2015-02-24
Chief Minister – Call for Resignation
Ms LAWRIE to CHIEF MINISTER
Your reputation is in tatters and you are unfit to govern. The member for Araluen told Territorians:
- This is an important motion, because despite what we would like to present to the public we all know the political instability within our government remains unresolved.
The member for Nelson said the CLP:
- … drowns under the pile of debris left by cyclone Giles.
To end this instability which is paralysing government, will you resign?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, no.
Cyclone Lam – Recovery
Mr BARRETT to CHIEF MINISTER
Can you provide an update on the Cyclone Lam recovery effort across Arnhem Land?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Blain for his question. On Sunday he had the opportunity to come with me to Elcho Island to inspect the cyclone damage at Galiwinku. I had the opportunity of bumping into the member for Nhulunbuy there.
The member for Blain was heartened to see spirits so high while we were there, which I was also impressed with. Police, emergency services, Power and Water staff, government workers and non-government organisations should be applauded for their immediate response. I acknowledge the staff from the Department of Children and Families, who responded immediately in the evacuation of community members from Warruwi to the Foskey Pavilion. The DCF staff are tirelessly working there also, along with many other people.
We have moved from a response phase to a recovery phase. Jim Rogers, from the Department of the Chief Minister Nhulunbuy, is now overseeing the regional recovery coordination area. At this stage, the state of emergency has been extended until Friday to allow recovery efforts to continue smoothly, ensuring the safe restoration of essential services and the maintenance of health and safety for residents.
Impact assessments have been completed in all four major communities impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Lam: Gapuwiyak, Galiwinku, Milingimbi and Ramingining. Technical teams have also begun assessment of the Marthakal and Milingimbi homelands, which were inaccessible. Some still are because of fallen trees and debris. The immediate focus is on removing those fallen trees to allow for a greater level of civil access by road.
Additional NTES volunteers and chainsaws were flown to Galiwinku, Ramingining and Milingimbi over the weekend and today to assist with the clean-up of dangerous fallen trees affecting power lines. Recovery coordinators are planning to deploy additional chainsaw operators in order to boost existing efforts to remove fallen trees from around the community.
Significant progress has been made across all communities to restore the high- and low-voltage networks. Electrical contractors in Milingimbi, Galiwinku and Ramingining are working to restore house connections where it is safe to do so. There are three levels of electrical work, which are high-voltage, low-voltage and household connections.
There is much more information to provide, but the recovery coordinators are preparing to mobilise multi-trade construction teams, and the Department of Housing already has teams in those cyclone affected communities, seeing how we can provide short-, medium- and long-term housing solutions to those who have been left homeless.
Cyclone Lam – Recovery
Mr VOWLES to CHIEF MINISTER
The member for Araluen has said:
- Adam Giles was voted out of the position of Chief Minister on 2 February 2015 – just 22 days ago. Nine members of his team decided they no longer had faith in his leadership. Nine out of 14 CLP parliamentary wing members voted to have him removed from the position of Chief Minister.
…
His colleagues generally felt he had lost touch with average Territorians, he was arrogant and his general dishonesty was eroding any respect we had for him.
Nine of your colleagues voted to remove you. How can you not resign?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I am focusing on the response to ex-Tropical Cyclone Lam. I can talk about other matters in relation to those cyclone affected communities.
Potable drinking water and sewerage services have been restored to all communities …
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. My colleague asked a very direct question and he has not answered it.
Madam SPEAKER: The Chief Minister has three minutes to answer the question. It is not a point of order.
Mr GILES: To be clear, there has been some commentary about the Australian Defence Force and its potential response to Galiwinku, Milingimbi, Ramingining and Gapuwiyak. The Australian Defence Force has not been engaged at this point, because in all communities there is adequate shelter …
Ms MANISON: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. It was a very direct question with regard to the fact nine of his colleagues do not support him …
Madam SPEAKER: It is not a point of order. Sit down. It has nothing to do with succinctness.
Mr GILES: I will not get engaged in those conversations. I will talk about Territorians – people who are suffering in a time of need.
The Australian Defence Force has not been engaged at this point, because in all communities …
Ms Lawrie: They want you gone.
Mr Vowles: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: No, it is not a point of order. You will not have anything new, so sit down. Opposition Leader, cease interjecting.
Mr GILES: In all communities there are adequate shelter arrangements, albeit cyclone shelters, in place for those families displaced by the cyclone.
The Department of the Chief Minister is in discussion with Emergency Management Australia on emergency accommodation arrangements in Galiwinku. Emergency Management Australia and recovery coordinators are in Galiwinku today, scoping accommodation options.
There are no emergency accommodation requirements to date in Ramingining and Milingimbi, although overcrowding is a significant issue in the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Lam.
Housing teams are on the ground in all communities, working with tenants to determine if their current arrangements are appropriate, acknowledging there is a significant amount of damage to houses. I will go through individual houses for those interested.
This is the most up-to-date information I had at the time of printing it. In Galiwinku, 61 dwellings were assessed as uninhabitable, 211 were assessed as habitable with 155 having no damage and 56 with minor damage ...
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. The answer is not relevant to the question about the nine out of 14 colleagues not supporting Adam Giles and asking if he will resign. The question is about cyclone Giles not Cyclone Lam.
Madam SPEAKER: The Chief Minister answered that in the previous question and the answer was no.
Mr GILES: Currently, 243 tenants have been displaced and there is an estimated repair cost of about $47.1m in Galiwinku.
With regard to housing assets in Milingimbi, there are 19 dwellings assessed as uninhabitable, 123 dwellings assessed as habitable, 41 with no damage and 82 with minor damage. Currently, 107 tenants have been displaced and the estimated repair cost, from a housing point of view, is $17.6m.
In Ramingining, without going through all the details, there is an estimated repair cost for housing of $17.7m, with 24 dwellings assessed as uninhabitable, 86 dwellings as habitable, 20 with no damage and 66 with minor damage. I am happy to keep updating the House on the impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Lam.
Cyclone Lam – Elcho Island
Mr KURRUPUWU to CHIEF MINISTER
Can you please update the Assembly on the specific response under way on Elcho Island, the place hit worst by Cyclone Lam?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for his question, and for his well wishes to me, all emergency services staff, government staff and volunteers for all the effort in responding to ex-Tropical Cyclone Lam.
Mr Vowles: Someone make a citizen’s arrest; there is an imposter in the House. Can the real Chief Minister stand up?
Mr GILES: The member for Arafura had grave concerns about all residents across Arnhem Land, but also …
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, please pause. Member for Johnston, you are on a warning. I can hear what you are saying.
Mr GILES: … those residents in the electorate of Arafura, most notably the outstations of Maningrida and the residents from Goulburn Island – Warruwi – who were evacuated. I think there were 457 people, including 50 community members.
In regard to power at Galiwinku, the majority of the high- and low-voltage system has been restored. There will be a three-hour planned outage today to connect the remaining high-voltage links. Plumbing and electrical contractors are assisting with homes experiencing issues relating to toilets and power supply. All water and sewer works will be completed today.
The Northern Territory Emergency Service is working to remove trees from power lines, housing and around the community, using additional chainsaws flown in over the past few days. I have mentioned how many houses have been damaged.
The shelter at Shepherdson College remains open for up to 200 residents who are not able to return home at this point. The Australian Defence Force has not been engaged at this point, because we are working in all communities to identify local shelter arrangements. We will be looking for more sustainable short-term accommodation while the longer reconstruction is undertaken.
Emergency Management Australia is in Galiwinku today, scoping some of the possible accommodation options. I thank our partnership with the federal government in this regard.
With regard to schools, Shepherdson College is likely to remain closed for the remainder of the week and reopen on 2 March 2015. The scope of works to repair the school buildings is being prepared to enable contractors to be mobilised as soon as possible.
In regard to health services, crews will arrive at Galiwinku today to assist with the assessment and remediation of asbestos. Both Marthakal and Miwatj health services are open for normal business.
A disaster relief payment team will be set up today and tomorrow in four classrooms at Shepherdson College. This team, from the Department of Children and Families and the Commonwealth Department of Human Services, will assess individuals and families as to whether they are eligible for relief payments.
Visits to Milingimbi, Gapuwiyak and homelands in the affected area will be scheduled soon and, more than likely, be undertaken by helicopter. The barge is able to land on the beach in Galiwinku and supplies are being delivered regularly. Emergency fuel supplies have been put on the barge for Galiwinku today to ensure fuel is available for recovery efforts.
Once again, thank you to everybody who pitched in and helped out and for the good wishes to those on Galiwinku.
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
Ministerial Staff – Sacking
Mr McCARTHY to CHIEF MINISTER
The member for Araluen said:
- In addition to sacking me from Cabinet, Adam Giles sacked my adviser, a gay gentleman with a wealth of experience as a ministerial adviser, and to top it off he also sacked a disabled woman I specifically employed when I was the Minister for Disability Services.
Why did you sack the two staff members?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Barkly for his question. I will not go into deliberations of staff appointments within my office.
Air Services on the Stuart Highway
Mr CONLAN to MINISTER for TRANSPORT
Can you provide an update to the House on the moves to restart the much needed and valued air services, or milk run, as it is known, that follows the Stuart Highway?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Greatorex for his question. The Northern Territory government is pushing ahead with plans to connect major centres along the track with a new airline service, affectionately known as the milk run. The government is committed to connecting Territorians and creating jobs by developing north Australia. Transport is a key enabler of economic growth, and a regular passenger service in the regions will support local industry and improve access to health and other essential services, as well as enhance tourism traffic through the Northern Territory centres.
It is great to see how we are taking this next step. The government called for expressions of interest last year, seeking submissions from commercial airline operators interested in providing a two-year scheduled air service trial, which connects Katherine and Tennant Creek to Darwin and Alice Springs. Through the expressions of interest process, the government has tested the market and industry interest has demonstrated that services in and out of Katherine and Tennant Creek can be a viable option.
Two commercial aviation operators have been chosen to go through the next round this week. The Department of Transport will formally engage with both of them to discuss putting services in place. Part of the process will be determining what level of government support is required. The priorities in these discussions are ensuring quality services for Territorians, affordable fares, connectivity of flights to other air services in Darwin and Alice Springs, and the continued growth and long-term sustainability of services.
This government’s aim is for flights to commence mid-2015 where possible. We are looking at a two-year trial, during which time we will monitor the level of community, government and business uptake of flights and determine how service might continue to be operated long-term. To be a viable service that is appealing to business and the general public, it will need to offer regular flights. Government envisages at least three services a week in the Dry Season and two in the Wet Season, which will be discussed with the operators.
This is a vital link – the spine, if you like – of the Northern Territory and how that air service can change the morale at a township level from Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. It gives options for people, including government employees who often have to travel between those locations and usually spend many hours on the road. They will now have access to a service which will get them there much more quickly and safely than using road networks.
This is a great news story for the Territory, even greater for our regions, to ensure something that was once here. I recall the days when Ansett had a Fokker 100 that flew Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs on a daily basis.
Ms Lawrie: You were not here.
Mr CHANDLER: Yes, I was.
Members interjecting.
Mr CHANDLER: You can hear the rabble over there, but this is a good news story for the Territory; getting services back to our regions.
Chief Minister – Call for Resignation
Mr McCARTHY to CHIEF MINISTER
The member for Araluen said:
- International convention is such that once a government leader has lost the majority support of his or her colleagues they resign. We were advised it is unprecedented in Australian political history that a leader not resign under these circumstances. Adam Giles did not resign. Instead, he threatened he would prefer to bring down our government and take us to an early election, rather than resign …
You threatened to bring down your own government; will you now do the honourable thing for Territorians and call an election?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, no.
Flood Mitigation in the Northern Territory
Mr BARRETT to MINISTER for BUSINESS
Getting back to the people of the Northern Territory, who put us in here so we can do the right thing for them, it is a great privilege to be here.
In 2014, the Country Liberals made an announcement of $50m from the proceeds of TIO towards flood mitigation in the Northern Territory. The Giles government promised two committees would be formed in the Katherine and Darwin areas, and that it would develop strategies to improve community safety, as well as reduce the damage, disruption and costs associated with major flood events.
Can you please update the House on the progress of this commitment to the people of the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, from this side of the House it is good news. We know those on the other side do not like good news, but I am here to bring some. The Giles government made a commitment in November last year, to form Flood Mitigation Advisory Committees, which will see a spending of $50m. The current opposition did not do this when in government, but we have made it happen. There is $25m towards flood mitigation in Rapid Creek and the Darwin rural areas, and $25m for Katherine. The goal of these committees is to guide the development of strategies, which will improve community safety and reduce damage, disruption and costs associated with major flood events.
The first Katherine Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee meeting was held by the Deputy Chief Minister on 13 February; my colleague, the member for Katherine, is the committee Chair. I am pleased to confirm the Darwin flood committee met for the first time today. Presentations were provided by the Department of Land Resource Management and the Northern Territory Planning Commission to better understand existing mapping, historical flood mitigation reports and land use planning. It was an excellent presentation.
Flood mitigation is expensive work that no government has been willing to do before. I am pleased to say these two committees are fulfilling the promises of the Giles government. We are about governing the Territory for the benefit of the people of the Northern Territory. Both committees have met to cover the work plan for the next few months, and they have agreed to focus on immediate, short-, medium- and long-term flood mitigation action.
I will highlight some of the immediate outcomes. The committees recommend that funding be made available to commission new topography and flood mapping to model the Katherine region. The Department of Lands, Planning and the Environment is providing revised options for a new commercial centre and relocation of the ambulance centre, as part of the Katherine Land Use Plan.
The Country Liberal Party wants to reduce the impact of flooding. Public consultation will commence soon, and we are calling for ideas from the community to provide us with anecdotal evidence and suggested topics for the committees to explore. Within the coming months, a report will be drafted and a second opportunity for comment will be given, including public meetings, before submitting a final report for government consideration.
The Giles government knows Territorians want to have the right to contribute. Both committees want residents, business owners and the broader community to get in touch with the department of Lands and Planning. Just as every flood is different, the impact of flood is different on every residence.
I congratulate the Darwin committee members for their time and work in gathering information from their respective communities. It is apparent the department has some excellent resources to work on.
Police – New Appointment of Commissioner
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
This follows the Chief Minister’s outrageous and unsubstantiated public claims against senior members of the Northern Territory Police, accusing them of engaging in a coup against him, and his shallow and inadequate apology.
To ensure senior members of the Northern Territory Police applying for the vacant position of Police Commissioner are able to do so freely and without intimidation, will you ensure the Chief Minister declares a conflict in this process and distances himself from Cabinet during the process of appointing a new Police Commissioner to ensure impartiality? He is clearly out on some personal vendetta against a senior member of Northern Territory Police.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I will be careful in how I answer this because there are ongoing investigations, which we know about. There is a lot in the media and within these investigations which is not for discussion in this place until completion of the investigations.
Processes in employing people and so forth are at arm’s length from government until it gets to the Cabinet process. Cabinet then makes a decision in regard to who will be the new Police Commissioner.
There were a number of occasions, since I have been a member of the Country Liberals government, where Cabinet members have stood aside whilst decisions were made. A case in point was when Cabinet decided Parramatta was to be the team of choice, because a number of Cabinet members support that football club, and did so before becoming politicians.
The decision was made at the time that those members excuse themselves from the Cabinet meeting when the decision was made. They made it based on the fact they had declared a conflict of interest.
It is not up to me to tell the Chief Minister whether or not he should be involved in a process. If the Chief Minister declares he has a conflict in this case, it is up to him to make that call. It is not my call.
There will be a very clear, open and transparent process involved in choosing our next Police Commissioner.
The Territory deserves a top-quality candidate and we will look the length and breadth of not only the Territory, but Australia to ensure we get the right person.
The Assistant Police Commissioner, Reece Kershaw, is doing a fantastic job in that role. He has the full confidence of this government in the work he is doing. You could say he was thrown into the frypan because of what he has had to deal with in the last two weeks, and then we throw a cyclone on top of it. His call to duty and professionalism in the way he has acted is above reproach and he has this government’s support.
Any process to find a new Police Commissioner will be an open and transparent process and it will go to Cabinet.
Domestic and Family Violence –
Government Response
Government Response
Mrs FINOCCHIARO to MINISTER for WOMEN’S POLICY
Last night we heard on the ABC TV show Q&A about the significant problem with domestic and family violence. Can you please update the House on how the Northern Territory is leading the way in addressing this violence?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. The Northern Territory is leading the way in addressing domestic and family violence, and we need to as there is a significant problem in the Northern Territory with this type of violence. We heard on Q&A last night that it is almost a national emergency.
Domestic and family violence is our greatest moral challenge, perhaps one of the greatest we will face as a society. It impacts and scars not only emotionally and physically, but societally and economically. It is a pervasive cancer upon our society, one we must find a cure for.
This government has implemented a number of policies and plans to help with violence. We changed the way police deal with domestic and family violence. Police now must take action when attending incidents; perpetrators will be charged.
Then we created the first Indigenous Male Advisory Council, which provides a forum for Indigenous men to offer advice to our government on emerging trends and significant issues identified as affecting Indigenous males in the Territory.
This government has also developed the Action Against Domestic Violence Award, which will be presented to sporting clubs demonstrating an ongoing commitment to raising awareness of family violence and actively taking steps to prevent family violence within sporting clubs, and with players, fans and staff.
I am also working with the community of Galiwinku to develop a community response to prevent family violence.
The Wadeye and Mutitjulu family violence programs will consist of youth artistic activities to allow kids to talk about how family violence impacts on their lives. The programs will document young people’s stories using a combination of written word, artistic expression, song and video mediums. We have also developed a domestic and family violence reduction strategy, a victim-focused strategy which aims to create an improved and coordinated approach to reduce and prevent domestic and family violence.
Consultations are being held with women from multicultural communities. As you are aware, one of our members is passionate about multicultural affairs and was working for the Territory to make sure we look after multicultural communities. This is so they can understand the experience of domestic and family violence, along with mapping services for women with disabilities experiencing violence, and crisis counselling services in the Northern Territory. Together with the national perpetrator intervention working group …
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Deputy Chief Minister – Member for Katherine
Ms MANISON to CHIEF MINISTER
The member for Araluen said:
- Adam Giles is not the legitimate leader of this government. No vote has been taken in the parliamentary wing since 2 February 2015. Willem Westra van Holthe remains the anointed leader based on that vote …
- The truth is on 3 February Adam Giles threatened his way into remaining leader in the subsequent parliamentary wing meeting. He threatened to bring the government down and take us to an early election just 22 days ago rather than conceive he lost support of nine of the 14 members of the parliamentary wing.
Is your position not completely untenable? How can you refuse to resign? When will the member for Katherine, the anointed leader, be sworn in as Chief Minister?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the member for Katherine is Deputy Chief Minister and I am having a great time working with him in that role. Things are working quite well. We have a plan of what we are doing in the Northern Territory and are keen to work on it. Despite different times and challenges, we have the ability to respond. Look at Cyclone Lam, its impact on many Territorians and the ability of government to respond and coordinate our efforts to assure people’s safety and put in place a recovery effort. We will continue to do that.
I am happy working with the member for Katherine in some of his portfolio areas. The most notable recent event in Primary Industries is Seafarms announcing a $1.45bn project to farm prawns at Legune Station. What an opportunity to grow jobs in the Northern Territory.
Children in school now can have jobs in the future. This is what the member for Katherine, in his ministerial role, is delivering and it is a fantastic outcome. These things will continue to roll out. While we might face challenges at times, we can still respond and meet the needs of Territorians.
Where Tropical Cyclone Lam impacted the Northern Territory …
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. The question was specific. When will the member for Katherine be sworn in as Chief Minister?
Madam SPEAKER: The Chief Minister has three minutes to answer the question.
Mr GILES: We had a fantastic response to the impending crisis with ex-Tropical Cyclone Lam bearing down on Territory shores and its islands. We put in place the best risk management process we could to ensure people’s safety. Once again, we congratulate and thank those who put their efforts into ensuring everybody’s safety.
We now move to the recovery stage, where we are working together across many agencies to ensure people have an improved level of amenity during this time – where we can have a rebuild and reconstruction effort in those community areas. The Department of the Chief Minister will take on a coordinating role, working with each agency to ensure we have a coordinated effort in the rebuilding task as it ventures across Galiwinku, Elcho Island, Gapuwiyak, Milingimbi, Ramingining and the Arnhem Land outstations. I look forward to working with the member for Katherine now and into the future.
Sports Awards
Mrs FINOCCHIARO to MINISTER for SPORT and RECREATION
The time is nearing for the premier gala sporting event, the Northern Territory Sports Awards. Can you please tell the Assembly what can be expected this year at the awards?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question; she is keen on her sport. The sports awards are arguably the biggest celebration of our gifted sportswomen and men in the Northern Territory. I thoroughly enjoyed attending the awards last year in Katherine. I am rapt to attend them again this year in Darwin.
The award ceremony reflects on and celebrates the past year in Territory sport not only for athletes, but coaches, officials and volunteers. As most people know, nominations for the sports awards opened on 1 December last year and closed at the end of January. This year the nominations were done completely online, which was a change from previous years.
This year the sports awards gala evening will be held at the Darwin Convention Centre as a formal black tie dinner on 27 March. Tickets for the gala night went on sale this morning, so I recommend everyone gets one of these tickets before they sell out.
The master of ceremonies for the evening is award winning sports journalist, Ian Cohen, and the guest speaker is former Brisbane Lions AFL star, Jonathan Brown. Guests will also be entertained by the dance band, The Cast, as well as a little surprise that will have everyone hanging from the ceiling. I will just leave that as it is.
As you know, the event is scheduled to alternate between regional centres – Katherine, Alice Springs and Darwin – each year and this provides local suppliers and audiences in the regional area the opportunity to be involved in one of the Northern Territory’s most prestigious sport award events. Taking the awards to the regions was an initiative of this government and I am pleased to say it has been a well-received move.
The department has secured a range of award sponsorships to assist in offsetting the event’s operational expenses. I thank some of those sponsors: the NT News, Colemans Printing, Carlton & United Breweries, the Centralian Advocate and 104.1 Territory FM.
The categories this year are: NT Sportsperson of the Year; NT Junior Sportsperson of the Year; NT Masters Sportsperson of the Year; NT Team of the Year; Official’s Award; Eric Johnston Coach of the Year; Volunteer of the Year; and Local Performance of the Year. Non-nominated awards are the NT Hall of Champions Inductee, NT Roll of Honour; Steve Abala Role Model – the Administrator’s Medal – and the Action Against Domestic Violence Award.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Member for Araluen – Allegations against Chief Minister and Treasurer
Ms FYLES to CHIEF MINISTER
The member for Araluen said:
- Certain members of this government, and even the federal parliament, do not seem to understand the community expects more from its leaders than getting drunk at topless bars or telling bare-faced lies.
Were you or your disgraced Treasurer drunk at topless bars and who has been telling barefaced lies?
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 112; this is clearly a breach in relation to epithets and reflections on members.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nightcliff, despite the member for Araluen making certain statements in her speech, there are parts of Standing Order 112 that apply. Can you rephrase your question, please?
Ms FYLES: Considering the statements we heard in the House this morning, can the Chief Minister enlighten us as to who was drunk?
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, if you choose to answer …
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I do not know the context of the member for Nightcliff’s question, sorry.
Ms Lawrie: You have to stop lying.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Karama, withdraw that.
Ms Lawrie: I withdraw.
Cyclone Lam – Schools in Affected Regions
Mr KURRUPUWU to MINISTER for EDUCATION
Yesterday you visited cyclone affected regions of the Top End. Can you please update the House on what you saw and how the schools are working towards returning to their normal operation?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for his question. He lives in an area that faces the perils of cyclones. I had the opportunity yesterday to visit Galiwinku, Milingimbi and Ramingining. What I saw was a reminder of what anyone living in the Top End of Australia should prepare for.
Ms Walker: Did you see all those great houses built under Labor?
Mr CHANDLER: Picking up on the interjection from the member for Nhulunbuy, it was of note to me how some of the newer infrastructure stood up well. Unfortunately, when they had to compete with trees it was another story. It was clear the new building standards used across the Top End will stand up to Category 4 winds and many people can take heart in knowing that. This included elevated homes, older designs and newer designs. Those coded houses stood up well.
One of the main reasons I went there was to look at the schools and see what is required to maintain education services in the region. At Galiwinku – Shepherdson College – they were fortunate there was only one bit of damage to a staff room from a fallen tree. It could have been a lot worse. Driving through the communities and looking around, I could not believe how fortunate they were with trees that had missed homes and infrastructure. Trees fell right next to buildings. There were two buildings, no more than a metre apart, and a tree fell between them; it was extraordinary. Those that did sustain damage were damaged badly.
I have major concerns for the Ramingining School above the other two schools, because of the amount of damage caused by large trees in the area. But, we had teams on the ground there. I must pass this message to the Minister for Essential Services: everywhere I went, not only were the police and emergency services workers praised – as, too, were the community involved – but, kudos was given to the Power and Water crews. They were there early trying to reconnect power to the communities as soon as possible.
They were applauded wherever I went. There is a lot of work ahead, but we must ensure we put the right resources into those areas and, especially regarding education, get those services up and running as soon as possible.
Chief Minister – Call for Resignation
Ms MOSS to CHIEF MINISTER
The member for Araluen said:
- I have no faith in a government led by Adam Giles. I have stated publicly I believe Adam Giles has no integrity. I stand by that statement. That alone is enough to mean he should not hold a position of community leadership.
When a member of the CLP parliamentary wing says you have no integrity and should not hold a position of community leadership, how can you continue to ignore calls for your resignation?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Casuarina for her question. I continue to deny calls because we are doing the job and rolling out our plan for the Northern Territory.
Our northern Australia plan to deliver jobs for the future of the Northern Territory is delivering outcomes. Look at the last week, at our ability to respond to the tragic circumstances of ex-Tropical Cyclone Lam, which provided devastating outcomes for communities across the Territory.
The Minister for Education spoke about his visit yesterday to Milingimbi, Ramingining and Galiwinku, visiting those schools. He spoke about the devastation he saw there and the response required. That is how we are responding from a Territory point of view, making sure we meet the needs of those communities.
We have a plan for the future of the Northern Territory through developing northern Australia and we are building jobs like never before. We have the strongest performing economy in the nation, and the lowest alcohol consumption and crime statistics since the 1990s. We are driving down the Labor debt we inherited when we came to government two-and-a-half years ago.
We are driving down Labor deficit, there is high job growth across the Northern Territory, we are rolling out infrastructure, driving down the price of fuel and units in the Northern Territory, and we are giving out sports vouchers and Back to School vouchers which help out mums and dads. These things matter to people.
This is what we are delivering in the Northern Territory. I go back to the point one of my colleagues made last week; give me two-and-a-half years of CLP dysfunction versus eleven-and-a-half years of Labor function any day.
What did we get out of eleven-and-a-half years of Labor? We got high debt and deficit, low job growth, high crime, high alcohol consumption and high domestic violence. Everything is being turned around since we came to government.
You left us with higher fuel prices, the highest housing prices, a housing shortfall and lack of infrastructure investment. These are the things you left us, which we are turning around. We have a plan on how to fix it and we will continue to deliver and overcome hurdles and obstacles along the way.
AACo Meat Processing Facility
Mr BARRETT to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY and FISHERIES
I am excited about all the fantastic things happening in the Northern Territory to make the place better. Can the minister please update the House on the new AACo Livingstone Beef facility and what this major development means for the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Blain for his question. I had the pleasure of attending the opening of the new AACo meat processing facility at Livingstone the other day.
This is an almost $100m project providing jobs for Territorians. It is pertinent that the member for Blain asked this question; I understand around 180 jobs have been provided, with a total of 300 jobs when the plant gets to full capacity.
Many of the people working at the meat processing facility will be living in the member for Blain’s electorate. This is what this government is doing, facilitating projects such as the AACo Livingstone abattoir to create jobs for Territorians.
It was terrific to be there with the Prime Minister, Tony Abbott; the Chief Minister, who is a strong advocate for the agricultural sector; the Minister for Business; and the members for Nelson and Solomon.
Conspicuously absent were the members opposite, who do not support the primary industry sector in the Northern Territory and would not dare show their faces because of the horrendous way the Labor Party treated our industry in 2011. That was a shame.
Today we have free trade agreements opening opportunities for Australian agricultural exports. This is a sure sign of the confidence the industry has regained since the dark days of Labor rule. The change of mood is significant, as witnessed in December 2014 when we had record prices for our export steers.
The opening of this facility represents the first opportunity in years for Top End producers to market fat cattle. My department is working hard to maximise opportunities and investigate ways to do this in a cost-effective manner.
We are talking about a facility which, at full production run, will process 1000 head of cattle per day. AACo has its own large pastoral holdings in the NT, as well as the capacity to supply a significant component of what is required to slaughter cattle at their processing plant. That sets this meat processing facility apart from those which have been tried in northern Australia before.
This is an incredible investment. It is a sign that AACo has confidence in the Northern Territory’s future and the government, for the support we have provided to them since this project started at its inception, through to the grand opening we attended on Saturday.
Land Clearing in Berrimah
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for LANDS and PLANNING
Late last year I asked a question about the land clearing on Boulter Road, Berrimah, where I quoted from the NT News article about the then minister on 17 April 2014.
- Planning Minister Peter Chandler has confirmed the Development Consent Authority would pursue a legal case against the landowner.
“I cannot ask the public to have faith in the government’s planning processes if they’re not enforced when there has been a clear breach,” he said.
“We want to see sustainable development, that is why we’re looking at this area’s flood and drainage issues to see what development is appropriate.
Can you please say what has happened in relation to a prosecution, why has it taken so long – nearly 12 months – especially after the minister said there was a clear breach, and has this block been approved for rezoning?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for this very good question. He spoke to me about this earlier today and I appreciate the heads up.
On 7 April last year the Rapid Creek Landcare Group contacted the department of Lands and Planning to advise that clearing of a significant amount of native vegetation had occurred at 1 Boulter Road. The land in question is zoned as community purpose, and clearing native vegetation of more than 1 ha in aggregate requires the consent of the Development Consent Authority.
Officers from the Development Assessment Services inspected the land immediately after being notified of the clearing. They confirmed approximately 5 ha of the 7.5 ha site had been cleared. As the member for Nelson said, no application for consent to clear the land had been lodged with the Development Consent Authority.
Over the 2014 Christmas period, an application to rezone the land in Boulter Road, Berrimah, was advertised in error. On 28 February 2014, an application to rezone 1 Boulter Road from community purpose to multi-dwelling residential was received from Mr George Savvas acting on behalf of the land owner. On 27 May last year, Mr Savvas was advised in writing of the decision to defer consideration of the rezoning application, as it conflicted with the Berrimah Farm area plan through its failure to include any conservation land along its western edge ...
Mr Wood: It is the Berrimah North Area Plan, not Berrimah Farm.
Mr TOLLNER: The Berrimah North Area Plan; okay. On 29 December, a member of the public alerted the Department of Lands, Planning and the Environment to a notice for the same application advertised on the department’s website on 26 December 2014. The advertisement was an administrative error; an explanation has now been provided to that person and to me.
The department of Lands and Planning has determined the cause of the administrative error, completed an audit of all rezoning applications and taken steps to ensure this does not occur with other proposals currently being processed.
Mental Health Services Portfolio
Mrs FINOCCHIARO to MINISTER for MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
As the Northern Territory’s first Minister for Mental Health Services, can you please outline to the House how you intend to drive this important and serious portfolio area?
Ms Lawrie: You followed our lead.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition is already bellowing across the Chamber and making flippant interjections in relation to this serious issue. I will describe three areas of primary concern in relation to mental health shortfalls which exist in the Northern Territory, in recent times and over a long period of time. The primary areas I will cast an eye are the intersection between mental health services and the criminal justice system, primary mental health services, especially for youth and those in the bush – I hope to make an announcement in relation to a suicide policy in the not so distant future – and the gap between outpatient and inpatient services within the construct of the Northern Territory mental health system.
Over recent times I have had the opportunity to partake in a study tour into the United States and was lucky enough to speak to Jackie Lacey, the District Attorney of Los Angeles, who takes mental health issues very seriously. She described a number of things she believes should influence American policy, which have valuable contributions towards policy in Australia. I look forward to enlightening the House further.
In Arizona I looked at connections from A to Z in relation to how police can respond to mental health issues at the primary point of contact when the criminal justice and mental health systems intersect.
In primary mental health, I am concerned we have a lot of work to do, especially in regional and remote areas. I have invited the member for Casuarina to have input in this area. I look forward to meeting with her in the near future to try to create a system which meets expectations. I acknowledge that she had some expertise in this area before she came into parliament.
We also have a gap in mental health services in the Northern Territory where a person might be unwell and seeks services. There is a good service at the Tamarind Centre, and at the other end of the scale we have inpatient services through the Cowdy Ward. These are for people who are very sick indeed. It concerns me that there seems to be a gap between the outpatient services and inpatient services in the Cowdy Ward. There are a number of places we can intersect in that gap to ensure we fill the gap completely.
That is a broad outline of what I will do in this area into the future. I look forward to informing the House in greater detail as we move forward.
Chief Minister – Call for Apology
Mr GUNNER to CHIEF MINISTER
The member for Araluen today said:
- A starting point for Adam Giles is to apologise for the terrible accusations and allegations he made in the Alice Springs Country Liberal Party Branch meeting on 4 February 2015. He defamed and damaged the reputations of me and many other colleagues. He breached the confidentiality of the parliamentary wing. He needs to apologise without reservation to the Northern Territory Police Force. He needs to apologise to his colleagues for casting aspersions on our credibility and conduct.
I believe Adam Giles needs to step down from his position and give us all an opportunity to rebuild before we lose everything.
Will you apologise to your colleagues? Will you apologise, unreservedly, to Northern Territory Police, and will you be stepping down from your position?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, will the member for Fannie Bay apologise to the constituents of eight electorates for not coming into Question Time today and asking anything to do with policy?
Will the two members of PUP apologise for not turning up to Question Time and representing their constituents in Arnhem and Namatjira?
Will you apologise for not asking one question about the effects of the cyclone or the recovery effort?
Will you apologise for not talking about mental health services, like the minister for Mental Health just did? Will you apologise for not talking about how we are reducing the price of fuel in the Territory and what we are doing to reduce the price of houses and units, purchase and rental?
Will you apologise for not talking about how we are protecting children in the Northern Territory, or why you did not turn up at the opening of AACo, with 300 new jobs at the processing facility, let alone the work on all the pastoral properties in the Northern Territory?
Will you apologise for not talking about sport or education?
You seem intent on talking about internal matters. Last week in parliament we learnt a valuable lesson: to not talk about ourselves. Today in Question Time you have only spoken about either yourselves or us.
We have spoken about policy, programs and our plans for the future.
All day today you have talked about internal matters, not about the rest of the Northern Territory. You have not asked one question on the cyclone.
You should apologise to the people of the Northern Territory for your lack of compassion and understanding about issues in the Territory. It is a very poor representation of the opposition and your position as the leader.
Start talking about Territorians. This is a message coming out all around Australia and the Northern Territory.
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker. Standing Order 113: relevance. He has used the word ‘apologise’ a lot, but he did not apologise to the Northern Territory Police.
Madam SPEAKER: It is not a point of order. The Chief Minister has finished.
Animal Safety in Cyclones and Storms
Mr KURRUPUWU to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY and FISHERIES
Ms Walker: Shame on you for supporting him.
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! In spite of the assistance of a microphone, I cannot hear the member over the interjections of the member for Nhulunbuy.
Mr KURRUPUWU: Can the minister update the House on the importance of keeping animals safe during cyclones and storms?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for his question. It is relevant given what has happened with Cyclone Lam, with the devastation caused in East Arnhem Land and the potential for animals to be injured. We want to ensure we get the right messages out so during storms or inclement weather people do the right thing and look after their animals. With Cyclone Lam, we saw how cyclones and storms can have a devastating effect on the community. The loss of a pet during this time of stress can add to the devastation. It is important for Territorians to remember their pets when they carry out their emergency planning.
Advanced planning can mean the difference between life and death for an animal. I do not need to put too fine a point on that; it can make all the difference.
Cyclones and storms are stressful for pets as well as people. Animals often react unpredictably when under stress and scared. Even the most trustworthy pets can panic, hide and try to escape. They can even become dangerous and snappy. Residents can limit this type of behaviour by preparing. Anyone thinking of relocating their pets needs to do so in advance of the storm or cyclone heading their way. It is simply too dangerous to move them during a major storm event.
There are some other simple tips to help residents keep their pets safe. Bring your pets inside and keep them in a secure room, ensure they have adequate supply of food and water, provide bedding, encourage calm behaviour and never leave pets tied up during a cyclone or storm. That is very important because pets need somewhere to go; they will retreat to a safe place, but if they are tied up they cannot do so.
It is also important to consider horses and livestock when planning for inclement weather. Horses and livestock need to be moved to areas that do not flood or have the potential for flying objects or debris to cause injury.
Ms Walker: Will you fly vets out to affected communities?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nhulunbuy!
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: I can barely hear myself over the top of member for Nhulunbuy.
Mr Blain: They do not like pets.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: Clearly they think biosecurity is a joke and they do not like pets.
If animals are left in paddocks, it is vital that fences are in good repair and loose objects are stored or tied down. Anyone who wants to know more about keeping their pets safe should go to www.animalwelfare.nt.gov.au or call the animal welfare hotline on 1300 720 386.
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