Dr LIM - 2000-05-09
My question is in regard to the ‘I love you’ computer virus bug. Early last Friday morning, the world was alerted to the presence of what has become known as the ‘love bug’ computer virus. I learned from the media today that 3 people were arrested in the Philippines this morning alleged to be the perpetrators of this virus. Could the minister please inform the House if the Northern Territory government has been infected by the virus and what actions it has taken to ensure protection from this menace.
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, on an issue that I would have thought both sides of this place would have had a joint interest and a very common approach, we have had to endure the member for Greatorex ask his question through a series of giggles and snide remarks by members of the opposition. I would have thought that members of the opposition would have been just as interested in this particular question as the member for Greatorex, and I do thank the honourable member for his question.
Honourable members would be aware that over the last 3 or 4 days there has been much reported on this particular virus that has swept the world and literally swept many computer systems and databases in virtually all continents of this world. But we can thankfully say that the Northern Territory government has, so far, all but escaped the ravages of this particular bug. The instances where the bug has had any effect ...
Ms Martin interjecting.
Mr ADAMSON: It is quite amazing. I mean I don’t know where the ALP disagrees with what I’m saying. I am not sure what I am saying that the ALP does not like or what they would have done differently. The problem, of course, is that while we can stop viruses to some extent, we can’t stop viruses getting into this Chamber and, I guess, that is half the problem. But if members of the opposition were interested in what I think is a very important subject, if they would listen and if they had any concerns with the reply, then, of course, they could ask a question.
The fact of the matter is that on the very rare occasions, the very isolated incidents, that this particular virus has touched the fringes of our system and our network, it has been immediately identified. I think the worst case scenario is we lost some scanned files which are easily recoverable. That speaks highly of this government’s endeavours in terms of the integrity of the system and, also, highly of the IT officers and the public servants generally who have been extremely alert and vigilant to this particular virus and virus threat. It is unfortunate that an important issue like this is trivialised to the extent that it has been by the members of the opposition.
But it is good news. However, we as a government and as the Northern Territory Public Service can’t be complacent about these viruses. As we’ve seen they are all too easily spread, they are all too easily created and they cause a tremendous amount of damage - estimates of between $17 billion to $25 billion world wide. Quite frankly, I am not sure how they arrive at figures like that, but whatever the true cost to the world economy it is significant and I guess it must be in the billions of dollars.
Again I would like to congratulate all those responsible for their diligence within the public service, and Territorians can be grateful for the work that has been done. I simply ask that in future, members of the opposition pay due respect to an issue like this. Do not trivialise it, it is important. We will get on with the job of governing the Northern Territory.
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, on an issue that I would have thought both sides of this place would have had a joint interest and a very common approach, we have had to endure the member for Greatorex ask his question through a series of giggles and snide remarks by members of the opposition. I would have thought that members of the opposition would have been just as interested in this particular question as the member for Greatorex, and I do thank the honourable member for his question.
Honourable members would be aware that over the last 3 or 4 days there has been much reported on this particular virus that has swept the world and literally swept many computer systems and databases in virtually all continents of this world. But we can thankfully say that the Northern Territory government has, so far, all but escaped the ravages of this particular bug. The instances where the bug has had any effect ...
Ms Martin interjecting.
Mr ADAMSON: It is quite amazing. I mean I don’t know where the ALP disagrees with what I’m saying. I am not sure what I am saying that the ALP does not like or what they would have done differently. The problem, of course, is that while we can stop viruses to some extent, we can’t stop viruses getting into this Chamber and, I guess, that is half the problem. But if members of the opposition were interested in what I think is a very important subject, if they would listen and if they had any concerns with the reply, then, of course, they could ask a question.
The fact of the matter is that on the very rare occasions, the very isolated incidents, that this particular virus has touched the fringes of our system and our network, it has been immediately identified. I think the worst case scenario is we lost some scanned files which are easily recoverable. That speaks highly of this government’s endeavours in terms of the integrity of the system and, also, highly of the IT officers and the public servants generally who have been extremely alert and vigilant to this particular virus and virus threat. It is unfortunate that an important issue like this is trivialised to the extent that it has been by the members of the opposition.
But it is good news. However, we as a government and as the Northern Territory Public Service can’t be complacent about these viruses. As we’ve seen they are all too easily spread, they are all too easily created and they cause a tremendous amount of damage - estimates of between $17 billion to $25 billion world wide. Quite frankly, I am not sure how they arrive at figures like that, but whatever the true cost to the world economy it is significant and I guess it must be in the billions of dollars.
Again I would like to congratulate all those responsible for their diligence within the public service, and Territorians can be grateful for the work that has been done. I simply ask that in future, members of the opposition pay due respect to an issue like this. Do not trivialise it, it is important. We will get on with the job of governing the Northern Territory.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016