2015-12-03
Travel – Cost Breakdown
Ms MANISON to MINISTER for EDUCATION
The Chief Minister has refused to order a review into all travel undertaken through Xana Kamitsis, who has now been found guilty of obtaining benefit by deception relating to false invoices for government travel. Documents obtained through freedom of information show that your office tried to get a breakdown of costs of your trip to the United States and the United Kingdom, booked by Xana Kamitsis, which cost around $100 000. The FOI documents showed great issues in getting that detail from Ms Kamitsis, despite repeated requests from your office and the department. I seek leave to table the FOI documents.
Leave granted.
Ms MANISON: Why were you and your office insistent on getting this breakdown? Did you manage to get it and can you provide that information to the House?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Wanguri for her question. You are right on all accounts. When I was Minister for Lands and Planning - you come into this role and are given the responsibility of being a minister. I was not a planner, builder or anything like that, but all of a sudden you are supposed to have the wisdom of Solomon when you are given a position in a ministry. It is very important to learn as much as you can about the job. There was a detailed program to learn more about that.
I looked at some of the cities around the world which have good planning. That is what the trip was about. We covered environmental issues. We visited places with hydraulic fracturing. We visited places like chemical factories. It was a very detailed trip and that is what we wanted to achieve.
The planning of the travel was not done by my department. It was left to the department of Lands and Planning to put together that tour, and they chose the travel agent at the time. Yes, I was concerned about the costs. We are all trying to be as frugal as possible so there were many concerns about the cost of that trip. We only found out the true cost a couple of days before we were due to fly out. I remember having discussions in my office and saying, ‘That is ridiculous, we are not going’. We were told it would cost us tens of thousands of dollars to pull out of the trip, which would be a waste of taxpayers’ money.
We went on the trip, but as a minister there were things I was not happy about. Cars were booked that did not turn up; cars turned up when we did not ask for them. When I got back I asked some pretty tough questions about the arrangements around that travel, and I was not happy. You are right. I asked questions about why things cost as much as they did, and where services were not provided, the government expected a return on the money.
In being open and honest, I found them very difficult to deal with. We tried many times to get that information. I can recall having discussions in my office, saying, ‘If this is the level of service we get, I would be happy if we never used that travel agent again’. When different departments organise travel, sometimes they go out through procurement because of the size of a program. You may have a department sending a whole delegation somewhere, which is put out through a procurement process. That is why that travel agent was sometimes used again, but it was not a decision out of the minister’s office.
I was unhappy and I would be happy to never use them again.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Travel – Cost Breakdown
Travel – Cost Breakdown
Ms MANISON to MINISTER for EDUCATION
Given that you are unable to get full details on the breakdown of the costs of travel, are you concerned that some of the travel costs, paid for by Territory taxpayers, were possibly misappropriated? Will you request a full audit of that travel?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I will take that on notice because there was a fair bit of to and fro from that travel agent and the department at the time, trying to get to the bottom of the true costs. It was an expensive trip. Was it valuable? It absolutely was. I learnt a great deal and, in the end, it was money well spent. Did we get everything we should have? I do not think so. Did we get things we probably should not have? Yes. When it comes to travel, we have a very accountable process. I assure you, I do not think something like that could ever happen again.
I was disappointed, but I will look a bit further and see what has been done since then. I think we all want value for money when it comes to travel. We, as ministers, need to be open and accountable to the general public. On that trip I was not happy.
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Visitors
Visitors
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I acknowledge the presence in the gallery of the member for Nhulunbuy’s husband, Lawrence, and her sons, Patrick and Harry. Welcome to Parliament House.
Members: Hear, hear!
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Business Initiatives – Buy Local Plan
Mr BARRETT to MINISTER for BUSINESS
The Northern Territory government is one of the largest single purchasers in the Northern Territory. Can the minister please update this House on what measures the Country Liberal government is taking to ensure Northern Territory businesses and those which invest in the Northern Territory benefit from our government business?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Blain for his question; it is another demonstration that the Territory government is looking after Territorians and listening to them.
Today the Country Liberal government announced major procurement reforms and initiatives which will help local businesses secure a greater percentage of the billions of dollars of government work awarded each year. The initiative is increasing minimum weighting in favour of local content and benefits from 20% to 25% in all quotes and tenders. This is the highest in Australia. This is about jobs for locals and supporting local businesses and their families.
The Buy Local Plan, which used to be Local Development and Value Adding, includes introducing mandatory, local involvement in all requests for quotes up to $100 000. To support this measure the new term ‘Territory enterprise’ will be introduced to identify local businesses as an enterprise operating in the Northern Territory, with a significant, permanent presence in the NT and employing NT residents.
We are increasing the minimum weighting of local content and benefits from 20% to 25% on all quotes and tenders. We are ensuring that local content and benefit commitments included in the tender responses are carried into the contract terms and are monitored throughout.
Further, we are establishing an independent panel of Territorians to review and advise on Buy Local aspects of tender responses and contracts worth more than $5m. This will enhance the transparency of the procurement process and ensure government evaluation teams have access to all relevant information in making procurement decisions. This advisory panel will also play a role in ensuring these commitments are followed through and local benefits realised.
Our Buy Local Plan will ensure $3bn spent annually on goods and services by the Territory government delivers the greatest benefits for Territory businesses, our families and our economy. We have listened, and the concerns of our business community and our Buy Local Plan will drive greater emphasis on achieving local content and benefits from NT government procurement.
The Giles government has championed this course of business since coming to government by slashing red tape, and has undertaken a broad range of reform initiatives to make procurement processes simpler, more efficient and more transparent. About 240 pieces of red tape have been cut so far. We are still finding red tape and we will continue until we can get rid of every piece of red tape we can.
Business told us the existing Local Development and Value Adding process was too complicated and local businesses were missing out. The Chamber of Commerce Northern Territory and the Industry Capability Network NT have welcomed this policy. There are 1480 registered small and medium enterprises in the Territory, and this policy reflects the Country Liberal government’s commitment to supporting local business. You can trust this government to take care of Territorians.
Infrastructure Procurement
Ms FYLES to MINISTER for INFRASTRUCTURE
The Chief Minister has repeatedly refused to confirm if discussions have occurred between the government and the member for Arnhem about future contracts or consultancies. Will you confirm for the House whether any contracts or consultancies have been awarded by the Northern Territory government to the member for Arnhem, any member of her family, or any business or company associated with the member for Arnhem or her family since she signalled her intention to support the government in this Assembly?
If you do not know the answer to this question, will you undertake to provide the answer to the House before the end of Question Time?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I would not know because ministers do not get involved in procurement. I think we have gone over this time and time again.
When companies are assessed through a procurement process, they look for things like whether it is value for money to the taxpayer, if there is local content and what the capability is of that business. There are processes happening even now, but it would be unlikely I could get that information for you because it is commercial-in-confidence.
If there is a company that one of the member for Arnhem’s family members is involved in which was involved in the current procurement process, first, I would be the last to know; second, I should not know; and third, I could not tell you anyway because it would be commercial-in-confidence. I can guarantee you, if there was such a process at the moment, it would be done through the principles of procurement, which are open and accountable regarding value for money for Territorians, whether there is local content and if the business is capable of undertaking the role.
Ministers do not get involved in procurement. Public, open and accountable tenders go out. Those tenders are assessed, not by those on the fifth floor or by me, but by competent people within departments who establish boards to review these decisions, which are finally signed off by the CE.
When it comes to procurement, we on this side of the House come up with the policies. The member for Sanderson detailed today the new procurement guidelines, including 25% local content. They are the types of things we do in government. They are the policies we make in government to strengthen the local content and ensure we have a strong economy and are supporting local businesses.
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 110; with 60 seconds left, will the minister rule out any contract or consultancy?
Mr ELFERINK: Speaking to the point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: No, there is no point of order, please be seated.
Mr CHANDLER: I have answered that. I cannot do that, member for Nightcliff. If there is a procurement process happening at the moment which is commercial-in-confidence, I cannot intervene, nor should I, with that process. As ministers, our hands are off procurement processes in the Northern Territory.
Ms Fyles: So, was there no consultancy or contract?
Mr CHANDLER: I do not know. I do not have that information. If there was something being negotiated at this moment, or if there was an open tender process that the member for Arnhem could be tendering for - will you build any bridges, member for Arnhem?
Mr Giles: No, we will do it in Arnhem.
Mr CHANDLER: We will do it.
It comes down to this; I do not get involved in procurement. We develop policy on this side. I do not know what you used to do in government. Maybe we have opened up a can of worms here. Maybe the Labor ministers were involved in procurement and signing off their mates, but it does not happen on this side.
Domestic Violence – Reduction
Mrs FINOCCHIARO to MINISTER for WOMEN’S POLICY
Last week we commemorated White Ribbon Day, with many functions across the Territory acknowledging the action being taken by many in reducing domestic violence. What work is being done by the Northern Territory government in reducing domestic violence?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Drysdale for this very important question. I will start by noting that there was never any plan under a Labor government to provide a practical solution to reduce the statistics of domestic violence. They never put the most vulnerable first. There are those who talk about it, and those who are doing it.
Ms Walker: Who wrote that for you, Bess? Honestly.
Mrs PRICE: Here we go again.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Minister, if you could just answer the question.
Mrs PRICE: We have not been soft on crime or domestic violence. I am very pleased to update the House that in the last year, from August 2014 to August 2015, the reduction has been as follows: across the Northern Territory, domestic violence assault offences have decreased by 9%; Darwin decreased by 6%; Palmerston decreased by 18%; Alice Springs decreased by 2%; Katherine decreased by 22%; and Tennant Creek decreased by 50%. This is an amazing effort by more than 120 organisations which are being supported to deliver frontline services through the Safety is Everyone’s Right strategy. It is a great response.
Last week there were many celebrations on the success and action taken to reduce domestic violence as part of White Ribbon Day. I spent the day acknowledging where action has been taken and encouraging further efforts
I attended a touching event with the Healing Foundation at Charles Darwin University, where Aboriginal men from Wurrumiyanga, Maningrida and Ngukurr have taken the matter into their own hands, and developed resources and programs with the support of the Office of Men’s Policy. I was presented with an evaluation report. This program is innovative and is built from the grassroots up.
The Office of Men’s Policy has been working across the Territory, partnering with organisations like Aboriginal Resource and Development Services, ARDS, and an Alice Springs Aboriginal male cultural heritage integrated role model leadership program to develop and roll out the nation’s first domestic violence reduction strategy in local Aboriginal languages. It might be offensive to the member for Nhulunbuy, but they are in language.
This government has tackled this important issue head on, and I acknowledge the hard work and effort of the directorate …
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 33; that comment was unnecessary and offensive to the member for Nhulunbuy.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nhulunbuy, do you find it offensive?
Ms WALKER: I am not offended, but if the member is speaking in language I would appreciate an English translation.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you. Minister, please continue.
Mrs PRICE: This government has tackled this very important issue head on. I acknowledge the hard work and effort of the Domestic Violence Directorate in receiving a Chief Minister's public sector award for its work in leading the nation. The Country Liberal government is about action, not just talk. The figures speak for themselves, and we are not finished yet. We are leading the nation on domestic violence and we are the first jurisdiction to sign up to Our Watch.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Children’s Commissioner Annual Report Figures – Abuse in Care
Ms MOSS to MINISTER for CHILDREN and FAMILIES
The Children’s Commissioner Annual Report 2014-15 has identified 110 cases of proven and substantiated harm and exploitation involving 95 children who are in the care of the Department of Children and Families; 25 of those cases involve 12 children who have suffered multiple cases of abuse. These are children taken from their families for being abused and placed with families who abuse them, some of them multiple times.
The Children’s Commissioner states:
- … the question arises as to the level of screening, adequacy of training and support to carers, and the level of monitoring of the placements by DCF.
…
However it is indefensible that 12 children were abused not only once while being in care but on a number of occasions.
What is going wrong in the assessment of carers for this to occur? Why are you failing these vulnerable children, and is this not confirmation that your incompetence is damaging these vulnerable children?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I remind honourable members about the hysteria that surrounded the death of Deborah Melville, who died whilst under the care of the former Labor government. The Children’s Commissioner’s report caused me to inquire into exactly what happened. Yes, we always try to make sure foster carers are properly vetted and look after these kids effectively.
However, it also became apparent to me, while we doing the research, that many kids go into foster care and then suffer injuries. These are all logged and recorded, but those injuries are often the result of the normal things that happen to kids in any family. Because these kids are in care, the level of care we bring to bear upon these children, and the level of oversight, is much higher. When a kid suffers an injury, perhaps at the hand of another child because they get into a fight or something like that, it is logged as an injury in care.
I caution the member opposite to not paint a darker picture than is actually true. If any person, carer or parent, harms a child in or outside of care to a criminal level, a criminal response will be brought to bear and people will be prosecuted.
This is an imperfect world in which we live. Sadly, these children under the tutelage and so-called care of their parents are neglected, and physically and sexually abused. We, as a government, have to step in. When we step in we try to place those kids into environments which are as safe as possible.
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 110: relevance. We are not talking about the parents of those children. We are talking about 110 cases of children in your care as the minister.
Mr ELFERINK: Why are we not talking about the parents of these children? They neglect and abuse these kids. You want to turn it into a mere political issue. We are providing more care than you ever did as government because we have a more comprehensive system in place. Our system has more kids in care than you ever did in your term of government. We will continue to protect those children, and when they come into the custody and care of the Northern Territory we will make every effort to protect them.
Public Housing Safety Officers
Mrs FINOCCHIARO to MINISTER for HOUSING
Public Housing Safety Officers do an excellent job supporting Territory Housing residents and the broader community, and have made a distinct and positive impact on antisocial behaviour in public housing. I agree when my constituents tell me that antisocial behaviour in public housing is unacceptable. Can you please update the House on how the government is using Public Housing Safety Officers to respond to and reduce antisocial behaviour in public housing?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Drysdale for her question. The member is right; the Country Liberals have been delivering for the Northern Territory. The Country Liberals were elected to do two things, to bring down the cost of living and reduce crime. We have achieved both. The cost of living, petrol prices, rent and housing prices are down. We are releasing land and have delivered 700 houses under Real Housing for Growth.
They sold 1010 houses when they were in government, which is why many people are homeless. The public housing waiting list is down. There are fewer applicants now than when we came to government. Crime is down 12%, alcohol-related assaults are down 14% across the Territory and 33% in Palmerston, and house break-ins are down 23% across the Territory.
We are reducing antisocial behaviour in public housing. There has been a 12% reduction in complaints and incidents of antisocial behaviour. There has been a 45% reduction in serious antisocial behaviour. We cannot return to the soft-on-crime and soft-on-antisocial behaviour Labor government. The residents of Alice Springs and Palmerston cannot risk an increase in antisocial behaviour.
The government has a plan for a prosperous economy, strong society, confident culture and balanced environment - Framing the Future. We are delivering our plan for a society that is safe for all at home, in school, in the workplace and while travelling. The Public Housing Safety Officers work hard to reduce antisocial behaviour in public housing across the Northern Territory. They have poured out 384 L of grog, issued 106 notices of direction and removed more than 8000 problem visitors. These actions are making public housing safe for everyone. They are instrumental in delivering this government’s Public Housing Safety Strategy.
I have been on patrols with the Public Housing Safety Officers and listened to the residents, who have told me what a good job the officers do. These residents acknowledge the Giles government’s success in reducing antisocial behaviour. This positive feedback explains why they won the Chief Minister’s Award for Delivering Quality Customer Service. Public Housing Safety Officers work with some of the most vulnerable members of our community and help them change their behaviour. They protect some of the most vulnerable in the community by issuing notices of direction to troublemakers. This is especially important to elderly residents who are taken advantage of by young visitors.
This is a reflection of the value the Country Liberal Party places on reducing antisocial behaviour in our public housing complexes. We understand that antisocial behaviour is disruptive. Everyone has a right to enjoy peace and quiet in the home.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Independent Commission Against Corruption – Establishment
Mrs LAMBLEY to CHIEF MINISTER
It has been three months since this parliament unanimously agreed on the establishment of an independent commission against corruption. Since then all we have heard is deathly silence. Your government was dragged screaming and kicking into agreeing to an ICAC. Have you employed a suitable person to drive this work? Where are you up to in progressing our ICAC?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, a process is under way, which was agreed to by parliament. A person has been recommended to be appointed and I understand the recommendation will go to Cabinet next Tuesday for endorsement to head off to ExCo, which will be a week or so afterwards. At that point, the person will be appointed.
Youth Services – Intervention and Prevention Initiatives
Mr CONLAN to CHIEF MINISTER
Can you outline how the government is supporting regional youth services and focusing on early intervention and prevention initiatives for young Territorians?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Greatorex for his question. As a member for Alice Springs, he is very keen to hear about youth services. I know he was concerned after the mini budget when the former Treasurer, the member for Araluen, cut youth services across the Northern Territory.
In February 2015 we were excited to put an additional $4.2m over four years into early intervention and prevention initiatives for young Territorians. As an example, the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress and the Alice Springs Town Council are working together to deliver coordinated after-hours services and a trial of night recreational activities at the Alice Springs Youth and Community Centre. We have brought back the money which was cut out of youth services by the member for Araluen.
The trial, which starts on 5 December, will deliver educational opportunities to deliver positive life choices for young people, and develop social skills and self-esteem. In addition to the trial, the Northern Territory government is working with community organisations to support youth services and activities during the December/January schools holidays.
In Central Australia the Red Dust Role Models program has commenced a four-year young women’s healthy living program, which targets young women of child-bearing age in remote communities and mandated residential facilities.
The Katherine YMCA is delivering after-hours programs and services, including a 24-hour youth helpline in Katherine.
In Darwin and Palmerston, the YWCA of Darwin and Anglicare NT are working on the coordinated delivery of health, education and life skills development services to support young parents.
In East Arnhem Land, Anglicare NT is working to build stronger connections between young people from all three Gove Peninsula communities, which commenced with a successful youth forum in the July school holidays.
In Tennant Creek, last but not least, a pilot program of activities for young people will assist in identifying the management requirements for establishing a new youth centre. I look forward to updating the House once it has commenced.
The Country Liberal government is building stronger regional communities throughout the Northern Territory by funding youth support services developed by local people, for local people. This has only been possible since we have had a new Treasurer, as the member for Araluen cut all youth services across the Northern Territory.
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 110: relevance. Was the Chief Minister not in the Cabinet that made the original decision?
Madam SPEAKER: It is not a point of order. The Chief Minister has finished his answer.
Child Protection – Management of Cases
Ms MOSS to MINISTER for CHILDREN and FAMILIES
The Department of Children and Families and the Children’s Commissioner’s annual reports show the tsunami of need has returned and your department is struggling under the demand. The accepted standard of beginning priority one investigations is within 24 hours. Last year 156 children assessed as priority one - child in danger – were not investigated within the required 24 hours. You failed the accepted standard. Will you admit that your incompetence and mismanagement of child protection is placing these children in danger?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, do not take the member for Casuarina at face value because she quotes reports. The last time she stood up in this place she said the department had lowered the number of priority one responses from 100% to 85% as a target. That is not true. She is adept, even in her young age in parliament, at learning the Labor habit of misleading Territorians …
Ms Fyles: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: It is not a point of order.
Mr ELFERINK: … in relation to how they deal with things. I invite the member to look at the former government’s performance in this area because you will find it had similar problems. There is a tendency amongst the members opposite to say, ‘We will rescue these children and bring them to a utopian state where they will be behind a white picket fence. And the foster mother will come out and say, “Come, children, it is lunchtime”, “Oh, yes, foster mother”, and they will go off and have lunch together.’ That is the image they are trying to portray.
This is the real world. These children come from abusive, neglectful backgrounds, and because of this government’s courage to demand that notifications are pursued, we have seen an increase of up to 17 000 notifications from police. Those increased notifications lead to an increase in investigations. We are better notified of the reality, more of the notifications are investigated and this leads to a small number of substantiations. Substantiation is what matters because that is the actual event.
Of the 17 000 notifications in the Children’s Commissioner’s annual report, just under 2000 led to substantiations.
Ms Fyles: You failed 156 kids.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr ELFERINK: We have to investigate those matters in a timely fashion, and we make every …
Members interjecting.
Mr ELFERINK: If they are not interested in the answer, I will not give it to them.
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Distinguished Visitor
Distinguished Visitor
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I welcome in the gallery Dr Chris Burns, a former minister of various portfolios. Welcome to Parliament House.
Members: Hear, hear!
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Corrections – Electronic Monitoring Bracelets
Mr CONLAN to MINISTER for CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
Can you please update the House on how electronic monitoring bracelets are being utilised by Correctional Services?
Ms Walker: There were none at the Datjala Work Camp.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! I understand the question is to the Minister for Correctional Services.
Mr CONLAN: Do you want me to repeat it?
Mr Elferink: Yes, I could not hear it for all the noise coming from members opposite.
Madam SPEAKER: Perhaps you should repeat it.
Mr CONLAN: Can you please update the House on how electronic monitoring bracelets are being utilised by Correctional Services?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, it is curious to hear the members opposite complaining about this because electronic monitoring was promised by the former minister, the member for Barkly, who never introduced it. He stood in this House and said he would introduce electronic monitoring, but never got around to it.
Mr Giles: He was too busy giving away Stella Maris.
Mr ELFERINK: Yes, he was too busy being involved in other things.
This government thinks electronic monitoring has a useful purpose.
Ms Walker: You promised that every prisoner at the Datjala Work Camp would have one and they do not.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nhulunbuy!
Mrs PRICE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 20; I cannot hear the member for Port Darwin.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you, member for Stuart.
Mr ELFERINK: Clearly they had a bit too much red cordial over lunch.
I have in my hand one of the GPS units being used by the government at the moment. We also have the base units which are used in people’s homes. We have 132 active units in the community, either being used in the custodial environment for people leaving work camps, or by Community Corrections for people who have already received parole.
Electronic monitoring is a very useful system. If a person is on parole with one of these attached to them, and for whatever reason they choose to cut the band, we will immediately know about it. Compare that to the former Labor government, which used Community Corrections as the oversight body. Up to 10 days would pass before you would discover somebody had gone. We now have immediate notification. That is a vast step in the right direction.
Moreover, the bill before this House means, should it pass, we will be able to put these devices on the little darlings who have a history of breaking into houses, particularly in the Darwin and Palmerston area. Around 80% of those crimes are committed by 30% of the youth who appear before the court system. We will be proud, should the legislation pass today, to tag those kids so we can keep an eye on them and know what they get up to.
The Labor government promises, but the CLP government delivers. This makes the Territory a safer place for Territorians.
Prisoner Management
Ms WALKER to MINISTER for CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
A few weeks ago we saw an axe-murdering rapist given freedom to roam around Nhulunbuy from Datjala Work Camp under your signature corrections reform program. He was not wearing an EMD, even though all 50 prisoners were supposed to. You decided to blame your Commissioner for Corrections, who was sacked. Today we learnt that serious drug traffickers are in minimal security conditions in Nhulunbuy, once again in direct contravention of your assurances and your stated policy. Not only are they drug traffickers, but they are offenders with a very high flight risk who will soon be deported to Thailand.
Why do you insist on placing our community at risk through your incompetence and mismanagement? How can Territorians believe anything you say or have any confidence in your ability to keep them safe from serious and violent offenders?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the member for Nhulunbuy seems to be under the impression we do not have criminals in the corrections system. The people who are in gaol are criminals. The fundamental difference between what happened last week with Mr Horrell and what has been reported incorrectly in today’s NT News is that the presence of Mr Horrell was in breach of government policy. The consequences that flowed from this, albeit disappointing, are what they are.
In this instance it is consistent with government policy that this person is there because he is neither a murderer nor a sex offender. Contrary to what is in today’s NT News, he is not doing work in the Sentenced to a Job program and he is not in the work parties that go out. He is the camp cook and feeds the prisoners. He is a pretty good one, apparently. It is consistent with government policy that we create an environment where people can rehabilitate themselves with a job.
You agree with this; you tabled a document during debates immediately prior to lunch, saying one of the fundamental principles of the corrections process is that people should have a job. You agree with government policy on this, but now you are grandstanding and trying to live off the back of public fear.
Perhaps I can ask the shadow minister if she will generate public fear when in the ministry. When you become the Attorney-General, will fear be your tool? Is that how you will govern for Territorians?
Anger is not governance; decision-making is governance. The member for Nhulunbuy should concentrate more on governing for Territorians and saying what she would do as the Attorney-General, rather than raging in this place to no effect or consequence.
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 110: relevance. Can the minister answer the question rather than give the member for Nhulunbuy a lecture, just because he thinks he knows it all?
Madam SPEAKER: The minister has finished his answer.
Criminal Property Forfeiture Scheme
Mr BARRETT to ATTORNEY-GENERAL and JUSTICE
Can you please update members about the success of the criminal property forfeiture scheme and tell us how many matters with property under restraint are before the Supreme Court as part of the Country Liberal government’s approach to being tough on crime, as opposed to the marshmallows opposite?
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 33; with all due respect, during Question Time we have put up with comments from the member for Blain. We may review the audio afterwards, but we do not need that commentary and I find it offensive.
Madam SPEAKER: It is not a point of order.
Standing Order 20 relates to no interruption to debate. I find it extraordinary that when the minister is answering a question I cannot hear his answer because of the noise from the government benches. I want to hear the answer from the minister. If you could be quiet, opposition and government benches, so everyone can hear the answer from the relevant ministers.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the members opposite have a long history of cuddling up to the villains in our community and saying they are victims. This government has never taken that approach. We treat people who commit crimes in our community, people who sell drugs especially, as people who are worth going after. I have had the surprising job of fighting in the High Court of this country, in the case of Emmerson, to protect our property forfeiture legislation. We successfully protected it.
It seems every time the friends of the ALP dislike something this government does, we have to appear in the High Court to defend it. We defended the Emmerson case successfully and we have stridently gone after unexplained wealth and property forfeiture because, unlike the former government, which managed to get a couple of hundred grand, we now have six matters under restraint before the Supreme Court. The total value of that property is $4.2m. This is from the people who would sell ice in our community, who we hope to catch at our borders. We finally can because legislation was passed in this House, despite the best efforts of the ALP and the Leader of the Opposition to make sure the legislation was stalled as long as possible. Of that $4.2m, $2.25m is classified as unexplained wealth. This includes four residential properties and one commercial property. The government is determined to use all …
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 110: relevance. I thank the previous Labor government for bringing the law in.
Madam SPEAKER: It is not a point of order. Sit down.
Mr ELFERINK: This is a good example. Yes, they brought it in and then did not use it. We used it. We starting using it to capture millions of dollars and we had to defend it against the Leader of the Opposition’s friends.
We are determined to use all legal means to eradicate criminal behaviour in the Northern Territory. Whilst these six matters are still before the Supreme Court it would be inappropriate of me to comment on them in any detail. However, this government is not soft on crime. We do not make excuses for the shortcomings of the former Labor government and we will not say these drug dealers in our community need therapy.
Kenbi Land Trust Act
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS
In 2011 the Kenbi Land Trust Act was passed by this parliament. This act was designed to facilitate the grant of land identified for possible future development of the northwest area of the Cox Peninsula to the Kenbi Land Trust. It enables the land to be held by a land trust without extinguishment of native title until such time as the land is required for development. Can you please explain what has happened to this act and why it appears in the historical tables of acts and ordinances as not commenced?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. The act was assented to on 21 December 2011 and gazetted on 4 January 2012. I am not sure if that answers your question, but the Kenbi Land Claim is the longest land claim in Australia’s history. I thought there was an opportunity to resolve that land claim roughly two years ago. I was in conversations with then federal Labor Attorney-General, Robert McClelland.
I had an opportunity when Kevin Rudd was the Prime Minister; he was coming to visit the Northern Territory. I signed off on the Northern Territory side of the deal. There was a bit of conjecture about the aerial farm, for want of a better term, on the Cox Peninsula and some of the issues around asbestos. There was supposed to be some money set aside in the federal budget at the time, I think roughly $120m, for amelioration of some of the asbestos issues. Kevin Rudd was coming to visit and do a stunt out at Palmerston. I signed off on it, but the federal Labor government refused to sign off on the Kenbi Land Claim at that time.
We have since gone back to the drawing board. There are regular departmental discussions between DCM and the Northern Land Council. There was one a few weeks ago and we are continuing negotiations. I am in discussions with the federal Indigenous Affairs minister. It will take us a long time to get back to that position where I sought to sign that off two years ago. It is unfortunate because I wanted to resolve the Kenbi Land Claim, but it was the former federal Labor government. It was agreed by Robert McClelland and me. It went to the Prime Minister and was not signed off or authorised and we are back to square one.
As I said, this act was assented to on 21 December 2011 and gazetted on 4 January 2012.
Road Safety – Christmas Season
Mrs FINOCCHIARO to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
It is nearly Christmas and I wish everyone in Palmerston, Darwin and the broader Northern Territory a very Merry Christmas, as well as everyone here in the Chamber, including you, Madam Speaker.
Given the festive season is just around the corner, what advice do you have for Territorians to play it safe this Christmas?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Drysdale for her question - Merry Christmas.
This is an important time of year and everyone has a bit of fun. But I have a serious message because we want Territorians to play it safe over Christmas. No family wants to have loved ones go missing over Christmas because of bad decisions made on the roads, the water or even in our pubs. I plead with every Territorian to do the right thing. Is your car road ready? Who is your Sober Bob? How will you avoid the fatal five of speed, fatigue, drink- and drug-driving, distraction and not wearing a seatbelt?
It is tragic that we are launching this campaign today against a backdrop of yet another fatality overnight near Nhulunbuy. Each year many Territorians drive long distances to visit friends and family throughout the Territory and the rest of Australia. The best Christmas present Territory families can get this year would be no more deaths, injuries or accidents. Take water, spare tyres, radiator hoses and fan belts; inform people of your route and time frames and call someone on your arrival to let them know you are safe.
This morning Northern Territory Water Police were called to coordinate a sea rescue. The rescue coordination centre immediately commenced a rescue operation and found the man safe and well, probably because he had an EPIRB on board. It was very lucky a police barge was no more than 6 NM away and diverted to save that man. He may have spent many hours out there, but proper planning and the fact he had an EPIRB made a big difference.
We have some great roads, but we also have a big Wet Season. I ask people, before driving on some of these remote roads, to look at www.roadreport.nt.gov.au and get the latest road conditions.
Whilst I have the attention of the House, I remind all members that the Country Liberal Party is investing a record $664.9m into transport infrastructure this year. An estimated additional 219 km of sealed roads will be constructed thanks to this record investment. The Country Liberal Party is a financially sound government and we are tough on crime. We are making roads safer across the Territory for the safety of all Territorians.
I once again urge everyone to ask themselves these questions. Is your car road ready? Who is your Sober Bob? How will you avoid the fatal five of speed, fatigue, drink- and drug-driving, distractions and not wearing a seat belt, because it could all make a very big difference in a life and death situation. I do not want police officers knocking on people’s doors and telling families they have lost a loved one. That is tragic.
Road Infrastructure – Kalymnos Drive
Ms LAWRIE to MINISTER for TRANSPORT
I thank the minister for the focus on road safety because my question is about that. I have sent correspondence to various ministers for Transport and Infrastructure, including you, regarding the dangerous traffic conditions at both ends of Kalymnos Drive in Karama. There is Vanderlin Drive at one end, which you announced will be subject to duplication, and the existing duplicated McMillans Road at the other end. Both are very dangerous intersections when exiting Kalymnos Drive. A 75-unit development has impacted on traffic there. The residents have consistently asked for roundabouts. Is a roundabout, rather than traffic lights, included in the duplication of Vanderlin Drive? Will you consider a roundabout at the intersection at McMillians Road and Kalymnos Drive?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I will take the question on notice because I do not have the plans or details in front of me. I am happy to do that. This government is doing a hell of a lot of work around the suburbs in areas like that where we have seen an increase of traffic. This is because we have a strong economy and we are getting on and building the Northern Territory. Recently, with the support of Cabinet, we had to approve an additional $18.5m into infrastructure in Palmerston because the area is growing.
I am constantly reminded of where we have challenges across our network. The duplication of Vanderlin Drive is extremely important. The money has been committed to that, as has the record infrastructure spend I just mentioned.
Is there ever enough to do everything? No. But, systematically, we can plan and do things as the money rolls in, year-in and year-out. I will take it on board. We are always looking for information from local residents about where the problems are. We listen to them, as does the Department of Transport. As the funding comes through we allocate it appropriately. Sometimes there will be other priorities, and when there is money available those jobs will be done.
We have a very strong economy. There are hot spots of activity in the northern suburbs, Palmerston and even in the city. This is because people have confidence in the Northern Territory and they are building. New unit and housing complexes are being constructed. As I said, $18.5m was approved recently to keep up with infrastructure in Palmerston. That is a healthy sign.
These things were all on the forward works plan, we have had to put money in the budget to bring them forward. We did this for a very good reason; the place is growing and we want to ensure we do not have the traffic bottlenecks which we have had previously.
I remember, when I first came here, I drove out of RAAF Base Darwin, turned right onto the Stuart Highway, turned right onto Bagot Road and drove down this long road thinking, ‘My goodness, these people had real vision and planning when this was constructed’. There were no cars then compared to today. Bagot Road has stood the test of time through good planning.
That will continue. The CLP started construction of Tiger Brennan Drive, which was continued by the Labor government. The CLP is now continuing that work. The infrastructure will need to continue as this Northern Territory grows. It is not confined to the urban areas; we have to ensure our regions are also well-equipped and well-resourced. We will work on regional bridges, existing and new roads, and in our regional towns.
This is all good for our economy and jobs. It is another aspect of this government’s commitment to Territorians. You can trust this government to get on and do the right thing for Territorians, no matter whose electorate it is.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
CLP Achievements in 2015
Mr CONLAN to CHIEF MINISTER
Can you outline what the Country Liberal government has achieved in 2015 and why Territorians should feel confident going into Christmas and the New Year?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for the question. Three minutes is not a long time to answer, but let us start with the following: the gas pipeline between Tennant Creek and Mount Isa; the port deal, sealing the economic future of the Northern Territory; saving TIO; the biggest land release in the Territory’s history; hosting the NRL and two AFL games; and hosting the Davis Cup, the A-League and the Red CentreNATS. That is all in one year.
We have a $1.4bn infrastructure budget and we are back in surplus.
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 35: relevance. Does the member for Katherine get 15 seconds for his day as Chief Minister?
Madam SPEAKER: Sit down; it is not a point of order.
Mr GILES: We have the biggest live cattle port in the world and we have rebuilt the live cattle industry. We have implemented pastoral reform. We set up the Tiwi Islands to export woodchips, which is one of the best outcomes of the whole year. We have increased the number of public housing complexes and started a new affordable housing industry. This is a true credit to the Northern Territory.
The Palmerston hospital is being built. When you dig a hole, you put concrete in it and fill it up. The most important thing is Labor could not even dig a hole, let alone pour concrete into it. We are giving the Royal Darwin Hospital a $40m upgrade. We are fully duplicating Tiger Brennan Drive. Did I mention we are back in surplus?
We have another $10m going to the Tanami Road. The Port Keats Road, Santa Teresa Road and the Plenty Highway will get $45m.
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Perhaps the Chief Minister can update the House on where the Nightcliff police station is.
Madam SPEAKER: No, that is not a point of order!
Mr GILES: This is all in one year. We have announced procurement reforms with 25% local value added. There are more than 300 additional jobs for Aboriginal people in communities. We have introduced the biggest environmental reform in the nation. We had the Northern Australia Investment Forum. They are all big picture things.
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 110: relevance. Will the Chief Minister apologise to Sandra Lew Fatt for putting her out of business?
Madam SPEAKER: No, it is not a point of order. Sit down.
Mr GILES: We have introduced sports vouchers and Back to School vouchers. We have childcare and long-daycare subsidies. All the while we are paying back Labor debt.
Ms WALKER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 110: relevance. Where is the Gove District Hospital upgrade? Where are the Galiwinku and Umbakumba clinics?
Madam SPEAKER: That is not a point of order. Sit down.
Mr GILES: This year has been about ups and downs. Fuel, housing and electricity prices are down, as are debt, deficit, crime and alcohol consumption. Domestic violence is down. The public housing waiting list is down. Do not worry; we have ups as well. Jobs and the economy are up, but there are a couple of other ups and downs.
Ms FYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Standing Order 110: relevance. With 20 seconds to go, will the Chief Minister tell us about his number one achievement, which was getting minister Tollner dumped?
Madam SPEAKER: It is not a point of order.
Mr GILES: There are a couple of other ups and downs. It was an up when the member for Karama was rolled as Leader of the Opposition, but she is still leading the opposition. That is a down.
Mr VOWLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I ask for your wise ruling on Standing Order 33 about this speech being offensive.
Madam SPEAKER: No, it is not offensive. Sit down.
Mr GILES: This is offensive if you are a Labor member because we have been successful, and 2016 will be bigger and better than 2015. While the Country Liberals are in charge, the NT will continue to be the best jurisdiction in this fantastic nation.
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