2004-10-13
Radiation Levels in Drinking Water on Aboriginal Communities
Ms CARTER to MINISTER for the ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
Yesterday, you told parliament:
- … there are some communities which have water contaminant level issues. Government is dealing with those issues through testing by the Power and Water Corporation.
Later, you were gagged by your office, which refuted your comments. I ask you for the truth: how many Territory Aboriginal communities have drinking water containing radiation levels that are higher than the accepted international levels?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, in responding to the question, yes, I do remember this question that the member for Port Darwin asked yesterday, and she did quote what I was saying. I will quote back her question. She asked: ‘How many Aboriginal communities are using drinking water which have radioactive levels which breach safe international levels?’
I did say that there are some communities and talked about Power and Water. I can tell the member for Port Darwin, the answer is: ‘No’. I was attempting to respond to that question at the end of Question Time. There was some mix-up towards the end of Question Time. I did put a point of order and was not allowed to answer that.
Mr Dunham: How many?
Ms SCRYMGOUR: None.
Building Safer Communities
Mrs AAGAARD to MINISTER for JUSTICE and ATTORNEY-GENERAL
Under the Martin Labor government, rates of property crime have fallen. How will the government continue to build safer communities across the Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I had the great pleasure, along with my colleague, the Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, in launching the government’s framework of Building Safer Communities for the Northern Territory. This new framework will stand on a lot of very effective work that has already been done by our government in building safer communities in the Northern Territory, both in the reduction of property crime due to the excellent work being done by our police force supported by the community justice groups that we have set up all over the Territory, but also in taking the building blocks that have already been put in place for this - such as the $75m going into our police force, the $26.5m going into prison reforms, and the $50m going into child protection - within a whole-of-government framework and building from the base that we have already established, and building on the successes that we have already had to date as a government.
This framework makes it very clear to all of our stakeholders, whether they are people within our own agencies or the many community groups that have bought into the collaborative work that we have been seeking to make their communities safer all over the Territory. Whether they are remote communities out to the Western Australian and Queensland borders or our urban centres, they all have unique issues with antisocial behaviour, security, the impact of early childhood traumas, the impact of substance abuse, and inhalant abuse. All of those very complex problems are not new to the Territory, but have to be tackled if the government is acting responsibly.
The framework includes areas of children and young people; protecting home and business; preventing violence; two-way justice, involving the cultural issues in the justice system; and tackling substance abuse by targeting, punishment and preventing re-offending. These are key areas in building safety into our communities.
As a second set of foci are the front line responses, the reforms that we are progressing with our police force, the partnerships in crime prevention that we want to build on, and the people, places and systems that we are going to need to progress these programs for the government and, more importantly, for Territorians.
I look forward to the next stage of this, as we did with the Building Healthier Communities, which is to go to our stakeholders now - whether they are agency people or people in our communities - and say: ‘Right, let us put the detail around this now. These are the priorities that the government has expressed. Let us put the detail of the type of programs we are going to need there to express these priorities and respond to them’. That will now occur. We will be going out right around the Territory, looking at what people want us to do in a lot of detail, community by community, organisation by organisation. We want to build safer communities in the Northern Territory, based on the excellent work that our agencies have already achieved in the communities.
Radiation Levels in Drinking Water on Aboriginal Communities
Ms CARTER to MINISTER for ESSENTIAL SERVICES
Can you advise whether or not Power and Water has investigated the levels of radiation in water on Aboriginal communities and, if so, has there been a finding in any of the communities that the level of radiation in the water has breached acceptable international standards of safety?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is true that Power and Water routinely test water supplies across the Northern Territory. There is a wide range of water supplies in the Northern Territory, there is no doubt about it, from the sandy aquifers in the Top End to desert areas. The solutes that are within water across the Territory vary greatly.
To clarify for the member for Port Darwin, Power and Water test the water. Decisions about potability of water are made in accordance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines by the Health Department and, specifically, the Chief Health Officer.
Police, Fire and Emergency Services Annual Report - Achievements
Mr BONSON to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
Can the minister please inform the House of some of the positive achievements of the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services, outlined in the annual report released today?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague, the member for Millner, for his question. All members received a copy of the new 2003-04 Police, Fire and Emergency Services Annual Report prior to lunchtime today. What a great report it is! It is a report that shows that our police force in the Northern Territory really is delivering on a key government commitment towards a safer Northern Territory.
The year 2003-04 was really a landmark year for our tri-services, with significant reforms to the human services section of the organisation, including the establishment of a Human Resource Services Command in recognition that, in a growing police force, real effort has to go into continuous training and career development for our officers across the tri-service.
This year, 2003-04, was the first year of our four-year plan, with our $75m commitment, as a government, to build our Northern Territory Police Force. We have seen some significant results to date. Record rates of recruitment have delivered more police on patrol. In 2003-04, there have been nearly 3500 extra hours of proactive police presence on the beat across the Northern Territory. The boost in resources has allowed police to introduce hot spot and proactive foot, horse and bike patrols across the Northern Territory. A key part of a safe and secure Territory is seeing police out on patrol, and we are seeing them on patrol more than we have in many years.
I – as I am sure everybody in this House would - congratulate the Police Commissioner and the men and women in the police force for their efforts in bringing the crime rates down across the Northern Territory.
Whilst more work needs to be done, particularly in the area of sexual assault and violent crime, we recognise we still have significant problems. The police, my colleague, the Justice minister and his department, and across government, are working on strategies to bring down those rates as well.
Across the Territory, we have seen a 17% drop in total reported crime in the Northern Territory in 2003-04; a 4% decrease in overall crimes against the person; and, a great result, 100% increase in the number of clandestine amphetamine labs in the Northern Territory that the police are targeting, closing down and putting out of production. There have also been ongoing achievements in tackling property crime: a 23% drop in unlawful entries over the last year, backing up on the double digits the year before. Since this government came to office, there has been a 47% reduction in property crime. This is a massive - almost unprecedented for any government - nearly 50% decrease in property crime. What that 23% means …
Ms Carney: ‘Alice tops list for car theft in NT’; ‘Five hundred dob in a vandal’; ‘Alice Springs like war zone’ – seen that one?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Araluen, order!
Dr BURNS: A point of order, Madam Speaker. The member for Araluen, under Standing Order 51, is deliberately interrupting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Araluen, you are warned. Do not do that again!
Mr HENDERSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Why the opposition would not join with this side of the House and congratulate our police force on significant achievements this year is totally beyond me. What a 23% drop in unlawful entries means is that, across the Territory in 2003-04 compared to 2002-03, there were 1112 fewer reported break-ins. That is, 1112 people who either woke up in the morning, or came home from work or whatever, and found their homes were not broken into. It is a huge achievement for our police, and should be supported by every member in this House. Car thefts are down 29%, and there has been a 16% drop in other types of theft over the last 12 months.
Of course, in this report police can only talk about crime that has actually been reported. I know, as do members of this House, of one crime that has not been reported, and that is thanks to the people sitting opposite. One particular theft - and it goes back a month or six weeks ago now - was the $10 000 theft at the Sanderson Branch of the CLP. That is $10 000 of taxpayers’ money - people who donated money to the CLP, or as a result of fundraising by the CLP …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The minister is being disgraceful in what he is doing, which is two things: (1) he has said, ‘This is taxpayers’ money’, and that is absolutely incorrect; and (2) the minister, if he is going to quote from this report, should also point out the 7000 more drunks that have been apprehended on the streets …
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order. Minister, this has been a lengthy answer.
Mr HENDERSON: Madam Speaker, I will be quick. The opposition are always casting aspersions on these police figures saying that Territorians are not reporting crime and that is why the crime figures are down. This is a $10 000 theft - not an insignificant theft. When I say ‘taxpayers’, everybody who has donated to the CLP, or has contributed fundraising, are taxpayers. Their donations are tax deductible. All donations to political parties at certain levels are tax deductible. Therefore, the question to the Opposition Leader is: has this theft been reported to the police; if not, why not? If it has not been, what are they trying to hide or who are they trying to protect?
However, in regard to the annual report, it is great news and I commend it to the House.
Mr BURKE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! In the interests of correctness, the minister said there was one unreported crime. There are two. The second one is the obstruction to police efforts in the case of …
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Brennan, that was ruled unparliamentary this morning. You do not bring in personal family matters, particularly, as the member for Brennan should know.
Mr BURKE: It is statistical, Madam Speaker …
Madam SPEAKER: No, I will not allow it, member for Brennan. Sorry.
Mr BURKE: Personal family matters are an allegation against the CLP in the case the minister just mentioned.
Madam SPEAKER: Well, I hardly think it is a personal family matter.
Mr BURKE: He is making a personal allegation on an issue that has not even gone …
Madam SPEAKER: Are you disputing my ruling?
Mr BURKE: No, Madam Speaker. I was just asking …
Madam SPEAKER: Well, sit down. Resume your seat. Let me remind members that no member may converse loudly, or make any noise or disturbance - member for Araluen - which, in the opinion of the Speaker, is designed to interrupt or has the effect of interrupting the member speaking - Standing Order 51. Let us get that clear.
Investment Marketing Campaign
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
You complained about attacks on your integrity yesterday for not telling Territorians the truth. You are about to dip your hands into the taxpayers’ purse, ripping out hundreds of thousands of dollars on a phoney marketing campaign which you claim is about asking Territory businesses to invest their money at home. Isn’t this campaign really a smokescreen for you to make Territory taxpayers pay to fund Labor’s election campaign by producing ‘feel good’ advertisements promoting your government? How much is this campaign going to cost Territorians, starting with the cost of developing the campaign, through to television, radio and newspaper advertising, promotional brochures, mail-outs, giveaways and other material relating to the campaign?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, this is an important campaign for Territorians. Let me explain where it has come from because, implicit in the question from the Opposition Leader is some kind of conspiracy theory, and probably more reflects past behaviour of the CLP government than what this government is about - much more, in fact.
The House would well remember that last year we conducted a very intensive campaign around Australia marketing the Territory. We had some good results from that – marketing ‘live, work and invest in the Territory’. This was part of building our population and the trade skills, particularly, that we need here. It was interesting that we had feedback, particularly from Darwin and Alice Springs, through businesses and individuals saying to me: ‘What is it you are marketing?’.
We would like to know what is being said about the Territory, quite realistically. We sent something like 8000 CDs of what the ads were interstate to businesses, which was well appreciated. That was followed up by 10 Business Round Tables. This is individual businesses talking directly to government all over the Territory every year. It was in Alice Springs a few months ago where the Alice Springs Business Round Table said very clearly: ‘Look, it is all very well to market the Territory interstate. You have to market it here. You have to build confidence of Territorians in the Territory’. We had quite a discussion about this for about half-an-hour. The business people were adamant: ‘Territorians have to be ambassadors for the Territory. We do not think Territorians are doing that with enough spirit or confidence’.
That is what this campaign is about. It is not about buying local product, which is a good one to have, and I commend NT Proud. However, it is about investing in the Territory, being an ambassador for the Territory, and holidaying in the Territory. It is a whole number of factors …
Mr Stirling: Getting married in the Territory.
Ms MARTIN: Getting married in the Territory, rather than Hayman Island. That is what this campaign is about. It has come from our community, and one that this Territory government will do with pride, because we are proud of our Territory, and we want every Territorian from Alice Springs to Nhulunbuy to Ngukurr - every Territorian - to know about this campaign. That is the target. It is Territorians being ambassadors for the Territory …
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I am concerned that the answer is going on for some time. The thrust of the question was: how much will this cost? It must be such a good thing, it must have a price tag.
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, when those costs are determined we will release them publicly. I have always released those costs publicly. They are being developed at this stage. There is no coyness in me about this. It is a campaign in which we are not wasting money. This is a campaign that has been developed in response to Territorians. If you want to bag it, go out there and tell Territorians why you are bagging it.
Those costs will be available and, when they are available, I will bring them into the House.
Northern Territory Economy
Ms LAWRIE to MINISTER for BUSINESS and INDUSTRY
Do you have any information that shows business conditions in the Territory are, indeed, improving?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Karama for her question. It is a good follow-up on the answer from the Chief Minister about a growing sense of confidence in our economy, and the government working hard to secure additional private sector investment in this economy, as well as record government expenditure.
The latest figures to come out which show the economy has turned the corner in the Territory are the Retail Trade Figures issued in August, which show a 6.4% retail trade growth year-on-year since August 2003. Yes, there are problems in various sectors of the retail economy, particularly in the CBD. However, there has been a large amount of retail space taken up at the Mitchell Centre and other areas in the CBD. You only have to go to the northern suburbs to Casuarina, or to Palmerston, and talk to the property owners and traders to find they are all having a very good year.
However, sometimes figures do not tell the full story. It would be good to talk to some individual operators. As I said, the economy depends on the confidence to invest and to secure a return on that investment.
As my colleagues do with constituents, as business minister I talk to business people all the time. I have a few quotes here that people are happy to have relayed in the parliament. Mary Linnel from Easy Glass located in Raphael Street, Winnellie said:
- September has been our biggest month ever. We have doubled our square meterage space, taking on the shed next door …
Mr HENDERSON: Madam Speaker, he is a fool. As I said yesterday, any time there is good news, the member for Drysdale opens his mouth because he does not want to hear it. He really is a disgrace.
I will quote again:
- September has been our biggest month ever. We have doubled our square meterage space, taking on the shed next door. We are hoping to increase our output. We have four Territorians on staff and one Territory apprentice. We are looking to take on another apprentice. It is going really, really well and it is good to hear about all the good developments on the horizon. We are very excited.
In the Sunday Territory of 19 September, Gary Coleman described his family purchase of a large block in the Darwin CBD as:
- This is a clear indicator of the confidence we have in Darwin’s future, and this shows our family commitment to Darwin.
Good on you, Gary.
Some of our key business people have talked of the opportunities for the Territory, as well as the challenges we continue to face. Nick Mitaros - we would all know Nick - is currently planning projects within the CBD worth tens of millions of dollars. The biggest issue facing the construction industry at present is that subcontractors are too busy and there is a lack of them. He believes this is temporary, and future growth will see these skilled workers come back to the Territory. His assessment is: ‘… lots of confidence in the industry, the mood is good’.
Gus Matarazzo, from Lacuna Pty Ltd, developer of the $6m townhouse project on the Parap bowls club site said:
- Construction has fired right up. Everybody is either busy or flat out. I am working seven days a week just to keep up.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your answer is lengthy again. Please finish.
Mr HENDERSON: Why the opposition would continue to try and keep talking down this economy is absolutely beyond me, because we need confidence in the economy. However, all they do is come here and talk it down. A few months ago, the Leader of the Opposition said: ‘Look around you, the place is in ruins’. Well, he needs to get out more. He needs to get out more and talk to more Territorians. He can see confidence is returning, investment is returning, jobs growth is up. We, as a government, will continue to back the private sector and get more investment into this economy.
Driver Training and Licensing Program
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION and TRAINING
Madam Speaker, I ask this question on your behalf, as member for Braitling. The DTAL, Driver Training and Licensing Program, has operated for many years, successfully training in Alice Springs alone over 200-plus teenagers in the 16 to 18-year age group each year. Since TIO have pulled out of the sponsorship, the program’s future after the end of the year is in doubt. Do you have records of the effectiveness of the program; that is, how many accidents have occurred involving DTAL-trained students, and will you inform the Assembly if DEET will continue to sponsor this important learner driver program or not?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question because, if there is uncertainty about the continuation of DTAL following the transfer of its funding from Territory Insurance Office across to the Department of Employment, Education and Training, let me dispel it right now. DTAL is a highly-valued program.
I do not have factual information at my disposal as to the types of statistics that the member was referring to in relation to younger drivers being involved in accidents, or the value-add that DTAL brings to the quality of young drivers obtaining their first licence. However, I am sure they can be brought in, and I will be following up with the member for Nelson on that inquiry.
Suffice to say, though, personal experience of the program would, I believe, be enough to suggest that it is not something that we are going to take away. It is highly-valued and it provides quality instruction - where people’s lives are at stake - in getting their licence and getting on to the road. I will ask that question in relation to statistical information that is available. However, I reiterate, we highly value the program. The question before us is not its termination, but its extension into those rural and remote areas.
Investment Marketing Campaign
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
In your previous answer, you indicated that you had been approached by many in industry: ‘Please, do an advertisement so that we can see what is going on in the Territory’. Well, this is what one angry Territory business leader had to say about your theft of their money to fund Labor’s election campaign …
Mr KIELY: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Ms MARTIN: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, your question please.
Mr MILLS: The misappropriation of …
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker!
Mr Stirling: Censure.
Ms MARTIN: If I have misappropriated, this is a censure matter.
Mr MILLS: I will rephrase it. Chief Minister, this is what one angry Territory business leader had to say about your misuse of their money to fund Labor’s election campaign:
- Members of my organisation have been risking their assets by investing in the Northern Territory for years, and do not need to be told by what could be well paid government southern spin doctors what to do. If the government has some sufficient spare funds to waste on such a campaign, couldn’t they be better spent elsewhere?’.
Business recognises that your campaign …
Madam SPEAKER: What is your question, Leader of the Opposition?
Mr MILLS: … is an attempt to rort the taxpayers’ purse …
Madam SPEAKER: Your question?
Mr MILLS: I am asking the question …
Madam SPEAKER: No, you are not. Your question!
Mr MILLS: Business recognises that your campaign is an attempt to rort the taxpayers’ purse, using hundreds of thousands of dollars of their money for Labor’s political benefit. Territorians expect truth and honesty …
Mr HENDERSON: A point of order, Madam Speaker! This question has been going on for about two minutes now. I ask that you direct the member to ask the question, as opposed to making a statement.
Madam SPEAKER: Your question?
Mr MILLS: The question is: Chief Minister, Territorians expect truth and honesty. Why have you broken your election promise not to rort the taxpayers’ purse for gratuitous self-promotion and advertising?
Madam SPEAKER: I might rule that question out of order. You cannot ask a question accusing someone of rorting something unless you do it by substantive motion. Unless you would like to re-phrase that question; it is not proper. The following rules apply: you cannot make inferences or imputations.
Mr MILLS: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Chief Minister, why have you broken your election promise to misuse Territorians’ funds to fund gratuitous self-promotion and advertising?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I made no commitment at the election to misuse Territorians’ money, which is what the question ended up saying. I assume that is not actually the question that the Opposition Leader is asking. As I explained in my previous answer, it is quite clear what we are doing. This is not about something we may have seen from the previous government; this is responding to Territorians. I am proud to be able to listen to business and Territorians and to respond to good ideas they put to government.
This is not just a good idea that government is doing. I compliment Imparja Television. They were also concerned, particularly in Alice Springs, about a lack of confidence in the town, in the future investment in the town, and have done a very …
Dr Lim: You are talking down Alice Springs.
Ms MARTIN: Imparja has done - and I am sure that you have seen it on television - a series of ads with long-term Territorians in Alice Springs talking about why they love Alice Springs. That is the same thing; it goes to the heart of Territorians being ambassadors for where we live. Often, maybe it is hiding your light under a bushel - Darwin is the best kept secret in Australia – we have to be talking about where we live and the advantages, and that is what this campaign is about,
If the opposition had looked in the tender notices, they would have seen that tender has gone out for $120 000. That is the first of what this campaign will be costing - probably a little more than that. However, I will be absolutely open and accountable about every dollar that is spent - every dollar, may I say, that will be worth it.
MLA Superannuation Reform
Mr KIELY to CHIEF MINISTER
What progress has been made towards fulfilling the government’s commitment to reform MLA superannuation?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Sanderson for this question. As I have indicated, tomorrow I will be introducing legislation into the parliament to change the Legislative Assembly Members’ Superannuation Scheme. It was a commitment we made in the run-up to the last election that we would bring politicians’ superannuation in line with community expectations.
As everyone is probably aware, our current scheme is a defined benefits scheme, which means the benefits are fixed; they relate to salary and length of membership. In a defined benefits scheme, it is unrelated to the earnings of the dollars in those funds. Those defined benefits schemes have mostly closed around Australia. The common scheme now is an accumulation or defined contributions scheme. The amount that is contributed each year is fixed and the final benefits depend on the amount that is set aside and the investment earnings on those funds.
The new scheme that will be introduced into this House will be for members at or after the next general election. It will be a 9% employer’s superannuation contribution, which is a requirement of the Commonwealth Superannuation Guarantee. There will be no impact on existing members who are currently members of the Legislative Assembly Members’ …
Mr DUNHAM: A point of order, Madam Speaker! You drew our attention to Standing Order 112, and I note that questions cannot be used to announce a new policy of the government.
Madam SPEAKER: Yes, ‘Questions should not ask ministers’, it says …
Mr Baldwin: That is what it is doing.
Dr Lim: The Chief Minister is doing that?
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister …
Mr Dunham: It sounds like a new policy. I have never heard it before.
Madam SPEAKER: … ‘but may seek an explanation regarding the policy of the government and its application’. Finish the standing order. Continue, Chief Minister, complete it.
Ms MARTIN: I am telling members about what this new scheme is, because we did ask for everyone’s input into it. The 9% contribution will go to a complying fund or a retirement savings account nominated by the member. New members will be able to salary sacrifice up to 50% of basic salary and any additional salary.
The changes are consistent with changes we have seen at the Commonwealth level that will apply to new members, and also with most state parliamentary schemes. That legislation will be introduced into the parliament tomorrow, and will bring the Northern Territory’s scheme for parliamentarians into line with both the Commonwealth and most states in Australia, and with community expectation.
Madam SPEAKER: Before you go on, Leader of the Opposition, the standing order I was referring to was 121, Improper Questions:
- Questions shall not be asked which reflect on or are critical of the character or conduct of those persons whose conduct may be challenged only on a substantive motion …’
That is the one I was referring to. Now, your question.
Investment Marketing Campaign
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
This is what another angry Territory business person had to say about you using the taxpayers’ purse to fund the Labor Party’s re-election campaign. I quote: ‘The Chief Minister’s department is running its own race outside existing structures, including their own’. The business community recognises the self-promotion behind the reasons for this campaign and sees the abuse of the taxpayers’ purse. Will you stop the rort and take your hand out of the taxpayers’ purse?
Mr HENDERSON: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, I just quoted you what an improper question was. I will not accept that question the way you have it worded. Resume your seat!
Live Cattle Exports – Effect of Suspension
Mr McADAM to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY and FISHERIES
Live cattle exports make a substantial contribution to the Territory economy; in particular our regional economies. What impact would a suspension of live exports have, and is there any case for a suspension?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his very important question. The estimated direct value of cattle production in the Territory for 2003-04 was $181m, but the flow-on effect on regional economies exceeds $500m. If live exports were suspended, that would be catastrophic for the Territory. We are well aware that, in 2003, there were incidents with the export of lamb and mutton from southern ports to the Middle East, and also incidents with regards to the welfare of animals, especially with cattle and mutton exported to Egypt.
The federal government ordered a review which commenced in October 2003, and resulted in the Keniry report. As a result of that review, a number of recommendations were made and an interim draft code for the export of livestock has been produced and circulated for comment.
In Darwin, Livecorp held a workshop with the industry in June 2004. The industry is generally supportive of the recommendations. They are concerned about the practical application of those recommendations, because the industry in the Territory is operating very well and effectively. We export 300 000 cattle from Darwin every year, mainly to South-East Asia, and the loss of cattle during those trips are 0.04% - four cattle in every 10 000 cattle exported – which is very insignificant.
In addition to that, Meat and Livestock Australia provides a consultant to work with some of our markets in South-East Asia. As a result, 10 Indonesian abattoirs have introduced special boxes for the humane restraint and slaughter of the animals. The South-East Asian markets and countries have requested assistance from our government for training of people working in the abattoirs for the humane slaughter of the animals. We were very happy to provide this assistance in Malaysia and Sabah, and we now have calls coming from the Philippines.
There are still some people in southern states who want a total ban of live export of animals in some of the markets. However, the reality is that they are mainly focussing on animals exported from southern Australian ports to places like the Middle East which are long trips and a change of environment and climatic conditions in a very short period of time. Most of our trips out of the Territory last about four days. Conditions on the ships are very good. Some of the ships we see coming to our port are purpose-built and provide adequate space and very good conditions for the cattle. After all, every time one of the cattle dies, someone loses about $1000, so it is not only the welfare of the animals, but also a cost factor to be considered.
We are not supporting the banning of live exports. We have made that clear to our southern and federal counterparts. I will continue to support the industry. We stand united in this and will continue to export live cattle exports from the Territory to South-East Asia.
Investment Marketing Campaign
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
This is what a third angry business person had to say about your plan to use taxpayers’ money to fund Labor’s Territory election campaign.
Mr HENDERSON: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I refer to Standing Order 114, Repeating Questions. This is the third or fourth attempt on exactly the same question. I ask you, again, to rule it out of order.
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order.
Mr MILLS: Thank you, Madam Speaker, and I quote:
- A business park with one tenant; a dysfunctional railway marshalling yard; a silly little passenger rail station in the middle of an industrial area; a cruise terminal on the wrong wharf; a port that cannot handle live cattle exports, and will not for at least 12 months; disputes over the East Arm Port construction; no evident longer-term benefit for locals from the Conoco gas plant; now a convention centre with warships bunkering fuel alongside, and more to come, I suspect.
Chief Minister, the truth please. Is this campaign an admission that you have no idea how to market the Territory interstate as a place to invest, or is it a misuse of the taxpayers’ purse to pay for the Labor Party’s re-election campaign?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I recognise that the Opposition Leader is probably quoting from a Territorian in business. However, in the accuracy of those statements; for example, when you say, ‘this government is responsible for a cruise ship terminal on the wrong wharf’ – we are rectifying the situation where we have Stokes Hills Wharf where the cruise ship terminal is. Now we realise …
Mr Dunham: Who moved it?
Ms MARTIN: It was built a number of years ago under the previous government, and it will change. We are moving it, quite properly.
They say that there are no benefits to come to Territorians from the $1.5bn plant being built at Wickham Point. I was pleased to hear comments from Peter La Pira, from the Palmerston Shopping Centre, that his shopping centre is buoyant, and one of the reasons is because of the flow-on benefits from workers at the Bechtel plant on Wickham Point. To dispel some of those negativities that the Opposition Leader is spouting in here, 54% of workers at the LNG plant are local Territorians. That is a fantastic figure. We are seeing significant flow-on from the LNG plant into our Territory economy.
It really is disappointing to hear the opposition sell and talk down the Territory and be so negative. Maybe this campaign, targeting Territorians to be ambassadors to talk up the Territory, should be targeting the opposition, because I have never heard such negativity.
In specific respect to the business council and the quotes that were in the article by Peter Murphy in the Sunday Territorian, which I assume is the driver behind these questions - because we know, when Peter Murphy says: ‘Jump opposition’, you jump. It is good to see.
Members interjecting.
Ms MARTIN: It is absolutely true!
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms MARTIN: This week, Geoff Goodrich of Territory Proud received a briefing on the campaign and agreed that the government’s campaign and Territory Proud were complementary strategies which will work well together. In addition …
Members interjecting.
Ms MARTIN: These are not my words, these are the words of a respected business person in the Territory. In addition, ‘that it was entirely appropriate that the government should be undertaking this type of campaign’. Representatives of Territory Proud are involved in the development of this campaign, targeting Territorians to be proud of investing here, of holidaying here, of being ambassadors for the Territory and having confidence in our future.
Darwin City Waterfront Project – Environmental Concerns
Mr WOOD to CHIEF MINISTER
In relation to the new waterfront development, is the Territory paying the bill for environmental risk and remediation of contaminated soil; for example, the dredging of the mud from Kitchener Bay and hydrocarbon removal from the old powerhouse site? Who will check what is in the mud and soil before it is removed from the area? Where will that material be going and who will pay for that work? In regards to remediation, who will pay for any hold-up in the construction of the project if there are problems with health, WorkSafe, environmental or remediation processes?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I believe I have all of the elements of that question, which was fairly detailed. In regard to who is checking, environmental consultants, URS, have been engaged by the Territory to investigate the site, determine any contaminants, and provide a remediation action plan which will satisfy the requirements of the environmental auditor. The outcome of those investigations has indicated that only a small proportion of the site has any contamination which will require remediation.
The Office of Environment and Heritage will oversee the disposal of contaminated soil in accordance with appropriate environmental guidelines. Provision for the removal of contaminated soil for the first stage is within the current budget allocation, and future allocations will be made as required.
Mud that is dredged for marine work will be disposed of at nominated disposal sites as approved by the Office of Environment and Heritage. The cost of dredging and the disposal of mud will be borne by the developer.
I believe the second part was, who pays for any hold-up in construction associated with remediation process? The project construction programming takes into account the remediation process. The developer has costed the civil engineering works and the Territory will pay for the decontamination component of these.
NT Labor – Advertising Guidelines
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
You promised Territorians you would not rort taxpayers’ money by using it for political …
Mr HENDERSON: A point of order, Madam Speaker! How many times …
Madam SPEAKER: Yes, Leader of the Opposition, that is an accusation.
Mr MILLS: Madam Speaker, it is quite a different question.
Madam SPEAKER: It does not matter, you have made an accusation that you can only make on substantive motion, so rephrase it or else.
Mr MILLS: Chief Minister, you promised Territorians you would not misuse Territorians’ money by using it for political party advertising. Your own guidelines for ministerial officers, sent to my office in July, states:
- Advertising must not make any party political references or be derogatory of any political party or individual.
I seek leave to table the guidelines sent to my office.
Leave granted.
Mr MILLS: This full-page advertisement, paid for by the taxpayers’ purse, cost Territorians close to $5000 to run in the NT News alone, and makes specific reference to the Martin Labor government. Why are you in breach of your own advertising guidelines?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, can I first say that it is a great advertisement, and I certainly applaud the environment minister for making sure that Territorians are aware of the $1m that is available in grants, because it is a significant fund. It is a significant sum that many community groups will be able to access to do significant work with our environment.
On the second point, it should not say Martin Labor government. It will not happen again.
Health Call Centre
Mr BONSON to MINISTER for HEALTH
Can the minister advise the House what progress has been made towards the government’s commitment for a health call centre in the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Millner for his question, because it gives me an opportunity to announce progress towards the delivery of another of our election promises in health.
My department has been working closely with the Australian government and other jurisdictions looking at viable options for a health call centre to serve the needs of the Territory. There is general agreement that what is needed is population-wide access to personalised, professional triage and health advice services available 24-hours a day, seven days a week, staffed by registered nurses with specific training in telephone triage. The outcome of this work is a firm belief that the development of a national health call centre network responsive to local conditions and requirements is the best approach. The national network would be governed by nationally-agreed protocols and procedures that ensure a high-quality, safe service for all Australians. However, it appears that that development will take some time.
In the interim, this government is keen to ensure that Territorians have access to a health call centre service, promised prior to the election. Taking account of factors such as patient safety, value for money and optimal use of the health work force, we have decided to enter into a partnership arrangement with the Western Australian government for the operation of an NT health call centre, linking into the existing Western Australian service. The Department of Health and Community Services is working closely with the Western Australian Department of Health and the service provider, McKesson Asia-Pacific, to ensure that the service for the Territory takes full account of local conditions and circumstances. This intensive work will continue throughout the lead-up to the service becoming operational early in 2005.
The Northern Territory is grateful for the assistance provided by the Western Australian Department of Health. It is an example of cross-jurisdictional cooperation which ensures that scarce health resources are used to maximum efficiency.
Government Failure to Improve Economic Growth
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Today you tabled this glossy brochure that taxpayers are paying for as part of your phoney election campaign. In it you state: ‘After three years of hard work, we now see a different economic climate here in the Northern Territory’. Is it not true, as shown on this graph, that your government has failed, every year, to meet the growth expectation of Australia’s leading economic analysts? In the last two years, when growth expectations were around 4.2%, your administration delivered zero growth. Is it not true these disastrous growth results show you have failed Territory businesses and are treating them with contempt by peddling this phoney ‘feel food’ brochure to them?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I know we have just had a federal campaign; however, this obsession from the opposition about phoney election campaigns is reaching ridiculous proportions. This brochure, which I proudly presented today, says that we met with businesses, unions, and representatives in all sectors of the community.
In November 2001, we had an Economic Development Summit and there were strategies developed from that. This is accounting back to those who came to the summit, and Territorians, about how we have delivered on the strategies that were agreed and the targets that were set at that Economic Development Summit. It is a simple proposition.
I would have thought the criticism coming from the opposition would be if we had not delivered on these. There were 357 different items, and I believe we are down to 13 now that are still uncompleted. That is not a bad achievement. We are moving on it by the day. This will be …
It is interesting that we still have the underlying premise from the opposition of talking down this economy. Are you telling me that …
Members interjecting.
Ms MARTIN: I refer you, Opposition Leader, to the back page of this document. Access Economics quoted that strong growth …
Members interjecting.
Ms MARTIN: Are you saying that Access Economics …
Members interjecting.
Ms MARTIN: The word from Access Economics is that we have strong growth predicted for the next five years. This is what the opposition does not want to hear. They do not want to hear the words quoted here that the tide has turned. We recognise the economy has been doing it tough. We have strategically responded to that. What we are seeing now is a significant pick-up. There are many strategies that this government put in place that have underpinned that. Why do you think we have had record capital works budgets over the last few years? It is because we are supporting and growing this economy, with government funds, strategically.
The opposition says: ‘We are standing up for business’. How are you standing up for business? You talk down the economy constantly. You ridicule success constantly. You are ridiculing the ideas of Territorians which are incorporated in here. This is what Territorians said to government: ‘We want you achieving these strategies for the Territory’, and we are reporting back.
Why do we not get together and support growth in the Territory? We hear business saying to us: ‘Yes, we are experiencing strong growth, we want to see more’. We have tourism operators saying they have had the best season: ‘We are looking forward to good seasons’. We have retailers saying: ‘Yes, a strong retail spend, and it is looking better all the time’. Construction is so busy that I met with some construction people yesterday and they had to leave early because they said: ‘We are too busy, we have to go’.
The biggest complaint is how we get more trade and more skills. It is not that they do not have work on. I say to the opposition, stop talking down our economy, have a bit of pride in the economy, have a bit of pride in the Territory - because Territorians certainly do.
Volunteer Bushfire Brigades
Mr McADAM to MINISTER for LANDS and PLANNING
Can the minister inform the House of recent increases in support for our hard-working, dedicated, volunteer bushfire brigades?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. Throughout the Territory, there are 21 bushfire brigades, with over 300 trained people and probably as many volunteers. These people provide an invaluable service to the Territory. They go out there - it is hot, dirty and dangerous work - and their efforts are very much appreciated by this government.
I am pleased to report to the House that, recently, we provided three new grass fire units to the Beatrice Hills, Douglas Daly and Milne Volunteer Bushfire Brigades. I met with these groups and inspected the vehicles at the Berrimah Research Farm. They were very happy with this government and the way in which we have been supporting the volunteer bush fire brigades.
These new units are worth $150 000, and that is on top of $60 000 extra funding for vehicle replacement throughout the Territory for the volunteer brigades. I have inspected vehicles and units throughout the Territory. There was a pressing need for us to up the ante and support these groups to get newer vehicles. We have also put in an additional $200 000, provided each year, for the volunteer brigade operational funding. That is not even mentioning the $150 000 that this government chucked in for personal protective gear, which I know has been greatly appreciated by all the firefighters. They were all wearing it when I met with them at the research farm.
This government is very proud to support our volunteer bushfire brigades; they do a fantastic job. What I have outlined to the House today shows, in real terms, that we do value them.
NT Labor - Advertising Guidelines
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
My first question of the day drew reference to defence of your integrity. You have now accepted and acknowledged that this article here is in breach of your own guidelines. How can Territorians take you seriously when I have two other brochures here which have just come to light, which, once again, are in clear breach of your own guidelines? There are clear political references, and this is just two. Signs are still up in Katherine which you have not taken down, which are a clear breach of your own standards.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it was identified that saying ‘Martin Labor government’ was inappropriate. There was some discussion about that and it was identified. They are old brochures. I said this one today should not have been there. If you look at the latest police brochure; it is not.
Sometimes there has to be discussion about the use of language. The discussion has been had about the use of ‘Martin Labor government’ and, after a level of discussion and looking at what was appropriate interstate, we have decided it is not. We will not mention ‘Martin’, it will be ‘the government’. It should not be in today’s advertisement or the advertisement for the Environment Awards. I will do my very best to make sure that it does not happen again. There is no question of integrity.
Mr Mills: You are a disgrace!
Ms MARTIN: It is interesting that I can be called a ‘disgrace’ over an issue like this, when we have the Opposition Leader, who simply wants to bag our economy and bag the aspirations of Territorians …
Mr Mills: No, I am bagging your capacity to manage the economy and to be honest!
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Leader of the Opposition, order!
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, Question Time today has been interesting. We on this side of the House would like to recognise the input of Peter Murphy.
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