2012-05-03
QUESTIONS – Thursday 3 May 2012
STATEMENT BY SPEAKER
Question Time - Farewell
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I would like to say this is my last Question Time so I am looking forward to total cooperation today. It is also the last Question Time for the Leader of Government Business, and the members for Arafura and Drysdale.
I wish each of you a wonderful future, good health and happiness, and to all members, good luck in the election. We will come again, but we will not have another Question Time, so best wishes to each of you. I hope you do well.
Mr Tollner: Madam Speaker, you have forgotten the Leader of Government Business. He is on his way as well.
Madam SPEAKER: No, I mentioned the Leader of Government Business.
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Yesterday, you admitted to three broken promises over funding for Myilly Point, the Katherine Prison Farm and the Bagot Police Beat. Can you tell the House on what date you will be able to deliver on these commitments?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I am very proud that we have been the most transparent government in delivering on the vast majority of our election commitments over the term. Every six months, I have tabled in this parliament a spreadsheet of election commitments met over the term of government. In excess of 95% of all election commitments have been met.
Where those have not been met, it has been for reasons where circumstances have changed over the last four years. For my track record on delivering on our election commitments, I am happy to table in this parliament before Question Time closes today the most recent report. This is a government which has delivered over 95% of our election commitments and the most transparent government in the Territory’s history.
Where those commitments have not been met, there have been circumstances which have changed over the time of this government. I very proudly said to all my Cabinet colleagues the number one priority for this term of government was to deliver on the mandate the people gave us. I am proud we have delivered on that mandate ...
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Relevance to the question. The question was: can the Chief Minister advise us when these projects will be completed?
Mr HENDERSON: I explained to the Leader of the Opposition where election commitments have not been able to be completed it was due to - we went through the reasons in Question Time yesterday - circumstances that have changed over the course of four years. I do not have a crystal ball that will tell me how the circumstances of the Territory will change, but over 95% of our election commitments have been met. I am very proud of those commitments.
Every town and every community in the Northern Territory has seen infrastructure upgrades and improved service delivery. Recently, I was in Kintore and Docker River. I have just been to Groote Eylandt. In Alice Springs, in our electorates in Darwin and Palmerston, every community has seen an election commitment implemented ...
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The question was specific to three projects and advice on what date they will be completed. I assume they will not be completed, and that has to be the end of it.
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, can you come to the point?
Mr HENDERSON: I answered the questions about those three projects yesterday and gave reasons why those projects may not complete.
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
There have been two serious attacks on tourists in Alice Springs in the last 48 hours. What is the government’s response to these attacks and to the broader social issues in Alice Springs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question. All of us have been horrified by these attacks, particularly the violent sexual assault on two young European tourists in Alice Springs early yesterday. These assaults were the most brutal criminal assaults perpetrated by criminals, and I am committed to seeing our police force bring the perpetrators to justice.
I have met with the Police Commissioner, the head of the Chief Minister’s Department and the Minister for Central Australia. We have been meeting all morning to discuss these attacks and the broader situation in Alice Springs. I have decided it is time for a different approach to the problems affecting Alice Springs. It is time for a zero tolerance strategy to get the troublemakers off the streets in Alice Springs. It is also important to get children off the streets.
Today, I have tasked the Police Commissioner ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: I thought members would be interested in this ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: Today, I have tasked the Police Commissioner to personally take charge of this operation. For people whose only reason for being in Alice Springs is drinking and troublemaking - you are on notice. I am also warning anyone aiding and abetting these troublemakers to get grog - you also will be targeted.
The commissioner will have extra police resources and the combined resources of key government agencies at his disposal. I have spoken to my Cabinet colleagues and they have agreed to make the resources of their agencies available to the Commissioner of Police.
I have also spoken to the Alice Springs Mayor, Damien Ryan. Although problems in Alice Springs are not just police issues, having the Police Commissioner take charge will bring greater focus to our efforts in dealing with these problems.
I will finish by making this point: in all the recent major crimes, both in Darwin and Alice Springs, there have been arrests. Our police will get the troublemakers. People who commit these crimes will be caught by our police and will be serving significant gaol sentences.
Mr CHANDLER to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
We are learning what your priorities are in government. In June 2010, you announced that a new school for special education would be built at Bellamack for 100 students and constructed in the 2011-12 financial year. I have been concerned about this facility for some time. I have asked for briefings and am still waiting. Here we are, in 2012, with not one dollar allocated in the budget. When will this school be built?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. Nearly four years ago, this government made a commitment to spend $30m on special schools throughout the Territory. As well as that $30m commitment, we have also found extra funds, over and above the component of that $30m, for an $11.9m new school at Nemarluk.
The member is right. The undertaking was for construction to start on Bellamack special school as part of that $30m package in the 2011-12 year. However, due to budget constraints, the scoping and design work will occur in the 2012-13 year, and construction will begin in the 2013-14 year. A $10m project, this government is committed to it. This government will see it through and the commitment will be honoured.
In relation to our capital works budget, sacrifices had to be made. It was a reluctant sacrifice on my part. However, I give this assurance in my last Question Time in this House, that school will be built and design work will take place in the 2012-13 financial year.
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for ALCOHOL POLICY
Despite the negative carping of the members opposite, the Enough is Enough alcohol reforms are the most comprehensive in the nation. Can you please inform the House how Budget 2012-13 supports the alcohol reforms?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I appreciate the support of my colleagues in increasing the investment into the Enough is Enough reforms in Budget 2012-13. In total, over five years, it is a $71m investment to support the reforms. Budget 2012-13 delivers $18.2m to tackle alcohol-related crime and antisocial behaviour, increased treatment services, and greater support for the Banned Drinker Register.
Since the BDR commenced on 1 July last year, there are now more than 2300 problem drinkers registered on the BDR ...
Mr Tollner: They are still drinking!
Ms LAWRIE: ... and alcohol-related assaults have dropped across the Territory. I table ...
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim!
Ms LAWRIE: ... the nine-month report into the Enough is Enough alcohol reforms. Budget 2012-13 delivers almost $4m more for treatment services, including remote alcohol and other drug treatment services, and $2m for withdrawal support and community-based outreach services.
Today, we continue to build on these reforms by passage of the Liquor and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012. Police and the tribunal now have additional tools to get the problem drinkers out of public places and into rehabilitation. Through this legislation passed today, police have the power to issue an on-the-spot infringement notice of $70 to people drinking in a public place within 2 km of licensed premises and causing a nuisance. Police will still be able to tip grog out, but an infringement notice, linked to the BDR, increases the ability to target repeat offenders and direct them into treatment. Three infringement notices in 12 months and the problem drinker will be on the BDR.
The legislation also increases the power of the tribunal to get those problem drinkers into rehab, including subjecting problem drinkers to income management for those who are on welfare once the federal legislation passes.
As I said, there are more than 2300 problem drinkers on the Banned Drinker Register in the first nine months of the Enough is Enough reforms. Police data shows that over the period alcohol-related assaults dropped Territory-wide by 2.1% ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Sanderson, member for Katherine, and member for Fong Lim!
Ms LAWRIE: ... they are down 7.4% in Darwin; 13.5% in Palmerston; 4.4% in Alice Springs; and 7.6% in Katherine. This is data directly off the police PROMIS system. If you remove the domestic violence-related assaults from that data, alcohol-fuelled assaults dropped, Territory-wide, by 9.5%. The police say the Banned Drinker Register has been the best tool they have been given to tackle recidivist drunks. Under the CLP, they would scrap it - 2300 problem drinkers would be turned back on tap.
Mr ELFERINK to CHIEF MINISTER
Only a few months ago, I was at the wharf in Darwin listening to you promise a new abattoir for Darwin ...
Mr Henderson: I did not!
Mr ELFERINK: Being used to your promises, I said to the media: ‘I will believe it when I see it’. Now your Primary Industry minister is beginning to turn his back on the government’s own commitment. Why do you keep making promises you cannot fulfil and have no intention of fulfilling?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, first of all, let me put the record straight: I made no such commitment. I challenge the member for Port Darwin to show anywhere on the public record where I have made a commitment to build an abattoir – well, certainly not in Darwin or in the Northern Territory.
The media conference he was referring to was AAco announcing to the stock exchange it was going to build an abattoir in the Northern Territory. I was there to support that announcement and the private sector commercial initiative …
Mr Elferink: With your arms around them. ‘We will support you; we will back you all the way’.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: … to support the provision of, and the building of, a private sector abattoir for the Northern Territory.
In regard to the financial arrangements for that abattoir, that needs to be constructed as a commercial project in its own right. I have made it very clear to David Farley, to the media, and to everybody, that the government will not be subsidising a private sector facility. If this facility needs government subsidies it will fail. It is up to AAco to finance that particular project.
In regard to the port, roads, and Power and Water infrastructure, commercial arrangements will be in place with the port and with Power and Water to facilitate the infrastructure on commercial terms in the same way the port and Power and Water deal with any other business. I have made that very clear.
Madam Speaker, I am hopeful AAco will commit to what will be a great project for the Northern Territory, but the Territory taxpayer will not be subsidising it.
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY, FISHERIES and RESOURCES
On the ABC Country Hour on 30 March, you said the NT government will contribute a multimillion dollar assistance package toward the development of an abattoir in Darwin’s rural area. On 2 May, on the ABC Country Hour, it was reported the minister had walked away from the multimillion dollar package promised for the proposed Darwin abattoir. Could you please advise what has been promised by the government? Is the statement by Stu Cruden from AAco, that the government promise was an empty gesture, true?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. It gives us the opportunity to make clear what we said at the time. AAco proposed to put a commercial abattoir in the Northern Territory. AAco said it required some assistance on our part, which we discussed with them. One was a redirection of the Stuart Highway for safety reasons. However, as you are well aware, the Stuart Highway comes under Commonwealth jurisdiction and the money spent on the highway is Commonwealth money. We lobbied on their behalf to the federal government that should this abattoir go ahead, money should be reprioritised to divert the Stuart Highway for safety reasons.
AAco sources said it would like a hardstand and power points in the port. If it goes ahead, it will have to have refrigerated containers. We also said if it decides to build the abattoir here the Port Corporation will put hardstands and power outlets in, and we would have to negotiate, on a commercial basis, a user pay facility. The same applies with Power and Water. The total estimate for those facilities was about $9m. Money is not going to be given to any private industry. As infrastructure has to be put in place for the abattoir to be up and running, it will require these facilities. However, the abattoir, or any industry using these facilities, has to pay like any other private business. It is not fair for the government to subsidise private business in the Territory. Why AAco’s abattoir and not Joe Blow’s abattoir or something else? These commercial arrangements happen elsewhere in Australia.
Should the board of directors of AAco decide to build the abattoir, the government is prepared to put infrastructure in place to facilitate the development of the abattoir, but there has to be a negotiation of commercial terms with Power and Water and the Port Corporation. Is it clear now?
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY, FISHERIES and RESOURCES
How will Budget 2012-13 assist in gearing up for growth of our resource sector?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the Treasurer this week presented Budget 2012-13, a responsible budget, gearing up for growth and delivering for Territory families. The outlook for our economy is very bright. It is not only Ichthys and the Marine Supply Base, it is also the resource sector which is supported by this budget.
Another $3.8m will be allocated for Bringing Forward Discovery this year. That is a three-year program - $11.4m - which brings the total of our seven-year investment to $25.8m. We have to attract investment for exploration in the Territory. It is a very competitive area, not only in Australia, but internationally. We have done very well. Last year, exploration expenditure in the Territory was $228m. In 2005-06, exploration expenditure in the Territory was $56m, so we have done very well. Despite the global financial crisis, which saw exploration expenditure decrease in other states of Australia, exploration expenditure increased in the Northern Territory.
We assist the resource sector. We collect all the information, undertake magnetic and geophysical surveys, and provide this information free to miners and explorers to minimise their risk when they decide to explore in the Territory. I also mention the $100 000 dollar-for-dollar subsidy for the exploration of greenfield sites.
The Fraser Institute shows how good the Territory is doing. It surveys the mining industry around the world and lists the Territory as first in Australia to do business in exploration and mining; second in Australia as to clarity of the legislation and the way things happen in the Territory; and 11th in the world. That is not bureaucrats, not me and you; that is mining companies from all over the world: first in Australia and 11th in the world.
Ms PURICK to CHIEF MINISTER
Given your government’s cavalier attitude to promises and commitments, can you guarantee that the Palmerston Hospital will have full after-hours emergency facilities and, if so, on what date will it be fully operational?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, we are very proud of our commitment to the hospital for Palmerston, one that has been negotiated with the Commonwealth government. I pay credit to my friend and colleague, the Health Minister, for working so assiduously with the Commonwealth to secure significant Commonwealth funding for this project.
There is $10m in the budget this year for the headworks into the project. The commitment is to have the hospital up and running by the end of 2015. I do not have a date for specifically when. Obviously, we have a few Wet Seasons to go through between now and then, but the commitment is to have the hospital up and running by the end of 2015. Now, compare that to the CLP, who has said we are rushing ahead too fast; we need to slow it down and put the brakes on. Yesterday, the Opposition Leader ...
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The question is: will it have full after-hours emergency facilities?
Madam SPEAKER: I am not sure that was the question. I thought it was about a date.
Mr HENDERSON: That is right, Madam Speaker. All of the clinical planning for the hospital is now being undertaken. There will be an emergency department and babies will be born there.
Details of the clinical arrangements are still being worked out, but I can commit that we will have a hospital at Palmerston with up to 60 beds, an emergency department, day surgery, and the ability to give birth there, up and running by the end of 2015. That is our commitment. We know the conservatives and the Liberals, in their headlong pursuit to a budget surplus - look at what happened in Victoria. The premier of Victoria, Mr Baillieu, was elected on a promise to build new hospitals in Victoria. First budget in, what did he do? He ditched the project altogether, as well as sacking 4500 public servants and scrapping subsidies to ease the cost of living. He was elected on a platform to ease the cost of living. First budget, he jacked up the cost of living and broke the promises. That is exactly what the Country Liberals would do.
We have committed to a hospital by the end of 2015. At the last election, the CLP committed to a hospital in Palmerston by the end of 2025. Madam Speaker, we will bring it in 10 years before the CLP committed to.
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for INDIGENOUS DEVELOPMENT
Can you please outline to the House how Budget 2012-13 will progress the Territory government’s key policy framework for the bush, A Working Future, and for sustaining jobs in our regional and remote areas?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question. A Working Future is clearly one of the major reforms of our government across the regions. We plan to always work with the people of the regions in determining the way they wish to see the areas grow. I am very proud to outline to the House what Budget 2012-13 provides for A Working Future.
Through our continuing commitment to the bush and partnerships with the Australian government, Budget 2012-13 delivers $433m for infrastructure across the regions. This is a continuation of three years of solid investment by our government to our commitment to all people across the regions. Beginning with the near $1bn commitment to the regions three years ago, we have been working consistently across the Northern Territory with the growth towns, the smaller communities, the outstations and homelands, highlighting very clearly to all the people this is about both governments working strongly to improve the lives of Indigenous people and all people who live in the regions.
Enhancing health services is one example. Budget 2012-13 delivers a huge boost to health services, with $33m for clinics in Borroloola, Elliott, Galiwinku, Milingimbi, Ngukurr, Ntaria, Papunya and Pirlangimpi. There is $17m for police infrastructure at locations including Ramingining, Gapuwiyak, Numbulwar, Mt Liebig, Areyonga, Robinson River, Epenarra and Angurugu.
Early childhood reflects the clear position of our government to improve the lives of young Territorians from birth through to school age, encouraging every family that getting their children to school is critical. For early childhood and education, the budget is $20m for child and family centres and childcare facilities in Yuendumu, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Ngukurr, Ntaria and Umbakumba. We are also investing $11.7m in training facilities, including classrooms for VET programs in Angurugu, Alyangula, Ngukurr, Gunbalanya and Jabiru.
Improving education facilities has been a focus of our government, recognising that not only building the secondary schools across these regions has been a very strong focus of our government, but getting the children to school and into jobs beyond school age. We have invested a further $2.7m in this budget for school facilities in Kalkarindji and Walungurru.
This includes $188m in housing infrastructure. Under the joint Northern Territory and Australian government housing program, we have invested $44.4m in government employee housing ...
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for SPORT and RECREATION
It is pleasing to see in the budget the government has announced it will build a 25 m eight-lane pool in the rural area. However, Swimming Australia wrote to the Freds Pass Management Board in June last year stating the following:
Further on it says:
In light of the fact Swimming Australia supports a 10-lane pool not an eight-lane pool, will you ensure the new rural pool is 10 lanes wide? Will you also ensure Swimming Australia is involved in the design of this pool to ensure it meets the exact specifications required for international competition?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the member for Nelson is like a dog at a bone. He is a great local member, and the member for Goyder …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HAMPTON: The Territory government has committed $12.5m to develop a new swimming pool for Darwin’s rural area by 2013. The letter from Swimming Australia has some really exciting prospects; however, we need to remember there are some great swimming pools in Darwin which could be used for those events. Member for Nelson, I take on board the letter and the request. The design phase will include extensive formal consultations with the community. I am sure that letter and those ideas from Swimming Australia can be put into the mix.
My department is preparing the final design for the pool and matters such as those you have raised today will be considered as part of that discussion.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE to MINISTER for LANDS and PLANNING
I will ask this question gently, without any venom in my voice; I do not want to offend the minister’s sensibilities. In the last three budgets, $10m of federal money has been allocated to construct a heavy vehicle diversion in Katherine. In your latest budget, that $10m figure does not appear. Did the NT receive the money from the federal government, where has the money gone, and why have you not honoured your promise, which I quote: ‘... to go back to the drawing board to develop an alternative heavy vehicle route for Katherine ...’?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Katherine for his question. It was not so much the venom; it was the tricks and the mischief. Let us revisit the conversation we had about the heavy vehicle diversion in Katherine, member for Katherine. The $10m was offered by minister Albanese, the federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, and the Northern Territory government took that plan to the great people of Katherine in good faith.
I put up three plans, which stretched out to about six different options. The local member was involved, but you cannot remember that, which is interesting. We took this to the people of Katherine. I took it as a local member from the bush with experience with heavy vehicles, and put up the option we discussed, which was Railway Terrace.
I had some support, but I also received much constructive criticism. The good people of Katherine did not pick up on that idea. I went back to the federal government and we engaged the member for Lingiari, who was also very active in this story and lobbied strongly. Word came back, member for Katherine, that if it was not for heavy vehicle diversion, the money was not there. That is why the money has not appeared on any budget papers; it is from the Commonwealth. We were never able to settle on an agreed plan; therefore, the money and the concept are still sitting with the federal government ...
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Part of the question - and this goes to relevance - was why has the minister not honoured his promise to go back to the drawing board, redesigned something, and taken it back to the people of Katherine to consider.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Katherine, resume your seat. The minister is answering the question.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! You have the call, minister.
Mr McCARTHY: Madam Speaker, as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Opposition members!
Mr McCARTHY: Back to the drawing board. Through the Department of Lands and Planning, we have a plan for significant road safety upgrades for Katherine Terrace - the main street. We have taken that back to the federal government and it is under consideration. Remember it is specifically offered to Katherine for heavy vehicle diversion. We are continuing to work with the federal government.
Personally, I hope they take up our option to look at road safety initiatives on Katherine Terrace. However, they are still focused on what is heavy road transport infrastructure - to divert heavy vehicles out of the main street of Katherine.
Mr GILES: Supplementary question, Madam Speaker?
Madam SPEAKER: A supplementary can only be asked by the member who asked the original question.
Ms SCRYMGOUR to TREASURER
Can you please update the House how Budget 2012-13 will support Territory businesses to gear up for growth as we move towards the most significant economic growth phase in the Territory’s history?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I welcome the question from the member for Arafura. There is no doubt we are continuing our very strong infrastructure spend to support business to gear up for that growth. There is a commitment of $1.3bn to keep our economy and our construction sector primed to take advantage of the major projects as they start to ramp up.
$1.3bn supports 2600 jobs across the critical construction sector, helping to keep our skilled workers here for the significant growth phase ahead. We, proudly, have the lowest-taxing regime in the nation. We are the lowest-taxing jurisdiction for small- and medium-sized businesses in the nation. Budget 2012-13 keeps us there with no new taxes, and we are supporting our businesses to grow and help create jobs.
Our Jobs Plan is building on our own skilled workforce, with Budget 2012-13 delivering $100m for training and apprentices. There have been more than 25 000 Territorians commence training since 2005. This investment includes $900 000 to help young Territorians transition from school into jobs; $1.4m in employer incentives to take on apprentices in those all-important skilled shortage trades occupations, which include construction, civil, welding and mechanical; and $1.3m for the very popular Workwear/Workgear Bonus scheme to help apprentices and trainees with their start-up costs.
We are supporting Territory businesses to gear up for growth with $17m for business upskill programs, October Business Month, and ecoBiz NT. The business community has certainly welcomed our budget. Chris Young, from the Chamber of Commerce, supported the infrastructure investment, stating:
Mr STYLES to MINISTER for ALCOHOL POLICY
From the report you have just tabled, can you explain why there is an increase of 17% in not alcohol-related assaults in the Northern Territory, and an increase in assaults across the Northern Territory of 3.4% overall?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, no. I have said in previous reports, I do not prosecute down into the data of the not alcohol-related. I am the Alcohol Policy Minister, I watch the data carefully around ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
A member: Just table it.
Ms LAWRIE: I table it. I look at the alcohol-related assaults ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, order!
Ms LAWRIE: That is what I do. In looking at the data coming through, and questioning the statisticians on that data, the main influence flowing through into the nine-month report, they say, has been the increase in domestic violence assault charges laid. I do not have the exact figures with me. Off the top of my head, there were 199 additional. What supports that is, if you go to the chart on the back page - page 20 of 22, Appendix A - go to the Territory total for alcohol-related assaults by DV/non-DV. If you look at that, the non-DV alcohol-related assaults across the Territory have dropped by 9.5% in total, whereas the DV-related have increased. Where there have been increases in assaults, police have been arresting people for DV-related assaults.
When you take out domestic violence from the assault figures, they are down, Territory-wide, by 9.5%. The data is on Appendix 2.
Also, what is influencing the Territory-wide data is you have alcohol-related assaults down in Darwin, Palmerston, Alice Springs, Katherine; Tennant Creek has increased; the Northern Territory balance - which is your regional/remote - has gone up in those areas. I have had it explained. Police in Tennant Creek have undertaken particular operations which are to be commended.
The statisticians also say this shows we have arrested the upwards trend in assault. Alcohol-fuelled assault is trending down. The statisticians also say you need to look at data over one- and two-year trends, because the Territory has small numbers. For example, if you have five arrests in Tennant Creek your data goes up significantly.
That being said, the data from the PROMIS system clearly shows in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine and Alice Springs alcohol-fuelled assaults are going down. We have seen an upwards trend in Tennant Creek but, Territory-wide, they are going down. The inference in this data set is starting to come through - which is a good inference - is that more domestic violence assault charges are being laid. There is less reliance on the orders and more people are being charged for domestic violence which, as a woman, I welcome. Good on the police for making it safer in people’s homes when they are being beaten because that perpetrator is being charged for assault and brought before the court for justice.
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for HEALTH
The Henderson government is committed to providing quality regional health and community support services throughout the Territory. Can you please update the House on what Budget 2012-13 delivers to support Territory families with affordable and quality healthcare?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is a very good question. Our government continues to deliver a record investment in health not only for better hospitals, but also for regional health and community services that are affordable and help families stay together. Unlike the Country Liberal Party, we believe every Territorian living outside urban centres deserves quality healthcare. This is why we have delivered the most comprehensive renal strategy for the Territory and provided dialysis in over 30 communities, and we have seen the result. People on renal dialysis in Yuendumu or anywhere else now have the same life expectancy as people in Perth, Adelaide or Melbourne.
In partnership with the Australian government, $33m is spent to upgrade health services in Borroloola, Elliott, Galiwinku, Milingimbi, Ngukurr, Ntaria, Papunya and Pirlangimpi. This will deliver facilities which are safe and culturally appropriate, and support our staff in their work.
There is $10.7m for the Patient Assistance Travel Scheme. We understand we cannot help all the people in the Territory; some people have to travel down south and we help them with that. In addition, because of the tyranny of distance, we have to bring people, in some cases urgently, from the bush. We have one of the best medical retrieval services through CareFlight.
Madam Speaker, $12.7m is provided for individual support packages to meet the unique needs within the disability services system. There is $52m allocated for better mental health services across the Territory, with $3m for child and adolescent mental health services. This includes further development of Suicide Story, an Indigenous training tool produced by the Mental Health Association of Central Australia Life Promotions Program to create suicide-safer families and communities, and to train trainers in the regional areas. We have made a major investment in the health and wellbeing of all Territorians no matter where they live.
There is no bigger contrast between us and the CLP, and that shows in an interview the then Minister for Health, Steve Dunham, gave to Lateline in 2001. He was questioned by Tony Jones about not putting renal dialysis machines in the bush, or anywhere else:
The answer is staggering. Steve Dunham said,
‘The choices are theirs. They can die in the bush. I am not going to put machines there’. This is the difference between us and the CLP, Madam Speaker, and if you do not believe me look at their manifesto. There is not one reference about health and health services outside the urban centre; not one reference for health services in the bush.
Mr CONLAN to CHIEF MINISTER
Since 2009, your government committed to an upgrade of the Alice Springs Police Station. Now in 2012, can you please explain to the House why the police station has not yet been upgraded?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, we listened to the police who need to expand their facilities not renew them. We have been out to tender for a brand new, purpose-built facility for government. We have to wait for the new premises to be built. I believe tenders have been awarded and it is under construction now. This has been the most significant investment in new commercial premises in Alice Springs for many years as a result of government funding. Once that new building is finished, the Greatorex Building will be decanted, refitted and refurbished to allow the police to move into and have more space, and then decisions will be made about the old police station.
This is a better outcome for Alice Springs because it gains the commercial investment in a brand new facility - upgrade of the Greatorex Building - then decisions will be made as to what will happen with the current police station. It was requested by police, and police in Alice Springs are very happy with the result.
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
How does Budget 2012-13 help the government in achieving its objectives of greening the Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for her question. Over the past 10 years, this government has played a significant role in the conservation and protection of our natural, cultural and historical environments. We have worked towards greening the Territory through investing in our parks, protecting our unique natural assets, and supporting families and businesses to go green, whilst supporting the great Territory lifestyle by seizing opportunities to ensure Territorians can continue to enjoy the benefits of our great outdoors.
I would like to thank staff in my department who have worked tirelessly, particularly over the last four years, to protect and preserve our wonderful environment and our natural assets. I again take this opportunity to thank those staff who have been dedicated and worked with me very closely, day in, day out, to protect our environment.
Under this government, for the first time in the Territory’s history, Indigenous Territorians have been given the opportunity to manage their own lands. Under this government, 27 national parks are now managed under a joint management agreement. This ensures joint management arrangements and the cultural values and views of local traditional owners are considered in all aspects of park operations and decision-making.
Turning to our wonderful Darwin Harbour, it is certainly one of the Territory’s most valuable assets. Not only is it home to a diversity of plants, animals and fish, but it also plays a key role in sustaining industry while also supporting recreational pursuits such as fishing, sailing, water skiing and boating.
The protection of our wonderful Darwin Harbour is crucial. Budget 2012-13 continues the Territory government’s strong record of protecting and enhancing the Territory’s natural assets. Since 2001, we have grown our environment budget significantly, along the way protecting 96% of the mangroves in Darwin Harbour, stopping unchecked land clearing on the Daly River - the river these guys on the other side of the House would dam. We have also introduced initiatives such as Cash for Containers, which the CLP would scrap and put out a few empty bins ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr HAMPTON: We have also banned plastic bags, which is already having a huge impact on levels of waste.
Budget 2012-13 is greening the Territory through investing in our parks and protecting our unique natural assets. There is no doubt about it; this government has been the greenest government in the Territory’s history.
Mr ELFERINK to CHIEF MINISTER
The ABC reported on 23 April 2012 that:
I just heard from your side of the House that money was to be provided by the Commonwealth government.
The report from the ABC went on to say:
Why are you putting yourself up as anything like trustworthy to the people of the Northern Territory?
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, resume your seat.
Can you withdraw that last part of the question? It is not a question in ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! It is not in the standing orders. Withdraw the last part and make it into a question, thank you.
Mr ELFERINK: I reword the question. Why should Territorians have faith in your capacity to keep promises?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is hard to see what is going on over the other side. I did not know the member for Port Darwin was shadow minister for Primary Industry. He obviously does not trust the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to run this line of questioning ...
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I ask you to direct the Chief Minister to be relevant. We want an answer to this question.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim, can you resume your seat? The Chief Minister had about seven seconds. Resume your seat!
Mr Tollner: What he said has nothing to do with the question.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim!
Mr HENDERSON: I have answered this question before, Madam Speaker. As I understand it, AAco has made application to the federal government under regional development grant funding - it is not for the Northern Territory government ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr HENDERSON: ... to make applications to the federal government on behalf of a private sector company. What AAco asks of the federal government is up to them. We have said, very clearly, there has been no promise from the Northern Territory government. I have said very clearly, my colleague has said very clearly ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Resume your seats. There are far too many interruptions, honourable members. Standing Order ...
Mr Giles interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, you are on a warning!
Standing Order 51:
The Chief Minister has the call.
Mr HENDERSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have made it very clear that if the board of AAco decide to go ahead with this, in relation to infrastructure ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim!
Mr HENDERSON: ... required at the port for this particular development, that would be negotiated on commercial terms with the port and Power and Water. In regard to roadworks for the Stuart Highway, a national highway funded and supported by the federal government, we would work with the federal government, with the road safety money that comes to the Territory every year for the Stuart Highway, to prioritise safety funding for that project.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: I do not know why the member for Port Darwin is twisting and turning over this. If he wants to make a policy position that the CLP will subsidise private sector businesses with taxpayer funding - if that is going to be your policy ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order! Opposition members!
Mr HENDERSON: ... fellows over there, good luck to you. You will have every business in the Northern Territory knocking at your door with their hand out for taxpayer funding. However, if the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Port Darwin want to say: ‘It is our commitment, we would give AAco $10m-worth of government funding’, that is up to you.
Mr ELFERINK to CHIEF MINISTER
In his answer, he denied a promise, and I will quote again:
How does he reconcile that with the statements he just made?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I have stated very clearly in regard to support for that project, it would be done on commercial terms through Power and Water Corporation and the port …
Mr Elferink: So, he lied?
Mr HENDERSON: ... and in regard to the Stuart Highway …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: In regard to the Stuart Highway, we would negotiate with the Commonwealth within the funding we receive every year for maintenance and roadworks on the Stuart Highway to support the abattoir. That is very clear.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: If the opposition wants to have, as part of its policy, that it is quite happy to provide taxpayer subsidies to private businesses, that is up to them. It is not what this government does ...
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113. Will he answer the question?
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, did you …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Chief Minister, do you want to say anything else? No.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Honourable members, we do not have much longer to go. It would be great not to have to throw anybody out after seven years of presiding in the Chair. It would be nice not to have to throw somebody out during the last Question Time. However, the member for Nelson is suggesting somebody over there - perhaps a good idea. He is pointing at you, member for Fong Lim.
Mr Tollner: Madam Speaker, I have been particularly quiet this Question Time.
Madam SPEAKER: Perhaps you have not been able to hear today, member for Fong Lim. Are there any further questions?
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Can you please update the House on what Budget 2012-13 means for Northern Territory public service jobs? Are you aware of any alternative policies?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. There are approximately 19 000 public servants in the Northern Territory Public Service. Within our budget - although we have maintained staff caps - we have given assurance there will be no staff cuts. We only have to look interstate to see what has happened there with conservative governments: Mr Baillieu in Victoria - 4200 to be sacked; Mr O’Farrell in New South Wales – 5000; Joe Hockey, if they are elected federally – 12 000; and heaven knows how many Cameron Newman might sack once he has completed his deliberations.
We also know the CLP has its written policy, its platform from 2008 which it has not changed, which talks about cutting 700 jobs in the Northern Territory Public Service. It was interesting to hear a quite audacious statement by the Opposition Leader yesterday when he said:
In the old parlance it was AO8 officers, now it is SAO1s - will be earning $110 000. Quite a few people earn $110 000. The Leader of the Opposition clarified yesterday what he had said about frontline staff in Education, Health and Police. In the Education portfolio there are quite a few people. I am interested in who he defines as frontline staff: literacy and numeracy support people; curriculum support; those who support teacher development; early childhood development specialists; school infrastructure and construction staff; and a whole range of other positions that support frontline staff in training such as mental health, child protection, health and physical education, special education and positive behaviour.
I am interested to hear the Opposition Leader’s definition of frontline staff. Moreover, I was very interested to hear he could not give a similar guarantee to other highly-rewarded senior executives. He said he knew who they were, so he has a hit list. He said:
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
In the NT News on Tuesday, there was a letter complaining about waiting times for people to receive cash for their containers. What is the government doing to assist collectors set up more bulk container collection points to cater for all types of containers - not the mobile units - so people do not have to wait so long to get their money? If you are doing this, where are the new collection points?
On a related question, do you know if the beverage and container industry has asked the ACCC to investigate the cash for can collectors in the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question and his passion for Cash for Containers. To be fair to depots, it depends on what day people take their containers in. Often, it is on weekends. I acknowledge there are long wait times at some of our depots.
The other important point is, because the scheme is growing in popularity, more people are taking containers in to get their cash back. To date, over six million containers have been taken into the depots, which equates to about $600 000 going back into the pockets of Territorians and Territory kids. The popularity of the scheme is growing and I acknowledge those long waiting times. As I said, it depends on when people are taking them in. Most times it is over weekends, which is where the long delays are happening.
I also acknowledge many depots are still getting organised and improving the infrastructure. We are reducing the number of splits and sorts they have to do, and my department will continue to work with them to reduce waiting times.
Also, over six million containers are not ending up in our creeks and streets, which is good for the environment.
Regarding the other part of the question, I am happy to let colleagues know two new, permanent collection depots will be opening in the next three weeks. One is at Karama Shopping Centre and one at Palmerston Shopping Centre. Two new collection depots have been approved and, in the next few weeks, will be open.
As to the last point of your question, I am not aware of that. That information has not come to me. I take that on board and look forward to the response when I receive that request.
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for CENTRAL AUSTRALIA referred to MINISTER for HEALTH
In February 2001, you announced an expansion of the preventative BushMob alcohol and other drugs facility in Alice Springs. Why was there no funding for this expansion in Budget 2012-13? Madam Speaker, I seek leave to table the media release.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Macdonnell, can we clarify the date? You said February 2001. Did you mean …
Ms ANDERSON: The question is to the Minister for Central Australia. In February 2011, you announced an expansion of the preventative BushMob alcohol and other drugs facility in Alice Springs. Why was there no funding for this expansion in Budget 2012-13?
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, is that your portfolio?
Mr HAMPTON: It is okay, Madam Speaker, I am aware of that and negotiations are still under way at the moment. I am happy to handball that to my colleague.
Madam SPEAKER: It is not for you, is it?
Mr HAMPTON: No.
Madam SPEAKER: It has to be for the Minister for Health.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, as my colleague said, negotiations are still under way. We cannot decide on funding until negotiations are finalised and the final model is in place. When it is in place I will consider funding. Our budget is the highest budget ever in the Territory - $1.2bn - and we will ensure we find money to support this facility.
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
How does Budget 2012-13 continue to support the new era in Corrections?
Mr Tollner: Good question.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Fong Lim!
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. I also thank the member for Fong Lim for his interest in Corrections. I am proud to talk in this House about the ongoing commitment to Correctional Services in the Northern Territory from the Henderson Labor government. In Budget 2012-13, that equates to a further $20m, which targets 189 new beds. Those beds are across Alice Springs, the Barkly Work Camp and the Darwin Correctional Centre. It is no secret that it is to manage the record number of inmates.
This government is about turning those numbers around and turning recidivism around. It is part of our plan, part of our new era initiative, to invest in staff. It is great to see new Correctional Services officers coming online, and it is great to see new people in Community Corrections. It is great to see clinicians joining us with our new era policy, and our roll-out of initiatives to turn around this revolving door, to offer education, rehabilitation and training, to make a difference.
It is also really pleasing to see this money in Budget 2012-13 will provide the funding for an exciting new initiative, which is the 20-bed training treatment centre directly targeting driving offending. That is in Alice Springs on the correctional centre campus. That will be for offenders mandated into this rehabilitation that directly relates to their offending behaviour.
There are also 10 more alcohol and other drug treatment beds in Darwin and Alice Springs. Once again, that is the new era initiative of directly targeting the offending behaviour, raising the education, raising awareness, and turning around what are far too many low-level recidivist offenders entering our system.
These are support initiatives that go to the bigger picture of the Doug Owston Correctional Centre set to open in 2014. This is purpose-built, innovative infrastructure that will structure days and support education and training and rehabilitation.
I am proud to say I can stand in this House as part of this government and tell Territorians we are about making a difference, as opposed to that disgusting policy of the other side where they will dig a big hole, concrete it, and put all the bad criminals in there. When you say things like that, you will be held accountable. It is on Hansard with all your other statements. You have no policy in this area other than a big pen ...
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Dr BURNS (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
STATEMENT BY SPEAKER
Question Time - Farewell
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I would like to say this is my last Question Time so I am looking forward to total cooperation today. It is also the last Question Time for the Leader of Government Business, and the members for Arafura and Drysdale.
I wish each of you a wonderful future, good health and happiness, and to all members, good luck in the election. We will come again, but we will not have another Question Time, so best wishes to each of you. I hope you do well.
Mr Tollner: Madam Speaker, you have forgotten the Leader of Government Business. He is on his way as well.
Madam SPEAKER: No, I mentioned the Leader of Government Business.
Government Commitments – Failure to Deliver
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Yesterday, you admitted to three broken promises over funding for Myilly Point, the Katherine Prison Farm and the Bagot Police Beat. Can you tell the House on what date you will be able to deliver on these commitments?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I am very proud that we have been the most transparent government in delivering on the vast majority of our election commitments over the term. Every six months, I have tabled in this parliament a spreadsheet of election commitments met over the term of government. In excess of 95% of all election commitments have been met.
Where those have not been met, it has been for reasons where circumstances have changed over the last four years. For my track record on delivering on our election commitments, I am happy to table in this parliament before Question Time closes today the most recent report. This is a government which has delivered over 95% of our election commitments and the most transparent government in the Territory’s history.
Where those commitments have not been met, there have been circumstances which have changed over the time of this government. I very proudly said to all my Cabinet colleagues the number one priority for this term of government was to deliver on the mandate the people gave us. I am proud we have delivered on that mandate ...
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Relevance to the question. The question was: can the Chief Minister advise us when these projects will be completed?
Mr HENDERSON: I explained to the Leader of the Opposition where election commitments have not been able to be completed it was due to - we went through the reasons in Question Time yesterday - circumstances that have changed over the course of four years. I do not have a crystal ball that will tell me how the circumstances of the Territory will change, but over 95% of our election commitments have been met. I am very proud of those commitments.
Every town and every community in the Northern Territory has seen infrastructure upgrades and improved service delivery. Recently, I was in Kintore and Docker River. I have just been to Groote Eylandt. In Alice Springs, in our electorates in Darwin and Palmerston, every community has seen an election commitment implemented ...
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The question was specific to three projects and advice on what date they will be completed. I assume they will not be completed, and that has to be the end of it.
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, can you come to the point?
Mr HENDERSON: I answered the questions about those three projects yesterday and gave reasons why those projects may not complete.
Alice Springs – Violent Crime Incidents
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
There have been two serious attacks on tourists in Alice Springs in the last 48 hours. What is the government’s response to these attacks and to the broader social issues in Alice Springs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question. All of us have been horrified by these attacks, particularly the violent sexual assault on two young European tourists in Alice Springs early yesterday. These assaults were the most brutal criminal assaults perpetrated by criminals, and I am committed to seeing our police force bring the perpetrators to justice.
I have met with the Police Commissioner, the head of the Chief Minister’s Department and the Minister for Central Australia. We have been meeting all morning to discuss these attacks and the broader situation in Alice Springs. I have decided it is time for a different approach to the problems affecting Alice Springs. It is time for a zero tolerance strategy to get the troublemakers off the streets in Alice Springs. It is also important to get children off the streets.
Today, I have tasked the Police Commissioner ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: I thought members would be interested in this ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: Today, I have tasked the Police Commissioner to personally take charge of this operation. For people whose only reason for being in Alice Springs is drinking and troublemaking - you are on notice. I am also warning anyone aiding and abetting these troublemakers to get grog - you also will be targeted.
The commissioner will have extra police resources and the combined resources of key government agencies at his disposal. I have spoken to my Cabinet colleagues and they have agreed to make the resources of their agencies available to the Commissioner of Police.
I have also spoken to the Alice Springs Mayor, Damien Ryan. Although problems in Alice Springs are not just police issues, having the Police Commissioner take charge will bring greater focus to our efforts in dealing with these problems.
I will finish by making this point: in all the recent major crimes, both in Darwin and Alice Springs, there have been arrests. Our police will get the troublemakers. People who commit these crimes will be caught by our police and will be serving significant gaol sentences.
Bellamack Special School
Mr CHANDLER to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
We are learning what your priorities are in government. In June 2010, you announced that a new school for special education would be built at Bellamack for 100 students and constructed in the 2011-12 financial year. I have been concerned about this facility for some time. I have asked for briefings and am still waiting. Here we are, in 2012, with not one dollar allocated in the budget. When will this school be built?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. Nearly four years ago, this government made a commitment to spend $30m on special schools throughout the Territory. As well as that $30m commitment, we have also found extra funds, over and above the component of that $30m, for an $11.9m new school at Nemarluk.
The member is right. The undertaking was for construction to start on Bellamack special school as part of that $30m package in the 2011-12 year. However, due to budget constraints, the scoping and design work will occur in the 2012-13 year, and construction will begin in the 2013-14 year. A $10m project, this government is committed to it. This government will see it through and the commitment will be honoured.
In relation to our capital works budget, sacrifices had to be made. It was a reluctant sacrifice on my part. However, I give this assurance in my last Question Time in this House, that school will be built and design work will take place in the 2012-13 financial year.
Budget 2012-13 – Support for Alcohol Reforms
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for ALCOHOL POLICY
Despite the negative carping of the members opposite, the Enough is Enough alcohol reforms are the most comprehensive in the nation. Can you please inform the House how Budget 2012-13 supports the alcohol reforms?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I appreciate the support of my colleagues in increasing the investment into the Enough is Enough reforms in Budget 2012-13. In total, over five years, it is a $71m investment to support the reforms. Budget 2012-13 delivers $18.2m to tackle alcohol-related crime and antisocial behaviour, increased treatment services, and greater support for the Banned Drinker Register.
Since the BDR commenced on 1 July last year, there are now more than 2300 problem drinkers registered on the BDR ...
Mr Tollner: They are still drinking!
Ms LAWRIE: ... and alcohol-related assaults have dropped across the Territory. I table ...
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim!
Ms LAWRIE: ... the nine-month report into the Enough is Enough alcohol reforms. Budget 2012-13 delivers almost $4m more for treatment services, including remote alcohol and other drug treatment services, and $2m for withdrawal support and community-based outreach services.
Today, we continue to build on these reforms by passage of the Liquor and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012. Police and the tribunal now have additional tools to get the problem drinkers out of public places and into rehabilitation. Through this legislation passed today, police have the power to issue an on-the-spot infringement notice of $70 to people drinking in a public place within 2 km of licensed premises and causing a nuisance. Police will still be able to tip grog out, but an infringement notice, linked to the BDR, increases the ability to target repeat offenders and direct them into treatment. Three infringement notices in 12 months and the problem drinker will be on the BDR.
The legislation also increases the power of the tribunal to get those problem drinkers into rehab, including subjecting problem drinkers to income management for those who are on welfare once the federal legislation passes.
As I said, there are more than 2300 problem drinkers on the Banned Drinker Register in the first nine months of the Enough is Enough reforms. Police data shows that over the period alcohol-related assaults dropped Territory-wide by 2.1% ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Sanderson, member for Katherine, and member for Fong Lim!
Ms LAWRIE: ... they are down 7.4% in Darwin; 13.5% in Palmerston; 4.4% in Alice Springs; and 7.6% in Katherine. This is data directly off the police PROMIS system. If you remove the domestic violence-related assaults from that data, alcohol-fuelled assaults dropped, Territory-wide, by 9.5%. The police say the Banned Drinker Register has been the best tool they have been given to tackle recidivist drunks. Under the CLP, they would scrap it - 2300 problem drinkers would be turned back on tap.
Abattoir – Chief Minister’s Broken Promise
Mr ELFERINK to CHIEF MINISTER
Only a few months ago, I was at the wharf in Darwin listening to you promise a new abattoir for Darwin ...
Mr Henderson: I did not!
Mr ELFERINK: Being used to your promises, I said to the media: ‘I will believe it when I see it’. Now your Primary Industry minister is beginning to turn his back on the government’s own commitment. Why do you keep making promises you cannot fulfil and have no intention of fulfilling?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, first of all, let me put the record straight: I made no such commitment. I challenge the member for Port Darwin to show anywhere on the public record where I have made a commitment to build an abattoir – well, certainly not in Darwin or in the Northern Territory.
The media conference he was referring to was AAco announcing to the stock exchange it was going to build an abattoir in the Northern Territory. I was there to support that announcement and the private sector commercial initiative …
Mr Elferink: With your arms around them. ‘We will support you; we will back you all the way’.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: … to support the provision of, and the building of, a private sector abattoir for the Northern Territory.
In regard to the financial arrangements for that abattoir, that needs to be constructed as a commercial project in its own right. I have made it very clear to David Farley, to the media, and to everybody, that the government will not be subsidising a private sector facility. If this facility needs government subsidies it will fail. It is up to AAco to finance that particular project.
In regard to the port, roads, and Power and Water infrastructure, commercial arrangements will be in place with the port and with Power and Water to facilitate the infrastructure on commercial terms in the same way the port and Power and Water deal with any other business. I have made that very clear.
Madam Speaker, I am hopeful AAco will commit to what will be a great project for the Northern Territory, but the Territory taxpayer will not be subsidising it.
Abattoir – Government Promise
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY, FISHERIES and RESOURCES
On the ABC Country Hour on 30 March, you said the NT government will contribute a multimillion dollar assistance package toward the development of an abattoir in Darwin’s rural area. On 2 May, on the ABC Country Hour, it was reported the minister had walked away from the multimillion dollar package promised for the proposed Darwin abattoir. Could you please advise what has been promised by the government? Is the statement by Stu Cruden from AAco, that the government promise was an empty gesture, true?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. It gives us the opportunity to make clear what we said at the time. AAco proposed to put a commercial abattoir in the Northern Territory. AAco said it required some assistance on our part, which we discussed with them. One was a redirection of the Stuart Highway for safety reasons. However, as you are well aware, the Stuart Highway comes under Commonwealth jurisdiction and the money spent on the highway is Commonwealth money. We lobbied on their behalf to the federal government that should this abattoir go ahead, money should be reprioritised to divert the Stuart Highway for safety reasons.
AAco sources said it would like a hardstand and power points in the port. If it goes ahead, it will have to have refrigerated containers. We also said if it decides to build the abattoir here the Port Corporation will put hardstands and power outlets in, and we would have to negotiate, on a commercial basis, a user pay facility. The same applies with Power and Water. The total estimate for those facilities was about $9m. Money is not going to be given to any private industry. As infrastructure has to be put in place for the abattoir to be up and running, it will require these facilities. However, the abattoir, or any industry using these facilities, has to pay like any other private business. It is not fair for the government to subsidise private business in the Territory. Why AAco’s abattoir and not Joe Blow’s abattoir or something else? These commercial arrangements happen elsewhere in Australia.
Should the board of directors of AAco decide to build the abattoir, the government is prepared to put infrastructure in place to facilitate the development of the abattoir, but there has to be a negotiation of commercial terms with Power and Water and the Port Corporation. Is it clear now?
Budget 2012-13 – Resource Sector
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY, FISHERIES and RESOURCES
How will Budget 2012-13 assist in gearing up for growth of our resource sector?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the Treasurer this week presented Budget 2012-13, a responsible budget, gearing up for growth and delivering for Territory families. The outlook for our economy is very bright. It is not only Ichthys and the Marine Supply Base, it is also the resource sector which is supported by this budget.
Another $3.8m will be allocated for Bringing Forward Discovery this year. That is a three-year program - $11.4m - which brings the total of our seven-year investment to $25.8m. We have to attract investment for exploration in the Territory. It is a very competitive area, not only in Australia, but internationally. We have done very well. Last year, exploration expenditure in the Territory was $228m. In 2005-06, exploration expenditure in the Territory was $56m, so we have done very well. Despite the global financial crisis, which saw exploration expenditure decrease in other states of Australia, exploration expenditure increased in the Northern Territory.
We assist the resource sector. We collect all the information, undertake magnetic and geophysical surveys, and provide this information free to miners and explorers to minimise their risk when they decide to explore in the Territory. I also mention the $100 000 dollar-for-dollar subsidy for the exploration of greenfield sites.
The Fraser Institute shows how good the Territory is doing. It surveys the mining industry around the world and lists the Territory as first in Australia to do business in exploration and mining; second in Australia as to clarity of the legislation and the way things happen in the Territory; and 11th in the world. That is not bureaucrats, not me and you; that is mining companies from all over the world: first in Australia and 11th in the world.
Palmerston Hospital – After-hours Facilities
Ms PURICK to CHIEF MINISTER
Given your government’s cavalier attitude to promises and commitments, can you guarantee that the Palmerston Hospital will have full after-hours emergency facilities and, if so, on what date will it be fully operational?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, we are very proud of our commitment to the hospital for Palmerston, one that has been negotiated with the Commonwealth government. I pay credit to my friend and colleague, the Health Minister, for working so assiduously with the Commonwealth to secure significant Commonwealth funding for this project.
There is $10m in the budget this year for the headworks into the project. The commitment is to have the hospital up and running by the end of 2015. I do not have a date for specifically when. Obviously, we have a few Wet Seasons to go through between now and then, but the commitment is to have the hospital up and running by the end of 2015. Now, compare that to the CLP, who has said we are rushing ahead too fast; we need to slow it down and put the brakes on. Yesterday, the Opposition Leader ...
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The question is: will it have full after-hours emergency facilities?
Madam SPEAKER: I am not sure that was the question. I thought it was about a date.
Mr HENDERSON: That is right, Madam Speaker. All of the clinical planning for the hospital is now being undertaken. There will be an emergency department and babies will be born there.
Details of the clinical arrangements are still being worked out, but I can commit that we will have a hospital at Palmerston with up to 60 beds, an emergency department, day surgery, and the ability to give birth there, up and running by the end of 2015. That is our commitment. We know the conservatives and the Liberals, in their headlong pursuit to a budget surplus - look at what happened in Victoria. The premier of Victoria, Mr Baillieu, was elected on a promise to build new hospitals in Victoria. First budget in, what did he do? He ditched the project altogether, as well as sacking 4500 public servants and scrapping subsidies to ease the cost of living. He was elected on a platform to ease the cost of living. First budget, he jacked up the cost of living and broke the promises. That is exactly what the Country Liberals would do.
We have committed to a hospital by the end of 2015. At the last election, the CLP committed to a hospital in Palmerston by the end of 2025. Madam Speaker, we will bring it in 10 years before the CLP committed to.
Budget 2012-13 – A Working Future
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for INDIGENOUS DEVELOPMENT
Can you please outline to the House how Budget 2012-13 will progress the Territory government’s key policy framework for the bush, A Working Future, and for sustaining jobs in our regional and remote areas?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question. A Working Future is clearly one of the major reforms of our government across the regions. We plan to always work with the people of the regions in determining the way they wish to see the areas grow. I am very proud to outline to the House what Budget 2012-13 provides for A Working Future.
Through our continuing commitment to the bush and partnerships with the Australian government, Budget 2012-13 delivers $433m for infrastructure across the regions. This is a continuation of three years of solid investment by our government to our commitment to all people across the regions. Beginning with the near $1bn commitment to the regions three years ago, we have been working consistently across the Northern Territory with the growth towns, the smaller communities, the outstations and homelands, highlighting very clearly to all the people this is about both governments working strongly to improve the lives of Indigenous people and all people who live in the regions.
Enhancing health services is one example. Budget 2012-13 delivers a huge boost to health services, with $33m for clinics in Borroloola, Elliott, Galiwinku, Milingimbi, Ngukurr, Ntaria, Papunya and Pirlangimpi. There is $17m for police infrastructure at locations including Ramingining, Gapuwiyak, Numbulwar, Mt Liebig, Areyonga, Robinson River, Epenarra and Angurugu.
Early childhood reflects the clear position of our government to improve the lives of young Territorians from birth through to school age, encouraging every family that getting their children to school is critical. For early childhood and education, the budget is $20m for child and family centres and childcare facilities in Yuendumu, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Ngukurr, Ntaria and Umbakumba. We are also investing $11.7m in training facilities, including classrooms for VET programs in Angurugu, Alyangula, Ngukurr, Gunbalanya and Jabiru.
Improving education facilities has been a focus of our government, recognising that not only building the secondary schools across these regions has been a very strong focus of our government, but getting the children to school and into jobs beyond school age. We have invested a further $2.7m in this budget for school facilities in Kalkarindji and Walungurru.
This includes $188m in housing infrastructure. Under the joint Northern Territory and Australian government housing program, we have invested $44.4m in government employee housing ...
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Rural Area - Swimming Pool
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for SPORT and RECREATION
It is pleasing to see in the budget the government has announced it will build a 25 m eight-lane pool in the rural area. However, Swimming Australia wrote to the Freds Pass Management Board in June last year stating the following:
- The development of a 25 metre 10 lane pool with spectator seating and break out spaces establishes a venue capable of hosting local, regional and state short course competitions.
Further on it says:
- A short course pool will also offer an attractive proposition for visiting swimming teams for camps and clinics in preparation for high level short course competition in comparative climates.
In light of the fact Swimming Australia supports a 10-lane pool not an eight-lane pool, will you ensure the new rural pool is 10 lanes wide? Will you also ensure Swimming Australia is involved in the design of this pool to ensure it meets the exact specifications required for international competition?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the member for Nelson is like a dog at a bone. He is a great local member, and the member for Goyder …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HAMPTON: The Territory government has committed $12.5m to develop a new swimming pool for Darwin’s rural area by 2013. The letter from Swimming Australia has some really exciting prospects; however, we need to remember there are some great swimming pools in Darwin which could be used for those events. Member for Nelson, I take on board the letter and the request. The design phase will include extensive formal consultations with the community. I am sure that letter and those ideas from Swimming Australia can be put into the mix.
My department is preparing the final design for the pool and matters such as those you have raised today will be considered as part of that discussion.
Budget 2012-13 – Katherine Heavy Vehicle Diversion
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE to MINISTER for LANDS and PLANNING
I will ask this question gently, without any venom in my voice; I do not want to offend the minister’s sensibilities. In the last three budgets, $10m of federal money has been allocated to construct a heavy vehicle diversion in Katherine. In your latest budget, that $10m figure does not appear. Did the NT receive the money from the federal government, where has the money gone, and why have you not honoured your promise, which I quote: ‘... to go back to the drawing board to develop an alternative heavy vehicle route for Katherine ...’?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Katherine for his question. It was not so much the venom; it was the tricks and the mischief. Let us revisit the conversation we had about the heavy vehicle diversion in Katherine, member for Katherine. The $10m was offered by minister Albanese, the federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, and the Northern Territory government took that plan to the great people of Katherine in good faith.
I put up three plans, which stretched out to about six different options. The local member was involved, but you cannot remember that, which is interesting. We took this to the people of Katherine. I took it as a local member from the bush with experience with heavy vehicles, and put up the option we discussed, which was Railway Terrace.
I had some support, but I also received much constructive criticism. The good people of Katherine did not pick up on that idea. I went back to the federal government and we engaged the member for Lingiari, who was also very active in this story and lobbied strongly. Word came back, member for Katherine, that if it was not for heavy vehicle diversion, the money was not there. That is why the money has not appeared on any budget papers; it is from the Commonwealth. We were never able to settle on an agreed plan; therefore, the money and the concept are still sitting with the federal government ...
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Part of the question - and this goes to relevance - was why has the minister not honoured his promise to go back to the drawing board, redesigned something, and taken it back to the people of Katherine to consider.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Katherine, resume your seat. The minister is answering the question.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! You have the call, minister.
Mr McCARTHY: Madam Speaker, as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Opposition members!
Mr McCARTHY: Back to the drawing board. Through the Department of Lands and Planning, we have a plan for significant road safety upgrades for Katherine Terrace - the main street. We have taken that back to the federal government and it is under consideration. Remember it is specifically offered to Katherine for heavy vehicle diversion. We are continuing to work with the federal government.
Personally, I hope they take up our option to look at road safety initiatives on Katherine Terrace. However, they are still focused on what is heavy road transport infrastructure - to divert heavy vehicles out of the main street of Katherine.
Mr GILES: Supplementary question, Madam Speaker?
Madam SPEAKER: A supplementary can only be asked by the member who asked the original question.
Budget 2012-13 – Business Growth Support
Ms SCRYMGOUR to TREASURER
Can you please update the House how Budget 2012-13 will support Territory businesses to gear up for growth as we move towards the most significant economic growth phase in the Territory’s history?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I welcome the question from the member for Arafura. There is no doubt we are continuing our very strong infrastructure spend to support business to gear up for that growth. There is a commitment of $1.3bn to keep our economy and our construction sector primed to take advantage of the major projects as they start to ramp up.
$1.3bn supports 2600 jobs across the critical construction sector, helping to keep our skilled workers here for the significant growth phase ahead. We, proudly, have the lowest-taxing regime in the nation. We are the lowest-taxing jurisdiction for small- and medium-sized businesses in the nation. Budget 2012-13 keeps us there with no new taxes, and we are supporting our businesses to grow and help create jobs.
Our Jobs Plan is building on our own skilled workforce, with Budget 2012-13 delivering $100m for training and apprentices. There have been more than 25 000 Territorians commence training since 2005. This investment includes $900 000 to help young Territorians transition from school into jobs; $1.4m in employer incentives to take on apprentices in those all-important skilled shortage trades occupations, which include construction, civil, welding and mechanical; and $1.3m for the very popular Workwear/Workgear Bonus scheme to help apprentices and trainees with their start-up costs.
We are supporting Territory businesses to gear up for growth with $17m for business upskill programs, October Business Month, and ecoBiz NT. The business community has certainly welcomed our budget. Chris Young, from the Chamber of Commerce, supported the infrastructure investment, stating:
- We are glad to see they are continuing to spend rather than just pulling it all back.
Assault Incidents - Increase
Mr STYLES to MINISTER for ALCOHOL POLICY
From the report you have just tabled, can you explain why there is an increase of 17% in not alcohol-related assaults in the Northern Territory, and an increase in assaults across the Northern Territory of 3.4% overall?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, no. I have said in previous reports, I do not prosecute down into the data of the not alcohol-related. I am the Alcohol Policy Minister, I watch the data carefully around ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
A member: Just table it.
Ms LAWRIE: I table it. I look at the alcohol-related assaults ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, order!
Ms LAWRIE: That is what I do. In looking at the data coming through, and questioning the statisticians on that data, the main influence flowing through into the nine-month report, they say, has been the increase in domestic violence assault charges laid. I do not have the exact figures with me. Off the top of my head, there were 199 additional. What supports that is, if you go to the chart on the back page - page 20 of 22, Appendix A - go to the Territory total for alcohol-related assaults by DV/non-DV. If you look at that, the non-DV alcohol-related assaults across the Territory have dropped by 9.5% in total, whereas the DV-related have increased. Where there have been increases in assaults, police have been arresting people for DV-related assaults.
When you take out domestic violence from the assault figures, they are down, Territory-wide, by 9.5%. The data is on Appendix 2.
Also, what is influencing the Territory-wide data is you have alcohol-related assaults down in Darwin, Palmerston, Alice Springs, Katherine; Tennant Creek has increased; the Northern Territory balance - which is your regional/remote - has gone up in those areas. I have had it explained. Police in Tennant Creek have undertaken particular operations which are to be commended.
The statisticians also say this shows we have arrested the upwards trend in assault. Alcohol-fuelled assault is trending down. The statisticians also say you need to look at data over one- and two-year trends, because the Territory has small numbers. For example, if you have five arrests in Tennant Creek your data goes up significantly.
That being said, the data from the PROMIS system clearly shows in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine and Alice Springs alcohol-fuelled assaults are going down. We have seen an upwards trend in Tennant Creek but, Territory-wide, they are going down. The inference in this data set is starting to come through - which is a good inference - is that more domestic violence assault charges are being laid. There is less reliance on the orders and more people are being charged for domestic violence which, as a woman, I welcome. Good on the police for making it safer in people’s homes when they are being beaten because that perpetrator is being charged for assault and brought before the court for justice.
Budget 2012-13 – Affordable and Quality Healthcare
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for HEALTH
The Henderson government is committed to providing quality regional health and community support services throughout the Territory. Can you please update the House on what Budget 2012-13 delivers to support Territory families with affordable and quality healthcare?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is a very good question. Our government continues to deliver a record investment in health not only for better hospitals, but also for regional health and community services that are affordable and help families stay together. Unlike the Country Liberal Party, we believe every Territorian living outside urban centres deserves quality healthcare. This is why we have delivered the most comprehensive renal strategy for the Territory and provided dialysis in over 30 communities, and we have seen the result. People on renal dialysis in Yuendumu or anywhere else now have the same life expectancy as people in Perth, Adelaide or Melbourne.
In partnership with the Australian government, $33m is spent to upgrade health services in Borroloola, Elliott, Galiwinku, Milingimbi, Ngukurr, Ntaria, Papunya and Pirlangimpi. This will deliver facilities which are safe and culturally appropriate, and support our staff in their work.
There is $10.7m for the Patient Assistance Travel Scheme. We understand we cannot help all the people in the Territory; some people have to travel down south and we help them with that. In addition, because of the tyranny of distance, we have to bring people, in some cases urgently, from the bush. We have one of the best medical retrieval services through CareFlight.
Madam Speaker, $12.7m is provided for individual support packages to meet the unique needs within the disability services system. There is $52m allocated for better mental health services across the Territory, with $3m for child and adolescent mental health services. This includes further development of Suicide Story, an Indigenous training tool produced by the Mental Health Association of Central Australia Life Promotions Program to create suicide-safer families and communities, and to train trainers in the regional areas. We have made a major investment in the health and wellbeing of all Territorians no matter where they live.
There is no bigger contrast between us and the CLP, and that shows in an interview the then Minister for Health, Steve Dunham, gave to Lateline in 2001. He was questioned by Tony Jones about not putting renal dialysis machines in the bush, or anywhere else:
- How many more people have to die before ...
...
... a dialysis machine is put into Tennant Creek?
The answer is staggering. Steve Dunham said,
- People have the opportunity to access this specialised medicine at Alice Springs and I’m not in the position to be able to compel people to access that medicine.
In the event that they don’t wish to, the choices are theirs.
‘The choices are theirs. They can die in the bush. I am not going to put machines there’. This is the difference between us and the CLP, Madam Speaker, and if you do not believe me look at their manifesto. There is not one reference about health and health services outside the urban centre; not one reference for health services in the bush.
Alice Springs – Police Station Upgrade
Mr CONLAN to CHIEF MINISTER
Since 2009, your government committed to an upgrade of the Alice Springs Police Station. Now in 2012, can you please explain to the House why the police station has not yet been upgraded?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, we listened to the police who need to expand their facilities not renew them. We have been out to tender for a brand new, purpose-built facility for government. We have to wait for the new premises to be built. I believe tenders have been awarded and it is under construction now. This has been the most significant investment in new commercial premises in Alice Springs for many years as a result of government funding. Once that new building is finished, the Greatorex Building will be decanted, refitted and refurbished to allow the police to move into and have more space, and then decisions will be made about the old police station.
This is a better outcome for Alice Springs because it gains the commercial investment in a brand new facility - upgrade of the Greatorex Building - then decisions will be made as to what will happen with the current police station. It was requested by police, and police in Alice Springs are very happy with the result.
Budget 2012-13 – Greening the Territory
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
How does Budget 2012-13 help the government in achieving its objectives of greening the Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for her question. Over the past 10 years, this government has played a significant role in the conservation and protection of our natural, cultural and historical environments. We have worked towards greening the Territory through investing in our parks, protecting our unique natural assets, and supporting families and businesses to go green, whilst supporting the great Territory lifestyle by seizing opportunities to ensure Territorians can continue to enjoy the benefits of our great outdoors.
I would like to thank staff in my department who have worked tirelessly, particularly over the last four years, to protect and preserve our wonderful environment and our natural assets. I again take this opportunity to thank those staff who have been dedicated and worked with me very closely, day in, day out, to protect our environment.
Under this government, for the first time in the Territory’s history, Indigenous Territorians have been given the opportunity to manage their own lands. Under this government, 27 national parks are now managed under a joint management agreement. This ensures joint management arrangements and the cultural values and views of local traditional owners are considered in all aspects of park operations and decision-making.
Turning to our wonderful Darwin Harbour, it is certainly one of the Territory’s most valuable assets. Not only is it home to a diversity of plants, animals and fish, but it also plays a key role in sustaining industry while also supporting recreational pursuits such as fishing, sailing, water skiing and boating.
The protection of our wonderful Darwin Harbour is crucial. Budget 2012-13 continues the Territory government’s strong record of protecting and enhancing the Territory’s natural assets. Since 2001, we have grown our environment budget significantly, along the way protecting 96% of the mangroves in Darwin Harbour, stopping unchecked land clearing on the Daly River - the river these guys on the other side of the House would dam. We have also introduced initiatives such as Cash for Containers, which the CLP would scrap and put out a few empty bins ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr HAMPTON: We have also banned plastic bags, which is already having a huge impact on levels of waste.
Budget 2012-13 is greening the Territory through investing in our parks and protecting our unique natural assets. There is no doubt about it; this government has been the greenest government in the Territory’s history.
Abattoir - Government Funding
Mr ELFERINK to CHIEF MINISTER
The ABC reported on 23 April 2012 that:
- ... the NT minister for Primary Industries, Kon Vatskalis, stood before 300 people at the NT Cattlemen’s Association forum and declared $9m would be provided in-kind ...
I just heard from your side of the House that money was to be provided by the Commonwealth government.
The report from the ABC went on to say:
- In a statement, a spokesman for the federal minister for Infrastructure, Anthony Albanese, confirmed no such application for funding had been made by the Northern Territory government.
Why are you putting yourself up as anything like trustworthy to the people of the Northern Territory?
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, resume your seat.
Can you withdraw that last part of the question? It is not a question in ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! It is not in the standing orders. Withdraw the last part and make it into a question, thank you.
Mr ELFERINK: I reword the question. Why should Territorians have faith in your capacity to keep promises?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is hard to see what is going on over the other side. I did not know the member for Port Darwin was shadow minister for Primary Industry. He obviously does not trust the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to run this line of questioning ...
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I ask you to direct the Chief Minister to be relevant. We want an answer to this question.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim, can you resume your seat? The Chief Minister had about seven seconds. Resume your seat!
Mr Tollner: What he said has nothing to do with the question.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim!
Mr HENDERSON: I have answered this question before, Madam Speaker. As I understand it, AAco has made application to the federal government under regional development grant funding - it is not for the Northern Territory government ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr HENDERSON: ... to make applications to the federal government on behalf of a private sector company. What AAco asks of the federal government is up to them. We have said, very clearly, there has been no promise from the Northern Territory government. I have said very clearly, my colleague has said very clearly ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Resume your seats. There are far too many interruptions, honourable members. Standing Order ...
Mr Giles interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, you are on a warning!
Standing Order 51:
- No Member may converse aloud or make any noise or disturbance, which in the opinion of the Speaker is designed to interrupt or has the effect of interrupting a Member speaking.
The Chief Minister has the call.
Mr HENDERSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have made it very clear that if the board of AAco decide to go ahead with this, in relation to infrastructure ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim!
Mr HENDERSON: ... required at the port for this particular development, that would be negotiated on commercial terms with the port and Power and Water. In regard to roadworks for the Stuart Highway, a national highway funded and supported by the federal government, we would work with the federal government, with the road safety money that comes to the Territory every year for the Stuart Highway, to prioritise safety funding for that project.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: I do not know why the member for Port Darwin is twisting and turning over this. If he wants to make a policy position that the CLP will subsidise private sector businesses with taxpayer funding - if that is going to be your policy ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order! Opposition members!
Mr HENDERSON: ... fellows over there, good luck to you. You will have every business in the Northern Territory knocking at your door with their hand out for taxpayer funding. However, if the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Port Darwin want to say: ‘It is our commitment, we would give AAco $10m-worth of government funding’, that is up to you.
Supplementary Question
Abattoir - Government Funding
Abattoir - Government Funding
Mr ELFERINK to CHIEF MINISTER
In his answer, he denied a promise, and I will quote again:
- ... the NT minister for Primary Industries, Kon Vatskalis, stood before 300 people at the NT Cattlemen’s Association forum and declared $9m would be provided in-kind.
How does he reconcile that with the statements he just made?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I have stated very clearly in regard to support for that project, it would be done on commercial terms through Power and Water Corporation and the port …
Mr Elferink: So, he lied?
Mr HENDERSON: ... and in regard to the Stuart Highway …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: In regard to the Stuart Highway, we would negotiate with the Commonwealth within the funding we receive every year for maintenance and roadworks on the Stuart Highway to support the abattoir. That is very clear.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: If the opposition wants to have, as part of its policy, that it is quite happy to provide taxpayer subsidies to private businesses, that is up to them. It is not what this government does ...
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113. Will he answer the question?
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, did you …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Chief Minister, do you want to say anything else? No.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Honourable members, we do not have much longer to go. It would be great not to have to throw anybody out after seven years of presiding in the Chair. It would be nice not to have to throw somebody out during the last Question Time. However, the member for Nelson is suggesting somebody over there - perhaps a good idea. He is pointing at you, member for Fong Lim.
Mr Tollner: Madam Speaker, I have been particularly quiet this Question Time.
Madam SPEAKER: Perhaps you have not been able to hear today, member for Fong Lim. Are there any further questions?
Budget 2012-13 - Public Service Jobs – Alternative Policies
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Can you please update the House on what Budget 2012-13 means for Northern Territory public service jobs? Are you aware of any alternative policies?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. There are approximately 19 000 public servants in the Northern Territory Public Service. Within our budget - although we have maintained staff caps - we have given assurance there will be no staff cuts. We only have to look interstate to see what has happened there with conservative governments: Mr Baillieu in Victoria - 4200 to be sacked; Mr O’Farrell in New South Wales – 5000; Joe Hockey, if they are elected federally – 12 000; and heaven knows how many Cameron Newman might sack once he has completed his deliberations.
We also know the CLP has its written policy, its platform from 2008 which it has not changed, which talks about cutting 700 jobs in the Northern Territory Public Service. It was interesting to hear a quite audacious statement by the Opposition Leader yesterday when he said:
- I will personally ensure no pay or conditions will be eroded, or any compulsory redundancy visited upon any public servant earning $110 000 or less.
In the old parlance it was AO8 officers, now it is SAO1s - will be earning $110 000. Quite a few people earn $110 000. The Leader of the Opposition clarified yesterday what he had said about frontline staff in Education, Health and Police. In the Education portfolio there are quite a few people. I am interested in who he defines as frontline staff: literacy and numeracy support people; curriculum support; those who support teacher development; early childhood development specialists; school infrastructure and construction staff; and a whole range of other positions that support frontline staff in training such as mental health, child protection, health and physical education, special education and positive behaviour.
I am interested to hear the Opposition Leader’s definition of frontline staff. Moreover, I was very interested to hear he could not give a similar guarantee to other highly-rewarded senior executives. He said he knew who they were, so he has a hit list. He said:
- In fact, I am aware of senior managers who are well and truly ready to accept greater responsibility in the Northern Territory.
Cash for Containers – Waiting Times
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
In the NT News on Tuesday, there was a letter complaining about waiting times for people to receive cash for their containers. What is the government doing to assist collectors set up more bulk container collection points to cater for all types of containers - not the mobile units - so people do not have to wait so long to get their money? If you are doing this, where are the new collection points?
On a related question, do you know if the beverage and container industry has asked the ACCC to investigate the cash for can collectors in the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question and his passion for Cash for Containers. To be fair to depots, it depends on what day people take their containers in. Often, it is on weekends. I acknowledge there are long wait times at some of our depots.
The other important point is, because the scheme is growing in popularity, more people are taking containers in to get their cash back. To date, over six million containers have been taken into the depots, which equates to about $600 000 going back into the pockets of Territorians and Territory kids. The popularity of the scheme is growing and I acknowledge those long waiting times. As I said, it depends on when people are taking them in. Most times it is over weekends, which is where the long delays are happening.
I also acknowledge many depots are still getting organised and improving the infrastructure. We are reducing the number of splits and sorts they have to do, and my department will continue to work with them to reduce waiting times.
Also, over six million containers are not ending up in our creeks and streets, which is good for the environment.
Regarding the other part of the question, I am happy to let colleagues know two new, permanent collection depots will be opening in the next three weeks. One is at Karama Shopping Centre and one at Palmerston Shopping Centre. Two new collection depots have been approved and, in the next few weeks, will be open.
As to the last point of your question, I am not aware of that. That information has not come to me. I take that on board and look forward to the response when I receive that request.
Budget 2012-13 – BushMob Alcohol and Other Drugs Facility
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for CENTRAL AUSTRALIA referred to MINISTER for HEALTH
In February 2001, you announced an expansion of the preventative BushMob alcohol and other drugs facility in Alice Springs. Why was there no funding for this expansion in Budget 2012-13? Madam Speaker, I seek leave to table the media release.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Macdonnell, can we clarify the date? You said February 2001. Did you mean …
Ms ANDERSON: The question is to the Minister for Central Australia. In February 2011, you announced an expansion of the preventative BushMob alcohol and other drugs facility in Alice Springs. Why was there no funding for this expansion in Budget 2012-13?
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, is that your portfolio?
Mr HAMPTON: It is okay, Madam Speaker, I am aware of that and negotiations are still under way at the moment. I am happy to handball that to my colleague.
Madam SPEAKER: It is not for you, is it?
Mr HAMPTON: No.
Madam SPEAKER: It has to be for the Minister for Health.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, as my colleague said, negotiations are still under way. We cannot decide on funding until negotiations are finalised and the final model is in place. When it is in place I will consider funding. Our budget is the highest budget ever in the Territory - $1.2bn - and we will ensure we find money to support this facility.
Budget 2012-13 – New Era in Corrections
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
How does Budget 2012-13 continue to support the new era in Corrections?
Mr Tollner: Good question.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Fong Lim!
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. I also thank the member for Fong Lim for his interest in Corrections. I am proud to talk in this House about the ongoing commitment to Correctional Services in the Northern Territory from the Henderson Labor government. In Budget 2012-13, that equates to a further $20m, which targets 189 new beds. Those beds are across Alice Springs, the Barkly Work Camp and the Darwin Correctional Centre. It is no secret that it is to manage the record number of inmates.
This government is about turning those numbers around and turning recidivism around. It is part of our plan, part of our new era initiative, to invest in staff. It is great to see new Correctional Services officers coming online, and it is great to see new people in Community Corrections. It is great to see clinicians joining us with our new era policy, and our roll-out of initiatives to turn around this revolving door, to offer education, rehabilitation and training, to make a difference.
It is also really pleasing to see this money in Budget 2012-13 will provide the funding for an exciting new initiative, which is the 20-bed training treatment centre directly targeting driving offending. That is in Alice Springs on the correctional centre campus. That will be for offenders mandated into this rehabilitation that directly relates to their offending behaviour.
There are also 10 more alcohol and other drug treatment beds in Darwin and Alice Springs. Once again, that is the new era initiative of directly targeting the offending behaviour, raising the education, raising awareness, and turning around what are far too many low-level recidivist offenders entering our system.
These are support initiatives that go to the bigger picture of the Doug Owston Correctional Centre set to open in 2014. This is purpose-built, innovative infrastructure that will structure days and support education and training and rehabilitation.
I am proud to say I can stand in this House as part of this government and tell Territorians we are about making a difference, as opposed to that disgusting policy of the other side where they will dig a big hole, concrete it, and put all the bad criminals in there. When you say things like that, you will be held accountable. It is on Hansard with all your other statements. You have no policy in this area other than a big pen ...
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Dr BURNS (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016