Mr MITCHELL - 1995-08-15
In his vision statement to the House at the last sittings, the Chief Minister focused on the issue of law and order as one of the 5 central tenets that his strategic blueprint was built around. He foreshadowed a proposal to register bouncers employed in nightclubs and hotels. Will he outline briefly what he would propose in that regard?
Mr Ede: Another policy taken from the ALP.
Mr SPEAKER: Order!
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I suppose it is fairly predictable that, whenever I foreshadow a change in policy, the galahs opposite will stand up and squawk in unison, `That's our idea'. That is fine. I do not mind. The fact is that I am here to govern for all Territorians. As I said, in formulating government policy, I will take ideas from across the broad spectrum of the community. I encourage the Leader of the Opposition to keep saying that it is an ALP idea because that means really that there is no point in voting for the ALP because it would not make any difference. We are picking up the good policies, and it would be irrelevant in the context of the good government of the Territory.
I propose that there will be a system of registration or licensing of people who work as hotel and club bouncers.
Mr Ede: Big deal.
Mr STONE: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition that it is a big deal to young Territorians. It is such a big deal that this was one of the matters addressed in the Youth Parliament. I have taken the time to read through what those young Territorians had to say and I have picked up many of the good ideas that they debated in this very Chamber when they sat as the Youth Parliament of the Northern Territory. It is a big deal. Let me assure the Leader of the Opposition that we need better comment than his trivial throwaway lines across the Chamber.
We have been working very closely with the industry, including the Northern Territory Hotel and Hospitality Association. Indeed, earlier this year, we funded it some $80 000 for a training officer to enable it to start addressing this issue. Let Territorians be very sure that my government finds unacceptable certain behaviour that occurs on our streets, and in our clubs and pubs. However, we were not about to jump in precipitously and proceed with licensing without thinking the matter through properly.
Mr Ede: 8 years!
Mr STONE: We are now reaching a point where it has been thought through properly. We have consulted widely with the Northern Territory Police, the security industry, and the
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patrons of those affected clubs and hotels and we have a proposal to put before Territorians. I welcome their comments. They have until 4 October to communicate their views to my office, and they are most welcome to do so.
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Mr Ede: Another policy taken from the ALP.
Mr SPEAKER: Order!
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I suppose it is fairly predictable that, whenever I foreshadow a change in policy, the galahs opposite will stand up and squawk in unison, `That's our idea'. That is fine. I do not mind. The fact is that I am here to govern for all Territorians. As I said, in formulating government policy, I will take ideas from across the broad spectrum of the community. I encourage the Leader of the Opposition to keep saying that it is an ALP idea because that means really that there is no point in voting for the ALP because it would not make any difference. We are picking up the good policies, and it would be irrelevant in the context of the good government of the Territory.
I propose that there will be a system of registration or licensing of people who work as hotel and club bouncers.
Mr Ede: Big deal.
Mr STONE: Let me tell the Leader of the Opposition that it is a big deal to young Territorians. It is such a big deal that this was one of the matters addressed in the Youth Parliament. I have taken the time to read through what those young Territorians had to say and I have picked up many of the good ideas that they debated in this very Chamber when they sat as the Youth Parliament of the Northern Territory. It is a big deal. Let me assure the Leader of the Opposition that we need better comment than his trivial throwaway lines across the Chamber.
We have been working very closely with the industry, including the Northern Territory Hotel and Hospitality Association. Indeed, earlier this year, we funded it some $80 000 for a training officer to enable it to start addressing this issue. Let Territorians be very sure that my government finds unacceptable certain behaviour that occurs on our streets, and in our clubs and pubs. However, we were not about to jump in precipitously and proceed with licensing without thinking the matter through properly.
Mr Ede: 8 years!
Mr STONE: We are now reaching a point where it has been thought through properly. We have consulted widely with the Northern Territory Police, the security industry, and the
Page 685
patrons of those affected clubs and hotels and we have a proposal to put before Territorians. I welcome their comments. They have until 4 October to communicate their views to my office, and they are most welcome to do so.
Page 686
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016