Mrs HICKEY - 1994-11-29
In Question Time last week, the minister made a series of statements about individuals at Nyirripi and the events of the last couple of weeks. The minister must be aware of the substantial number of outbreaks of violence that occur annually in a range of communities, and the trauma and suffering that result. Given the serious problems that are shown to be present at Nyirripi, some of which the Minister for Police has just outlined, and the example they provide of stresses and tensions in communities throughout the Territory, will the minister support a judicial inquiry into the events that led to the incident, the incident itself and the response of various government agencies, and request recommendations as to how incidents of this kind may be avoided in the future?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am pleased that at least the member for Barkly recognises that serious circumstances exist in communities from time to time. I note that, unlike the Leader of the Opposition, she did not seek to deny the reality of the situation.
Mr Ede: What a load of garbage!
Mr HATTON: I can confirm to the member for Stuart that, contrary to what the chairman of the council may have advised him on 25 November or at some time before that, a wide range of people who were present during the events that occurred at Nyirripi last week have confirmed to departmental officers the information that I gave. I place that on the record ...
Mr Ede: The emergency services officer said that you were wrong.
Mr SPEAKER: Order!
Members interjecting.
Mr HATTON: That is not what he is telling us. I would rather believe officers of my department than the Leader of the Opposition, if you will excuse my ...
Mr Ede: He was there.
Mr HATTON: I know, and he was talking to our people.
In relation to the member's specific question, I believe it is very worthwhile to start to examine seriously the events at Nyirripi, for example, to draw conclusions from them and to examine what may be done to address a number of very important issues. I believe it is important for the Leader of the Opposition to recognise that this involves more than simply policing. Personal and community responsibility are equally important in addressing issues of gross community misbehaviour. These are important issues that need to be addressed. I would support the establishment of an inquiry or a review into this matter, and I suggest 1 of
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2 options. The Ombudsman has a statutory role in respect of any allegations that may be made about the police. I understand that the minister responsible for the Liquor Commission is proposing a reference to the Sessional Committee on Use and Abuse of Alcohol by the Community to investigate the circumstances at Nyirripi. I am sure that members will hear more about that during the course of this week.
Mr Ede: Why not have a judicial inquiry, and do it properly?
Mr Stone: Don't you think the Ombudsman does it properly?
Mr SPEAKER: Order!
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am pleased that at least the member for Barkly recognises that serious circumstances exist in communities from time to time. I note that, unlike the Leader of the Opposition, she did not seek to deny the reality of the situation.
Mr Ede: What a load of garbage!
Mr HATTON: I can confirm to the member for Stuart that, contrary to what the chairman of the council may have advised him on 25 November or at some time before that, a wide range of people who were present during the events that occurred at Nyirripi last week have confirmed to departmental officers the information that I gave. I place that on the record ...
Mr Ede: The emergency services officer said that you were wrong.
Mr SPEAKER: Order!
Members interjecting.
Mr HATTON: That is not what he is telling us. I would rather believe officers of my department than the Leader of the Opposition, if you will excuse my ...
Mr Ede: He was there.
Mr HATTON: I know, and he was talking to our people.
In relation to the member's specific question, I believe it is very worthwhile to start to examine seriously the events at Nyirripi, for example, to draw conclusions from them and to examine what may be done to address a number of very important issues. I believe it is important for the Leader of the Opposition to recognise that this involves more than simply policing. Personal and community responsibility are equally important in addressing issues of gross community misbehaviour. These are important issues that need to be addressed. I would support the establishment of an inquiry or a review into this matter, and I suggest 1 of
Page 336
2 options. The Ombudsman has a statutory role in respect of any allegations that may be made about the police. I understand that the minister responsible for the Liquor Commission is proposing a reference to the Sessional Committee on Use and Abuse of Alcohol by the Community to investigate the circumstances at Nyirripi. I am sure that members will hear more about that during the course of this week.
Mr Ede: Why not have a judicial inquiry, and do it properly?
Mr Stone: Don't you think the Ombudsman does it properly?
Mr SPEAKER: Order!
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Last updated: 09 Aug 2016