2008-02-14
Bob Collins – Independent Inquiry
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
The Coroner has determined that Bob Collins deliberately took his own life. Bob Collins’ suicide will heighten public concerns about the official handling of this matter. Matters of concern include: the decision to suppress publication of Mr Collins’ name in connection to the charges; the fact that both cases were adjourned again and again; and the actions of senior members of government in relation to the charges. For the sake of public confidence in the administration of justice, will you now hold a full independent inquiry into the investigation, charge and attempted prosecution of Mr Collins?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. This whole case has been a tragedy in so many ways for all of the families concerned. The only new information that has been released today comes from the Coroner in regard to the cause of Bob Collins’ death. The Coroner’s media statement issued today - and I am sure the Leader of the Opposition has seen this – says that a public inquest into the death would not take the matter any further. That is the position of the Coroner. It is also the position of the Solicitor-General for the Northern Territory.
This has been an absolutely devastating issue that has affected the lives of, and been a tragedy for, so many people. The only new information that has been brought to light today has been the cause of Mr Collins’ death. As I said, the Coroner himself has stated that a public inquest into the death would not take the matter any further.
Territory Economy
Ms SACILOTTO to CHIEF MINISTER
Can you please advise the House on the state of the Territory economy?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Port Darwin for her question. The member, a former small business operator in her own right, is always interested in how the economy is going and advocating for business in her electorate.
The Territory economy is strong. We are doing very well. That is, in significant part, due to the sound economic and financial management of this government. One of the things we, as a government, are very proud to have achieved is that we are the lowest-taxing jurisdiction in Australia for small business. That is a significant achievement for such a small jurisdiction as the Northern Territory.
We continue to reduce taxes. Taxes have been reduced by $156.2m since 2001. That is $156.2m that is actually in the economy with business, with first homebuyers, with Territorians so that they can continue to invest in their businesses, homes or families. We need a strong economy for families.
Recently, Moody’s Investors Service, an international credit rating agency, gave our financial management and economy a rating of AA1, which is a very significant rating. This gives the private sector real confidence in investing in the Northern Territory, given the sound management of its economy. The Moody’s report describes the Northern Territory economy as booming. Some examples include: The Territory’s growth has increased by 5.6% in 2006-07; population growth has remained strong, increasing by 2% in 2006-07; and the highest jobs’ growth in the country. Last year, more than 11 000 extra jobs were created in the Northern Territory. That is a significant achievement and due, in large part, to the low taxing regime; the cuts in taxes that have allowed businesses to reinvest in their business and take extra Territorians into work.
In the year to December 2007, Territory retail turnover increased by 10.5% - the equal highest growth in the country and well above the national average of 7.3%. New vehicle sales were the highest level of sales on record – up 7.2% - 9920 shiny new vehicles driving around the Northern Territory last year.
We are also predicted to have the strongest economic and employment growth in the country for the next five years. That was a result of Access Economics’ latest five-year projections of how all state economies are performing as well as the national economy as a whole. So, this economy is moving ahead, people are moving to the Northern Territory, businesses are investing and jobs are being created. Compare that with what we inherited in 2001 when the CLP were running the economy, where we had 0.0% growth and people were really struggling to find work.
Madam Speaker, the economy is doing well and this government and I, as Chief Minister, will continue to keep our hands on the levers to ensure our economy continues to grow into the future.
Bob Collins - Briefing of Chief Minister on Allegations
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Now that the Bob Collins’ matter is no longer before any court or tribunal, can you tell this House whether you were briefed about the investigation into Bob Collins. If so, on what date; who was present; who briefed you; and what were you told?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. We have been over this issue in this parliament time and time again. There have been dozens of questions. The current Leader of the Opposition, the member for Araluen, and members of the opposition staff were briefed, on request to me as Police minister at the time, by the Police Commissioner on exactly these issues.
The Leader of the Opposition well knows the answer to his question because it is not a new question. It certainly has been on the record. The Leader of the Opposition was briefed on this issue by the Police Commissioner himself. I was informed in general terms of the investigation by the Police Commissioner when it was at an advanced stage, as appropriate as Police minister. I was given the same basic facts as the opposition was in its briefing, which was attended by the members for Blain and Araluen. The Police Commissioner made it perfectly clear the information that I was given, quite appropriately as Police minister, was given to the Leader of the Opposition at that time. The Police Commissioner has also made it very clear that political interference did not occur and standard procedures were followed.
Mr Mills: Have an inquiry.
Mr HENDERSON: This is all on the public record. The Leader of the Opposition had a briefing to that effect from the Police Commissioner himself. There is nothing new. The only new information that comes to light today are the results of the Coroner’s inquiry into the death of Bob Collins.
Apology to Stolen Generations - Attendance
Mr HAMPTON to MINISTER for INDIGENOUS POLICY
Yesterday’s apology to the Stolen Generations by the Australian government was an historic day for the people of this country. It was an incredible privilege for me to attend this event, one which I will not forget. Could you please share with the House your experiences of this most memorable and significant occasion?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Stuart for his question and his support during our trip to Canberra for what he rightly describes as an historic event in federal parliament - and not just for federal parliament, but for Australia.
There were many Territorians from Central Australia as well as the Top End who had travelled to Canberra to hear the Prime Minister say sorry, and many were personally greeted by the Prime Minister. The member for Stuart and I were waiting and it took some time to get up the line. It was just amazing that the Prime Minister of this country stood there - it was well before 7 am - and greeted every single person who walked through the doors going into both the Great Hall of Parliament House and the Chamber for all the VIP guests, to be able to witness what I believe was probably the most defining moment in Australia’s history.
We saw a leader of courage. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd recognised the wrongs visited on the Stolen Generations of indigenous Australians. We heard him apologise on behalf of all Australians, and also call for bipartisan support and approach to dealing with a lot of those issues we are all confronted with federally, in the states and territories, of disadvantages that we see in a lot of our remote Aboriginal communities. He talked about closing the gap with their federal initiative coming together to complement the Northern Territory’s Closing the Gap.
It is 10 years since the Bringing Them Home report which called for an apology. The architect who commissioned that inquiry, Paul Keating, was also in that Chamber. We saw it all come to that closure after Keating as the Prime Minister, initiated that inquiry, and then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd end it with actually saying sorry. We were part of all of that emotion and euphoria. It did not take much; it was just that acknowledgement, I believe, for the first time, to witness both black and white Australians standing together as one, under one flag and united.
That is the first step to go forward. This Prime Minister showed and did more for reconciliation between black and white Australians in that one day than has ever been achieved, I believe, over the 10 years. We saw all of those schoolchildren from the many schools, parents, and grandparents. It was not just Aboriginal people there, it was fantastic to see non-indigenous people be part of that and to embrace it with their children and their grandchildren and to be part of it.
Madam Speaker, for me it was probably a closure. It was putting the last bit of that jigsaw together and closing that. That was very important, for my father and many of his counterparts, a lot of the old people who grew up with him in the Bungalow and Croker Island - there are just a small handful of those people left - sitting down with Prime Minister Rudd and sharing their stories. It was particularly pleasing to see the bipartisan approach and Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson being part of that.
We caught up with minister Macklin’s staff and others, and we gave a full commitment that we will work alongside the Commonwealth, continuing our commitment to implementing our practical response in Closing the Gap, and working together to put those measures in place. The issue of what do we do next is about working together to ensure that we do meet the measures that we have both committed to put in place. The Prime Minister has given himself five years. He has committed every state and territory Chief Minister and Premier to this. There is a lot of work to do to address that disadvantage, but I am sure we are all up to the challenge.
It was a fantastic day. It was a place where that achievement through mutual respect certainly came through yesterday.
Bob Collins - Briefing of Chief Minister on Allegations
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Regarding Mr Collins’ case, on what date or dates were you briefed?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I do not have that information here with me at this point in time, but there is nothing new in this. It was very clear, in discussions that the Leader of the Opposition had with the Police Commissioner on 24 August 2004, which was when the Leader of the Opposition was given a briefing. He was advised at that briefing that the information the Police Commissioner provided him, the member for Araluen and other members of the Opposition Leader’s staff was substantially the same as the information that had been provided to me, as Police minister, quite appropriately. That is all on the public record, Madam Speaker.
Nothing improper happened. The Police Commissioner advised the Leader of the Opposition there had been no political interference in the case at all. The only new information we have today is the result of the coronial inquiry into Bob Collins’ death ...
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The point of the question is the dates that these briefings occurred. The Chief Minister said that he does not have them in the House. I have to inquire whether those dates will be provided. When were those briefings provided?
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, resume your seat. There is no point of order. The Chief Minister has answered the question, I believe.
Territory Economy
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for INFRASTRUCTURE and TRANSPORT
The word ‘boom’ appears in headlines in today’s paper five times. What is it all about? Can you let this House know?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Macdonnell for her question. Indeed, there is a lot of good news in today’s paper: good news for job seekers; mango growers; flower sellers; fish sellers; and the construction industry.
There is no doubt that our economy is growing at a very impressive rate. Construction of essential infrastructure is occurring right across the Territory - in our capital city, in our towns, in our regions and also, incredibly importantly, in our remote communities. This government is successfully leveraging private sector investment. Our record capital works program is facilitating an enormous private sector construction program. The front page of the Northern Territory News just from last week shows there is $5bn-worth of construction work under way right now. The Northern Territory News today reports on the $40m investment that is occurring at the Darwin Business Park at East Arm – fantastic. These are businesses that support businesses - warehouses and transport companies that help business do business efficiently and effectively.
Madam Speaker, this government will continue to manage our economy. We will work hard to ensure that Territory families benefit from the strong growth in our economy.
Banana Industry – Use of Genetically Modified Stock
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY and FISHERIES
As you would know, bananas have a huge potential in the Northern Territory, especially when you see what happens to production after bananas get wiped out by cyclones such as Cyclone Larry. However, we cannot take advantage of that because of the dreaded Panama disease which has devastated the banana crop in the Northern Territory - and there seems no cure in sight. Recently, the ABC Country Hour did a story on 1 February this year on the possibility of Panama disease-resistant bananas being developed using a form of genetic engineering, bearing in mind your department is saying it could take years to find a resistant variety using conventional techniques. Would your government support research into bananas developed using GM technology? Would you allow such bananas to be grown in the Territory and, if you would not, could you explain in scientific terms as to why not?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. We are always open to looking at research into crops which will benefit the Northern Territory and Australia in general. I can assure the member for Nelson that there are no proposals to grow any GM crops in the Northern Territory. Research has been undertaken at the Coastal Plains Research Farm to identify varieties of bananas that are resistant to Panama disease, and we spoke of that at length in parliament last year.
At present, there are no GM bananas licensed for release in Australia. Worldwide research on GM bananas is not focused on the Panama disease. It is, however, focused on it as a food crop. As we know, the Cavendish banana is the one that is grown in the Northern Territory. It is a dessert-style banana and is not being looked at as a GM crop at this stage. As I said, the food crop is more important because there are number of countries around the world that rely on the banana as a food source.
Technology required to produce GM bananas is extremely costly and has to be undertaken by very large and specialist laboratories. Before any GM crop is grown in the Northern Territory, or anywhere in Australia, as we all know, it has to be approved by a national regulator. At this stage, there are no moves to be undertaken at this stage for GM crops.
Bob Collins - Briefing of Chief Minister on Allegations
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Will you clear the air in respect to Mr Collins by holding an independent inquiry into the administration of justice in this case? Further, will you now provide the date of your briefing with the Police Commissioner?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, again, thanks to the Leader of the Opposition for his question. In regard to an inquiry, as I have said already, the Coroner himself has said today that a public inquest into the death would not take the matter any further. The Solicitor-General has said the same: it is impossible to try someone’s criminal guilt after their death. The handling of the case of Bob Collins has been following normal court and legal procedures. I do not know what the allegation possibly is from the Leader of the Opposition.
As the Leader of the Opposition well knows, because he was given a briefing by the Police Commissioner, he had full opportunity, with the member for Araluen and other senior people on his staff, to ask any question he wanted of the Police Commissioner. He was told he was given the same substantial information that I was given shortly before the crash. That is all on the record; the Leader of the Opposition knows that.
He would also know that this weekend’s The Weekend Australian made it perfectly clear that Mr Collins was made aware of inquiries by at least one of his accusers in the days prior to the crash. That is also on the public record. It was in The Weekend Australian this weekend.
The Police Commissioner has said quite categorically that political interference has not occurred - standard and appropriate procedures were followed. The Leader of the Opposition was given the same information that I was given. He had the opportunity to ask any question he wanted of the Police Commissioner, with total transparency, with the member for Araluen and other senior people on his staff. He was given substantially the same information as I was, and the Police Commissioner has made it very clear there has been no interference and that standard procedures were followed.
Tourism Delegation to China
Mr BURKE to MINISTER for TOURISM
Late last year, you led a tourism delegation to China. Can you advise the House on the success of this delegation, and confirm the importance of China as a tourism target for the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it certainly was an exciting trip that focused on three events: the Heaven on Earth - A Nature and Cultural Experience photographic exhibition and book launch; the ‘Discovery of the Mystery Land - Northern Territory documentary series launch and media event; and the China Tourism Investment Lunch to promote the Territory as a destination to key Chinese stakeholders.
I was privileged to officially open the photographic exhibition entitled Heaven on Earth - A Nature and Cultural Experience, where a number of photographs were on display. Photographs were taken by renowned Chinese photographers, namely, Mr Boa Kun, Mr Wang Zheng, Mr Ma Xiaolin and Ms Liang Zi. At the same time, a 120-page souvenir photographic book featuring these pictures was launched. It is a fantastic book and, though I have seen many of those places and taken photos of them, the way they were captured by the Chinese photographers was unbelievable. That book will be reprinted, because demand outstripped supply. It will be provided to first and business class lounges of Air China, banking corporations, membership clubs and associations. The exhibition ran for six days from the 18 to 24 December 2007 and was viewed by 8000 professional and amateur photographers - a very targeted audience.
I was also pleased to be in Beijing to launch the documentary, Discovery of the Mystery Land - Northern Territory, an exciting documentary produced by China Central Television. The documentary focuses on a team of Chinese actors, photographers, journalists, adventurers, tourism operators and managers who came to the Territory, where they travelled from north to south and with very exciting pictures. The documentary will be premiered next month to a potential audience of 300 million people. It will be repeated in a few months time with a potential target audience of 700 000 million people in China. The launch was hosted by Mr Gao Feng, Director of China Central Newsreel and Documentary and Deputy Director of CCTV. The rumour in Beijing is that Mr Gao Feng might be the next Minister for Media in China. Also present was Mr Lui Mann, Director of AILETS, an Australian-based media company and Tourism NT.
It was a very well attended event with many people attending, including the Deputy Ambassador of Australia in Beijing; representatives from the Chinese Xinhua Newsagency, one of the largest in the world; the People’s Daily, the newspaper with the highest circulation in the world; and popular magazines such as Outdoor Life magazine; and websites such as Sohu and Sina.
I was absolutely delighted to meet Ms Maria Stephens, a representative of the senior traditional owners and Aboriginal Cultural Advisor of Warruwi Western Arnhem Land, who was present as a special guest and whose country is featured in the documentary.
I was very impressed by Mr Gao Feng, who thanked the traditional owners very much and described, in a very moving speech, his experience of the Territory and how he was moved to be welcomed by the traditional owners by being given some of their soil in his hand. He spoke very well. That was followed by a 35-minute highlight of their documentary. I have been informed that the documentary, when it was previewed in China, was so successful that pirated copies of the documentary have already appeared on the streets of Beijing. That is great. The more they see it, the better for us. As a result of this launch, $1m of media exposure created for the Territory was significant.
Finally, we hosted an investment lunch that was attended by bankers, tourism operators, wholesalers and promoted tourism. We also had representatives from mining, pointing out the proximity of Darwin to South-East Asia and what people can do and invest in the Northern Territory. Tourism NT will be working very closely with some of the wholesalers and we already have some successes. Donghua International Travel has launched its specific NT website and is currently working with Tourism NT and the Chinese radio station 103.9 for an exclusive four-wheel drive tour from Darwin to Central Australia. I expect to have a meeting very soon with the representative of this office.
As you can see, China is a very exciting and amazing market for us. There are more millionaires in China than there are people in Australia. These people go on holidays to specific places where they do not want to just go shopping, but to experience something significant. For us, this is the market we have to target. This market is very important, and I will be damned if I am going to risk this market. I do not intend to invite the wrath of the Chinese government because of the one China policy. I want to sell the Territory to 1.5 billion people. I know the Leader of the Opposition is interested in Taiwan but, I tell you, China is bigger and more exciting than Taiwan.
Education Act – Prosecution of Parents under Section 22
Mr MILLS to MINISTER for EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION and TRAINING
You would be aware of section 22 of the Education Act, where it makes it an offence to fail to send your school-age child to school. How many parents have been prosecuted since 2001 for failing to send their kids to school? If you do not know the answer right here and now, would you be able to make that information available to us by the end of this session?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. The answer to that is zero. No parents have been prosecuted. It is certainly an issue that we face, particularly in our remote Aboriginal communities, but also in our urban centres. Attendance at school and participation in school is a major issue, member for Blain. We are not denying that; however, we are certainly working with communities and parents. I believe the initiatives from the federal government with some of the quarantining may look at that. It may exacerbate it, which is what we are seeing in some of the communities. We need to work with communities and parents to try to get kids to school. However, in terms of prosecutions – zero.
China Mining Conference - Outcomes
Mr WARREN to MINISTER for MINES and ENERGY
Last year, you reported on the delegation you led to the annual China mining conference. Have there been any follow-up activities or results from that conference which will help attract further investment to the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, as a follow-on from the Minister for Tourism, China is an attraction for our mining industry also. As we know, China is a large investor and also a large marketplace for our mining industry.
Following on from my visit in 2006 to Beijing to the China Mining Congress, an intense amount of interest was shown. As a result of that interest, a China Minerals Investment Attraction Strategy was developed by my department in early 2007, and it was placed in the Bringing Forward Discoveries project. The strategy is designed to competitively position Northern Territory companies in the Chinese market. The aim is to assist mining and exploration companies develop business links with Chinese companies, and also to highlight the exploration opportunities that are available in this vast unexplored land of the Northern Territory. From that visit in November 2006, we had 12 visits from Chinese companies in 2007. Some of those companies visited a number of times, to the point where one company actually visited four times.
On my visit in November last year, we again promoted the Northern Territory exploration companies and opportunities and the high potential in the Northern Territory. We met with several large companies and attended several seminars. I am pleased to say that, in mid-January, Rizal Steel visited the Northern Territory and met with ERD Ltd, one of our exploration companies, and also met with our Mines Department and had extensive talks with them.
Also, this weekend, we have the Stone Group, which is a huge, diverse company in China. They are visiting this weekend and will be staying for approximately a week. They will be visiting the mining department and also talking to Matilda Resources, Brumby Resources and Emerson Resources. Later this month, CITIC Dameng is another company that will be visiting to talk to Brumby Resources. All in all, that is three, just over January and February. I can also announce that seven other companies have promised to come to the Territory early this year.
We are hoping that the links set up with Chinese companies by companies such as Bootu Creek, Compass Resources and Territory Resources will flow on to other exploration companies in the Northern Territory. The department has been extremely proactive in this area and letters have been sent to all of the exploration licence holders in the Northern Territory, asking them to provide project material, and also project sheets and information of what they are doing out on the land so that we can collate that and give that to the companies that are visiting the Northern Territory.
It is a fantastic initiative. I congratulate the mining department for facilitating all of this work, ensuring that the Northern Territory stays on the world mining radar.
Youth Justice Act – Costs of Custody
Mr MILLS to MINISTER for JUSTICE and ATTORNEY-GENERAL
Section 133 of the Youth Justice Act, an act introduced by your own party, provides that parents can be forced to pay for costs of their children taken into custody. Since the introduction of the Youth Justice Act, how much money has been collected under the provisions of section 133? If you cannot answer that during this Question Time, could you please provide that by the end of this session?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Blain for his question. We seem to be rattling all over the place in this Question Time. Obviously, a very detailed …
Members interjecting.
Dr BURNS: Well, it is just lacking focus.
Mr Conlan: You cannot follow it. Can’t you follow it?
Dr BURNS: Your mates behind you are actually laughing at you because you have lost the plot.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: You have asked me a question I do not have a ready answer to. I will endeavour to find you the answer when I get it. It might not necessarily be at the end of this Question Time. We have very busy public servants. I will ask the question, I will give it to you when I get it.
Territory Economy and International Trade
Mr BURKE to TREASURER
International trade is an important component of the Territory’s economy. What are some of the factors that are important in growing our exports?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Brennan for his question, because he certainly understands the importance of this regarding putting dollars back into Territory families.
The Northern Territory government’s International Trade Strategy is paying off. The Territory’s trade surplus jumped by an impressive 70% in the last year. This is at a time when Australia has a trade deficit that is growing. We are bucking national trends. Trade with China is a very important component of this. Last year, the Territory exported $984m-worth of goods to China, around twice as much as just a few years ago.
Given the importance of this trade, it is disappointing that the Leader of the Opposition has been using speeches in this House to criticise our biggest trading partner ...
Mr Mills: Do you know what we export to Taiwan?
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms LAWRIE: The Leader of the Opposition clearly has an affection for Taiwan. Last year, he spent more days in Taiwan than he spent in this parliament. His attacks on China, Madam Speaker, not only are remarkable statements …
Mr Mills: What? The member for Blain attacks China!
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms LAWRIE: His attacks on China were not the only remarkable statements in his speeches on Taiwan last year. It was incredible that he decided to copy and paste his speech from the DFAT website – huge chunks of Taiwan Terry; a speech lifted straight from the DFAT website. The DFAT website clearly outlines its copyright policy, in which it says that any reproduction of its material should be acknowledged. Blatant plagiarism from a former schoolteacher! What kind of an example is Taiwan Terry setting to our school students?
Madam Speaker, this government will continue to be responsible. We will continue to work hard to grow our international trade.
Alice Springs - Youth Services
Mrs BRAHAM to MINISTER for FAMILY and COMMUNITY SERVICES
It was a sad day when the Gap Youth Centre in Alice Springs closed its doors. I realise it had financial concerns and I do not want to discuss that. I also know that there are some youth services in Alice Springs which are hoping to reopen their doors shortly and provide some service to those kids who use it. The previous Chief Minister promised $300 000 last year to the Gap Youth Centre when it was apparent that it was having financial difficulties. You visited Alice Springs last week and met with youth services. Will you tell me what the government will do to assist this centre to reopen and provide very much needed programs for the young people who use it?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Braitling for her question. It is an important question. The closure of the Gap Youth Centre affects not just those young kids who are highly dependent on it, particularly the after-hours service, which was a very important program for a lot of kids in Alice Springs. I went to Alice Springs last week, as you said, and not only met with representatives from the Gap Youth Centre but all of the youth sector in Alice Springs.
For a long time, we have been looking at the issues of youths and trying to get a coordinated and targeted strategy to deal with youth at risk in Central Australia. It was a fantastic meeting. Representatives from all of those youth centres attended that workshop. We had four hours of quite intensive discussion. I was joined by the member for Stuart. We have all agreed that there were very clear actions and outcomes that came from the youth sector, as well as me as the minister as to how we will work together to move forward.
Regarding the Gap Youth Centre, as you know, an administrator has been put in. The Department of Family and Community Services is having discussions with the Commonwealth department, because the funding for the majority of the area where they ran into problems was from the Commonwealth. We are trying to work through with the Commonwealth to look at where they got into some financial difficulties and how that might be overcome.
In terms of the commitment the former Chief Minister made for $300 000, I held an interview where I said that that commitment is still there and we are working through that with all of those services. It is not just a matter of putting the $300 000 back in there without having a look at where they got into some of those problems, and fixing those systems internally with the Gap Youth Centre. It is an iconic institution in Alice Springs. We will work with the board and Tangentyere, Mission Australia and the many other members of the sector there to try to get the service back.
As I understand, the Reconnect program will start by the end of this week, member for Braitling. We are all working together. We do want to see it coming back; it is important for Alice Springs and for the youth of Alice Springs. We will do everything we can to try to get that service and those funding issues addressed.
Royal Darwin Hospital – Refurbishment of Ward 7C
Mr WARREN to MINISTER for HEALTH
Can you please update the House on the recent refurbishment of Ward 7C at Royal Darwin Hospital and, of course, what this means for both patients and staff?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Goyder for his question. It is a very good question, unlike the opposition, that seems to have run out of questions today.
I am very pleased to answer this question. Today, I was at Royal Darwin Hospital, which is a hospital we have invested very strongly in since we came to government in 2001: 85% extra funding, 70 extra beds, 318 extra nurses and 115 extra doctors. Those are very significant increases. We have also put in a state-of-the-art 12 bed hospice. I mentioned the birthing centre the other day, which has been very popular, and the 24-bed Rapid Admission Unit, which is having a significant effect in reducing admission times for those who go from ED to the RAPU and into the hospital. These changes are all part of our better hospital plans.
In relation to Ward 7C, it is a constant care ward. It is for patients with challenging behaviours who may pose some risk of hurting themselves or others. Many of the patients in Ward 7C are long-term patients, so it was very important to reinvigorate this whole environment and modernise it. There has been renovation work in the toilets and the bathrooms. The hard-working staff at Ward 7C came to see me about getting an upgrade, and I am glad to announce today that that work is complete and patients will be moving in next week.
I am very focused on the big issues to do with heath, including Royal Darwin Hospital. I am also focused on the appearance of Royal Darwin Hospital and this is part of it. Ward 7C will feature bright colours, which I am sure the patients will enjoy. The sum of $900 000 is for the lifts, which have been a source of concern for many years. The lifts will be completely refurbished, so they will be smooth, fast and very responsive. There is $300 000 for an internal face-lift for painting central foyer areas and refurbishment of the staff room, a very important amenity. They will have a lot more furniture, and improved coffee-making machines so they can go there for lunch and enjoy the facilities.
I have been concerned about the front entrance, where there is a conglomeration of smokers who hang around. I will be receiving a report in the near future which will feature plans to redo that front entrance so that those people will move elsewhere to have their smoke – hopefully, they will give up.
The look of our Royal Darwin Hospital as well as the staffing is very important. I am certainly working on the organisation of the medical surgical units and other services within the Hospital. I am very passionate about the Royal Darwin Hospital and I enjoy being Health Minister.
Parental Penalty - Enforcement
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
It is now my understanding that the provisions of the Education Act and the provisions of the Youth Justice Act in terms of making parents accountable, have seldom, if ever, been used. Why should Territorians have any faith in your new parental penalty when your government does not enforce its old parental penalty?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. The issue of getting our children to school is of significant concern to this government. It is a big community issue across the Northern Territory. It is also recognised by the federal government as not only an issue in regard to indigenous remote kids in the Northern Territory but right across Australia. This is one of the key reasons that our indigenous kids are not meeting the benchmarks and we are not getting the outcomes that we absolutely have to get.
How are we going to improve those figures and those attendance rates? One of the things we are doing in communities is rolling out Remote Learning Partnerships, which are being rolled out in communities where we have actually expanded secondary education facilities that never existed under the CLP. Under the CLP, any kid in the bush could get an education to a primary school level but, after that, had to go to town or there was nothing. We are rolling out secondary education in the bush, along with the Remote Learning Partnerships, which are an agreement between the community, the parents, and the school about getting the kids to school. Those partnerships are starting to deliver significantly better attendance results.
The Education minister was at Ramingining last week. Unfortunately, I could not get there. I would have loved to have been there, where there was a signing of another one of these agreements. That is what we are doing.
In regard to section 122 of the Education Act, my advice - because I did look at this as Education minister - was that, under 27 years of CLP administration, that particular part of the legislation was never used either. It has never been used in the Northern Territory at all, because the advice is, simple punitive sanctions of fining the parent on its own is not going to work. We believe a combination of the Remote Learning Partnerships the Commonwealth is looking at and have the announced through the intervention - something that this government has agreed to – again, in individual circumstances, quarantining welfare payments from families who do not send their kids to school is something that should be introduced and looked at. In working with those parents to get their kids to school, the parental agreements and orders will require, as part of those agreements and orders, that parents send their kids to school, and there will be consequences if they do not.
This is a government that has never shied away from the issue that school attendance and lack of attendance is a significant issue. We are working with communities to see that issue resolved to a much greater extent than there has ever been any focus on it before.
Once again, all we have is the opposition with a one-shot-in-the-locker, silver-bullet approach to public policy in the Northern Territory. They never did it when they were in government. They never had any focus on secondary education in the bush when they were in government. They never tested kids in the bush in MAP testing when they were in government. They now come in here and say this is a terrible problem and why have we not fixed it. They are a joke, they are a rabble, and they have no policies. We are getting on with the job and attendance is a significant issue.
Crocodile Industry Update
Ms SACILOTTO to MINISTER for PARKS and WILDLIFE
Can you update the House on the Territory’s crocodile industry?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Port Darwin for her question. Crocodiles have great cultural, social and economic significance for Territorians. They are a Territory icon, and people come from all over the world with the hope of catching a glimpse of one in the wild, or of handling a baby crocodile at one of our crocodile farms. The Territory government is committed to working closely with stakeholders to take the industry forward. Our crocodile industry has the potential to grow into the future on the national and international market.
Territory crocodile farms have already supplied tanneries in Europe, where NT crocodile skins are highly sought after. Tonight, I will be meeting representatives of the fashion label Hermes of Paris who are in town to learn more about the industry and see firsthand how crocs are caught and farmed. An Hermes handbag made of Northern Territory crocodile skin is valued at $250 000. While I might be asked to spring one for a significant anniversary like the 15th coming up, I do not think I will ever be in the market to provide my wife with one of those. I thought I might just get that on the record now.
Northern Territory crocodile skins are certainly popular, and I understand that Eric Clapton has his guitar case made out of NT crocodile skin.
The economic rewards of our croc industry will benefit all Territorians, including local businesses through the supply of crocodile skins, and tourism operators with the increased number of visitors that can be expected. We have seven crocodile farms in the Territory. Three of these target the tourism market, three are hatcheries and sell live young animals to other farms within the Territory, and four farms produce skin and meat. The farms rely on catching, breeding and wild harvest of eggs to increase stock numbers.
Our crocodile relocation program plays a major role in monitoring croc numbers in the harbour and removing crocs caught in traps – 237 were removed last year. I acknowledge the great work that Tommy Nichols and Risky do on getting those crocodiles out of there. These crocs usually become farm breeders, particularly the females, as part of the farm catching breeding program. Crocodiles are magnificent creatures and this government is committed to ensuring that the industry grows to benefit all Territorians.
ANSTI – Future of Facility at Bees Creek
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for FAMILY and COMMUNITY SERVICES
My question relates to the closure of ANSTI, A New Start Towards Independence, the facility in Bees Creek which helps people with alcohol dependency. It is over 12 months since ANSTI was handed over to the government. It is now slowly decaying in the Wet, an abandoned facility that could be used for a range of services, even a roof over someone’s head. What is going to happen at ANSTI? Is it being maintained? Does it have a caretaker? What is its future? Are you going to sell it off, or is it to be used once again as a facility similar to what it was originally built for?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. As he would know, many of the buildings are in a state of disrepair, and that is not just because they have not been used. They were in a state of disrepair when that site was handed back to FACS. Considerable work was needed to bring them up to a usable standard.
At the moment, FACS is finalising a tender for a new service to use the existing infrastructure on the site. The client group will be homeless people exiting acute substance misuse withdrawal services, or otherwise ceasing substance abuse who require accommodation and case management support to transition to independent living. $300 000 per annum has been earmarked for this new service. I have met with a number of organisations that are interested in providing a service on this site. The tender will be going out and I am confident that we will have a great and much-needed service up and running on this site soon.
Power and Water – Improved Assets
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for ESSENTIAL SERVICES
Last year, the government announced an $814m program to invest in improved Power and Water assets in the Territory. Can you update the House on progress being made on this program?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, as I mentioned before, the development of the Territory is immense, and certainly the infrastructure needs to be upgraded and expanded. Our government has the ability to plan and think ahead. For the next five years, we will be spending $814m to improve and expand the infrastructure of essential services. $592m will be expended in capital projects, and $222m in repairs and maintenance.
In the six months to date, this financial year, we have spent $17.8m on repairs and maintenance and, in this financial year, as at 31 December 2007, we have spent $74.5m in capital expenditure - $92m in six months. Not bad. The CLP left us with no work, the ALP comes and we have no workers. That is the problem we have - no workers. We could spend more money. If the weather was kind to us we could find people to do the work, because of the mining industry expansion. Of course, what is happening down south has put severe strain on the resources for workers.
Major projects currently under way are: Weddell Power Station, $41.5m; Owen Springs Power Station and transmission line to Alice Springs, $1.4m; Darwin Underground Power Project, $2.3m; Alice Springs waste discharge, $2.3m; Katherine Power Station engine replacement, $1.7m; substation and 132 KV line for Compass Resources, $3.5m.
Parental Penalty - Mandatory Minimum
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Even if applications are made under your law, the $2000 parental penalty is a maximum penalty. In your media release, you refer to fines of up to $2200. It is only in the rarest of rare occurrences that the maximum penalty for any offence is handed down by a court. In many instances, no effective penalty is handed down by courts. Is there going to be any mandatory minimum applied to your $2000 penalty, or is that simply going to be left up to the courts? If you are going to leave it up to the courts, how can you stand by the effectiveness of your new program?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. I am pleased to see that he is very interested in the substantial policy agenda of this government to deal with a small group of youths that disproportionately cause so much trouble, particularly in the Darwin region and Alice Springs. We have a significant policy approach to deal with these youths, unlike the opposition, who have a one-shot-in-the-locker and silver-bullet approach to significant policies.
We have announced this week that we will close the revolving door on juvenile diversion, where kids will get two chances. The vast majority of those kids will come good after two opportunities at juvenile diversion. I am sure my colleague, the Justice minister, has some figures that show it is very effective, for a large number of kids who are on the peripheries of getting into trouble, in diverting them and putting them back on the straight and narrow. We are also introducing youth camps in Alice Springs and the Top End. That has been a commitment and there is funding there for those to go ahead this year.
These new parental agreements are getting a lot of interest right around this country as an innovative approach to holding parents to account for the behaviour of their kids. Again, it is not about setting people up to fail. As my colleague, the Justice minister said, there will be significant support provided to parents by way of improving their parenting skills, access to alcohol and drug rehabilitation services, family violence counselling, or for whatever else might be going on within that family group that is causing the neglect or total disengagement of those kids.
There are penalties within the legislation that the courts will apply. They will be required to apply them if the parent fails to abide by a court order. The fine is up to $2000 and, if those parents cannot afford and do not pay that, the courts will have the capacity to seize non-essential items in the home.
We believe that this is a comprehensive policy approach towards a small group of kids who are causing a significant amount of community dysfunction and crime, and very much so focusing on those parents in assisting with their parental skills. If they totally refuse to engage and accept the assistance that is going to be on offer, there will be sanctions.
Madam Speaker, we will stand by our comprehensive policy approach in this area. We will continue to be focused on this issue. All the opposition has is a silver-bullet approach to public policy and something they never did when they were in government.
Ms LAWRIE (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016