2007-06-20
Alleged Child Sexual Abuse, Mutitjulu -
Chief Minister’s Statements
Chief Minister’s Statements
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Yesterday, you were asked to indicate which of the two following statements was truthful regarding your 2004 Mutitjulu memo. The first was made in parliament on 11 October 2006:
- I say again, much of the information passed to me by someone I trusted, that is the project manager of Working Together, Greg Andrews, has been unsubstantiated.
However, on Monday night you told Tony Jones:
- But the first reporting I get from him is anonymously through your program …
Chief Minister, for the second time: which statement is true? Was your 2004 Mutitjulu memo based on information passed on by Greg Andrews, or was his 2006 Lateline appearance the first reporting you received from him?
Madam SPEAKER: Before I call the Chief Minister, member for Blain, I wonder if you would mind rewording that question. You are implying that one may not be true or the other. It is not a good way to start Question Time. Perhaps if you reword the question.
Mr MILLS: Madam Speaker, this question was asked yesterday, and it was not answered. We seek …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Blain, it is a question that would have to be asked by way of a substantive motion. Could you reword it so that it conforms with standing orders?
Dr LIM: Speaking to your point, Madam Speaker, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition asked the Chief Minister to substantiate one or another statement.
Madam SPEAKER: That would be reasonable, but I believe that …
Dr LIM: The Deputy Leader of the Opposition did not say that the Chief Minister was lying or anything at all. He was asking which is the right one.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Blain, I am asking you if you could please word it slightly differently so that it is not about the truth or otherwise in the question.
Mr MILLS: All right. Chief Minister, yesterday you were asked to indicate which of the two following statements was correct regarding your 2004 Mutitjulu memo. The first was made in parliament on 11 October 2006:
- I say again, much of the information passed to me by someone I trusted, that is the project manager of Working Together, Greg Andrews, has been unsubstantiated.
While on Monday night you told Tony Jones:
- But the first reporting I get from him is anonymously through your program …
Now, for the second time: which statement is correct? Was your 2004 Mutitjulu memo based on information passed on by Greg Andrews, or was his 2006 Lateline appearance the first reporting you received from him?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Deputy Opposition Leader for his question. It is interesting. When this report is released by an independent inquiry with 97 recommendations in it about the future of one of the most serious issues facing the Territory, the best the opposition can do in dealing with this – and we saw it through the censure yesterday – is hardly a mention of the report, hardly a mention of the seriousness of the issue we are facing, the sexual abuse of Aboriginal children. There is an obsession to be running an argument of 12 months ago about a program that was done by Lateline on Mutitjulu. The obsession with the opposition in running this is really quite bizarre.
The opposition cannot accept the facts of this matter. The fact that there is a memo seems to have blinded them to any issues about it. Can I just take people back over a number of years? I am sure the member for Macdonnell knows about this, and probably the former member for Macdonnell knows about this: Mutitjulu was a very troubled community. There is no secret about that. Mutitjulu has a history of being a troubled community. The incidence of the petrol sniffing at Mutitjulu was something that was documented. Some of the social dysfunctions concerning that were written about in newspapers that went to the other side of the world.
Mr MILLS: A point of order; Madam Speaker! I am sure the Chief Minister does know that this question is a point of clarification: which statement is correct? That is all.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Blain, as you would be aware, there is a fair bit of latitude, both in the asking and answering of questions. The Chief Minister is answering the question.
Mr Mills: You are happy with this?
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker. It has a context. All these things have a context and there is …
Mr Mills: What, dishonesty has a context?
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms MARTIN: The attempt by the Opposition Leader …
Mr Mills interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Blain, I would ask you to withdraw.
Mr Mills: I withdraw, Madam Speaker.
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, the attempt by the opposition to distort what happened at Mutitjulu and the actions taken by myself as Chief Minister are quite extraordinary.
I was concerned about Mutitjulu. I put in a project manager. I never met that project manager, but Greg Andrews was put in to Mutitjulu to advise government on how we could deal with the issues, to advise government about the important issues that were troubling Mutitjulu, that were causing headlines, that were causing real concern.
The first time I set eyes on him was when he was on the Mutitjulu program of Lateline, in the dark, pretending to be a youth worker. Not surprisingly, people were pretty taken aback. I was taken aback when I was told that was Greg Andrews. There was some very strong criticism of Lateline for using a mechanism like that which, professionally, as journalists, you would have to ask serious questions about, and they were asked serious questions about it. There is quite a history with the Mutitjulu program. As I pointed out to Tony Jones the other night, it was not the issue they were talking about, it was the way they did the program that had so many people questioning what they did and how they did it. It is an important story they told, but it was they way they told it.
The fact is that I did write a memo to the then Police minister saying that there had been allegations of things happening in Mutitjulu that included damage from petrol sniffing and other things that were outlined. Certainly, police followed it up. Despite 170 interviews that they did, they could not find a matter to prosecute. It is a very sad tale, the Mutitjulu tale. Mutitjulu is very proud of the fact that they have put petrol sniffing behind them, and I congratulate the community for taking those strong steps. The Mutitjulu issue is a side issue to this because we now have this very substantial report to deal with and that, Madam Speaker, is where my focus is.
Australia – Filming in Darwin
Ms SACILOTTO to CHIEF MINISTER
The Northern Territory is about to receive a major boost through the filming of the movie Australia in July. Can you update the House on this fantastic opportunity for the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I would be delighted to and I thank the member for Port Darwin for her question. Everyone in this House, every Territorian in fact, is very pleased that Baz Luhrmann’s film Australia is being shot where it is set, and that is in Darwin. Filming on Stokes Hill Wharf begins on Tuesday, 3 July, and will finish up on 12 July. There will be a break in that filming for about four days while what they call the wharf is redressed for another shot, and they will be shooting some scenes in a Darwin warehouse during some of that time.
Throughout the filming period, it will be business as usual for traders on the wharf. The production company, Bazmark, has done a lot of work and they are working with us on this situation very carefully. Logistically, the production company expects to take up most of the parking spaces, for example, on the wharf, so an alternative parking location will be at the corner of Frances Bay Drive and McMinn Street. There will be a shuttle service to operate from there continuously from 8.30 in the morning to 11.00 at night, from before the filming starts on 30 June through to 13 July. There will be up to six coaster buses to transport visitors to and from the wharf precinct, and they will make stops along the way at wonderful attractions like Indo Pacific Marine, the pearl museum, Jetty Restaurant and on to the Sunset Cruise vessels. Access to the Deckchair Cinema and World War II Tunnels will also be available.
Bazmark has met with the waterfront developers and the contractors. Work on the waterfront will continue throughout filming, with only occasional stoppages for loud noise where they need a quiet time. There will be some level of stoppage, but only occasionally.
What is really terrific about the filming is that Darwin is great for volunteers, and we have volunteers who are helping manage the whole thing during the production. A task force was set up, co-chaired by my department and the NT Film Office, which enlisted the help of an experienced coordinator recently involved with the Arafura Games. Around 100 volunteers will help with duties over the time of the filming, such as bus driving, commentary on each shuttle, and will assist with alternative parking at the wharf. Great! Darwin volunteers are terrific and they are helping out with this. Baz Luhrmann himself has designed a uniform for the volunteers for whom the company will provide refreshments, meals and support over the entire period.
Despite only small parts of the film Australia actually being shot in Darwin, the story in the movie actually starts and ends here. Audiences around the world will see Darwin as it was in the 1930s and the film will highlight our natural attractions. Of course, a key part of that is the bombing of Darwin in 1942. Baz Luhrmann has an awesome reputation. This, undoubtedly, will be a most successful movie. It will promote Darwin not only to national audiences but also to international audiences. We should all be very excited about what is happening.
On a personal note, the Mayor of Bowen, where muchof this is being shot, was offered a part in the movie. I was not; I am hurt.
McArthur River Mine Legislation –
Member for Arafura’s Position
Member for Arafura’s Position
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
On 5 May 2007, you told the Northern Territory News in relation to the minister for the Environment, absent from the McArthur River Mine vote, that:
- Marion was fully committed and part of the Cabinet decision to take the legislative amendment.
On 23 May 2007, minister Scrymgour admitted the only reason she did not cross the floor and vote against the bill was because she would have to resign as a minister. Most importantly, minister Scrymgour said on the ABC:
- I had discussions with the Chief Minister and my other colleagues and I made a decision that I would not vote.
Chief Minister, which is correct: is it your statement on 5 May, or the member for Arafura’s statement on 23 May?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, again I thank the member for his question. If we go back to the last sitting of parliament, it was a very difficult time. The issue that we had to deal with, the circumstances, the timing of that …
Dr Lim: Which is correct?
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms MARTIN: … the timing of that legislation was a very difficult process for many people in here, everyone in here. When speaking to that legislation, that is exactly what I said. That was certainly what I said at the time.
There is no doubt that everyone went through a lot of internal searching about it and realised that we did not have an option other than to bring that legislation in at that time and to pass it on urgency. That does not take away from the real fact that faced members in here of the difficulties of that. For the Environment minister, it was no different. The Environment minister is a very responsible Cabinet minister. She made that decision, but it does not set aside the personal issues that go with it. There is no doubt that it was a tough time. However, I have the fullest confidence in the member for Arafura.
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The question goes specifically to the veracity of statements that were made. That has not been touched on.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Blain, the Chief Minister is answering the question. I am unable to direct her to answer in a particular fashion.
Mr Mills: But it is not the question that I asked, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: The Chief Minister is answering the question. There is a fair bit of latitude in the asking and answering of questions.
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, on this question it is important because it is not a simple, straightforward yes or no. It is a difficult issue. I would have thought that the Deputy Opposition Leader might have understood that. You might have thought that he understood that.
It was a difficult time. Cabinet ministers know very well that a Cabinet decision is a Cabinet decision, and that is the end of the matter. It was a difficult time for everyone involved. Certainly, I have great confidence in the member for Arafura and understand the difficulties that were confronting her at the time. She is a strong Cabinet minister and has my full support.
Census Population Figures
Mr BURKE to TREASURER
Please inform the House what the recently released census population figures mean for the Northern Territory.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Brennan for his question. He lives in a part of the Territory that is part of this very good story we have to tell about the last Census.
Territorians will remember that in August last year, we were all required to fill in a Census form for our households. After years and years and years of frustration, with everyone knowing that the Census under-counted the Territory population in past census periods, we are starting to see, after all those years, some accuracy emerging.
In saying that, I do not want to disparage the efforts of the Australian Bureau of Statistics, nor the efforts of the Census workers or of the volunteers who, during the Census period, travelled many thousands of kilometres, walked the soles off many pairs of shoes door to door in major centres to ensure everyone receives and fills in their form. I do not demean that effort at all.
What I do say is that the 2006 Census has been a far more robust exercise than we have ever seen conducted in the Northern Territory before. It is important to note and record the assistance provided by the Northern Territory government to the Australian Bureau of Statistics in what is a massive task in Australia, but even more difficult in the Northern Territory, given our dispersed population across so many small communities over great distances. We assisted the ABS through awareness raising activities and an engagement with the communities. I congratulate and thank every Territorian for participating to help calculate that far more accurate population figure for the Northern Territory than we ever had before.
I was pleased to stand with the Chief Minister in the mall recently and announce that the Territory population was then officially 212 551 people. It was boosted in large part because the Census picked up 3986 Territorians who had previously not been counted. Now, it is not just an exercise to satisfy whoever the minister is responsible for population figures in Canberra, nor indeed the armies of bureaucrats involved. It has a very real and immediate effect on the Territory’s bottom line financially because under the federal GST revenue sharing scheme, more people means more funding; more funding means greater ability to deal with health care needs, with infrastructure needs, education and police.
We know how much the opposition like to carry on about GST money coming in. They call it a windfall. They demean the right that the Territory has to this money, the money that we both need and deserve. We are focusing on spending that money across key priority areas that are helping to build the Territory not just for 2007-08, but for the next decade and beyond.
The figure also demonstrates that people are voting with their feet. We have the second fastest growing population in Australia. They are coming to a place in the Northern Territory with a strong, stable economy, a place with well paid jobs, with thriving local businesses and a place where they can enjoy a great lifestyle and raise a family. On the basis of that, who would not want to live here?
McArthur River Mine Legislation –
Member for Arafura’s Position
Member for Arafura’s Position
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Your office told the Northern Territory News on 5 May 2007 that the minister for the Environment was called out of the Chamber to attend budget meeting with unions.
I table a copy of the minister’s diary for 3 May 2007. I point out that her meeting was actually a function for unions in the Strangers Lounge in this building hosted by the Treasurer who, incidentally, was able to attend the vote.
Chief Minister, which is correct: the advice provided by your office on 5 May about the member for Arafura’s attendance at an important budget meeting on 23 May, or the statement by the member for Arafura that she deliberately avoided the vote to avoid crossing the floor?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Blain, you will need to seek leave to table the diary entry.
Mr MILLS: I seek leave to table the entry from the minister’s diary.
Leave granted.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the Deputy Opposition Leader has tabled the minister’s diary for that day. It clearly says that there was a budget briefing. I would have thought that says it all. There was a kind of sneer in the Deputy Opposition Leader’s voice when he said it was a union briefing as though a union briefing is not legitimate. When we brief on the budget, we brief everyone who is a key stakeholder. The unions, for us at least, for the Labor Party, are key stakeholders.
It was required that the Treasurer, as Attorney-General, in his other very important role, was in the House as part of that legislative debate, and we were very thankful that the minister for the Environment, the member for Arafura, could cover that function. So that is what happened. You have the diary.
Air Services to the Northern Territory
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for TOURISM
Air services remain a critical challenge for the tourism industry and Territorians wanting to travel. Can you inform the House on the progress of any aviation developments?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Macdonnell for her question. As a Central Australian, she knows only too well how important increasing air services into the Northern Territory is. It is one of the most critical factors affecting the tourism industry and is therefore a significant priority for me as Tourism minister.
Earlier this year, I met with both Etihad Airways and Emirates in the United Arab Emirates and spoke to them about the benefits of using Darwin as an entry point into Australia as they move through to ports like Sydney and Melbourne. Etihad Airways have committed to visit the Territory later in the year and continue discussions which will, hopefully, inform their medium to long term planning as they expand their airline.
Recently, I met with senior executives from Qantas and Virgin Blue in Brisbane. Virgin Blue executives advised they are expanding their operations and indicated their desire for a long term relationship with the Northern Territory. Virgin Blue is bringing new Embraer aircraft into its fleet. They are looking to expand their networks in regional Australia, and obviously Alice Springs would be a very important part of that expansion.
To that end, I put an initiative to Virgin Blue to hold business forums in Alice Springs and Darwin later this year, where the regional tourism associations and the Chamber of Commerce will be invited, because Virgin Blue is saying that they want to have direct discussion with industry, business and communities before they make decisions about where they are going to fly because obviously they want future operations to be sustainable. They want to be able to gauge the level of community support. I have certainly written to all of those industry associations urging them to send representatives to those forums and start talking to their membership about how they could support the expansion of Virgin Blue both into Darwin and, very importantly, Alice Springs.
Obviously, Qantas is still the major airline providing services into the Northern Territory. Domestically, they provide over 90% of the market. Meeting with Qantas senior executives, they confirmed their commitment to the Territory and agreed to commit more resources into cooperative marketing activity, particularly overseas, which is a good result.
Another result of my discussions is that I have committed to convening a State of Industry Report, inviting airlines to brief industry directly in terms of their operations and what their plans are for the Northern Territory. I would like to make this an annual event and hope to have the first one in February 2008.
Qantas announced four additional services to Alice Springs from Sydney, starting on 23 June to July this year. This will deliver an extra 1280 seats into and out of Alice during the peak season. Qantas have also commenced additional daylight services between Sydney and Darwin. Hooray for an additional daylight service! I point it out to every airline that I meet. Territorians are sick of the back of the clock flights, and it is great that Qantas have put an additional daylight service on between Sydney and Darwin for June, adding some 800 seats and another 1440 seats for July.
Tiger Airways commenced a fifth weekly service from Singapore to Darwin, which is an extra 180 seats a week. That is an extra 9000 seats a year for our international tourists into and out of the Northern Territory, a real boost for the tourism industry.
Obviously, through Tourism NT, we are having continuing negotiations with Tiger in regards to their expansion as a third airline into the Australian market. We are certainly not talking about subsidies; what we are talking about is cooperative marketing in the same way that we offer cooperative marketing to Qantas and Virgin Blue.
Madam Speaker, air services into the Northern Territory are absolutely critical not only for our tourists but also our business community. We are seeing those services growing and, as Minister for Tourism, it will remain a key priority in the work that I do on behalf of our tourism industry.
Industrial Development – Darwin Sites
Mr WOOD to CHIEF MINISTER
You have been reported recently as saying that the middle of the harbour may be a more suitable place than Glyde Point for industrial development. The minister for NRETA has said in her budget media release that Darwin Harbour is the jewel in the crown of our capital city. Chief Minister, are not these two statements contradictory? Why have you discarded Glyde Point as the centre for heavy industry when there has been no environmental impact statement released for comment yet? Why do you not consider the Howard Peninsula, an extractive mineral area, as an alternative for general industry instead of it sticking out like a sore thumb in the middle of Middle Arm Peninsula? Does not putting industry in the middle of the harbour say that your government has no real vision for the harbour, and if we are not careful, the jewel in the crown will end up being a plastic imitation made in China?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. No one is planning to build in the middle of the harbour.
Mr Wood: Middle Arm Peninsula.
Ms MARTIN: Yes, but that is different from saying ‘in the middle of the harbour’.
Mr Wood: You know what I mean.
Ms MARTIN: No, but it does imply somehow that it is going to be floating.
Mr Wood: Middle Arm.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, with a little bit of licence, I need to give some context again to this question.
For the best part of 30 years, I believe it is, Middle Arm has been zoned for low key industrial development, and it has been zoned that way for a long time. When the previous government was looking at future development of Darwin, Glyde Point was considered to be a good, appropriate location for further industrial development in Darwin, which we all wanted to see come here to build and sustain the economy.
There has been a lot of concern raised about Glyde Point. Despite starting an environmental impact statement there, a lot of concern has been expressed about that particular environment. When I launched Creating Darwin’s Future last year – which is about more than the CBD of Darwin; it is about the surrounding areas - one of the questions that was put out to our community – and I am sure you were aware of this and probably made a submission to the Creating Darwin’s Future program – was: should we continue with that focus on Glyde Point for future industrial development, or should we focus it more on Middle Arm?
That was put to the community, through displays we had at shopping centres and it was put to the forums. I had a number of different forums with key stakeholders and, essentially, there were no complaints aired when we said let us leave Glyde Point and look at further development on Middle Arm - not in Darwin Harbour, but further back than Middle Arm. At Wickham Point, we have the LNG plant, and so should we be looking at focussing any further …
Mr Wood interjecting.
Ms MARTIN: It is zoned for industrial development, but focusing gas-based industries also on Middle Arm.
We are looking at the results of that in terms of the specifics, and I look forward to seeing what the member for Nelson put to us for Creating Darwin’s Future and what his specific thoughts are. I am sure you would have put them in through my department on the future of important industrial development in the Territory, and whether that is at Glyde Point or at Middle Arm.
McArthur River Mine Legislation –
Member for Arafura’s Position
Member for Arafura’s Position
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Both the claim the minister for the Environment were supportive of the Cabinet position in respect to the McArthur River Mine bill, and the statement that the minister was attending an important budget meeting have been proven untrue.
Will you now take the opportunity to set the record straight and tell Territorians that the minister was not fully committed to the Cabinet decision and not at an important budget meeting but rather at drinks in this building?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I usually thank the members opposite for their questions, but not this one, because it is full of misinformation. I am surprised that the member for Blain would try to distort the facts of the matter.
I answered the question last time. The minister was fully committed to the Cabinet decision. There was an event on; it was budget week. I know that budget really has not impacted much on the opposition at this stage. It is a great budget and I certainly congratulate the Treasurer. However, the fact was we were in the middle of a very busy budget week and commitments needed to be kept. That is what happened. To start making up fanciful things about what happened does not do you any credit.
Native Cycads – Draft Management Plan
Mr BURKE to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
Part of what makes the Northern Territory special is our wonderful flora and fauna. One of our beautiful unique Top End plants is the cycad. Could the minister please tell the House what the Northern Territory government is doing to help protect these unique and ancient plants?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for – I was going to say Brennan for his question. Our natural environment needs to be protected for future generations of Territorians to enjoy. Yesterday, I released a Draft Plan of Management for the future use of the much sought after plant, the cycad, and called for all Territorians to comment. Many of us who have been out in remote communities and around the bush know what cycads look like. They are long-leafed slow-growing woody plants, with eight of the 10 species that we have in Australia here in the Northern Territory.
The draft management program for cycads in the Northern Territory from 2007 to 2012 aims to maintain viable wild populations of all cycads across their range in the Territory. This draft management program aims to promote the conservation of cycad populations through sustainable management practices. These unique native plants are treasured by people from various walks of life, with cycad plants and seeds in demand for many enthusiasts and nursery trades.
While the primary demand has traditionally been from specialist collectors, cycads are increasingly popular in landscaping and as pot plants. Their attractive shape and long shelf life generates demand from the ornamental leaf trade, with the leaves commonly used to complement orchid stems and in dried flower arrangements.
Cycads are popular for many reasons, but their popularity should not threaten their existence. In the past, some small populations have been decimated by uncontrolled removal of plants and seeds.
Mrs Braham: What a way to waste Question Time.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: I know how you love the environment, member for Braitling. Madam Speaker, I will wind it up.
The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens maintains a cycad collection. There are actually cycads in Central Australia, member for Braitling, if you are interested. The collection includes all species found across the Northern Territory. I encourage all Territorians to go to the gardens to have a look. I also encourage all members, particularly our regional and bush members, to put the draft management program in their electorate offices and to encourage as many people as possible to have input into the draft plan.
McArthur River Mine Legislation –
Member for Arafura’s Position
Member for Arafura’s Position
Mr MILLS to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
The Chief Minister has told Territorians that the primary reason the indigenous members of this House did not support the MRM bill was because of the timing of the funeral at Borroloola. What was your objection to the MRM bill? Was it simply the case the timing was wrong, or was it the case that you objected to the bill because it would have the effect of taking away the established rights of traditional owners?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I am not going to thank the member for Blain for his question because he is playing gutter politics with this. This matter is old news. The legislation passed through this House, is in operation and the mine is proceeding. If the member for Blain had bothered reading my interview with the Northern Territory News, I said that I had difficulties with the timing, however, I supported the legislation. I do not intend to go over those issues again. You can try to twist and turn this as much as you want, but there were issues. I have explained that. And, yes, I was at a union function.
NAIDOC Week
Mr BONSON to MINISTER assisting the CHIEF MINISTER on INDIGENOUS POLICY
Between 8 and 15 July is a magnificent event celebrating the rights of indigenous people, and that is NAIDOC Week. It will be a celebration of the equality of rights and recognition for the input that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have made in Australia and throughout the Northern Territory. I would like the minister to tell us what we are doing as a government and what we are doing as members to support this magnificent event.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I do, indeed, thank the member for Millner. He justifiably has every reason to be proud of NAIDOC celebrations that occur throughout Australia every year. This year is a very special one because it is the 50th year of the celebrations of the achievements, the struggles, the heartache, the good times of indigenous people throughout Australia. It is fair to say, too, that quite apart from the last 50 years, we should also recognise the previous 60 000 years, and that is very important.
We recognise people like Mr Lingiari, Mr Perkins, Mr McGuiness, the late Mr Timothy. You have people like Mrs Ruddick, Mrs Coles and a whole lot of people throughout the Northern Territory – Mrs Christopherson – and, indeed, many contemporary indigenous people who have contributed much to this society and, quite frankly, it is something which makes the Territory a very, great place.
As I said, it is the 50th year of celebrations. It is held in Darwin, which makes it special. The Northern Territory government has been very proud to be involved in this event and we have been able to allocate $50 000, which is a great outcome for the week in question.
I table the program of the Top End NAIDOC Week celebrations in Darwin. It outlines all the events that are occurring throughout the course of the week. The theme this year is: 50 Years: Looking Forward, Looking Blak and the theme for the Top End NAIDOC Week march is: U Mob, Us Mob, One Mob, which is a most appropriate theme for a jurisdiction like the Northern Territory.
During the course of the week, and more so on 30 July, national awards will be announced and there will be awards that apply across the Northern Territory. Entertainment will be provided by Australian Idol finalist, Jessica Mauboy, Yothu Yindi, Pigram Brothers, Mills Sisters, and Banawurun featuring Troy'n'Trevelyn will perform on the night, which will be hosted by Leah Purcell, who is well known throughout Australia. She will be here for that occasion.
In conclusion, I thank the Darwin Committee, which has been involved with the national committee, which is chaired by Mr Ridgeway. They have worked very hard over the last period to get this event up. I pay tribute to Deborah Kneebone, the coordinator, Lorraine Tomlins, Toni Ah Sam, Patsy Ramond, Ngaree Ah Kit - and, incidentally, Mr Ah Kit is special advisor to the committee.
Members: Hear, hear!
Mr McADAM: Yes, he is. Back to the Committee: Nora Haughton; Denis Lew Fatt; Dougie Bon who is the Patron along with Aunty Cathy Mills; Rosemary Butler and Bilawara Lee.
These events will be occurring across Australia and in the Northern Territory at places like Alice Springs, Katherine, Borroloola and Tennant Creek. They also have committees, volunteers, and people who have put a lot of effort into this week. I thank them as well, urge all people in Darwin to attend as many of these functions as possible between 8 and 15 July.
Larapinta Stage 4 – First Home
Buyer Opportunities
Buyer Opportunities
Mrs BRAHAM to MINISTER for PLANNING and LANDS
In Alice Springs, you mentioned that six blocks of land in Larapinta Stage 4 have been earmarked for first home buyers. Knowing how high the prices are at Stirling Heights, which was Larapinta Stage 3, can you tell me, I am talking about first home buyers, when will these be released? What price will you put on them? How will you allocate just six blocks of land for first home buyers?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Braitling for her question. It is good to see that she is taking an active interest in opportunities for first home buyers in Alice Springs. The Albrecht Drive development was passed in at auction so it is on the market at the reserve price of $1m. There has been some active engagement with potential developers in recent weeks. Our agent in Alice Springs has been instructed to advise all potential developers that Cabinet has confirmed the public housing for that development will be seniors public housing. We expect it to be multiple dwellings providing between 20 and 25 units for senior Territorians in Alice Springs.
The commitment to six blocks for first home buyers is a core part of that development. The first home buyer blocks will be sold as both house and land packages and whilst I cannot give you an exact price, what I can tell you is that they will be under the HomeNorth threshold, which in Alice Springs is $240 000.
Recreational Fishing – Artificial Reefs
in Darwin Harbour
in Darwin Harbour
Mr WARREN to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY and FISHERIES
Everyone knows how important fishing is to our wonderful lifestyle in the Northern Territory. It lures more than 100 000 fishing tourists here each year. Can you please give us an update on plans for the expansion of artificial reefs in and around Darwin Harbour so that our fishing is even better?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Goyder for his question. Yes, he is correct: fishing is the lure of the Territory. On a scale of one to 10 in popularity, it has to be an 11. Scale – get it?
Members interjecting.
Mr NATT: Okay. Darwin Harbour is the number one destination for fishing for people in and around Darwin, and that is borne out by the activity at Dinah Beach Boat Ramp. Coming and going from Parliament House to home, I see the number of cars and trailers on the new expansion and upgrade of Dinah Beach Boat Ramp. It shows that Darwin Harbour is probably the most popular of all the boat ramps. To assist recreational fishermen, we have brought the Hudson Creek Boat Ramp forward. That will be built at East Arm. We have brought that forward from the 2008-09 Budget into this year’s budget.
Artificial reefs play an important role and provide additional opportunities for our recreational anglers. That has been borne out by the popularity of the Kay Lee, which was sunk some years ago on the Lee Point Artificial Reef complex. It has proved most popular for small boating anglers. In addition to that, a 25-metre illegal fishing vessel has been purchased from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority for $1. They have assisted in arranging Quarantine approvals as part of the conditions of sale, and we thank them for that. The Medkhanun 3 was apprehended north of Darwin almost two years ago. That will be sunk by the Harbour Master on the old Song Saigon Reef in the middle of Darwin Harbour.
Mr Mills: Is that near the poo shooter?
Mr NATT: No, nowhere near that. The salvageable gear that was on board the Medkhanun 3 has been donated to AFANT. We believe that will total around $10 000. AFANT is going to use that $10 000 to enhance artificial reefs around the harbour.
I would like to recognise ConocoPhillips, who financially assisted AFANT in the preparation of the craft. Anglers will not have far to go now to enjoy their fishing. It will make a great day on the water with all of these artificial reefs around the place, and it really is great news for recreational fishing. It also sends a clear message to illegal fishers that they will not be tolerated in and around our waters, because their vessels really do make good reefs.
Blue Mud Bay Decision –
Personal Opinion of Minister
Personal Opinion of Minister
Mrs MILLER to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
As a result of the Blue Mud Bay decision, the water in the intertidal zone adjacent to Aboriginal land has been determined to be the exclusive possession of the traditional owners. Do you support the Northern Territory government’s position that recreational fishermen have access to these waters without the need for a permit?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I am not even going to bother answering this question because it is irrelevant to my portfolio.
Mr HENDERSON: A point of order, Madam Speaker. Standing orders specifically preclude members asking ministers for an opinion. Question Time is for asking ministers for answers to questions about portfolio responsibilities for which they have carriage, not for asking for personal opinions. I urge that you rule the question out of order.
Madam SPEAKER: I will seek advice from the Clerk. After having sought advice, certainly the question is out of order, but if you wish to ask the question of the Attorney-General, who has responsibility for the portfolio, you may do so.
Demerit Points Scheme
Mr BONSON to MINISTER for INFRASTRUCTURE and TRANSPORT
The government has introduced demerit points to crack down on hoon drivers. Will the government adopt the CLP’s plan announced this morning on ABC radio by the member for Katherine to double the demerit points for some offences?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Millner for his question. There certainly have been many comments in the last couple of days on demerit points. There were some comments on radio this morning that tended to sum up the government’s position, and that is not one of them, I have to say.
The comment this morning on ABC radio this morning was:
- Yes, it is a deterrent and it makes it safe on the road, absolutely.
Those comments were from the shadow spokesperson for Transport, the member for Katherine, on ABC radio this morning, so I am looking forward to the CLP’s bipartisan support for the demerit points legislation when it goes through the Chamber in August.
Another quote this morning from the member for Katherine was:
- One of the things that the Northern Territory government always refers to in any respect of Territory life is education, education, education, and they are right.
Curious, but yes, indeed, 11 of our 21 recommendations from the Road Safety Task Force that this government has adopted do, in fact, relate to education. We have allocated an extra $250 000 to promote the education of road safety awareness annually. This is another curious comment from the member for Katherine, who said on radio again this morning:
- Drink driving attracting three points is not enough, it needs to be double that.
I am not sure if the member for Katherine wants demerit points for boat owners as well. That was CLP policy that she announced: they would randomly breath test boat owners on the water.
Yesterday, the Leader of the Opposition was caught out being hypocritical. Today the member for Katherine has been caught out being hypocritical. When you play politics with an issue as important as road safety, you will get caught out.
Public Housing – Waiting Lists
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for HOUSING
Over the last six months, I have been approached by a senior Territorian who is in desperate need of accommodation. She is eligible for a Housing Commission house. She applied for a one-bedroom unit over two years ago when the waiting list was 24 months. She has regularly rung up to see when a unit was available, and has been told there were only a few people in front of her. Now, 26 months on, she has been told the waiting list is 27 months, and there are still only a few people in front of her on the list. Why is there a long waiting list? Why is the waiting time getting longer? Why is your government not increasing the amount of public housing in light of the demand shown by the long waiting list and the lack of affordability of private houses for many people today?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. He did ask a number of questions there. Essentially, it is about the waiting time in respect of a senior citizen who, as I understand it, made application for a house and was advised there was a 24-month waiting list and, when she phoned back, she was advised that there was a period of 27 months or thereabouts waiting time.
Waiting lists across the Northern Territory are an issue of immense concern. This is something which we, as a government, are trying to tackle and resolve. We are trying to put in place new initiatives. We have been able to develop new complexes in Darwin and Alice Springs. However, the most important thing here is if you would like to give me some of the details in regards to the pensioner in question, I am quite happy to take up the matter. I am aware of it, but I will get you a definite answer.
The important challenge in being able to provide housing on a needs basis in a more timely manner is most certainly something that should be looked at in a meaningful way. One of the ways I believe we can do it, and I have spoken about it in this House before, is by being able to engage the private sector. Since the period that I have been minister, we have spoken to some of the developers. I am aware that there probably are some opportunities and capacity for a joint venture with the private sector where they are building for those people who can afford housing. That, within itself, is an important area of great demand by those who can actually afford it, when they need a place, to live in a community of interest. Equally so for those people who cannot afford housing and fall under the public housing banner.
However, in regard to the specific question, yes, I will get back to you with an answer. Of course, this government will continue to work as hard as we possibly can. You have already had an answer from the minister for Planning about some of the proposals to engage with the private sector on public housing needs. In the Larapinta area, there are units proposed for senior citizens. As I said, we will continue to engage with the private sector because we believe that that is one of the better ways to go.
Medical Workforce
Mr BONSON to MINISTER for HEALTH
Can you please update the House on the progress that has been made to increase the nursing and medical workforce in the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Millner for his question. This is a government that has put in 270 extra nursing FTE positions since we came to power in 2001, so we are a government that is committed to properly resourcing our health system.
Yesterday, an announcement was made about an extra 55 nursing positions across the Northern Territory. That is on top of the 270 extra since 2001. These nursing positions will be in Darwin and Alice Springs: 35 at Royal Darwin Hospital; and 20 at Alice Springs Hospital.
This is a significant way forward. We are always looking to provide a better work/life balance for our nursing staff in particular. We recognise how hard they work. We also recognise the amount of overtime that they work, and it is our aim to reduce the amount of overtime. It also improves our capacity to retain nurses.
Yvonne Falckh, Branch Secretary of the Australian Nursing Federation, attended yesterday’s announcement. She said in yesterday’s Northern Territory News that this announcement of 55 extra nursing positions was great news. She also echoes what I have said: she hoped that the nurses would have a big impact on overtime. She wanted nurses to spend more time with their families, we all want that, and the increase in full-time positions is likely to see nurses staying longer in the Territory. By the end of May 2007, we had 1673 nurses working in the health system, and the extra 55 positions are a welcome addition.
We have also added doctors to the workforce since we came to power in 2001. They have increased from 272 in June 2001 to 393 today, an increase of 121 doctors.
This is a government that is resourcing our health system, putting more doctors and nurses in to the health system. I am looking forward over the coming months to making many more positive announcements about our health system.
Blue Mud Bay Cabinet Decision –
Support of Minister
Support of Minister
Mrs MILLER to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE referred to MINISTER for JUSTICE and ATTORNEY-GENERAL
Cabinet has made a decision to take the traditional owners of waters in the intertidal zones to the highest court in this land with the objective of removing their ability to dictate access to these waters by recreational fishers. Do you support this decision?
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Before I call the minister, I am not sure that the minister has portfolio responsibility for that. You will need to redirect the question to the Attorney-General.
Mrs Miller: I was just asking if she supported the decision.
Madam SPEAKER: While the question should rightly be directed to the Attorney-General, if the minister wishes to answer, I will give her that opportunity.
ANSWER
I do not believe I should answer it at all, Madam Speaker. It should be handled by the Attorney-General.
Mr STIRLING (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, in relation to Blue Mud Bay, we are expecting advice either later this afternoon or tomorrow in relation to the High Court decision about whether the Northern Territory will be granted leave to appeal the Federal Court’s decision of earlier this year about access and the ownership of the intertidal zone and waters abutting or adjacent to or on Aboriginal land.
In relation to the question from the member for Katherine, you cannot ask questions in this House in relation to an opinion, nor can you ask hypotheticals. They are long term standing orders, so there is no question there. Every minister of this government supports the Cabinet decision. They are at the table when those decisions are made and they have their say then. Once the decision is made, every minister is bound by it.
Daly River Management Advisory Committee
Mr KNIGHT to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
The Daly River Management Advisory Committee was established over a year ago to develop options for future uses of the Daly River catchment. Can the minister please let us know how the committee is going with this work?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Daly for his question. I know that the Daly River Management Advisory Committee, or DR MAC, as it is fondly known, is certainly an area in which the member for Daly takes a great interest.
As we all know, DR MAC was created to build on the foundations of the CRG report commissioned by our government, looking at the importance of the Daly River region and how critical it is to get things right when it comes to future development in that area.
I take this opportunity to congratulate John Childs who has been the chair of that committee since its inception. John has done a fantastic job of balancing all of the interests of stakeholders who have been on DR MAC, which are the Cattlemen’s Association, AFANT, the Environment Centre, WWF, indigenous and non-indigenous land holders. He has kept all of those stakeholders and interest groups together and focused to look at all the issues.
As I said, the member for Daly has taken a keen interest and I know that he has attended DR MAC meetings a number of times and gone to a lot of the community events that have been held right through the Daly region to consult with various landowners.
Some of the major issues I asked DR MAC to address were particularly vegetation clearing, water management and subdivisions. The clearing issue was given a higher priority because of the moratorium this government placed on clearing in 2003. I am pleased to say that in the last few days I received the first report of DR MAC. I will be discussing it with my Cabinet colleagues, but it gives us a very good way forward for future development in the region. I will update the House in relation to what I believe are some good decisions in due course.
I know the Attorney-General has carriage of Blue Mud Bay, but I fully support our government’s decision in relation to that and what they have taken forward.
Mr HENDERSON (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016