are challenges with the hospital. There are probably going to be times when I am on my feet talking about pressures, etcetera, but I want to assure this House that I am a minister with a plan for Royal Darwin Hospital. This is a government that is prepared to invest significant extra funds in Royal Darwin Hospital, and other hospitals right across the Territory in the regions and in Alice Springs. I am very proud to be the Northern Territory Health minister.
Tourism Strategic Plan 2008-2012
Mrs MILLER to MINISTER for TOURISM
The Northern Territory Tourism Strategic Plan 2008-2012 has been released for comment. On page 91, it states:
- An operator survey conducted by the AEC Group revealed that 69.5% of RTA members stated that their RTA membership had little or no impact on the success of their tourism business.
Minister, how many RTA members responded to the operator survey, and will you break these down into the number for each of the four RTAs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Katherine for her question and her ongoing interest in the tourism industry, which is such a vital part of our economy. The member for Katherine makes a couple of assumptions. For the information of the House and people listening to the broadcast and members of the tourism industry, the report about which the member for Katherine is talking is not a government report. It is actually a report by consultants that were engaged by government to go out and consult with operators in the tourism industry and tourism associations across the Territory, and report back to government on a strategic plan to better position our tourism sector in the Northern Territory over the next five years so we can maintain the very healthy growth that we have seen in tourism numbers right across the Northern Territory.
The industry employs thousands of Territorians. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. This is a consultant’s report to me as minister in regard to a strategic plan for the next five years. I do not know many people made submissions, because they did not make submissions to me; they made them to the consultants.
I have met with the Katherine Regional Tourist Association and the Barkly Regional Tourism Association. I have urged operators, tourism associations and anyone who has an interest in tourism across the Northern Territory to make a submission to the consultant. This is only a draft report from the consultant. Make your case to the consultant. The consultant will provide a final report to me as minister and government will make a decision.
It is not my report. I do not know who has made submissions. Obviously, the consultant has put his name to a document. I would say to the member for Katherine: if that is what people in the tourism industry are saying to the consultant, he would have accurately reflected that in his report.
Middle Arm Development
Mr BURKE to MINISTER for BUSINESS and ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Can the minister outline to the Assembly how the recent announcement of the future of Middle Arm development will benefit local business, particularly businesses in Palmerston, as I am sure I will be asked by members of the Palmerston Regional Business Association?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. A few days ago, I received a document from the Commonwealth Bank, and I thank them for that. This document is called the State Growth Meter and outlines what is happening in different states. That document is not only distributed Australia-wide, but all over the world. With regard to the Northern Territory, it reads:
- The big income boost from high export prices has started a spending spree. Business investment is near record highs. Dwelling investment remains very strong. NT’s jobs market is the strongest in the country. Real consumer spending remains solid and increased by 3.7% over the year. Employment has increased by 3% in the year to July 2007. The unemployment rate is below 5%.
That is not an accident. This happens because of the resources boom and the major projects we have seen in the last few years in Darwin. Since 2001, we have seen a number of major projects in the Territory and, in particular, in Darwin.
Recently, the government announced that Middle Arm would be the place for development of industry in the future because it is very important to provide surety to big businesses. They are not going to come to the Territory if they are not sure about future planning and about where they are going to locate their businesses. Big business and big projects wanted Middle Arm because it is close to the railway line, the port and employment markets. It is close to the Palmerston CBD and Darwin CBD.
It is not me saying this. This is the Commonwealth Bank, one of the biggest banks in Australia and in the world. The reason we have seen this significant economic growth in the Territory, and Darwin and Palmerston in particular, is because of the flow-on effect of these big projects. How many thousands of workers were employed at the ConocoPhillips plant? How many thousands of workers live about five minutes from Palmerston? How many of these workers went to the local petrol station to fill their cars, to their local eatery to have food, to the local shop to buy anything they wanted to buy? The flow-on effect of these major projects is significant for Darwin and Palmerston.
Mr Wood interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr VATSKALIS: Until we provide certainty to the industry about future development in the Darwin region, they are not going to come here. It appears that the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Blain do not really like things happening in Palmerston. They object and they reject it and they rejected the development in Middle Arm which, personally, I find unbelievable. That was the pro-development party. Many years they spent planning development in Middle Arm and …
Mr Wood interjecting.
Mr WARREN: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: Please pause, minister. What is your point of order?
Mr WARREN: Madam Speaker, I remind the member for Nelson of Standing Orders 60 and 51. I am really having difficulty hearing. This is the second time that I have had to point this out to the member for Nelson who keeps interjecting. We all have a right to hear what the minister has to say. I am having difficulty with my hearing aids to hear what he is saying.
Mr WOOD: Madam Speaker, I presume you are the one who will tell me off if I have done the wrong thing. I was just reminding the minister that Middle Arm is in Litchfield Shire not Palmerston. He just needs an atlas.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nelson, resume your seat. I remind all members of standing order 51 which relates to, as we all know, no interruption and interjections. There have been quite a lot of interjections. Minister, please continue.
Mr VATSKALIS: Thank you, Madam Speaker. As I was saying, this was the pro-development party. Twenty years they planned for the development of Middle Arm. The new generation of the CLP turned their back to what the previous generation did and turned their backs to small and big businesses. They alienated businesses and all of a sudden they discovered that Middle Arm was not the right place. Unfortunately, that is not what we are told from big business or small businesses in Darwin and Palmerston. They want the flow-on effect. They want to cash in on these major developments.
I will repeat what the Commonwealth Bank said. It is not only small business, it is the builders, it is the people who are building houses. I quote from the Commonwealth Bank:
- Strong income growth, coupled with strong population growth…has provided a large boost to the housing market. …residential building approvals eased a little from very high levels in late 2006.
There are a number of graphs in this document which paint a picture of the Northern Territory. If they do not want the flow-on effects for Palmerston, I am pretty sure that businesses in Darwin would love them. I would like to see how they are going to explain that to their constituents, especially the Palmerston Regional Business Association.
Local Government Reform - Model
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT
You said on ABC Stateline on 5 October that:
- …the Litchfield Shire in 10 to 15 years time will not be viable. I can tell you that right now, we have financial modelling around that.
In parliament last week, I asked for a copy of that model and you said that it was not a case of a model, but is effectively expert advice that had been forthcoming over a long period. On Monday of this week on ABC radio news you were reported as saying that you had handed the papers over, and I quote: ‘Gerry Wood has got the model with him right now’.
Minister, when did you hand the papers over? I have looked everywhere and I cannot find them. Why, when I rang your office on Monday asking for a copy of the model, did no one get back to me? Are you playing funny buggers with me and the people of Litchfield or is it the case that Litchfield is been dissolved on the basis of a fabrication and that there is no such model? If you cannot produce the model, should you not resign?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. I assure the member for Nelson that I do not play silly buggers.
Through this whole process, I believe there has been consultation not only with the member for Nelson, but with other members of the transitional committee and the advisory body.
Mr Wood interjecting.
Mr McADAM: Member for Nelson, you asked me a question and you should allow me to answer that question.
Mr Wood interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Nelson!
Mr McADAM: Throughout the course of this Legislative Assembly, there have been any number of models that have been put up in the context of what might occur in regards to local government. You know that as well as I do. You have had access to that information as well as I have. It is incumbent upon you to do your own work around the model.
Mr Wood: No.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Nelson!
Mr McADAM: In respect of the issue to which you just referred, the Top End Shire Draft Business Plan has been out there. You have had access to that. It is a draft business plan for the Top End Shire, and if you cannot interpret what that precisely means in terms of the Top End Shire Council well, certainly, I am not going to do it for you.
Mr Wood interjecting.
Ms McCARTHY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The member for Nelson should at least give the minister the courtesy of listening to his response to the question.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nelson, cease interjecting. Minister, continue and direct your comments through the Chair.
Mr McADAM: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I believe that I have answered the member for Nelson’s question. As I have said before, there have been any number of reports about the reform of local government in the Northern Territory. The member has the capacity to be able to secure those reports if he chooses to do so and, as I indicated on the ABC, the Top End Shire Draft Business Plan is out there. You have a copy and that is the model in respect of the Top End Shire.
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