Mr BURKE - 2001-10-23
Madam Speaker, I listened closely to the Chief Minister’s words that she had an undertaking from the Beazley Labor government, if it were to be elected federally, that funding currently flowing to the Northern Territory through mandatory sentencing agreements for diversionary programs and interpreter services, would be maintained. She stated that categorically. Has she seen the policy issued by her federal Labor counterpart yesterday, entitled Kim Beazley’s Plan for Safer Communities? I seek leave to table the costings of that policy for the benefit of honourable members.
Leave granted.
Mr BURKE: I draw her attention to the line in those costings which says: ‘Redirected mandatory sentencing funds’. According to the chart, he has removed the remaining $15m for the funding deal with the Commonwealth. Given your statement earlier, Chief Minister, can you please explain to me how this money will flow to the Northern Territory when, in Kim Beazley’s Plan for Safer Communities, it is fully costed, in his opinion. There is no reference to money flowing back to the Northern Territory but, in fact, a direct reference that that money would be withdrawn from those programs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, we have had direct contact with our federal colleagues. That money is absolutely assured. The Leader of the Opposition can read documents whichever way he likes, and we know how he reads budget papers - I don’t think at all. Let me say, absolutely categorically, that Labor is committed to continuing the funding for the interpreter service and diversionary programs. The only party that we do know that has not made that commitment is your mates, the Coalition. I cannot make it any clearer than that.
Madam SPEAKER: I just remind members, do not refer to members of other parliaments by their Christian names or surnames, please. Give them the office that they occupy.
Leave granted.
Mr BURKE: I draw her attention to the line in those costings which says: ‘Redirected mandatory sentencing funds’. According to the chart, he has removed the remaining $15m for the funding deal with the Commonwealth. Given your statement earlier, Chief Minister, can you please explain to me how this money will flow to the Northern Territory when, in Kim Beazley’s Plan for Safer Communities, it is fully costed, in his opinion. There is no reference to money flowing back to the Northern Territory but, in fact, a direct reference that that money would be withdrawn from those programs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, we have had direct contact with our federal colleagues. That money is absolutely assured. The Leader of the Opposition can read documents whichever way he likes, and we know how he reads budget papers - I don’t think at all. Let me say, absolutely categorically, that Labor is committed to continuing the funding for the interpreter service and diversionary programs. The only party that we do know that has not made that commitment is your mates, the Coalition. I cannot make it any clearer than that.
Madam SPEAKER: I just remind members, do not refer to members of other parliaments by their Christian names or surnames, please. Give them the office that they occupy.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016