2010-04-28
Fisherman’s Wharf –
Alleged Spillage of A1 Fuel
Alleged Spillage of A1 Fuel
Mr GILES to MINISTER for CONSTRUCTION
On Friday, a request was made to load highly flammable A1 fuel into a luxury cruiser berthed at Fisherman’s Wharf. The request was initially refused; an order being made to load the boat at Fort Hill Wharf. Subsequently, that order was overturned and the fuel was indeed loaded onto the cruiser at Fisherman’s Wharf. I was just at Fisherman’s Wharf and saw the spillage of a large quantity of A1 fuel floating on the water. The smell of fuel was extremely strong and the slick extended over a large area. I was informed the fuel was not going to be cleaned up but instead left to dissipate. Can you tell the House why the initial order to load fuel at Fort Hill Wharf was overridden and are you satisfied that the port authority is disregarding environmental and safety regulations in favour of commercial advantage?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Braitling for the question. I am not quite sure of the chronology of the time frame, however, it is a serious allegation. This government takes the health and the environment of our harbour very seriously. This is an operational matter, and the member for Braitling has raised a very important operational matter.
I will be seeking advice from the Port Corporation and also the operator regarding this allegation. The member for Braitling mentions that he was there at lunchtime and witnessed this. I suggest that he may be able to help with this investigation as well, and I would be very interested in talking to him.
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr GILES: For the benefit of …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order, resume your seat. Are there any further questions?
Budget 2010-11 - Health Networks
Ms SCRYMGOUR to CHIEF MINISTER
Yesterday, you outlined to the House the Territory government’s health policy and our agreement signed with the federal government. Today, you outlined the single, largest investment in health in the Territory’s history. Can you update the House on this investment and what it means for Territorians?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. With the advent of the new health networks across Australia and the Northern Territory, the member for Arafura actually pioneered that concept as being the first CE of the Katherine West Health Board.
The budget in 2010-11 will deliver a record $1.16bn for our health system. It will increase nurse numbers, improve waiting times in our hospitals, expand services in critical areas such as renal health, chemotherapy and pathology services right across the Territory.
Territory hospitals are big winners, with all hospitals receiving record allocations. We know that Royal Darwin Hospital will see a significant $43m increase to its budget to secure power supplies for emergencies such as cyclones. Gove District Hospital will receive additional staff accommodation to the tune of $3.8m. Every time I visit Gove, I know the single biggest issue there is accommodation for staff, and that will certainly be a welcome boost for Gove Hospital.
To ensure the people of Palmerston can see a doctor 24 hours a day, we are providing $2m in the budget to operate the Super Clinic. The Health minister and I were out there today to see the Super Clinic coming on in leaps and bounds. There will be an extra $9.5m boost to nurse-to-patient ratios across the Territory. An extra 95 nurses to build on the additional 600 nurses we have recruited since we came to government. The Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre - budget allocation of $7.26m this year for extra staff, expanded chemotherapy services, and a fully refurbished patient accommodation facility.
In Katherine, there is $2.8m for more renal facilities. Let us never forget that it was this Labor government that expanded renal facilities across the Northern Territory, compared to the previous government, which would rather have people walk out into the bush and die than provide renal treatment in Tennant Creek, to the eternal shame of the then Health minister of the day. That is what he said on Lateline.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HENDERSON: An extra $1.7m …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Fong Lim!
Mr HENDERSON: … for the expansion of the Tennant Creek renal unit and, across the Territory, eight more pathology staff, more public health staff and, significantly, more child protection staff.
Over 10 years, and the opposition often talk about what does this mean for patients, we have seen 127 extra hospital beds, 188 more doctors, 616 more nurses, with an additional 95 nurses in the budget this year. We are committed to improving health services across the Territory.
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
Fisherman’s Wharf –
Alleged Spillage of A1 Fuel
Alleged Spillage of A1 Fuel
Mr GILES to MINISTER for CONSTRUCTION
I listened intently to your last question and, quite frankly, you have to be kidding. The spill occurred at 10 am this morning.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr GILES: The spill occurred at 10 am this morning. The newspaper has been out there, and I note that the minister for Environment gets his information from the newspaper, so I ask you again, minister: are you satisfied that the port authority is not placing commercial advantage ahead of environmental and safety risks?
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I inform the House of the aviation fuel spill at Fisherman’s Wharf that the member for Braitling has alluded to.
At approximately 12.50 pm, a spill was notified to the Darwin Port Corporation …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Dr BURNS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 51. I am interested in the answer here.
Mr Mills: Oh, you were not interested in the question.
Madam SPEAKER: Please pause. Honourable members, there are far too many interjections; it is impossible to hear either a question being asked or an answer being given. Minister, you have the call, and I would appreciate some courtesy please. It is a serious matter.
Mr McCARTHY: Thank you, Madam Speaker. It is a serious matter, and the government takes any environment matter in relation to our harbour and elsewhere very seriously. To sort out your allegations, member for Braitling, and for any Territorian who is interested in environmental issues, at approximately 12.50 pm, the spill was notified to the Darwin Port Corporation. Aviation fuel was spilled - estimated between 5 L and 10 L, which is very significant. Cleanup procedures were initiated by the Darwin Port Corporation and surrounding operators, including Paspaley. People who are interested - not knockers; people who are involved in doing …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr McCARTHY: … on-site spill and has notified the Marine Safety Branch …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! They have not even measured how much was leaked into …
Members interjecting.
Mr Giles: Caught out again!
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order! Minister, you have the call.
Mr McCARTHY: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I will pick up on the interjection when he sat down: ‘caught out again’, you reckon? You are a joke! And you want to talk seriously about serious issues? Then, listen up, sonny boy, you might learn something.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order! Member for Drysdale, member for Braitling!
Mr McCARTHY: A pilot boat was employed to assist in the cleanup. It is pleasing to report Darwin Port Corporation staff and the NT News were in attendance, and we have just heard the member for Braitling was in attendance too. Funny about that!
At 1.25 pm, the spill had been contained and addressed.
Members interjecting.
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The spill has not been contained; it has not been addressed.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, resume your seat. Minister, have you completed your answer?
Mr McCARTHY: Thank you, Madam Speaker. It is a very important issue; we take it very seriously. Once again, a cheap shot at politicising something that is very important …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! There are far too many interjections. This is not a playground, although so many of you seem to think it is. It is a parliament where people of the Northern Territory are expecting to hear answers to questions.
Investment in Health –
Delivery of Mental Health Services
Delivery of Mental Health Services
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for HEALTH
We have heard from the Chief Minister how the biggest investment in health in the history of the Northern Territory is going to improve acute care services, yet the health system is more than just hospitals. Can you please explain what this investment will deliver in community health and wellbeing initiatives, in particular, mental health services?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his very important question. I have to admit, it is overwhelming being in charge of nearly a quarter of the budget of the Territory - $1.16bn for our health system. We have provided a boost to Territory hospitals and a boost to Family and Children’s Services across the Territory. This budget will deliver an additional $5.2m to strengthen health and wellbeing services where it is most needed in our community.
A total of $2.2m will enhance secure care services for young people and adults with complex care needs; $790 000 will continue enhancements for disability services; $1m will be provided for power, water and insurance charges and tariffs for eligible clients under the Pensioner Concession Scheme; and $930 000 to establish a new Territory-wide 24-hour mental health hotline.
The hotline will be there 24 hours a day, with eight people to provide advice to our health staff who have to deal with people presenting themselves with suspected mental problems at hospitals and emergency departments. The benefits of this service will be far-reaching for patients and their families - 24-hour access to information, advice and support for consumers, carers, family members and other service providers. There will be improved support for subacute service patients and the non-government organisations which operate these services; and, increased access for people requiring emergency or urgent mental health assessment. I say it is important because, unfortunately, one in five Territorians will suffer a mental incident in their lifetime.
Since 2001, we have significantly increased our budget: 139% increase, 127 extra beds, 188 doctors and 616 extra nurses.
We hear the opposition say many times that we have the worst health care service in Australia. Today, I received confirmation that we have one of the best in Australia, because today we have had the signing of an agreement with South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory for the provision of renal services in Central Australia.
The member for Greatorex might believe we have the worst service. His colleague, Kim Hames, the Liberal Minister for Health in Western Australia, and the minister in South Australia, believe we have an excellent service and they trust us to treat their own people.
Darwin Harbour – Alleged
Incidents of Pollution
Incidents of Pollution
Mr CHANDLER to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
Last week, you went missing in action when serious allegations were made that copper concentrate being loaded at East Arm Wharf and polluting Darwin Harbour. Yesterday, the media reported another pollution incident in the harbour - this time on Sunday night. When did you find out about Sunday’s pollution incident and why have you been silent about yet another environmental threat to our harbour?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Brennan for his question. I am not an action man like Mr Abbott, but I certainly was not missing in action last week. I became aware of the incident, as I have consistently stated over the last few days, on Saturday, 17 April, while interstate. Upon receiving the advice from my office, I immediately asked them to get officers on to the ground, out on to the harbour. That did occur.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HAMPTON: Well, you keep asking the same questions.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr CHANDLER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! This is another question, and it is about Sunday night, not Saturday …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Brennan, resume your seat. It is not a point of order. Minister, you have the call.
Mr HAMPTON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am aware of the stormwater incident that the member for Brennan is talking about. I can say that that is now part of the whole investigation into the alleged incident of the copper oxide spill. This government take these incidents very seriously. That is why we have created the EPA, something that the opposition did not do for many years.
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The question was not difficult. The minister was asked when he was informed about the spill on Sunday night. He is refusing to answer that question.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Minister, if you could come to the point fairly soon please.
Mr HAMPTON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. As I stated consistently in this House, and in the media, I became aware of the copper oxide pollution incident on Saturday, 17 April. Regarding the other incident, I was made aware of that on the Sunday that it occurred. As I said, I acted to ensure that these incidents are both investigated immediately. We had officers from NRETAS on the ground, in the harbour, on the Saturday when I was made aware of it. These are now both part of a broader investigation of the harbour.
As I reiterated many times, the responsibility for ensuring activities that pollute our harbour, to make sure that they do comply within the law, that if they are breaking the law, whether it is the Darwin Port Corporation or whether it is companies such as OZ Minerals Limited, then I will be coming down like a ton of bricks on them. It is as simple as that.
Airstrips on Remote Communities
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for TRANSPORT
The community airstrip at Watiyawanu, or Mt Liebig, has been closed since Christmas 2009. Community staff and residents have been given an indefinite time line for its reopening. Meanwhile, patients requiring Flying Doctor evacuation must be transported more than 60 km over a rough road to Papunya airstrip, with only one nurse staffing the clinic. This is a logistical nightmare. If it is raining and the creek between Watiyawanu and Papunya comes up, it is impossible. How long will you continue to gamble with people’s lives? How many other airstrips on remote Northern Territory communities are currently closed? When will you repair and reopen the Mt Liebig airstrip?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. Once again, thank you very much for the information from the bush. Airstrips are operated at all three levels of government. We have had some incredible weather in Central Australia, and right across the Northern Territory. I would suggest that any delays in earthmoving or civil construction work have been related to weather.
Member for Macdonnell, I do not like to put anyone’s life at risk. I spent more than two decades in the bush and I know exactly what you are talking about. I will, as we speak, contact the department to find out exactly those answers you need.
Budget 2010-11 - Priorities
Ms WALKER to TREASURER
Can you update the House on the priorities of Budget 2010-11?
Mr Giles: Spin! Just a one word answer. Spin!
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Westra van Holthe: Well, just say everything, because everything they say is a priority.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Katherine, you do not have the call.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, Budget 2010-11 will be tight, but it is focused. GST revenue, as recorded, has been declining as a result of the global financial crisis.
I know the clowns opposite laugh and joke, but there are many people in the Territory actually interested in the Territory budget I will be handing down as Treasurer next Tuesday. If you can contain yourselves just for a moment, it might be useful.
The budget will be about protecting jobs and keeping our tax regime the lowest-taxing regime for both small- and medium-sized enterprises. Importantly, we are focused on better hospitals and a better health system; better schools and, certainly, more housing – spending in key areas of infrastructure.
After seven budget surpluses in a row, we have made a deliberate and responsible decision to step into deficit. We are not alone; every Australian jurisdiction in their mid-year report predicted budget deficits. It is the responsible thing to do to ensure we are providing for job protection and, importantly, job creation. This is in complete contrast to the wrecking ball of the CLP. They have this strange policy which is not quite a housing policy according to the member for Port Darwin, who was wriggling around on radio yesterday morning: ‘No, it is not really a policy, even though it is actually termed policy, because it will cost about’ …
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Relevance: the minister was not asked questions about Country Liberals policy. She was asked about her main focus in the coming budget. It was not what the Country Liberals are about. Answer the question!
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Fong Lim, resume your seat. It is not a point of order. Please continue, minister.
Ms LAWRIE: I can understand why the member for Fong Lim would be feeling a little touchy and defensive about this policy which is not really a policy, despite the fact it is called a policy, because it would punch a $1bn wrecking ball through a budget line.
The global financial crisis is certainly coming to the end. We have recovery coming out of that, however we are facing the TFC – the Terry Financial Crisis – a wrecking ball, reckless spending through the budget, decimating it by $1bn - $1bn which would be stripped out of health or schools or housing. They are a joke; they have no credibility when it comes to the budget.
East Arm Wharf - Alleged Spillage
and Communication Chain
Mr CHANDLER to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
Your government claims to have known nothing about the spillage of copper concentrate at East Arm Wharf over the best part of 12 months. This is despite an investigation by WorkSafe into the location of a demountable at the wharf, and concerns expressed by AFANT to both the Darwin Harbour Advisory Board and the Environment Protection Authority.
It beggars belief that these agencies failed to pass on to their relevant minister these concerns about dust spillage at East Arm Wharf. How was such a serious and systematic breakdown in the communication chain able to occur?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it really is come in spinner from over there, is it not? It really is. This government’s environmental credentials against the guys over that side, there is no comparison.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HAMPTON: As I have stated quite consistently, they are not only climate change deniers, they are environmental wreckers.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HAMPTON: Let us get a few things into perspective. The incidents the member for Brennan is talking about date back to 2007 and 2008.
The advice I have been given is that, in relation to the dust issues that the member for Brennan is talking about, the Darwin Port Corporation, through this government, had invested $1.5m into the port corporation to address some of those concerns and those particular facilities that were at the heart of the issue. Those issues are totally separate to the one we are talking about over the weekend with the copper oxide. Those issues raised by AFANT back in 2007, and in 2008 by the member for Nelson, have been acted upon. If there are still issues with the system, my job as the minister is to come in and fix that system.
That is clearly what the investigation is all about. It is about going in there, seeing where the system is broken, and I, as the minister, will come in and fix it. If that is a matter for extra resources, then I am sure my colleagues on this side of the House will support that, because environment is so important to this government.
The opposition has form; there is no doubt about it. They are an opposition which, for 26 years, did not even think about creating an EPA; it never, ever crossed their minds.
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order! Please pause, minister. What is your point of order?
Mr ELFERINK: I remind you of Standing Order 113 – succinct, concise and directly relevant to the question.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, if you can keep to the question as closely as possible, please.
Mr HAMPTON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. As I was saying, the CLP, in their 26 years, never created an EPA.
Members interjecting.
Mr TOLLNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Quite clearly, the minister did not hear your ruling about being relevant to the question. Could you direct him back to the question?
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, if you could just keep to the question as closely as possible.
Mr HAMPTON: Madam Speaker, there is no doubt that this government is committed to the harbour and protecting the beautiful environment that it is. There is an investigation under way, and I will not pre-empt the findings of that investigation. Once the report is across my desk, I will make sure that I act on it.
Housing – Investment by Government
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for PUBLIC and AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Can you advise the House about the new investment in housing in the Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. In Budget 2010-11, there will be a record $695m invested into housing by the Northern Territory government and, in some cases, in conjunction with the Commonwealth government. The budget last year was $390m. This is a substantial increase, and with some substantial investments therein. There is $49m, over three years, for 150 new public housing dwellings across the Territory, including three seniors villages – one in Malak, one in Alice Springs at Larapinta, and one at Johnston. These are very popular housing models for seniors. I am sure they will be really in demand. This is on top of another 59 one-bedroom and two-bedroom dwellings.
We have 200 dwellings springing up across the Territory, either under construction or to be completed by the end of this calendar year in terms of social housing. That also includes a 40-unit seniors village at Bellamack, which is not included in the three I have just mentioned; $34m for repairs and maintenance on older dwellings; and $1.2m to support homeless people with temporary accommodation.
There is $354m for SIHIP, and I have spent some time over the last month or so inspecting the houses that are being built under SIHIP.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order! Member for Fong Lim!
Dr BURNS: Madam Speaker, $28m to construct 34 new dwellings and upgrade 60 existing government employee houses. That is to accommodate a lot of the service delivery that is going on in the bush.
I have announced that the criterion for the sale of public housing is being changed. That will result in much reduced sale of public housing. I noticed last night the member for Sanderson alleging this government has sold 2000 public houses. That is not true. It was the CLP that sold 2000 public houses. We have sold around 670-odd …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order!
Dr BURNS: I am just waiting for estimates, and we will have a discussion about that. At the same time, they are announcing their Living the Dream, I think it is called, a $780m black hole in our budget. As the Treasurer alluded to, what is that going to cost in terms of police? What is that going to cost in terms of education? I say living in dreamland …
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 113, relevance to the question.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
_____________________
Visitors
Visitors
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I advise of the presence in the gallery of Kormilda College Year 12 Australian and International Politics students accompanied by Ms Anna Pomeroy. On behalf of honourable members, I extend to you a very warm welcome.
Members: Hear, hear!
_____________________
Hermannsburg School – Delivery
of Promised Classrooms
of Promised Classrooms
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for EDUCATION and TRAINING
In yesterday’s Question Time, you stated:
- During the last election campaign, we announced $246m over four years for infrastructure for schools …
and:
- We are a government focused on education.
Meanwhile, at Hermannsburg school there are 25 younger students who cannot receive an education due to the lack of teachers and resources, and 11 older students who cannot continue their course work due to the lack of specialist secondary school classrooms. The hard work of Hermannsburg community and school Principal, Darrell Fowler to increase and maintain school attendance is exemplary. When will the government recognise the needs of Hermannsburg school and deliver on the promise of a secondary school classroom? Can you really say this government is focused on education when it is not delivering it to Territory children?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, yesterday I announced a record budget of $886m into education, up from $808m the year before. I also talked about the …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order! Honourable members, there is a ridiculous number of interjections. I am sure I will be getting complaints all afternoon. Standing Order 51:
- No Member may converse aloud or make any noise or disturbance, which in the opinion of the Speaker is designed to interrupt or has the effect of interrupting a Member speaking.
Clearly, every single interjection does that and is unparliamentary. I will be putting members on warnings. Minister, you have the call.
Dr BURNS: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I also announced a record infrastructure budget and spend of $213m.
Regarding the specific school the member is alluding to, every school is entitled to the $300 000 that was announced as part of our election commitment. I am more than happy to engage in conversation with you to find out where that $300 000 is; if there has been some blockage in some way. No school in the Territory should be disadvantaged. We are a government that is very focused on delivering education in the bush, unlike the opposition, whose education policy did not even mention Indigenous students or remote education.
We have a solid plan, not only for infrastructure, but for quality education. I will engage with the member for Macdonnell over her specific issue. Let us see if we can solve it.
Darwin Harbour – Alleged
Cover-up of Pollution
Cover-up of Pollution
Mr CHANDLER to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
If you knew about the mystery red substance on Darwin Harbour on Sunday night, why did you not talk about it in parliament yesterday? Is this just another example of the culture of cover-up of this government when it comes to polluting Darwin Harbour?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I generally welcome the questions about environment, member for Brennan, because it is such an important issue for all of us in this House, and also for the young people in the gallery. As a Labor government minister, I am proud of our track record and our history and what we have done for the environment, compared to you guys over there.
As I have stated in this House and in the media this week, I have not been AWOL; I have been interstate. Regarding those two issues, I was made aware of the copper oxide spill on Saturday, 17th, and the stormwater drainage issues on the Sunday evening. What I have done is now incorporated both instances into the investigation. I am not going to bring up the investigation and what the findings are; that would be silly of me to do that. I rely heavily on my department. I have a lot of confidence in what they are doing. They are doing a fantastic job. They actually happened to be there on the day of that other spill that we are talking about. They are out on the ground, and that is something I instructed them to do on Sunday.
Turning to our environmental credentials, compared to the opposition, they are miles apart. As I said, the CLP, for 26 years, never created an EPA, but this government has. If they had their way, and they did for 26 years, they would just go through the Daly and rip all the land up and develop it without consideration for the environment. It is this government that put a moratorium on the Daly …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order! Member for Drysdale!
Mr HAMPTON: It is this government that has moved on from the moratorium and put in very strict land clearing guidelines ...
Mr Giles interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling!
Mr HAMPTON: In fact, in terms of the environment, and the EPA in particular, we need to go back and turn the page of history a bit and look at what the opposition did to Mt Todd in my electorate of Stuart. I am sure the …
Members interjecting.
Mr HAMPTON: The member for Goyder is starting to liven up a bit over there, because it was the member for Goyder – and the member for Brennan would be really interested in this, because he is a lone voice over there. I feel sorry for you, member for Brennan, because you are a lone voice on the environment over there sitting by yourself. However, your colleague, the member for Goyder - there was not a person in the Territory who fought harder against an independent EPA, and that is someone on your side of the House there. I would be very concerned that you have someone over there who does not believe in an independent EPA.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HAMPTON: In terms of Mt Todd, member for Brennan …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Braitling!
Mr HAMPTON: … this is how your government left Mt Todd. I know my colleague, the member for Casuarina, was very critical when he came into parliament in 2001 …
Mr Westra van Holthe interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Katherine!
Mr HAMPTON: The member for Casuarina …
Ms Purick interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Goyder!
Mr HAMPTON: ... something like 700 000 tonnes of cyanide left behind by the CLP government. Actually, it was a shame …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms PURICK: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Mr HAMPTON: Seven hundred thousand litres, and look at the state they have left it in - an absolute disgrace.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired. What is your point of order?
Ms PURICK: Madam Speaker, the minister claimed that the cyanide was left by the government. It was not. It was left by the operation.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Goyder, resume your seat, there is no point of order.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I will remind you again that you are not supposed to be interrupting. It is particularly rowdy today and unnecessarily so. I will call for another question.
Child Protection System – Major Investment
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for CHILDREN and FAMILIES
An independent public inquiry into the child protection system is currently under way. You have recently announced a major investment to the child protection system. Can you please advise why this investment is made now, and what outcomes will be achieved?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his very important question. Yes, I announced an investment of $14.6m into the child protection system. As I said before, I know we have a broad inquiry at the moment. The inquiry will come up with a number of recommendations which we have promised to adopt. But we cannot wait any longer. We have to do something now, because Territory children deserve and have to be saved. $14.6m will provide another 76 people working in Families and Children’s services; $6m of this will be directed into out-of-home care. Foster carers are an essential part of our child protection system and the service they provide to our community is invaluable. The $6m will be focused on providing carers with enhanced resources and financial support to perform the wonderful job they are doing.
Of these 76 positions created, 12 will provide administrative support to frontline workers and provide support needed for the others to do their jobs effectively. One of these support positions will be an Indigenous Principal Practice Advisor. The majority of our children in care are Indigenous and it is essential we have Indigenous people working in the area in order to be able to overcome any cultural or other difficulties. The Indigenous Principal Practice Advisor will bring expertise in Indigenous child protection practice and provide the focus to strengthen our Indigenous workforce.
Twelve support staff, 64 new positions in the front line, and I know there have been many concerns about lowering the bar. The reality is, we need university graduates and non-university graduates in the department in order to address the needs of the department. Even under the current arrangements, only 60% of the people are university graduates; 40% are support and administrative staff who do not need to be university graduates, however they have to be there to provide support to the front line. We actually provide $2m to establish the new services.
A new after hours service will be established in Alice Springs to respond proactively to youth identified as at risk, or on the streets at night. To complement this, a new accommodation service in Alice Springs will provide 24-hour emergency accommodation for youth, and actively work with the families to take responsibility to stop antisocial behaviour. Additional youth accommodation will also be established in Palmerston.
$14.6m, and the announcement is being made now because I am concerned about children in the Territory, in the communities. I know we have the inquiry which will provide a number of recommendations. However, I do not believe we have the luxury of time; we have to act, we have to act now, and we have to act decisively.
Darwin Port Corporation- Sinclair Knight
Merz Report on Handling Copper Concentrate
Merz Report on Handling Copper Concentrate
Mr CHANDLER to MINISTER for CONSTRUCTION
The Darwin Port Corporation engaged Sinclair Knight Merz to report on handling copper concentrate over the Darwin Port. That report was provided in early 2009, ahead of the first shipment of concentrate in April 2009. Is it not the case that the report recommended that best practice for loading concentrates like copper and lead was containerisation?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Brennan for his question on the environment. That is correct: the first export of copper concentrate was in April 2009. Prior to that, in July 2008, planning started for the handling of this bulk commodity, which is different to manganese and iron ore.
You are right, member for Brennan, there is a report which is now part of the investigation my colleague, the minister for Environment, has enacted. We have had two abatement orders, one to the operator, and one to the Darwin Port Corporation. This represents our government being responsible for the environment and demanding answers.
When you talk about the Darwin Port, you talk about a bulk user facility. The bulk user facility represents that material storage and handling is conducted under an environmental management plan and it is the responsibility of the operators.
The port provides the facilities for that, which is why the two agents were served with abatement notices, and both will be answering the questions of the Environment minister. The report you mentioned specifically - this is a very serious issue; we are very serious about protecting the harbour. A full environmental investigation is under way. That investigation will involve that Sinclair Knight Merz report.
Darwin Harbour – Ownership of Conveyor Belt
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for CONSTRUCTION
In relation to the conveyer belt at the port, which has been at the centre of discussions around the pollution of copper concentrate, could you say who owns the conveyer belt: the port, the government or someone else? Whose job is it to maintain the conveyer belt? Do companies pay to use the conveyer belt? Is the operation of the conveyer belt, including water sprays, part of the mining company’s management plan, or is it the responsibility of the port authority?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, there are a number of conveyer belts at the Darwin Port. If we talk about the different products that are involved, we are talking about iron ore, manganese and, most recently, copper concentrate.
The Darwin Port Corporation provides a common user general cargo, bulk, liquids and bulk materials handling facility at East Arm. The Darwin Port Corporation does not actually operate the common user equipment. There are a number of port customers, including oil companies, live cattle exporters, port service companies, and of course the operators that are moving bulk minerals through the port.
In relation to the copper concentrate, the conveyer system, as I said to the member for Brennan, structural modifications and safety modifications in relation to handling this product were commenced in 2008. The first shipment was conducted in 2009. There has been $1.5m spent on that conveyer system in relation to handling the copper concentrate product by the Darwin Port Corporation.
In relation to water sprays, that is one of a number of dust suppression initiatives which have been put into place in that $1.5m expenditure. At the end of the day, we are talking about Darwin Port positioned to play a pivotal role in not only the Territory’s economy but the nation’s economy. Therefore, my point is …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! There is something about being succinct in Standing Order 113.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, if you can come to the point, please, as soon as possible.
Mr McCARTHY: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have covered most areas, but I just wanted to …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr McCARTHY: I just wanted to conclude by saying that when we talk about the Darwin Port, we are talking about a pivotal piece of infrastructure …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! You have ruled. I ask you to enforce your ruling.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, if you could come to the point pretty quickly.
Mr McCARTHY: The last part of the question, Madam Speaker, when I was talking about the water sprays, it is one of a raft of initiatives that have been enacted as part of the $1.5m upgrade. When I was, hopefully, sharing with Territorians some important information about our port, the bottom line is, the investigation is now under way, and that will deliver the answers.
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The minister is moving away from relevance. Who is the operator and owner of the conveyer belt? That is a simple question; it needs a simple answer.
Madam SPEAKER: The minister is answering the question. Can you come to the point? You only have about 10 seconds, minister.
Mr McCARTHY: There are three conveyer systems. The Darwin Port Corporation owns those three conveyer systems.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order! Member for Greatorex, member for Drysdale, member for Araluen and member for Fong Lim!
A Working Future - Priority Projects Funding
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for INDIGENOUS DEVELOPMENT
Last week, you announced a fund to support priority projects in our Territory growth towns. Can you outline how this will support the important work being done as part of A Working Future?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for her question. For the first time in the history of the Northern Territory, we are seeing the Northern Territory and Australian governments working cooperatively with local people to improve and develop our remote growth towns.
Change is happening. Local people are working with us, developing local implementation plans for each town, and momentum is building as work is prioritised and funding allocated to key projects.
Since A Working Future was launched nearly a year ago, the Australian and Northern Territory governments have been working jointly with local people building the local implementation plans to guide investments and service improvements in our remote regions. In Numbulwar and Ngukurr on the weekend, they spoke very strongly about the local implementation plans. Our government is focused on moving forward and encouraging the 20 growth towns to look at how they want to grow, what it is that they would like to see in the next 10 and 20 years. We know that, at the end of the day, it has to be about the people wanting to grow their regions. It is no good all the money coming into any of these communities unless the people in these communities are part of that process.
This new fund with the Northern Territory budget this year, an incredible focus on our regions, and I commend the Treasurer. I am looking forward to her budget being delivered next week in terms of the people of the Northern Territory in our regions. We have already seen, with my colleague, the Minister for Transport, $21.3m in our regions for the barges, the very important barge spaces across the top of Arnhem Land around to Wadeye. Knowing that people are cut off, that is why our government is focused on these growth towns to ensure the service delivery is there.
Next week, we will hear of how many of these priorities are to be addressed through different programs. This new fund, starting with $9m over the next four years, gives us the capacity to fast-track one-off projects that will make a very big difference for local people.
Mr Tollner: Like a house.
Ms McCARTHY: I hear the member for Fong Lim. Clearly, the CLP is quick to criticise lack of action, but we are on the job …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Ms McCARTHY: … working with local people, unlike the opposition. They had many opportunities and they failed the regions of the Northern Territory. We are on the job of correcting the neglect. This new funding pool for priority projects adds to the many investments we are making.
Members interjecting.
Ms McCARTHY: They do not want to listen, just as they did not listen to the people of the regions during the time they were in government. We are correcting the neglect, Madam Speaker.
Darwin Port Corporation - Sinclair Knight Merz Report on Handling Copper Concentrate
Mr CHANDLER to MINISTER for CONSTRUCTION
Is it the case that in early 2009 - I think it was February - senior management of the port advised SKM they were not to recommend containerised loading as best practice at the Darwin Port in the final report? Is it the case that senior management also advised SKM to remove the recommendation to containerise the movement of copper concentrate from the appendices of the report?
Dr BURNS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! These are very serious allegations. I challenge the member to present his evidence.
Madam SPEAKER: I will allow the question. Keep going and I will make a decision at the end of it..
Dr BURNS: He says it is hearsay.
Madam SPEAKER: Please finish your question. Minister, I will allow you to answer the question, but bear in mind I have allowed a fair bit of leeway in the asking of the question.
Dr BURNS: Madam Speaker, Standing Order 112 talks about inferences and imputations. Clearly, this question had a lot of imputations in it, with no substantive evidence behind it, and I ask you to rule on that.
Mr ELFERINK: Madam Speaker, speaking to the point of order! The question …
Dr Burns: Did you beat your wife?
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, please withdraw that.
Dr BURNS: Madam Speaker, I withdraw.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you, resume your seat.
Mr ELFERINK: Madam Speaker, the question directly asked the minister whether he is aware of any such correspondence; he has an opportunity to answer it – as simple as that.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, it was not a direct question …
Dr Burns: That is typical; we have seen it time and time again from him.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! I will seek some advice.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, there are still far too many interjections.
Minister, I will allow you to answer the question, bearing in mind the question is certainly out of order. It is up to you whether you wish to answer the question or, in fact, the manner in which you answer it. The level of relevance is up to you. You may or may not answer the question.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the question is a conglomerate of allegations. This government is serious about this issue, and there is an investigation under way. If the member wants to table these allegations, then we would accept that.
Broadband – Delivery to All Territorians
Ms SCRYMGOUR to MINISTER for INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS and TECHNOLOGY POLICY
Can you inform the House how this government’s concerted efforts are delivering the benefits of world-class broadband to all Territorians?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for her very important question. I am pleased to inform the House that this government’s relentless lobbying has secured $75m in new IT infrastructure for Territorians. Work has commenced on the construction of the fibre link between Brisbane and Darwin under the Labor government’s National Broadband Network and the Regional Backbone Blackspots Project. This will result in the laying of 2300 km of modern fibre cables and electronics in the Territory, and will add more than 200 jobs to our economy over the next 18 months.
It is the beginning of faster and more reliable broadband for all Territorians. It will also increase competition in the Northern Territory, and place downward pressures on prices for Territory families and businesses.
I have repeatedly reminded Senator Conroy this fibre needs to be rolled out to the centres as well, and I am thrilled that NextGen, the contractors who have won the contract for this work, have come to the party and will ensure that Alice Springs will also benefit from this record investment.
This is in stark contrast to the opposition. As we know, they are climate change deniers and environmental wreckers. They have also absolutely wrecked the whole NBN and lived in oblivion about it. The CLP has opposed this NBN project at every turn. The CLP describes this fantastic investment to the Territory as a ‘dismal failure’. That means they are opposed to the $75m this investment is bringing into the Territory economy. How crazy is that? That means the CLP is opposed to 200 new jobs for Territorians.
In my portfolio of ICT, this is right up there in terms of my achievements. I am very proud to be a member of this government that is going to deliver this fantastic project for Territorians.
Darwin Port Corporation - Sinclair Knight Merz Report on Handling Copper Concentrate
Mr CHANDLER to MINISTER for CONSTRUCTION
Did SKM recommend, in a covering letter to its final report, that containerised loading of copper concentrate was best practice, and will you clear this up right now? Will you table the SKM and all related correspondence between SKM and the Port and, if not, why not?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Brennan for his question. Once again, this is a process of investigation. This is a serious investigation. This is an investigation that involves the operator …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The question is very direct. I turn your attention to Standing Order 113 …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, there is no point of order on this occasion. Minister, you have the call.
Mr McCARTHY: This is a very serious investigation that involves the operator and the Darwin Port Corporation. This report is part of that investigation. The answers will be given as part of this investigation, and for me to make comment would be compromising a very important process, a process addressing our environmental concerns and issues as part of this government.
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Now that he has confirmed the existence of the report and surrounding correspondence …
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Port Darwin, the minister has finished his response.
Correctional Services –
Construction of Work Camp
Construction of Work Camp
Mr GUNNER to MINISTER for CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
You announced funding in the upcoming budget to deliver a work camp near Tennant Creek. Can you detail what this work camp will deliver in terms of prisoner rehabilitation and employment?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his question. Budget 2010-11 delivers $7.6m for a Barkly prisoner work camp that will house 50 prisoners. This is very exciting. It is an incredible period in our history. This government has made a major move forward in reducing recidivism, reducing the revolving door. What the work camp is about is work skills, about work ready, about normalisation, about living in a community, about working in a community.
The potential is enormous. It is a major, cutting-edge initiative in Correctional Services. Not only is the department excited by the government’s action, but also the community is excited, and for all members here, this is very much a test run of a very good initiative that can be rolled out right across the regions.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr McCARTHY: In the community …
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition! Member for Drysdale!
Mr McCARTHY: Madam Speaker, in the community, this has been recognised as not only having great economic benefit, such as a construction phase and business opportunities for supplying a 50-bed prisoner work camp, but also in delivering jobs, career sector jobs in Corrections, which is a phenomenal outcome for regional areas in the Northern Territory, with up to 15 jobs in this particular initiative alone offered for Territorians to enter a career in Correctional Services and to change people’s lives.
We cannot quantify that part of it, but this project has the opportunity to stop the revolving door, to start to change people’s lives, to reconnect them with the community, to address all the training and rehabilitation aspects that we are promoting with our new era of Corrections, and we will deliver. It will deliver now and it will deliver for the future.
The work camp will go into construction phase this year, and I hope to have it operational by early next year. I look forward to informing all members of this House, as all Territorians, of the real benefits that this will develop. I thank the Henderson government for the support and their brave move into this space, because this is the place to be.
Mr MILLS (Opposition Leader): A supplementary question, Madam Speaker?
Madam SPEAKER: No, that was a government question, Leader of the Opposition. You cannot ask a supplementary question to someone else’s question on the other side I am afraid.
Mr Mills: I just wonder whether you would like to complete …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Government Action on Pollution
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
We now have to rely on whistleblowers to alert the government to pollution in the Territory, as seen with the recent reported cases of aluminium oxide being dumped into Gove Harbour, the contamination of Darwin Harbour with copper concentrate and, of course, the dumping of raw sewage at Ampilatwatja community in Central Australia.
How will this lack of oversight by the Northern Territory government affect Territorians if and when we have a nuclear waste dump at Muckaty Station, and a uranium mine just outside Alice Springs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Macdonnell for her very good question.
With regard to whistleblowers, I do not have any issues with that at all; that is why we introduced whistleblower legislation.
As I have consistently stated in the House this week, and through media, my environmental officers cannot be everywhere all the time 24/7; it is just impossible. Some of this responsibility has to be put squarely on to the Darwin Port Corporation, and to companies such as OZ Minerals Limited.
Members interjecting.
Mr Elferink: You own the business, you are the owner.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order! Honourable members, order! Minister, you have the call. Member for Port Darwin, cease interjecting.
Mr HAMPTON: Madam Speaker, it is obvious the opposition do not want to listen to the answer to the member for Macdonnell’s question; a very important question which I am about to get to.
There are very strict procedures and regulations in the Waste Management and Pollution Control Act that the Darwin Port Corporation, and other companies such as OZ Minerals Limited have to adhere to, and one is through their environmental management plans. If that system fails, then I, as the minister, issue a Pollution Abatement Notice, which I have done. I have issued one to both the Darwin Port Corporation and OZ Minerals Limited.
If there are issues after that that the investigation picks up, then I, as the minister, will go in and fix that, and that is clearly my responsibility as the minister. I will also go in, I am sure, with my colleagues, and resource the appropriate agency, which is NRETAS, to deal with any issue which comes up during the investigation.
As to the nuclear waste dump, this government has been open and accountable on our position, particularly on Muckaty Station. My colleague, the member for Barkly, has been right up there with his and this government’s position in opposition to the waste dump at Muckaty Station. I understand the federal minister has also made some comments on it this week.
In terms of the Angela Pamela uranium mine in Alice Springs, my home town, I am certainly aware of the public debate around that. There is no doubt it is a sensitive issue. My job, as the Environment minister, is to ensure the mine goes through the strictest and toughest environmental procedures in Australia in the assessment process.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HAMPTON: At the end of the day, uranium mining and nuclear waste dumps have to go through the federal government. In my role, I will certainly ensure the strictest environmental assessment process is followed with the Angela Pamela uranium mine, and other mining activities in the Territory.
Dr BURNS (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER
Hermannsburg School – Delivery
of Promised Classrooms
Dr BURNS (Education and Training): Madam Speaker, I have a supplementary answer for the member for Macdonnell on her question, with your indulgence.
I have been advised that within Budget 2010-11 there will be $1.25m in capital works for the school. I will give you the details of what that $1.25m will be constructing.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016