2015-03-25
Police Commissioner – New Appointment
Ms LAWRIE to CHIEF MINISTER
You stated that you have evidence that senior police and your political colleagues attempted an orchestrated coup to get rid of you, but your handling of these serious allegations has been called into question. Your reinstated cash-for-access Treasurer said:
- I think Adam did make a mistake in airing those concerns publicly.
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I find that highly offensive.
Madam SPEAKER: I need a standing order number. Sit down if you do not have one. You know the rules.
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 112 says a question should not contain an imputation. There is a clear imputation in that question and it should be withdrawn.
Madam SPEAKER: Opposition Leader, can you please reword your question.
Ms LAWRIE: Your Treasurer said:
- I think Adam did make a mistake in airing those concerns publicly.
The acting Police Commissioner said:
- I invite anyone who has facts and evidence in relation to these matters to come forward to me or to one of the independent bodies.
When will you refer the evidence you have to the Australian Federal Police? Given your clear conflict of interest in these matters, will you rule out participating in the appointment of the Police Commissioner?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I have said previously that I provided an overreach in publicising concerns that were raised to me. I should not have put those concerns into the public arena. I had the opportunity to provide those concerns to the Solicitor-General and if the opportunity affords itself I am happy to provide that information to any other investigation which is undertaken.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Police Commissioner – New Appointment
Police Commissioner – New Appointment
Ms LAWRIE to CHIEF MINISTER
You may not have heard the question as you were involved in conversation. Given your clear conflict of interest in these matters, will you rule out participating in recruitment of a new Police Commissioner?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, there is no conflict of interest. I have full confidence in the police force and everyone in it. Interviews have been undertaken for a new Police Commissioner. I anticipate a recommendation will be made to Cabinet sometime in the near future and Cabinet will make a decision based on the information provided.
Cyclone Nathan – Goulburn Island Residents
Mr KURRUPUWU to CHIEF MINISTER
Can you please update the Assembly on the return of Warruwi residents to Goulburn Island after Cyclone Nathan?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for his question. He is deeply concerned about the residents of Warruwi, Goulburn Island, following the second cyclone to hit the coastline in one month. He is very pleased to hear the cyclone has not caused harm; it is without incident.
I also pass on my thanks to everyone involved, paid and unpaid, in the evacuation of residents. This includes volunteer staff, NTES, NT Police, DCF, the Department of Housing and others. It has been a tough time but they have done a fantastic job. To respond to two cyclones in such a short time is difficult.
I am pleased to report that the Warruwi evacuees from the Foskey Pavilion have been transported to the airport for their flight home to Goulburn Island, but it is evident that a cyclone shelter needs to be built on Goulburn Island as one has never been built there. That is an historical matter, but government is now discussing what it can do to establish a cyclone shelter there in the future. What shape that may take is still being discussed. Whether a new hall at the school could double up as a cyclone shelter or otherwise will be discussed internally. It will take a while to design it and whether it will be built before the next Wet Season will be a challenge, but we will work towards that.
It is fantastic to see other stakeholders, such as the East Arnhem Regional Council, the West Arnhem Regional Council, homelands organisations and local authorities involved in the processes of emergency response and recovery phases. Seeing the hard work of companies like ALPA and its participation with RJCP, especially around Milingimbi, Ramingining and Galiwinku is fantastic. Local people are now employed in the response and recovery efforts. Dhimurru rangers and the Yolngu Business Enterprises – YBE – have worked hard.
While it is devastating to have two cyclones come through, the opportunities for recovery to create an economic injection and employment of Aboriginal locals is a positive spin off. We look forward to working with local people as much as possible to get the recovery phase in place and to get things back to normal or better than they were before.
Police Commissioner – Federal Investigation
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
Yesterday the Chief Minister confirmed to this House that the Australian Federal Police is investigating allegations around the former Police Commissioner. When did this AFP investigation start, are there terms of reference or an MOU, and has the Chief Minister excluded himself from any discussions or briefings on this matter?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for that good question. It is best to put this into the context of the many investigations occurring. This goes back to when former Police Commissioner John McRoberts tendered his resignation, and relates to the circumstances around that and what action has been taken since. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner was involved. At that stage, due to the closeness of people involved and with the Territory being a small place, it was deemed that we would get John Taylor from interstate to undertake that investigation. At the same time the Solicitor-General provided advice, and that is an ongoing investigation.
I will get to the terms of reference you described in a moment. The government accepted all of the recommendations from John Taylor’s report. One of those was that the evidence was enough to suggest that McRoberts may have broken the law and that further investigation may be required. However, the perception is that investigation should not be done by a local jurisdiction; it should be handed over to another.
I spoke directly with the commissioner who has been in negotiations with a number of jurisdictions, including the federal police, which have accepted the role. Two federal police officers will be sworn in to the Northern Territory Police. They will undertake the investigation at full arm’s length, although the Northern Territory Police will provide as much backup information as required, as well as ensuring that everybody can see this is an open and transparent investigation.
The terms of reference are currently being worked on. To my knowledge the Chief Minister has no involvement with them; they are between the Northern Territory Police and the Australian Federal Police. When that investigation is complete our Ombudsman will look at all three investigations. The first investigation by John Taylor ...
Ms WALKER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. I have listened patiently to the minister’s answer. I thank him for the background information and the history lesson, which we all knew. Has the Chief Minister excluded himself from any discussions or briefings on this matter? Will you guarantee he has excluded himself from this?
Mr CHANDLER: I have already said to my knowledge, and the knowledge of everyone on this side, that the Chief Minister would not be involved in that. It is between the Northern Territory Police and the Australian Federal Police, at arm’s length from this government and the Chief Minister. How they investigate this is nothing to do with us. We assure you that everything is being done as it should be. There are three investigations …
Ms Walker: Does that include access to his e-mails, phone records and text messages?
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
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Visitors
Visitors
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I advise of the presence in the gallery of students from Nungalinya College accompanied by Reverend Felicity Avery. On behalf of honourable members, welcome to Parliament House. I hope you enjoy your stay.
Members: Hear, hear!
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Ice Use – Parliamentary Committee Investigation
Mr BARRETT to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
How have stakeholders reacted to the announcement of a parliamentary committee investigation into ice use in the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I appreciate the question from the member for Blain. I applaud him for taking on the role of chair of this committee, because it will be a tough one and many questions will be asked. As far as government is concerned, we must do all we can to work out the best approach to take in the Northern Territory.
We have heard the community’s concerns about ice, which is why this committee was established. Stakeholders have praised the government’s initiative to investigate the prevalence and impacts of ice use in our community. On ABC radio this morning Bernie Dwyer from Amity welcomed a parliamentary investigation into the issue, saying Amity is experiencing an increase in demand from ice users.
Wendy Morton from the Northern Territory Council of Social Service was quoted in the NT News today, saying that NTCOSS welcomes the committee. Ms Morton said NTCOSS is:
- … seeing a sharp rise in the number of people accessing their services for methamphetamine use.
The Australian Crime Commission, in its report released today has written:
- … illicit drug use is of concern in Indigenous communities throughout Australia, particularly so for methylamphetamine use. According to available data on self-reported use of illicit substances, methylamphetamine is the third most common illicit substance used in Indigenous communities …
…
Some of the adverse consequences stemming from drug use and dependency voiced in many Indigenous communities included domestic violence, tensions from sourcing money for substance use, declining participation in community life, child neglect and sexual exploitation of young people.
We heard this morning that the volume of amphetamines, including ice, intercepted by police is almost double from previous financial years. In the past 12 months to February 2015, 17 drug labs have been detected by the Northern Territory Police. The 2014-15 figures to date indicate a further increase in these figures. We know offences involving drug trafficking, supply and manufacture often involve other offences. Violent offending, including the use of weapons, is commonplace among chronic meth users, and organised crime activity includes violence, extortion and firearm offences.
This government is committed to making Territorians’ lives simpler, easier and safer. We look forward to delivering the outcomes of the committee’s recommendations. Without trying to pre-empt any investigation or committee recommendations, we can do more in areas such as education because the more people we prevent getting on this horrid stuff in the first place the better our community will be.
Children and Families – Additional Money
Ms MOSS to CHIEF MINISTER
Yesterday you made an outrageous allegation about media racism in relation to the alleged rape of a child at an Alice Springs town camp. Will you apologise to the media for this slur against them? As the member for Araluen said yesterday, you appear to have had a personal epiphany about child sexual abuse. Have you not read the Growing them strong, together report? Will your budget next month reinstate the $8m and jobs removed from Children and Families under your CLP government?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is good to see concerns for the child in Alice Springs being raised. I thank the member for Casuarina for the question because it puts into perspective what I said yesterday. I had concerns about the welfare of a child in Alice Springs and the community did not show outrage. Some people interpreted that as an attack on the media, but it was not. It was pointing to the fact that the community did not show the outrage I expected for the welfare of this kid and it upset me.
Your question has tried to politicise the welfare of this kid. You have not asked how the child is doing. I find that truly offensive and I understand …
Mr VOWLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Pursuant to Standing Order 49 I ask the Chief Minister to address his comments through the Chair.
Madam SPEAKER: Sit down, member for Johnston. He is addressing the Chair.
Mr VOWLES: He is not; he is trying to intimidate the member for Casuarina.
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Suspension of Member
Member for Johnston
Suspension of Member
Member for Johnston
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Johnston, please leave the Chamber for one hour pursuant to Standing Order 240A.
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Mr GILES: I could be wrong, but I think the member for Casuarina is the opposition spokesperson for Children and Families. If so, that question is a slight on the representation of that portfolio.
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. The member for Casuarina asked a legitimate question. Will the Chief Minister reverse his $8m cuts to Children and Families and the positions that have been lost?
Mr GILES: Member for Fannie Bay, you are better than that. You know that question is out of order.
Defence Initiatives
Mrs FINOCCHIARO to CHIEF MINISTER
Defence members and their families are an important part of the Palmerston community. I want to see Defence continue to strengthen its presence in the Top End. Can you please outline what the government is doing to secure a larger slice of Defence spending and establish itself as a Defence hub for the region?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Drysdale for her question. As a good Top End, Palmerston member of parliament, she is highly supportive of the role Defence forces play in the Northern Territory. It was great to see the Operation Slipper parade last Saturday and the community engagement at the Cenotaph thereafter.
Defence spending in the Northern Territory, from an economic point of view, is about $1.5bn per annum, contributing about 7% of GDP. There are approximately 6000 personnel in the Defence Force in the Territory. When you combine that with families it is about 14 000 people, so it is a large slice of our population of 245 000 people in the Northern Territory.
There has been an expansion of opportunities in Defence forces in the Territory, especially due to the change in dynamics with aircraft, for example, with Joint Strike Fighter, which will be based at Tindal, and the relationship with the US Marine Corps now rotating through the Territory. There are some 1100 Marines this year and there will be 2500 in a couple of years’ time.
Defence in Canberra often looks at spending money here, but for too long the Defence money did not go to Territory companies. We have sought to replicate the model in South Australia where they have Defence SA, a lobbying body seeking to get Defence contracts to South Australia. We have now set up a Strategic Defence Advisory Board in the Northern Territory; we announced that today and the first meeting will be held tomorrow.
I am happy to announce three members of the board: retired Major General Tim McOwan, who was the former Defence attach for the Australian Defence Force in Washington; Ms Carmel McGregor, who was the head of Defence People in Canberra; and former Air Marshal Eris Herryanto, who was the Indonesian Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence. All three have retired and have willingly and gleefully taken on the role of supporting us in our advisory board.
The advisory board’s role is to assist the Northern Territory government to develop its strategic direction for Defence. It is also to support us from a lobbying point of view to let Canberra and other forces, namely the US, know we have the capability in the Territory to fulfil those contracts. We are looking for a greater level of involvement; we want to see expended capacity not just at RAAF Tindal, in the married quarters or at the roll-on roll-off barge landing, but in a range of investment opportunities.
Already $600m has been announced, with $474m to Tindal. We believe there are billions of dollars coming into the future. We want to ensure at the backend of INPEX that our economy is strong and jobs are there for Territorians and supporting families, especially Defence families.
Child Protection – Report Recommendations
Ms MOSS to CHIEF MINISTER referred to MINISTER for CHILDREN and FAMILIES
This morning you told ABC radio you want to do everything you can to prevent child abuse. Labor understood the need for more investment in support services for vulnerable families and children in remote communities and town camps. We provided an additional $33m for child protection, with $11m for frontline workers. That is why we commissioned the Growing them strong, together report, described by former minister Lambley on 18 March 2014 as an incredible document. It is a first-class report and will live on for a long time as a reference for what we should do in this space. In the first two years of government you have had three CEOs and three ministers for Child Protection, and you failed to act on recommendations in part five of Growing them strong, together. Will you proceed to implement all recommendations of that report?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, we are not afraid to talk about child abuse and we have responses to it. You might want to reflect on when Clare Martin was the Chief Minister …
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing order 113: relevance. It was a very direct question …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nightcliff, sit down. The Chief Minister has only had 40 seconds to answer. Give him time.
Mr GILES: If only world records were being set – 14 seconds for an interjection. You are doing well, member for Nightcliff.
Clare Martin is the former Chief Minister. She had the Little Children are Sacred report, which showed horrendous levels of child abuse and neglect of children in the Northern Territory. That report was not made public at the time.
It was not until Mal Brough, the former minister for Indigenous Affairs, found the report, made it public and provided a response to it. We are not afraid to talk about these issues and we think they need to be addressed and responded to. I ask the Minister for Children and Families to respond to this question.
Mr ELFERINK (Children and Families): Madam Speaker, I note that the answer from the members opposite is to solve the problem by spending more money on it. That is not necessarily the truth.
When I became the minister for Child Protection I asked the department to go through the individual contracts for out-of-home care services. In one instance we were paying $300 000 for a 17-year-old fully compliant child to be looked after. Unfortunately, the former Labor government allowed these things to occur simply because they were spending more money. We believe in making sure the bureaucracy delivers the services. Here is a sad truth: there are more kids in care now than ever before. That frustrates me because parents neglect …
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. Will you implement all the recommendations of the Growing them strong, together report, and if not, which ones will you ignore?
Madam SPEAKER: It is not a point of order. The minister has time to address the question.
Mr ELFERINK: The preamble invited comment across a raft of areas that would probably take me an hour to address. The Labor Party thought spending $300 000 to look after a fully compliant 17-year-old was an acceptable way to spend taxpayers’ money. We on this side of the House believe in child protection and will spend in accordance with what must be spent in that area to ensure that …
Ms Lawrie: It was an expert report.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Karama, cease interjecting.
Mr ELFERINK: We will do what is necessary to make sure kids are protected. If we need to spend more than the budget, which probably will happen this year to achieve that outcome, then we will do that. We will not sign up to the Labor Party’s idea of signing any cheque, anywhere, anytime for any outcome simply because you can announce that you are spending more money.
Youth Arts in the Northern Territory
Mr KURRUPUWU to MINISTER for ARTS and MUSEUMS
I noticed at lunchtime the minister and Madam Speaker having a fun time with three break dancers in the forecourt. Please tell us how the Northern Territory government is helping young artists such as this crew?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for his question. He was outside watching how it was done. The honourable member was correct when he said we were having a fine time with the D*City Rockers, three emerging Darwin break dance artists who have recently returned from an intensive artistic residency program in Cambodia.
These keen and talented young men received almost $10 000 from the government’s arts project funding towards their development and internationally-renowned community dance organisation, Tiny Toones. The D*City Rockers – Aaron Lim, Andy Lay and John Rigas – not only perform and hone their own skills, they give back through creating and presenting workshops for the next generation of b-boys and b-girls. The Northern Territory government is proud to support them in their endeavours, as it is supporting other individuals and organisations in the creative industry.
Others who have benefitted from the $300 000 art projects funding include Dion Beasley and Johanna Bell with the development of their second book, Too Many Cheeky Animals. The Chief Minister knows this project well and had the pleasure of presenting Dion and Johanna with their funding of almost $10 000. Honourable members would know Dion’s work. He is the artist behind the much-loved T-shirt brand Cheeky Dogs. His and Johanna’s first book Too Many Cheeky Dogs has sold almost 6000 copies since its release in 2013. Dion’s talent transcends his muscular dystrophy and hearing impairment. He and Johanna are true talents and we applaud their work.
These are two examples of the fine local creative talents in the Territory, which the government has supported through our grants program to make it easier for them to reach their artistic goals. The Northern Territory is committed to building a confident culture and providing opportunities for Territorians of all backgrounds to create and participate in arts and cultural activities.
I am looking forward to the Northern Territory Arts and Museums scene this year, as is my wife. I have already had the privilege of attending the Brown’s Mart Theatre season program launch and launching their new education program, as well as last week launching MusicNT’s exciting 2015 program. There are some excellent events, innovative artistic collaborations and arts development activities planned for this year. I am sure honourable members will join me in supporting our local arts community.
Indigenous Advancement Strategy – Funding
Ms LEE to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT and COMMUNITY SERVICES
Today a list of council, government and large well-funded non-government organisations was released outlining which will receive funding through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy. While sport and recreation programs, health services and youth centres in my electorate – Bulman, Numbulwar, Ngukurr, and Maningrida in the member for Arafura’s electorate – suffer up to 80% cuts, it is on the list that the Northern Territory of Australia will receive funding through IAS.
With the Northern Territory government receiving funding instead of grassroots services, can you commit to funding the gap left by these cuts to Indigenous services? More importantly, can you explain what the funding allocated to the Northern Territory government will be spent on?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arnhem for her question. I am confused by the question and which minister is responsible.
The member for Johnston asked me a question about this yesterday. I did not say our government would fill the funding hole. I said I support them and we will work with them to lobby the federal government to have funding restored. There is a big difference between supporting and funding; they are different words.
Perhaps the members for Johnston and Arnhem can sort the issue out with the Indigenous Advancement Strategy.
Ms LEE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. The question was to you, the minister for Community Services. Will you lobby the federal government in regard to the funding cuts? That is your job, not mine.
Mrs PRICE: Madam Speaker, she is the member for Arnhem. It is up to her to lobby the government as well to get funding for her electorate. It is up to individual members to lobby for their electorate; that is your job. You have spoken to your constituents and you should be out there.
Ms Walker: She is, and now she is asking you.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mrs PRICE: The member for Nhulunbuy should be speaking to the federal government about what is happening within her electorate. Individual members should be doing their job.
Parks and Wildlife – EOI Process
Mr CONLAN to MINISTER for PARKS and WILDLIFE
Please tell the House about the success of the EOI process for commercial tourism development within your portfolio of Parks and Wildlife?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Greatorex for his question, knowing he is the previous Minister for Parks and Wildlife, and Tourism. It is a good question.
This government is committed to increasing visitation to the Territory’s wonderful parks and reserves through sustainable development and increased commercial partnership.
In September last year the Parks and Wildlife Commission called for EOIs for commercial tourism development across our parks and reserves. I am very pleased to announce to the House that through our expressions of interest process a nature-based adventure tourism company, Trees Adventure, is in the final stages of being assessed. Trees Adventure is planning to design, construct and manage a treetop experience at Howard Springs Nature Park.
You will be able to climb, swing, leap and fly through the forest on a rope course.
Mr Wood: I hope it does not put the Scouts out of business.
Mrs PRICE: It is next door to your place. This exciting new tourism opportunity for the Top End is one of 45 submissions received through the EOI process.
Ms Fyles interjecting.
Mrs PRICE: Do you not want to hear the good news stories, member for Nightcliff? You are not interested.
The Territory has some of the most amazing parks in the world. The opportunities to enhance visitors’ experiences are only limited by your imagination. We want to unlock the untapped potential of our Territory parks and reserves. The Territory government is determined to encourage economic development across the regions by opening up the parks and reserves for private sector investment.
This will offer fantastic business and employment opportunities for Indigenous Territorians and local communities. Increasing visitations to parks and reserves is known to deliver increased awareness and understanding of core park values, assisting the long-term conservation efforts.
Expressions of interest closed in November last year. Some of the submissions received include the development of new camping sites and eco-cabins, the expansion and management of existing camping facilities, and the maintenance and management of some parks and reserves. Final submissions are due at the end of March.
I look forward to updating parliament as this government makes projects a reality.
Budget Allocations
Ms MOSS to CHIEF MINISTER
This morning the ABC reported you saying, ‘When we are talking about something as serious as children who maybe are being neglected or allegations of sexual abuse, I think in government we have got to do everything we can do to stop that from happening.’
In estimates last year, your third minister for Child Protection infamously said:
- The core function of this department, however, is the ambulance turning up at the crash scene.
The Children’s Commissioner said on that same day:
- That is very simplistic. The reality is, in the Northern Territory our children, by any measure, are subject to traumatic living conditions at a higher rate and higher intensity than any other jurisdiction in Australia.
With your new epiphany on the need to improve safety in town camps, what funding has been allocated in next month’s Territory budget for social services, the implementation of alcohol management plans and additional housing infrastructure?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the opposition will have to wait for the budget for that information.
Sentenced to a Job
Mrs FINOCCHIARO to MINISTER for CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
Can you please update the House on the great results of the Sentenced to a Job program?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, whilst many people were nervous about a centre in Bees Creek Road, and we as government listened to what those residents had to say, what I took away from the Bees Creek meeting the other day was that so many of those residents still endorsed the Sentenced to a Job program. I am grateful for that because without community support for Sentenced to a Job, we would not have achieved some of the things we have achieved.
It is interesting to note that some good numbers have come out of the Sentenced to a Job program. From the period of July 2013 to January 2014, the board paid by prisoners who paid rent for their cells was $84 000. In the same period in the current financial year we have collected $223 000 worth of rent. Victims of crime received $25 000 last year and over the same period this year we have collected nearly $70 000 for victims of crime. We have collected $45 000 from prisoners to pay back fines.
If you extrapolate that out to the end of the year, we expect to earn in the order $350 000 worth of rent, $100 000 for victims of crime and $60 000 for recovered fines.
This is people in prison, paying tax, rent, their debt to society in cash, and paying off their fines. This continues to be a positive program. I am very proud of this as a minister in the Giles government, and we will continue to press along, with the public’s permission, to ensure that prisoners continue to pay income tax – that will be hundreds of thousands of dollars – rent for their cells, paying victims of crime and paying their fines off.
This government is prepared to do novel and risky things for the true welfare of the people of the Northern Territory. I congratulate the public of the Northern Territory and thank them for their ongoing support. I will continue to listen to what the public says in rolling out this program into the future.
Alice Springs – Youth Services
Ms MOSS to CHIEF MINISTER
You cut more than $1m in annual funding from Alice Springs youth services, including funding for the successful Youth Street Outreach Service. You closed the Youth Hub where successful integrated programs for young people were housed, and you slashed funding for after-hours youth activities. Things have gotten so bad in Alice Springs that a community meeting is being held tonight to find solutions to kids being on the street, and the old chestnut of a youth curfew has again been raised. Yesterday you admitted to ABC Radio that you should have continued to fund YSOS. What funding will there be in next month’s budget to restore YSOS and reintroduce an integrated after-hours youth service in Alice Springs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Casuarina for her question. It is the same as the last question when she asked me exactly what will be in the budget. She is only a new member of parliament, but budget information is available when the budget is released.
Let us talk about a couple of the issues the member just spoke about regarding Alice Springs. Alice Springs is not out of control. We have brought crime down to the lowest level since the 1990s.
Ms Fyles: Why is there a meeting tonight?
Mr GILES: Yes, there is a meeting tonight and people are talking about a youth curfew.
I spoke yesterday about the alleged rape of that child in Alice Springs because I believe there should be community outrage about what allegedly happened to that young girl. People are calling for children to be off the street and a youth curfew. We all know children should not be on the street late at night. We want parental responsibility, and government services should back up where parental supervision fails.
I want people to talk about this child – I did not want to politicise the child – as well as the issue and how we make improvements in that area. Instead, after I informed this House that I will be calling all government agencies together to look at how well we are performing, as well as statistical information and how we can make improvements, it has become a beat-up and not about the kid.
Your questions today have not been about this child or the alleged rape. I note that Tangentyere Council has issued a media release today, authored by Mandy Taylor, who is the ex-media adviser for Karl Hampton, the previous member for Stuart. Mandy Taylor only 18 minutes ago tweeted, ‘@Adam Giles appalling attempt to politicise a terrible rape #newlow’.
Mandy Taylor is now employed to write the media advice for Tangentyere; it is an horrendous disgrace that she would write this. Labor’s Mandy Taylor is writing releases for Tangentyere, which is now trying to politicise the argument of services in town camps rather than focus on the kid. Does anybody get it?
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. The question was about the funding the Chief Minister cut from YSOS and whether he will restore the funding he cut to youth services in Alice Springs.
Madam SPEAKER: It is not a point of order. The Chief Minister has three minutes to answer the question.
Mr GILES: If the member listened to the interview she would have heard we are putting $4.2m into youth services. Additional money is going back into youth services across the Territory, including Alice Springs.
To Mandy Taylor: how dare you say I am trying to politicise the alleged rape of a child …
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! What specifically will you fund in regard to YSOS and the after-hours …
Madam SPEAKER: Sit down. It is not a point of order.
Mr GILES: Your strategy on this issue is terribly wrong. You should be working together to address the issues of children in this situation, not trying to politicise a poor child.
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
Wadeye Healthcare
Mr KURRUPUWU to MINISTER for HEALTH
New information has come to light which suggests that healthcare in the remote community of Wadeye is substantially improving. Can you please inform the House about the detail of this positive news?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I am trying as a minister, and we are trying as a government, to restore communities with the power to make decisions for themselves, because those individuals who live in those communities can make the best decisions for themselves. I congratulate the former Health minister for going down this path. It gives me pleasure to announce some results in the community of Wadeye.
In the past 12 months we have seen a massive improvement in the health outcomes at Wadeye, which include a 48% decrease in medical evacuations; a 38% decrease of anaemia in little children; a 40% increase in sexual health screening; a 37% increase in cardiovascular risk assessment; a 25% increase in client consultations; a 22% increase in attendance at adult health checks; and a 12% decrease in poor growth of little kids.
This is the result you hope to achieve as a Minister for Health. It means people who are engaged in the local community – including the Health department staff as well as other people living in those remote communities, engaging and buying into and taking responsibility for their own health – start to behave like healthier people. We will continue to pursue this philosophy in a raft of areas in health, child protection and other areas to make certain we deliver services that are appropriate to the circumstances in which they are delivered.
By way of example, if I describe our domestic violence policy, which will pursue exactly those types of things by locally surrounding the families with frontline workers who respond to certain incidents, and we case manage, from a committee across all of government as well as NGOs, a local response, you will get better results. The trial program for this run in Alice Springs showed that of the 100 women presenting for domestic violence only three returned. We will continue to support families in a local and targeted way, and the health indicators we see today are demonstrative of that philosophy.
The members opposite despise local people making their own decisions, which is why they got rid of their shires and moved at every opportunity to take away local decision-making because they believe in condescending, distant management.
Local people are delivering services and better health outcomes for the people of Wadeye, and there is more to come.
ANSTI Site – Bees Creek Road
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
Last Saturday a public meeting was held at Bees Creek to discuss the proposal to turn the old ANSTI site into a transitional accommodation facility for prisoners. I believe you and your department have been doing good work in this field, but as someone who was on the ANSTI Board involved in discussions with St Vincent de Paul and remembers the debacle around the proposed secure care centre, I know change to this site is a very sensitive issue for locals.
Your CEO said at the meeting there was some community consultation in early February. Can you say who represented the community at that meeting, what was the outcome of that meeting and was any mention made about the sensitivity of the site? It appears most locals only found out about the proposal officially on 17 March or later, a few days before Saturday’s meeting. Do you think you should have consulted more thoroughly before starting work on the site?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, there was always an intention to consult. The consultation process would have happened later this week and taken place over a number of weeks. Preparations were made for that consultation process, which included speaking to the local member, who indicated to the commissioner that she believed the locals would not be happy. She was right because she is a local member who is in touch with her constituency.
I hoped to go through a full consultation process over the next few weeks and have the same result we received when we heard reservations from the people of Nhulunbuy, as well as the reservations from Adelaide River. Where consultations went through that process we were able to encourage people to ride with us as a department; it was with their permission. We never would have gone into Bees Creek without their permission, which was a commitment I gave the member for Goyder.
The point is we have permission from both of the communities where we did this. In Adelaide River, where we eventually moved away from, the response from the community was that people were sorry to see them go. These people make a large contribution to the people of Nhulunbuy, and I have walked the walking trail from the Garma site – it is about 4.5 km – across the ridge line, which is one of the services these prisoners provided to the people of Nhulunbuy.
Ms Lawrie: They need an alcohol and rehab service.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms Walker: No one objected to the service; it was the location.
Mr Tollner: You do not believe in rehab deals, why would you bring in a rehab service?
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Members for Nhulunbuy and Fong Lim!
Mr ELFERINK: The starting point for the members opposite is to always be angry, negative and horrible. It is small wonder that after 11 years nothing happened under their government, other than to build the prison Mahal. I will not lower myself to that. The process would never have gone ahead without the public’s permission.
We are proud of what we are doing in the Corrections environment and of the results. Do you know what else? It is impressive to see so many prisoners making different decisions in their lives so they do not go back into the custodial system from whence they came. These are good results and we will continue to be brave and be proud of our work.
Banana Freckle Eradication Program
Mr CONLAN to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY and FISHERIES
Can you please update the House on how the National Banana Freckle Eradication Program is tracking in the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Greatorex for his question. He is very fortunate that Alice Springs is not in one of the red zones, but he takes an active interest in what is going on with the biosecurity of the Northern Territory.
The Northern Territory is on track to eradicate banana freckle. More than 39 000 households have joined the fight against this serious plant disease. That is an amazing effort and I thank Territorians for their foresight in being at the front of Australia’s largest-ever plant biosecurity response. In fewer than 2300 properties destruction is outstanding, and 600 of those are already booked in for destruction or self-destruction. More than 90% of all premises in the red zones have complied with the eradication program. This work is vital to ensure we can all grow healthy bananas into the future. This means healthy fruit for back yard growers and the NT banana industry more widely.
There are plenty of questions around why healthy banana plants in red zones must be destroyed as well as those affected by banana freckle. The short answer is banana freckle cannot survive without banana plants. This means every plant that stays in the ground during this time is a potential host. Eradication is the only option if we are to rid the Territory of this pest. I am pleased to inform the House that eradication has been completed in two of the red zones, which are the Tiwi Islands and Ramingining. I want to thank everyone in those communities as they have helped secure the biosecurity of the Northern Territory.
Batchelor, Rum Jungle, Dundee Beach and the Daly River – Nauiyu – area are also close to eradication completion. There is still a small pocket of resistance, but I hope it will be on board by the 30 April eradication deadline. Everyone must do their bit if this program is to be successful. A few back yard bananas are simply not worth putting the biosecurity of the NT at risk.
Banana freckle has not been detected outside the current red zones, which is an important factor. I thank the field teams working around the clock to ensure that all red zone banana plants are removed by the end of the month. Sadly, we have also recently seen the outbreak of panama in Queensland. These matters must be dealt with as a matter of priority as they have the potential to cripple the banana industry across the Territory. I am proud to say that the NT government has provided Queensland with diagnostic laboratory support. We will continue to help Queensland with its efforts regarding panama disease.
Homelessness in Alice Springs
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for HOUSING
Homelessness is a huge issue in Alice Springs, and town camps especially suffer from overcrowding and people overstaying. This is why Labor invested in facilities such as Stuart Lodge and the Murra Murra visitor park specifically to deal with homelessness. The CLP has closed Stuart Lodge and the lease for the visitor park expires in less than a week on 31 March.
Why is the CLP doing nothing to tackle the issue of the rising rates of homelessness in Alice Springs, and will you guarantee that Murra Murra will stay open and cater for bush visitors after 31 March 2015?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question. We are seeking an organisation in the Alice Springs housing and homelessness sector to propose a use for Murra Murra visitor park and Stuart Lodge through a request for proposal process.
The preferred use of the facility is to support the transition of clients from homelessness and supported accommodation to more secure and longer-term accommodation solutions. The successful proponent will operate both facilities based on a self-sustaining business model under a three-year lease, with an option to extend for an additional three years.
Members interjecting.
Mrs PRICE: Do they want to hear me talk about Murra Murra instead of interfering?
Murra Murra will continue to provide short-term accommodation for Indigenous people visiting Alice Springs from remote communities to visit family, go shopping, access medical services, attend sporting events or festivals and to access government and non-government services until 30 June 2015. I am very confident we will have a new service provider in place for Murra Murra and the Stuart Lodge by 1 July 2015.
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. An important aspect of that question was whether you will guarantee the visitor camp will stay open if no one tenders for it?
Mrs PRICE: Madam Speaker, I am pleased to advise the House we have a great deal of interest in the visitor park and I am very much looking forward to announcing further details on this when it comes to hand.
Hockey Australia Three-Year Agreement
Mr BARRETT to MINISTER for SPORT and RECREATION
Another plus for sports fans is on its way with the announcement of a three-year agreement with Hockey Australia to deliver a four-nation test match series to Darwin. Will the minister please outline the details of the agreement, which shows that the Northern Territory government is providing first-class sporting events to Territorians, and will hopefully display a much better level of hockey than we provided at our politicians match the other day?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Blain for his question. His skills in asking questions are much better than his skills were at that game of hockey.
On Friday 6 March 2015 I had the great pleasure of announcing that the Northern Territory government has signed a three-year agreement with Hockey Australia to deliver a four-nation test match series in Darwin in early 2016, with further test matches in 2017-18.
The agreement will showcase one of Australia’s most successful elite women’s sporting teams in the lead-up to the Rio Olympic Games. The Hockeyroos have won Olympic and Commonwealth gold medals, as well as the hockey holy grail of two World Cups. Territorians will be able to see their Olympic stars in action on home turf. We have done this as part of our drive to deliver first-class events in sports on the Festivals NT calendar. Negotiations are continuing around opponents for the tournament, but fans can expect appearances from other big hockey nations. After speaking to Brooke Peris, I know her preference is Argentina.
Cam Vale, the Chief Executive of Hockey Australia, said:
- The 2016 series will form a significant part of the Hockeyroos’ preparation for the Rio Olympic Games and the Champions Trophy and we look forward to having the backing of the Northern Territory at such an exciting time for Australian hockey.
In 2017 it will be the Kookaburras’ turn to play a test match series in Darwin. The Kookaburras are ranked the number one men’s hockey team in the world and are the only male or female Australian team to win a medal at each of the last three Olympic Games.
There will be plenty of local talent on display with Brooke Peris currently in the Hockeyroos squad, Elizabeth Duguid in the national development squad, and Joel Carroll and Leon and Jeremy Hayward in the Kookaburras squad. Having world-ranked national hockey teams play in the NT provides an outstanding opportunity not only for devout hockey players and spectators, but for any sport lovers to see the best at their craft display their skills.
I take this opportunity to thank Sport and Recreation Chief Executive Phillip Leslie and his team for their tireless work in attracting these events. These coups are providing Territorians with plenty of great sport.
Mr ELFERINK (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016