2010-08-12
National School Pride Project - Progress
Mr MILLS to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
Yesterday, you delivered a ministerial statement on the progress of the Building the Education Revolution in the Territory that managed to be light on detail and riddled with factual errors. Yesterday, you boasted that the BER projects have been delivered on time. Your statement yesterday also says the National School Pride projects are, for the most part, completed.
According to the time line for NSP projects issued by the Territory department of Education – I table the time lines - they are all to be completed by 1 February 2010, more than six months ago.
Which of your statements is, in fact, true: that NSP projects have been delivered on time, or that some are more than six months overdue?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, to my knowledge most of these projects are on time. There may have been some shift in the time lines. I am certainly interested in the fact we debated this issue yesterday and the Leader of the Opposition has come out with a statement in the media about budget over-runs and a whole range of issues that he did not raise yesterday. I suggest the Leader of the Opposition is trying to change the subject from the disgraceful behaviour of his members, and the woeful performance of his deputy, which occurred in this House yesterday.
Mr MILLS: Supplementary, Madam Speaker.
As you would well and truly know we support the BER …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order!
Mr MILLS: … but we do not support it – if you are talking about yesterday’s contribution, read it yourself. The point here is what we do not support is government waste and government deceit; that is the issue here.
Why did you mislead the House about NSP projects being completed on time when they are in fact more than six months overdue? That is the issue.
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The Leader of the Opposition should know by now that you cannot accuse a member of misleading the House without a substantive motion.
Madam SPEAKER: That is correct. Leader of the Opposition, please withdraw and reword that last part of the question.
Mr MILLS: It is very difficult for me to do so when the statement is plainly declared here in this parliament. If it satisfies standing orders, I withdraw that. The words remain in yesterday’s Hansard of the statement made by the minister that has not been corrected by his response.
Madam SPEAKER: A supplementary question has been asked, minister.
Dr BURNS: Madam Speaker, I have nothing to add to what I have already said.
Interstate Financial Institutions - Meetings
Ms SCRYMGOUR to CHIEF MINISTER
Recently, you embarked on a Territory investment campaign. Can you update the House on the outcome of your trip to Brisbane and Sydney?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for her question. Unlike the Leader of the Opposition, who would put a wall up around the Northern Territory and say: ‘closed for business’, who do not want investment in housing in the Northern Territory to come from interstate, I take a different view. The only way to grow this economy is to get private sector investment into our economy.
I visited Brisbane and Sydney from 27 to 30 June and the focus was to meet interstate financial institutions to convince them of the need to free up credit for Territory companies.
I also met with the Japanese and Chinese business communities, and several individual and potential investors in the Territory. I met with the big four banks, such as the Bank of Queensland and the Chinese Development Bank.
The Australian banks make their final loan decisions, particularly on bigger projects, outside of the Northern Territory. The Treasurer, the Business minister, and I have become increasingly concerned about the tightening credit situation which has made the job of developing the Territory much more difficult. I wanted to explain to interstate businesses and banks that the situation in the Territory was different to the rest of Australia. We are still a safe bet and we need good access to credit to continue our growth.
The Business minister and Treasurer have hosted a meeting of locally based banks. I met interstate bankers individually and hosted a lunch for those bankers who are making decisions about loans to the Territory. In each presentation, I explained where the Territory was regarding our economy, and the future opportunities which exist in the Territory. I have invited the decision-makers of those banks to come to the Territory and see for themselves. The Commonwealth Bank has already been here, the ANZ bank will be here in the middle of September, and other banks are preparing to come here.
Each of those visits has been, and will be, accompanied by a government organised tour around our major growth areas, including the port and Palmerston, and full briefings from relevant agencies. I will be hosting a forum with developers and those bankers in the near future so the two groups can have an open and frank discussion about their lending profiles and the credit profiles required in the Territory.
So far, I am pleased with the outcome of the visit. It certainly raised the Territory more prominently in the eyes of those banks, and the decisions taken down south. It has already led to requests for finance being viewed differently.
This is about having confidence in the Northern Territory, understanding the Territory continues to punch above its weight, economically, and there are good unemployment figures out today. We have good growth forecasts. I am urging the banks to look at the Territory differently.
Building the Education Revolution Program -
Overdue Completion Times
Overdue Completion Times
Mr MILLS to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
In respect of your bogus claim that Territory BER projects had been completed on time, I refer you to page 9 of your statement of yesterday. There you named three science and language projects that had been completed to date, and indicated Gunbalanya, Gapuwiyak and Milingimbi are due for completion by December.
I again refer to the department of Education time lines which I tabled previously, which state Round 1 science and learning centres were to be completed by 30 June. Further, an FOI from the opposition indicates that Gapuwiyak and Milingimbi were actually scheduled to be competed by 19 May, and Gunbalanya was to be competed by the end of March.
Why did you mislead the House by claiming the science and language BER projects have been delivered on time, when some of them are at least nine months overdue?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it was quite a large statement yesterday. I do not have verbatim everything I said here yesterday. What I can assure the House …
Mr Mills: I tabled the statement the minister made in this House yesterday, or he can read the Hansard. Read it.
Dr BURNS: Table what evidence you have, Leader of the Opposition? What I am saying to this House is that what I stated in this House was stated in good faith on the information and advice I have.
Moreover, it appears the Leader of the Opposition is intent on pulling this whole program apart as per his media release today. This is his big set piece. I can tell you, when I go from school to school across the Territory, people are well satisfied with their BER projects. The only one whingeing about it is the opposition. The only one trying to pick holes in it is the opposition - except when it is not in their electorate. That is what they do.
If you are talking about honesty, we had the member for Fong Lim, who has been a strident critic of the BER, turning up on Friday of last week, at the opening of the Ludmilla Library and Learning Precinct and, of course, he loves it …
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Relevance to the question.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, can you get to the point pretty quickly, please?
Dr BURNS: There has been a national report tabled last week into the BER in which the Northern Territory, I believe, received quite a lot of good marks in the …
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The issue, once again, is relevance. The topic of the question was deceit.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, have you completed your answer?
Dr BURNS: I have completed, Madam Speaker.
Territory Workforce and Jobs Growth
Mr GUNNER to TREASURER
Job figures out today show the Territory has the lowest unemployment rate in the nation. Can you please update the House on Territory government initiatives to grow our own workforce and to grow jobs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his important question. It was great news for the Territory today with trend unemployment continuing to drop in the Territory down to 2.6% from our record 2.8% last time the Australian Bureau of Statistics data was released.
This is an historic record low unemployment for the Territory. We have now seen 10 consecutive months of record low unemployment. We are recording the lowest unemployment in the nation, underpinning the strength of the Territory economy. It is simply said, if you want a job come to the Territory.
We have seen in the last month …
Members interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE: All they want to do is trash the Territory, Madam Speaker. It flies in the face …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order! Member for Katherine! Member for Sanderson!
Ms LAWRIE: It flies in the face that we are punching above our weight, recording economic data that any other jurisdiction would be absolutely jealous of.
What this really translates to is that in the last month alone we have seen 600 new jobs created across the Territory. That is 600 people who are earning and who can pay for the rent, the groceries, the mortgage: real jobs being created in the Territory on the strength of the economic management of the Labor government here.
Jobs growth is a very strong indicator of business confidence. The Territory government has actively gone out to attract skilled workers to the Territory to help our Territory businesses grow. We have the skilled worker campaigns. There is the recent Jobs in the NT campaign to attract skilled and semi-skilled workers in the Territory. This strategy includes a Territory worker database that links employers directly to job seekers. There are about 135 Territory businesses registered on this database, and more than 3000 employees.
The Jobs in the NT campaign participates in recruitment expos around the country. It targets particular regional areas; we go after what we call the low hanging fruit in terms of attracting people to the great Territory lifestyle. A recent career expo in Brisbane showcased the Territory to over 5000 workers directly, and I am advised it resulted in more than 10 000 website hits. Eighty per cent of Territory businesses that have participated in the jobs expos say they would do it again.
Attracting skilled workers to the Territory is key to ensuring our businesses can continue to grow. That is why we welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement of a $6000 incentive for workers to relocate to regional areas such as the Territory. This is a great initiative from the Prime Minister to support Territory business.
Building the Education Revolution Program –
Alleged Cost Overruns
Alleged Cost Overruns
Mr MILLS to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
The interim BER report notes that the principle complaint about the program relates to value for money. Cost overruns have plagued this program throughout Australia, and the Territory is no exception. In answer to a question from the opposition, it has emerged that in many projects there are substantial variations between the intended cost and the final cost. Can you explain a $3.1m blowout between the intended costs for 16 BER primary school projects and the final cost of these projects? How do you account for a 17.5% blowout in the tendering process you were responsible for controlling?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, an excellent question. I am very glad to take it, Leader of the Opposition, because …
Mr Mills: You have been a bit sneaky about it though.
Dr BURNS: Well, talk about sneaky or stupid. This media release is either one or both where you assert with a number of schools, namely Kalkaringi School, Bakewell, and also Minyerri I think, that there has been cost overruns.
Let us look at Bakewell in the electorate of the member for Brennan. Bakewell was allocated $2m under this particular BER funding. That was for three classrooms and a library. That was scoped originally at just over $1m. They had $2m they were allocated, and the scope of works for the three classrooms and the library came in at $1m. They were then told they could scope the work further, and they did. Sorry, I was talking about Kalkaringi there.
At Bakewell, it was actually $3m. Originally, the work came back at $2.5m and they were told they could scope extra works into it. So they scoped a concrete spoon drain, new fence, refurbished and replaced playground equipment, two panels of pool fencing, non-slip vinyl to wet areas, a cover to the basketball court, joinery, quality audio, stage-lighting dimmers, and a stage curtain. They were able to get more for their $3m. There is no cost overrun here.
The Kalkaringi one is very interesting because they were allocated $2m and that was for three classrooms and a library. They were allocated $2m. Then they said: ‘Okay, you have been allocated $2m, it has been scoped at a $1m; you can have extra works’. Those extra works were: window upgrades, additional classroom, reception counter, asbestos removal and disposal, time-flow plumbing connections, new wall sections, and so on. That was then scoped at approximately $500 000; that is the $493 000 in your media release. They had $500 000 left and the Principal of Kalkaringi said: ‘We are not going to use all of that money. We want you to give $200 000 to Kintore Street in Katherine’.
You came in here with your first set of questions based on false premises. I will be looking very closely at what you alleged. You are so off the mark with this project, so off the mark with your media release. It is all about you covering your head about what happened here yesterday: the disgraceful performance. You have not changed the subject on anything except your leadership.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Teachers Unsuitable for Further
Employment – Policy Development
Employment – Policy Development
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
What prompted the development of the policy, Teachers Unsuitable for Further Employment? Were teachers previously not advised when they were considered to be unsuitable? Are there any unresolved disputes between the department and former teachers over recruitment blacklisting?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Macdonnell for he question. it was the substance of the question that she asked yesterday and I gave her the reply by the end of Question Time.
If there are unresolved issues, member for Macdonnell, I am very pleased to sit down with you, or for my office to make contact with those who feel that there are unresolved issues and we can see whether we can resolve them.
Territory Women – Attitude of an
Abbott Government
Abbott Government
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for WOMEN’S POLICY
With the federal election date fast approaching, what would an Abbott Liberal government mean for Territory women?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. I also acknowledge the many women who are gathered in Darwin this week for the NT Working Women’s Centre Conference. Hot topics at the conference this week will be issues of work/life balance, pay equity, workforce diversity and discrimination.
I made a statement in this House about the Henderson Labor government’s achievements in developing and progressing women’s policy. We had a good debate on current gaps and future priorities to advance the interests of women in the Northern Territory. One of the things that has helped me in this role is the good working relationship that our government has with the federal Labor government in Canberra, Tanya Plibersek in particular. With the upcoming election, I know we are at risk of losing the understanding and support in regard to women’s issues across the Northern Territory and across the country if we see Tony Abbott win Canberra.
As an example, Tony Abbott and the Liberals have admitted there is a pay equity gap for working women, yet they are completely silent on how they are going to close that gap. This seems to be a track record for Tony Abbott and the Liberals. They acknowledge and talk about the issues but have no plans to address them. On top of this, Tony Abbott has a record of scorn toward issues that matter to women. He was quoted on Four Corners some time ago:
- It would be a folly to expect that women would ever approach equal representation in a large number of areas simply because their aptitudes, their abilities and interests are different for physiological reasons.
While Tony Abbott responded to this quote saying this is what he thought as a 21-year-old, and he is now 52, we certainly have not had that repudiated at any time during the election campaign.
In contrast, federal Labor is determined to improve women’s economic security and has already taken several critical steps to achieve greater equality for women, including changes to the Fair Work Act to extend the equal remuneration provisions; a special bargaining stream for the low paid which will benefit many women in low paid sectors such as cleaning, childcare and the community sector; a new right to request flexible working arrangements on return to work; a process for a pay equity test case under the Fair Work Act; and, one of the most important things, especially this year, the federal Labor government and the Northern Territory government have supported the 2010 Year of Women in Local Government, an initiative to improve the participation of women in local government, leadership and management.
Rosebery School – Alleged Budget Overruns
Mr MILLS to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
You clearly imagine that a 17.5% blowout in intended costs of a program that you are responsible for managing, a tendered price against a variation results in an increase unexpected of 17.5% - manage your program. If you spread that 17.5% across the public schools BER budget, that amounts to a $35m blowout, which is the cost of an entire new school.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Government members!
Mr MILLS: You guys have no understanding of the value of money or how to manage a project - look at SIHIP. Did the tendered cost of the new Rosebery School in Palmerston also blowout by 17.5%?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I rebut everything the Leader of the Opposition has said. The fact is, under the BER program, $205m was allocated to the Northern Territory. $135m has flowed to the Territory already to a whole range of projects across the Territory employing people, bolstering our economy at the time of a global financial crisis. I am advised there are currently 133 schools with BER projects under construction - I am quoting from my statement yesterday - 44 of which have reached practical completion and being utilised by the schools.
Under the system of mathematics used by the Leader of the Opposition, he does not want schools in his electorate to be spending their full allocation. That is what has happened here in the 16 cases you have mentioned.
We had this conversation in estimates and I put it to you then, are you going to schools in your electorate and say: ‘Oh well, I do not think you should spend your full allocation on useful things for your school. If the scope of works has come in at $1.5m or $1m, you should not scope it up’. You try telling your school councils that. I think they will laugh you out of the building. That is what you are asserting here. You are saying that school councils, working with principals, spending their full allocation in a strategic and productive way, does not suit your purposes.
I believe you have a mean and shrivelled concept of what this program is all about. It is building our school infrastructure. We can see the meanness creep in, both Tony Abbott and yourself, in spending on our kids and spending in our schools.
Mr Mills: You need to be a good manager. Madam Speaker, the question has not been answered. Rosebery – blowout – 17.5% - didn’t even answer it.
Madam SPEAKER: The minister has completed his answer. Leader of the Opposition, resume your seat.
Tackling Climate Change
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for CLIMATE CHANGE
How is the Territory government tackling the threat of climate change and are you aware of any alternative policies?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for a very entertaining question. No, I genuinely thank her. I was in her electorate earlier this year. It was a great honour to be there with her to witness firsthand the West Arnhem Fire Abatement Project, along with some executives from ConocoPhillips who are in partnership with the community of Kabulwarnamyo.
It is a fantastic initiative in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It was great to talk with the rangers and the community and their local member, and with the executives from ConocoPhillips, to see firsthand how they are dealing with the seriousness of bushfires and wildfires and controlling the burn-offs in their country. It is projects like this that really inform this government, particularly in relation to our Climate Change Policy.
It was great to announce to Territorians the other day that, from the second half of next year, we will be banning plastic bags. This goes on top of introducing our container deposit scheme by the end of next year.
I can say that because this government takes climate change seriously. That is why I consider Mr Abbott’s statement that climate change science is ‘absolute crap’ to be extremely significant to the Northern Territory. The fact is, Mr Abbott’s climate change policy will result in an increase in greenhouse gas emissions - not a reduction - and it will contribute to climate change, not fight it.
Only someone who considered climate change to be ‘absolute crap’ could run with the policy Mr Abbott is pedalling …
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, could you just withdraw that word?
Ms Lawrie: It is a quote from Abbott.
Madam SPEAKER: Just withdraw that comment.
Mr HAMPTON: That is his quote, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: It does not matter if it is a quote, minister. Just withdraw that comment, thank you.
Mr HAMPTON: All right, yes. Together with ripping over $1bn out of the climate change fighting fund, it is clear that Mr Abbott was telling the truth when he said what he said about his climate change policy and about climate change.
That is significant to Territorians because it is critical we have leaders in the fight against climate change, such as Julia Gillard and Damian Hale, and not sceptics like Mr Abbott and the member for Fong Lim. That is another reason why on 21 August, the choice at this election is so important to Territorians, because only the Gillard Labor government is on the front foot in the fight against climate change.
Ali Curung Teachers –
Treatment by Department
Treatment by Department
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
Two former Ali Curung school teachers applied for numerous teaching jobs between 3 April and 17 November 2008. Your department had deemed them unsuitable for further employment but did not advise them of their status until November 2008. Recently, after many requests, these same teachers received notification they are now listed as suitable without being provided any explanation.
Considering the huge effect these seemingly random determinations have had on these teachers’ careers and lives, as minister shouldn’t you, at the very least, formally apologise for their treatment at the hands of your department?
Mr Westra van Holthe: No wonder we cannot keep teachers up here.
ANSWER
Actually, we have a full complement of teachers. There are very few vacancies, member for Katherine, so that is a positive thing.
Madam Speaker, in relation to the question asked by the member for Macdonnell, she raised the question here yesterday. I am not aware of the circumstances of this particular case, but I will take it on board to inquire and get back to the member for Macdonnell.
I can say we are very focused on having a quality teaching agenda within the Northern Territory. It is part of our strategy, and we are looking to recruit and retain the best teachers in Australia for our kids.
Montara Inquiry Report –
Government Failure to Release
Government Failure to Release
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY, FISHERIES and RESOURCES
The worst oil and gas accident in Australia in decades, the Montara disaster, occurred 12 months ago this month. The subsequent commission of inquiry report was handed to the federal Resources minister, Martin Ferguson, in June this year. Can you please advise whether you or your department, or this government, has received a copy of the Montara inquiry report? Isn’t the failure to release the Montara report a continuation of a culture of cover-up which permeates this Labor administration?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the member for Katherine has said, quite rightly, the report was handed to the federal minister for Resources, Martin Ferguson. Obviously, what he forgot is that soon afterwards there was a call for an election, so we went to a caretaker government. The caretaker government cannot release the report.
As Mr Ferguson said in Perth yesterday, the report will be released soon after the new government in Canberra is established.
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The minister failed to answer the question. The question was: has your government received a copy of the inquiry report?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, the minister has finished his answer.
Digital Education Revolution –
Liberal Party Policy
Liberal Party Policy
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Tony Abbott and the Liberals have vowed to scrap Digital Education Revolution program which has provided hundreds of computers to Territory school students. What would be the consequences of Tony Abbott’s and the Liberal’s threat to scrap Labor’s program of providing all Years 9 to 12 students with computers?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. The National Secondary School Computer fund will provide all students in Years 9 to 12 with a computer by 2011. Australia-wide, that means 120 000 in 2300 schools. In the Territory, that equates to 7000 students in 72 schools. I am advised that 2964 computers have been placed with students so far. That is approximately 3000 out of the 7000, leaving 4000 still to be rolled out. The total value of this particular program in the Northern Territory is $6.5m.
Of great concern, as the member alluded to, is the plan by Tony Abbott and the Liberals to scrap this particular program. It really takes schooling back to the Dark Ages. We know just how important computers are to our work and we know how important it is for children to become acquainted with this technology, to have access to the knowledge that they can through the use of computers. They say that Tony Abbott wants to turn Australia back to the 1950s; that is probably a bit unkind. He probably just wants to go back to floppy disks and Apple 2E’s.
I assume that the CLP supports this radical chop just as they do with everything else he is going to chop if he gets in. This is a new era; it is a digital era. He has a cheap and nasty NBN plan and he is being mean and backward thinking in his plan to chop this very important program.
There are still some computers to come: 572 computers at Palmerston High; 154 at Sanderson; 650 at Taminmin; 1037 at Darwin High; 1087 at CSC; 513 at Centralian College; and 399 at Katherine High. Which ones do members opposite want him to chop?
Montara Inquiry Report –
Receipt by Territory Minister
Receipt by Territory Minister
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY, FISHERIES and RESOURCES
Surely you have a sense of urgency around the Montara Inquiry report and getting to the bottom of the failures of your government with regard to what happened at Montara. There was at least a month between the date that the federal minister was given a copy of the report and the time that the federal government went into caretaker mode. Why didn’t you receive a copy of that report in that month period? What did you do to ensure you were provided with a timely copy of that report?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, quite clearly, the decision for the federal minister to provide a copy of the report to his colleagues, or any state minister, is the minister’s decision. I cannot demand a copy of the report before the minister has studied it.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order! The minister has the call.
Mr VATSKALIS: I have not received a copy of the report for the simple reason that Martin Ferguson said he was going to study it, by that time they went into caretaker mode, and he announced the other day in Perth that he will release it soon after the new government is established in Canberra.
My sense of urgency is that I do not have to wait for the report to look at what happened with Montara, and my department has done exactly that. We have reviewed our processes; we are reviewing procedures, we invited people from other states with a similar function to look at our procedures to compare them with their states. We have established a mechanism now that any new application will be processed by us, and also reviewed by a third party.
One thing I have to remind the member for Katherine of is we did not have an incident in oil wells for the 25 years that my department and the department of the previous government administered offshore oil rigs.
We have to remember that anything that happened there happened because of some actions of the company. You also have to remember that it was the Howard government that changed the legislation to a self-regulating regime rather than to one with direct supervision.
I have also voiced my concerns and that I find it ludicrous for Darwin to administer an oil rig 1300 km north-west of the coast of Western Australia.
Tiger Brennan Drive Project
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for LANDS and PLANNING
Yesterday, you said in response to my question whether there would be a tender for Stage 3 of the Tiger Brennan Drive project that this: ‘is an issue and is something I have to work through. There are pros and cons in all of this’. I received an e-mail today that says this is not true and that you have already approved Stage 3 into the existing contract, and that work has already commenced on the designs. Is this true? Have you already signed off on Stage 3? How much is the project worth? Is public tendering the preferred method for contracts over $5m? Did you sign off on a certificate of exemption? What were your reasons for doing so?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. Talking about the $110m worth of infrastructure in Stage 2, that is about to move into a Stage 3. It is a contract called an ‘early contract involvement’ contract and we are still working through that. It is now at the probity stage; that stage is being finalised before it comes to me for final sign off. So, the answer is I have not signed off on that. That contract is a significant contract and there is a significant number of contractors involved in Stage 2 and would also be brought onto Stage 3, should that process you are alluding to go through.
When we are talking about contractors I also mention Larrakeyah Development Corporation and the incredible work going on with training Indigenous employees on that project.
To go back to that story, what I told you yesterday is true. That is, this contract is being worked through with the department, with the probity auditors. It will be assessed and the details will be stacked up. Then there will be the final decision made on the result of the successful Stage 3 completion.
Barkly Work Camp Development
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
The Barkly work camp is an important plank in the new era in corrections. Would you please outline what progress has been made to deliver this development?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question and his interest in our new era in corrections. The Territory’s first prisoner work camp has taken another step forward: tenders are being called for the construction of the site. We will then move into the next phase, which is the construction, soon after the tenders close. We are talking about an initiative in correctional services which will house 50 prisoners. The low-security prisoners will be in intensive programs relating to education, rehabilitation, training, and employment.
Not only is the community of Tennant Creek celebrating this as an initiative, and I believe all Territorians will be celebrating this as an initiative, there are wonderful opportunities that are opening up for business in the town and in the region. This a brave initiative, a bold initiative, and is to be commended by all Territorians on trying to break down the cycle of re-offending and turning the most disadvantaged Territorians’ lives around.
When we talk about business opportunities, we are not only talking about the contract and the construction and the sub-contractors that can be involved, we are also talking about 14 jobs on the ground, career public sector jobs in correctional services. There has already been an extensive round of advertising locally at shows, consultation committee and Tennant Creek shopfront recruitment drives. There have been 35 responses from the Barkly and we are very excited about that. Out of that we are talking to people about their careers in Corrections.
The development application pink signs will go up this week. That will be a real indication to Tennant Creek residents that this project is taking shape. I encourage all members to take an interest in this initiative as it moves forward as a great new initiative in Correctional Services in the Northern Territory.
Federal Government Reports – Release During Election Campaign
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY, FISHERIES and RESOURCES
In your earlier answer you said the Montara spill report cannot be released because the federal parliament is in caretaker mode. Can you explain why the BER task force report was released during an election campaign? Is this not another example of the culture of cover up and selective release of reports that suit your purposes?
Dr BURNS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I call relevance on that question. The member is asking questions outside the ministerial portfolio areas and responsibilities of this minister. It is obviously a federal responsibility.
Madam SPEAKER: Pause please.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! I am trying to clarify if the Territory has any responsibility in this area.
Members interjecting.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is obvious none of the members opposite understand the Westminster system. There is a separation of powers between the state and the federal government. Both reports were ordered by the federal government, not the Territory government. They are federal government reports and are released by the federal government. I have no power to release a report or to withhold a report. I suggest they find out about Constitutional Powers 101.
Northern Territory Economy
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for BUSINESS and EMPLOYMENT
The latest Sensis Business Survey has revealed when it comes to business confidence the Territory’s small and medium businesses are leading the nation. What role has the record infrastructure investment by the Territory government and the Australian government stimulus initiatives played in keeping the Territory’s economy strong?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I say from the outset that Tony Abbott does not understand nor can be trusted with the economy of Australia. Through the biggest economic downturn in half a century, he made some fateful and very poor decisions about our economy. It is Labor’s economic management over the last 18 months which has saved thousands of jobs across Australia. Tony Abbott would have put these people on dole queues.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr KNIGHT: It has been Labor …
Mr Conlan: What about the million people you put out of work? The recession we had to have. What about them? A million people you put out of work.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Greatorex!
Ms Scrymgour: There is no recession, shock jock.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Arafura, cease interjecting. Member for Greatorex!
Mr KNIGHT: It was Labor that saved businesses from closing their doors. Tony Abbott would have seen them close their doors - thousands of businesses across Australia.
It was a worldwide downturn which sent many countries into recession and Australia was heading that way. Tony Abbott and the Liberals voted to send Australia into recession. Labor saved Australia from going into recession. Labor invested tens of millions of dollars into the NT economy. Tony Abbott voted against putting that money into the Northern Territory. Damian Hale voted for tens of millions of dollars going into infrastructure to support businesses. Tony Abbott voted against it.
We say this vital investment into health, education and housing is very important to the Northern Territory, but the member for Fong Lim said in this House two days ago it was a waste of money. School upgrades – a waste of money; public housing – a waste of money. It was disgraceful that the Liberals talk about waste. Their definition of waste must be classrooms – they are a waste of money; new hospital facilities – a waste of money; jobs – a waste of money. That is what the Liberals define as waste.
What did Tony Abbott and the Liberals vote against? They voted against $173m on 144 projects in 134 schools in the Northern Territory. That is what they voted against. They voted against 158 apprentices. They voted against 548 construction workers retaining their jobs, supporting their families. They voted against superannuation benefits increasing. They voted against a $6bn infrastructure fund.
They do not believe Australians deserve a greater share of our mineral wealth. They would like that money to go back into big business. Well, Labor says that money belongs to Australians and should be invested back into Australia, and certainly in the Northern Territory.
Workers Village – Delay in
Selection of Proponent
Selection of Proponent
Ms PURICK to CHIEF MINISTER
On 16 December last year, you announced plans for the private sector to develop a workers village designed to house up to 250 workers in Darwin. In February this year, the Affordable Housing minister, Chris Burns, told parliament that 13 expressions of interest had been received and the proponent would be selected in early April. It is now August, four months later, and no proponent has been selected. Can you confirm your half-baked housing plan has all but withered up, dried, and fallen off the vine?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, yes, we did go to the market …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! The Chief Minister has the call.
Mr HENDERSON: They ask the question. They are so rude, Madam Speaker. They are not interested in the answer …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order!
Mr HENDERSON: They are such a rude and disruptive opposition. Rabble, Madam Speaker.
The Leader of the Opposition has no control - no control, no authority …
Mr Conlan: What school of deportment did you go to?
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order! Member for Greatorex!
Mr HENDERSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Yes, we did go to the market for short-term workers villages and, yes, we did receive a number of responses to that. When we were evaluating those responses with a probity auditor, it became very clear to us the market was changing. One of the proponents had …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Brennan! Member for Goyder! Member for Arafura!
Mr HENDERSON: One of the proponents who entered the market proposing to build this type of accommodation for themselves without the need for government support made a very strong case to government that public funding was not required in this particular case. What has also happened in that period is the rental market freed up from less than 1% to between 3% for houses, and 4.9% for units during this period, according to the REINT, and businesses made it very clear demand was moderating in this particular area.
A number of the initial bidders withdrew their applications from the project. We are working on a further proposal to go through the budget process later this year and into early next year.
I can say, though, as I said yesterday, the government is taking a multilayered approach in regard to getting balance back into the housing market. What we are doing is releasing more land. What we are doing is working with developers in denser developments. What we are doing is reducing the stamp duty thresholds. What we are doing is working with an affordable rental housing company and with the Australian government which is currently constructing over 100 units of social housing in the Northern Territory the opposition oppose. It would not be being built if they were on the government benches. They have said spending on social housing programs by the Commonwealth in the Territory is a waste of money. They are hypocrites, Madam Speaker.
Disability Initiatives - Update
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for HEALTH
I am aware of the recent opening of the Office of Disability. Can you please update the House on other disability initiatives?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. It is an important question about people with disabilities in the Territory because our government has been quietly making significant achievements in disability services. As the member said, I recently opened the Office of Disability in Casuarina, a one-stop shop close to public transport that provides people with disabilities assistance to deal with governments, with intake, assessment case management, and also the provision of all the necessary equipment and services.
Under our government we have increased our budget from $26m in 2002 to $73m. In 2006-07, we commenced a $25m reform program for better integrated disability services which meet the needs of clients. We recognise the fantastic work of carers by introducing a Carers Recognition Act and we worked to develop the other Adult Guardianship Act. We are also pushing ahead with secure care facilities to provide a safe therapeutic environment for people with disabilities.
We work very closely with the federal government. The federal government has announced a number of initiatives such as the National Disability Strategy. The federal government is also exploring options to provide lifetime medical care and treatment for people with disabilities through a national disability insurance scheme.
The federal Labor government has made announcements which will benefit Territorians. These announcements include $60m for a support accommodation innovation fund and $12 000 for children diagnosed with sight and hearing impairment, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, and Fragile X Syndrome for early intervention services.
Let us have a look at what Tony Abbott and the Liberals did while they were in government. The disability services agreement increased by 1.8%, well down from the inflation rate. Their budget was $620m in 2006-07; the budget the federal government announced for 2010-11 is $1bn.
It is not the money, it is not the services, it is the way that they behave and they treat people with disabilities. Very recently, Tony Abbott was forced to apologise. Here is the Herald Sun: Disability advocates furious with Tony Abbott about waffling jibe. Tony Abbott said he wants to change the parliament’s standing orders so he does not have to listen to waffling ministerial statements on things like the accessibility of cinemas. That is Tony Abbott. He is the federal Leader of the Opposition. That is what he thinks about people with disabilities’ access to services.
We have a Deputy Leader of the Opposition, who, on 5 May, when they announced their District 9 development - you know the place where they are going to put all people who present with antisocial behaviour - says there will be support networks which specialise in a number of areas that contribute to antisocial behaviour. This area includes mental and physical disability. So, for the member for Goyder, mental and physical disability is part of antisocial behaviour. Then, of course, the member for Sanderson was so lazy he wrote to non-government organisations asking them to provide questions to ask in estimates.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister your time has expired. Resume your seat.
Gunn Point Beach Area – Ranger Presence
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for PARKS and WILDLIFE
This is a Gillard/Abbott free question. I have written and asked on a number of occasions about the Gunn Point beach area. This area is a very popular area with many Darwin and rural people especially on long weekends. My concern relates to the lack of controls over this area which affect not only the fragile coastal environment, but also people - unfortunately highlighted by a recent tragic incident involving a quad bike.
I have spoken to NT Land Corporation which owns the majority of land and they have said they have tried to develop a joint management plan with Parks but the department says it does not have the resources or the funds.
As a matter of urgency, will you initiate discussions between your department and the NT Land Corporation to establish a permanent ranger presence at Gunn Point or at least on weekends, so that we can afford some protection and control over the environment, both natural and human?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. The recent incidents he talked about are very tragic. With Gunn Point, there are a couple of different landowners whom we need to consider when we look at this picture as a whole. Tree Point Beach is managed by Parks and Wildlife, and vehicle access is prohibited. The adjoining Gunn Point is managed by NT Land Corporation. I take on board what you are saying: I would be happy to be involved with those discussions with the NT Land Corporation about how we can further improve the management of those particular areas of land. It is a very important issue that you raise.
Regarding improving supervision by Parks and Wildlife and rangers, part of the solution is always looking at people taking personal responsibility for behaviour. Sometimes these activities, such as riding quad bikes on the beach, are taking place during the night which heightens the risk factor. Part of the solution is for people to take more responsibility themselves, particularly in terms of alcohol consumption and being at these places at certain times during the day. I am happy to talk to NT Land Corporation and involve you to work towards a solution together.
Alice Springs Workers’ Accommodation Plan
Ms PURICK to MINISTER for PUBLIC and AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Can you update the House on the progress of the workers’ accommodation plan in Alice Springs - or will it go the same way as the Darwin plan, which is nowhere? How are we going with the old drive-in site in Alice Springs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker I do not have that detail with me here. I will endeavour to get back to the member when I do have it.
Building the Education Revolution Program – Impact of a Federal Coalition Government
Mr GUNNER to CHIEF MINISTER
This morning the CLP claimed the Building the Education Revolution program was a waste of money. If Tony Abbott and the Liberals scrap the BER program, with the CLP cheering on, what will be the impact on Territory schools, both public and private?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his important question. I am astounded that the Leader of the Opposition, as a former school principal, would deny kids better classrooms, and deny Territorians a job. That is the position he takes on this issue. He is more interested in supporting his mate, Tony Abbott, in the current election campaign. He is kicking schools in the head and he is smearing Territory businesses with his comments today.
Mr MILLS: A point of order Madam Speaker. I find that offensive and ask the member to withdraw that. ‘Kicking schools in the head’, is inappropriate and offensive.
Madam SPEAKER: Please withdraw that expression please.
Mr HENDERSON: Madam Speaker, I will withdraw those comments. I will say he is more interested in supporting Tony Abbott than supporting Territory schools and supporting Territory business.
This program has delivered value for money across the Northern Territory. I have not been to one school in the Northern Territory that has not been ecstatic about this program. If you look at the comments that he made today, and look at his media release, he does nothing but bag this program. The Member for Fong Lim called it a waste of money. In the Leader of the Opposition’s media release today, he said:
- … the glacial pace at which the scheme has been rolled out in the Territory means it has missed its intended function of boosting the economy during the global financial crisis.
Quite often I say that the Leader of the Opposition needs to get out more and talk to Territory business. I urge you to pick up the phone to Graham Kemp from the Master Builders Association after Question Time today, and ask him whether he thinks this program has been rolled-out at a glacial pace and has missed its intended mark of boosting the economy and keeping people in jobs.
I have spoken to Graham Kemp on a number of occasions and we have done a media conference with him. I quote from Channel 9 on 25 July 2010 where Graham Kemp said: ‘We have been able to hold the construction industry intact in the Northern Territory to be ready for the bigger projects when they come on’. If you hear the rest of his comments he said the Territory would have gone backwards without the BER. We would have lost skilled trades interstate and we would not have been able to bring them back.
The Leader of the Opposition is just doing Tony Abbott’s bidding here in the Northern Territory. Is he also going to pick up the phone to the principal of the Kintore special needs school in Katherine and say they should not have received the $200 000 in funding that was not spent at Kalkaringi School? Should that money have gone back to Canberra? The Leader of the Opposition has always opposed this project. He continues to oppose this project and 101 schools are in real risk of not having it delivered.
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
INPEX - Community Impact Statement
Mr WOOD to CHIEF MINISTER
Recently INPEX announced the release of its environmental impact statement dealing with the development of its proposed LNG plant at Blaydon Point. An EIS is designed to show the effects of the construction operation of this plant on the local environment but does not include the effects of the construction village. Would it not be reasonable to ask INPEX to do a community impact statement to show what the positive and negative effects of a workers’ village housing 2500 people would be on the community of Howard Springs and surrounding areas. Will your government support a community impact statement?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question and acknowledge that he has had a long-standing interest in this issue on behalf of his constituency.
It is going to be a significant project in Howard Springs. It will be processed through the normal planning arrangements, and call it what you will, a formal community impact statement or not, INPEX is engaging the community on the impact of the workers village in Howard Springs. They have held a number of meetings and I know the member for Nelson has attended those meetings, and they have taken that information and advice on board in putting their proposals together. I believe there has been formal consultation undertaken by INPEX on the impact of this workers village.
They will use the advice and information to formulate their submissions to the DCA for an exceptional development permit. The submission is then put on public display for 28 days, followed by a public hearing chaired by the Chairman of the DCA.
They have consulted in the first instance; they will put together an exceptional development application; it will go to the DCA; it will go on public exhibition and there will be a public hearing. I believe the social impacts surrounding this proposal will be fully considered and the public will have full access to put their views forward.
Some of the issues of concern which I am aware of are bus services, traffic generally, as well as buffers between the village and existing residences. I am sure it will also look at the issue of pressure on existing services such as schools and shops. The Chairman of the DCA will write to the minister outlining all the issues and objections raised in the process. The minister will make a decision on the development.
If I can give any confidence to the member for Nelson at all, I believe INPEX, in the way it has approached developing this project in the Northern Territory, has shown every step of the way it wishes to be, and is, a first rate corporate citizen.
INPEX is really looking to minimise the impact on the environment through the EIS. That has a formal process to go through and high standards will be applied. I believe their public consultation regarding the workers village has been genuine. They will take those issues on board; they have shown their commitment to the Territory through their relationship with the traditional owners, the Larrakia funding a $3m training centre to ensure local employment.
Member for Nelson, I believe there is a community impact process going through. The public is fully involved, and I am sure you will continue to be involved.
Dr BURNS (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be put on the Written Question Paper.
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
National Schools Pride and the
Science and Language Centres
National Schools Pride and the
Science and Language Centres
Dr BURNS (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I have some extra points on the questions the Leader of the Opposition asked in relation to the National Schools Pride and the Science and Language Centres.
In relation to National Schools Pride, I am advised that the Australian government extended the deadline to June in recognition of the Territory’s remoteness and impact of seasons so that contractors in the community could work in conjunction with other works happening in the schools. Similarly with the Science and Language Centre, the deadlines were extended to December for similar reasons.
Madam Speaker, I stand by my statement of yesterday.
Berry Springs Water Allocation Plan
Mr HAMPTON (Natural Resource, Environment and Heritage): Madam Speaker, I have an answer for the member for Nelson in relation to his question yesterday on the Berry Springs water allocation plan.
I agree it would be useful for better understanding of the science to be developed among the community in Berry Springs, particularly the water planning area. I have instructed my department to keep the expressions of interest process for the Water Advisory Committee open until the end of this year. During this period, the department will undertake some general awareness forums for the community on the background science in respect to the aquifer.
Early in 2011 expressions of interest for the Water Advisory Committee can be finalised on the basis of a more informed community, and my department will publicly advertise to this effect.
Request for Information –
Public Housing Waiting List
Public Housing Waiting List
Mr MILLS (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, I seek your advice as to whether information the Chief Minister promised to provide on Tuesday regarding the size of the waiting list has been provided to the House?
Madam SPEAKER: I do not believe it has been provided to me. Chief Minister, do you have advice on that?
Mr HENDERSON: I will check my notes.
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, if you can take it on notice and provide it to me that would be helpful.
Mr HENDERSON: Yes, Madam Speaker.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016