Mr HIGGINS - 2013-03-26
Can you explain the importance of the Territory’s relationship with Asia, how the government plans to enhance that relationship, and how is the government improving transport links with Asia?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Daly for his question. As a man who has come from a tourism background, I know you fully understand the importance of links and the principles of economic development.
I see economic development as being underpinned by four things: the economic component, the social component, the cultural component, and the environmental component. We have to build on those four pillars to drive the future for the Northern Territory. In relation to this question about Asia, it is about improving the transport links because that is like building roads or bridges. It is about connecting people and what we need to continue doing that.
The deputy, some of our colleagues, and I have started to work out what our Asian relations and engagement strategy will be. There are a number of key countries to the north of Australia we really want to engage with.
We will be talking about this more in the future but, today marks the first anniversary of SilkAir flying between Singapore and the Northern Territory. What a fantastic opportunity. Philippine Airlines starting operations between Manila and Darwin on 1 June this year is a fantastic outcome. That is about connecting the Philippines to the Northern Territory and opening up areas around the economy - social, cultural and environmental aspect of the pillars of our economy in the future. I see great opportunity.
The member for Arafura asked a question about my speech in Alice Springs last week and I said the future is bright. Negativity breeds negativity. I can see investment coming whether it is in Alice Springs, Darwin, Tennant Creek, Katherine, Nhulunbuy or the regions.
The future is really bright. We are laying the framework and developing the underpinning principles about how we will govern into the future. When these start to bear fruit you will see some fantastic outcomes for the Northern Territory and job growth. You will see not only job growth, you will see cultural exchange and social cohesiveness between the Northern Territory and nations abroad, and you will see the environmental components.
It is a really exciting time to be in government in the Northern Territory. This side of the Chamber is fully committed to working in Asia and driving forward a reform agenda so we have a greater partnership through working with Asia into the future.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Daly for his question. As a man who has come from a tourism background, I know you fully understand the importance of links and the principles of economic development.
I see economic development as being underpinned by four things: the economic component, the social component, the cultural component, and the environmental component. We have to build on those four pillars to drive the future for the Northern Territory. In relation to this question about Asia, it is about improving the transport links because that is like building roads or bridges. It is about connecting people and what we need to continue doing that.
The deputy, some of our colleagues, and I have started to work out what our Asian relations and engagement strategy will be. There are a number of key countries to the north of Australia we really want to engage with.
We will be talking about this more in the future but, today marks the first anniversary of SilkAir flying between Singapore and the Northern Territory. What a fantastic opportunity. Philippine Airlines starting operations between Manila and Darwin on 1 June this year is a fantastic outcome. That is about connecting the Philippines to the Northern Territory and opening up areas around the economy - social, cultural and environmental aspect of the pillars of our economy in the future. I see great opportunity.
The member for Arafura asked a question about my speech in Alice Springs last week and I said the future is bright. Negativity breeds negativity. I can see investment coming whether it is in Alice Springs, Darwin, Tennant Creek, Katherine, Nhulunbuy or the regions.
The future is really bright. We are laying the framework and developing the underpinning principles about how we will govern into the future. When these start to bear fruit you will see some fantastic outcomes for the Northern Territory and job growth. You will see not only job growth, you will see cultural exchange and social cohesiveness between the Northern Territory and nations abroad, and you will see the environmental components.
It is a really exciting time to be in government in the Northern Territory. This side of the Chamber is fully committed to working in Asia and driving forward a reform agenda so we have a greater partnership through working with Asia into the future.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016