2005-02-15
Paedophile Activity - Chief Minister’s Alleged Interference in Due Process
Mr BURKE to CHIEF MINISTER
In questions in parliament last week, you finally revealed that you had a brief conversation with the Police Commissioner prior to a suppression order being put in place against a prominent Territorian charged with child sex offences. I am also informed that, prior to 18 June last year, you received a briefing from Territory police about that prominent Territorian under investigation for child sex offences. Also, Chief Minister, you would be aware that rumours have abounded, supported by evidence, about interference in the investigation from the highest level. The prominent Territorian’s name …
Madam SPEAKER: Your question, Leader of the Opposition.
Mr BURKE: The prominent Territorian’s name was omitted from a court list when he was charged, the DPP has agreed to a suppression order sought by the man’s defence team, you have refused to state the name of …
Madam SPEAKER: Your question?
Mr BURKE: … the rumour monger who spoke to you prior to you prior to you ringing the Commissioner of Police, you have refused to track …
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, resume your seat. Your question is too lengthy. I have asked you a couple of times to get to the question. Would you stand up and ask the question, please?
Mr BURKE: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: Ask the question!
Mr BURKE: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order. It is Question Time.
Mr BURKE: I am raising a point of order. Madam Speaker, this is the first day of the second week of sittings. Territorians are simply being made aware of a line of questions that have been asked all of the last week.
Madam SPEAKER: It is already on public record.
Mr BURKE: Surely, I can lay out …
Madam SPEAKER: Just ask your question.
Mr BURKE: Do you want me to start again?
Madam SPEAKER: No. I want you to ask the question.
Mr BURKE: Chief Minister, do you agree that your failure to be open about your conduct has raised the suspicions of Territorians, and do you agree that this conduct would be perceived as interference?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, every element that has been raised by the Opposition Leader today was addressed last week. The only aspect of this that is open to any suspicion is the motives of the opposition.
I strongly believe that the questions we had last week, on a very serious issue, are designed to subvert a suppression order of the court. It is a very serious matter that has to do with child pornography. I stand to say that the government will have no further part in attempting to subvert a suppression order because that is what the Opposition Leader is trying to do. He makes things up. He has come in here alleging facts. They are not facts, Madam Speaker. He has simply put tissues of ill-informed supposition on his part, claiming facts when they are not facts, all designed to subvert a suppression order from the court. Government will have no further part of this.
Work Force Training
Mr KIELY to MINISTER for EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION and TRAINING
Boosting the Territory’s skills base is a priority of the Martin Labor government. How is the government ensuring that Territorians have the skills to keep the Territory moving ahead?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Sanderson for his question, because we do have a good story to tell. When we were elected to government in August 2001, it was an issue we recognised very quickly. We had recognised this issue for many years and had asked our predecessors what they were doing about a Jobs Plan, skilling and re-training of Territorians. The answer, of course, was nothing.
We took that challenge up very quickly, remodelling the old Department of Education to a new focus of employment, education and training. We abolished the old NTETA and provided a strongly resourced and heavily focussed Employment and Training Division inside the Department of Employment, Training and Education.
We introduced a Jobs Plan, the first time ever, having asked our predecessors every year what they were doing about a jobs plan. We introduced a Work Force Training Strategy document, the first ever. We introduced a Work Force Report, the first ever. We introduced incentives aimed at encouraging employers to take up the training effort and keeping them there. Over 350 employer incentives have been taken up thus far in the first two rounds of that scheme, and further incentives will become available in 2005. Through that process, we have established good working relationships with business and industry, in assisting them to take up this challenge of skills training. It is a significant effort by this government in comparison to our predecessors.
Let me state the outcomes. In 2004, 3019 Territorians were in training, which passed the 3000 mark for the first time ever. There were 2476 commencements throughout the calendar year 2004. The 2004 figures themselves are up by 35%, from 2211 in training at the end of 2001. In January 2005, we have 3040 trainees across the Territory. Right across the Territory, Darwin has 1935; Alice Springs, 557; Katherine, 266; Tennant Creek, 84; Jabiru, 74; and 120 in my home town of Nhulunbuy. Thirty-eight of these apprentices are in the hard, traditional trades where we are facing national shortages and shortages in the Northern Territory. That is the second-highest ratio of hard trades out of total apprentices and trainees, second only to Western Australia, which shades us there, 38% of 3040 trainees are in those hardcore traditional trades.
Getting the message to our school kids - at the end of 2004, there were 129 school-based new apprentices in training, up from five in 2001. We have successfully promoted vocational education and training in schools. It is a satisfying result, however, we are not resting on our laurels here. More needs to be done, and we will continue to get on with the job of skilling, training, and reskilling Territorians to deliver jobs and economic growth to the Territory.
Paedophile Activity – Chief Minister’s
Briefing by Territory Police
Briefing by Territory Police
Mr BURKE to CHIEF MINISTER
Is it not a fact that, immediately prior to 18 June last year, you were briefed by Territory police regarding an investigation relating to a prominent Territorian and child sex offences. What was the briefing about, who initiated it, and why was it considered necessary?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I refer the Opposition Leader to my answer to this question last week, which said, quite clearly, that I had no such briefing.
Indigenous Territorians –
Traineeships and Apprenticeships
Traineeships and Apprenticeships
Mr BONSON to MINISTER for EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION and TRAINING
Building the skills base for indigenous Territorians is a critical factor in our future economic growth. How is the government ensuring that indigenous Territorians share in the benefits of a growing economy through traineeships and apprenticeships?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Millner for his question. It is perhaps a more critical question than most of us realise. I put on the record exactly why it is such an important issue. This government is conscious of the need to skill-up indigenous Territorians to take their place in the work force.
In 2004, Australia produced 170 000 entrants into the 2005 work force. It is likely that Australia will produce, in total, around 200 000 new entrants to the work force between the years 2020 and 2030. That is, in that decade, there will be marginally more entrants coming into the work force, due to the ageing of the population, than came into the work force in the whole of Australia last year. The only place which will have an increase in number of 15 - to 19-year-olds coming through the education system into the work force is the Northern Territory. Around 80% of those will be young, indigenous people. That is why it is so critical to build the skills of these young people today, and into the future, because it is critically important to the future of the Northern Territory.
To start to measure up to this task, we have developed an Indigenous Employment Strategy for the public sector. We have focussed on creating training opportunities through our jobs planning incentives. We have based some of those incentives in indigenous employment areas. We have ensured that indigenous youth are given strong vocational education and training options in remote communities.
What have been the results of that effort? Through the focus of the Indigenous Employment Strategy, we now have around 1000 indigenous people working in the Territory public sector, almost 40% more than when the strategy was implemented. Still, only 6% of the work force overall. It is an improvement and a major step forward which will continue.
I have already advised the House of the success we are having with apprentices and trainees across the Territory, with over 3040 in training in the Territory at the end of January. Of that number, I am pleased to advise that 752 are indigenous trainees and apprentices. They are broken down as follows: 354 in Darwin; 133 in Alice Springs; 137 in Katherine; 36 in Tennant Creek; 49 in Nhulunbuy; and 40 in Jabiru. We believe this outcome reflects a strong effort to get indigenous people into meaningful jobs, armed with meaningful skills, to take their proper place in the work force.
It is about moving the Territory ahead now but, most importantly, into the longer term. I am proud of the solid effort we have made on this major challenge before the Territory. Much more needs to be done, and we will continue to roll these programs out into the future.
Paedophile Activity – Alleged Personal
Interest of Chief Minister
Interest of Chief Minister
Mr BURKE to CHIEF MINISTER
You have shown a high level of personal interest in this prominent Territorian who has been charged with child sex offences, which has already caused serious public concern, to the point where you have solicited a personal briefing from the Police Commissioner outside of due process. In any case of alleged sex offences, there is more than one party involved, including the alleged victims. Can you tell us in detail what your level of personal interest has been in their wellbeing in this matter. For instance, have you sought personal briefings from those agencies within your government who would normally provide counselling and other support services?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, again, the Opposition Leader is coming in here and putting together a question with allegations pretending to be facts. I reject what the Opposition Leader is saying. In terms of any involvement from me, I will quote the Police Commissioner. It is important that we accept that the Police Commissioner would not be misleading, and I do not believe the Opposition Leader is saying that. However, the Police Commissioner certainly said that any contact I had had, and I quote him:
- I want to put to rest immediately that anything improper happened. Standard operating procedures were followed at all times.
That is the extent of any involvement. I say again to the opposition - what you are attempting to do here is subvert a suppression order of the court and, I say again, we are not going to have anything further to do with it.
Wheelchairs – Government Assistance
Ms LAWRIE to MINISTER for FAMILY and COMMUNITY SERVICES
Many Territorians rely on the use of wheelchairs. What assistance is the government providing them with?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Karama for her question. Before coming into politics, the member for Karama had a long history of working with people with disabilities. The government is quite serious about ensuring that all Territorians have an opportunity to develop their potential and live fulfilling lives.
Since becoming minister, several people have raised concerns with me regarding the problems of access to suitable wheelchairs. These concerns, from people who are wheelchair-bound, are that, under existing policy, they are only eligible for one wheelchair or a scooter. Whilst electric wheelchairs or scooters are useful when someone is out and about, they are not suitable when people are at home and they can become quite restrictive. I am sure we all agree that it makes sense that some people require a manual wheelchair to assist when at home.
Last week, I was delighted to announce, in front of the Disability Advisory Council, that those people assessed as requiring both an electric and a manual wheelchair will be able to. This will be effective immediately. This extra wheelchair may not sound like a big thing to some people, however, it is a big thing for those involved. It will certainly go a long way in terms of quality and access to life for people living with disabilities.
Health Practitioners - Shortage
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for HEALTH
Is it true that we are about 100 general practitioners short in the Territory, and that, in recent times, Darwin has lost four GPs and a dermatologist, and has had no respiratory physician for five years?
Is it also true that the urologist, who has been in the Northern Territory for approximately 12 months, refuses to work at Royal Darwin Hospital? What is the government doing to attract GPs and other specialists to the Territory, and why is the urologist not working at Royal Darwin Hospital?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the first point I make is that the recruitment of general practitioners into the general community in private practice is a matter for the Commonwealth. Recently, there have been comments in the media about the need for the Commonwealth to have another look at the classification, particularly of Darwin, in terms of the ability to recruit GPs into the Darwin and Palmerston area. In terms of my department, our responsibility is to recruit doctors into our hospitals. I will give you a quick run-down in response to the member for Nelson’s question.
Currently, we have over 90% of our hospital doctor positions filled. In an environment of national and international shortage of doctors, we have acted to ensure that the Northern Territory is best placed to attract and retain doctors in our public system. We have introduced an EBA, which gives very competitive conditions for doctors to come into our system, and we are out there aggressively recruiting doctors. Last week in this House, I mentioned the British Medical Journal Career Fair, where we sent two senior departmental people to interview doctors. Fifty interviews were held, resulting in 15 to 20 successful recruitments into our system. The benefits of working in the Territory are also being promoted through regular interstate recruitment drives, through which the majority of junior medical staff are recruited.
Dr Pruim, a specialist dermatologist, announced late in 2004 that he was relocating interstate for family reasons, consequently closing down his private and Royal Darwin Hospital-based public practice. In conjunction with medical administration of Royal Darwin Hospital, Dr Pruim has assisted in securing a visiting specialist service from South Australia. Visits will commence during this month and will continue on a regular basis.
The health needs of Palmerston and Litchfield residents are being addressed in a feasibility study about improving the health service hub in Palmerston. A draft study has been completed and is with my department. It will provide direction on how best to manage the health and community needs, now and into the future. Consideration is being given to a range of issues, including GP access, to better meet the needs in those areas. This initiative is in partnership between my agency and the Australian government’s Department of Health and Ageing, and is being overseen by a steering committee which includes AMSANT, Danila Dilba, Top End Division of General Practice, and the three tiers of government - Northern Territory, Australian and Palmerston City Council. This partnership approach supports opportunities for collaboration between the parties. Consultation with stakeholders will continue in Palmerston and Litchfield. In the meantime, our agency subsidises a 6 am to 10 pm bulk-bill GP service in the Palmerston Health Precinct, seven days a week.
Paedophile Activity - Chief Minister’s
Alleged Interference in Due Process
Alleged Interference in Due Process
Mr BURKE to CHIEF MINISTER
I will ask the question again: you have shown sufficient interest in this case to prompt you to ring the Police Commissioner and have a conversation …
Mr HENDERSON: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 114 states that, once a question asked has been fully answered then it is repetitive and should be ruled out of order.
Mr BURKE: Speaking to the point of order, Madam Speaker, the Chief Minister did not even go near the question last time. I am asking the question again. It is not repetitive. The question may be repetitive, but the Chief Minister has not even attempted to answer it.
Madam SPEAKER: Yes, however, you are fully aware that the nature of the answer by the minister is at the minister’s discretion. Certainly, the Chair has no power to dictate the nature of the answer.
Mr BURKE: But you would not gag me from even asking it, surely?
Madam SPEAKER: If it is going to be repetitious, I will. I suggest you ask the question in a way that does not make it repetitious.
Mr BURKE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I believe that if there is anything to be obtained from this question, it would be that the Chief Minister refuses to stand and answer it. That, in itself, is a telling answer.
Madam SPEAKER: I have said that I cannot dictate the nature, as you know, of the way the minister answers the question. There is also a standing order that states that questions should not be repetitive. I am saying to you, please ask your question in such a way that it will not be repetitive.
Mr BURKE: Chief Minister, there are over 10 Territorians currently on charges of child sex offences, one of whom is Nick Gill, a high-profile public servant in Alice Springs.
In the case of the prominent Territorian, whose name was suppressed shortly after you made a phone call and had a conversation with the Police Commissioner, can you tell us that you took sufficient interest in the welfare of the victims? What have you done, in inquiries to your agencies, to find out what counselling services and other support services have been put in place for the victims? You have a lot of interest in the perpetrator; what about the victim?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, specific to this case, we are talking about child pornography. What details do we have? I do not know any of the details. What are you actually saying I should follow-up on? We are talking about child pornography and charges in court. Would you suggest that, likewise, I follow-up on all cases in court? The question is irrelevant.
I go back to my point - which is a very valid one – these questions are all designed to subvert a suppression order from the court on a very serious charge of child pornography. Regarding the other charges, the Opposition Leader stated facts that are simply wrong. If he is seriously alleging corruption of the system, that the DPP is corrupt, that a magistrate is corrupt, then these are very serious charges. However, there has not been one iota of evidence or fact put forward in this parliament to support it.
We have now seen the fourth day of incredibly grubby tactics from an Opposition Leader who said: ‘I am a new man. Oh, I forgot the vision or plan for the Territory’s future, but I am a new man and I can come in here, make up facts, assert things that are wrong, and allege, without saying it’. I believe he should be honest. He is alleging corruption of our judiciary; a man who is on the record.
Members interjecting.
Ms MARTIN: He is. Seriously, the questions over the last four days have been alleging corruption of our judiciary, with not one iota of evidence. Therefore, the only thing this ‘new man’, the Opposition Leader, seems to know how to do is dance with grubs.
Business Growth Program
Mrs AAGAARD to MINISTER for BUSINESS and INDUSTRY
The Martin Labor government is committed to championing small business and backing them to grow. How has the Business Growth Program assisted Territory small business to get ahead? Are you aware of any feedback from the business community about the value of this program?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nightcliff for her question. In her former life, prior to entering this parliament, my colleague ran a very successful small business. I take much countenance and advice from her based on small business issues and concerns …
Mr Dunham: She did not even know what fraud was.
Mr HENDERSON: Again, my friend, the member for Drysdale.
Last week, I talked about the uptake of the Business Upskills Program, which has been a great success and delivered on another government election commitment. Today, another program, run by my Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development, the Business Growth Program with $225 000 per year committed to this program that gives practical support and assistance to Territory businesses, helping them to grow.
Territory businesses with an annual turnover of $30 000 or more are able to work very closely, one-on-one, with skilled business improvement consultants to further refine their business plan to take on board the opportunities in the Northern Territory, with first-hand expert advice that really makes a difference to their business plan and the running of their business. There has been a significant increase in the number of people participating over the last seven months in all of the business programs run by my department.
Such is the success of this program, since 1 July this year, 43 Territory businesses have been approved to participate in the program, compared to 40 participants for the 12 months ended 30 June, which doubled the rate of last year. Of the 43 businesses participating so far this year, 10 are located in regional centres across the Territory, receiving a total of $63 865 in grants. In the review of the program last year, I made a commitment that we had to get this program out to the regions, not just available in Darwin and Palmerston.
To highlight the practical outcomes being delivered by the Business Growth Program, here are some testimonials from operators of small business in the Territory. Dianne Donaldson from Mailfast NT stated that the program has delivered improved profitability and gives ongoing support, not just one-off support. Petrina Fisher from Darwin Electric Motor Rewinds said, ‘The program has enabled us to see other areas of growth that we had not considered. It strengthens the relationship between business and government’. Breeze Jessop of Projection Plus said, ‘The program helped us to employ an independent professional to look at our business objectively. It has given us new energy and direction. Fantastic assistance for all small business. I wish we had taken advantage earlier’.
I would urge all business operators, particularly small and growing business operators who are listening to this broadcast, to take advantage of the service. The public servants in DBIRD and the Business Growth areas are doing a magnificent job. I put on the record my thanks to those officers and the consultants who are working with them assisting small business to take advantage of the great opportunities in the Northern Territory.
Chief Minister - Behaviour
Mr BURKE to CHIEF MINISTER
You will recall, when you were Leader of the Opposition, you had one of your senior staffers anonymously ring a talkback radio session posing as a victim of crime and making assertions about police conduct. Given your appalling track record in deliberately misleading the public, do you now admit …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Your question, Leader of the Opposition, it is not debating time.
Mr BURKE: They either have a memory lapse, Madam Speaker, or they do not like the question.
Do you admit, by your actions in ringing the Police Commissioner, your actions are suspicious and demonstrate incompetent behaviour from a head of government?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I again quote the Police Commissioner, who said: ‘I want to put to rest immediately that anything improper happened’. Are you questioning the credibility of the Police Commissioner?
Mr Baldwin: Your credibility.
Ms MARTIN: No, I am quoting the Police Commissioner. It is all very well for the Opposition Leader to make up an assessment. He is simply weaving half-truths and his own allegations together and believes the end product.
The Police Commissioner says nothing inappropriate happened, and that standard operating procedures were followed at all times. The Opposition Leader needs to start believing the words of the Police Commissioner who is leading a very fine police force. Because of the commitment of this government to our police force - $75m and 200 extra police on our streets - we have a police force that is walking tall, not simply struggling as they were with not enough numbers, not enough capacity to do an important job for Territorians. We are very proud of our police force.
Australian Tourism Awards
Mr McADAM to MINISTER FOR TOURISM
Last week, for the first time, the Northern Territory hosted the Australian Tourism Awards. Can you give the House an update on this prestigious event?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Barkly for his question. It was a spectacular event last Friday night in Alice Springs. It was the first time that the Australian Tourism Awards had been held in the Territory. As soon as we can get the convention centre built in Darwin we are certainly putting our hands up for the next one to be held in Darwin.
It was a full house, with 700 people present. There were interstate and local guests, including the federal Minister for Tourism, Fran Bailey, state and territory ministers for Tourism, and chairpersons of state and territory tourist commissions and offices and equivalents. Importantly, there were key tourism industry people present.
With all those visitors to Alice Springs, the impact on the economy was assessed to be approximately $250 000 – good for Alice Springs for a weekend – and many of those who came to visit actually stayed extra days. There were entrants in the awards who, from the stage were talking about having gone to the Centre a number of days before and having enjoyed their tourism experiences.
And we did well, Madam Speaker. I congratulate Vicki Spence from the Chamber of Commerce, and Linda Deans for an extraordinary and very professional effort. It was lovely to hear comments from people who said they had been to every tourism award and this had to be the best as it was done beautifully and professionally; and they certainly enjoyed the evening. Charlie King and Jonathon Uptin were terrific as Masters of Ceremony.
The Territory received two national awards, and we are very proud of those. The first was to Voyages Hotels and Resorts for their Desert Gardens Hotel which won the Deluxe Accommodation Category. Voyages is well-deserving of that award. The one that received the biggest cheer …
Dr Toyne: Yes!
Ms MARTIN: A little self-interest to my right! … the Finke Desert Race was recognised with an Encouragement Award in the Significant Festivals and Events Category. There were those who said: ‘We have been robbed; we have been robbed’ …
Mr Elferink: I did not see you racing, Paul.
Ms MARTIN: However, we found out that …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Macdonnell! Sorry, Chief Minister, cease for a moment. You know the rules, particularly the rule about calling people – even in asides – by their Christian name. It is a warning!
Ms MARTIN: The assessment was that if you received an encouragement award like that, you probably are only half or one point behind the winner, so what a tremendous achievement for the Finke Desert Race. There was a table of supporters there and there were screams, yells and howls of delight. It was fantastic.
It was a night of nights for Territory tourism. Tourism is the winner from the Australian Tourism Awards but, for 2005, the Territory did very well.
Alleged Secret Database
Mr BURKE to CHIEF MINISTER
Is it true that within your organisation on the fifth floor of Parliament House, you have compiled a secret database, whereby you track comment and political affiliation of Territorians, as well as record comments made by public servants and business people? Some examples are: recording Mr Armstrong of the Cattlemen’s Association as being part of the federal Coalition; recording Norman Fry of the Northern Land Council as giving positive third-party endorsement of your government; recording Ian Smith, CEO of the Seafood Council as making negative comments against government; recording five entries against the name of Warren Anderson, a man who is already engaged in defamation proceedings against your government; and recording Anne Shepherd, the Mayor of Katherine, as being critical of your government. It also includes …
Mr HENDERSON: A point of order, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: I think those are enough examples. That is enough!
Mr BURKE: It also includes the names of members of parliament, private business people and public servants. They all appear in the dossier. Why are you keeping secret files on Territorians, and do you believe that such files will create mistrust, suspicion and fear in your leadership …
Mr HENDERSON: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The member for Macdonnell is waving around documents and making very serious allegations. I would urge a ruling from you whether that is appropriate behaviour from the member for Macdonnell.
Madam SPEAKER: Firstly, I believe all you managed to do was draw attention to the fact that the member for Macdonnell was waving around a file, which I believe often happens in this House, unfortunately. It may not have the title on it that was entirely appropriate. Member for Macdonnell, you have been asked if you will table that file.
Mr ELFERINK: Madam Speaker, there is no requirement under standing orders for me to table this …
Madam SPEAKER: No, however, you have been asked.
Mr ELFERINK: … and I am not going to.
Madam SPEAKER: That is fine. That is all you have to say.
Mr Elferink interjecting.
Members interjecting.
Mr Elferink: Who is going to die over this up there? Who is going to get shafted?
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order!
Mr BALDWIN: A point of order, Madam Speaker! This is a copy of their file, and they should …
Madam SPEAKER: I do not believe that is a point of order. Good try!
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, from the nature of the question, I believe the Opposition Leader has more knowledge of what is on the appropriate databases of government than I do. As members of parliament, we all know we have databases that we use for interest groups, for contacting constituents, for logging constituents’ interests, for logging constituents’ complaints and concerns – all those things. Every single member of this House would have those in their databases.
The government database is entirely appropriate, and I …
Dr Lim: Anne Shepherd is your constituent, is she?
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Greatorex.
Dr Lim: She is your constituent, is she?
Madam SPEAKER: Order, thank you!
Ms MARTIN: I will say that, in 2005, you would be seriously shocked at a member of parliament or a government, where we have such excellent IT, that we did not have such databases – which are totally appropriate.
Dr Butcher’s Tenure at Alice Springs Hospital
Ms LAWRIE to MINISTER for HEALTH
Can you advise the House on the end of the full-time tenure at the Alice Springs Hospital of Dr Butcher, a long-standing member of the Alice Springs community?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, today, a joint media release has been issued by Dr Charles Butcher, along with the Alice Springs Hospital, and I will share the content of it with members:
Alice Springs Hospital surgeon, Charles Butcher, says he is happy with arrangements surrounding the end of his full-time tenure at the hospital. Dr Butcher said he has had very satisfying discussions with management. ‘I have been flattered by the support shown by the public,’ Dr Butcher said. ‘I am very happy with the outcome of my discussions with management and I am looking forward to continuing my involvement with the hospital’.
Dr Butcher, 67, marks 25 years at the hospital this week. He and fellow surgeon, Dr David Hamilton, requested a job-sharing arrangement at the hospital in 2000 when he retired from private practice. When Dr Hamilton resigned last year, job-sharing became untenable.
Dr Butcher’s replacement, Dr Fred Boseto, a fellow of the Australian College of Surgeons, began work at the hospital this week.
Madam Speaker, I add my personal regard for Dr Charles Butcher. We speak a lot of time around the community and I hold him in the highest regard. I am very pleased that this matter has now been resolved to his satisfaction.
Darwin City Waterfront Project –
Defence Issues
Defence Issues
Mr BURKE to CHIEF MINISTER
Whilst you were insisting on rushing approval and financial close to the waterfront development to suit your own political time line, can you confirm that all of the Defence issues surrounding this development have been dealt with and bedded down? If they have not, can you provide details of what issues are outstanding, and in what time frame you are hoping to achieve solutions to these issues, and do they also impact on your achieving financial close?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, with the terrific waterfront development, we are actively seeking to have Defence stay as part of the waterfront using Fort Hill Wharf and the old Iron Ore Wharf. That is something that we …
Mr Dunham: And driving the tanks through the suburbs. That is what is in your plan. Armaments, ammunitions …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Drysdale, allow the Chief Minister to continue.
Mr Dunham: I am trying to help her out.
Ms MARTIN: If the Opposition Leader asks a question, I am assuming the member for Drysdale supports that question and wants to hear the answer?
Mr Dunham: Yes, a truthful one.
Ms MARTIN: Okay. We want to have Defence and cruise ships as part of the waterfront. An active waterfront is a very important part of this. We are having ongoing discussions with Defence about the unloading of fuel at the current Iron Ore Wharf and are confident that we will resolve those issues. There is no immediate requirement for that.
The waterfront is a decade-long project. Stage 1, which we are talking about now, is the $250m convention and exhibition centre; the seawalls and associated beach area; 140 residential units; and the hotel and car park. That is stage 1. Over the time we will be building the rest of the waterfront, we will sort through those issues which impact. We have a wonderful new fuel terminal. Vopak has been building a state-of-the-art fuel terminal across from the port, something supported by the CLP, with bipartisan support. What we want to see is the Stuart Park Fuel Farm relocated, and that will happen from August as that is the starting date. We have another inner-city development which we can then work with the community on.
Of course we want to see most of the fuel at the East Arm Port – it makes sense. We will work with Defence to achieve a resolution of all the outstanding issues. I will not pretend; we have had some difficulties over the last six months. However, I was very heartened when the HMAS Kanimbla left, and Defence Minister, Robert Hill publicly stated that he could see resolution of these issues. I shook his hand; it was terrific. Those talks with officials in Defence are continuing. The talks have the support of the minister, and I believe we will see a resolution of those issues.
This is a major project for Darwin. Of course there are going to be gritty issues to deal with. We are building for our future. We have a plan. We know where Darwin is going. I would like the opposition to share that, rather than to try to pull it down question after question after question. It is a great plan, and we will sort through the issues, such as those with Defence.
Recreational Fishing
Mr KIELY to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY and FISHERIES
Recently, I was pleased to assist the Fisheries Group in relocating 40 000 barramundi to their new home in Manton Dam. We all know that recreational fishing is the lure of the Territory. It is part of our unique lifestyle and economy, particularly in regional centres. What is the government doing to continue to strengthen recreational fishing opportunities in the Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. Certainly, recreational fishing is part of our unique lifestyle. Nearly 50% of all Territorians go fishing during the year, and more than 100 000 tourists have stated that one of the reasons they come here is to go fishing.
Yes, the member is right. The department released 40 000 fingerlings in Manton Dam, and will continue to release fingerlings in different areas of the Territory. However, we have changed our plan. We have reviewed operations and now we are releasing larger sized fingerlings, because that provides better opportunity for survival and better protection. Previously, they were released at one point only. We now release them at certain protected areas within the dam so they have refuge from larger fish. In addition to the 40 000 barramundi fingerlings we released in Manton Dam, we released 14 000 barramundi in the same area last year. We released 52 000 barramundi fingerlings at Lake Bennett and 63 000 barramundi fingerlings near Mt Todd on Jawoyn land.
The Fishing Access Working Group, which includes AFANT, is now examining other stocking options. From experience and information received from Queensland, we know that barramundi grow very well very quickly in impounded waters, attracting a large number of recreational fishers. Some of the photos I have seen of barramundi that have been in the water for a year are incredible. They do not grow to that size in rivers or in the open sea, but in impounded waters where they are protected from predators, they grow very quickly to a large size.
Apart from the release of the barramundi fingerlings, the government has allocated $1.5m for recreational fishing infrastructure, and we have seen the result at the Buffalo Creek boat ramp. People can now leave their boats and cars there safely. There is an operator there who looks after vehicles for only $5. We have doubled the space in the car park, and the size of the Dinah Beach boat ramp. We have provided funds for the Rocky Creek ramp to be cleaned. Currently, we are monitoring the situation at Borroloola, so we may not need to build another boat ramp there. We are discussing the Newell Creek boat ramp with the Borroloola Town Council. We are working with the Palmerston City Council on the Palmerston boat ramp and Elizabeth River Bridge areas. I was very pleased to hear that Palmerston City Council has employed a consultant from Sinclair Knight Mertz in Brisbane to update the Palmerston City Council Master Plan. That consultant will soon communicate with recreational fishers in the area, and part of the discussion will be the upgrade of the boat ramp at Palmerston.
In addition to that, we are now ready to provide access to the Peron Islands through an agreement with the local Aboriginal community and opening the road through La Belle Station. A tourism venture, offering a new coastal access opportunity and boat launching site, has been approved to commence operations soon at Point Stuart.
Recreational fishing in the Territory is very important. It is part of our lifestyle. Promoting recreational fishing in the Territory attracts a significant number of tourists, not only from Australia, but also overseas. I have been advised that a significant number of American tour operators will be visiting the Territory in order to go on fishing charters to take video footage to promote the Territory in the USA and in Europe.
Palmerston Paramedical Centre
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for HEALTH
Could you please explain what type of patients and at what times those patients are bulk-billed at the Paramedical Centre in Palmerston? Could you say whether the Paramedical Centre has a government subsidised rent. Why are so many people travelling to Humpty Doo and elsewhere from Palmerston to receive medical attention, and is this of a concern to you?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. The provision of a private medical practice in Palmerston has certainly been a long-standing issue for us. It is always going to be a judgement in terms of applying public funds to such a service as to whether you are going to get cost-beneficial result for the use of public funds.
The service was trialled as a 24-hour service for a protracted period of time. The patient numbers and the cost of maintaining that service 24 hours a day was simply not defensible as a use of public money. I did mislead the House earlier when I said 6 am, therefore I want to correct that on the public record: the hours are 6 pm to 10 pm, seven days a week. Patients in need of medical care outside the hours of opening of the clinic have two recourses for treatment. The first is kits of treatment, which are held within the medical services at Palmerston and available to patients. The second is to go to the Emergency Department at Royal Darwin Hospital.
Darwin City Waterfront Project –
Defence Issues
Defence Issues
Mr BURKE to CHIEF MINISTER
So that I, and Territorians, clearly understand what you are saying, are you seriously suggesting that you will achieve financial close on the waterfront without the Defence issues being settled, and without Territorians knowing what the possible cost of those Defence issues are? Secondly, are you seriously suggesting you are happy to keep cruise ships at that terminal, but are also happy to have Navy ships move to the East Arm Port, and have you done any analysis of the impact of port visits on the CBD, and the revenue that those port visits give to the Northern Territory if they no longer come to Darwin?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I believe the Opposition Leader is misunderstanding what I said. We want to have the cruise ships at the waterfront, and that is why part of the waterfront redevelopment is a new cruise ship terminal …
Mr Dunham: It is not. You took it out. You have taken it out.
Ms MARTIN: Despite the member for Drysdale’s intricate knowledge of the waterfront project, I can assure you that part of what the financial closure is achieving is about …
Mr Dunham: Within the footprint of the waterfront development?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Drysdale! Cease.
Ms MARTIN: … building a cruise ship terminal, and I will send you the documentation.
We will be building a new cruise ship terminal. We want cruise ships, such as the Black Watch which is in today, bringing 1000 people to visit Darwin - 600 of those are tourists.
Mr Burke: What about Navy ships.
Ms MARTIN: We want Navy ships to continue coming to Fort Hill Wharf and to the Iron Ore Wharf - no doubt about it.
The issue of refuelling is a separate one. It is not the issue of refuelling; it is actually the issue of unloading fuel. That is the critical issue here, and I believe the Opposition Leader does understand that.
The first stage of the waterfront does not impact on that area. The first stage– over which we are seeking to move forward - is one we hope to achieve financial close within this quarter, and we will sort through these issues. Again, what you have is the opposition trying to pull down a project by saying, ‘You cannot work it out.
Mr Burke: You signed up for a 15 year project, and you do not even know what the Defence problems are.
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, we have identified each and every issue for Defence. We have the Defence minister saying publicly that we can sort these through, and it is all being dealt with. The only people who see it as insurmountable are the opposition, and that is from a base of ignorance, which is really sad.
Arafura Games
Mr BONSON to MINISTER for SPORT and RECREATION
The Arafura Games will be held in Darwin in May this year, and is a great boost to the Territory’s economy and lifestyle. What is the government doing to ensure the success of this great Territory event?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Millner for his question. Members would be aware that the Arafura Games targets developing athletes from Australia, the Asia-Pacific region, and beyond. The 2005 games are developing extremely well, with dedicated support from all our member countries. My department has engaged with members through ongoing correspondence, promotional travel and meetings with government and sporting officials. Despite the games’ cancellation in 2003 and the tragic disaster on Boxing Day last year, we are expecting greater numbers of participation in 2005 than in previous years, including increased events for disabled athletes.
In 2004, I personally travelled to Sri Lanka and Vietnam to discuss support for the games and, as a result, numbers - especially from the Vietnam region - are expected to increase considerably. One would, no doubt, understand that there possibly will not be much support coming from Sri Lanka given the tragedy that happened there on Boxing Day.
Accommodation through the Bedbank services have received inquiries from many Australians, including the Defence Forces, and from the following countries: Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Singapore, New Zealand, Fiji, Malaysia, Pakistan, New Caledonia, Hong Kong, United States, Japan, Nigeria, Nepal, India, Italy and Cameroon. Over 1274 expressions of interests have been received, with the figure growing weekly. This figure includes athletes and/or teams from as far away as the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force and also Italy.
Importantly, through collaboration with DBIRD and the Chamber of Commerce, business matching opportunities are being made available to all games’ participants, primarily targeting our national and international visitors. This will only further enhance opportunities for Territory businesses.
Plans for the opening and closing ceremonies are well advanced and promise to be spectacular events. In fact, I am told that the opening ceremony will be one of the largest entertainment production challenges undertaken in Darwin for some time.
The coordination between the Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade, my department and the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs has been ongoing to allow for mutual access to the registration database. The database allows for ease of transaction and access for Arafura participants to visas and security. Visas are also awarded free to athletes through this system.
In light of previous events, comprehensive security and emergency response planning is being undertaken by my department, NT Police and Risk Management Services. Facilities are under preparation, as are preparations for the international sports conference which will be held to coincide with the games. In November last year, I was proud to welcome to their roles the 30-odd coordinators for the games who will take carriage of individual areas of operation in conjunction with my event staff.
As I have stated, planning is well under way for this event, and I anticipate that the 2005 Arafura Games will be a great success, contributing to both the Territory lifestyle and our economy, which is all part of keeping the Territory moving ahead.
Darwin City Waterfront Project –
Involvement of Henry Walker Eltin
Involvement of Henry Walker Eltin
Mr BURKE to CHIEF MINISTER
Regarding the waterfront development, as a major joint venture partner - as your government is - can you confirm that the taxpayers’ exposure in contributing to the waterfront development would increase substantially if a replacement partner is required for the Henry Walker Eltin work that needs to be done?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, at this stage, we do not know what the future of Henry Walker Eltin is. I will update the House on what the current status is with that firm - a proud Territory firm that has grown very large. It was only on the last day of January that the Board of Henry Walker Eltin announced the appointment of the voluntary administrator. Initially, that appointment was with Ernst & Young. There was a potential conflict of interest identified and the administrator was replaced with McGrath Nicol & Partners - Anthony McGrath, Scott Kershaw, Joseph Hayes and Shaun Fraser. The appointment was made after Swiss commodities trader, Glencore Finance, decided not to proceed with the proposed re-capitalisation of $100m which they announced in December just before Christmas.
The company, Henry Walker Eltin, has had difficulties securing long-term funding arrangements. The voluntary administrator has indicated that it would be some three months before the exact position is known. He is looking at a number of options in relation to the future of Henry Walker Eltin including an option which may see the Territory business of Henry Walker Eltin taken over by another major Australian contracting firm. This option, if it proves acceptable to all parties, could occur within weeks. Darwin Cove Consortium is working through a strategy to finalise an acceptable outcome. As you know, Darwin Cove Consortium is a very strong team of international, national and Territory firms. As members of this House would expect, this government will be monitoring the situation and will ensure that the consortium continues to deliver on their commitments.
Madam Speaker, whatever the outcome of the process that I have just outlined, there may be some delay in achieving financial close, although at this stage we expect it to not be significant. I am sure everyone in this House wishes Henry Walker Eltin a strong future, and would all like to see them continue to be a strong, active and profitable part of the Darwin Cove Consortium.
St John Ambulance –
Funding and Operational Issues
Funding and Operational Issues
Mr McADAM to MINISTER for HEALTH
Can you inform the House what steps have been taken to work through current funding and operational issues with the St John Ambulance Service?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Barkly for his question. St John Ambulance Australia in the Northern Territory is annually funded by the Northern Territory government through a service contract to provide a high quality ambulance service to the people of the Northern Territory. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the fantastic work the St John Ambulance Service does throughout the Territory and for the length of time that it has provided this service to Territorians. I am sure Territorians appreciate their efforts.
The ambulance service is seeking substantial additional funding as a variation to the contract. Independent financial experts were appointed to conduct a financial and management audit of the ambulance service and report on its findings. The review has now been completed and has identified both management and funding issues which need to be resolved. Officers from the department are now using this information to work with St John Ambulance with an aim of reaching a resolution in the near future. I want to see a resolution to the funding and management issues at St John Ambulance and have ensured that these negotiations between the service and my agency are continued to reach such a solution.
The possibility of additional funding is on the table, but this is not just about more money. We have the responsibility to ensure taxpayers’ money is well spent and properly accounted for with any organisation with whom we have a service contract of this type. This government will ensure that the Northern Territory continues to have a viable public ambulance service. There is no way that we would allow a reduction of service to Territorians. I have asked for a resolution by the end of this month. This will require intensive work by both my department and St John Ambulance.
Power Outages
Mr BURKE to CHIEF MINISTER
I am sure that, by now, you have called for a personal briefing regarding the continued and unacceptably high level of power outages in the Northern Territory. Can you provide Territorians and this House details you have gained from these briefings as to why the level of outages is so high, and what is being done to bring the situation under control?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, we hate to have any power outages in the Northern Territory, which is why the Power and Water Corporation is putting more dollars into their capital equipment. As a citizen here, as someone whose power does go out occasionally - I must say it is much better than it used to be in the past in my part of the electorate - we used to have power outages …
Members interjecting.
Ms MARTIN: … you could almost predict that the power was going to go out on any day. I take it very seriously when there are power outages in my electorate and, quite appropriately, seek briefings on what has happened to inform the constituents affected of what happened and what we have done to fix it.
On the broader issue of power outages, I will, quite appropriately …
Mr Burke: You should know.
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, I have a very fine team of ministers. Each is charged with a lot of responsibility. I, and the Territory, expect them to carry that responsibility with expertise. I am very proud to have a power minister in the member for Johnston who is across these issues. Quite appropriately, I am across the ones affecting my electorate. I hope I am a hard-working local member. For an overview, as the Opposition Leader has requested …
Mr BURKE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I asked the question of the Chief Minister, not of one of her ministers. I am astounded that the Chief Minister would be spurred on to make a phone call to the Police Commissioner regarding a sex case, yet you have no idea outside your own electorate of what the state of the electricity system is in the Northern Territory and what is impacting on the power outages …
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order.
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, I refer the other part of the answer to the Minister for Essential Services.
Dr BURNS (Essential Services): Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to answer this important question. Let me say at the outset that any outage is one outage too many, but the fact is that we do live in a tropical environment and outages will occur.
The significant outage which occurred a week before Christmas was as a result of a lightning strike at the Channel Island facility. I commend Power and Water and NTGas staff for getting power back on line. It did take some time, but people were out in the elements working hard to get power on-line.
To turn to the broader question the Opposition Leader asked, there are two elements to my answer. The first is: that is exactly why we are undergrounding power, a project of this government that the opposition has opposed and tried to white-ant.
Mr Burke interjecting.
Dr BURNS: Second – and you might be interested in this, Leader of the Opposition – I have asked the Power and Water CEO and Board to come up with a plan for augmenting power generation in the Top End and Darwin in particular. I also inform the House that there is a new Director of Generation in Power and Water, whom I met him a week or so ago. He is new to Power and Water and has a significant background in New South Wales. I look forward to introducing the augmentation plan and future investment by Power and Water for the Top End, just as we have done in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.
I am a minister who is very attentive to my portfolio. There needs to be further investment, and there will be.
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