2012-12-06
Madam Speaker Purick took the Chair at 10 am.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members I advise of the presence in the gallery of Year 4/5 Millner Primary School students accompanied by Ms Stacey Edwards. Welcome, and I hope you enjoy your time at Parliament House.
Members: Hear, hear!
Madam SPEAKER: I also welcome officers of the Departments of Primary Industry and Fisheries and Mines and Energy. On behalf of all members, welcome.
Members: Hear, hear!
Continued from 5 December 2012.
Mr McCARTHY (Barkly): Madam Speaker, I look forward to estimates this year, unless the CLP government cuts them, where we will be able to ask questions and get details of that $9m. As the Chief Minister says, give it time.
Let us talk about transport. I congratulate the Minister for Transport on his recognition and acknowledgment in the mini-budget of the important strategic planning done under the previous Labor government: the 10-year transport strategy, the 10-year infrastructure strategy and the 10-year road strategy. Thank you, minister, because we give credit where credit is due. I also congratulate the minister for the $400 000 in the mini-budget for the continuation of DriveSafe NT, urban and remote. He commented on television that it was one of the best programs he had ever seen. Well done, minister.
However, when we get to capital works we see nothing new. The great Department of Lands, Planning and the Environment and the Transport Division are well-resourced. They provided excellent advice to the previous government and will to the CLP government. They are extremely well-coordinated with Australian government programs and resources. All those programs the minister announces and talks about as his were from the previous Labor government. They are good programs and we will be watching your delivery closely, minister, because already we are seeing reductions in regional integrated transport strategy based on electoral favours. It is great to see the electorate of Stuart is finally having the airstrip at Yarralin completed, and the electorate of Namatjira finally getting Utopia airstrip upgraded and sealed, something planned and programmed under the Labor government.
However, the airstrip for Canteen Creek in Barkly has disappeared off the mini-budget papers. It is very unfortunate Barkly has been singled out because the former government had those three airstrips programmed for upgrade and sealing. They are all very strategic for remote service delivery, and it is disappointing, minister, that somehow Barkly slipped through the net and Canteen Creek has missed out as a result of mini-budget cuts.
If we talk about the Stuart Highway …
Ms WALKER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Pursuant to Standing Order 77, I request the member for Barkly be granted an extension of time.
Motion agreed to.
Mr McCARTHY: Thank you, Madam Speaker, and honourable members.
Regarding the Stuart Highway, it is good to see the mini-budget continues safety initiatives with overtaking lanes between Darwin and Katherine continuing to be developed - $1m. The previous Labor government did extensive work on that section and as an MLA who has to do the vast majority of travel by road - over 3000 km in the past four years - I watched the building of those passing lanes.
I endured a very vindictive campaign from the CLP in Barkly. Some of that was CLP letter writers slamming me over all the resources going into overtaking lanes between Darwin and Katherine. I pointed out how Australian government funding is allocated and programmed, and I challenged every letter and every CLP voting constituent. I also tried to make them realise that section of the highway definitely needed upgrading; it needed passing lanes because it is by far the most dangerous section. I even became a little crass saying things like, ‘If you can’t pass a car safely between Alice Springs and Katherine perhaps you should have your licence checked’. It is good to see the minister following up and giving it back to the CLP critics who tried to turn that into a campaign story.
The Treasurer, in a media release of 4 December 2012, said:
Well it is a little unfortunate that the people at Canteen Creek and the co-existing community of Epenarra, who both use the Canteen Creek strip to get important medical services and further services, have dropped off the mini-budget papers. I will be taking that to the Treasurer.
Public bus fares are up and pensioners and seniors will now pay for using public buses. Of course, motor vehicle registration charges are up by 15%. Many motor vehicle users in Barkly operate large four-wheel-drive vehicles. That adds $105 annually to rego. The discussion now is around the $20 transaction fee and there are all types of questions. In Question Time today the minister provided a story around new online technology and initiatives. That is good; however, some people do not have access to those services. When we move out of mainstream society into the lower socio-economic groups within our community, the regional and remote residents in our community, there is not the access this Country Liberal government is expounding. Therefore, once again, is it a direct slug on the cost of living?
When I visit the Government Centre in Tennant Creek I will be able to pay my increased rental charges, step right and pay my increased power, water and sewerage charges, take another step right to the Motor Vehicle Registry - a great facility in Tennant Creek which has no pressure whatsoever with crowds and queues - and pay an extra $20 to conduct transactions for licences. Perhaps, in my wife’s case, she will need an eye test so that $20 is controversial. It is not a good move. I do not believe the Minister for Transport thinks it is a good move. It is an example of him being rolled in the Cabinet room. Welcome to government, Minister for Transport, but trying to sell that across the Territory – it will be very controversial.
Putting more taxis on the road is a decision made by the minister. He commented briefly on the Fivenines review, a major review into the commercial passenger vehicle industry by the previous government. He did not really elaborate on the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Board but he should have. It was a great advisory body to the previous government and, I hope, this government.
He touched briefly on the 10 peak licences but not on the conversation the previous government was having with industry about turning them into full licences. He took all the credit for the Lift Incentive Scheme for MPT taxis, a program delivered by the previous government. That is okay, he has control of the media now.
However, the Taxi Council of the Northern Territory is very clear on the dangers of lifting the cap in the taxi industry and has very good reasons for that. This minister needs to talk this through very clearly with the industry. We were all about professionalising the industry and improving service delivery. The taxi council was working hand in hand with the previous government but had real concerns on many issues. One important issue was the specific nature of Darwin and the Wet and Dry Season trade. There is a heap of work in the Dry Season but it definitely thins out in the Wet Season. You need to get that balance right. We were taking a measured approach with the introduction of the 10 peak licences to become full taxi licences. However, the minister has added 20 covering both Darwin and Alice Springs. I encourage him to discuss this with the taxi council. A measured response, not a political one, is probably needed.
I really enjoyed working with the Darwin Port Corporation. Last year, for the second time in its history, the port recorded a profit - $0.8m in the minister’s language. Good on you Darwin Port Corporation. It is the second year since being in operation and another profit. The minister did not mention that, although he should have, because Darwin Port Corporation is very proud.
The minister spoke about Darwin Port Corporation tightening its belt to deliver savings and adopting an alternative model to the Darwin Port Corporation Advisory Board. Unfortunately, this smacks of, once again, political appointments - jobs for mates we are seeing in the Environment Protection Authority and the Planning Commission. Our new Minister for Transport is heading down that road. The Darwin Port Corporation Advisory Board members are eminent Territorians. They were recruited to cover very specific background areas of engineering, finance, maritime safety, maritime operations, stevedoring, and to provide advice. The announcement to go back to a two-person expert panel to save money needs to be challenged.
In savings, an economic liberalist government looks at job cuts and we are seeing that already. I advise the Minister for Transport that the previous government worked hard to establish goodwill and a good working relationship with the MUA. The new Minister for Transport styles himself on John Howard. John Howard took on the MUA in the Patrick dispute, an historical dispute that rocked this nation. I encourage the Minister for Transport to exercise moderation and continue negotiations with the MUA - continue building goodwill because that was the agenda of the Darwin Port Corporation and the previous government. I have some real concerns that could be damaged if the new minister does not take advice from Territorians.
There is reference in the mini-budget to continual construction for better management of storm water and it is good to see that continuing. That commenced under the previous Labor government. It was a planning disaster by the CLP when it built the port. It was a disgrace. All storm water was channelled straight into the pristine environment of Darwin Harbour. Minister, I urge you to continue to rectify that on behalf of your previous colleagues.
In the Department of Infrastructure there are more savings to be had. The minister is looking at savings of $2.8m. There are 60 public servants in the Department of Infrastructure on temporary contracts. That tells me 60 jobs are gone, and that is very unfortunate.
Regarding the Planning Commission, the Chief Minister assured me in the committee stage amendments - where he really ridiculed me, attacked me, tried to belittle me and refused to answer questions. However, one question was very clear: how much will the new Planning Commission cost and how much has the CLP budgeted for it? He answered that it is cost neutral; it will be within existing resources. However, in the mini-budget I see $800 000 ongoing from 2012-13 will be allocated to establish and operate the Planning Commission. This is a very unfortunate discovery. I will not say the Chief Minister was misleading the House, he was telling half-truths.
Ms FYLES (Nightcliff): The Chief Minister’s number one promise was to cut the cost of living. All he has done since being elected is increase prices, fees, and charges and this mini-budget is more of that.
Frontline services, especially in hospitals and schools, are under threat from big cuts to government departments and the loss of hundreds of public service jobs. The mini-budget will shrink the size of the economy and force families to leave the Territory. The mini-budget says 600 public servants will go, which is 600 more than the Chief Minister promised. Who could possibly believe it will not be more than 600?
As a government, you are being so mean spirited you have even stopped supporting Blue Light Discos in the bush. I have fond memories of attending Blue Light Discos as a child. To cut funding of such a positive event for our young people is wrong. Blue Light Discos are an important mechanism for building community relationships.
Your government’s ill-thought decision to raise power prices by 30%, water by 40% and sewerage by 25% has been followed by more decisions …
Mr McCARTHY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I draw your attention to the state of the House.
Madam SPEAKER: A quorum is required. Ring the bells.
We have a quorum. Continue, member for Nightcliff.
Ms FYLES: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Your government’s ill-thought decision to raise power prices by 30%, water by 40% and sewerage by 25% has been followed by more decisions which have not been particularly well thought out and will hit our NGO sector hard. This will affect so many people so close to Christmas. You say you want to ensure programs are targeted to meet the needs of vulnerable Territory children and families.
Minister, you say you want to support Territory families but this mini-budget could not be further from that. How can removing $4.8m from the NGO sector, which works so hard to support Territory families, be supportive? May I remind you only last week you were tempted to criticise the previous government for not funding NGO organisations in the area of child protection.
You praised the work of NAPCAN, yet this week your mini-budget sees funding slashed by half. This week your mini-budget slashed NTCOSS funding by $0.5m, and you have totally cut funding to the NT Youth Affairs Network.
How will cutting funding to frontline child protection services help protect children? I read from your media release dated 4 December 2012:
I cannot think of a greater demand than supporting our Territory families and children.
I also understand you are going to be more stringent and have stronger accountability measures on the NGO sector. How is one meant to interpret this? The non-government sector organisations and workers are passionate about the work they undertake. They go above and beyond as they truly believe in the work they are carrying out.
I remind the government that these organisations have boards, policies and abide by the Associations Act. They are accountable for the grants they receive and to the people they assist. Your mini-budget, and I quote from the media release of 4 December 2012:
How can you base a child protection budget on value for money over services to children? In 2001, when Labor came to government, the previous Country Liberal Party child protection budget was around $7m. Under the Labor government, child protection services were expanded to include family and support services, youth services, out-of-home care, the Children’s Commissioner, support services, and preventative measures. The previous government did not have a singular focus, as you previously stated; its focus was children in a stand-alone department. I hope the merge into a mega department with Education does not lose the work of child protection and hope it does not turn teachers into child protection officers.
Minister, Territory child protection issues are mainly around child neglect. As a society, we are trying to overcome and change decades of neglect and trying to change behaviour. Your non-funding of support services goes against research from around the world that prevention is the best long-term solution in child protection, educating our families, educating parents and supporting them when times are tough. Your mini-budget turns its back on this. You have halved the budget of NAPCAN, slashed NTCOSS funding by $0.5m, and have ceased funding the NT Youth Affairs Network. You have slashed the funding of the only Aboriginal-controlled peak child protection body in the Territory and redirected it to change its focus to out-of-home care. These organisations are heartbroken. Minister, it takes a huge amount per child for children in care. Why is your budget turning its back on research and not investing in preventative work which is the key to supporting Territory families to stay together and, in the long term, will cost less?
Minister, your statement last week spoke of strengthening the role of the Children’s Commissioner. I cannot see any additional funding in the mini-budget to support this role.
I understand you have requested a complete rewrite of the Care and Protection of Children Act, with a number of significant changes. Legislation in this area is particularly difficult. Last week I spoke of my apprehension to this request. I have now been advised you are removing Aboriginal child care agencies, or ACCAs as they are informally known. Not only were ACCAs a key recommendation of the board of inquiry, they also exist in a number of other jurisdictions and play a critical role in the child protection system, particularly in family support services and the placement and care of Aboriginal children. The development of ACCA-type services in Darwin and Alice Springs brings the Territory in line with other jurisdictions and, again, supports Territory families to stay together. Your mini-budget is turning its back on research and prevention.
The policy framework Safe Children, Bright Futures focused on the need for early intervention and support services for vulnerable Aboriginal families as a means of ensuring the greatest chance of diverting them from entering the child protection system. Where is the support for this framework or is it, too, thrown out? A framework committed to strengthening the Aboriginal non-government services and the NGO sector is the best way of ensuring these families can access culturally-appropriate services to seek the assistance they need. Given the significance of this and your government’s strength in representing the bush, it comes as a surprise that your mini-budget has turned its back on this.
Minister, I acknowledge there is a huge amount of work to do in child protection in the Northern Territory. A large part of it is based in remote areas, and there is significant cost associated with delivering and providing services in remote communities, but this work is vital. I acknowledge your plan to develop lighthouse sites across the Territory and look forward to hearing of the progress of these models in the future supporting Territory families. I also look foward to an improved service system which increases the number of children accessing early childhood learning, improved school attendance and educational outcomes for children in care, improved prevention and early intervention to reduce the need for statutory child protection intervention, and the better use of existing infrastructure and resources, particularly in remote communities, to meet shared outcomes.
Minister, the people working in the Department of Education and Children’s Services - their interests are the children. You need to provide support for them to undertake their role. I remind you, as Treasurer and minister for Child Protection, children are not about dollars. It is about our children, the most vulnerable group in the Northern Territory experiencing poverty, exclusion, discrimination and removal from their homes and cultures at unprecedented and unsustainable rates. As minister in charge of so many precious children’s lives, I urge you to consider strongly how your policies are shaping their future.
One of the key recommendations of the board of inquiry, and one of the themes in modern child protection, is the dual pathway model involving NGOs to support families before intervention and removal is needed. If a child protection officer shows up at your home, a barrier automatically goes up, the same as if a police officer turns up at your home; yet if someone from the Smith Family, the Salvation Army or a support agency comes, people generally open up to them. They will speak to them and we can support our families without the need to remove children from their homes.
You make one of your priorities non-government organisations providing support for statutory service provision as the key to managing demand and achieving quality outcomes for children and families, yet your mini-budget has cut the NGO sector. We do not treat child protection as a business. You are turning your back on expert advice. You are in a unique role being Treasurer, Child Protection minister and Education minister, and have the power in the Cabinet room to convince people dollars for our children are vital.
Territorians will also be disappointed to not have more in the mini-budget for the environment. The key initiative reported in this area is the CLP’s faith in its handpicked Planning Commission and Environment Protection Authority - $800 000 ongoing for the Planning Commission and $500 000 for the EPA. The prime purpose of the new EPA appears to be a focus on site-specific development issues to integrate environmental approvals with development planning. Last night I and my colleague, the member for Fannie Bay, spoke about our concerns around Arafura Harbour. There are still unanswered questions about what priority the new EPA will give to broad scale environmental issues and cumulative change to our special landscapes.
Another key initiative of the new government is $400 000 in funding development of the Ord Stage 3 through the establishment of an Ord Development Unit. I and the community in general have heard nothing from the government on how environmental issues associated with this proposed development will be addressed.
We have seen the announcement of a further $400 000 for rangeland monitoring which will better assist in the management of pastoral estates. This sounds like a useful initiative and I will be interested to hear more on this and how it will address biodiversity conservation issues as well as help produce pastoral productivity.
I mentioned earlier the government’s new keenness for integration of the work of the Planning Commission and the EPA. We can see the integration at work in the way the member for Greatorex is approaching his dual roles as Minister for Parks and Wildlife and Minister for Tourism and Major Events, evidenced by the extraordinary step to disallow park plans of management so he can reshape them more to his liking.
Territorians are still unclear about the cost - human and financial - of relocating the head offices of Parks and Wildlife and Tourism NT to Alice Springs. We do not see any room in the budget or any mechanism to support it. The Country Liberals have been unashamed about these moves, which are being made to suit the personal circumstances of their new minister and his CEOs, but at what cost to the programs, agencies and the lost expertise. These agencies are expected to deliver for Territorians.
On a more positive note, there are funds for combating bushfires, although not necessarily in Humpty Doo and Tennant Creek.
The other issue to address is the interface between urban and rural areas and the new threat from the spread of weeds like gamba grass, and the increasing threat to the environment as well as property and human life. I note the crocodile management plans did not receive additional funding.
Our government commissioned a comprehensive review of these issues and lessons learnt from the recent firefighting experience in Central Australia. Our government committed to responding in full to the recommendations of the report and we will be watching closely to see how improvements in firefighting and fire management capacity are being implemented.
The mini-budget is informative by way of what is not included. There were a number of things missing. There was no focus on the priority issue of a regional waste management facility in the greater Darwin area. There was no support for local government shires in managing environmental issues associated with waste management in our remote towns. There was no mention of the Cash for Containers program and its future. There was no detail of measures being taken to better manage sewage treatment currently struggling at full capacity in many of the bush towns and communities. There was no mention of how future unspecified job losses and uncertainty in the public service will affect the capacity of our public service to continue to advise government with top quality information to manage environmental issues and the skills to address them.
On behalf of concerned Territorians, I ask the new government what steps are being taken to reduce the risk of losing this knowledge from our public servants; our standout staff with knowledge and understanding of environmental management issues. We talk about positions not being renewed and contracts expiring, eventually this will take its toll on our environment.
For the Treasurer to say she hopes people will forget shows how out of touch with people she is. People will not forget. These decisions are hurting Territorians every day. The mini-budget will shrink the size of the economy and force families to leave the Territory.
People in my electorate have spoken to me about their businesses. They believe the increasing cost of power and water increasing will break their backs.
I have many seniors in my electorate who - $1 or so on the bus might not seem much, but it is a big deal to them when they watch every dollar. Also, $20 to go into MVR does not make sense. It is great to do things on the Internet, but often that fails and accountability of receipts - it is quite difficult. I recently filled in a passport application for my youngest son and trying to do it online was awkward. People want that human interface. They want to go into MVR. Twenty dollars is double what Qantas charges!
This mini-budget will affect so many people so close to Christmas. I ask you to reconsider some of your ill-thought decisions. If you are really conscious of how these decisions are hurting Territorians, you would reconsider.
Ms WALKER (Nhulunbuy): Madam Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to reply to the Treasurer’s mini-budget and place on the record the many shortcomings this new wrecking ball of a government has thrown up to Territorians, the disingenuous approach, and the downright deceit it has engaged in.
I have several portfolio areas of shadow responsibility to cover. I will also talk about some matters in my own electorate and some election commitments made there.
Let us start with Public Employment. Thanks to the CLP government, around 600 public servants will lose their jobs. There can be nothing other than a reduction in services and programs, which is obviously the undercurrent of this mini-budget. On the ABC news on Monday night the Chief Minister said very boldly, ‘We have done what we said we would do’. However, he has also done exactly what he said, categorically, he would not - hike up the cost of living and sack 600 public servants and more to come.
The then Leader of the Opposition went to an election on the back of a commitment to assure the Territory’s public servants that their jobs were safe. In his media release of 27 August, the Chief Minister said about his first meeting with the Public Service Commissioner, Graham Symons:
Mr McCARTHY: A point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker! I draw your attention to the state of the House.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Ring the bells.
There is a quorum.
Ms WALKER: I query, Mr Deputy Speaker, when there is a pause during my speech for a quorum is the clock put on hold?
Mr Elferink: No. You can blame it on him.
Ms WALKER: No, we will blame it on the lazy members opposite.
Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, a couple of minutes lost is no big deal. We have four years to hammer this government about how terrible, hopeless, mean, and out of touch it truly is, as evidenced by this mini-budget.
I was talking about the famous media release from the new Chief Minister on 27 August. He went on to say:
It is not just me, it is all of the public servants, all the Territorians, who recognise the hypocrisy of the Chief Minister. How astounding it is! It simply calls into question his integrity and leaves his reputation not just tarnished but in tatters. I cannot see the current Chief Minister leading this mob to the election in 2016. I doubt he will have the same Deputy Chief Minister. They are marked within their own ranks. The Treasurer believes Territorians will have forgotten the terrible things the government has done in two years not four. They might have forgotten her as well!
I have lived in the Territory long enough to recognise the CLP of old has returned stronger than ever; the old boys brought out of retirement on whacking big salaries to tell the Chief Minister and the Treasurer how to do their jobs and how to run the Territory, and their ministerial offices are full of them.
I turn to my shadow portfolios of justice and corrections, which the member for Port Darwin has carriage of.
Let us start with the habitual drunks policy we have not seen yet but will see $34m delivered, according to the health budget, for rehabilitation places. The plan and the election commitment – we have not heard anything to the contrary - is really to build prison farms. It is listed in the first 100 days in this wonderful document under ‘Plan of Action on Law and Order’. You will ‘enforce mandatory rehabilitation for problem drinkers’. We have not heard anything to the contrary so it must be the truth.
Like just about everything else in this budget and the Country Liberal Party’s master plan, of which members opposite are merely the puppets with the old boys in charge pulling the strings, there are more questions than answers.
Ms Lee: You are the former government. The one that put us here, do not forget that.
Ms WALKER: Let us get this right.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Ms WALKER: Member for Arnhem, you had 30 minutes to participate in this debate and gave five minutes. It is not your turn to speak, it is mine.
Ms Lee: I will, don’t you worry. I will blast you. Yes, and I will be after you.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Ms WALKER: You will be after me? Is that a threat, Mr Deputy Speaker? Can I query that?
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: You have the call, member for Nhulunbuy.
Ms WALKER: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. You have Standing Order 51 and you might need to remind the member for Arnhem periodically about that. She is new and is learning but I am sure she will get the hang of it.
Let us get this right: the Justice minister is looking after problem drunks but does not have alcohol policy, which sits with the Health minister. Licensing sits with the Business minister and alcohol issues in Central Australia sit with the Treasurer as Minister for Central Australia. However, in the 100-day plan - we have not heard anything to the contrary - the Attorney-General has responsibility for the 2500 problem drinkers he allowed back onto the streets when he axed the Banned Drinker Register, even though the 100-day plan and CLP promise said they would remove drunks from our streets. The government has done the opposite. It axed the Banned Drinker Register without any consultation, analysis or input. Menzies School of Health Research might have had the opportunity to conduct and evaluate the scheme but, on the strength of however many years of policing and basically being an expert on everything, the member for Port Darwin has shut it down.
Goodness knows what you will get for $34m and how these facilities might accommodate 2500 problem drinkers - and that number is growing - and how you reconcile problem drinkers as sick people with an addiction problem alongside criminalising drunkenness. We all wonder, Attorney-General, what bill you are currently drafting which might make all this clear, what backroom discussion you might be having with the Health minister, maybe the former CLP Health minister who is working in your office, as to how this all plays out.
Where is the habitual drunks policy for which the Attorney-General has responsibility? I can only assume there are some very interesting discussions going on in your party wing, fighting amongst one another about how you will sort out this dreadful mess you have inflicted on the Territory. We know – and it is receiving growing media attention - the SMART Court has gone, as has the Alcohol and Other Drugs Tribunal. What a great shame for a justice reform which was welcomed and working since its introduction under the Labor government.
We have heard from NAAJA, the Chief Magistrate, and the President of the NT Law Society who have all praised how useful this system was as a therapeutic type of justice for offenders with a substance abuse problem. Jonathon Hunyor from NAAJA said:
As the Attorney-General continues to take alcohol policy backwards, he has axed the Larrakia night patrol thinking this will deter itinerants and problem drinkers. In reality, things will only become worse and police resources will have to be directed to deal with these people - around 5000 a year. I am concerned about the comments I heard on ABC radio yesterday morning where the NT Police Association spokesperson expressed concerns about police now having to step back into this void because the night patrols have gone, and the implications and concerns around drunks being taken into custody.
The Attorney-General, however, is not worried this move is being heavily criticised by police, welfare groups and others. He also ignores the fact Larrakia night patrol is tied up with the Return to Country program which has helped 20 000 people return to remote communities.
With the Banned Drinker Register scrapped and nothing in its place, 2500 problem drunks are back on the streets and this service is needed more than ever. The decision to axe it is short-sighted.
I hope the Minister for Local Government is defending night patrols in shires which provide a critical service keeping people safe. However, as this government is hell-bent on saving money and axing programs, it would not surprise me to see the axe fall in the shires.
Mr GILES: A point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker! For the information of the member, night patrols in shire boundaries are provided by the federal government under the Attorney-General’s department.
Ms WALKER: As is funding for Larrakia night patrol, and that is not a point of order.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I have real concerns about the agenda in Corrections after so much excellent work was done by the former minister, the member for Barkly. I am pleased the new Corrections precinct at Weddell is progressing even though the CLP said, pre-election, it would put a stop to it. There is no doubt it is needed. Berrimah is long past its use-by date, built in 1978 and originally designed for …
Mr Elferink: Your speech is wrong.
Ms WALKER: Excuse me, I am on my feet ...
Mr Elferink: You are wrong. I am trying to help because you are making mistakes.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: You have the floor member for Nhulunbuy.
Ms WALKER: Thank you Mr Deputy Speaker. The Attorney-General can bang on all he likes, go to an adjournment debate or an explanatory statement ...
Mr Elferink: You are wrong and I am trying to help you. You are saying things ...
Ms WALKER: Please, the last person I need help from in this entire world is you.
You are a wrecking ball. Berrimah is long past its use-by date being built in 1978 and originally designed for 110, now with a design capacity at 590, but holding 790 according to a briefing I had from the AG’s office on 6 November.
It is hard to see how far $1m will stretch for the two residential boot camps the CLP promised for juvenile offenders in the lead-up to the election, especially when that $1m is also going to deliver early intervention programs.
Let us take a step back. Whatever happened to the review of the Youth Justice Act and its recommendations headed by the former member for Araluen, the very talented Ms Jodeen Carney? Whatever happened to this review, and its nine recommendations, which the Labor government commissioned and embraced. We received it just over a year ago and it included creation of a youth justice unit.
What of the many organisations that provided submissions to the review into the Youth Justice Act, including the Northern Territory Council of Social Services? It will not have a voice much longer given it just had a whacking amount stripped from its budget. NTCOSS, in preparing its submission, consulted with around 30 organisations. The review into the Youth Justice Act is nowhere to be found on the Northern Territory government website. It went in the early days of this new government.
Mr Elferink: Do you realise it still exists?
Ms WALKER: We know it still exists but is not accessible to people. In that review, against all best practice models and the recommendations of the review, youth justice is now in Corrections not Justice and the emphasis is on boot camps - punitive stuff rather than preventive and therapeutic measures which are part of the whole justice reinvestment philosophy. What does the budget deliver for the facilities you would expect to be associated with the two promised boot camps other than a few tents and some camping gear?
On that note, I was going to hark back to something championed by the Treasurer. Whatever happened to the CLP’s Night Safe Strategy for children which earned that name when the member for Araluen realised people found the concept of a curfew on the streets of Alice Springs abhorrent? I have not heard anything further on that.
I will now go to local government. We know that budget has been slashed by $13m. The minister attempted to answer that question during Question Time yesterday, but I am not sure people in the bush will accept the answer.
I am pleased the CLP is proceeding with the local government reform agenda and have now agreed amongst themselves not to scrap the shires, even though they said they would long and loud in the bush prior to the election and, on the strength of that, secured many votes from people who thought in voting CLP they would see the shires scrapped.
The minister has announced the Regional Governance Working Group of 21 members and a budget of $6.2m to develop and implement reform. The Labor government was heading down that road of reform having introduced quite courageous local government reforms. For nearly three decades the previous CLP government completely ignored the need for reform. It is small wonder, when something has only been in place four years, you need to take stock, review, and see what can be done. That is why we put in place a task force. That has been dismantled and we now have a group of 21. We look forward to seeing the options paper produced. The consultation process around timing is most unfortunate. If the minister had stepped in more quickly that group could have been meeting six weeks ago and be well into producing the options paper and, more importantly, going through with the consultation process promised. I do not understand what he means when he says he is going as fast as he can at going slow; perhaps we will understand that one day.
I have concerns that the services local government delivers will be compromised given the increase in operating costs with utilities increases. That will see a loss of jobs and/or a loss of services somewhere along the way. I have concerns, which were not addressed in the mini-budget, where jobs in the shires are going given the minister’s comments at the LGANT conference in Alice Springs a number of weeks back hinting the ratio of employees to constituents in the municipal councils versus the shires – there are far more people employed - and suggesting shires were being inefficient and too many people were employed even though the shires employ, on average, around 70% Indigenous people.
I am disappointed there is no further announcement beyond committing to one more year of funding for the local government jobs package supporting employment of up to 500 Indigenous Territorians in the bush, something the former minister for Local Government fought very hard for. That commitment was delivered by Labor. It is there for another year and we look forward to seeing funding for jobs in the budget when it comes down in May 2013. Nothing to date from the Minister for Local Government or the Minister for Indigenous Advancement gives us any joy there might be some new ideas or new money for improving jobs in the bush.
I will go to housing. There is really no joy there except the delivery of all those Labor government initiatives listed in the budget we handed down ...
Mr Chandler: There is no joy, only Labor initiatives.
Ms WALKER: Member for Brennan, if you would let me finish, I was partway through a sentence. There is no joy in housing except for what was already committed to under Labor. You have listed them in the mini-budget and you will find them listed in the Labor budget handed down in May this year.
Here is the bit where I mean no joy: the CLP has seen fit to axe the schemes Labor had in place to assist first homebuyers into the market with generous concessions and a genuine bid to get people off the rental roundabout and into home ownership. The announcement from the Treasurer that stamp duty concessions have ended is grim news and, after dithering for weeks about what to replace Labor’s innovative scheme with, the Housing minister announced something very similar to what Labor had except capped the grant at homes up to $600 000 ...
Mr McCARTHY: A point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker! Pursuant to Standing Order 77, I request the member be given an extension of time.
Motion agreed to.
Ms WALKER: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. Because the new scheme has been capped at $600 000, down from Labor’s $750 000, under the CLP’s not so generous scheme those wanting to be homeowners are only eligible for the $25 000 if they buy a new home under $600 000. To make it worse, the scheme locks out buyers from purchasing existing homes. For Territorians whose dream is to buy their own home or unit in Millner or Nightcliff, or parts of Alice Springs - perhaps in your electorate - they cannot if they buy an existing house. They have to buy a new house on new land.
I am pleased to see the continuation of remote housing with a budget of $111m to continue the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing. I have heard CLP members from the bush comment on what a good initiative this is. It was formerly known as SIHIP, a program the CLP, in opposition, condemned continuously, found fault with endlessly, and has never admitted it has been the largest investment in Indigenous housing in the country, transforming Indigenous communities, and dealing with the incredible deficit of housing over decades. It took a Labor government to address that deficit.
This is not new money. This $111m is predominantly federal funding, though the Northern Territory government has contributed to it. I have no doubt the Minister for Housing, the Chief Minister or the Deputy Chief Minister, will be sidling up alongside the federal minister, Ms Macklin, at some stage and unveiling a plaque in a remote community, perhaps with their name on it, perhaps in my electorate of Yirrkala and, in the next couple of years, saying what a wonderful scheme it is and how wonderful the CLP is for implementing it.
I also welcome the carryover of $6.9m of federal money for remote teacher housing. This comes on the back of an $18m package delivered in, I believe, 2010 to provide much-needed teacher accommodation in our remote schools. The member for Arafura commented on that and is quite right - this housing is critical if we are to attract teachers into our schools but recognising, at the same time, our aim should always be to grow the local workforce and promote, encourage, and nurture local people - local Indigenous men and women - into the role of teachers.
I turn to my other area of shadow responsibility around Indigenous Advancement. Being an elected member representing the bush, I also take the opportunity to raise some of the glaring gaps, omissions, and plain wrong decisions in what is not being done to support people in the bush in this mini-budget.
My colleague on my right has responsibility for Regional Development. Indigenous Advancement and Regional Development are a bit nebulous - how it gels together and what they are doing. There is a strategic objective listed under DCM, so it is linked to DCM as well. That link was about creating a position for a certain individual who they thought would be really good in that job, and it would give him a leg up to get to communities and possibly bolster his support as the CLP candidate for Lingiari. However, he did not get the job, so I wonder if he is staying and if that might mean changes?
Page 19 of the mini-budget, DCM, states:
I look forward to learning what ‘regional coordination committees’ means. I do not know if that is linked to what is coming out of the local government regional governance options paper. I am sure we will find out.
Of course, I welcome the funding for homeland housing to address the deficit in repairs and maintenance, given the federal commitment to continue funding was only confirmed in the second quarter of last year. That $200m of federal funding attached to the Stronger Futures package was secured through bush members of the Labor Caucus who lobbied hard to ensure Indigenous Territorians in remote areas, especially those in homelands, would continue to receive federal government support. During all of that time we did not hear the member for Namatjira calling on the minister for that funding.
Apart from the announcement of the budget and how it will be allocated, there is no information from the CLP how this new housing money into homelands will be rolled out. There are strings attached under CLP policy as to which homeland houses will be eligible in that adults must be participating in the economy of the homeland and children must be attending school regularly. What does ‘regularly’ mean? The Treasurer said children must be attending school compulsorily, so we have compulsorily and regularly. How will this pan out? Whose house will be upgraded and whose not?
What qualifies as participating in the economy? What funded measures will be in place to assist the unemployed into work and training, especially in light of the $700 000 cut to Indigenous training in the Department of Business budget. The member for Namatjira, the Minister for Indigenous Advancement, was unable to answer that during Question Time yesterday. She went on a rant about her former colleagues on this side of the House and how mean some journalists are to her.
Back to homelands housing funding which featured in the Minister for Indigenous Advancement’s mini-budget reply - and it was not a reasonable response to the budget, but as we know too well, it is easy to be big on rhetoric and motherhood statements but it is the small details we will be looking for - how are you going to do it? Who oversees what the money can be spent on and how it will be spent? What role do homeland resource agencies have in implementing the package? The homeland resource agencies I have contacted have not heard from the government. They are in the dark; they have not heard from the government since the election. They do not know what their role will be in this. What role will there be for consultation with homeland residents? Labor had committed to much consultation because we had announced the same scheme to address repairs and maintenance. What commitment to new housing on homelands? We know it is an incredibly difficult area as populations in homelands continue to grow.
I will move to some of the broader negative impacts this mini-budget is having on people in the bush, starting with health services. The planned expansion of the renal dialysis programs in Katherine has been stopped - a huge shame. I place part of that blame on the member for Katherine who never supported it and ran a scare campaign in his electorate about where it would be located. We are talking about sick people who need to access renal dialysis and that was a dreadful thing for him to do.
I also highlight, again, the axing of patient accommodation at Gove District Hospital. Call it a hostel, call it a medi-hotel - it is basic, secure, safe accommodation in a culturally appropriate environment to look after people who do not necessarily need a hospital bed but somewhere safe and affordable to stay. They may be in for specialist treatment or may be pregnant women coming from remote areas to Gove District Hospital because they are three or possibly four weeks out from their delivery date. The Minister for Health said they are hotels, people can stay at the Walkabout Lodge and, what is more, they are for long-grassers anyway. That is shameful. Even more shameful are the bush members opposite. Not one has spoken up to say this is wrong, which means they all believe people in Katherine or surrounding areas do not need access to expanded renal dialysis services. By their silence they are also saying people do not need access to secure accommodation on a hospital campus, they can stay at the Walkabout Lodge, on licensed premises, and their $35 per night for patient travel will cover it even though the cost of the hotel is probably closer to $200 per night.
I point out to the members opposite, who praised the mini-budget for the inclusion of funding for upgrades to health centres or new health centres, that all those were listed under the Labor budget in May. They are all there. You can thank Labor for the great investment in the bush over the last 11 years.
Transport: there is no new money for roads in the bush. Some previous transport improvements are now going backwards. The Canteen Creek airstrip has been delayed. The Tennant air service has also being affected, and what a great shame that is.
The cost of living in the bush under this new government will go through the roof. People are already worried about living in an expensive area and it has just become a whole lot worse. This government is offensive in the way it is treating people. It promised to listen to people in the bush but is punishing them and the bush members are doing nothing to stick up for them. They are in cahoots with this new government and driven more by self-interest than the interests of their wider electorates.
The government is out of touch. We know there is more pain to come. I do not support this mini-budget. I condemn it, and condemn the cost of living hikes and power price hikes this government has inflicted on us.
Debate adjourned.
Continued from earlier this day.
Mrs LAMBLEY (Treasurer): Madam Speaker, this afternoon I close the debate on the 2012-13 mini-budget.
I start by thanking all the people who have been a part of what is quite a milestone for this government. First, I thank all the hard-working people in Treasury. They have worked tirelessly over the last months and I have been staggered by their professionalism and dedication. These people work long hours and seem to be extraordinarily selfless. Thank you to the Treasury staff.
I also thank the members of the Renewal Management Board, Dr Neil Conn, John Gardiner, and Ken Clarke, who have worked tirelessly since we formed government. They have worked very long hours and have contributed enormously to our understanding of what lay before us coming into government.
I thank my ministerial officers upstairs, my new staff, who have come on board and assisted through this process. Thank you very much for your time and dedication. I also thank the new Terry Mills Country Liberals Cabinet and wing which have been extraordinarily supportive of me over the last 15 weeks learning my new job - learning the ins and outs of what is a complicated and responsible role which I am very honoured to have.
I thank the member for Drysdale for presenting a speech on my portfolio area of Children and Families. I also thank the member for Sanderson for presenting the Education portfolio area of the mini-budget.
The mini-budget was broken down into many different areas. We came into office 15 weeks ago - a little over 100 days ago - and immediately set about the task of trying to analyse, understand and pull apart exactly what the fiscal state of the Northern Territory was. No stone was left unturned. We used the skills and expertise of Treasury staff as well as the Renewal Management Board. After 11 years in government, the former Labor government was quite adept at managing things in a certain way. When a new government comes on board it is important to take some time and use specific expertise to analyse exactly what lays ahead, and that is exactly what we did.
The process commenced with a full assessment of each and every government agency, looking through the lens of what was in the books, what was in the budget papers, what was in the pre-election fiscal outlook as compared to the real situation within the agencies. We looked at the deterioration of the budget, which is now quite well documented. We started off with a fiscal imbalance of $767m which quickly escalated to $860m. Now, at the mini-budget stage, we are looking at a fiscal imbalance of $981m in 2012-13 costing taxpayers close to $60m per year in interest payable.
We looked at the state of the government owned Power and Water Corporation. Had we believed the opposition, we would just be carrying on, leaving this provider of essential services in an unsustainable state. We looked at the unfunded spending commitment of the former Labor government - $600m worth of unfunded spending commitments over the forward estimates; $600m worth of spending the former government made no provision to cover.
We looked at our own election commitments generated leading up to the election and have honoured them. We undertook to honour, in full, each one and this is reflected very clearly in the mini-budget.
We undertook to reduce our fiscal imbalance to zero by the end of our term in 2015-16. This will be an enormous challenge; we are still looking at a fiscal imbalance of just over $50m at the end of the forward estimates. It will be very difficult to achieve, but is the only way we can reach a position to start reducing the nett debt of the Northern Territory. We have committed to at least endeavour to achieve a fiscal imbalance of zero.
We looked at savings and efficiencies in government across all agencies. We asked all agencies to identify savings, to tighten their belts and look at where there was waste and inefficiencies. This was a very productive and fruitful process for all agencies. It allowed them to step back and analyse what they were doing, how they were doing it, what resources they were using, where the fat lay and where there were excesses and inefficiencies.
Not only has it been about saving money, it has also been a positive time of self-reflection for the government agencies; a time to look at their processes and systems and how they are going about their business.
We looked at housing pressure throughout the process of compiling the mini-budget. We looked at the enormous cost of living in the Northern Territory created by the former government and how housing has been the main driver of inflating the cost of living in the Northern Territory. We looked at how we, as a new government, could address that and how we could tweak and change the current assistance offered by government.
We looked at additional revenue - you have to generate more revenue when you are looking at a mounting fiscal imbalance such as we inherited - to cover our expenditure. Most governments try to live within their means, not keep spending beyond their means and more than the revenue coming in. The former Labor government did not understand that concept. It was all about spending with very little, if any, attention paid to revenue options and increasing revenue. You have to do that, and the most difficult decisions in this mini-budget lie around deriving greater revenue from consumers of government services.
We also looked at the capital works program, reviewed the repairs and maintenance schedules, and one of the great announcements, if not the greatest, is the $100m of capital works expenditure we have committed over the forward estimates. Good news for business and for government.
I have listened to the contributions made by the opposition. They have run a brilliant and costly scaremongering campaign, costly for no one but the people of the Northern Territory.
We have been called mean spirited, nasty, horrible - all sorts of adjectives have been used to describe us because of the difficult decisions we have had to make. Only 15 weeks into government and we are blamed for everything from lack of preventative health care and child protection services to having to increase the electricity, sewerage and water tariffs. It is quite fascinating to swap sides.
A few months ago we were in opposition, now we are in government and the opposition has acute amnesia. They forget only months ago they were making all the decisions. They were responsible for the finances of the Territory and, weeks later, it is all over to us and all the problems are ours. We are certainly up for the job. The mini-budget is the start of our long and exciting four years in government. It is about resetting the agenda, resetting the priorities of the Northern Territory, and we are excited to be in this position despite the difficult decisions we have had to make.
The opposition rejoiced in running a scare campaign alleging we intend to roll out infinite sackings of public servants and reduce the public service without a care in the world. Absolute nonsense! The new government has been extremely clear. It has not budged. The messages have been very clear all along. There will be no sackings and no redundancies. The positions affected will be those with salaries of over $110 000 a year - executive contract positions. All frontline positions are safe. There is no intention by this government to change that. Every year 23% of the public service is lost through natural attrition. We will reduce 3% of the public service over the forward estimates, equating to 600 jobs lost through the non-renewal of contracts.
These people will be offered redeployment. They will not be sacked but, in most cases, will not have their contracts renewed. We have been open, honest and transparent for the last 15 weeks. We will continue to be open and honest throughout our government.
In Education, I was, once again, floored by the ignorance of the member for Fannie Bay. He really has perpetuated this scaremongering campaign. He was unable to understand or take the time to read the mini-budget papers to enlighten himself in a meaningful and intelligent way. He continued to state we are cutting the Education budget by 10%. That is simply not true. The Education budget for this financial year has increased by $11m. He continues to allege the government is cutting frontline teaching staff from the Education department. Not true! He peddled incorrect information. I will not call them lies because perhaps he is not able to separate lies from the truth in the information he is given. However, someone is giving him incorrect information.
I implore the member for Fannie Bay to work with the facts rather than create unnecessary fear and anguish in the community. This scaremongering campaign serves no other purpose than to hurt innocent Territorians.
I heard the member for Nelson’s concerns relating to his much loved and valued constituents. I recognise the member for Nelson is a very good local member of parliament. He said he felt discriminated against and unfairly done by because of the government’s decision to suspend funding to the Freds Pass recreation and sporting facilities and the Litchfield swimming pool. Neither have been managed particularly well. There has been much confusion and a lack of cohesion in decision-making in the communities around both areas of funding. We are open to suggestion, we are open to reviewing the decision to suspend funding, but it is not a personal attack on the member for Nelson. He implied we were wasting money in different areas, money could have been spent better, and it seemed a little hypocritical coming from the member for Nelson when $600 000 per year over the last four years was indulged in his creation, the Council of Territory Cooperation. A total of $2.4m was spent on the member for Nelson’s indulgence - the Council of Territory Cooperation - which meant the Henderson Labor government could remain in government. He kept the government in and was indulged to the tune of $2.4m. What did the Council of Territory Cooperation achieve? The jury is out on that. Most on this side of the Chamber would argue not much for $2.4m.
The member for Wanguri came out of hiding, out of retirement, and honoured us with a few comments on the mini-budget. He said the budget was ‘not needed’. I would seriously debate that, given the fiscal imbalance and debt we inherited from the member for Wanguri, the former Chief Minister of the Northern Territory. It was needed; it had to be done.
The difficult decisions we have made increasing power and water tariffs, increasing different charges and making various cutbacks across agencies had to be done. We could not continue with the level of irresponsible spending the former government will be remembered for. The member for Wanguri accused us of being dismissive and disregarding people. He had a go at the Renewable Management Board, which seems to be a theme of the opposition. If you cannot mount a reasonable case on your own merits try shooting the messenger. The member for Wanguri chose to go down that path.
He then talked about how we, as the new government, had disrespect for Treasury staff. I interpreted his words to suggest he was trying to create a wedge between the new government and Treasury staff saying we were criticising the contents of the pre-election fiscal outlook on the basis we did not trust Treasury staff. This was a very skewed and peculiar argument when everyone in this room knows the contents of the pre-election fiscal outlook and the budgets are an outcome of the decisions made by the former government. That type of politics is not very helpful, member for Wanguri.
Department of Treasury and Finance staff are very professional people and it is not necessary for the opposition, or the government, to try to drive a wedge between Treasury staff and members of parliament. They are there to do a job for whoever is in government.
It is interesting to receive advice from the failed Chief Minister. He came out of his shell and decided to advise us about the deficit. He said there had to be a deficit …
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Pursuant to Standing Order 77, I ask the Treasurer be given an extension of time.
Motion agreed to.
Mrs LAMBLEY: Thank you, member for Braitling. The former Chief Minister said there had to be a deficit; the previous government had to spend its way out of the global financial crisis and it was all very justifiable. However, there are deficits and there are deficits, and the deficit we inherited was not justified on any level.
Next came the contribution from the member for Nightcliff. With her child protection interests as the shadow for Child Protection, she talked about how terrible we were for taking funding from the non-government sector. She did not acknowledge this government has spent $10m extra on child protection - Office of Children and Families - in this year’s budget. We were faced with a staggering problem when we looked at the books of the department of Children and Families, now the Office of Children and Families. We were faced with enormous unfunded commitments to the tune of around $35m compliments of the member for Casuarina, the former minister for Children and Families. We have done exceedingly well coming out of it for as little as an extra $10m. We prioritise children and family services in the Northern Territory.
Amnesia is a serious problem amongst the opposition. The member for Nightcliff could get away with not knowing too much history about her side of politics but we, on this side of the Chamber, know the former Labor government had the worst track record when it came to child protection in Australia. Where they took child protection in the Northern Territory was a national disgrace. To listen to the innocent and nave words of the member of Nightcliff about how we lack commitment, do not have any strategy around prevention, have slashed funding and done this, that, and the other, is quite laughable. However, I respect her for doing her job and her best to defend the poor track record of the former government when it comes to child protection.
The former government had no prevention mechanisms in place when it came to child protection. We have decided to reprioritise our funding commitments to the non-government sector. In these difficult, tight times with the demand for child protection services escalating each year it is important we target funding to the non-government sector. Over the forward estimates we will increase funding for non-government agencies to provide the services needed.
We will not be made accountable by individuals from non-government organisations. We are not here to please people who might be employed by non-government organisations. The non-government organisations need to know if they receive government funding they have to provide the services we prescribe through evidence-based practice.
The member for Nhulunbuy contributed to the discussion about the mini-budget and had nothing positive to say. I will cut her a little slack, she was not overly critical of the local government agenda rolled out in the mini-budget. She has an open mind about that.
The peddling of incorrect information by the opposition is concerning. The member for Nhulunbuy gave her appraisal of the housing assistance offered through our new schemes which were clearly articulated by the Minister for Housing. She peddled them incorrectly. I implore the opposition members to get their facts right. Do not give incorrect information which makes you look stupid and causes confusion for people in the Northern Territory who listen and might believe you. It is not fair and is very unprofessional. I have heard most members of the opposition peddling incorrect information over the last few days.
In conclusion, the mini-budget for 2012-13 is something I am quite proud of. There were some difficult decisions which have caused some grief to people in the Northern Territory, but we have balanced it with a range of commitments and spending measures which address all areas of government. We have not stripped the cupboard bare; we have not reduced the fiscal imbalance this year by a huge margin. We have trimmed it back over the forward estimates. There will be more trimming; but the real pain Territorians will experience is to be felt now. There will be less pain over the forward estimates and people will realise by going through this stage that the worst is over. Once people accept these tough decisions had to be made - increases in revenue, increases in tariffs - we look forward to a very bright future in the Northern Territory. I hope you all hang in there and have faith that we would not have done this if we did not have to.
Motion agreed to; paper and statement noted.
Continued from 4 December 2012.
Ms LAWRIE (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, yesterday I described the CLP’s mini-budget as mean and out of touch with the daily realities faced by Territory families. I said it hurts Territorians; it hits them where it hurts most - increasing the cost of living. I did not say these things flippantly. The mini-budget will truly change the Territory for the worse. It will shrink our economy and impose an intolerable and unnecessary burden on households.
Frontline services, especially in hospitals and schools, are under threat from big cuts to government departments and the loss of hundreds of public service jobs. Over the past two days the opposition has outlined specific impacts of the mini-budget. I want to remind the House of a few of the lowlights of the mini-budget.
The power and water price hike: 30% for power, 40% for water, and 25% for sewerage.
Abolishing stamp duty concessions, the subject of this bill, and first homebuyer grants for existing houses in Darwin and Palmerston locking people out of home ownership - some 1100 homes they can no longer purchase to enter the homeowner market.
Public rents are increasing and the CLP has clearly said it wants to sell public housing without providing new stock.
Registration for cars is going up by up to 18% and now you have to pay $20 for the privilege of going to MVR to stand in line. Driver’s licences, vehicle inspections, motorcycle training courses and personalised number plates are all going up too. Rather than fund new public transport services as promised, the CLP is raising fares and introducing fares for senior Territorians.
The night patrol service in Darwin will be abolished putting more pressure on police.
There are massive cuts to the family and parent support services budget. Non-government organisations providing child protection services have said this will lead to more child abuse and neglect.
The Australian Council of Social Service has issued a media release titled ‘$4.8m cuts will severely hurt vulnerable children and families in the NT’. I will read from the ACOSS media release dated today:
Leave granted.
Ms LAWRIE: It is a hideous day for the Territory when the Treasurer, and minister responsible for the protection of children, goes against the protection of children. This shows how heinous the mini-budget is. It will have dire consequences for the lives of children and families in the Territory. She can dismiss what the opposition says as she dismisses what Territorians have to say. How do you continue to dismiss it when ACOSS, the national peak body, says it too?
The night patrol service in Darwin is being abolished and police say this will put them under enormous pressure. The local government budget has been slashed from $72m to $59m. The CLP is converting the Humpty Doo Fire Station to a volunteer service and scrapping Litchfield pool. Education has to find 10% in savings, and schools have to pay an extra 15% for their power, water and sewerage, impacting directly on students and support for teachers in the classroom. Almost every fee, charge or levy is increasing across government, even fireworks.
These are a few consequences of the mini-budget, there are so many more. In the coming weeks and months Territorians will discover the true impact of the CLP’s meanness.
Three months ago, Territorians had a spring in their step, the place was on the up, there was optimism, people were moving here and thinking positively about the future. We had the fastest growing economy in the nation. Now, disturbingly, people are openly talking about leaving and are worrying about their future, their jobs, and how they will find the extra money in their household budget to pay for the Country Liberal Party’s folly. The Treasurer, or should I say Acting Chief Minister given the Chief Minister has gone to Canberra to avoid scrutiny, has indicated there is still more hurt to come. The Treasurer has said there is more pain in the 2013-14 budget.
The revenue bill before us enables the mini-budget; it is the instrument the Country Liberal Party is using to impose misery on Territory families. Specifically, the bill seeks to amend the Stamp Duty Act and the First Home Owner Grant Act to abolish stamp duty concessions and reduce the scope of the First Home Owner Grant. It also amends the Motor Vehicles (Fees and Charges) Regulations to increase motor vehicle registration charges, allowing a $105 increase for four-wheel-drive vehicles. Given how much it will hurt Territorians, we will be voting against this bill today. I urge members of the government who care about the welfare of their community to do the same.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, in relation to Part 4 of the bill, amendment of Motor Vehicles (Fees and Charges) Regulations, I asked the minister responsible for motor vehicle registration a question about the new $20 charge in the mini-budget. I have just come back from lunch at Howard Springs Tavern with about 35 seniors from Palmerston. I did the cheerful thing I do sometimes at this time of year - I grew some instant hair, rang a bell, handed out some presents and we had a wonderful time.
I asked people if they knew anything about the $20 fee. Most people did not, and most were quite surprised they were going to be slugged with it. The government misunderstood what I was talking about during Question Time. A reasonable number of older people do not use the Internet and do not pay for goods and services by credit card, for whatever reason. Internet, by the way, will cost $60 a month. Why would you want to pay $60 a month to avoid paying a $20 charge at the Motor Vehicle Registry?
One person said, ‘I do not trust giving credit card details over the phone. I do not want to give that information to other people.’ Others said the same thing. The lady in charge is going to put together a form and talk to seniors - most of the seniors I spoke to were from Palmerston - and will find out how many people would fall into the category of not being able to pay the $20 increase in charges because they need to go to Motor Vehicle Registry. Has the government conducted a survey of how many people will be unfairly affected by this?
I understand you are trying to reduce queues at MVR; there may be people who can do it by another means and you want to promote that to reduce queues. However, there are older people not in that category and we have forgotten about them. I am not making this up; I have just spoken to these people.
My job is to be Father Christmas so I sometimes turn up at dinners or lunches. I know some of the people, but there are many I do not know. They were quite shocked when I told them they were to be slugged $20.
I also asked the Treasurer - it was not quite answered by the minister today - what happens in remote communities. The MVR in remote communities is the police station. Are we going to apply the same rules to people in remote communities as we do to people in the suburbs of Darwin, Alice Springs and other towns? When they turn up to a police station and have a mobile phone or are on the Internet, will they have to pay the police station $20 for the same reason people in urban areas do? The rule needs to be the same for all people. If you say we all have to bear the burden of this debt and it has to be paid off quickly, the rules should be the same for all.
The other issue is that car registration stickers will not be compulsory next year. I put mine on this morning, probably one of the last ones in the Territory. If the only means of telling people their car registration is due is by Internet or SMS, you have just missed out on a group of people who, in some ways, are the most vulnerable in our society. They have worked in the community for a long time. Their reward is to say, ‘Sorry, we are not worried about a small group of people. You should get the Internet or a mobile phone to receive an SMS. That is a very uncaring attitude. The budget, as a whole, is a numbers game and there is no compassion. It did not ring a bell but we know it will hurt. The economic rationalist, the number crunchers, have taken this debate and said, ‘The cold hard facts are that this is what must be done’.
One government is blaming the other. In the middle are people who will suffer. In this case, older Territorians will suffer because the government is not willing to make exemptions or find ways to help those people. They will pay $20 unless they can find another way of doing it. I am happy to open my office to people in the rural area to help them pay their registration. I will also advise them, if they are filling out a form and it asks for an e-mail address, if they do not have one to use my electorate.nelson e-mail address. If they government is not willing to help, I am. I hope other members of this House are willing to help as well.
It might be a small group of people but this is the missing bit – compassion - and you have ignored it. I raised it before and got a straight answer. There was no sign of, ‘We will try to help these people by these means’. It was reinforced today at the lunch that these people have been left out. The government has every right to raise registration, look at ways of reducing delays but, again, that is number crunching. You have to deal with the reality of who will be affected by these changes. If people are affected unfairly the government needs to find a solution to ensure those people are not left out of government’s responsibility: to care for all people in our society.
The Treasurer mentioned the cost of the CTC. It went for three years, not four. Three sixes are 18. Also, it did not run with a full-time executive the whole time. At the time, the CLP was urging it should have its own full-time staff because of what it was trying to do. It had a budget but that does not mean it necessarily used it all.
Treasurer, I probably agree with you. If it was to be done again I would rather it use the current committee bureaucracy. We have a much more efficient system; it runs well. We could have used some of the staff running committees to continue with the CTC. At one stage there were issues in relation to the dynamics of the third floor which caused problems. However, the numbers are not quite right. I am not saying it was inexpensive, Treasurer, but it was not $2.4m. Sometimes, Treasurer, when you talk about getting the figures right, I need to ensure those figures are accurate too. I do not mind being blamed for an amount of money, but I would like it be accurate because that is what Treasurers are about.
I do not oppose the government trying to reduce the debt we have; that is reasonable. It is not new that governments in the Northern Territory had debt to encourage growth of the Northern Territory and retain a workforce. That was done by the CLP. I have been around long enough to know the controversy over building a hotel at Yulara, and the one across the road, the Crowne Plaza. They were built by an earlier CLP ...
Ms Lawrie: And this building.
Mr WOOD: This building as well …
Mr Elferink: Because of the recession we had to have.
Mr WOOD: That is right. There were concerns about the state of the Territory economy and the workforce drifting away from the Northern Territory. I believe Shane Stone - correct me if I am wrong - decided to put money into Yulara. We probably would not have Yulara if the CLP had not done that. If it happened today – going into hotels - there would probably be a hue and cry, but the CLP did it to ensure we retained our skilled workforce and to keep the economy moving. That was done with this building. I remember the kerfuffle about it at the time. It was done with the Supreme Court over the road. The CLP did something similar – it had Commonwealth funds with Tiger Brennan Drive - and a lot of infrastructure spending. You can argue the toss about whether that was good or bad, but we went through those periods of debt to ensure the economy kept going. There does not seem to be any debate about whether that was good or bad.
There has been much controversy about the prison and some people talk about INPEX not being there. I believe it is in the wrong place. However, I have visited those places and seen the number of local people working. We have forgotten that many of these developments employ a large number of people. Last time I was at the prison there were 350 people working there and it is supposed to increase to 600. Most of those people working were from local companies. We have forgotten that in this debate.
What are the forward projections for payroll tax? In one year’s time there will be 1000 workers at the village at Howard Springs. I presume they will receive a pay packet, so what is the projection in two or three years’ time when there are 3500 people at the Howard Springs workers village? What will the income from payroll tax be?
Are there projections for increase in revenue? We have all heard about debt, about having to cut this and that, raise charges, but I have not heard the revenue projections. That can be a balance against some of the cuts. I have not seen that in this debate and it is important.
What must be really difficult for the average person is that we have this major project, INPEX, in the Northern Territory. It was put forward by the previous Chief Minister, and other people, that it would be part of an economic boom. On one hand we have a huge multibillion dollar project and all these people working in the Northern Territory. On the other hand we have major cuts and an increase in the cost of living. The two seem totally opposite. Why is that occurring? Will there be benefits from INPEX to offset some of the pain the Treasurer is putting on people now? What money we will get from developing INPEX over the next seven years? What revenue streams will come to the Northern Territory?
I am interested because we have heard the bad news. I hope there is some good news because INPEX is one of the biggest projects we have ever had and it must be delivering some good news for the Northern Territory. If not, this whole debate is unbalanced and people must ask how come we have such a huge project in the Northern Territory and, at the same time, the cost of electricity, rego and firearms licences is going up, even the Blue Light Disco is disappearing. That is penny-pinching.
Be that as it may, the rego issue is a concern to older Territorians. When we forget older Territorians we show ourselves to be numbers people instead of numbers and compassion. Those two things are what government is about: fairness in what we do and a feel for the people we represent. In other words, let us do the right thing by everybody, do not ignore them. Madam Speaker, we should all sit back and, with Christmas coming, ensure all people are cared for in this mini-budget.
Mrs LAMBLEY (Treasurer): Madam Speaker, I listened to the words of the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nelson and all I can do is contain myself. We would all love to be Santa Claus, member for Nelson. I would love to put on my Santa costume, attend functions all over the Territory and spread the good news, goodwill and love, but we are not going to be Santa Claus this year. Member for Nelson, you would have to be the greatest hypocrite of all times. I am absolutely staggered.
I have defended the member for Nelson many times both in this House and outside of it, but listening to his words then made me run cold. I will stand corrected, but the member for Nelson told parliament this afternoon his budget for the Council for Territory Cooperation was $600 000 per annum for three years, so the total expenditure was approximately $1.8m. The member for Nelson wasted $1.8m of taxpayers’ money on a total indulgence given to him by the former government. That $1.8m would go a long way to offsetting the impost we have had to put on the people of the Northern Territory.
Mr Wood interjecting.
Mrs LAMBLEY: No, he does not want to hear that. He does not want to be reminded his little indulgence, his little project to keep the government in power for four years, cost the people of the Territory $1.8m. He puts on a Santa costume and holds the hand of elderly people saying it is terrible the new Country Liberal government is charging $20 per transaction to attend the MVR. What a hypocrite.
Mr Wood interjecting.
Mrs LAMBLEY: Member for Nelson, you can yell, scream and carry on but you wasted $1.8m of taxpayers’ money. Shame on you! Then you play Santa Claus and tell us all what a great bloke you are, how compassionate and caring you are, when you added to the debt of the Northern Territory. Member for Nelson, you added to the fiscal imbalance and have some answering to do, as does the opposition.
It is unbelievable that, 15 weeks into government, we are making the first set of responsible decisions for many years in the Northern Territory and all we hear about is the member for Nelson playing Santa Claus. Well isn’t he lucky? He had $1.8m indulged on him so Paul Henderson, the member for Wanguri, the member for Karama, and all the cronies on the other side could spend and spend for the last four years. It is an atrocity; it is shameful. The colleagues of the former Labor government are putting in similar measures to save money. They have put on the public record that their goal is to achieve a surplus in the coming four years. They want to do the same thing we are doing because the penny has dropped - you cannot keep spending. You have to rein it in; you have to bring expenditure in line with revenue. It is basic economics; basic fiscal policy. The federal Labor government is doing it.
I hear all the wha wha-ing from the other side. They were fiscally incapable to make a responsible decision. The member for Nelson is screaming in the background, ‘I was Santa Claus today’. Isn’t he lucky? I am not Santa Claus because we have inherited the mess from the member for Nelson and the opposition, the ones who are responsible. We are doing what is fiscally responsible, what is prudent, what is right, and what will get the Territory back on track.
The bill before the House is about the measures we have had to implement to bring a correction into the Northern Territory budget. There has been a mistake, a mess, and we are correcting it.
There are three parts to the amendments to the Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012: the Stamp Duty Act, the First Home Owner Grant Act and the Motor Vehicles (Fees and Charges) Regulations.
We are very proud of our mini-budget. Against all odds, we have spent more in areas than the former Labor government. We have increased our health, education, child protection, and corrections budgets despite adversity and the fact we have had to rein in spending, had to make savings, and have had to cut back in certain areas. We are very proud of the hard work we have undertaken over the last 15 weeks.
This legislation is to complement the hard work done. It is about revenue and other legislation amendments which need to be put in place to progress the initiatives within the mini-budget.
The Assembly divided:
Mrs LAMBLEY (Treasurer)(by leave): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a third time.
Mr GILES (Transport): Madam Speaker, it is important to reflect on the comments from the member for Nelson this afternoon regarding his Santa experience. He deliberately acted as a populist. I have tried very hard to work with the member for Nelson since taking on my ministerial role.
He went back to the time when he liked to be a populist, say things, get on the radio, and his relevance deprivation disorder comes about again in the comments he related in the Chamber which he fed to the seniors and he spread scurrilous rumours which are completely inconsistent with what is happening. You know you are saying the wrong thing to those people and are misleading this Chamber. If you want to be part of this change …
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The minister should know he cannot accuse a member of misleading the Chamber without a substantive motion.
Madam SPEAKER: Please withdraw.
Mr GILES: Speaking to the point of order, Madam Speaker, if the member for Nelson is so offended and believes he is not misleading the Chamber perhaps he should call the point of order, not someone else.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, withdraw the word ‘misleading’.
Mr GILES: I withdraw ‘misleading’. He is telling untruths designed to create a populist campaign to get his name on the radio tomorrow morning so, when parliament finishes, he can be the hero of the brave and run an argument he knows is wrong. He knows what he said in this Chamber is wrong. He wants to run a populist argument. If he had a serious question he would knock on my door, as I knock on his, and I would answer his questions straight up, man to man – the right way to do business.
However, he wants to play the populist card and mislead seniors. You are misleading every Territorian by lying in this Chamber. It is not on …
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, please withdraw that comment.
Mr GILES: I withdraw. You tell mistruths in this Chamber about what is happening.
I listened carefully to the Treasurer wrap up debate on the bill. She was passionate and had a go at you about your Santa lunch, and good on her! You spent $1.8m on the CTC and I have not criticised it. You ran your program when you were king maker. However, you now want to be a change agent for a $1 bus fare? Yes, it is painful, but you need to be part of the change. You cannot play the populist game to be on the radio in the morning. That is a disgrace. You are supposed to be a leader …
Ms WALKER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! As the minister well knows, he needs to direct his comments through the Chair, not lecture the member across the Chamber.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you, member for Nhulunbuy. Minister, direct your comments through the Chair.
Mr GILES: No worries, Madam Speaker. The lady who said nothing for four years is now the hero of the illiterate mumbling in this Chamber. Congratulations to her! I will look at you and point to him; however you want to take it. You want to run rumours, innuendo, mistruths, lies, deceit - whatever you want to call it - to make a point ...
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Mr Giles: I did not accuse anybody.
Ms LAWRIE: He has already been asked to withdraw ‘lies’ once.
Madam SPEAKER: Yes, please withdraw, minister.
Mr GILES: I did not accuse anyone of lying. I used the word, and I will not withdraw it, it was not an accusation.
To attempt to run a populist debate to get your name on the radio tomorrow morning is scurrilous. If you want to be a leader in the Northern Territory, you come here as a change agent. We always talk about the level of debate in politics; it becomes bad when people are attacking each other personally. This is about change and information …
Ms WALKER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I draw your attention to relevance. The bill before the House relates to revenue. The minister is lecturing a member on something which has nothing to do with the bill before the House.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, there is a question on relevance. Could you get to the point and address some of the issues contained within this bill or the comments of other members.
Mr GILES: Madam Speaker, this is directly relevant. I am responding to a comment made by the member for Nelson about part of this legislation. He was telling untruths in the House and to his seniors, which was reported in debate on this bill, about registration and MVR changes and the $20 fee. What he said was completely incorrect. He stands proud in the moment because he knows he will be on ABC radio in the morning and will be fighting the good fight.
This man believes in UFOs. There is no wonder he is out there …
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, please be seated. Minister, it is not usual to debate in the third reading. However, if there is debate, it is specifically to the contents of the bill.
Ms Anderson: It is.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Namatjira, you are on a warning.
Minister, it is your call, but if you could contain it to the bill.
Mr GILES: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I believe in what is written in the bill being passed today. I do not believe in UFOs or the messages the member for Nelson has brought into debate in this Chamber. It is scurrilous, misleading in the context of the conversation, and has done nothing but further inflame the situation. If you want to be a real leader, be a real leader not a coward. Do not play populist politics because that is nothing but …
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, I ask you to withdraw the word ‘coward’.
Mr GILES: I withdraw ‘coward’. That is nothing but being a dog.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, I ask you to withdraw that comment, please.
Mr GILES: I withdraw ‘dog’. It is nothing less than being a cat in a debate when you …
Ms WALKER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! You have asked the minister to withdraw. He needs to withdraw unqualified. He is being a little too cute with the rules here.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, have you finished?
Mr GILES: I have five minutes to go; I am just getting warmed up, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: Continue, but if you could focus on the bill, it is a third reading.
Mr GILES: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I congratulate the Treasurer on this bill. It is an important bill to rectify Labor’s wrongs in Treasury and the financial situation it left the Northern Territory in.
Debt measures looking like they would flow out to $6.2bn in the 2015-16 financial year is a bad situation to leave the Northern Territory in. The measures within this revenue bill are designed to get the Territory back on track. Yes, there is some pain and the Chief Minister and the Treasurer have acknowledged that. We did not want to be in this position; however, in a wide range of areas Labor failed to act, whether it was in the early or mid-2000s or whenever. We put in place changes to achieve better cost recovery bases. The member for Nelson, who is supposed to be a change agent, a leader in our community, a pillar of the rural area, like you, Madam Speaker, tells mistruths in this Chamber and misleads the general public. The level of respect I had for this man has gone down today. He should apologise to this Chamber and the people of the Northern Territory for trying to get his name on the radio tomorrow morning.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nelson, I remind you it is the third reading speech. Please contain your comments specifically to the contents of the bill.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): I will, Madam Speaker. The section I was referring to, which was not taken up by the member for Braitling, was the amendments to the Motor Vehicles (Fees and Charges) Regulations. The minister accused me of untruths, called me names and made statements about me; that is fine. The issue is about charges people will have to pay. The minister said I spoke untruths and used the word ‘lying’. He said I was a coward and a dog; it was a high-class debate. However, he did not say where I was wrong. People listening will have expected him to, after all the plaudits he has given me, all the rubbishing he has heaped on me - what you receive in this House sometimes when you speak.
Mr Giles: It is when you lie.
Mr WOOD: You can say what you like but you did not answer the query I raised with the Treasurer, nor did the Treasurer cover the issue. It was the $20 charge for vehicle registration when someone goes to the MVR to pay when they could have done it on the Internet or phone. I raised the issue because I was at a seniors’ lunch today - you can mock me about being Father Christmas, I have been Father Christmas for years. I enjoy working with people, young or old, and if you want to knock me for doing that, fine.
The issue from that discussion was that the government will charge $20 if people use the MVR instead of paying via the Internet or phone unless they have to take their inspection form in etcetera. The other issue was how will people who do not have those forms of communication know when their registration expires? They are two simple issues which were not answered during Question Time.
You gave me the website and told me the facts. You did not answer whether people in remote areas would have to pay $20 if they turn up at the police station when they should have used a mobile phone or the Internet. None of those questions were answered. All I heard was a load of abuse. I can live with that, but to the people who wanted an answer from the Treasurer and the minister in charge of motor vehicle registration, no answer was given. Am I to presume I was right and they were wrong?
I leave it at that, Madam Speaker. They can say what they want, but that is what my questions were about. I did not get an answer from the government; I got heaps of abuse. No matter what you think of me personally, that is pretty poor from people who claim to be ministers of the Crown.
Motion agreed to; bill read a third time.
Continued from 31 October 2012.Ms WALKER (Nhulunbuy): Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for bringing this bill before the House. I do not thank him for his contribution in the last debate. It was one of the lowest moments I have seen in my time in the Chamber. Whilst I am not here to defend the member for Nelson - he can do that quite capably himself - that stunt was unforgiveable.
This bill was brought before the House by the previous Minister for Local Government, the previous member for Arnhem, as the minister noted in his second reading speech; however, it lapsed with the Northern Territory August election. I am pleased to see the new government and minister are determined to make those improvements initiated by the former Labor government as soon as possible.
I am familiar with the bill and the series of events leading up to the amendments. I was Chair of the subcommittee of the Council of Territory Cooperation in the Eleventh Assembly. It conducted a very thorough inquiry into animal welfare governance in the Northern Territory with terms of reference coming from the previous minister by a motion in the parliament with bipartisan support.
The Treasurer was entirely wrong about the cost of the Council of Territory Cooperation and must have repeated the figure of $1.8m four or five times in her rant in closing debate. The figure of $600 000 was not repeated over three years. In fact, in the first year, when I was not a member of the Council of Territory Cooperation, it was a very low-operating budget with minimal secretariat support. Because the council was struggling to get through its business, travel and what have you, the opposition members, before they walked away, asked for a secretariat and ramped up support so this important parliamentary committee could run adequately. The Treasurer is way out of line. I trust she will correct that. The member for Nelson will probably add to that as well.
On 26 October last year, I tabled the CTC Animal Welfare Governance Subcommittee’s final report which detailed the committee’s findings on the Territory’s animal welfare governance associated with processes and systems, including investigations into animal welfare concerns at Mataranka Station. The subcommittee’s terms of reference were specific to understanding how the Territory’s animal welfare governance framework worked, and if the associated processes and systems were effective.
The context for the inquiry was the Ombudsman’s investigation and report following the raising of animal welfare concerns at Charles Darwin University’s livestock training facility at Mataranka Station. The subcommittee included inquiring into what unfolded at Mataranka Station and the university and government’s management of it as an example of processes and systems in action.
The subcommittee determined to seek answers to three key questions through its inquiry. The first was: is the legislation for animal welfare relevant to contemporary and best practice? Seeking answers to this question helped the subcommittee understand what needed to be improved. The second question asked if the Territory has the right framework for animal welfare legislative governance. In answering this question, the subcommittee heard from witnesses about current governance processes in government, the Territory’s only Animal Ethics Committee, and about associated monitoring systems. The third question was to understand the failures in government, Charles Darwin University and its Animal Ethics Committee, and in systems and processes associated with animal welfare concerns at Mataranka Station in 2009.
In its report, the subcommittee detailed its findings and made 21 recommendations. All members of the subcommittee wanted to ensure lessons were learnt from what went wrong at Mataranka Station so we would, hopefully, never see a recurrence of an event like this. The subcommittee found, as we know, systems and processes failed at all levels at Mataranka Station, the university, and within government.
Madam Speaker, you were a part of that committee, as were the members for Nelson and Port Darwin. I am referring to those of us who are still in this Chamber who well remember the history and series of events which led to the amendments we have before us today. It goes without saying the opposition fully supports the amendments in this bill.
Whilst I noted the minister’s determination to make improvements as soon as possible, the reality is once the subcommittee’s investigation was launched some key improvements were swiftly put in place around reorganising and adequately resourcing the Animal Welfare Branch by the then Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ken Davies. Roles and clear lines of responsibility were reviewed and strengthened, and a memorandum of understanding was developed with the Department of Resources to further clarify across-agency responsibilities when it came to animal welfare.
If I can highlight one of the good things about working with the CTC as a parliamentary committee, we were constantly, during a fairly concentrated period, going through public hearings and having witnesses appear before us. There was constant feedback so we knew and were reassured things were being put in place long before this bill appeared in the House.
Similarly, Charles Darwin University acted swiftly to conduct its own internal investigation and redress the shortcomings of its operations, systems and processes associated with Mataranka Station to ensure there was no repeat of the deaths of cattle as documented in the Ombudsman’s report.
I have been on several committees of this parliament, but this was one of the biggest in the sheer volume and logistics of dealing with evidence in order to piece together where systems and processes have failed.
I also want to note the incredibly hard work the secretariat of the CTC did during this period. To slam the CTC as a waste of money, a waste of time, is a real insult to the members of the secretariat who worked incredibly hard and for long hours during this investigation.
The minister has separated the administration of swimming pool safety and placed it in the Department of Sport and Recreation, thereby allowing the Animal Welfare Branch to focus on its core business of animal welfare. That sounds very sensible to me. I thank the officers who assured me during the briefing there were no cuts to positions in the Animal Welfare Branch and they are regarded as front line.
The subcommittee’s report delivered 21 recommendations. I thank the minister’s office for providing me with a briefing last week on how those recommendations are proceeding, including the 10 pertaining to this bill. It is not necessary for me to revisit all those recommendations and how they have translated into the amendments because that has been laid out in the explanatory statement tabled in the last sittings.
The committee adopted in full the expert legal advice received towards the end of deliberations of the CTC. This would reshape the legislative framework for animal welfare governance to bring the Northern Territory into line with other jurisdictions and have contemporary and best practice legislation to better manage animal welfare.
However, there are some key amendments worth mentioning which strengthen the act considerably. Had they been in place, the events at Mataranka may not necessarily have occurred or been nipped in the bud earlier. There is the introduction of duty of care and, with it, clear definitions as to what the minimum level of care is. There is greater clarity around the function of the Animal Welfare Authority, which is to ensure compliance with the act by appointing authorised persons, namely inspectors and animal welfare officers, whose functions and powers are clear and who must have ‘the skills, qualifications, training and experience to properly perform the functions of an officer or inspector’.
There is also greater clarity around administering the licence regime for premises used for teaching or research. This includes the new requirement for the licensee to produce an annual report, the reporting of breaches under clause 34B, and greater regulation around the Animal Ethics Committee and its licensee.
Extending the statutory time frame from 12 to 24 months for commencing proceedings in respect of an alleged offence, with the time frame commencing from the time the offence is alleged to have occurred, is also a really critical and important amendment to the act.
The only other amendment I was going to highlight is the expansion of possible offences to three levels from only one. Duty of care, cruelty, and aggravated cruelty are now the three areas under which somebody can be prosecuted. The effect of this will mean prosecutions which might have failed previously due to legal technicalities hinging on just the one offence of cruelty will, as the previous Minister for Local Government outlined in her second reading speech, strengthen the enforcement provisions of the legislation. These amendments will serve to strengthen the act, full stop.
While the bill will make its passage through this House today, community awareness about animal welfare has been elevated. With this, along with a better organised and better resourced Animal Welfare Branch, there has been an increase in reporting of alleged breaches and, with it, investigations and successful prosecutions. This was confirmed when the subcommittee reconvened in April at the six-month mark of the tabling of the report - Recommendation 13, that the subcommittee reconvene to look at progress. It was again confirmed for me last week when I attended the briefing in the minister’s office and asked about the ongoing reporting and follow-up with investigations and, in some instances, prosecutions.
To put it simply, the Territory’s legislation had not kept up to date with changing community expectations which now demand a higher standard of animal care, increased public interest in monitoring, and widespread expectation of enforcement of legislated requirements. In the minister’s second reading speech on 31 October 2012 he stated:
The previous Labor government was also going down this path with one area of real concern highlighted: the need for companion animal management and control to become an integral part of animal welfare governance in the Territory, particularly covering the issues in remote communities and towns. In this instance, I am referring to recommendations 18, 19, 20 and 21 of the CTC’s report.
This issue has been raised by former Territory Coordinator-General, Bob Beadman. We do not have a Territory Coordinator-General any more, that person was sacked. Bob Beadman highlighted the issue of dog control, and the issue has been highlighted by media with some fairly grim cases. However, the matter has not been recently examined in any detail and, clearly, needs to be.
One of the submissions to the subcommittee makes the point that unacceptable standards of animal welfare directly affects community members, with many community dogs carrying diseases which are passed on to people. The submission further describes the impact of dog diseases on humans, and how poorly-nourished hungry dogs can and do affect community safety.
I have permission of the author of that submission, Dr Emma Kennedy, who is employed as a veterinarian with the East Arnhem Shire, to table it. I seek leave to do so, Madam Speaker.
Leave granted.
Ms WALKER: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Dr Emma Kennedy is a wonderful example of a dedicated professional and individual. I have no doubt she could be making much more money setting herself up in private practice, but she chooses to work in the public service with the East Arnhem Shire dedicated to animal welfare programs because she is passionate about what she does and about change and improving the lives of not only animals, but people on communities. She has recently been recognised for her efforts with an award.
Because the Territory does not have centralised regulation of animal management, the administration and enforcement of animal management is dependent on local government bodies’ capacity to introduce, administer and enforce by-laws.
I acknowledge the municipal councils with by-laws in place, the work the shires are undertaking to introduce some level of companion animal management and control, and that AMRRIC has played a big part. However, minister, as we all know there is much more work to be done.
I have said in this Chamber previously one of the problems with not having an effective animal management and control legislative framework is animal management issues all too often become animal welfare concerns. This is certainly the theme of Dr Kennedy’s submission.
She also talks about the difficulty of effectively managing complaints from remote communities about animal welfare. That cannot be expected while there is limited education and, therefore, knowledge of the requirements of responsible animal ownership. Clearly, there is a need for the government to take the lead on this and address the significant issues surrounding animal welfare and management control, particularly in the Territory’s Indigenous communities.
The mini-budget offers no joy in the area of animal welfare insofar as there is no increase in the budget. At least there is no decrease. I trust the minister will go into bat around the Cabinet table, and his dealings with his federal counterpart, to ensure funds and resources are available to address animal welfare issues in the bush.
Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for bringing the former Labor government’s bill back before the House exactly as it was pre-election. I thank him for his commitment to continue to strive to see improvements delivered under the Territory’s Animal Welfare Act. I commend the bill to the House.
Mr HIGGINS (Daly): Madam Speaker, I support the bill before the House introduced by the Minister for Local Government. I acknowledge it was previously introduced by the Labor Party.
Animal welfare has been an interest of mine for some time. Twenty years ago, I was asked to assist the RSPCA in the Territory through some financially difficult times. I was pleased to give that time freely. As we have heard, amendments to the Animal Welfare Act are being introduced to strengthen animal welfare in the Territory, prevent cruelty to animals, and enforce a person’s duty of care for all animals in their care or control.
Clauses 7 through to 10 clearly define duty of care for animals in a person’s control. I suggest people read that closely. It has a very broad scope, which is necessary. As already mentioned, the amendments address 10 of the 21 recommendations of the CTC Animal Welfare Governance Subcommittee formed after the Mataranka Station cattle deaths, which we probably all remember.
The amendments to the act will be introduced in two phases, as has already been said, as some of the recommendations of the CTC report are quite complex and require further research and consultation before being introduced.
The amendments before the House bring the Territory closer to national levels of protection for animals and focus on the role and function of the Animal Welfare Authority, the provision of appropriate powers to the authority, and resourcing the authority to ensure it carries out its duties effectively. Yesterday the minister announced increases in funding for this authority, and I commend him for that.
One of the key changes to be implemented under the Animal Welfare Act amendments is extending the time limit from 12 months to two years for commencing prosecutions. This extension gives the authority considerably more opportunity to take action against breaches of the act. Many Territorians were upset at the images of the cattle at Mataranka, and this was compounded when it was realised the time for prosecution had passed before any action was taken. I would have preferred a longer period than that, but that is my personal view.
The amendments also strengthen the investigation and monitoring powers of the Animal Welfare Authority and authorised officers, particularly the ability to collect information, make inquiries and undertake consultation. The roles, functions and powers of authorised officers are also clearly outlined. The functions and powers of authorised officers are subject to the direction of the authority. I note Division 3 has been inserted which deals with seizure of animals, and I commend that as well.
Over the next few years there will be a full review of the act which will address the remaining recommendations. I will talk to ones specifically brought to my attention in the last few of weeks. Options for the introduction of dog control programs with a goal of decreasing the number of unhealthy dogs in the Territory - this is becoming a major problem in Indigenous communities. Recently, I was made more aware of this by a local vet I have known for some time, where dogs are interbreeding in communities. He was specifically talking about Wadeye.
In Wadeye, many people are going in to build houses under SIHIP, which is not a problem. However, many of these people are keen piggers and we have seen the introduction of many pig dogs and pit bulls into Wadeye. These are now breeding with local camp dogs and creating problems. The dogs are becoming bigger, and soon enough there will be an accident we just do not want. This has given me the opportunity to raise it.
Addressing resources and animal welfare measures in Indigenous communities - as I mentioned, the introduction of pit bulls will become a problem.
The other point is to consider the linkage between the Animal Welfare Act and local government responsibility for companion animal welfare and control. This area always seems to create debate as big as the health debate between the Commonwealth and states as to who is responsible. Hopefully, those issues will be considered at the time.
While we have mentioned local government and I raised the breeding problem, the same vet also raised the issue of shires not meeting their responsibilities in this area. We have a problem with Victoria Daly Shire in Wadeye and the vet has raised this. We have interbreeding, we have the animals, and we need to ensure the shires address some of the responsibility they have been given.
Madam Speaker, I support this legislation and look forward to further reviews as indicated by the minister. I have given a background on some of the things I would like considered. Thank you.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Daly for a good discussion of a very important area. When the CTC was travelling around I heard there were issues with dogs being brought into communities and interbreeding. That is an issue the government needs to know about and address. We know dogs are a problem in many communities.
I was at Borroloola when the Roper Gulf Shire discussed a Commonwealth program which would supply funds to employ a vet. However, Commonwealth programs do not always last long. One of the problems the shires have is they do not have the money to pay for a vet. They are not cheap and, when you throw in a car and a place to stay, it is one of the difficult things shires have to face up to. Whilst it might be necessary, where do you get the money to fund those things? Perhaps that will be part of the forthcoming shire discussions - how government can work with shires on that issue.
I agree with the member for Nhulunbuy, who gave an excellent summary of this bill. I support the bill. I note the comments about the CTC, and I notice the difference between the second readings.
The second reading, on 2 May 2012, said:
The difference between that and the reading of the new government is the CTC does not get a mention at all. That is a little disappointing considering the debate we have had today about the value of the CTC.
The subcommittee had members from all sides of parliament. This was one of the best investigations undertaken by the CTC. The member for Port Darwin was a very strong contributor to some of the recommendations. Without the member for Port Darwin being part of it, some of the recommendations might not have seen the light of day. There was a constant theme from the member about getting people with investigation skills because this seemed to be one of the areas where, in relation to the Mataranka debacle, there were not people with those skills.
Mr Elferink: I have already run into that problem since coming into government.
Mr WOOD: That is right. I thank the member for Port Darwin – we can put his concerns about the CTC to one side - he was a leader in the debate about animal welfare, especially in relation to Mataranka. You see that in some of the recommendations.
Also, there is a small issue which related to the time you could prosecute someone after the offence. Again, that was raised by the member for Port Darwin as a member of the CTC. That has been changed from one to two years. There was talk about whether that should be longer. If it is too long people’s memories fade and you wonder if the evidence is reliable. This has come out of the Mataranka debacle. It is something, in hindsight, which should not have happened. There are many reasons why it did, and there are probably still people who disagree with some of the findings of the subcommittee. However, it happened and cattle died, whether it was 10 cattle or 800 cattle. The issue was not about numbers; it should have been avoided, especially when Mataranka was run by Charles Darwin University.
From that came good things. Sometimes you need a disaster to bring on better things and we have this legislation today. People who love animals - and I do - would appreciate we have to care for animals whether they are cattle or chooks.
You mentioned in the second reading, minister, on 31 October 2012:
This is important legislation. Other countries might look at this because we have neighbours close by. If you have been to any of the countries close by - I have been to Dili and there are plenty of chooks and dogs and they have issues in regard to animal welfare. However, it takes time; it is a cultural change and does not happen overnight. We should also be aware other cultures have different ways of looking at things. You have to respect that even though you may not agree.
Minister, you have, basically, covered most of the recommendations in this legislation. I have a question in relation to the ethics committee and reporting. The licensee must submit an annual report to the authority by 31 October each year. However, in some cases you are dealing with schools and they do not finish on 31 October. As a practical issue, could there be an allowance for a school to submit its annual report after the school year?
Clause 14 is about the ethics committee, which came in for much discussion. There were issues in relation to the ethics committee, whether it knew what was going on, and how many ethics committees we should have. Clause 14 repeals section 41 of the act and replaces it with:
Mr Giles: What is the question, Gerry?
Mr WOOD: Why are the powers of the CTC put into regulations rather than prescribed within the act? That area came up for quite some discussion in the subcommittee stage. By having it in the act, it is pretty clear the government is serious about the role of the ethics committee, and people could see the responsibilities of the ethics committee in the legislation rather than in regulations. You can argue the toss on those things sometimes.
Clause 20 relates to Recommendation 11 of the CTC Animal Welfare Governance Sub-committee:
Does that change to the act – clause 20 - go far enough in reflecting that change? It talks about the duty to report suspected offences and the function of authorised persons. As you read that recommendation - there was some debate about it at the time - it was the responsibility of all people in government, if they came across a breach, to report it. It needs to be highlighted it is the responsibility of people in the government when they see an act of cruelty or neglect in relation to animals.
The other one was in relation to the input from the member for Port Darwin - clause 24, which changes the time for commencing proceedings from 12 months to two years. There was some debate as to whether it should be longer. One of the reasons no charges were laid was because 12 months had passed and you could not go back and, therefore, could not prosecute. This has gone a good way to ensuring that does not happen again because there is a longer time line.
I do not have any other concerns about this bill. We do not believe Recommendation 15 of the CTC was addressed. It said:
That does not stand out. The other one, minister, I am glad is in here ...
Mr Giles: Was that Recommendation 15?
Mr WOOD: Yes, we are not sure that has been carried out. Perhaps it is still to come; this is in two stages.
I have gone back to clause 11, minister, which inserts the Animal Welfare Authority’s functions. Without having the act in front of me, that was one of the glaring omissions of the act. It did not say much at all. It was an out there piece of legislation which said, ‘Here is a body made up of one or two persons or whatever’, but the functions of the authority were not clear. These changes make it clear. We have a section on authority functions, the staff and facilities for the authority, the authority’s investigative powers - all good things and a welcome addition.
I thank the CTC staff. I will not repeat what we said before, people have their opinion.
The CTC did much good work although some people might not agree. Whether it was effective or not will always be the toss. I can look at other committees. I have been on plenty of committees and bet some of their reports are sitting on a shelf gathering dust. We tried to do things and that is all one can expect. This was a good outcome for the CTC and the staff. Some of the staff worked tirelessly, long hours, and took work home to note all the submissions and transcripts under fairly trying conditions. We had some difficultly recording at Mataranka Hall the night we held a public meeting. We also had a public meeting at Katherine, which was very interesting. I am trying to think of where we had other meetings, because the CTC got out and about and some of its costs were travel and accommodation. We tried to get to the bottom of what happened at Mataranka. I pay respect to the staff - not only for this - they were doing other things at the same time because we were enquiring into councils, SIHIP, growth towns and other issues. The staff were doing many things to keep everything going. It was not easy and you can get latter day comments which do not reflect what happened in practice.
You only have to look at the reports the CTC produced. I am happy if people want to argue there was not a great outcome. You will always be able to argue those things but it tried to do some good things. It was not about Gerry Wood, which is always thrown up. It was about trying to do good things.
How many times was SIHIP debated in this House? Houses not being painted properly and the standard of some of the repairs and maintenance on buildings were issues the CTC looked at. I have been to Palumpa and Peppimenarti and seen work done and it was not of good quality. We tried our best. People can judge whether the CTC was effective, but at least give credit where it is due. The subcommittee worked hard. It tried to have all its meetings open to the public so there was an element of transparency. It was like a default clause that, where possible, all meetings should be advertised, open to the media, and the public so people knew what was going on.
It was an attempt to do something not done before. The member for Port Darwin has often said it could have been done through the Public Accounts Committee. Perhaps it could, perhaps not, but that is history as the CTC no longer exists. Minister, it did good work and was respected for having open and transparent meetings and, from that, came these recommendations. They were not made up; they came from those meetings and dealing with people at Mataranka, or dealing with people in the industry – who probably still are in the industry - and the recommendations were produced from that. It was a positive outcome. We now have far better legislation relating to the welfare of animals. The CTC can say that is a good outcome.
I thank the previous minister for bringing this to the House. I thank the new minister for bringing it to the House, and I thank all the people involved in putting the recommendations into legislative form so we have better legislation for the Northern Territory.
This is what parliament is about - producing legislation for the benefit of the Northern Territory. In this case, it is for the benefit of animals and that is a great thing. The member for Katherine would have been following the debate because it was just outside his electorate. He is now Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries and this legislation will touch on areas he deals with. It will also touch on the way we handle companion animals.
The member for Daly raised some relevant issues. Minister, one of the big issues for shires in relation to dogs will be how they raise revenue to do some of the things required under the act. I felt some of these things were too much of a burden on councils as they have limited ability to raise rates and limited funds from the Commonwealth because of the way councils are funded.
It is extremely hard to ask a council to run an animal welfare program for say the shire of Barkly, which is one-and-a-half times bigger than Tasmania. There is great space between communities, many dogs, and the cost is enormous. Veterinarians are not cheap to employ and there is the cost of vehicles and distances travelled. It needs to be constant. If you are establishing a program to desex animals it has to be on a continual basis. If you are trying to make them healthier it is expensive.
I was at Atitjere last year and there were people at the old persons’ home who had presented their dogs to vets from the Katherine Veterinary Clinic. That community is a long way from Katherine, so the expense of looking after a few dogs in that part of the world is not cheap. It is good we have programs like that but there is a cost. In relation to how we move this animal welfare legislation forward in a practical way, we need to know whether there are funds to make this legislation work. You can introduce legislation, but you need the finance to make it work. The minister might address that issue. He may have things in the budget I have not seen regarding animal welfare. I would like to know if there is money in the budget to promote what has been put forward in this bill.
Madam Speaker, I support the bill.
Mr McCARTHY (Barkly): Madam Speaker, with reservation about the possible tirade of abuse I could receive from the member for Braitling for not receiving a briefing, I will qualify my position in the debate as an elected community member and also say I watched this legislation travel through the previous government process. I took an interest in it then and when the new minister, the member for Braitling, brought it to this House.
I also took this legislation home and encouraged a number of constituents to look at it and provide comments. We did that by looking at the bill, the explanatory statement, and the second reading speech. In the second reading speech you can often glean much about the minister; it is about what he says. Often, the minister value-adds to the legislation and gives values which are intrinsic to the person representing the people of the Northern Territory.
It is important to work with the second reading speech. With this second reading speech, a number of constituents and I picked out some positive semantics. The new minister spoke about doing better. We are proud of that and encourage it. I will share some of the outcomes from discussions, research, and from what people in Tennant Creek and the Barkly have added to this debate via me as the mouthpiece in this House.
Once again, I challenge the Chief Minister, who tried to dodge debate and questions and was fed the political line - the light went on in the political outhouse about not receiving a briefing and, suddenly, the Chief Minister used that venom, spite and vindictive vitriol to get himself out of the spot, which was quite logical and how this House operates. It was Question Time and there is quite a discrepancy in the Chief Minister’s answer about the Planning Commission and what the Treasurer published in the mini-budget papers. I advise the government I will continue with this approach.
Member for Braitling, I will seek briefings wherever possible, driving that nine hours to ensure I get there on time. In this debate I will share some of the thoughts and advice coming from the good people of Barkly.
In the second reading speech the minister acknowledges the bill was introduced by the previous government. That means something and is important. The minister stated the new government is determined to act and make improvements as soon as possible; that means a lot. The minister proudly boasts in the second reading speech of 31 October 2012 that:
The people from Barkly who participated in this exercise welcome that, minister. We look forward to new innovations in reviewing the Animal Welfare Act.
However, this bill looks at strengthening the act by streamlining and rationalising the roles, functions and powers of the Animal Welfare Authority. Many questions came out about the authority, the authority as a regulator, and the pragmatic issues around how regulation will take place.
As a matter of fact, quite a number of the people who looked at this spoke about that issue because, if you live in Tennant Creek, many animal welfare issues present on a daily basis, the most prominent being dogs. The long-term residents of the town tend to desensitise themselves around these issues. However, it is significantly revisited annually by the new residents. In Tennant Creek, when you have cycles of new teachers, nurses, doctors, public sector workers, and residents from the private sector coming in to a new community, it is revisited. As a member of parliament, in my electorate office I see many constituents who raise concerns about animal welfare issues in their new community of choice, most of which relate to dogs.
People looked at clause 6 and saw that it inserts definitions for causes and cruelty. It provides a meaning for minimum level of care appropriate to ensuring welfare, health and safety. It imposes a duty of care on any person in charge of an animal. Clause 9 creates the offence of cruelty to an animal. Clause 10 creates the offence of aggravated cruelty. When we discussed those elements, a common theme was a duty of care from the person who owns, looks after, and hosts that animal.
Our discussion went to ‘prevention is better than cure’. That is what I brought to share with the minister and this House - programs which could definitely improve that duty of care and reduce quite alarming issues around animal welfare and animal cruelty issues, and make a more workable solution to support this legislation.
The people who participated in this research were also interested in clause 11, particularly the authority’s functions, including the appointing of inspectors and officers, and the authority’s responsibility for those officers’ and inspectors’ performance of their functions. We are also interested in the agency administering the act – having the staff and facilities to properly perform its functions. Also, the relevant information from people, consultation processes with people, and how the authority will take inquiries and process the interface between the community and the authority.
Some of the Barkly constituents who looked at this bill and deconstructed it asked how the authority will conduct regulation of the legislation in regional remote sites such as Tennant Creek, Ali Curung, Borroloola or the Barkly. They then went to a pragmatic discussion around staff, facilities, and budgets. I advised those constituents the minister is also involved in major local government reform which we have debated in this House. Through the interconnection of major local government reform which will take place across the Northern Territory and the opportunity to fuse in some of this new thinking, and then go through a Cabinet process to deliver the resources, we can possibly go down the road of more innovative primary health models around animal health to reduce the problems we see in our towns and communities today.
In the second reading the value adding - the testimony which shows Territorians the real character of the minister and the semantics he uses, the metaphors, and the imagery he creates in this House. The minister said:
The minister also said:
I encourage the minister to look at the Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities organisation, AMRRIC. It is an incredible organisation I have had much to do with. I lobbied the previous government and previous ministers on its behalf over a number of years. If the minister chooses to do some research and look at AMRRIC’s background and charter, it works with animal management worker programs, education programs, animal management programs and dog health programs. That led to a very important link with the Barkly Shire Council. The minister will probably be familiar with the national award the Barkly Shire Council achieved for its animal health program. I will outline a few details for members in the House and the minister.
The Barkly Shire Council, in 2012, won a national award for local government. It was judged against many entries and big players in local government. In the category of improving services to remote communities, it received the national award for its animal health program. The Barkly Shire Council Animal Health Program evolved to tackle various dog problems in larger urban areas throughout the shire, and an increasingly poor level of animal health in many dogs on Indigenous communities within the shire.
The background to the development of the program related to health agencies becoming increasingly alarmed at the growing incidence of animal-related injuries presented at Tennant Creek hospital and community health centres. There was no local veterinary practice in Tennant Creek or the region, the nearest being at Alice Springs, over 500 km south. Animal health in most communities was poor with skin diseases, poor nutrition, and an overpopulation of dogs. Health professionals were concerned about the effect poor animal health would have on human health through transfer of zoonotic parasites and other pathogens, and traditional animal health interventions were not making allowances for cultural concerns and traditional cultural protocols of Indigenous communities. I will revisit that soon to talk about something amazing I heard in the bush.
The animal health program took a broad consultative process from early 2009 where extensive participatory approaches were used to ensure Indigenous people had control over the program and its direction. The new Minister for Local Government talks about cultural authority in his proposed major reform of local government across the Northern Territory, and this program gives you some insights into acknowledging that.
The Barkly Shire Council sought assistance from appropriate partner agencies such as Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities, Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation, which was involved in health promotion in the region, the Environmental Health section of the Northern Territory Department of Health, and the Bachelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education - some influential partners that need to be worked with in the future.
There are some interesting anecdotes because in areas like Utopia - that small cluster of outstations spread over 400 km - the Barkly Shire Council worked with local health services, in conjunction with the Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities and veterinarians from interstate, to carry out extensive canine desexing procedures and animal health clinics to which the shire contributed its own veterinary services, equipment and staff. They valued this and received an incredible national award and some pragmatic outcomes. After two visits, almost 300 dogs were desexed throughout the area and many more treated for zoonotic parasites which made a significant impact on ongoing animal management.
Currently, the program visits a different community every fortnight. The team includes one or more veterinarians and council rangers, Indigenous animal management workers and Indigenous environmental health workers. The program includes immediate animal treatment, surgical desexing and health promotion activities. The Barkly Shire Council deserves credit for attracting a veterinary practice to commence at Tennant Creek through its work in this area. According to anecdotal evidence 12 months into the operation of the program in the urban area of Tennant Creek, the number of monthly presentations at the local hospital with dog-related injuries reduced from 22 to seven. While this is a large improvement, the program continues to strive to improve results.
This is a very important part of the outcomes of a successful program and the implementation of this new legislation delivering pragmatic workings. In relation to an early assessment of a remote community program initiative relating to the first community visit to Ampilatwatja, the team desexed over 37 dogs, 21 of which were female. I quote Dr John Skuja from the Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities:
Upon return visits to communities the change is noticeable, with fewer unwanted puppies and an improvement in the overall condition of most dogs.
The Barkly Shire Council has been recognised at a national level for facilitation of a participatory development model in animal health which is culturally centred, has encompassed adaptable sustainable mechanisms, and acknowledges the diversity of each participating community.
That took us on a discussion of the human duty of care and the opportunities to really deliver prevention - the primary model - before things get out of control. When you talk about the possibility of 200 puppies scattered across small outstations on 400 km, you have serious problems. However, a culturally acceptable program such as this can make a huge difference.
Everyone in this House has seen the challenges around dog issues in regional and remote areas. After more than half my life living, working and sharing culture with Indigenous people over three states, I was visiting an Indigenous community not in the Barkly. One of the perks of the job in opposition will be visiting everyone’s electorate. The Chief Minister commented on visiting his, he definitely wants to visit mine, and let us hope it is not in a parachute into Borroloola with two television crews next time.
However, in this community an interesting discussion was going on between senior men. I was part of the group and chose to keep quiet. I listened carefully as a Kelpie-cross-Pomeranian ran past, a mixed Labrador breed went the other way, definitely a Blue Heeler - the cattle dog with the Kelpie cross - and a number of what looked like the favourite dogs of the old people, the Chihuahua cross. The old ladies love the smaller dog, the smart Chihuahua with the Jack Russell cross - highly intelligent. There were mixed breeds running past us and the discussion with these old guys was, ‘When we talk about dog Dreaming, these dogs are whitefella dogs’. The member for Namatjira does not like to discriminate. It is not black, it is not white, it is right. It is all about being Territorians, but let us talk about crossbreed dogs.
These dogs were running everywhere and the old guys said, ‘They are not the dogs we acknowledge culturally in Dreaming’. You could have knocked me down with a feather because, after more than half my life sharing Aboriginal culture and raising my family with Indigenous people - as the member for Namatjira sternly reminded me, I was given a skin name not born into one. I celebrate the skin names given to my two boys who were born in the bush, their Dreaming and their totems, but I will not go into that for fear of being ridiculed.
What hit me hard was that this could create a new cultural conversation. If you go from where I was north of the Barkly back to Ali Curung - one of the big problems managing dogs at Ali Curung is cultural significance issues, which are real and important. People are struggling to come to terms with programs like the one run by the Barkly Shire Council. The Barkly Shire Council went into an in-depth consultation. As mentioned when acknowledging the award, it was recognised culturally and had started to make in-roads into a difficult area of cross-cultural significance.
However, when you have senior men talking about the difference between traditional dog Dreaming and crossbreed dogs running back and forward across the community, I have two minds of thought. One was the cultural elements of fusion and how culture is changing and evolving, and one was a pang of sentiment and sorrow with the reality of witnessing the breakdown of culture and language and how that is not a positive thing.
However, if we could have the discussion about traditional beliefs, traditional Dreaming and traditional Dreaming stories as they relate to duty, of care through an organisation such as the Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities and the new regional government councils which will evolve, we could have a way of moving forward. We are talking about increasing the life expectancy of people. It is not only living longer; it is living a quality life without the pain of chronic disease. Having been a primary teacher for many years dealing with the primary health care issues of infants, and understanding the physiology and pathology around why an Aboriginal male child will have a life expectancy 17 years less than my male child, it is really important to explore innovative ways of change.
My contribution and reporting back to the wonderful constituents who participated in this exercise will be in Hansard and will show the constituency what is said in this House and the values linked to that. We will watch this bill progress forward with the important questions about the authority, the regulation, the outcomes, and what I have added to this debate about innovation and thinking outside the square.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I have no ambition to take the minister through a three-hour committee stage amendment process. Those people looking forward to celebrating Christmas drinks will be keen to celebrate Christmas, in a parliamentary sense, with Madam Speaker.
Mr Giles: Are you going to have a beer with us, Gerry?
Mr McCARTHY: I do not drink, sorry. I drink Coke and have to be careful how many I have. Sometimes, I have a double and really start to let loose.
However, in the time I have left I will share a story about dogs. This guy had the most ferocious dogs and I had to visit him regularly. It was always really scary and the dogs were always big and aggressive. The guy was a prisoner in New South Wales. I acted as a reference point to achieve his successful parole - not only parole, but to leave New South Wales and come to the Northern Territory. The Northern Territory offered education, rehabilitation and, basically, a new start in life. It was a very successful reintegration.
Tennant Creek, once again, - good old Tennant played its part - was superb. This fellow lived in Tennant Creek for 25 years until he passed away two years ago at a young age. He had a very rough life. The reintegration and rehabilitation was really successful. He became quite an identity around Tennant Creek. He worked in some quite diverse fields and had a wonderful life, which was a really good outcome to see. I participated as the reference point and put my name on the dotted line. I then had to manage it, and it was a bit hairy from time to time. However, we got there and it was a good story. What I received, quite ironically, was a delicate, sensitive and alarming insight into the prison industry and prisons, as this person had experienced maximum security at Long Bay prison. There were quite interesting stories.
I was quite alarmed today when I heard the aggressive allegation of being a dog from across the Chamber. I remember this gentleman and his definition of dog. A dog is a prisoner who informs on another prisoner. In the zoo of a prison like the maximum security section of Long Bay gaol, a person called a dog is in a life-threatening situation. The person who names the other a dog is putting out to the zoo what they represent and value.
I was quite shocked to hear it and hope the tone does not lower any further in this House. Nobody deserves to be called anything in the sanctuary of this House which would not be repeated on the outside. However, allegations are allegations and there are ways to do business. Motions can be moved, censure motions can be used, and parliamentary process can be used, as the member for Port Darwin regularly advises this House, if you want to talk about someone you are alleging is misleading the House. It was quite a shock and brought back some interesting memories of Wangali. Some of the stories he told about the maximum security section of Long Bay gaol were not pretty and had a big impact on his life, and my life.
I then became the Territory minister for Corrections. It is a pity Wangali did not survive longer because it would have been quite interesting to reminisce about the years and what we did. Suddenly, I was what he would have called ‘the governor’, although I am not sure as he never saw that.
I encourage the minister to look at innovative approaches to this legislation. The Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities program is definitely worth partnering with in the new local government reform and start to focus on the primary model - the duty of care. When you speak about simplistic innovations, we can make a difference in areas which, at the moment, are unwieldy and unmanageable.
Mrs PRICE (Stuart): Madam Speaker, I support the bill before the House introduced by the Minister for Local Government. When enacted, the Animal Welfare Amendment Bill will be a major reform for the Animal Welfare Authority. It will strengthen the act by rationalising the roles, functions and powers of the authority.
There were major problems with animal welfare at Charles Darwin University’s Mataranka Station. This was a research farm not a pastoral property. Last year, the Council of Territory Cooperation report addressed the issue arising from the problems. The bill strengthens the regulation of animal welfare in the Northern Territory but does not increase the burden on pastoralists who ensure their stock are properly cared for. The report recommended the Animal Welfare Act clearly identify agency responsibilities. It recommended officers and inspectors refer unsubstantiated complaints for investigation to the responsible agency identified in the Administrative Arrangements Order.
The bill imposes an obligation on authorised officers to report offences against the act to the Animal Welfare Authority as soon as possible. The objectives of the Animal Welfare Act are to ensure animals are treated humanely, prevent cruelty to animals and promote community awareness about the welfare of animals. The objectives of the Livestock Act are to promote a sustainable livestock and associated industries by:
establishing methods of identifying and tracing livestock
The bill also allows the Animal Welfare Authority to enter into arrangements with the chief executive officer of any other government agency, including the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, to use staff or facilities of that agency.
Furthermore, the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association and Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities have representatives on the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee. This committee advises the minister about animal welfare legislation, investigates and reports on matters relevant to animal welfare referred to it by the minister, helps to develop and review codes of practice and provides advice to bodies, organisations and the general community on programs for the improvement of community awareness about animal welfare.
The Animal Welfare Branch is working in partnership with the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries and the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association, and is committed to attend association meetings of pastoralists across the Northern Territory in December this year.
Through these meetings, the Animal Welfare Branch will engage pastoralists and help them understand the functions of the branch and the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries. Pastoralists will also have the opportunity to question or clarify matters of concern and engage in healthy debate. The Animal Welfare Branch has also recently committed to bimonthly meetings with the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association to keep abreast of the issues affecting the pastoral industry.
This will continue to strengthen working relationships and give the association the opportunity to provide input into the review of the act which will occur over the next year. The Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association successfully applied for funding through the 2012-13 Animal Welfare Grant Funding Program. An amount of $44 498 was approved for the production of a DVD and educational material for the improvement of animal welfare practices.
The association is also working towards establishing long-term employment outcomes for local Indigenous people on pastoral properties. This will also significantly benefit cattle producers.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I commend the bill to the House.
Mr CHANDLER (Business): Mr Deputy Speaker, I want to comment on a few things and congratulate the minister for bringing this legislation to the House. I realise it came from the former government and, to the credit of the current minister, he did not throw the baby out with the bath water. He recognised a need for major changes in the welfare area. In the Northern Territory, we have come from a low base.
Quite a few years ago we had the dog act which covered the whole of the Northern Territory. In more recent years, with different municipalities and shires introducing their own legislation, animal management and welfare has become complicated. Some of our problems exist today because different jurisdictions have different laws and what is right in one area is not right in another. I advocate returning to a single law right across the Northern Territory.
In regard to animal management and welfare, we must also clear things up because many people would call it ‘animal care’, some would call it ‘control’, others ‘welfare’. There is also the cruelty aspect. This legislation covers most of the recommendations put forward to this House.
I can talk with some authority on this subject, having had a police dog hang off my arm for a few years, a pit bull hanging off my ankles at other times, and having tried to rescue several people from horrible dog attacks over the years.
I recall in the mid-1990s working for the Darwin City Council and visiting the Tiwi Islands to conduct training for the lads and teach them some basic skills in managing dogs, handling dogs and what to do with them. To give you an indication of where we have come in the Northern Territory and across the country, animal management, particularly welfare, cruelty, and control, has been treated with less than the respect it should be treated with. Animal management, in particular, has an impact on every Australian. People rely on animals for work, people with sight issues rely on dogs and, as the member for Nelson said, we eat animals.
Animals cover a wide spectrum. In this country we should be focusing on legislation to protect animals from undue cruelty. There are aspects of welfare and there are aspects of cruelty. Sometimes there is a grey area for the average person. What is welfare and what is cruelty to an animal? We should, as human beings, treat the animals in our care with the utmost respect. However, whether an animal goes without water or a dog is being kicked in the guts, it can be viewed by people differently. One is a welfare issue, one a cruelty issue. It is something we struggle to deal with in this country, particularly from a local government perspective.
To go back to the work on the Tiwi Islands, the City of Darwin had an agreement with the Tiwi council to help with animal management issues. The hierarchy said, ‘Pete, get on a plane, go to the Tiwi Islands, spend the day with the troops and teach them everything there is to know about animal management’. It is not so easy to teach someone everything about caring for animals, how to manage them in a community, and how to deal with them in different ways. It is a good indication of how the job was perceived years ago. It sometimes takes a tragedy such as we saw at Mataranka to bring it to the fore. I am impressed with this legislation and the length of time allowed for a prosecution to occur. The reality is, investigations can take time in certain circumstances.
AMRRIC does a wonderful job across the Top End trying to impart knowledge of how we should manage animals, particularly dogs, in our rural and remote areas. I will come back to the fact we have different legislation in place in regard to by-laws and how we manage animals in the Northern Territory.
When I undertook a study tour around the United States and the UK some years ago, they found it draconian that we do not handle animal cruelty from a local government perspective. We manage animal control - animal management - but we do not deal with cruelty. Even today, many of our local government rangers are at risk of being prosecuted when they take action on cruelty under their own by-laws. An example might be that a local government officer can enter a property if they suspect there is an unregistered dog on it. However, if they were to see a registered dog tied up around a clothesline or out of water, under most by-laws they cannot enter the property. In most circumstances they would put the welfare of the dog before themselves, before the law but, because our local law officers work for different municipalities and shires and the by-laws do not cover off on cruelty or welfare, they are not legally able to enter a property.
This is what came to the fore during my study tour in the United States. ‘Why are you not taking action on cruelty? If a local law officer sees an act of cruelty or a welfare issue, they can take action.’ The sad truth is we cannot. That is where it becomes complicated, right down to the fact that if one council advertises its by-law, that may not be relevant in the next municipality or shire.
There are differences in legislation in the City of Darwin by-laws compared to the City of Palmerston by-laws, and to the Litchfield Shire. You question how some of the laws designed in the past went through this Chamber. When the Litchfield Council by-laws were covered, there was an instance which gave a council officer authorisation to destroy a dead dog. I do not know why you would want to destroy a dead dog, but the legislation covers an officer if they need to destroy a dead dog. It is a little different, but it sits in the legislation. It sat with the City of Darwin by-laws and was duplicated into the Litchfield Shire by-laws. Perhaps it has been fixed, but it was something I noted a few years ago.
This legislation is so much an improvement on the last legislation. The member for Barkly raised several issues. He mentioned puppy mills, giving an example where 200 dogs were involved. Puppy mills get into that grey area where welfare can become a dependency for some people. People have heard about hoarding. Some people might be hoarding newspapers or junk and live in conditions where they continue to hoard things. The same thing happens in the animal management world. People will start to hoard animals because they feel they are providing a better place for them to live than being on the streets and, all of a sudden, they have many animals. The member for Barkly mentioned a case where 200 dogs were involved.
When I was in Washington - forgive me, the name has slipped my mind - the agency had just investigated a puppy mill involving 9800 dogs in a yard probably not much bigger than the average urban block. A total of 9800 dogs were kept in cages. These people really believed they were running a good business and cared for the animals. They had dogs in cages with dewclaws and other claws inches long living like chickens in cages. There is an element of animal cruelty as well as the welfare aspect.
That case went to court and the agency was able to prove beyond reasonable doubt this was animal cruelty and no one in their right mind should have 9800 dogs. The judge thought it was too cruel to take them all so allowed the owners to keep 200 dogs.
The reason I mentioned this is because the member for Barkly thought 200 dogs was a problem. In this case, 9600 dogs were removed from the premises and 200 dogs were left. It showed poor judgment by the judge, in my opinion, that he did not understand what hoarding was all about. They need to tighten their legislation as well.
I applaud the minister for bringing forward this legislation not just throwing out someone else’s. He had the common sense and decency to look at the issues, saw this legislation was sound and stacked up and brought it forward today.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE (Primary Industry and Fisheries): Mr Deputy Speaker, I remember when the Labor government introduced this bill to the House. I was shadow minister for Local Government at the time and adjourned the debate. Even though it was not recorded in the Hansard, I called this the Mataranka cattle deaths bill when it was introduced by the former minister, the member for Arnhem, Malarndirri McCarthy. It is good to see the bill is being considered by this government. It confirms what was raised earlier, which is when the right laws, the right bills, come before this House they will be supported by both sides. I applaud the current minister for bringing this bill forward today because it shows, in true bipartisan style, we can do the business of this House and do the right thing by Territorians.
I support the strengthening of the Animal Welfare Act so the community has confidence in the regulation of animal welfare within the companion animal, livestock and fishery sectors.
My special interests are livestock and fisheries, of the industries within my portfolios. Acceptable animal welfare outcomes to consumers, the community, and the markets are essential for market access. Additionally, good animal welfare outcomes create optimum animal production. We all know a happy animal is a productive animal. While the majority of livestock and aquaculture farmers have a strong affinity for their animals and care for them very well, the legislation must be in place to ensure total compliance. The introduction of the duty of care into the animal welfare legislation reinforces the livestock production standards within the Livestock Act and the Livestock Regulations. The national livestock transport standards were adopted in the Livestock Regulations from 1 August 2012. National cattle welfare standards and guidelines will be finalised during 2013. The standards are the ‘must do’ actions, with the guidelines to assist cattlemen to improve animal welfare outcomes. A thorough review of the Animal Welfare Act is an important task.
Good animal welfare outcomes should be based on science not emotive values. It is pleasing to note there is growth in the research effort in this important sector so there is good legislation. I welcome the introduction of a three-tier system for offences. As mentioned previously, the proposed amendments impose a duty of care on the owner or a person in charge of an animal to look after it, feed it and provide appropriate care. The inclusion of a duty of care requirement improves the current provisions which specify that a person must not neglect or commit any act of cruelty. The proposed minimum level of care provides guidance on the appropriate level of care across the animal sectors.
The proposed amendments also improve the current cruelty offence provisions in the act. Cruelty to an animal is defined as an intentional or reckless failure by a person in charge of an animal to ensure an animal is properly cared for. Aggravated cruelty is created by the bill as a third level offence after breach of duty of care and cruelty. A person commits the offence of aggravated cruelty if they are intentionally or recklessly cruel to an animal and the cruelty causes the death of or serious harm to the animal.
These three levels of offence - duty of care, cruelty and aggravated cruelty - provide a significant improvement to the current act.
It is important to add improvements to the Animal Welfare Act in the context of issues and emerging issues across the world. I am particularly referring to animal cruelty we see overseas. I applaud the Commonwealth government for introducing the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System to ensure there is a strong focus on animal welfare standards in countries to which we export our cattle. I mention this because we can hardly bark across the ocean - use megaphone diplomacy - to tell other countries what to do when it comes to animal cruelty without engaging best practice in our own back yard. The act, and the amendments to it, set the standard and send the message that the Northern Territory is serious about maintaining animal welfare standards across the Territory.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I welcome the bill. I support it and hope it leads to much better outcomes in the sphere it is intended.
Mr GILES (Local Government): Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank the shadow minister, the member for Nhulunbuy, and the members for Daly, Barkly, Brennan, Stuart and Katherine for their valuable contributions. Everyone provided a different contribution to this debate. The member for Katherine reminded us we need to get the balance right between livestock for the purposes of our economy, and animal welfare and cruelty, and this legislation heads in the right direction. I also thank the member for Nelson for his contribution. He asked a number of questions which I will cover shortly.
If he has any further questions I am happy for him to interject and I will take them on the floor and try to provide an answer.
I would like to reflect on a debate today where I was fairly aggressive towards the member for Nelson. It was unwarranted aggression for the purpose of the commentary, but I would like to place on the record my apologies for some of the language I used. I did not just withdraw. I used some language which was not fair on him. I point out I have always sought to work with the member for Nelson in a conciliatory fashion, or any other member of this Chamber, and offer briefings and support wherever possible. The debate does become robust and I did not use the nicest language. I was not happy with the way he presented himself in the debate or in other areas, but that is no excuse.
The Animal Welfare Act came into operation in March 2000 and, apart from some minor amendments, has remained unchanged. The objectives of the act are to ensure animals are treated humanely, to prevent cruelty to animals, and promote community awareness regarding the welfare of animals.
In November 2011, the bipartisan Council of Territory Cooperation Animal Welfare Governance Sub-committee tabled its report in the Legislative Assembly. The report addressed animal welfare issues arising from the problems at Charles Darwin University’s Mataranka Station facility. The report included 21 recommendations relating to the Territory’s legislation and related procedures. It is intended to progress the recommendations in two stages.
Stage 1 addresses the amendments through legislative change. There have also been changes to resourcing and procedures within the department’s Animal Welfare Branch. Stage 2 will require dealing with recommendations which require a whole-of-government response, which goes to the heart of the comments made by the member for Barkly.
The Animal Welfare Amendment Bill 2012 (No. 2) (Serial 9) was introduced into the Legislative Assembly on 2 May 2012. The bill was not debated and lapsed when the Assembly was prorogued in August 2012. The bill introducing these amendments was reintroduced into the Legislative Assembly during the October 2012 sittings, and will move the NT towards a nationally consistent level of protection for animals in the Northern Territory.
The 10 recommendations from the Council of Territory Cooperation to be addressed by these amendments are:
Recommendation 1
Section 71 is being amended to extend the time limit for a prosecution to commence within 12 months to two years. That was one of the comments made by the member for Nelson in regard to clause 20.
Recommendation 4
Proposed sections 57(1A) and 58(1A) will ensure the authority may only appoint suitably skilled persons to the role of authorised officers.
Recommendation 7
Proposed section 26A has been drafted to make the functions and responsibilities of the authority quite explicit. This includes ensuring the Animal Welfare Act is complied with and prosecutions made, appointing authorised inspectors and officers, and administrating the licensing regime for premises used for teaching or research. There is also a provision to ensure all aspects of the act are the responsibility of the authority, and that the authority has the powers necessary to perform its functions.
Proposed section 60 provides that the functions of authorised officers include assessing whether the provisions of the act are being complied with, seeking evidence of a suspected offence against the act, performing the functions conferred on them by the act, and assisting the authority in the performance of its functions. Authorised officers have powers conferred to them to perform their functions subject to the direction of the authority.
Recommendation 8
Recommendation 10
Proposed section 82(2) provides a regulation may apply, adopt or incorporate, with or without changes, the whole or part of a code of practice, standard or other document as is in force or existing at a particular time or from time to time. It is anticipated the Animal Welfare Regulations be amended to confer with the current edition of the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.
Recommendation 12
Proposed section 34A makes it mandatory for a licensee to prepare a report about activities carried on during the year under the authority of the licence and give the report to the authority on or before 31 October. This report must contain, among other things, information about the activities of the licensee’s animal ethics committee.
Recommendation 14
Proposed section 26B provides that the CEO of the department must provide the authority with staff and facilities to enable the authority to properly perform its functions. In addition, the authority can make arrangements with the CEO of any government agency to use the staff or facilities of that agency.
In relation to recommendation 14, the member for Nhulunbuy, the shadow minister, spoke about the resourcing of staff within the authority. Coming into government, it was interesting to discover there were no staff for the additional 10 officers in that area. However, rest assured, through our mini-budget process, Cabinet was fully supportive of providing money and resources to the Animal Welfare Authority to ensure we have the necessary resources to do the job.
Recommendation 15
Proposed section 26A provides for the functions of the Animal Welfare Authority and its powers. It also provides that the authority has complete responsibility to implement the act. In addition, proposed section 58A enables the authority to appoint public sector employees in any government agency as officers or inspectors under the act. Furthermore, proposed 60A imposes a duty on authorised officers to report all suspected offences against the act to the authority.
Other significant amendments to the act being addressed come from the recommendations and comments from the 2007 Kanzen report, which include introducing a duty of care for a person in charge of an animal to look after it, feed it and provide appropriate care and shelter. This creates three levels of offences, namely breach of duty of care owed to animals, cruelty and failure to ensure animals receive minimum level of care and intention to cause harm to the animal, and intentional cruelty to an animal in order to cause its death or serious harm.
Establishing alternative verdicts for the three levels of offences - provisions relating to how seized animals or other things are to be dealt with and provisions relating to how seizure and care costs can be recovered.
Implementation of recommendations for Stage 2 is about to commence and will involve a full review of the act. The proposed completion date for this review is expected to be the second half of 2013.
I draw attention to the mini-budget and the Department of Local Government. It outlines a financial commitment of $925 000 by the Country Liberal government to support improving animal welfare awareness and ensure legislative compliance. This funding commitment now provides for 10 positions in the Animal Welfare Unit of the Department of Local Government, seven being animal welfare inspectors in Darwin and Alice Springs. Additionally, there are a further 19 inspectors and three animal welfare officers across the Territory ensuring coverage and service delivery. All these officers and inspectors must report suspected breaches of the act to the Animal Welfare Authority.
In the 12 months to October 2012, the Animal Welfare Authority has had nine successful prosecutions resulting in fines ranging from $100 for cruelty for shooting of a rooster through to $5000 for neglect of horses. The horses were forfeited to the Crown and sold at public auction. There are currently 11 prosecutions being dealt with by the Animal Welfare Authority yet to be determined by the courts.
The members for Barkly, Nhulunbuy and Nelson have taken up my offer of briefings. If, at any time, anyone in this Chamber seeks a briefing on animal welfare issues I am more than happy to extend an invitation to provide one.
Madam Speaker, in conclusion, I highlight the key message of this amendment bill: this government is committed to strengthening animal welfare governance across the Northern Territory. These amendments will result in a more effective Animal Welfare Act. Every person who has an animal in their care or control has a duty of care for the welfare of the animal.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I commend the bill to the House.
Motion agreed to; bill read a second time.
Mr GILES (Local Government)(by leave): Mr Deputy Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a third time.
Motion agreed to; bill read a third time.
Continued from 1 November 2012.
Mr ELFERINK (Attorney-General and Justice): Mr Deputy Speaker, I deliver comments on behalf of the Chief Minister.
On 1 November 2012, the Chief Minister tabled in this House the Remuneration Tribunal Report on the Entitlements of Assembly Members and Determination No 1 of 2012. The key features of the 2012 determination include the following matters:
the electoral allowance for members has been increased by 2%
provision has been made for the employment of part-time staffing assistance for up to six hours per week for each electorate office to assist with those occasions such as when both the member and the electorate officer are out of the office
taking into account the remoteness of the electorate of Arafura, the determination provides for additional staffing in the form of a liaison officer to be employed for 15 hours a week to assist the member for Arafura
You may recall amendments to the Assembly Members and Statutory Officers (Remuneration and Other Entitlements) Act linked increases in basic MLA salary and office holder salary to movements in public sector wages. In its report, the tribunal made the observation that this arrangement removes the capacity for independent assessment of member remuneration levels and has had the effect of devaluing the base remuneration of members and office holders. For this reason, the tribunal has recommended consideration be given to repealing this provision of the act and replacing it with power for the tribunal to determine the basic MLA salary in addition to office holder salary.
This is not a matter which necessarily needs to be decided as part of the motion to note the tribunal’s 2012 report and determination. The government does not propose to rush into any decision involving how parliamentary salaries are set.
The decision made in 2010 by the then government to link increases in MLA salaries to increases in public sector wages was made on the basis it was not appropriate for MLAs to accept any increase in remuneration which was not being offered to NTPS employees. This side of the House supported that proposal and the Assembly Members and Statutory Officers (Remuneration and Other Entitlements) Act was amended accordingly. There is much to commend a framework whereby an independent tribunal with expertise in assessing entitlements for a wide range of Northern Territory government office holders and statutory bodies likewise determines the salaries of members of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly. The government will consider the recommendations of the tribunal in relation to the framework for MLA remuneration and decide on a course of action after due deliberation.
The Chief Minister proposes to consult with the opposition and independent members of the House on this matter. I take this opportunity to thank the tribunal for its work in relation to MLA entitlements.
Ms LAWRIE (Opposition Leader): I thank the Remuneration Tribunal chairman for his report. I support many aspects of the report but not all. The electorate allowance increase of 2% is a reasonable outcome to match CPI so members can continue to serve their electorates effectively. The staffing hours increase - six additional hours - recognises that although we have some of the smallest electorates in voter numbers, there is a significant and greater demand by constituents to see their local member. It gives electorate officers the flexibility to do more outside the office, but the additional six hours ensures the office remains open and can service constituents.
We note the extra 15 hours for the electorate of Arafura. This follows a similar increase to the electorate of Stuart. We recognise the size of the bush electorates and will be looking to extend this allowance for other bush seats, such as Barkly and Nhulunbuy, in future considerations.
In relation to travel entitlement changes, it makes sense to change the old strict nature to a more flexible and streamlined dollar amount; a set dollar amount is sensible. It will give members flexibility in their travel and incentive to look for the most cost effective ways to maximise their travel.
In relation to the iPad and laptop, recognition of changing technology to remain current with ways to engage our electorates is certainly appreciated.
Regarding the members’ remuneration recommendations contained within this RTD report, I respectfully disagree with the chairman. I do this on behalf of all members of the opposition. This is not just my position as the member for Karama, but also that of the members for Fannie Bay, Wanguri, Nightcliff, Barkly, Casuarina, Nhulunbuy and Johnston. Be clear on this: I am speaking on behalf of all members of the Labor opposition.
We are proud the previous Labor government legislated so the remuneration of members of the Legislative Assembly is indexed to the public sector EBA. We believe linking politicians’ wage rises to public sector wage rises is the fairest and most transparent way of dealing with politicians’ wages and is why we enshrined it in legislation.
We note the RTD has strongly recommended this legislation be repealed and we return to a system whereby remuneration is linked to federal parliament entitlements. This would mean a substantial increase in the remuneration of members of this House beyond that of the current EBA. Let me be clear: I, and all members of the opposition, disagree. We do not support the repeal of this legislation. We do not support a remuneration increase for members beyond that contained in the public sector EBA, and we certainly do not support a review of Assembly members’ and statutory officers’ remuneration at any time as suggested by the RTD. I would like the government to be very clear in telling Territorians its view on this matter.
Motion agreed to; paper noted.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr ELFERINK (Leader of Government Business): I move that the House do now adjourn.
Ms LAWRIE (Karama): Mr Deputy Speaker, I give my thanks and best wishes to Graham Gadd and Helen Allmich who are leaving the humidity and crocodiles to take up a new life and adventure in Tasmania to experience the freezing cold and Tassie devils. You could not have more contrasting locations. Given Graham’s extensive sailing history, I am sure he will one day sail from Tasmania to Darwin and, quite possibly, we will see him competing in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
He joined the Darwin Sailing Club almost the day he arrived in 1965. He went on to represent Australia in Toronto, Canada in 1986, where he sailed an 18 foot catamaran - definitely different conditions sailing in Canada to Darwin. The extra layers of clothing required in Canada would have proved challenging after training in the tropics in probably shorts and a singlet. He is well-known around the Darwin sailing scene. It you have been to the Darwin Sailing Club I am sure you would have seen Graham’s name on quite a few trophies.
Not only a keen sailor, he was passionate about cycling, hockey, water polo, squash and cricket. His passion for these sports has taken him across the Territory and other states of Australia. He even made the NT News front page for the Pine Creek race he won in the 1960s. That must have been a slow crocodile story day!
The first Legislative Assembly met in the Chamber at 2 pm on Wednesday, 20 November 1974. Graham started with the Legislative Assembly as a staff clerk in 1975, and then worked in Hansard as a monitor. You could say Graham Gadd has witnessed some of the biggest decisions made in Northern Territory history. During his time at Parliament House he has acted as the Serjeant-at-Arms, been a Clerk Assistant, and was in charge of Hansard and the Table Office, which was originally where the library is now. He has been a major asset to the Legislative Assembly and to all those who have had the pleasure of working with him.
Graham was Acting Deputy Clerk before Ian McNeill was appointed. During his time he has worked with Clerks such as Fred Walker, Ray Chin, Keith Thompson and Guy Smith. His romance with his partner, Helen, began at Parliament House in the late 1980s.
Helen joined the Legislative Assembly in 1985 as the Serjeant-at-Arms and was the first female in the Territory’s history to take on this position. She was responsible for security of the parliamentary precinct and services to members. Helen was also well known in the community for her involvement with St Mary’s Cathedral, where she played the organ. She was also part of the Charles Darwin University adult woodwind ensemble which has provided musical accompaniment for the Quota Club Christmas carols at Tracy Lodge for the past 15 years. Helen spent 20 years as Serjeant-at-Arms of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly and one of her duties included carrying a 4.2 kg gold and silver mace during the opening of parliament.
Both Graham and Helen have been long-serving staff of the Legislative Assembly - a combined service of nearly 80 years. On behalf of my colleagues and members of this House, Graham to you, and Helen, you should know you will be truly missed although we recognise there will be many great opportunities and possibilities ahead in Tasmania. Helen is heading up Hansard in the Tasmanian parliament. Working with both of you has been an absolute privilege. Your humour and knowledge has been a benefit to everyone. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed. Both of you have undertaken more than your fair share of work.
On a personal level, I cherish our time working together; it has been a great pleasure. The knowledge you and Helen have, your hard work and your honesty are all elements which will be of benefit to you both in the future. I will sorely miss you, Graham Gadd. The hockey and sporting fraternities of the Territory will sorely miss you; however, I look forward to finding you in Tassie checking out the shed, and I look forward to finding out what incredible work you are doing for the people of Tasmania. I have no doubt you will enrich their lives as you have enriched ours. You will never be lost to the Territory, and we will see you when you come here from time to time with our darling Helen. Thank you, Graham, for your service to the Legislative Assembly; it has been both outstanding and exceptional.
Members: Hear! Hear!
Ms FINOCCHIARO (Drysdale): Mr Deputy Speaker, tonight I will reflect on the 2012 year and thank some very important people in my life and the Drysdale community.
I start by saying I wake up every day and thank the people of Drysdale for putting their faith in me. Without the support of my electorate I would not be in this honourable and exciting role. I am humbled by the decision of the electorate of Drysdale and I will not let them down. It has been 15 weeks I have been the local member for Drysdale and, in that time, have loved every minute. I have grown immensely and have experienced the highs and lows of being a member of government, the government I am so proud to be part of.
I smile when I think of all the people who asked me when I ran for Drysdale whether or not I would give up my day job. Such is often the misconception of what local members do. My mission is to make it plainly obvious to every constituent of Drysdale this is a full-on full-time commitment by me. I am the member for Drysdale 24/7, 365 days a year and my door is always open.
I have spoken frequently in adjournment debates about the invaluable contribution the numerous community groups and schools make in the electorate of Drysdale. Tonight I will mention some of the highlights.
In my maiden speech I said I would fight for the right decisions for Territorians, and fight I have. I can assure Drysdale residents I am working very closely with the Minister for Health, the Chief Minister, and the member for Brennan to increase healthcare services to the people of Palmerston. We are listening to Palmerston residents, understand their healthcare needs, and will deliver real results for Palmerston. Next year, Palmerston will see some major announcements from its local members surrounding healthcare services in the region. I ask Palmerston residents to trust that the three local members, one of whom is the Chief Minister, have their best interests at heart and have not forgotten the promises to you.
My electorate officer, Angie, is an asset to Drysdale and I cannot thank her enough, first for agreeing to work with me, but mostly for immersing herself in the job and excelling. With Angie’s support, enthusiasm and diligence, the Drysdale electorate office has been transformed from an office suite with little more than furniture and a few reams of paper to a dynamic, welcoming and productive hub from which we are hitting real goals for Drysdale residents. I have had much feedback from the community and, Angie, they find you utterly charming. I look forward to starting the New Year with you.
I would also like to thank Tasma McCall for being such a wonderful role model and source of information to not only Angie, but all electorate officers. Tasma, you are a fountain of knowledge and I thank you.
I wholeheartedly thank the six Drysdale schools who have welcomed me with open arms and involved me in their school communities. I make special mention of Sherrida, Karen and Sharon from Driver School Farm who are always very welcoming and allow me to get my hands dirty as often as I can. I also thank Leanne for doing a great job running Driver Primary while Rob was away. I thank Rob for being so embracing of me in his school community.
Sue and Kylie from Gray school have been brilliant and I am proud to be reunited with my former primary school. Exciting things are happening at Gray school, and I would like to thank the Smith Family, and other partners, for their contributions to the enhancement of the education experience of Gray school students and the whole school community.
Sheila and Heather, the office ladies and, of course, the very active Durack School Council have been very supportive of my involvement with their lovely school. I am pleased to have been involved in the many facets of the school including school council meetings, assemblies, and working bees, amongst other things.
Jenny, I spoke about your contribution to Palmerston Senior College in an adjournment debate earlier in the sittings. Again, I wish you all the best for the future. I look forward to meeting Sue, the incoming principal, who brings many qualities which will, no doubt, be an asset to Palmerston Senior College.
Frankie and Thevie, you are both amazingly energetic women and I can only commend you and your lovely staff for the work you do with our special education centre students. I look forward to being more involved in the workings of your school and know you have great plans for 2013.
Lynne, Julian, and Tara at Good Shepherd junior school have embraced my eagerness to be involved with the school. I have really enjoyed your assemblies, but was also really thrilled to take part in teaching Year 3 students about ‘change in Palmerston’, which is something I am very passionate about.
Recently, I attended numerous school end-of-year presentations and have many more to come. So far, I have enjoyed seeing the good news stories; the positive outcomes of our education system. It is easy to report on the problem children, the adolescents doing the wrong things, the doom and gloom. However, I am comforted by what I have seen. There is no doubt the Northern Territory has a bright future because of the enormous number of talented young people in our schools who are coming up through the ranks.
I also thank Narelle, Renee, Kerry and Dominic and all the Palmerston Markets Committee team who do an amazing job running the Palmerston Markets. This market season was epic and really brought the Palmerston community together. I am very much looking forward to April next year when it all starts again. There is no question my Friday nights have been much less eventful without the Palmerston Markets.
I must also thank the team at the Palmerston Football Club, which I am exceedingly proud to be patron of. Bill, Katy ...
Mr Wood: They are not doing too well this year.
Ms FINOCCHIARO: Don’t you say that! Take that back! I ask the member for Nelson to withdraw that comment!
To Bill, Katy, Faye, Harold, Troy, Tony, Marshall, and all the others who make up the huge team delivering a quality experience for all Territorians - including Litchfield, who plays on our fabulous fields. The Palmerston Football Club has an amazing club culture. It is supportive and is building strong links between its junior and senior teams. The volunteers and committee do an incredibly good job of running the canteen with what feels like an unlimited selection of meals and snacks. Trust me, when you are behind there sweating it out on a Sunday morning it feels as if we have way too many options. That is the type of service Palmerston Football Club likes to deliver.
I also acknowledge all those who coach the teams, coordinate the players, organise the matches, get the equipment happening - the list goes on. Palmerston Football Club will continue to grow in size and in its sense of community. I look forward to my continued contribution to the fabric of our beautiful football club in 2013.
The amazing senior groups in Palmerston also need a mention. I spoke at length in an adjournment debate about the numerous activities for seniors in Palmerston. I have to thank Ann, Cath and Mary from the Palmerston 50+ Tuesday Club; Cazalys Sports Club for putting on morning tea once a month for seniors; Pam, Pat, Pam – there is never any shortage of Pats and Pams in Palmerston and the world of seniors. I thank the Men’s Shed, the Seniors Computer Club, the Songsters, the Groovy Grannies and everyone else who contributes to this rich seniors environment. I also thank Maggie and the team at U3A Palmerston, of which I am patron. We had a good couple of months and I look forward to seeing what activities the committee will come up with next year.
I would not be here without the support of the Calder Branch. I am looking forward to our Christmas meeting next week and our continued working relationship. Particular thanks go to Gary, Gerhard, Adam, Kay, Bob, Wendy, Suzanne, Bill, Lyle and Sonja for their support during the campaign and ongoing.
To my tireless supporters who letterbox drop, fold, and supported me in a number of ways, even after the election - particular thanks to James, Claudine, Anthony and the ever-reliable Sherine - thank you for never saying ‘no’ to me.
I also need to thank my parents who have been fantastic, both during the campaign and following the election. It cannot be easy having a daughter who is a politician, so I thank you for your patience and support.
In closing, I thank my colleagues in the wing for their camaraderie and support, the ministers, many of whom have entrusted me to represent them at various functions, presentations and events, the Legislative Assembly staff for their patience and guidance with new members like me. I give particular thanks to committee staff, Russell and Julia, who I endlessly rely on for guidance and support, and thank you to the members of the LCAC, of which I am Chair. Thank you for your enthusiasm and I look forward to the exciting challenges and, no doubt, triumphs for 2013.
I wish all my parliamentary colleges on both sides of the House a very happy and safe Christmas and New Year. I extend the same best wishes to all staff involved in keeping this show on the road, from the groundskeeper and cleaners who do a fantastic job keeping this place going, to security staff, Karen’s kitchen, parliamentary advisors and, of course, Madam Speaker.
Any day now my electorate will be receiving a hand-signed Christmas card from me wishing all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Please stay safe over the Christmas season and I hope you enjoy this time with your family and friends. My office will be staying open over the holiday season so please do not hesitate to stop by for a coffee.
I want to close by reading this passage from the Book of 1 Timothy 4:12, ‘Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity’.
Merry Christmas.
Mrs LAMBLEY (Araluen): Tonight I thank the people in my life who have been of great joy and assistance to me over the last 12 months. This has been an incredible journey, particularly over the last six months, the period of the election and coming to government. It has been extraordinary, it has been joyful and it has been extremely difficult.
I thank my electorate officer, Carley Plume, who has been a power of strength and stability. She has worked tirelessly for me for several years. I also thank my new ministerial office staff on level 5. I do not know how it happened but I have ended up with an amazing bunch of very skilled professional people. I am very proud of them and the way they have drawn together and assisted me over the last 15 weeks.
I thank the people of Araluen for standing by me. This must be a peculiar time for them. Before the election they would see me almost daily driving around in my old EH, highly visible throughout the community and for the last 15 weeks I have not been there. It has been tough on me, personally, and on my family. No doubt, the community and my constituents are wondering what is going on. I am hoping the first 15 weeks will be the most difficult period and, over the coming months and years, things will pan out and I will be able to spend more time in Alice Springs in the electorate of Araluen with the people who instilled their faith in me.
I thank my friends, who no longer see me, and my dear family – Craig and the kids, Alice and Harry - who have been incredible. I have been a mother and wife who is not there any longer. They have been amazing.
Finally, on behalf of the government, I would like to extend my deep gratitude to Graham Gadd and his wife, Helen. We appreciate your service and commitment to us over many years. Goodnight.
Mrs PRICE (Stuart): I adjourn tonight saying a few things about the upcoming break and the festive season. It is a time of celebration and good cheer. I take this opportunity to ask all to stay safe and be mindful of others, especially their families.
This has been a very big year for all of us. It does not matter what our politics may be. At this time we should put that to one side and think of others. There are many people far less fortunate than us. We need to be thankful for what we have. I am very grateful for being elected to this Chamber to represent a vast and diverse electorate. It is with a humble heart I sincerely thank many people.
First, I thank my family, which is very large and extended. It would be impossible to name them all today. However, I mention my husband of many years, Dave Price, who has stood by me, supported me, and encouraged me to stand up and be heard and be seen fighting for my people in the remote regional centres. I thank my daughter, Jacinta Price and my grandsons, Leiland, Ethan and Declan Castle. I also take this opportunity to thank my hard-working electorate officer, Karen Jones, who I look forward to working with for the next four years. She is at the coalface in the electorate office and, like me, is still learning the ropes. I thank Rebecca McLean and Wendy, who have helped in the office when my electorate officer has been away. I am looking forward to organising my Katherine office next year, spending more time in the northern part of my electorate, getting to know the rest of my electorate, and the people in Katherine and surrounding communities.
The effort put in by so many people in this year’s June election campaign was incredible. I cannot adequately express my thanks and admiration for the massive effort put in by all. There is not enough time to mention them all, but I will mention my campaign team led by Jenny Lillis and the Macs - Peter and Vicky. I wish them all the best for the festive season and the New Year.
The people of my electorate made it clear who they wanted to represent them this year and I have been put in a position of great trust by them. I wish them all a very happy Christmas. I will be travelling around next year and wish them all a very safe and prosperous New Year.
I also place on record my thanks and appreciation to the staff of the Legislative Assembly. They have bent over backwards to help and assist, not only me, but all the new members. I thank you all and wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I look forward to seeing you all safe and well next year.
Last, but not least, I wish the best of the season to honourable members, especially my colleagues on this side of the House. The help and support has been fantastic and gives me confidence as I work towards getting the best for my electorate in the future.
In closing, Madam Speaker, I say to one and all, have a very happy and safe Christmas and a prosperous New Year. I look forward to seeing you all next year.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE (Katherine): Madam Speaker, I pay my respects and give thanks to the many people who have put us where we are today and I pass on season’s greetings.
It has been an enormous four years. I have not had an opportunity to talk in parliament about the transition to government. I might reflect on that a little tonight.
I viewed my period in opposition as an apprenticeship. As I learnt my portfolio areas and the workings of government, workings of the departments and how things exist in the political world, it gave me a background and sufficient knowledge to have the confidence to say to the people of the Katherine electorate that I would like to keep their confidence, ask them to vote for me again, and bring me, and my colleagues, to government.
That transition has gone quite well. We have had 15 weeks in government, it has been an extremely busy time and, like many of my colleagues who have spoken tonight, I hope I can spend more time in Katherine. The last 15 weeks or so has seen me out of my electorate far more than I would like to be. Like the Treasurer, before the election people saw me every day everywhere. Now there is a little push back from those people saying, ‘Where’s our local member?’ I want to assure everyone in the Katherine electorate their local member is still here. He has other work to do at the same time. Like the Treasurer, I am hoping I will be able to settle into a better routine and believe I can achieve that. In fact, I must achieve it. We must all achieve it because the people of the electorates we represent are the most important players in the scheme of things.
Things in the last 15 weeks have gone quite well. There have been many changes, many new things to learn, and we had an opportunity in opposition to learn from the mistakes of the former government. I hope those lessons stay with us for a long time. In saying that - this is not a malicious slight - I hope members of the opposition remain that way for a long time, not because I do not like you, but because I do not believe your style of government did any great service to the Northern Territory over the last 11 years. It is not a personal slight; it is not that I dislike you. I do not like your style of government or your political thinking.
To move beyond politics, I sincerely extend my best wishes to each and every member opposite. Lynne, do not grimace like that. Goodness me, you have turned into a bitter woman. I extend my best wishes for a safe and Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to you all.
To my colleagues on this side of the House, thank you for your support in the last 15 weeks. We have achieved an enormous amount together. I have no doubt we will continue to achieve wonderful things for the Northern Territory over the next four years and beyond.
Getting to this side of the benches required an enormous effort not only from me, but from many supporters. There are too many to name, but my branch members in Katherine have been stalwarts. We have gone through some difficult and stressful times and, in amongst that, we had an election and it has been very busy. For those who supported me, stood behind me and helped me with my election, my sincere thanks.
To the people of Katherine, the most important people, thank you for placing your trust in me, for having faith in me and believing that I, along with the new government, will deliver what has not been delivered in the past. I am resolute about that. Katherine has been undersold for many years, notwithstanding it has a population of 10 000 people – 8000 if you take Tindal out, but I never take Tindal out because it is an important part of the community.
Katherine is at a strategic crossroad. We have been left languishing for a long time with little support from the former government. I aim to turn that around. My colleagues agree Katherine is an important strategic place and will be treated as such by this government in years to come, much the same as Tennant Creek and Alice Springs are strategically important. They are the things we are looking at from an overall perspective. We have said in this House before - I do not resile from the words, I embrace them - we are here to govern for all Territorians and that is what we will do.
In paying thanks to my ‘always there’ - I have described her this way before and will continue to because she does such a good job at it - the glue that holds me together in my electorate, my electorate officer, Pat Witte. Pat, you are probably listening to this broadcast because I know you keep your ear tuned while parliament is sitting. Thank you very much for all your efforts.
I also thank my lovely wife who has stood beside me through the last four years, which has been a very tough time. It has been hard work and I am realising how much a spouse or partner gives in a relationship with a politician. I have not been home very much in the last 15 weeks, yet my lovely wife takes it in her stride. She accepts there is an enormous amount of work to do and a bigger picture which must be fulfilled. Jenny, thank you very much my darling, I love you very much.
Of course, my kids are around. They have not been involved too much in my political life, but I know they are there and getting on with their lives. Some are settling down with girlfriends, which is really nice. It is nice to know they are not giving me a great deal of stress; they are just getting on. The last thing we need is extra stress in our lives.
To the Legislative Assembly staff, thank you very much for everything you have done. This has been a difficult time for you as well. For many it is the first change of government you have experienced so it has been a learning curve. I specifically mention the ladies in Hansard - I believe they are all ladies - thank you for listening to us. It must drive you to distraction some days, but you do your job very well and it is very much appreciated.
Once again to my colleagues, thank you for the support you have given me in the last 15 weeks. We are an extraordinary team and will do some great things for the Northern Territory.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, tonight I thank everyone, especially Gaddy. You touched on the history of Gaddy, member for Goyder, so has the Leader of the Opposition, and I will not advance on that. He will groan, moan and fall asleep if I do. I thank you for all the hard work you have done. I have only known you through the parliament, the same with Helen, but I have always appreciated your friendship and advice. You advice, sometimes, was blunt, I appreciate that. Also, my knowledge of parliamentary intricacies needed to be fixed at times. If I wanted advice as to when something should go forward or what I needed to do to bring a petition or a motion forward, you were the man to see. I appreciate the help you have given me.
I also appreciate your friendship. Sometimes, in this bear pit, I needed someone to keep my feet on the ground and help me stay in touch with reality. You were the bloke to do that. I appreciate all the work. Also, could you pass on to Helen a thank you for all the hard work she did in Hansard. If I get down to Tasmania I will certainly be looking you up. It is not as far as the Cook Islands, so I may have a better chance.
I also thank the staff of the Legislative Assembly, the clerks and all the people who ensure things run: Annette and Stokesy out the back; the Hansard people, who must study hieroglyphics before working in Hansard because I can give them debates which look like they are in hieroglyphics; Parliamentary Counsel, which has to put legislation together in a hurry sometimes; the cooks and security people; and anyone else I might have forgotten - the library staff - we should not forget the library staff. Thank you, Di Sinclair, for sometimes staying up late at night and finding things no one else in this world can. I appreciate that because you need someone who can do that work when putting forward debates in parliament. The committees I am on - the PAC and the Standing Orders Committee - thank you to the members on those committees. It is one chance where we get together, not as adversaries, but as people working together.
To the school councils - I do not get to enough school council meetings because, with approximately seven schools, there are only so many council meetings I can attend in a year. It is difficult when they are sometimes all on the one day. The Nelson constituents have supported me as an independent for nearly 12 years and I thank them for their support. I will continue to work hard for them and that is all they can expect of me. To the many friends who come into my parliamentary office - although I am not sure they are friends, sometimes they come in to pinch lollies from the lolly jar.
To my supporters such as my sister and brother-in-law, Trish and Tony; to Di and Phil Mount, who always help deliver the newsletter; Mark and Belinda Brustolin; Ken and Linda Brodie and their family; Annie Dent; Tony and Mez from the post office - Tony has just about sold the post office so we may not see him coming into our office each day to eat lunch. What am I going to do when the cricket is on? He is the only bloke who understands the game and he will not be here. It is sad he is going this year. To Kim, my secretary - she has had some ups and downs. Her mum is very sick at the moment and I wish her mother well. Kim has been away from work for some time and her job has been filled by Sharon. Thank you, Sharon, for filling in. I really appreciate all the hard work Kim has done, especially when I am not there. She puts up with my strange habits. At the moment she is putting up with three model railway trains on three train tracks going around a Christmas tree. It looks like little Myer. When that is going she may not always have a smile on her face, but she puts up with it because the kids love coming to the front of my office and watching the trains go round. It is Christmas and we need to put cheer on people’s faces.
My wife, Imelda, has trouble recognising me sometimes because for the last three years I have hardly been home. She has been considering installing a swipe card to ensure it is me coming through the back door. It has not been easy; it will be 40 years of marriage next year. I might go to the Cook Islands if I can convince her to go on that big plane ride. Francis Xavier knows two of my daughters were born on Bathurst Island; now they are all grown up. I have grandchildren and they are doing well. Jason and James are now football umpires. If you throw me in and my two daughters - my middle daughter, Caroline, has joined Joanne umpiring - and if we put Keith Pratt in as my old son-in-law, and if I brought my daughter up from Canberra who goal umpires there, we could start a company and tender for umpiring Australian Rules in Darwin because we could do the whole ground. I thank them for their support. I do not see them as much as I would like, but they are there and I love them very much.
Tonight is the hardest night for me because I lose Michelle. I said I would not become emotional, but she has been my personal assistant, my research officer, and my friend. She has worked through the hard times over the last four years, which have not been easy from a personal or political point of view. It has been a very difficult time and I can say without any doubt I could not have gone through that period without Michelle.
She leaves for greener pastures - I am unsure if they are greener; they might be drier as she is going to Alice Springs - and I wish her all the best. We had a wonderful time working together. We have visited communities, travelled the length and breadth of the Territory, and worked as a team. Anything I say could not express my thanks for the hard work she did and the friendship she gave me in the good times and the bad.
There are times when people are meant to come into your life. Michelle came to work for me more or less by accident. I was allowed a research officer, advertised for one, a group of people put their name down, and she happened to hear of it by accident while I was visiting a friend during the AFL grand final. She asked if she could submit her CV, I agreed, and she had it in the next day. From that accidental meeting she became my research officer.
Michelle worked through the difficult period when I had to decide which side of parliament I would support. That was not easy, and she had to ride the blows, the controversy, and some of the hard knocks we received because of that decision.
Michelle, I wish you all the best in your new job. No one will replace you. Your position will not be renewed, which is unfortunate. However, you never know with the wheels of change, sometimes things happen. Hopefully, in the future, I will have someone to help me, although they will never be up to your standard.
Michelle, thank you for everything you have done, I will miss you. You are one of the kindest, most generous, most loving people I have met. That is no slight on my good wife, who is the best, but it has been a wonderful time. Thank you.
Mr KURRUPUWU (Arafura): Madam Speaker, this adjournment gives all members an opportunity to express themselves, on this last sitting day of the year, in what could be described as natural country, even if it is only for the duration of the short adjournment speech. In saying this, I sincerely wish all the best to members of the Chamber. We might have a political difference, but let us put that to one side for a short time. We are heading into a time of celebration and festivity and must be mindful of others who may be less fortunate.
The spirit of Christmas is not all about getting and giving presents; it is about celebrating the birth of Christ and man’s humanity - something often lost in some parts of today’s society. I hope we all keep this in mind as we head into this festive period.
Do not get me wrong, I am still a kid at heart and get great pleasure seeing the faces of loved ones on Christmas morning as the presents are opened, particularly the children. This is a grand tradition cherished by all.
In the spirit of giving thanks for all we have, I thank my family for putting in the hard yards during a very trying and challenging year. I give particular thanks to my wife Ancilla, my two adopted children, Rachael and Simon and their partners, and my grandchildren - they all supported me during my election campaign - my extended family from both sides, and Tiwi people from Melville and Bathurst Islands for their support.
I place on record my thanks and appreciation to my electorate officer, Anne Fuller, who has worked above and beyond the call of duty and given me much needed advice and support in what has been a learning period for both of us.
I also place on the record my thanks and appreciation to all who helped and worked tirelessly during the election campaign. Without their help and effort I would not be here today. I do not have time to mention them all, but I make particular mention of my campaign manager, Don Fuller, and the Tiwi sponsorship which supported travel and accommodation during the election campaign.
Not to be forgotten, there are many workers in the Legislative Assembly. To one and all, a big thank you for your assistance and advice. This has been a tremendous help to me and other new members as we settle into this new role.
I also thank all members from this side of the House, both old and new, as I have been welcomed into a very strong team as all members assist each other. I am proud and happy to be part of such a great team and look forward to the future with great anticipation.
In closing, stay safe, and I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and happy New Year.
Mr VOWLES (Johnston): Madam Speaker, this is my first Christmas adjournment as the member for Johnston. I understand Christmas adjournments are used to pay tribute to those who have helped us and impacted on us in a meaningful way.
Unlike my predecessor, I will not be giving a long speech tonight about a four-legged friend, Bruiser the dog. The speeches, I understand, were quite interesting. I have heard some of them and am glad Chris is enjoying retirement.
However, it is a good place to start. I thank Dr Chris Burns, my friend and mentor. Thank you for all your support this year, Chris. He has been a great senior since retirement. You look well, you have some colour back in your face and you have an extra spring in your step. Good luck with the new boat, and I look forward to catching up with you before the end of the year.
To the Leader of the Opposition, thank you for your continued friendship and support. To my colleagues on this side of the House, thank you for guiding me through the last 15 weeks. It has been a different and interesting work environment, but I signed up for this and have enjoyed every moment of it. It has been much easier because people have given me much support.
Madam Speaker, I wish you and your staff a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. I thank all the Legislative Assembly staff for their work. Special thanks to Jo, Robert, Mary-Anne, Eva, Corinna, Vicki, Robyn, Jane, Mark, and Michael Caldwell, who I noticed was listening. As a new member, I have really appreciated your help to me and my staff at the Johnston electorate office.
To Hansard, a special thanks to Melissa and all her staff. You do an incredible job - late nights and long days during sittings and estimates. We all agree we cannot thank you enough.
To the Clerk and the Table Office, Merry Christmas and enjoy the break. Special best wishes to Graham Gadd. You leave very big shoes to fill and I wish you luck in your new endeavours. I was going to play hockey again next year, mate, and take you on again, but, thank God I am not because you always gave me a bit of a bath.
Merry Christmas to the constituents of Johnston. Thank you for putting your faith in me during the August election. I really enjoy every Sunday at the Rapid Creek markets, not just for the early morning laksas, but also for the many people who take the time to meet me or just pop in to express their views.
Thank you to the principals and staff of the schools in my electorate. To Carin at Jingili, Pam at Moil, Michael at Millner, Lyn at Casuarina Senior College, you lead a dedicated team at these great schools and I really appreciate the way your school communities and councils have welcomed me. It has been very rewarding visiting the schools and attending assemblies and school council meetings since being elected. Enjoy a well-deserved Christmas and New Year break from the last day of school next Thursday.
I wish Merry Christmas to the many businesses and non-government organisations in my electorate, with particular mention to my immediate neighbours at Rapid Creek Business Village. Thank you, Kosta, for all your help and support.
During my maiden speech I said I would thank all my supporters in a later speech for their help with the Johnston campaign. I take this opportunity to thank them. From letterboxing to folding letters, phone canvassing, even doorknocking with me over a long and intense campaign, I thank the following long list of people: Russ and Ruth for looking after the Moil voting booth and all the letterboxing and doorknocking support and friendship; Bec, thank you for being in charge of the Millner booth and your letterboxing. You are one of, if not the most, community-minded persons I know. I thank you for your friendship and your continued support. Paddy and Matilda - my youngest campaigner is Matilda, still in the pram, but always with Paddy, her father, letterboxing in Millner, then catching up with me very early at the Sunday Rapid Creek markets to talk politics, cricket, and generally catch up as mates. I thank Brenna for the letterboxing she did, even conning her walking friend into delivering to letterboxes throughout the electorate with the idea a different view would be a good change for her.
I thank Ron and Eunice, who did everything they could to assist from joining me roadside on early mornings during the campaign, bringing coffee and breakfast, putting up corflutes, letterboxing, to the set-ups and dismantling on election day. To Kez, Gracie, Gino, Cam, Kent, for all the letterboxing advice and lighter moments of the campaign. Also, to Jodi, Laura, and Michael for doorknocking with me over the campaign. To Rick, Alyson, Fiona, Manuel and Dionysia, Halliday, David, K, Alf, Denise, Ella, Lesley, Thomas, Jo, Michelle, Rob, and Anne for letting me put a corflute on their fence or letterboxing a CCD or two.
A particular mention goes to my star letterboxer who could not do enough for me, Mr David M. To Lachlan and the interstaters, Ben, the other Ben, Scarlett, Louise, Paddy and Simone for their amazing wobble boarding skills. I also thank the interstaters for their magic work on the phones, letterboxing and doorknocking.
A special mention to Justin Jarvis who joined me during doorknocking a few times, particularly for his calmness and advice one afternoon 11 days out from the election when he supported me around the streets of Jingili doorknocking residents who were 100% behind me to win the seat of Johnston. To Marty, Lyn, David M, Michael, Lauren, Peter, Chris, Angela and the kids, and Michelle, thank you for your public endorsements of me as a person. I was blown away by your kind words and am working hard to honour them.
To those who did shifts on polling day - they say many hands make light work. I say many volunteers make polling day easier. Thank you to Charlie and Catherine, Jason, Kate, Leanne, Mel, Sandy, Jobert, Uncle Joe, Aunty Mandy, Amanda, Judy, Roseanne, Steve, Frederick, Annie, Edourd, Lyn, Ronnie B, Cindy, Hannah and Dianne.
Also, a special thank you to Therla for the hours of work in your own time tagging, doorknocking, buying, cooking food for my morning teas, joining me on the weekends for barbecues, letterboxing, doing an amazing job coordinating, the fundraising dinner, and especially the booth rosters for polling day.
A special mention to Danyelle, Noah and Zander for being there in the tough times, in a very rewarding year. Thank you to Siobhan, my electorate officer, who has been there throughout my campaign and now into my electorate office. As all in this Chamber know, the role of our electorate officer is broad and they are the face of our office when we are not there. Siobhan does a fantastic job and I would be lost without her. Her organisation skills and running of the office is nothing short of first class.
Finally, to my family: Thank you for believing in me and supporting me through this journey. Thank you for your support, especially over the last year, and for your whole day shifts on polling day. A special mention to my mother, Esther Rose, for countless hours of letterboxing, enrolment drives, advice, and any other jobs which needed to be done. You continue to be a source of inspiration to me and I thank you. To all my volunteers and supporters, thank you for all your work before and after election day.
I wish all members a very safe and Merry Christmas with your loved ones. I wish all the people of Johnston a very safe and Merry Christmas. Thank you.
Ms LEE (Arnhem): As the year comes to an end it is a good time to reflect on the year which has passed. There have been significant changes in a number of seats and, therefore, government. For this, up front, I give thanks to the people of the Arnhem electorate and the other bush electorates for the faith and trust they have placed in the CLP government.
In the spirit of this festive season and all that goes with it, I take the opportunity to thank many people who put in so many long hours and hard work to make this year successful at various levels. I express my deepest appreciation for the love of my family and friends and their immeasurable support in helping me reach this place at this time, particularly my partner, Benjamin Yillamurray, my devoted mother, Ruth Kelly, all my sisters and brothers, and my extended family in the Arnhem electorate. I also thank my campaign team for their super human effort in helping me get here, in particular Tina and Lindsay McFarland, Peter Manning and Kaye Griffith, and the rural branch. I also thank Senator Nigel Scullion, Ron Kelly, Rebecca Healy and Jason Newman, who stood strong beside me all the way through.
On being elected, the expertise and professionalism showed by the staff of the Legislative Assembly was, and is, greatly appreciated. A big thanks to you and your families, and all the best for Christmas and the New Year.
I also express my thanks and gratitude to my very hard-working electorate officer, my sister, Helen Lee, who has been putting in the hard yards and giving me huge support on the front line.
Not to go unmentioned is the team on this side of the House; the support and help given by all has been greatly appreciated and has given me enormous confidence as we go forward together. The commitment, both publicly and behind closed doors, to getting a fair go for the bush is evident and will be more so in the future. Our aim as a government is to work with the bush to achieve effective outcomes in remote areas and improve health and wellbeing and, importantly, economic development and the education sector.
In closing, I wish all my colleagues and the rest of the House, including the staff at Parliament House, a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year. We will be back in February and I hope to see you then. Thank you.
Ms WALKER (Nhulunbuy): Unlike the member for Katherine, I will not make an election pitch for 2016 just 15 weeks into the term. I say that half jokingly. The member for Katherine said, ‘Lynne, the grimace on the face’. That was because I was thinking, ‘Oh, heck! Who talks about an election pitch 15 weeks into the term?’
Member for Katherine, you do not like our political views, we do not like yours. Rest assured, it is our aim to ensure you are a ‘one term’ government. That is our mission. That said, we know a large amount of theatre happens here.
On both sides of the House everyone has been working incredibly hard. Those who have moved into roles as ministers have had a very tough time adjusting and making the transition to the role, as well as pressures on their families. It is no different on this side of the House. On a very human level, I give my very best wishes to the members opposite and their families. Some people believe because sittings are over for the year everyone is about to head off on a holiday. I doubt there would be a single person in this Chamber who is about to do that. We know there is much to do and I doubt anybody would be taking a break much before Christmas.
I wish to work through a list of ‘thank yous’ and will start with my Labor colleagues, including those members on this side of the House, in particular Delia Lawrie. She has stepped up to the role of Leader of the Opposition without missing a beat, having gone through that period from government, through the election campaign and post-election. She is strong, determined, and nothing will faze her. She is the right person to be leading the charge through to 2016 when our aim is to ensure the members opposite are a one term government. Of course, time will tell. There are three-and-three-quarter years to pan out.
I also want to acknowledge my former Labor colleagues - those who retired and those who did not regain their seats. We remain in communication; they remain with us in spirit and we will continue to work together to stand by the Labor values we all believe in.
I thank my family. As all in this House know, our families do it tough for the amount of time we spend away from home, whether physically for people like me and other members who have to travel, or those who are not necessarily travelling away from their homes but are spending really long hours in their office doing their job or out meeting their commitments as ministers or local members. We all know what a big job it is.
I particularly thank my husband, Lawrence, and my kids Zoe, Harry and Patrick, who are an incredible support, source of much love and inspiration, and a great normaliser for me when I walk through the front door of my home. I also have to mention Pippa von Kransky, our miniature Dachshund - a Dachshund with attitude. Whilst he does not read Hansard nor understand a thing about my job, my kids think he is human and deserves recognition in Hansard. It has been a big year for my family, quite apart from the lead-up to an election. I turned 50 in June and just before that was my 25th wedding anniversary. It was 20 years in the Northern Territory as well. There were three anniversaries noted on the invitation I sent to friends and family.
I acknowledge the great support of the Nhulunbuy-Yirrkala branch of the Labor Party. To John, Wendy, Paul, Roger, Jack, Jen, Andy, Denise, Suzy, Sue Ellen, Trevor and my husband, Lawrence - I hope I have not left anyone off that list - a huge thank you for your support during the campaign. Those of us who hold bush electorates with mobile polling know the hard work starts a couple of weeks out from the election date. I particularly acknowledge Syd Stirling, who took leave from his job with the NLC to join me on the mobile polling circuit. Syd was with me in 2008 when I was campaigning as the Labor member. They are long days chartering around communities, but there is much fun and I always enjoy my conversations with Syd and the wisdom he shares with me.
I thank my electorate officer Karen Cislowski. Karen has worked for me for the best part of the four-year term I served first up. She is an incredible woman. As we all know, an electorate officer is someone who can represent the member during absences. She is a smart woman, a caring individual and very kind. She has been adopted into a Yolngu family, has a very wide network of family through the adopted sense, and has lived out there longer than I have. She is well-connected and knows people. She has her ear to the ground and can deal with constituent matters as they come through the door or over the phone with a good deal of confidence. I am very sorry she is leaving me.
Unlike Gerry, who is losing Michelle, Karen is at least remaining in town. She said she loved the job but it is time to spend some time with her family, and that is fair enough. I will have on tap a fantastic relief electorate officer I can call on when I need a hand. Thank you to Karen, also to her husband, Peter, her grown up kids, Katrina, Angela, Gerard and Aaron, and all their respective families. Aaron, the youngest, was recently married in Queensland. That was a great occasion for celebration by the Cislowski family and Karen deserves a well-earned break back home. I do not believe she will have too much of a break. She will be busy looking after kids, grandkids, hosting family dinners and what have you.
I thank the wider Nhulunbuy community in my electorate and make a particular point about the township of Nhulunbuy. It is not just about the township, it is about the wider region and the current uncertainty with the future operations at Pacific Aluminium and Rio Tinto. For business people in particular, it is a worrying time. For anyone who has invested money in the community in a business or a house, it is a very anxious time. The three month strategic review will come to a close in January, at which time the company will announce its proposed plans for the future. Of course, there has been an incredible amount of activity, even before the announcement of the strategic review.
The Northern Territory government, when Paul Henderson was Chief Minister through to our current Chief Minister, along with the federal government, are doing everything they can to work with the mining company to deliver gas to Gove. It is pretty much an imperative for the long-term future viability of that operation and the mining community. I thank the Chief Minister. We had an exchange of phone calls after playing phone tag for a bit, but I thank him for returning my call. I was able to let him know, whilst I knew he was doing everything within his power to work on and negotiate delivering gas to Gove, people in Nhulunbuy, in particular the business community but not only that community, were feeling anxious that perhaps their voice was not being heard. Did government at Territory and federal level, did Rio Tinto in Melbourne and London, really understand how nervous people were feeling and what was at stake? I thank the Chief Minister for taking my call.
As a result of that call, I referred him to the chairperson of the East Arnhem Regional Futures Alliance, a group of stakeholders pulled together by one very civil-minded member of our community, Klaus Helms, who has a very long association with Gove. As a result, the Chief Minister called Klaus Helms. They had a good discussion and following on from that had a teleconference on Monday. The Arafura Times, our weekly newspaper, indicated that meeting was minmuk.
I thank my electorate - the people at Galiwinku, Yirrkala, Laynhapuy and Marthakal homelands. I thank all the staff in Legis for the great job they do. Gaddy, I will always remember your words of wisdom on how to manage being in the chair.
I also thank your better half, Helen, the most incredible person in Hansard, for her knack in spelling and interpreting the number of Yolngu names I put on the record, and other names as well. Thanks to all the Legis staff. Madam Speaker, you have done a fantastic job in the 15 weeks. Well done to you and my best wishes for 2013.
Mr ELFERINK (Port Darwin): Madam Speaker, it is with regret I announce the death of Dr Allan Van Zyl on 6 November 2012. He passed away at the age of 58 after a battle with illness.
Dr Van Zyl was employed in the Northern Territory government, formerly the Australian government, for over 37 years. Allan’s career commenced in the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, which included formal training at the Australian School of Pacific Administration. In 1979, Allan transferred to the newly formed Northern Territory government where his expertise was needed to support local government in Tennant Creek, and he managed the operations of the former Department of Community Development.
In 1991, under the auspices of the then Chief Minister, Marshall Perron, Allan moved on to head up the Urban Lands Unit in Darwin, primarily to establish living areas for Aboriginal people. Not long after this, in 1992, Allan transferred to Correctional Services. Allan ended up spending 17 years working for Correctional Services where he held various positions, including acting as Deputy Secretary, Head of Statistics, Information Systems, Corporate Services and Senior Director of Strategic Services.
From 1992 to 1996, Allan steered Correctional Services through turbulent and changing times. This included implementing changes in the performance management and developing the first strategic/corporate planning exercise for the division. As a result of this work, NT Correctional Services was applauded by the Productivity Commission for its new approach, which was much more relevant and acceptable than the previous practice of simply counting heads.
Allan’s career with the Department of Justice, formerly the Department of Law, included working with Legal Policy, Consumer and Business Affairs, anti-discrimination matters, Community Justice Centre and, most recently, the Community and Justice Policy.
In Community and Justice Policy, Allan made a significant contribution to the development of the cross-border justice scheme and the Australian classification education project.
Allan was also a long-standing representative for the Northern Territory. Allan made valuable contributions over the years on a number of national committees and forums, including acting as a representative of the Australian Institute of Criminology Board of Management and Criminology Research Council.
Allan’s accomplishments included obtaining a Masters in Business Administration - MBA - and graduating with a Doctorate of Business Administration in 2009. Allan’s studies were largely based on managerial aspects of trust and respect, and related to efficiencies within human services organisations. Allan was an advocate for building trust and respect within public service agencies and believed it was an important ingredient in developing successful partnerships.
Notably, Allan was also a successful candidate for the Winston Churchill Memorial Fellowship. The fellowship took him to the United States of America, Canada and New Zealand where he studied youth custody, adult and youth diversion programs, and rites of passage for young Indigenous males.
His personal achievements were also substantial. Allan was a respected manager who will be remembered for his kindness, compassion, and respect for all his staff.
Allan is survived by his partner, Dr Teresa Cunningham, and his two children, Tara and James. I place on the permanent record of the Northern Territory parliament our thanks to this outstanding public servant.
Madam Speaker, tonight I also pass my thanks on to my staff, Linda Coulter primarily, who has been with me the longest as my electorate officer and who suffers me gladly. I do not know why, but I suspect, like my wife and two daughters, she has no taste in men. I also thank my new staff, Linda Heidstra who came with the best possible reference - a threat of violence from her former employer, the Mayor of Palmerston. The threat of violence was said with a smile on the mayor’s face but, clearly, he was very unhappy to let Linda go. His loss was my gain. Ailish, Karah and Ruth, working in my office, I thank you and am grateful for your efforts. My Chief of Staff, Stephen Dunham, Sam Burke, Jo Sangster, and also John Daulby who joined me for a while in my office - I am grateful to you all.
I also place on the record my thanks to Greg Shanahan and Ken Middlebrook, the two CEs in the respective departments who work with and for me. Their patience with me is remarkable and I am grateful to them.
I also place on the record my gratitude to all staff within the parliamentary precinct: the Clerk, the Deputy Clerk, as well as all the others who work here. Madam Speaker, I wish you a very Merry Christmas.
Madam Speaker, I want to reinforce what other members have said. I first met Graham Gadd 15 years ago, along with Helen Allmich, his good lady wife. I have been thinking about what compliment to pay them. Frankly, I could bang on for hours, but the highest compliment I can pay people who work in this House is they were both consummate professionals.
Mr McCARTHY (Barkly): Madam Speaker, for the last day of the parliamentary sittings for 2012, I give a brief synopsis of 2012, and what a year it has been.
I start with my wife, Dawn McCarthy. Thank you, once again, for your incredible support. You have made the transition from supporting government to opposition well. You are an incredible barometer of the community’s thinking and values. You continue to work tirelessly for the branch and the Northern Territory Labor Party; I hope you continue to enjoy the ride. To Robert and Abbi, it has been a wonderful year celebrating your family; the growth and development of Rhys and the birth of his little brother, Judd. Congratulations, a new son for your family and a new grandson for our family.
For Thomas and Maria, another great year; you never cease to amaze us. Your wedding in 2012 was one of the family highlights. Maria Dianne McCarthy, we welcome you to the clan with glee and look forward to your lives together.
To Joseph McCarthy, the break from university has produced a good learning outcome for you. Congratulations on returning to Darwin and linking up with many of your boarding school friends. We are very proud of your work as an inclusion support assistant with special needs students at both Nightcliff Primary and Jingili. I am sure you are learning lots and getting a good balance of academic life and what life is like in the real world. We took great delight in you returning to the football fields of Darwin for the Heineken Hottest 7s. Sonny Boy, it was a proud moment to sit back in the grandstand and watch you mix it with the best in the Territory. They knew you were back.
To the broader picture and the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Karama, thank you very much for your support. I congratulate you on your leadership and the brilliant team you have pulled together, not only the Caucus, but also the staff. The family has regrouped. We are a great mob and get on really well together. We are like-minded people and know how to have a few laughs. To all the Caucus colleagues, well done; we have put together a good opposition and have a clear objective to fight for Territorians.
Madam Speaker, congratulations on your appointment. It is wonderful in some very special ways. I took an interest in your mother’s political career. I started to understand a little about your family and the wonderful history you have in the Northern Territory. I will never forget meeting your mother for the first time at a community forum in the bush at Holtze about the design, construction and running of the Territory’s new correctional services facility. It is wonderful, not only in your political career, but also it is wonderful in Territory history. A legacy for your family will be having a beautiful portrait hung on the wall in Parliament House. Any family would be very proud of a legacy like that. The work you do to go with it will be exceptional and best wishes all the way.
I thank Nancy Cowan, my electorate officer. Nancy, and Frank, her partner - safe travels tomorrow on the road back to your beloved riverland of southern New South Wales. We look forward to you returning in the new year. Nancy, this was your first election in the Northern Territory; I am sure you have learnt much and it was great to have your support. We do work well together. I thank you for the professional edge you have put on the electorate office in Tennant Creek, changing the culture around. It has definitely ‘professionalised’ it. The constituency has risen to the occasion and utilises its services very well. To the Barkly branch, thank you guys, once again, for your support and the incredible work you did through the election - following Labor values to return a Labor government. Unfortunately, we did not do that, but we will continue to represent Labor values in the Northern Territory.
To the Legislative Assembly staff who support the electorate offices, both in town and the bush, thank you very much. You would be very proud of what we have done in Tennant Creek. You are most welcome any time to see the results of your good work and the support you give us. To all the parliamentary staff, thank you once again. It is a privilege and honour to return to this House as an elected community member representing the people of the Barkly.
You are going to see a different Gerry, the other Gerry, because when I was elected in 2008 I was privileged to be in government and, in 2009, I was sworn into Cabinet. The race really stepped up and we delivered as a government.
In 2012 I was re-elected, now I am a member of the opposition so please bear with me. You will see another Gerry, a Gerry who is a member of a team determined to represent the people of the Northern Territory, represent democracy, hold the government to account, and give credit where credit is due.
I conclude with an example of that. The CLP Treasurer delivered the Northern Territory mini-budget in parliament this week, premised on the mantra Territorians can no longer expect to pay lower taxes, fees and charges than any other parts of the country. This policy definition completely ignores the elevated costs of living in regional and remote areas where subsidised power and water charges and lower taxes are implemented to recruit and retain skilled workers. The CLP mini-budget was not transparent on the number of Northern Territory public servants to be sacked and on what impact job cuts, combined with increased charges for power, water, sewerage and car registrations - $105 for a large four-wheel-drive - will have in hiking up the cost of living to the point where families and businesses pack up and leave.
Chief Minister Terry Mills and the CLP have broken election promises to Territorians in the broader context of significantly increasing the cost of living and sacking public servants; however, some elements of the community will receive a priority reallocation of funding. I was shocked to see additional funding of $9m, totalling over $13m, for CLP political advisors in the mini-budget. Imagine what this level of funding could achieve in the Barkly for youth services or health and education. Senior Territorians have not been spared in the budget exercise with rent increases in public housing, power and water increases, and for those fortunate enough to access public transport, the scrapping of free public transport.
During the past four years in opposition the CLP attacked shire councils and used the toxic strategy as a major election platform in the bush to win government. However, the local government budget has been cut by $13.5m, blatantly breaking the promise to improve shire governance, infrastructure and services. In a clear reference to policy division between Liberal and Labor, the CLP has taken an axe to the capital works program across the Territory which will dampen construction sector activity and risk jobs with the absence of new infrastructure projects in Tennant Creek and the Barkly.
The CLP provided $500 000 to a youth program in Alice Springs – congratulations; however, nothing for Tennant Creek. There is no allocation for building the Tennant Creek youth centre, family crisis centre, or Borroloola retail and government service centres, all promised by Terry Mills in the election; however, there are four years to go.
The remote airstrip upgrades at Utopia and Yarralin, in the electorates of Namatjira and Stuart, allocated under the previous Labor government will go ahead. However, the important airstrip upgrade and sealing at Canteen Creek in the Barkly has disappeared from the budget papers.
In a CLP budget media release on 4 December 2012 the Treasurer stated:
The Treasurer needs to be accountable through the mini-budget as the media statement further states:
One can only hope the additional $9m for CLP advisors will address this critical issue for Tennant Creek and the Barkly, advising the minister of the radical difference between emergency aero-medical evacuations and road trips to the Alice Springs hospital in saving lives.
I will continue to fight for Territorians in opposition, and will use every alternative quirk or whatever it takes to do it. ABC radio, do you copy? I am open to invitations upstairs any time you are ready.
Madam Speaker, it is a wonderful job, a privileged job. I hope everyone has a great festive season, safe travel, and I look forward to being back in the New Year.
Mr GILES (Braitling): Madam Speaker, it has been a very busy year with the election and change of government. I thank my wife, Tamara, and my daughter, Tahlia, for their support over the last 12 months. I thank my outgoing electorate officer, Tanya Turner, and welcome Dee Davies into the office.
I thank many locals from the Country Liberal Party: Daniel Davis, Jenny Lillis, Susie Schroeder and Karen Jones. I recognise the efforts of Tim Cross through the election campaign, the incoming president, and the outgoing president, Braedon Earley. I congratulate Graeme Lewis, CLP Treasurer, who has done an amazing job for a number of years. I also particularly thank Jason Newman, Michael Adams and Rebecca Healy - the Barkly candidate - for their efforts and support. I recognise the other candidates, Rohan Kelly and Rhianna Harker, who will make a great member for Wanguri when that seat becomes empty. I would like to thank Murray Stewart for all his help locally. I will not mention names, but Col Fuller has always been good support for me, so thank you very much.
Coming to the portfolios, I recognise all the staff who have provided assistance - all the staff throughout the Departments of Local Government, Transport, Infrastructure, and the port. It has been a really good settling period and I cannot be over-briefed. I love the information. It is really good to be on top of the portfolios.
I thank my chief of staff, Ron Kelly. Ron recognises the importance of his name being mentioned in the Chamber. Hopefully, he is listening. Also, Lauren Crawley and Kylie Bell. Kylie has done a great job working in my office. I understand she also worked in offices under the previous government. She came so highly recommended I was very quick to grab her. I also thank John Gibb, who will be leaving us in a week or so. I thank him for his efforts.
From a department liaison point of view, I thank Paul Mossman, Stephen Jackson and Melissa Rieter, who has left. I also welcome Bruce Cutler, who has come into the media role. Thank you very much, Bruce.
I congratulate the Chief Minister on his efforts over the last four years. I congratulate my colleagues and welcome the new colleagues into the government.
I congratulate the Leader of the Opposition, Delia Lawrie, who has wanted to be the leader for a long period of time. I congratulate her for her ascendency into that position.
I also thank all the staff who work in Parliament House and provide support - Hansard, security, cleaning, the clerks - there are so many people who put the logistics into making parliament work, both during sittings and not. Thank you very much to everyone.
I finish by acknowledging the efforts of Paul Henderson, the previous Chief Minister. Hendo, as he was colloquially referred to, is now on the backbench in opposition. In politics, some people are thrown on the scrap heap when they return to opposition, quite rightly, but other people are thrown on the scrap heap and still have much to contribute to the public debate in any jurisdiction. Do not throw the baby out with the bath water. We cannot throw away the contributions people have made, whether they are on the opposing side of politics or not, and it is important to recognise that. If we come back into the Chamber in 2013 and the former Chief Minister, Paul Henderson, is not here, I wish him all the best. If he does come back, I look forward to working with him into the future.
It has been a good year and I look forward to Christmas. Madam Speaker, I congratulate you as Speaker. I was widely criticised when I said you looked radiant. You fit the job. You do a good job as Speaker and I look forward to the next 12 months. Have a Merry Christmas.
Mr CONLAN (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, this is the moment at the end of it all. I was upstairs having a glass of water with some of my staff members reminiscing about the year. We started off in opposition. We emerged from the 2011 Christmas break in opposition. When parliament resumed in 2012 we were in that final six month period. We had the parliamentary sittings - estimates being the end of it - the show circuit, then only a few months and we were on. That was it - the election period. Now it is December and we have merged and the Country Liberals are in government. It has been an enormous ride for the last four years, particularly this year.
I do not want to criticise the opposition; I use every other opportunity to criticise the opposition. This is probably the right moment to thank a few people who have made this journey possible and worked very hard to make parliament work and, of course, uphold the democracy of the Northern Territory.
I thank the Legislative Assembly staff. Michael, and the Clerk, Ian, thank you for your efforts and the work you have done over a number of years. Michael, is it two or three years you have been Deputy Clerk? When I first came into this parliament Captain David Horton was Deputy Clerk. He has since retired and you have filled his shoes honourably. Congratulations Michael, and thank you for your support.
To the Clerk, Ian McNeill, who does a wonderful job, and all the staff in the Clerk’s Office, the Table Office, who also do a wonderful job – Gaddy, Annette and Stokesy. We could not do it without you, there is no doubt about it.
The building staff do a wonderful job making this one of the most remarkable buildings, if not in the Northern Territory, in the country. I know how much pride they take in presenting it and ensuring it is on display for anyone who wants to see it. It is kept in pristine condition and we are very privileged to be working in such a facility.
Someone remarked that in the Northern Territory we do not have the history as some of the other states. If you go to New South Wales, particularly, even Victoria, Queensland, South Australia or WA - all the states have 150-year-old parliaments and 150-year-old parliament houses. They are steeped in history. The Victorian parliament has gold leaf all over the roof. We do not quite have that, but we certainly have a first-class facility. The conditions we work in are unbelievable, particularly for a small jurisdiction like the Northern Territory. The way it is presented is remarkable, congratulations to those people.
I say particular thanks to Tony Hibberd. Tony is great. I can ask him to fix the lamp in my office or the light or whatever. Well done, Tony. He is a one man show in Parliament House working from dawn to dusk most days. Well done, Tony, and thank you for all your help this year.
The travel staff do a great job. When you are a country member like me you travel between Alice Springs and Darwin. Those guys always ensure our travel allowances, payments, and accommodation is taken care of. Thank you. The members’ services staff, such as Vicki, Mary-Anne and Jo, thank you for your support throughout the year.
I have to say g’day to the drivers, who I can now utilise. From opposition, I was unsure how beneficial the drivers were; I had no idea. They really do make life easier. When you are a minister the diary is completely full, and to be dropped off right at the door and picked up right on time - they are always there to serve. So, thank you to Bill, George, Ben, Yani and David.
I have a great bunch of portfolios. To Andrew Bridges in Parks and Wildlife and all the Parks and Wildlife team; Hugo Leschen - very enthusiastic fellow, Hugo, who leads a great team in the Arts and Museums department; Phillip Leslie, newly-appointed Sport and Recreation CEO and a great guy who does a great job. Thank you, Phil, and all your staff. Also, Tony Mayell, who has just been appointed CEO of Tourism NT, and also Southern Director of the Chief Minister - I believe that is the title. He is a great figure and will do a great job and serve the Territory well. To all those CEOs in my departments and all the staff, thank you for your support thus far.
To the Alice Springs staff: Jo Hansen, my electorate officer, has just come on board. She replaced Karen Berry. I pay tribute to Karen, who has done a wonderful job over the last five-and-a-half years. She came on board when I was elected in the Greatorex bi-election in 2007 and stuck by me. She has served well and should be proud of the job she has done for the Northern Territory and what she has achieved with me. I could not have done it without Karen. She has vast experience in the public service. She was former Deputy Chief Minister, Barry Coulter’s electorate officer. Over the course of her tenure years with the public service - 25 years I believe - she ended up in Alice Springs as my electorate officer. She has done a great job and I thank her.
Jo Hansen has replaced Karen, who has moved on to bigger and better things. Jo does a terrific job. She is learning the role but is an Alice Springs local and knows many people, is very well connected, and I am thankful for her support.
Also, Tom Slattery and Adrian Renzi are new guys to government. They have worked in private enterprise their whole lives and are now working for the machine that is government. It is probably frustrating at times, as it can be if you are used to crashing through like you do in private enterprise. There is much process involved with government but Tom and Renzi do a great job. Thank you for your support. They have only been on board a month or so. They have a long way to go with learning, but they have done a great job thus far and are serving us well.
The team at NT Fleet is always there. When you are a remote member of parliament you are often in the car. I drive to Tennant Creek and other places. If you hit a kangaroo or whatever, they are always there to ensure your car is serviced on time. If you are without a vehicle, Bryan and the gang will deliver a car to use for the day and pick you up. They go out of their way to ensure you are looked after.
All the people I have mentioned - whether it is the LA team or the DCM team - provide you with an enormous opportunity to get the job done. You are afforded every opportunity to ensure you succeed and, if you do not, it is your own fault.
I thank Harvey World Travel. I thank my Parliament House office staff; it is great to read a few names this time: Tony Clementson, my senior ministerial advisor; Paul McLaughlin; Racheal Curtain, my DLO; Judy Pouliot, my PA; and Danielle Lede, my press secretary - we could not do without you. It is a wonderful team. Thank you.
I had better thank my wife and family because I can see the clock ticking down and am unsure if you are afforded extensions during adjournments. Thank you to my wife, Elara, and my kids, Harvey and Cleo. I would not be here if it was not for Elara. She has been a tremendous support to me and backed me all the way. It is hard as a country member often being away from home. She is the sole primary carer for the family because I seem to be away from home so much. Elara, I love you. Thank you so much for your assistance. To the kids: I am looking forward to spending more time with you over Christmas. You can stop calling me ‘Uncle Matt’. Perhaps we will emerge in January and you will start to call me dad again. I love you all.
Merry Christmas to everyone, have a fabulous time with family and friends and all the best for 2013. Madam Speaker, thank you.
Madam SPEAKER: In closing, thank you, members of the parliament. Thank you to all the staff of the department of the Legislative Assembly: Hansard; the Table Office; members’ services; the education unit; security; the drivers; the Parliamentary Library, Di Sinclair; all the people who work in the committee area. My personal thanks to the Clerk’s office, to Mr Ian McNeill and Mr Michael Tatham, and to Jane Gunner and Robyn Smith, thank you one and all. Thank you to my newly appointed staff, Martine Smith and Cheryl Owens. I thanked Trish O’Hehir, my electorate officer, recently. It is a great team and it has been a privilege. I am eternally thankful for the opportunity to serve in this parliament as Speaker and as a local member.
Motion agreed to; the Assembly adjourned.
VISITORS
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members I advise of the presence in the gallery of Year 4/5 Millner Primary School students accompanied by Ms Stacey Edwards. Welcome, and I hope you enjoy your time at Parliament House.
Members: Hear, hear!
Madam SPEAKER: I also welcome officers of the Departments of Primary Industry and Fisheries and Mines and Energy. On behalf of all members, welcome.
Members: Hear, hear!
MOTION
Note Paper - Mini-Budget 2012-13
Note Paper - Mini-Budget 2012-13
Continued from 5 December 2012.
Mr McCARTHY (Barkly): Madam Speaker, I look forward to estimates this year, unless the CLP government cuts them, where we will be able to ask questions and get details of that $9m. As the Chief Minister says, give it time.
Let us talk about transport. I congratulate the Minister for Transport on his recognition and acknowledgment in the mini-budget of the important strategic planning done under the previous Labor government: the 10-year transport strategy, the 10-year infrastructure strategy and the 10-year road strategy. Thank you, minister, because we give credit where credit is due. I also congratulate the minister for the $400 000 in the mini-budget for the continuation of DriveSafe NT, urban and remote. He commented on television that it was one of the best programs he had ever seen. Well done, minister.
However, when we get to capital works we see nothing new. The great Department of Lands, Planning and the Environment and the Transport Division are well-resourced. They provided excellent advice to the previous government and will to the CLP government. They are extremely well-coordinated with Australian government programs and resources. All those programs the minister announces and talks about as his were from the previous Labor government. They are good programs and we will be watching your delivery closely, minister, because already we are seeing reductions in regional integrated transport strategy based on electoral favours. It is great to see the electorate of Stuart is finally having the airstrip at Yarralin completed, and the electorate of Namatjira finally getting Utopia airstrip upgraded and sealed, something planned and programmed under the Labor government.
However, the airstrip for Canteen Creek in Barkly has disappeared off the mini-budget papers. It is very unfortunate Barkly has been singled out because the former government had those three airstrips programmed for upgrade and sealing. They are all very strategic for remote service delivery, and it is disappointing, minister, that somehow Barkly slipped through the net and Canteen Creek has missed out as a result of mini-budget cuts.
If we talk about the Stuart Highway …
Ms WALKER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Pursuant to Standing Order 77, I request the member for Barkly be granted an extension of time.
Motion agreed to.
Mr McCARTHY: Thank you, Madam Speaker, and honourable members.
Regarding the Stuart Highway, it is good to see the mini-budget continues safety initiatives with overtaking lanes between Darwin and Katherine continuing to be developed - $1m. The previous Labor government did extensive work on that section and as an MLA who has to do the vast majority of travel by road - over 3000 km in the past four years - I watched the building of those passing lanes.
I endured a very vindictive campaign from the CLP in Barkly. Some of that was CLP letter writers slamming me over all the resources going into overtaking lanes between Darwin and Katherine. I pointed out how Australian government funding is allocated and programmed, and I challenged every letter and every CLP voting constituent. I also tried to make them realise that section of the highway definitely needed upgrading; it needed passing lanes because it is by far the most dangerous section. I even became a little crass saying things like, ‘If you can’t pass a car safely between Alice Springs and Katherine perhaps you should have your licence checked’. It is good to see the minister following up and giving it back to the CLP critics who tried to turn that into a campaign story.
The Treasurer, in a media release of 4 December 2012, said:
- The Mills government will govern for all Territorians. We do not pit one part of the Territory against another. Our election commitments are spread across the depth and breadth of the Territory and we will ensure that they are delivered.
Well it is a little unfortunate that the people at Canteen Creek and the co-existing community of Epenarra, who both use the Canteen Creek strip to get important medical services and further services, have dropped off the mini-budget papers. I will be taking that to the Treasurer.
Public bus fares are up and pensioners and seniors will now pay for using public buses. Of course, motor vehicle registration charges are up by 15%. Many motor vehicle users in Barkly operate large four-wheel-drive vehicles. That adds $105 annually to rego. The discussion now is around the $20 transaction fee and there are all types of questions. In Question Time today the minister provided a story around new online technology and initiatives. That is good; however, some people do not have access to those services. When we move out of mainstream society into the lower socio-economic groups within our community, the regional and remote residents in our community, there is not the access this Country Liberal government is expounding. Therefore, once again, is it a direct slug on the cost of living?
When I visit the Government Centre in Tennant Creek I will be able to pay my increased rental charges, step right and pay my increased power, water and sewerage charges, take another step right to the Motor Vehicle Registry - a great facility in Tennant Creek which has no pressure whatsoever with crowds and queues - and pay an extra $20 to conduct transactions for licences. Perhaps, in my wife’s case, she will need an eye test so that $20 is controversial. It is not a good move. I do not believe the Minister for Transport thinks it is a good move. It is an example of him being rolled in the Cabinet room. Welcome to government, Minister for Transport, but trying to sell that across the Territory – it will be very controversial.
Putting more taxis on the road is a decision made by the minister. He commented briefly on the Fivenines review, a major review into the commercial passenger vehicle industry by the previous government. He did not really elaborate on the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Board but he should have. It was a great advisory body to the previous government and, I hope, this government.
He touched briefly on the 10 peak licences but not on the conversation the previous government was having with industry about turning them into full licences. He took all the credit for the Lift Incentive Scheme for MPT taxis, a program delivered by the previous government. That is okay, he has control of the media now.
However, the Taxi Council of the Northern Territory is very clear on the dangers of lifting the cap in the taxi industry and has very good reasons for that. This minister needs to talk this through very clearly with the industry. We were all about professionalising the industry and improving service delivery. The taxi council was working hand in hand with the previous government but had real concerns on many issues. One important issue was the specific nature of Darwin and the Wet and Dry Season trade. There is a heap of work in the Dry Season but it definitely thins out in the Wet Season. You need to get that balance right. We were taking a measured approach with the introduction of the 10 peak licences to become full taxi licences. However, the minister has added 20 covering both Darwin and Alice Springs. I encourage him to discuss this with the taxi council. A measured response, not a political one, is probably needed.
I really enjoyed working with the Darwin Port Corporation. Last year, for the second time in its history, the port recorded a profit - $0.8m in the minister’s language. Good on you Darwin Port Corporation. It is the second year since being in operation and another profit. The minister did not mention that, although he should have, because Darwin Port Corporation is very proud.
The minister spoke about Darwin Port Corporation tightening its belt to deliver savings and adopting an alternative model to the Darwin Port Corporation Advisory Board. Unfortunately, this smacks of, once again, political appointments - jobs for mates we are seeing in the Environment Protection Authority and the Planning Commission. Our new Minister for Transport is heading down that road. The Darwin Port Corporation Advisory Board members are eminent Territorians. They were recruited to cover very specific background areas of engineering, finance, maritime safety, maritime operations, stevedoring, and to provide advice. The announcement to go back to a two-person expert panel to save money needs to be challenged.
In savings, an economic liberalist government looks at job cuts and we are seeing that already. I advise the Minister for Transport that the previous government worked hard to establish goodwill and a good working relationship with the MUA. The new Minister for Transport styles himself on John Howard. John Howard took on the MUA in the Patrick dispute, an historical dispute that rocked this nation. I encourage the Minister for Transport to exercise moderation and continue negotiations with the MUA - continue building goodwill because that was the agenda of the Darwin Port Corporation and the previous government. I have some real concerns that could be damaged if the new minister does not take advice from Territorians.
There is reference in the mini-budget to continual construction for better management of storm water and it is good to see that continuing. That commenced under the previous Labor government. It was a planning disaster by the CLP when it built the port. It was a disgrace. All storm water was channelled straight into the pristine environment of Darwin Harbour. Minister, I urge you to continue to rectify that on behalf of your previous colleagues.
In the Department of Infrastructure there are more savings to be had. The minister is looking at savings of $2.8m. There are 60 public servants in the Department of Infrastructure on temporary contracts. That tells me 60 jobs are gone, and that is very unfortunate.
Regarding the Planning Commission, the Chief Minister assured me in the committee stage amendments - where he really ridiculed me, attacked me, tried to belittle me and refused to answer questions. However, one question was very clear: how much will the new Planning Commission cost and how much has the CLP budgeted for it? He answered that it is cost neutral; it will be within existing resources. However, in the mini-budget I see $800 000 ongoing from 2012-13 will be allocated to establish and operate the Planning Commission. This is a very unfortunate discovery. I will not say the Chief Minister was misleading the House, he was telling half-truths.
Ms FYLES (Nightcliff): The Chief Minister’s number one promise was to cut the cost of living. All he has done since being elected is increase prices, fees, and charges and this mini-budget is more of that.
Frontline services, especially in hospitals and schools, are under threat from big cuts to government departments and the loss of hundreds of public service jobs. The mini-budget will shrink the size of the economy and force families to leave the Territory. The mini-budget says 600 public servants will go, which is 600 more than the Chief Minister promised. Who could possibly believe it will not be more than 600?
As a government, you are being so mean spirited you have even stopped supporting Blue Light Discos in the bush. I have fond memories of attending Blue Light Discos as a child. To cut funding of such a positive event for our young people is wrong. Blue Light Discos are an important mechanism for building community relationships.
Your government’s ill-thought decision to raise power prices by 30%, water by 40% and sewerage by 25% has been followed by more decisions …
Mr McCARTHY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I draw your attention to the state of the House.
Madam SPEAKER: A quorum is required. Ring the bells.
We have a quorum. Continue, member for Nightcliff.
Ms FYLES: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Your government’s ill-thought decision to raise power prices by 30%, water by 40% and sewerage by 25% has been followed by more decisions which have not been particularly well thought out and will hit our NGO sector hard. This will affect so many people so close to Christmas. You say you want to ensure programs are targeted to meet the needs of vulnerable Territory children and families.
Minister, you say you want to support Territory families but this mini-budget could not be further from that. How can removing $4.8m from the NGO sector, which works so hard to support Territory families, be supportive? May I remind you only last week you were tempted to criticise the previous government for not funding NGO organisations in the area of child protection.
You praised the work of NAPCAN, yet this week your mini-budget sees funding slashed by half. This week your mini-budget slashed NTCOSS funding by $0.5m, and you have totally cut funding to the NT Youth Affairs Network.
How will cutting funding to frontline child protection services help protect children? I read from your media release dated 4 December 2012:
- ... the government has undertaken a full review of all funding and funding commitments for non-government services provided by the Office of Children and Families and determined that $4.8m in 2012-13 will be redirected to meeting greater demand pressures for services to children and families ...
I cannot think of a greater demand than supporting our Territory families and children.
I also understand you are going to be more stringent and have stronger accountability measures on the NGO sector. How is one meant to interpret this? The non-government sector organisations and workers are passionate about the work they undertake. They go above and beyond as they truly believe in the work they are carrying out.
I remind the government that these organisations have boards, policies and abide by the Associations Act. They are accountable for the grants they receive and to the people they assist. Your mini-budget, and I quote from the media release of 4 December 2012:
- The refocus of funding to non-government organisations will be based on value for money and the delivery of real outcomes for our most vulnerable children and families.
How can you base a child protection budget on value for money over services to children? In 2001, when Labor came to government, the previous Country Liberal Party child protection budget was around $7m. Under the Labor government, child protection services were expanded to include family and support services, youth services, out-of-home care, the Children’s Commissioner, support services, and preventative measures. The previous government did not have a singular focus, as you previously stated; its focus was children in a stand-alone department. I hope the merge into a mega department with Education does not lose the work of child protection and hope it does not turn teachers into child protection officers.
Minister, Territory child protection issues are mainly around child neglect. As a society, we are trying to overcome and change decades of neglect and trying to change behaviour. Your non-funding of support services goes against research from around the world that prevention is the best long-term solution in child protection, educating our families, educating parents and supporting them when times are tough. Your mini-budget turns its back on this. You have halved the budget of NAPCAN, slashed NTCOSS funding by $0.5m, and have ceased funding the NT Youth Affairs Network. You have slashed the funding of the only Aboriginal-controlled peak child protection body in the Territory and redirected it to change its focus to out-of-home care. These organisations are heartbroken. Minister, it takes a huge amount per child for children in care. Why is your budget turning its back on research and not investing in preventative work which is the key to supporting Territory families to stay together and, in the long term, will cost less?
Minister, your statement last week spoke of strengthening the role of the Children’s Commissioner. I cannot see any additional funding in the mini-budget to support this role.
I understand you have requested a complete rewrite of the Care and Protection of Children Act, with a number of significant changes. Legislation in this area is particularly difficult. Last week I spoke of my apprehension to this request. I have now been advised you are removing Aboriginal child care agencies, or ACCAs as they are informally known. Not only were ACCAs a key recommendation of the board of inquiry, they also exist in a number of other jurisdictions and play a critical role in the child protection system, particularly in family support services and the placement and care of Aboriginal children. The development of ACCA-type services in Darwin and Alice Springs brings the Territory in line with other jurisdictions and, again, supports Territory families to stay together. Your mini-budget is turning its back on research and prevention.
The policy framework Safe Children, Bright Futures focused on the need for early intervention and support services for vulnerable Aboriginal families as a means of ensuring the greatest chance of diverting them from entering the child protection system. Where is the support for this framework or is it, too, thrown out? A framework committed to strengthening the Aboriginal non-government services and the NGO sector is the best way of ensuring these families can access culturally-appropriate services to seek the assistance they need. Given the significance of this and your government’s strength in representing the bush, it comes as a surprise that your mini-budget has turned its back on this.
Minister, I acknowledge there is a huge amount of work to do in child protection in the Northern Territory. A large part of it is based in remote areas, and there is significant cost associated with delivering and providing services in remote communities, but this work is vital. I acknowledge your plan to develop lighthouse sites across the Territory and look forward to hearing of the progress of these models in the future supporting Territory families. I also look foward to an improved service system which increases the number of children accessing early childhood learning, improved school attendance and educational outcomes for children in care, improved prevention and early intervention to reduce the need for statutory child protection intervention, and the better use of existing infrastructure and resources, particularly in remote communities, to meet shared outcomes.
Minister, the people working in the Department of Education and Children’s Services - their interests are the children. You need to provide support for them to undertake their role. I remind you, as Treasurer and minister for Child Protection, children are not about dollars. It is about our children, the most vulnerable group in the Northern Territory experiencing poverty, exclusion, discrimination and removal from their homes and cultures at unprecedented and unsustainable rates. As minister in charge of so many precious children’s lives, I urge you to consider strongly how your policies are shaping their future.
One of the key recommendations of the board of inquiry, and one of the themes in modern child protection, is the dual pathway model involving NGOs to support families before intervention and removal is needed. If a child protection officer shows up at your home, a barrier automatically goes up, the same as if a police officer turns up at your home; yet if someone from the Smith Family, the Salvation Army or a support agency comes, people generally open up to them. They will speak to them and we can support our families without the need to remove children from their homes.
You make one of your priorities non-government organisations providing support for statutory service provision as the key to managing demand and achieving quality outcomes for children and families, yet your mini-budget has cut the NGO sector. We do not treat child protection as a business. You are turning your back on expert advice. You are in a unique role being Treasurer, Child Protection minister and Education minister, and have the power in the Cabinet room to convince people dollars for our children are vital.
Territorians will also be disappointed to not have more in the mini-budget for the environment. The key initiative reported in this area is the CLP’s faith in its handpicked Planning Commission and Environment Protection Authority - $800 000 ongoing for the Planning Commission and $500 000 for the EPA. The prime purpose of the new EPA appears to be a focus on site-specific development issues to integrate environmental approvals with development planning. Last night I and my colleague, the member for Fannie Bay, spoke about our concerns around Arafura Harbour. There are still unanswered questions about what priority the new EPA will give to broad scale environmental issues and cumulative change to our special landscapes.
Another key initiative of the new government is $400 000 in funding development of the Ord Stage 3 through the establishment of an Ord Development Unit. I and the community in general have heard nothing from the government on how environmental issues associated with this proposed development will be addressed.
We have seen the announcement of a further $400 000 for rangeland monitoring which will better assist in the management of pastoral estates. This sounds like a useful initiative and I will be interested to hear more on this and how it will address biodiversity conservation issues as well as help produce pastoral productivity.
I mentioned earlier the government’s new keenness for integration of the work of the Planning Commission and the EPA. We can see the integration at work in the way the member for Greatorex is approaching his dual roles as Minister for Parks and Wildlife and Minister for Tourism and Major Events, evidenced by the extraordinary step to disallow park plans of management so he can reshape them more to his liking.
Territorians are still unclear about the cost - human and financial - of relocating the head offices of Parks and Wildlife and Tourism NT to Alice Springs. We do not see any room in the budget or any mechanism to support it. The Country Liberals have been unashamed about these moves, which are being made to suit the personal circumstances of their new minister and his CEOs, but at what cost to the programs, agencies and the lost expertise. These agencies are expected to deliver for Territorians.
On a more positive note, there are funds for combating bushfires, although not necessarily in Humpty Doo and Tennant Creek.
The other issue to address is the interface between urban and rural areas and the new threat from the spread of weeds like gamba grass, and the increasing threat to the environment as well as property and human life. I note the crocodile management plans did not receive additional funding.
Our government commissioned a comprehensive review of these issues and lessons learnt from the recent firefighting experience in Central Australia. Our government committed to responding in full to the recommendations of the report and we will be watching closely to see how improvements in firefighting and fire management capacity are being implemented.
The mini-budget is informative by way of what is not included. There were a number of things missing. There was no focus on the priority issue of a regional waste management facility in the greater Darwin area. There was no support for local government shires in managing environmental issues associated with waste management in our remote towns. There was no mention of the Cash for Containers program and its future. There was no detail of measures being taken to better manage sewage treatment currently struggling at full capacity in many of the bush towns and communities. There was no mention of how future unspecified job losses and uncertainty in the public service will affect the capacity of our public service to continue to advise government with top quality information to manage environmental issues and the skills to address them.
On behalf of concerned Territorians, I ask the new government what steps are being taken to reduce the risk of losing this knowledge from our public servants; our standout staff with knowledge and understanding of environmental management issues. We talk about positions not being renewed and contracts expiring, eventually this will take its toll on our environment.
For the Treasurer to say she hopes people will forget shows how out of touch with people she is. People will not forget. These decisions are hurting Territorians every day. The mini-budget will shrink the size of the economy and force families to leave the Territory.
People in my electorate have spoken to me about their businesses. They believe the increasing cost of power and water increasing will break their backs.
I have many seniors in my electorate who - $1 or so on the bus might not seem much, but it is a big deal to them when they watch every dollar. Also, $20 to go into MVR does not make sense. It is great to do things on the Internet, but often that fails and accountability of receipts - it is quite difficult. I recently filled in a passport application for my youngest son and trying to do it online was awkward. People want that human interface. They want to go into MVR. Twenty dollars is double what Qantas charges!
This mini-budget will affect so many people so close to Christmas. I ask you to reconsider some of your ill-thought decisions. If you are really conscious of how these decisions are hurting Territorians, you would reconsider.
Ms WALKER (Nhulunbuy): Madam Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to reply to the Treasurer’s mini-budget and place on the record the many shortcomings this new wrecking ball of a government has thrown up to Territorians, the disingenuous approach, and the downright deceit it has engaged in.
I have several portfolio areas of shadow responsibility to cover. I will also talk about some matters in my own electorate and some election commitments made there.
Let us start with Public Employment. Thanks to the CLP government, around 600 public servants will lose their jobs. There can be nothing other than a reduction in services and programs, which is obviously the undercurrent of this mini-budget. On the ABC news on Monday night the Chief Minister said very boldly, ‘We have done what we said we would do’. However, he has also done exactly what he said, categorically, he would not - hike up the cost of living and sack 600 public servants and more to come.
The then Leader of the Opposition went to an election on the back of a commitment to assure the Territory’s public servants that their jobs were safe. In his media release of 27 August, the Chief Minister said about his first meeting with the Public Service Commissioner, Graham Symons:
- ‘It was important for me to meet with Graham Symons ...
- ... early in my tenure to assure all public servants that their jobs are safe’, Mr Mills said.
Mr McCARTHY: A point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker! I draw your attention to the state of the House.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Ring the bells.
There is a quorum.
Ms WALKER: I query, Mr Deputy Speaker, when there is a pause during my speech for a quorum is the clock put on hold?
Mr Elferink: No. You can blame it on him.
Ms WALKER: No, we will blame it on the lazy members opposite.
Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, a couple of minutes lost is no big deal. We have four years to hammer this government about how terrible, hopeless, mean, and out of touch it truly is, as evidenced by this mini-budget.
I was talking about the famous media release from the new Chief Minister on 27 August. He went on to say:
- Contrary to the lies spread by Labor during the election campaign, no public service jobs will be lost under a Country Liberals government.
It is not just me, it is all of the public servants, all the Territorians, who recognise the hypocrisy of the Chief Minister. How astounding it is! It simply calls into question his integrity and leaves his reputation not just tarnished but in tatters. I cannot see the current Chief Minister leading this mob to the election in 2016. I doubt he will have the same Deputy Chief Minister. They are marked within their own ranks. The Treasurer believes Territorians will have forgotten the terrible things the government has done in two years not four. They might have forgotten her as well!
I have lived in the Territory long enough to recognise the CLP of old has returned stronger than ever; the old boys brought out of retirement on whacking big salaries to tell the Chief Minister and the Treasurer how to do their jobs and how to run the Territory, and their ministerial offices are full of them.
I turn to my shadow portfolios of justice and corrections, which the member for Port Darwin has carriage of.
Let us start with the habitual drunks policy we have not seen yet but will see $34m delivered, according to the health budget, for rehabilitation places. The plan and the election commitment – we have not heard anything to the contrary - is really to build prison farms. It is listed in the first 100 days in this wonderful document under ‘Plan of Action on Law and Order’. You will ‘enforce mandatory rehabilitation for problem drinkers’. We have not heard anything to the contrary so it must be the truth.
Like just about everything else in this budget and the Country Liberal Party’s master plan, of which members opposite are merely the puppets with the old boys in charge pulling the strings, there are more questions than answers.
Ms Lee: You are the former government. The one that put us here, do not forget that.
Ms WALKER: Let us get this right.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Ms WALKER: Member for Arnhem, you had 30 minutes to participate in this debate and gave five minutes. It is not your turn to speak, it is mine.
Ms Lee: I will, don’t you worry. I will blast you. Yes, and I will be after you.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Ms WALKER: You will be after me? Is that a threat, Mr Deputy Speaker? Can I query that?
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: You have the call, member for Nhulunbuy.
Ms WALKER: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. You have Standing Order 51 and you might need to remind the member for Arnhem periodically about that. She is new and is learning but I am sure she will get the hang of it.
Let us get this right: the Justice minister is looking after problem drunks but does not have alcohol policy, which sits with the Health minister. Licensing sits with the Business minister and alcohol issues in Central Australia sit with the Treasurer as Minister for Central Australia. However, in the 100-day plan - we have not heard anything to the contrary - the Attorney-General has responsibility for the 2500 problem drinkers he allowed back onto the streets when he axed the Banned Drinker Register, even though the 100-day plan and CLP promise said they would remove drunks from our streets. The government has done the opposite. It axed the Banned Drinker Register without any consultation, analysis or input. Menzies School of Health Research might have had the opportunity to conduct and evaluate the scheme but, on the strength of however many years of policing and basically being an expert on everything, the member for Port Darwin has shut it down.
Goodness knows what you will get for $34m and how these facilities might accommodate 2500 problem drinkers - and that number is growing - and how you reconcile problem drinkers as sick people with an addiction problem alongside criminalising drunkenness. We all wonder, Attorney-General, what bill you are currently drafting which might make all this clear, what backroom discussion you might be having with the Health minister, maybe the former CLP Health minister who is working in your office, as to how this all plays out.
Where is the habitual drunks policy for which the Attorney-General has responsibility? I can only assume there are some very interesting discussions going on in your party wing, fighting amongst one another about how you will sort out this dreadful mess you have inflicted on the Territory. We know – and it is receiving growing media attention - the SMART Court has gone, as has the Alcohol and Other Drugs Tribunal. What a great shame for a justice reform which was welcomed and working since its introduction under the Labor government.
We have heard from NAAJA, the Chief Magistrate, and the President of the NT Law Society who have all praised how useful this system was as a therapeutic type of justice for offenders with a substance abuse problem. Jonathon Hunyor from NAAJA said:
- It is much more open, it is much more about getting to the heart of what caused the offending and what the person’s problems are.
As the Attorney-General continues to take alcohol policy backwards, he has axed the Larrakia night patrol thinking this will deter itinerants and problem drinkers. In reality, things will only become worse and police resources will have to be directed to deal with these people - around 5000 a year. I am concerned about the comments I heard on ABC radio yesterday morning where the NT Police Association spokesperson expressed concerns about police now having to step back into this void because the night patrols have gone, and the implications and concerns around drunks being taken into custody.
The Attorney-General, however, is not worried this move is being heavily criticised by police, welfare groups and others. He also ignores the fact Larrakia night patrol is tied up with the Return to Country program which has helped 20 000 people return to remote communities.
With the Banned Drinker Register scrapped and nothing in its place, 2500 problem drunks are back on the streets and this service is needed more than ever. The decision to axe it is short-sighted.
I hope the Minister for Local Government is defending night patrols in shires which provide a critical service keeping people safe. However, as this government is hell-bent on saving money and axing programs, it would not surprise me to see the axe fall in the shires.
Mr GILES: A point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker! For the information of the member, night patrols in shire boundaries are provided by the federal government under the Attorney-General’s department.
Ms WALKER: As is funding for Larrakia night patrol, and that is not a point of order.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I have real concerns about the agenda in Corrections after so much excellent work was done by the former minister, the member for Barkly. I am pleased the new Corrections precinct at Weddell is progressing even though the CLP said, pre-election, it would put a stop to it. There is no doubt it is needed. Berrimah is long past its use-by date, built in 1978 and originally designed for …
Mr Elferink: Your speech is wrong.
Ms WALKER: Excuse me, I am on my feet ...
Mr Elferink: You are wrong. I am trying to help because you are making mistakes.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: You have the floor member for Nhulunbuy.
Ms WALKER: Thank you Mr Deputy Speaker. The Attorney-General can bang on all he likes, go to an adjournment debate or an explanatory statement ...
Mr Elferink: You are wrong and I am trying to help you. You are saying things ...
Ms WALKER: Please, the last person I need help from in this entire world is you.
You are a wrecking ball. Berrimah is long past its use-by date being built in 1978 and originally designed for 110, now with a design capacity at 590, but holding 790 according to a briefing I had from the AG’s office on 6 November.
It is hard to see how far $1m will stretch for the two residential boot camps the CLP promised for juvenile offenders in the lead-up to the election, especially when that $1m is also going to deliver early intervention programs.
Let us take a step back. Whatever happened to the review of the Youth Justice Act and its recommendations headed by the former member for Araluen, the very talented Ms Jodeen Carney? Whatever happened to this review, and its nine recommendations, which the Labor government commissioned and embraced. We received it just over a year ago and it included creation of a youth justice unit.
What of the many organisations that provided submissions to the review into the Youth Justice Act, including the Northern Territory Council of Social Services? It will not have a voice much longer given it just had a whacking amount stripped from its budget. NTCOSS, in preparing its submission, consulted with around 30 organisations. The review into the Youth Justice Act is nowhere to be found on the Northern Territory government website. It went in the early days of this new government.
Mr Elferink: Do you realise it still exists?
Ms WALKER: We know it still exists but is not accessible to people. In that review, against all best practice models and the recommendations of the review, youth justice is now in Corrections not Justice and the emphasis is on boot camps - punitive stuff rather than preventive and therapeutic measures which are part of the whole justice reinvestment philosophy. What does the budget deliver for the facilities you would expect to be associated with the two promised boot camps other than a few tents and some camping gear?
On that note, I was going to hark back to something championed by the Treasurer. Whatever happened to the CLP’s Night Safe Strategy for children which earned that name when the member for Araluen realised people found the concept of a curfew on the streets of Alice Springs abhorrent? I have not heard anything further on that.
I will now go to local government. We know that budget has been slashed by $13m. The minister attempted to answer that question during Question Time yesterday, but I am not sure people in the bush will accept the answer.
I am pleased the CLP is proceeding with the local government reform agenda and have now agreed amongst themselves not to scrap the shires, even though they said they would long and loud in the bush prior to the election and, on the strength of that, secured many votes from people who thought in voting CLP they would see the shires scrapped.
The minister has announced the Regional Governance Working Group of 21 members and a budget of $6.2m to develop and implement reform. The Labor government was heading down that road of reform having introduced quite courageous local government reforms. For nearly three decades the previous CLP government completely ignored the need for reform. It is small wonder, when something has only been in place four years, you need to take stock, review, and see what can be done. That is why we put in place a task force. That has been dismantled and we now have a group of 21. We look forward to seeing the options paper produced. The consultation process around timing is most unfortunate. If the minister had stepped in more quickly that group could have been meeting six weeks ago and be well into producing the options paper and, more importantly, going through with the consultation process promised. I do not understand what he means when he says he is going as fast as he can at going slow; perhaps we will understand that one day.
I have concerns that the services local government delivers will be compromised given the increase in operating costs with utilities increases. That will see a loss of jobs and/or a loss of services somewhere along the way. I have concerns, which were not addressed in the mini-budget, where jobs in the shires are going given the minister’s comments at the LGANT conference in Alice Springs a number of weeks back hinting the ratio of employees to constituents in the municipal councils versus the shires – there are far more people employed - and suggesting shires were being inefficient and too many people were employed even though the shires employ, on average, around 70% Indigenous people.
I am disappointed there is no further announcement beyond committing to one more year of funding for the local government jobs package supporting employment of up to 500 Indigenous Territorians in the bush, something the former minister for Local Government fought very hard for. That commitment was delivered by Labor. It is there for another year and we look forward to seeing funding for jobs in the budget when it comes down in May 2013. Nothing to date from the Minister for Local Government or the Minister for Indigenous Advancement gives us any joy there might be some new ideas or new money for improving jobs in the bush.
I will go to housing. There is really no joy there except the delivery of all those Labor government initiatives listed in the budget we handed down ...
Mr Chandler: There is no joy, only Labor initiatives.
Ms WALKER: Member for Brennan, if you would let me finish, I was partway through a sentence. There is no joy in housing except for what was already committed to under Labor. You have listed them in the mini-budget and you will find them listed in the Labor budget handed down in May this year.
Here is the bit where I mean no joy: the CLP has seen fit to axe the schemes Labor had in place to assist first homebuyers into the market with generous concessions and a genuine bid to get people off the rental roundabout and into home ownership. The announcement from the Treasurer that stamp duty concessions have ended is grim news and, after dithering for weeks about what to replace Labor’s innovative scheme with, the Housing minister announced something very similar to what Labor had except capped the grant at homes up to $600 000 ...
Mr McCARTHY: A point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker! Pursuant to Standing Order 77, I request the member be given an extension of time.
Motion agreed to.
Ms WALKER: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. Because the new scheme has been capped at $600 000, down from Labor’s $750 000, under the CLP’s not so generous scheme those wanting to be homeowners are only eligible for the $25 000 if they buy a new home under $600 000. To make it worse, the scheme locks out buyers from purchasing existing homes. For Territorians whose dream is to buy their own home or unit in Millner or Nightcliff, or parts of Alice Springs - perhaps in your electorate - they cannot if they buy an existing house. They have to buy a new house on new land.
I am pleased to see the continuation of remote housing with a budget of $111m to continue the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing. I have heard CLP members from the bush comment on what a good initiative this is. It was formerly known as SIHIP, a program the CLP, in opposition, condemned continuously, found fault with endlessly, and has never admitted it has been the largest investment in Indigenous housing in the country, transforming Indigenous communities, and dealing with the incredible deficit of housing over decades. It took a Labor government to address that deficit.
This is not new money. This $111m is predominantly federal funding, though the Northern Territory government has contributed to it. I have no doubt the Minister for Housing, the Chief Minister or the Deputy Chief Minister, will be sidling up alongside the federal minister, Ms Macklin, at some stage and unveiling a plaque in a remote community, perhaps with their name on it, perhaps in my electorate of Yirrkala and, in the next couple of years, saying what a wonderful scheme it is and how wonderful the CLP is for implementing it.
I also welcome the carryover of $6.9m of federal money for remote teacher housing. This comes on the back of an $18m package delivered in, I believe, 2010 to provide much-needed teacher accommodation in our remote schools. The member for Arafura commented on that and is quite right - this housing is critical if we are to attract teachers into our schools but recognising, at the same time, our aim should always be to grow the local workforce and promote, encourage, and nurture local people - local Indigenous men and women - into the role of teachers.
I turn to my other area of shadow responsibility around Indigenous Advancement. Being an elected member representing the bush, I also take the opportunity to raise some of the glaring gaps, omissions, and plain wrong decisions in what is not being done to support people in the bush in this mini-budget.
My colleague on my right has responsibility for Regional Development. Indigenous Advancement and Regional Development are a bit nebulous - how it gels together and what they are doing. There is a strategic objective listed under DCM, so it is linked to DCM as well. That link was about creating a position for a certain individual who they thought would be really good in that job, and it would give him a leg up to get to communities and possibly bolster his support as the CLP candidate for Lingiari. However, he did not get the job, so I wonder if he is staying and if that might mean changes?
Page 19 of the mini-budget, DCM, states:
- Supporting regional development including job creation initiatives by providing strong leadership and coordination through regional coordination committees.
I look forward to learning what ‘regional coordination committees’ means. I do not know if that is linked to what is coming out of the local government regional governance options paper. I am sure we will find out.
Of course, I welcome the funding for homeland housing to address the deficit in repairs and maintenance, given the federal commitment to continue funding was only confirmed in the second quarter of last year. That $200m of federal funding attached to the Stronger Futures package was secured through bush members of the Labor Caucus who lobbied hard to ensure Indigenous Territorians in remote areas, especially those in homelands, would continue to receive federal government support. During all of that time we did not hear the member for Namatjira calling on the minister for that funding.
Apart from the announcement of the budget and how it will be allocated, there is no information from the CLP how this new housing money into homelands will be rolled out. There are strings attached under CLP policy as to which homeland houses will be eligible in that adults must be participating in the economy of the homeland and children must be attending school regularly. What does ‘regularly’ mean? The Treasurer said children must be attending school compulsorily, so we have compulsorily and regularly. How will this pan out? Whose house will be upgraded and whose not?
What qualifies as participating in the economy? What funded measures will be in place to assist the unemployed into work and training, especially in light of the $700 000 cut to Indigenous training in the Department of Business budget. The member for Namatjira, the Minister for Indigenous Advancement, was unable to answer that during Question Time yesterday. She went on a rant about her former colleagues on this side of the House and how mean some journalists are to her.
Back to homelands housing funding which featured in the Minister for Indigenous Advancement’s mini-budget reply - and it was not a reasonable response to the budget, but as we know too well, it is easy to be big on rhetoric and motherhood statements but it is the small details we will be looking for - how are you going to do it? Who oversees what the money can be spent on and how it will be spent? What role do homeland resource agencies have in implementing the package? The homeland resource agencies I have contacted have not heard from the government. They are in the dark; they have not heard from the government since the election. They do not know what their role will be in this. What role will there be for consultation with homeland residents? Labor had committed to much consultation because we had announced the same scheme to address repairs and maintenance. What commitment to new housing on homelands? We know it is an incredibly difficult area as populations in homelands continue to grow.
I will move to some of the broader negative impacts this mini-budget is having on people in the bush, starting with health services. The planned expansion of the renal dialysis programs in Katherine has been stopped - a huge shame. I place part of that blame on the member for Katherine who never supported it and ran a scare campaign in his electorate about where it would be located. We are talking about sick people who need to access renal dialysis and that was a dreadful thing for him to do.
I also highlight, again, the axing of patient accommodation at Gove District Hospital. Call it a hostel, call it a medi-hotel - it is basic, secure, safe accommodation in a culturally appropriate environment to look after people who do not necessarily need a hospital bed but somewhere safe and affordable to stay. They may be in for specialist treatment or may be pregnant women coming from remote areas to Gove District Hospital because they are three or possibly four weeks out from their delivery date. The Minister for Health said they are hotels, people can stay at the Walkabout Lodge and, what is more, they are for long-grassers anyway. That is shameful. Even more shameful are the bush members opposite. Not one has spoken up to say this is wrong, which means they all believe people in Katherine or surrounding areas do not need access to expanded renal dialysis services. By their silence they are also saying people do not need access to secure accommodation on a hospital campus, they can stay at the Walkabout Lodge, on licensed premises, and their $35 per night for patient travel will cover it even though the cost of the hotel is probably closer to $200 per night.
I point out to the members opposite, who praised the mini-budget for the inclusion of funding for upgrades to health centres or new health centres, that all those were listed under the Labor budget in May. They are all there. You can thank Labor for the great investment in the bush over the last 11 years.
Transport: there is no new money for roads in the bush. Some previous transport improvements are now going backwards. The Canteen Creek airstrip has been delayed. The Tennant air service has also being affected, and what a great shame that is.
The cost of living in the bush under this new government will go through the roof. People are already worried about living in an expensive area and it has just become a whole lot worse. This government is offensive in the way it is treating people. It promised to listen to people in the bush but is punishing them and the bush members are doing nothing to stick up for them. They are in cahoots with this new government and driven more by self-interest than the interests of their wider electorates.
The government is out of touch. We know there is more pain to come. I do not support this mini-budget. I condemn it, and condemn the cost of living hikes and power price hikes this government has inflicted on us.
Debate adjourned.
MOTION
Note Paper - Mini-Budget 2012-13
Note Paper - Mini-Budget 2012-13
Continued from earlier this day.
Mrs LAMBLEY (Treasurer): Madam Speaker, this afternoon I close the debate on the 2012-13 mini-budget.
I start by thanking all the people who have been a part of what is quite a milestone for this government. First, I thank all the hard-working people in Treasury. They have worked tirelessly over the last months and I have been staggered by their professionalism and dedication. These people work long hours and seem to be extraordinarily selfless. Thank you to the Treasury staff.
I also thank the members of the Renewal Management Board, Dr Neil Conn, John Gardiner, and Ken Clarke, who have worked tirelessly since we formed government. They have worked very long hours and have contributed enormously to our understanding of what lay before us coming into government.
I thank my ministerial officers upstairs, my new staff, who have come on board and assisted through this process. Thank you very much for your time and dedication. I also thank the new Terry Mills Country Liberals Cabinet and wing which have been extraordinarily supportive of me over the last 15 weeks learning my new job - learning the ins and outs of what is a complicated and responsible role which I am very honoured to have.
I thank the member for Drysdale for presenting a speech on my portfolio area of Children and Families. I also thank the member for Sanderson for presenting the Education portfolio area of the mini-budget.
The mini-budget was broken down into many different areas. We came into office 15 weeks ago - a little over 100 days ago - and immediately set about the task of trying to analyse, understand and pull apart exactly what the fiscal state of the Northern Territory was. No stone was left unturned. We used the skills and expertise of Treasury staff as well as the Renewal Management Board. After 11 years in government, the former Labor government was quite adept at managing things in a certain way. When a new government comes on board it is important to take some time and use specific expertise to analyse exactly what lays ahead, and that is exactly what we did.
The process commenced with a full assessment of each and every government agency, looking through the lens of what was in the books, what was in the budget papers, what was in the pre-election fiscal outlook as compared to the real situation within the agencies. We looked at the deterioration of the budget, which is now quite well documented. We started off with a fiscal imbalance of $767m which quickly escalated to $860m. Now, at the mini-budget stage, we are looking at a fiscal imbalance of $981m in 2012-13 costing taxpayers close to $60m per year in interest payable.
We looked at the state of the government owned Power and Water Corporation. Had we believed the opposition, we would just be carrying on, leaving this provider of essential services in an unsustainable state. We looked at the unfunded spending commitment of the former Labor government - $600m worth of unfunded spending commitments over the forward estimates; $600m worth of spending the former government made no provision to cover.
We looked at our own election commitments generated leading up to the election and have honoured them. We undertook to honour, in full, each one and this is reflected very clearly in the mini-budget.
We undertook to reduce our fiscal imbalance to zero by the end of our term in 2015-16. This will be an enormous challenge; we are still looking at a fiscal imbalance of just over $50m at the end of the forward estimates. It will be very difficult to achieve, but is the only way we can reach a position to start reducing the nett debt of the Northern Territory. We have committed to at least endeavour to achieve a fiscal imbalance of zero.
We looked at savings and efficiencies in government across all agencies. We asked all agencies to identify savings, to tighten their belts and look at where there was waste and inefficiencies. This was a very productive and fruitful process for all agencies. It allowed them to step back and analyse what they were doing, how they were doing it, what resources they were using, where the fat lay and where there were excesses and inefficiencies.
Not only has it been about saving money, it has also been a positive time of self-reflection for the government agencies; a time to look at their processes and systems and how they are going about their business.
We looked at housing pressure throughout the process of compiling the mini-budget. We looked at the enormous cost of living in the Northern Territory created by the former government and how housing has been the main driver of inflating the cost of living in the Northern Territory. We looked at how we, as a new government, could address that and how we could tweak and change the current assistance offered by government.
We looked at additional revenue - you have to generate more revenue when you are looking at a mounting fiscal imbalance such as we inherited - to cover our expenditure. Most governments try to live within their means, not keep spending beyond their means and more than the revenue coming in. The former Labor government did not understand that concept. It was all about spending with very little, if any, attention paid to revenue options and increasing revenue. You have to do that, and the most difficult decisions in this mini-budget lie around deriving greater revenue from consumers of government services.
We also looked at the capital works program, reviewed the repairs and maintenance schedules, and one of the great announcements, if not the greatest, is the $100m of capital works expenditure we have committed over the forward estimates. Good news for business and for government.
I have listened to the contributions made by the opposition. They have run a brilliant and costly scaremongering campaign, costly for no one but the people of the Northern Territory.
We have been called mean spirited, nasty, horrible - all sorts of adjectives have been used to describe us because of the difficult decisions we have had to make. Only 15 weeks into government and we are blamed for everything from lack of preventative health care and child protection services to having to increase the electricity, sewerage and water tariffs. It is quite fascinating to swap sides.
A few months ago we were in opposition, now we are in government and the opposition has acute amnesia. They forget only months ago they were making all the decisions. They were responsible for the finances of the Territory and, weeks later, it is all over to us and all the problems are ours. We are certainly up for the job. The mini-budget is the start of our long and exciting four years in government. It is about resetting the agenda, resetting the priorities of the Northern Territory, and we are excited to be in this position despite the difficult decisions we have had to make.
The opposition rejoiced in running a scare campaign alleging we intend to roll out infinite sackings of public servants and reduce the public service without a care in the world. Absolute nonsense! The new government has been extremely clear. It has not budged. The messages have been very clear all along. There will be no sackings and no redundancies. The positions affected will be those with salaries of over $110 000 a year - executive contract positions. All frontline positions are safe. There is no intention by this government to change that. Every year 23% of the public service is lost through natural attrition. We will reduce 3% of the public service over the forward estimates, equating to 600 jobs lost through the non-renewal of contracts.
These people will be offered redeployment. They will not be sacked but, in most cases, will not have their contracts renewed. We have been open, honest and transparent for the last 15 weeks. We will continue to be open and honest throughout our government.
In Education, I was, once again, floored by the ignorance of the member for Fannie Bay. He really has perpetuated this scaremongering campaign. He was unable to understand or take the time to read the mini-budget papers to enlighten himself in a meaningful and intelligent way. He continued to state we are cutting the Education budget by 10%. That is simply not true. The Education budget for this financial year has increased by $11m. He continues to allege the government is cutting frontline teaching staff from the Education department. Not true! He peddled incorrect information. I will not call them lies because perhaps he is not able to separate lies from the truth in the information he is given. However, someone is giving him incorrect information.
I implore the member for Fannie Bay to work with the facts rather than create unnecessary fear and anguish in the community. This scaremongering campaign serves no other purpose than to hurt innocent Territorians.
I heard the member for Nelson’s concerns relating to his much loved and valued constituents. I recognise the member for Nelson is a very good local member of parliament. He said he felt discriminated against and unfairly done by because of the government’s decision to suspend funding to the Freds Pass recreation and sporting facilities and the Litchfield swimming pool. Neither have been managed particularly well. There has been much confusion and a lack of cohesion in decision-making in the communities around both areas of funding. We are open to suggestion, we are open to reviewing the decision to suspend funding, but it is not a personal attack on the member for Nelson. He implied we were wasting money in different areas, money could have been spent better, and it seemed a little hypocritical coming from the member for Nelson when $600 000 per year over the last four years was indulged in his creation, the Council of Territory Cooperation. A total of $2.4m was spent on the member for Nelson’s indulgence - the Council of Territory Cooperation - which meant the Henderson Labor government could remain in government. He kept the government in and was indulged to the tune of $2.4m. What did the Council of Territory Cooperation achieve? The jury is out on that. Most on this side of the Chamber would argue not much for $2.4m.
The member for Wanguri came out of hiding, out of retirement, and honoured us with a few comments on the mini-budget. He said the budget was ‘not needed’. I would seriously debate that, given the fiscal imbalance and debt we inherited from the member for Wanguri, the former Chief Minister of the Northern Territory. It was needed; it had to be done.
The difficult decisions we have made increasing power and water tariffs, increasing different charges and making various cutbacks across agencies had to be done. We could not continue with the level of irresponsible spending the former government will be remembered for. The member for Wanguri accused us of being dismissive and disregarding people. He had a go at the Renewable Management Board, which seems to be a theme of the opposition. If you cannot mount a reasonable case on your own merits try shooting the messenger. The member for Wanguri chose to go down that path.
He then talked about how we, as the new government, had disrespect for Treasury staff. I interpreted his words to suggest he was trying to create a wedge between the new government and Treasury staff saying we were criticising the contents of the pre-election fiscal outlook on the basis we did not trust Treasury staff. This was a very skewed and peculiar argument when everyone in this room knows the contents of the pre-election fiscal outlook and the budgets are an outcome of the decisions made by the former government. That type of politics is not very helpful, member for Wanguri.
Department of Treasury and Finance staff are very professional people and it is not necessary for the opposition, or the government, to try to drive a wedge between Treasury staff and members of parliament. They are there to do a job for whoever is in government.
It is interesting to receive advice from the failed Chief Minister. He came out of his shell and decided to advise us about the deficit. He said there had to be a deficit …
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Pursuant to Standing Order 77, I ask the Treasurer be given an extension of time.
Motion agreed to.
Mrs LAMBLEY: Thank you, member for Braitling. The former Chief Minister said there had to be a deficit; the previous government had to spend its way out of the global financial crisis and it was all very justifiable. However, there are deficits and there are deficits, and the deficit we inherited was not justified on any level.
Next came the contribution from the member for Nightcliff. With her child protection interests as the shadow for Child Protection, she talked about how terrible we were for taking funding from the non-government sector. She did not acknowledge this government has spent $10m extra on child protection - Office of Children and Families - in this year’s budget. We were faced with a staggering problem when we looked at the books of the department of Children and Families, now the Office of Children and Families. We were faced with enormous unfunded commitments to the tune of around $35m compliments of the member for Casuarina, the former minister for Children and Families. We have done exceedingly well coming out of it for as little as an extra $10m. We prioritise children and family services in the Northern Territory.
Amnesia is a serious problem amongst the opposition. The member for Nightcliff could get away with not knowing too much history about her side of politics but we, on this side of the Chamber, know the former Labor government had the worst track record when it came to child protection in Australia. Where they took child protection in the Northern Territory was a national disgrace. To listen to the innocent and nave words of the member of Nightcliff about how we lack commitment, do not have any strategy around prevention, have slashed funding and done this, that, and the other, is quite laughable. However, I respect her for doing her job and her best to defend the poor track record of the former government when it comes to child protection.
The former government had no prevention mechanisms in place when it came to child protection. We have decided to reprioritise our funding commitments to the non-government sector. In these difficult, tight times with the demand for child protection services escalating each year it is important we target funding to the non-government sector. Over the forward estimates we will increase funding for non-government agencies to provide the services needed.
We will not be made accountable by individuals from non-government organisations. We are not here to please people who might be employed by non-government organisations. The non-government organisations need to know if they receive government funding they have to provide the services we prescribe through evidence-based practice.
The member for Nhulunbuy contributed to the discussion about the mini-budget and had nothing positive to say. I will cut her a little slack, she was not overly critical of the local government agenda rolled out in the mini-budget. She has an open mind about that.
The peddling of incorrect information by the opposition is concerning. The member for Nhulunbuy gave her appraisal of the housing assistance offered through our new schemes which were clearly articulated by the Minister for Housing. She peddled them incorrectly. I implore the opposition members to get their facts right. Do not give incorrect information which makes you look stupid and causes confusion for people in the Northern Territory who listen and might believe you. It is not fair and is very unprofessional. I have heard most members of the opposition peddling incorrect information over the last few days.
In conclusion, the mini-budget for 2012-13 is something I am quite proud of. There were some difficult decisions which have caused some grief to people in the Northern Territory, but we have balanced it with a range of commitments and spending measures which address all areas of government. We have not stripped the cupboard bare; we have not reduced the fiscal imbalance this year by a huge margin. We have trimmed it back over the forward estimates. There will be more trimming; but the real pain Territorians will experience is to be felt now. There will be less pain over the forward estimates and people will realise by going through this stage that the worst is over. Once people accept these tough decisions had to be made - increases in revenue, increases in tariffs - we look forward to a very bright future in the Northern Territory. I hope you all hang in there and have faith that we would not have done this if we did not have to.
Motion agreed to; paper and statement noted.
REVENUE AND OTHER LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL
(Serial 17)
(Serial 17)
Continued from 4 December 2012.
Ms LAWRIE (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, yesterday I described the CLP’s mini-budget as mean and out of touch with the daily realities faced by Territory families. I said it hurts Territorians; it hits them where it hurts most - increasing the cost of living. I did not say these things flippantly. The mini-budget will truly change the Territory for the worse. It will shrink our economy and impose an intolerable and unnecessary burden on households.
Frontline services, especially in hospitals and schools, are under threat from big cuts to government departments and the loss of hundreds of public service jobs. Over the past two days the opposition has outlined specific impacts of the mini-budget. I want to remind the House of a few of the lowlights of the mini-budget.
The power and water price hike: 30% for power, 40% for water, and 25% for sewerage.
Abolishing stamp duty concessions, the subject of this bill, and first homebuyer grants for existing houses in Darwin and Palmerston locking people out of home ownership - some 1100 homes they can no longer purchase to enter the homeowner market.
Public rents are increasing and the CLP has clearly said it wants to sell public housing without providing new stock.
Registration for cars is going up by up to 18% and now you have to pay $20 for the privilege of going to MVR to stand in line. Driver’s licences, vehicle inspections, motorcycle training courses and personalised number plates are all going up too. Rather than fund new public transport services as promised, the CLP is raising fares and introducing fares for senior Territorians.
The night patrol service in Darwin will be abolished putting more pressure on police.
There are massive cuts to the family and parent support services budget. Non-government organisations providing child protection services have said this will lead to more child abuse and neglect.
The Australian Council of Social Service has issued a media release titled ‘$4.8m cuts will severely hurt vulnerable children and families in the NT’. I will read from the ACOSS media release dated today:
- The Australian Council of Social Service today expressed deep alarm at the Northern Territory government’s decision to cut nearly $5m to the community sector, adding this will severely impact on the lives of the most vulnerable Territorians.
‘Cutting $4.8m from groups that play such a vital role in our community is a major setback in our long-term effects to deal with entrenched disadvantage in the Territory,’ said ACOSS CEO, Dr Cassandra Goldie.
‘We all know the extent of the problems, especially in the child protection area, so ripping money from community organisations funded through the Office of Children and Families is a significant backwards step.
The Territory has appalling rates of children in the child protection system, particularly Aboriginal children, yet the new government is targeting this very sector for savings, when we actually need to invest more if we’re going to make a difference.
This is not the way for a new government to start relations with the sector that does the heavy lifting in our community. This is the sector that people turn to when they fall into hard times, the sector supporting people facing horrific life stories. Our groups, workers and volunteers are the ones left to pick up the pieces, supporting people to rebuild their lives and be included in our society.
ACOSS is also disappointed the government is targeting the sector’s peak body NTCOSS, which has been told it will lose more than half its funding. This will have a significant impact on their ability to provide support to NGOs across the NT.
Minister Robyn Lambley appears to have ignored the advice of the Growing them strong, together board of inquiry recommendations, which included building the capacity of the NGO sector including peak bodies. These recommendations were developed by a panel of experts after widespread consultation across the Territory. We need to know the basis for the minister’s disregard for this expert advice.
NGOs need to play a key role if we are going to be able to continue to implement the recommendations of the Growing them strong, together report. That inquiry and previous inquiries provide a robust evidence based approach to addressing child protection. The recommendations need to be implemented in full if we are ever going to provide adequate services to protect vulnerable children in the Territory. Any significant move away from this evidence based approach must have a solid basis.
ACOSS calls on the Territory government to be transparent about the future direction, including the evidence it’s founded on, and work with the NGO sector if we are to truly improve the lives of vulnerable children and families in the Territory’, Dr Goldie said.
Leave granted.
Ms LAWRIE: It is a hideous day for the Territory when the Treasurer, and minister responsible for the protection of children, goes against the protection of children. This shows how heinous the mini-budget is. It will have dire consequences for the lives of children and families in the Territory. She can dismiss what the opposition says as she dismisses what Territorians have to say. How do you continue to dismiss it when ACOSS, the national peak body, says it too?
The night patrol service in Darwin is being abolished and police say this will put them under enormous pressure. The local government budget has been slashed from $72m to $59m. The CLP is converting the Humpty Doo Fire Station to a volunteer service and scrapping Litchfield pool. Education has to find 10% in savings, and schools have to pay an extra 15% for their power, water and sewerage, impacting directly on students and support for teachers in the classroom. Almost every fee, charge or levy is increasing across government, even fireworks.
These are a few consequences of the mini-budget, there are so many more. In the coming weeks and months Territorians will discover the true impact of the CLP’s meanness.
Three months ago, Territorians had a spring in their step, the place was on the up, there was optimism, people were moving here and thinking positively about the future. We had the fastest growing economy in the nation. Now, disturbingly, people are openly talking about leaving and are worrying about their future, their jobs, and how they will find the extra money in their household budget to pay for the Country Liberal Party’s folly. The Treasurer, or should I say Acting Chief Minister given the Chief Minister has gone to Canberra to avoid scrutiny, has indicated there is still more hurt to come. The Treasurer has said there is more pain in the 2013-14 budget.
The revenue bill before us enables the mini-budget; it is the instrument the Country Liberal Party is using to impose misery on Territory families. Specifically, the bill seeks to amend the Stamp Duty Act and the First Home Owner Grant Act to abolish stamp duty concessions and reduce the scope of the First Home Owner Grant. It also amends the Motor Vehicles (Fees and Charges) Regulations to increase motor vehicle registration charges, allowing a $105 increase for four-wheel-drive vehicles. Given how much it will hurt Territorians, we will be voting against this bill today. I urge members of the government who care about the welfare of their community to do the same.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, in relation to Part 4 of the bill, amendment of Motor Vehicles (Fees and Charges) Regulations, I asked the minister responsible for motor vehicle registration a question about the new $20 charge in the mini-budget. I have just come back from lunch at Howard Springs Tavern with about 35 seniors from Palmerston. I did the cheerful thing I do sometimes at this time of year - I grew some instant hair, rang a bell, handed out some presents and we had a wonderful time.
I asked people if they knew anything about the $20 fee. Most people did not, and most were quite surprised they were going to be slugged with it. The government misunderstood what I was talking about during Question Time. A reasonable number of older people do not use the Internet and do not pay for goods and services by credit card, for whatever reason. Internet, by the way, will cost $60 a month. Why would you want to pay $60 a month to avoid paying a $20 charge at the Motor Vehicle Registry?
One person said, ‘I do not trust giving credit card details over the phone. I do not want to give that information to other people.’ Others said the same thing. The lady in charge is going to put together a form and talk to seniors - most of the seniors I spoke to were from Palmerston - and will find out how many people would fall into the category of not being able to pay the $20 increase in charges because they need to go to Motor Vehicle Registry. Has the government conducted a survey of how many people will be unfairly affected by this?
I understand you are trying to reduce queues at MVR; there may be people who can do it by another means and you want to promote that to reduce queues. However, there are older people not in that category and we have forgotten about them. I am not making this up; I have just spoken to these people.
My job is to be Father Christmas so I sometimes turn up at dinners or lunches. I know some of the people, but there are many I do not know. They were quite shocked when I told them they were to be slugged $20.
I also asked the Treasurer - it was not quite answered by the minister today - what happens in remote communities. The MVR in remote communities is the police station. Are we going to apply the same rules to people in remote communities as we do to people in the suburbs of Darwin, Alice Springs and other towns? When they turn up to a police station and have a mobile phone or are on the Internet, will they have to pay the police station $20 for the same reason people in urban areas do? The rule needs to be the same for all people. If you say we all have to bear the burden of this debt and it has to be paid off quickly, the rules should be the same for all.
The other issue is that car registration stickers will not be compulsory next year. I put mine on this morning, probably one of the last ones in the Territory. If the only means of telling people their car registration is due is by Internet or SMS, you have just missed out on a group of people who, in some ways, are the most vulnerable in our society. They have worked in the community for a long time. Their reward is to say, ‘Sorry, we are not worried about a small group of people. You should get the Internet or a mobile phone to receive an SMS. That is a very uncaring attitude. The budget, as a whole, is a numbers game and there is no compassion. It did not ring a bell but we know it will hurt. The economic rationalist, the number crunchers, have taken this debate and said, ‘The cold hard facts are that this is what must be done’.
One government is blaming the other. In the middle are people who will suffer. In this case, older Territorians will suffer because the government is not willing to make exemptions or find ways to help those people. They will pay $20 unless they can find another way of doing it. I am happy to open my office to people in the rural area to help them pay their registration. I will also advise them, if they are filling out a form and it asks for an e-mail address, if they do not have one to use my electorate.nelson e-mail address. If they government is not willing to help, I am. I hope other members of this House are willing to help as well.
It might be a small group of people but this is the missing bit – compassion - and you have ignored it. I raised it before and got a straight answer. There was no sign of, ‘We will try to help these people by these means’. It was reinforced today at the lunch that these people have been left out. The government has every right to raise registration, look at ways of reducing delays but, again, that is number crunching. You have to deal with the reality of who will be affected by these changes. If people are affected unfairly the government needs to find a solution to ensure those people are not left out of government’s responsibility: to care for all people in our society.
The Treasurer mentioned the cost of the CTC. It went for three years, not four. Three sixes are 18. Also, it did not run with a full-time executive the whole time. At the time, the CLP was urging it should have its own full-time staff because of what it was trying to do. It had a budget but that does not mean it necessarily used it all.
Treasurer, I probably agree with you. If it was to be done again I would rather it use the current committee bureaucracy. We have a much more efficient system; it runs well. We could have used some of the staff running committees to continue with the CTC. At one stage there were issues in relation to the dynamics of the third floor which caused problems. However, the numbers are not quite right. I am not saying it was inexpensive, Treasurer, but it was not $2.4m. Sometimes, Treasurer, when you talk about getting the figures right, I need to ensure those figures are accurate too. I do not mind being blamed for an amount of money, but I would like it be accurate because that is what Treasurers are about.
I do not oppose the government trying to reduce the debt we have; that is reasonable. It is not new that governments in the Northern Territory had debt to encourage growth of the Northern Territory and retain a workforce. That was done by the CLP. I have been around long enough to know the controversy over building a hotel at Yulara, and the one across the road, the Crowne Plaza. They were built by an earlier CLP ...
Ms Lawrie: And this building.
Mr WOOD: This building as well …
Mr Elferink: Because of the recession we had to have.
Mr WOOD: That is right. There were concerns about the state of the Territory economy and the workforce drifting away from the Northern Territory. I believe Shane Stone - correct me if I am wrong - decided to put money into Yulara. We probably would not have Yulara if the CLP had not done that. If it happened today – going into hotels - there would probably be a hue and cry, but the CLP did it to ensure we retained our skilled workforce and to keep the economy moving. That was done with this building. I remember the kerfuffle about it at the time. It was done with the Supreme Court over the road. The CLP did something similar – it had Commonwealth funds with Tiger Brennan Drive - and a lot of infrastructure spending. You can argue the toss about whether that was good or bad, but we went through those periods of debt to ensure the economy kept going. There does not seem to be any debate about whether that was good or bad.
There has been much controversy about the prison and some people talk about INPEX not being there. I believe it is in the wrong place. However, I have visited those places and seen the number of local people working. We have forgotten that many of these developments employ a large number of people. Last time I was at the prison there were 350 people working there and it is supposed to increase to 600. Most of those people working were from local companies. We have forgotten that in this debate.
What are the forward projections for payroll tax? In one year’s time there will be 1000 workers at the village at Howard Springs. I presume they will receive a pay packet, so what is the projection in two or three years’ time when there are 3500 people at the Howard Springs workers village? What will the income from payroll tax be?
Are there projections for increase in revenue? We have all heard about debt, about having to cut this and that, raise charges, but I have not heard the revenue projections. That can be a balance against some of the cuts. I have not seen that in this debate and it is important.
What must be really difficult for the average person is that we have this major project, INPEX, in the Northern Territory. It was put forward by the previous Chief Minister, and other people, that it would be part of an economic boom. On one hand we have a huge multibillion dollar project and all these people working in the Northern Territory. On the other hand we have major cuts and an increase in the cost of living. The two seem totally opposite. Why is that occurring? Will there be benefits from INPEX to offset some of the pain the Treasurer is putting on people now? What money we will get from developing INPEX over the next seven years? What revenue streams will come to the Northern Territory?
I am interested because we have heard the bad news. I hope there is some good news because INPEX is one of the biggest projects we have ever had and it must be delivering some good news for the Northern Territory. If not, this whole debate is unbalanced and people must ask how come we have such a huge project in the Northern Territory and, at the same time, the cost of electricity, rego and firearms licences is going up, even the Blue Light Disco is disappearing. That is penny-pinching.
Be that as it may, the rego issue is a concern to older Territorians. When we forget older Territorians we show ourselves to be numbers people instead of numbers and compassion. Those two things are what government is about: fairness in what we do and a feel for the people we represent. In other words, let us do the right thing by everybody, do not ignore them. Madam Speaker, we should all sit back and, with Christmas coming, ensure all people are cared for in this mini-budget.
Mrs LAMBLEY (Treasurer): Madam Speaker, I listened to the words of the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Nelson and all I can do is contain myself. We would all love to be Santa Claus, member for Nelson. I would love to put on my Santa costume, attend functions all over the Territory and spread the good news, goodwill and love, but we are not going to be Santa Claus this year. Member for Nelson, you would have to be the greatest hypocrite of all times. I am absolutely staggered.
I have defended the member for Nelson many times both in this House and outside of it, but listening to his words then made me run cold. I will stand corrected, but the member for Nelson told parliament this afternoon his budget for the Council for Territory Cooperation was $600 000 per annum for three years, so the total expenditure was approximately $1.8m. The member for Nelson wasted $1.8m of taxpayers’ money on a total indulgence given to him by the former government. That $1.8m would go a long way to offsetting the impost we have had to put on the people of the Northern Territory.
Mr Wood interjecting.
Mrs LAMBLEY: No, he does not want to hear that. He does not want to be reminded his little indulgence, his little project to keep the government in power for four years, cost the people of the Territory $1.8m. He puts on a Santa costume and holds the hand of elderly people saying it is terrible the new Country Liberal government is charging $20 per transaction to attend the MVR. What a hypocrite.
Mr Wood interjecting.
Mrs LAMBLEY: Member for Nelson, you can yell, scream and carry on but you wasted $1.8m of taxpayers’ money. Shame on you! Then you play Santa Claus and tell us all what a great bloke you are, how compassionate and caring you are, when you added to the debt of the Northern Territory. Member for Nelson, you added to the fiscal imbalance and have some answering to do, as does the opposition.
It is unbelievable that, 15 weeks into government, we are making the first set of responsible decisions for many years in the Northern Territory and all we hear about is the member for Nelson playing Santa Claus. Well isn’t he lucky? He had $1.8m indulged on him so Paul Henderson, the member for Wanguri, the member for Karama, and all the cronies on the other side could spend and spend for the last four years. It is an atrocity; it is shameful. The colleagues of the former Labor government are putting in similar measures to save money. They have put on the public record that their goal is to achieve a surplus in the coming four years. They want to do the same thing we are doing because the penny has dropped - you cannot keep spending. You have to rein it in; you have to bring expenditure in line with revenue. It is basic economics; basic fiscal policy. The federal Labor government is doing it.
I hear all the wha wha-ing from the other side. They were fiscally incapable to make a responsible decision. The member for Nelson is screaming in the background, ‘I was Santa Claus today’. Isn’t he lucky? I am not Santa Claus because we have inherited the mess from the member for Nelson and the opposition, the ones who are responsible. We are doing what is fiscally responsible, what is prudent, what is right, and what will get the Territory back on track.
The bill before the House is about the measures we have had to implement to bring a correction into the Northern Territory budget. There has been a mistake, a mess, and we are correcting it.
There are three parts to the amendments to the Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012: the Stamp Duty Act, the First Home Owner Grant Act and the Motor Vehicles (Fees and Charges) Regulations.
We are very proud of our mini-budget. Against all odds, we have spent more in areas than the former Labor government. We have increased our health, education, child protection, and corrections budgets despite adversity and the fact we have had to rein in spending, had to make savings, and have had to cut back in certain areas. We are very proud of the hard work we have undertaken over the last 15 weeks.
This legislation is to complement the hard work done. It is about revenue and other legislation amendments which need to be put in place to progress the initiatives within the mini-budget.
The Assembly divided:
- Ayes 15 Noes 9
Ms Anderson Ms Fyles
Mr Chandler Mr Gunner
Mr Conlan Mr Henderson
Mr Elferink Ms Lawrie
Ms Finocchiaro Mr McCarthy
Mr Giles Mr Vatskalis
Mr Higgins Mr Vowles
Mr Kurrupuwu Ms Walker
Mrs Lambley Mr Wood
Ms Lee
Mrs Price
Ms Purick
Mr Styles
Mr Tollner
Mr Westra van Holthe
Mrs LAMBLEY (Treasurer)(by leave): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a third time.
Mr GILES (Transport): Madam Speaker, it is important to reflect on the comments from the member for Nelson this afternoon regarding his Santa experience. He deliberately acted as a populist. I have tried very hard to work with the member for Nelson since taking on my ministerial role.
He went back to the time when he liked to be a populist, say things, get on the radio, and his relevance deprivation disorder comes about again in the comments he related in the Chamber which he fed to the seniors and he spread scurrilous rumours which are completely inconsistent with what is happening. You know you are saying the wrong thing to those people and are misleading this Chamber. If you want to be part of this change …
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The minister should know he cannot accuse a member of misleading the Chamber without a substantive motion.
Madam SPEAKER: Please withdraw.
Mr GILES: Speaking to the point of order, Madam Speaker, if the member for Nelson is so offended and believes he is not misleading the Chamber perhaps he should call the point of order, not someone else.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, withdraw the word ‘misleading’.
Mr GILES: I withdraw ‘misleading’. He is telling untruths designed to create a populist campaign to get his name on the radio tomorrow morning so, when parliament finishes, he can be the hero of the brave and run an argument he knows is wrong. He knows what he said in this Chamber is wrong. He wants to run a populist argument. If he had a serious question he would knock on my door, as I knock on his, and I would answer his questions straight up, man to man – the right way to do business.
However, he wants to play the populist card and mislead seniors. You are misleading every Territorian by lying in this Chamber. It is not on …
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, please withdraw that comment.
Mr GILES: I withdraw. You tell mistruths in this Chamber about what is happening.
I listened carefully to the Treasurer wrap up debate on the bill. She was passionate and had a go at you about your Santa lunch, and good on her! You spent $1.8m on the CTC and I have not criticised it. You ran your program when you were king maker. However, you now want to be a change agent for a $1 bus fare? Yes, it is painful, but you need to be part of the change. You cannot play the populist game to be on the radio in the morning. That is a disgrace. You are supposed to be a leader …
Ms WALKER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! As the minister well knows, he needs to direct his comments through the Chair, not lecture the member across the Chamber.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you, member for Nhulunbuy. Minister, direct your comments through the Chair.
Mr GILES: No worries, Madam Speaker. The lady who said nothing for four years is now the hero of the illiterate mumbling in this Chamber. Congratulations to her! I will look at you and point to him; however you want to take it. You want to run rumours, innuendo, mistruths, lies, deceit - whatever you want to call it - to make a point ...
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Mr Giles: I did not accuse anybody.
Ms LAWRIE: He has already been asked to withdraw ‘lies’ once.
Madam SPEAKER: Yes, please withdraw, minister.
Mr GILES: I did not accuse anyone of lying. I used the word, and I will not withdraw it, it was not an accusation.
To attempt to run a populist debate to get your name on the radio tomorrow morning is scurrilous. If you want to be a leader in the Northern Territory, you come here as a change agent. We always talk about the level of debate in politics; it becomes bad when people are attacking each other personally. This is about change and information …
Ms WALKER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I draw your attention to relevance. The bill before the House relates to revenue. The minister is lecturing a member on something which has nothing to do with the bill before the House.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, there is a question on relevance. Could you get to the point and address some of the issues contained within this bill or the comments of other members.
Mr GILES: Madam Speaker, this is directly relevant. I am responding to a comment made by the member for Nelson about part of this legislation. He was telling untruths in the House and to his seniors, which was reported in debate on this bill, about registration and MVR changes and the $20 fee. What he said was completely incorrect. He stands proud in the moment because he knows he will be on ABC radio in the morning and will be fighting the good fight.
This man believes in UFOs. There is no wonder he is out there …
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, please be seated. Minister, it is not usual to debate in the third reading. However, if there is debate, it is specifically to the contents of the bill.
Ms Anderson: It is.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Namatjira, you are on a warning.
Minister, it is your call, but if you could contain it to the bill.
Mr GILES: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I believe in what is written in the bill being passed today. I do not believe in UFOs or the messages the member for Nelson has brought into debate in this Chamber. It is scurrilous, misleading in the context of the conversation, and has done nothing but further inflame the situation. If you want to be a real leader, be a real leader not a coward. Do not play populist politics because that is nothing but …
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, I ask you to withdraw the word ‘coward’.
Mr GILES: I withdraw ‘coward’. That is nothing but being a dog.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, I ask you to withdraw that comment, please.
Mr GILES: I withdraw ‘dog’. It is nothing less than being a cat in a debate when you …
Ms WALKER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! You have asked the minister to withdraw. He needs to withdraw unqualified. He is being a little too cute with the rules here.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, have you finished?
Mr GILES: I have five minutes to go; I am just getting warmed up, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: Continue, but if you could focus on the bill, it is a third reading.
Mr GILES: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I congratulate the Treasurer on this bill. It is an important bill to rectify Labor’s wrongs in Treasury and the financial situation it left the Northern Territory in.
Debt measures looking like they would flow out to $6.2bn in the 2015-16 financial year is a bad situation to leave the Northern Territory in. The measures within this revenue bill are designed to get the Territory back on track. Yes, there is some pain and the Chief Minister and the Treasurer have acknowledged that. We did not want to be in this position; however, in a wide range of areas Labor failed to act, whether it was in the early or mid-2000s or whenever. We put in place changes to achieve better cost recovery bases. The member for Nelson, who is supposed to be a change agent, a leader in our community, a pillar of the rural area, like you, Madam Speaker, tells mistruths in this Chamber and misleads the general public. The level of respect I had for this man has gone down today. He should apologise to this Chamber and the people of the Northern Territory for trying to get his name on the radio tomorrow morning.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nelson, I remind you it is the third reading speech. Please contain your comments specifically to the contents of the bill.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): I will, Madam Speaker. The section I was referring to, which was not taken up by the member for Braitling, was the amendments to the Motor Vehicles (Fees and Charges) Regulations. The minister accused me of untruths, called me names and made statements about me; that is fine. The issue is about charges people will have to pay. The minister said I spoke untruths and used the word ‘lying’. He said I was a coward and a dog; it was a high-class debate. However, he did not say where I was wrong. People listening will have expected him to, after all the plaudits he has given me, all the rubbishing he has heaped on me - what you receive in this House sometimes when you speak.
Mr Giles: It is when you lie.
Mr WOOD: You can say what you like but you did not answer the query I raised with the Treasurer, nor did the Treasurer cover the issue. It was the $20 charge for vehicle registration when someone goes to the MVR to pay when they could have done it on the Internet or phone. I raised the issue because I was at a seniors’ lunch today - you can mock me about being Father Christmas, I have been Father Christmas for years. I enjoy working with people, young or old, and if you want to knock me for doing that, fine.
The issue from that discussion was that the government will charge $20 if people use the MVR instead of paying via the Internet or phone unless they have to take their inspection form in etcetera. The other issue was how will people who do not have those forms of communication know when their registration expires? They are two simple issues which were not answered during Question Time.
You gave me the website and told me the facts. You did not answer whether people in remote areas would have to pay $20 if they turn up at the police station when they should have used a mobile phone or the Internet. None of those questions were answered. All I heard was a load of abuse. I can live with that, but to the people who wanted an answer from the Treasurer and the minister in charge of motor vehicle registration, no answer was given. Am I to presume I was right and they were wrong?
I leave it at that, Madam Speaker. They can say what they want, but that is what my questions were about. I did not get an answer from the government; I got heaps of abuse. No matter what you think of me personally, that is pretty poor from people who claim to be ministers of the Crown.
Motion agreed to; bill read a third time.
ANIMAL WELFARE AMENDMENT BILL (No 2)
(Serial 9)
(Serial 9)
Continued from 31 October 2012.Ms WALKER (Nhulunbuy): Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for bringing this bill before the House. I do not thank him for his contribution in the last debate. It was one of the lowest moments I have seen in my time in the Chamber. Whilst I am not here to defend the member for Nelson - he can do that quite capably himself - that stunt was unforgiveable.
This bill was brought before the House by the previous Minister for Local Government, the previous member for Arnhem, as the minister noted in his second reading speech; however, it lapsed with the Northern Territory August election. I am pleased to see the new government and minister are determined to make those improvements initiated by the former Labor government as soon as possible.
I am familiar with the bill and the series of events leading up to the amendments. I was Chair of the subcommittee of the Council of Territory Cooperation in the Eleventh Assembly. It conducted a very thorough inquiry into animal welfare governance in the Northern Territory with terms of reference coming from the previous minister by a motion in the parliament with bipartisan support.
The Treasurer was entirely wrong about the cost of the Council of Territory Cooperation and must have repeated the figure of $1.8m four or five times in her rant in closing debate. The figure of $600 000 was not repeated over three years. In fact, in the first year, when I was not a member of the Council of Territory Cooperation, it was a very low-operating budget with minimal secretariat support. Because the council was struggling to get through its business, travel and what have you, the opposition members, before they walked away, asked for a secretariat and ramped up support so this important parliamentary committee could run adequately. The Treasurer is way out of line. I trust she will correct that. The member for Nelson will probably add to that as well.
On 26 October last year, I tabled the CTC Animal Welfare Governance Subcommittee’s final report which detailed the committee’s findings on the Territory’s animal welfare governance associated with processes and systems, including investigations into animal welfare concerns at Mataranka Station. The subcommittee’s terms of reference were specific to understanding how the Territory’s animal welfare governance framework worked, and if the associated processes and systems were effective.
The context for the inquiry was the Ombudsman’s investigation and report following the raising of animal welfare concerns at Charles Darwin University’s livestock training facility at Mataranka Station. The subcommittee included inquiring into what unfolded at Mataranka Station and the university and government’s management of it as an example of processes and systems in action.
The subcommittee determined to seek answers to three key questions through its inquiry. The first was: is the legislation for animal welfare relevant to contemporary and best practice? Seeking answers to this question helped the subcommittee understand what needed to be improved. The second question asked if the Territory has the right framework for animal welfare legislative governance. In answering this question, the subcommittee heard from witnesses about current governance processes in government, the Territory’s only Animal Ethics Committee, and about associated monitoring systems. The third question was to understand the failures in government, Charles Darwin University and its Animal Ethics Committee, and in systems and processes associated with animal welfare concerns at Mataranka Station in 2009.
In its report, the subcommittee detailed its findings and made 21 recommendations. All members of the subcommittee wanted to ensure lessons were learnt from what went wrong at Mataranka Station so we would, hopefully, never see a recurrence of an event like this. The subcommittee found, as we know, systems and processes failed at all levels at Mataranka Station, the university, and within government.
Madam Speaker, you were a part of that committee, as were the members for Nelson and Port Darwin. I am referring to those of us who are still in this Chamber who well remember the history and series of events which led to the amendments we have before us today. It goes without saying the opposition fully supports the amendments in this bill.
Whilst I noted the minister’s determination to make improvements as soon as possible, the reality is once the subcommittee’s investigation was launched some key improvements were swiftly put in place around reorganising and adequately resourcing the Animal Welfare Branch by the then Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ken Davies. Roles and clear lines of responsibility were reviewed and strengthened, and a memorandum of understanding was developed with the Department of Resources to further clarify across-agency responsibilities when it came to animal welfare.
If I can highlight one of the good things about working with the CTC as a parliamentary committee, we were constantly, during a fairly concentrated period, going through public hearings and having witnesses appear before us. There was constant feedback so we knew and were reassured things were being put in place long before this bill appeared in the House.
Similarly, Charles Darwin University acted swiftly to conduct its own internal investigation and redress the shortcomings of its operations, systems and processes associated with Mataranka Station to ensure there was no repeat of the deaths of cattle as documented in the Ombudsman’s report.
I have been on several committees of this parliament, but this was one of the biggest in the sheer volume and logistics of dealing with evidence in order to piece together where systems and processes have failed.
I also want to note the incredibly hard work the secretariat of the CTC did during this period. To slam the CTC as a waste of money, a waste of time, is a real insult to the members of the secretariat who worked incredibly hard and for long hours during this investigation.
The minister has separated the administration of swimming pool safety and placed it in the Department of Sport and Recreation, thereby allowing the Animal Welfare Branch to focus on its core business of animal welfare. That sounds very sensible to me. I thank the officers who assured me during the briefing there were no cuts to positions in the Animal Welfare Branch and they are regarded as front line.
The subcommittee’s report delivered 21 recommendations. I thank the minister’s office for providing me with a briefing last week on how those recommendations are proceeding, including the 10 pertaining to this bill. It is not necessary for me to revisit all those recommendations and how they have translated into the amendments because that has been laid out in the explanatory statement tabled in the last sittings.
The committee adopted in full the expert legal advice received towards the end of deliberations of the CTC. This would reshape the legislative framework for animal welfare governance to bring the Northern Territory into line with other jurisdictions and have contemporary and best practice legislation to better manage animal welfare.
However, there are some key amendments worth mentioning which strengthen the act considerably. Had they been in place, the events at Mataranka may not necessarily have occurred or been nipped in the bud earlier. There is the introduction of duty of care and, with it, clear definitions as to what the minimum level of care is. There is greater clarity around the function of the Animal Welfare Authority, which is to ensure compliance with the act by appointing authorised persons, namely inspectors and animal welfare officers, whose functions and powers are clear and who must have ‘the skills, qualifications, training and experience to properly perform the functions of an officer or inspector’.
There is also greater clarity around administering the licence regime for premises used for teaching or research. This includes the new requirement for the licensee to produce an annual report, the reporting of breaches under clause 34B, and greater regulation around the Animal Ethics Committee and its licensee.
Extending the statutory time frame from 12 to 24 months for commencing proceedings in respect of an alleged offence, with the time frame commencing from the time the offence is alleged to have occurred, is also a really critical and important amendment to the act.
The only other amendment I was going to highlight is the expansion of possible offences to three levels from only one. Duty of care, cruelty, and aggravated cruelty are now the three areas under which somebody can be prosecuted. The effect of this will mean prosecutions which might have failed previously due to legal technicalities hinging on just the one offence of cruelty will, as the previous Minister for Local Government outlined in her second reading speech, strengthen the enforcement provisions of the legislation. These amendments will serve to strengthen the act, full stop.
While the bill will make its passage through this House today, community awareness about animal welfare has been elevated. With this, along with a better organised and better resourced Animal Welfare Branch, there has been an increase in reporting of alleged breaches and, with it, investigations and successful prosecutions. This was confirmed when the subcommittee reconvened in April at the six-month mark of the tabling of the report - Recommendation 13, that the subcommittee reconvene to look at progress. It was again confirmed for me last week when I attended the briefing in the minister’s office and asked about the ongoing reporting and follow-up with investigations and, in some instances, prosecutions.
To put it simply, the Territory’s legislation had not kept up to date with changing community expectations which now demand a higher standard of animal care, increased public interest in monitoring, and widespread expectation of enforcement of legislated requirements. In the minister’s second reading speech on 31 October 2012 he stated:
- We intend to thoroughly review the whole Animal Welfare Act.
The previous Labor government was also going down this path with one area of real concern highlighted: the need for companion animal management and control to become an integral part of animal welfare governance in the Territory, particularly covering the issues in remote communities and towns. In this instance, I am referring to recommendations 18, 19, 20 and 21 of the CTC’s report.
This issue has been raised by former Territory Coordinator-General, Bob Beadman. We do not have a Territory Coordinator-General any more, that person was sacked. Bob Beadman highlighted the issue of dog control, and the issue has been highlighted by media with some fairly grim cases. However, the matter has not been recently examined in any detail and, clearly, needs to be.
One of the submissions to the subcommittee makes the point that unacceptable standards of animal welfare directly affects community members, with many community dogs carrying diseases which are passed on to people. The submission further describes the impact of dog diseases on humans, and how poorly-nourished hungry dogs can and do affect community safety.
I have permission of the author of that submission, Dr Emma Kennedy, who is employed as a veterinarian with the East Arnhem Shire, to table it. I seek leave to do so, Madam Speaker.
Leave granted.
Ms WALKER: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Dr Emma Kennedy is a wonderful example of a dedicated professional and individual. I have no doubt she could be making much more money setting herself up in private practice, but she chooses to work in the public service with the East Arnhem Shire dedicated to animal welfare programs because she is passionate about what she does and about change and improving the lives of not only animals, but people on communities. She has recently been recognised for her efforts with an award.
Because the Territory does not have centralised regulation of animal management, the administration and enforcement of animal management is dependent on local government bodies’ capacity to introduce, administer and enforce by-laws.
I acknowledge the municipal councils with by-laws in place, the work the shires are undertaking to introduce some level of companion animal management and control, and that AMRRIC has played a big part. However, minister, as we all know there is much more work to be done.
I have said in this Chamber previously one of the problems with not having an effective animal management and control legislative framework is animal management issues all too often become animal welfare concerns. This is certainly the theme of Dr Kennedy’s submission.
She also talks about the difficulty of effectively managing complaints from remote communities about animal welfare. That cannot be expected while there is limited education and, therefore, knowledge of the requirements of responsible animal ownership. Clearly, there is a need for the government to take the lead on this and address the significant issues surrounding animal welfare and management control, particularly in the Territory’s Indigenous communities.
The mini-budget offers no joy in the area of animal welfare insofar as there is no increase in the budget. At least there is no decrease. I trust the minister will go into bat around the Cabinet table, and his dealings with his federal counterpart, to ensure funds and resources are available to address animal welfare issues in the bush.
Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for bringing the former Labor government’s bill back before the House exactly as it was pre-election. I thank him for his commitment to continue to strive to see improvements delivered under the Territory’s Animal Welfare Act. I commend the bill to the House.
Mr HIGGINS (Daly): Madam Speaker, I support the bill before the House introduced by the Minister for Local Government. I acknowledge it was previously introduced by the Labor Party.
Animal welfare has been an interest of mine for some time. Twenty years ago, I was asked to assist the RSPCA in the Territory through some financially difficult times. I was pleased to give that time freely. As we have heard, amendments to the Animal Welfare Act are being introduced to strengthen animal welfare in the Territory, prevent cruelty to animals, and enforce a person’s duty of care for all animals in their care or control.
Clauses 7 through to 10 clearly define duty of care for animals in a person’s control. I suggest people read that closely. It has a very broad scope, which is necessary. As already mentioned, the amendments address 10 of the 21 recommendations of the CTC Animal Welfare Governance Subcommittee formed after the Mataranka Station cattle deaths, which we probably all remember.
The amendments to the act will be introduced in two phases, as has already been said, as some of the recommendations of the CTC report are quite complex and require further research and consultation before being introduced.
The amendments before the House bring the Territory closer to national levels of protection for animals and focus on the role and function of the Animal Welfare Authority, the provision of appropriate powers to the authority, and resourcing the authority to ensure it carries out its duties effectively. Yesterday the minister announced increases in funding for this authority, and I commend him for that.
One of the key changes to be implemented under the Animal Welfare Act amendments is extending the time limit from 12 months to two years for commencing prosecutions. This extension gives the authority considerably more opportunity to take action against breaches of the act. Many Territorians were upset at the images of the cattle at Mataranka, and this was compounded when it was realised the time for prosecution had passed before any action was taken. I would have preferred a longer period than that, but that is my personal view.
The amendments also strengthen the investigation and monitoring powers of the Animal Welfare Authority and authorised officers, particularly the ability to collect information, make inquiries and undertake consultation. The roles, functions and powers of authorised officers are also clearly outlined. The functions and powers of authorised officers are subject to the direction of the authority. I note Division 3 has been inserted which deals with seizure of animals, and I commend that as well.
Over the next few years there will be a full review of the act which will address the remaining recommendations. I will talk to ones specifically brought to my attention in the last few of weeks. Options for the introduction of dog control programs with a goal of decreasing the number of unhealthy dogs in the Territory - this is becoming a major problem in Indigenous communities. Recently, I was made more aware of this by a local vet I have known for some time, where dogs are interbreeding in communities. He was specifically talking about Wadeye.
In Wadeye, many people are going in to build houses under SIHIP, which is not a problem. However, many of these people are keen piggers and we have seen the introduction of many pig dogs and pit bulls into Wadeye. These are now breeding with local camp dogs and creating problems. The dogs are becoming bigger, and soon enough there will be an accident we just do not want. This has given me the opportunity to raise it.
Addressing resources and animal welfare measures in Indigenous communities - as I mentioned, the introduction of pit bulls will become a problem.
The other point is to consider the linkage between the Animal Welfare Act and local government responsibility for companion animal welfare and control. This area always seems to create debate as big as the health debate between the Commonwealth and states as to who is responsible. Hopefully, those issues will be considered at the time.
While we have mentioned local government and I raised the breeding problem, the same vet also raised the issue of shires not meeting their responsibilities in this area. We have a problem with Victoria Daly Shire in Wadeye and the vet has raised this. We have interbreeding, we have the animals, and we need to ensure the shires address some of the responsibility they have been given.
Madam Speaker, I support this legislation and look forward to further reviews as indicated by the minister. I have given a background on some of the things I would like considered. Thank you.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Daly for a good discussion of a very important area. When the CTC was travelling around I heard there were issues with dogs being brought into communities and interbreeding. That is an issue the government needs to know about and address. We know dogs are a problem in many communities.
I was at Borroloola when the Roper Gulf Shire discussed a Commonwealth program which would supply funds to employ a vet. However, Commonwealth programs do not always last long. One of the problems the shires have is they do not have the money to pay for a vet. They are not cheap and, when you throw in a car and a place to stay, it is one of the difficult things shires have to face up to. Whilst it might be necessary, where do you get the money to fund those things? Perhaps that will be part of the forthcoming shire discussions - how government can work with shires on that issue.
I agree with the member for Nhulunbuy, who gave an excellent summary of this bill. I support the bill. I note the comments about the CTC, and I notice the difference between the second readings.
The second reading, on 2 May 2012, said:
- This bill constitutes part of the government’s response to the report by the Council of Territory Cooperation (the CTC) Animal Welfare Governance Subcommittee. I advised the Assembly in December last year the government would be moving in two stages to address the CTC recommendations.
Members are aware the government has previously committed significant additional resource allocations to the Animal Welfare Unit and made improvements to across-agency operational methods. It is apparent these improvements and the review undertaken by the CTC have resulted in greater public awareness of animal welfare issues.
The difference between that and the reading of the new government is the CTC does not get a mention at all. That is a little disappointing considering the debate we have had today about the value of the CTC.
The subcommittee had members from all sides of parliament. This was one of the best investigations undertaken by the CTC. The member for Port Darwin was a very strong contributor to some of the recommendations. Without the member for Port Darwin being part of it, some of the recommendations might not have seen the light of day. There was a constant theme from the member about getting people with investigation skills because this seemed to be one of the areas where, in relation to the Mataranka debacle, there were not people with those skills.
Mr Elferink: I have already run into that problem since coming into government.
Mr WOOD: That is right. I thank the member for Port Darwin – we can put his concerns about the CTC to one side - he was a leader in the debate about animal welfare, especially in relation to Mataranka. You see that in some of the recommendations.
Also, there is a small issue which related to the time you could prosecute someone after the offence. Again, that was raised by the member for Port Darwin as a member of the CTC. That has been changed from one to two years. There was talk about whether that should be longer. If it is too long people’s memories fade and you wonder if the evidence is reliable. This has come out of the Mataranka debacle. It is something, in hindsight, which should not have happened. There are many reasons why it did, and there are probably still people who disagree with some of the findings of the subcommittee. However, it happened and cattle died, whether it was 10 cattle or 800 cattle. The issue was not about numbers; it should have been avoided, especially when Mataranka was run by Charles Darwin University.
From that came good things. Sometimes you need a disaster to bring on better things and we have this legislation today. People who love animals - and I do - would appreciate we have to care for animals whether they are cattle or chooks.
You mentioned in the second reading, minister, on 31 October 2012:
- The bill introduces the concept of a minimum level of care that must be provided for an animal. Any person in charge of an animal has a duty of care to provide for the animal. There are three levels of offence. First, it is an offence to breach the duty of care. Second, is it is an offence for anyone to be cruel to an animal, particularly if unnecessary suffering is caused. Third, the most serious offence of aggravated cruelty is where anyone causes death or serious harm to an animal.
Where prosecution is brought for one of these offences, the court may find the person not guilty of the prosecuted offence, but guilty of an alternate offence.
This is important legislation. Other countries might look at this because we have neighbours close by. If you have been to any of the countries close by - I have been to Dili and there are plenty of chooks and dogs and they have issues in regard to animal welfare. However, it takes time; it is a cultural change and does not happen overnight. We should also be aware other cultures have different ways of looking at things. You have to respect that even though you may not agree.
Minister, you have, basically, covered most of the recommendations in this legislation. I have a question in relation to the ethics committee and reporting. The licensee must submit an annual report to the authority by 31 October each year. However, in some cases you are dealing with schools and they do not finish on 31 October. As a practical issue, could there be an allowance for a school to submit its annual report after the school year?
Clause 14 is about the ethics committee, which came in for much discussion. There were issues in relation to the ethics committee, whether it knew what was going on, and how many ethics committees we should have. Clause 14 repeals section 41 of the act and replaces it with:
- (3) An animal ethics committee:
- (a) must be constituted as prescribed by Regulations; and
- (b) has the powers and functions prescribed by the Regulations.
Mr Giles: What is the question, Gerry?
Mr WOOD: Why are the powers of the CTC put into regulations rather than prescribed within the act? That area came up for quite some discussion in the subcommittee stage. By having it in the act, it is pretty clear the government is serious about the role of the ethics committee, and people could see the responsibilities of the ethics committee in the legislation rather than in regulations. You can argue the toss on those things sometimes.
Clause 20 relates to Recommendation 11 of the CTC Animal Welfare Governance Sub-committee:
- Government policy reflect the need for all Territory government employees to report any instances of a potential breach of the Act.
Does that change to the act – clause 20 - go far enough in reflecting that change? It talks about the duty to report suspected offences and the function of authorised persons. As you read that recommendation - there was some debate about it at the time - it was the responsibility of all people in government, if they came across a breach, to report it. It needs to be highlighted it is the responsibility of people in the government when they see an act of cruelty or neglect in relation to animals.
The other one was in relation to the input from the member for Port Darwin - clause 24, which changes the time for commencing proceedings from 12 months to two years. There was some debate as to whether it should be longer. One of the reasons no charges were laid was because 12 months had passed and you could not go back and, therefore, could not prosecute. This has gone a good way to ensuring that does not happen again because there is a longer time line.
I do not have any other concerns about this bill. We do not believe Recommendation 15 of the CTC was addressed. It said:
- The roles and responsibilities of the various agencies involved in animal welfare need to be clearly articulated in legislation.
That does not stand out. The other one, minister, I am glad is in here ...
Mr Giles: Was that Recommendation 15?
Mr WOOD: Yes, we are not sure that has been carried out. Perhaps it is still to come; this is in two stages.
I have gone back to clause 11, minister, which inserts the Animal Welfare Authority’s functions. Without having the act in front of me, that was one of the glaring omissions of the act. It did not say much at all. It was an out there piece of legislation which said, ‘Here is a body made up of one or two persons or whatever’, but the functions of the authority were not clear. These changes make it clear. We have a section on authority functions, the staff and facilities for the authority, the authority’s investigative powers - all good things and a welcome addition.
I thank the CTC staff. I will not repeat what we said before, people have their opinion.
The CTC did much good work although some people might not agree. Whether it was effective or not will always be the toss. I can look at other committees. I have been on plenty of committees and bet some of their reports are sitting on a shelf gathering dust. We tried to do things and that is all one can expect. This was a good outcome for the CTC and the staff. Some of the staff worked tirelessly, long hours, and took work home to note all the submissions and transcripts under fairly trying conditions. We had some difficultly recording at Mataranka Hall the night we held a public meeting. We also had a public meeting at Katherine, which was very interesting. I am trying to think of where we had other meetings, because the CTC got out and about and some of its costs were travel and accommodation. We tried to get to the bottom of what happened at Mataranka. I pay respect to the staff - not only for this - they were doing other things at the same time because we were enquiring into councils, SIHIP, growth towns and other issues. The staff were doing many things to keep everything going. It was not easy and you can get latter day comments which do not reflect what happened in practice.
You only have to look at the reports the CTC produced. I am happy if people want to argue there was not a great outcome. You will always be able to argue those things but it tried to do some good things. It was not about Gerry Wood, which is always thrown up. It was about trying to do good things.
How many times was SIHIP debated in this House? Houses not being painted properly and the standard of some of the repairs and maintenance on buildings were issues the CTC looked at. I have been to Palumpa and Peppimenarti and seen work done and it was not of good quality. We tried our best. People can judge whether the CTC was effective, but at least give credit where it is due. The subcommittee worked hard. It tried to have all its meetings open to the public so there was an element of transparency. It was like a default clause that, where possible, all meetings should be advertised, open to the media, and the public so people knew what was going on.
It was an attempt to do something not done before. The member for Port Darwin has often said it could have been done through the Public Accounts Committee. Perhaps it could, perhaps not, but that is history as the CTC no longer exists. Minister, it did good work and was respected for having open and transparent meetings and, from that, came these recommendations. They were not made up; they came from those meetings and dealing with people at Mataranka, or dealing with people in the industry – who probably still are in the industry - and the recommendations were produced from that. It was a positive outcome. We now have far better legislation relating to the welfare of animals. The CTC can say that is a good outcome.
I thank the previous minister for bringing this to the House. I thank the new minister for bringing it to the House, and I thank all the people involved in putting the recommendations into legislative form so we have better legislation for the Northern Territory.
This is what parliament is about - producing legislation for the benefit of the Northern Territory. In this case, it is for the benefit of animals and that is a great thing. The member for Katherine would have been following the debate because it was just outside his electorate. He is now Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries and this legislation will touch on areas he deals with. It will also touch on the way we handle companion animals.
The member for Daly raised some relevant issues. Minister, one of the big issues for shires in relation to dogs will be how they raise revenue to do some of the things required under the act. I felt some of these things were too much of a burden on councils as they have limited ability to raise rates and limited funds from the Commonwealth because of the way councils are funded.
It is extremely hard to ask a council to run an animal welfare program for say the shire of Barkly, which is one-and-a-half times bigger than Tasmania. There is great space between communities, many dogs, and the cost is enormous. Veterinarians are not cheap to employ and there is the cost of vehicles and distances travelled. It needs to be constant. If you are establishing a program to desex animals it has to be on a continual basis. If you are trying to make them healthier it is expensive.
I was at Atitjere last year and there were people at the old persons’ home who had presented their dogs to vets from the Katherine Veterinary Clinic. That community is a long way from Katherine, so the expense of looking after a few dogs in that part of the world is not cheap. It is good we have programs like that but there is a cost. In relation to how we move this animal welfare legislation forward in a practical way, we need to know whether there are funds to make this legislation work. You can introduce legislation, but you need the finance to make it work. The minister might address that issue. He may have things in the budget I have not seen regarding animal welfare. I would like to know if there is money in the budget to promote what has been put forward in this bill.
Madam Speaker, I support the bill.
Mr McCARTHY (Barkly): Madam Speaker, with reservation about the possible tirade of abuse I could receive from the member for Braitling for not receiving a briefing, I will qualify my position in the debate as an elected community member and also say I watched this legislation travel through the previous government process. I took an interest in it then and when the new minister, the member for Braitling, brought it to this House.
I also took this legislation home and encouraged a number of constituents to look at it and provide comments. We did that by looking at the bill, the explanatory statement, and the second reading speech. In the second reading speech you can often glean much about the minister; it is about what he says. Often, the minister value-adds to the legislation and gives values which are intrinsic to the person representing the people of the Northern Territory.
It is important to work with the second reading speech. With this second reading speech, a number of constituents and I picked out some positive semantics. The new minister spoke about doing better. We are proud of that and encourage it. I will share some of the outcomes from discussions, research, and from what people in Tennant Creek and the Barkly have added to this debate via me as the mouthpiece in this House.
Once again, I challenge the Chief Minister, who tried to dodge debate and questions and was fed the political line - the light went on in the political outhouse about not receiving a briefing and, suddenly, the Chief Minister used that venom, spite and vindictive vitriol to get himself out of the spot, which was quite logical and how this House operates. It was Question Time and there is quite a discrepancy in the Chief Minister’s answer about the Planning Commission and what the Treasurer published in the mini-budget papers. I advise the government I will continue with this approach.
Member for Braitling, I will seek briefings wherever possible, driving that nine hours to ensure I get there on time. In this debate I will share some of the thoughts and advice coming from the good people of Barkly.
In the second reading speech the minister acknowledges the bill was introduced by the previous government. That means something and is important. The minister stated the new government is determined to act and make improvements as soon as possible; that means a lot. The minister proudly boasts in the second reading speech of 31 October 2012 that:
- This government will be proud to improve the animal welfare legislation. This bill is only the very start; we intend to thoroughly review the whole Animal Welfare Act.
The people from Barkly who participated in this exercise welcome that, minister. We look forward to new innovations in reviewing the Animal Welfare Act.
However, this bill looks at strengthening the act by streamlining and rationalising the roles, functions and powers of the Animal Welfare Authority. Many questions came out about the authority, the authority as a regulator, and the pragmatic issues around how regulation will take place.
As a matter of fact, quite a number of the people who looked at this spoke about that issue because, if you live in Tennant Creek, many animal welfare issues present on a daily basis, the most prominent being dogs. The long-term residents of the town tend to desensitise themselves around these issues. However, it is significantly revisited annually by the new residents. In Tennant Creek, when you have cycles of new teachers, nurses, doctors, public sector workers, and residents from the private sector coming in to a new community, it is revisited. As a member of parliament, in my electorate office I see many constituents who raise concerns about animal welfare issues in their new community of choice, most of which relate to dogs.
People looked at clause 6 and saw that it inserts definitions for causes and cruelty. It provides a meaning for minimum level of care appropriate to ensuring welfare, health and safety. It imposes a duty of care on any person in charge of an animal. Clause 9 creates the offence of cruelty to an animal. Clause 10 creates the offence of aggravated cruelty. When we discussed those elements, a common theme was a duty of care from the person who owns, looks after, and hosts that animal.
Our discussion went to ‘prevention is better than cure’. That is what I brought to share with the minister and this House - programs which could definitely improve that duty of care and reduce quite alarming issues around animal welfare and animal cruelty issues, and make a more workable solution to support this legislation.
The people who participated in this research were also interested in clause 11, particularly the authority’s functions, including the appointing of inspectors and officers, and the authority’s responsibility for those officers’ and inspectors’ performance of their functions. We are also interested in the agency administering the act – having the staff and facilities to properly perform its functions. Also, the relevant information from people, consultation processes with people, and how the authority will take inquiries and process the interface between the community and the authority.
Some of the Barkly constituents who looked at this bill and deconstructed it asked how the authority will conduct regulation of the legislation in regional remote sites such as Tennant Creek, Ali Curung, Borroloola or the Barkly. They then went to a pragmatic discussion around staff, facilities, and budgets. I advised those constituents the minister is also involved in major local government reform which we have debated in this House. Through the interconnection of major local government reform which will take place across the Northern Territory and the opportunity to fuse in some of this new thinking, and then go through a Cabinet process to deliver the resources, we can possibly go down the road of more innovative primary health models around animal health to reduce the problems we see in our towns and communities today.
In the second reading the value adding - the testimony which shows Territorians the real character of the minister and the semantics he uses, the metaphors, and the imagery he creates in this House. The minister said:
- This government will be proud to improve the animal welfare legislation. This bill is only the very start; we intend to thoroughly review the whole Animal Welfare Act.
The minister also said:
- As mentioned at the outset, this government intends to review the Animal Welfare Act in full, and this is simply the start.
I encourage the minister to look at the Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities organisation, AMRRIC. It is an incredible organisation I have had much to do with. I lobbied the previous government and previous ministers on its behalf over a number of years. If the minister chooses to do some research and look at AMRRIC’s background and charter, it works with animal management worker programs, education programs, animal management programs and dog health programs. That led to a very important link with the Barkly Shire Council. The minister will probably be familiar with the national award the Barkly Shire Council achieved for its animal health program. I will outline a few details for members in the House and the minister.
The Barkly Shire Council, in 2012, won a national award for local government. It was judged against many entries and big players in local government. In the category of improving services to remote communities, it received the national award for its animal health program. The Barkly Shire Council Animal Health Program evolved to tackle various dog problems in larger urban areas throughout the shire, and an increasingly poor level of animal health in many dogs on Indigenous communities within the shire.
The background to the development of the program related to health agencies becoming increasingly alarmed at the growing incidence of animal-related injuries presented at Tennant Creek hospital and community health centres. There was no local veterinary practice in Tennant Creek or the region, the nearest being at Alice Springs, over 500 km south. Animal health in most communities was poor with skin diseases, poor nutrition, and an overpopulation of dogs. Health professionals were concerned about the effect poor animal health would have on human health through transfer of zoonotic parasites and other pathogens, and traditional animal health interventions were not making allowances for cultural concerns and traditional cultural protocols of Indigenous communities. I will revisit that soon to talk about something amazing I heard in the bush.
The animal health program took a broad consultative process from early 2009 where extensive participatory approaches were used to ensure Indigenous people had control over the program and its direction. The new Minister for Local Government talks about cultural authority in his proposed major reform of local government across the Northern Territory, and this program gives you some insights into acknowledging that.
The Barkly Shire Council sought assistance from appropriate partner agencies such as Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities, Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation, which was involved in health promotion in the region, the Environmental Health section of the Northern Territory Department of Health, and the Bachelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education - some influential partners that need to be worked with in the future.
There are some interesting anecdotes because in areas like Utopia - that small cluster of outstations spread over 400 km - the Barkly Shire Council worked with local health services, in conjunction with the Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities and veterinarians from interstate, to carry out extensive canine desexing procedures and animal health clinics to which the shire contributed its own veterinary services, equipment and staff. They valued this and received an incredible national award and some pragmatic outcomes. After two visits, almost 300 dogs were desexed throughout the area and many more treated for zoonotic parasites which made a significant impact on ongoing animal management.
Currently, the program visits a different community every fortnight. The team includes one or more veterinarians and council rangers, Indigenous animal management workers and Indigenous environmental health workers. The program includes immediate animal treatment, surgical desexing and health promotion activities. The Barkly Shire Council deserves credit for attracting a veterinary practice to commence at Tennant Creek through its work in this area. According to anecdotal evidence 12 months into the operation of the program in the urban area of Tennant Creek, the number of monthly presentations at the local hospital with dog-related injuries reduced from 22 to seven. While this is a large improvement, the program continues to strive to improve results.
This is a very important part of the outcomes of a successful program and the implementation of this new legislation delivering pragmatic workings. In relation to an early assessment of a remote community program initiative relating to the first community visit to Ampilatwatja, the team desexed over 37 dogs, 21 of which were female. I quote Dr John Skuja from the Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities:
- An average of five puppies per litter and two heats a year could have otherwise produced up to 200 puppies in the next 12 months.
Upon return visits to communities the change is noticeable, with fewer unwanted puppies and an improvement in the overall condition of most dogs.
The Barkly Shire Council has been recognised at a national level for facilitation of a participatory development model in animal health which is culturally centred, has encompassed adaptable sustainable mechanisms, and acknowledges the diversity of each participating community.
That took us on a discussion of the human duty of care and the opportunities to really deliver prevention - the primary model - before things get out of control. When you talk about the possibility of 200 puppies scattered across small outstations on 400 km, you have serious problems. However, a culturally acceptable program such as this can make a huge difference.
Everyone in this House has seen the challenges around dog issues in regional and remote areas. After more than half my life living, working and sharing culture with Indigenous people over three states, I was visiting an Indigenous community not in the Barkly. One of the perks of the job in opposition will be visiting everyone’s electorate. The Chief Minister commented on visiting his, he definitely wants to visit mine, and let us hope it is not in a parachute into Borroloola with two television crews next time.
However, in this community an interesting discussion was going on between senior men. I was part of the group and chose to keep quiet. I listened carefully as a Kelpie-cross-Pomeranian ran past, a mixed Labrador breed went the other way, definitely a Blue Heeler - the cattle dog with the Kelpie cross - and a number of what looked like the favourite dogs of the old people, the Chihuahua cross. The old ladies love the smaller dog, the smart Chihuahua with the Jack Russell cross - highly intelligent. There were mixed breeds running past us and the discussion with these old guys was, ‘When we talk about dog Dreaming, these dogs are whitefella dogs’. The member for Namatjira does not like to discriminate. It is not black, it is not white, it is right. It is all about being Territorians, but let us talk about crossbreed dogs.
These dogs were running everywhere and the old guys said, ‘They are not the dogs we acknowledge culturally in Dreaming’. You could have knocked me down with a feather because, after more than half my life sharing Aboriginal culture and raising my family with Indigenous people - as the member for Namatjira sternly reminded me, I was given a skin name not born into one. I celebrate the skin names given to my two boys who were born in the bush, their Dreaming and their totems, but I will not go into that for fear of being ridiculed.
What hit me hard was that this could create a new cultural conversation. If you go from where I was north of the Barkly back to Ali Curung - one of the big problems managing dogs at Ali Curung is cultural significance issues, which are real and important. People are struggling to come to terms with programs like the one run by the Barkly Shire Council. The Barkly Shire Council went into an in-depth consultation. As mentioned when acknowledging the award, it was recognised culturally and had started to make in-roads into a difficult area of cross-cultural significance.
However, when you have senior men talking about the difference between traditional dog Dreaming and crossbreed dogs running back and forward across the community, I have two minds of thought. One was the cultural elements of fusion and how culture is changing and evolving, and one was a pang of sentiment and sorrow with the reality of witnessing the breakdown of culture and language and how that is not a positive thing.
However, if we could have the discussion about traditional beliefs, traditional Dreaming and traditional Dreaming stories as they relate to duty, of care through an organisation such as the Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities and the new regional government councils which will evolve, we could have a way of moving forward. We are talking about increasing the life expectancy of people. It is not only living longer; it is living a quality life without the pain of chronic disease. Having been a primary teacher for many years dealing with the primary health care issues of infants, and understanding the physiology and pathology around why an Aboriginal male child will have a life expectancy 17 years less than my male child, it is really important to explore innovative ways of change.
My contribution and reporting back to the wonderful constituents who participated in this exercise will be in Hansard and will show the constituency what is said in this House and the values linked to that. We will watch this bill progress forward with the important questions about the authority, the regulation, the outcomes, and what I have added to this debate about innovation and thinking outside the square.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I have no ambition to take the minister through a three-hour committee stage amendment process. Those people looking forward to celebrating Christmas drinks will be keen to celebrate Christmas, in a parliamentary sense, with Madam Speaker.
Mr Giles: Are you going to have a beer with us, Gerry?
Mr McCARTHY: I do not drink, sorry. I drink Coke and have to be careful how many I have. Sometimes, I have a double and really start to let loose.
However, in the time I have left I will share a story about dogs. This guy had the most ferocious dogs and I had to visit him regularly. It was always really scary and the dogs were always big and aggressive. The guy was a prisoner in New South Wales. I acted as a reference point to achieve his successful parole - not only parole, but to leave New South Wales and come to the Northern Territory. The Northern Territory offered education, rehabilitation and, basically, a new start in life. It was a very successful reintegration.
Tennant Creek, once again, - good old Tennant played its part - was superb. This fellow lived in Tennant Creek for 25 years until he passed away two years ago at a young age. He had a very rough life. The reintegration and rehabilitation was really successful. He became quite an identity around Tennant Creek. He worked in some quite diverse fields and had a wonderful life, which was a really good outcome to see. I participated as the reference point and put my name on the dotted line. I then had to manage it, and it was a bit hairy from time to time. However, we got there and it was a good story. What I received, quite ironically, was a delicate, sensitive and alarming insight into the prison industry and prisons, as this person had experienced maximum security at Long Bay prison. There were quite interesting stories.
I was quite alarmed today when I heard the aggressive allegation of being a dog from across the Chamber. I remember this gentleman and his definition of dog. A dog is a prisoner who informs on another prisoner. In the zoo of a prison like the maximum security section of Long Bay gaol, a person called a dog is in a life-threatening situation. The person who names the other a dog is putting out to the zoo what they represent and value.
I was quite shocked to hear it and hope the tone does not lower any further in this House. Nobody deserves to be called anything in the sanctuary of this House which would not be repeated on the outside. However, allegations are allegations and there are ways to do business. Motions can be moved, censure motions can be used, and parliamentary process can be used, as the member for Port Darwin regularly advises this House, if you want to talk about someone you are alleging is misleading the House. It was quite a shock and brought back some interesting memories of Wangali. Some of the stories he told about the maximum security section of Long Bay gaol were not pretty and had a big impact on his life, and my life.
I then became the Territory minister for Corrections. It is a pity Wangali did not survive longer because it would have been quite interesting to reminisce about the years and what we did. Suddenly, I was what he would have called ‘the governor’, although I am not sure as he never saw that.
I encourage the minister to look at innovative approaches to this legislation. The Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities program is definitely worth partnering with in the new local government reform and start to focus on the primary model - the duty of care. When you speak about simplistic innovations, we can make a difference in areas which, at the moment, are unwieldy and unmanageable.
Mrs PRICE (Stuart): Madam Speaker, I support the bill before the House introduced by the Minister for Local Government. When enacted, the Animal Welfare Amendment Bill will be a major reform for the Animal Welfare Authority. It will strengthen the act by rationalising the roles, functions and powers of the authority.
There were major problems with animal welfare at Charles Darwin University’s Mataranka Station. This was a research farm not a pastoral property. Last year, the Council of Territory Cooperation report addressed the issue arising from the problems. The bill strengthens the regulation of animal welfare in the Northern Territory but does not increase the burden on pastoralists who ensure their stock are properly cared for. The report recommended the Animal Welfare Act clearly identify agency responsibilities. It recommended officers and inspectors refer unsubstantiated complaints for investigation to the responsible agency identified in the Administrative Arrangements Order.
The bill imposes an obligation on authorised officers to report offences against the act to the Animal Welfare Authority as soon as possible. The objectives of the Animal Welfare Act are to ensure animals are treated humanely, prevent cruelty to animals and promote community awareness about the welfare of animals. The objectives of the Livestock Act are to promote a sustainable livestock and associated industries by:
establishing methods of identifying and tracing livestock
The bill also allows the Animal Welfare Authority to enter into arrangements with the chief executive officer of any other government agency, including the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, to use staff or facilities of that agency.
Furthermore, the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association and Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities have representatives on the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee. This committee advises the minister about animal welfare legislation, investigates and reports on matters relevant to animal welfare referred to it by the minister, helps to develop and review codes of practice and provides advice to bodies, organisations and the general community on programs for the improvement of community awareness about animal welfare.
The Animal Welfare Branch is working in partnership with the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries and the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association, and is committed to attend association meetings of pastoralists across the Northern Territory in December this year.
Through these meetings, the Animal Welfare Branch will engage pastoralists and help them understand the functions of the branch and the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries. Pastoralists will also have the opportunity to question or clarify matters of concern and engage in healthy debate. The Animal Welfare Branch has also recently committed to bimonthly meetings with the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association to keep abreast of the issues affecting the pastoral industry.
This will continue to strengthen working relationships and give the association the opportunity to provide input into the review of the act which will occur over the next year. The Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association successfully applied for funding through the 2012-13 Animal Welfare Grant Funding Program. An amount of $44 498 was approved for the production of a DVD and educational material for the improvement of animal welfare practices.
The association is also working towards establishing long-term employment outcomes for local Indigenous people on pastoral properties. This will also significantly benefit cattle producers.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I commend the bill to the House.
Mr CHANDLER (Business): Mr Deputy Speaker, I want to comment on a few things and congratulate the minister for bringing this legislation to the House. I realise it came from the former government and, to the credit of the current minister, he did not throw the baby out with the bath water. He recognised a need for major changes in the welfare area. In the Northern Territory, we have come from a low base.
Quite a few years ago we had the dog act which covered the whole of the Northern Territory. In more recent years, with different municipalities and shires introducing their own legislation, animal management and welfare has become complicated. Some of our problems exist today because different jurisdictions have different laws and what is right in one area is not right in another. I advocate returning to a single law right across the Northern Territory.
In regard to animal management and welfare, we must also clear things up because many people would call it ‘animal care’, some would call it ‘control’, others ‘welfare’. There is also the cruelty aspect. This legislation covers most of the recommendations put forward to this House.
I can talk with some authority on this subject, having had a police dog hang off my arm for a few years, a pit bull hanging off my ankles at other times, and having tried to rescue several people from horrible dog attacks over the years.
I recall in the mid-1990s working for the Darwin City Council and visiting the Tiwi Islands to conduct training for the lads and teach them some basic skills in managing dogs, handling dogs and what to do with them. To give you an indication of where we have come in the Northern Territory and across the country, animal management, particularly welfare, cruelty, and control, has been treated with less than the respect it should be treated with. Animal management, in particular, has an impact on every Australian. People rely on animals for work, people with sight issues rely on dogs and, as the member for Nelson said, we eat animals.
Animals cover a wide spectrum. In this country we should be focusing on legislation to protect animals from undue cruelty. There are aspects of welfare and there are aspects of cruelty. Sometimes there is a grey area for the average person. What is welfare and what is cruelty to an animal? We should, as human beings, treat the animals in our care with the utmost respect. However, whether an animal goes without water or a dog is being kicked in the guts, it can be viewed by people differently. One is a welfare issue, one a cruelty issue. It is something we struggle to deal with in this country, particularly from a local government perspective.
To go back to the work on the Tiwi Islands, the City of Darwin had an agreement with the Tiwi council to help with animal management issues. The hierarchy said, ‘Pete, get on a plane, go to the Tiwi Islands, spend the day with the troops and teach them everything there is to know about animal management’. It is not so easy to teach someone everything about caring for animals, how to manage them in a community, and how to deal with them in different ways. It is a good indication of how the job was perceived years ago. It sometimes takes a tragedy such as we saw at Mataranka to bring it to the fore. I am impressed with this legislation and the length of time allowed for a prosecution to occur. The reality is, investigations can take time in certain circumstances.
AMRRIC does a wonderful job across the Top End trying to impart knowledge of how we should manage animals, particularly dogs, in our rural and remote areas. I will come back to the fact we have different legislation in place in regard to by-laws and how we manage animals in the Northern Territory.
When I undertook a study tour around the United States and the UK some years ago, they found it draconian that we do not handle animal cruelty from a local government perspective. We manage animal control - animal management - but we do not deal with cruelty. Even today, many of our local government rangers are at risk of being prosecuted when they take action on cruelty under their own by-laws. An example might be that a local government officer can enter a property if they suspect there is an unregistered dog on it. However, if they were to see a registered dog tied up around a clothesline or out of water, under most by-laws they cannot enter the property. In most circumstances they would put the welfare of the dog before themselves, before the law but, because our local law officers work for different municipalities and shires and the by-laws do not cover off on cruelty or welfare, they are not legally able to enter a property.
This is what came to the fore during my study tour in the United States. ‘Why are you not taking action on cruelty? If a local law officer sees an act of cruelty or a welfare issue, they can take action.’ The sad truth is we cannot. That is where it becomes complicated, right down to the fact that if one council advertises its by-law, that may not be relevant in the next municipality or shire.
There are differences in legislation in the City of Darwin by-laws compared to the City of Palmerston by-laws, and to the Litchfield Shire. You question how some of the laws designed in the past went through this Chamber. When the Litchfield Council by-laws were covered, there was an instance which gave a council officer authorisation to destroy a dead dog. I do not know why you would want to destroy a dead dog, but the legislation covers an officer if they need to destroy a dead dog. It is a little different, but it sits in the legislation. It sat with the City of Darwin by-laws and was duplicated into the Litchfield Shire by-laws. Perhaps it has been fixed, but it was something I noted a few years ago.
This legislation is so much an improvement on the last legislation. The member for Barkly raised several issues. He mentioned puppy mills, giving an example where 200 dogs were involved. Puppy mills get into that grey area where welfare can become a dependency for some people. People have heard about hoarding. Some people might be hoarding newspapers or junk and live in conditions where they continue to hoard things. The same thing happens in the animal management world. People will start to hoard animals because they feel they are providing a better place for them to live than being on the streets and, all of a sudden, they have many animals. The member for Barkly mentioned a case where 200 dogs were involved.
When I was in Washington - forgive me, the name has slipped my mind - the agency had just investigated a puppy mill involving 9800 dogs in a yard probably not much bigger than the average urban block. A total of 9800 dogs were kept in cages. These people really believed they were running a good business and cared for the animals. They had dogs in cages with dewclaws and other claws inches long living like chickens in cages. There is an element of animal cruelty as well as the welfare aspect.
That case went to court and the agency was able to prove beyond reasonable doubt this was animal cruelty and no one in their right mind should have 9800 dogs. The judge thought it was too cruel to take them all so allowed the owners to keep 200 dogs.
The reason I mentioned this is because the member for Barkly thought 200 dogs was a problem. In this case, 9600 dogs were removed from the premises and 200 dogs were left. It showed poor judgment by the judge, in my opinion, that he did not understand what hoarding was all about. They need to tighten their legislation as well.
I applaud the minister for bringing forward this legislation not just throwing out someone else’s. He had the common sense and decency to look at the issues, saw this legislation was sound and stacked up and brought it forward today.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE (Primary Industry and Fisheries): Mr Deputy Speaker, I remember when the Labor government introduced this bill to the House. I was shadow minister for Local Government at the time and adjourned the debate. Even though it was not recorded in the Hansard, I called this the Mataranka cattle deaths bill when it was introduced by the former minister, the member for Arnhem, Malarndirri McCarthy. It is good to see the bill is being considered by this government. It confirms what was raised earlier, which is when the right laws, the right bills, come before this House they will be supported by both sides. I applaud the current minister for bringing this bill forward today because it shows, in true bipartisan style, we can do the business of this House and do the right thing by Territorians.
I support the strengthening of the Animal Welfare Act so the community has confidence in the regulation of animal welfare within the companion animal, livestock and fishery sectors.
My special interests are livestock and fisheries, of the industries within my portfolios. Acceptable animal welfare outcomes to consumers, the community, and the markets are essential for market access. Additionally, good animal welfare outcomes create optimum animal production. We all know a happy animal is a productive animal. While the majority of livestock and aquaculture farmers have a strong affinity for their animals and care for them very well, the legislation must be in place to ensure total compliance. The introduction of the duty of care into the animal welfare legislation reinforces the livestock production standards within the Livestock Act and the Livestock Regulations. The national livestock transport standards were adopted in the Livestock Regulations from 1 August 2012. National cattle welfare standards and guidelines will be finalised during 2013. The standards are the ‘must do’ actions, with the guidelines to assist cattlemen to improve animal welfare outcomes. A thorough review of the Animal Welfare Act is an important task.
Good animal welfare outcomes should be based on science not emotive values. It is pleasing to note there is growth in the research effort in this important sector so there is good legislation. I welcome the introduction of a three-tier system for offences. As mentioned previously, the proposed amendments impose a duty of care on the owner or a person in charge of an animal to look after it, feed it and provide appropriate care. The inclusion of a duty of care requirement improves the current provisions which specify that a person must not neglect or commit any act of cruelty. The proposed minimum level of care provides guidance on the appropriate level of care across the animal sectors.
The proposed amendments also improve the current cruelty offence provisions in the act. Cruelty to an animal is defined as an intentional or reckless failure by a person in charge of an animal to ensure an animal is properly cared for. Aggravated cruelty is created by the bill as a third level offence after breach of duty of care and cruelty. A person commits the offence of aggravated cruelty if they are intentionally or recklessly cruel to an animal and the cruelty causes the death of or serious harm to the animal.
These three levels of offence - duty of care, cruelty and aggravated cruelty - provide a significant improvement to the current act.
It is important to add improvements to the Animal Welfare Act in the context of issues and emerging issues across the world. I am particularly referring to animal cruelty we see overseas. I applaud the Commonwealth government for introducing the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System to ensure there is a strong focus on animal welfare standards in countries to which we export our cattle. I mention this because we can hardly bark across the ocean - use megaphone diplomacy - to tell other countries what to do when it comes to animal cruelty without engaging best practice in our own back yard. The act, and the amendments to it, set the standard and send the message that the Northern Territory is serious about maintaining animal welfare standards across the Territory.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I welcome the bill. I support it and hope it leads to much better outcomes in the sphere it is intended.
Mr GILES (Local Government): Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank the shadow minister, the member for Nhulunbuy, and the members for Daly, Barkly, Brennan, Stuart and Katherine for their valuable contributions. Everyone provided a different contribution to this debate. The member for Katherine reminded us we need to get the balance right between livestock for the purposes of our economy, and animal welfare and cruelty, and this legislation heads in the right direction. I also thank the member for Nelson for his contribution. He asked a number of questions which I will cover shortly.
If he has any further questions I am happy for him to interject and I will take them on the floor and try to provide an answer.
I would like to reflect on a debate today where I was fairly aggressive towards the member for Nelson. It was unwarranted aggression for the purpose of the commentary, but I would like to place on the record my apologies for some of the language I used. I did not just withdraw. I used some language which was not fair on him. I point out I have always sought to work with the member for Nelson in a conciliatory fashion, or any other member of this Chamber, and offer briefings and support wherever possible. The debate does become robust and I did not use the nicest language. I was not happy with the way he presented himself in the debate or in other areas, but that is no excuse.
The Animal Welfare Act came into operation in March 2000 and, apart from some minor amendments, has remained unchanged. The objectives of the act are to ensure animals are treated humanely, to prevent cruelty to animals, and promote community awareness regarding the welfare of animals.
In November 2011, the bipartisan Council of Territory Cooperation Animal Welfare Governance Sub-committee tabled its report in the Legislative Assembly. The report addressed animal welfare issues arising from the problems at Charles Darwin University’s Mataranka Station facility. The report included 21 recommendations relating to the Territory’s legislation and related procedures. It is intended to progress the recommendations in two stages.
Stage 1 addresses the amendments through legislative change. There have also been changes to resourcing and procedures within the department’s Animal Welfare Branch. Stage 2 will require dealing with recommendations which require a whole-of-government response, which goes to the heart of the comments made by the member for Barkly.
The Animal Welfare Amendment Bill 2012 (No. 2) (Serial 9) was introduced into the Legislative Assembly on 2 May 2012. The bill was not debated and lapsed when the Assembly was prorogued in August 2012. The bill introducing these amendments was reintroduced into the Legislative Assembly during the October 2012 sittings, and will move the NT towards a nationally consistent level of protection for animals in the Northern Territory.
The 10 recommendations from the Council of Territory Cooperation to be addressed by these amendments are:
Recommendation 1
The Animal Welfare Act clearly identifies agency administrative and enforcement responsibilities by stipulating that officers and inspectors refer substantiated complaints for investigation to the responsible agency identified in the Administrative Arrangement Orders.
- Government policy reflects that a single agency is responsible for the Animal Welfare Act by stipulating that all investigations under the act are referred to that agency.
The Act’s time limit on commencement of proceedings against an offence be extended to at least two years.
Section 71 is being amended to extend the time limit for a prosecution to commence within 12 months to two years. That was one of the comments made by the member for Nelson in regard to clause 20.
Recommendation 4
- The Animal Welfare Authority has appropriately skilled and qualified inspectors.
Proposed sections 57(1A) and 58(1A) will ensure the authority may only appoint suitably skilled persons to the role of authorised officers.
Recommendation 7
Amend the Act to give appropriate investigatory and monitoring powers to the Animal Welfare Authority and to other authorised officers.
Proposed section 26A has been drafted to make the functions and responsibilities of the authority quite explicit. This includes ensuring the Animal Welfare Act is complied with and prosecutions made, appointing authorised inspectors and officers, and administrating the licensing regime for premises used for teaching or research. There is also a provision to ensure all aspects of the act are the responsibility of the authority, and that the authority has the powers necessary to perform its functions.
Proposed section 60 provides that the functions of authorised officers include assessing whether the provisions of the act are being complied with, seeking evidence of a suspected offence against the act, performing the functions conferred on them by the act, and assisting the authority in the performance of its functions. Authorised officers have powers conferred to them to perform their functions subject to the direction of the authority.
Recommendation 8
- The Animal Welfare Act clearly describes the Animal Welfare Authority’s structure, role and enforcement provisions.
Recommendation 10
- Amended animal welfare legislation stipulate the current edition of relevant guidelines or codes of practice, rather than stipulating a specific edition.
Proposed section 82(2) provides a regulation may apply, adopt or incorporate, with or without changes, the whole or part of a code of practice, standard or other document as is in force or existing at a particular time or from time to time. It is anticipated the Animal Welfare Regulations be amended to confer with the current edition of the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.
Recommendation 12
- The Act be amended to include provision for monitoring the compliance of animal ethics committees and that animal ethics committees regularly report to the regulatory authority.
Proposed section 34A makes it mandatory for a licensee to prepare a report about activities carried on during the year under the authority of the licence and give the report to the authority on or before 31 October. This report must contain, among other things, information about the activities of the licensee’s animal ethics committee.
Recommendation 14
- The resourcing of the administration of the animal welfare function be re-examined as part of any review of the legislation to ensure that the function is funded so that statutory responsibilities can be fulfilled.
Proposed section 26B provides that the CEO of the department must provide the authority with staff and facilities to enable the authority to properly perform its functions. In addition, the authority can make arrangements with the CEO of any government agency to use the staff or facilities of that agency.
In relation to recommendation 14, the member for Nhulunbuy, the shadow minister, spoke about the resourcing of staff within the authority. Coming into government, it was interesting to discover there were no staff for the additional 10 officers in that area. However, rest assured, through our mini-budget process, Cabinet was fully supportive of providing money and resources to the Animal Welfare Authority to ensure we have the necessary resources to do the job.
Recommendation 15
- The roles and responsibilities of the various agencies involved in animal welfare need to be clearly articulated in legislation.
Proposed section 26A provides for the functions of the Animal Welfare Authority and its powers. It also provides that the authority has complete responsibility to implement the act. In addition, proposed section 58A enables the authority to appoint public sector employees in any government agency as officers or inspectors under the act. Furthermore, proposed 60A imposes a duty on authorised officers to report all suspected offences against the act to the authority.
Other significant amendments to the act being addressed come from the recommendations and comments from the 2007 Kanzen report, which include introducing a duty of care for a person in charge of an animal to look after it, feed it and provide appropriate care and shelter. This creates three levels of offences, namely breach of duty of care owed to animals, cruelty and failure to ensure animals receive minimum level of care and intention to cause harm to the animal, and intentional cruelty to an animal in order to cause its death or serious harm.
Establishing alternative verdicts for the three levels of offences - provisions relating to how seized animals or other things are to be dealt with and provisions relating to how seizure and care costs can be recovered.
Implementation of recommendations for Stage 2 is about to commence and will involve a full review of the act. The proposed completion date for this review is expected to be the second half of 2013.
I draw attention to the mini-budget and the Department of Local Government. It outlines a financial commitment of $925 000 by the Country Liberal government to support improving animal welfare awareness and ensure legislative compliance. This funding commitment now provides for 10 positions in the Animal Welfare Unit of the Department of Local Government, seven being animal welfare inspectors in Darwin and Alice Springs. Additionally, there are a further 19 inspectors and three animal welfare officers across the Territory ensuring coverage and service delivery. All these officers and inspectors must report suspected breaches of the act to the Animal Welfare Authority.
In the 12 months to October 2012, the Animal Welfare Authority has had nine successful prosecutions resulting in fines ranging from $100 for cruelty for shooting of a rooster through to $5000 for neglect of horses. The horses were forfeited to the Crown and sold at public auction. There are currently 11 prosecutions being dealt with by the Animal Welfare Authority yet to be determined by the courts.
The members for Barkly, Nhulunbuy and Nelson have taken up my offer of briefings. If, at any time, anyone in this Chamber seeks a briefing on animal welfare issues I am more than happy to extend an invitation to provide one.
Madam Speaker, in conclusion, I highlight the key message of this amendment bill: this government is committed to strengthening animal welfare governance across the Northern Territory. These amendments will result in a more effective Animal Welfare Act. Every person who has an animal in their care or control has a duty of care for the welfare of the animal.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I commend the bill to the House.
Motion agreed to; bill read a second time.
Mr GILES (Local Government)(by leave): Mr Deputy Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a third time.
Motion agreed to; bill read a third time.
MOTION
Note Paper - Remuneration Tribunal Report on the Entitlements of Assembly Members and Determination No 1 of 2012
Note Paper - Remuneration Tribunal Report on the Entitlements of Assembly Members and Determination No 1 of 2012
Continued from 1 November 2012.
Mr ELFERINK (Attorney-General and Justice): Mr Deputy Speaker, I deliver comments on behalf of the Chief Minister.
On 1 November 2012, the Chief Minister tabled in this House the Remuneration Tribunal Report on the Entitlements of Assembly Members and Determination No 1 of 2012. The key features of the 2012 determination include the following matters:
the electoral allowance for members has been increased by 2%
provision has been made for the employment of part-time staffing assistance for up to six hours per week for each electorate office to assist with those occasions such as when both the member and the electorate officer are out of the office
taking into account the remoteness of the electorate of Arafura, the determination provides for additional staffing in the form of a liaison officer to be employed for 15 hours a week to assist the member for Arafura
You may recall amendments to the Assembly Members and Statutory Officers (Remuneration and Other Entitlements) Act linked increases in basic MLA salary and office holder salary to movements in public sector wages. In its report, the tribunal made the observation that this arrangement removes the capacity for independent assessment of member remuneration levels and has had the effect of devaluing the base remuneration of members and office holders. For this reason, the tribunal has recommended consideration be given to repealing this provision of the act and replacing it with power for the tribunal to determine the basic MLA salary in addition to office holder salary.
This is not a matter which necessarily needs to be decided as part of the motion to note the tribunal’s 2012 report and determination. The government does not propose to rush into any decision involving how parliamentary salaries are set.
The decision made in 2010 by the then government to link increases in MLA salaries to increases in public sector wages was made on the basis it was not appropriate for MLAs to accept any increase in remuneration which was not being offered to NTPS employees. This side of the House supported that proposal and the Assembly Members and Statutory Officers (Remuneration and Other Entitlements) Act was amended accordingly. There is much to commend a framework whereby an independent tribunal with expertise in assessing entitlements for a wide range of Northern Territory government office holders and statutory bodies likewise determines the salaries of members of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly. The government will consider the recommendations of the tribunal in relation to the framework for MLA remuneration and decide on a course of action after due deliberation.
The Chief Minister proposes to consult with the opposition and independent members of the House on this matter. I take this opportunity to thank the tribunal for its work in relation to MLA entitlements.
Ms LAWRIE (Opposition Leader): I thank the Remuneration Tribunal chairman for his report. I support many aspects of the report but not all. The electorate allowance increase of 2% is a reasonable outcome to match CPI so members can continue to serve their electorates effectively. The staffing hours increase - six additional hours - recognises that although we have some of the smallest electorates in voter numbers, there is a significant and greater demand by constituents to see their local member. It gives electorate officers the flexibility to do more outside the office, but the additional six hours ensures the office remains open and can service constituents.
We note the extra 15 hours for the electorate of Arafura. This follows a similar increase to the electorate of Stuart. We recognise the size of the bush electorates and will be looking to extend this allowance for other bush seats, such as Barkly and Nhulunbuy, in future considerations.
In relation to travel entitlement changes, it makes sense to change the old strict nature to a more flexible and streamlined dollar amount; a set dollar amount is sensible. It will give members flexibility in their travel and incentive to look for the most cost effective ways to maximise their travel.
In relation to the iPad and laptop, recognition of changing technology to remain current with ways to engage our electorates is certainly appreciated.
Regarding the members’ remuneration recommendations contained within this RTD report, I respectfully disagree with the chairman. I do this on behalf of all members of the opposition. This is not just my position as the member for Karama, but also that of the members for Fannie Bay, Wanguri, Nightcliff, Barkly, Casuarina, Nhulunbuy and Johnston. Be clear on this: I am speaking on behalf of all members of the Labor opposition.
We are proud the previous Labor government legislated so the remuneration of members of the Legislative Assembly is indexed to the public sector EBA. We believe linking politicians’ wage rises to public sector wage rises is the fairest and most transparent way of dealing with politicians’ wages and is why we enshrined it in legislation.
We note the RTD has strongly recommended this legislation be repealed and we return to a system whereby remuneration is linked to federal parliament entitlements. This would mean a substantial increase in the remuneration of members of this House beyond that of the current EBA. Let me be clear: I, and all members of the opposition, disagree. We do not support the repeal of this legislation. We do not support a remuneration increase for members beyond that contained in the public sector EBA, and we certainly do not support a review of Assembly members’ and statutory officers’ remuneration at any time as suggested by the RTD. I would like the government to be very clear in telling Territorians its view on this matter.
Motion agreed to; paper noted.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr ELFERINK (Leader of Government Business): I move that the House do now adjourn.
Ms LAWRIE (Karama): Mr Deputy Speaker, I give my thanks and best wishes to Graham Gadd and Helen Allmich who are leaving the humidity and crocodiles to take up a new life and adventure in Tasmania to experience the freezing cold and Tassie devils. You could not have more contrasting locations. Given Graham’s extensive sailing history, I am sure he will one day sail from Tasmania to Darwin and, quite possibly, we will see him competing in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
He joined the Darwin Sailing Club almost the day he arrived in 1965. He went on to represent Australia in Toronto, Canada in 1986, where he sailed an 18 foot catamaran - definitely different conditions sailing in Canada to Darwin. The extra layers of clothing required in Canada would have proved challenging after training in the tropics in probably shorts and a singlet. He is well-known around the Darwin sailing scene. It you have been to the Darwin Sailing Club I am sure you would have seen Graham’s name on quite a few trophies.
Not only a keen sailor, he was passionate about cycling, hockey, water polo, squash and cricket. His passion for these sports has taken him across the Territory and other states of Australia. He even made the NT News front page for the Pine Creek race he won in the 1960s. That must have been a slow crocodile story day!
The first Legislative Assembly met in the Chamber at 2 pm on Wednesday, 20 November 1974. Graham started with the Legislative Assembly as a staff clerk in 1975, and then worked in Hansard as a monitor. You could say Graham Gadd has witnessed some of the biggest decisions made in Northern Territory history. During his time at Parliament House he has acted as the Serjeant-at-Arms, been a Clerk Assistant, and was in charge of Hansard and the Table Office, which was originally where the library is now. He has been a major asset to the Legislative Assembly and to all those who have had the pleasure of working with him.
Graham was Acting Deputy Clerk before Ian McNeill was appointed. During his time he has worked with Clerks such as Fred Walker, Ray Chin, Keith Thompson and Guy Smith. His romance with his partner, Helen, began at Parliament House in the late 1980s.
Helen joined the Legislative Assembly in 1985 as the Serjeant-at-Arms and was the first female in the Territory’s history to take on this position. She was responsible for security of the parliamentary precinct and services to members. Helen was also well known in the community for her involvement with St Mary’s Cathedral, where she played the organ. She was also part of the Charles Darwin University adult woodwind ensemble which has provided musical accompaniment for the Quota Club Christmas carols at Tracy Lodge for the past 15 years. Helen spent 20 years as Serjeant-at-Arms of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly and one of her duties included carrying a 4.2 kg gold and silver mace during the opening of parliament.
Both Graham and Helen have been long-serving staff of the Legislative Assembly - a combined service of nearly 80 years. On behalf of my colleagues and members of this House, Graham to you, and Helen, you should know you will be truly missed although we recognise there will be many great opportunities and possibilities ahead in Tasmania. Helen is heading up Hansard in the Tasmanian parliament. Working with both of you has been an absolute privilege. Your humour and knowledge has been a benefit to everyone. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed. Both of you have undertaken more than your fair share of work.
On a personal level, I cherish our time working together; it has been a great pleasure. The knowledge you and Helen have, your hard work and your honesty are all elements which will be of benefit to you both in the future. I will sorely miss you, Graham Gadd. The hockey and sporting fraternities of the Territory will sorely miss you; however, I look forward to finding you in Tassie checking out the shed, and I look forward to finding out what incredible work you are doing for the people of Tasmania. I have no doubt you will enrich their lives as you have enriched ours. You will never be lost to the Territory, and we will see you when you come here from time to time with our darling Helen. Thank you, Graham, for your service to the Legislative Assembly; it has been both outstanding and exceptional.
Members: Hear! Hear!
Ms FINOCCHIARO (Drysdale): Mr Deputy Speaker, tonight I will reflect on the 2012 year and thank some very important people in my life and the Drysdale community.
I start by saying I wake up every day and thank the people of Drysdale for putting their faith in me. Without the support of my electorate I would not be in this honourable and exciting role. I am humbled by the decision of the electorate of Drysdale and I will not let them down. It has been 15 weeks I have been the local member for Drysdale and, in that time, have loved every minute. I have grown immensely and have experienced the highs and lows of being a member of government, the government I am so proud to be part of.
I smile when I think of all the people who asked me when I ran for Drysdale whether or not I would give up my day job. Such is often the misconception of what local members do. My mission is to make it plainly obvious to every constituent of Drysdale this is a full-on full-time commitment by me. I am the member for Drysdale 24/7, 365 days a year and my door is always open.
I have spoken frequently in adjournment debates about the invaluable contribution the numerous community groups and schools make in the electorate of Drysdale. Tonight I will mention some of the highlights.
In my maiden speech I said I would fight for the right decisions for Territorians, and fight I have. I can assure Drysdale residents I am working very closely with the Minister for Health, the Chief Minister, and the member for Brennan to increase healthcare services to the people of Palmerston. We are listening to Palmerston residents, understand their healthcare needs, and will deliver real results for Palmerston. Next year, Palmerston will see some major announcements from its local members surrounding healthcare services in the region. I ask Palmerston residents to trust that the three local members, one of whom is the Chief Minister, have their best interests at heart and have not forgotten the promises to you.
My electorate officer, Angie, is an asset to Drysdale and I cannot thank her enough, first for agreeing to work with me, but mostly for immersing herself in the job and excelling. With Angie’s support, enthusiasm and diligence, the Drysdale electorate office has been transformed from an office suite with little more than furniture and a few reams of paper to a dynamic, welcoming and productive hub from which we are hitting real goals for Drysdale residents. I have had much feedback from the community and, Angie, they find you utterly charming. I look forward to starting the New Year with you.
I would also like to thank Tasma McCall for being such a wonderful role model and source of information to not only Angie, but all electorate officers. Tasma, you are a fountain of knowledge and I thank you.
I wholeheartedly thank the six Drysdale schools who have welcomed me with open arms and involved me in their school communities. I make special mention of Sherrida, Karen and Sharon from Driver School Farm who are always very welcoming and allow me to get my hands dirty as often as I can. I also thank Leanne for doing a great job running Driver Primary while Rob was away. I thank Rob for being so embracing of me in his school community.
Sue and Kylie from Gray school have been brilliant and I am proud to be reunited with my former primary school. Exciting things are happening at Gray school, and I would like to thank the Smith Family, and other partners, for their contributions to the enhancement of the education experience of Gray school students and the whole school community.
Sheila and Heather, the office ladies and, of course, the very active Durack School Council have been very supportive of my involvement with their lovely school. I am pleased to have been involved in the many facets of the school including school council meetings, assemblies, and working bees, amongst other things.
Jenny, I spoke about your contribution to Palmerston Senior College in an adjournment debate earlier in the sittings. Again, I wish you all the best for the future. I look forward to meeting Sue, the incoming principal, who brings many qualities which will, no doubt, be an asset to Palmerston Senior College.
Frankie and Thevie, you are both amazingly energetic women and I can only commend you and your lovely staff for the work you do with our special education centre students. I look forward to being more involved in the workings of your school and know you have great plans for 2013.
Lynne, Julian, and Tara at Good Shepherd junior school have embraced my eagerness to be involved with the school. I have really enjoyed your assemblies, but was also really thrilled to take part in teaching Year 3 students about ‘change in Palmerston’, which is something I am very passionate about.
Recently, I attended numerous school end-of-year presentations and have many more to come. So far, I have enjoyed seeing the good news stories; the positive outcomes of our education system. It is easy to report on the problem children, the adolescents doing the wrong things, the doom and gloom. However, I am comforted by what I have seen. There is no doubt the Northern Territory has a bright future because of the enormous number of talented young people in our schools who are coming up through the ranks.
I also thank Narelle, Renee, Kerry and Dominic and all the Palmerston Markets Committee team who do an amazing job running the Palmerston Markets. This market season was epic and really brought the Palmerston community together. I am very much looking forward to April next year when it all starts again. There is no question my Friday nights have been much less eventful without the Palmerston Markets.
I must also thank the team at the Palmerston Football Club, which I am exceedingly proud to be patron of. Bill, Katy ...
Mr Wood: They are not doing too well this year.
Ms FINOCCHIARO: Don’t you say that! Take that back! I ask the member for Nelson to withdraw that comment!
To Bill, Katy, Faye, Harold, Troy, Tony, Marshall, and all the others who make up the huge team delivering a quality experience for all Territorians - including Litchfield, who plays on our fabulous fields. The Palmerston Football Club has an amazing club culture. It is supportive and is building strong links between its junior and senior teams. The volunteers and committee do an incredibly good job of running the canteen with what feels like an unlimited selection of meals and snacks. Trust me, when you are behind there sweating it out on a Sunday morning it feels as if we have way too many options. That is the type of service Palmerston Football Club likes to deliver.
I also acknowledge all those who coach the teams, coordinate the players, organise the matches, get the equipment happening - the list goes on. Palmerston Football Club will continue to grow in size and in its sense of community. I look forward to my continued contribution to the fabric of our beautiful football club in 2013.
The amazing senior groups in Palmerston also need a mention. I spoke at length in an adjournment debate about the numerous activities for seniors in Palmerston. I have to thank Ann, Cath and Mary from the Palmerston 50+ Tuesday Club; Cazalys Sports Club for putting on morning tea once a month for seniors; Pam, Pat, Pam – there is never any shortage of Pats and Pams in Palmerston and the world of seniors. I thank the Men’s Shed, the Seniors Computer Club, the Songsters, the Groovy Grannies and everyone else who contributes to this rich seniors environment. I also thank Maggie and the team at U3A Palmerston, of which I am patron. We had a good couple of months and I look forward to seeing what activities the committee will come up with next year.
I would not be here without the support of the Calder Branch. I am looking forward to our Christmas meeting next week and our continued working relationship. Particular thanks go to Gary, Gerhard, Adam, Kay, Bob, Wendy, Suzanne, Bill, Lyle and Sonja for their support during the campaign and ongoing.
To my tireless supporters who letterbox drop, fold, and supported me in a number of ways, even after the election - particular thanks to James, Claudine, Anthony and the ever-reliable Sherine - thank you for never saying ‘no’ to me.
I also need to thank my parents who have been fantastic, both during the campaign and following the election. It cannot be easy having a daughter who is a politician, so I thank you for your patience and support.
In closing, I thank my colleagues in the wing for their camaraderie and support, the ministers, many of whom have entrusted me to represent them at various functions, presentations and events, the Legislative Assembly staff for their patience and guidance with new members like me. I give particular thanks to committee staff, Russell and Julia, who I endlessly rely on for guidance and support, and thank you to the members of the LCAC, of which I am Chair. Thank you for your enthusiasm and I look forward to the exciting challenges and, no doubt, triumphs for 2013.
I wish all my parliamentary colleges on both sides of the House a very happy and safe Christmas and New Year. I extend the same best wishes to all staff involved in keeping this show on the road, from the groundskeeper and cleaners who do a fantastic job keeping this place going, to security staff, Karen’s kitchen, parliamentary advisors and, of course, Madam Speaker.
Any day now my electorate will be receiving a hand-signed Christmas card from me wishing all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Please stay safe over the Christmas season and I hope you enjoy this time with your family and friends. My office will be staying open over the holiday season so please do not hesitate to stop by for a coffee.
I want to close by reading this passage from the Book of 1 Timothy 4:12, ‘Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity’.
Merry Christmas.
Mrs LAMBLEY (Araluen): Tonight I thank the people in my life who have been of great joy and assistance to me over the last 12 months. This has been an incredible journey, particularly over the last six months, the period of the election and coming to government. It has been extraordinary, it has been joyful and it has been extremely difficult.
I thank my electorate officer, Carley Plume, who has been a power of strength and stability. She has worked tirelessly for me for several years. I also thank my new ministerial office staff on level 5. I do not know how it happened but I have ended up with an amazing bunch of very skilled professional people. I am very proud of them and the way they have drawn together and assisted me over the last 15 weeks.
I thank the people of Araluen for standing by me. This must be a peculiar time for them. Before the election they would see me almost daily driving around in my old EH, highly visible throughout the community and for the last 15 weeks I have not been there. It has been tough on me, personally, and on my family. No doubt, the community and my constituents are wondering what is going on. I am hoping the first 15 weeks will be the most difficult period and, over the coming months and years, things will pan out and I will be able to spend more time in Alice Springs in the electorate of Araluen with the people who instilled their faith in me.
I thank my friends, who no longer see me, and my dear family – Craig and the kids, Alice and Harry - who have been incredible. I have been a mother and wife who is not there any longer. They have been amazing.
Finally, on behalf of the government, I would like to extend my deep gratitude to Graham Gadd and his wife, Helen. We appreciate your service and commitment to us over many years. Goodnight.
Mrs PRICE (Stuart): I adjourn tonight saying a few things about the upcoming break and the festive season. It is a time of celebration and good cheer. I take this opportunity to ask all to stay safe and be mindful of others, especially their families.
This has been a very big year for all of us. It does not matter what our politics may be. At this time we should put that to one side and think of others. There are many people far less fortunate than us. We need to be thankful for what we have. I am very grateful for being elected to this Chamber to represent a vast and diverse electorate. It is with a humble heart I sincerely thank many people.
First, I thank my family, which is very large and extended. It would be impossible to name them all today. However, I mention my husband of many years, Dave Price, who has stood by me, supported me, and encouraged me to stand up and be heard and be seen fighting for my people in the remote regional centres. I thank my daughter, Jacinta Price and my grandsons, Leiland, Ethan and Declan Castle. I also take this opportunity to thank my hard-working electorate officer, Karen Jones, who I look forward to working with for the next four years. She is at the coalface in the electorate office and, like me, is still learning the ropes. I thank Rebecca McLean and Wendy, who have helped in the office when my electorate officer has been away. I am looking forward to organising my Katherine office next year, spending more time in the northern part of my electorate, getting to know the rest of my electorate, and the people in Katherine and surrounding communities.
The effort put in by so many people in this year’s June election campaign was incredible. I cannot adequately express my thanks and admiration for the massive effort put in by all. There is not enough time to mention them all, but I will mention my campaign team led by Jenny Lillis and the Macs - Peter and Vicky. I wish them all the best for the festive season and the New Year.
The people of my electorate made it clear who they wanted to represent them this year and I have been put in a position of great trust by them. I wish them all a very happy Christmas. I will be travelling around next year and wish them all a very safe and prosperous New Year.
I also place on record my thanks and appreciation to the staff of the Legislative Assembly. They have bent over backwards to help and assist, not only me, but all the new members. I thank you all and wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I look forward to seeing you all safe and well next year.
Last, but not least, I wish the best of the season to honourable members, especially my colleagues on this side of the House. The help and support has been fantastic and gives me confidence as I work towards getting the best for my electorate in the future.
In closing, Madam Speaker, I say to one and all, have a very happy and safe Christmas and a prosperous New Year. I look forward to seeing you all next year.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE (Katherine): Madam Speaker, I pay my respects and give thanks to the many people who have put us where we are today and I pass on season’s greetings.
It has been an enormous four years. I have not had an opportunity to talk in parliament about the transition to government. I might reflect on that a little tonight.
I viewed my period in opposition as an apprenticeship. As I learnt my portfolio areas and the workings of government, workings of the departments and how things exist in the political world, it gave me a background and sufficient knowledge to have the confidence to say to the people of the Katherine electorate that I would like to keep their confidence, ask them to vote for me again, and bring me, and my colleagues, to government.
That transition has gone quite well. We have had 15 weeks in government, it has been an extremely busy time and, like many of my colleagues who have spoken tonight, I hope I can spend more time in Katherine. The last 15 weeks or so has seen me out of my electorate far more than I would like to be. Like the Treasurer, before the election people saw me every day everywhere. Now there is a little push back from those people saying, ‘Where’s our local member?’ I want to assure everyone in the Katherine electorate their local member is still here. He has other work to do at the same time. Like the Treasurer, I am hoping I will be able to settle into a better routine and believe I can achieve that. In fact, I must achieve it. We must all achieve it because the people of the electorates we represent are the most important players in the scheme of things.
Things in the last 15 weeks have gone quite well. There have been many changes, many new things to learn, and we had an opportunity in opposition to learn from the mistakes of the former government. I hope those lessons stay with us for a long time. In saying that - this is not a malicious slight - I hope members of the opposition remain that way for a long time, not because I do not like you, but because I do not believe your style of government did any great service to the Northern Territory over the last 11 years. It is not a personal slight; it is not that I dislike you. I do not like your style of government or your political thinking.
To move beyond politics, I sincerely extend my best wishes to each and every member opposite. Lynne, do not grimace like that. Goodness me, you have turned into a bitter woman. I extend my best wishes for a safe and Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to you all.
To my colleagues on this side of the House, thank you for your support in the last 15 weeks. We have achieved an enormous amount together. I have no doubt we will continue to achieve wonderful things for the Northern Territory over the next four years and beyond.
Getting to this side of the benches required an enormous effort not only from me, but from many supporters. There are too many to name, but my branch members in Katherine have been stalwarts. We have gone through some difficult and stressful times and, in amongst that, we had an election and it has been very busy. For those who supported me, stood behind me and helped me with my election, my sincere thanks.
To the people of Katherine, the most important people, thank you for placing your trust in me, for having faith in me and believing that I, along with the new government, will deliver what has not been delivered in the past. I am resolute about that. Katherine has been undersold for many years, notwithstanding it has a population of 10 000 people – 8000 if you take Tindal out, but I never take Tindal out because it is an important part of the community.
Katherine is at a strategic crossroad. We have been left languishing for a long time with little support from the former government. I aim to turn that around. My colleagues agree Katherine is an important strategic place and will be treated as such by this government in years to come, much the same as Tennant Creek and Alice Springs are strategically important. They are the things we are looking at from an overall perspective. We have said in this House before - I do not resile from the words, I embrace them - we are here to govern for all Territorians and that is what we will do.
In paying thanks to my ‘always there’ - I have described her this way before and will continue to because she does such a good job at it - the glue that holds me together in my electorate, my electorate officer, Pat Witte. Pat, you are probably listening to this broadcast because I know you keep your ear tuned while parliament is sitting. Thank you very much for all your efforts.
I also thank my lovely wife who has stood beside me through the last four years, which has been a very tough time. It has been hard work and I am realising how much a spouse or partner gives in a relationship with a politician. I have not been home very much in the last 15 weeks, yet my lovely wife takes it in her stride. She accepts there is an enormous amount of work to do and a bigger picture which must be fulfilled. Jenny, thank you very much my darling, I love you very much.
Of course, my kids are around. They have not been involved too much in my political life, but I know they are there and getting on with their lives. Some are settling down with girlfriends, which is really nice. It is nice to know they are not giving me a great deal of stress; they are just getting on. The last thing we need is extra stress in our lives.
To the Legislative Assembly staff, thank you very much for everything you have done. This has been a difficult time for you as well. For many it is the first change of government you have experienced so it has been a learning curve. I specifically mention the ladies in Hansard - I believe they are all ladies - thank you for listening to us. It must drive you to distraction some days, but you do your job very well and it is very much appreciated.
Once again to my colleagues, thank you for the support you have given me in the last 15 weeks. We are an extraordinary team and will do some great things for the Northern Territory.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, tonight I thank everyone, especially Gaddy. You touched on the history of Gaddy, member for Goyder, so has the Leader of the Opposition, and I will not advance on that. He will groan, moan and fall asleep if I do. I thank you for all the hard work you have done. I have only known you through the parliament, the same with Helen, but I have always appreciated your friendship and advice. You advice, sometimes, was blunt, I appreciate that. Also, my knowledge of parliamentary intricacies needed to be fixed at times. If I wanted advice as to when something should go forward or what I needed to do to bring a petition or a motion forward, you were the man to see. I appreciate the help you have given me.
I also appreciate your friendship. Sometimes, in this bear pit, I needed someone to keep my feet on the ground and help me stay in touch with reality. You were the bloke to do that. I appreciate all the work. Also, could you pass on to Helen a thank you for all the hard work she did in Hansard. If I get down to Tasmania I will certainly be looking you up. It is not as far as the Cook Islands, so I may have a better chance.
I also thank the staff of the Legislative Assembly, the clerks and all the people who ensure things run: Annette and Stokesy out the back; the Hansard people, who must study hieroglyphics before working in Hansard because I can give them debates which look like they are in hieroglyphics; Parliamentary Counsel, which has to put legislation together in a hurry sometimes; the cooks and security people; and anyone else I might have forgotten - the library staff - we should not forget the library staff. Thank you, Di Sinclair, for sometimes staying up late at night and finding things no one else in this world can. I appreciate that because you need someone who can do that work when putting forward debates in parliament. The committees I am on - the PAC and the Standing Orders Committee - thank you to the members on those committees. It is one chance where we get together, not as adversaries, but as people working together.
To the school councils - I do not get to enough school council meetings because, with approximately seven schools, there are only so many council meetings I can attend in a year. It is difficult when they are sometimes all on the one day. The Nelson constituents have supported me as an independent for nearly 12 years and I thank them for their support. I will continue to work hard for them and that is all they can expect of me. To the many friends who come into my parliamentary office - although I am not sure they are friends, sometimes they come in to pinch lollies from the lolly jar.
To my supporters such as my sister and brother-in-law, Trish and Tony; to Di and Phil Mount, who always help deliver the newsletter; Mark and Belinda Brustolin; Ken and Linda Brodie and their family; Annie Dent; Tony and Mez from the post office - Tony has just about sold the post office so we may not see him coming into our office each day to eat lunch. What am I going to do when the cricket is on? He is the only bloke who understands the game and he will not be here. It is sad he is going this year. To Kim, my secretary - she has had some ups and downs. Her mum is very sick at the moment and I wish her mother well. Kim has been away from work for some time and her job has been filled by Sharon. Thank you, Sharon, for filling in. I really appreciate all the hard work Kim has done, especially when I am not there. She puts up with my strange habits. At the moment she is putting up with three model railway trains on three train tracks going around a Christmas tree. It looks like little Myer. When that is going she may not always have a smile on her face, but she puts up with it because the kids love coming to the front of my office and watching the trains go round. It is Christmas and we need to put cheer on people’s faces.
My wife, Imelda, has trouble recognising me sometimes because for the last three years I have hardly been home. She has been considering installing a swipe card to ensure it is me coming through the back door. It has not been easy; it will be 40 years of marriage next year. I might go to the Cook Islands if I can convince her to go on that big plane ride. Francis Xavier knows two of my daughters were born on Bathurst Island; now they are all grown up. I have grandchildren and they are doing well. Jason and James are now football umpires. If you throw me in and my two daughters - my middle daughter, Caroline, has joined Joanne umpiring - and if we put Keith Pratt in as my old son-in-law, and if I brought my daughter up from Canberra who goal umpires there, we could start a company and tender for umpiring Australian Rules in Darwin because we could do the whole ground. I thank them for their support. I do not see them as much as I would like, but they are there and I love them very much.
Tonight is the hardest night for me because I lose Michelle. I said I would not become emotional, but she has been my personal assistant, my research officer, and my friend. She has worked through the hard times over the last four years, which have not been easy from a personal or political point of view. It has been a very difficult time and I can say without any doubt I could not have gone through that period without Michelle.
She leaves for greener pastures - I am unsure if they are greener; they might be drier as she is going to Alice Springs - and I wish her all the best. We had a wonderful time working together. We have visited communities, travelled the length and breadth of the Territory, and worked as a team. Anything I say could not express my thanks for the hard work she did and the friendship she gave me in the good times and the bad.
There are times when people are meant to come into your life. Michelle came to work for me more or less by accident. I was allowed a research officer, advertised for one, a group of people put their name down, and she happened to hear of it by accident while I was visiting a friend during the AFL grand final. She asked if she could submit her CV, I agreed, and she had it in the next day. From that accidental meeting she became my research officer.
Michelle worked through the difficult period when I had to decide which side of parliament I would support. That was not easy, and she had to ride the blows, the controversy, and some of the hard knocks we received because of that decision.
Michelle, I wish you all the best in your new job. No one will replace you. Your position will not be renewed, which is unfortunate. However, you never know with the wheels of change, sometimes things happen. Hopefully, in the future, I will have someone to help me, although they will never be up to your standard.
Michelle, thank you for everything you have done, I will miss you. You are one of the kindest, most generous, most loving people I have met. That is no slight on my good wife, who is the best, but it has been a wonderful time. Thank you.
Mr KURRUPUWU (Arafura): Madam Speaker, this adjournment gives all members an opportunity to express themselves, on this last sitting day of the year, in what could be described as natural country, even if it is only for the duration of the short adjournment speech. In saying this, I sincerely wish all the best to members of the Chamber. We might have a political difference, but let us put that to one side for a short time. We are heading into a time of celebration and festivity and must be mindful of others who may be less fortunate.
The spirit of Christmas is not all about getting and giving presents; it is about celebrating the birth of Christ and man’s humanity - something often lost in some parts of today’s society. I hope we all keep this in mind as we head into this festive period.
Do not get me wrong, I am still a kid at heart and get great pleasure seeing the faces of loved ones on Christmas morning as the presents are opened, particularly the children. This is a grand tradition cherished by all.
In the spirit of giving thanks for all we have, I thank my family for putting in the hard yards during a very trying and challenging year. I give particular thanks to my wife Ancilla, my two adopted children, Rachael and Simon and their partners, and my grandchildren - they all supported me during my election campaign - my extended family from both sides, and Tiwi people from Melville and Bathurst Islands for their support.
I place on record my thanks and appreciation to my electorate officer, Anne Fuller, who has worked above and beyond the call of duty and given me much needed advice and support in what has been a learning period for both of us.
I also place on the record my thanks and appreciation to all who helped and worked tirelessly during the election campaign. Without their help and effort I would not be here today. I do not have time to mention them all, but I make particular mention of my campaign manager, Don Fuller, and the Tiwi sponsorship which supported travel and accommodation during the election campaign.
Not to be forgotten, there are many workers in the Legislative Assembly. To one and all, a big thank you for your assistance and advice. This has been a tremendous help to me and other new members as we settle into this new role.
I also thank all members from this side of the House, both old and new, as I have been welcomed into a very strong team as all members assist each other. I am proud and happy to be part of such a great team and look forward to the future with great anticipation.
In closing, stay safe, and I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and happy New Year.
Mr VOWLES (Johnston): Madam Speaker, this is my first Christmas adjournment as the member for Johnston. I understand Christmas adjournments are used to pay tribute to those who have helped us and impacted on us in a meaningful way.
Unlike my predecessor, I will not be giving a long speech tonight about a four-legged friend, Bruiser the dog. The speeches, I understand, were quite interesting. I have heard some of them and am glad Chris is enjoying retirement.
However, it is a good place to start. I thank Dr Chris Burns, my friend and mentor. Thank you for all your support this year, Chris. He has been a great senior since retirement. You look well, you have some colour back in your face and you have an extra spring in your step. Good luck with the new boat, and I look forward to catching up with you before the end of the year.
To the Leader of the Opposition, thank you for your continued friendship and support. To my colleagues on this side of the House, thank you for guiding me through the last 15 weeks. It has been a different and interesting work environment, but I signed up for this and have enjoyed every moment of it. It has been much easier because people have given me much support.
Madam Speaker, I wish you and your staff a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. I thank all the Legislative Assembly staff for their work. Special thanks to Jo, Robert, Mary-Anne, Eva, Corinna, Vicki, Robyn, Jane, Mark, and Michael Caldwell, who I noticed was listening. As a new member, I have really appreciated your help to me and my staff at the Johnston electorate office.
To Hansard, a special thanks to Melissa and all her staff. You do an incredible job - late nights and long days during sittings and estimates. We all agree we cannot thank you enough.
To the Clerk and the Table Office, Merry Christmas and enjoy the break. Special best wishes to Graham Gadd. You leave very big shoes to fill and I wish you luck in your new endeavours. I was going to play hockey again next year, mate, and take you on again, but, thank God I am not because you always gave me a bit of a bath.
Merry Christmas to the constituents of Johnston. Thank you for putting your faith in me during the August election. I really enjoy every Sunday at the Rapid Creek markets, not just for the early morning laksas, but also for the many people who take the time to meet me or just pop in to express their views.
Thank you to the principals and staff of the schools in my electorate. To Carin at Jingili, Pam at Moil, Michael at Millner, Lyn at Casuarina Senior College, you lead a dedicated team at these great schools and I really appreciate the way your school communities and councils have welcomed me. It has been very rewarding visiting the schools and attending assemblies and school council meetings since being elected. Enjoy a well-deserved Christmas and New Year break from the last day of school next Thursday.
I wish Merry Christmas to the many businesses and non-government organisations in my electorate, with particular mention to my immediate neighbours at Rapid Creek Business Village. Thank you, Kosta, for all your help and support.
During my maiden speech I said I would thank all my supporters in a later speech for their help with the Johnston campaign. I take this opportunity to thank them. From letterboxing to folding letters, phone canvassing, even doorknocking with me over a long and intense campaign, I thank the following long list of people: Russ and Ruth for looking after the Moil voting booth and all the letterboxing and doorknocking support and friendship; Bec, thank you for being in charge of the Millner booth and your letterboxing. You are one of, if not the most, community-minded persons I know. I thank you for your friendship and your continued support. Paddy and Matilda - my youngest campaigner is Matilda, still in the pram, but always with Paddy, her father, letterboxing in Millner, then catching up with me very early at the Sunday Rapid Creek markets to talk politics, cricket, and generally catch up as mates. I thank Brenna for the letterboxing she did, even conning her walking friend into delivering to letterboxes throughout the electorate with the idea a different view would be a good change for her.
I thank Ron and Eunice, who did everything they could to assist from joining me roadside on early mornings during the campaign, bringing coffee and breakfast, putting up corflutes, letterboxing, to the set-ups and dismantling on election day. To Kez, Gracie, Gino, Cam, Kent, for all the letterboxing advice and lighter moments of the campaign. Also, to Jodi, Laura, and Michael for doorknocking with me over the campaign. To Rick, Alyson, Fiona, Manuel and Dionysia, Halliday, David, K, Alf, Denise, Ella, Lesley, Thomas, Jo, Michelle, Rob, and Anne for letting me put a corflute on their fence or letterboxing a CCD or two.
A particular mention goes to my star letterboxer who could not do enough for me, Mr David M. To Lachlan and the interstaters, Ben, the other Ben, Scarlett, Louise, Paddy and Simone for their amazing wobble boarding skills. I also thank the interstaters for their magic work on the phones, letterboxing and doorknocking.
A special mention to Justin Jarvis who joined me during doorknocking a few times, particularly for his calmness and advice one afternoon 11 days out from the election when he supported me around the streets of Jingili doorknocking residents who were 100% behind me to win the seat of Johnston. To Marty, Lyn, David M, Michael, Lauren, Peter, Chris, Angela and the kids, and Michelle, thank you for your public endorsements of me as a person. I was blown away by your kind words and am working hard to honour them.
To those who did shifts on polling day - they say many hands make light work. I say many volunteers make polling day easier. Thank you to Charlie and Catherine, Jason, Kate, Leanne, Mel, Sandy, Jobert, Uncle Joe, Aunty Mandy, Amanda, Judy, Roseanne, Steve, Frederick, Annie, Edourd, Lyn, Ronnie B, Cindy, Hannah and Dianne.
Also, a special thank you to Therla for the hours of work in your own time tagging, doorknocking, buying, cooking food for my morning teas, joining me on the weekends for barbecues, letterboxing, doing an amazing job coordinating, the fundraising dinner, and especially the booth rosters for polling day.
A special mention to Danyelle, Noah and Zander for being there in the tough times, in a very rewarding year. Thank you to Siobhan, my electorate officer, who has been there throughout my campaign and now into my electorate office. As all in this Chamber know, the role of our electorate officer is broad and they are the face of our office when we are not there. Siobhan does a fantastic job and I would be lost without her. Her organisation skills and running of the office is nothing short of first class.
Finally, to my family: Thank you for believing in me and supporting me through this journey. Thank you for your support, especially over the last year, and for your whole day shifts on polling day. A special mention to my mother, Esther Rose, for countless hours of letterboxing, enrolment drives, advice, and any other jobs which needed to be done. You continue to be a source of inspiration to me and I thank you. To all my volunteers and supporters, thank you for all your work before and after election day.
I wish all members a very safe and Merry Christmas with your loved ones. I wish all the people of Johnston a very safe and Merry Christmas. Thank you.
Ms LEE (Arnhem): As the year comes to an end it is a good time to reflect on the year which has passed. There have been significant changes in a number of seats and, therefore, government. For this, up front, I give thanks to the people of the Arnhem electorate and the other bush electorates for the faith and trust they have placed in the CLP government.
In the spirit of this festive season and all that goes with it, I take the opportunity to thank many people who put in so many long hours and hard work to make this year successful at various levels. I express my deepest appreciation for the love of my family and friends and their immeasurable support in helping me reach this place at this time, particularly my partner, Benjamin Yillamurray, my devoted mother, Ruth Kelly, all my sisters and brothers, and my extended family in the Arnhem electorate. I also thank my campaign team for their super human effort in helping me get here, in particular Tina and Lindsay McFarland, Peter Manning and Kaye Griffith, and the rural branch. I also thank Senator Nigel Scullion, Ron Kelly, Rebecca Healy and Jason Newman, who stood strong beside me all the way through.
On being elected, the expertise and professionalism showed by the staff of the Legislative Assembly was, and is, greatly appreciated. A big thanks to you and your families, and all the best for Christmas and the New Year.
I also express my thanks and gratitude to my very hard-working electorate officer, my sister, Helen Lee, who has been putting in the hard yards and giving me huge support on the front line.
Not to go unmentioned is the team on this side of the House; the support and help given by all has been greatly appreciated and has given me enormous confidence as we go forward together. The commitment, both publicly and behind closed doors, to getting a fair go for the bush is evident and will be more so in the future. Our aim as a government is to work with the bush to achieve effective outcomes in remote areas and improve health and wellbeing and, importantly, economic development and the education sector.
In closing, I wish all my colleagues and the rest of the House, including the staff at Parliament House, a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year. We will be back in February and I hope to see you then. Thank you.
Ms WALKER (Nhulunbuy): Unlike the member for Katherine, I will not make an election pitch for 2016 just 15 weeks into the term. I say that half jokingly. The member for Katherine said, ‘Lynne, the grimace on the face’. That was because I was thinking, ‘Oh, heck! Who talks about an election pitch 15 weeks into the term?’
Member for Katherine, you do not like our political views, we do not like yours. Rest assured, it is our aim to ensure you are a ‘one term’ government. That is our mission. That said, we know a large amount of theatre happens here.
On both sides of the House everyone has been working incredibly hard. Those who have moved into roles as ministers have had a very tough time adjusting and making the transition to the role, as well as pressures on their families. It is no different on this side of the House. On a very human level, I give my very best wishes to the members opposite and their families. Some people believe because sittings are over for the year everyone is about to head off on a holiday. I doubt there would be a single person in this Chamber who is about to do that. We know there is much to do and I doubt anybody would be taking a break much before Christmas.
I wish to work through a list of ‘thank yous’ and will start with my Labor colleagues, including those members on this side of the House, in particular Delia Lawrie. She has stepped up to the role of Leader of the Opposition without missing a beat, having gone through that period from government, through the election campaign and post-election. She is strong, determined, and nothing will faze her. She is the right person to be leading the charge through to 2016 when our aim is to ensure the members opposite are a one term government. Of course, time will tell. There are three-and-three-quarter years to pan out.
I also want to acknowledge my former Labor colleagues - those who retired and those who did not regain their seats. We remain in communication; they remain with us in spirit and we will continue to work together to stand by the Labor values we all believe in.
I thank my family. As all in this House know, our families do it tough for the amount of time we spend away from home, whether physically for people like me and other members who have to travel, or those who are not necessarily travelling away from their homes but are spending really long hours in their office doing their job or out meeting their commitments as ministers or local members. We all know what a big job it is.
I particularly thank my husband, Lawrence, and my kids Zoe, Harry and Patrick, who are an incredible support, source of much love and inspiration, and a great normaliser for me when I walk through the front door of my home. I also have to mention Pippa von Kransky, our miniature Dachshund - a Dachshund with attitude. Whilst he does not read Hansard nor understand a thing about my job, my kids think he is human and deserves recognition in Hansard. It has been a big year for my family, quite apart from the lead-up to an election. I turned 50 in June and just before that was my 25th wedding anniversary. It was 20 years in the Northern Territory as well. There were three anniversaries noted on the invitation I sent to friends and family.
I acknowledge the great support of the Nhulunbuy-Yirrkala branch of the Labor Party. To John, Wendy, Paul, Roger, Jack, Jen, Andy, Denise, Suzy, Sue Ellen, Trevor and my husband, Lawrence - I hope I have not left anyone off that list - a huge thank you for your support during the campaign. Those of us who hold bush electorates with mobile polling know the hard work starts a couple of weeks out from the election date. I particularly acknowledge Syd Stirling, who took leave from his job with the NLC to join me on the mobile polling circuit. Syd was with me in 2008 when I was campaigning as the Labor member. They are long days chartering around communities, but there is much fun and I always enjoy my conversations with Syd and the wisdom he shares with me.
I thank my electorate officer Karen Cislowski. Karen has worked for me for the best part of the four-year term I served first up. She is an incredible woman. As we all know, an electorate officer is someone who can represent the member during absences. She is a smart woman, a caring individual and very kind. She has been adopted into a Yolngu family, has a very wide network of family through the adopted sense, and has lived out there longer than I have. She is well-connected and knows people. She has her ear to the ground and can deal with constituent matters as they come through the door or over the phone with a good deal of confidence. I am very sorry she is leaving me.
Unlike Gerry, who is losing Michelle, Karen is at least remaining in town. She said she loved the job but it is time to spend some time with her family, and that is fair enough. I will have on tap a fantastic relief electorate officer I can call on when I need a hand. Thank you to Karen, also to her husband, Peter, her grown up kids, Katrina, Angela, Gerard and Aaron, and all their respective families. Aaron, the youngest, was recently married in Queensland. That was a great occasion for celebration by the Cislowski family and Karen deserves a well-earned break back home. I do not believe she will have too much of a break. She will be busy looking after kids, grandkids, hosting family dinners and what have you.
I thank the wider Nhulunbuy community in my electorate and make a particular point about the township of Nhulunbuy. It is not just about the township, it is about the wider region and the current uncertainty with the future operations at Pacific Aluminium and Rio Tinto. For business people in particular, it is a worrying time. For anyone who has invested money in the community in a business or a house, it is a very anxious time. The three month strategic review will come to a close in January, at which time the company will announce its proposed plans for the future. Of course, there has been an incredible amount of activity, even before the announcement of the strategic review.
The Northern Territory government, when Paul Henderson was Chief Minister through to our current Chief Minister, along with the federal government, are doing everything they can to work with the mining company to deliver gas to Gove. It is pretty much an imperative for the long-term future viability of that operation and the mining community. I thank the Chief Minister. We had an exchange of phone calls after playing phone tag for a bit, but I thank him for returning my call. I was able to let him know, whilst I knew he was doing everything within his power to work on and negotiate delivering gas to Gove, people in Nhulunbuy, in particular the business community but not only that community, were feeling anxious that perhaps their voice was not being heard. Did government at Territory and federal level, did Rio Tinto in Melbourne and London, really understand how nervous people were feeling and what was at stake? I thank the Chief Minister for taking my call.
As a result of that call, I referred him to the chairperson of the East Arnhem Regional Futures Alliance, a group of stakeholders pulled together by one very civil-minded member of our community, Klaus Helms, who has a very long association with Gove. As a result, the Chief Minister called Klaus Helms. They had a good discussion and following on from that had a teleconference on Monday. The Arafura Times, our weekly newspaper, indicated that meeting was minmuk.
I thank my electorate - the people at Galiwinku, Yirrkala, Laynhapuy and Marthakal homelands. I thank all the staff in Legis for the great job they do. Gaddy, I will always remember your words of wisdom on how to manage being in the chair.
I also thank your better half, Helen, the most incredible person in Hansard, for her knack in spelling and interpreting the number of Yolngu names I put on the record, and other names as well. Thanks to all the Legis staff. Madam Speaker, you have done a fantastic job in the 15 weeks. Well done to you and my best wishes for 2013.
Mr ELFERINK (Port Darwin): Madam Speaker, it is with regret I announce the death of Dr Allan Van Zyl on 6 November 2012. He passed away at the age of 58 after a battle with illness.
Dr Van Zyl was employed in the Northern Territory government, formerly the Australian government, for over 37 years. Allan’s career commenced in the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, which included formal training at the Australian School of Pacific Administration. In 1979, Allan transferred to the newly formed Northern Territory government where his expertise was needed to support local government in Tennant Creek, and he managed the operations of the former Department of Community Development.
In 1991, under the auspices of the then Chief Minister, Marshall Perron, Allan moved on to head up the Urban Lands Unit in Darwin, primarily to establish living areas for Aboriginal people. Not long after this, in 1992, Allan transferred to Correctional Services. Allan ended up spending 17 years working for Correctional Services where he held various positions, including acting as Deputy Secretary, Head of Statistics, Information Systems, Corporate Services and Senior Director of Strategic Services.
From 1992 to 1996, Allan steered Correctional Services through turbulent and changing times. This included implementing changes in the performance management and developing the first strategic/corporate planning exercise for the division. As a result of this work, NT Correctional Services was applauded by the Productivity Commission for its new approach, which was much more relevant and acceptable than the previous practice of simply counting heads.
Allan’s career with the Department of Justice, formerly the Department of Law, included working with Legal Policy, Consumer and Business Affairs, anti-discrimination matters, Community Justice Centre and, most recently, the Community and Justice Policy.
In Community and Justice Policy, Allan made a significant contribution to the development of the cross-border justice scheme and the Australian classification education project.
Allan was also a long-standing representative for the Northern Territory. Allan made valuable contributions over the years on a number of national committees and forums, including acting as a representative of the Australian Institute of Criminology Board of Management and Criminology Research Council.
Allan’s accomplishments included obtaining a Masters in Business Administration - MBA - and graduating with a Doctorate of Business Administration in 2009. Allan’s studies were largely based on managerial aspects of trust and respect, and related to efficiencies within human services organisations. Allan was an advocate for building trust and respect within public service agencies and believed it was an important ingredient in developing successful partnerships.
Notably, Allan was also a successful candidate for the Winston Churchill Memorial Fellowship. The fellowship took him to the United States of America, Canada and New Zealand where he studied youth custody, adult and youth diversion programs, and rites of passage for young Indigenous males.
His personal achievements were also substantial. Allan was a respected manager who will be remembered for his kindness, compassion, and respect for all his staff.
Allan is survived by his partner, Dr Teresa Cunningham, and his two children, Tara and James. I place on the permanent record of the Northern Territory parliament our thanks to this outstanding public servant.
Madam Speaker, tonight I also pass my thanks on to my staff, Linda Coulter primarily, who has been with me the longest as my electorate officer and who suffers me gladly. I do not know why, but I suspect, like my wife and two daughters, she has no taste in men. I also thank my new staff, Linda Heidstra who came with the best possible reference - a threat of violence from her former employer, the Mayor of Palmerston. The threat of violence was said with a smile on the mayor’s face but, clearly, he was very unhappy to let Linda go. His loss was my gain. Ailish, Karah and Ruth, working in my office, I thank you and am grateful for your efforts. My Chief of Staff, Stephen Dunham, Sam Burke, Jo Sangster, and also John Daulby who joined me for a while in my office - I am grateful to you all.
I also place on the record my thanks to Greg Shanahan and Ken Middlebrook, the two CEs in the respective departments who work with and for me. Their patience with me is remarkable and I am grateful to them.
I also place on the record my gratitude to all staff within the parliamentary precinct: the Clerk, the Deputy Clerk, as well as all the others who work here. Madam Speaker, I wish you a very Merry Christmas.
Madam Speaker, I want to reinforce what other members have said. I first met Graham Gadd 15 years ago, along with Helen Allmich, his good lady wife. I have been thinking about what compliment to pay them. Frankly, I could bang on for hours, but the highest compliment I can pay people who work in this House is they were both consummate professionals.
Mr McCARTHY (Barkly): Madam Speaker, for the last day of the parliamentary sittings for 2012, I give a brief synopsis of 2012, and what a year it has been.
I start with my wife, Dawn McCarthy. Thank you, once again, for your incredible support. You have made the transition from supporting government to opposition well. You are an incredible barometer of the community’s thinking and values. You continue to work tirelessly for the branch and the Northern Territory Labor Party; I hope you continue to enjoy the ride. To Robert and Abbi, it has been a wonderful year celebrating your family; the growth and development of Rhys and the birth of his little brother, Judd. Congratulations, a new son for your family and a new grandson for our family.
For Thomas and Maria, another great year; you never cease to amaze us. Your wedding in 2012 was one of the family highlights. Maria Dianne McCarthy, we welcome you to the clan with glee and look forward to your lives together.
To Joseph McCarthy, the break from university has produced a good learning outcome for you. Congratulations on returning to Darwin and linking up with many of your boarding school friends. We are very proud of your work as an inclusion support assistant with special needs students at both Nightcliff Primary and Jingili. I am sure you are learning lots and getting a good balance of academic life and what life is like in the real world. We took great delight in you returning to the football fields of Darwin for the Heineken Hottest 7s. Sonny Boy, it was a proud moment to sit back in the grandstand and watch you mix it with the best in the Territory. They knew you were back.
To the broader picture and the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Karama, thank you very much for your support. I congratulate you on your leadership and the brilliant team you have pulled together, not only the Caucus, but also the staff. The family has regrouped. We are a great mob and get on really well together. We are like-minded people and know how to have a few laughs. To all the Caucus colleagues, well done; we have put together a good opposition and have a clear objective to fight for Territorians.
Madam Speaker, congratulations on your appointment. It is wonderful in some very special ways. I took an interest in your mother’s political career. I started to understand a little about your family and the wonderful history you have in the Northern Territory. I will never forget meeting your mother for the first time at a community forum in the bush at Holtze about the design, construction and running of the Territory’s new correctional services facility. It is wonderful, not only in your political career, but also it is wonderful in Territory history. A legacy for your family will be having a beautiful portrait hung on the wall in Parliament House. Any family would be very proud of a legacy like that. The work you do to go with it will be exceptional and best wishes all the way.
I thank Nancy Cowan, my electorate officer. Nancy, and Frank, her partner - safe travels tomorrow on the road back to your beloved riverland of southern New South Wales. We look forward to you returning in the new year. Nancy, this was your first election in the Northern Territory; I am sure you have learnt much and it was great to have your support. We do work well together. I thank you for the professional edge you have put on the electorate office in Tennant Creek, changing the culture around. It has definitely ‘professionalised’ it. The constituency has risen to the occasion and utilises its services very well. To the Barkly branch, thank you guys, once again, for your support and the incredible work you did through the election - following Labor values to return a Labor government. Unfortunately, we did not do that, but we will continue to represent Labor values in the Northern Territory.
To the Legislative Assembly staff who support the electorate offices, both in town and the bush, thank you very much. You would be very proud of what we have done in Tennant Creek. You are most welcome any time to see the results of your good work and the support you give us. To all the parliamentary staff, thank you once again. It is a privilege and honour to return to this House as an elected community member representing the people of the Barkly.
You are going to see a different Gerry, the other Gerry, because when I was elected in 2008 I was privileged to be in government and, in 2009, I was sworn into Cabinet. The race really stepped up and we delivered as a government.
In 2012 I was re-elected, now I am a member of the opposition so please bear with me. You will see another Gerry, a Gerry who is a member of a team determined to represent the people of the Northern Territory, represent democracy, hold the government to account, and give credit where credit is due.
I conclude with an example of that. The CLP Treasurer delivered the Northern Territory mini-budget in parliament this week, premised on the mantra Territorians can no longer expect to pay lower taxes, fees and charges than any other parts of the country. This policy definition completely ignores the elevated costs of living in regional and remote areas where subsidised power and water charges and lower taxes are implemented to recruit and retain skilled workers. The CLP mini-budget was not transparent on the number of Northern Territory public servants to be sacked and on what impact job cuts, combined with increased charges for power, water, sewerage and car registrations - $105 for a large four-wheel-drive - will have in hiking up the cost of living to the point where families and businesses pack up and leave.
Chief Minister Terry Mills and the CLP have broken election promises to Territorians in the broader context of significantly increasing the cost of living and sacking public servants; however, some elements of the community will receive a priority reallocation of funding. I was shocked to see additional funding of $9m, totalling over $13m, for CLP political advisors in the mini-budget. Imagine what this level of funding could achieve in the Barkly for youth services or health and education. Senior Territorians have not been spared in the budget exercise with rent increases in public housing, power and water increases, and for those fortunate enough to access public transport, the scrapping of free public transport.
During the past four years in opposition the CLP attacked shire councils and used the toxic strategy as a major election platform in the bush to win government. However, the local government budget has been cut by $13.5m, blatantly breaking the promise to improve shire governance, infrastructure and services. In a clear reference to policy division between Liberal and Labor, the CLP has taken an axe to the capital works program across the Territory which will dampen construction sector activity and risk jobs with the absence of new infrastructure projects in Tennant Creek and the Barkly.
The CLP provided $500 000 to a youth program in Alice Springs – congratulations; however, nothing for Tennant Creek. There is no allocation for building the Tennant Creek youth centre, family crisis centre, or Borroloola retail and government service centres, all promised by Terry Mills in the election; however, there are four years to go.
The remote airstrip upgrades at Utopia and Yarralin, in the electorates of Namatjira and Stuart, allocated under the previous Labor government will go ahead. However, the important airstrip upgrade and sealing at Canteen Creek in the Barkly has disappeared from the budget papers.
In a CLP budget media release on 4 December 2012 the Treasurer stated:
- The Mills government will govern for all Territorians. We do not pit one part of the Territory against another. Our election commitments are spread across the depth and breadth of the Territory and we will ensure that they are delivered.
The Treasurer needs to be accountable through the mini-budget as the media statement further states:
- The Tennant Creek plane service will be replaced with vehicle transport at a much lower cost.
The plane is used for staff travel far more than for patients needing to travel to Alice Springs, and it is a costly service.
One can only hope the additional $9m for CLP advisors will address this critical issue for Tennant Creek and the Barkly, advising the minister of the radical difference between emergency aero-medical evacuations and road trips to the Alice Springs hospital in saving lives.
I will continue to fight for Territorians in opposition, and will use every alternative quirk or whatever it takes to do it. ABC radio, do you copy? I am open to invitations upstairs any time you are ready.
Madam Speaker, it is a wonderful job, a privileged job. I hope everyone has a great festive season, safe travel, and I look forward to being back in the New Year.
Mr GILES (Braitling): Madam Speaker, it has been a very busy year with the election and change of government. I thank my wife, Tamara, and my daughter, Tahlia, for their support over the last 12 months. I thank my outgoing electorate officer, Tanya Turner, and welcome Dee Davies into the office.
I thank many locals from the Country Liberal Party: Daniel Davis, Jenny Lillis, Susie Schroeder and Karen Jones. I recognise the efforts of Tim Cross through the election campaign, the incoming president, and the outgoing president, Braedon Earley. I congratulate Graeme Lewis, CLP Treasurer, who has done an amazing job for a number of years. I also particularly thank Jason Newman, Michael Adams and Rebecca Healy - the Barkly candidate - for their efforts and support. I recognise the other candidates, Rohan Kelly and Rhianna Harker, who will make a great member for Wanguri when that seat becomes empty. I would like to thank Murray Stewart for all his help locally. I will not mention names, but Col Fuller has always been good support for me, so thank you very much.
Coming to the portfolios, I recognise all the staff who have provided assistance - all the staff throughout the Departments of Local Government, Transport, Infrastructure, and the port. It has been a really good settling period and I cannot be over-briefed. I love the information. It is really good to be on top of the portfolios.
I thank my chief of staff, Ron Kelly. Ron recognises the importance of his name being mentioned in the Chamber. Hopefully, he is listening. Also, Lauren Crawley and Kylie Bell. Kylie has done a great job working in my office. I understand she also worked in offices under the previous government. She came so highly recommended I was very quick to grab her. I also thank John Gibb, who will be leaving us in a week or so. I thank him for his efforts.
From a department liaison point of view, I thank Paul Mossman, Stephen Jackson and Melissa Rieter, who has left. I also welcome Bruce Cutler, who has come into the media role. Thank you very much, Bruce.
I congratulate the Chief Minister on his efforts over the last four years. I congratulate my colleagues and welcome the new colleagues into the government.
I congratulate the Leader of the Opposition, Delia Lawrie, who has wanted to be the leader for a long period of time. I congratulate her for her ascendency into that position.
I also thank all the staff who work in Parliament House and provide support - Hansard, security, cleaning, the clerks - there are so many people who put the logistics into making parliament work, both during sittings and not. Thank you very much to everyone.
I finish by acknowledging the efforts of Paul Henderson, the previous Chief Minister. Hendo, as he was colloquially referred to, is now on the backbench in opposition. In politics, some people are thrown on the scrap heap when they return to opposition, quite rightly, but other people are thrown on the scrap heap and still have much to contribute to the public debate in any jurisdiction. Do not throw the baby out with the bath water. We cannot throw away the contributions people have made, whether they are on the opposing side of politics or not, and it is important to recognise that. If we come back into the Chamber in 2013 and the former Chief Minister, Paul Henderson, is not here, I wish him all the best. If he does come back, I look forward to working with him into the future.
It has been a good year and I look forward to Christmas. Madam Speaker, I congratulate you as Speaker. I was widely criticised when I said you looked radiant. You fit the job. You do a good job as Speaker and I look forward to the next 12 months. Have a Merry Christmas.
Mr CONLAN (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, this is the moment at the end of it all. I was upstairs having a glass of water with some of my staff members reminiscing about the year. We started off in opposition. We emerged from the 2011 Christmas break in opposition. When parliament resumed in 2012 we were in that final six month period. We had the parliamentary sittings - estimates being the end of it - the show circuit, then only a few months and we were on. That was it - the election period. Now it is December and we have merged and the Country Liberals are in government. It has been an enormous ride for the last four years, particularly this year.
I do not want to criticise the opposition; I use every other opportunity to criticise the opposition. This is probably the right moment to thank a few people who have made this journey possible and worked very hard to make parliament work and, of course, uphold the democracy of the Northern Territory.
I thank the Legislative Assembly staff. Michael, and the Clerk, Ian, thank you for your efforts and the work you have done over a number of years. Michael, is it two or three years you have been Deputy Clerk? When I first came into this parliament Captain David Horton was Deputy Clerk. He has since retired and you have filled his shoes honourably. Congratulations Michael, and thank you for your support.
To the Clerk, Ian McNeill, who does a wonderful job, and all the staff in the Clerk’s Office, the Table Office, who also do a wonderful job – Gaddy, Annette and Stokesy. We could not do it without you, there is no doubt about it.
The building staff do a wonderful job making this one of the most remarkable buildings, if not in the Northern Territory, in the country. I know how much pride they take in presenting it and ensuring it is on display for anyone who wants to see it. It is kept in pristine condition and we are very privileged to be working in such a facility.
Someone remarked that in the Northern Territory we do not have the history as some of the other states. If you go to New South Wales, particularly, even Victoria, Queensland, South Australia or WA - all the states have 150-year-old parliaments and 150-year-old parliament houses. They are steeped in history. The Victorian parliament has gold leaf all over the roof. We do not quite have that, but we certainly have a first-class facility. The conditions we work in are unbelievable, particularly for a small jurisdiction like the Northern Territory. The way it is presented is remarkable, congratulations to those people.
I say particular thanks to Tony Hibberd. Tony is great. I can ask him to fix the lamp in my office or the light or whatever. Well done, Tony. He is a one man show in Parliament House working from dawn to dusk most days. Well done, Tony, and thank you for all your help this year.
The travel staff do a great job. When you are a country member like me you travel between Alice Springs and Darwin. Those guys always ensure our travel allowances, payments, and accommodation is taken care of. Thank you. The members’ services staff, such as Vicki, Mary-Anne and Jo, thank you for your support throughout the year.
I have to say g’day to the drivers, who I can now utilise. From opposition, I was unsure how beneficial the drivers were; I had no idea. They really do make life easier. When you are a minister the diary is completely full, and to be dropped off right at the door and picked up right on time - they are always there to serve. So, thank you to Bill, George, Ben, Yani and David.
I have a great bunch of portfolios. To Andrew Bridges in Parks and Wildlife and all the Parks and Wildlife team; Hugo Leschen - very enthusiastic fellow, Hugo, who leads a great team in the Arts and Museums department; Phillip Leslie, newly-appointed Sport and Recreation CEO and a great guy who does a great job. Thank you, Phil, and all your staff. Also, Tony Mayell, who has just been appointed CEO of Tourism NT, and also Southern Director of the Chief Minister - I believe that is the title. He is a great figure and will do a great job and serve the Territory well. To all those CEOs in my departments and all the staff, thank you for your support thus far.
To the Alice Springs staff: Jo Hansen, my electorate officer, has just come on board. She replaced Karen Berry. I pay tribute to Karen, who has done a wonderful job over the last five-and-a-half years. She came on board when I was elected in the Greatorex bi-election in 2007 and stuck by me. She has served well and should be proud of the job she has done for the Northern Territory and what she has achieved with me. I could not have done it without Karen. She has vast experience in the public service. She was former Deputy Chief Minister, Barry Coulter’s electorate officer. Over the course of her tenure years with the public service - 25 years I believe - she ended up in Alice Springs as my electorate officer. She has done a great job and I thank her.
Jo Hansen has replaced Karen, who has moved on to bigger and better things. Jo does a terrific job. She is learning the role but is an Alice Springs local and knows many people, is very well connected, and I am thankful for her support.
Also, Tom Slattery and Adrian Renzi are new guys to government. They have worked in private enterprise their whole lives and are now working for the machine that is government. It is probably frustrating at times, as it can be if you are used to crashing through like you do in private enterprise. There is much process involved with government but Tom and Renzi do a great job. Thank you for your support. They have only been on board a month or so. They have a long way to go with learning, but they have done a great job thus far and are serving us well.
The team at NT Fleet is always there. When you are a remote member of parliament you are often in the car. I drive to Tennant Creek and other places. If you hit a kangaroo or whatever, they are always there to ensure your car is serviced on time. If you are without a vehicle, Bryan and the gang will deliver a car to use for the day and pick you up. They go out of their way to ensure you are looked after.
All the people I have mentioned - whether it is the LA team or the DCM team - provide you with an enormous opportunity to get the job done. You are afforded every opportunity to ensure you succeed and, if you do not, it is your own fault.
I thank Harvey World Travel. I thank my Parliament House office staff; it is great to read a few names this time: Tony Clementson, my senior ministerial advisor; Paul McLaughlin; Racheal Curtain, my DLO; Judy Pouliot, my PA; and Danielle Lede, my press secretary - we could not do without you. It is a wonderful team. Thank you.
I had better thank my wife and family because I can see the clock ticking down and am unsure if you are afforded extensions during adjournments. Thank you to my wife, Elara, and my kids, Harvey and Cleo. I would not be here if it was not for Elara. She has been a tremendous support to me and backed me all the way. It is hard as a country member often being away from home. She is the sole primary carer for the family because I seem to be away from home so much. Elara, I love you. Thank you so much for your assistance. To the kids: I am looking forward to spending more time with you over Christmas. You can stop calling me ‘Uncle Matt’. Perhaps we will emerge in January and you will start to call me dad again. I love you all.
Merry Christmas to everyone, have a fabulous time with family and friends and all the best for 2013. Madam Speaker, thank you.
Madam SPEAKER: In closing, thank you, members of the parliament. Thank you to all the staff of the department of the Legislative Assembly: Hansard; the Table Office; members’ services; the education unit; security; the drivers; the Parliamentary Library, Di Sinclair; all the people who work in the committee area. My personal thanks to the Clerk’s office, to Mr Ian McNeill and Mr Michael Tatham, and to Jane Gunner and Robyn Smith, thank you one and all. Thank you to my newly appointed staff, Martine Smith and Cheryl Owens. I thanked Trish O’Hehir, my electorate officer, recently. It is a great team and it has been a privilege. I am eternally thankful for the opportunity to serve in this parliament as Speaker and as a local member.
Motion agreed to; the Assembly adjourned.
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016