2015-02-25
Police – Government and Accusations
Ms FYLES to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
It has been 22 days since the Chief Minister made serious accusations about the conduct of senior police and members of his government and announced a judicial inquiry. He told the Alice Springs CLP branch on 4 February that the inquiry:
- … might just shut some people up.
However, 22 days later we still do not have any terms of reference or any idea who will conduct the inquiry. When will this inquiry begin so the NT Police Force can defend itself against these outrageous accusations from the Chief Minister, and will parliament be given the terms of reference this sittings period?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nightcliff for her question. It would be very unwise for me to speak about any inquiries being undertaken at the moment or potentially being undertaken soon. For the House’s reference, three investigations are occurring at the moment. I will not talk about any facts from those investigations in case they are prejudiced in any way.
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. We are not asking about the inquiries, we are asking when this inquiry will commence and for the terms of reference. We are asking when, not for details.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, can you get to the point of the question, please?
Mr CHANDLER: I have said what I need to say.
Fuel Prices – Transport Industry Precinct
Mrs FINOCCHIARO to CHIEF MINISTER
Can you please update the Assembly on the progress with the government’s proposed discount fuel outlet in Berrimah?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Drysdale for her question. She is keen to hear about the reduction in fuel prices in the Territory and what we are doing to ensure they stay at the lowest levels possible.
A discount fuel stop in Berrimah is one step closer, with the Territory government shortlisting four companies for the proposed Truck Central development. The four shortlisted applicants have been approved to prepare a detailed proposal for a design that incorporates a truck stop, fuel station, 24-hour restaurant and rest fatigue facilities within the 16 ha development. They have until 31 March to submit their formal ideas after an initial expression of interest process was conducted late last year.
We are working with the Land Development Corporation to stimulate greater competition in the fuel market by offering this critical parcel of land adjacent to the high-traffic intersection of Tiger Brennan Drive and Wishart Road. It is part of the new Transport Industry Precinct which occupies a parcel of land of 70 ha. Truck Central and the Transport Industry Precinct are strategically located at the heart of greater Darwin’s arterial road network in the centre of a 14 km radius which encompasses the CBD, the northern suburbs, Palmerston and the rural areas.
The key condition for any successful proponent wanting to lease this prime land is commitment to being a price leader on fuel. The four shortlisted proponents have all made commitments in this regard. The selection of the preferred applicant and negotiation of final commercial terms will be undertaken and finalised in the second quarter of 2015, allowing the Truck Central development, including key earthworks, to begin in mid-2015.
Contrary to the member for Nightcliff’s bleating over fuel prices yesterday, figures from the Australian Institute of Petroleum released this week show that unleaded fuel across the Territory is now, on average, 40.1c per litre cheaper than it was a year ago. That is down almost 25%. The gap between Territory and interstate fuel prices has also narrowed since the government convened its fuel summit in October last year. The average difference between the Territory and the rest of the nation is now 11.5c per litre. One year ago, Territory prices were 20.3c per litre higher.
We continue to tackle this complex issue head on. Labor was not willing to tackle fuel prices. The fuel stop is another way the Country Liberal Party is working to provide downward pressure on the cost of living in the Northern Territory. It is positive to see the Country Liberals government take action on reducing fuel prices in the Territory and we will continue to do so.
Power and Water – Separation
Ms LAWRIE to CHIEF MINISTER referred to TREASURER
Will you come clean and tell Territorians exactly how much to date the structural separation of Power and Water into three corporations is costing taxpayers? Territorians, families and businesses are struggling under the cost of living burden you imposed through increased hikes in power, water and sewerage. Reliable sources have informed us the cost of splitting up the corporation is running into the tens of millions of dollars, and rising. Will you be honest with Territorians and explain what the cost of structural separation has been to date?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I do not have the exact cost at hand, but honesty and transparency will be at the forefront of our mind.
We are talking about Power and Water, especially the structural separation component. The Treasurer will be chomping at the bit to have a say about this, but this week we are starting to see future downward price pressures on power and water. I ask the Treasurer to give the House an update on some of the positive things resulting from the structural separation of Power and Water, which means reduced cost-of-living pressures for Territorians.
Mr TOLLNER (Treasurer): Madam Speaker, it is a furphy that this is costing tens of millions of dollars. That is scaremongering; there is no other word for it.
The structural separation and reforms occurring at the Power and Water Corporation have been on the books for more than 20 years. It was a bipartisan approach taken by COAG over 20 years ago to reform electricity markets across Australia. The problems besetting Power and Water Corporation at the moment, and when we took over, are a direct result of the lack of action of the previous government. We have not turned away from making hard decisions and getting the reform process back on track.
The structural separation of the Power and Water Corporation is on track; it is coming in within budget. Efficiencies have already been created throughout the system. I gave a statement last week about the Power and Water Corporation …
Ms Lawrie: What is the budget then?
Mr TOLLNER: The reforms are on track; they are still occurring and it is difficult to provide a figure or a rough estimate. As members opposite know, you go through a session of budget estimates and when those numbers come to hand, they will be provided to the opposition.
It is extraordinarily poor form of the opposition to be criticising this measure, because it was something political parties of all persuasions agreed to some 20 years ago.
The problems Power and Water have to date are due to the lack of action from the previous government. I am glad to say this government is getting the reform process back in place, driving down the cost of electricity and providing greater choices for Territorians in the future.
Cyclone Lam – Elcho Island Damage
Mr KURRUPUWU to CHIEF MINISTER
Can you please update the Assembly about the plans in place for the people on Elcho Island whose homes were badly damaged by Cyclone Lam?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for his question. He has a range of concerns for all areas, communities and individuals affected by Cyclone Lam. I understand the member for Nelson has made a pairing arrangement for tomorrow so he can visit the community of Maningrida, which is within his electorate. I wish you all the best; please pass on parliament’s considerations to all constituents in Maningrida.
Peoples whose homes are unsafe to live in on Elcho Island in Galiwinku are being safely looked after at the emergency accommodation centre at Shepherdson College. It is not a long-term solution and not the best solution, but it provides a level of amenity.
After a detailed accommodation assessment by NT officials and Emergency Management Australia yesterday, we are moving to establish an emergency accommodation camp with the assistance of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service.
This includes heavy-duty shelters with hard floors that can safely provide short-term accommodation to up to 300 residents. This portable habitat has previously been used during bush fires in New South Wales. The mobile habitat shelter is being sent to Darwin today and will go on the barge to Galiwinku tomorrow. It is estimated to arrive in Galiwinku on Friday afternoon and will take 24 hours to construct, establish and set up. It is anticipated this will occur on Saturday, with the shelter opening on Sunday.
A team of NT Fire and Rescue Service and New South Wales Rural Fire Service staff will travel to Galiwinku tomorrow to prepare for the initial arrival of the habitat shelter. Power and Water is working hard to ensure the site will be ready to connect power, water and sewerage. Again, I thank all Power and Water staff.
Discussions have been had on the ground to ensure the shelter will be set up in a culturally appropriate and family friendly manner, which is a very important component of the consideration in its delivery. This is a very short-term solution, designed to be put in place so people have accommodation outside the school cyclone shelter and the school can get back up and running from next Tuesday, everything going well. In the next phase we will seek to establish another camp to provide a long-term solution, while the moderate and longer-term solutions of housing reconstruction, including a broader level of infrastructure development to meet the housing needs of residents of Galiwinku, are put in place.
Thank you to all the staff, government volunteers and others who have helped, and to the residents of Galiwinku. We are working tirelessly to ensure long-term solutions, but getting a roof over their heads tonight, tomorrow and the next day is important in the short term. We are working on the longer-term solutions, which include a full reconstruction effort, the least of which will possibly go into the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Cyclone Lam – Housing Repairs
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for HOUSING referred to CHIEF MINISTER
You have visited some communities affected by Cyclone Lam, along with some of your colleagues, but the hard and urgent recovery work begins now. You said the cost of housing repairs in Galiwinku, Milingimbi and Ramingining is likely to hit $80m. There are 60 uninhabitable houses in Galiwinku. Can you please take us through the time line and cost breakdown for the urgent housing repairs to the permanent housing in these three communities?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question. I am sure he, and everybody else, wants to know how everybody is in Galiwinku and what the situation is with their housing and accommodation, and that they are being looked after by the government. Since the Chief Minister has been out there recently, I will hand the question to him.
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. It was a very direct question to the Minister for Housing regarding the time line and cost breakdown for housing repairs.
Madam SPEAKER: It is not a point of order.
Mr GILES (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I thank the Minister for Housing. I am taking on the role, through the Department of the Chief Minister, of coordinating the whole-of-government response to ex-Tropical Cyclone Lam and its recovery areas, especially around Milingimbi, Ramingining, Gapuwiyak and the extensive construction work at Galiwinku.
I updated the House yesterday on some of the uninhabitable dwellings – some with minor damage and some with none – and what could be utilised. I also spoke about assessments of the homelands properties, some of which had been inspected and some were still being inspected.
The initial assessment of housing was around the $80m mark in the four communities, which I also spoke about yesterday. Further assessments need to be put in place. The work around infrastructure, power, water, sewerage, cabling and telecommunications will include a lot of civil work. There are high costs involved in mobilising people, but it is still too early to put a cost figure on it. I am trying to provide an early estimation for you and the general public and media. It will be over $100m, but the exact figure to date is still not known. We need to identify a range of other infrastructure areas, which are being responded to on a priority basis, to make conditions safe for people. Once we conduct a full assessment of housing there, we will know.
It is anticipated that the camp, which should be up and running by Sunday afternoon, will be an immediate priority to allow people to get out of cyclone shelters. Beyond that, the next stage will be a more permanent camp – maybe two months in the shorter term. Getting into the camp component while housing construction is undertaken is the frame in which we are moving forward.
I thank all those providing assistance, especially those members of New South Wales Rural Fire Service who have provided the immediate accommodation, which we could not locate in the Northern Territory. In the future, we are looking at working and contracting with Territory businesses to keep jobs in the Northern Territory moving ahead.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Cyclone Lam – Housing Repairs
Cyclone Lam – Housing Repairs
Mr GUNNER to CHIEF MINISTER
Will you make the full report on what needs to be done available to the public when you have it?
ANSWER
Absolutely; I have made sure at all times, where possible, we have provided media and the general public with every bit of information as soon as it comes to hand. On a couple of occasions early on there was incorrect information released. As soon as we received up-to-date information, we provided it as soon as possible, and we will continue to.
As we stand in Question Time in parliament, asking questions, providing statements and the like – it is not about secrecy. It is about providing an immediate response to the residents in those cyclone affected areas, ensuring the level of amenity is up to standard, people are safe, and that we have a coordinated plan going ahead. As that plan comes to fruition, I am happy to share that with the Northern Territory general public through the media.
Firefighters – Legislation Amendment
Mr BARRETT to MINISTER for BUSINESS
Two letters in the local newspaper have made various allegations against government, attributing comments to you about changes you will bring forward in the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill. Have you ignored a request to meet with firefighters to discuss changes to the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the member for Blain, like all on this side, values our Police, Fire and Emergency Service personnel. I thank the member for his question.
Misinformation and false statements have been made by the Labor opposition. I want to put the truth on the record. I have not ignored the request to meet firefighters to discuss changes to the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act, as was claimed in the NT News. I have responded to the request from United Voice for a briefing on the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill; 5 March is the mutually agreed date for that meeting.
The letter writer also repeated the lie, made by the Labor Party, that I labelled a rally organised by firefighters as a sham. The only person in parliament who made that claim was the Labor member for Nhulunbuy. Time and time again the Labor Party uses parliament to perpetuate lies, and this is another such example.
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, please withdraw those references to lies.
Mr STYLES: I am referring to the Labor Party, not one person in particular. I would love to know who it is and I will refer to them.
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! He referred to a specific member in this Chamber and he should withdraw.
Madam SPEAKER: He did not refer to the member in a derogatory manner.
Mr STYLES: The letter writer had clearly been fed the lie by the Labor Party ...
Ms Lawrie interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Opposition Leader, that is not a carte blanche to start unparliamentary behaviour. You are on a warning.
Mr Vowles interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Johnston, you are on a warning as well. Minister, please delete references to lies in your speech.
Mr STYLES: Does that include the Labor Party, Madam Speaker?
Madam SPEAKER: Yes, it does now, and anyone else for that matter.
Mr STYLES: All right, I will do my very best not to use that word.
The letter writer has clearly been fed the misinformation from the Labor Party. Never at any stage have I labelled firefighters cynical scammers. It is misinformation to claim that I called firefighters cynical scammers. I quote the Hansard on what I said:
- … the Labor Opposition Leader engaged in a sham, with firefighters as the pawns …
If they cannot understand that, obviously they cannot read or write.
I go on with my quote:
- The Opposition Leader promised if she ever became the Chief Minister – God help the Territory if that ever happens – one of her first actions would be to introduce presumptive legislation for firefighters.
This is hypocrisy of the worst kind from the Leader of the Opposition. The Labor Opposition Leader could have done something real to help firefighters. As the Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services said, they had 11 years to do this and did nothing. We have been in for two years and we are about to bring the legislation into the House. What a sham and a disgrace by members opposite. The CLP government has taken action and we will soon see the introduction of the presumptive legislation for Territory firefighters. The opposition knows this too well.
As a former police officer and the proud father of an NT firefighter I, possibly more than anyone in this House, value the safety and wellbeing of firefighters, more so than the member for Nhulunbuy and her leader, who have no credibility in this issue. They cannot read or write, they are obviously misleading the public and the letter writers to the NT News ...
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! He accused the member for Nhulunbuy and me of misleading.
Madam SPEAKER: He did not. Sit down.
Ms LAWRIE: Madam Speaker, if he did, will it be expunged from Hansard?
Madam SPEAKER: Sit down!
Housing – Vacant Dwellings in Alice Springs
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for HOUSING
More than 134 public housing dwellings in Alice Springs stand empty. More than 600 people are waiting for accommodation. Under your failed government, public housing waiting lists have blown out by years, which is a disgrace. Territorians are struggling with homelessness and spiralling costs of living while more than 130 dwellings stand empty. Will you commit to fast-tracking the process so these 134 dwellings can accommodate people on the public housing waiting list?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for that question. I do not accept the premise of the question, because there is a huge amount of people on the housing waiting list. It is difficult to cater for people on the waiting list because there are so many issues regarding those people.
As at 31 December 2014 there were 3644 applicants waiting for public housing across the Northern Territory. This includes 2628 general applicants, 720 priority applicants and 296 applicants seeking to transfer to another property. This is a net increase of 13 applicants since 30 September 2014. Applicants are not accepted onto the waiting list unless they are eligible for public housing ...
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. The question was specific to the 134 empty homes in Alice Springs. Will you fast-track those homes?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fannie Bay, please sit down. The minister has three minutes to answer the question.
Mrs PRICE: This is nothing new; the Labor members knew about it. We have inherited 11 years of their waiting list. Labor had 11 years to look after …
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. The question was not about the waiting list, it was about the 134 empty houses and what you are doing to fast-track them.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you, member for Fannie Bay.
Mrs PRICE: Once again, as at 31 December 2014, there were 3644 applicants. Some of these applicants were from Alice Springs. We inherited Labor’s housing problems because they did not care about Territorians and how best to house people. The situation is so bad because the previous government disregarded these applicants ...
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. All we want to know is what is happening with the 134 empty homes, minister. Can you please let us know?
Madam SPEAKER: The minister has 30 seconds left to answer the question if she chooses. Minister, can you get to the point?
Mrs PRICE: Some of those houses are beyond repair because the previous government neglected the people. They did not do anything about the housing situation for the people of the Northern Territory, including Alice Springs. It is all because of their governance.
Rent Waivers for Pastoralists
Mr KURRUPUWU to MINISTER for LAND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Can you update the House on how the Country Liberals government is using rent waivers to make life easier for pastoralists?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his very important question. It gives me great pleasure to update the House on this very important initiative by the Country Liberals government.
Our government has been getting on with making life simpler, easier and safer for – in this case – rural Territorians. As part of that approach, I am announcing pastoral rent waivers for 22 leases affected by drought conditions across the southern part of the Northern Territory.
The waivers amount to $237 874. They provide assistance for our pastoralists whilst they struggle with tough seasonal conditions out of their control which have prevailed across Central Australia for some time.
As the House is aware, pastoralists are not interested in handouts. They are not interested in welfare; they are a strong, proud group of people. We hope this assistance from the Country Liberal government will go some way to helping them out of a difficult predicament which they have faced for a number of years.
These people have dedicated their life to the land and the Northern Territory government wants to ensure families who want to stay and work on the land can do so.
While the central region of the Territory has received some rain of late, this is not enough to make a difference for the current growing season. Our pastoral rent waivers have gone to regions where help was needed most. In southern Alice Springs there are nine waivers, and in the Plenty River region there are five. The Barkly received three, Tennant Creek also received three, and northern Alice Springs received two.
This process was carried out in a fair and transparent way. All pastoral rent waivers were subject to scientific assessment of the seasonal conditions, and whether those conditions had a direct impact on earning capacity.
This House can rest assured the Country Liberals government is doing everything in its power to restore the lasting damage left by Labor. In 2011 we saw Labor slap a ban on live exports; that misinformed decision devastated the industry. Slowly, we have managed to restore confidence in the industry, and this is another step towards the process. This government is making the lives of pastoralists easier and we will look to find ways to make that happen while working with this important sector. It must be recognised that only a Country Liberals government will show this kind of support for the pastoral sector across the Northern Territory.
We have a proud history of helping the pastoral sector. It was this government, over so many years – before Labor – that helped the industry get to great heights. It only took a few years for the Labor party to destroy it and tear it down.
Tree Point – Access Issues
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for PARKS and WILDLIFE
In mid-December last year your department held a meeting to discuss access issues to the Tree Point Conservation Area. My understanding is there had been disputes for some time between a traditional owner and a fisherman, which was one of the reasons for the meeting.
There was also a comment in a fishing column in the NT News on 14 December, inferring that there was vehicular access to Tree Point, which was clearly incorrect as vehicles are not permitted on the beach. Can you give details of the meeting, including who attended, what the outcomes were and whether the error in the fishing column was ever corrected?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question on the Tree Point Conservation Area. I remind members, the Tree Point Conservation Area is located at Gunn Point. This conservation area protects a coastal area on the Tree Point Peninsula and a large mangrove habitat with a tidal creek which runs towards Shoal Bay Coastal Reserve.
A fringe of coastal vine thicket occurs along the beach in part of the conservation area. The access road follows the top of the dune, with a large swamp on the landward side which hosts a number of bird species at various times of the year.
From time to time there are ongoing issues at Tree Point due to lack of clarity regarding where the park starts, as well as impacts of visitors at the local outstation.
With regard to the member’s question, on 18 December 2014, the Parks and Wildlife Commission held a meeting. This meeting was held due to recent antisocial behaviour and boundary concerns at Tree Point Conservation Area. The meeting included representatives from the Department of Lands, Planning and the Environment; the Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the Northern Territory; NT Police; the Northern Land Council; AAPA; Northern Territory fisheries; the Parks and Wildlife Commission; as well as eight community members.
The meeting provided a good opportunity for the residents to discuss concerns and issues. Outcomes from the meeting included keeping locals informed and advising them of patrols, updates and actions the commission is undertaking. Parks and Wildlife will develop a fact sheet with maps showing the correct boundaries to provide to visitors in the area and remind them of their obligations.
A commitment was given that Parks and Wildlife would work with NT Police to patrol main areas during peak times, such as the Easter long weekend and public holidays, to address antisocial behaviour concerns. Parks and Wildlife, along with NT Police, will improve the exchange of information to target repeat offenders. Parks and Wildlife will also rehabilitate the car park to discourage people driving further into the area, reducing the impact on Tree Point residents.
Parks and Wildlife has agreed to improve signage and education of the area, clarifying tenure. Parks and Wildlife will talk further with the Department of Lands, Planning and the Environment to investigate the boundary tenure, as well as the installation of a gate on the private land to reduce the impact on residents. Parks and Wildlife has committed to putting advertisements in the NT News that clearly show where the boundaries are.
Cricket in the Northern Territory
Mr CONLAN to MINISTER for SPORT and RECREATION
Once again, first-class cricket is returning to the Northern Territory. We have already seen the Chairman’s XI versus the English cricket side at Traeger Park. The tri-series in Darwin last year was a great success, and now Victoria’s loss is the Territory’s gain when the Victorian Bushrangers play some exciting Sheffield Shield games in the coming months. What can sport fans expect when the Territory hosts first-class cricket?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Greatorex for his question. He holds great interest in not only Alice Springs, but in the cricket there. This is an historic day; this government, working with Cricket Australia, has brought Australia’s premier domestic cricket competition, the Bupa Sheffield Shield, to the Northern Territory for the first time.
Alice Springs is where all the action is, with two matches, the first of which starts today. Before I came into the House, the score of today’s match between the Victorian Bushrangers and the Queensland Bulls was 3 for 135, with Joe Burns on 71. Queensland is doing all right at this stage.
Match two, which will be round 10 of the Bupa cup – the final round – will see the Victorian Bushrangers take on the Tasmanian Tigers from 13 to 16 March at Traeger Park. Those who cannot get there this week can go to that one.
Cricket Australia was impressed with the facilities at Traeger Park during last year’s tour match between the Chairman’s XI and England, and had no hesitation in declaring the venue suitable for these two important Bupa Sheffield Shield matches. These games are a fantastic opportunity for locals to see some of Australia’s best cricketers, such as Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle and Joe Burns, show their skills and push for national selection.
The government provided Cricket Australia with $140 000 to transfer to Cricket Victoria as the home team for both matches. Cricket Victoria will deliver a number of school and community clinics, as well as other visits in Alice Springs.
As honourable members are aware, these matches follow hot on the heels of the Imparja Cup, which was held over a week ago in Alice Springs. That cup had more than 40 teams participate in the week-long event at various venues around Alice Springs. I had the pleasure of seeing some of those games.
The Territory government has a $200 000 four-year sponsorship agreement with the Imparja Cup organisers, and the Alice Springs Town Council supports it in kind and through venue preparation. This government is a proud supporter of the Imparja Cup and the Sheffield Shield matches.
My thanks go to all those involved from the Department of Sport and Recreation – they work very hard and I am proud to be their minister – the Alice Springs Town Council for its key organisation of Cricket Australia, NT Cricket, and all stakeholders who have played an integral part in holding these two fine sporting events in the Northern Territory.
Housing – Renal Dialysis Patient
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for HOUSING referred to MINISTER for HEALTH
The Purple House renal dialysis service in Alice Springs reports an old man on dialysis has been living under a tree because he has nowhere else to live. Noel Charlie, thankfully a couple of days ago, found temporary shelter with the Salvation Army, but it is not a permanent housing outcome. Will you provide urgent priority public housing for Mr Charlie?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question. It is a matter for the Health minister to respond to, so I will hand the question to him.
Mr ELFERINK (Health): Madam Speaker, is it not wonderful how the members of the Labor Party climb onto the self-righteous moral high ground when it comes to these things? Perhaps I should answer the question with a question of my own to the member for Fannie Bay. How long have you known about this and what have you done, other than try to use Question Time as a vehicle in which to embarrass government, using a person who clearly is in need? I have had no contact from you at all.
That is the type of behaviour that lowers the opinion of this parliament in the minds of the public. People want us to respond. I am totally unaware of this issue. It has not been raised with me by the member opposite …
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. Will you provide urgent priority public housing for Mr Charlie?
Madam SPEAKER: That is not a point of order. Sit down.
Mr ELFERINK: It has not been raised with me by the members opposite. However, I am grateful to hear the Salvos have stepped in. I will take this question on notice and will look into the matter. This is precisely and demonstrably the problem we have in this House. You must come forward when you find this information and bring it to us.
There are members in this House who sit behind you – I believe the new member for Casuarina has raised important issues with me. I am grateful she did, because she was looking after her constituents. That is the difference between politics and caring for your constituents. I hear what you have to say and will deal with Territorians’ issues as I see fit. That gentleman should not be a political pawn in your game.
Education – Students’ Access
Mr BARRETT to MINISTER for EDUCATION
How is the Country Liberals government ensuring students across the Northern Territory have access to quality education?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Blain for his question. He is a stringent supporter of students and education in the Northern Territory.
The new Northern Territory Open Education Centre is a remarkable project. The construction tender for the project goes out this week on Thursday 26 February. This major investment in infrastructure will ensure more than 600 students, no matter where they live in the Northern Territory, can receive a good education.
It is an $11.6m purpose-built facility; for the first time we have a facility built around technology, not the other way around. It will provide education for Years 10 to 12 and will be built at the Darwin High School. It will provide a brand-new frontage between the high school and the middle school.
It is a 2100 m2 three-story building which was designed by design consultant group MODE, which draws on the best practice from areas in Australia and New Zealand.
The INPEX-operated Ichthys LNG Project is contributing $3.3m; I thank INPEX for that. This is part of its $90m package of social and environmental programs to support the local community. It was put to Sean Kildare yesterday. Sean said that whilst INPEX and this project has a big impact on the Darwin area, they wanted to be sure it left a legacy across the Northern Territory. We support and thank them for their contribution to this great project.
A new NTOEC is desperately needed. The centre originally operated from an old building in Chrisp Street, Rapid Creek. It is more than 30 years old and is no longer suitable for the vast needs of secondary senior distance-education students.
I am excited about this project for a number of reasons. It will provide first-rate modern technology and a great educational opportunity for more than 600 students across the Northern Territory. There is also potential for us to provide education programs in Timor-Leste. The government of Timor-Leste is very interested in learning more about this and being directly involved in what we can provide. The bigger a project is – and the bigger a school is – the more opportunities it has to provide a vast scope of education. This is good news for students and for the Territory.
Stuart Lodge – Government Use
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for HOUSING
The Stuart Lodge facility in Alice Springs was closed by the CLP at the end of last year. This facility provided accommodation, mainly to families from bush communities coming to town for medical treatment. Where are ill people staying now? What is the NT government doing with Stuart Lodge, considering homelessness and overcrowding is a huge issue in Alice Springs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question. We on this side are supporting people who do not have access to housing, whether it is people with renal failure or diabetes, or the elderly who require respite. We are ensuring we look after people who need proper housing. This should be a right for those people, but there is a shortage of housing, and repairs and maintenance are being done.
I have been Housing minister for two weeks and I want to thank the previous minister for his hard work. I know now how hard it is being Housing minister, because you have to look after everybody in the Northern Territory whether remote, urban or in the cities.
The Giles government understands housing affordability is a big concern facing Territorians and that is why we are taking action on housing problems in the Northern Territory. The Real Housing for Growth initiative implemented in October 2012 supports the attraction and retention of key service industry workers in the Northern Territory …
Ms MANISON: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. We are not asking about those key workers, we are asking about people coming into Alice Springs for medical treatment. What has happened to the people who used to stay at Stuart Lodge and what are your plans for Stuart Lodge in the future?
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you, member for Wanguri. Minister, answer the question.
Mrs PRICE: There are issues with the closure and status of Stuart Lodge in Alice Springs and Murra Murra. People will look for short-term accommodation once it has been finalised. Aboriginal Hostels Limited currently has an agreement with us to manage the visitor park until 31 March 2015, and will work with us closely around Stuart Lodge because it is important.
Stuart Lodge is important accommodation for people who come from the bush and need somewhere to stay whilst visiting the doctors, and it is a safe place for them. We are making sure we have accommodation available for them.
Economy Performance
Mrs FINOCCHIARO to TREASURER
Can you please update the House on the state of the Territory economy?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Drysdale for her question. If you listen to those on the other side, you would swear this place was going to hell in a hand basket. Every now and again it is worthwhile giving a report on how our economy is going and stating what the experts have to say about our economy.
In the latest CommSec State of the States report, the Northern Territory is ranked equal best performing economy alongside New South Wales, and well ahead of Western Australia. Who would have thought; four years ago New South Wales had a Labor government – how quickly things change there. The Territory ranked first on five out of eight indicators: economic growth; equipment investment; low unemployment; construction work; and dwelling starts.
Economic activity in the Top End is almost 37% above its decade average level of output. Retail trade was also strong, courtesy of low unemployment. The Territory had the strongest jobs market of all jurisdictions with the lowest unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is 14% below the decade average of 4.2%. In other jurisdictions unemployment rates were well above the decade average levels.
New South Wales was ranked second with unemployment rates 12% higher than their decade average. In addition to CommSec, Deloitte Access Economics expects the Territory economy to remain very strong over the medium term. The Territory economy is expected to continue to out-perform all other jurisdictions and grow at more than double the rate, says Deloitte Access Economics.
Territory Treasury informs me that economic growth in the Northern Territory is 6.5% for 2013-14, which resulted in a gross state product of $21.2bn. Treasury also informs and forecasts that the NT economy will grow by 5% this financial year, which is underpinned by additional growth in private business investment and increases in construction, household consumption and exports.
The Darwin CPI has been moderating in annual terms since the recent peak of 4.4% growth in December 2013, and the downward trend continues in December 2014 with the annual increase moderating to 1.9%. The only people talking down the Territory economy are those opposite. All the experts around the country have nothing but good things to say about how the Territory is being governed.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Local Councils
Mr McCARTHY to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT and COMMUNITY SERVICES
Under your watch as the new minister for Local Government, you have sacked two elected councils. Local Government in the Territory is going backwards, with councils financially stressed as a result of your government funding decisions. Most recently you sacked the Tiwi Islands Regional Council and told the media elected Tiwi councillors were at fault. Then you appointed a manager to sack the CEO of the council. Why did you not attempt to work with the elected councillors, and will you table the Tiwi compliance report so Tiwi Islanders, and all Territorians, can see the evidence you used to take over this elected council?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Barkly for his question. The Litchfield Council is under management now, so I cannot speak on it while it is …
Ms Fyles: We are talking about Tiwi.
Mrs PRICE: That was the third question. I cannot comment on the Litchfield Council’s management.
Ms Lawrie: Do you have anything on Tiwi?
Mrs PRICE: Tiwi is under management as well, so you can hear about it after the review is done if you are so interested.
Mr Gunner: Will you table the report?
Mrs PRICE: After the toxic shires, we are doing the right thing for Territorians and the best for the Tiwi Islanders, whom you have always wanted to neglect. For eleven years you had nothing to do with the Tiwi Islands and now you tell us you care about them.
Water Management
Mr KURRUPUWU to MINISTER for LAND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Can the minister update the House on the consultation the Country Liberals government is undertaking around long-term water management in the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for this important question. Through the Framing the Future strategic plan, the Northern Territory government has committed to developing a long-term plan for water management and economic development strategies. Development of the Our Water Future strategic plan and implementation plan will guide the development and management of our water resources, and protect aquatic and water dependent ecosystems. It will enable subsequent development of water policies for the Northern Territory.
It gives me great pleasure to announce my Department of Land Resource Management is making major inroads with the Northern Territory’s Our Water Future strategic plan and implementation plan. A suite of water policies is progressing well along with drafting a discussion paper entitled Our Water Future strategic plan: a conversation with Territorians. This is the first stage of consultation with Territorians, including key stakeholders, about sensible and contemporary water policies, long-term strategies and legislative reforms which are essential for the growth of the Territory economy and the sustainable use of Territorians’ most precious resource.
I will release the discussion paper at the upcoming NT water forum in Katherine. Following this conversation, I will release a public feedback paper – a summary of conversations – which will inform the strategic plan and implementation plan’s development. It will identify short-, medium- and long-term actions. Ultimately, this will provide for the development of a suite of water policies, broader legislative reform and the establishment of an efficient and regulatory framework.
Good science and adaptive management are essential to ensure our water resources are used sustainably, and that water is available to support our natural ecosystems and our livelihoods.
The Country Liberals government is listening to Territorians. Since we came to government, a total of 130 water licences have been processed. In the Top End there are 29 surface water licences and 87 groundwater licences, and in the arid zone there are 14 groundwater licences.
The stark difference between the Country Liberals government and those opposite could not be any clearer. Under Labor, decisions on the provision of water, including strategic planning, timing and construction of new support infrastructure, were in the deepest, darkest reaches of space – in a policy vacuum. Similarly, decisions on the management, allocation and use of water resources were taken without clear strategic policy guidelines. This lack of clear policy approach has led to inconsistency in the approach to water management.
An overarching Territory water policy has been missing in guiding the development and management of our water resources. This government is not afraid to take on the challenge. We will come up with a strategic plan for water resources across the Territory. We will go places where the former government did not have the courage to go and take the Territory forward, using our precious resources to build an economy.
Permanent Care Orders
Ms LEE to MINISTER for CHILDREN and FAMILIES
Why were the changes to introduce permanent care orders rushed through so quickly, especially when all NGOs and legal services were asking for time for proper consultation and comment?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, consultation started in 2010, and NGOs were spoken to in 2011. The legislation went through the normal processes of this House, which means it was introduced and a number of people were spoken to about it.
I have spoken to the local head of CREATE and Ann Owen from Foster Carers Association NT about this. I continued to speak to people whilst this matter was lying on the table over the Christmas period and when it was finally here for passage.
To suggest it was rushed through, when the consultation process started in 2010, is a stretch of the truth, but we have become used to that in certain quarters in this House.
Permanent care orders are a vehicle by which foster carers who build a relationship with the kids they look after – to the point where they want to become those kids’ parents – can become those kids’ parents when the chances of reconciliation are so remote. It would be unreasonable to leave a child dangling in the ether when a loving home to embrace that child is available.
I will not back away or in any way resile – and nor will this government – from our duty to provide the children of the Northern Territory with a safe home. If that opportunity is at our fingertips, we should grasp it and see those children embraced in a home like the parent and child relationship we all hold as an ideal ...
Ms LEE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. Are you saying that Indigenous people cannot look after their children?
Madam SPEAKER: That is not a point of order. Sit down.
Mr ELFERINK: Boy, that makes me cross. I will not dignify that stupidity in this House. I care very much about children having good, safe homes; so should we all. That type of stupidity and recklessness causes so much pain in the community. I am genuinely bereft of words when I hear those things.
I heard from the members for Johnston and Arnhem that this was intended to be another Stolen Generation. Here is a little history for you: the Stolen Generations were arbitrary decisions which were not overseen by the courts. This system goes to the courts on a number of occasions before the kids are landed.
As far as government is concerned, kids having a loving, safe home will always be the priority.
Member for Port Darwin – Ministerial Achievements
Mr BARRETT to ATTORNEY-GENERAL and MINISTER for JUSTICE
Since coming to government you have implemented a number of significant reforms and changes, and we thank you for them, sir. I have no doubt you have many more to come. Can you please outline for the House your priorities for change in the coming months?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the role of a minister in any government is a rare and precious opportunity. It is not one I take lightly or seek an opportunity to shy away from because it is a hard job.
We have made a number of important reforms in the Northern Territory. Some of them are not politically sexy, such as the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal. As we step forward, there will be other things which are not politically sexy, like summary procedure legislation, which I will bring to this House in March. It will save the public millions, and the court system, our police force and other investigative authorities mountains of work going forward. The business of government is also about doing what is necessary, rather than what is exciting.
I am pleased to announce that we are pressing ahead with Daniel’s Law, which will be introduced into this House later this year.
We are writing to Attorneys-General and law enforcement agencies across the country, so we can gain access to the CrimTrac records and ensure paedophiles coming into our jurisdiction can be monitored and placed on a public register. Parents can then report these people to police when they see them in certain environments. Also, when single mothers start dating, there is a register where they can check the people they are going out with.
The Palmerston hospital is something I am driving on. I acknowledge the work done by the former Minister for Health in this area. We are on track to deliver this Palmerston hospital to the people of the Northern Territory by mid-2018.
As the Minister for Disability Services, there is much work to be done on the NDIS, especially now the NDIA has made a number of observations about the states suddenly having a role in this scheme, when the states were originally sidestepped in this scheme.
The national recognition of domestic violence orders is a matter of concern to me. When I became Attorney-General I was a member of SCAG, which soon became SCLJ and is now LCCSC. The Tasmanian Attorney-General – God bless her cotton socks – was doing some work in this area, and the Territory has offered to help Tasmania so we can move forward on the Prime Minister’s expectation that domestic violence orders will be recognised across jurisdictions.
We did that before the Prime Minister asked for it. I will be working on Michael Vita’s review of youth detention and making our youth detention system keep Territorians safe. I wish I had more than three minutes, because I have a lot more to say.
Domestic Violence Workers in Alice Springs
Ms FYLES to MINISTER for WOMEN’S POLICY
There were 864 reported domestic violence assaults in Alice Springs last year. Early this month, the Chief Minister told the Alice Springs CLP Branch:
- There are a lot of people who work in sobering up shelters and all of these things that respond to alcohol, that respond to dealing with cases of domestic violence and all of those people are not needed here …
Do you agree with the Chief Minister that domestic violence workers are no longer needed in Alice Springs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nightcliff for her question. This government plans to reduce violence against women and their children.
I want to talk about the Second Action Plan launched in Alice Springs in September 2014. This event was hosted by the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women, Senator Michaelia Cash, and me. The Second Action Plan runs from 2013-16 and contains 26 practical actions, which all governments agree are critical if we are to move ahead and improve women’s safety.
This plan has a strong focus on women and communities with diverse experiences of violence, such as Indigenous women, remote women, culturally and linguistically diverse women and women with disabilities. There is also a strong focus on strengthening and integrating services and systems, and improving responses to perpetrators.
The Office of Women’s Policy provides direct input and represents the Northern Territory government on a Second Action Plan implementation group, as well as the data improvement working group and the perpetrator intervention working group. The Office of Women’s Policy is a member and provides input to the cross-government working group that has developed, and is now implementing the whole-of-government Northern Territory Domestic and Family Violence Reduction Strategy 2014-17: Safety is Everyone’s Right.
We are currently consulting with 1800RESPECT to develop a national mobile phone app for women at risk of sexual assault and domestic family violence …
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. I asked a direct question; do you agree with the Chief Minister that domestic violence workers are no longer needed in Alice Springs?
Madam SPEAKER: The minister has three minutes to reply. Minister, will you get to the point of the question.
Mrs PRICE: As I mentioned earlier, we are here to reduce violence against women and their children. This government will make sure women and children are being protected. That is what I am passionate about, and I will make sure it happens.
Moody’s Investors Service
Mrs FINOCCHIARO to TREASURER
What does the Moody’s Investors Service have to say about government finances?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Drysdale for this important question. A bit over an hour ago the Moody’s Investors Service report was made available to the public, and it says a few interesting things about the state of the Northern Territory finances.
The member for Drysdale asked an earlier question about the economic indicators for the Northern Territory. While those indicators are basically an assessment of the Territory economy, Moody’s report is very important to the Northern Territory because its credit rating has a big impact on government finances.
We maintained our rating at Aa1 with a negative outlook; it has not changed from its last update in 2014. The report identifies a number of factors supporting that rating and their outlook. The report says the Territory’s financial performance deteriorated significantly in 2010-11 when its deficit position widened due to a ramp up in capital spending and elevated recurrent spending levels while revenue growth slowed. The Territory’s debt burden has risen as a result of larger cash deficits and due to the weakening of the Territory-owned Power and Water Corporation’s operations.
There it goes again; Moody’s is commenting on the previous government’s decisions on Power and Water.
The report also says the Territory has a plan to narrow its deficits, with a balance expected to be achieved over the medium term, and strong governance and management factors, including multi-year budget projections and prudent forecasts having contributed to a record of meeting or exceeding targets in recent years.
The update is generally favourable and balanced in its analysis, and is based on information published in the mid-year report. However, the update continues to foreshadow that any loosening in the Territory government’s resolve to bring the budget back into balance over the medium term would place downward pressure on our rating.
We do not want downward pressure on our rating because that leads to higher interest rates for the government to pay, meaning less money going into services valued by Territorians.
The government is on track, but it is important the 2015-16 budget continues this path of fiscal consolidation. We are on track and it is good news for the Territory. As I said in a previous answer, experts from all around the country are saying the Territory is the best-performing jurisdiction in the nation. We have managed to maintain our credit rating, despite having serious problems bequeathed to us by the previous government.
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