2015-11-18
Chief Minister – Call to Resign
Mr GUNNER to CHIEF MINISTER
The events in this Assembly earlier this morning have once again shown Territorians why you are unfit to govern. A vicious and ultimately botched attempt to remove the Speaker for daring to highlight your lack of integrity speaks volumes about the esteem in which you hold this parliament and the people of the Northern Territory.
The arrogance, untrustworthiness and incompetence on display over the last 24 hours is a defining feature of your government, and it is the way you have treated Territorians for three long years. When will you finally do the right thing, listen to Territorians and resign?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, is the alternative a Labor Party without policy? What is the alternative? You had eleven-and-a-half years of opportunity to do a range of things.
I have just delivered a speech at the Chamber of Commerce AGM. I spoke about many things the government has done in three-and-a-half years. Yesterday I answered a question and spoke about how the government was virtually bankrupt with the level of debt and deficit. I spoke about the range of things we have been doing. Off the top of my head I can come up with a number of projects: the Tiger Brennan Drive duplication; Palmerston Regional Hospital; a $40m upgrade to the Royal Darwin Hospital; $33m into the Pickertaramoor Road on the Tiwi Islands; upgrading the Port Keats Road; bridges on the Roper and Wilton Rivers; and the health centre at Ngukurr. There was more than $6m last year to roll out mobile phone and ADSL2+ technology in 13 communities across the Territory. There is $42m going into telecommunications across the Territory with Minjilang being the first community, and I understand Umbakumba is the second. Look at what we have done to reduce petrol prices in the Northern Territory.
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113; it was a very direct question. When will you do the right thing by listening to Territorians and resign? Answer the question.
Madam SPEAKER: It is not a point of order.
Mr GILES: Petrol prices are the lowest in the country. House prices are down, honouring our election commitment to reduce the cost of living. There has been the biggest land release program in the Territory’s history of more than 6500 blocks of land. There has been the biggest increase in Indigenous employment, in and outside of the public service, in the Territory’s history.
I pose this to the Leader of the Opposition: what is the alternative? We have a Leader of the Opposition who says he supports the gas pipeline announced yesterday, but he does not support the gas industry. What is the pipeline, a tunnel of love? We want to put gas there. What we want is the best gas industry in the Territory with the best environmental regulations. We have just released the second Hawke Report, and I know the Minister for the Environment will have more to say about that.
We are putting in place reforms which protect the Territory’s lifestyle, build our economy, reduce costs-of-living pressures and, importantly, build jobs. There is no alternative in this Chamber. I cannot go beyond one policy by Labor, which is to have a moratorium.
Oil and Gas Outlook for the NT
Mr KURRUPUWU to MINISTER for MINES and ENERGY
Can the minister outline the government’s oil and gas outlook for the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for the question. The oil and gas industry plays a major role in the Northern Territory economy already; it employs thousands of people and Territorians are committed to it. As a government we are committed to the existing industry, but we are also keen to grow on this success, especially in remote communities.
We saw the Deloitte Access Economics report, which demonstrated what was potentially in an onshore gas industry for the Northern Territory. I will not go through all the numbers, but the facts say it is huge. In the Territory it is estimated that we have more than 200 trillion cubic feet of gas onshore. To put this into context, the INPEX, or Ichthys, field has around 14 trillion cubic feet of gas, which has funded the development of a $35bn LNG plant and pipeline. Similarly, the entire North West Shelf has an estimated 50 trillion cubic feet of gas.
The idea that there is 200 trillion cubic feet of gas onshore in the Northern Territory is exciting and special. It has the ability to grow the Northern Territory economy for the years to come, providing much-needed jobs across the Northern Territory, especially in remote areas for Indigenous people. We want to see it happen, but we want it to be in an environmentally friendly way. That is why today the Chief Minister announced the Oil and Gas Industry Development Strategy. We are encouraging industry and the community to provide feedback on that strategy. Give us advice.
I encourage opposition members to get on board with this and provide some feedback on exactly what they think. The reality is they are teetering on discussions in relation to oil and gas. We want a bipartisan approach to this in the Northern Territory. This is bigger than politics. All parties should work together on this to make sure we have the best environmental guidelines in this country, and to make sure our pristine natural environment is not ruined. We need to take Territory communities along with it.
I said we have hit the go-slow button in relation to the development of this industry and I mean it. We need to take Territorians along with us. I encourage the opposition and Independents to look at the oil and gas development strategy that has been released today and to get involved in the process.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Chief Minister – Call to Resign
Mr GUNNER to CHIEF MINISTER
The chaos and farce in this Assembly earlier this morning has done immense damage to the reputation of the Northern Territory. It is damaging business confidence and trust in the institution of government. It is demoralising for the thousands of public servants striving to make the Territory a better place. Will you now accept the reality of the lack of confidence your colleagues expressed in you earlier this year and resign with what little dignity you have left?
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I indicated precedence for a matter that will now be placed on the Notice Paper going forward; therefore, this invites anticipation of debate - Standing Order 68. I seek a ruling that …
Madam SPEAKER: No, it is not anticipation of debate. He is asking whether the Chief Minister should resign. The anticipation of debate is a vote of no confidence in the government. The question is in order.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the answer is no, because we are continuing to deliver a reform agenda which is delivering outcomes for the Northern Territory. I started the last answer by talking about a speech at the Chamber of Commerce today. I have been thinking about this for a long time. When you consider what we have been doing in our achievements - whether that is with downward price pressures on fuel and housing, reform of the electricity market, infrastructure we are building or increases in services – you look back in contrast at eleven-and-a-half years of Labor and ask what they built.
You give the former Chief Minister, Paul Henderson, credit for the INPEX project. You give him credit for the waterfront. You also give him credit for …
Mr Tollner: The prison.
Mr GILES: As the Minister for Mines and Energy has just said, you give him credit for the $1.8bn prison. What else? This is a question to my colleagues more than anybody else. What else do you give Labor credit for in its eleven-and-a-half years?
Debt and deficit were up, fuel and housing prices were up, grocery prices were up and crime levels were up. What was down? Business confidence was down. I cannot see much performance in eleven-and-a-half years. The funny thing is most of the people on the other side were in government previously. I attribute INPEX to Paul Henderson and Clare Martin, and the waterfront to Clare Martin. I do not know who will take responsibility for the white elephant, which is the $1.8bn prison. What else were your achievements? I cannot think of any.
We are the government that increased the police force by 120 frontline police officers …
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113; with 30 seconds to go, will the Chief Minister answer the question? Will you accept the lack of confidence your colleagues have in you and resign?
Madam SPEAKER: No, it is not a point of order.
Mr GILES: I have answered, Madam Speaker.
Dr Allan Hawke – Appointment
Ms LAWRIE to CHIEF MINISTER
I note your press release today titled, ‘Onshore oil and gas: building a social licence’. To build a social licence you need to be transparent and accountable. Were you aware when the government appointed Dr Allan Hawke as your Commissioner of the Hydraulic Fracturing Inquiry that he was, and still is, a member of the Board of Directors of Icon Water?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, appointments of consultants are undertaken by the department. I am aware of Dr Allan Hawke, a man who was a chief of staff to former Prime Minister Paul Keating, and who was also a High Commissioner …
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113; it was a very direct question. Were you aware when your government appointed him as Commissioner that Dr Allan Hawke was a member of the Board of Directors of Icon Water?
Madam SPEAKER: No, sit down. The Chief Minister has three minutes to answer the question.
Mr GILES: I know where this is going. This is going towards a character assassination of Dr Allan Hawke, who was Australia’s High Commissioner to New Zealand and the Chancellor of ANU. He undertook the federal review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act; he is seen as the person who made the most reforms to supporting environmental regulations in this nation. He has been the Secretary of the Department of Defence of this nation and is the former chief of staff to former Prime Minister Paul Keating.
This man is highly respected and credentialed, and he will now suffer the wrath of the member for Karama, who wants to execute him on the floor of the Northern Territory parliament.
That is outrageous. This is a man who is well respected …
M FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113; it is a very simple question.
Madam SPEAKER: No, sit down. The Chief Minister has three minutes to answer.
Mr GILES: We should be thankful to have someone of Dr Allan Hawke’s calibre and experience helping us to improve our environmental regulatory regime.
This is a man who is seeking to support the Northern Territory. South Australia is credited as having the best framework to support the environment, especially in the balance between the environment and industry.
We are trying to improve our model, which includes the independent EPA we brought in to government, and we strengthened it to have the best environmental protection in the nation, better than South Australia. Dr Allan Hawke is assisting us with that. To be persecuted by the member for Karama, I think, is a character assassination. I did not know what boards any employee of government or a consultant is on. That is not what I do at night; I do not go through individual consultants’ resumes. I have other things on my agenda. Getting one of the best in Australia to help the Northern Territory, not just the Country Liberals, improve our environmental regulations is very important. I fully support Dr Allan Hawke.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Dr Allan Hawke – Appointment
Dr Allan Hawke – Appointment
Ms LAWRIE to CHIEF MINISTER
Thank you for acknowledging you were not aware that Dr Allan Hawke was a Board member of Icon Water. Were you aware that Icon Water is a 50% owner of ActewAGL, a joint venture with AGL Energy Limited, and Jemena, which recently won the Northern Territory gas pipeline contract? As a result there is financial gain to be made for Board members of Icon Water. In the interests of transparency and accountability, do you have any concerns about a conflict in regard to a regulatory role Dr Allan Hawke is undertaking for government, and the fact the company he has interests in is a beneficiary?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, since being in government we have built many things. We have built houses, increased supply and put downward pressure on housing prices through demand. But something we have not built is glass houses. Perhaps we should deliver a glass house for the member for Karama. People who live in glass houses should not throw stones. If you have a question about integrity - we know the history of Stella Maris. If you want someone who is acknowledged Australia-wide as being very good in the environmental space and good at diplomacy, bureaucracy and understanding how government works, Dr Allan Hawke brings those credentials. He will help the Northern Territory for our future.
Oil and Gas Industry Development Strategy
Mr BARRETT to CHIEF MINISTER
Today in the Financial Review there was a report that spoke about the Oil and Gas Industry Development Strategy this government has put in place. I encourage you to read that because it was particularly glowing, which is in stark contrast to what we hear from the other side of the Chamber. Can you please provide details about the government’s Oil and Gas Industry Development Strategy which the article refers to?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Blain for his question. I appreciate the hard work he has been doing in a range of portfolio areas.
The Territory government sees onshore gas exploration as providing significant economic benefits for Territorians, including potential employment, regional economic and infrastructure development, and future royalties for the Northern Territory that will benefit all Territorians. The government wants to engage with the oil and gas industry and the public, both locally and nationally, about the direction of the industry in the Territory. This has seen the preparation of an oil and gas strategy which looks at development clearly establishing the way forward for industry. We encourage industry and the community to express their view on the strategy via our onshore oil and gas website, as well as the ‘Have your say’ website. We are listening to Territorians’ views about what we can do to support the development of this industry in an environmentally safe and secure manner.
The Northern Territory oil and gas industry has the potential to significantly contribute to the Territory and Australian economies and play a future and major pivotal role in the energy security of our nation. It is a priority for government to have information readily available to the public that is factual, based on science and relative to the NT government’s onshore oil and gas activity. We are strongly committed to ensuring the industry can be developed sustainably while still having appropriate protection of our environment and our Territory lifestyle.
The government is strengthening current legislation to ensure best practice regulation for this growing industry. There is a plan for oil and gas to play a big role in the medium- and long-term economic development of the NT, including the service and supply side. There is a lot of hard work going on in this industry to ensure local businesses and employees benefit.
We are committed to working with Territorians in developing a best-practice regulatory regime for the environment in line with community expectations. We are taking a slow and cautious approach to ensure community licence is given, that we bring community along for the journey, and together develop this industry, protecting the environment, growing jobs and supporting Territorians.
Government – Territorians’ Trust
Mr GUNNER to CHIEF MINISTER
How can Territorians have any confidence in your ability to deliver stable, competent and trustworthy government when your support in this Assembly is a minute-by-minute proposition? When it came to the crunch vote last night, you could not trust your own numbers in this Chamber. Why should Territorians trust you and your government when you clearly cannot trust each other?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition. When it comes to trust we often look at things on the surface. We just had a question about trust and integrity raised by the member for Karama. She was seeking to offer some form of persecution of Dr Allan Hawke on the floor of this Chamber, particularly around membership of a board. I am happy to advise the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Karama that in the report released today - I do not have a page number, but on 18 November 2015 Dr Hawke …
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. I appreciate that the Chief Minister wants to share some information with us, but the Leader of the Opposition has asked …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nightcliff, there are three minutes to answer the question. He has a bit of latitude.
Mr GILES: I will quote from this document by Dr Allan Hawke, which says:
- I am a director of Icon Water which provides water and sewerage services to the ACT and surrounding district.
‘Icon Water is wholly owned by the ACT Government, its voting shareholders being the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.
‘Icon Water is a 50% owner of a separate company called Actew/AGL in a joint venture with AGL and Jemena.
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. He is answering a previous question from a different member in this Chamber; he is not answering the question I asked him, which is about why Territorians should trust him when they cannot trust each other. That is the answer to a different question.
Mr GILES: He goes on further to say:
- Actew/AGL delivers electricity and gas services. I am not on the board of Actew/AGL (the Chairman and Deputy Chair of Icon Water fulfil those obligations) and I have nothing to do with the running of Actew/AGL or any interaction with Jemena.
Dr Allan Hawke has made a full public declaration. When you talk about trust, confidence and integrity you will see this is a public declaration. Clearly the former Leader of the Opposition, the member for Karama, and the current Leader of the Opposition, the member for Fannie Bay, do not display virtues of trust.
Ms FYLES: A point of Order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113: relevance. With 30 seconds to go perhaps the Chief Minister could stop avoiding and answer this question.
Mr GILES: Clearly the Leader of the Opposition and the former Leader of the Opposition do not display the virtues of trust, confidence, honesty or integrity. The only desire is to bring down a person who has served this nation and who currently serves the Northern Territory. I find that to be a lack of confidence in you, Opposition Leader.
Gas Interconnector – Department of Business Involvement
Mr KURRUPUWU to MINISTER for BUSINESS
Yesterday the Chief Minister announced that one of our oldest companies, Jemena, will construct the North East Gas Interconnector pipeline between Tennant Creek and Mount Isa. Can the minister please tell the members of this House what role the Department of Business will play in helping the Territory to be a part of, and benefit from, this significant project?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for the question. I have great news for Australia, the Northern Territory and Tennant Creek. This government is about good news and delivering for the people of the Northern Territory. There will be $800m spent on the North East Gas Interconnector. It is about jobs; it will create more than 900 jobs during construction for 600 locals, and produce $112m in contracts for local businesses. It will unlock the potential of the Northern Territory for years to come.
Part of the selection criteria was, during the process, that the creation of jobs and business opportunities was paramount. The Department of Business is working with 23 business development offices, Indigenous organisations and local organisations, the Business in the Bush program and with the services delivered by the department and the government to help local businesses get those jobs.
In saying that, as the Minister for Business it is my aim to ensure this major construction achievement translates to the utmost benefit for the entire Northern Territory community. I urge Territory businesses to register with the Industry Capability Network and ensure their full capabilities are detailed in their ICN profile. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with those at Jemena. They have committed to working with ICN and utilising the Industry Capability Network gateway to identify local businesses.
The Department of Business will also work with Territory businesses and industry associations to maximise local benefits and support Territory businesses to win work. The department will provide access to its full suite of services to achieve this. These services are designed to assist local businesses to start, run and grow, and include the Business Growth program, training programs, the Aboriginal Employment Initiatives program and access to our team of business development officers.
This is a nation building project that will deliver real jobs. That is what this government is about. It is not about promising things; it is about delivering real jobs with no burden to the taxpayer. Not a dollar from the taxpayer is going in, except for the support of Territory businesses to ensure they are well-equipped.
As the Minister for Employment and Training I am also very excited about the opportunities that will arise from the North East Gas Interconnector. Something we talk about on this side of politics is the future generations, and jobs for our kids, grandkids and those to follow. Not only will this project empower the nation, but it will empower future generations and the economy of the Northern Territory for years to come.
Chief Minister – Behaviour
Mr GUNNER to CHIEF MINISTER
Yesterday the Treasurer claimed the Speaker was to blame for chaos in your government when he said:
- They do not want a bunch of Independents and a riffraff Labor Party backed by a dodgy Speaker creating chaos.
You added your support for the Treasurer’s comments when you said:
- The member for Fong Lim spoke about elements of chaos in parliament. This continues to make the parliament a laughing stock.
When will you stop the delusion and accept that you and the behaviour of your government are making the Territory a laughing stock. Will you finally take responsibility for the chaos and incompetence of your government?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I will not be commenting on the debate from yesterday. The member for Goyder is the Speaker of parliament and she bears my full support. Yesterday was yesterday; today is the next day. She still has my full support.
Ms Fyles: It was actually today.
Mr GILES: Overnight, call it what you will. I said in a debate recently that we need to lift the level of debate and provide Territorians a higher level of respect and courtesy about the way we represent them in this Chamber. I think this is the fifth question by the opposition today. There has not been one question on policy or performance. I do not know if the rest of the Territory wants to know what the potential alternate government’s policies are.
You came forward with a motion to try to roll government on 1 December, but you do not present a policy platform of what Labor stands for. We reflect on what Labor achieved over eleven-and-a-half years. I have to say it is pretty slim and shady. There is not much there from eleven-and-a-half years. Yet you do not talk about policy today.
I have just listened to the Minister for Business talk about economic opportunities and opportunities for all Territorians with the North East Gas Interconnector. One thing the Minister for Business did not mention is what will happen with the royalties from the natural gas drilling industry, which are estimated to be around $960m between the years 2020 and 2040.
The gas industry is finite because there is only so much gas. The best thing we can do with those royalties is invest in Territorians and give them the best education. My team and I want the Territory to be the smart state. Every dollar from onshore gas drilling royalties will go towards VET and higher education, making it cheaper and easier for Territorians to study and get access to the best education in Australia in the Northern Territory. That is up to $960m of additional money going into VET and higher education over 20 years to support Territorians going forward. That is a policy you can put in your back pocket.
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Visitors
Visitors
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I advise of the presence in the west gallery of the young Indigenous leaders from the Learning on Country Program, which is run in schools in Arnhem Land, accompanied by Shane Bailey. On behalf of honourable members, welcome to Parliament House and I hope you enjoy your time here.
Members: Hear, hear!
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Gas Interconnector – Reaction to Announcement
Gas Interconnector – Reaction to Announcement
Mr BARRETT to CHIEF MINISTER
Reactions are important. We saw reactions from media and the Australian Financial Review, which was fantastic. We have seen a reaction from the people on the other side of the floor, which was less than fantastic, was derogatory and brought people down. Can you please outline what the reaction has been from other key stakeholders to yesterday’s announcement about the North East Gas Interconnector?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Blain for his question. Yesterday I was pleased to announce that Jemena has been selected to construct and operate the North East Gas Interconnector pipeline to connect the Northern Territory to the rest of this nation, making a truly national grid.
The reaction to the government’s announcement about this nation-building project has been extremely positive. This is an historic occasion for our nation. The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association issued a media release yesterday describing the NEGI as a pipeline of opportunity. APPEA’s Chief Executive, Malcolm Roberts, said:
- By stimulating gas exploration and production in remote areas of the NT it will help deliver tangible, long-term job opportunities in regional centres and indigenous communities.
Dr Roberts also said the pipeline:
- … promises to deliver real benefits for the nation as well as the Northern Territory.
I spoke to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk yesterday morning and she was supportive, but the Queensland government has been positive about the announcement and the impact it will have on jobs and critical energy supplies it will provide, particularly to the state’s north-west. In a media release issued yesterday, the Queensland State Development minister, Dr Anthony Lynham, said:
- … the broader benefit of this pipeline would be the potential to place downward pressure on gas and power prices, reducing operating costs for existing companies and future industry participants.
Mount Isa Mayor Tony McGrady also welcomed the announcement saying:
- This is terrific news for our region because it means jobs …
The Business Council of Australia’s Chief Executive, Jennifer Westacott, told The Australian the NEGI could:
- … support greater interconnection and liquidity within Australia’s gas markets.
The Incitec Pivot Chairman, Mr Paul Brasher, said the long-term gas supply agreement, with the Power and Water Corporation and the pipeline development, was a step change in the continuing development of northern Australia. Mr Brasher said:
- This project will play a major role in the future development of Northern Australian agriculture, and in continuing to build a food source for Australia and Asia over the next decade.
The gas pipeline will generate investment in regional infrastructure. It will deliver jobs, roads, bridges, telecommunications and services to all Territorians, but especially regional and remote Territorians. Yesterday, in regard to the pipeline, was a good day for Australia. It was a good day for the Northern Territory, Tennant Creek and Territorians. When the royalties flow into the VET and higher education sector you will see smarter Territorians with better access to opportunities. This is great for our kids and future.
Litchfield Council –
Report and Dismissal of Councillors
Report and Dismissal of Councillors
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT and COMMUNITY SERVICES
The residents of the Litchfield Council have started going to an election as we now have a very long early voting period. It is a good time for the candidates and ratepayers to know the details behind why the previous Litchfield Council was sacked.
You said you would not release the report, which was the basis for sacking the Litchfield councillors, because of sensitive matters. Will you at least release an edited version of the report so residents and candidates can know the reason behind the sacking of the council?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for this important question. It is important we have functioning councils, democratically elected, especially when there is a great deal of planning activity in the region.
On 12 October 2015 I dismissed all members of the Litchfield Council and initiated an election for a new council. Nominations were called for on 16 October 2015, and polling day will be 28 November 2015. Dismissed members are eligible to stand for re-election as long as they are not disqualified under section 37 of the Local Government Act. I am pleased to note there are eight candidates for the mayor position and 13 candidates for councillor positions in this election. This is the largest number of nominations a Litchfield Council election has ever received. It will offer real choices to Litchfield residents in who they want to represent them.
As the upcoming general election was not budgeted for, the Country Liberal government is assisting council by subsidising the cost with a grant of $30 000. We are further assisting the council by providing governance training to all newly-elected members to enhance the skills needed to get Litchfield Council back on track. I am also pleased to note a special Litchfield Council meeting to be held at 3.30 pm today, which will ratify the appointment of a new CEO. Ms Kaylene Conrick will be appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Litchfield Council. Kaylene Conrick has 25 years of local government experience and has been the CEO of two councils. She has very strong skills in community engagement and governance.
In regard to the investigator’s report and the submissions in response being released, the purpose of the report was for me, as the minister, to inform my decision. The report was not written for public consumption. It contains private and confidential information and, accordingly, will not be released. I will not be releasing an edited version. I have already publicly stated that there was a budget blowout of $1.6m, and the council was not functioning as a council should. It sounds very familiar to how the former failed Labor government operated.
Reinstating a Litchfield Council which was likely to continue bitter infighting and refused to work as a team for the benefit of ratepayers and electors was not in the best interests of Litchfield residents. They lost focus of what their role was because of the fighting and the issues they thought were more important.
Member for Arnhem – Initiatives in Bush Communities
Mr VOWLES to CHIEF MINISTER
On 15 May 2014 in this parliament, the member for Arnhem confirmed she had been offered a bribe by a senior party figure, acting on behalf of the government, to remain in the CLP. She said:
- He stated he loved me and that I’m a good person and good things will come to me if I stay with the CLP. He stated I would have my own cheque book.
What inducements has the CLP and the government offered the member for Arnhem or anyone else on her behalf this time around, and has the member for Arnhem once again been given her own chequebook?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I have to be honest, the member for Johnston got me. I have offered the member for Arnhem mobile phones at Umbakumba, Bulman and Weemol. We will try to connect sewerage between Weemol and Bulman. I have publicly stated it before and I will repeat it for you; I am happy to sing the praises of what we are doing in Aboriginal affairs, and building bridges over the Roper and Wilton Rivers to help connectivity into Nhulunbuy.
We are doing the first ever joint venture contract, which we have mandated there will be at least five of each year, in partnership with Aboriginal communities and a private sector builder for the health centre at Ngukurr, which I think is a $5.9m partnership between Yugul Mangi and Probuild NT. Yugul Mangi is taking over the project management role. There are lots of employment opportunities there.
In that electorate we will see a revamp of the road between Ngukurr and Numbulwar to improve its quality. We have our Community Champions program where Michael Tennant, CEO of the Department of Business, and the officials in the department are doing a great job in helping locals start businesses in Ngukurr and in the region. I know new tourism ventures are being planned and developed throughout that region.
There is a local motorbike tour company in Winnellie - I cannot think of the name, but I have visited – which does a bit of work in motorbike tourism through Ngukurr and Numbulwar, as well as fishing activities. They wanted more tourism activity and to work in partnership with local Aboriginal people. I visited them; I have spoken to people in Ngukurr and we have commenced a partnership. We are now looking at how we can invest in tourism infrastructure, whether that is camping grounds, toilet facilities or otherwise, so we can have motorbike tours through that area. These are good initiatives.
Member for Johnston, you got me. These are some of the things we are doing in the electorate. The conversations - as I said yesterday in this Chamber in Question Time - the member for Arnhem and I have had have been about what we are doing in Aboriginal affairs. They have been about telecommunications and remote bakeries - we have not even spoken about remote bakeries yet. Here is a story. Everyone asks why there are no bakeries in Aboriginal communities. We have always said we will, so we are building bakeries in Aboriginal communities. Papunya, Hermannsburg and Yuendumu are already delivered, and Lajamanu will be delivered soon, plus more to come.
These are initiatives we are taking as government to support economic development in the bush. These are providing real jobs in remote communities. These are the conversations I have had with the member for Arnhem. It is not about a cash bribe. This is about performance deliveries and outcomes in Arnhem, Arafura, Daly and Barkly.
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
Hawke Report – Recommendations
Mr BARRETT to MINISTER for the ENVIRONMENT
The government today released Dr Allan Hawke’s review of environmental assessment and approval processes. I am pleased to hear the government is committed to implementing a rigorous regime. The Northern Territory, in its distant past, has not had a great time with this. During my science degree we would go to White’s Open Cut, and you can still see the copper in the water now. Sometimes it leaks into the Finniss River. One of the things we looked at was how to do this better in the future. Can the minister please outline the main recommendations contained in the report and the government’s view on them?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. I am only too pleased to outline the main points in Dr Hawke’s recommended regulatory structural option to enhance the integrity of the current system. Some of the key features include the following: certainty for major project proponents by providing a single front door through the system; testing and accrediting project legislation and agency procedures by the Environment minister, in consultation with the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority; establish the Environment minister as the decision-maker for projects not subject to approval by an accredited approval process; transparent public reporting by proponents on compliance with environmental conditions; a strengthened audit and compliance role for the NTEPA; the Environment minister to give proponents in the community certainty by publishing policies and procedures; and clarity in the roles and responsibilities of government agencies and the NTEPA in the system.
This environmental reform package is significant. We are determined to ensure it not only strengthens our environmental assessment and approval processes, but provides a balance with business and development in the Northern Territory. It will also provide for transparency and certainty. In adopting the regulatory regime recommended by Dr Hawke, the community can have greater confidence that environmental assessments are highly rigorous. It outlines a clear role for everyone in the system and not only gives the community more confidence, but gives proponents more clarity on what level of environmental assessment an application will require.
The recommended regime also enhances and strengthens the independent EPA’s environmental monitoring functions, giving it a greater role in ensuring developments are adhering to agreed environmental standards.
There is a lot to take in with the report’s recommendation, but know this: it is just the beginning. We are working towards a stronger, more transparent, more user-friendly, balanced and altogether better environmental assessment and approval process for the Northern Territory. This is a significant move which we are determined to get right.
Alice Springs Golf Club – Course Upgrade Funding
Mrs LAMBLEY to MINISTER for SPORT and RECREATION referred to CHIEF MINISTER
On Sunday I attended the Alice Springs Golf Club AGM, and an excellent presentation on golf course maintenance and rehabilitation. The Alice Springs golf course is iconic and world-renowned. To keep the Alice Springs golf course at a high standard, the club needs an alternative water supply and a major upgrade to the irrigation system.
The CLP was made aware of the needs of the Alice Springs Golf Club five years ago. I remember the briefing very clearly. What is your government’s commitment to providing significant funds to the Alice Springs Golf Club so it can continue to provide a world-class golf course in Central Australia?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I will start to answer this question, but I am sure the Chief Minister has some more information to add to it. I first became aware of the water problems with the Alice Springs Golf Club when the people there spoke to me about the move of the bowls club. I note the Northern Territory government provided the Alice Springs Golf Club with a capital grant of $1.5m for this project in 2014-15. Part of that project in setting up these bowls greens is to relocate some of the water infrastructure associated with that project. If the Chief Minister would like to add to that, I will pass it over to him.
Mr GILES (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for Sport for that, and I thank the member for Araluen for her question. One of the things we are seriously looking at - and Power and Water has been tasked with the responsibility of costing - is whether or not we can use some of the dirty water from the sewer system in Alice Springs to pipe water into the golf course.
The golf course is generally seen as being for residents of Alice Springs, although some tourists use the golf course. It is an opportunity for greater tourism expansion and development. It is widely said that the golf course in Alice Springs was the sixth best remote course in Australia.
It has been overtaken for a long time due to salinity in the water bore, which pumps water onto the course, so we are looking at an opportunity of using some of the water that comes out of the sewage treatment plant which is currently pumped out into the AZRI zone. Our initial costs are estimated at $5m to put a water pipe from the sewer system to the golf course. We are getting some final costing done on that, then we will take some cost-benefit analysis about whether that is the best investment of government money or if there other approaches we should be taking, keeping in mind we are spending a lot of money investing in tourism infrastructure to build new products and renew products. If we can measure the cost-benefit analysis of a sewer pipeline to the golf course, as well as its return on investment to the community and to tourism, we will make a decision on that.
Clearly, water supply for the golf course in Alice Springs is a challenge, especially regarding salinity and the damage it causes to the grass. As a community asset, we need to invest in it for community and economic benefit.
Hawke Report – Implementing Recommendations
Mr KURRUPUWU to MINISTER for the ENVIRONMENT
I listened with interest to the minister’s outline of the government’s intention to strengthen the environmental assessment process via recommendations of the Hawke review. Will the minister inform the House of the next step in relation to implementing the review recommendations?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. There is no doubt Dr Allan Hawke AC is an eminent Australian expert in public administration, especially in the area of formulation and implementation of government policy. He was Chancellor of the Australian National University and has led a series of major inquiries, including the Commonwealth independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
I give honourable members this potted history of Dr Hawke’s distinguished career because I believe we should recognise how lucky we are that he agreed to carry out this extensive review into the Territory’s environmental assessment and approval process.
Earlier this year, we asked Dr Hawke to make recommendations on reforming this process to ensure the following: their cost-effective, transparent and efficient implementation; the requirements necessary for implementation of the Commonwealth’s ‘one-stop shop’ policy initiative for environmental assessments and approvals are catered for; structural and administrative efficiencies are maximised; and appropriate environmental standards are delivered with reduced regulatory time frames, duplication and uncertainty.
He delivered his review report to the government in May this year and we have carefully considered the report. This environmental reform package is significant and the government is considering the best way to develop the model and implement reforms. Today we released the report for feedback. Honourable members have heard me outline the main recommendations this afternoon.
In addition to the reforms suggested by Dr Hawke, there are 22 recommendations for improvements to our environmental assessment and approval system. The Northern Territory government is committed to undertaking reform of the Territory’s environmental regulatory system. Dr Hawke’s review, a recommended structural reform option and additional recommendations, is a good start.
Work is under way to determine the necessary changes to develop a model best suited to the Northern Territory. We will now go to industry and community stakeholders and ask them to work with government to develop and implement these reforms.
Government will actively encourage feedback on the report and the recommendation. This is a commitment for a robust environmental regulatory regime, and I look forward to the input and feedback we get as part of the community engagement phase.
Trust in Government
Mr VOWLES to CHIEF MINISTER
First, I welcome the young Indigenous leaders from the Learning on Country Program.
An ABC article on 29 November 2014 reported you as saying:
- ‘Alison Anderson and Larisa Lee are fair weather friends without any political conviction, who simply can't be trusted,’ he said.
‘They simply have no credibility anymore and have once again proven they're in this for themselves.
Referring to you, the member for Arnhem said on 24 February 2015:
- From the first day I met this man my instincts were telling me that he is not trustworthy.
When you tell us no deal was done, why should Territorians have any more trust in you than you and the member for Arnhem have in each other?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thought LPs went out a long time ago, but this tired record keeps playing over and over again.
Mr Conlan: The greatest hits.
Mr GILES: The greatest hits. How do we answer this question? We have been through this up hill and down dale 100 times. If the member for Arnhem wants to talk to government about what we are doing in a range of areas and supports that, it is up to the member for Arnhem. If you have sour grapes, member for Johnston, or whatever is inspiring your question, take that up with yourself. I am happy to work with you in your electorate.
It is funny; on reflection, nobody else in the Labor Party is asking us, since we are working in the member for Johnston’s electorate, if a deal has been done. We just put $25m into flood mitigation to help the victims of floods in Johnston. Nobody is saying there is a deal. We are helping all Territorians, which is what we do as government. We roll out reforms across the place. We build things and improve services. We build schools and upgrade hospitals. That is what governments do.
Ms Walker: You have done a dodgy deal with the member for Arnhem.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr GILES: They do not like it when it is about them.
Mr Wood: Are you doing anything in Namatjira?
Mr GILES: Yes, we are. The Plenty Highway has $45m of road investment occurring; there is $7m for the Santa Teresa Road and $7m for the Tanami Road. I know that is in Stuart.
Mr Wood: There are people in Howard Springs who cannot get a phone.
Mr Tollner: Gerry, you do not want anything in Howard Springs.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr GILES: We have mobile phones going into Docker River, Imanpa, Finke and Titjikala. We just rolled them out in Arlparra, member for Nelson. There is more employment in Namatjira than ever before. You asked the question and I will give you the answer.
Mr Wood: Are you spending anything in Nelson?
Mr Tollner: You do not want anything in Nelson, Gerry.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim, and member for Nelson!
Mr VOWLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 51; I am trying to listen and I ask for no interruptions.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you, member for Johnston. I would like to hear the answer too, please, honourable members.
Mr GILES: The interjection came from the member from Nelson.
Mr Tollner: We want to do things in Nelson.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim! You are on a warning.
Mr GILES: The loud interjection came from the member for Nelson about what we were doing in Namatjira, so I have rolled out a plethora of things. We are doing this in all electorates. The member for Casuarina has $40m to upgrade the hospital. That is just one thing. We have cancelled the lease for the Nightcliff island, member for Nightcliff.
We work across all electorates, and I welcome conversations with the member for Arnhem.
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
Gas Interconnector – Benefits to Gas Security
Mr BARRETT to TREASURER
Gas and energy security seems to be something everybody is very concerned about. Can you please outline for us how the NEGI will benefit gas security for Territory businesses and consumers?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Blain for that fantastic question. Before I get to the heart of the question, I need to give people a bit of history. When we came to government three-and-a-half years ago, as the Chief Minister mentioned, the Territory was pretty well bankrupt. We had record debt projections, we had record deficits and we received a downgrade in our credit rating because of the 11 years of financial mismanagement by the previous government. Part of Moody’s downgrade was because the Power and Water Corporation had been left to deteriorate and had become a financial basket case. That is one of the reasons we have done so much reform in the area of utilities, trying to fix up the Labor mess.
Part of the reason the PWC was a financial basket case was the gas sales agreement the previous government signed up to with Blacktip. I have to be very careful not to cross the line and start talking about commercial-in-confidence information. Whilst the price of that gas looked very good on paper, the quantities of gas were far in excess of the requirements of the Power and Water Corporation, to the point where Power and Water has been paying, for years, for gas it never has and never will use. It has bought far more gas than it needs for the electricity supply to Territorians and Territory businesses.
Because Power and Water is paying money for this gas, our electricity costs are artificially inflated, in part due to the arrangement the previous Labor government put in place. The announcement this week by the Chief Minister in relation to the Tennant Creek to Mount Isa pipeline, the NEGI, gives the Power and Water Corporation the ability to sell not all of this excess gas, but a large portion of it.
The Power and Water Corporation yesterday signed an agreement with Incitec Pivot to supply gas to it for 10 years, which relieves an enormous burden on the Power and Water Corporation. Together with the reforms we have put in place in relation to structural separation and the implementation of market reforms, this fantastic NEGI agreement the Chief Minister has put in place will deliver tariff reductions to Territorians and businesses.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
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