2006-10-12
Chief Minister – Status as Minister for Indigenous Affairs
Ms CARNEY to CHIEF MINISTER
When questioned yesterday about your failure to act on allegations of girls being prostituted for petrol, and other matters at the Central Australian community of Mutitjulu, you ducked and weaved in order to avoid blame. Leadership requires the highest standards of integrity and courage. You failed that test when, in November 2004, you decided that issuing a memo was an adequate response to the information you received. You further failed that test when you feigned shock at the revelations on Lateline, which were the same matters you knew about for some 18 months, and you failed yesterday when you did not take responsibility. Are you going to resign from the portfolio of Indigenous Affairs and, if not, why not?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I did not duck and I did not weave yesterday. This is a very difficult issue, as I comprehensively outlined yesterday. I refer the Leader of the Opposition to the Hansard.
Ms Carney: You ducked and weaved.
Ms MARTIN: I comprehensively - the Opposition Leader can say ducked and weaved all she likes, but we had some very specific strategies in place about what we have heard about Mutitjulu. It was not a secret that Mutitjulu was a community that had significant problems. They had been in the media over a number of years and there was no sense that we were ducking and weaving. We were taking action, and I outlined yesterday the level of quite significant action that we had taken before November 2004. So to say that I was ducking and weaving - far from it; in fact, the opposite, Madam Speaker.
We were dealing with the issues of a community, and we were working with the federal government.
Police resources had been increased a number of months before that memo; child protection resources had been increased; and the focus was there. Anything that was referred to was followed up. I said yesterday, very clearly, we could find no evidence for the allegations made by Greg Andrews in that community.
Ms Carney: Well then, why did you call an inquiry in June?
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms MARTIN: We certainly followed up, Madam Speaker. We have had police in the community working, particularly with substance abuse, before that time. We worked with alcohol, we had new legislation for volatile substance abuse, and we had intense effort in that community. We needed to do more, and I made no apology about the fact we needed to do more. If allegations were being made and we were not able to get anything substantiated about that …
Ms Carney: What changed?
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, we were determined to move further. The inquiry that I set up, which is headed by two excellent people, Rex Wild and Pat Anderson, is not only about Mutitjulu. Mutitjulu is one community in the Northern Territory where the …
Ms Carney: You were embarrassed into it, that is why.
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, Mutitjulu is one community, but there are many other communities where we want to work with them to try to get behind some of the figures that we have that indicate a level of child sex abuse. We want to find ways to ensure that we can get the perpetrators; we can have community’s confidence to identify those perpetrators; and then go through the process of being witnesses and having those perpetrators sentenced.
Madam Speaker, there is a sequence of events here. The inquiry is one component of that.
Home Ownership – Government Concessions
Mr BURKE to TREASURER
The Territory government has put home ownership as a key priority for Territorians. Can you update the House on how much money the government has saved Territorians through first home owner taxation concessions and through the principal place of residence rebate?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Brennan for his question. I am delighted to answer it because I am enormously proud of the achievements of this government in pursuing the policy of strengthening the home ownership base in the Northern Territory. The HomeNorth scheme is an absolute stand out example of this.
The government has introduced two major concessions on stamp duty aimed at strengthening that home ownership base. The first of these was the tax-free threshold on stamp duty for conveyancing for those people purchasing their very first home. That threshold is $225 000 and provides a maximum concession of $8015 for Territorians. Some 5,035 people have taken advantage of this scheme from 20 August 2002 to 31 August of this year with $22.79m being saved by them. The principal place of residence rebate, introduced on 20 August 2002 and increased during the last election campaign, pays Territorians purchasing the home that they are going to live in a $2500 rebate on conveyancing, 7933 Territorians have availed themselves of that concession, savings to them in the order of $14.08m. So, in total, Territorians have saved $36.87m as a result of these initiatives - 12 967, you could say 13 000, Territorians and their families have benefited. That is $36.87m spent on fitting and furnishing out those new homes and spending throughout the retail sector.
I fully expect the real estate industry to moderate somewhat over time, and for building and construction in the Northern Territory to settle down around more historic and sustainable levels. However, the growth in these areas is very much a sign of the general economic wellbeing, and that is why we offer these concessions to ensure that home ownership does not get away from average Territorians in the way that building, housing and construction costs have gotten away from first home owners in Sydney, Melbourne and other places. I am sure that the balance being struck is pretty right at the moment.
Palmerston Health Clinic Closure
Dr LIM to MINISTER for HEALTH
Trish Crossin, the Labor Senator for the Northern Territory, has recently written to the residents of Palmerston detailing the difficulties the residents have accessing a GP in Palmerston, She slavishly follows your line, blame shifting to the federal government. Why does she not say that it is you who is cutting the Territory government’s subsidy that has closed the clinic? Why cannot the Labor Party be honest with Territorians and tell them it is the Labor Party that is taking away the clinic and nobody else?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Greatorex for his question. Let us get one thing very clear from the beginning: GP services, bulk billing and after-hour services are a function and a responsibility of the Commonwealth government …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order!
Ms Carney: It is your bailiwick, isn’t it, Treasurer?
Madam SPEAKER: Order, Leader of the Opposition!
Mr Stirling: Commonwealth responsibility. What? We take over the AFP?
Madam SPEAKER: Deputy Chief Minister, cease interjecting!
Dr BURNS: Madam Speaker, the opposition might not want to hear this, but it is the fact. It is something that is also backed up the AMA. I had a meeting with the AMA soon after I was made Health minister, and they said unequivocally on this issue in particular, that the issues I outlined before - after-hour services, GPs and bulk billing - are all the Commonwealth’s responsibility. Likewise, the Top End Division of General Practice - likewise Tony Abbott is recognising this.
In May this year, minister Tony Abbott released a media release and talked about something called Round the Clock Medicare. Basically, he said that there is a funding scheme within Australia to support long-term viability and sustainability of after-hours medical services. He named the subsidies: operating subsidies of up to $200 000 a year; start-up grants of $200 000; supplementary grants of $50 000 per year. That was in May. In September, he announced a number of GP practices ...
Mr Mills: You are playing political games with the people of Palmerston.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: … around Australia - I coming to that, member for Blain – that had received this funding. There were 63 in all; one of them in the Northern Territory at Stuart Park, but not one of them in Palmerston …
Mr Mills: They thought they were getting funds from you.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: … despite the fact that at least one practice that I am aware of, and probably two, in Palmerston have applied for these grants.
Where were David Tollner and Nigel Scullion in all of this? This is a Commonwealth responsibility.
Mr Mills: Shame on you!
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Blain!
Dr BURNS: This is a responsibility that rightly falls with the Commonwealth government. This government has supplied approximately $280 000 to subsidise the Farrar Medical Centre for an after-hours service. That was initiated at a time when there was a scarcity of GP practices in the Palmerston region. There are now seven in all in the Palmerston region; four of those offer some sort of after-hours service, whether it be weekends or evenings, and two of them, I am informed, have applied for this Round the Clock Medicare. Well, Round the Clock Medicare it might be for everywhere else in Australia. Where are David Tollner and Nigel Scullion in this? What we have done is taken that $280 000 and reallocated it to a number of community-based services which are rightly the province of the Northern Territory government.
Recently, the member for Brennan announced a maternity health nurse who started there. We are also rolling out services to facilitate people’s discharge from hospital. The whole area of Palmerston is being served in breast screening services, better chronic disease management services and, through my colleague, better community-based services. That totals up to $500 000 a year. We have not taken funding away from Palmerston. In fact, we have almost doubled it.
However, the question I ask is: where is the Commonwealth government? I have written to both David Tollner and minister Abbott on this issue, asked them where the applications are in terms of processing for at least one of the practices at Palmerston …
Mr Mills: You know why they did not process …
Dr BURNS: Well, where is it? Why aren’t you advocating with the Commonwealth government on this?
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: Where are David Tollner and Nigel Scullion? Nowhere. They have already funded 63 around Australia, one of them in the Northern Territory at Stuart Park and none in Palmerston.
Bushfire Threat
Mr KNIGHT to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
My electorate has experienced significant bushfires and there have been extensive bushfires across the Northern Territory over the last month. Are you able to give us an update on the bushfires and what is being done to combat the problem?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Daly for his question. I know he is concerned because some of these bad bushfires we have had are affecting his electorate, as well as that of the member for Goyder. I apologise in advance if my answer is a bit long, but I feel it is important to explain the full extent of our fires. Particularly on our side, we know the importance of the land that is being burnt, to landowners and everyone affected by it. If the opposition feels that the long answer is not appropriate, that is up to them.
The 2006 fire season was predicted by Bushfires NT to be a difficult one, and they have been correct. In fact, this is shaping up to be one of the worst bushfire seasons on record. The long Wet Season provided an above average period of growth and delayed the carrying out of fuel reduction activity. Despite a strong awareness campaign in which rural residents were encouraged to install firebreaks and reduce fuel loads, unfortunately, many failed to act.
On Saturday, 9 September, a number of fires broke out in the Darwin rural area, sending volunteer brigades in a number of directions. The largest fire started in the Leonino Road area and took three days to control. During that time it accumulated some very sobering statistics: 38 km burnt; 158 blocks burnt; 21 properties significantly damaged; and, six dwellings badly damaged or destroyed. The fires took quite an investment and effort to fight: 50 volunteer fire fighters, including seven Bushfires NT staff; one ambulance; three tankers; 27 grass fire units; four private tractors; eight private utes with water tanks; three helicopters; one loader; two graders and a bobcat.
An estimate of the total amount of property lost would be difficult to make. However, whole mango orchards, houses, sheds, cars and machinery were destroyed. The final loss to the community will certainly be many millions of dollars. Even harder to estimate, though, is the value of the property saved. The Volunteer Bushfire Brigades worked tirelessly to save assets, including homes, crops and tourist infrastructure. In this they were largely successful and the value of property saved is in the millions.
The fires were eventually contained along boundaries where fuel reduction burns had been undertaken earlier in the season, proving beyond doubt that fuel reduction in the occupied areas outside Darwin is crucial to the protection from wildfire.
The efforts of the large number of volunteers is particularly commendable. Many worked long hours into the night …
Mrs Braham: You certainly know your subject. You have to read it.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Member for Braitling, I am sure there are many people who are interested in this because there are …
Mrs Braham: Come on, minister, if you knew your subject you would tell us.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Braitling, cease interjecting.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: … particularly in relation to our volunteers. Many worked long shifts into the night over the entire weekend, and many put on their yellow fire retardant suits again on Monday and lost a day’s paid work to save the homes of other people. Many of us sitting here in Darwin, or other urban centres, fail to fully appreciate the value of our Volunteer Bushfire Brigades. I place on the record my appreciation, and I am sure all members in this House, our appreciation of their commitment. There are many rural property owners who have a lot to thank them for.
As I speak, Madam Speaker, there are serious wildfire threats at a number of other locations around the central and northern parts of the Territory. Muranji Station north-west of Newcastle Waters: this fire has expanded substantially in the last 24 hours and has jumped backburns. It is now moving west and threatens properties in the VRD. Bushfire staff and station personnel have done backburns around Muranji Homestead and they are now extending firebreaks further ahead of the flame front. Birrindudu Station in the southern VRD: this fire is now burning into productive country and is threatening infrastructure. Bushfires NT and station personnel are working to contain that fire.
The Douglas Daly region is burning, and has been for several days. The Douglas Daly fire has so far affected nine properties: Oolloo, Douglas Daly Research Farm, Bent Elbow, Midway, Middle Creek, Mainoru, Early Storm, Bungee Bungee and Ruby Downs. There has been some loss of pasture and fencing. A 3 km backburn last night appears to have contained this fire, but volunteer brigades and station staff are staying on-site to monitor the situation as the weather continues to be extreme.
Two large fires in Kakadu and Central Arnhem have joined up and are being monitored.
Ms CARNEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The minister apologised before her answer and we have been extraordinarily patient. I ask that you direct the minister to table the rest of her answer, as members of the opposition, and indeed some of her colleagues, are being deprived of the opportunity of asking our questions.
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, there is no point of order. I am hopeful that the minister’s answer is almost complete.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: I am almost finished, Madam Speaker. The fires are quite extensive. Elsey Station, Twin Hills and Labelle Downs are being monitored where there are fires. In some cases, extreme and gusty wind conditions are making the fires difficult to contain.
It is no exaggeration to say the Top End of the Territory is burning. It is a source of extreme frustration to Bushfires NT and to those volunteer brigades. Many of these fires would be easy to manage and contain and the damage to property would be minimised as many of the fires have been fuelled as a result of some lax property owners. We are imploring them to abide by the law, install the necessary fire breaks and undertake fuel reduction. This will send out the strongest message: property owners who fail to install fire breaks are not only risking their own property, as they know, but they are also risking the lives of the volunteers. There will be action taken towards those owners who do not comply and install the necessary fire breaks.
Before I finish, Madam Speaker, I express my gratitude to all those volunteer firies who give up so much of their time to protect property and, more importantly, our environment.
Farrar After-Hours Medical Clinic
Mr MILLS to MINISTER for HEALTH
GP bulk billing services are most important to the people who have the lowest incomes. These families are most likely to suffer ill health and be least able to afford to pay the gap of a non-bulk billing doctor. They are also the least likely to own a car and, consequently, most likely to delay seeking the services of a non-bulk billing doctor should they fall ill at night. Does not your decision to withdraw funding from the Farrar After Hours Medical Clinic most affect the poorest members of the Palmerston community and, at best, add to the waiting times at Royal Darwin Hospital?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I wonder where the member for Blain was for the last answer I gave. Bulk billing is the responsibility of the Commonwealth government of Australia. It is true that bulk billing has been decreasing Australia-wide, and that includes the Territory, over past years. Whose fault is that? That is the Commonwealth government through the MBS scheme.
Mr Mills: Why did you fund it for five years?
Dr BURNS: What have you done about it with your mates in Canberra, member for Blain? I will repeat what I said before: government subsidised the Farrar medical practice in 2001 when there was a paucity of general practices in the region. There are now seven in the Palmerston region, and there are four that offer some form of after-hours service.
It is time that the Commonwealth stepped up to the plate in terms of its Round the Clock Medicare promises, and that David Tollner made some representations to Tony Abbott - I certainly have - to ensure the Round the Clock Medicare scheme and the generous grants scheme is extended to GP practices in Palmerston.
Alice Springs Alcohol Management Plan
Ms ANDERSON to CHIEF MINISTER
The Alice Springs Alcohol Management Plan was launched last month and the new restrictions began on 1 October. Can you inform Territorians about the implementation of the plan and any progress there has been so far?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. It is very important, particularly for Alice Springs, because this is where the Alcohol Management Plan is centered. As the member said, the restrictions and the plan have been in place since the beginning of the month. The aim of the plan is to reduce the harm caused by alcohol abuse, and certainly the misuse of alcohol, in Alice Springs. It is not a secret; it is something that is very worrying for the community.
There are three main components to the plan: to reduce supply, to reduce harm, and reduce demand. First, we put in place measures to reduce supply. Those restrictions came into effect at the beginning of the month and will be monitored by the Licensing Commission over the next 12 months.
Mrs Braham: So people are getting drunk later in the day.
Ms MARTIN: There is also a 12 month - I thought you would be interested, member for Braitling.
Mrs Braham: I know all about it.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Braitling!
Ms MARTIN: Come on. This is a good plan and I want to talk about it because we want to make sure this works for Alice Springs.
Ms Carney: You reckon it is going to work?
Ms MARTIN: I think you should be cheering. It is a good thing.
There is also a 12 month moratorium on the issue of takeaway licences, and that is in place. The second focus is on reducing harm by influencing what people drink and where they can drink it.
Madam Speaker, while the restrictions are only in their second week, we have anecdotal advice from Racing, Gaming and Licensing, from police, from the Alice Springs Hospital and from Congress to suggest there has been a substitution of the high alcohol content product, like port and cask wine, for beer and pre-mixed spirits. The feedback has been supported by comments in the media by licensees themselves.
We expected this to happen and it certainly bodes well for the alcohol management plan, because what it means is the consumption of pure alcohol per litre is reducing, and that is good. It will logically lead to a reduction in the alcohol-related harm that has been occurring in Alice Springs. We will continue to monitor that. We will receive the data from liquor licensees, police, hospital, primary health care providers, rehabilitation service providers and the Alice Springs Town Council. So we are working very proactively here. Cheer on, member Braitling, cheer on.
The third aspect is reducing demand for alcohol. Training for health professionals has been expanded, however, we are also intent on educating young people and changing the culture of excessive alcohol consumption. We will work with local sporting and recreational clubs and other licensed premises to promote that culture of responsible drinking.
Already there has been an increase in the number of inspections to ensure licensees are complying with the Liquor Act. These inspections will be conducted over 12 weeks and they are already in their third week of operation. We are strongly committed to ensuring the community is kept informed about the new arrangements, and certainly how they are progressing. We have an alcohol reference group in place, and all households in Alice Springs will receive a brochure outlining the alcohol management plan and the liquor restrictions.
I am confident that this plan and these restrictions can make a real difference to Alice Springs. I am certainly very pleased to keep the House and local members updated on the plan, and I know the member for Macdonnell is very keen to see how this progress is happening.
Local Government – Changes to Policy
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Last week, you were not going to announce changes to local government at the Local Government Association AGM in Alice Springs, but lo and behold, this week you did just that. Why did you say one thing, and then say another? Now that you have announced the changes, which appear to be wide ranging, when will you be making a definitive statement to this parliament? When can the community see a discussion paper on what you are proposing? Will the community have an opportunity to publicly express their views?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. Very true, I did indicate to Richard Margetson, I believe it was, on ABC radio about a week ago that I would not be making a public statement. That was the honest truth at that point in time. What else could I say? At that point in time, I did not know that I would be actually delivering that speech in Question Time yesterday. Simple.
Ms Carney: You have a good policy framework happening, have you not?
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr McADAM: The member did ask me a question.
Ms Carney: So strategic and …
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr McADAM: I could get up in this House and tell a mistruth, but the fact is that is how it was at that point in time.
In respect to the other points in your question, member for Nelson, very clearly, over a very long period of time, there has been real concern in regard to local government in the bush communities in particular. It is fair to say that when you get the opportunity to do something in the interests of those people out in the bush in particular, then you do try to take up that opportunity without fear or favour - in stark contrast to the previous government which, essentially, did not have the guts or the courage to tackle this sort of problem, chucked it into the background, and used it as a pummelling post in terms of indigenous issues. I am very proud to be part of a government that at least has had the guts and the courage to go down this path.
One of the real issues that we have had in the bush in the past is that there has been no certainty. We have had 63 regional councils operating at different levels; 17 of those have been incorporated under the Associations Act. In all honesty, many of those councils, basically, have been rendered useless because of a lack of commitment by us as a government and the Commonwealth government to put into place new structures.
The structures that I announced yesterday essentially relate to the following: one is that they will be under a local government model. It will be under a regional shire model in the bush. There will be capacity for those regional councillors to engage in that new regional shire model. There will be capacity for an award under a regional shire council model. There will capacity for communities on the ground to be engaged in this whole process. Most importantly, next week I will invite expressions of interest from people who might want to sit on the advisory body which will advise me and will play a key role in driving this reform.
However, there is one other very important point we have to understand. In the past, I do not believe we, as Territorians, have accepted our responsibilities as we should have. You have a situation now where you have the Commonwealth government, which is looking at new ways and means of doing things. Of course, what needs to happen is that, from either a Commonwealth or a Territory government perspective, there needs to be certainty of security and confidence, of being able to park money in a vehicle - for want of a better word - that is recognised Australia-wide.
The other important point is that for the first time ever communities and community councils going down this path will have high levels of certainty. They will have the same equitable opportunities as anyone else does in the Northern Territory. That has been denied them in the past.
I do not, for one moment, believe it is going to be an easy task, or that it is just going to fall into place, because it does not happen that way. You have to start from somewhere. I believe the announcement yesterday was a sensible one, a very mature and visionary one, on behalf of the Martin government. We have the guts and the courage to engage the communities and put in place a structure which we hope will drive the bush in social and economic benefits.
I am more than happy to give you a briefing, member for Nelson. The member for Greatorex asked for a briefing. Should you require a briefing, we can arrange that and give you some of the details. We are not going to be prescriptive in how it happens on the ground. That will take some time.
Commonwealth Grants for Health Care in Palmerston
Dr LIM to MINISTER for HEALTH
Is it not the case that the Territory government receives twice as much as the national average – in fact 204.9% to be exact – from the Commonwealth Grants Commission for health care? You also receive a further $103m in additional SPP payments for health grants. You are taking a bulk billing after-hours medical practice from the 25 000 people in Palmerston. Why do they have to travel a 50 km round trip, wait for hours at the Emergency Department of the Royal Darwin Hospital, when you receive so much money to provide services to all Territorians? While you are on your feet answering the question, please confirm what the member for Brennan said; that there are four after-hours services in Palmerston. Where are they and who are they, so the people of Palmerston can get the bulk billing services you provide?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, if the member for Greatorex had been listening carefully, I said that, in toto, there are seven GP practices in the Palmerston region and that four of those offered after-hours services in one form or another. That is what I said and the Parliamentary Record will bear me out on that.
In relation to Commonwealth funding for health services within the Northern Territory, these are determined by the Commonwealth Grants Commission. It is true that the Territory does receive more on the basis of that formula, which is in relation to the percentage of indigenous people in our population, factors related to remoteness, a whole range of factors indicated on that formula through the Commonwealth Grants Commission which really determines the level of funding within the Northern Territory. What that Commonwealth Grants Commission funding does not do is ask the Northern Territory to provide such GP services as we are talking about here today. It does not ask the Territory to provide bulk billing services within that context either.
I will come back to the statement by Tony Abbott where he said …
Dr Lim: Where are these practices in Palmerston that bulk bill?
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: It is not a given statistic …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: In his May media release, he said:
- By delivering on its Round the Clock Medicare election policy commitment, the government is improving access to after-hours GP care, both in metropolitan and regional Australia.
Well, Tony, that does not include Palmerston. The 63 that you have already given does not include Palmerston. Where is David Tollner? Where is Nigel Scullion? Where is this election promise of the federal government, of which Tollner and Scullion were part? Where is its delivery in Palmerston?
Restricted Areas Legislation - Applications
Ms McCARTHY to MINISTER for RACING, GAMING and LICENSING
Amendments to the Liquor Act were passed by this parliament in the June and August sittings. Can you advise the House of any applications that have been received in relation to the restricted areas legislation?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arnhem for her question. As the Chief Minister foreshadowed in her answer on alcohol management plans, this is a government that is serious about addressing harmful alcohol consumption in our community and the destructive effects that has in our community. I said earlier this week that it is no accident that I have the portfolio areas of Police, Health, and Racing, Gaming and Licensing, because the harmful effects of alcohol knock on through all of those portfolio areas and also within the portfolio areas of my colleague, the Minister for Family and Community Services. It is crucially important that we address these issues.
The government has taken tough measures to work with Territorians to reduce alcohol-related crime and antisocial behaviour. The restricted areas legislation complements other government strategies including the Antisocial Behaviour (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act, community driven alcohol management plans and strategies targeting liquor issues surrounding suburban liquor outlets that I mentioned here earlier this week.
Since July, there have been 17 applications received by the Licensing Commission in relation to the private premises restricted area legislation, which includes homes and units in complexes. The majority of those have been on Territory Housing premises. I have been advised that 10 premises have been declared and signs erected, with seven more pending approval. Out of those 10, there have been five infringement notices already served on people who have been infringing this law. It is good to see that people are taking action to address alcohol issues.
Furthermore, as members would be aware, in August 2006, the Legislative Assembly passed laws to enable the declaration of public restricted areas. These can include publically owned land such as parks and reserves. In that context, people would be aware that there is the capacity for special occasions, whether it be a wedding or a function, for people to get a permit to enable the consumption of liquor at a particular event.
The Alice Springs Town Council has made an application which was received by the Licensing Commission on 2 October. The process now will be that the Licensing Commission will hold hearings in Alice Springs and take submissions from the public. I am sure there will be many submissions, possibly even from members of this Assembly, made to the Liquor Commission on this issue. It is only through reducing harmful alcohol consumption that we can reduce the destructive effects of alcohol in our Northern Territory community.
Local Government – Changes to Policy
Dr LIM to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT
I do not wish to insult you, but I was listening very closely to your response to the member for Nelson. You just told this House that it took you one week to realise, conceptualise, remodel and deliver the most radical change to local government in the Territory’s history. Well done! You may as well have said that you are making policy on the run and you will let people know how they will be governed when you have a brain wave. Are you really serious?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is important for the member for Greatorex to understand what occurred in respect of the interview with Richard Margetson. As I remember it, I was asked: would I be making a public announcement, ie, yesterday. I indicated during the interview that I would not be doing that. I would not be making an announcement.
Dr Lim: You told the media a fib. Is that what it is?
Mr McADAM: No. I went on Richard’s show this morning. He asked me the same question. I advised Richard that when I spoke to him on that occasion I was not in a position to make that announcement. There is no policy on the run. There are no lies involved in this process. The fact is that this has been under consideration for quite some time out there in the community. I have been very open in talking to a whole range of stakeholders, including the Cattlemen’s Association, the land councils, community government councils, LGANT and, indeed, members on your side. We have had discussions about it.
I do not know where you are coming from, whether you are just muckraking for the sake of muckraking. The fact is this: this government has made a decision in respect of the reform of local government. It will be under a new regional shire type arrangement. There will be the establishment of an advisory body. That will go out to tender next week. There will be a very open consultation process engaging all stakeholders. We intend to get as many people onto that advisory committee, representative of groups across the Northern Territory. The ultimate aim here is to put in place a very secure, capable regional shire type model that has the capacity to grow the bush into the future. Unfortunately, the model that we have at the moment does not have that capability. I do not know whether that answers your question, but to suggest that there is any form of policy making on the run is ridiculous, to say the least.
Mango Harvest for 2006
Mr KIELY to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY and FISHERIES
This leads me on to another subject. Nightcliff trader, a neighbour and resident of Anula, Mr Ed Howard, who has Ed’s Wafers and Fruits at the Nightcliff markets, was telling me the other day …
Ms CARNEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Is the member for Sanderson proposing to ask a question or give a speech? I know he has ministerial aspirations, but I do ask that you direct him to ask his question.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Leader of the Opposition, there is no point of order. Member for Sanderson, continue to ask the question.
Mr KIELY: Madam Speaker, I thank her for her observation. As I was saying, Mr Ed Howard was talking to me about the mango crop and how he had run out of mango wafers. He was saying that he was hoping there was going to be a good crop this year because he has a good market and people love his dried wafer fruits. Can you offer any advice on the expected harvest and the outlook for local growers this season?
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Sanderson for his question. It is mango madness time. The Northern Territory mango harvest is well under way and, as you can see from the mangoes on the table today, the current indications this year are that it is going to be very large crop. Our mango industry in the Territory contributes about 50% value to the horticultural industry, and that equates to around $40m a year. The Northern Territory mangoes are some of the earliest fruits available; 30% of our 2006 crop has already been sent to southern markets.
Premium mangoes are also being exported to Japan by Jabiru Tropical Orchards. My thanks go to Jim, Peter and Michael Delis who have kindly donated the fruits that are in the House. Plans are under way to send mangoes to the northern hemisphere, and this is building on the experience gained through the sea freight trials through the EU. My thanks also go to Tim Elliott and Gary Waldron of WE Pack, and Haigh and Anne Arthur from Acacia Hills Farm.
Darwin packing sheds are currently in peak production and are working frantically. We expect that to be continuing for the next two weeks. I understand the Katherine area has started selected growing and will be into full production in the first week of November. Packing sheds estimate that the volume of the crop this year will be approximately 2 million to 2.2 million trays, which is a bit down on the record year of 2004 by about half a million trays.
I commend the Northern Territory Horticultural Association and the Northern Territory Mango Association on their work on the Transport Logistics and Labour Harvesting Strategy, and that is based on the forecasts that have been delivered by my department. These have included television advertisements to encourage tourists to work in the Northern Territory. As we all know, the mango industry relies heavily on the backpacker industry, and major efforts have been made this year to try to get backpackers in. The backpackers are a very volatile crowd. Unfortunately, the influence of world events and financial trends see a fluctuation in numbers. However, I must again congratulate the Northern Territory Horticultural Association and the mango industry for its work in attracting workers to the Territory.
The industry is going through a painful restructuring stage at the moment, and many small and part-time growers are starting to drift out of the industry, which is a shame. I ask all Territorians, and my parliamentary colleagues to get behind the mango industry. It has been said that bananas and stone fruit are going to be very expensive and probably in short supply this year so I believe the ripe mango is the best way to go.
As we all know, this is the Kensington Pride mango. It is grown extensively in the Territory and that is the way they are packed. The new one that has just come in is the Calypso. This is the new packaging that the supermarkets require. I understand these are grown by selected growers and are quite sweet. As you can see, there is one missing out of there; I have deliberately given that to the Leader of the Opposition because I think she needs some sweetening up after this week.
Care and Protection of Children and Young People Draft Bill
Mrs BRAHAM to MINISTER for FAMILY and COMMUNITY SERVICES
A sporting organisation dealing with young children has asked me what regulations they need to implement to comply with the protection of young children and their volunteers. In 2004, a proposed Care and Protection of Children and Young People draft bill was released for discussion. The closing date was February 2005, which is 20 months ago. Was this just an exercise prior to the election to appease community bodies, or do you really intend to do something 20 months later with this new bill? Do you intend to replace the current Community Welfare Act? Come on, it is time we heard something.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Braitling for her question. Rest assured, this government is intent on reforming the welfare legislation that is now some two decades old. It is a significant body of work. We are trying to move welfare legislation from very old practice – archaic practice in some instances - to modern best practice. You have to undertake a careful course of public consultation, which we have done.
When I became minister in 2005, that consultation had come to an end. There were some draft proposals for legislation that had been worked up. I took the opportunity of engaging expert advice from Professor Dorothy Scott of the Australian Centre for Child Protection at the University of South Australia, because I felt that, whilst we had intensively consulted throughout the Territory, we did not have someone who was an expert in child protection legislation and practices from outside the Territory to have a fresh look at the legislation. Professor Scott agreed to do that. We engaged her to go through the legislation.
On the whole, it came up with a pretty strong tick. There were some areas within the legislation where she recommended improvements and enhancements. I then went into a series of discussions with my agency around those improvements. I also consulted with the Law Society again because they were very engaged in the process and had some additional views around some improvements to the draft legislation.
That work has now been done. The draft legislation has gone back to Parliamentary Counsel with the new advice of the changes government is looking for as a result of discussions with the Law Society and the recommendations of Professor Scott. I expect to receive that final version of the draft shortly from Parliamentary Counsel and will take that to Cabinet. I am hopeful of introducing legislation to this Chamber in either the November or February sittings.
Mental Health Week – Tiwi for Life Program
Mr BONSON to MINISTER for FAMILY and COMMUNITY SERVICES
I attended the famous NTFL Umpires Carnival on the weekend with the members for Wanguri, Arnhem and Macdonnell. We were lucky enough to watch a combined Tiwi Warriors team win the carnival. This is Mental Health Week. Would you inform the House of the government’s initiatives?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Millner, a football nut, and from a very proud football family, for his question. I acknowledge the presence in the gallery of the President of AFLNT, Bob Elix. Bob, it was definitely a punt that AFLNT took in considering a trial of a Tiwi team into the NTFL competition. Judging by the result of the Umpires Carnival, you are onto a pretty safe bet there.
As minister responsible for Disability Services, I considered the opportunity for a Tiwi team to play in the competition and what that would mean in promoting a mental health message. This week, as we know, is Mental Health Week. The theme is ‘Say G’day’. I encourage all members of this Chamber to take an extra opportunity this week, when we are talking about inclusiveness in our society of people with a mental illness, to go around and say g’day, and to recognise that the work of the NT Mental Health Coalition, Marilyn Starr and her committee, who have organised a week of activities, really need to be supported by parliamentarians.
We also have a football theme for this week. Wayne Schwass, the great North Melbourne and Sydney Swans player, is here talking to Territorians about his experience with mental illness. He is a great role model as a player, and also a fantastic role model for people who are living with a mental illness.
Today saw the official launch of the AFLNT’s Tiwi football team. I am proud to say that the Northern Territory government is a sponsor of the Tiwi club. Our sponsorship comes from our Mental Health budget in Tiwi for Life, which is a program we fund on the Tiwi Islands. We fund Tiwi health workers to really send the message to prevent suicide. As we are aware, tragically, the Tiwi Islands are over-represented in the suicide rate. Tiwi for Life has been a very positive program on the Tiwi Islands. We have put a $10 000 sponsorship into the players of Tiwi, who will proudly be wearing the suicide prevention logo, Tiwi for Life, on the back of their guernseys. Part of that sponsorship is that, throughout the football season, they will visit the local schools and talk throughout the community, promoting mental wellbeing and the importance of seeking help if you are feeling depressed, and ensuring that they are a part of a loving and caring community.
Congratulations to the Tiwi team. I hope they have a great season. That Tiwi for Life message is an incredibly important mental wellbeing message. I hope it is a message the whole community can embrace.
Members: Hear, hear!
Palmerston After-Hours Health Care
Dr LIM to MINISTER for HEALTH
You have boasted that your spending for health has been increased by 60% since you came to office. Health represents only 3% of the Territory budget. You are currently earning $180 000 per year and live in the northern suburbs and, therefore can access health care at any time, anywhere – even at the Royal Darwin Hospital Emergency Department just as many northern suburbs people do.
Unlike you, many families and battlers at Palmerston earn less than one-third of your income. They want to hear you, in relation to healthier health outcomes, say: ‘Yes, I will re-open the after-hours bulk billing practice’. Can you bring yourself to say yes to these people, or will you just keep blaming other people because you refuse to do your job?
You can go to Royal Darwin Hospital Emergency Department for free, as can all people in the northern suburbs. However, Palmerston people have to travel 50 km to get there; it costs them. Will you reinstate their after-hours service?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is news to me that I am making $180 000 a year. Maybe I should ask the paymaster about that, because I am certainly not making $180 000.
It is typical of the member for Greatorex to really hype up something. I have already answered this question a number of times during this Question Time. In simple terms, the answer is no, member for Greatorex. The Northern Territory government has already committed that funding to services that are appropriately funded by the government – maternal and child health, support for discharged patients, and breast screening. There is a whole range of services being beefed up in the Palmerston area and it is appropriate that the Northern Territory government do that.
In relation to people accessing services in Palmerston, I was approached at the markets on Sunday by someone who had initially raised the issue of the Farrar Medical Centre with me a couple of weeks ago, who reported to me that they had found another GP who was willing to take them after hours in Palmerston. I hope that answers your question.
International Visitor Numbers Decline – Effect on the Territory
Mr HAMPTON to MINISTER for TOURISM
There is considerable concern at the moment, particularly through the national media, regarding the decline of international visitors to Australia. Can you inform the House of what this means for the Territory and what the government is doing to advance the Territory’s tourism industry?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Stuart because, unlike the Leader of the Opposition, he is vitally interested in tourism in the …
Ms Carney: Oh rubbish. It is good to hear you talk.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: … Northern Territory, particularly in Central Australia. The international market, as anybody who understands the tourism industry in the Northern Territory, is a very important market for the Territory. It represents 41% of our holiday visitor mix. It is correct to say that there has been a downward trend in the inbound international tourism market into Australia. For the year ending June 2006, the national figures for Australia recorded a 2.1% drop in international holiday visitation numbers, a trend that is concerning for the Territory.
However, to this point, I am pleased to say that the Northern Territory has been bucking the national trend. We have actually been swimming against the tide. For the same time period, international holiday visitation to the Territory has increased by 9%, which is a significant achievement. It is an 11% swing against what is happening nationally. I acknowledge the outstanding contribution my colleague, the Chief Minister, made as Tourism minister, and Tourism NT, in ensuring that we have the funding and the right marketing strategies in the international marketplace to drive inbound tourism to the Northern Territory.
Ms Carney: How come the figures are down, if she did so well? It does make you wonder.
Mr HENDERSON: It is a very significant achievement, yet again the Leader of the Opposition’s empty words rattle around in her head. Why can’t she support and acknowledge the fantastic work being done by Tourism NT in driving tourism numbers which are so vital for Alice Springs and so vital for the Northern Territory? She is quick enough to condemn Tourism NT and the government on tourism issues, but very slow to acknowledge and support the good work that they have done. Madam Speaker, I intend to ensure we double our efforts to aggressively grow that market share.
I would like to talk about a couple of specific projects happening at the moment. One is the Outback Air Pass. In partnership with Qantas Vacations, we are targeting the American market by offering a $999 airfare to travel to the Northern Territory, making us competitive with the Australian east coast. That is very significant marketing. Everyone knows that people are price conscious these days - $999 from America to the Northern Territory. Another activity targets the Singapore expats. It offers packages linking Tiger Airways with Top End product.
Our international team will be in the Northern Territory in mid-November to deliver their annual market update, and I encourage everyone in the tourism industry who accesses international visitors as part of their target market to take the opportunity to meet with our international team in November whilst they are here.
We are bucking the national trends, however, we are not resting on our laurels. The international market is vital for the Northern Territory, and we and Tourism NT will continue the good work. Hopefully, we will continue to swim against the tide.
Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016