Ms FINOCCHIARO - 2013-10-08
Labor left Darwin CBD with congested entry points due to their focus on trying to splash cash and win votes rather than on the issues to be dealt with. Will the minister advise the Assembly on how the Giles government is getting on with the job of improving access to the Darwin CBD? Are there any impediments to improvements being achieved?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Drysdale for her question. She has been a long-time supporter of this. In fact, I recall in her maiden speech she relayed how important this connection to Palmerston is, and rightly so. I reflect on the timing of Tiger Brennan and go back to when the member for Fong Lim, the current Treasurer, was federal member for Solomon and secured the money for Tiger Brennan. However, if memory serves me correctly, those opposite, when in government, procrastinated about getting the show on the road because they were too busy spending money on other things. It is with great pride I say the Giles government is getting on with the job. Along with so many other portfolios, we are facing debt legacies of about $5.5bn.
That brings about certain challenges for us, and it is a millstone around our neck. I listened to debate in the Chamber this morning and can say there is nothing more this government would like to do than spend money, that would be great. However, we will spend money that we have, not money that is going on the MasterCard.
I will inform the House of where we are going with this. We must build a future for the Northern Territory and a strong and prosperous economy. Tiger Brennan is part of that future; it is a major entry route into the city. Many people are choosing to live in our vibrant city and we need a north/south connection so people of Palmerston – and the jobs in Palmerston and that area – are catered for. The congestion on this route is an impediment to economic growth for Darwin and the development of a prosperous economy.
The Giles Country Liberals government is committed to the duplication of Tiger Brennan Drive between Dinah Beach Road and Woolner Road at a cost of $13m. This is a Northern Territory government funded project. People will have seen the works commence and progress well.
The Northern Territory government welcomes the federal Coalition government’s commitment to the people of Darwin and the commitment of $70m for the future duplication of Tiger Brennan Drive to Berrimah Road.
Ms Lawrie: How much in the first year? Is it $5m?
Mr STYLES: To those opposite interjecting, the previous federal Labor government pushed this funding out to 2016-17. We go back to the early 2000s when the member for Solomon got the commitment from the federal government, but the former Labor government failed to act on it.
I went to Canberra in June and spoke to the then federal member, Mr Albanese, who told us we did not have the paperwork in to get this money. For his information, and others, the paperwork was in. Everything was in order, and it is a failure of the previous Labor government to get the funding.
Mr ELFERINK (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Drysdale for her question. She has been a long-time supporter of this. In fact, I recall in her maiden speech she relayed how important this connection to Palmerston is, and rightly so. I reflect on the timing of Tiger Brennan and go back to when the member for Fong Lim, the current Treasurer, was federal member for Solomon and secured the money for Tiger Brennan. However, if memory serves me correctly, those opposite, when in government, procrastinated about getting the show on the road because they were too busy spending money on other things. It is with great pride I say the Giles government is getting on with the job. Along with so many other portfolios, we are facing debt legacies of about $5.5bn.
That brings about certain challenges for us, and it is a millstone around our neck. I listened to debate in the Chamber this morning and can say there is nothing more this government would like to do than spend money, that would be great. However, we will spend money that we have, not money that is going on the MasterCard.
I will inform the House of where we are going with this. We must build a future for the Northern Territory and a strong and prosperous economy. Tiger Brennan is part of that future; it is a major entry route into the city. Many people are choosing to live in our vibrant city and we need a north/south connection so people of Palmerston – and the jobs in Palmerston and that area – are catered for. The congestion on this route is an impediment to economic growth for Darwin and the development of a prosperous economy.
The Giles Country Liberals government is committed to the duplication of Tiger Brennan Drive between Dinah Beach Road and Woolner Road at a cost of $13m. This is a Northern Territory government funded project. People will have seen the works commence and progress well.
The Northern Territory government welcomes the federal Coalition government’s commitment to the people of Darwin and the commitment of $70m for the future duplication of Tiger Brennan Drive to Berrimah Road.
Ms Lawrie: How much in the first year? Is it $5m?
Mr STYLES: To those opposite interjecting, the previous federal Labor government pushed this funding out to 2016-17. We go back to the early 2000s when the member for Solomon got the commitment from the federal government, but the former Labor government failed to act on it.
I went to Canberra in June and spoke to the then federal member, Mr Albanese, who told us we did not have the paperwork in to get this money. For his information, and others, the paperwork was in. Everything was in order, and it is a failure of the previous Labor government to get the funding.
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