2008-05-08
Conditions of Service Reserve - Loss of Money
Mr MILLS to TREASURER
On Tuesday, I asked you to explain how you lost $32m on the stock market. You did not answer the question then, so I ask you again. Please explain how you lost $32m out of Conditions of Service Reserve.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. He did not understand the answer, so I will repeat it. It is not a case of whether I misplaced the money or something like that. As with all reserve trusts, the Conditions of Service Reserve, obviously, has the financial wherewithal, and is money out on the market. As I explained earlier in the week, fortunately for the government, it is out in the long-term market. Long-term investment structures is how we structure the Conditions of Service Reserve that we are talking about.
As I pointed out in my previous answer that the Leader of the Opposition did not seem to understand - and that most people reading the NT News would have picked up lately - there was a sub-prime mortgage crises in the US, which then led to a chain reaction in the financial markets. As a result, values that would have previously been high are, in fact, dramatically reduced. A lot of financial institutions have been in absolute strife. Fortunately for the government, the market volatility, whilst it affected us, really did not affect us to the extent as it has a lot of other people. For example, the fund that we are talking about has a long-term investment structure, much like any other superannuation fund investment.
From an actuarial perspective, it is anticipated that funds like this will experience a loss once in every six years, which is approximately the same as the average balanced superannuation fund. Fund performance currently is, and historically has been, better than its benchmark, with a return of 10.48% on average over the past three years to 31 March 2008. I repeat: the Conditions of Service Reserves return is similar to that of other funds around Australia and, as at 31 March, the Intec survey of similar growth-style superannuation funds was 7.71%.
Cyclone Nargis - Support for Burmese People
Mr BURKE to CHIEF MINISTER
Burma has been devastated by the impact of Cyclone Nargis. Can you please advise the House on how the Territory is showing its support for the people of Burma?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Brennan for his question, because it has been a very distressing time watching our television screens and the enormous tragedy that has unfolded in Burma over the last couple of days. Up to 100 000 people may have died - maybe more. After watching the news last night, as the enormity and the scale of this tragedy has unfolded before us, our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Burma, as well as the small Burmese community in the Northern Territory.
I have just returned from the Buddhist Temple at Leanyer, where I offered my condolences directly to the Buddhist community of the Northern Territory. Everybody would know it is a very tightknit community. In the latest numbers we have, there are approximately 70 Burmese people who live in Darwin. However, of course, the Buddhist community is a much bigger community than that. I went there today to offer my condolences on behalf of not only the government but the people of the Northern Territory, to let that community, which is grieving very much at this time, know that the community is in our thoughts and prayers, as well as the people of Burma.
I can advise the House today that I spoke to the Police Commissioner this morning about what assistance we may be able to provide from Darwin. The Police Commissioner advised me that, if requested by the Australian government, if a relief team does go in from the Australian government, we have expertise amongst our police force in disaster victim identification, and in forensics, and we could provide people as part of that effort if it is required. Also, through my colleague, the Health Minister, our hospital will be ready if called upon to receive victims from that particular disaster - again, if required. I have conveyed this offer to the Australian government as it evaluates what we as a nation may be able to do to assist the people of Burma; that the Northern Territory stands by to do what we can and we are ready.
I can also advise the House, and speaking with the Buddhist community today, obviously, Territorians will want to donate financially to the relief cause. That is just unfolding across the country. There are concerns about relief agencies being able to get on the ground in Burma and get the help to the people who need it. However, I am confident that the United Nations and the global community will be able to get in there. In order to kick-start that contribution from the Northern Territory, the government has contributed $100 000, and we will be working with the Buddhist community about where they see it is most appropriate for that money to go. Obviously, the Buddhist community will be holding a number of fundraising events in the weeks ahead. I am sure everybody in this House, if able to, will get behind - and encourage their constituents and communities to get behind - those efforts.
It is an enormous tragedy that is unfolding. Darwin and the Northern Territory is a very multicultural place. We have people from all around the world who live here. I know everyone is feeling the same way that I am feeling at the moment: pretty helpless in what we can do. However, what we can do, we will do. That offer is being conveyed to the Australian government today. I am sure everybody in this House sends our condolences to the people of Burma, and the Buddhist and Burmese community in the Northern Territory.
Superannuation Fund - Performance
Mr MILLS to TREASURER
Again, regarding the loss of $35m on the stock market, while we accept that many funds have had a bad year, such as NTGPASS shares which lost 5%, why was your performance so much worse than the other fund, when you lost around 8%?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition seems to have cloth ears, so I will repeat what I said in the answer previously ...
Mr MILLS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Just on that issue, I was not permitted to use that word and it should be withdrawn.
Madam SPEAKER: Correct. Treasurer, I ask you to withdraw those comments.
Ms LAWRIE: I withdraw ‘cloth ears’. He seems to have been unable to hear the previous answer because, as I said, the Intec survey of similar funds, as at March of this year - that is, gross style superannuation funds - show that they went down around 7.71% and ours declined 7.68%. So, we are tracking where similar funds are tracking in declines as a result of the entire knock-on effect of the sub-prime mortgage crisis, which pretty much everyone else in the world knows about. It seems as though the Leader of the Opposition does not understand that any investments on the stock markets are going to have a knock-on effect and have experienced, indeed, knock-on effects.
Ours, whilst I am not downplaying it, is not nearly as serious as what it would have been if we did not have very carefully and wisely managed investment funds. It is not the Treasurer who sits there playing the stock market. That would be extremely ridiculous, and it is a ridiculous way that the Leader of the Opposition proposes the question, ‘Treasurer, why have you lost?’ Very carefully, Treasury closely manages, monitors the performance of the Conditions of Service Reserve, and relies on external expertise as well as their own very capable expertise internally. I am aware, having spoken to Treasurers in other jurisdictions, that there has been a significant impact across the reserves in other jurisdictions.
Compared to what I am aware will be announced through various successive budgets around the nation, we have come out of this in a pretty good condition. Compared to what we have seen happen around the nation, we have come out of this in a very good condition. It is tough times but, as I explained in my previous response, these come around in cycles. The advice is, in regard to the impact on the superannuation reserves of this nature, they are about six-yearly cycles and we are at that point of the cycle ...
Mr MILLS: Madam Speaker, a supplementary question.
Madam SPEAKER: We do not have supplementary questions in this parliament.
Mr MILLS: Oh, right. I was wondering whether there would be a glossy brochure explaining all this.
Madam SPEAKER: Resume your seat.
Employment Figures
Ms SACILOTTO to TREASURER
Can you update the House on the latest employment figures for the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Port Darwin for her question because we have had some very good news today. The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released the latest labour force figures, and they do contain good news for the Territory.
Unemployment is down to 4.3%. Our employment growth is extremely strong - by far the highest of all jurisdictions - at 5.6%. This is more than twice the Australian average of 2.6%, and streets ahead of second place getter, New South Wales, which is at 3.5%. Employment growth of 5.6% over the last year equates to an increase in trend employment of 5800. That is 5800 extra jobs for Territorians compared to a year ago.
The Leader of the Opposition said yesterday that he thought the Territory was tarnished. We do not agree. When it comes to jobs growth, the Territory is the envy of the nation. Budget 2008-09 delivers for families, and it delivers jobs for families. Under Jobs Plan 3 we now have more people in training than ever before, and we look forward to even more jobs for Territorians.
Budget 2008-09 – Superannuation Liability
Mr MILLS to TREASURER
In this year’s budget you received a $330m windfall. Despite that massive surge in unanticipated revenue, you committed just $20m to covering the Territory’s future superannuation liability. At a rate of $20m a year, it will take 125 years to cover your future superannuation liability. How does rampant spending today impact on future generations?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition’s question really is nonsensical. I indicated that we have put $20m into the Conditions of Service Reserve …
Mr Mills: Lost $32m.
Ms LAWRIE: I indicated in the Budget Papers, and it is certainly there, that we put $20m into the Conditions of Service Reserve …
Mr Mills: Lost $32m.
Ms LAWRIE: I will keep repeating it if you want me to or you can listen to the answer. As I indicated in the Budget Papers and in my speech, I put $20m into the Conditions of Service Reserve. That is towards the future superannuation liability but, as I explained yesterday, this will start to impact at around 2018 to 2023. Previously, the government put $150m into that and, depending on where we arrive at the actuals, if I am in a position to put more into that, I will.
We are not going to track at $20m a year necessarily. What we are doing is ensuring that our budgets are in surplus. They have been in surplus for five years in a row now and, for the first time, we are predicting surpluses through the future years. Fundamentally and foremost, is having surplus budgets.
Mr Mills interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE: The CLP created deficit budgets, and they were not just small deficits, they were sizable deficits. They sent us backwards. Every deficit you have, you have liability to pay, and you have increased debt. We inherited debt to employment liability ratio to revenue of about 134% from the CLP. It is declining. He is misleading by saying it is blowing out; we are actually trending down, we are reducing our nett debt. Understand the figures in the Budget Papers.
Northern Territory Public Service – Contribution to the Territory
Mr BURKE to MINISTER for PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Can you outline to the House the contribution to the Northern Territory made by our extremely hard-working public servants?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Brennan for his question. He understands the importance of job security when it comes to the livelihood of families. He understands the impact it has on many families when, in fact, that job security is threatened.
Budget 2008-09 delivers for Territory families, and this includes the many families and their members who work within the Northern Territory Public Service. There are about 16 000 public servants right across the Territory, and they do a wonderful job.
Everyone is aware that we now have many more police, teachers and nurses, but there are also other areas that have been boosted under the Labor government - 106 extra child protection workers for a start. We believe our public service is a terrific training ground. We employ many graduates, often from Charles Darwin University, and they gain vital skills and experience. Often, they move on into the private sector, taking their valued skills and experience with them.
The Leader of the Opposition has announced that he would immediately sack hundreds of public servants …
Mr Mills: Incorrect, Madam Speaker. Incorrect. That is wrong. Untrue …
Ms LAWRIE: … with a $50m cut.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, please pause.
Mr Mills: That is wrong. Untrue. No such announcement has been made.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Please pause. Leader of the Opposition, if you feel that you have been misrepresented, please approach me.
Mr Mills: Oh, let her say whatever she likes. Let the people decide, but it is just not true.
Madam SPEAKER: You may approach me to make a personal explanation. Minister, please continue.
Ms LAWRIE: Madam Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition announced a $50m cut, and he said it would be from departments in the costings he released to the media ...
Mr Mills: At least I was upfront about mine. Check yours.
Ms LAWRIE: Savings - sorry I am just reading off the back of the envelope. ‘Savings $50m departmental savings’.
Mr Mills: Yours are hidden. You are deceitful.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Leader of the Opposition, I ask you to withdraw that comment.
Mr MILLS: Madam Speaker, I withdraw ‘deceitful’.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you. Treasurer, please continue.
Mr Mills: The truth will come out.
Ms LAWRIE: I will check the back of the envelope again. The envelope says: ‘Savings, departmental savings $50m’.
Madam Speaker, he has not stated where he is going to make these cuts; and he has not stated who will be sacked, which is, obviously, leading to a great degree of nervousness out there throughout our hard-working public sector and their families who would be affected. His attack on public servants is not new. He has a long history on this front, and he has previously referred to them as ‘carpet strollers’. I am not sure if his attack on public servants is to try to balance up the fact that he has put the business community so offside recently that he just wants to go and upset another whole other sector of our community.
Madam Speaker, we believe you can actually support both business and the public sector; and Budget 2008-09 does just this.
Youth Camps
Mrs BRAHAM to MINISTER for JUSTICE and ATTORNEY-GENERAL
In regard to the youth residential education and training facility project in Alice Springs, last year I met with the consultant, Mr Tony Kelly. I submitted a proposal to the Department of Justice and Attorney-General for consideration. All I have had so far from the department is a reply saying they have received it and that the report is being prepared for you. I would have thought this would have been a good budget announcement. We are waiting for you to announce when the youth camp is going to start; who is going operate it; what sort of programs will be there; and where it will be. Can you give us some answers, Attorney-General?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Braitling for her question, as it is important. As she said, government funded a consultancy in Alice Springs to look at this issue and give options for government. Also, the Chief Minister has made announcements about youth camps, both in the Top End and Central Australia. As we said last week in regard to the amendments to the Youth Justice Act, the youth camps really articulate with our policy about taking those youths who are at risk, putting them somewhere, giving them a chance to sort themselves out and make something of their lives.
In regard to Central Australia, I am advised, member for Braitling, that two camp programs are scheduled to commence at Hamilton Downs before the end of the financial year, with 20 young people attending.
In regard to the Top End, we are talking about Balunu and Brahminy, which have been doing a great job. I am advised that six males have already attended a camp at Balunu, and a girls camp at Talc Head will commence on 13 May. A total of 30 attendees are expected to attend the camp by 30 June. Brahminy has two high-risk people on-site at present, with another six being approved to attend. A total of 10 are expected to commence this intensive intervention program by 30 June, with two of those coming from Central Australia ...
Mrs Braham: So you bring kids from Central Australia up top?
Dr BURNS: Madam Speaker, in answer to the member for Braitling’s question, this is a government that is taking action on youth, both in a legislative sense, the $2.5m that we have invested through the amendments to the Youth Justice Act, the family agreement centres, and to support families. We do not want families to fail, but we want to address the issues in and support those families, and compel, where necessary, those parents to take responsibility for their children who are not taking responsibility now. These youth camps are part of it.
I see the Leader of Opposition recycling ideas; he has come up with a boot camp. Well, this is a government that is already getting these camps ready for these kids. We are already operating these camps. The name of our boot camp is Don Dale.
Superannuation Liability – Accuracy of Statement by Chief Minister
Mr MILLS to TREASURER
Yesterday, you told this House that the Chief Minister was absolutely correct when he asserted that there was no link between current wages in the Territory’s $2.4bn Commonwealth Superannuation and NTGPASS Superannuation liability. Now that you have had 24 hours to think about it, could you inform this House if the Chief Minister was absolutely correct?
ANSWER
I would be delighted to, Madam Speaker. Yes, the Territory’s unfunded superannuation liability is associated with public servants employed before August 1999. The liability is calculated by the actuary using a number of assumptions, including mortality rates, death and disability rates, future salary increases including those associated with promotions, length of service, and investment returns.
These assumptions result in a growth factor being applied to the superannuation liability and, as long as wages growth stays within this factor, wage increases will not add to the liability. People employed since August 1999 do not affect the unfunded superannuation liability.
Budget 2008-09 – Victims of Crime Funding
Ms McCARTHY to MINISTER for JUSTICE and ATTORNEY-GENERAL
What benefits does the budget deliver for victims of crime?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arnhem for her question. Within the budget there is $420 000 extra that has been allocated through the Department of Justice budget to support victims of crime within the Northern Territory. We stand with all victims of crime, particularly assault and violence. Apart from actually catching and prosecuting those who perpetrate those crimes, in 2007 we increased the maximum amount of financial assistance payable to a victim by 60%, from $25 000 to $40 000, which is a very considerable increase ...
Ms Carney: Yes, but most of them cannot apply; you limited it.
Dr BURNS: We completely reformed the victims assistance system from a slow, intimidating court-based process - and that is why the member for Araluen is objecting, because I well remember …
Ms Carney interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: … the former member for Goyder and the member for Araluen sticking up for their loyal mates who were creaming the top off the system and, basically, the money was not getting to the victims; it was all being sucked up by the process.
We have $420 000 extra within our budget, which is allowing the Crime Victims Services Unit to quickly process applications. On average, it has gone from 18 months to three months, so it is much faster.
Another feature of this $420 000 that has been allocated is to better support the Victims Register. This register allows the victims and other interested persons the opportunity to be kept informed of matters relating to an offender, such as an impending application for parole, transfers interstate or impending release. These are very important issues. This is a government that has invested into better support for victims of crime.
Superannuation Liability - Link to Wages
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
Do current wages have an effect on the Territory’s outstanding $2.4bn superannuation liability?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. He asked it in his last question that was fully answered by the Treasurer - absolutely fully answered ...
Mr Mills: And what do you think the answer is?
Mr HENDERSON: I am not going to repeat the Treasurer’s answer. The Treasurer fully answered the question, and he can keep asking it over and over again and he will get the same answer.
Budget 2008-09 - Bringing Forward
Discovery Program
Discovery Program
Mr HAMPTON to MINISTER for MINES and ENERGY
The mining industry is already benefiting from the $12m Bringing Forward Discovery program. How has the program been enhanced in the 2008-09 Budget?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Stuart for his question. I know the member has a keen interest in mining as there is a lot happening in his electorate at the moment. Mining and energy production is set to grow by around 35% next financial year, which is a huge boost and means approximately $7.5bn to the Northern Territory. It will be approximately 40% of our GSP.
This further investment will mean more jobs for Territory families and, obviously, it will boost our great economy now even stronger. Budget 2008-09 has seen an allocation of $2.4m into the expansion of the Bringing Forward Discovery program, which will support new drilling and survey initiatives. It will bring government and industry closer together, in partnership, to look at boosting exploration in unexplored regions of the Northern Territory. Explorers will be entitled to around 50% of the costs of drilling and geophysical surveys; that is, to a maximum of $100 000. We hope that it will be done in greenfield regions and that we will get some new discoveries out of that. The applications will be assessed on the potential of the new areas, and those new discoveries will, we feel, be imminent.
The Northern Territory government understands the economic and social values of the function that mining plays in the Northern Territory, and we recognise the need to promote mining also. Globally, we have to be competitive, and that is why we are marketing ourselves overseas and interstate. We need to attract exploration and investment into the Territory.
It would be interesting to see what would happen if the Leader of the Opposition had his way, because I understand he wants to cut the public service, so it would really cut into our mining interests in the Northern Territory.
Madam Speaker, we have delivered on the first program, Building the Territory Resource Base and now, with our second program, Bringing Forward Discovery. They are distinctly different programs which have different components. The Bringing Forward Discovery program is worth $14.4m over four years, which is a significant investment into the future of the Northern Territory, into Northern Territory families, and into the Northern Territory economy.
The Northern Territory is a vast land; it is rich in resources. There is a lot of future opportunity out there, and we want to see mining companies have their next discoveries in the Northern Territory.
Closing the Gap – Residential Care
Facility at Bees Creek
Facility at Bees Creek
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for FAMILY and COMMUNITY SERVICES
In the budget, the Treasurer announced a Closing the Gap initiative to construct a residential care facility at Bees Creek. Could you please say if this facility is at the old ANSTI site on Bees Creek Road? Who will live in this residential care facility and who will manage it?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. Of course, all the initiatives with Budget 2008-09 are about delivering for Territory families. In relation to developing the therapeutic centres, it is an important area that we are moving towards, which bring together a holistic approach that we are taking with the problems that we are tackling with some of our youth and children. I will endeavour to get back to the member.
It is money that has been allocated in the budget, and I thank the Treasurer for that, because it is an important component in establishing these services where there are big gaps. I know that we are looking for a support service in Darwin and around Bees Creek. However, I will get back to the member for Nelson with the specific details in relation to whether it is the ANSTI site, but it is out there in that vicinity.
Schools – Improved Facilities
Mr BURKE to MINISTER for EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION and TRAINING
You told the Assembly that results from our urban schools are comparable with national standards. What is being done to maintain and improve facilities in our schools?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Brennan for his question. The Henderson government is building new schools and continuing its commitment to upgrading schools across the Territory. Budget 2008-09 is certainly delivering for Territory families.
As I said this morning in my budget reply, the government will spend $48.8m to build two new schools in Palmerston in the suburb of Rosebery, with Budget 2008-09 immediately delivering $9.5m for the headworks on the site.
Around the Northern Territory, if we look in our urban centres, we are delivering a record school infrastructure and upgrade program. Budget 2008-09 delivers $9.5m in funding for upgrades at schools in Darwin and Alice Springs. I accompanied the local member for Casuarina to Alawa Primary School, where we are delivering on Stage 2. We have already done Stage 1, and it was fantastic to have a look at Alawa Primary School to see that new facility – happy school, happy students. There are Stage 2 developments for Alawa, Jingili, Leanyer, Malak and Nakara schools.
Ross Park Primary will get Stage 2 also, at $2m. This means better facilities for students and teachers at the school, with upgrades to those classrooms as well as mechanical and electrical work.
The budget also contains $10m for Closing the Gap for upgrading remote schools. In Budget 2008-09, $6.3m will be provided for minor new works, and $26.81m for repairs and maintenance to all our schools. This is a budget delivering for Territory families, because we know education is important and so is the infrastructure for our kids.
Superannuation Liability - Link to Wages
Mr MILLS to CHIEF MINISTER
You cannot continue to deny that the Territory’s $2.4bn superannuation liability is affected by your wages management, such as the $122m blowout in wages in 2006. Do you anticipate …
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order; Madam Speaker! Surely, if he is going to ask questions about wages and superannuation, then he should be asking the Treasurer and the Minister for Public Employment. This is going over old ground. We have already spoken about exactly how the superannuation liability in ComSuper and NTGPASS are structured and how they are factored in.
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order. It is fine to ask the Chief Minister. It is up to the Chief Minister if he wishes to redirect the question to you, Treasurer.
Mr MILLS: Do you anticipate the superannuation liability, which is currently $2.4bn, to grow, and how big do you think it will become?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. It was a very confused and rambling question. I will go to the issue that he talked about that feeds into all of this in projections of future liabilities and what they may be. That goes to the issue of wage restraint. He talked about blowouts in wages. These are words that come out of the Leader of the Opposition’s mouth: wage restraint and blowouts in wages.
Let us look at the Leader of the Opposition’s form regarding wage restraint and blowouts in wages. This is the Leader of the Opposition where, every time an EBA comes around in the Northern Territory - restraint out the window, no absolute policy position on this, although, yes, he does have a policy; that is: every public servant in the Northern Territory would be the highest paid in that category anywhere in Australia. That is the logical position of the policy that he advocates.
When we have negotiations with our teachers, EBAs are always tough. I was minister for about 14 months, and I know they are always tough. We have a policy that says that our wages and conditions in the Northern Territory have to be competitive. We recognise we have to be competitive in the marketplace. However, the Leader of the Opposition’s policy is that they have to be the best. We have to have the best paid teachers, nurses, doctors, police officers and public servants. That is the Leader of the Opposition’s policy, and he has not even costed it. Has not even costed it because he went out and told the teachers: ‘Yes, vote for me. I will make you the best paid in Australia and I will keep you the best paid’. When he was asked how much extra that would cost, he did not have a clue.
He has not had a clue to the effect that he has lodged an FOI application - a freedom of information application - to get Treasury to do the costings for him. That is how irresponsible the Leader of the Opposition is on this issue of wage restraints and managing the budget.
The Leader of the Opposition could never be trusted with managing the Territory budget. He could never be trusted with managing the economy. He came into this House yesterday and, in his budget reply, had back-of-the-envelope costings that make absolutely no sense to anybody who has had a look at them. He has the gall to come in here and talk about wage restraint, when he will go out in public, make offers to public servants that he would make them the best paid in the country, come what may, and not even know how much that is going to cost the budget.
He is an absolute embarrassment. To save him any further embarrassment, I urge him to cease this line of questioning.
Undergrounding of Power in
the Northern Suburbs
the Northern Suburbs
Ms SACILOTTO to MINISTER for ESSENTIAL SERVICES
As promised in 2005, can the minister update the House on progress with the undergrounding of power in Darwin’s northern suburbs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, that is a good question. Two months ago, the Darwin region was hit by Cyclone Helen, a very small cyclone compared to others. Darwin was not hit directly, it passed south. When the all clear was given, I drove around the suburbs to see the damage that was done to essential services. I was very impressed at the minimal damage done by falling trees cutting overhead power lines, stripping water pipes and damaging sewerage pipes. That reinforced my conviction that what we promised in 2001 was a very good decision. Undergrounding power in Darwin is very important.
I recall very well the then member for Greatorex, Dr Richard Lim, who opposed it. He wanted to close it down, he did not want it to happen. I hear that Richard Lim now lives in Brisbane. I wonder if he lives in an area with underground power or overhead lines?
There are two reasons why we want to underground power. The first one is to beautify our suburbs. Second, is to ensure that the system is secure. Experience has shown us from Cyclone Helen that, wherever the lines were underground, they did not suffer any power interruption and they suffered less damage to the system. Where the power lines were above ground, a lot of them were damaged by falling trees. It was not only the mahogany trees, there were a number of other trees that fell on the power lines and interrupted power.
In 2001, we promised we would underground power in Nightcliff. I am very pleased to say that that has been completed. In 2005, we promised we would underground Rapid Creek, and 75% of Rapid Creek is now connected to underground power.
I am very pleased to say that, in Budget 2008-09, we continue to deliver for families in the northern suburbs. We will invest $13.6m to underground Millner over the next two years. As I said, Madam Speaker, by December this year, Rapid Creek’s power will be completely underground and, by the end of next year, we will have Millner with underground power.
We spent $39.1m undergrounding power ...
Mr Kiely: How much?
Mr VATSKALIS: $39.1m. You can argue about undergrounding power, but all the new suburbs in Darwin and all the new suburbs in other cities have underground power. Even Perth has underground power, without any reason - just for beautification. For us, it is essential. We live in a cyclone area and we have to take care of all Territorians and Territory families that rely upon this power.
Superannuation Liability – Incorrect Figure
Mr MILLS to TREASURER
On 14 October 2004, the former Treasurer of the Northern Territory, Mr Stirling, said: ‘The Territory’s unfunded superannuation liability of $1467m at 30 June 2004 is expected to peak sometime around 2006’. He was wrong, was he not? While you are explaining why he got it wrong, can you tell us why he got it wrong by $1000m?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, there is one thing I have learnt while being in this Chamber, it is not to believe anything the Leader of the Opposition says.
Budget 2008-09 – Interpreter Services
Ms ANDERSON to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Can you please inform the House how the budget invested in interpreter services in the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. The Aboriginal Interpreter Service and the Interpreter and Translating Service NT do a fabulous job in our community. I recently attended the 20th anniversary of the organisation, and they are truly a delightful group of people.
Last year alone, they did 3000 interpretations, so it is a lot of work for a diverse group of people. This work is expected to grow. I will pick up on the comments of the Chief Minister at the start of Question Time in relation to Burma. We actually have four interpreters who can speak Burmese. I am sure however they may help in the response from the Northern Territory government, will be offered to those health and police services.
The Northern Territory government recognises the importance of the Interpreting and Translating Service and, in this year’s budget, have invested an extra $350 000 to assist in that expansion of services they are providing. This is showing an investment in this important work. As we all know, English, for a great many people within the Northern Territory, particularly Darwin, is a second or third language. Interpreters play an extremely vital role in providing that language breakdown and legal advice interpretation. In fact, for the interpreters who have come to this great place, the Northern Territory, it has been one of their first jobs they have secured. For a great many Aboriginal people it has been one of the first full-time jobs that they have taken on.
Not only is the interpreter service providing a valuable service to the wider community, it is actually encouraging employment. This is another example of the Henderson government providing for the Northern Territory.
Local Government Act –
Litter By-laws
Litter By-laws
Mrs BRAHAM to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Now that the Local Government Act has been passed, what difference will it make to council by-laws? I give you a scenario: at the moment, under the litter by-laws councils have, people cannot be given an infringement notice unless someone sees them actually dropping the litter. Someone can be in a circle with litter all around them, but they cannot be fined because there is no proof that they actually dropped it. However, I have been advised that, in fact, the new act gives councils teeth so that the by-laws will be more effective. Could you please inform the House just how this is so?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Braitling for her question. As you well know, with the new act, the current by-laws actually transition into the new shire entities. There are some provisions to strengthen up the by-laws. That is part of the new act. It is actually giving a lot more accountability to the councils and the general public.
This new model legislation will assist the wider community in by-laws and a whole range of financial accountability issues. On day one, those by-laws will transition from those existing organisations into the new entity.
Madam SPEAKER: I remind the media members to turn off their mobile phones or I will be asking you to leave. Thank you. It is a terrible ring, I might add.
Alice Springs – Maternity Services
Mr HAMPTON to MINISTER for HEALTH
Can you inform the House of the expansion of the essential maternity services in Alice Springs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I know the member for Stuart is a family man, and will welcome this announcement, as will all Alice Springs people. The Community Midwifery Program will be expanded to encompass Alice Springs in the 2008-09 financial year. This is in line with government’s policy in our funding through past budget initiatives for extra support for maternal and child health.
The program in Alice Springs has been funded to the tune of $280 000 per year. That will enable two qualified midwives to commence in the 2008—09 financial year. It will be developed similarly to the program that has been developed and implemented in Darwin since 2004. I know that women and families have certainly valued this service, with the expert support that is provided within the community before birth, and also after birth, enabling early discharge from hospital. It provides best practice for those women with low-risk pregnancies, obviously. It has been embraced by midwives and obstetricians alike, and is a very important program. It complements other maternity service initiatives such as the Home Birth Service and Royal Darwin Hospital Birthing Centre.
As members might be aware, a review of maternity services has been completed. The report was received by the department in February of this year - unlike some claims in the media that it was received in November. My office has recently received that report and I will be making announcements regarding government’s response to that in early June.
Superannuation Liability – Incorrect Figure
Mr MILLS to TREASURER
I just asked you if the comments by your predecessor about the superannuation liability were correct. This Question Time is an opportunity for you to explain why you have not met the target set by your predecessor by some $1000m. Will you now explain to Territorians, or is it that you simply do not understand your job?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I really do welcome the question, because the Leader of the Opposition becomes more and more confused. He does not get it. I am happy to explain, again, as I have explained in Question Time previously that, in 2004-05, there was a change in the actuary and methodology which increased the superannuation liability. That was fully explained at the time by the former Treasurer.
In 2001-02 - which is probably where he is getting this line from, because the CLP had obviously been in government until 2001 - it was projected that the liability would peak in 2006, with benefits peaking in 2015. However, now, it is projected that the liability will peak around 2015 - and I have had conversations with my Treasury staff around this, they tend to say 2018 - and the benefit payments around 2022-23. Everything I have said previously in my answers is absolutely correct. It is based on the latest advice from Treasury, and the latest actuarial and where that is tracking at.
Madam Speaker, I do not know why the Leader of the Opposition is so confused on this issue of superannuation liability and how it exists.
I was reading media clippings today from The Age newspaper, and it gave me a glimmer of just why the Leader of the Opposition might be confused, because there has been a bit of a cut and paste policy approach by the Liberal Party in terms of state and territory Treasury budgets. This morning, I read an article by Paul Austin in The Age newspaper which said:
- This morning, the opposition gets its turn, when shadow Treasurer, Kim Wells, delivers the official budget reply in parliament. The Brumby and Lenders budget blitz has left him little room to move.
Wells can be expected to argue that Labor has been swimming in revenue, …
Mr Mills: You have been, and you have spent it all.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
- Ms LAWRIE: … and has only given back in tax relief …
Ms Carney interjecting.
- Ms LAWRIE: … about a fifth of the money it has ‘gouged’ from voters since the previous budget.
It went on to say:
- He will also pursue the opposition mantra that Labor has not got enough bang for all these bucks it is spending - that the quality of basic services such as hospitals, schools and public transport is declining …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms LAWRIE: Gee, that has a familiar ring to it. Then, it gets even better:
- Then there’s one of the key elements of the opposition’s economic case against Labor – the debt scare. Wells and Baillieu argue that the planned increase in net debt - from $2.3bn now to $9.5bn in four years is ‘alarming’.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms LAWRIE: The article goes on to say.
Mr Mills interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE: It is by Paul Austin - you should read it, it is good.
Mr Mills interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Members interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE: He got the front-page policy. He was told what to say by the leaders in Canberra, but it is all good:
- There are a few problems in this argument for the Liberals. First, …
Mrs Miller interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE: No, this is pertinent:
- … net debt as a proportion of the state economy will remain lower than it was under Liberal premier Jeff Kennett ...
Funny, that! It is lower under Labor here than it was under the CLP.
- Second, the international credit rating agency Standard and Poor’s …
Madam Speaker, we use Moodys:
… says the Victorian economy can ‘easily’ afford the projected increases in debt.
Third …
And I love this bit the most:
- … who reckons there is not a need to prudently borrow more to fund the sort of major infrastructure projects this growing state so obviously needs?
I love that article.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Goyder!
Members interjecting.
Mr Warren: Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: I have not actually called you, member for Goyder.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: However, I will now.
Mr Mills: You won’t be intimidated, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: No, I am not intimidated by the member for Goyder, I can assure you.
Budget 2008-09 – Impact on Territory Lifestyle
Mr WARREN to CHIEF MINISTER
The Territory is the best place to live in Australia; in fact, I think it is the best place in the world to live. How does Budget 2008-09 make the Territory lifestyle which we all enjoy even better?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, the budget does deliver for Territory families and it does invest in our future. Part of the reason the Territory is the best place to live, work and raise a family is because of the wonderful lifestyle that we have here. Part of our strategy - and it is a very explicit, definitive strategy - is to invest in lifestyle, not only for Territorians who live here to enjoy, but also as part of our pitch when we go interstate and overseas to try to promote the Northern Territory as a place to come and live, to work and invest. Part of that pitch is promoting the great lifestyle we have here.
We aim to bring more people to the Northern Territory to take account of the jobs growth we are achieving in the Northern Territory: 5800 new jobs. There is record population growth. It is all part of the strong economy and investment in the Northern Territory. More people are coming here, buying a home and choosing to live here. The lifestyle plays a very big part in that.
We have allocated $25.8m for sport and recreation right throughout the Northern Territory. We all know our facilities for sport and recreation are good. We will continue to invest in them. There is $6.4m for sport and recreation grants to support clubs, administrators, volunteers and communities. That help is really appreciated by those mums and dads, the people who volunteer every weekend or during the week supporting young people. There is a $1m initiative in the budget this year in grants for community sporting facilities. Every little helps. It is really competitive out there for fundraising. There will be small grant packages available for community sporting facilities and equipment.
We continue to attract and stage big events to the Territory: Crusty Demons; Sir Elton John; BassintheGrass - I am particularly looking forward to that this year; Arafura Games in 2009; the Masters Games later this year; and three one-day cricket internationals - that is going to be absolutely fantastic for our kids to be able to go and see their heroes; a pre-season NRL game; V8s; AFL matches; and Hottest 7s Rugby. This is all part of investing in the Territory’s lifestyle.
There is also money for improving facilities, including $4.8m for the Marrara outdoor netball centre. That was certainly something that was very much welcomed by the people who play netball in the Top End. The old courts were falling apart. The tender will be announced very shortly for that project. There is also $900 000 for upgrades at Hidden Valley Raceway facilities.
When you talk about lifestyle, you cannot go past fishing, and the budget is making that even better as well. We can have the second LNG plant and great fishing in Darwin Harbour, with $4.6m for continuing works to provide new boat ramps for East Arm, to get people into our harbour to access the great fishing that is available. There is $450 000 to construct a new pontoon at Dinah Beach and $1m to improve other fishing infrastructure across the Top End. I know my colleague, the Fisheries minister, is talking to the recreational fishing community about investing in infrastructure right across the Northern Territory.
It is a great budget for our lifestyle. It is all part of investing back in the Territory for Territorians, but also to promote this Territory as a great place to live, work and raise a family, and to get additional investment and people to the Northern Territory. It is a fantastic lifestyle budget and a budget that will continue to promote and ensure that the Territory is the best place in Australia to live, work and raise a family.
Minister for Employment, Education and Training – Absence from EBA Meeting
Mr MILLS to MINISTER for EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION and TRAINING
On Friday, the government called a meeting with the Australian Education Union to discuss the protracted strike-plagued enterprise bargain. The opposition has been told you failed to attend this meeting. Why did you not attend such an important meeting?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. The Leader of the Opposition knows very well that any negotiations through the EBA process is handled, quite capably, by the minister who has responsibility for Public Employment.
In relation to my non-attendance, it is not true that I did not want to be there. I was actually meeting with the department about the changes that we want and need regarding indigenous education. My time was spent working with the department, talking to all of the principals who have come here from the Top End and Central Australia to talk about the importance of the transformation of indigenous education. The minister who has responsibility for the EBA and, quite rightly, the Minister for Public Employment met with the Australian Education Union to discuss the issues in relation to the EBA.
Budget 2008-09 – Volunteer Bushfire Brigades
Mr WARREN to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
We have a fabulous bunch of rural volunteer firefighters throughout the Territory who do a very professional job and risk their lives for the benefit of other Territorians. How does Budget 2008-09 deliver on the government’s election commitment to provide additional support for our bushfire volunteers?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Goyder for his question. Budget 2008-09 delivers for Territory families, and also for our highly-valued bushfire volunteers. There are many areas of our society where volunteers are needed to come forward, but none more than so than when we have to fight bushfires across our great Territory.
Bushfires can flare up in the savannah lands; and in the desert country around Alice Springs. It is good to be able to equip our firefighters to ensure they can fight these fires safely. That is what we have been doing in this budget. Today, there are 450 volunteer firefighters and 21 volunteer bushfire brigades across the Territory. We also have about 600 people who are trained on pastoral and Aboriginal lands who respond to bushfires. It is these people who principally fight the fires, and it is these people who lives are threatened by bushfires.
Budget 2008-09 increases support for bushfire volunteers by $2m for 2008-09, and an ongoing $0.75m from 2009-10, which is great to see. The Territory’s hard-working volunteer firefighters will receive significant extra training and resources from this boost in funding. Funding will also be used to upgrade the firefighting fleet radio network, which is so critical in emergency situations. Our valiant volunteer firefighters do an outstanding job, and this increase in funding will enable them to maintain the capabilities and skills, and give them better resources to create safer communities for all Territorians.
Berry Springs Nature Park - Closure
Mr WOOD to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
As you know, Howard Springs Nature Park is closed for swimming. I have been informed also that Berry Springs Nature Park has been closed for swimming since December. Why has Berry Springs been closed for swimming? Is this part of your government’s policy in relation to enjoying the Territory lifestyle?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nelson for his question. It is about enjoying the Territory lifestyle. Berry Springs has been closed because of the threat of crocodiles - so we are about enjoying lifestyle.
I am delighted to inform the House that the swimming area at Berry Springs will reopen tomorrow. The pools have been closed due to the increased risk of crocodiles in the pools with high water levels in the Wet Season. The high water levels reduce some of the natural barriers to crocodile movement and increase the likelihood that a croc could relocate in the pools. I do not have to remind the House of that unfortunate incident at Litchfield, which happened just off a bitumen road in a culvert. It is a very serious issue and one that I am glad that Parks and Wildlife rangers really do address.
Parks and Wildlife keep a close watch on the water levels and are confident that they have dropped to a level where swimmers can be assured of their safety. The pools will reopen tomorrow morning. It is all about lifestyle.
Ms LAWRIE (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER
Closing the Gap – Residential Care
Facility at Bees Creek
Closing the Gap – Residential Care
Facility at Bees Creek
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Family and Community Services): Madam Speaker, the member for Nelson asked me a question in relation to an item that was in the budget under Closing the Gap. I said that I would get back to the member for Nelson following the end of Question Time.
Following the completion of the thorough structural report on all buildings, a functional brief for repairs and demolition will be submitted to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure. We are waiting on $300 000 for this work to be signed off by the Australian government. It is under the direct responsibility of the Family and Children Services Program and Alcohol and Other Drugs Program. They have been working to develop a best practice model of service delivery for that current site.
That money that is in the budget is going towards upgrading the buildings that had deteriorated over time. It is the ANSTI site. That money is being used to fix it up, now that the audit has been done on all the existing buildings.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016