2007-08-22
Child Sexual Abuse – Conviction Rates
Ms CARNEY to CHIEF MINISTER referred to MINISTER for CHILD PROTECTION
It is well known that there is widespread under-reporting of child abuse. Can you advise the Chamber, in any event, of the apprehension and conviction rates for indigenous and non-indigenous offenders in the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the under-reporting of child sexual abuse is an important issue, but it is very specific to the ministerial portfolio of Child Protection, and Family and Community Services. I will refer, quite appropriately, that question to the minister.
Ms Carney: Are you saying you do not know? Have you read it?
Madam SPEAKER: Order! I call the Minister for Child Protection.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Child Protection): Madam Speaker, in response to the question from the Leader of the Opposition, I do not have those numbers. I can certainly provide those numbers to her so I will take that question on notice.
First Home Buyers – Government Assistance
Ms SACILOTTO to TREASURER
Under this government, our Territory economy is performing strongly and bucking national trends, something which benefits all Territorians. Can the Treasurer outline some specific measures that have been introduced to assist first home buyers?
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Port Darwin for her question. She retains a strong interest in housing matters, coming from that industry as she did. It is interesting that the question evoked some interest from members opposite. I hope that the reasoning behind this question is to dispel some of the confusion and ignorance, some of it deliberate, no doubt, expressed by members opposite about our comprehensive plan to help Territorians own their own homes, particularly those endeavouring to get their very first home.
Since 2001, we have dramatically reduced stamp duty for home buyers, including first home buyers. We have broadened HomeNorth to focus on families. We have released land in Palmerston and Alice Springs, with areas reserved for first home buyers. We will be releasing land in Bellamack, with a comprehensive roll out plan into the future to ensure we do not suffer the same housing squeeze being felt in other parts of the country.
From 20 August 2002, we have provided two key stamp duty housing initiatives: an increased first home owner concession, which increased the maximum stamp duty-free threshold to $350 000. That is a maximum concession of $15 312.50 from 1 May 2007; and a principal place of residence stamp duty rebate of $2500 for other home buyers. Since August 2002, those concessions have provided just under $49m in home ownership assistance, and - this is a great figure - has assisted 15 833 Territorians in purchasing a home. I have said it before, but lifting that first home owner …
Mr Wood: It is the ones who cannot get there that we are concerned about.
Mr STIRLING: Lifting that first home owner stamp duty tax free threshold to $350 000 means, at current market indicators, around 85% of purchasers purchasing their first home do not pay any stamp duty at all. That goes a long way to assisting first home buyers and, judging from the feedback I have received across the industry, it is very strongly appreciated. We have significantly improved HomeNorth. We lifted the income threshold for families with children to $70 000. To ensure we keep pace with the market, the property value limit is 85% of the average priced house.
Mr Wood: The average price for a block of land in Palmerston.
Mr STIRLING: I might just compare that income threshold which is $70 000 in the Northern Territory. Do you know what it is in South Australia?
Mr Wood: We are not in South Australia.
Mr STIRLING: $35 000.
Mr Wood: You own the land.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Nelson!
Mr STIRLING: It is $35 000 if you live in South Australia before you can avail yourself of a similar scheme - $70 000 in the Northern Territory. Even your non-existent $40 000 a year electrician, and you are still yet to produce one, I am yet to see a group certificate for an electrician in the Northern Territory on $40 000 a year, but even that electrician would benefit from this move.
In Darwin and Palmerston, at 85%, for example, the new limit is $310 000 under HomeNorth. In those purchase arrangements, we also lifted the government equity share to $70 000 and, importantly, we kept the 2% deposit, and we kept the $10 000 free interest loan to get people started in setting up a home. HomeNorth has assisted close to 1000 people to buy their own home since 2004 and, as I pointed out, in comparison with South Australia, it is the most generous scheme in the whole of Australia.
Our forward looking land release program is also striking the right balance between demand, on the one hand, which is strong, and the threat of over supply. Bellamack has a capacity for 600 blocks, and Mt Johns Valley has a strong capacity, and land will also be reserved for first home buyers. We believe all young people and families should aspire to home ownership. As a government we have done much to strengthen that. We still have, of course, the lowest home ownership rates in the country by a long way, but these moves that we have made, and will continue to make in the future, will strengthen the opportunity for people to buy their home in the Northern Territory. That is the goal we remain committed to.
Child Sexual Abuse – Reporting Rates
Ms CARNEY to CHIEF MINISTER
What specific measures can you point to, and which can be measured as to their success, that will improve the reporting rates, the apprehension rates and the conviction rates for those who sexually abuse children in the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the release of Closing the Gap on Monday, and the statement in the House yesterday, is all about ensuring that we can, as a community, get better information to communities, to Aboriginal people across the Territory, about child abuse, about reporting child abuse and taking action on child abuse. Despite the fact that the Opposition Leader dismisses Closing the Gap and says it is a waste of time and is not dealing with the real issues …
Ms Carney: What are your specific measures, Clare?
Ms MARTIN: … in fact, it is at the heart of tackling that.
Mr Mills: Be specific.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mrs Braham: I am glad you are learning from my comments.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Braitling!
Ms MARTIN: I hope the Opposition Leader has read the Wild/Anderson Report.
Ms Carney: Oh, yes, you can count on that. Have you?
Ms MARTIN: It is easy enough to say ‘I do not like it at all’. Mouthing, Madam Speaker, mouthing …
Ms Carney: Have you? I do not think you have, Clare.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order! Leader of the Opposition! I remind the Leader of the Opposition that we refer to people by their titles, thank you.
Ms MARTIN: However, it is interesting, because, even though I have raised issues about the Wild/Anderson Report, the fundamentals of that report are very sound. The work is done, the directions are there. It is all very well for the Opposition Leader to come into this parliament and mouth the words, …
Ms Carney: And ask about conviction rates, apprehension rates and reporting rates, very reasonable questions, don’t you think?
Ms Martin: … I suppose, of who must be her master in Canberra, minister Brough, and say exactly the same things as minister Brough. It is interesting ...
Mr Mills: Something specific, Chief Minister.
Mrs Braham: Better than dollars and cents; you are not dealing with it.
Ms MARTIN: Every single dollar, in an holistic way, of the $286.43m in the package over five years is targeting the complex causes that lead to child sexual abuse. We are looking at more policing and a greater focus on alcohol abuse. There is no doubt - and the Opposition Leader can deny it and say things like ‘even if you take alcohol away, all Aboriginal men will belt Aboriginal women’. That is just an absurd statement and I was shocked to hear that ...
Ms CARNEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I ask that you request the Chief Minister to withdraw that highly offensive remark.
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, I heard something very akin to that on radio this morning, maybe not those exact words; I do not have an exact memory: ‘Aboriginal men bash Aboriginal women because they want to’. I think that is what the Opposition Leader said …
Ms Carney: No!
Ms MARTIN: That was close to it, and we found it very offensive.
Madam SPEAKER: Please pause. There is no point of order. Chief Minister, if you could contain your debate perhaps?
Ms MARTIN: Yes, Madam Speaker. More policing, tackling alcohol abuse, focusing on early education, supporting families with domestic violence education, and many more things are in Closing the Gap as a package. No one element is going to do it by itself, but we are talking about more Correctional officers, and a whole range of things articulated in the Closing the Gap report.
Many elements of this are specifically to do with tackling the causes of child sexual abuse; ensuring that we have prevention as a key target, but also that we are intervening where appropriate and we are punishing where appropriate. These are all key elements, plus much more in closing the gap of disadvantage between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Territorians.
Even though the Opposition Leader does not like it, and cannot bring herself to say, ‘Great package, let us move forward from here’, we are targeting the causes of child sexual abuse in a most comprehensive way. At least we, on this side of the House, welcome the support in the broader community which is right behind Closing the Gap.
Land Release - Palmerston
Mr BURKE to MINISTER for PLANNING and LANDS
Palmerston is not the only area that has seen record growth; all of the Territory has. In fact, Palmerston has grown by 14% from 2001. Can you advise what action this government is taking on land release?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Brennan for his very important question. Anyone heading out of Darwin past Palmerston can see the new housing development going on there, which is fantastic to see. The Territory is enjoying a strong economy and a growing population. We have had a very strong property market in recent years as a result of our very strong economy. This is good news for property owners. However, with nine interest rates rises in a row under the John Howard government, Territory families are really feeling the pinch of those mortgage repayments. They are struggling to cope with those increased payments. Having a look at the Territory, regarding those repeated interest rate rises, they have added an average of $60 000 to the mortgage repayments of Territorians.
In response to this, the Martin government has formulated a very strong policy for land release. We recognise that land release is required, however, we also recognise that there is a very fine line that government needs to follow in land release, because the last thing we want to see is a flooding of the market of with excessive land release, hitting families with a double whammy …
Mr Mills: That is hysterical.
Mr Wood: They would be getting a block of land cheap.
Mrs Braham: That would be great – flood the market!
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order!
Ms LAWRIE: The Martin government is very cautious and careful with its land release policies. We have a very robust land release policy which recognises that the last thing we want to do is hit Territory families with a double whammy of consecutive John Howard interest rate rises, and devaluing their assets, their family home, and flooding the market as the CLP would want to do under their spurious ideas to just flood the market.
Mr Mills interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE: The member for Blain may well laugh, but it is one of the critical issues for Territory families, that we do not flood the market with excessive land release.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms LAWRIE: The Howard government is trying to distract attention away from their broken interest rate rise promise by seeking to lay the blame at the foot of the state and territory governments in terms of land release policies. Realistically, in Darwin, this backfires on the Commonwealth government because about half of the land in the greater Darwin area is, in fact, Commonwealth land which is not being used. If the Commonwealth government wanted to tackle land release they could do it tomorrow by releasing some of the Commonwealth government land that is locked up around Darwin. They will not do that because they recognise that the Martin Labor government has strong land release policies in place.
We have rejected the CLP’s wholesale ‘let’s just panic and release land’ and, at the same time, they are saying that there has not been a land release under the Martin Labor government. The member for Blain likes to say, ‘there has been no land release’. Well, member for Blain, this is just a sample …
Mr Mills: I never said there has been no land release. Do not make it up.
Ms LAWRIE: This is just a sample, a snapshot, of some of the subdivision land releases across the Territory since mid-2001. Subdivisions providing for properties …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Nelson! Member for Blain! Order!
Madam SPEAKER: Please continue, minister.
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I ask the minister to table the document.
Ms LAWRIE: I would be delighted to table this sample. As I said, it does not include the Alice Springs land release.
Since mid-2001, government has approved 875 subdivision plans, creating some 4626 new parcels for the market. In addition, 420 unit plans have been approved, creating a new unit capacity of 3560. I reiterate: we are a government that listens closely to consumers, the marketplace and, importantly, to the stakeholders. We have regular meetings with all of the key industry groups involved in development: the Real Estate Institute, the Chamber of Commerce, and Territory Construction, and they all say careful, planned land release hits the spot. Do not flood the market. Do not devalue the Territory property, particularly in the light of consecutive interest rate rises under John Howard.
Closing the Gap - Indigenous Obligations
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
What mutual obligations and requirements have you established with indigenous organisations, such as the land councils and their associated companies such as Centrecorp, an organisation now worth $100m, to ensure that they contribute meaningfully to the development of indigenous communities, including sustainable jobs into the future?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Blain for his question. It is an important issue. I do not have any mutual obligation relationships in place with the land councils across the Territory, but talk regularly to the land councils and certainly would not pretend that at all times there was a comfortable and necessarily positive relationship between this government and the land councils. Robust is probably a better word to use.
In terms of the investment we need to see in infrastructure across the Territory. I believe that there is a very important role for the investment arms that have been established by the land councils for the trusts. It is something that I am going to start discussions about. I have before, but in light of - you are extraordinary, you sit there shaking your head like some kind of slightly demented Methuselah.
Mr Mills interjecting.
Ms MARTIN: I am agreeing with you. Do not sit there going ‘no, no, no’. I am actually agreeing with the member for Blain. I do not understand this. You asked a question. In my answer I agree with you, and you sit there shaking your head. Is there some problem?
I am saying that this is an important issue. When we look at the investment needed in infrastructure across the Territory, particularly in housing where the backlog is about 4000 houses right now, and I would like to see a change in approach. It is something I have spoken about and will continue to speak about.
As you understand, Madam Speaker, I cannot direct. We have federal ministers who can direct, and it is interesting that maybe this is something that the opposition has raised with their federal colleagues in Canberra. I suspect not. It is only a question for this moment …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms MARTIN: This is an important issue. I would like to have very constructive discussions with land councils and trusts about investment into infrastructure in communities right across the Territory. You have raised a good point. It is not only about the dollars that either the federal government, which is responsible for the backlog of housing, nor the additional funds that the Territory government is putting in, but we should also look at the non-government sector in the Aboriginal communities. I have said this publicly many times, that for businesses that are going well I would like to see some of those larger Aboriginal-controlled businesses take out loans and invest in housing on communities which can then be rented.
There is nothing new in this. It is an important issue. If we are going to see the levels of disadvantage, the difference that we are calling Closing the Gap between outcomes for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Territorians, close, then that is going to be a key component. It is a very valid point, member for Blain; one that I have spoken about in the past and will continue to speak about in the future.
Alice Springs – Crime Summit Outcomes
Mr HAMPTON to CHIEF MINISTER
Could you please advise the House on new initiatives you announced to make the streets of Alice Springs safer?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I welcome the question from the member for Stuart, who was at the Crime Summit on 9 August in Alice Springs. We all want Alice Springs to be a safer place to live, work and raise a family. It is a great place, but we all know it has some significant issues that we need to tackle.
The Crime Summit was the culmination of six community forums which gave residents of Alice Springs and surrounding communities an opportunity to contribute to solutions to make Alice Springs a safer place to live. The overwhelming agreement was that excessive alcohol consumption is the cause of the majority of crime and antisocial behaviour.
When looking at some of the things that are already in place that were raised at the summit, the liquor supply restrictions, I believe, are already beginning to work. Over the last six months, the consumption of pure alcohol in Alice Springs has declined something like 10%. Police report that serious assaults have declined significantly over the last nine months and, importantly, the demand on the hospital for alcohol-related services continues a downward trend, that is over two quarters, and is a very important aspect of controlling alcohol.
However, there is much more to be done. For example, over 113 000 litres of pure alcohol was consumed in Alice Springs in the March quarter. That was the lowest quarter consumption for four years, but it does translate to six million cans of full strength beer. That is an awesome amount of alcohol. We have the lowest figures for four years, but, boy, do we have a long way to go!
Police also tell me that 85% of their workload is taken up by alcohol-related crime and antisocial behaviour. From a policing point of view, that is a real target area. These statistics are unacceptable. We are getting some movement in the right direction but we have a long way to go.
The four key issues that were raised in the forums were: alcoholism and public drunkenness; children on the streets who should be at school, or late at night; humbugging of locals and tourists; and fighting in public places and residences. We have listened very carefully to the voice of the Alice Springs community, and I can assure Alice Springs that we will deliver.
Some of the initiatives coming from the summit include a commitment to keep police numbers at quotas. That has been an issue and that is my very strong commitment. Also important is the continuation of the City Safe initiative. Talking to business, they are very pleased by the impact of City Safe; the centre of Alice Springs is a lot quieter. If you put that together with the first 22 days of the public dry areas legislation, the centre of Alice Springs is a lot quieter and, importantly, a lot safer.
Initiatives from the summit include:
the introduction of a new police-led public safety model - more about that in the next few weeks;
we committed to operational funding for CCTV - that will be up and running in Alice Springs by December;
a youth diversionary camp, a youth at-risk intervention centre, and increased funding for youth services in Alice Springs; and
funding for a Return to Country program.
I also talked about renewed consideration from the Alcohol Reference Group of a buy back of some takeaway alcohol licences, and further consultation with the community about the proposal for a takeaway-free day. There has been discussion about that; not surprisingly, some for it, some against it. However, we are discussing it at the Alcohol Reference Group, and more work is to be done.
As government, we will continue to work with the Alice Springs community to take strong and decisive action to make the wonderful town of Alice Springs an even better place to live, work and raise a family.
Youth Work Camps
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for JUSTICE and ATTORNEY-GENERAL
You would know that for many years I have been promoting the idea of having work camps on cattle stations. It was with great relief that, during the Greatorex by-election, I heard you say the following:
- … we believe a youth camp could be a useful tool in breaking the cycle of offending that many juveniles get caught up in …
You also said that two pastoral stations were being considered. I believe my idea is a good one. When can we expect to see the establishment of these youth camps? How much will it cost, and where will they be established?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. The questions he has asked me about when it would be established, what it would involve, where it would be, and the cost, is work that is about to be undertaken as I stand here. There are a couple of sites that probably lend themselves to it, one perhaps a bit stronger than the other, but both would require consultation and negotiation at community level with the people who work with these type of offenders to ensure that what we are doing is optimum return for the dollars invested.
What were the costs? It is a timely question, I believe, on the back of the question from the member for Braitling yesterday, for which we are still getting some final detail, but four months to examine this diversionary-type practice is far too long - I agree with the member for Braitling. However, I am still getting detail and information on that.
The other point is that there is a point at which diversion, for some, is not the answer, because we are going to dilly dally and muck around with diversion all of the way through and, at some point, that has to be recognised and there has to be a harder fix. This idea that is being worked up now would lend itself into an intervention at a point when you say, hang on, this kid has had enough chances, it is time for a bit more serious treatment.
If we have pastoral properties under consideration, as we have at the moment, they would lend themselves to fencing, cattle work, pastoral work generally, driving licences, horse and mustering skills, all of those sorts of things that have been talked about in the past. So there are a couple of strong possibilities there. I will not be shy in reporting to the House when I get this information together, but it is a body of work that is about to be undertaken.
Closing the Gap – Indigenous Obligations
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Are there any specific obligations, by legislation or by agreement, which will be placed upon indigenous organisations for funding under your proposed Closing the Gap plan? What actions or proposals are in place to ensure development on Aboriginal land?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the second part of the question – what …?
Mr MILLS: What actions or proposals are in place to ensure development on Aboriginal land? Are there any specific obligations being placed on recipients?
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, I spoke in this House yesterday about the key elements in achieving our targets in Closing the Gap, in protecting children, in seeing that the opportunities for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children are the same by 2030, and recognised the key role of Aboriginal people in making those changes. I said that I was disappointed that the report did not focus on this. I know the opposition dismisses all the report and say that the authors are entirely wrong, and that the Opposition Leader says she has it right because she understands the causes of child sexual abuse. She says it is not to do with the lack of housing, or alcohol. Despite a substantial report with documentation, research and evidence, the Opposition Leader says: ‘Rubbish! Not to do with housing and overcrowding’.
Major-General David Chalmers, who is a key part of the federal government’s task force focused on preventing child abuse, in his first response, said one of the key things we have to deal with is housing; that is absolutely critical. Also …
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! To assist the Chief Minister, because there was some difficulty with the question as I delivered it, and the question has in no way been answered. I asked the Chief Minister to describe the specific obligations, by legislation or agreement, that are in place with regard to this program - anything specific at all. Just to help you.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Blain, resume your seat. Chief Minister, continue to answer the question.
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, to ensure that we can get change, we will be developing very specific arrangements with communities. That work is being done. Everyone in this House would like to think that, when dollars are being spent, that we are going to get the results we need to get. In relation to what government is doing, there is no doubt. We have a raft of legislation coming into place. You need that framework, that direction, and that prescriptiveness on many occasions. However, unless we are going to see the important things like children going to school in the bush, we are not going to see the change we need to have happen.
Only two weeks ago I was at Garma, where a remote learning partnership was signed with Yirrkala School and this government. That has very specific targets in it. It is a very strong mutual responsibility agreement that says …
Mr Mills: That is the sort of stuff we are after.
Ms MARTIN: This is the first of 15 to be rolled out, and we will be escalating that roll out.
Mr Mills: You are on good ground now, go for it. This is the sort of thing we are after.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Blain, you have asked ...
Mr Mills: This is what we are after.
Ms Carney: We would just like some answers.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Stirling: You are not a principal now.
Madam SPEAKER: Deputy Chief Minister, cease interjecting. Member for Blain, you have asked the Chief Minister a question. I have taken points of order on this a couple of times from you. I ask you to listen to the Chief Minister give her response. I do not want to have to warn you again.
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, this is a five-year remote learning partnership; the first one signed with Yirrkala. The community has signed up to those targets. We will be working with that community. It will be rolled out through DEET into 15 more communities. That is an example of ensuring that, when we are talking about children going to school, children getting outcomes in the educational system, we are going to lock it in with each community.
With dealing with alcohol, of course we are going to be prescriptive. We are going to be much tougher on supply, we will have inspectors and compliance in place. Policing will be very much focused on targeting alcohol. We are being very prescriptive about that. However, finally, it is going to be up to people to say, ‘I am going to drink less’. The same relates to gambling and the impact of gambling. We will see some very tough approaches to gambling. Part of why children get neglected is that you have families who are gambling.
There are many different ways of tackling this. Some of the partnership models are in place now, and we will be developing further models so that we ensure the significant funds we are expending are going to make a difference on the ground. It is about partnerships - and I say that word all the time. There are different ways through this package that government is taking. Some, of course, are prescriptive with legislation and demands, but others will be working in a partnership with communities to ensure we both understand the roles that have to happen.
Madam Speaker, even though the member for Blain glowers at me across the Chamber, we are targeting and dealing with a problem that, very sadly, under 27 years of the CLP, was not touched. We are now dealing with the neglect of a generation from a government who was in power for 27 years.
Recreational Fishing - Artificial Reefs
Mr KNIGHT to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY and FISHERIES
What initiatives are under way to expand the artificial reef network to make our fishing even better?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Daly for his question. I know he is a keen fisherman so he will be very interested in this good news story which enhances our Territory lifestyle.
Fishing is the most popular activity in the Territory. Also, over 100 000 tourists each year who visit the Northern Territory go fishing. Therefore, it is imperative that we look after that fishing lifestyle. I have some good news: even though some of our artificial reefs in and around the harbour are deteriorating badly at the moment, my priority is to expand the artificial reef system.
How often do you get to sink a 25 m vessel? I had the pleasure of going out in the Port of Darwin tug a couple of weeks ago to sink a 25 m foreign fishing vessel, the Medkhanun 3, near the old Song Saigon artificial reef. That will enhance the fishing in that area. The Harbour Master and his tug staff pumped gallons and gallons of saltwater into the ship’s underdeck compartments. It took quite a while to sink, but after a little nudge from the tug, it lurched over the port side and eventually ended on the bottom. We are hoping to upright the tug so that it will enhance the fishing.
The scuttling of this vessel sends a strong message to illegal fishermen: if they are caught they will lose their vessels and, one way or another, perhaps it will end up on the bottom of Darwin Harbour as a fishing reef.
I thank the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, which organised the quarantine clearances, and also ConocoPhillips, which kindly donated $10 000 to AFANT to have the vessel cleaned. I also commend the Harbour Master and his crew for the final cleanout of the vessel, and the coordinating and scuttling of the vessel. I am committed to expanding the reefs in an around the harbour. That is one of my priorities, so that we can make fishing even better for recreational fishermen in the Northern Territory.
Closing the Gap – Indigenous Obligations
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
You have admitted that there are no expectations on Aboriginal people in relation to the $286m that you are spending. Much more than that has been spent in the past without placing expectations on Aboriginal people, and that has been called welfare. What is the difference between your non-expectation approach and past approaches?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I have just spent considerable time, and I do not know whether you can thank the member for this question, talking about a similar question that was previously asked, and talking about the importance of having a partnership. I gave an example of one in an educational context and said we would be working to further. To say, ‘You are committing $286m and you cannot assure us of an outcome’, we are determined to get those results. We are determined to change the disadvantages that Aboriginal Territorians face, however, unless we can get a partnership, unless we can get commitment from Aboriginal communities, we are not going to get there.
The dollars are a strong commitment. The additional 220 positions we are allocating across police and education, child protection workers, support workers, and the focus we have is a really targeted one. I believe it starkly contrasts with anything we have ever heard from the CLP when they were in government. We heard weasel words in government and nothing changed. The starkest elements of failure from the CLP was when they said: ‘Oh, it is too hard for education in the bush. We will not even put secondary education there’. That is an absolute disgrace.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms MARTIN: Why do you think the situation we face now is a very significant and challenging one? Because we had a government in place which did nothing, did not try, Madam Speaker. For anyone to be part of a party that, for 27 years, never bothered to put secondary education in the bush, and is lecturing us about what we are doing - you are a disgrace, and you cannot speak on this issue because you have no track record as the government for 27 years. You have no credibility at all.
This money is well targeted. We will monitor it very closely, and we are going to ensure that, for Aboriginal Territorians, this is a partnership. There will be obligations. There will be commitments made, and we will make sure we will see change.
Darwin Cup Carnival 2007
Mr BONSON to MINISTER for RACING, GAMING and LICENSING
The Darwin Cup Carnival is a welcome boost to the Territory’s lifestyle and economy. Would the minister advise the Assembly of the highlights of this year’s cup carnival?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Millner for his question. Indeed, the Darwin Cup has come a long way since it was first run in 1956, with prize money of 260 and just four runners. It was probably pretty easy to pick the winner with only four runners, and maybe they only paid out on the winner.
Today, it has evolved into a carnival with total prize money of $1.3m, and the Carlton Draught Darwin Cup has prize money of $150 000. What a great day it was! There were 20 000 people out there at the track, all enjoying themselves and having a great time, myself included. I compliment my colleague, the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, who put on buses. I believe about 5500 people went to the track on buses. It was an enjoyable day.
There were 29 interstate bookmakers who fielded, along with our own local bookmakers. It was great to see them from all over Australia. There were jockeys from all over Australia too, Darren Gauci, Peter Mertens, Mark Pegus and Shane Scriven, plus race callers from every state in Australia.
It is history now. General Market won the big race. General Market’s 18-year-old trainer was obviously ecstatic. Michael Hickmott has a great future in racing. Mark Pegus was the jockey, and the horse was beautifully ridden, I thought.
On a sad note, most members of this parliament would be aware that jockey, Scott Leckey, had a very bad fall during the carnival. He is seriously ill in hospital. I understand that he is being transferred from Royal Darwin Hospital to Melbourne to receive specialist treatment. I am sure all members join me in wishing Scott and his family the best. We are hopeful that he makes a full recovery. It is a sport, but also a dangerous sport.
The carnival overall is a great boon to Darwin. There were nearly 3000 people at the Darwin Cup Ball to see Leon Sayer …
Members: Leo Sayer! Leo, Leo!
Dr BURNS: Leo!
Mr Stirling: He is your generation, Burnsie!
Dr BURNS: Leo Sayer. He is a very nice bloke and was certainly appreciated by the crowd. Everyone got up and had a dance, including me.
The Darwin Cup Carnival is important as it injects millions of dollars into the economy. It is a great part of our lifestyle. Our government is investing $7.8m per year into the racing industry.
I commend Darwin Turf Club for putting on a great show. Des Friedrich and Charles Burkitt should be very proud of it. We need for it to build and grow, and I believe it will in future years.
Members: Hear, hear!
Alcohol Restrictions – Uniform Application
Mrs BRAHAM to MINISTER for ALCHOL POLICY
We have just heard the Chief Minister list the number of restrictions that Alice Springs will enjoy, if I can say that. One restriction that has been identified is a grog-free day …
Ms Martin: No, no. Takeaway-free day; very different.
Mrs BRAHAM: Takeaway alcohol-free day, photo ID for purchasing your alcohol. We already have different trading hours from Darwin. We already have restrictions on times that we can purchase certain products. Today, you tabled legislation further targeting licensing, alcohol targets and abuse. Would it not make sense to have common laws across the Territory? Would it not make sense for our tourists to know when they went to Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine and Darwin that there would be the same trading hours, the same products would be available, and the same rules would apply? If it is an alcohol-free, takeaway-free day, would it not make sense also to apply that to Darwin as to the rest of the Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Braitling for her question. This government has always adopted and upheld a region-by-region approach on this important issue of alcohol and alcohol management plans. We are also a government that, over the past five years, has implemented and developed many strategies around alcohol, and has brought legislation into this parliament in relation to dry areas. The Alice Springs Town Council, and also the Katherine Town Council and some parts of Darwin have taken advantage of that dry areas legislation.
Mrs Braham interjecting.
Dr BURNS: Please let me finish, member for Braitling.
Mrs Braham: I hope they are the same laws for everyone.
Dr BURNS: I am saying that this is a government which has taken action on alcohol. You were part of a government previously, before you had this new life as an Independent, which basically, in many ways, sat on its hands in terms of alcohol.
Mrs Braham: No. We had Living with Alcohol.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order!
Dr BURNS: We are a government that stands by a region-by-region approach. That is something we have been trying to emphasise to the Commonwealth government also. We do not believe a one-size-fits-all approach is appropriate. We will continue to do that, and we will continue to work with local communities. I do not like restrictions, along with everyone else, but the fact is, there is an alcohol problem in the Northern Territory. There is excessive consumption of alcohol. The ‘rivers of grog’ have been highlighted in this report, the effects of the rivers of grog and, unfortunately, we have to go down these paths. It is very important to realise that.
We all want to see a reduction in alcohol consumption amongst those groups where it is a problem. Unfortunately, alcohol restrictions are part of that solution, together with reducing demand amongst those groups. We have outlined that very clearly in our response to this report and in Closing the Gap.
In respect of your specific question about a takeaway free day in Alice Springs, the Chief Minister and I attended the Alcohol Reference Group in Alice Springs last week. The issue was raised and, as the Chief Minister said, there were opposing views around the table. Some people had a lot of evidence about alcohol-free days, other people believed it did not work and they also pointed to the experience of Tennant Creek with alcohol-free days.
The undertakings that were given at the Alcohol Reference Group were these – first, we need to evaluate the effectiveness of the measures which have been implemented thus far. That evaluation needs to be an independent evaluation. The results of that evaluation need to be effectively communicated to the people of Alice Springs. The issue of an alcohol-free day is on the table for further discussion. In my discussion with the licensees, I believe the top priority, for government at least, is an ID system. We are working with the licensees to get the most effective system for their operations and business. The takeaway-free day is certainly on the table. It is there for more discussion, and I have outlined to you where we are in that discussion.
Community-Based Environment Hub
Mr BONSON to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
Can the minister update the House on the government’s election commitment to establish an environmental hub in Darwin?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Millner for his question. Under Labor, environment protection and environmental issues have been very important. We have nearly tripled our environment protection budget, from $2.2m to more than $6m.
Mr Wood: Are you going to put Dow Chemicals in the middle of the harbour?
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Nelson, cease interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE: We have introduced compulsory reporting of pollution emissions. We have expanded conservation areas, and we have introduced community environment grants. The government is working with Territorians to ensure our unique environment is protected for both current and future generations.
As part of this, at the last election we promised to establish an environment hub at Rapid Creek. Earlier this month, I was delighted that one of my very first tasks as Environment minister was to deliver on this commitment and officially open the hub. The Environment Hub provides community-based environment groups with free office space. It provides a one-stop shop. It provides a way for individuals to access information and support for their environmental concerns - a direct connection with the community action in the areas of the environment.
The groups with a permanent presence at the Environment Hub include: the Top End Aboriginal Conservation Alliance; the Environment Centre; the No Waste Alliance; and PLan, the Planning Action Network. Other community-based organisations which have expressed interest in using the premises for posters and promotional material include: Wildcare; Greening Australia; Save the Darwin Harbour Committee; and the Conservation Volunteers. The government has spent $120 000 for the fit-out of the Environment Hub, and we have committed $90 000 ongoing for the lease of the hub.
The Environment Hub is yet another demonstration of this government’s commitment to the environment, and our active support for the community groups which are advocating and ensuring that government deliver on its election promises in regards to the environment.
Local Government Reform – Plebiscite
Mr CONLAN to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Councils affected by your far-reaching local government reforms, something that was not highlighted to Territorians before the last election, are currently investigating holding a plebiscite on the proposed changes. Will you listen to their concerns as a result of such a plebiscite, or will you simply ignore their real and genuine concerns, which appears to have been done thus far?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Greatorex for his first question in the House. The important point is to understand and have an appreciation of some of the background in respect to local government reform. It is something that has been around for a very long time. In fact, it was something that was pushed by your predecessors.
In respect of the plebiscite to which you referred, I understand it was offered up by Jim Lloyd, the minister for Local Government and Mark Vaile, the Deputy Prime Minister. It was certainly pushed by your colleague, Adam Giles, who is now the CLP, or Liberal, candidate for Lingiari.
I want to make it very clear, as I have said on numerous occasions, that local government reform is possibly one of the most critical components in bringing sensibility and sustainability to the bush, not only for Aboriginal people, but also for non-Aboriginal people. We cannot allow ourselves to maintain the existing models we have in place because, quite frankly - and I am very happy to give you a brief on this in an apolitical way - you will very quickly come to the conclusion that they simply are not sustainable.
The other point I wish to make, which is also very important, is that, when we talk about the local government reform and you talk about plebiscites, I have made it very clear that if a local government council wished to be a party to a plebiscite, go ahead and do it. We are not going to penalise you. That is democracy at work.
The third point is that, on 30 March, minister Brough, the person responsible for what is going on in this jurisdiction today, wrote to me and said that he believed local government reform was one of the most critical components in how we might sustain communities in the bush. This was well before the Commonwealth intervention. Minister Brough, as I said, on 30 March that he was supporting the reforms 100%.
Mr Wood: He did not say how it should be reformed.
Mr McADAM: Just hold on a second! On 7 June this year, after having met with minister Lloyd in Canberra, he wrote to me and said precisely the same thing; that he believed the reforms of local government in the Northern Territory were very important in the long-term economic sustainability of communities in the bush.
Rather than ask me questions, I suggest that you ask Adam Giles where he stands. He is saying one thing, and his minister, minister Brough, is saying very clearly, ‘we support this’. You have the minister for Local Government in Canberra saying, ‘we support this’. So, rather than ask me …
Mr Wood: Who made the decision on nine shires?
Mr McADAM: You will get your chance.
Mr Wood: You made the decision, not the Commonwealth.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr McADAM: I was in Litchfield the other day and …
Mr Wood: You would not know it if you fell over it.
Mr McADAM: Are you the president of the flat earth society?
Mr Wood: No. Are you a democratic member of this parliament?
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Minister, please resume your seat. Minister, please direct your comments through the Chair.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Please direct your comments through the Chair, minister.
Mr McADAM: My apologies, Madam Speaker. I guess the important point for the member of Greatorex is that he must seek some clarity in respect to where he stands, where the party stands, with the local government reform. Clearly, Mal Brough supports it, Jim Lloyd supports it, both in writing, and you have Adam Giles, the architect of cutting CDEP in the bush …
Ms Carney: No one supports the railroading of it except you, Elliot.
Mr Wood: And there is an election coming on.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr McADAM: Adam Giles is the big fella, he is the big man boss of cutting the bush. So you had better ask Adam to get it straight.
Petrol Sniffing - Residential
Treatment Facilities
Treatment Facilities
Mr HAMPTON to MINISTER for FAMILY and COMMUNITY SERVICES
The government’s response to substance abuse in Central Australia includes tough laws and law enforcement as well as improving treatment options. Can you please inform the Assembly of improvements to the provisions of residential treatment facilities in Central Australia?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Stuart for his question. One of the reasons I was pleased to return to the Family and Community Services portfolio is to see the progress that my predecessor, and our government in particular, has made in combating petrol sniffing. When Labor came to government, petrol sniffing went largely unchecked, and many families and communities lived with the daily despair as sniffing destroyed the futures of their children and young people. There have always been strong committed local people who worked against petrol sniffing. Recently, awards went to three individuals who have worked long and hard with the Mt Theo Program. We should all give recognition, particularly to those three, and that program and the work that they have done with the community.
There have always been strong, committed local people who have worked against petrol sniffing through night patrols and outstations. What was required was strong leadership and a strong message that there would be no tolerance of petrol sniffing. When we introduced the Volatile Substance Abuse Prevention Act in 2005, the families and communities afflicted by petrol sniffing took heart. Now there would be a consistent and relentless attempt to stop petrol sniffing. It is important to acknowledge Mt Theo, but also to acknowledge BP for the Opal fuel, and the Australian government in their shared commitment to stopping petrol sniffing. There is a very positive story and opportunities for success. There has been cooperation between the Territory government and the federal government in combating petrol sniffing and we have seen positive outcomes, particularly for those young kids and their families. However, our efforts need to be ongoing.
Last week I was in Alice Springs. I took the opportunity to meet with DASA and visit the new Aranda House facility. Patrick Homes Pty Ltd has done an excellent job in converting one half of the ageing Aranda building into a new 20-bed residential treatment service. The new treatment place will be able to respond to a range of substance abuse issues. The service will have a particular role in providing rehabilitation for people affected by petrol sniffing and other volatile substance abuse. I know, at one point in Alice Springs, chroming was also a major issue. So this is working with not just petrol sniffing, but also looking at the issue of chroming. We need to ensure that we remain vigilant in that area.
I acknowledge the communities which have worked hard to tackle the problems of petrol sniffing. Papunya has certainly worked with it, as have many of the Central Australian communities, including Mutitjulu. The arrival of Opal, local community plans, the work of staff in the Alcohol and Drug Service in Central Australia, and particularly CAYLUS. We are certainly getting results from the work they are doing in remote communities.
It was a proud moment to be part of this government which introduced great legislation in this area. For many years, we watched many Aboriginal children’s lives destroyed. That legislation drew much criticism from the opposition. They said that if they were elected, they would remove the $10m. It was a proud moment to stand on this side of the Chamber and put in place a legislative framework, backed up with money, $10m over five years, for treatment services and resources to save the lives of these children so that they can be with their families, and stop the abuse that was going on. It was not only children who were dying as a result of this; we heard about many other levels of abuse as well.
So, for the whining and the carping that comes from the CLP about what we are doing in getting outcomes for communities, what agreements need to be in place, we only have to look at the scourge of petrol sniffing and how, over many years, this was the side, over there, that neglected this issue. We saw many Aboriginal people in remote communities die as a consequence of the neglect of not putting money towards treatment, or the simple process of putting in place an appropriate legislative framework that we now see, where we are turning the corner.
This side of government needs to be applauded for working with the community, because often we do not see the inroads we have made with petrol sniffing. It is a big means of closing the gap with Aboriginal children.
Mr HENDERSON (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016