2006-11-28
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Member for Arafura
Member for Arafura
Mr HENDERSON (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I seek leave of absence for the Minister for Parks and Wildlife; Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage; Arts and Museums for the rest of the sitting day due to a significant family illness. I also advise the House that I shall be taking any questions in those portfolio areas.
Motion agreed to.
Madam SPEAKER: I am sure honourable members will extend their sincere best wishes to the member for Arafura’s family at this very sad time.
Speed Limits on Highways
Ms CARNEY to CHIEF MINISTER
There is clear evidence that failure to wear seat belts and drunk drivers are contributing heavily to the number of fatalities in the Northern Territory. Can you tell us what specific evidence exists that a speed limit of 130 km/h on the Stuart Highway will bring down the fatalities? Territorians have a clear choice between the CLP, committed to overturning your arbitrary speed limit, and your government determined to control more and more of their everyday lives. Where is the evidence that imposing a speed limit on the Stuart Highway will reduce the road toll in the Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, sometimes there are some tough issues you have to deal with in government. One of the tough ones that we have had to deal with this year is what happens on our roads. When one Territorian dies every week and nine Territorians are seriously injured, government cannot walk away from those facts ...
Dr Lim: Then police it effectively.
Ms MARTIN: Every single Territorian is damaged by what happens on our roads - every single Territorian. It might not be you who dies; it might not be someone you know; it might not be someone in your family who is seriously injured, or yourself. However, we all know those people. We have – and this is a shame on all of us – the worst driving record in Australia. In fact, we are probably up there in the world.
This government asked an expert task force for a report about how we change the culture on our roads. We knew the answers, in many cases, would be challenging, but government has to show leadership. Government has to do everything we can to keep Territorians safe. To be told, in some way we are destroying lifestyle – what rubbish! What populist rubbish from the Opposition Leader. This is about keeping Territorians safe to enjoy our lifestyle.
If you look through that expert report – and I thank all those who put a lot of hours into that with their expertise across a range of areas. We demonstrated, very clearly, that of those who contributed to this report, not one of them had been less than 20 years in the Territory. They are absolutely true blue Territorians who perfectly well understood the situation facing us on the roads.
You cannot just cherry-pick one recommendation against another. This is about changing a culture on our roads and, yes, it is about leadership. Yes, I accept the criticism by some sections of our community …
Mr Mills: Evidence.
Ms MARTIN: … that they do not like what is happening. However, we have made an evidence-based decision - as the member for Blain says ‘evidence’. The whole report was based on evidence …
Mr Mills: That is the basis of the question, Chief Minister.
Dr Lim: Show us the evidence.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms MARTIN: Based on evidence, we will put those recommendations into place. We did move from the 110 km/h. We looked very carefully at that. We have long roads to drive and, on our major highways - and only on our major highways because every other road will be 110 km/h or as signposted - then it is up to 130 km/h. That is the Stuart, the Victoria, the Barkly, and the Arnhem Highways.
This has been an important decision for Territorians because we are the …
Ms CARNEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! My question was specific in that I asked for specific evidence in support of the Chief Minister’s decision. I ask that you request her to at least have a go at answering my question. I know it is a change, but you could try something different.
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, there is no point of order.
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, we get used to the Leader of the Opposition being offensive.
I have made very clearly the point that there is a whole raft of recommendations that were in that report – a very well constructed, well thought out report - and each and every one of them is part of changing the culture on our road.
If there is one thing that stays with me, it is the assessment that was done a year ago of 11 sets of traffic lights between the Arnhem Highway and Darwin. On the little local intersection - Stuart Park in my electorate – of Westralia Street and the Stuart Highway, over one 24-hour period, the drivers in 234 vehicles ran the red light. That is a shocking figure and it was not the worst intersection. We have a very poor road record. We are killing and seriously injuring Territorians every week, and it has to stop.
Madam Speaker, I do not apologise for these changes we are making. We will monitor them very carefully and, hopefully, Territorians will be safer on our roads, and live in a fit condition to enjoy our great lifestyle.
Creating Darwin’s Future - Progress
Mr BONSON to CHIEF MINISTER
Creating Darwin’s Future was launched last month and a consultation program is now well under way. Would the minister update the House on progress so far?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I would be delighted to. With Creating Darwin’s Future - and it is a stimulating document – we are talking to the people of Darwin, and in the rural area you will be pleased to know, member for Nelson. This document is a collation of some of the ideas which have been around for a while about the future of Darwin, and also some proposals for the future which are new. We are saying to the people of Darwin: ‘What are your views? Here is a document to stimulate your ideas and how would you like to contribute?’
The display we have is travelling widely. We have been to shopping centres, lunches, forums, residents meetings, and there are a lot more discussions to go. Our community is very enthusiastic about feeding back ideas, and every member who has been part of that feedback session would say: ‘Absolutely’. Some of the feedback is, unequivocally, that we have a green Darwin, but we have to do much better. What our community says is that they want more greenery, gardens, shade - either trees or constructed - and better use of the harbour. We have one of the world’s great harbours and, yet, we do not take much advantage of it. They want better use of our beaches, the walking tracks around the water’s edge, and more water travel and recreation on our water. More activities for tourists is an important and key feature, as well as ideas such as the World War II museum, the Aboriginal culture centre, and more outside dining. These are things our community thinks would be attractive for tourists and locals. I want to compliment one eight-year-old whom I asked one week what he thought about it. He came back a week later and said: ‘I’ve thought about my ideas for the future of Darwin; basically it is not a specific idea, but it is about sustainable development’. He said: ‘We need sustainable development that does not add to climate change’. I thought that was a great idea and it came from a small person.
However what is generally agreed is that we need action. This is a document people want to talk about. What we want from this, when the ideas are put together - and that will be with a group of industry and both levels of government - is that we need a plan for the future and we need action on it.
The minister for Planning and Infrastructure’s forum next March will be a key component of that, looking at the planning laws, the Building Code, and some of the critical issues we are facing regarding building heights and those kinds of things which are still contentious for the people of Darwin. It is an exciting process; it is looking to the future, and it is how we build what is a great tropical city into what must be the best tropical harbour city in the world.
Madam Speaker, it is exciting times, and I table another copy of this.
Speed Limits on Highways
Ms CARNEY to CHIEF MINISTER
Your nemesis and opponent, the Leader of Government Business, said at a media conference today that the reason you picked 130 km/h as the speed limit on the open roads is because only 15% of Territorians drive at that speed. Did you demote your nemesis because of his tendency to pluck figures from nowhere, or is it the case that these figures were obtained by Labor Party polling that you got the Territory taxpayer to pay for? If so, will you now table that information so that all Territorians can scrutinise it?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, you would like a question to have a little fact in it. I suspect we are dealing with a question here that had three different components, and not a fact in sight ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Opposition members, cease interjecting.!
Ms MARTIN: In fact, a fact-free question space. I stood in this place earlier this year and said we did have some focus groups in January this year where we talked about a number of different issues including speed on our roads and issues of road safety. We talked about middle schools at that time. There has been no further polling done on this issue.
I can restate with absolute confidence that we asked for a report, we received a very detailed, evidence-based report on what we should do to change our appalling culture on the road. The Territory has the worst record in Australia, and we have to change it. Government cannot walk away from this. It is all very well for the opposition to say: ‘Let us walk away from it; it is too hard’ …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms MARTIN: … but sometimes leadership is about taking tough, important and fair decisions. This is one of those. This is a very reasonable decision to make Territorians safer on our roads. We carefully looked at the findings in that report. This is about changing a culture, and we have to change the culture on our roads. We must keep Territorians safe. It is a real shame that what used to be the proud CLP does not want to do that.
Palmerston High School
Mr BURKE to MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Recently, I joined you in Palmerston, for a very important event for the students, parents and teachers of Palmerston. Will you outline the announcement you made at that time, and advise the House if you are aware of any alternatives to the announcements made?
Mrs Braham: Why are you asking him? If you were there, you know.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mrs Braham: Why ask him if you were there? You know what he announced.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Braitling, cease interjecting.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Brennan for his question. I am very pleased to be the Education minister in a government that is currently rolling out the largest capital works program that has been seen in education since self-government - $46m to build new schools and to upgrade schools across the Northern Territory to support the implementation of our middle years policy.
I had great pleasure being with some hard-working local members in Palmerston - the members for Brennan and Drysdale - in kicking off work out at Palmerston High School last week. Work on the new senior high school has been the result of hundreds of hours of consultation across the Palmerston community, with school principals, school councils, local members, members of the Palmerston community about the configuration of the new school. We all know that $12m means there is a lot of work to be done to see that school completed for the start of the 2008 school year.
It was a happy occasion, Madam Speaker, and there were no negative comments about the announcement. By contrast, the only negativity has come from the opposition. The only negativity in this has come from the opposition. We know, that the Leader of the Opposition despises many things, but close to the top of her list is anything to do with the Top End. Anything to do with the Top End, according to the Leader of the Opposition, is something that we should not be doing. She spends so little time in the Top End at the moment that she has had to get a caravan, get her face painted on the caravan to drive around Darwin and Palmerston to remind people what she looks like …
Ms Carney interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition! Order!
Mr HENDERSON: You spend so little time up here, you had to have your face painted on a caravan to drive around Palmerston and Darwin to remind people of what you look like.
Ms Carney interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: That is how little time the Leader of the Opposition spends in the Top End, Madam Speaker. The announcement by the government of a new $12m school in Palmerston to the Leader of the Opposition is like garlic to a vampire. It really is the worst of all words to the Leader of the Opposition.
The day after the announcement, what did the Leader of the Opposition authorise? She authorised a media release, and I quote from this media release, which stated:
- The community didn’t, and doesn’t, support the creation of a mega-school.
I do not know which community the Leader of the Opposition has been talking to because everyone I talked to in Palmerston is very excited about this new school. It gets worse! This media release goes on to state:
- Palmerston residents rightly feel angry.
Well, not the residents I spoke to in Palmerston or the representation I have had from our local members. They are very pleased that this government is building a $12m new school in Palmerston. The reality is that the media release that is being circulated to bemused Palmerston residents as I speak. My phone has been ringing off the hook: ‘What is this about the CLP not supporting this new school?’ I urge the opposition to get behind education, the middle years initiative and building new schools in the Territory, because you will not and we will.
Mr Mills: You remove the oval and move the basketball court to build bigger schools.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order! Honourable members, I advise you to remember the standing orders of this place. We have a number of standing orders in relation to interjections. While I am feeling fairly lenient today towards interjections, I would appreciate actually hearing the answers.
Speed Cameras - Revenue
Ms CARNEY to CHIEF MINISTER
Your government notoriously conceals the amount of revenue it raises from speed cameras. The imposition of a speed limit on the Stuart Highway will present government with another golden revenue-raising opportunity. How much revenue is the government expecting to reap from the imposition of speed limits on the Territory’s open roads? Will you commit, right here, right now, to the public disclosure of how much the government raises from speeding fines for the first six months and at six-monthly intervals thereafter?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the revenue that we currently raise from speed cameras is in annual reports. It can be questioned in estimates. This is not a hidden figure. Regarding the issue of raising revenue, and when you look across the fines we have for a variety things to do with activities on the roads, we are about the lowest in the country, quite consistently. Therefore, we have now moved those fines into simply an average.
The issue of saving lives on our roads is a different one to any raising of revenue. I would like to be able to stand here and say we raised no revenue. That would be terrific; it means that Territorians are driving within the speed limit, they are not drink driving, and they are not running red lights. I believe that would be fantastic and we should all celebrate if there is no revenue. However, the fact of life is that we have a poor road culture and we have to find a range of means to turn it round and to save Territorians’ lives.
We have a comprehensive report. I would like to have thought the Opposition Leader had actually read it, but I suspect she has not from the nature of her questions. It is a very detailed, evidence-based report and I suspect the Opposition Leader has not read it. I advise her to read it, to understand …
Ms Carney: Have you read the references? I bet you have not.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition!
Ms MARTIN: … that there are different components, and different recommendations to tackle a whole range of poor culture on our roads. It is to save lives, to stop the serious injuries we have on our roads. There is a whole range of things that go towards that.
Yes, there will be additional revenue raised if we continue the practices that we are showing currently on the roads: if we are running red lights like we are, speeding like we are – yes, there will be revenue raised.
Madam Speaker, I would like to say that was not going to be the case. I would like to say that, immediately, we could create a safer road culture. I do not think that is the case, but I would like to be joined by the other side of the House in saving Territory lives, in saving serious injuries on our roads, and letting more Territorians enjoy what is a wonderful lifestyle.
Football Australia
Mr KIELY to MINISTER for SPORT and RECREATION
Territorians enjoy a fantastic lifestyle and sport plays a major part in this. Can the minister please advise the House on what initiatives this government is taking to bring elite football to the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
The sport previously known as soccer. Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. There was a very interesting story in this morning’s newspaper on page 3 about the Socceroos making Darwin a base for their next Asian Cup. In October 2006, I wrote to the Chairman of Football Australia, Mr Frank Lowy, and advised him about the development of football in the Northern Territory and what our government has been doing to further develop the game in the Territory, and the facilities and infrastructure we are putting in place.
Recently, I met with the Chief of Staff of Football Australia, Mr Peter Friend. He visited the new stadium at Marrara, and told me he was very impressed with the facilities. We also discussed opportunities for the various teams and the Socceroos to come to Darwin for training, because Darwin is in a unique position for teams to train, especially if they are going to compete in a hot and humid environment. We will welcome the Socceroos here. We will provide any assistance possible. We will provide the facilities, and we will do anything possible for the Socceroos to have a good training facility here in Darwin, and to compete in the Asian Cup.
However, we want teams here all the time, not only for the Asian Cup. We are constructing a $5.5m football stadium in Marrara and I am very proud of it. If you drive around, you will see the continuous progress; it is going to be fantastic, and will be completed by March 2007. The stadium also is very close to the Northern Territory Institute of Sport. The Northern Territory Institute of Sport has become well known around Australia now for its humid training facilities. The Defence forces have used it, and the Hockeyroos have used it for preparation for overseas travel. Our computer-controlled climate room can provide different conditions of humidity, of temperature, or a combination, and prepare athletes very well for these difficult times in tropical or subtropical climates.
Of course, yesterday we announced a new three-year deal with Rugby League. They want two games in Darwin and one in Alice Springs. Of course, this comes after the agreements we had with Australian Rules football, cricket, netball, basketball, V8s, BassintheGrass, BassintheDust and, of course, the Leanyer Recreation Park, not to mention the $8.1m sitting in a bank account in Alice Springs for the swimming pool.
Madam Speaker, we believe in the Territory’s lifestyle; we want to enhance this lifestyle. Our government is committed and is prepared to spend more money to make sure that all Territorians enjoy our unique lifestyle.
Darwin Piggery and Abattoir Closure
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY and FISHERIES
Humpty Doo butchers sell buffalo and other meats produced locally that are processed at the abattoir at the Darwin Piggery. Mr Greg Cooling from Dundee Downs processes pigs through that same abattoir. With the closure of the Darwin Piggery next year, it is likely that the abattoir will also close. Does your government support local producers of buffalo, pig, beef and other animals? What is your government doing to make sure the abattoir stays open so that these small livestock producers can continue to operate?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. I understand the owner of the Darwin Piggery and abattoir, Mr Karl Mortensen, put his business up for sale about 12 months ago. A number of potential buyers have visited the site and they have included domestic and international inquiries referred by the Northern Territory government. It is my understanding that there has been no serious interest in purchasing and operating the business, or the piggery or the abattoir.
I might be at odds with you on this point, member for Nelson, but it is not the role of government to take over the running of a commercial abattoir. Private enterprise is best placed to operate such a facility. I can say that this government has a solid track record in supporting our primary industries.
In encouraging private sector investment in abattoirs, this government has commissioned a report for the evaluation of the feasibility of establishing in the Northern Territory a multi-species abattoir. This report, for the first time, pulls together all of the necessary information required by a commercial abattoir in considering an operation investment in the abattoir here in the Territory. The report concludes that many multi-species export accreditation abattoirs could be viable, and highlights key issues to be considered by any investor.
Copies of the report have been provided to a range of potential investors. We will continue to promote opportunities for the private sector to invest in abattoir facilities in the Northern Territory. My department will continue to work with any local interest in providing expert advice in complying with the food safety legislation. Should they seek to establish a small abattoir facility here in the Territory, that advice will be available.
Car Testing Industry – Effect of
130 km/h Speed Limit
130 km/h Speed Limit
Ms CARNEY to CHIEF MINISTER
The introduction of the 130 km/h speed limit on major Territory highways means that the car testing industry, valued annually at about $9m a year, will be taken away from Alice Springs and Central Australia which will, obviously, be an enormous blow to those businesses involved. Will you and your colleagues consider introducing a permit system which would allow this valuable industry to continue in Central Australia? If not, how do you intend to replace this estimated $9m that will soon be gone from Alice Springs and the Central Australian economy?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the important issue to tackle in looking at our road safety record and the recommendations we had was to look after Territorians. That is my first …
Dr Lim: Alice Springs people are not Territorians?
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms MARTIN: … and foremost concern as Chief Minister and shared by members of this government.
Dr Lim: Businesses are going to suffer a $9m loss.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Greatorex!
Dr Lim: Obviously, you do not care for Territorians there.
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, you would have thought the member for Greatorex, as a former doctor, would have had the safety of Territorians …
Ms Carney: No, he will always be a doctor.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, members!
Ms MARTIN: I apologise. As a doctor, you would have thought he would have had the safety of Territorians as the most important thing for government to strive for - but no ..
Dr Lim: Businesses would like to keep going. You are taking $9m away from them
Ms MARTIN: The member for Greatorex and the Leader of the Opposition are arguing for an industry that drives cars at 300km/h on our roads. That is the speed that they are doing – there is no backing away from that. They are taking cars as fast as they can go. I have had reports about animals and large birds that have run into those cars. You do not know when a kangaroo is going to come on the road. It worries me considerably, and I would have thought it was worrying every Territorian …
Mrs Braham: Will government compensate them?
Ms MARTIN: From government’s point of view, Territorians safety is the highest thing we have to be concerned about. Saving lives and changing our road culture is our first priority.
I recognise that there is an input by testing cars. I have not heard a figure like $9m; in fact, I was hearing one considerably less than $1m.
Members interjecting.
Mrs Braham: You do not know what you are talking about.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms MARTIN: When you have to balance the safety of Territorians against very expensive cars being tested on our roads, I am going to go for the safety of Territorians.
Job Creation and Employment
Mr KNIGHT to TREASURER
In 2001, in opposition, the Labor Party said that jobs and employment was a key priority if we won government. Given this strong commitment, can the Treasurer advise the House just how successful the focus on jobs has been, and where the Territory now sits in relation to job creation and employment?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I am delighted to respond to the question from the member for Daly. Just last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with Karen Sheldon from Karen Sheldon Catering in Darwin. She is a well-known Territorian. Many of us would remember the Dolly Pot Inn at Tennant Creek; absolutely exquisite food at the old squash courts in Tennant Creek. That was Karen’s start. When she came here a couple of years ago, she started with three employees. Today, she has 35 permanent staff on her books, and the ability to employ 90 when she is hosting major functions such as V8 Supercars if she gets those jobs.
That is what this government has done for jobs, and what this government has done for small business. We have created the conditions for small businesses to grow, strengthen and prosper. That is not all; we have invested incredibly heavily in infrastructure. Our infrastructure commitment alone this year through our capital works program will sustain 4500 jobs directly and many more thousands indirectly through the flow-on effect.
We introduced the first ever Jobs Plan to more strategically set in place those training programs which has increased Territorians in training by around 50% at last count - now in the very capable hands of my colleague, the member for Wanguri. We are focusing on the development of local employment levels in major projects wherever they occur around the Territory. We have invested in those key economic drivers to boost employment: tourism; beef roads across the Territory; the port; and the joint user terminal. The effect of these initiatives and this emphasis has been to see the Territory’s employment numbers grow.
If we compare October 2005 to October 2006, employment numbers increased by 5.9%, far in excess of what was predicted in the budget. It is the second fastest employment growth level in the country. The ANZ job advertisement series showed an 8.2% increase from October 2006 to that running in October 2005: 3700 jobs were advertised in October 2005; over 4000 jobs were advertised in October 2006. Again, that series is the second fastest rate in Australia. We now have an over 70% participation rate consistently, month-to-month, with the ABS figures, and over 100 000 people in the workforce. That takes out, of course, Defence personnel. The workforce level now stands at over 103 000 compared with just 97 000 12 months ago. Of course, if you add Defence personnel, it is over 110 000.
We will continue to implement these policies which have made the economy strong. We had a big job to reverse the recession in which the CLP left the Northern Territory in 2001 ...
Members interjecting.
Mr STIRLING: It was an enormous job and it took us more than two years of scraping together every cent once the bickie barrel had been raided by the clowns opposite, and we did it. We did it, first and foremost through the construction industry, and we will continue to strongly support the construction industry. We will continue our focus on jobs because they bring economic growth, and economic growth enhances and builds on what is a great lifestyle in the Northern Territory.
Police Force - Numbers
Ms CARNEY to CHIEF MINISTER
Your government has been forced to admit that the promised extra 200 police officers will not be delivered by the end of this year. You cannot get police into understaffed police stations such as Tennant Creek, and your own Police Commissioner admits in his annual report that staffing issues make it difficult to meet response benchmarks in the Communications Section, including 000 calls. Where do you intend to get the police to enforce the new seat belt and drink driving laws, as well as patrolling the length and breadth of the Territory to enforce our open road speed limits? From where are you going to recruit them?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is hypocrisy of the CLP to ask questions like that. It was the CLP which starved our police force of funds and recruitment for a number of years. It is hypocrisy to ask questions like that of a government that has substantially increased the funding to police - $75m additional over four years - and set targets for increasing the numbers in our police force - and will achieve those numbers.
You cannot make those figures negatives by talking about attrition rates. Attrition rates have come down. We are doing a lot better than the CLP ever did in government. We have injected significant funds; we are restoring the Traffic Unit, we are putting in Remote Area Traffic Patrols - highway patrols, which will come into place in this financial year.
The cynical, sarcastic attitude we hear from the opposition about trying to save Territorians’ lives is offensive to every single Territorian. We are funding the police. It is a tough job; our police do a great job. It is never going to be perfect, but we have increased funds. We will have traffic patrols, highway patrols, and remote area patrols, and we are going to do everything we can …
Ms Carney: What about people in their homes and on the streets, one wonders?
Ms MARTIN: I hope the Opposition Leader listens to this: to save Territorians’ lives. That is the bottom line: save lives, stop serious injuries and look after families and young drivers. If there is one thing which drives me through this whole change to our road safety, it is the young drivers out there, with the number of people running red lights and speeding, who are not experienced. Having two young drivers myself, I feel very keenly for this. Every parent, every Territorian, wants to make sure that they are safe - their children, friends and their families. Territorians generally will be safe on our roads.
Alice Springs Aquatic Centre
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for SPORT and RECREATION
Territorians enjoy a fantastic lifestyle. The Martin government has done a lot to make our lifestyle even better. Will the minister please advise the House on what more the government is doing in Alice Springs to improve our lifestyle?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. The Martin Labor government has honoured its election commitment to the people of Alice Springs by providing the Alice Springs Town Council with $8.1m for the construction of an aquatic centre …
Dr Lim: Not enough! Fix it! It is not enough. Short changing Alice Springs again!
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr VATSKALIS: I understand that the Alice Springs Town Council conducted a series of public consultations and came up with a grand plan which will cost $14m. The reality is we can sit down and talk about it as much as we like, but the people of Alice Springs want to see a swimming pool they can swim in, and $8.1m can start delivering this project.
The member for Greatorex said, ‘Not enough’, that we have not done anything for Alice Springs. Well, I know the people of Alice Springs are listening, because Matt Conlan is transmitting at 8HA.
Let me tell you what this government has delivered to the people of Alice Springs this year: $8.1m for the aquatic centre; $3m for the Traeger Park grandstand; $350 000 for the rifle range, which I opened two weeks ago; $0.5m for junior football in Ross Park; and $800 000 for a drag strip - in less than one year, $12.750m for the people of Alice Springs to enjoy top class sporting facilities.
My challenge to the CLP is: show me the year that the CLP government delivered $12.75m to Alice Springs.
Members interjecting.
Ms Carney: At least we listen.
Mr Stirling: Not enough.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Honourable members, before we continue let me just remind you of Standing Order 51, which is entitled ‘No Interruption’:
- No member may converse aloud or make any noise or disturbance which in the opinion of the Speaker is designed to interrupt or has the effect of interrupting a Member speaking.
Alice Springs Hospital Chapel
Mrs BRAHAM to MINISTER for HEALTH
In November last year, the Alice Springs Hospital Chapel was converted into a transit lounge for patients being discharged and waiting for medication. This was done with the goodwill of the minister’s fellowship. It was stated, at the time, that it would be for a three-month trial. Unfortunately, 12 months later, the temporary chapel is still in a corridor leading to the Chaplain’s office. I have written to you about this. I have had representation from staff, patients and visitors to the Alice Springs Hospital. They need their chapel back; they need a place they can go and have a quiet moment in times of stress. You visited the Alice Springs Hospital recently. Will you put the chapel back where it was originally positioned?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Braitling for her question. First, let me say that I am a great supporter of chaplaincy services within our hospitals. When I first took the portfolio, it was my pleasure to be present for a graduation of some chaplains. They do a fantastic job within our hospitals comforting people who are in sorrow.
Quite soon after I received the portfolio, I also heard about this issue related to Alice Springs Hospital - not from you, member for Braitling, at that stage although, as you say, you have raised it with me. I undertook to visit, and visit I did. I spoke with Barry Fernley, the Chaplain. The member for Braitling is correct; there was an understanding it would be a temporary change.
It has gone on too long, member for Braitling, so I asked the CEO directly to fix this problem and fix it quickly. I have been assured that it will be and that, basically, what will be required for the chaplain to move back into, substantially, the chapel, will occur before Christmas. I am pleased to report to the House on that.
I would have to say that yes, it did go on for too long. However, Alice Springs Hospital has been dealing with what can only be called a chaotic situation, following the so-called redevelopment of the hospital that was bungled under the CLP government. It has caused so much trouble and strife within that hospital. If the fingers pointed towards any group that has upset the chaplains, upset the whole hospital, it has to be the CLP, Madam Speaker. I am pleased to report to this House that this problem is being fixed and it will be fixed.
Alcohol Consumption on Boats
Mr KNIGHT to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY and FISHERIES
We all acknowledge that fishing is the lure of the Territory and that it makes a significant contribution to our great lifestyle …
Mrs Braham: Who is writing these questions? They are terrible.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Braitling, cease interjecting. Order!
Mr KNIGHT: Are you aware of the outrageous proposal to ban drinking on boats?
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order! Please pause, minister. Order! Minister.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Daly for his question. Yes, I am aware of the proposal to ban drinking while boating. Recently, on the ABC radio, the member for Katherine was very emphatic. She was asked: ‘As the shadow minister for Transport and Infrastructure, why do you think fishers need to be breath tested?’ This was her answer: ‘I don’t see why they should be treated any differently to any other person who operates a vehicle of any sort, on the land or on the ocean’.
It could not be any clearer: the CLP supports having our police chasing boats around the harbour with breathalysers and setting up random breath testing stations on our boat ramps. It is not a plan that we support. I can assure Territorians who want to enjoy a day on the harbour or chasing barra on the Daly: your lifestyle is safe under us; unlike the member for Katherine, who has threatened to seize boats. That is the penalty she was going to impose.
When asked in the same interview of the penalties she had in mind, she said, and I quote: ‘I believe they should have their boats taken away from them. Take their boats off them!’
We want to encourage people to enjoy our great lifestyle, and encourage tourists to come and enjoy our fishing in the Territory, so we will not be setting up breathalysing apparatus across our waterways, and we will not be threatening to confiscate their boats.
Under Territory legislation, there is adequate provision for safety on our waterways and, if people behave irresponsibly, there are existing offences that carry severe penalties. Under marine regulations, it is already an offence to operate a boat recklessly. However, anglers in the Territory have demonstrated over a long period of time that they are responsible when it comes to recreational boating. We think that the police have better things to do than to skulk around boat ramps at weekends, searching people’s eskies and getting them to blow in the breathalyser.
Speed Limit on Highways – Enforcement
Ms CARNEY to CHIEF MINISTER
Since you have cut short the commitment called for by the Road Safety Taskforce for the dedicated Traffic Branch by $1m, how do you intend to enforce your open road speed limit policy? Will it mean taking police off the beat who are tasked with making our streets and homes safe?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I reject the proposition being put by the Leader of the Opposition. The detail on this one, quite properly, is carried by the Police minister, and I will refer the question to him.
Dr BURNS (Police, Fire and Emergency Services): Madam Speaker, there are a couple of elements I should clarify first. The dedicated Traffic Branch recommended by the O’Sullivan Report will be implemented in December of this year, and officers are already being stationed in Darwin and Alice Springs.
The recommendations of the Road Safety Taskforce regarding remote area patrols and highway patrols are quite separate. There was some difference in the figures that were published in the road safety report, and those amounts for funding are for those particular initiatives. It came about through testing the numbers with Treasury. Basically, the numbers were firmed, and the Opposition Leader is right; they were approximately $1m less than the amounts suggested by the Road Safety Taskforce.
However, the people who compiled the Road Safety Taskforce report were experts on road safety. The figures that they published in the task force report were notional figures. All figures, if the Leader of the Opposition understood the processes of government, need to be looked at by Treasury. As I understand it, both the police and Treasury were satisfied with the figures that were arrived at. I should also add – and it was not part of the Opposition Leader’s question - substantially more was allocated by Treasury for the recurrent funding for those particular things. That is the way things work in government.
We are proud of the initiative, firstly, of reinstituting a Traffic Branch after it was scrapped by the CLP in 1991. We are also proud of the fact that we are having highway patrols and remote area patrols to address the carnage on our roads. I believe that answers the Leader of the Opposition’s question.
Telstra Activity in Remote Areas
Mr HAMPTON to MINISTER for COMMUNICATIONS
Can the minister inform the Assembly of the recent Telstra activity in Yuendumu, and other Telstra activities that are benefiting Territorians in remote areas?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Stuart for his question. It is extremely pleasing to see Telstra providing broadband ADSL services to the remote community of Yuendumu. This demonstrates that remote communities can meet the requirements for broadband installation, and that Telstra is prepared to deliver this important technology to our remote communities.
Yuendumu will now have the capacity to participate in economic and social outcomes outside the boundaries of the community at a price that is equivalent to the service we can obtain in Darwin and Canberra. It means our kids will have the opportunity to extend their horizons and communicate with friends and family at the same low cost as we all enjoy.
Telstra has demonstrated over many years that the Northern Territory is an important area for them. When ADSL was first introduced in 2000, our key telephone exchanges were amongst the first in Australia to be upgraded. Telstra has been expanding the number of exchanges and communities that have access to ADSL ever since. Nevertheless, as I have said previously in this place, there is still much more work to do. This will require Australian government funding as the communities that still need to catch up with the rest of Australia are generally too small to warrant broadband on a purely commercial basis, yet, these are the communities that can benefit most from such services. I congratulate Telstra and encourage them to continue the good work. We will maintain the pressure, with Telstra’s assistance, to obtain from the Australian government the necessary funding to ensure these types of initiatives can continue.
In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I also pay tribute to the previous member for Stuart who was a Minister for Communications on a separate occasion. He played a very important role in securing this service into Yuendumu. I thank the previous member for Stuart, Peter Toyne, for that.
Police Response Time to
Request for Assistance
Request for Assistance
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
On Friday, 17 November, Mr Bobby Bali, the owner of the Nightcliff restaurant, Caf Kashmir, was confronted by a gang of youths who were taunting and threatening him. Mr Bali recognised that two of the gang had previously robbed and assaulted him. Again facing the possibility of being assaulted, Mr Bali called for police assistance and, despite the spate of trouble that had already been occurring at the Nightcliff shops and the previous assault upon him, it took police 35 minutes to arrive at the scene. Why did it take 35 minutes for the police to come to the aid of a person at great risk of physical assault?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I am not sure of the exact time frame that the member for Araluen, the Opposition Leader, is suggesting in relation to this particular incident. What I do know is that someone has been arrested in relation to these incidents involving Mr Bali at Nightcliff. Investigations are also proceeding and police are very hopeful of laying charges against others.
It is important to note that the police are working with the Nightcliff community in relation to any youth issues in the area. There was a meeting, I think hosted by the local member, last Sunday which businesses and police attended, and that was a very fruitful meeting. We have to keep on the case of these juveniles who do break the law and threaten people, and make sure that these people are apprehended.
In relation to the Casuarina Bus Interchange, there have been some incidences within the last month. There was a serious assault and I believe at least seven people have been charged in relation to that assault. There was also an incident related to an ambulance in that area. Police are investigating that and, I believe, that they are hopeful that charges will be laid. There have been regular patrols in that area and a number of people have been apprehended on the basis of breaching their bail conditions.
So police are vigilant. I have discussed the matter …
Ms CARNEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The question was very specific; that is: why did it take 35 minutes for the police to attend? I note that the minister is determined in his efforts to not answer the question, but I request that you ask him to do so.
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, there is no point of order. The minister is answering the question.
Dr BURNS: I believe I have already answered the question, Madam Speaker.
There has been at least one arrest in relation to this matter. I am not sure, as I said, about the time frame that the Leader of the Opposition is talking about. The Leader of the Opposition says a lot of things in this House but it does not necessarily make them true. I take every assertion made by the Leader of the Opposition with a grain of salt ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: I can assure this House that at least one person has been charged over this assault and I believe police are hopeful of laying charges against others. Police are getting results; they are apprehending these people.
What we have to realise is the majority of kids and youths in our society are good kids. There is a minority that are creating headaches for people. My message to that minority is: look out, watch what you do because the police are on your case. If you break the law, you will find yourself somewhere you do not want to be.
Achievements of Territorians
Mr KIELY to CHIEF MINISTER
It is a happy question, unlike the others that have been asked lately. It has been a wonderful week for Territorians. Will you tell the House about the achievements of some of our high flyers?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is always important to celebrate the achievements of Territorians. It has been a most significant few days. You have to start with the amazing journey of Jessica Mauboy. In April, Jessica auditioned under a tree in Alice Springs. She did not know what she was going to sing, but sang like an angel. Just seven months later, last Sunday night, there she was in a horse-drawn carriage with thousands of delighted fans at the Opera House, and an Australia-wide audience of something like two or three million, in the final of Australian Idol. She has done an amazing thing.
We had a wonderful celebration for Jess at the amphitheatre. A number of members here joined 3500 people at the amphitheatre on Sunday to watch the final of Australian Idol on the big screen. Everyone was delighted at the achievement of Jessica Mauboy. It was not just any particular age group; if you looked around, there were mums and dads, grandparents, grandkids, teenagers, 20-somethings and 30-somethings. It was a truly delighted audience wanting to see if young Jess could do almost the impossible and win Australian Idol.
The talent she has and the spirit she has shown over the last seven months have been extraordinary. She is just 17, a Year 11 kid from Sanderson High School. She has inspired and delighted all of us, not just here in the Territory but around the country. It was wonderful on Sunday night to see her classmates from Sanderson High and the member for Sanderson enjoying the experience of a Wulagi kid having done so well. There were banners, which looked great. Well done, member for Sanderson, for working with the Wulagi Primary School and Sanderson High kids to do that.
We were all hoping for the fairytale ending. It did not happen, but she was a winner. There is no doubt about it. She is a winner; her amazing talent, beautiful voice and lovely personality shone through.
No one would take it away from Damien. He gave a fantastic performance and has a great voice, but Jess was up there with him. When the announcement was made, she smiled. She carried it off beautifully when most of us would have felt pretty sad. I know that people at the amphitheatre on Sunday night were pretty sad; it was a very deflated atmosphere at the end.
We should say thank you to her. She has been a wonderful ambassador. She is a great talent and every Territorian supports her. Well done, Jess. Thank you for really doing the Territory proud.
She is not the only young Territorian who has done well. Wulagi is doing very well at the moment. What is it about Wulagi? Last week, Katharina Fehringer was announced as the Territory’s entrant in the Young Australian of the Year Awards.
A finalist for the Australian of the Year Award, Raymattja Marika, a teacher, translator and academic, comes from the member for Nhulunbuy’s electorate. It has been a fantastic year for Raymattja because she was announced Territorian for the Year in July. She has now been nominated for the Australian of the Year award and I wish her the best of luck.
Senior Territorian of the Year finalist is Pat Anderson; entrants in the Local Heroes category are Frank Fotiades and Carmel Hattch.
Well done. That is again a fantastic effort - they are proud Territorians nominated for the Australia of the Year Awards.
Talking of local heroes, one is Aaron Pike, the Palmerston golfer who nearly knocked their socks off in the Masters last weekend. He is only 21. He has gone to Queensland to further his golf, but he learned golf in the Territory. The experts were saying Aaron would fade away. He did well for the first two holes. He had a bit of a bump and came back and came fourth. That is a young man with a great future.
Let us wish every single one of these Territorians who have done so well over the last week all the best in their future.
Jess holds a special place in our hearts because she had to perform so well for so many weeks under such pressure. However, to every other Territorian – Katharina, Pat, Raymattja, Aaron and the others I mentioned: well done, you have made us proud.
Mr HENDERSON (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I do not believe we have had an hour. We had notices.
Madam SPEAKER: It is up to the Leader of Government Business.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016