2015-09-16
Government – Corruption Allegations
Mr GUNNER to CHIEF MINISTER
Your government is the first in the Territory’s history to have a ministerial staffer charged with corruption. The opposition has now been advised in a letter on ministerial travel from the Solicitor for the Northern Territory, saying:
- … we understand that further charges may be pending.
Madam Speaker, I seek leave to table the letter.
Leave granted.
Mr GUNNER: What further criminal charges is your scandal-plagued government facing?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, charges are a matter for the police. It is nothing new; police have always laid the charges in the Northern Territory. I am not surprised you do not understand that, being as soft on crime as you are, Leader of the Opposition.
I think it is well known in this Chamber and throughout the Northern Territory that we, without fear or favour, are happy to investigate any allegations and we have done that internally. Yes, some issues have come out and, no doubt, they will be followed up as we expect them to be under the process of law.
Mr Elferink: Everything around the PenCon scheme was you guys.
Mr GILES: I just overheard the Attorney-General talking about the Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme. There has been much debate around this, which is part of how this came about. I remind people who are reading the Hansard, or listening to the broadcast, the Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme investigation examined its operations during the time of Labor. Any findings to date have all been in regard to the operations of the scheme during that time.
We had the courage to do the investigations. We have not chased it down politically; we have sought to put reforms into the policy and operations of the PenCon scheme. We have undertaken a range of investigations. Yes, charges have been laid and we will let the police and judicial processes follow in due course. I think we should be congratulated for not having any concerns when looking at ourselves as well as looking at the scheme. I think that is what every Territorian expects us to do.
Ms Walker: You fought tooth and nail to resist an ICAC.
Mr GILES: The member for Nhulunbuy sits over there, mumbling about an ICAC. I remind her she is the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. She sits next to the Leader of the Opposition, who likes to parade transparency, integrity and accountability. I remind those opposite, while you have the member for Karama sitting in your benches, there is no integrity in the Labor Party.
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. Will the Chief Minister answer the question? What further criminal charges is your scandal-plagued government facing?
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, if you could get to the point.
Mr GILES: To the point, the member for Karama is currently under criminal investigation and there may be charges.
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, I caution you. The member for Karama is involved in a legal case before the court system, so I warn you to be careful with your wording.
Mr GILES: I will provide a bit of clarity. I am not aware of anybody on this side of the Chamber under police investigation. I am only aware of someone on the other side of the Chamber under police investigation. Member for Karama, I would be happy to see you make a statement.
Travel – Charges Pending
Ms MANISON to CHIEF MINISTER referred to ATTORNEY-GENERAL and JUSTICE
The Solicitor for the Northern Territory has confirmed further charges regarding ministerial travel may be pending in relation to either minister Chandler’s trip to the UK and USA in September 2013, his trip to China in November 2014, or travel and other services provided by Latitude Travel to the Chief Minister and ministerial support in 2013-14. Which one of these trips or services do pending charges relate to? Also, which ministers or staff members, or former staff members, are facing possible further charges?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I ask the Attorney-General to respond to this because it is a matter regarding the Solicitor for the Northern Territory.
Mr ELFERINK (Attorney-General and Justice): Madam Speaker, I asked for this one to be flicked to me because this is about the integrity of a government which is prepared to look at itself and bring matters to investigation.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, please pause. Security, can you please talk to that lady up there with the camera. To the woman in the gallery, photographs are not allowed in the public gallery.
Mr ELFERINK: Those investigations are at arm’s length from government. When we shake the tree we find, and we prosecute in the way we promised when we came to government.
When we came to government we said we would prosecute for corruption and we have done so. The legacy of the PenCon scheme given to us by the members opposite was a legacy of two years of ignoring warning signs from the Auditor-General. We looked, we went after it and we are proud.
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. These are very direct questions related to ministers’ travel. Your Minister for Education on a trip to China, the minister on a trip to the UK and the USA – these are questions about your ministers’ travel.
Mr ELFERINK: It will be investigated through the normal course of things, as has already occurred. The point is you, as a government, did not look.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, direct your comments through the Chair.
Mr ELFERINK: As a government, they were prepared to do the dodgy deal on Stella Maris, which still has elements of a criminal investigation on foot. Then they have the audacity to come into this place, and suggest and argue that they are somehow more noble than anybody else.
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. This question is about investigation of corruption in the CLP and charges the CLP is facing about corruption.
Mr ELFERINK: No charges have been laid. If charges come under any circumstances relating to any person in the Northern Territory, it is a matter for the criminal investigation organisations, and those investigating authorities will take it to the DPP. That is proper and right. They have to be very careful because they are now alleging offences against individuals. I suggest they go outside and say it. Go outside of coward’s castle and make the allegations you are making. I bet you will not because you do not have the stomach or the ticker to face the inevitable actions that will come against you. Start naming people if you are so sure of yourselves.
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. The Chief Minister refused to answer the question ...
Madam SPEAKER: No, it is not a point of order.
Mr ELFERINK: They have a legacy of burying their heads in the sand. They did when there was a stink about Bob Collins and the information that went out. They continue to do it over the Stella Maris deal and they continue to ignore the warnings around the PenCon scheme.
We had the courage to look. We said to the police, investigate and bring these things to their normal conclusion. But we have courage and we have taken people to court from their administration. We have made separations with public servants who have failed to meet the expectations of this government and we will continue to be brave. The cowardice is writ large on the faces of those opposite. They would use this place to besmirch the good reputations of people without any thought of their future.
Red Tape Reduction Strategy
Mr CONLAN to TREASURER
The Treasurer has overseen the reduction of some $5.5bn debt, or at least half of that, from the previous government. This is the same Treasurer who has overseen the highest employment participation rate in the Northern Territory, sitting at some 76.3%. What a sterling job. He has overseen 11 000 more people in work compared to three years ago. The Red Tape Reduction Strategy, employed by this government to almost 200 businesses, was overseen by the Treasurer.
With all that put into that context, can the Treasurer please advise this House of the Territory government’s fiscal position?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Greatorex very much for the question. He asks wonderful questions. It is a pity we could not get more like that from the other side. It is a good question because it gives me the opportunity to explain where we have come from and where we are going.
Members are aware that when we came to government we inherited a projected debt of $5.5bn from the former Labor government.
Ms Lawrie: Rubbish!
Mr TOLLNER: I just heard the member for Karama yell out, ‘Rubbish’. She ought to know; they were her numbers. She projected that debt.
There was never a strategy from the former government, or anything in its forward estimates that showed any effort to reduce debt.
Our debt is projected to be around $2.25bn – member for Greatorex, you were very close – which is a 60% reduction on what was projected by the previous Labor government. Recently we announced that in the last financial year we hit a real surplus expected to be in excess of $100m, which is three years in advance of what was projected. This has been possible because of the efficiency savings and sound financial management this government has put in place.
Part of the return to surplus is because we received a large revenue increase from a one-off stamp duty payment, and because some federal government revenue came in late.
We were only able to post a real surplus last year because of the hard work that had been done over the past three years. I thank Treasury and all my ministerial colleagues, who have put their shoulders to the wheel and driven savings throughout government. These savings have not impacted on service delivery across government or the number of public servants employed.
This government has a plan to further cut Labor’s debt. We have a plan to create jobs and grow a prosperous economy for the Northern Territory into the future. It is a definite change from the policy and fiscal directions of the previous Labor government.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Police Commissioner Investigation
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
It has been over eight months since the Police Commissioner was removed from office, the first time in the Territory’s history this has happened. To date, the government has not provided any information to Territorians on the progress of the investigation. Have the federal police ended their investigation? Has the DPP been briefed? When will Territorians have answers on yet another scandal for this government?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I appreciate the question from the member for Nhulunbuy. Perhaps if she was a bit more interested in her electorate she might leave these things to the police because this is what they are supposed to do.
Being minister for Police, and part of a government that develops policy for police to operate, I do not step in and tell police how to do their job. I do not give them dates to have an investigation finished by.
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. We are asking if the federal investigation has ended, if the DPP has been briefed and for an update.
Madam SPEAKER: Opposition leader, sit down; it is not a point of order. The minister has only just started his answer.
Mr CHANDLER: I am trying to give you an update. As soon as that information comes to hand I am sure it will become public through my office. The officers involved in that investigation are at the pointy end of it. They are very close to wrapping it up. As soon as it is complete we will know what action to take.
That is what they were tasked to do and what everybody in this House expects them to do. It is not up to the Police minister to know exactly when these things will end or what the outcomes will be. If I knew those things I guarantee I would be accused of running the investigation and that it had a predetermined outcome. I do not have the answers and I should not know the outcome of that investigation until it is complete. As soon as it is complete it will be made public.
Cost of Living in NT
Mrs FINOCCHIARO to CHIEF MINISTER
In 2012 we promised Territorians we would do everything in our power to reduce the cost of living. Can you please outline any reports highlighting what the government is doing to reduce the cost-of-living pressures on Territorians?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Drysdale for her question. I know she has many constituents, as we all do, who care about cost-of-living pressures in the Northern Territory, which were through the roof when we came to government. House prices continued to escalate at record highs in the Northern Territory. The former Labor government, between 2011 and 2012, saw the biggest increase in petrol prices in the Territory’s history, particularly the gap between the terminal gate price and the retail price.
The member for Karama likes all this moaning and groaning, but the fact is she was the Treasurer who oversaw the highest increase in petrol prices in the Territory’s history.
The member for Drysdale asked about any reports I am aware of about cost-of-living pressures in the Northern Territory. I point to the NTCOSS report, which states:
- It is also important to acknowledge the role played by the October 2013 Fuel Summit facilitated by the NT Government, which led to prices almost immediately decreasing in Darwin, and a greater scrutiny on prices by the wider community.
That is a direct quote from the NTCOSS report. There is much more information in that report.
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. You are quoting from NTCOSS; since you like them will you restore their funding?
Madam SPEAKER: No, that is not a point of order.
Mr GILES: The NTCOSS report also showed that Darwin’s CPI is the lowest in 17 years. I ask my colleagues what the similarity was 17 years ago. The answer is quite simple; it was a Country Liberal government 17 years ago.
We are now looking at this NTCOSS report and reflecting on a number of areas, especially fuel, but also housing prices, which are continuing to come down. We look at the cost of living in five measures, which are fuel, housing, electricity, airlines and groceries.
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing order 113: relevance. With regard to electricity, you put tariffs up by 30%.
Madam SPEAKER: Sit down. That is not a point of order.
Mr GILES: The fifth one is grocery prices. We are working on how we can improve the quality of fruit and vegetables in the Northern Territory and the pricing structure of groceries. We estimate about 80% of groceries in the Territory are on par with groceries around the country. About 5% are cheaper, and about 15% are higher than other parts of the country. We are working closely to improve price structures for fruit and vegetables, and how we can get fresher fruit and vegetables into the Northern Territory.
Myilly Point – Old Hospital Site Development
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for LANDS and PLANNING
In May last year the NT News said residential development of the old hospital site in Myilly Point could be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. The Planning Commission released a full concept plan on the same day. That was nearly 18 months ago. Can you please say what is happening with this plan, and what the future is of the old hospital site at Myilly Point?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for that question. The old hospital site has been looked at for some time. The Planning Commission undertook a report into it and went into considerable consultation. The plans put out by the Planning Commission did not match the outcome of the consultation inasmuch as when people were asked what they wanted there, especially the nearby residents, it was very unimaginative. Most people said something iconic should be placed on the site. It is a valuable site for Territorians, with a great deal of history in a great location. No specific proposals have come forward about iconic developments that can occur there, but as a government we are open to ideas. When we receive some further information I will make the Chamber aware of what is being proposed, but at this stage it is sitting vacant, waiting for plans for an iconic development.
Wild Dog Control
Mr KURRUPUWU to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY and FISHERIES
Can the minister update the House on the review currently under way into wild dog control and pastoral properties across the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. It is very important to look after our pastoral sector. It is easy to stand in this House and draw distinctions between what this Country Liberal government does for the pastoral sector and what the Labor Party did to the pastoral sector during its period of office. The contrast could not be starker.
We are the only government that works very closely with the pastoral industry. In 2013 we introduced a new system for baiting, using 1080 baits for the control of wild dogs. It is very pleasing that under this new system 67% of all registered pastoral properties are authorised to use those baits. We are expecting this figure to increase to 75% by the end of this year.
However, there is always more that can be done. Last year the NTCA raised some issues regarding further improvements to the system. On the back of that I initiated a review of the 1080 baiting system. I am pleased to report the review is going well.
I have appointed an industry and government review panel, with an independent chairperson, to oversee the review of an approved terms of reference scope and process of the review. The panel has already met twice and consolidated a list of issues and concerns raised by industry. We have written to all station owners authorised to bait and got their feedback on improvements which can be made to the system. Meetings have been held with pastoralists in Tennant Creek, Katherine, Alice Springs and Darwin.
This Country Liberal government is working hard to reduce red tape, secure our live cattle industry and look after those who are important to the industry and the economy of the Northern Territory. The members opposite had 11 years to resolve some of the issues around the cattle industry and live baiting, and what did they do? They did precious little; in fact, they did absolutely nothing.
This government can be trusted to look after the pastoral sector, which no one could trust the Labor Party to do.
Ms Lawrie: Rubbish. They were protesting outside against you yesterday.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: Listen to the interjections by the member for Karama. Do you want to hark back to 2011, when the Labor Party suspended the trade to Indonesia, crippling our industry?
This government is working very hard and closely with the cattle industry to ensure it has a bright future. If this industry was left to the Labor Party it would go to the dogs.
CLP – Alleged Disunity
Ms FYLES to MINISTER for LANDS and PLANNING
There is open warfare between you and the member for Daly, a fellow Cabinet minister, who is continuing to damage the work of the government. You verbally abused his son, a staffer, and lost your job. You rudely told him to stick his corporate tickets ‘where the sun don’t shine’. Last sittings you had a go at him for not playing the role you wanted him to in the ongoing planning issues in the rural area.
In return, and in an unprecedented sign of disunity, the member for Daly, your Cabinet colleague, has signed a highly critical letter of you and your plans to redesign the rural area. How can Territorians trust you and your colleagues to do their jobs when there is so much internal disunity?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nightcliff for the question. There were so many things wrong about that question it would take me a day to respond. I have a fantastic working relationship with the member for Daly. We get along screamingly well. He is a good bloke and he is doing a great job as the minister for Sport and the Arts. I have nothing but praise for the job he is doing.
In relation to planning matters, I support the member for Daly in the letter that he wrote to the Development Consent Authority. He asked the DCA to look very closely at rezoning.
It is interesting the way member for Nightcliff has tried to mangle a couple of issues together. The member for Daly is not opposed to planning in the rural area at all, nor do I think most people who live in the rural area are opposed to it.
Planning is completely different from rezoning. With the Planning Commission we are looking to plan for future development in the rural area. The Planning Commission is going out of its way to consult with people. It has done the show circuit and a range of different shopping centres where it is setting up stalls.
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. I appreciate hearing how the minister claims to have purpose with his planning in the rural area, but how can Territorians trust him and his colleagues when there is so much disunity in his team?
Mr TOLLNER: She has reframed the question. It was a long, garbled question, full of mangled messages. I am trying to respond to the issue about planning. If you stop jumping to your feet every two seconds saying, ‘113’ as a way to interrupt, you might learn something, which would be unusual for you.
Mr McCARTHY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I request the member direct his comments through the Chair.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, if you could direct your comments through the Chair.
Mr TOLLNER: The Planning Commission is currently planning for the future of the greater Darwin area, which includes the rural area. People in the rural area want to see better planning. They are sick to death of spot rezoning, as are most people. But if we go the way some people want us to, that will be the only option into the future.
This government is about proper planning, community consultation and making sure the Territory can grow in a sustainable way into the future.
China-Australia Free Trade Agreement – Labor’s Comments
Mr BARRETT to MINISTER for ASIAN ENGAGEMENT and TRADE
The Northern Territory Branch of the Labor Party and its union members were out doorknocking last weekend, spreading their anti-China free trade agreement sentiment.
Ms Lawrie: Rubbish!
Mr BARRETT: Can we get through a question for five seconds without an interjection? Seriously.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Blain, please continue.
Mr BARRETT: I understand they were at it again this morning at the launch of your five-year Asian Engagement, Trade and Investment Strategic Plan. What damage does this anti-China message send to our international trading partners?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, we know that those opposite hate good news, but there are two parts to this story. The first is good news. The problem we had with breakfast this morning was we could only get 400 people in because the place was booked out. When you are trying to find space to run an event – everybody wants to be in the Northern Territory, which is a great problem to have.
Ms Fyles interjecting.
Mr STYLES: Madam Speaker, I struggle with the poor old member for Nightcliff who has an anger management problem.
This morning was sold out. The most we could get in was 400 people from business and stakeholder groups for the release of the Giles government’s blueprint for Asian Engagement, Trade and Investment. The feedback we received from those people was fantastic.
They were there because they support what the government is doing to create a prosperous economy and jobs for Territorians. That has been missed by those opposite.
The draft Asian Engagement, Trade and Investment Strategic Plan emphasises the importance of relationships that underpin and support the further development of international trade and investment linkages. This is especially the case for Asia.
The Giles Country Liberal government is strongly committed to this region, as we are the gateway to Asia and Australia. Our goal is to be uppermost in the minds of decision-makers, where business decisions about partners and suppliers are being made. We do not want our trading partners being driven by the NT Labor Party’s anti-China FTA and anti-Asian campaigns.
The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement will play a critical role in delivering Territory prosperity. The Territory Labor Party’s opposition to the free trade agreement with China is the single biggest threat to the Territory’s trade and business community.
To those who are listening and watching, if you do not believe that, in this photo is the member for Karama with the unions, campaigning against the free trade agreement. Here is one from this morning from the unions, which says, Build a Better Future.
‘Drive business away’ is what I expect from those opposite because they do not have a clue how to run the economy. ‘Build a better future – stop the free trade agreement. The China deal will kill jobs in the Territory.’
I quote the former Chief Minister, Paul Henderson, in a media release on 22 June 2010:
- That makes our relationship critical to helping to continue to grow and shape the Territory’s economy now and into the future.
He is talking about China. Today the Leader of the Opposition was out the front of this building at a humanitarian gathering and said, ‘We have a proud record of welcoming people’, except if you are Chinese or Asian.
Mr Vowles: That is deeply offensive, seriously. You are an idiot.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Johnston, withdraw that.
Mr Vowles: I withdraw.
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Standing Order 62. The minister should withdraw. That is not what I said out the front of Parliament House, he is misquoting me.
Madam SPEAKER: I was not out the front of Parliament House, but you should withdraw that comment, minister.
Mr STYLES: I am sure he can make a personal explanation. It is all on tape.
Madam SPEAKER: No, withdraw the comment.
Mr STYLES: I withdraw.
Youth Services Funding in Alice Springs
Mrs LAMBLEY to CHIEF MINISTER
Yesterday in parliament I asked you a very simple question. In February you promised extra funding to Alice Springs night time youth services. How much funding was allocated and to whom? You failed to answer this question. I have since received confirmation from numerous sources that no funding has been allocated or service contracts signed. Nothing at all has been done after eight months. You have failed to deliver.
In your answer you also deliberately misled parliament by saying that as Treasurer, I cut funding to night time youth services in Alice Springs.
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The allegation requires a substantive motion.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Araluen, withdraw or make a substantive motion.
Mrs LAMBLEY: I withdraw.
In your answer you suggested that I cut funding to night time youth services in Alice Springs when I was Treasurer. This is misleading. There was an increase to the child protection budget while I was Treasurer. I am happy to table a copy of the mini-budget for you, if you like.
I did not cut a cent to night time youth services in Alice Springs; you have cut $2.5m. Enough of your dirty tactics; will you honour your promise to increase funding?
___________________________
Visitors
Visitors
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I advise of the presence in the gallery of students from Nungalinya College in Nakara accompanied by Reverend Felicity Amery. On behalf of honourable members, welcome to Parliament House. I hope you enjoy your time here.
Members: Hear, hear!
___________________________
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, yes, we are. Yesterday we were successful in the outcome of our negotiations with the federal government, which announced a $1.7m increase to BushMob funding in Central Australia. We have committed to and announced more funding to Alice Springs Town Council in partnership with Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, as I said yesterday. It is there for all to see.
Tourism Numbers
Mr KURRUPUWU to CHIEF MINISTER
Can you outline what the latest visitor numbers from Tourism Research Australia show about tourism in the Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for the question. He is interested in tourism, especially throughout Arnhem Land and the Tiwi Islands, where we are focusing heavily on getting more tourists. This supports economic development and growth, as well as jobs for Aboriginal people in the bush.
He is right to ask that question today because we have just announced the outcome of the most recent international and national visitor survey results. Over the past 12 months we have seen an increase of 5.6% in tourist numbers in the Northern Territory. We have seen growth across all regions in the Northern Territory in international and domestic markets, looking at intrastate and interstate on the back of the Do the NT campaign.
I pay thanks to the member for Greatorex, the former Tourism minister, who fought so hard for the marketing budget to be driven up. There is now more than $50m in the Tourism budget supporting marketing, domestically and internationally, which is driving an increase in tourist numbers. The member for Greatorex, as Tourism minister, launched our plan to be a $2.2bn economy by 2020. Today we can advise it is already a $1.9bn economy with five years to go. I am sure we will excel in this area.
Part of the information that came out today shows the UK is still very strong with visitor numbers. The US is rising rapidly and China is up by 9.1%, which is fantastic because the Territory has never been successful with Chinese tourism. We have harnessed a lot of energy trying to get Chinese tourists to the Northern Territory, especially the low-volume, high-yield, free and independent travellers who stay for a long time and spend a great deal of money. That is starting to change. It is disappointing that, when we are spending all this money to attract Chinese tourists to the Northern Territory, the Labor Party is trying to send the Chinese away. That is sad.
It is interesting that we are trying to import tourists to the Northern Territory for our economy, which is different to what Labor did in government. All they seemed to want to do was travel overseas themselves and rack up Territory taxpayers’ money on overseas travel, not least of all the former member for Casuarina, who spent $197 000 on overseas travel in his last year.
The former Labor government took plenty of overseas trips, or junkets, in its last year of office, too many to speak of, but $197 000 was spent by Kon Vatskalis when he was member for Casuarina. He spent all that time going to China when we are trying to bring people from China to the Northern Territory.
Today’s results are an injection of spirit and fight into the tourism industry in the Northern Territory, and it is part of our plan to grow jobs and economic growth for all Territorians.
Stuart Lodge – Reopening
Ms MOSS to MINISTER for HOUSING
You stated in the House yesterday your department wrote a repairs and maintenance report two months ago on how much it will cost to reopen Stuart Lodge. My question is on behalf of the people in Central Australia. When will you repair and reopen the lodge so those 68 beds can support rural and remote Centralians seeking medical treatment?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, as I said yesterday when I replied to the question, three NGOs have expressed an interest in working with us. Two have pulled out, but we are still working with one to fix Stuart Lodge. Recently there was an audit on Stuart Lodge and what we have to fix in order to put it on the market. Stuart Lodge is ideal accommodation in the centre of Alice Springs. Yes, it would be ideal for remote people to use for accommodation and we are working on it. As the Minister for Housing I have gotten some funding together to make sure we have the repairs and maintenance done to these centres. We are waiting to find out exactly what repairs and maintenance need to be done. I am happy to give the member a briefing on it.
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. You said yesterday:
- We now know how much it will cost to repair and maintain Stuart Lodge.
Can you please tell Territorians when you will repair and reopen the lodge since you have that figure?
Mrs PRICE: I am happy to give you a briefing on Stuart Lodge.
Infrastructure Development
Mrs FINOCCHIARO to MINISTER for INFRASTRUCTURE
Territorians across the Territory are benefiting from the record investment in infrastructure, and the people of Palmerston are seeing the benefits of your hard work in securing significant road infrastructure and the Palmerston hospital, to name only two. Can you please update the House and remind Territorians why the Country Liberals government is in the best position to lead and build a strong and prosperous Northern Territory.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, they do not like good news, do they? The Territory never had it for about 11 years, not under Labor.
I am worried about the answer to this question because it is so long. There is so much infrastructure being constructed and, with what was done last year and again this year, it will take me hours, but we will get through it.
Members interjecting.
Mr CHANDLER: You should listen; you might learn something. In the 2014-15 financial year the total delivered by the Department of Infrastructure was $1.17bn.
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 255; if it will take hours will the minister table the document?
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, is it a document or your private notes?
Mr CHANDLER: It is just an answer, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: No, the member has asked if you would table the document.
Mr CHANDLER: My notes are on here. There were 948 contracts awarded, achieving expenditure of $515m: $40m on remote and government employee housing; $250m on roads; and $300m on infrastructure. There was $88m spent on the Tiger Brennan duplication, $5m on works at a Tennant Creek substation, $23m on the Royal Darwin Hospital expansion of …
Ms Lawrie: Thank you Labor, and thank you Albo.
Mr CHANDLER: It was not your money. We had debt, remember?
There was $5m spent to resurface Hidden Valley Raceway. Healthcare service facilities received $43.6m for our remote health centres, $7.4m for police stations, and $9m to revamp the Greatorex building.
Territorians are just as excited as this side of the House is about the infrastructure and what is happening in the Territory, which did not happen for so long under Labor.
The excitement does not end there. This financial year we will see some outstanding significant projects committed to, including the following: $20m to upgrade Port Keats Road; completing the $21m Alice Springs overpass; an upgrade of $3m to the Lovegrove and Larapinta Drive intersection; $25m to seal Mereenie Loop Road; flood mitigation works in Darwin and Katherine; $21m for Palmerston Special School – self-funded; and $30m cyclone rectification.
They could never have self-funded; they would have to borrow more. There was $40m to improve outpatients and public areas at the Royal Darwin Hospital, $5.5m to child and family centres in Larapinta, $10.06m at Casuarina Coastal Reserve, and $10.04m at Litchfield National Park.
This is exciting stuff. Between 15 July and 11 September over $102m has been expended by the Department of Infrastructure. The month of July saw a record spend year-on-year – yibbada yibbada.
As of 11 September 2015 the Department of Infrastructure released 92 tenders this financial year, a market with an estimated value of $130m, which is more than that mob could get out in a month.
Between 1 August and 11 September a whopping 50 tenders have been awarded, totalling $121m. That is incredible. Again, it would never happen under that mob over there. We are upgrading Canteen Creek aerodrome awarded to Northern Machinery Sales for $2.2m.
The list goes on, but the member for Drysdale is rightly excited, as are we, because a great deal is happening.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Nhulunbuy Emergency Department
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for HEALTH
I did not hear the Minister for Infrastructure comment on this. In a government media release, called New Gove Emergency Department on Track, it was stated the $13m emergency department would be operational by early 2015. It is now late 2015, the funding has been almost halved and the capital works have not started. When can the people of East Arnhem Land, Yolngu and Balanda, expect a new emergency department?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, what is the date on that release?
Ms Walker: It was 14 May 2013.
Mr ELFERINK: I was not the Health minister at the time and I am not sure who the Health minister was.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! I would like to hear the minister’s reply.
Mr ELFERINK: I have answered these questions in private to the member for Nhulunbuy and she seemed satisfied with the answer. Those works are progressing.
I took the opportunity to read the letter which was tabled by the Leader of the Opposition in relation to allegations against the Police minister and staff members working for him.
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. We asked him about why Gove does not have an ED yet and he is now talking about something completely different.
Madam SPEAKER: You cannot go off on another …
Mr ELFERINK: I understand that, but the allegations they made are very serious. Mr Chandler is not ...
Madam SPEAKER: What is the letter about?
Mr ELFERINK: The letter was tabled by the Leader of the Opposition at the beginning of Question Time.
Madam SPEAKER: About the Health department’s issues at Nhulunbuy?
Mr ELFERINK: In that case, Madam Speaker, I have answered the question.
Mr Walker: You certainly have not answered the question, liar.
Mr STYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 62: offensive. The member for Nhulunbuy called out ‘liar’ to the member for Port Darwin.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nhulunbuy, if you used that word, please withdraw it.
Ms WALKER: I withdraw, but I was highly offended that I did not get the three minutes to hear an answer.
Member for Brennan – Letter Tabled by Opposition Leader
Mr BARRETT to ATTORNEY-GENERAL and JUSTICE
The Chief Minister took a question from the Leader of the Opposition in relation to minister Chandler and a tabled letter. What is the connection the Leader of the Opposition is trying to make?
Madam SPEAKER: Please pause. I was approached by the member for Brennan, who wishes to make a personal statement at the end of Question Time and I have granted that permission. Is that the same one in regard to personal travel?
Mr ELFERINK: No, it is in relation to allegations made by the Leader of the Opposition and it is a perfectly legitimate …
Madam SPEAKER: No. The member for Brennan has approached me according to Standing Order 57; he will make a personal statement at the end of Question Time.
Mr ELFERINK: Madam Speaker, this is an important question. It needs to be aired in the public domain.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, sit down! The member for Brennan will make a personal statement at the end of Question Time, pursuant to Standing Order 57.
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! It is a legitimate question within the standing orders. There is nothing out of order in the question.
Madam SPEAKER: The member for Brennan has approached me in regard to allegations made against him regarding travel and I have said yes to a personal explanation under Standing Order 57. The member for Brennan has the opportunity at the end of Question Time.
Mr Elferink: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: I have not finished. Member for Port Darwin, if you look at questions in the standing orders you will see yours is an opinion, and it will be out of order. The member is offered the opportunity at the end of Question Time to provide a personal statement, which is very appropriate and important.
Mr ELFERINK: Thank you, Madam Speaker. However, I must be insistent in this space, despite the risk I am running. The allegation was highly improper and was not contained in the letter that was tabled. If the Leader of the Opposition wishes to make an allegation contained in the letter, it must contain an allegation. Neither the Police minister nor any other person is mentioned in the letter. If the Leader of the Opposition is in possession of information, I ask him to work with police and tell them everything he knows, including everything he has heard, so he cooperates with the police investigation as every good Territorian should. But there is no mention of the Police minister or any other person in this letter that warrants the attack led by the Leader of the Opposition.
Madam SPEAKER: As I have said, the member for Brennan will read a personal statement. I heard your comments.
October Business Month
Mr BARRETT to MINISTER for BUSINESS
I understand October Business Month is celebrating its 21st year in delivering business events in the Northern Territory. Can you please outline what is planned for 2015?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, those opposite do not seem to like good news, but there is more to come and it will continue from the Giles government. October Business Month is considered the premier business event for the Northern Territory by many Territory-based small and medium enterprises.
Around 94% of people in the Northern Territory are employed by small- to medium-sized business enterprises. As my colleagues mentioned earlier in Question Time, what happened 21 years ago when this started? The Country Liberal Party was in government.
We brought this in. I am glad the Labor Party kept it going because it is a great initiative. It gives an opportunity for Territory-wide, month-long programs to inspire, educate and motivate businesses and hold events such as dinners, award ceremonies, seminars, business breakfasts, cocktail receptions, leadership events and conferences.
You cannot get a space in the Darwin Convention Centre because it is booked out, but that is a great problem to have. October Business Month provides Territory businesses with opportunities for professional development, innovation, management ideas and networking opportunities for a host of industries and across many small businesses. Most of these events are free and many are held after hours to allow Territorians in businesses to keep their normal operating hours.
This year the Northern Territory government is expecting over 9000 attendees to enjoy a total of 166 business conferences, seminars and networking opportunities across the Territory. This includes 122 partner events hosted by private organisations and other Northern Territory government departments, and 44 Department of Business events. This is an increase of 13 events on last year’s record-breaking 153.
As Minister for Business, I launched the outstanding calendar events on 31 August 2015 in the newly renovated Paspalis Business Centre. Some of the keynote speakers this year include Ruslan Kogan, founder of Kogan.com; leading Australian chef, Matt Moran; businesswoman Naomi Simson; Editor-in-Chief of Collective Magazine, Lisa Messenger; Olympian and entrepreneur, Steven Bradbury; and Carman’s founder, Carolyn Creswell.
What a great opportunity it is for Northern Territory businesses to learn and improve, and to network with other businesses and find out what is happening in this fantastic environment in the Territory.
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