2003-06-18
Police Constables - Confidence of Minister
Mr BURKE to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
Do sworn police constables, when they have completed their training, have the absolute support and confidence of the police minister that they are capable of carrying out their duties and upholding the law?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the answer is yes.
Learning Lessons – Progress of Implementation
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION and TRAINING
The Martin government has promised to implement recommendations of the Learning Lessons report. Could the minister please inform the House of the progress of the implementation of the Learning Lessons recommendations and its impact on indigenous education in the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
I thank the member for Arafura for her question because this is a defining issue, Madam Speaker. This is a core issue when it comes to the difference between our predecessors, the Country Liberal Party, in government for 26 and a bit years, and we as the Australian Labor Party. We gave an undertaking when coming to office that we would go through the Collins report, Learning Lessons, and we would implement it. This is unlike the opposition, who adopted it wholeheartedly for a couple of weeks until they realised what the implications were and they ran from it as far as they could and it sat gathering dust on the shelf until we were elected.
Things are changing, I am pleased to report. I, and this government, are proud that things are changing for the better for indigenous education. One of the key differences is that we are seeing that the department treats indigenous education and indigenous education issues as core, as mainstream. That is only reasonable given that indigenous students make up some 40% of our cohort. Yet, in the past, there was a small, disempowered indigenous unit responsible for education matters which simply could not push against the weight of the bureaucracy. That is a key difference.
I point out another key difference on the issue of provision of secondary education in remote communities. It is an area that we refuse to put in the too hard basket, as our predecessors did. It is an area in which we are beginning to make quite significant progress. From the time they closed Dhupuma College in my electorate in August 1980, they turned their backs on secondary provision for indigenous people in remote areas. That is a shame and a disgrace, because it was too hard.
We consider the right to a quality education for every Territorian, regardless of where they live, as a foremost responsibility of government. We simply will not ignore the plight of these kids. Right now, two remote localities, Kalkarindji and Maningrida, are trialling absolute full secondary provision. Some of these parents were told that they were getting secondary education over the years, but it was not true. The students at Kalkarindji and Maningrida are now into full secondary provision. At the end of this year, we would expect, and we are on track, to have half a dozen young people in a remote location complete their Year 12 certificate. This will be a first for the Territory and made possible by the commitment of this government and the Department of Employment, Education and Training. I am looking forward to getting out to Kalkarindji - and Maningrida as it unfolds and rolls out there - to congratulate the students and the staff on their efforts.
Other remote communities across the Katherine region are right into it now; nearly 150 students in Timber Creek, Beswick, Jilkminggan and Minyerri are undertaking full secondary studies; and efforts across Arnhem Land and Cental Australian schools. In a relatively short time, some 20 months compared with 26 years, we are beginning to really kick this process in. It is something that families in remote communities called out for, for many years.
In addition to that, the situation in urban centres, where we know there are diverse needs with some students, those kids who simply do not fit the mould, do not fit comfortably in the classroom, a problem to themselves and the classroom and the school in general, well, we have to look at what to do about that. Some of these kids leave school at a very young age. We are implementing alternative provision programs in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek for those students. In keeping with that philosophy, we are looking at similar models for the Top End.
The other initiative, and this goes to the core of Collins’ recommendations, is the idea of community controlled schools. The first four are being trialled at Utopia, Maningrida, Tiwi Islands and the Warlpiri triangle. Secondary provision in these communities is also going to be an important component of the operation. We will be making every effort and putting every resource at the disposal of those schools to see that they succeed.
As I said yesterday, I recently met with leaders of the Secondary Review team. They have been looking carefully at how we provide secondary education to indigenous students across the Territory. I am sure that report is going to have plenty to say on this question. Needless to say, we look forward to the fruits of that extensive consultation and the report in September.
This is just a snapshot of a couple of areas in indigenous education. But, I finish where I started. This is a key difference between what our predecessors did in this area and what we as a government are doing and achieving.
Alleged Misconduct by Minister for Tourism
Mr MILLS to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
What was the rank and experience of the initial investigating officer whom the Minister for Tourism says he considered too junior to handle the matter of a minor traffic infringement? When the minister summonsed police to his home, how many senior police attended and what were their ranks?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I do not know what sort of conspiracy theory members opposite are trying to weave around this. It just goes to show that the member for Blain has never had carriage of ministerial responsibilities in his parliamentary career. The question he asks is a very detailed operational question in regards to this particular issue, and I can stand here and say, I do not know.
Mr Baldwin: You are not doing your job then.
Mr HENDERSON: Madam Speaker, I will pick up the interjection from the member for Daly. If he believes that the police minister’s job is to run operational matters of the police force from the fifth floor of Parliament House, it might show how they used to run the police force. However, it is certainly not how I, as minister, have carriage of this portfolio.
A member interjecting.
Mr HENDERSON: Let us see if we can cut short some of the questions here and get on with some real policy issues that the people of the Northern Territory might be interested in. The interjection is that I have had a specific briefing. Well, I do not know who is advising the member for Blain.
Mr Burke: You said that yesterday.
Mr HENDERSON: No, no, no. Let us check the record. Who has been advising the member for Blain? I have not had a briefing. I have never said I had a briefing. I had a phone call from the Police Commissioner, where he, if operational issues are going to create significant public interest, would routinely advise, and that is all he does, is advise me as a courtesy and as a matter of routine and information only. There was no detail in terms of his advice. He did not go into detail as to what the allegation was, or which police officer may or may not have attended the minister’s house. There has been no written briefing. There was a very short phone conversation. That was it. I do not know what car he was driving. I do not know what rank this police officer was, or what happened when the discussion took place.
Madam Speaker, in government, the CLP may have had detailed operational knowledge of how the police force worked, which particular police officer was investigating which particular case. But that does not occur. It shows the member’s ignorance of ministerial responsibility and separation of powers between police and government. The answer to his question is: I do not know.
Wickham Point LNG Plant - Job Applications
Mr BONSON to CHIEF MINISTER
The announcement by the Bayu-Undan joint venturers of the go-ahead for gas onshore is great news for the Territory. Can you please inform the House how Territorians can apply for jobs on the Wickham Point LNG project?
ANSWER
An important question, for which I thank you, member for Millner. I can proudly announce to the House …
Mr Dunham: Good news, Clare, bad news, Syd! Haven’t you worked it out yet?
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Drysdale!
Ms MARTIN: It is very sad that the member for Drysdale is not interested in Territorians getting jobs.
Madam Speaker, 500 Territorians have registered with what Bechtel call their ‘hiring hall’ - we would probably call it a recruitment centre or a job shop - in Georgina Crescent, Palmerston. That is just the start of the operation. This is a great start to jobs and the building of an LNG plant on Wickham Point. I was delighted at lunchtime to go to Georgina Crescent, join ConocoPhillips and Bechtel, and those currently employed at the ‘hiring hall’ and cut the ribbon to formally open the job shop.
I was absolutely delighted that already, in these early stages, without even a formal announcement of work going ahead on Wickham Point for the LNG plant, 500 Territorians were looking to get jobs on the construction over the next three years. We know that up to 1300 will be employed at any one time. We are very aware that a number of skills will have to come from interstate. However, across a whole range of skills, ranging from the administration side to the first stage, which is the civil construction stage, through to the more mechanical areas that will happen, we have had expressions of interest and registrations from 500 Territorians.
The Department of Employment, Education and Training, which is doing such fantastic work in secondary education for our indigenous Territorians, is also doing great work in looking at how we can accelerate training for Territorians who might need to increase their skills to get work at Wickham Point. Because we start with the civil construction, earth clearing, by the time we get to that we can have in place accelerated training so that Territorians who might not currently have the skills to be working in the later stages of the LNG plant, might have those skills to get there. Getting this first gas onshore from the Timor Sea, and that pipeline and the LNG plant built, is all about jobs for Territorians and opportunities for Territory businesses.
I take this opportunity to congratulate those joint venturers in Bayu-Undan for the commitment they have shown, and everyone who has worked so hard to get this project up and running. I say again, 15 June was, and will be forever, a red letter day for the Territory.
Alleged Misconduct by Minister for Tourism
Mr MALEY to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
This is a general question and you should be able to answer it. Do you think it is appropriate for any member of the public to demand that more senior police officers should investigate an alleged offence involving a member of their family on the basis that the officer conducting the investigation was considered too junior?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I will go to the language and the imputation that the member put on the question in regard to a demand from a member of the public that a more senior police officer should conduct an investigation. At the end of the day, the police make a decision. As a criminal lawyer who has had a lot of experience standing up in court defending his clients against charges brought to the court by the police, the member for Goyder knows about police operational duties and how police work. He has certainly spent many hours in the court over the years trying to get police charges knocked out of court. That was his previous job.
However, there is no capacity for members of the public to demand anything in relation to police. Of course, members of the public, in trying to comply with a request to facilitate an appropriate outcome, can make a request to the police about all sorts of things. They are part of our community; they have a job to do. But there is no capacity for a member of the public to make a demand.
The imputation that my colleague somehow demanded the police take such action, I have been advised, is absolute rubbish.
Wickham Point LNG Plant – Commencement of Work
Mr McADAM to CHIEF MINISTER
Gas coming onshore is excellent news for jobs in the Territory. Can the Chief Minister please inform the House when work will officially commence on the Wickham Point LNG Plant?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, again, an excellent question from the member for Barkly. I know the member is interested to see how we are creating jobs in the Territory …
Mr Dunham interjecting.
Ms MARTIN: … and how we are providing opportunities for Territorians. And again, Madam Speaker, the member for Drysdale is not interested in hearing about one of the most significant events in the Territory’s history that will actually mean a significant change in our economy.
This is great news for Territorians - first gas coming onshore. And when that is accompanied by the announcements we heard from Alcan and Woodside about the heads of agreement that have been signed to get that second gas on from the Bonaparte Gulf, we should be celebrating. All you get is whingeing and grumping from the opposition, and down in the gutter with the kind of questions you are asking in this parliament.
I am pleased to be able to tell the House, and to tell Territorians, even if the opposition is not interested, that work will start officially on Wickham Point on Monday.
Members: Hear, hear!
Ms MARTIN: We are all very aware that this government put $8.5m into building that road to the site, and we are very pleased to have done that. We believed this project was always going to go ahead but we knew it could not start unless that road was done. It is well on schedule and is there to be used for construction starting on Monday.
Quite logically, the first construction that we will see is the clearing of the site. That contract has been won by a company with a 40 year involvement in the Territory, and that is Thiess. I congratulate them for that contract; more than $100m worth. The Thiess contract is for the clearance of the site, which will start on Monday; the building of the LNG tank, which is a very sophisticated exercise; and also building the wharf where the LNG tankers will tie up. That wharf will be 200 metres long. So, a Territory company getting that work, providing jobs for 200 people and let us hope that many of those are Territorians, where we have the skills, and where we can build those skills when required.
I met with Thiess this week to talk about their enthusiasm about being part of this. Let me say that Thiess are very enthusiastic. They are very committed to getting local jobs in their section of the contract, and working with us to see how we can skill Territorians who might need additional training for some of the jobs required on their part of the contract. I congratulate Thiess for achieving this. I will be there on Monday as those first civil works start on Wickham Point.
No matter how cynical the opposition can be, this is jobs for Territorians and opportunities for business. It is the most significant step change in our economy, opening up new horizons for the future, new certainties, new opportunities, and the stimulus for economic growth for the next five to 10 years. So, as cynical as the opposition wants to be, I am congratulating Thiess, I am congratulating all those involved, and we look forward to Monday.
Coolalinga Area - Traffic Safety Issues
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for TRANSPORT and INFRASTRUCTURE
Madam Speaker, I hope the gravel does not come from Middle Arm Peninsula.
Minister, your department’s plans show that the southern entrance to the Coolalinga Caravan Park and Service Station will be closed off and, according to the Director of Road Network, retention of this entry is not negotiable. Roadtrain entries to this service station will be practically impossible.
I recently met a representative of a gas company who is willing to invest $150 000 in installing gas filling equipment for line haul diesel substitution vehicles at Coolalinga, but he has said in his letter to the owners, if the entry is closed his company will not go ahead with the proposed investment. Yesterday, I noticed you wore a sticker which said ‘Gas and Jobs’. If you really believe that, then will you allow the Coolalinga Service Station entry to stay open so that the rural area can have both gas and jobs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. It is true that in the past few years Coolalinga has seen an unprecedented growth but, unfortunately, the previous government had done nothing to address traffic management or traffic planning. As a result, we have seen a number of accidents occurring in the Coolalinga area, in Girraween Road, and we cannot continue like that. We cannot allow human lives to be lost because somebody failed to undertake proper planning in the area. I have been berated before for putting traffic lights on the Stuart Highway. I do not apologise for that because I cannot come face to face with parents and with children because of traffic accidents; I cannot face people who have been injured or maimed because of other people not obeying the rules or speeding.
Coming back to Coolalinga, as you are probably aware, there was consultation with the public about changing the Coolalinga traffic area. I had representations from the Mobil petrol station owner, who advised that he was not very happy with the proposal from my department. I asked my department to go back and have another look at it. There were, I believe, plans exhibited at your office, the office of the member for Goyder and at Woolworths. We asked for further input from the public, and I believe the consultation period closes today.
I understand that the owner of the Coolalinga petrol station is not very happy. However, at the same time, we have to balance the safety of the travelling public and access to the petrol station. We are still prepared to discuss how we can make safe access to his petrol station. However, we are not going to be dictated to by any company that wants to invest any amount of money anywhere when it means danger to the travelling public, which means accidents and results in people being killed or injured.
Alleged Misconduct by Minister for Tourism
Mr MALEY to MINISTER for TOURISM
I understand that yesterday you said that you told a police officer investigating the traffic matter involving your son that you were a member of the Martin Labor government. Can you explain the sequence of events in which you decided that the investigating officer was too junior to be handling the matter and that more senior officers should be in charge of the investigation?
ANSWER
I thank the member for his question. There are some inaccuracies in the wording of that question, Madam Speaker. It is true, when the police rang my home and wanted to speak to my son, I invited them to our home to speak to our son. I did, I think, what any reasonable father would do in trying to safeguard the interests of his son. However, in the interests of making things clear and transparent, I did inform the officer, not that I was a member of the Martin Labor government, but that I was a member of the Legislative Assembly. I felt it was important to lay that on the record, not for any purpose of unduly influencing anybody, but for the very fact that such an interview would attract scrutiny, which it has. I wanted everyone to be aware of that, and that is why I told this particular officer that I was a member of the Legislative Assembly, and I am quite straightforward about that.
I did make a request, it is true, or a suggestion, that it might be in order for some senior officers to be present at the interview for the very reason that I have outlined before. For that reason also, I asked a family friend, who is a lawyer, to be present.
Madam Speaker, I can stand here and look anyone in the eye. I have done nothing improper. I have only striven to safeguard the interests of my son, as any father would do, and I stand by that.
Budget 2003-04 – Remote Community Airstrips
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
We on this side know that airstrips provide an essential component of the transport infrastructure for many of our remote communities. Can you please advise the House of initiatives in the budget to increase the number of airstrips which are servicing isolated communities?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for her question. The Martin Labor government continues to invest in infrastructure in the bush. The 2003-04 budget provides $48m for Indigenous Essential Services. This is $10m more than was spent on this program under the previous CLP government.
I am pleased to advise the House that this year’s budget also provides funding for the expansion of airstrip maintenance services to include seven additional community airstrips under this program. The additional communities that will be included in the program this year are: in the Central Australian region, Ampilatwatja; east of Katherine, Wugularr, also known as Beswick; down to the centre, Engawala; Manyallaluk, which is Eva Valley, again east of Katherine; the Pigeon Hole community in the Victoria River region; and Rittarangu and Robinson River in the member for Barkly’s region. There is further good news for these communities as normal airstrip maintenance work is often contracted to the local communities .
In addition, the government continues to meet its election commitments in regards to sealing of airstrips in the bush. Airstrips which are included in the 2003-04 sealing program are Kintore, Gapuwiyak, Pirlangimpi, Kalkarindji, Lajamanu, Ramingining, Bulman and Minyerri. It is planned to have capital committed to all of these projects by the end of the 2003-04 financial year. This is a big improvement on what funds were being provided for the bush in respect of airstrips, not only the maintenance, but also the bituminising of some of these airstrips.
In one year, we found that there was one particular airstrip only that the CLP decided to fund, and I am grateful that they did because that was at Numbulwar in my electorate of Arnhem. However, to know also that that was the only one airstrip throughout the whole of the Northern Territory just shows that the CLP did not care about Territorians who lived outside the major centres …
Mr Dunham: Rubbish, rubbish!
Mr AH KIT: You know that that is a fact of life. That is in your record, the record that is coming back to haunt you. You have allowed a situation to develop that we have to pick up on, and we will pick up on it in a responsible manner. What we have seen in respect of the infrastructure into the bush has been next to none in terms of what you were able to do. You stand condemned because you have allowed these assets to be run down; just about everything that you touched, you allowed assets and infrastructure to be run down. This Martin Labor government is a progressive government, moving forward to pick up all Territorians and to make sure that we include them in the planning for essential services, housing, infrastructure, airstrips, barge landings, etcetera, throughout the Northern Territory.
Alleged Misconduct by Minister for Tourism
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for TOURISM
Since the police minister did not know the answer to this question, I am sure you do. What was the rank and experience of the initial investigating police officer whom you considered too junior to handle the matter of a minor traffic infringement? When the police did attend, how many were there and what were their ranks, minister?
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, before you answer, I direct members to Standing Order 62. I have listened to these questions. I remind you that no member shall use offensive or unbecoming words against a member, nor shall a member attribute, directly or by innuendo, unbecoming conduct or motives, and all references to a member’s private affairs and all personal reflections on members shall be deemed highly disorderly. I believe, member for Araluen, you either rephrase that question or I will not accept it.
Ms CARNEY: Madam Speaker, thank you. Minister, would you be good enough to outline for members of this Assembly, and Territorians, what was the rank of the junior officer whom you believed was not experienced enough to handle this complaint of a minor traffic infringement? When other police officers came to your house, how many were there and what were their ranks?
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, you do not have to answer if you do not want to. I will apply Standing Order 62.
ANSWER
I will, Madam Speaker, because I have nothing to hide in this matter. I believe that the officer who first called was a constable, and when these officers came to my house, I believe the other two were sergeants. I would also like to add - I did not put it in my last answer – throughout this process all I sought to do was to facilitate, I guess, justice. Justice has been served in this whole issue. The outcome of the meeting at my house was that police requested a formal interview with my son at the police station. My son duly attended that interview. Following that, he was summonsed to court. He appeared in court, he pleaded guilty, and he was fined.
I sought, not to obstruct justice, not to exert influence, except as a father to see his son through a process. That process has been followed. I believe that should be the end of the matter.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Sanderson.
Mr KIELY: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to ask a question which deals with the future of the Territory, not to dwell in the gutter like the opposition. All those questions which matter to the Territory, not like you lot. You gutter ranking, little …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Sanderson, resume your seat. You did not ask a question. Next question.
Alleged Misconduct by Minister for Tourism
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
You said in this House yesterday that the Police Commissioner brought to your attention the issue of a complaint from police that the Tourism Minister attempted to use his position as a member of government to pervert the course of justice by putting undue pressure on the police who were attempting to do their job. What is your response?
Mr HENDERSON: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I absolutely refuse to answer that question because I did not say what the member said. I refuse to answer the question.
Madam SPEAKER: That is fine. I will reiterate what I just said. You shall not attribute directly or by innuendo to another member unbecoming behaviour or motives. All offensive references to a member’s private affairs and all personal reflections on a member shall be deemed highly disorderly.
Mr BURKE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I understand your comments in the reference to the standing order.
Madam SPEAKER: Good.
Mr BURKE: I simply say that, on this particular occasion, the opposition is aware of a police complaint against a member of the Legislative Assembly. We believe that it is right and proper to pursue the nature of that complaint to its conclusion by asking questions referring to that complaint properly in this House. That is all we are seeking to do. There is no allegation by us about the member’s behaviour; it is the fact that, from the police perspective, there is an issue that is unresolved. That is what we are trying to get to the bottom of.
Madam SPEAKER: I understand what you are saying, but we also have a standing order which refers to the manner in which the question is asked. That is what I pointed out to you.
Mr BURKE: I accept that.
Health Zones – Procurement Policy
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for HEALTH and COMMUNITY SERVICES
With the establishment of the new health regions, will there be a policy of uniform procurement of goods and services, or will each regional health zone have the power to procure goods and services individually? Does that raise any issues of efficiencies or extra costs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, that is a good question from the member for Nelson. Procurement is something that is about to be discussed in this House as well.
In relation to any organisation which is funded by my department, it has to first of all be stable and judged to have the capacity to manage accounts and have financial management competence before transfer. It also has to have rigorous financial accountability after the handover. In regard to the procurement rules, this will need to be looked at on an individual case-by-case basis and negotiated during the process of transferring services.
If you look at the two existing boards - the Tiwi Health Board and the Katherine West Health Board - in both of those instances, yes, they do have independence. However, what they have chosen to do in both cases is, quite rightly, look for the best price and the best quality product. You may wish to have a conversation with the member for Arafura about this later on. On occasion, they have chosen to go directly to particular retailers, wholesalers or manufacturers, or perhaps on other occasions they have chosen to buy through the Northern Territory government. These are options that are available to them.
However, in relation to the PHCAP, it really will be a question of negotiating that with each individual health board at the time.
Pit Lands – Cross-Border Service Delivery Arrangements
Ms LAWRIE to ATTORNEY-GENERAL and MINISTER for JUSTICE
Can you please report to the House on the round table meeting held in Alice Springs last week to develop new cross-border service delivery arrangements to the Pit Lands?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. Last week, a watershed meeting was held in Alice Springs heralding a new approach to delivering services to the Pit Lands area in the Northern Territory. Up to 10 000 Australians live in the Pit Lands region across the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia, where they face poor access to government services, isolation and ongoing implications of that isolation, such as adverse health and educational outcomes.
The Northern Territory government is leading the push to develop the nation’s first tri-state, cross-border servicing arrangements for the Pit Lands. The meeting in Alice Springs on 10 and 11 June was attended by the CEOs of departments of Justice, Aboriginal and Community Affairs departments, Police Commissioners, magistrates, public prosecution services, courts and Correctional Services commissioners from across the three jurisdictions, together with Aboriginal delegates from the Pit Lands and representatives from non-government organisations. The meeting discussed how government agencies could collaborate to break down jurisdictional boundaries, and to improve government services and social conditions in the region.
Proposals for reform included cross-border patrolling and stationing of police; shared areas of action in community corrections; extended jurisdiction of the Magistrates’ Courts; and various legislative reforms which would be required for moving to a tri-jurisdictional agreement. A number of tri-jurisdiction working groups have been created to pursue the policing and justice issues raised at the round table. I look forward to reporting to this House on developments in these important areas.
The discussions in Alice Springs were significant to the future of government service agreements across the nation. The cross-border agreements, which will be established in justice and policing services, could set the template for future health and education service arrangements. For an area with endemic petrol sniffing, substance abuse and very low social and service delivery outcomes, this would be a hugely positive step.
Alleged Misconduct by Minister for Tourism
Mr BURKE to MINISTER for TOURISM
In relation to your last answer in advising the police that you were a member of the Legislative Assembly, did you not consider that in advising the police that you were, in fact, a member of the Legislative Assembly, that that could put pressure on the police investigating the incident and could also be construed as a threat?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the questions are becoming quite repetitious. I explained in a fairly open and fulsome way in the previous answer as to why I informed the police officers that I was a member of the Legislative Assembly. I think that is all there is about it. There was no intention on my part to put pressure on anyone, to improperly use my position. However, I was aware, and I am aware, even more so today, of the scrutiny that we have as members of this Legislative Assembly.
Realignment of Power Poles – Leonino and Reedbeds Roads
Mr BONSON to MINISTER for ESSENTIAL SERVICES
All members will be aware of the lack of action by the former administration on the issue I now raise. The location of power poles in the middle of Leonino Road and Reedbeds Road in the Litchfield Shire is a risk to motorists. Can the minister please inform the House on progress in resolving the issue?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. I know this will be of particular interest to the members for Nelson and Goyder. Since the power poles were constructed on these roads between the 1940s and 1970s, this area has grown. The roads have become more of a thoroughfare. Basically, in parts along Leonino and Reedbeds Roads, it has resulted in the power poles actually going up almost the centre of the road; there is a 20 metre road reserve there. Road usage has increased. It is a traffic hazard and it has become an impediment to sealing the roads.
In 2002, PowerWater decided to fund the relocation of approximately 160 poles over a four year period along these roads, at a cost of approximately $660 000. It was very important that PowerWater work in conjunction with the Litchfield Shire with their resealing program, and that is exactly what has happened. The first two stages are underway, namely, the removal of 19 poles from Reedbeds Road and 39 poles from Leonino Road. New poles have been erected in Leonino Road and line works to string transmission lines along these poles will commence soon.
I will be visiting the area next week. I should start with the member for Goyder - I extend a special invitation for him to come along, and to the member for Nelson who has fought long and hard for these poles to be removed from the centre of the road.
As the member for Millner said, this problem was overlooked by the previous government for many years. This government has taken the mettle and is actually doing something about it, which will provide safer roads in the Litchfield area. I am sure it will be welcomed by residents and the local member. I am not sure about the former PowerWater minister, but then he does not welcome much at all.
Gove District Hospital – Safety of Staff
Ms CARTER to MINISTER for HEALTH and COMMUNITY SERVICES
Last week you went to Nhulunbuy. While you were there, were you made aware of the security problems at Nhulunbuy Hospital and, in particular, the problems caused by nurses having to walk some distance between the ward block and the administration block, particularly after hours, when it is not uncommon for them to be abused, intimidated and harassed?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. I am aware that the member for Port Darwin is in possession of a letter that was sent to the member for Nhulunbuy, the Deputy Chief Minister, and a copy was sent to the member for Port Darwin and to me from the ANF regarding issues to do with safety at the Gove District Hospital.
Over many years, there have been issues of violence at Gove District Hospital. We know there have been increased numbers of itinerants in the area, and there were some incidents earlier this year. There have been issues raised in relation to the open walkway between the emergency area and the hospital itself.
Earlier this year, my department ensured that staff safety was increased by putting in place a system whereby the emergency department was closed down at 6 pm and a system …
Mr Dunham interjecting.
Mrs AAGAARD: The member for Drysdale may well laugh at that.
Mr Dunham: It is great. It is like Yes, Minister. I suppose if the hospital was empty your infection rate would be zero too.
Mrs AAGAARD: Excuse me, Madam Speaker. It is very hard to give a response …
Mr Dunham interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Drysdale, order!
Mrs AAGAARD: Madam Speaker, I say to the member for Drysdale that, in fact, this issue about the walkway has been around for years and years, and the member for Drysdale did absolutely nothing about it. His interest in anything to do with nurses and safety is unbelievably low. There is no walkway that the member for Drysdale put in at all. Nothing like that has happened. If the member for Drysdale ever visited the Gove District Hospital – which seems fairly doubtful to me – he would know that the front building is the administration block, the emergency department and also the outpatients area.
After 6 pm that building is closed down and the emergency area is in the main block of the hospital. Since we introduced this it has cut the number of violent incidents by 90%. With the help of the police, we have also increased the number of police patrols in the area. This has assisted with itinerants in the area. Yes, the Nurses Federation is interested in us putting in a covered walkway in the area.
Earlier this week, I spoke to the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure’s officers about getting quotes for this walkway, and we will be looking at that. We have allocated $1.5m in this coming financial year to improve this whole area at Gove District Hospital. There is going to be a multipurpose service built at this hospital and, as part of that, there will be significant improvements in the hospital, including safety measures.
In relation to safety measures at this hospital, we are putting in video cameras, and special locks. We are implementing a number of measures, including, since earlier this year, we have put in orderlies to assist nurses should they need to go to the other building during the evening. I was assured yesterday, there has now been a system put in where, in fact, no nurses should ever need to go to the other building after 6 pm at night. While I agree that there are concerns always for nurses and their safety, we are taking every imaginable step to ensure their safety at the Gove District Hospital.
Township of Fleming - Development
Mr KIELY to MINISTER for TRANSPORT and INFRASTRUCTURE
Madam SPEAKER: Just the question member for Sanderson.
Mr KIELY: Yes, Madam Speaker. I apologise for my somewhat passionate display. I promise I will laugh next time there is an attack like that mounted by the other side.
Madam SPEAKER: Just the question.
Minister, can you please inform the House of how this government is supporting the development of the town of Fleming, located in the Daly River region?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Sanderson for his question. This government is once again proving that it is the government for all Territorians, and not for Territorians who live north of the Berrimah line. The township of Fleming was declared in 1995, but it remained a name and nothing else. Nothing was done until 2002, when I personally met with the Douglas Daly Community Development Association to discuss the establishment of a regional centre in the Douglas Daly area. I spoke to my department and we found that there were some native title issues. In April 2002, I proceeded and acquired all interests, including any native title interests, so the new town site of Fleming will open in Douglas Daly.
Anywhere else in Australia, townships are closing down. Here in the Territory, we have one township actually being born. I was very pleased to be part of the government that managed to achieve that. I was very pleased to work with the Douglas Daly Community Development Association. I have to admit, the progress association year after year were electing a CLP member . However, he has not managed to do much about it. I think it is about time, before the next election, they start thinking about what they are doing.
Mr Baldwin: Well, my voters will be happy with you.
Mr VATSKALIS: Yes, I hear the interjection. The member for Daly worked very hard and proclaimed the town site, but that was about it. It was just a name. He is good at names, obviously. He may declare another one if the opportunity is given.
The Douglas Daly Community Development Association were very keen to see the town site develop. They asked me to provide some sporting grounds. The government was pleased to provide them with 20 hectares to establish their sporting grounds and sporting facilities.
This government also helped them to install a bore and, further to that, during my recent trip to Douglas Daly, I gave them another block of land to establish their first school. The community was very keen to establish a number of industrial blocks in the area but, unfortunately, because nothing was happening before, they needed access, and I instructed my department to provide funding, as soon as possible, for the construction of a road. Now they have access from Fullarton Road to the township of Fleming. That road will service the school and sporting area, and the first six industrial blocks in the township of Fleming.
The town of Fleming is born and will continue to grow, and I am very pleased to be part of a government that actually managed to establish a new town site in the Territory.
Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Gary Meyerhoff – Conferral of Benefit
Ms CARTER to CHIEF MINISTER
Has your government provided, either directly or indirectly, a grant or any other funds to Mr Gary Meyerhoff for any purpose?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, as far as I can recall, not at all.
Borroloola – Community Safe House
Mr McADAM to MINISTER for HOUSING
The community of Borroloola, in particular, the many courageous indigenous women, have been pursuing options for the establishment of a community safe house. I understand significant progress has been achieved in recent times.
Members interjecting.
Mr McADAM: You had better listen to this because you had a lot of time to do something about it, and you did zero. Listen.
Would you please advise the Assembly of the latest developments.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I welcome the question from the member for Barkly. He is quite right in picking up the interjection from the former minister for Housing who was not able to do much at all. I touched on the inability of the CLP, especially with those former ministers who had responsibilities in the bush - they were forgotten Territorians. I suppose I should not really lay a lot of blame on the former ministers. Obviously, it came back to their leader who currently has some mathematical problems trying to sort out which way the numbers are falling. However, that is something that he needs to deal with and he needs to chain a few of those people down to make sure that his numbers stay intact.
The member for Barkly is correct in stating that this issue has been pursued by the local community for several years. The proposal was first discussed in 1999-2000 under the previous government. Resolution of native title issues has now progressed to the stage where an indigenous land use agreement is being developed for registration. A recent agreement to secure operational funding between the Northern Territory government agencies and ATSIC has enabled the construction of a safe house in Borroloola to commence. The safe house is expected to be completed in early December this year, and will house up to eight women and their children at one time.
There is a significant investment of $400 000 through my Department of Community Development, Sport and Cultural Affairs for the development of this facility, which will provide respite for women and children escaping domestic violence. Might I add, I was somewhat upset when I heard the reports that came across the national media regarding Professor Mick Dodson’s talk to the National Press Club about some of the domestic and sexual violence that is happening in the indigenous community around Australia. It is imperative that governments and political parties of all persuasions knuckle down and start addressing their minds to the problems that we need to get on top of.
ATSIC has agreed to contribute a minimum of $50 000 towards operational costs for the safe house in the 2003-04 financial year, and has agreed to consider for approval the same amount for two subsequent years. The Department of Health and Community Services, through my colleague, minister Aagaard, will contribute towards the recurrent costs of the safe house, as well as providing a one-off grant of $60 000 in the 2003-04 financial year towards establishment costs. It is anticipated that the signing and registration process for the indigenous land use agreement will take approximately four to five months to finalise.
The Northern Land Council has shown total support for the project, and all parties feel confident …
Dr Lim: And they should have done so the last time, too, when we were in there, but they would not, would they?
Mr McAdam: You did not try.
Dr Lim: We tried hard. They would not do it. The land council has to accept the blame for that.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr AH KIT: Madam Speaker, I will pick up on the interjection from the member for Greatorex. He failed as a housing minister in the CLP government. He is uncomfortable when he goes bush - and I have been out with him on a number of occasions - because he just does not know what it is that people understand about his inadequacies and his incapability of delivering as a politician. After all, we are all Territorians who need to progress the Territory together, not necessarily in a cooperative manner because of our political affiliations, but certainly …
Dr Lim: So, if you were born overseas, you are not a Territorian, hey? Is that what you are saying?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Greatorex, order!
Mr AH KIT: Madam Speaker, the member for Greatorex gets pretty jealous sitting over there being fairly useless, other than sliding back between the factions …
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, please answer the question.
Mr AH KIT: Madam Speaker, they are so provocative.
In conclusion, the development of this important community facility is long awaited, and is another government initiative in ensuring safer communities for all Territorians.
Tail Docking of Dogs
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT
I understand your government has not made up its mind about tail docking. Instead of an outright ban, would you consider as a reasonable compromise the Western Australian legislation where tail docking can only be carried out by vets, and for prophylactic and therapeutic reasons only?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. This is not another CLP initiative, may I report to the Assembly. It is, however, an issue that needs to be addressed.
Apropos the national ban, my ministerial colleague went to the Primary Industries Ministerial Council in Brisbane some four to six weeks ago and did not have the responsibility to discuss and agree to a proposal, in principle, for the national banning of tail docking. And rightly so. He, along with the New South Wales minister at the time, made a statement to the Ministerial Council, that they would need to take that back, have their Caucus Cabinet discuss it in their respective states, and also to seek out the permission of their political parties. The Ministerial Council will be meeting in New South Wales on 30 June. Our position will be formalised and the minister will be taking a position to that.
I met with Damian Bourne and his colleague from the North Australian Canine Association. They stated to me quite clearly, in writing and verbally, that if we were going down some path of …
Mr Dunham interjecting.
Mr AH KIT: … looking at the tail docking – well, we have again the former Minister for Local Government who did not address this issue. I should not pick up on his interjection. He is so irrelevant he does not know what side he is on. He keeps sliding around everywhere.
My department is looking at legislation in other states. Damian Bourne reported to me that, if we were to go down this path, that the Western Australian model would be the best model, which he saw, from his association, as a compromise. However, I have had other reports that not all members of the North Australian Canine Association agree with that particular position.
We do have a position that we need to declare in regards to the best position for the Northern Territory. However, we need to take in both sides of the argument. I will be doing that in our assessment so that once that position is finalised we will make that available to this Chamber.
Mr Gary Meyerhoff – Conferral of Benefit
Ms CARTER to CHIEF MINISTER
Can you categorically advise the Assembly whether or not Mr Gary Meyerhoff has received a grant from your government, directly or indirectly?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the question was asked by the member before and I said we have not funded Gary Meyerhoff. We have not funded the Network Against Prohibition, the organisation which Gary Meyerhoff heads.
While I am on my feet, I say very categorically that I welcome the very decisive sentencing that happened to those members of NAP who invaded this parliament the May before last. It is a very serious offence to invade parliament, and I welcome the very strong decision from the Magistrates Court.
As far as any position Gary Meyerhoff has had, I am advised that he has relieved as a coordinator at the Territory Users Forum. That forum is an organisation that receives Commonwealth funding via Territory Health. We have not funded Gary Meyerhoff ever directly, but I am advised that he has relieved as a coordinator. I cannot give you the time frame on that, or when it happened. Let me assure you, this government does not fund Gary Meyerhoff, and does not, and will not, fund members of the Network Against Prohibition.
Mr HENDERSON (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Question Paper.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016