Mr BONSON - 2006-02-21
The 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games is to commence next month. Can you please inform the House of any initiatives or Northern Territory government participation in events surrounding the games?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Millner for his question. Indeed, some of the Commonwealth spirit has already travelled through the Territory in the form of the Queen’s Baton Relay. I am delighted with the way Territorians responded to this relay, and participated and supported the baton runners.
This government has grasped the opportunities the Commonwealth Games being held in Australia offer. We are sending four officers from my Office of Sport and Recreation to the games to promote our 2007 Arafura Games, and increase our corporate sporting knowledge through participation at the International Sport Conference which will be held in conjunction with the games.
Event officers will take part in the Games Observers Program, which will expose our Territory staff to event management on a large scale, including marketing; sponsorship; risk management; traffic; and transport aspects. This corporate knowledge will serve the Territory well …
Dr LIM: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I refer to Standing Order 112(3)(b):
The minister is now going through a whole raft of decisions by government.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Greatorex, I believe the minister is, in fact, answering the question. I do not believe it is a matter of policy.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms LAWRIE: Madam Speaker, I can advise the member for Greatorex that I did not have to change policy to gain some opportunity at the Commonwealth Games for Territorians; it is within existing policy. I am simply informing the House of the action the government is taking. I know the opposition is loath to hear good news, however, I will press on.
Having our own sporting people participate in the Melbourne 2006 Observer Program will enhance delivery of our major sporting events, such as the Arafura Games and the Masters Games in Alice Springs.
Another exciting initiative is that we have created what is dubbed ‘the chance in a lifetime’. Four young Territorians have been chosen to travel to the games and observe events such as the Opening Ceremony, Hockey and the Rugby 7s. We sought nominations from the Commonwealth’s Active After-school Communities Program and the Indigenous Sport Program, seeking outstanding community-minded young Territorians.
I am happy to announce we have found four very exceptional young Territorians: Leroy Davey from Daly River, Jerry Wilson from Maningrida, Jaiden Preece-Forrester from Alice Springs, and Vanity Fernandes from Darwin. I met young Vanity this morning. She is very excited about this opportunity and looking forward to seeing her sporting heroes. She has never been to Melbourne in her life. Chaperones have been appointed and the group will travel to Melbourne from 15 to 19 March. This chance in a lifetime opportunity will, hopefully, inspire these four lucky young children, and provide them with a glimpse of what is possible should you wish to chase a dream.
Last, but certainly not least, five Territory athletes will carry the well-wishes of all Territorians as they compete in the games. I talked briefly about these athletes last week during my report. They deserve a second mention. They are: current NTIS athlete, Maria Tsoukalis, a reserve in the women’s weightlifting team; Crystal Attenborough in the athletics team; former NTIS swimmer, Danni Miatke; former Alice Springs resident, Chris Jongwaard; and Alexis Rhodes in the road cycling event. Alexis deserves special mention, as we know the amazing adversity she has overcome just to be at these games.
I trust all Territorians will proudly support our athletes at the Commonwealth Games. I look forward to the fruits of their participation.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Millner for his question. Indeed, some of the Commonwealth spirit has already travelled through the Territory in the form of the Queen’s Baton Relay. I am delighted with the way Territorians responded to this relay, and participated and supported the baton runners.
This government has grasped the opportunities the Commonwealth Games being held in Australia offer. We are sending four officers from my Office of Sport and Recreation to the games to promote our 2007 Arafura Games, and increase our corporate sporting knowledge through participation at the International Sport Conference which will be held in conjunction with the games.
Event officers will take part in the Games Observers Program, which will expose our Territory staff to event management on a large scale, including marketing; sponsorship; risk management; traffic; and transport aspects. This corporate knowledge will serve the Territory well …
Dr LIM: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I refer to Standing Order 112(3)(b):
- Questions should not ask Ministers –
…
(b) to announce new policy of the government …
The minister is now going through a whole raft of decisions by government.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Greatorex, I believe the minister is, in fact, answering the question. I do not believe it is a matter of policy.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms LAWRIE: Madam Speaker, I can advise the member for Greatorex that I did not have to change policy to gain some opportunity at the Commonwealth Games for Territorians; it is within existing policy. I am simply informing the House of the action the government is taking. I know the opposition is loath to hear good news, however, I will press on.
Having our own sporting people participate in the Melbourne 2006 Observer Program will enhance delivery of our major sporting events, such as the Arafura Games and the Masters Games in Alice Springs.
Another exciting initiative is that we have created what is dubbed ‘the chance in a lifetime’. Four young Territorians have been chosen to travel to the games and observe events such as the Opening Ceremony, Hockey and the Rugby 7s. We sought nominations from the Commonwealth’s Active After-school Communities Program and the Indigenous Sport Program, seeking outstanding community-minded young Territorians.
I am happy to announce we have found four very exceptional young Territorians: Leroy Davey from Daly River, Jerry Wilson from Maningrida, Jaiden Preece-Forrester from Alice Springs, and Vanity Fernandes from Darwin. I met young Vanity this morning. She is very excited about this opportunity and looking forward to seeing her sporting heroes. She has never been to Melbourne in her life. Chaperones have been appointed and the group will travel to Melbourne from 15 to 19 March. This chance in a lifetime opportunity will, hopefully, inspire these four lucky young children, and provide them with a glimpse of what is possible should you wish to chase a dream.
Last, but certainly not least, five Territory athletes will carry the well-wishes of all Territorians as they compete in the games. I talked briefly about these athletes last week during my report. They deserve a second mention. They are: current NTIS athlete, Maria Tsoukalis, a reserve in the women’s weightlifting team; Crystal Attenborough in the athletics team; former NTIS swimmer, Danni Miatke; former Alice Springs resident, Chris Jongwaard; and Alexis Rhodes in the road cycling event. Alexis deserves special mention, as we know the amazing adversity she has overcome just to be at these games.
I trust all Territorians will proudly support our athletes at the Commonwealth Games. I look forward to the fruits of their participation.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016